bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant mortality varies with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species identities in a self-thinning population
Authors: Zhang Qian , Tang Jianjun , Chen Xin
Published: December 2010

Because arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) species differ in stimulating the growth of particular host plant species, AMF species may vary in their effects on plant intra-specific competition and the self-thinning process. We tested this hypothesis using a microcosm experiment with
Medicago sativa
L. as a model plant population and four AMF species. Our results showed that the AMF species
Glomus diaphanum
stimulated host plant growth more than the other three AMF species did when the plants were grown individually.
Glomus diaphanum
also induced the highest rate of mortality in the self-thinning plant populations. We also found a positive correlation between mortality and growth response to colonization. Our results demonstrate that AMF species can affect plant mortality and the self-thinning process by affecting plant growth differently.
Streaming by leaky surface acoustic waves
Authors: Vanneste J. , Bühler O.
Published: December 2010

Acoustic streaming, the generation of mean flow by dissipating acoustic waves, provides a promising method for flow pumping in microfluidic devices. In recent years, several groups have been experimenting with acoustic streaming induced by leaky surface waves: (Rayleigh) surface waves excited in a piezoelectric solid interact with a small volume of fluid where they generate acoustic waves and, as result of the viscous dissipation of these waves, a mean flow. We discuss the computation of the corresponding Lagrangian mean flow, which controls the trajectories of fluid particles and hence the mixing properties of the flows generated by this method. The problem is formulated using the averaged vorticity equation which extracts the dominant balance between wave dissipation and mean-flow dissipation. Particular attention is paid to the thin boundary layer that forms at the solid/liquid interface, where the flow is best computed using matched asymptotics. This leads to an explicit expression for a slip velocity, which includes the effect of the oscillations of the boundary. The Lagrangian mean flow is naturally separated into three contributions: an interior-driven Eulerian mean flow, a boundary-driven Eulerian mean flow and the Stokes drift. A scale analysis indicates that the latter two contributions can be neglected in devices much larger than the acoustic wavelength but need to be taken into account in smaller devices. A simple two-dimensional model of mean flow generation by surface acoustic waves is discussed as an illustration.
Patterns, determinants and models of woody plant diversity in China
Authors: Wang Zhiheng , Fang Jingyun , Tang Zhiyao , Lin Xin
Published: December 2010

What determines large-scale patterns of species richness remains one of the most controversial issues in ecology. Using the distribution maps of 11 405 woody species in China, we compared the effects of habitat heterogeneity, human activities and different aspects of climate, particularly environmental energy, water–energy dynamics and winter frost, and explored how biogeographic affinities (tropical versus temperate) influence richness–climate relationships. We found that the species richness of trees, shrubs, lianas and all woody plants strongly correlated with each other, and more strongly correlated with the species richness of tropical affinity than with that of temperate affinity. The mean temperature of the coldest quarter was the strongest predictor of species richness, and its explanatory power for species richness was significantly higher for tropical affinity than for temperate affinity. These results suggest that the patterns of woody species richness mainly result from the increasing intensity of frost filtering for tropical species from the equator/lowlands towards the poles/highlands, and hence support the freezing-tolerance hypothesis. A model based on these results was developed, which explained 76–85% of species richness variation in China, and reasonably predicted the species richness of woody plants in North America and the Northern Hemisphere.
Always on the bright side: the climbing mechanism of
Galium aparine
Authors: Bauer Georg , Klein Marie-Christin , Gorb Stanislav N. , Speck Thomas , Voigt Dagmar , Gallenmüller Friederike
Published: December 2010

Galium aparine
is a herbaceous climbing plant that attaches to host plants mainly via its leaves, which are covered by hooked trichomes. Although such hooks are found on both leaf surfaces, the leaves of
G. aparine
are mainly positioned upon the leaves of supporting plants and rarely beneath. In order to understand the mechanism underlying this observation, we have studied structural and mechanical properties of single leaf hooks, frictional properties of leaf surfaces, turgor pressure in different leaf tissues and bending properties of the leaves in different directions. Abaxial and adaxial leaf hooks differ significantly in orientation, distribution, structure and mechanical properties. In accordance with these differences, friction properties of leaves depend on the direction of the applied force and differ significantly between both leaf surfaces. This results in a ratchet mechanism. Abaxial leaf hooks provide strong attachment upon the leaves of adjacent plants, whereas adaxial hooks cause a gliding-off from the underside of the leaves of host plants. Thus, the leaves of
G. aparine
can function as attachment organs, and simultaneously orient themselves advantageously for their photosynthetic function. Further adaptations in turgor pressure or concerning an anisotropy of the flexural stiffness of the leaves have not been found.
Why do men seek status? Fitness payoffs to dominance and prestige
Authors: von Rueden Christopher , Gurven Michael , Kaplan Hillard
Published: December 2010

In many human societies, high male social status associates with higher fertility, but the means by which status increases lifetime fitness have not been systematically investigated. We analyse the pathways by which male status begets reproductive success in a small-scale, Amerindian society. Men who are more likely to win a dyadic physical confrontation, i.e. dominant men, have higher intra-marital fertility for their age, and men with more community-wide influence, i.e. prestigious men, exhibit both higher intra-marital fertility and lower offspring mortality. Both forms of status elicit support from allies and deference from competitors, but high status men are not provisioned more than their peers. Prestigious but not dominant men marry wives who first give birth at earlier ages, which multivariate analysis suggests is the strongest pathway between status and fitness in this population. Furthermore, men are motivated to pursue status because of fitness gains both within and outside of marital unions: dominant and prestigious men have more in-pair surviving offspring as well as more extra-marital affairs.
Grip and limb force limits to turning performance in competition horses
Authors: Tan Huiling , Wilson Alan M.
Published: December 2010

Manoeuverability is a key requirement for successful terrestrial locomotion, especially on variable terrain, and is a deciding factor in predator–prey interaction. Compared with straight-line running, bend running requires additional leg force to generate centripetal acceleration. In humans, this results in a reduction in maximum speed during bend running and a published model assuming maximum limb force as a constraint accurately predicts how much a sprinter must slow down on a bend given his maximum straight-line speed. In contrast, greyhounds do not slow down or change stride parameters during bend running, which suggests that their limbs can apply the additional force for this manoeuvre. We collected horizontal speed and angular velocity of heading of horses while they turned in different scenarios during competitive polo and horse racing. The data were used to evaluate the limits of turning performance. During high-speed turns of large radius horizontal speed was lower on the bend, as would be predicted from a model assuming a limb force limit to running speed. During small radius turns the angular velocity of heading decreased with increasing speed in a manner consistent with the coefficient of friction of the hoof–surface interaction setting the limit to centripetal force to avoid slipping.
Colour processing in complex environments: insights from the visual system of bees
Authors: Dyer Adrian G. , Paulk Angelique C. , Reser David H.
Published: December 2010

Colour vision enables animals to detect and discriminate differences in chromatic cues independent of brightness. How the bee visual system manages this task is of interest for understanding information processing in miniaturized systems, as well as the relationship between bee pollinators and flowering plants. Bees can quickly discriminate dissimilar colours, but can also slowly learn to discriminate very similar colours, raising the question as to how the visual system can support this, or whether it is simply a learning and memory operation. We discuss the detailed neuroanatomical layout of the brain, identify probable brain areas for colour processing, and suggest that there may be multiple systems in the bee brain that mediate either coarse or fine colour discrimination ability in a manner dependent upon individual experience. These multiple colour pathways have been identified along both functional and anatomical lines in the bee brain, providing us with some insights into how the brain may operate to support complex colour discrimination behaviours.
Copy number and targeted mutational analysis reveals novel somatic events in metastatic prostate tumors
Authors: Robbins Christiane M. , Tembe Waibov A. , Baker Angela , Sinari Shripad , Moses Tracy Y. , Beckstrom-Sternberg Stephen , Beckstrom-Sternberg James , Barrett Michael , Long James , Chinnaiyan Arul , Lowey James , Suh Edward , Pearson John V. , Craig David W. , Agus David B. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Carpten John D.
Published: December 2010

Advanced prostate cancer can progress to systemic metastatic tumors, which are generally androgen insensitive and ultimately lethal. Here, we report a comprehensive genomic survey for somatic events in systemic metastatic prostate tumors using both high-resolution copy number analysis and targeted mutational survey of 3508 exons from 577 cancer-related genes using next generation sequencing. Focal homozygous deletions were detected at 8p22, 10q23.31, 13q13.1, 13q14.11, and 13q14.12. Key genes mapping within these deleted regions include PTEN, BRCA2, C13ORF15, and SIAH3. Focal high-level amplifications were detected at 5p13.2-p12, 14q21.1, 7q22.1, and Xq12. Key amplified genes mapping within these regions include SKP2, FOXA1, and AR. Furthermore, targeted mutational analysis of normal-tumor pairs has identified somatic mutations in genes known to be associated with prostate cancer including AR and TP53, but has also revealed novel somatic point mutations in genes including MTOR, BRCA2, ARHGEF12, and CHD5. Finally, in one patient where multiple independent metastatic tumors were available, we show common and divergent somatic alterations that occur at both the copy number and point mutation level, supporting a model for a common clonal progenitor with metastatic tumor-specific divergence. Our study represents a deep genomic analysis of advanced metastatic prostate tumors and has revealed candidate somatic alterations, possibly contributing to lethal prostate cancer.
Mitochondrial p32/C1QBP is highly expressed in prostate cancer and is associated with shorter prostate‐specific antigen relapse time after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Amamoto Rie , Yagi Mikako , Song YooHyun , Oda Yoshinao , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi , Naito Seiji , Yokomizo Akira , Kuroiwa Kentaro , Tokunaga Shoji , Kato Seiji , Hiura Hisahide , Samori Tomohiro , Kang Dongchon , Uchiumi Takeshi
Published: December 2010

Mitochondria are key organelles for ATP production and apoptosis. Therefore, impairment of mitochondria can modulate or accelerate cancer progression. p32, originally identified as a pre‐mRNA splicing factor SF2/ASF‐associated protein, is localized predominantly in the mitochondrial matrix and involved in mitochondria respiration. Recently, p32 was implicated in apoptosis and resultantly cancer progression. However, little is known about the expression and function of p32 in human tumors including prostate cancer. Here, we investigated the expression of p32 in 148 prostate carcinoma tissues by immunohistochemistry and found a positive correlation of p32 expression to clinicopathological parameters including follow‐up data. p32 is highly expressed in prostate tumor samples and its expression is significantly associated with the Gleason score, pathological stage and relapse. For localized cancers, high p32 is a strong and independent predictor of clinical recurrence in multivariate analysis (P = 0.01). In addition, p32 is overexpressed in the prostate cancer cell lines examined. The selective knockdown of p32 by RNA interference inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cell lines but not of a non‐cancerous cell line. The p32 RNA interference decreases cyclin D1, increases p21 expression and causes a G1/S cell cycle arrest in prostate cancer cells. These data suggest that p32 is critical for prostate cancer cell proliferation and may be a novel marker of clinical progression in prostate cancer. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 639–647)
Tectonic implications of transtensional supradetachment basin development in an extension‐parallel transfer zone: the Kocaçay Basin, western Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Sözbilir Hasan , Sarι Bilal , Uzel Bora , Sümer Ökmen , Akkiraz Serkan
Published: December 2010

The Kocaçay Basin (KÇB) is a key area in western Anatolia – a well‐known extended terrane where regional segmentation has received limited attention – for investigating strike‐slip faults kinematically linked to detachment faults. In this paper, we present results of an integrated sedimentologic, stratigraphic, and structural study of Miocene alluvial fan/fan‐delta/lacustrine deposits that accumulated in the KÇB, a NE‐trending basin with connections to the Menderes Metamorphic Core Complex (MCC). We mapped and evaluated most of the key faults in the KÇB, many for the first time, and recognised different deformation events in the study area near the E margin of the MCC. We also present field evidence for kinematic connections between low‐angle normal and strike‐slip faults which were developed in an intermittently active basement‐involved transfer zone in western Anatolia. We find that the KÇB contains a detailed record of Miocene transtensional sedimentation and volcanism that accompanied exhumation of the MCC. Structural data reveal that the basin was initially formed by transtension (D1 phase) and subsequently uplifted and deformed, probably as a result of early Pliocene wrench‐ to extension‐dominated deformation (D2 phase) overprinted by Plio‐Quaternary extensional tectonics (D3 phase). These results are consistent with progressive deformation wherein the axis of maximum extension remained in the horizontal plane but the intermediate and maximum shortening axes switched position in the vertical plane. Combining our results with published studies, we propose a new working hypothesis that the KÇB was a transtensional supradetachment basin during the Miocene. The hypothesis could provide new insights into intermittently active extension‐parallel zone of weakness in western Anatolia.These results also suggest that the termination of low‐angle normal fault systems within an extension parallel transfer zone may have resulted in a transtensional depressions which are different from classical supradetachment basins with respect to the sedimentation and deformational pattern of the basin infills.
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): a clinical update and review of current thinking
Authors: Walsh S. A. , Creamer D.
Published: December 2010

Summary Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) describes a severe medication-induced adverse reaction, which has cutaneous, haematological and solid-organ features. It is one of the triad of life-threatening drug hypersensitivity dermatoses, along with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). In this article, we discuss several controversies that surround DRESS, including problems with nomenclature and the lack of consensus in diagnostic criteria.
Habitat or fuel? Implications of long‐term, post‐fire dynamics for the development of key resources for fauna and fire
Authors: Haslem Angie , Kelly Luke T. , Nimmo Dale G. , Watson Simon J. , Kenny Sally A. , Taylor Rick S. , Avitabile Sarah C. , Callister Kate E. , Spence‐Bailey Lisa M. , Clarke Michael F. , Bennett Andrew F.
Published: December 2010

1. Managing fire to achieve hazard reduction while providing for biodiversity conservation is complex in fire‐prone regions. This challenge is exacerbated by limited understanding of post‐fire changes in habitat and fuel attributes over time‐scales commensurate with their development, and a paucity of empirical research integrating the effects of fire on these attributes.

2. We used a 110‐year post‐fire chronosequence to investigate temporal development in habitat resources used by fauna, and fuels for fire in semi‐arid Mallee vegetation, south‐eastern Australia. Fire‐history mapping previously limited investigation to 35 years post‐fire. The patterns of temporal change over 110 years for 13 variables, representing key attributes of habitat and fuel, were explored using nonlinear mixed models and data from 549 sites.

3. Most habitat and fuel attributes exhibited changes in abundance and rate of development over extended periods, emphasizing the importance of documenting post‐fire dynamics over long time‐frames. Further, developmental patterns were mostly nonlinear, indicating that a shorter temporal perspective (e.g. 20–30 years post‐fire) may obscure, or provide an inaccurate understanding of, long‐term changes.

4. There were striking differences in the post‐fire dynamics of some habitat and fuel attributes. Leaf litter and spinifex grass Triodia scariosa, which function as both habitat and fuel, increased rapidly after fire followed by a plateau or slow decline after 20–30 years. In contrast, live tree stems were not predicted to develop hollows until 40 years, after which time the density of live hollow‐bearing stems, an important habitat feature, increased steadily.

5. Synthesis and applications. Fire affects the development and abundance of resources over substantially longer periods than can be examined using fire‐mapping based on satellite imagery. Our results demonstrate that post‐fire changes in mallee vegetation influence fire hazard and faunal habitat in different ways. Critically, the cover/abundance of most primary fuel sources did not increase substantially beyond around 30 years post‐fire; whereas important habitat attributes changed in ways that affect faunal occurrence for over a century. Fire management must explicitly acknowledge the potential for fire to affect fauna and fuel differently, and for these effects to operate over time‐frames that may extend well beyond current understanding.
‘Better than nothing’ is not good enough: challenges to introducing evidence‐based approaches for traumatized populations
Authors: Clark James J. , Sprang Ginny , Freer Benjamin , Whitt‐Woosley Adrienne
Published: December 2010

Rationale Focus group data were generated by a larger, mixed‐methods investigation on treatment practices among therapists working with significantly traumatized populations in a primarily rural, underdeveloped region of the USA. This paper explores reasons behind low utilization of evidence‐based practices (EBPs) that putatively would benefit poor communities where these behavioural health care providers serve.

Methods Eight focus groups of 45 licensed and certified behavioural health professionals were conducted over a 6‐month period of time in 2006. Sites were selected based on Beale code designations with representation from urban, rural, and rural with urban influence providers. Potential respondents were selected from licensing board membership rosters and invited to participate in the study. Focus groups were facilitated by trained interviewers using a semi‐structured interview schedule that focused on how participants defined, assessed, and understood trauma, as well as the information therapists utilized to determine interventions for clients with trauma histories.

Results Focus group transcripts were analysed using qualitative data reduction methods and six major themes emerged regarding the limited use of EBPs: complexity of trauma identification, issues with manualized assessment, role of treatment settings, conditions for innovation success and failure, untangling cultural effects, and defining successful treatment outcomes.

Conclusion These findings shed light on the endurance of insufficient behavioural health infrastructures despite therapists' access to scientifically validated treatments for trauma spectrum and co‐morbid mental disorders suffered by children and adults. Such insights have implications for the success of global dissemination of validated behavioural health interventions.
Taxonomy, distribution and biology of lettuce powdery mildew (Golovinomyces cichoracearum sensu stricto)
Authors: Lebeda A. , Mieslerová B.
Published: December 2010

This paper reviews the taxonomy, biology, importance, host–pathogen interactions and control of lettuce powdery mildew. The main causal agent of this disease, Golovinomyces cichoracearum s.s., is an important powdery mildew pathogen of many members of the family Asteraceae. The pathogen is distributed worldwide and occurs on Lactuca sativa as well as wild Lactuca spp. and related taxa (e.g. Cichorium spp.). Powdery mildew of lettuce can be a major problem in production areas with favourable environmental conditions for disease development (dry, hot weather). The fungus grows ectophytically and appears as white, powdery growth on both the upper and lower sides of leaves. There is rather limited information on the geographic distribution of powdery mildew on wild Lactuca spp. Most L. sativa cultivars have been found to be susceptible. Large variability in virulence was confirmed and existence of different races is supposed. Resistance in L. sativa and some related wild Lactuca spp. is characterized by race‐specificity, but the genetic background of resistance is poorly understood. Sources of resistance are known in L. saligna and L. virosa. Lettuce powdery mildew can be effectively controlled by common fungicides (e.g. sulphur, myclobutanil, quinoline, strobilurins, etc.) and protective compounds (e.g. extract of neem oil, Reynoutria sachaliensis extracts). However, fungicide resistance may arise. Non‐fungicidal activators of plant systemic acquired resistance (SAR) had no direct effect on the causal agent. Future issues regarding lettuce powdery mildew research are summarized.
The plant ADH gene family
Authors: Strommer Judith
Published: December 2010

The structures, evolution and functions of alcohol dehydrogenase gene families and their products have been scrutinized for half a century. Our understanding of the enzyme structure and catalytic activity of plant alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH‐P) is based on the vast amount of information available for its animal counterpart. The probable origins of the enzyme from a simple β‐coil and eventual emergence from a glutathione‐dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase have been well described. There is compelling evidence that the small ADH gene families found in plants today are the survivors of multiple rounds of gene expansion and contraction. To the probable original function of their products in the terminal reaction of anaerobic fermentation have been added roles in yeast‐like aerobic fermentation and the production of characteristic scents that act to attract animals that serve as pollinators or agents of seed dispersal and to protect against herbivores.
Risk factors for relapse of visceral leishmaniasis in Georgia
Authors: Kajaia Maia , Morse Dale L. , Kamkamidze George , Butsashvili Maia , Chubabria Giulen , Zenaishvili Otar , Kokaia Nora , McNutt Louise‐Anne
Published: December 2010

The number of relapses in patients treated for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has increased, thus identifying prognostic factors may aid decisions on treatment. Demographic and clinical information was abstracted from medical records of patients diagnosed and treated in Georgia from 2002 to 2004. The 300 persons with VL were primarily children <5 years (73.3%), and ∼44% had delays in diagnosis of more than 30 days from symptom onset. All patients received standard therapy with pentavalent antimony (20 mg/kg/day), most for 20–25 days. Factors significantly associated with VL relapse were delay in diagnosis for >90 days (RR = 4.21, 95% CI: 1.58, 11.16), haemoglobin level <60 g/l (RR = 11.96, 95% CI: 4.12, 34.76) and age <1 year (RR = 2.36, 95% CI: 0.96, 5.80). Physician and public education is needed to reduce delays in diagnosis. Prolonging treatment for 30 days (e.g. WHO recommendation) or implementing new regimens may reduce the number of relapses.
Regulatory interplay of the Sub1A and CIPK15 pathways in the regulation of α‐amylase production in flooded rice plants
Authors: Kudahettige N. P. , Pucciariello C. , Parlanti S. , Alpi A. , Perata P.
Published: December 2010

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) can successfully germinate and grow even when flooded. Rice varieties possessing the submergence 1A (Sub1A) gene display a distinct flooding‐tolerant phenotype, associated with lower carbohydrate consumption and restriction of the fast‐elongation phenotype typical of flooding‐intolerant rice varieties. Calcineurin B‐like interacting protein kinase 15 (CIPK15) was recently indicated as a key regulator of α‐amylases under oxygen deprivation, linked to both rice germination and flooding tolerance in adult plants. It is still unknown whether the Sub1A‐ and CIPK15‐mediated pathways act as complementary processes for rice survival under O2 deprivation. In adult plants Sub1A and CIPK15 may perhaps play an antagonistic role in terms of carbohydrate consumption, with Sub1A acting as a starch degradation repressor and CIPK15 as an activator. In this study, we analysed sugar metabolism in the stem of rice plants under water submergence by selecting cultivars with different traits associated with flooding survival. The relation between the Sub1A and the CIPK15 pathways was investigated. The results show that under O2 deprivation, the CIPK15 pathway is repressed in the tolerant, Sub1A‐containing, FR13A variety. CIPK15 is likely to play a role in the up‐regulation of Ramy3D in flooding‐intolerant rice varieties that display fast elongation under flooding and that do not possess Sub1A.
Brain angiotensin AT1receptors as specific regulators of cardiovascular reactivity to acute psychoemotional stress
Authors: Mayorov Dmitry N
Published: December 2010

1. Cardiovascular reactivity, an abrupt rise in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate in response to psychoemotional stress, is a risk factor for heart disease. Pharmacological and molecular genetic studies suggest that brain angiotensin (Ang) II and AT1receptors are required for the normal expression of sympathetic cardiovascular responses to various psychological stressors. Moreover, overactivity of the brain AngII system may contribute to enhanced cardiovascular reactivity in hypertension.

2. Conversely, brain AT1receptors appear to be less important for the regulation of sympathetic cardiovascular responses to a range of stressors involving an immediate physiological threat (physical stressors) in animal models.

3. Apart from threatening events, appetitive stimuli can induce a distinct, central nervous system‐mediated rise in BP. However, evidence indicates that brain AT1receptors are not essential for the regulation of cardiovascular arousal associated with positively motivated behaviour, such as anticipation and the consumption of palatable food. The role of central AT1receptors in regulating cardiovascular activation elicited by other types of appetitive stimuli remains to be determined.

4. Emerging evidence also indicates that brain AT1receptors play a limited role in the regulation of cardiovascular responses to non‐emotional natural daily activities, sleep and exercise.

5. Collectively, these findings suggest that, with respect to cardiovascular arousal, central AT1receptors may be involved primarily in the regulation of the defence response. Therefore, these receptors could be a potential therapeutic target for selective attenuation of BP hyperreactivity to aversive stressors, without altering physiologically important cardiovascular adjustments to normal daily activities, sleep and exercise.
Retinoid X receptor γ up‐regulation is correlated with dedifferentiation of tumor cells and lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zhiyan , Zhou Gengyin , Nakamura Misa , Bai Yanhua , Li Yaqiong , Ozaki Takashi , Mori Ichiro , Miyauchi Akira , Kakudo Kennichi
Published: December 2010

The expression of retinoid X receptor γ (RXRγ) and the clinicopathological parameters of total 69 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) larger than 1 cm were examined. The PTCs were classified into two groups according to the presence of loss of cellular polarity/cohesiveness (LOP/C). The expression of RXRγ mRNA was examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and quantitative real‐time PCR. The RXRγ mRNA up‐regulation was found to be positively correlated with extrathyroid invasion (r = 0.293, P = 0.019), advanced tumor stage (r = 0.318, P = 0.016) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) (r = 0.338, P = 0.005), as well as LOP/C (r = 0.345, P = 0.004), which was proposed as a histological characteristic of poor cellular differentiation. The RXRγ mRNA expression, as well as extrathyroid invasion, LOP/C and advanced tumor stage, was further confirmed to be one of the independent predictive factors (Odds ratio: 6.545; 95% confidence interval: 1.575–27.208) of LNM using multivariate analysis. These results suggest that RXRγ may play a role in the dedifferentiation and metastasis of PTC.
Borderline femur fracture patients: early total care or damage control orthopaedics?
Authors: Nicholas Ben , Toth Laszlo , van Wessem Karlijn , Evans Julie , Enninghorst Natalie , Balogh Zsolt J.
Published: December 2010

Background:  A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) favours damage control orthopaedics (DCO) over early total care (ETC) in the management of high‐energy femoral shaft fracture (FSF) patients with borderline physiology. The purpose of this study was to compare the borderline physiology FSF demographics, management and outcomes of a Level‐1 trauma centre, John Hunter Hospital (JHH) with those of the RCT.

Methods:  A 41‐month study of the prospective FSF database was performed. FSF patients were categorized according to the Pape system. Stable (JHH‐S) and borderline (JHH‐BL) patients' demographics, injury severity, methods of treatment and outcomes were compared with the corresponding groups of the RCT (RCT‐S and RCT‐BL).

Results:  Sixty‐six patients met the inclusion criteria of which 45 (68%) were in JHH‐S and 21 (32%) were in JHH‐BL group. In comparison, there were 121 (73%) RCT‐S and 44 (28%) RCT‐BL patients in the RCT study population. The demographics and injury severity were similar in the borderline groups, while JHH‐S patients were less severely injured. DCO was utilized more frequently in the RCT in both the stable group (JHH‐S: 2% versus RCT‐S: 41%), and the borderline group (JHH‐BL: 14% versus RCT‐BL: 48%). The outcomes between the JHH‐S and RCT‐S groups were comparable, except for intensive care unit (ICU) hours (JHH‐S: 20 ± 64 versus RCT‐S: 165 ± 187, P < 0.0001) and ventilator hours (JHH‐S: 13 ± 46 versus RCT‐S: 98 ± 120, P < 0.0001). Among borderline patients, JHH‐BL had a tendency to show a lower incidence of both acute respiratory distress syndrome (0% versus 14%) and multiple organ failure (4.8% versus 19.6%). JHH‐BL patients had sepsis less frequently (4.8% versus 24.5%, P < 0.05), fewer ICU hours (98 ± 129 versus 436 ± 347, P < 0.0001) and fewer ventilator hours (82 ± 119 versus 337 ± 305, P= 0.0005) compared with the RCT‐BL.

Conclusions:  The incidence of S and BL patients, demographics and injury severity (among BL patients) is comparable with the RCT. Our current practice of employing predominantly ETC among S (98%) and BL (86%) patients results in shorter ICU and ventilator days, fewer septic complications and a potentially lower incidence of organ failure than in the RCT which had 57% overall utilization of ETC.
Restoration of Native Warm Season Grassland Species in a Tall Fescue Pasture Using Prescribed Fire and Herbicides
Authors: Hall Sarah L. , McCulley Rebecca L. , Barney Robert J.
Published: December 2010

Pastures dominated by tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub) cover much of the eastern United States, and there are increasing efforts to restore native grassland plant species to some of these areas. Prescribed fire and herbicide are frequently used to limit the growth of tall fescue and other non‐natives, while encouraging native grasses and forbs. A fungal endophyte, commonly present in tall fescue, can confer competitive advantages to the host plant, and may play a role in determining the ability of tall fescue plants to persist in pastures following restoration practices. We compared vegetation composition among four actively restored subunits of a tall fescue pasture (each receiving different combinations of prescribed fire and/or herbicide) and a control. We also measured the rate of endophyte infection in tall fescue present within each restoration treatment and control to determine if restoration resulted in lower tall fescue cover but higher endophyte infection rates (i.e. selected for endophyte‐infected individuals). Tall fescue cover was low in all restoration treatments and the control (1.1–17.9%). The control (unmanaged) had higher species richness than restoration treatments and plant community composition was indicative of succession to forest. Restoration practices resulted in higher cover of native warm season grasses, but in some cases also promoted a different undesirable species. We found no evidence of higher fungal endophyte presence in tall fescue following restoration, as all subunits had low endophyte infection rates (2.2–9.3%). Restoration of tall fescue systems using prescribed fire and herbicide may be used to promote native grassland species.
Comparison of Reclamation Techniques to Re‐establish Western White Pine on Smelter‐impacted Hillsides in Idaho
Authors: Walsh James R. , Redente Edward F.
Published: December 2010

In the spring of 1991, a study was initiated to identify techniques that could be used to reclaim steep hillsides at the Bunker Hill Superfund site with low pH soils and elevated concentrations of heavy metals near an old smelter site. Treatments included fertilizer to alleviate nutrient deficiencies, lime to raise soil pH, wood chips to increase organic matter content, and mulching to improve plant establishment and reduce erosion. Plots were planted toPinus monticola(western white pine) seedlings alone and in combination with four species of shrubs. A mixture of eight grasses was also seeded on some plots planted to trees and shrubs to provide ground cover for erosion control. Overall, white pine survival averaged 60–80% in the best treatments after five growing seasons. The height of white pine transplants ranged between 37.1 and 69.5 cm after five years of growth across all treatments and sites which are comparable to growth rates reported elsewhere for this species. White pine survival and growth was greatest on the control, phosphorus, and lime treatments and lowest on treatments that received organic matter as an amendment primarily due to the competitive influence of herbaceous plants as opposed to any particular soil amendment. Treatments that supported high amounts of grass cover had poor white pine survival and growth, while treatments with low amounts of grass cover had high white pine survival. A combination of lime and N, P, and K fertilizer is recommended as the appropriate treatment to restore white pine in this type of environment.
The Relationship Between Incidence of Fractures and Anemia in Older Multiethnic Women
Authors: Chen Zhao , Thomson Cynthia A. , Aickin Mikel , Nicholas J. Skye , Van Wyck David , Lewis Cora E. , Cauley Jane A. , Bassford Tamsen ,   Short list of Women's Health Initiative Investigators
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively examine the relationship between anemia and incident fractures of the hip, spine, and all skeletal sites in women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Observational Study and Clinical Trials.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Forty WHI clinical centers across the United States.

PARTICIPANTS: Postmenopausal women (n=160,080), mean age 63.2 ± 7.2, were recruited and followed for an average of 7.8 years.

MEASUREMENTS: Anemia was defined as hemoglobin levels at baseline less than 12 g/dL. All fractures were self‐reported. Trained physicians further confirmed hip fractures using medical records.

RESULTS: Eight thousand seven hundred thirty‐nine of the participants (5.5%) were anemic. The age‐adjusted incidence rate of hip fractures per 10,000 person‐years was 21.4 in women with anemia and 15.0 in women without anemia; higher incidence rates for spine and all fractures were also observed in anemic women. After multiple covariates were included in the Cox proportional hazards models, significantly greater fracture risk associated with anemia still existed, as demonstrated by hazard ratios of fractures associated with anemia of 1.38 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.13–1.68) for hip, 1.30 (95% CI=1.09–1.55) for spine, and 1.07 (95% CI=1.01–1.14) for all types. No significant racial or ethnic difference was found in these relationships.

CONCLUSION: A significantly greater fracture risk was observed in multiethnic postmenopausal women with anemia. Given the high prevalence of anemia in the elderly population, it is important to better understand the relationship and mechanisms linking anemia to fracture risk.
The Vulnerability of Middle‐Aged and Older Adults in a Multiethnic, Low‐Income Area: Contributions of Age, Ethnicity, and Health Insurance
Authors: Walker Kara Odom , Steers Neil , Liang Li‐Jung , Morales Leo S. , Forge Nell , Jones Loretta , Brown Arleen F.
Published: December 2010

This community‐partnered study was developed and fielded in partnership with key community stakeholders and describes age‐ and race‐related variation in delays in care and preventive service utilization between middle‐aged and older adults living in South Los Angeles. The survey sample included adults aged 50 and older who self‐identified as African American or Latino and lived in ZIP codes of South Los Angeles (N=708). Dependent variables were self‐reported delays in care and use of preventive services. Insured participants aged 50 to 64 were more likely to report any delay in care (adjusted predicted percentage (APP)=18%, 95% confidence interval (CI)=14–23) and problems obtaining needed medical care (APP=15%, 95% CI=12–20) than those aged 65 and older. Uninsured participants aged 50 to 64 reported even greater delays in care (APP=45%, 95% CI=33–56) and problems obtaining needed medical (APP=33%, 95% CI=22–45) and specialty care (APP=26%, 95% CI=16–39) than those aged 65 and older. Participants aged 50 to 64 were generally less likely to receive preventive services, including influenza and pneumococcal vaccines and colonoscopy than older participants, but women were more likely to receive mammograms. Participants aged 50 to 64 had more problems obtaining recommended preventive care and faced more delays in care than those aged 65 and older, particularly if they were uninsured. Providing insurance coverage for this group may improve access to preventive care and promote wellness.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multifactorial Falls Prevention Intervention for Older Fallers Presenting to Emergency Departments
Authors: Russell Melissa A. , Hill Keith D. , Day Lesley M. , Blackberry Irene , Schwartz Jenny , Giummarra Melita J. , Dorevitch Michael , Ibrahim Joseph E. , Dalton Andrew C. , Dharmage Shyamali C.
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of a referral‐based targeted multifactorial falls prevention intervention on the occurrence of recurrent falls and injuries in older people presenting to an emergency department (ED) after a fall and discharged directly home from the ED.

DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. Assessors of outcomes were unaware of group allocation.

SETTING: Seven EDs in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS: Inclusion criteria were community dwelling, aged 60 and older, presenting to an ED after a fall, and discharged directly home. Exclusion criteria were unable to follow simple instructions or walk independently.

INTERVENTION: Targeted referrals to existing community services and health promotion recommendations, based on the falls risk factors found in a baseline assessment.

MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome measures were falls and resultant injuries occurring over the 12‐month follow‐up period. Falls and injury data were collected using falls calendars supported by medical record reviews.

RESULTS: Three hundred sixty‐one participants were randomized to the standard care group and 351 to the intervention group. No significant difference was found between the two groups over the 12‐month follow‐up period in number of fallers (relative risk (RR)=1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.95–1.31] or number of participants sustaining an injury from a fall (RR=1.06, 95% CI=0.86–1.29).

CONCLUSION: This study does not support the use of a referral‐based targeted multifactorial intervention program to reduce subsequent falls or fall injuries in older people who present to an ED after a fall.
Cross‐Situational Learning: An Experimental Study of Word‐Learning Mechanisms
Authors: Smith Kenny , Smith Andrew D. M. , Blythe Richard A.
Published: December 2010

Cross‐situational learning is a mechanism for learning the meaning of words across multiple exposures, despite exposure‐by‐exposure uncertainty as to the word's true meaning. We present experimental evidence showing that humans learn words effectively using cross‐situational learning, even at high levels of referential uncertainty. Both overall success rates and the time taken to learn words are affected by the degree of referential uncertainty, with greater referential uncertainty leading to less reliable, slower learning. Words are also learned less successfully and more slowly if they are presented interleaved with occurrences of other words, although this effect is relatively weak. We present additional analyses of participants’ trial‐by‐trial behavior showing that participants make use of various cross‐situational learning strategies, depending on the difficulty of the word‐learning task. When referential uncertainty is low, participants generally apply a rigorous eliminative approach to cross‐situational learning. When referential uncertainty is high, or exposures to different words are interleaved, participants apply a frequentist approximation to this eliminative approach. We further suggest that these two ways of exploiting cross‐situational information reside on a continuum of learning strategies, underpinned by a single simple associative learning mechanism.
Right‐to‐Left‐Shunt Detected by c‐TCD Using the Orbital Window in Comparison with Temporal Bone Windows
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuto , Kimura Kazumi , Iguchi Yasuyuki , Sakai Kenichirou , Aoki Junya , Iwanaga Takeshi , Shibazaki Kensaku
Published: December 2010

PURPOSE

There have been some reports on right‐to‐left shunt as a cause of cryptogenic stroke. Although contrast transcranial Doppler (c‐TCD) can detect RLS, an insufficient temporal window has occasionally restricted its applicability. Thus, we compared the rates of detecting RLS among temporal windows for the middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) and the orbital window for the internal carotid artery (ICA) on c‐TCD.

METHODS

We used c‐TCD to detect RLS in patients with suspected ischemic stroke. We enrolled patients who had both sufficient bilateral temporal windows for MCAs and a right orbital window for ICA and performed c‐TCD using all three windows simultaneously.

RESULTS

We enrolled 106 consecutive patients and identified microembolic signals (MES) in 30 (28%) of them. Among these 30 patients, 15 had MES from all 3 windows. When these 30 patients were defined as being positive for RLS, the rates of detection were 67%, 73%, and 80% from the right temporal, left temporal, and right orbital windows, respectively (P= .795).

CONCLUSION

The right orbital window as well as the temporal window for c‐TCD could detect RLS. Insonation from the orbital window should be useful for patients who lack temporal windows.
Defective CXCR4 expression in aged bone marrow cells impairs vascular regeneration
Authors: Shao Hongwei , Xu Qiyuan , Wu Qiuling , Ma Qi , Salgueiro Luis , Wang Jian’An , Eton Darwin , Webster Keith A. , Yu Hong
Published: December 2010

The chemokine stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) plays a critical role in mobilizing precursor cells in the bone marrow and is essential for efficient vascular regeneration and repair. We recently reported that calcium augments the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR4 and enhances the angiogenic potential of bone marrow derived cells (BMCs). Neovascularization is impaired by aging therefore we suggested that aging may cause defects of CXCR4 expression and cellular responses to calcium. Indeed we found that both the basal and calcium‐induced surface expression of CXCR4 on BMCs was significantly reduced in 25‐month‐old mice compared with 2‐month‐old mice. Reduced Ca‐induced CXCR4 expression in BMC from aged mice was associated with defective calcium influx. Diminished CXCR4 surface expression in BMC from aged mice correlated with diminished neovascularization in an ischemic hindlimb model with less accumulation of CD34+ progenitor cells in the ischemic muscle with or without local overexpression of SDF‐1. Intravenous injection of BMCs from old mice homed less efficiently to ischemic muscle and stimulated significantly less neovascularization compared with the BMCs from young mice. Transplantation of old BMCs into young mice did not reconstitute CXCR4 functions suggesting that the defects were not reversible by changing the environment. We conclude that defects of basal and calcium‐regulated functions of the CXCR4/SDF‐1 axis in BMCs contribute significantly to the age‐related loss of vasculogenic responses.