bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The image and kernel of Atkin’s 𝑈_{𝑝} operator modulo 𝑝
Authors: Dewar Michael
Published: October 2011

We compute the image of Atkin’s

U

p

U_{p}

operator on reduced modular forms. If

A
≥
1

A\geq 1

and

2
≤
B
≤
p
+
1

2\leq B \leq p+1

, then
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper U Subscript p Baseline colon ModifyingAbove upper M With tilde Subscript upper A p plus upper B Baseline left-parenthesis normal upper Gamma 1 left-parenthesis upper N right-parenthesis right-parenthesis two headed right-arrow ModifyingAbove upper M With tilde Subscript upper A plus upper B Baseline left-parenthesis normal upper Gamma 1 left-parenthesis upper N right-parenthesis right-parenthesis">

U

p

:

M
~

A
p
+
B

(

Γ

1

(
N
)
)

↠

M
~

A
+
B

(

Γ

1

(
N
)
)

U_{p}: \widetilde M_{Ap+B}\left ( \Gamma _{1}(N) \right ) \twoheadrightarrow \widetilde M_{A+B} \left (\Gamma _{1}(N) \right )

is a surjection. In particular, the dimension of

ker
⁡

U

p

\ker U_{p}

is known for weights at least

p
+
2

p+2

.
Nodulation of Aeschynomene afraspera and A. indica by Photosynthetic Bradyrhizobium Sp. Strain ORS285: The Nod-Dependent Versus the Nod-Independent Symbiotic Interaction
Authors: Bonaldi Katia , Gargani Daniel , Prin Yves , Fardoux Joel , Gully Djamel , Nouwen Nico , Goormachtig Sofie , Giraud Eric
Published: October 2011

Here, we present a comparative analysis of the nodulation processes of Aeschynomene afraspera and A. indica that differ in their requirement for Nod factors (NF) to initiate symbiosis with photosynthetic bradyrhizobia. The infection process and nodule organogenesis was examined using the green fluorescent protein–labeled Bradyrhizobium sp. strain ORS285 able to nodulate both species. In A. indica, when the NF-independent strategy is used, bacteria penetrated the root intercellularly between axillary root hairs and invaded the subepidermal cortical cells by invagination of the host cell wall. Whereas the first infected cortical cells collapsed, the infected ones immediately beneath kept their integrity and divided repeatedly to form the nodule. In A. afraspera, when the NF-dependent strategy is used, bacteria entered the plant through epidermal fissures generated by the emergence of lateral roots and spread deeper intercellularly in the root cortex, infecting some cortical cells during their progression. Whereas the infected cells of the lower cortical layers divided rapidly to form the nodule, the infected cells of the upper layers gave rise to an outgrowth in which the bacteria remained enclosed in large tubular structures. Together, two distinct modes of infection and nodule organogenesis coexist in Aeschynomene legumes, each displaying original features.
Phylogenetic Perspectives on the Origins of Nodulation
Authors: Doyle Jeff J.
Published: October 2011

Recent refinements to the phylogeny of rosid angiosperms support the conclusion that nodulation has evolved several times in the so-called N2-fixing clade (NFC), and provide dates for these origins. The hypothesized predisposition that enabled the evolution of nodulation occurred approximately 100 million years ago (MYA), was retained in the various lineages that radiated rapidly shortly thereafter, and was functional in its non-nodulation role for at least an additional 30 million years in each nodulating lineage. Legumes radiated rapidly shortly after their origin approximately 60 MYA, and nodulation most likely evolved several times during this radiation. The major lineages of papilionoid legumes diverged close to the time of origin of nodulation, accounting for the diversity of nodule biology in the group. Nodulation symbioses exemplify the concept of “deep homology,” sharing various homologous components across nonhomologous origins of nodulation, largely due to recruitment from existing functions, notably the older arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Although polyploidy may have played a role in the origin of papilionoid legume nodules, it did not do so in other legumes, nor did the prerosid whole-genome triplication lead directly to the predisposition of nodulation.
A Eulogy to Adam Kondorosi
Authors: Downie J. Allan
Published: October 2011

A tribute to Adam Kondorosi, a pioneer in the field of nitrogen fixation and bacterial-plant symbiosis, Former director of the Institut des Sciences Végétales (France), member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the Academy of Europe, and the European Molecular Biology Organization.
Mowing Frequency and Plant Growth Regulator Effects on Dollar Spot Severity and on Duration of Dollar Spot Control by Fungicides
Authors: Putman Alexander I. , Kaminski John E.
Published: October 2011

Management of dollar spot (incited by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa) on golf course fairways is increasingly challenging. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of mowing frequency and plant growth regulators (PGRs) on dollar spot severity and on the residual efficacy of fungicides for control of dollar spot. Two 4-month-long studies were conducted on ‘Putter’ creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) maintained as a fairway at the University of Connecticut. Treatments were arranged in a three-by-three-by-five factorial that assessed the influence of mowing frequency (2, 4, or 6 days week–1) and PGRs (paclobutrazol, trinexapac-ethyl, or none) on dollar spot control by five fungicide treatments (boscalid, chlorothalonil, iprodione, propiconazole, or none). Turf was mowed in the afternoon hours to minimize the confounding effect of mowing frequency on leaf wetness duration. Treatments were initiated in the late spring of 2007 and 2008, and each fungicide treatment was reapplied only when dollar spot exceeded a threshold of five infection centers plot–1. In the absence of fungicides, dollar spot severity was reduced by 63 to 90% in plots treated with paclobutrazol and by 13 to 55% in plots treated with trinexapac-ethyl. Dollar spot severity was 23 to 50% lower in plots mown 2 days week–1 compared with those mown 6 days week–1. In cases where a significant interaction was observed between mowing frequency and PGRs, dollar spot was reduced on most rating dates in plots treated with trinexapacethyl that were mown 2 days week–1 compared with those mown 6 days week–1. Survival analysis of days until threshold was met revealed that duration of control of fungicides in plots receiving paclobutrazol were 28 to 84% longer compared with plots not receiving PGR. Duration of control by fungicides was generally similar between plots treated with trinexapac-ethyl and no PGR. In general, mowing frequency did not influence duration of control. Results from this study indicate that paclobutrazol could be used to increase the treatment interval of fungicides and that mowing frequency in the absence of dew is likely to have little influence on fungicide residual efficacy. When used without fungicides, PGRs and less frequent mowing may reduce dollar spot in situations where fungicide use is limited.
Model‐based design of rituximab dosage optimization in follicular non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Ternant David , Cartron Guillaume , Hénin Emilie , Tod Michel , Girard Pascal , Paintaud Gilles
Published: October 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• The concentration–effect relationship of rituximab in follicular lymphoma (FL) was previously described using pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) modelling.

• The influence of genetic polymorphism of FCGR3A on rituximab efficacy in FL patients was included in this PK–PD model.

• Previous studies suggest that increasing the dose of rituximab and/or the number of infusions may lead to a better clinical response in FL.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• The previously validated PK–PD model can be used to design an optimized rituximab dose regimen in FL patients.

• Clinical trial simulation shows the potential clinical benefits of changes in rituximab dose.

• Optimization of the rituximab dose regimen cannot compensate for the lower response of FCGR3A‐158F carriers compared with that of FCGR3A‐158VV patients.

AIMS Rituximab has dramatically improved the survival of patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). However, studies have suggested that the dose regimen currently used (i.e. 375 mg m−2) could be optimized. The aims of this study were to quantify the benefits of the new dose regimen for rituximab in follicular NHL (FL) patients using a previously validated PK–PD model and to design clinical trials investigating optimization of rituximab dosage.

METHODS A PK–PD model was used to predict progression‐free survival (PFS) of FL patients treated by rituximab alone in asymptomatic FL, and those treated by rituximab combined with chemotherapy (R‐CHOP) in relapsed/resistant FL. This model accounts for the influence of a polymorphism in FCGR3A, the gene encoding the FcγRIIIa receptor, on clinical efficacy. Several induction and maintenance dose regimens using rituximab alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapy (CHOP) were tested. The benefits of rituximab dose adjustment for F carriers were investigated. The numbers of subjects required for the design of two‐armed clinical trials were calculated using model‐predicted PFS at a power of 80%.

RESULTS The model predicted a potential benefit of 1500 mg m−2 maintenance doses of rituximab for both rituximab monotherapy and R‐CHOP. The model shows that the PFS of FCGR3A‐F carriers remains lower than that of homozygous FCGR3A‐VV patients, even with markedly increased rituximab doses.

CONCLUSION Our results suggest a benefit of increasing doses of rituximab in FL, both during induction and maintenance. These results need to be confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
Amyloid peptide regulates calcium homoeostasis and arrhythmogenesis in pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes
Authors: Tsao Hsuan‐Ming , Weerateerangkul Punate , Chen Yao‐Chang , Kao Yu‐Hsun , Lin Yung‐Kuo , Huang Jen‐Hung , Chen Shih‐Ann , Chen Yi‐Jen
Published: October 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (6): 589–598

Background  Amyloid peptides modulate cardiac calcium homoeostasis and play an important role in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary veins (PVs) are critical in the genesis of atrial fibrillation and contain abundant amyloid peptides. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether amyloid peptides may change the PV electrical activity through regulating calcium homoeostasis.

Methods and results  The channel and calcium‐handling protein expressions, intracellular calcium and ionic currents were studied in isolated rabbit PV cardiomyocytes in the presence and absence (control) of beta‐amyloid (Aβ25–35) for 4–6 h, using Western blot analysis, indo‐1 fluorimetric ratio and whole‐cell patch clamp techniques. Aβ25–35 decreased the expressions of CaV1.2, total or Ser16‐phosphorylated phospholamban (p‐PLB), p‐PLB/PLB ratio, sodium/calcium exchanger, but did not change ryanodine receptor, sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) ATPase and K+ channel proteins (Kir2.1, Kir2.3, Kv1.4, Kv1.5 and Kv4.2). Aβ25–35‐treated cardiomyocytes had smaller calcium transient, SR calcium store, L‐type calcium current and sodium/calcium exchanger current than control cardiomyocytes. Moreover, Aβ25–35‐treated cardiomyocytes (n = 20) had shorter 90% of the action potential duration (82 ± 3 vs. 93 ± 5 ms, P < 0·05) than control cardiomyocytes (n = 16).

Conclusion  Aβ25–35 has direct electrophysiological effects on PV cardiomyocytes.
Direct and indirect effects of riparian canopy on juvenile Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, and brown trout, Salmo trutta, in south‐west Ireland
Authors: McCORMICK D. P. , HARRISON S. S. C.
Published: October 2011

Abstract  Dense riparian tree canopy is generally found to have a negative effect on salmonid populations. Canopy can affect fish both directly via trophic impacts and its effects as cover, and indirectly via its effects on the distribution of instream vegetation. This study examined the impact of riparian canopy on the ecology of juvenile Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and brown trout, Salmo trutta L., in south‐west Ireland. Riparian canopy reduced the density, length and gut contents of juvenile salmon, but not brown trout. The negative relationship between canopy cover and fish size and feeding was strongly influenced by the abundance of instream macrophytes, which in turn varied as a function of catchment water chemistry. As a management strategy, the reduction of dense riparian canopy is unlikely to have the same effect on juvenile salmonids on all streams within an ecoregion because of differences in catchment‐wide factors.
Temperature and storage effects on antioxidant activity of juice from red and white grapes
Authors: Genova Giuseppe , Iacopini Patrizia , Baldi Massimiliano , Ranieri Annamaria , Storchi Paolo , Sebastiani Luca
Published: October 2011

The effect of temperature and storage time on the phenolic composition and on the antioxidant activity of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) juices made using a red (Sangiovese, SG) and a white (Muscat of Alexandria, MA) variety was studied. Total phenolics, flavonoids, flavan‐3‐ols and hydroxycinnamoyl‐tartrates (HCT) were determined on grape extracts (GE) and juices. Total anthocyanins and anthocyanins composition were measured on GE. The antioxidant activity was assessed by means of two different in vitro tests: scavenging of the stable 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical and the inhibition of tyrosine nitration mediated by authentic peroxynitrite (ONOO−). All the juices were analysed after 24 h and 2 weeks of storage by means of two‐way anova (factors being cultivar and temperature). Anthocyanins were not detected in MA extract, whereas in SG their content was 534 mg malvidin‐equivalent per 100 g of dry matter (d.m.) and malvidin derivatives (glycosylated and coumaroylated) were the most represented (respectively 169 and 41 malvidin‐equivalent per 100 g of d.m.). HCT content of the extracts was higher in SG (overall +33%). Also in grape juices, HCT were lower in MA and in this variety, the trans‐fertaric and cis‐coutaric acids were also undetectable. Cultivar effect proved to be highly significant, while no significant differences in the phenolic composition were observed for storage temperatures (4 and −20 °C) and cultivar × temperature interaction. However, when statistical analysis was focused on each cultivar, MA was found to be more sensible to storage conditions and a significant reduction in total phenolics (−20%) and flavonoids (−53%) content and in the ONOO− scavenging potential (−32%) was evident after 2 weeks at 4 °C (when compared with the same storage temperature after 24 h). On the contrary, SG juices did not show significant differences among the four storage treatments investigated. These results could be explained suggesting that anthocyanins presence in red grape plays a key role in juice stability.
Fluctuations in population composition dampen the impact of phenotypic plasticity on trait dynamics in superb fairy‐wrens
Authors: van de Pol Martijn , Osmond Helen L. , Cockburn Andrew
Published: October 2011

1. In structured populations, phenotypic change can result from changes throughout an individual’s lifetime (phenotypic plasticity, age‐related changes), selection and changes in population composition (environment‐ or density‐driven fluctuations in age‐structure).

2. The contribution of population dynamics to phenotypic change has often been ignored. However, for understanding trait dynamics, it is important to identify both the individual‐ and population‐level mechanisms responsible for trait change, because they potentially reinforce or counteract each other.

3. We use 22 years of field data to investigate the dynamics of a sexually selected phenological trait, the timing of nuptial moult in superb fairy‐wrens Malurus cyaneus.

4. We show that trait expression is both climate‐ and age‐dependent, but that phenotypic plasticity in response to climate variability also varies with age. Old males can acquire nuptial plumage very early after high rainfall, but 1‐ to 2‐year‐olds cannot. However, males of all ages that defer moult to later in the year acquire nuptial plumage earlier when conditions are warmer.

5. The underlying mechanism appears to be that old males may risk moulting in the most challenging period of the year: in autumn, when drought restricts food abundance and during the cold winter. By contrast, young males always moult during the spring transition to benign – warmer and generally wetter – conditions. Temperature changes dominate this transition that heralds the breeding season, thereby causing both young and late‐moulting older birds to be temperature sensitive.

6. Climate and age also affect trait dynamics via a population dynamical pathway. The same high rainfall that triggers early moulting in old males concurrently increases offspring recruitment and thereby reduces the average age of males in the population. Consequently, effects of rainfall on trait dynamics through phenotypic plasticity of old males are dampened by synchronous rejuvenation of the age‐structure.

7. A long‐term trend towards drier environments prompted phenotypic change because of plasticity, but this was masked by climate‐driven demographic change (causing apparent stasis). This suggests a novel explanation for why trait change may fail to reflect the observed pattern of directional selection or phenotypic plasticity.
Interactions between environmental variables determine immunity in the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella
Authors: Triggs Alison , Knell Robert J.
Published: October 2011

1. Animals raised in good environmental conditions are expected to have more resources to invest in immunity than those raised in poor conditions. Variation in immune activity and parasite resistance in response to changes in environmental temperature, population density and food quality have been shown in many invertebrate species.

2. Almost all studies to date have examined the effects of individual variables in isolation. The aim of this study was to address whether environmental factors interact to produce synergistic effects on phenoloxidase (PO) activity and haemocyte count, both indicators of immune system activity. Temperature, food quality and density were varied in a fully factorial design for a total of eight treatment combinations.

3. Strong interactions between the three environmental variables led to the magnitude and in some cases the direction of the effect of most variables changing as the other environmental factors were altered. Overall, food quality had the most important and consistent influence, larvae raised on a good‐quality diet having substantially higher PO activity in every case and substantially higher haemocyte counts in all treatments except unheated/low density.

4. When food quality was good, the larvae showed ‘density‐dependent prophylaxis’: raising their investment in immunity when population density is high. When food quality was poor and the temperature low, however, those larvae raised at high densities invested less in immunity.

5. Increased temperature is often thought to lead to increased immune reactivity in ectotherms, but we found that the effect of temperature was strongly dependent on the values of other environmental variables. PO activity increased with temperature when larvae were raised on good food or when density was high, but when food was poor and density low, a higher temperature led to reduced PO activity. A higher temperature led to higher haemocyte counts when density was high and food quality was poor, but in all other cases, the effect of increased temperature was either close to zero or somewhat negative.

6. Although PO activity and haemocyte count were weakly correlated across the whole data set, there were a number of treatments where the two measures responded in different ways to environmental change. Overall, effect sizes for PO activity were substantially higher than those for haemocyte count, indicating that the different components of the immune system vary in their sensitivity to environmental change.

7. Predictions of the effect of environmental or population change on immunity and disease dynamics based on laboratory experiments that only investigate the effects of single variable are likely to be inaccurate or even entirely wrong.
Resolving the Azorean knot: a response to Carine & Schaefer (2010)
Authors: Triantis Kostas A. , Hortal Joaquín , Amorim Isabel , Cardoso Pedro , Santos Ana M. C. , Gabriel Rosalina , Borges Paulo A. V.
Published: October 2011

Carine & Schaefer (Journal of Biogeography, 2010, 37, 77–89) suggest that the lack of past climate oscillations in the Azores may have contributed to the low plant endemism in this archipelago compared to that of the Canary Islands, a pattern they term the Azorean diversity enigma. Here we challenge their hypothesis, and discuss how the particular characteristics of the Azores may have driven current diversification patterns in this archipelago. We argue that the restricted number of Azorean endemic species and their wide distribution is explicable by the geological, geographical and ecological attributes of the archipelago. That is, the Azores are too young, too small, and too environmentally homogeneous to have hosted many in situ diversification events, so they do not host as many endemic species as other Macaronesian archipelagos, such as Madeira and especially the Canary Islands.
Joint analysis of demography and selection in population genetics: where do we stand and where could we go?
Authors: LI JUNRUI , LI HAIPENG , JAKOBSSON MATTIAS , LI SEN , SJÖDIN PER , LASCOUX MARTIN
Published: October 2011

Teasing apart the effects of selection and demography on genetic polymorphism remains one of the major challenges in the analysis of population genomic data. The traditional approach has been to assume that demography would leave a genome‐wide signature, whereas the effect of selection would be local. In the light of recent genomic surveys of sequence polymorphism, several authors have argued that this approach is questionable based on the evidence of the pervasive role of positive selection and that new approaches are needed. In the first part of this review, we give a few empirical and theoretical examples illustrating the difficulty in teasing apart the effects of selection and demography on genomic polymorphism patterns. In the second part, we review recent efforts to detect recent positive selection. Most available methods still rely on an a priori classification of sites in the genome but there are many promising new approaches. These new methods make use of the latest developments in statistics, explore aspects of the data that had been neglected hitherto or take advantage of the emerging population genomic data. A current and promising approach is based on first estimating demographic and genetic parameters, using, e.g., a likelihood or approximate Bayesian computation framework, focusing on extreme outlier regions, and then using an independent method to confirm these. Finally, especially for species where evidence of natural selection has been limited, more experimental and versatile approaches that contrast populations under varied environmental constraints might be more successful compared with species‐wide genome scans in search of specific signatures.
The Arabidopsis‐related halophyte Thellungiella halophila: boron tolerance via boron complexation with metabolites?
Authors: LAMDAN NETTA LI , ATTIA ZIV , MORAN NAVA , MOSHELION MENACHEM
Published: October 2011

Tolerance to boron (B) is still not completely understood. We tested here the hypothesis that Thellungiella halophila, an Arabidopsis thaliana‐related ‘extremophile’ plant, with abundance of B in its natural environment, is tolerant to B, and examined the potential mechanisms of this tolerance. With 1–10 mm B applied ([B]ext) to Thellungiella and Arabidopsis grown in hydroponics, the steady‐state accumulated B concentration ([B]int) in the root was below [B]ext, and was similar in both, suggesting both extrude B actively. Whether grown in soil or hydroponically, the shoot [B]int was higher in Arabidopsis than in Thellungiella, suggesting more effective net B exclusion by Thellungiella root. Arabidopsis exhibited toxicity symptoms including reduced shoot fresh weight (FW), but Thellungiella was not affected, even at similar levels of shoot‐accumulated [B]int (about 10 to 40 mm B in ‘shoot water’), suggesting additional B tolerance mechanism in Thellungiella shoot. At [B]ext = 5 mm, the summed shoot concentration of the potentially B‐binding polyhydroxyl metabolites (malic acid, fructose, glucose, sucrose and citric acid) in Arabidopsis was below [B]int, but in Thellungiella it was over twofold higher than [B]int, and therefore likely to allow appreciable 1:2 boron–metabolite complexation in the shoot. This, we suggest, is an important component of Thellungiella B tolerance mechanism.
Phylogeny of cockroaches (Insecta, Dictyoptera, Blattodea), with placement of aberrant taxa and exploration of out‐group sampling
Authors: DJERNÆS MARIE , KLASS KLAUS‐DIETER , PICKER MIKE D. , DAMGAARD JAKOB
Published: October 2011

We addressed the phylogeny of cockroaches using DNA sequence data from a broad taxon sample of Dictyoptera and other non‐endopterygotan insect orders. We paid special attention to several taxa in which relationships are controversial, or where no molecular evidence has been used previously: Nocticolidae, a family of small, often cave‐dwelling cockroaches, has been suggested to be the sister group of the predaceous Mantodea or of the cockroach family Polyphagidae;Lamproblatta, traditionally placed in Blattidae, has recently been given family status and placed as sister to Polyphagidae; andSaltoblattella montistabularisBohn, Picker, Klass & Colville, a jumping cockroach, which has not yet been included in any phylogenetic studies. We used mitochondrial (COI+COIIand16S) and nuclear (18Sand28S) genes, and analysed the data using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML). Nocticolidae was recovered as sister to Polyphagidae.Lamproblattawas recovered as sister to Blattidae, consistent with the traditional placement (not based on phylogenetic analysis). However, because of the limited support for this relationship and conflict with earlier morphology‐based phylogenetic hypotheses, we retain Lamproblattidae.S. montistabulariswas consistently placed as sister toEctobius sylvestrisPoda (Blaberoidea: Ectobinae), indicating that the saltatorial hindlegs of this genus are a relatively recent adaptation. Isoptera was placed within Blattodea as sister to Cryptocercidae. Nocticolidae + Polyphagidae was sister to Isoptera + Cryptocercidae, and Blaberoidea was sister to the remaining Blattodea.
Kidney transplant candidates’ understanding of increased risk donor kidneys: a qualitative study
Authors: Gordon Elisa J. , Reddy Elizabeth , Ladner Daniela P. , Friedewald John , Abecassis Michael M. , Ison Michael G.
Published: October 2011

Gordon EJ, Reddy E, Ladner DP, Friedewald J, Abecassis MM, Ison MG. Kidney transplant candidates’ understanding of increased risk donor kidneys: a qualitative study.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01536.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) requires specific informed consent when “increased risk” (IR) donor organs are utilized. Little is known about kidney transplant candidates’ understanding of IR donor kidneys.

Methods:  We assessed kidney transplant candidates’ perceptions, reasons for accepting or declining a future IR donor kidney offer, and information needs through semi‐structured interviews.

Results:  One hundred and sixty‐two (80%) patients participated. Patients perceived IR donors as having poor health (44%), advanced age (38%), and poor kidney quality (24%). Patients (31%) would accept IR donor kidneys to get off dialysis (n = 18/50), to improve health by receiving a transplant quickly (n = 13/50), and felt that the risk of infection was low (n = 10/50). Patients (47%) would decline IR donor kidneys for fear of infection transmission (n = 34/76), perceived poor‐quality kidneys (n = 32/76), and their health was good enough to wait for an average‐risk kidney (n = 23/76). Undecided patients (22%) needed information about the donation situation. Patients desired information about IR donors, their kidneys, and their impact on patients’ health.

Conclusions:  Patients confuse risk posed by OPTN‐defined IR donors and other non‐standard risk donors. Greater efforts are needed to educate kidney transplant candidates about IR donor kidneys and refine terminology used to describe risks to patients.
Analysis and clinical correlation of genetic variation in cytomegalovirus
Authors: Lisboa L.F. , Tong Y. , Kumar D. , Pang X.L. , Åsberg A. , Hartmann A. , Rollag H. , Jardine A.G. , Pescovitz M.D. , Humar A.
Published: October 2011

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) displays genetic polymorphisms in multiple genes, which may result in important virulence differences. Glycoprotein N (gN) and immediate early 1 (IE1) are key viral genes and immune targets. We aimed to characterize the molecular epidemiology of gN and IE1 genotypes in organ transplant patients with CMV disease in the context of clinical and virologic endpoints.

Methods

A total of 240 patients with CMV disease had genotyping analysis by nested polymerase chain reaction assays and sequencing using blood samples obtained at disease onset. Results were correlated with viral clearance kinetics and recurrence.

Results

Complex patterns of gN and IE1 genotypes were present with no clear genetic linkages. No single genotype of IE1 or gN was associated with poorer outcome. For example, different gN or IE1 genotypes had comparable baseline viral load, clearance half‐lives, time to clearance, and rates of virologic recurrence. Mixed infection was present at IE1 in 15.8% and gN in 21.9%, but analysis of a single gene was insufficient to detect all mixed infections. Infections caused by multiple strains, as opposed to single strains, were associated with higher baseline viral loads (P = 0.011), delayed viral clearance (P = 0.033), and higher rates of virologic recurrence (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Genetic diversity in CMV is complex. Specific gN or IE subtypes do not seem to affect in vivo viral virulence patterns in single‐strain infections. Mixed infections demonstrate associations with virologic outcomes that single‐strain infections do not.
Comparison of air‐sealing characteristics of tapered‐ vs. cylindrical‐shaped high‐volume, low‐pressure tube cuffs
Authors: MADJDPOUR C. , MAUCH J. , DAVE M. H. , SPIELMANN N. , WEISS M.
Published: October 2011

Background

This study aimed at comparing air‐sealing characteristics of the new tapered‐shaped tracheal tube cuffs with cylindrical tube cuffs.

Methods

Tracheal tubes with tapered‐shaped polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cuffs as well as standard cylindrical‐shaped cuffs made of PU and PVC (Covidien, Athlone, Ireland) were investigated. A tracheal model attached to a test lung was intubated, and cuffs were inflated to 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 cm H2O. The test lung was ventilated with intermittent positive pressure ventilation at peak inspiratory pressures (PIPs) of 20 and 25 cm H2O. Air leakage was assessed by spirometry and measurement of sevoflurane concentration passing the cuff at the upper cuff border using an anaesthetic gas analyser. Experiments were repeated four times with new tracheal tubes for each run. Statistical comparisons were done using Mann–Whitney U‐test with level of significance at P < 0.05.

Results

The tapered‐shaped PVC tube cuff demonstrated a significantly lower air leakage determined by spirometry than the cylindrical‐shaped cuff at both PIPs (20 and 25 cm H2O). Similarly, sevoflurane leakage was less with the tapered PVC cuff particularly at higher cuff pressures. With the PU cuff, reduction in air leakage by a tapered‐shaped compared with a cylindrical‐shaped tube cuff was not significant.

Conclusions

A tapered‐shaped tube cuff considerably improves air‐sealing characteristics of PVC tube cuffs and allows thereby reducing cuff pressure required for sufficient ventilation. In tube cuffs made of PU that exhibits superior sealing characteristics compared with PVC, a tapered shape failed to result in a further reduction of air leakage.
Severe prosthetic joint infection in an immunocompetent male patient due to a therapy refractory Pseudallescheria apiosperma
Authors: Lackner M. , De Man F. H. , Eygendaal D. , Wintermans R. G. F. , Kluytmans J. A. , Klaassen C. H. , Meis J. F.
Published: October 2011

Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are rarely due to fungal agents and if so they are mainly caused by Candida strains. This case represents a PJI caused by a multi‐drug resistant Pseudallescheria apiosperma, with poor in vivo response to itraconazole and voriconazole. This case differs also by the way of infection, since the joint infection did not follow a penetrating trauma. In the majority of cases, Scedosporium extremity infections remain local in immunocompetent individuals. We report a persistent joint infection with multiple therapeutic failures, and subsequent amputation of the left leg. Detailed clinical data, patient history, treatment regime and outcome of a very long‐lasting (>4 years) P. apiosperma prosthetic knee infection in an immunocompetent, 61‐year‐old male patient are presented with this case. The patient was finally cured by the combination of multiple and extensive surgical interventions and prolonged antifungal combination therapy with voriconazole and terbinafine.
Scedosporium and Pseudallescheria low molecular weight metabolites revealed by database search
Authors: Krasny Lukas , Strohalm Martin , Bouchara Jean‐Philippe , Sulc Miroslav , Lemr Karel , Barreto‐Bergter Eliana , Havlicek Vladimir
Published: October 2011

The potential of mMass software search tool with new compound libraries was demonstrated on metabolomics of Scedosporium prolificans, S. apiospermum and Pseudallescheria boydii sensu stricto. Cyclic peptides pseudacyclins, small molecular weight tyroscherin analogues and various lipids were annotated by public software tool (http://www.mmass.org) utilising accurate matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectral data of intact fungal spores. Electrospray ionisation combined with tandem mass spectrometry was used for monohexosylceramide characterisation in fungal extracts.
A clinicopathological and immunohistological re‐evaluation of adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Shimoji Masaki , Nakajima Takashi , Yamatani Chihiro , Yamamoto Morio , Saishou Shinsuke , Isaka Mitsuhiro , Maniwa Tomohiro , Ode Yasuhisa , Nakagawa Kazuo , Okumura Takehiro , Watanabe Reiko , Ito Ichiro , Kameya Toru , Endo Masahiro , Kondo Haruhiko
Published: October 2011

Since the World Health Organization histological criteria were published in 1999, several studies have focused on adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung. Therefore, we aimed to clinicopathologically re‐evaluate this tumor using immunohistochemical methods. In our hospital, there have been 21 surgically resected adenosquamous carcinomas. The frequency of adenosquamous carcinoma was 1.9% and the clinical data including the patient prognosis data obtained in this study were similar to those reported previously. A fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography study first revealed that the median maximum standardized uptake value of adenosquamous carcinoma was 9.3 and ranged from 2.0 to 24.5. According to the results of immunohistochemical staining for thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) and p63, adenosquamous carcinomas were divided into four subgroups: group 1, TTF‐1+ and p63+ (10 cases); group 2, TTF‐1‐ and p63+ (six cases); group 3, TTF‐1+ and p63‐ (three cases); and group 4, TTF‐1‐ and p63‐ (two cases). Of the six group 2 tumors, three were composed of unique solid nests with mucin‐filled cysts and showed characteristic p63 expression, which might suggest a special type of adenosquamous carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis of TTF‐1 and p63 expression shows that adenosquamous carcinoma is composed of diverse tumor groups, for which the biological and histogenetic nature further needs to be clarified.
Co‐administration of an α1‐blocker improves the efficacy and safety of antimuscarinic agents in rats with detrusor overactivity
Authors: Nagase Keiko , Ito Hideaki , Aoki Yoshitaka , Tanase Kazuya , Akino Hironobu , Yokoyama Osamu
Published: October 2011

Objective:  To investigate the efficacy and safety of a combination treatment with α1‐blockers and antimuscarinics for detrusor overactivity in rats.

Methods:  Rats with detrusor overactivity caused by a cerebral infarction were divided into four groups that received an i.v. administration of tamsulosin (0.1–1000 µg/kg); solifenacin (0.01–0.3 mg/kg); combined low doses of tamsulosin (0.008, 0.1 µg/kg) and solifenacin (0.01 mg/kg); or solifenacin (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg) at 1‐h intervals during the continuous administration of tamsulosin (0.01 µg/kg/h).

Results:  Both tamsulosin alone and solifenacin alone significantly increased bladder capacity in cerebral infarcted rats, but these effects were reduced in rats pretreated with resiniferatoxin. The combined low dose of tamsulosin and solifenacin resulted in a significant increase in bladder capacity compared to mono‐administration of 0.01 mg/kg solifenacin (68.8 vs 19.8% of control value, respectively). In the group receiving solifenacin at 1‐h intervals, solifenacin dose‐dependently decreased bladder contraction duration and a significant reduction in bladder contraction pressure (by 35.0% of control value) was found at the highest dose (1.0 mg/kg). However, no reduction in bladder contraction duration was found even at the highest dose of solifenacin when co‐administered with tamsulosin.

Conclusion:  α1‐blockers and antimuscarinic agents have an additive ameliorative effect on detrusor overactivity when co‐administered at low doses. α1‐blockers prevent the reduction in bladder contraction duration induced by a high‐dose administration of antimuscarinic agents.
Evaluation of maternal and neonatal outcomes after maintenance tocolysis: A retrospective study
Authors: Plummer Christopher P.
Published: October 2011

Aim:  This study aimed to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes after no tocolysis, short‐term tocolysis (≤48 h), and maintenance tocolysis (>48 h).

Methods:  This was a retrospective study, conducted from January 2007 to June 2008, of vaginal preterm deliveries admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between 23 and 36 weeks of gestation. Patients were placed in three groups: no tocolysis, tocolysis ≤48 h, and tocolysis >48 h. The following neonatal parameters were recorded: respiratory distress syndrome, grade III or IV intraventricular hemorrhage, culture‐proven sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and length of NICU stay.

Results:  A total of 162 deliveries were included in the study. Sixty‐nine mothers received no tocolysis, 42 received tocolysis ≤48 h, and 51 received tocolysis >48 h. No adverse maternal outcomes were observed in any of the groups. There were no statistically significant differences in neonatal outcomes between the three groups. The maintenance tocolysis group had a longer pregnancy duration (P < 0.0001), but their infants required longer NICU stay (P = 0.0020).

Conclusion:  This study showed that maintenance tocolysis prolongs the duration of pregnancy but does not improve neonatal outcomes. Infants of mothers in the maintenance tocolysis group showed an increase in the length of NICU stay. A multicenter randomized control trial should be considered to further evaluate the need for maintenance tocolysis.
Ultrasonographic gastric antral area and gastric contents volume in children
Authors: Schmitz Achim , Thomas Schraner , Melanie Fruehauf , Rabia Liamlahi , Klaghofer Richard , Weiss Markus , Kellenberger Christian
Published: October 2011

Background:  Cross‐sectional gastric antral area (GAA) measurements by ultrasonography (US) have been proposed for preoperative assessment of gastric volume in adults but not been validated in children. This study investigates whether in children gastric volumes can be predicted by US performed in different patient positions.

Method:  Gastric fluid and air volumes were examined by magnetic resonance imaging before or up to 120 min after ingestion of 7 ml·kg−1 diluted raspberry syrup in healthy volunteers who had fasted overnight. GAA was measured with US three times each in supine (SUP), elevated 45° degree supine (E45) and right decubital (RDC) position using imaging planes defined by vascular landmarks. Correlation coefficients (Pearson) between GAA and gastric volumes were calculated and Bland–Altman analysis performed.

Results:  Sixteen children aged from 6.4 to 12.8 (9.2) years were included in 23 examinations: 6 after overnight fasting, 3 directly after, and 14 with a delay of 74 ± 35 min after fluid intake. GAA was 221 ± 116, 218 ± 112, and 347 ± 188 mm2 for SUP, E45, and RDC position, respectively. The best correlation between body weight corrected total gastric/gastric fluid volume (TGVw/GFVw) with GAA was found for RDC position (R = 0.79; P < 0.01/R = 0.78; P < 0.01). Bias and precision of calculated and measured GFVw was 0 ± 2.8 ml·kg−1.

Conclusion:  Correlations between GAA and TGVw or GFVw in children are best in the RDC position, but not sufficient to predict GFVw with a given GAA. Interpretation of isolated GAA values may be misleading.
Early experience of Cued Speech enhances speechreading performance in deaf
Authors: APARICIO MARIO , PEIGNEUX PHILIPPE , CHARLIER BRIGITTE , NEYRAT CHARLOTTE , LEYBAERT JACQUELINE
Published: October 2011

Aparicio, M., Peigneux, P., Charlier, B., Neyrat, C. & Leybaert, J. (2012). Early experience of Cued Speech enhances speechreading performance in deaf. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 41–46.

It is known that deaf individuals usually outperform normal hearing subjects in speechreading; however, the underlying reasons remain unclear. In the present study, speechreading performance was assessed in normal hearing participants (NH), deaf participants who had been exposed to the Cued Speech (CS) system early and intensively, and deaf participants exposed to oral language without Cued Speech (NCS). Results show a gradation in performance with highest performance in CS, then in NCS, and finally NH participants. Moreover, error analysis suggests that speechreading processing is more accurate in the CS group than in the other groups. Given that early and intensive CS has been shown to promote development of accurate phonological processing, we propose that the higher speechreading results in Cued Speech users are linked to a better capacity in phonological decoding of visual articulators.
Is the Border Effect an Artefact of Geographical Aggregation?
Authors: Llano‐Verduras Carlos , Minondo Asier , Requena‐Silvente Francisco
Published: October 2011

The existence of a large border effect is considered as one of the main puzzles of international macroeconomics. We show that the border effect is, to a large extent, an artefact of geographical concentration. To do so, we combine international flows with intra‐national flows data characterised by a high geographical grid. At this fine grid, intra‐national flows are highly localised and dropping sharply with distance. The use of a small geographical unit of reference to measure intra‐national bilateral trade flows allows to estimating correctly the negative impact of distance on shipments. When we use sector disaggregated export flows of 50 Spanish provinces in years 2000 and 2005 split into inter‐provincial and inter‐national flows, we find that the border effect is reduced substantially and even becomes statistically not different from zero in some estimations.
A New Measure of Trade Openness
Authors: Squalli Jay , Wilson Kenneth
Published: October 2011

Trade openness, popularly measured as (X + M)/GDP in the hundreds of studies published to date, consistently considers the world's biggest trading countries such as the USA, the UK, Japan and Germany to be closed economies, irrespective of the data set used. This study suggests a composite trade share measure that more completely reflects reality by combining two important dimensions of trade openness: trade share and the relative importance of a country's trade level to total world trade. Robustness tests support the new proposed measure in lieu of the conventional measure of openness and suggest that the latter may not only be incomplete but may also overstate the impact of trade on such things as income and the environment.
Deletion of /t, d/ and the Acquisition of Linguistic Variation by Second Language Learners of English
Authors: Edwards Jette G. Hansen
Published: October 2011

This study investigated second language (L2) learners’ acquisition of English /t, d/ deletion patterns in word‐final consonant clusters, (a) focusing on how constraints such as grammatical conditioning and phonological environment affect deletion of /t, d/ in L2 acquisition and (b) determining the extent to which these L2 learners had acquired native‐speaker‐like patterns of deletion in ways that may be similar to patterns attested for first and second language acquisition in previous research. Seven native speakers of Mandarin Chinese, all graduate students at a Midwestern university in the United States, participated in the study. Findings indicate that the participants had not yet acquired targetlike use of /–t, –d/ deletion patterns for all constraints. Following the linguistic environment, possibly due to the influence of sonority, appeared to be the easiest constraint to acquire. Other linguistic constraints, such as preceding linguistic environment and grammatical conditioning, appeared to be more difficult to acquire, probably due to the effects of first language transfer.
Milk transport costs under differing seasonality assumptions for the Irish Dairy Industry
Authors: QUINLAN CARRIE , KEANE MICHAEL , O’ CONNOR DECLAN , SHALLOO LAURENCE
Published: October 2011

Milk production in Ireland is seasonal in nature with the milk supply matching grass growth at farm level. The objective of this paper was to estimate the milk transport costs and carbon emissions from milk transport associated with alternative milk supply patterns and output levels in Ireland. A milk transport simulation model was used to simulate three alternative milk supply patterns with peak‐to‐trough month ratios of 5.37:1, 2.71:1 and 8:1. It was found that milk transport costs were not very sensitive to alternative milk supply patterns. Alternative milk supply pattern also had very little effect on carbon emissions from milk transport in Ireland.
Historical bird and terrestrial mammal extinction rates and causes
Authors: Loehle Craig , Eschenbach Willis
Published: October 2011

Aim  Conservation of species is an ongoing concern.

Location  Worldwide.

Methods  We examined historical extinction rates for birds and mammals and contrasted island and continental extinctions. Australia was included as an island because of its isolation.

Results  Only six continental birds and three continental mammals were recorded in standard databases as going extinct since 1500 compared to 123 bird species and 58 mammal species on islands. Of the extinctions, 95% were on islands. On a per unit area basis, the extinction rate on islands was 177 times higher for mammals and 187 times higher for birds than on continents. The continental mammal extinction rate was between 0.89 and 7.4 times the background rate, whereas the island mammal extinction rate was between 82 and 702 times background. The continental bird extinction rate was between 0.69 and 5.9 times the background rate, whereas for islands it was between 98 and 844 times the background rate. Undocumented prehistoric extinctions, particularly on islands, amplify these trends. Island extinction rates are much higher than continental rates largely because of introductions of alien predators (including man) and diseases.

Main conclusions  Our analysis suggests that conservation strategies for birds and mammals on continents should not be based on island extinction rates and that on islands the key factor to enhance conservation is to alleviate pressures from uncontrolled hunting and predation.