bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four weeks of training with different aerobic workload distributions – Effect on aerobic performance
Authors: Clemente Suárez Vicente Javier , González‐Ravé Jose M.
Published: December 2011

Although numerous authors have studied the effect of different training procedures on athlete's resistance performance, there are no studies on how the improvement of aerobic resistance is affected by the distribution of training loads. This research sets out to analyse the effectiveness on aerobic activity of distributions with a constant load (CON) and with increments in intensity (INC) over a 4‐week period. A total of 30 athletes took part in the analysis (38.7±9.8 years; 174.7±6.5 cm; 72.0±9.8 kg). They were divided into 3 groups of 10 each. One group followed a training plan with a CON distribution and another with an INC distribution. Both groups performed at the same volume and intensity, the only difference between them being the distribution of load over the 4 weeks. The third group trained with a free load distribution during this time. Improvement in V˙O2max and ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) was analysed before and after the 4‐week training period. There was no modification of the V˙O2max in any of the training programmes. The FRE and INC groups showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in their V˙O2 in VT1, and in the CON group there was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in heart rate in VT2. These results show how training periodisation produces different improvement on performance and demonstrate the effectiveness of periodisated programmes, because periodisated programmes obtain equal or higher adaptations with lower training volumes than non‐periodisated programmes.
Acute physiological responses to recreational in‐line skating in young adults
Authors: Orepic Paula , Mikulic Pavle , Soric Maroje , Ruzic Lana , Markovic Goran
Published: December 2011

We examined the physiological responses to in‐line skating exercise at self‐selected paces in recreationally trained adults. Seven men and 10 women performed in‐line skating exercise during which oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O2) and heart rate (HR) were recorded continuously. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate concentration were also obtained at the end of exercise. Furthermore, subjects’ peak [Vdot]O2, peak HR, RPE and gas‐exchange thresholds were determined in laboratory settings. The average exercise intensity during in‐line skating was 90% of peak HR, 67% of peak [Vdot]O2, 84% of HR reserve and 64% of [Vdot]O2 reserve. When expressed as RPE and as metabolic equivalents (METs), the average exercise intensity was 13.1 RPE and 9.4 METs. Overall, these indicators of exercise intensity categorise in‐line skating at self‐selected paces as a vigorous physical activity. Notably, at similar [Vdot]O2 values, significantly higher HR (174±16 vs. 156±6 bpm; p<0.001) and RPE (13.1±1.4 vs. 11.7±1.4; p=0.019) were observed for in‐line skating compared with treadmill running. We conclude that 1. recreational in‐line skating induces physiological responses that are sufficient for improving and maintaining cardiovascular fitness in healthy adults, 2. HR‐ and RPE‐based methods for quantifying the exercise intensity during in‐line skating may overestimate the actual metabolic load and 3. the derivation of exercise prescriptions for in‐line skating should be preferably based on specific (i.e. in‐line skating) graded exhaustive exercise test.
Influence of age, race, sex, and body mass index on interpretation of midregional pro atrial natriuretic peptide for the diagnosis of acute heart failure: results from the BACH multinational study
Authors: Daniels Lori B. , Clopton Paul , Potocki Mihael , Mueller Christian , McCord James , Richards Mark , Hartmann Oliver , Anand Inder S. , Wu Alan H.B. , Nowak Richard , Peacock W. Frank , Ponikowski Piotr , Mockel Martin , Hogan Christopher , Filippatos Gerasimos S. , Di Somma Salvatore , Ng Leong , Neath Sean‐Xavier , Christenson Robert , Morgenthaler Nils G. , Anker Stefan D. , Maisel Alan S.
Published: December 2011

Aims

Midregional pro atrial natriuretic peptide (MR‐proANP) is useful for diagnosing acute heart failure (HF) in patients presenting to the Emergency Department with dyspnoea. Optimal interpretation of MR‐proANP requires understanding of how various demographic variables influence its levels and performance as a diagnostic marker. We sought to determine how age, race, sex, and body mass index (BMI) affect the levels and interpretation of MR‐proANP for the diagnosis of acute HF.

Methods and results

The Biomarkers in Acute Heart Failure (BACH) study was an international 15‐centre study of 1641 patients presenting to the Emergency Department with acute dyspnoea. Of these, 1352 had complete information on age, race, sex, and BMI. MR‐proANP levels increased with age and were higher in men and in patients with lower BMI. MR‐proANP performed better as a diagnostic marker in younger individuals and in blacks compared with whites. Despite this, MR‐proANP at the recommended cut‐off point of 120 pmol/L was >90 % sensitive in ruling out the diagnosis of acute HF in all subgroups of patients except white subjects <50 years old.

Conclusion

Age, race, sex, and BMI affect MR‐proANP levels to various degrees. However, the diagnostic performance of the recommended cut‐off point of 120 pmol/L to rule out acute HF was robust across most subgroups. Although both sex and BMI affected MR‐proANP levels, they did not alter its overall diagnostic performance. Lower cut‐off points for MR‐proANP could be considered in younger patients and in patients with a higher BMI, to optimize diagnostic sensitivity.
Incorporating uncertainty in predictive species distribution modelling
Authors: Beale Colin M. , Lennon Jack J.
Published: December 2011

Motivated by the need to solve ecological problems (climate change, habitat fragmentation and biological invasions), there has been increasing interest in species distribution models (SDMs). Predictions from these models inform conservation policy, invasive species management and disease-control measures. However, predictions are subject to uncertainty, the degree and source of which is often unrecognized. Here, we review the SDM literature in the context of uncertainty, focusing on three main classes of SDM: niche-based models, demographic models and process-based models. We identify sources of uncertainty for each class and discuss how uncertainty can be minimized or included in the modelling process to give realistic measures of confidence around predictions. Because this has typically not been performed, we conclude that uncertainty in SDMs has often been underestimated and a false precision assigned to predictions of geographical distribution. We identify areas where development of new statistical tools will improve predictions from distribution models, notably the development of hierarchical models that link different types of distribution model and their attendant uncertainties across spatial scales. Finally, we discuss the need to develop more defensible methods for assessing predictive performance, quantifying model goodness-of-fit and for assessing the significance of model covariates.
Understanding chilling responses in
Arabidopsis
seeds and their contribution to life history
Authors: Penfield Steven , Springthorpe Victoria
Published: December 2011

Winter chilling is of central importance in the phenology of temperate annual and perennial plants. Chilling accelerates flowering through the process of vernalization and breaks both bud and seed dormancy, permitting the onset of growth in the spring. The quantitative effects of chilling in floral promotion in winter annual
Arabidopsis
accessions are well-documented, but very little is known about the basic physiology underlying summer annual responses to winter chilling, which acts on seeds within the soil seed bank. Here, we analyse the response of wild accessions to extended chilling in seeds, and explore the interaction between seed-maturation temperature and chilling responses. We show that two weeks of chilling induces secondary dormancy, and that this time period is not dependent on seed-maturation temperature. In addition, we found that seeds for most accessions set under simulated summer conditions in the laboratory are unable to overwinter in the soil seed bank, as they germinate without light during extended chilling treatments. This shows that these seeds are committed to re-establishment in the same growing season. Understanding how winter chilling affects the timing of
Arabidopsis
phenology will enable us to explore the genetics behind adaptation to changing climates, and inform rational approaches to breeding crops with improved performance under new climate scenarios and develop a systems ecology of
Arabidopsis
.
Predicting ecosystem dynamics at regional scales: an evaluation of a terrestrial biosphere model for the forests of northeastern North America
Authors: Medvigy David , Moorcroft Paul R.
Published: December 2011

Terrestrial biosphere models are important tools for diagnosing both the current state of the terrestrial carbon cycle and forecasting terrestrial ecosystem responses to global change. While there are a number of ongoing assessments of the short-term predictive capabilities of terrestrial biosphere models using flux-tower measurements, to date there have been relatively few assessments of their ability to predict longer term, decadal-scale biomass dynamics. Here, we present the results of a regional-scale evaluation of the Ecosystem Demography version 2 (ED2)-structured terrestrial biosphere model, evaluating the model's predictions against forest inventory measurements for the northeast USA and Quebec from 1985 to 1995. Simulations were conducted using a default parametrization, which used parameter values from the literature, and a constrained model parametrization, which had been developed by constraining the model's predictions against 2 years of measurements from a single site, Harvard Forest (42.5° N, 72.1° W). The analysis shows that the constrained model parametrization offered marked improvements over the default model formulation, capturing large-scale variation in patterns of biomass dynamics despite marked differences in climate forcing, land-use history and species-composition across the region. These results imply that data-constrained parametrizations of structured biosphere models such as ED2 can be successfully used for regional-scale ecosystem prediction and forecasting. We also assess the model's ability to capture sub-grid scale heterogeneity in the dynamics of biomass growth and mortality of different sizes and types of trees, and then discuss the implications of these analyses for further reducing the remaining biases in the model's predictions.
Cryptosporangium

mongoliense sp. nov., isolated from soil
Authors: Ara Ismet , Tsetseg Baljinova , Daram Damdinsuren , Suto Manabu , Ando Katsuhiko
Published: December 2011

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile actinomycete, strain MN08-A0264T, was isolated from soil sampled in Mongolia. The isolate formed pale to moderate yellowish brown colonies and branched substrate mycelium. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain MN08-A0264T belonged to the genus

Cryptosporangium

and exhibited 97.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with

Cryptosporangium aurantiacum

IMSNU 22120T, 97.7 % with

C. minutisporangium

IFO 15962T, 97.2 % with

C. arvum

IFO 15965T and 96.8 % with

C. japonicum

IFO 15966T. The allocation of the isolate to the genus

Cryptosporangium

was supported by chemotaxonomic data: menaquinone MK-9(H6) with minor amounts of MK-9(H8) and MK-9(H4), major amounts of iso-C16 : 0, C18 : 19c and C17 : 0 10-methyl, a polar lipid profile comprising phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and glycolipids, and whole-cell sugars glucose, galactose, acofriose (3-0 methylrhamnose), mannose, ribose, arabinose, xylose and rhamnose (trace). DNA–DNA relatedness (5–20 %) differentiated the isolate from its closest neighbours. The physiological and biochemical tests allowed the differentiation of strain MN08-A0264T from members of the genus

Cryptosporangium

. Thus, strain MN08-A0264T represents a novel species, for which the name

Cryptosporangium

mongoliense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MN08-A0264T ( = NBRC 105887T  = VTCC D9-27T).
The Real-Time-Based Assessment of the Microbial Killing by the Antimicrobial Compounds of Neutrophils
Authors: Atosuo J. T. , Lilius E.-M.
Published: December 2011

A recombinantEscherichia coliK-12 strain, transformed with a modified bacterial luciferase gene (luxABCDE) fromPhotorhabdus luminescens, was constructed in order to monitor the activity of various antimicrobial agents on a real-time basis. ThisE. coli-lux emitted, without any addition of substrate, constitutive bioluminescence (BL), which correlated to the number of viable bacterial cells. The decrease in BL signal correlated to the number of killed bacterial cells. Antimicrobial activity of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) was assessed. In high concentrations, H2O2alone had a bacteriocidic function and MPO enhanced this killing by forming hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Taurine, the known HOCl scavenger, blocked the killing by MPO. WhenE. coli-lux was incubated with neutrophils, similar killing kinetics was recorded as in H2O2/MPO experiments. The opsonization of bacteria enhanced the killing, and the maximum rate of the MPO release from lysosomes coincided with the onset of the killing.
A TRPC5-regulated calcium signaling pathway controls dendrite patterning in the mammalian brain
Authors: Puram Sidharth V. , Riccio Antonio , Koirala Samir , Ikeuchi Yoshiho , Kim Albert H. , Corfas Gabriel , Bonni Azad
Published: December 2011

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have been implicated as sensors of diverse stimuli in mature neurons. However, developmental roles for TRP channels in the establishment of neuronal connectivity remain largely unexplored. Here, we identify an essential function for TRPC5, a member of the canonical TRP subfamily, in the regulation of dendrite patterning in the mammalian brain. Strikingly, TRPC5 knockout mice harbor long, highly branched granule neuron dendrites with impaired dendritic claw differentiation in the cerebellar cortex. In vivo RNAi analyses suggest that TRPC5 regulates dendrite morphogenesis in the cerebellar cortex in a cell-autonomous manner. Correlating with impaired dendrite patterning in the cerebellar cortex, behavioral analyses reveal that TRPC5 knockout mice have deficits in gait and motor coordination. Finally, we uncover the molecular basis of TRPC5's function in dendrite patterning. We identify the major protein kinase calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II β (CaMKIIβ) as a critical effector of TRPC5 function in neurons. Remarkably, TRPC5 forms a complex specifically with CaMKIIβ, but not the closely related kinase CaMKIIα, and thereby induces the CaMKIIβ-dependent phosphorylation of the ubiquitin ligase Cdc20-APC at the centrosome. Accordingly, centrosomal CaMKIIβ signaling mediates the ability of TRPC5 to regulate dendrite morphogenesis in neurons. Our findings define a novel function for TRPC5 that couples calcium signaling to a ubiquitin ligase pathway at the centrosome and thereby orchestrates dendrite patterning and connectivity in the brain.
Combating learning
Authors: Järvensivu Anu , Koski Pasi
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at workplace learning through research into sociology of work. It explores the “learning discourse” at work place level looking for possibilities to oppose learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on case studies conducted at six workplaces. The data on the cases include interviews and observation and three of the cases can be characterized as being based on action research.

Findings

In light of the case studies, learning at workplaces shows up as action and discourse that is quite interest‐laden and contested. Employers demand learning but employees find ways to oppose these demands.

Practical implications

In the planning of measures that support workplace learning it is important to identify general structures and trends of working life, as well as the different interests at the workplace. In this way, a situation can be avoided in which adult educators and their activities are used as weapons in campaigning for some groups' interests.

Originality/value

The article's distinctive feature lies in its critical approach to workplace learning through in‐depth data sets. It explores further so‐called positive learning discourse and its implications at different kind of workplaces and to different kind of personnel groups.
Continuing professional development in nursing: does age matter?
Authors: Lammintakanen Johanna , Kivinen Tuula
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and compare the views of nurses of different ages on continuing professional development (CPD). The authors were interested in possible differences in the use of formal and especially informal CPD practices between nurses of different ages, and likewise in possible differences in attitudes of nurses of different ages to CPD.

Design/methodology/approach

A postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of nursing staff (n=653) in six Finnish hospital districts. Three age groups were formed for this study: 39 or under, 40‐50 and 51 or older. The data were analyzed with statistical methods.

Findings

The youngest nurses participated least in those CPD practices that enhanced transfer of tacit knowledge. In addition, they reported more experiences of injustice in terms of CPD than their older colleagues.

Research limitations/implications

These results are preliminary, but supported by earlier research.

Practical implications

A crucial challenge for nursing management is how to balance the needs of nurses of different ages and enable the use of all the options currently available for CPD in health care organizations. Nurse managers need also to consider opportunities for workplace learning when they allocate nursing resources in their units. Due to the retirement of older workers it is essential to make tacit knowledge explicit in health care organizations and give the younger workers an opportunity to learn from older nurses' experiences and vice versa.

Originality/value

Recent studies have emphasized the importance of retaining older workers. The results of the effects of age on participating in different CPD practices have been somehow contradictory.
Conflicting conceptualizations of human resource accounting
Authors: Steen Adam , Welch Denice , McCormack Darcy
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the differing perceptions or conceptualizations that have contributed to prevailing views held by accountants on the measurement and reporting of human resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The study provides an analysis of extant literature and presents a theoretical framework on the relationship between HR, intellectual capital and goodwill.

Findings

The lack of traction in the progress of accounting for people is due to several factors including tension between employees and management, the demands of internal and external stakeholders, and the historic roots of accounting for labour.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides suggestions as to how the debate regarding the valuing and reporting of human resources may be rekindled.

Originality/value

This study highlights the historical context for the lack of traction in the area of accounting for people, and the relatively recent development of the Intellectual Capital Statement as a partial but positive development in the area.
Unbundling the construct of firm‐level international competitiveness
Authors: Cerrato Daniele , Depperu Donatella
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for positioning the research contributions on the analysis of firm‐level international competitiveness and addressing the key issues on this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

Linking the concepts of internationalization, performance, and firm‐level competitiveness, the paper proposes a framework for identifying the different dimensions of international competitiveness. Literature on each dimension is reviewed and the linkages between them are discussed.

Findings

The paper unbundles the construct of international competitiveness into three dimensions: “ex ante” competitiveness, relating to firm‐ and location‐specific advantages as drivers of competitiveness; firm internationalization profile, resulting from the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of a firm's presence abroad; “ex post” competitiveness, relating to market, financial and nonfinancial performance of a firm in foreign markets.

Originality/value

Although the analysis of international competitiveness benefits from contributions from different research streams such as international business, marketing, and strategic management, the lack of an organizing framework makes it difficult to “handle” within a potentially huge body of literature. This paper contributes to fill this gap. In addition, it provides the basis for a new research agenda about the analysis of the internationalization‐performance relationship.
Unified approach to the characterization of coupled composite laminates
Authors: York Christopher
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate new design concepts for 24 classes of laminate, which have been derived as part of an ongoing study on the development of a unified approach to the characterization of coupled laminates. The paper presents a description of each class of coupled laminate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper gives an overview of the desired performance and requirements of a smart leading edge device, its aerodynamic design for the wind tunnel tests and the structural pre‐design and sizing of the full‐scale leading edge section which will be tested in the wind tunnel.

Findings

Coupled laminates have potential applications in the design of aero‐elastic compliant rotor blades or aircraft wing structures, by introducing tailored extension‐twist and/or shear‐extension coupling at the laminate level; or in the design of thermally activated morphing structures, by exploiting more complex coupling behaviour.

Practical implications

These laminates contain standard cross‐ply and/or angle‐ply combinations, although double angle‐ply laminates are also considered, and correspond to any standard fibre/matrix system with a constant ply thickness throughout.

Originality/value

The vast majority of the laminate described possess coupling behaviour not previously identified in the literature.
Targeted overexpression of Angptl6/angiopoietin‐related growth factor in the skin promotes angiogenesis and lymphatic vessel enlargement in response to ultraviolet B
Authors: OKAZAKI Hidenori , HIRAKAWA Satoshi , SHUDOU Masachika , NAKAOKA Yoshiki , SHIRAKATA Yuji , MIYATA Keishi , OIKE Yuichi , HASHIMOTO Koji , SAYAMA Koji
Published: December 2011

Angiogenesis is required for physiological tissue repair processes, such as cutaneous wound healing. However, recent studies indicate that endogenous angiogenic factors may enhance photo‐induced skin alterations in response to experimental ultraviolet (UV)‐B exposure. Angiopoietin‐related growth factor (AGF), also known as angiopoietin‐like protein 6 (Angptl6), is known to promote new blood vessel formation and vascular hyperpermeability. Importantly, epidermal overexpression of Angptl6/AGF in mice promotes wound healing in the skin. However, it remains unclear whether overexpression of Angptl6/AGF facilitates tissue repair processes in response to UV‐B irradiation. To test this hypothesis, we subjected Angptl6/AGF transgenic mice to acute or chronic UV‐B exposure. Surprisingly, transgenic mice showed enhanced photosensitivity to subthreshold doses of UV‐B that did not induce skin alterations in wild‐type littermates. Marked enlargement of blood vessels was observed after a single exposure to UV‐B in Angptl6/AGF transgenic mice, although no epidermal changes were observed. Chronic UV‐B exposure over 14 weeks promoted cutaneous skin damage in Angptl6/AGF transgenic mice, whereas wild‐type mice showed little or no macroscopic skin alteration. In addition to pronounced angiogenesis and epidermal hyperplasia, marked enlargement of dermal lymphatic vessels was observed in UV‐B‐exposed Angptl6/AGF transgenic mice. Electron microscopy analysis further revealed that the number and size of collagen bundles in the dermis was markedly reduced after chronic UV‐B exposure in Angptl6/AGF transgenic mice. Taken together, these results indicate that ectopic expression of Angptl6/AGF in mice likely promotes UV‐B‐induced skin alterations, and that angiogenesis could be a therapeutic target in prevention of skin photo‐aging.
Alterations of coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency
Authors: van Geffen M , Cugno M , Lap P , Loof A , Cicardi M , van Heerde W
Published: December 2011

Patients with functional deficiency of C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) suffer from recurrent acute attacks (AA) of localized oedema associated with activation of the contact system, complement and fibrinolysis. To unravel further the role of coagulation and fibrinolysis in the pathophysiology of C1-INH deficiency, we performed simultaneous thrombin and plasmin generation measurements in plasma from patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) due to C1-INH deficiency during AA (n = 23), in remission (R) (n = 20) and in controls (n = 20). During AA thrombin generation after in-vitro activation of plasma was higher than in controls, as demonstrated by shorter thrombin peak-time (P < 0·05), higher thrombin peak-height (P < 0·001) and increased area under the curve (AUC) (P < 0·05). Additionally, elevated levels of prothrombin fragment 1+2 (P < 0·0001) were observed in non-activated plasma from the same patients. In contrast, in activated plasma from patients during AA plasmin generation estimated as plasmin peak-height (P < 0·05) and plasmin potential (P < 0·05) was reduced, but non-activated plasma of the same patients showed elevated plasmin–anti-plasmin (PAP) complexes (P < 0·001). This apparent discrepancy can be reconciled by elevated soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) (P < 0·01) and thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) in patients during AA providing possible evidence for a regulatory effect on fibrinolysis. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) was reduced in patients during AA indicating, together with the observed reduction of plasmin generation, the consumption of fibrinolytic factors. In conclusion, our results support the involvement of coagulation and fibrinolysis in the pathophysiology of HAE and show the possible application of simultaneous measurement of thrombin and plasmin generation to evaluate different clinical conditions in HAE patients.
Quantifying global greenhouse gas emissions from land‐use change for crop production
Authors: Flynn Helen C. , Canals Llorenç Milà i. , Keller Emma , King Henry , Sim Sarah , Hastings Astley , Wang Shifeng , Smith Pete
Published: December 2011

Many assessments of product carbon footprint (PCF) for agricultural products omit emissions arising from land‐use change (LUC). In this study, we developed a framework based on IPCC national greenhouse gas inventory methodologies to assess the impacts of LUC from crop production using oil palm, soybean and oilseed rape as examples. Using ecological zone, climate and soil types from the top 20 producing countries, calculated emissions for transitions from natural vegetation to cropland on mineral soils under typical management ranged from −4.5 to 29.4 t CO2‐eq ha−1 yr−1 over 20 years for oil palm and 1.2–47.5 t CO2‐eq ha−1 yr−1 over 20 years for soybeans. Oilseed rape showed similar results to soybeans, but with lower maximum values because it is mainly grown in areas with lower C stocks. GHG emissions from other land‐use transitions were between 62% and 95% lower than those from natural vegetation for the arable crops, while conversions to oil palm were a sink for C. LUC emissions were considered on a national basis and also expressed per‐tonne‐of‐oil‐produced. Weighted global averages indicate that, depending on the land‐use transition, oil crop production on newly converted land contributes between −3.1 and 7.0 t CO2‐eq t oil production−1 yr−1 for palm oil, 11.9–50.6 t CO2‐eq t oil production−1 yr−1 for soybean oil, and 7.7–31.4 t CO2‐eq t oil production−1 yr−1 for rapeseed oil. Assumptions made about crop and LUC distribution within countries contributed up to 66% error around the global averages for natural vegetation conversions. Uncertainty around biomass and soil C stocks were also examined. Finer resolution data and information (particularly on land management and yield) could improve reliability of the estimates but the framework can be used in all global regions and represents an important step forward for including LUC emissions in PCFs.
Comparing carbon sequestration in temperate freshwater wetland communities
Authors: Bernal Blanca , Mitsch William J.
Published: December 2011

High productivity and waterlogged conditions make many freshwater wetlands significant carbon sinks. Most wetland carbon studies focus on boreal peatlands, however, with less attention paid to other climates and to the effects of hydrogeomorphic settings and the importance of wetland vegetation communities on carbon sequestration. This study compares six temperate wetland communities in Ohio that belong to two distinct hydrogeomorphic types: an isolated depressional wetland site connected to the groundwater table, and a riverine flow‐through wetland site that receives water from an agricultural watershed. Three cores were extracted in each community and analyzed for total carbon content to determine the soil carbon pool. Sequestration rates were determined by radiometric dating with 137Cs and 210Pb on a set of composite cores extracted in each of the six communities. Cores were also extracted in uplands adjacent to the wetlands at each site. Wetland communities had accretion rates ranging from 3.0 to 6.2 mm yr−1. The depressional wetland sites had higher (P < 0.001) organic content (146 ± 4.2 gC kg−1) and lower (P < 0.001) bulk density (0.55 ± 0.01 Mg m−3) than the riverine ones (50.1 ± 6.9 gC kg−1 and 0.74 ± 0.06 Mg m−3). The soil carbon was 98–99% organic in the isolated depressional wetland communities and 85–98% organic in the riverine ones. The depressional wetland communities sequestered 317 ± 93 gC m−2 yr−1, more (P < 0.01) than the riverine communities that sequestered 140 ± 16 gC m−2 yr−1. The highest sequestration rate was found in the Quercus palustris forested wetland community (473 gC m−2 yr−1), while the wetland community dominated by water lotus (Nelumbo lutea) was the most efficient of the riverine communities, sequestering 160 gC m−2 yr−1. These differences in sequestration suggest the importance of addressing wetland types and communities in more detail when assessing the role of wetlands as carbon sequestering systems in global carbon budgets.
Delayed activation of host innate immune pathways in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic hosts leads to more severe disease during infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Chin Chui‐Yoke , Monack Denise M. , Nathan Sheila
Published: December 2011

Diabetes mellitus is a predisposing factor of melioidosis, contributing to higher mortality rates in diabetics infected with Burkholderia pseudomallei. To investigate how diabetes alters the inflammatory response, we established a streptozotocin (STZ) ‐induced diabetic murine acute‐phase melioidosis model. Viable B. pseudomallei cells were consistently detected in the blood, liver and spleen during the 42‐hr course of infection but the hyperglycaemic environment did not increase the bacterial burden. However, after 24 hr, granulocyte counts increased in response to infection, whereas blood glucose concentrations decreased over the course of infection. A genome‐wide expression analysis of the STZ‐diabetic murine acute melioidosis liver identified ∼ 1000 genes whose expression was altered in the STZ‐diabetic mice. The STZ‐diabetic host transcriptional response was compared with the normoglycaemic host transcriptional response recently reported by our group. The microarray data suggest that the presence of elevated glucose levels impairs the host innate immune system by delaying the identification and recognition of B. pseudomallei surface structures. Consequently, the host is unable to activate the appropriate innate immune response over time, which may explain the increased susceptibility to melioidosis in the STZ‐diabetic host. Nevertheless, a general ‘alarm signal’ of infection as well as defence programmes are still triggered by the STZ‐diabetic host, although only 24 hr after infection. In summary, this study demonstrates that in the face of a B. pseudomallei acute infection, poor glycaemic control impaired innate responses during the early stages of B. pseudomallei infection, contributing to the increased susceptibility of STZ‐induced diabetics to this fatal disease.
The association of HIV viral load with indirect markers of liver injury
Authors: Forrester J. E. , Rhee M. S. , McGovern B. H. , Sterling R. K. , Knox T. A. , Terrin N.
Published: December 2011

Summary.  This study assessed the association of HIV RNA with indirect markers of liver injury including FIB‐4 index, liver enzymes and platelet counts in a high‐risk Hispanic population. The data were derived from a prospective study that included 138 HIV/hepatitis C (HCV)‐coinfected and 68 HIV‐infected participants without hepatitis C or B co‐infection (mono‐infected). In unadjusted analyses, detectable HIV viral load (vs undetectable, <400 copies/mL) was associated with a 40% greater odds (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.9, P = 0.016) of FIB‐4 > 1.45 in the HIV/HCV‐coinfected group and 70% greater odds of FIB‐4 > 1.45 (OR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0–2.8; P = 0.046) in the HIV‐mono‐infected group. In multivariable analyses, a 1 log10 increase in HIV RNA was associated with a median increase in FIB‐4 of 12% in the HIV/HCV‐coinfected group and 11% in the HIV‐mono‐infected group (P < 0.0001). Among the HIV/HCV‐coinfected group, the elevating effect of HIV RNA on FIB‐4 was strongest at low CD4 counts (P = 0.0037). Among the HIV‐mono‐infected group, the association between HIV RNA and FIB‐4 was independent of CD4 cell counts. HIV RNA was associated with alterations in both liver enzymes and platelet counts. HIV antiretroviral therapy was not associated with any measure of liver injury examined. This study suggests that HIV may have direct, injurious effects on the liver and that HIV viral load should be considered when these indirect markers are used to assess liver function.
Inhibition effect produced by dominant negative mutant fusion protein PreS2‐TLM‐ScFv‐HBcDN on HBV replication in vitro
Authors: Liu W.‐X. , Zhu H.‐H. , Wu W. , He J.‐L. , Chen Z.
Published: December 2011

Summary.  A mammalian expression vector comprised of the PreS2‐TLM (translocation motif), a single‐chain variable fragment (ScFv) that binds to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the EGFP gene was constructed. A stably transformed cell line that could express and secrete the fusion protein (PreS2‐TLM‐ScFv‐EGFP) was established. HBsAg‐positive HepG2.2.15 cells and HepG2 and HeLa cells were incubated with the supernatant of the transformed cell line cultures for evaluating the cellular permeability of PreS2‐TLM‐ScFv‐EGFP. The location of the fusion protein PreS2‐TLM‐ScFv‐EGFP in HepG2.2.15 cells was observed with immunofluorescence staining. EGFP was next replaced by a dominant negative mutant of the hepatitis B virus core gene (HBcDN) for producing fusion protein PreS2‐TLM‐ScFv‐HBcDN, which was detected by western blot. The supernatant containing fusion protein PreS2‐TLM‐ScFv‐HBcDN was added to the cultures of HepG2.2.15 cells, and the packaged hepatitis B virus (HBV) pregenomic RNA expression levels in the cells were measured using qRT‐PCR. The results of the in vitro study indicated that the packaged HBV pregenomic RNA expression levels in HepG2.2.15 cells significantly decreased when these cells were exposed to the supernatant at the dose of 25% for 24, 48 and 72 h, or at the dose of 12.5% for 72 h.
Host and habitat specialization of avian malaria in Africa
Authors: LOISEAU CLAIRE , HARRIGAN RYAN J. , ROBERT ALEXANDRE , BOWIE RAURI C. K. , THOMASSEN HENRI A. , SMITH THOMAS B. , SEHGAL RAVINDER N. M.
Published: December 2011

Studies of both vertebrates and invertebrates have suggested that specialists, as compared to generalists, are likely to suffer more serious declines in response to environmental change. Less is known about the effects of environmental conditions on specialist versus generalist parasites. Here, we study the evolutionary strategies of malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.) among different bird host communities. We determined the parasite diversity and prevalence of avian malaria in three bird communities in the lowland forests in Cameroon, highland forests in East Africa and fynbos in South Africa. We calculated the host specificity index of parasites to examine the range of hosts parasitized as a function of the habitat and investigated the phylogenetic relationships of parasites. First, using phylogenetic and ancestral reconstruction analyses, we found an evolutionary tendency for generalist malaria parasites to become specialists. The transition rate at which generalists become specialists was nearly four times as great as the rate at which specialists become generalists. We also found more specialist parasites and greater parasite diversity in African lowland rainforests as compared to the more climatically variable habitats of the fynbos and the highland forests. Thus, with environmental changes, we anticipate a change in the distribution of both specialist and generalist parasites with potential impacts on bird communities.
Case report of a haemovigilance investigation using phylogenetic analysis of HIV‐1 in Brazil
Authors: Pinto A. R. , Petry A. , Gräf T. , Vandresen R. , Kupek E.
Published: December 2011

Objectives: The aim of this work is to provide the first report of a transfusion‐acquired HIV‐1 infection and to verify transmission from the donor to the recipients using phylogenetic analysis of HIV‐1 DNA sequences in a Brazilian blood bank.

Background: Although haemovigilance procedures based on phylogenetic analysis of HIV have been reported in several countries, this type of study has yet to be conducted in Latin America.

Materials and Methods: Upon identifying a HIV‐1‐positive repeat blood donor by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) blood screening, all recipients of the donor's previous donation were identified and tested for HIV‐1 by EIA, nucleic acid amplification test and HIV‐1 DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.

Results: One of the recipients tested positive for HIV‐1. The phylogenetic analysis showed a high genetic similarity among the viruses, thus supporting the hypothesis of transmission from the donor to the recipient.

Conclusions: Phylogenetic analysis of HIV‐1 DNA sequences has been a decisive tool in verifying suspected transmission of the virus from blood donor to recipient in Brazil.
Clinical pathways in transplantation: a review and examples from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Authors: Pavlakis Martha , Hanto Douglas W.
Published: December 2011

Pavlakis M, Hanto DW. Clinical pathways in transplantation: a review and examples from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01564.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Clinical pathways (CP) have been developed to aid in the management of many surgical and medical conditions. Studies show the benefits of CP on outcomes including reduction in length of stay (LOS), morbidity, costs, and improvement in patient satisfaction (Arch Surg 2008: 394: 31; J Eval Clin Pract 2007: 13: 920; Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000: 126: 322; Circulation 2000: 101: 461; BMC Pulm Med 2006: 6: 22; Int J Health Care Qual Assur 2006: 19: 237; Am J Med Qual 2005: 20: 83; Am J Surg 2006: 192: 399; Am Surg 2005: 71: 152). Reports of CP in solid organ transplantation are lacking, possibly given the complexity of the transplant procedures that entail a complex, multidisciplinary pre‐operative evaluation, inpatient, and post‐operative time frames. We have developed CP from presentation for transplant evaluation to post‐transplant follow‐up for liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation and live kidney and live liver donation and are making them available online for viewing. Our CPs encompass the pre‐operative, peri‐operative, and post‐operative period, including both outpatient and inpatient care. We propose that transplantation is an ideal forum for successful implementation of CP, given the rigorous process that centers are subject to for CMS approval and the ample opportunity for improving our patients’ lives by improvement in and streamlining of the entire process of clinical care from end‐stage organ failure to post‐transplant long‐term management. Our CPs can be found at http://bidmc.org/CentersandDepartments/Departments/TransplantInstitute/TransplantClinicalPathways.aspx.
Soluble human leukocyte antigen‐G expression in hepatitis B virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Park Y. , Park Y. , Lim H. S. , Kim Y. S. , Hong D. J. , Kim H. S.
Published: December 2011

We investigated soluble human leukocyte antigen‐G (sHLA‐G) expression according to the phases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 267 sera from anti‐HBs positive healthy individuals (n = 50), chronic HBV carriers (n = 45), as well as patients with active hepatitis B (n = 46), liver cirrhosis (LC, n = 46) and early stage HCC (n = 80) were collected and assayed for sHLA‐G. Relationships between sHLA‐G levels and clinicopathologic parameters including HCC stages, differentiation grades, and levels of aminotransferases, HBV DNA and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) were assessed. Concentrations of sHLA‐G were higher in the active hepatitis B and HCC groups (median sHLA‐G 53.7 and 178.8 U/ml, respectively) in comparison to other groups (P < 0.05), and there were no significant differences among sHLA‐G levels of the anti‐HBs positive, chronic HBV carrier and LC groups. Serum sHLA‐G concentrations were not shown to be associated with clinicopathologic indices including the levels of aminotransferases, AFP, anti‐HBs titer, HBV DNA, as well as HCC stages, numbers of tumor nodules, pathologic grades and presence of vessel invasion. The receiver‐operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) value of sHLA‐G for differentiating HCC from LC was 0.98, which was greater than that of AFP (0.78) (P < 0.0001), and sensitivity and specificity of sHLA‐G were, respectively, 90.0% and 95.7% for HCC when applying a cutoff level of 97.3 U/ml. Serum sHLA‐G levels could be used as a diagnostic marker for HCC. Although sHLA‐G levels did not reflect the severity of HBV infections and HCC, they were related with phases of the disease.
The predictive value of skin prick testing for challenge‐proven food allergy: A systematic review
Authors: Peters Rachel L. , Gurrin Lyle C. , Allen Katrina J.
Published: December 2011

To cite this article: Peters RL, Gurrin LC, Allen KJ. The predictive value of skin prick testing for challenge‐proven food allergy: A systematic review. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 347‐352.

Immunoglobulin E‐mediated (IgE) food allergy affects 6–8% of children, and the prevalence is believed to be increasing. The gold standard of food allergy diagnosis is oral food challenges (OFCs); however, they are resource‐consuming and potentially dangerous. Skin prick tests (SPTs) are able to detect the presence of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies (sensitization), but they have low specificity for clinically significant food allergy. To reduce the need for OFCs, it has been suggested that children forgo an OFC if their SPT wheal size exceeds a cutoff that has a high predictability for food allergy. Although data for these studies are almost always gathered from high‐risk populations, the 95% positive predictive values (PPVs) vary substantially between studies. SPT thresholds with a high probability of food allergy generated from these studies may not be generalizable to other populations, because of highly selective samples and variability in participant’s age, test allergens, and food challenge protocol. Standardization of SPT devices and allergens, OFC protocols including standardized cessation criteria, and population‐based samples would all help to improve generalizability of PPVs of SPTs.
Inheritance of foliar blast resistance in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)
Authors: Gupta Shashi K. , Sharma Rajan , Rai Kedar N. , Thakur Ram P.
Published: December 2011

With 1 table

Foliar blast, caused by Pyricularia grisea (Cooke) Sacc, has recently emerged as a serious disease of pearl millet in India. To study the inheritance of resistance to this disease, two resistant restorer lines (ICMR 06222 and ICMR 07555) and two susceptible maintainer lines (ICMB 95444 and ICMB 89111) were selected on the basis of foliar blast reaction in tests conducted under field and greenhouse conditions. Each of the two resistant parents was crossed with two susceptible parents to generate four sets of F1s, F2s and their backcrosses with both resistant and susceptible parental lines. These were evaluated for disease reaction with artificial inoculation under both field and greenhouse conditions. The disease reaction of the F1s, and the segregation patterns of resistance in the F2s and backcross generations, showed that resistance to foliar blast in pearl millet is controlled by a single dominant gene.
A Survey of Congenital Reproductive Abnormalities in Rams in Abattoirs in South West England
Authors: Smith KC , Brown PJ , Barr FJ
Published: December 2011

Contents

Congenital abnormalities of the reproductive tract of male sheep were surveyed at three abattoirs in the south west of England during the period June 2000–January 2004. A total of 7307 rams were examined [6521 lambs (prepubescent) and hoggets (aged from their first autumn after birth until first shorn) and 786 adult rams mature rams that had been exposed to ewes]. A total of 156 congenital lesions were detected, 87 of which occurred in lambs. Testicular hypoplasia was the most common lesion occurring in 69 lambs as well as eight hoggets (‘microtestes’ were recognized in nine other animals in which the testis was disproportionately smaller than the epididymis). The second most common lesion found was notched scrotum occurring in 34 animals (27 young rams and seven adults). Some cases of notched scrotum were accompanied by hypospadias which was seen in a total of seven lambs and eight hoggets. Other lesions, detected in five or less animals (less than approximately 0.05% of the animals examined), included cryptorchidism and various abnormalities of the epididymis (segmental aplasia of the epididymis, blind efferent ducts and epididymal cyst) and congenital scrotal hernia. The overall prevalence of congenital lesions of 2.21% emphasizes the importance of undertaking breeding soundness examinations of young rams before they are put with the flock.