bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of language experience on perception of stress typicality in English nouns and verbs
Authors: Yu Vickie Y. , Andruski Jean E.
Published: August 2011

Most two-syllable English nouns exhibit trochaic stress, whereas most two-syllable English verbs exhibit iambic stress. This study examined whether ESL speakers whose native language is not a stress language acquire knowledge of stress typicality in English. Thirty native Chinese and 30 native English speakers participated in two grammatical decision tasks. Experiment 1 used English noun-verb homographs embedded in two grammatical frames (‘the ___’ and ‘to ___’). Both groups showed different response patterns to ungrammatical phrases. Experiment 2 used two-syllable non-homographs: typically-stressed nouns and verbs and atypically stressed nouns and verbs. Results indicated that stress typicality and grammatical frame both create expectations regarding word type, and these expectations affect lexical access in Chinese and English listeners in similar ways.
Controls on Abundance and Distribution of Yellow Perch: Predator, Water Quality, and Density‐Dependent Effects
Authors: Bacheler Nathan M. , Paoli Tammie J. , Schacht Garret M.
Published: August 2011

Unraveling the diverse forces controlling the abundance and distribution of fish across a landscape has been challenging, in part because few techniques exist to address multiple factors simultaneously in a single analysis. We used spatially explicit, varying‐coefficient generalized additive models to relate the summertime abundance and distribution of yellow perch Perca flavescens to a variety of predatory, water quality, landscape, and density‐dependent factors. The model used 25 years of fishery‐independent trawling data from southern Green Bay, Lake Michigan, an area that supported major fisheries for yellow perch until their decline in the 1990s. Local catch per unit effort (CPUE) of both age‐0 and age‐1 and older yellow perch was affected by the abundance of double‐crested cormorants Phalacrocorax auritus, dissolved oxygen, water clarity, and bottom depth, but not water temperature. In addition, the local response of age‐0 yellow perch CPUE to most predictor variables, including their own global density, had a unique spatial structure. For instance, increased cormorant abundance was related to declines in local yellow perch CPUE, especially near cormorant nesting islands, while increased dissolved oxygen levels were correlated with increased local yellow perch CPUE in shallow nearshore areas of southern Green Bay. In addition, local yellow perch CPUE increased near the mouth of the Fox River during years with higher water clarity, suggesting that water quality may be limiting to yellow perch in this region. Our results suggest that it is important to explicitly account for the different ways in which predictor variables influence fish abundance across the aquatic landscape.
Therapeutic activities and psychological interventions by cognitive behavioural and psychodynamic therapists working with medically unexplained symptoms: A qualitative study
Authors: Luca Maria
Published: August 2011

Aim: To explore therapeutic activities and psychological interventions used by experienced cognitive behavioural and psychodynamic therapists to treat clients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). Method: Twelve in‐depth, semi‐structured, qualitative interviews with psychotherapists, recruited from two British National Health Service (NHS) Departments were conducted. Interview transcripts were analysed using grounded theory. Findings: Therapists from two modalities share the following therapeutic activities and psychological interventions in their work with MUS clients: working together with clients, sensitive, empathic responding and building trust, being flexible with techniques, keeping an open mind and multi‐disciplinary cooperation. They also use modality specific interventions discussed in this paper. Even though participants experienced difficulties in forming alliances with MUS clients early on in their work, they expressed the importance of nurturing hope, empowering and engaging clients in jointly constructing understandings, which helps symptom management.
Non-defectivity of Grassmannians of planes
Authors: Abo Hirotachi , Ottaviani Giorgio , Peterson Chris
Published: August 2011

Let

G
r
(
k
,
n
)

Gr(k,n)

be the Plücker embedding of the Grassmann variety of projective

k
k

-planes in

P

n

\mathbb P^n

. For a projective variety

X
X

, let

σ
s

(
X
)

\sigma _s(X)

denote the variety of its secant

(
s
−
1
)

(s-1)

-planes. More precisely,

σ
s

(
X
)

\sigma _s(X)

denotes the Zariski closure of the union of linear spans of

s
s

-tuples of points lying on

X
X

. We exhibit two functions

s
0

(
n
)
≤

s
1

(
n
)

s_0(n)\le s_1(n)

such that

σ
s

(
G
r
(
2
,
n
)
)

\sigma _s(Gr(2,n))

has the expected dimension whenever

n
≥
9

n\geq 9

and either

s
≤

s
0

(
n
)

s\le s_0(n)

or

s
1

(
n
)
≤
s

s_1(n)\le s

. Both

s
0

(
n
)

s_0(n)

and

s
1

(
n
)

s_1(n)

are asymptotic to

n
2

18

\frac {n^2}{18}

. This yields, asymptotically, the typical rank of an element of

⋀

3

C

n
+
1

\bigwedge \nolimits ^{3}\,{\mathbb C}^{n+1}

. Finally, we classify all defective

σ
s

(
G
r
(
k
,
n
)
)

\sigma _s(Gr(k,n))

for

s
≤
6

s\le 6

and provide geometric arguments underlying each defective case.
Descendent bounds for effective divisors on \overline{𝑀}_{𝑔}
Authors: Pandharipande R.
Published: August 2011

The slope of

M
¯

g

\overline {M}_g

is bounded from below by

60

g
+
4

\frac {60}{g+4}

via a descendent calculation.
Hyperplane sections of abelian surfaces
Authors: Colombo Elisabetta , Frediani Paola , Pareschi Giuseppe
Published: August 2011

By a theorem of Wahl, the canonically embedded curves which are hyperplane section of K3 surfaces are distinguished by the non-surjectivity of their Wahl map. In this paper we address the problem of distinguishing hyperplane sections of abelian surfaces. The somewhat surprising result is that the Wahl map of such curves is (tendentially) surjective, but their second Wahl map has corank at least 2 (in fact a more precise result is proved).
Jumping of the nef cone for Fano varieties
Authors: Totaro Burt
Published: August 2011

We construct

Q

\textbf {Q}

-factorial terminal Fano varieties, starting in dimension 4, whose nef cone jumps when the variety is deformed. It follows that de Fernex and Hacon’s results on deformations of 3-dimensional Fanos are optimal. The examples are based on the existence of high-dimensional flips which deform to isomorphisms, generalizing the Mukai flop.

We also improve earlier results on deformations of Fano varieties. Toric Fano varieties which are smooth in codimension 2 and

Q

\textbf {Q}

-factorial in codimension 3 are rigid. The divisor class group is deformation-invariant for klt Fanos which are smooth in codimension 2 and

Q

\textbf {Q}

-factorial in codimension 3. The Cox ring deforms in a flat family under deformation of a terminal Fano which is

Q

\textbf {Q}

-factorial in codimension 3.

A side result which seems to be new is that the divisor class group of a klt Fano variety maps isomorphically to ordinary homology.
Transcendental lattice of an extremal elliptic surface
Authors: Degtyarev Alex
Published: August 2011

We develop an algorithm computing the transcendental lattice and the Mordell–Weil group of an extremal elliptic surface. As an example, we compute the lattices of four exponentially large series of surfaces.
Valuing Farmland Protection: Do Empirical Results and Policy Guidance Depend on the Econometric Fine Print?
Authors: Johnston Robert J. , Bergstrom John C.
Published: August 2011

Economists have generated an abundance of willingness to pay estimates to help inform U.S. farmland protection policies. Stated preference approaches are often used for such estimations, with an increasing reliance placed on discrete choice models such as mixed logit, in which results can be sensitive to minor specification changes. This paper evaluates how and to what extent this sensitivity is policy relevant. Drawing from a case study of agricultural conservation easements in Georgia, we characterize the sensitivity of choice experiment welfare estimates to common variations in mixed logit specification. Results suggest that practitioners should provide greater attention to the potential implications of often unnoticed modeling choices in discrete choice welfare estimation.
Autoimmunity against cardiac troponin I in ischaemia reperfusion injury
Authors: Volz H. Christian , Buss Sebastian J. , Li Jin , Göser Stefan , Andrassy Martin , Öttl Renate , Pfitzer Gabriele , Katus Hugo A. , Kaya Ziya
Published: August 2011

Aims

Autoimmunity against cardiac troponin I (cTnI) has deleterious effects on the infarcted myocardium early after onset of ischaemia. Here, we explored the impact of cTnI‐autoimmunity in the long term. Furthermore, we studied the effects of cTnI‐autoimmunity on the infarcted myocardium following revascularization measures in terms of ischaemia reperfusion injury (IRI), which resembles clinical reality more closely.

Methods and results

After immunization with either cTnI (n= 10) or a control buffer (n= 14), A/J mice underwent chronic coronary artery ligation. Another group of mice immunized with cTnI (n= 13) underwent temporary coronary artery occlusion and were compared with non‐immunized controls (n= 17). Left ventricular function was evaluated by echocardiography. Hearts were obtained for histological evaluation. Immunological responses were quantified by analysis of cytokine and chemokine patterns as well as anti‐cTnI antibody titres. Myocardial inflammation and cardiac dysfunction were detectable as late as 180 days after myocardial infarction (MI). Previous cTnI‐immunization enhanced myocardial inflammation and dysfunction. Mice subjected to cTnI‐immunization before IRI exhibited a higher inflammation score, an upregulated expression of pro‐inflammatory chemokines (IP‐10, MIP‐1, Ltn, RANTES, TCA‐3) and chemokine receptors (CCR2, CCR5), increased interleukin (IL)‐2, interferon (IFN)‐g, and decreased IL‐10 production along with a markedly reduced fractional shortening after IRI compared with the controls.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate for the first time that cTnI‐induced autoimmune response not only leads to increased myocardial inflammation and impaired cardiac function 180 days after chronic coronary artery ligation, but also exacerbates ischaemia/reperfusion injury compared with non‐immunized controls. Hence, the presence of cTnI‐autoimmunity could render subjects more vulnerable to prospective myocardial injury, be it MI, or secondary revascularization measures.
Crystal structure of the Gtr1p–Gtr2p complex reveals new insights into the amino acid-induced TORC1 activation
Authors: Gong Rui , Li Li , Liu Yi , Wang Ping , Yang Huirong , Wang Ling , Cheng Jingdong , Guan Kun-Liang , Xu Yanhui
Published: August 2011

The target of rapamycin (TOR) complex 1 (TORC1) is a central cell growth regulator in response to a wide array of signals. The Rag GTPases play an essential role in relaying amino acid signals to TORC1 activation through direct interaction with raptor and recruitment of the TORC1 complex to lysosomes. Here we present the crystal structure of the Gtr1p–Gtr2p complex, the Rag homologs from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, at 2.8 Å resolution. The heterodimeric GTPases reveal a pseudo-twofold symmetric organization. Structure-guided functional analyses of RagA–RagC, the human homologs of Gtr1p–Gtr2p, show that both G domains (N-terminal GTPase domains) and dimerization are important for raptor binding. In particular, the switch regions of the G domain in RagA are indispensible for interaction with raptor, and hence TORC1 activation. The dimerized C-terminal domains of RagA–RagC display a remarkable structural similarity to MP1/p14, which is in a complex with lysosome membrane protein p18, and directly interact with p18, therefore recruiting mTORC1 to the lysosome for activation by Rheb. Our results reveal a structural model for the mechanism of the Rag GTPases in TORC1 activation and amino acid signaling.
Synthetic spike-in standards for RNA-seq experiments
Authors: Jiang Lichun , Schlesinger Felix , Davis Carrie A. , Zhang Yu , Li Renhua , Salit Marc , Gingeras Thomas R. , Oliver Brian
Published: August 2011

High-throughput sequencing of cDNA (RNA-seq) is a widely deployed transcriptome profiling and annotation technique, but questions about the performance of different protocols and platforms remain. We used a newly developed pool of 96 synthetic RNAs with various lengths, and GC content covering a 220 concentration range as spike-in controls to measure sensitivity, accuracy, and biases in RNA-seq experiments as well as to derive standard curves for quantifying the abundance of transcripts. We observed linearity between read density and RNA input over the entire detection range and excellent agreement between replicates, but we observed significantly larger imprecision than expected under pure Poisson sampling errors. We use the control RNAs to directly measure reproducible protocol-dependent biases due to GC content and transcript length as well as stereotypic heterogeneity in coverage across transcripts correlated with position relative to RNA termini and priming sequence bias. These effects lead to biased quantification for short transcripts and individual exons, which is a serious problem for measurements of isoform abundances, but that can partially be corrected using appropriate models of bias. By using the control RNAs, we derive limits for the discovery and detection of rare transcripts in RNA-seq experiments. By using data collected as part of the model organism and human Encyclopedia of DNA Elements projects (ENCODE and modENCODE), we demonstrate that external RNA controls are a useful resource for evaluating sensitivity and accuracy of RNA-seq experiments for transcriptome discovery and quantification. These quality metrics facilitate comparable analysis across different samples, protocols, and platforms.
Alcohol consumption and non‐communicable diseases: epidemiology and policy implications
Authors: Parry Charles D. , Patra Jayadeep , Rehm Jürgen
Published: August 2011

Aims  This paper summarizes the relationships between different patterns of alcohol consumption and various on non‐communicable disease (NCD) outcomes and estimates the percentage of NCD burden that is attributable to alcohol.

Methods  A narrative review, based on published meta‐analyses of alcohol consumption‐disease relations, together with an examination of the Comparative Risk Assessment estimates applied to the latest available revision of Global Burden of Disease study.

Results  Alcohol is causally linked (to varying degrees) to eight different cancers, with the risk increasing with the volume consumed. Similarly, alcohol use is related detrimentally to many cardiovascular outcomes, including hypertension, haemorrhagic stroke and atrial fibrillation. For other cardiovascular outcomes the relationship is more complex. Alcohol is furthermore linked to various forms of liver disease (particularly with fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis) and pancreatitis. For diabetes the relationship is also complex. Conservatively, of the global NCD‐related burden of deaths, net years of life lost (YLL) and net disability adjusted life years (DALYs), 3.4%, 5.0% and 2.4%, respectively, can be attributed to alcohol consumption, with the burden being particularly high for cancer and liver cirrhosis. This burden is especially pronounced in countries of the former Soviet Union.

Conclusions  There is a strong link between alcohol and non‐communicable diseases, particularly cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, pancreatitis and diabetes, and these findings support calls by the World Health Organization to implement evidence‐based strategies to reduce harmful use of alcohol.
A two‐step process for the reflooding of theMediterranean after theMessinianSalinityCrisis
Authors: Bache François , Popescu Speranta‐Maria , Rabineau Marina , Gorini Christian , Suc Jean‐Pierre , Clauzon Georges , Olivet Jean‐Louis , Rubino Jean‐Loup , Melinte‐Dobrinescu Mihaela Carmen , Estrada Ferran , Londeix Laurent , Armijo Rolando , Meyer Bertrand , Jolivet Laurent , Jouannic Gwénaël , Leroux Estelle , Aslanian Daniel , Reis Antonio Tadeu Dos , Mocochain Ludovic , Dumurdžanov Nikola , Zagorchev Ivan , Lesić Vesna , Tomić Dragana , Namık Çağatay M. , Brun Jean‐Pierre , Sokoutis Dimitrios , Csato Istvan , Ucarkus Gülsen , Çakır Ziyadin
Published: August 2011

TheMessinianSalinityCrisis is well known to have resulted from a significant drop of theMediterranean sea level. Considering both onshore and offshore observations, the subsequent reflooding is generally thought to have been very sudden. We present here offshore seismic evidence from theGulf ofLions and re‐visited onshore data fromItaly andTurkey that lead to a new concept of a two‐step reflooding of theMediterraneanBasin after theMessinianSalinityCrisis. The refilling was first moderate and relatively slow accompanied by transgressive ravinement, and later on very rapid, preserving the subaerialMessinianErosionalSurface. The amplitude of these two successive rises of sea level has been estimated at ≤500 m for the first rise and 600–900 m for the second rise. Evaporites from the centralMediterranean basins appear to have been deposited principally at the beginning of the first step of reflooding. After the second step, which preceeded theZancleanGlobalStratotypeSection andPoint, successive connections with theParatethyanDacicBasin, then theAdriatic foredeep, and finally theEuxinianBasin occurred, as a consequence of the continued global rise in sea level. A complex morphology with sills and sub‐basins led to diachronous events such as the so‐called ‘LagoMare’.This study helps to distinguish events that were synchronous over the entireMediterranean realm, such as the two‐step reflooding, from those that were more local and diachronous. In addition, the shoreline that marks the transition between these two steps of reflooding in theProvenceBasin provides a remarkable palaeogeographical marker for subsidence studies.
Possibilities for the utilisation of marine by‐products
Authors: Rustad Turid , Storrø Ivar , Slizyte Rasa
Published: August 2011

Fish industry by‐products can account for up to 75% of the catch depending on postharvest or industrial preparation processes. Different terms such as ‘fish waste’, ‘by‐product’ and ‘rest raw materials’ have been used. The review gives an overview of value‐added processes that provide an alternative to low‐profit uses such as silage, fish meal and mince. The preparation of different by‐product fractions such as fish blood, marine lipids, omega‐3 fatty acids, fish protein fractions and bioactive components with nutraceutical potential, i.e. antioxidants and bioactive peptides, is considered. There are several future opportunities for the preparation of high‐value by‐products such as enzymes, minerals and other bioactive substances including hydroxyapatite, phosphorus, taurine and creatine. Both regulatory status and future market potential need to be considered. In addition, there is a need for technologies that maintain good quality by‐products and ‘simple’ processes to produce bulk products for further refining.
Characteristics and functional properties of wheat germ protein glycated with saccharides through Maillard reaction
Authors: Niu Li‐Ya , Jiang Shao‐Tong , Pan Li‐Jun , Zhai Ying‐Si
Published: August 2011

The Maillard reaction (MR) under wet reaction conditions with several common saccharides, such as xylose, glucose, lactose, dextran and maltodextrin, were applied to improve the functional properties of wheat germ protein (WGP). The MR products (MRPs) prepared with dextran at pH 11.0 heated at 90 °C in 2% aqueous dispersions heating for 20 min showed better solubility and emulsifying properties. The fluorescence intensity analysis proved the MR occurred, and thinner sheet MRPs were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The relative contents of Cys, Lys and Arg were decreased, which could reduce the chance of protein aggregation through ‐S‐S bonds. Circular dichroism (CD) spectrum expressed the difference in the secondary structures between WGP and MRPs, which may make MRPs show better functional properties than WGP. These results suggested that MR with dextran under wet reaction conditions can be a promising way to improve functional properties of WGP.
Understanding people’s experience of vitreo‐retinal day surgery: a Gadamerian‐guided study
Authors: McCloud Christine , Harrington Ann , King Lindy
Published: August 2011

mccloud c., harrington a. & king l. (2012) Understanding people’s experience of vitreo‐retinal day surgery: a Gadamerian guided study. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(1), 94–103.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study that aimed to understand the individual’s experience of day surgery for repair of vitreo‐retinal pathology.

Background.  Day surgery evolved as a global phenomenon in response to tensions existing between community demand for health‐care services and fiscal limitations. Since then vitreo‐retinal surgery has been routinely performed as day surgery. Whilst studies have reported on patients’ experience’s following inpatient surgery, there has been limited investigation of vitreo‐retinal day surgery from the patient’s perspective.

Methods.  In‐depth unstructured interviews with 18 people were conducted between July 2006 and December 2007. Data analysis using philosophical hermeneutic techniques enabled a co‐constructed understanding, where, the ‘conditions of understanding’ as described by Gadamer were established.

Findings.  Guided by a Gadamerian approach to analysis, four constitutive themes were identified: ‘the physical Self’, ‘the psychological Self’, ‘the historically located Self’ and ‘the Self located in the community’. Within each theme the participant’s positive and negative experiences were understood in the context of human need, and gaps in nursing care became illuminated. These experiences included: pain, nausea, problematic self‐care and psychological angst.

Conclusion.  Insights into the experience of vitreo‐retinal day surgery, gained from this study can be used to inform nurses planning care for people with vitreo‐retinal pathology. Nursing care must address broader patient needs that span multiple human domains, particularly when vision has been threatened by complex pathology.
The effects of nutrient availability on tolerance to herbivory in a brown seaweed
Authors: Hay Kyra B. , Poore Alistair G. B. , Lovelock Catherine E.
Published: August 2011

1. Plants can resist herbivory through mechanisms of resistance (traits that reduce the amount of tissue lost to herbivores) and tolerance (traits that reduce the negative effects of herbivory on plant fitness). The expression of such traits requires the allocation of plant resources, and consequently, trade‐offs between tolerance and resistance can occur in plants. For marine algae, little is currently known about the expression of tolerance, the relationship between tolerance and resistance, and the impact of resource availability on these traits.

2. We manipulated herbivory (simulated or real) and nutrient availability in a series of laboratory and field experiments to test for tolerance to different types of damage under varying resource conditions in the brown alga Sargassum cf. podacanthoides. In addition to growth and photosynthetic responses of the alga, we measured the concentration of phlorotannins (secondary metabolites associated with resistance in many brown algae) to test for possible phenotypic trade‐offs between traits of tolerance and resistance. Furthermore, we assessed whether the limiting resource model (LRM) could predict algal tolerance under different resource conditions.

3.
 Sargassum cf. podacanthoides expressed traits of tolerance (increased growth rates and reallocation of resources) that were specific to both the type and severity of herbivory encountered. Consistent with the predictions of the LRM, nitrogen enrichment did not alter the compensatory growth responses of the alga. Correlations between growth and phlorotannin content were variable, dependent on the measure of growth analysed, and only weakly influenced by nutrient availability. Nutrient enrichment, however, consistently changed within‐alga patterns of tissue composition and photosynthetic activity.

4. Synthesis. Herbivory in the marine environment is often severe, and, similar to higher plants, tolerance to herbivory may be an important mechanism that maintains the productivity of marine algae. We demonstrate the potential applicability of the terrestrially derived LRM to predict algal tolerance under eutrophic conditions. Nutrient‐induced changes to within‐alga patterns of tissue composition should also be considered when evaluating the effects of nutrient enrichment on marine communities. Furthermore, as in higher plants, the relationships between traits of tolerance and resistance are variable in algae, and trade‐offs cannot be assumed.
Fitness inNarcissushybrids: low fertility is overcome by early hybrid vigour, absence of exogenous selection and high bulb propagation
Authors: Marques Isabel , Nieto Feliner Gonzalo , Martins‐Loução Maria Amélia , Fuertes Aguilar Javier
Published: August 2011

1.The evolutionary fate of natural hybridization is determined by the fitness of hybrids. Specifically, the survival of newly formed hybrids is affected by intrinsic genetic incompatibilities and/or genotype–environment interactions. The influence of these factors on the evolutionary potential of two natural hybrids ofNarcissushas been assessed. Fitness components were estimated in early experimental F1hybrids as well as in natural hybrids of unknown descent.

2.To test the efficiency of reproductive isolation, fruit set, seed number and seed mass from interspecific crosses were measured, as were germination rate, radicle vigour and leaf appearance time in F1experimental hybrids in the greenhouse.

3.Germination rate, survival and the number of leaves produced were also measured in F1plants transplanted to eight natural sites and compared with plants growing under greenhouse conditions. In addition, to overcome the difficulty of obtaining experimental late‐generation hybrids, fruit set, leaf production, bulb production and bulb size were measured in natural hybrids of unknown descent.

4.Experimental crosses indicated weak post‐mating barriers. In the case ofN. cavanillesii,the barriers were virtually absent and interspecific crosses produced the same level of fruit set, seed set and seed mass as conspecific crosses. Fitness of F1experimental hybrids was similar to or greater than conspecific progeny, although some reciprocal hybrids differed on some of the traits measured. No differences were found in hybrid performance between the various natural sites and the greenhouse, indicating a lack of exogenous selection against hybrids. Mature natural hybrids of unknown descent exhibited higher levels of growth and bulb propagation than parental species but very low fertility.

5.Synthesis.Hybrid vigour in early life stages and the absence of exogenous selection against hybrids provide an initial advantage for the establishment of hybrids in a wide variety of habitats. These factors, together with higher levels of growth and bulb propagation recorded in hybrids as compared to parental species, may compensate for low fertility, thus conferring evolutionary potential toNarcissusnatural hybrids.
Linking ecological processes with spatial and non‐spatial patterns in plant communities
Authors: Brown Calum , Law Richard , Illian Janine B. , Burslem David F. R. P.
Published: August 2011

1. Attempts to infer underlying ecological process from observed patterns in ecology have been widespread, but have generally relied on first‐order (non‐spatial) community characteristics such as the species abundance distribution (SAD). This measure has become an important test of several theories of species coexistence, but has proved unsuccessful in distinguishing between them.

2. Spatially explicit data are increasingly available for a range of ecological communities, and analysis methods for these data are well developed. However, relatively little work has investigated the potential of these data for similar inference about mechanisms of coexistence.

3. In this study, we systematically investigate the spatial and non‐spatial signals of simulated ecological processes. We include neutral, niche, lottery, Janzen–Connell and heteromyopia models, deriving and comparing first‐ and second‐order measures for the patterns they generate.

4. We find that the SAD is unable to distinguish reliably between underlying models, with random variation in its shape concealing any systematic differences.

5. A new second‐order summary measure of spatial structure derived in this paper, in contrast, proves highly sensitive to the type of ecological interaction being modelled, and is robust to random variation.

6.
Synthesis. A simple summary measure of the spatial structure of plant communities is presented and found to be a more powerful indicator of underlying process in simulated data than a widely used first‐order measure, the SAD. The potential for answering important ecological questions using spatial statistics, particularly concerning mechanisms of coexistence in diverse communities, appears to be great.
Four alternatives to a reductive view of knowledge (seeing with a squint)
Authors: Mitchell Derek
Published: August 2011

Following my own involvement in the rise of evidence‐based medicine in General Practice in the UK, and having seen how this tide has led to a relative devaluation of other kinds of knowing this paper sets out four alternative approaches to the problem of knowledge in a way which both undermines the predominance of a strictly evidence‐based approach and re‐emphasizes these other means through which we come to know the world. Philosophically, this brings together the works of Heidegger, Sebald, Bachelard and Gadamer and shows how these apparently disparate authors suggest that there is, underlying our empirical understanding of the world, a more primordial relationship between consciousness and world which supports empirical or evidence‐based knowledge and without which evidence‐based knowledge cannot be applied in practice. The implications for clinical practice of this kind of thinking should be a more cautious approach to the use of evidence and a greater emphasis and reliance on the discretion and judgement of clinical professionals.
Invited review: Challenges of residential and community care: ‘the times they are a‐changin’
Authors: Jackson R.
Published: August 2011

This paper seeks to examine a number of issues which relate to the provision of appropriate and high‐quality residential and community care for people with an intellectual disability. A number of key themes emerging from this Special Issue of the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research are identified and explored: (1) normalisation; (2) inclusion; (3) choice; and (4) regulation. It is concluded that the research community has an obligation to assume a higher profile at a time when the quality of life of people with an intellectual disability and their families is under threat. This can be done in a number of ways through: (1) the establishment of demonstration projects, either independently or in association with the voluntary and statutory sector, to explore innovative and practical approaches of enhancing the quality of services offered to people with an intellectual disability; (2) looking at ways of improving the quality of training programmes for care staff by moving away from current approaches that emphasise narrow instrumental competencies to strategies that develop essential expressive and relational aspects of care practice; and (3) offering a more considered and rigorous critique of current professional practice and assuming a leadership role at a time when leadership in this field is lacking.
Reduced oxygen stress promotes propagation of murine postnatal enteric neural progenitors in vitro
Authors: Hegewald C. , Alt R. , Hetz S. , Cross M. , Acikgoez A. , Till H. , Metzger R. , Metzger M.
Published: August 2011

Background  Neural stem and progenitor cells of the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) are regarded as a novel cell source for applications in regenerative medicine. However, improvements to the current ENS cell culture protocols will be necessary to generate clinically useful cell numbers under defined culture conditions. Beneficial effects of physiologically low oxygen concentrations and/or the addition of anti‐oxidants on propagation of various types of stem cells have previously been demonstrated. In this study, we tested the effects of such culture conditions on ENS stem and progenitor cell behavior.

Methods  Enteric neural progenitor cells were isolated from postnatal day 3 mouse intestine and propagated either as monolayers or neurosphere‐like bodies. The influence of hypoxic culture conditions and/or anti‐oxidants on enteric cell propagation were studied systematically using proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis assays, whereas effects on gene expression were determined by qRT‐PCR, western blot, and immunocytochemistry.

Key Results  Both hypoxic culture conditions and anti‐oxidants supported a significantly improved enteric cell propagation and the generation of differentiated neural cell types. Enteric neural progenitors were shown to be specifically vulnerable to persistent oxidative stress.

Conclusions & Inferences  Our findings are consistent with previous reports of improved maintenance of brain stem cells cultured under reduced oxygen stress conditions and may therefore be applied to future cell culture protocols in ENS stem cell research.
Dinitrogen‐fixing Acacia species from phosphorus‐impoverished soils resorb leaf phosphorus efficiently
Authors: HE HONGHUA , BLEBY TIM M. , VENEKLAAS ERIK J. , LAMBERS HANS
Published: August 2011

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) resorption from senescing leaves were studied, and the contribution of N and P cycling through litterfall to soil nutrient patchiness was investigated for four Acacia species in the Great Sandy Desert in north‐western Australia. N and P concentrations of mature and recently shed leaves were analysed and compared; soils under the canopies of the shrubs and soils in gaps (open areas) between the shrubs were also analysed and compared for N and P concentrations. Mature leaf P concentrations of the plants were considerably lower than the global average values, and N : P ratios of mature leaves were high. Plants derived 0–75% of their leaf N from symbiotic N2‐fixation. N‐resorption efficiency was between 0 and 43%, and P‐resorption efficiency was between 32 and 79%; all plants were more efficient at P resorption than at N resorption, and litter N : P ratios were significantly higher than mature leaf N : P ratios. Soils of the study sites were P‐impoverished. Total soil N and P concentrations were higher under the canopy than in gaps, but bicarbonate‐extractable P concentration was higher in gaps. Nutrient cycling through litterfall results in soil nutrient patchiness and forms ‘islands of fertility’ under the canopies of the shrubs.
Never too many? How legumes control nodule numbers
Authors: MORTIER VIRGINIE , HOLSTERS MARCELLE , GOORMACHTIG SOFIE
Published: August 2011

Restricted availability of nitrogen compounds in soils is often a major limiting factor for plant growth and productivity. Legumes circumvent this problem by establishing a symbiosis with soil‐borne bacteria, called rhizobia that fix nitrogen for the plant. Nitrogen fixation and nutrient exchange take place in specialized root organs, the nodules, which are formed by a coordinated and controlled process that combines bacterial infection and organ formation. Because nodule formation and nitrogen fixation are energy‐consuming processes, legumes develop the minimal number of nodules required to ensure optimal growth. To this end, several mechanisms have evolved that adapt nodule formation and nitrogen fixation to the plant's needs and environmental conditions, such as nitrate availability in the soil. In this review, we give an updated view on the mechanisms that control nodulation.
NKp46+ cells express granulysin in multiple cutaneous adverse drug reactions
Authors: Schlapbach C. , Zawodniak A. , Irla N. , Adam J. , Hunger R. E. , Yerly D. , Pichler W. J. , Yawalkar N.
Published: August 2011

To cite this article: Schlapbach C, Zawodniak A, Irla N, Adam J, Hunger RE, Yerly D, Pichler WJ, Yawalkar N. NKp46+ cells express granulysin in multiple cutaneous adverse drug reactions. Allergy 2011; 66: 1469–1476.

Background:  The spectrum of cutaneous adverse drug reactions (cADRs) ranges from benign presentations to severe life‐threatening forms such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). In TEN, granulysin has been shown to be the key cytotoxic molecule. Still, little is known about the expression of granulysin in other cADRs. As an important source of granulysin, natural killer (NK) cells are of major interest in cADRs. Recently, NKp46 has been identified as the most selective NK‐cell marker. However, the role of NKp46+ cells in cADRs and their contribution to granulysin expression remain to be elucidated.

Methods:  Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining of tissue sections from multiple cADRs were quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated. Further, in vivo and in vitro drug‐stimulation tests were performed.

Results:  Granulysin is expressed at different levels in multiple cADRs both by NKp46+ cells and by CD8+ T cells. Even in mild forms of cADRs, granulysin can be induced in vivo and in vitro in a drug‐specific manner. NKp46+ cells were found to infiltrate the dermal/epidermal junction particularly in TEN.

Conclusion:  The impressive clinical differences of cADRs may not be uniquely explained by the expression of granulysin. Additional factors such as drug‐specific activation and recruitment of NKp46+ cells to the epidermis may play a role in determining the severity of cADRs. Therefore, unraveling the effects of drugs on NK‐cell activation and trafficking may help to better understand the cytotoxic mechanisms behind cADRs.
Innate and adaptive antifungal immune responses: partners on an equal footing
Authors: Hamad Mawieh
Published: August 2011

Adaptive immunity has long been regarded as the major player in protection against most fungal infections. Mounting evidence suggest however, that both innate and adaptive responses intricately collaborate to produce effective antifungal protection. Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in initiating and orchestrating antifungal immunity; neutrophils, macrophages and other phagocytes also participate in recognising and eliminating fungal pathogens. Adaptive immunity provides a wide range of effector and regulatory responses against fungal infections. Th1 responses protect against most forms of mycoses but they associate with significant inflammation and limited pathogen persistence. By contrast, Th2 responses enhance persistence of and tolerance to fungal infections thus permitting the generation of long‐lasting immunological memory. Although the role of Th17 cytokines in fungal immunity is not fully understood, they can enhance proinflammatory or anti‐inflammatory responses or play a regulatory role in fungal immunity all depending on the pathogen, site/phase of infection and host immunostatus. T regulatory cells balance the activities of various Th cell subsets thereby permitting inflammation and protection on the one hand and allowing for tolerance and memory on the other. Here, recent developments in fungal immunity research are reviewed as means of tracing the emergence of a refined paradigm where innate and adaptive responses are viewed in the same light.
Oryza rufipogon, a valuable source for resistance to bacterial blight of rice
Authors: Ram Tilathoo , Laha Gouri S. , Deen Ram , Ramos Joy M. , VeraCruz Casiana M. , Brar Darshan S.
Published: August 2011

With 2 tables

Six hundred and sixty‐two accessions of Oryza rufipogon were screened against two Philippine strains (PXO61 and PXO99) of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) for their resistance to bacterial blight (BB). Of the 662 accessions, 13.6% were resistant and 7.9% were moderately resistant to PXO61 strain, while 5.7% and 6.8% accessions were found resistant and moderately resistant, respectively, against strain PXO99. The accessions found resistant to one or both the strains were further evaluated with five Philippine isolates and four Indian isolates having different virulence profile. Fourteen accessions were highly resistant to all the five strains of the Philippines, while six accessions were found to have broad‐spectrum resistance to all the four Indian strains of Xoo. Of the 662 accessions screened, only two accessions designated as Acc # 104423 and 80671 were found resistant to all the Philippines and Indian strains making them highly valuable donors for durable broad‐ spectrum resistance to BB.
Pituicytoma with unusual histological features
Authors: Kwon Mi Jung , Suh Yeon‐Lim
Published: August 2011

Pituicytoma is a rare low‐grade glial neoplasm that originates in the neurohypophysis or infundibulum. Because of its rare occurrence, the morphology and differentiation of pituicytoma have not been fully clarified. Here, we report a case of pituicytoma with unusual histological features mimicking ependymoma, but exhibiting the diverse morphology and differentiation of pituicytoma. The 1.4 cm‐sized suprasellar mass was incidentally found in the magnetic resonance image of a 42‐year‐old Korean woman who had had a traffic accident. Four years later, she presented with symptoms of hypopituitarism and the follow‐up images revealed slight enlargement of the mass. After gross total resection, microscopic examination revealed oval to elongated cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm arranged in a perivascular pseudorosette pattern and short interlacing fascicles. Pleomorphic tumor cells and Herring bodies were diffusely distributed within the tumor. Neither Rosenthal fibers nor eosinophilic granular bodies were identified. The tumor cells were immunohistochemically positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimentin and S‐100 protein, but negative for synaptophysin and adenohypophyseal hormones. The epithelial membrane antigen and CD99 were expressed with a paranuclear dot‐like or membranous pattern in some tumor cells. Ultrastructural examination revealed that the tumor cells with intermediate filaments were closely apposed with intercellular junctions and frequent basal lamina production.
Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the differentiation of angiomyolipoma with minimal fat from clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Tanaka Hajime , Yoshida Soichiro , Fujii Yasuhisa , Ishii Chikako , Tanaka Hiroshi , Koga Fumitaka , Saito Kazutaka , Masuda Hitoshi , Kawakami Satoru , Kihara Kazunori
Published: August 2011

The aim of the present study was to evaluate diffusion‐weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in differentiating between minimal fat angiomyolipoma (MFAML) and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Forty‐one solid renal tumors without visible macroscopic fat on unenhanced computed tomography images were evaluated by MRI, including DW‐MRI, and were diagnosed pathologically as CCRCC (n = 36) or MFAML (n = 5). To evaluate the heterogeneity of diffusion in each tumor, the signals of the tumors on DW‐MRI were analyzed subjectively and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and histograms assessed objectively. Thirty‐three of 36 CCRCC (92%) exhibited a heterogeneous signal on DW‐MRI and several peaks in the ADC value histogram, whereas four of five MFAML exhibited a homogeneous signal on DW‐MRI and a single prominent peak in the histogram. The standard deviations of the ADC values were significantly smaller for MFAML than for CCRCC (P = 0.0015). In conclusion, DW‐MRI can be considered a useful and noninvasive addition to the preoperative differentiation of CCRCC and MFAML.
Lymphoepithelioma‐like bladder cancer: Clincopathologic study of six cases
Authors: Kozyrakis Diomidis , Petraki Constantina , Prombonas Ioannis , Grigorakis Alkiviadis , Kanellis Georgios , Malovrouvas Dimitrios
Published: August 2011

Herein, we report on our experience with six patients (0.3%) diagnosed with lymphoepithelioma‐like bladder carcinoma (LELBC) over the past 15 years at our department. The mean age of the patients with LELBC was 73 years (range 69–80 years). All patients had at least pT2 disease. The primary treatment was transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, radical cystectomy (RC), and radiotherapy (RT) in one, two, and three patients, respectively. After a mean follow‐up of 31 months (range 13–72 months), three patients are still alive. The predominant subtype was diagnosed in four patients, three of whom are alive at the time of writing, compared with the two patients in whom the focal subtype was diagnosed, both of whom are dead. Two of the living patients were treated with a bladder‐preservation strategy. Our experiences suggest that RC may not be necessary in muscle invasive disease and that RT and chemotherapy may be reliable treatment options. The pathology report may be useful in selecting patients suitable for bladder‐preservation treatment.
Impacts of Economic Crises on Child Well‐being
Authors: Harper Caroline , Jones Nicola
Published: August 2011

This theme issue addresses three research questions: i) how are the impacts of macro‐level crises transmitted to children's micro‐level experiences of poverty and well‐being? ii) in what ways can these impacts be mediated by the policy responses of international and national actors? and iii) what lessons can be derived from responses to past crises and to what extent is this learning being applied? This introductory article contextualises the current crisis in terms of short‐term global economic shocks and longer‐term economic malaise, outlines the key arguments of the six empirical articles in the issue and discusses policy responses to tackle threats in crisis contexts.
Promoting Children's Well‐being: Policy Lessons from Past and Present Economic Crises
Authors: Harper Caroline , Jones Nicola , Pereznieto Paola , McKay Andy
Published: August 2011

This article reviews evidence from historical crisis episodes from four geographical regions to identify patterns in how economic crises shape dimensions of child wellbeing. The analysis is motivated by a concern to identify possible policy lessons of relevance to the 2007‐ financial crisis and its impacts on children and their caregivers. We conclude that while broad counter‐cyclical economic and social policy responses are key to minimising vulnerability in both the short and longer terms, unless such responses are informed by an understanding of age‐ and gender‐specific vulnerabilities they are unlikely to adequately address the multi‐dimensionality of children's crisis experiences. This is especially the case with child protection and mental and emotional well‐being deficits.