bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A polymer of caffeyl alcohol in plant seeds
Authors: Chen Fang , Tobimatsu Yuki , Havkin-Frenkel Daphna , Dixon Richard A. , Ralph John
Published: January 2012

Lignins are complex phenylpropanoid polymers mostly associated with plant secondary cell walls. Lignins arise primarily via oxidative polymerization of the three monolignols,p-coumaryl, coniferyl, and sinapyl alcohols. Of the two hydroxycinnamyl alcohols that represent incompletely methylated biosynthetic products (and are not usually considered to be monolignols), 5-hydroxyconiferyl alcohol is now well established as incorporating into angiosperm lignins, but incorporation of caffeyl alcohol has not been shown. We report here the presence of a homopolymer of caffeyl alcohol in the seed coats of both monocot and dicot plants. This polymer (C-lignin) is deposited to high concentrations in the seed coat during the early stages of seed development in the vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia), and in several members of the Cactaceae. The lignin in other parts of the Vanilla plant is conventionally biosynthesized from coniferyl and sinapyl alcohols. Some species of cacti contain only C-lignin in their seeds, whereas others contain only classical guaiacyl/syringyl lignin (derived from coniferyl and sinapyl alcohols). NMR spectroscopic analysis revealed that the Vanilla seed-coat polymer was massively comprised of benzodioxane units and was structurally similar to the polymer synthesized in vitro by peroxidase-catalyzed polymerization of caffeyl alcohol. CD spectroscopy did not detect any optical activity in the seed polymer. These data support the contention that the C-lignin polymer is produced in vivo via combinatorial oxidative radical coupling that is under simple chemical control, a mechanism analogous to that theorized for classical lignin biosynthesis.
Transcription factor WRKY23 assists auxin distribution patterns during
Arabidopsis
root development through local control on flavonol biosynthesis
Authors: Grunewald Wim , De Smet Ive , Lewis Daniel R. , Löfke Christian , Jansen Leentje , Goeminne Geert , Vanden Bossche Robin , Karimi Mansour , De Rybel Bert , Vanholme Bartel , Teichmann Thomas , Boerjan Wout , Van Montagu Marc C. E. , Gheysen Godelieve , Muday Gloria K. , Friml Jiří , Beeckman Tom
Published: January 2012

Gradients of the plant hormone auxin, which depend on its active intercellular transport, are crucial for the maintenance of root meristematic activity. This directional transport is largely orchestrated by a complex interaction of specific influx and efflux carriers that mediate the auxin flow into and out of cells, respectively. Besides these transport proteins, plant-specific polyphenolic compounds known as flavonols have been shown to act as endogenous regulators of auxin transport. However, only limited information is available on how flavonol synthesis is developmentally regulated. Using reduction-of-function and overexpression approaches in parallel, we demonstrate that the WRKY23 transcription factor is needed for proper root growth and development by stimulating the local biosynthesis of flavonols. The expression of
WRKY23
itself is controlled by auxin through the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 7 (ARF7) and ARF19 transcriptional response pathway. Our results suggest a model in which WRKY23 is part of a transcriptional feedback loop of auxin on its own transport through local regulation of flavonol biosynthesis.
Complementary costimulation of human T-cell subpopulations by cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28) and CD81
Authors: Sagi Yael , Landrigan Angela , Levy Ronald , Levy Shoshana
Published: January 2012

Cluster of differentiation 81 (CD81) is a widely expressed tetraspanin molecule that physically associates with CD4 and CD8 on the surface of human T cells. Coengagement of CD81 and CD3 results in the activation and proliferation of T cells. CD81 also costimulated mouse T cells that lack CD28, suggesting either a redundant or a different mechanism of action. Here we show that CD81 and CD28 have a preference for different subsets of T cells: Primary human naïve T cells are better costimulated by CD81, whereas the memory T-cell subsets and Tregs are better costimulated by CD28. The more efficient activation of naïve T cells by CD81 was due to prolonged signal transduction compared with that by CD28. We found that IL-6 played a role in the activation of the naïve T-cell subset by CD81. Combined costimulation through both CD28 and CD81 resulted in an additive effect on T-cell activation. Thus, these two costimulatory molecules complement each other both in the strength of signal transduction and in T-cell subset inclusions. Costimulation via CD81 might be useful for expansion of T cells for adoptive immunotherapy to allow the inclusion of naïve T cells with their broad repertoire.
Labour market motivation and undergraduates' choice of degree subject
Authors: Davies Peter , Mangan Jean , Hughes Amanda , Slack Kim
Published: January 2012

Labour market outcomes of undergraduates' choice of subject are important for public policy and for students. Policy interest is indicated by the prominence of ‘employability’ in public discourse and in proposals to concentrate government funding in England in supporting STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). As students in England face the prospect of bearing the full financial burden of undergraduate tuition, the large differences between wage premia for different subjects may become of increasing interest. We find that, even after taking account of differences in motivation towards the choice of undergraduate subject, males and members of certain non‐White ethnic groups are more likely to choose ‘high wage‐premium’ subjects. We also find some significant differences between the motivations of different minority ethnic groups. However, students from lower income households are less likely to choose high wage premium subjects, which is a concern for this aspect of policy towards participation in higher education and social mobility.
Zonal flows induced by symmetry breaking with existence of geodesic acoustic modes
Authors: Sasaki M. , Itoh K. , Itoh S.-I. , Kasuya N.
Published: January 2012

The nonlinear dynamics of zonal flows (ZFs) is investigated when geodesic acoustic modes (GAMs) have substantial influence on plasma states. Simultaneous existence of multiple GAMs with different radial phase velocities gives additional nonlinear mode couplings, and asymmetry of the turbulence spectrum induces energy exchanges between GAMs and a ZF. A set of model equations is derived to describe the nonlinear dynamics of a ZF, GAMs and ambient turbulence. The model includes the mechanism of ZF generation by a pair of GAMs, and the back interaction from the turbulence is solved self-consistently. Two stationary solutions are obtained; one is the known solution that the GAM propagates as a travelling wave with no ZF excitation, and the other is a new solution that a pair of GAMs forms a standing wave, which induces a ZF. The accessibility to the steady states, and the threshold for the transition between them are obtained. The GAM and ZF formation in the new state affects the background plasmas. The effects on the turbulent heat diffusivity and the ion heating rate are discussed.
Budesonide Use in Pediatric Crohn Disease
Authors: Otley Anthony , LeLeiko Neal , Langton Christine , Lerer Trudy , Mack David , Evans Jonathan , Pfefferkorn Marian , Carvalho Ryan , Rosh Joel , Griffiths Anne , Oliva‐Hemker Maria , Kay Marsha , Bousvaros Athos , Stephens Michael , Samson Charles , Grossman Andrew , Keljo David , Markowitz James , Hyams Jeffrey ,   Pediatric IBD Collaborative Research Group
Published: January 2012

Background and Aim:

Budesonide (BUD) is being used in pediatric Crohn disease (CD) because it is believed to have the potential to reduce corticosteroid‐related toxicity; however, few data are available describing its use. The aim of the present study was to describe BUD use in an inception cohort of pediatric patients with CD.

Methods:

Data were derived from the prospective Pediatric IBD Collaborative Research Group Registry established in 2002 in North America. Use of BUD in children with CD was examined.

Results:

BUD was used in 119 of 932 (13%) of children with newly diagnosed CD, with 56 of 119 (47%) starting BUD ≤30 days of diagnosis (26/56 with ileum and/or ascending colon [IAC] disease). BUD was used as monotherapy (9%), in combination with 5‐aminosalicylates (77%), or in combination with immunomodulators (43%). Forty‐three percent (24/56) went on to receive conventional corticosteroid at some point following their first BUD course. For the 63 of 119 (53%) who started BUD beyond the diagnosis period, 51 of 63 (81%) also received prednisone, with BUD used as a means of weaning from prednisone in 17 of 63 (27%). Patients with IAC disease who received BUD ≤30 days of diagnosis were just as likely to have received conventional corticosteroids by 1 year as were those who did not receive BUD ≤30 days of diagnosis. Two‐thirds (77/119) of patients received BUD for ≤6 months.

Conclusions:

BUD is being used among pediatric patients newly diagnosed as having CD, although the majority does not have disease limited to the IAC. BUD monotherapy was rare, and further data are required to better define the role of BUD in the treatment of pediatric CD.
Environment drives high phylogenetic turnover among oceanic bacterial communities
Authors: Pommier Thomas , Douzery Emmanuel J. P. , Mouillot David
Published: January 2012

Although environmental filtering has been observed to influence the biodiversity patterns of marine bacterial communities, it was restricted to the regional scale and to the species level, leaving the main drivers unknown at large biogeographic scales and higher taxonomic levels. Bacterial communities with different species compositions may nevertheless share phylogenetic lineages, and phylogenetic turnover (PT) among those communities may be surprisingly low along any biogeographic or environmental gradient. Here, we investigated the relative influence of environmental filtering and geographical distance on the PT between marine bacterial communities living more than 8000 km apart in contrasted abiotic conditions. PT was high between communities and was more structured by local environmental factors than by geographical distance, suggesting the predominance of a lineage filtering process. Strong phenotype-environment mismatches observed in the ocean may surpass high connectivity between marine microbial communities.
How linear features alter predator movement and the functional response
Authors: McKenzie Hannah W. , Merrill Evelyn H. , Spiteri Raymond J. , Lewis Mark A.
Published: January 2012

In areas of oil and gas exploration, seismic lines have been reported to alter the movement patterns of wolves (Canis lupus). We developed a mechanistic first passage time model, based on an anisotropic elliptic partial differential equation, and used this to explore how wolf movement responses to seismic lines influence the encounter rate of the wolves with their prey. The model was parametrized using 5 min GPS location data. These data showed that wolves travelled faster on seismic lines and had a higher probability of staying on a seismic line once they were on it. We simulated wolf movement on a range of seismic line densities and drew implications for the rate of predator–prey interactions as described by the functional response. The functional response exhibited a more than linear increase with respect to prey density (type III) as well as interactions with seismic line density. Encounter rates were significantly higher in landscapes with high seismic line density and were most pronounced at low prey densities. This suggests that prey at low population densities are at higher risk in environments with a high seismic line density unless they learn to avoid them.
A passerine spreads its tail to facilitate a rapid recovery of its body posture during hovering
Authors: Su Jian-Yuan , Ting Shang-Chieh , Chang Yu-Hung , Yang Jing-Tang
Published: January 2012

We demonstrate experimentally that a passerine exploits tail spreading to intercept the downward flow induced by its wings to facilitate the recovery of its posture. The periodic spreading of its tail by the White-eye bird exhibits a phase correlation with both wingstroke motion and body oscillation during hovering flight. During a downstroke, a White-eye's body undergoes a remarkable pitch-down motion, with the tail undergoing an upward swing. This pitch-down motion becomes appropriately suppressed at the end of the downstroke; the bird's body posture then recovers gradually to its original status. Employing digital particle-image velocimetry, we show that the strong downward flow induced by downstroking the wings serves as an external jet flow impinging upon the tail, providing a depressing force on the tail to counteract the pitch-down motion of the bird's body. Spreading of the tail enhances a rapid recovery of the body posture because increased forces are experienced. The maximum force experienced by a spread tail is approximately 2.6 times that of a non-spread tail.
The effect of changes in condom usage and antiretroviral treatment coverage on human immunodeficiency virus incidence in South Africa: a model-based analysis
Authors: Johnson Leigh F. , Hallett Timothy B. , Rehle Thomas M. , Dorrington Rob E.
Published: January 2012

This study aims to assess trends in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence in South Africa, and to assess the extent to which prevention and treatment programmes have reduced HIV incidence. Two models of the South African HIV epidemic, the STI (sexually transmitted infection)–HIV Interaction model and the ASSA2003 AIDS and Demographic model, were adapted. Both models were fitted to age-specific HIV prevalence data from antenatal clinic surveys and household surveys, using a Bayesian approach. Both models suggest that HIV incidence in 15–49 year olds declined significantly between the start of 2000 and the start of 2008: by 27 per cent (95% CI: 21–32%) in the STI–HIV model and by 31 per cent (95% CI: 23–39%) in the ASSA2003 model, when expressed as a percentage of incidence rates in 2000. By 2008, the percentage reduction in incidence owing to increased condom use was 37 per cent (95% CI: 34–41%) in the STI–HIV model and 23 per cent (95% CI: 14–34%) in the ASSA2003 model. Both models also estimated a small reduction in incidence owing to antiretroviral treatment by 2008. Increased condom use therefore appears to be the most significant factor explaining the recent South African HIV incidence decline.
Adhesion energy can regulate vesicle fusion and stabilize partially fused states
Authors: Long Rong , Hui Chung-Yuen , Jagota Anand , Bykhovskaia Maria
Published: January 2012

Release of neurotransmitters from nerve terminals occurs by fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane, and this process is highly regulated. Although major molecular components that control docking and fusion of vesicles to the synaptic membrane have been identified, the detailed mechanics of this process is not yet understood. We have developed a mathematical model that predicts how adhesion forces imposed by docking and fusion molecular machinery would affect the fusion process. We have computed the membrane stress that is produced by adhesion-driven vesicle bending and find that it is compressive. Further, our computations of the membrane curvature predict that strong adhesion can create a metastable state with a partially opened pore that would correspond to the ‘kiss and run’ release mode. Our model predicts that the larger the vesicle size, the more likely the metastable state with a transiently opened pore. These results contribute to understanding the mechanics of the fusion process, including possible clamping of the fusion by increasing molecular adhesion, and a balance between ‘kiss and run’ and full collapse fusion modes.
Modelling approaches for simple dynamic networks and applications to disease transmission models
Authors: Kiss Istvan Z. , Berthouze Luc , Taylor Timothy J. , Simon Péter L.
Published: January 2012

In this paper a random link activation–deletion (RLAD) model is proposed that gives rise to a stochastically evolving network. This dynamic network is then coupled to a simple susceptible-infectious-suceptible (
SIS
) dynamics on the network, and the resulting spectrum of model behaviour is explored via simulation and a novel pairwise model for dynamic networks. First, the dynamic network model is systematically analysed by considering link-type independent and dependent network dynamics coupled with globally constrained link creation. This is done rigorously with some analytical results and we highlight where such analysis can be performed and how these simpler models provide a benchmark to test and validate full simulations. The pairwise model is used to study the interplay between
SIS
-type dynamics on the network and link-type-dependent activation–deletion. Assumptions of the pairwise model are identified and their implications interpreted in a way that complements our current understanding. Furthermore, we also discuss how the strong assumptions of the closure relations can lead to disagreement between the simulation and pairwise model. Unlike on a static network, the resulting spectrum of behaviour is more complex with the prevalence of infections exhibiting not only a single steady state, but also bistability and oscillations.
The TGB1 Movement Protein ofPotato virus XReorganizes Actin and Endomembranes into the X-Body, a Viral Replication Factory
Authors: Tilsner Jens , Linnik Olga , Wright Kathryn M. , Bell Karen , Roberts Alison G. , Lacomme Christophe , Santa Cruz Simon , Oparka Karl J.
Published: January 2012

Potato virus X (PVX) requires three virally encoded proteins, the triple gene block (TGB), for movement between cells. TGB1 is a multifunctional protein that suppresses host gene silencing and moves from cell to cell through plasmodesmata, while TGB2 and TGB3 are membrane-spanning proteins associated with endoplasmic reticulum-derived granular vesicles. Here, we show that TGB1 organizes the PVX “X-body,” a virally induced inclusion structure, by remodeling host actin and endomembranes (endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi). Within the X-body, TGB1 forms helically arranged aggregates surrounded by a reservoir of the recruited host endomembranes. The TGB2/3 proteins reside in granular vesicles within this reservoir, in the same region as nonencapsidated viral RNA, while encapsidated virions accumulate at the outer (cytoplasmic) face of the X-body, which comprises a highly organized virus “factory.” TGB1 is both necessary and sufficient to remodel host actin and endomembranes and to recruit TGB2/3 to the X-body, thus emerging as the central orchestrator of the X-body. Our results indicate that the actin/endomembrane-reorganizing properties of TGB1 function to compartmentalize the viral gene products of PVX infection.
Rhizobial and Fungal Symbioses Show Different Requirements for Calmodulin Binding to Calcium Calmodulin–Dependent Protein Kinase in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Shimoda Yoshikazu , Han Lu , Yamazaki Toshimasa , Suzuki Rintaro , Hayashi Makoto , Imaizumi-Anraku Haruko
Published: January 2012

Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)–dependent protein kinase (CCaMK) is a key regulator of root nodule and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses and is believed to be a decoder for Ca2+ signals induced by microbial symbionts. However, it is unclear how CCaMK is activated by these microbes. Here, we investigated in vivo activation of CCaMK in symbiotic signaling, focusing mainly on the significance of and epistatic relationships among functional domains of CCaMK. Loss-of-function mutations in EF-hand motifs revealed the critical importance of the third EF hand for CCaMK activation to promote infection of endosymbionts. However, a gain-of-function mutation (T265D) in the kinase domain compensated for these loss-of-function mutations in the EF hands. Mutation of the CaM binding domain abolished CaM binding and suppressed CCaMKT265D activity in rhizobial infection, but not in mycorrhization, indicating that the requirement for CaM binding to CCaMK differs between root nodule and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses. Homology modeling and mutagenesis studies showed that the hydrogen bond network including Thr265 has an important role in the regulation of CCaMK. Based on these genetic, biochemical, and structural studies, we propose an activation mechanism of CCaMK in which root nodule and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses are distinguished by differential regulation of CCaMK by CaM binding.
Leaf-Induced Gibberellin Signaling Is Essential for Internode Elongation, Cambial Activity, and Fiber Differentiation in Tobacco Stems
Authors: Dayan Jonathan , Voronin Nickolay , Gong Fan , Sun Tai-ping , Hedden Peter , Fromm Hillel , Aloni Roni
Published: January 2012

The gibberellins (GAs) are a group of endogenous compounds that promote the growth of most plant organs, including stem internodes. We show that in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) the presence of leaves is essential for the accumulation of bioactive GAs and their immediate precursors in the stem and consequently for normal stem elongation, cambial proliferation, and xylem fiber differentiation. These processes do not occur in the absence of maturing leaves but can be restored by application of C19-GAs, identifying the presence of leaves as a requirement for GA signaling in stems and revealing the fundamental role of GAs in secondary growth regulation. The use of reporter genes for GA activity and GA-directed DELLA protein degradation in Arabidopsis thaliana confirms the presence of a mobile signal from leaves to the stem that induces GA signaling.
Relative abundance and size of coastal sharks derived from commercial shark longline catch and effort data
Authors: Carlson J. K. , Hale L. F. , Morgan A. , Burgess G.
Published: January 2012

In the north‐west Atlantic Ocean, stock assessments conducted for some commercially harvested coastal sharks indicate declines from 64 to 80% with respect to virgin population levels. While the status of commercially important species is available, abundance trend information for other coastal shark species in the north‐west Atlantic Ocean are unavailable. Using a generalized linear modelling (GLM) approach, a relative abundance index was derived from 1994 to 2009 using observer data collected in a commercial bottom longline fishery. Trends in abundance and average size were estimated for bull shark Carcharhinus leucas, spinner shark Carcharhinus brevipinna, tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier and lemon shark Negaprion brevirostris. Increases in relative abundance for all shark species ranged from 14% for C. brevipinna, 12% for C. leucas, 6% for N. brevirostris and 3% for G. cuvier. There was no significant change in the size at capture over the time period considered for all species. While the status of shark populations should not be based exclusively on abundance trend information, but ultimately on stock assessment models, results from this study provide some cause for optimism on the status of these coastal shark species.
Cognitive and subjective effects of mephedrone and factors influencing use of a ‘new legal high’
Authors: Freeman Tom P. , Morgan Celia J. A. , Vaughn‐Jones James , Hussain Nahida , Karimi Kash , Curran H. Valerie
Published: January 2012

Aims  Use of the stimulant drug mephedrone increased dramatically in 2009, and it is still available in the United Kingdom after being controlled in April 2010. This study aimed to assess mephedrone's acute cognitive and subjective effects.

Design  A mixed within‐ and between‐subjects design compared 20 mephedrone users, first while intoxicated (T1) and secondly drug free (T2); and 20 controls twice when drug free (T1 and T2).

Settings  Participants' own homes.

Participants  Healthy adults recruited from the community.

Measurements  Subjective effects, episodic and working memory, phonological and semantic fluency, psychomotor speed and executive control at were assessed at T1 and T2. Trait schizotypy, depression, changes in mephedrone use since the ban and attitudes influencing use of a hypothetical new legal high were indexed at T2 only.

Findings  Compared with controls, mephedrone users had generally impaired prose recall (P = 0.037) and higher scores in schizotypy (P < 0.001) and depression (P = 0.01). Mephedrone acutely primed a marked ‘wanting’ for the drug (P < 0.001), induced stimulant‐like effects, impaired working memory (P < 0.001) and enhanced psychomotor speed (P = 0.024). Impulsivity in mephedrone users correlated with the number of hours in an average (nearly 8 hour) mephedrone session (r = 0.6). Users would be drawn to use a new legal high if it were pure, had no long/short term harms, and was positively rated by friends or on the internet.

Conclusions  Mephedrone impairs working memory acutely, induces stimulant‐like effects in users and is associated with binge use. Factors that influence users' attitudes to new drugs might help to predict future trends in use of the many new psychoactive substances emerging on the internet.
C‐reactive protein, an indicator for maintained response or remission to infliximab in patients with Crohn's disease: a post‐hoc analysis from ACCENT I
Authors: Reinisch W. , Wang Y. , Oddens B. J. , Link R.
Published: January 2012

Background

Secondary loss of response to anti‐TNF‐α therapy is observed in Crohn's disease patients.

Aim

Serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels at baseline and after infliximab induction therapy at week 14 were assessed as predictors for maintained response or remission through 54 weeks of treatment in patients with Crohn's disease who responded to induction therapy.

Methods

ACCENT I was a multicenter, randomised, placebo‐controlled study. Patients who received infliximab induction (weeks 0, 2 and 6) and maintenance (5 or 10 mg/kg every 8 weeks beginning at week 14) therapy were considered. Patients in clinical response or remission to induction therapy at week 14 (n = 212 or n = 138 respectively) were analysed. Associations between CRP levels (cut‐off points 0.5–3.0 mg/dL), baseline disease variables and maintained clinical response or remission during maintenance therapy were assessed.

Results

A significant association was observed between baseline CRP levels and maintained remission. Forty‐five percent of patients with baseline CRP ≥ 0.7 mg/dL vs. 22.0% with CRP < 0.7 mg/dL maintained remission (P = 0.012). CRP normalisation during infliximab treatment (decrease from 0.5 mg/dL at baseline to < 0.5 mg/dL at week 14) resulted in higher probability of maintained response (P < 0.001) or remission (P = 0.052). At week 14 low CRP levels were associated with maintained response (56.6% of patients with CRP < 0.5 mg/dL vs. 37.2% with higher CRP, P = 0.005). No optimal predictive CRP cut‐off point was observed.

Conclusions

High baseline CRP levels increased the likelihood of maintained remission. Normalised CRP levels at week 14 increased the likelihood of maintained response or remission during 1 year of infliximab maintenance therapy (Clinical trial: NCT00207662).
Circumstantial evidence of gibel carp, Carassius gibelio, reproductive competition exerted on native fish species in a mesotrophic reservoir
Authors: TARKAN A. S. , GAYGUSUZ Ö. , Gürsoy GAYGUSUZ Ç. , SAÇ G. , COPP G. H.
Published: January 2012

Abstract  Gibel carp, Carassius gibelio (Bloch), impacts on native fish species have been reported but little studied despite a long history of introductions in Europe. This species is able to reproduce gynogenetically, which involves the use of sperm from males of other species to activate egg development, so reproductive competition is a likely but virtually unstudied impact of gibel carp on native fishes. This study evaluates the impact of introduced C. gibelio on the population biology of native fishes over a 6‐year period in a mesotrophic drinking water reservoir in north‐western Turkey. A dramatic decrease in the relative density (i.e. catch per unit effort) of native species correlated significantly with an increase in C. gibelio relative density. Growth characteristics (back‐calculated ages, growth index and relative condition) and length at maturity did not differ significantly among years in C. gibelio and native fishes. Relative density, duration of spawning, reproductive effort and gonado‐somatic index of C. gibelio increased with some water quality variables [total phosphorus (TP); chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a)] and coincided with decreasing trends for natives. However, TP and Chl‐a were not correlated with growth features in C. gibelio or natives fishes. The results suggest that the decline in the reservoir’s native cyprinid populations is likely due to a combination of degrading environmental conditions and a disparity in reproductive effort, with introduced C. gibelio invasion facilitated by gynogenetic reproduction and an observed interference with native fishes during spawning.
Increased prevalence of inhibitors in Hispanic patients with severe haemophilia A enrolled in the Universal Data Collection database
Authors: CARPENTER S. L. , MICHAEL SOUCIE J. , STERNER S. , PRESLEY R. ,   Hemophilia Treatment Center Network (HTCN) Investigators
Published: January 2012

Summary.  Neutralizing inhibitors develop in 20–30% of patients with severe factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency. It is well established that Blacks have a higher prevalence of inhibitors than Whites. This is the first study to definitively demonstrate increased inhibitor prevalence in the Hispanic population. We compared inhibitor prevalence among various racial and ethnic groups in a cross‐sectional analysis of 5651 males with severe haemophilia A that participated in the Universal Data Collection project sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We used logistic regression analysis to control for potential confounding variables. We assigned as Hispanic those participants who were white and labelled themselves Hispanic. The prevalence of high‐titre inhibitors in the Hispanic participants was 24.5% compared to 16.4% for White non‐Hispanic patients (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1, 1.7). Possibilities as to the underlying cause of increased inhibitor prevalence in minority ethnic populations include polymorphisms in the FVIII molecule, HLA subtypes and differing inflammatory responses. A better understanding may lead to tailored treatment programmes, or other therapies, to decrease or prevent inhibitor development.
Non‐thrombotic‐, non‐inhibitor‐associated adverse reactions to coagulation factor concentrates for treatment of patients with hemophilia and von Willebrand’s disease: a systematic review of prospective studies
Authors: FRANCHINI M. , MAKRIS M. , SANTAGOSTINO E. , COPPOLA A. , MANNUCCI P. M.
Published: January 2012

Summary.  In the last three decades there have been dramatic improvements in the availability and quality of treatment for people with inherited coagulation disorders. Indeed, the improvement of methods of purification and viral inactivation for plasma‐derived coagulation factor concentrates first and then the development of products utilizing recombinant DNA technology have greatly improved the life expectancy of hemophiliacs, which has progressively become similar to that of males in the general population. Nowadays, the most frequent complication of factor replacement therapy for hemophilia is the development of inhibitors. However, no studies so far have systematically analysed the type and incidence of other adverse reactions following the administration of coagulation factor concentrates. The aim of this systematic review was to screen the published literature data to evaluate the types and frequencies of non‐thrombotic‐, non‐inhibitor‐associated adverse reactions to coagulation factor concentrates in patients with hemophilia A, hemophilia B and von Willebrand’s disease. On behalf the European Haemophilia Safety Surveillance System (EUHASS), a systematic review of the prospective studies published in the last 20 years was performed using electronic databases and article references. Both severe and mild adverse events following infusion of coagulation factor concentrates are relatively rare in patients with inherited coagulation disorders; the most common events are of an allergic type. There are no differences in the rate of adverse events caused by plasma‐derived or recombinant products. On the whole, these data confirm the high degree of safety of the products currently used for replacement therapy.
Assimilation of agile practices in use
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Conboy Kieran , Pikkarainen Minna
Published: January 2012

Agile method use in information systems development (ISD) has grown dramatically in recent years. The emergence of these alternative approaches was very much industry‐led at the outset, and while agile method research is growing, the vast majority of these studies are descriptive and often lack a strong theoretical and conceptual base. Insights from innovation adoption research can provide a new perspective on analysing agile method use. This paper is based on an exploratory study of the application of the innovation assimilation stages to understand the use of agile practices, focusing in particular on the later stages of assimilation, namely acceptance, routinisation and infusion. Four case studies were conducted, and based on the case study findings, the concepts of acceptance, routinisation and infusion were adapted and applied to agile software development. These adapted concepts were used to glean interesting insights into agile practice use. For example, it was shown that the period of use of agile practices does not have a proportional effect on their assimilation depths. We also reflected on the sequential assumption underlying the assimilation stages, showing that adopting teams do not always move through the assimilation stages in a linear manner.
The use of a ‘bleach‐etch‐seal’ deproteinization technique on MIH affected enamel
Authors: GANDHI SHAN , CRAWFORD PETER , SHELLIS PETER
Published: January 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 427–434

Aims.  To ascertain whether deproteinization pretreatment of molar‐incisor hypomineralization (MIH) enamel affects resin sealant infiltration.

Design.  Thirty one extracted MIH teeth were divided into three sections and randomly allocated into the Control (etch and FS), Treatment 1 (5% NaOCl, etched and fissure sealed), and Treatment 2 (5% NaOCl and fissure sealed with no etch) groups. Two hundred seventy nine sealant tag/enamel grade observations were recorded by scanning electron microscopy.

Results.  Control and Treatment 1 were similar in their outcomes, and Treatment 2 was markedly different. There was no statistical evidence to suggest that there was any difference between Treatment 1 and the Control Treatment (95% CI, 0.52, 1.51; P = 0.6). There was a marked difference between Treatment 2 and the Control Treatment (95% CI, 0.07, 0.25; P < 0.001). All treatments also demonstrated a high‐predicted probability of obtaining ‘poor’ sealant tags (Control = 47%, Treatment 1 = 49%, and Treatment 2 = 40%).

Conclusions.  The findings suggest that there was no significant difference in the tag quality between the conventional technique (Control) and the ‘bleach‐etch‐seal’ technique (Treatment 1). There was no benefit in pre‐treating with NaOCl alone (without etch) before sealing. This research also showed that there was a high‐predicted probability of obtaining ‘poor’ sealant tags in MIH enamel, regardless of which of the three treatments was used.
Modelling the spread of Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies in southern Scandinavia during the late Holocene
Authors: Bialozyt Ronald , Bradley Lee R. , Bradshaw Richard H. W.
Published: January 2012

Aim  To test the hypothesis that dispersal characteristics alone can explain the past migration patterns of Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies observed in southern Scandinavia.

Location  Scandinavia, Europe.

Methods  The spreading dynamics of both species were analysed using a quantitative data–model comparison approach. Pollen data recording the arrival of the two species at 24 small forest‐hollow sites distributed across the study area were compared with simulated arrival times. The simulations were based on diffusive spread combined with long‐distance dispersal events. By systematically applying different parameter combinations yielding the desired colonization speeds we could identify values for the long‐distance dispersal component that minimized deviations from the observed arrival times.

Results  According to the minimization process, the optimal spreading rates were 100 m year−1 for F. sylvatica and 250 m year−1 for P. abies. Simulated dispersal alone could adequately explain the wave‐like spread of P. abies but failed to explain the scattered establishment pattern observed for F. sylvatica in Scandinavia. At the fine scale of stand establishment, local microclimatic conditions or site disturbance might be more important. The estimated spreading rates are high because the species colonized Scandinavia from different geographic directions and the rates slowed when their ranges overlapped. We present new estimates for the distance and frequency of long‐distance dispersal events for our modelled species.

Main conclusions  Our analyses suggest that the late Holocene spread of P. abies in Scandinavia was fairly rapid and was limited only by biological processes of dispersal, while that of F. sylvatica was limited by other factors probably controlled by site properties. Picea abies has maintained a rapid and constant rate of spread throughout at least the last 4000 years, despite significant changes in climate. There is uncertainty about the precise relationship between P. abies and climate in Scandinavia, so future distributions are not easy to forecast. For F. sylvatica in Scandinavia, site quality appears to have been a limiting factor, so future land use is likely to dictate its future distribution dynamics in combination with climatic factors.
The historical biogeography of Scabiosa (Dipsacaceae): implications for Old World plant disjunctions
Authors: Carlson Sara E. , Linder H. Peter , Donoghue Michael J.
Published: January 2012

Aim  To reconstruct the temporal and biogeographical history of Old World disjunctions in Scabiosa (Dipsacaceae) and the timing of diversification in the Mediterranean Basin, in order to evaluate the importance of biogeographical and climatological history (particularly the onset of a mediterranean climate) in shaping Scabiosa distributions.

Location  Europe and the Mediterranean Basin, southern Africa and eastern Asia.

Methods  This study uses maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of chloroplast DNA (atpB–rbcL, trnL–trnF, trnS–trnG, psbA–trnH) and nuclear ribosomal DNA [internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and external transcribed spacer (ETS)] from 24 out of c. 37 ingroup taxa, beast molecular dating, and the dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis method (Lagrange) to reconstruct ancestral geographical ranges and the timing of diversification of the major clades of Scabiosa.

Results  Biogeographical and divergence time reconstructions showed that Scabiosa originated during the Miocene and diversified in Europe, followed by independent movements into Asia and Africa. Several of the major clades were inferred to have radiated sometime between the late Miocene and early Pleistocene, a timeframe that encompasses the onset of the mediterranean climate in Europe. More recent middle–late Pleistocene radiations in the Mediterranean Basin and southern Africa have played a large role in Scabiosa diversification.

Main conclusions  Members of Scabiosa appear to have capitalized on adaptations to montane and/or dry conditions in order to colonize similar habitats in different biogeographical regions. The formation of the East African Rift mountains is potentially of great importance in explaining the southward migration of Scabiosa. The initial diversification of Scabiosa in Europe during the Miocene is not consistent with the initiation of the mediterranean climate, but may instead be associated with increased aridity and the retreat of subtropical lineages during this time. However, the radiation of some of the major subclades within Scabiosa may have been associated with an emerging mediterranean climate. More recent and rapid radiations in both the Mediterranean Basin and southern Africa highlight the probable importance of Pleistocene climate fluctuations in Scabiosa diversification.
Drifting fronds and drifting alleles: range dynamics, local dispersal and habitat isolation shape the population structure of the estuarine seaweed Fucus ceranoides
Authors: Neiva João , Pearson Gareth A. , Valero Myriam , Serrão Ester A.
Published: January 2012

Aim  The seaweed Fucus ceranoides is restricted to spatially discrete estuarine habitats and lacks planktonic dispersal phases; it is therefore expected to exhibit strong population differentiation. Its cold‐temperate affinities and mtDNA variation imply that the northern part of the species’ range, where F. ceranoides is now ubiquitous, was recently colonized after the onset of the last deglaciation, potentially resulting in areas with greater genetic homogeneity. Here we examine the population structure of F. ceranoides to test these predictions, emphasizing the contrasting genetic signatures of limited dispersal in refugial versus recently colonized regions.

Location  North‐eastern Atlantic estuaries from Portugal to Norway.

Methods  A total of 504 individuals from 21 estuarine sites spanning the entire range of F. ceranoides were sampled and genotyped for nine microsatellite loci. Population structure was inferred from several genotypic and allele‐frequency analyses. Geographical patterns of genetic diversity were used to reconstruct the historical biogeography of the species.

Results  Genetic diversity and regional population differentiation showed a consistent decline with increasing latitude. Southernmost populations harboured most of the endemic variation, whereas the northern populations (> 55° N) were almost fixed for the same alleles across loci. In southern and central regions of its distribution, F. ceranoides showed striking population subdivision, with many of the sampled estuaries corresponding to coherent genetic units that were easily discriminated from one another with standard clustering methods.

Main conclusions  The geographical pattern of genetic diversity supports the long‐term refugial status of Iberia and a post‐glacial range expansion of F. ceranoides into previously glaciated latitudes. Despite the species’ capacity to colonize newly available habitats, the genetic structure of F. ceranoides outside the recently (re)colonized range reveals that gene flow between populations is extremely low. This study provides a remarkable example of how infrequent and spatially limited dispersal can have contrasting effects at the scales of meta‐population (connectivity) versus range dynamics (habitat tracking), and of how dispersal restrictions can result in either genetic divergence or homogeneity depending on the maturity and demographic conditions of the populations.
The impact of depression and sense of coherence on emotional and social loneliness among nursing home residents without cognitive impairment – a questionnaire survey
Authors: Drageset Jorunn , Espehaug Birgitte , Kirkevold Marit
Published: January 2012

Aims and objectives.  To analyse the relationships between depressive symptoms, sense of coherence and emotional and social loneliness among nursing home residents without cognitive impairment.

Background.  Depression symptoms and loneliness are major health problems for older people. Sense of coherence, which is based on a salutogenic theoretical framework, is a strong determinant of positive health and successful coping and is associated with well‐being and depression among older people. Few studies have explored the relationships between depression symptoms, sense of coherence and emotional and social loneliness among nursing home residents.

Design.  A cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational design.

Methods.  Sample – 227 residents 65–102 years old from 30 nursing home residing ≥ six months. All had a Clinical Dementia Rating ≤0·5 and could converse. Residents were interviewed using the Social Provisions Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale and Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC‐13). Possible relationships between these were analysed, controlled for sex, age, marital status, education, length of stay and comorbidity.

Results.  Before adjustment, Geriatric Depression Scale was associated with attachment and social integration. After adjustment, Geriatric Depression Scale was still associated with attachment and social integration. Further adjusting for Sense of Coherence Scale reduced the association between Geriatric Depression Scale and attachment and even more so for the association between Geriatric Depression Scale and social integration. Sense of coherence and Geriatric Depression Scale did not interact, and SOC‐13 was associated with attachment and social integration.

Conclusions.  Depression symptoms contribute to emotional and social loneliness. Independent of sense of coherence, depression symptoms are associated with emotional loneliness, sense of coherence influence emotional and social loneliness.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Clinical nurses should observe residents closely for signs of depression and loneliness and support their sense of coherence to reduce emotional and social loneliness.
Analysis of a negative plant–soil feedback in a subtropical monsoon forest
Authors: Liu Yu , Yu Shixiao , Xie Zhi‐Ping , Staehelin Christian
Published: January 2012

1. The Janzen–Connell hypothesis provides explanations for species coexistence and predicts that recruitment of tree juveniles is reduced by host‐specific enemies, particularly soil biota. Previous studies, however, have not fully addressed the aspect of host specificity. Using a legume tree (Ormosia glaberrima) in a subtropical monsoon forest as a model, we experimentally investigated the mechanisms underlying a Janzen–Connell effect.

2. A negative plant–soil feedback was identified by a field census and confirmed by planting surface‐sterilized seeds at different densities around focal trees. Fungicides were applied to test whether the effects were caused by fungi. In a growth‐room inoculation experiment, effects of collected soil samples on seedling survival were examined and compared to soil samples treated with fungicides. Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) sequence of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene was used for pathogen identification. The fungus causing seedling mortality was isolated and characterized by ITS rDNA sequencing and inoculation experiments.

3. A Janzen–Connell effect was identified at a field site, in which O. glaberrima was a locally common species. In situ treatments with fungicides and a corresponding growth‐room simulation experiment showed that seedling survival depended on the distance to focal adult trees and that a fungal pathogen attacked seeds and seedlings. No negative plant–soil feedback was observed at another field site with a single O. glaberrima tree, indicating a locally rare species advantage.

4. The disease‐inducing fungus was identified as Fusarium oxysporum. Inoculation experiments showed that the isolated fungus was pathogenic on O. glaberrima seedlings, but non‐pathogenic on seedlings from other tree species co‐occurring with O. glaberrima. Moreover, susceptibility of O. glaberrima depended on seed provenance (likely genotype).

5. Synthesis. We demonstrate that an observed negative plant–soil feedback on a locally common legume tree is caused by a host‐specific pathogen. Our data fully support the criteria of spatially unequal pathogen distribution and host specificity proposed in the Janzen–Connell model. Taken the interaction between O. glaberrima and F. oxysporum as a paradigm, we suggest that host‐specific pathogens, locally accumulated around parent trees, are important determinants of tree community structure.