bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking killer whale survival and prey abundance: food limitation in the oceans' apex predator?
Authors: Ford John K. B. , Ellis Graeme M. , Olesiuk Peter F. , Balcomb Kenneth C.
Published: September 2009

Killer whales (
Orcinus orca
) are large predators that occupy the top trophic position in the world's oceans and as such may have important roles in marine ecosystem dynamics. Although the possible top-down effects of killer whale predation on populations of their prey have received much recent attention, little is known of how the abundance of these predators may be limited by bottom-up processes. Here we show, using 25 years of demographic data from two populations of fish-eating killer whales in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, that population trends are driven largely by changes in survival, and that survival rates are strongly correlated with the availability of their principal prey species, Chinook salmon (
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
). Our results suggest that, although these killer whales may consume a variety of fish species, they are highly specialized and dependent on this single salmonid species to an extent that it is a limiting factor in their population dynamics. Other ecologically specialized killer whale populations may be similarly constrained to a narrow range of prey species by culturally inherited foraging strategies, and thus are limited in their ability to adapt rapidly to changing prey availability.
Structural equation modelling reveals plant-community drivers of carbon storage in boreal forest ecosystems
Authors: Jonsson Micael , Wardle David A.
Published: September 2009

Boreal forest ecosystems are important drivers of the global carbon (C) cycle by acting as both sinks and sources of atmospheric CO
2
. While several factors have been proposed as determining the ability of boreal forest to function as C sinks, little is known about their relative importance. In this study, we applied structural equation modelling to a previously published dataset involving 30 boreal-forested islands that vary greatly in their historic fire regime, in order to explore the simultaneous influence of several factors believed to be important in influencing above-ground, below-ground and total ecosystem C accumulation. We found that wildfire was a major driver of ecosystem C sequestration, and exerted direct effects on below-ground C storage (presumably through humus combustion) and indirect effects on both above-ground and below-ground C storage through altering plant-community composition. By contrast, plant diversity influenced only below-ground C storage (and even then only weakly), while net primary productivity and decomposition had no detectable effect. Our results suggest that while boreal forests have great potential for storing significant amounts of C, traits of dominant plant species that promote below-ground C accumulation and the absence of wildfire are the most important drivers of C sequestration in these ecosystems.
Repertoire and evolution of miRNA genes in four divergent nematode species
Authors: de Wit Elzo , Linsen Sam E.V. , Cuppen Edwin , Berezikov Eugene
Published: September 2009

miRNAs are ∼22-nt RNA molecules that play important roles in post-transcriptional regulation. We have performed small RNA sequencing in the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans, C. briggsae, C. remanei, and Pristionchus pacificus, which have diverged up to 400 million years ago, to establish the repertoire and evolutionary dynamics of miRNAs in these species. In addition to previously known miRNA genes from C. elegans and C. briggsae we demonstrate expression of many of their homologs in C. remanei and P. pacificus, and identified in total more than 100 novel expressed miRNA genes, the majority of which belong to P. pacificus. Interestingly, more than half of all identified miRNA genes are conserved at the seed level in all four nematode species, whereas only a few miRNAs appear to be species specific. In our compendium of miRNAs we observed evidence for known mechanisms of miRNA evolution including antisense transcription and arm switching, as well as miRNA family expansion through gene duplication. In addition, we identified a novel mode of miRNA evolution, termed “hairpin shifting,” in which an alternative hairpin is formed with up- or downstream sequences, leading to shifting of the hairpin and creation of novel miRNA* species. Finally, we identified 21U-RNAs in all four nematodes, including P. pacificus, where the upstream 21U-RNA motif is more diverged. The identification and systematic analysis of small RNA repertoire in four nematode species described here provides a valuable resource for understanding the evolutionary dynamics of miRNA-mediated gene regulation.
A Genome-Scale Metabolic Model of Arabidopsis and Some of Its Properties
Authors: Poolman Mark G. , Miguet Laurent , Sweetlove Lee J. , Fell David A.
Published: September 2009

We describe the construction and analysis of a genome-scale metabolic model of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) primarily derived from the annotations in the Aracyc database. We used techniques based on linear programming to demonstrate the following: (1) that the model is capable of producing biomass components (amino acids, nucleotides, lipid, starch, and cellulose) in the proportions observed experimentally in a heterotrophic suspension culture; (2) that approximately only 15% of the available reactions are needed for this purpose and that the size of this network is comparable to estimates of minimal network size for other organisms; (3) that reactions may be grouped according to the changes in flux resulting from a hypothetical stimulus (in this case demand for ATP) and that this allows the identification of potential metabolic modules; and (4) that total ATP demand for growth and maintenance can be inferred and that this is consistent with previous estimates in prokaryotes and yeast.
Analysis of Metabolic Flux Phenotypes for Two Arabidopsis Mutants with Severe Impairment in Seed Storage Lipid Synthesis
Authors: Lonien Joachim , Schwender Jörg
Published: September 2009

Major storage reserves of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seeds are triacylglycerols (seed oils) and proteins. Seed oil content is severely reduced for the regulatory mutant wrinkled1 (wri1-1; At3g54320) and for a double mutant in two isoforms of plastidic pyruvate kinase (pkpβ1pkpα; At5g52920 and At3g22960). Both already biochemically well-characterized mutants were now studied by 13C metabolic flux analysis of cultured developing embryos based on comparison with their respective genetic wild-type backgrounds. For both mutations, in seeds as well as in cultured embryos, the oil fraction was strongly reduced while the fractions of proteins and free metabolites increased. Flux analysis in cultured embryos revealed changes in nutrient uptakes and fluxes into biomass as well as an increase in tricarboxylic acid cycle activity for both mutations. While in both wild types plastidic pyruvate kinase (PKp) provides most of the pyruvate for plastidic fatty acid synthesis, the flux through PKp is reduced in pkpβ1pkpα by 43% of the wild-type value. In wri1-1, PKp flux is even more reduced (by 82%), although the genes PKpβ1 and PKpα are still expressed. Along a common paradigm of metabolic control theory, it is hypothesized that a large reduction in PKp enzyme activity in pkpβ1pkpα has less effect on PKp flux than multiple smaller reductions in glycolytic enzymes in wri1-1. In addition, only in the wri1-1 mutant is the large reduction in PKp flux compensated in part by an increased import of cytosolic pyruvate and by plastidic malic enzyme. No such limited compensatory bypass could be observed in pkpβ1pkpα.
Environmental Aid: Driven by Recipient Need or Donor Interests?*
Authors: Lewis Tammy L.
Published: September 2009

Objective This study investigates the trends in the distribution of environmental aid from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. foundations, and a multilateral donor, the Global Environmental Fund (GEF), to determine whether aid is driven by donor interests or recipient need.

Methods Data from USAID, the Foundation Center, GEF, and other secondary sources are analyzed using logistic and OLS regressions.

Results Traditional donor interests (politics, economics, and security) and donors' environmental interests (those favoring “global” environmental concerns over local ones) explain which nations receive environmental aid and which do not and how much nations receive. In general, the allocation of environmental aid differs from that of official development assistance. The United States does not demonstrate a middle‐income bias; multilateral aid is not more “humanitarian” than bilateral aid. Foundations' allocation patterns favor traditional donors interests.

Conclusions Environmental aid does not target the nations that are most in need of abating local pollution. Instead, environmental aid donors favor nations with whom they have had prior relations (economic and security), nations that are democratic, and nations with unexploited natural resources. In short, donor interests outweigh recipient need.
Post‐settlement migratory behaviour and growth‐related costs in two diadromous fish species, Galaxias maculatus and Galaxias brevipinnis
Authors: Jung C.A. , Barbee N.C. , Swearer S.E.
Published: September 2009

The physiological challenges incurred during the transition from sea to fresh water and the constraints they place on the rate at which the common galaxiid Galaxias maculatus and the climbing galaxiid Galaxias brevipinnis can migrate from marine to freshwater habitats were examined. The duration of the marine to freshwater transition, the relationship between post‐settlement age (PSA) and standard length (LS) as a proxy for energetic costs incurred during settlement and the potential effects of estuary geomorphology on migratory behaviour was investigated. Rate of upstream migration after settlement was not uniform. Upstream migration rate was slowest directly after settlement and increased with increasing PSA and distance from the river mouth, indicating a delay in upstream migration by newly recruited galaxiids. Ls did not increase with age, at least within the first 21 days post settlement. These patterns were consistent for both species, in spite of differences in their life histories, across the recruitment season, despite seasonal variation in recruit size, and among estuaries with different properties. The results suggest that the timing and speed of migratory behaviour primarily reflect physiological constraints. Given the duration of residency of these species in estuaries, this study indicates that estuaries are critical transitional habitats for diadromous fishes during their migration from marine to freshwater habitats.
Flexibility of reproductive tactics and their consequences in the brood parasitic fish Pungtungia herzi (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Authors: Yamane H. , Watanabe K. , Nagata Y.
Published: September 2009

Although previous studies have claimed that Pungtungia herzi (Cyprinidae) is an obligate brood parasite, in this study a significant proportion of P. herzi egg masses was found in crevices formed by stones and rocks, which was not guarded by hosts. Egg masses were also found in almost all nests of a goby Odontobutis obscura, suggesting that P. herzi has two alternative reproductive tactics: brood parasitic spawning and non‐parasitic crevice spawning, the latter of which may occur when a shortage of reproductive resources (i.e. host nests) exists. The hatching rates of parasitic egg masses were significantly higher than those of non‐parasitic egg masses, and the hatching rate of P. herzi eggs exhibited a strong positive correlation with continuous egg guarding by a reproductive O. obscura male. These results indicate that brood parasitism effectively improves reproductive success in P. herzi. The alternative reproductive tactic of this species suggests that brood parasitism has evolved directly from crevice spawning via the sharing of spawning habitat with host species.
Effect of biological fouling on passive collectors used to estimate fish recruitment
Authors: Tavernetti R. , Morgan S. , Yu Q.
Published: September 2009

Evidence is provided that biofouling of artificial substrata for estimating recruitment of nearshore reef fishes influences recruitment, and it is recommended that investigators consider the effects of fouling when estimating recruitment over space and time.
Prey selection and functional morphology through ontogeny of Amphiprion clarkii with a congeneric comparison
Authors: Anto J. , Majoris J. , Turingan R.G.
Published: September 2009

The relationship between the complexity of the feeding apparatus and prey selection through ontogeny was examined in Amphiprion clarkii larvae. Larvae were reared from 1 to 10 days post‐hatch (dph) on a diet of rotifers, wild‐caught plankton and newly hatched Artemia sp. nauplii. Results were compared with available data on the relationship between functional morphology and prey selection of Amphiprion frenatus to establish patterns of functional morphology and prey selection between the larvae of two species of coral‐reef fishes. Larvae of both species exhibited an increase in selection of larger prey through ontogeny coincident with an increase in the complexity of the feeding apparatus. The first elements to ossify in larvae of both species were the pharyngeal teeth (A. clarkii: 5 dph, near ±s.d. Standard length, LS,4· 3 ± 0· 2 mm; A. frenatus: 5 dph, LS5· 0 ± 0· 4 mm) which, in combination with the development of a more functional feeding apparatus, may have permitted larvae to better process new types and sizes of prey. Prey items, however, were selected differentially between the two fish species, which could not be fully explained by the functional state of the feeding apparatus. While prey selection is influenced by the functional state of the feeding apparatus, all aspects of larval fish biology (morphology, behaviour and physiology) should be considered.
Diet of pre‐settlement larvae of coral‐reef fishes: selection of prey types and sizes
Authors: Carassou L. , Le borgne R. , Ponton D.
Published: September 2009

This study examines the diet of nine taxa from seven families of pre‐settlement coral‐reef fish larvae collected in the lagoon of New Caledonia, south‐west Pacific. Chesson's index of electivity indicated that the major prey groups in the diets, i.e. small copepods, small unidentified crustaceans and eggs, were positively selected by all larvae, provided they were at least 150 μm wide. This result emphasizes the role of larvae's behaviour on their feeding.
Twenty‐four hours in the life of Zingel asper
Authors: Cavalli L. , Knight C.M. , Durbec M. , Chappaz R. , Gozlan R.E.
Published: September 2009

For the first time, radio‐tracking observations were made over 24 h cycles during the growing season to quantify the habitat use and home range of Zingel asper, a critically endangered fish species, endemic to the Rhône River with a high risk of extinction (IUCN). New advances in radio telemetry with regard to the size of tags provided an opportunity to collect behavioural and habitat use information while remaining non‐lethal. Zingel asper was characterized by small ranges of habitat use and, contrary to previous assumptions, the species was diurnal as illustrated by a smaller home range during the night than during daytime.
The effects of anthropogenic sources of sound on fishes
Authors: Popper A.N. , Hastings M.C.
Published: September 2009

There is increasing concern about the effects of pile driving and other anthropogenic (human‐generated) sound on fishes. Although there is a growing body of reports examining this issue, little of the work is found in the peer‐reviewed literature. This review critically examines both the peer‐reviewed and ‘grey’ literature, with the goal of determining what is known and not known about effects on fish. A companion piece provides an analysis of the available data and applies it to estimate noise exposure criteria for pile driving and other impulsive sounds. The critical literature review concludes that very little is known about effects of pile driving and other anthropogenic sounds on fishes, and that it is not yet possible to extrapolate from one experiment to other signal parameters of the same sound, to other types of sounds, to other effects, or to other species.
Development, implementation and evaluation of a new self‐help programme for mothers of haemophilic children in Korea: a pilot study
Authors: KANG H. S. , KIM W. O. , CHO K. J. , JEONG Y.
Published: September 2009

Summary.  Developing an effective support group programme is necessary to help the mothers of haemophilic children to encourage their children to live healthily and independently through early management, as well as to reduce the mothers’ depression and stress. Although the need is high, there is no self‐help group programme for mothers in Korea yet.The purpose of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate a new self‐help group programme for mothers of children with haemophilia.Pre‐experimental design was used to evaluate the effect of a pilot group. Participants were 12 mothers of haemophilic children below 15 years old. Knowledge on haemophilia, self‐efficacy, depression, rearing stress and quality of life were evaluated using questionnaires. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare pre‐ and post‐test.Knowledge, self‐efficacy and quality of life were significantly increased, while depression was statistically reduced after the programme. The rearing stress was also reduced, but the result was not statistically significant.The self‐help programme for mothers of haemophilic children increased the mothers’ knowledge of haemophilia, self‐efficacy and quality of life, while decreasing their depression symptoms. It seems that the programme was effective, but additional experimental study is necessary to verify the effects of the programme.
Determinants of factor VIII plasma levels in carriers of haemophilia A and in control women
Authors: AY C. , THOM K. , ABU‐HAMDEH F. , HORVATH B. , QUEHENBERGER P. , MALE C. , MANNHALTER C. , PABINGER I.
Published: September 2009

Summary.  Factor VIII (FVIII) levels show a considerable variability in female carriers of haemophilia A. Presently, the reasons for this are poorly understood. The aim of the study was to elucidate the influence of genetic and non‐genetic parameters on FVIII plasma levels in carriers (n = 42). Results were compared with age‐matched healthy women without carriership of haemophilia A (n = 42). Each carrier was tested for the family‐specific mutation, ABO blood group, FVIII level, von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen and activity and C‐reactive protein (CRP). FVIII levels were lower in carriers compared to non‐carriers [74% (51–103) vs. 142% (109–169), P < 0.001]. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to VWF activity, prothrombin–time, hs‐CRP, fibrinogen, body mass index (BMI), age and smoking status as well as the distribution of ABO blood groups. In non‐carriers, FVIII was statistically significantly correlated with BMI, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), VWF antigen, hs‐CRP and fibrinogen. In carriers, significant correlations between FVIII and APTT, VWF antigen and activity were found, whereas BMI, hs‐CRP or fibrinogen did not correlate with FVIII. In non‐carriers, the association of FVIII with ABO blood groups was statistically significant (P = 0.006), but not in carriers of haemophilia A (P = 0.234). The type of FVIII gene mutation did not influence FVIII levels. Carrier status is the major determinant of a carrier`s FVIII plasma level. Factors known to influence FVIII levels in the general population do not significantly affect FVIII activity in carriers, neither does the type of mutation influence FVIII levels.
Empowering surgical nurses improves compliance rates for antibiotic prophylaxis after caesarean birth
Authors: Shimoni Zvi , Kama Naama , Mamet Yaakov , Glick Joseph , Dusseldorp Natan , Froom Paul
Published: September 2009

Title.  Empowering surgical nurses improves compliance rates for antibiotic prophylaxis after caesarean birth.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the effect of empowering surgical nurses to ensure that patients receive antibiotic prophylaxis after caesarean birth.

Background.  Despite the consensus that single dose antibiotic prophylaxis is beneficial for women have either elective or non‐elective caesarean delivery, hospitals need methods to increase compliance rates.

Method.  In a study in Israel in 2007 surgical nurses were empowered to ensure that a single dose of cefazolin was given to the mother after cord clamping. A computerized system was used to identify women having caesarean births, cultures sent and culture results. Compliance was determined by chart review. Rates of compliance, suspected wound infections, and confirmed wound infections in 2007 were compared to rates in 2006 before the policy change. Relative risks were calculated dividing 2007 rates by those in 2006, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Taylor’s series that does not assume a normal distribution. Statistical significance was assessed using the chi‐square test.

Findings.  The compliance rate was increased from 25% in 2006 to 100% in 2007 (chi‐square test, P < 0·001). Suspected wound infection rates decreased from 16·8% (186/1104) to 12·6% (137/1089) after the intervention (relative risk 0·75, 95% confidence interval, 0·61–0·92).

Conclusion.  Surgical nurses can ensure universal compliance for antibiotic prophylaxis in women after caesarean birth, leading to a reduction in wound infections.
Practical guidelines for applying statistical process control to blood component production
Authors: Beckman N. , Nightingale M. J. , Pamphilon D.
Published: September 2009

summary.

Legislation, guidelines and recommendations for blood components related to statistical process control (SPC) and the selection of a quality monitoring (QM) sampling regimen are subject to misinterpretation and lack practical guidance on implementation. The aim of this article is: to review and interpret applicable European legislation and guidelines and to develop an SPC strategy that meets these requirements; and to provide practical guidance on the selection and application of appropriate techniques and the interpretation of resultant blood component QM data. A methodology is presented which utilizes: an algorithm to select an appropriate quality‐monitoring strategy for the blood component parameter under consideration; a range of straightforward, validated SPC techniques for variable data and an assessment of process capability (Cpk) and blood component parameter ‘criticality’ to determine the sampling regimen. The methodology was applied to routine National Health Service Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) blood component data for 2005–2006. Cpk values ranged from 0.22 to >3 and their predicted non‐conformance rates were close to those observed (23 to <0.001%). Required sample size ranged from 0.01 to 10%. Chosen techniques identified significant deviation from ‘as validated’ performance within an appropriate time‐scale. Thus the methodology was straightforward to apply and prompted the choice of a clinically and operationally appropriate sampling regimen and analysis for each blood component parameter. This evidence‐based, targeted use of SPC for blood component monitoring provides an essential focus on processes with a low capability in achieving their specifications.
Plasma levels of retinoids, carotenoids and tocopherols in patients with mild obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: DAY Regina M. , MATUS Ismael A. , SUZUKI Yuichiro J. , YEUM Kyung‐Jin , QIN Jian , PARK Ah‐Mee , JAIN Vivek , KURU Tunay , TANG Guangwen
Published: September 2009

Background and objective:  OSA is associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Pathogenic mechanisms of vascular diseases include thickened vascular walls due to the increased number of smooth muscle cells (SMC). Retinoic acid (RA) suppresses the growth of SMC, and reduced retinoid levels are associated with vascular diseases. Oxidant signalling promotes SMC growth, thus antioxidant levels may also influence the development of cardiovascular diseases. The present study tested the hypothesis that plasmas from OSA patients contain altered levels of retinoids, carotenoids and tocopherols.

Methods:  Plasma samples were taken before and after sleep from patients with OSA (mostly mild) without known cardiovascular diseases and from control subjects. Levels of retinoids, carotenoids and tocopherols were measured using sensitive gas chromatograph‐mass spectrometry and high pressure liquid chromatography methods and total antioxidant capacity was assessed fluorometrically.

Results:  Results showed that plasmas from patients with OSA had significantly lower retinyl palmitate and 9‐cis RA compared with control subjects, while levels of retinol, all‐trans RA and 13‐cis RA were indifferent. All‐transβ‐carotene and 9‐cisβ‐carotene were also lower in OSA patients. Levels of all‐trans RA and 13‐cis RA in OSA patients were reduced after sleep compared with before sleep. OSA patients showed significantly higher δ‐tocopherol compared with controls. Treatment of cultured human vascular SMC with post‐sleep OSA patient plasmas promoted cell growth, but not in controls.

Conclusions:  Mild OSA exhibits altered levels of specific retinoids, carotenoids and tocopherols, which may be markers and/or mediators for the increased susceptibility of patients to vascular diseases.
Serum indoxyl sulfate as an early marker for detecting chronic cyclosporine nephrotoxicity
Authors: Umino Daisuke , Ohtomo Yoshiyuki , Hara Satoshi , Someya Tomonosuke , Fujinaga Shuichiro , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: September 2009

Background: Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an effective agent for frequently relapsing steroid‐dependent nephrotic syndrome (FR‐SDNS), but its use can also be complicated by renal toxicity. Because no biochemical markers from urine or blood samples have yet been established for detecting CsA‐induced renal injury to date, repeated renal biopsies are therefore required for all patients with long‐term CsA treatment. The purpose of the present study was therefore to detect early change of CsA nephropathy (CsAN) using blood samples.

Methods: Several biochemical markers were analyzed in an attempt to examine the renal function in 24 patients with FR‐SDNS who had been treated with CsA. Those included serum cystatin C and indoxyl sulfate, as well as creatinine and β2‐microglobulin.

Results: Renal biopsy findings indicated chronic CsAN in 13 of the 24 patients. Among those markers, only serum indoxyl sulfate was significantly elevated in patients with CsAN.

Conclusions: It may be possible for measurement of serum indoxyl sulfate level to replace repeated renal biopsies in evaluation of chronic CsAN in pediatric patients with FR‐SDNS.
Early use of probiotics is important therapy in infants with severe congenital anomaly
Authors: Kanamori Yutaka , Iwanaka Tadashi , Sugiyama Masahiko , Komura Makoto , Takahashi Takuya , Yuki Norikatsu , Morotomi Masami , Tanaka Ryuichiro
Published: September 2009

Background:  Infants with severe congenital anomaly often need to undergo operation followed by antibiotic therapy. As a result they inevitably acquire abnormal intestinal microbiota, which cause severe infections such as necrotizing enterocolitis. Also, intestinal function deteriorates and their nutritional state is very poor. In order to prevent these situations probiotic therapy is proposed as an effective supporting treatment. Probiotic therapy were therefore applied to infants with severe congenital anomaly as early as possible to ascertain its efficacy.

Methods:  As probiotics, two bacteria were used: Bifidobacterium breve Yakult and Lactobacillus casei Shirota. Probiotic therapy was used in four infants with severe congenital anomaly as early as possible after surgery. Their intestinal microbiota and physical growth were followed through the treatment course.

Results:  Two patients suffered from meconium peritonitis with ileal atresia. One patient was born with complex anomalies (omphalocele, bladder exstrophy, myelomeningocele). The fourth patient suffered from complete urorectal septum malformation. The intestinal microbiota of these four patients was first induced to be probiotic dominant and finally changed to commensal anaerobe dominant that was similar to normal intestinal microbiota. Pathogenic bacteria were seldom detected. The patients' physical growth was excellent despite short bowel and pulmonary hypoplasia.

Conclusion:  Probiotic therapy was effective in inducing probiotic dominant intestinal microbiota and normal intestinal microbiota in infants with severe congenital anomalies. As a result their intestinal absorptive functions were activated and severe infections were completely prevented. All of the infants grew well despite their physical disadvantages.
Viral‐mediated lysis of microbes and carbon release in the sub‐Antarctic and Polar Frontal zones of the Australian Southern Ocean
Authors: Evans Claire , Pearce Imojen , Brussaard Corina P. D.
Published: September 2009

Viral production was determined in the sub‐Antarctic zone (SAZ) to the southwest and southeast of Tasmania and in the Polar Frontal zone (PFZ) of the Australian sector of the Southern Ocean during Austral summer (January–February 2007). Concentrations of viruses were the lowest (6.6 × 109 particles l−1) in the PFZ and the highest (2.1 × 1010 particles l−1) in the eastern SAZ where nutrient input from the East Australian Current (EAC) sustained higher concentrations of bacteria and bacterial production relative to the west. Rates of viral production in the PFZ (1.8 × 1010 viruses l−1 day−1) were lower than those in the western SAZ (2.5 × 1010 viruses l−1 day−1). Viral production in the eastern SAZ (2.2 × 1011 viruses l−1 day−1) was the highest recorded and was approximately one order of magnitude higher than at the other sites. In the western SAZ and PFZ, the percentage of available bacterial biomass lysed by viruses was similar (23.5% and 23% respectively) equating to the release of 3.3 and 2.3 μg carbon l−1 day−1 respectively (assuming a burst size of 50 viruses host−1). In the eastern SAZ the potential bacterial biomass lysed was higher (on average 40%) and corresponded to the release of 26.5 μg carbon l−1 day−1. These findings suggest the importance of the viral shunt in carbon cycling within these regions.
Influences of space, soil, nematodes and plants on microbial community composition of chalk grassland soils
Authors: Yergeau Etienne , Bezemer T. Martijn , Hedlund Katarina , Mortimer Simon R. , Kowalchuk George A. , Van Der Putten Wim H.
Published: September 2009

Microbial communities respond to a variety of environmental factors related to resources (e.g. plant and soil organic matter), habitat (e.g. soil characteristics) and predation (e.g. nematodes, protozoa and viruses). However, the relative contribution of these factors on microbial community composition is poorly understood. Here, we sampled soils from 30 chalk grassland fields located in three different chalk hill ridges of Southern England, using a spatially explicit sampling scheme. We assessed microbial communities via phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analyses and PCR‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and measured soil characteristics, as well as nematode and plant community composition. The relative influences of space, soil, vegetation and nematodes on soil microorganisms were contrasted using variation partitioning and path analysis. Results indicate that soil characteristics and plant community composition, representing habitat and resources, shape soil microbial community composition, whereas the influence of nematodes, a potential predation factor, appears to be relatively small. Spatial variation in microbial community structure was detected at broad (between fields) and fine (within fields) scales, suggesting that microbial communities exhibit biogeographic patterns at different scales. Although our analysis included several relevant explanatory data sets, a large part of the variation in microbial communities remained unexplained (up to 92% in some analyses). However, in several analyses, significant parts of the variation in microbial community structure could be explained. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of the relative importance of different environmental and spatial factors in driving the composition of soil‐borne microbial communities.
Isolation and characterization of a novel Borrelia group of tick‐borne borreliae from imported reptiles and their associated ticks
Authors: Takano Ai , Goka Koichi , Une Yumi , Shimada Yuichi , Fujita Hiromi , Shiino Teiichiro , Watanabe Haruo , Kawabata Hiroki
Published: September 2009

The members of the genus Borrelia are transmitted by arthropods and known to be infectious to vertebrates. Here we found isolates and DNAs belonging to the Borrelia turcica and unknown Borrelia species from imported reptiles and their ectoparasites. The Borrelia strains were isolated from blood and multiple organs of exotic tortoises, and were experimentally infectious to captive‐bred tortoises. These findings suggest that these tortoises may be a candidate as the reservoir host of the Borrelia species. In this study, the Borrelia strains were also isolated from and/or detected in hard‐bodied ticks, Amblyomma ticks and Hyalomma ticks. In some of these ticks, immunofluorescence imaging analysis revealed that the Borrelia had also invaded into the tick salivary glands. Accordingly, these ticks were expected to be a potential vector of the Borrelia species. Sequencing analyses of both housekeeping genes (flaB gene, gyrB gene and 16S rDNA gene) and 23S rRNA gene‐16S rRNA gene intergenic spacer region revealed that these Borrelia strains formed a monophyletic group that was independent from two other Borrelia groups, Lyme disease Borrelia and relapsing fever Borrelia. From these results, the novel group of Borrelia comprises the third major group of arthropod‐transmitted borreliae identified to date.
Early head growth: relation with IQ at 8 years and determinants in term infants of low and appropriate birthweight
Authors: LIRA PEDRO I C , EICKMANN SOPHIE H , LIMA MARILIA C , AMORIM ROSEMARY J , EMOND ALAN M , ASHWORTH ANN
Published: September 2009

Aim To investigate the relation between head growth at different periods and IQ at 8 years, and to identify factors associated with more rapid head growth.

Method Two parallel cohorts of term low birthweight (LBW) and appropriate birthweight (ABW) infants were enrolled at birth in northeast Brazil. Anthropometric measurements were made at birth, 2 months, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 8 years. Cognition was assessed at 8 years (n=164) with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Multivariable analysis with a two‐stage residual model was used to relate head growth between successive time points with IQ.

Results Mean birthweight was 2.35kg (SD 0.15) in the LBW group (33 males, 50 females), and 3.21kg (SD 0.15) in the ABW group (28 males, 53 females). Mean gestational age was 38.8 weeks (SD 1.4) and 40.0 weeks (SD 1.3) respectively. In the LBW group, head growth from birth to 2 months and from 2 to 6 months, conditional on previous size, were significant independent predictors of IQ at 8 years. Conditional head growth from 6 months to 8 years and head size at birth were unrelated to IQ. In the ABW group there was no significant relation between conditional head growth and IQ for any period. Determinants of more rapid head growth from birth to 6 months in LBW infants were maternal height and rate of infant weight gain.

Interpretation Head growth from birth to 6 months in term LBW infants is more important than prenatal or later postnatal head growth in predicting IQ at 8 years.
Maternal human parvovirus B19 infection and the risk of fetal death and low birthweight: a case–control study within 35 940 pregnant women
Authors: Sarfraz AA , Samuelsen SO , Bruu A‐L , Jenum PA , Eskild A
Published: September 2009

Objectives  To assess the association between maternal parvovirus B19 infection and fetal death, birthweight and length of gestation.

Design  Case–control study.

Setting  Population based.

Population  Cases were all 281 women with fetal death within a cohort of 35 940 pregnant woxmen in Norway. The control group consisted of a random sample of 957 women with a live born child.

Method  Information on pregnancy outcome was obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. First trimester serum samples were tested for antibodies against parvovirus B19 (IgM and IgG). In seronegative women, further serum was analysed to detect seroconversion during pregnancy.

Main outcome measures  Fetal death, length of gestation and birthweight.

Results  Two of 281 (0.7%) of the women who experienced fetal death and nine of 957 (0.9%) of the controls had presence of IgM antibodies, crude odds ratio 0.8; 95% CI (0.2–3.5). In initially, seronegative women, 3.1% (2/65) with fetal death and 2.6% (8/307) with a live birth seroconverted, crude odds ratio 1.2; 95% CI (0.2–5.7). Presence of maternal parvovirus‐specific IgG or IgM antibodies in the first trimester, or seroconversion during pregnancy were not associated with lower birthweight or reduced length of gestation in live born children, but was associated with low birthweight in stillborn offspring.

Conclusion  Maternal parvovirus B19 infection was not associated with fetal death in our study. Very few cases of fetal death may be attributed to maternal parvovirus B19 infection.
Induced termination of pregnancy and low birthweight and preterm birth: a systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: Shah PS , Zao J ,   on behalf of Knowledge Synthesis Group of Determinants of preterm/LBW births
Published: September 2009

Background  History of induced termination of pregnancy (I‐TOP) is suggested as a precursor for infant being born low birthweight (LBW), preterm (PT) or small for gestational age (SGA). Infection, mechanical trauma to the cervix leading to cervical incompetence and scarred tissue following curettage are suspected mechanisms.

Objective  To systematically review the risk of an infant being born LBW/PT/SGA among women with history of I‐TOP.

Search strategy  Medline, Embase, CINAHL and bibliographies of identified articles were searched for English language studies.

Selection criteria  Studies reporting birth outcomes to mothers with or without history of induced abortion were included.

Data collection and analyses  Two reviewers independently collected data and assessed the quality of the studies for biases in sample selection, exposure assessment, confounder adjustment, analytical, outcome assessments and attrition. Meta‐analyses were performed using random effect model and odds ratio (OR), weighted mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Main results  Thirty‐seven studies of low–moderate risk of bias were included. A history of one I‐TOP was associated with increased unadjusted odds of LBW (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.20–1.52) and PT (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.24–1.50), but not SGA (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.69–1.09). A history of more than one I‐TOP was associated with LBW (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.45–2.04) and PT (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.28–2.71). Meta‐analyses of adjusted risk estimates confirmed these findings.

Conclusions  A previous I‐TOP is associated with a significantly increased risk of LBW and PT but not SGA. The risk increased as the number of I‐TOP increased.
Trade‐Offs between Species Conservation and the Size of Marine Protected Areas
Authors: CHITTARO P. M. , KAPLAN I. C. , KELLER A. , LEVIN P. S.
Published: September 2009

Abstract: Moving from single‐species‐ to ecosystem‐based management requires an understanding of how community‐level attributes such as diversity change with area. We used survey data from bottom trawls to examine spatial patterns of species richness in U.S. Pacific coastal fishes. Specifically, we generated and compared species–area relationships (SARs) for species classified into several groups on the basis of maximum body size, trophic level, diet, maximum depth, geographic affinity, and taxonomic order. Because SARs among groups were not parallel andzvalues varied significantly for several groups, groups of species were under‐ or overrepresented (depending on the size of the area) relative to their proportions in the entire community (i.e., entire U.S. Pacific coast). In this way, differences in SARs help demonstrate trade‐offs between species representation and coastal area and suggest strategies (such as targeting the protection of habitats and locations where a particular species or groups of species are maximized) that may minimize the size of marine protected areas (MPAs) but protect diversity at the level of the community and functional group.
Academic Research Training for a Nonacademic Workplace: a Case Study of Graduate Student Alumni Who Work in Conservation
Authors: MUIR MATTHEW J. , SCHWARTZ MARK W.
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  Graduate education in conservation biology has been assailed as ineffective and inadequate to train the professionals needed to solve conservation problems. To identify how graduate education might better fit the needs of the conservation workplace, we surveyed practitioners and academics about the importance of particular skills on the job and the perceived importance of teaching those same skills in graduate school. All survey participants (n = 189) were alumni from the University of California Davis Graduate Group in Ecology and received thesis‐based degrees from 1973 to 2008. Academic and practitioner respondents clearly differed in workplace skills, although there was considerably more agreement in training recommendations. On the basis of participant responses, skill sets particularly at risk of underemphasis in graduate programs are decision making and implementation of policy, whereas research skills may be overemphasized. Practitioners in different job positions, however, require a variety of skill sets, and we suggest that ever‐increasing calls to broaden training to fit this multitude of jobs will lead to a trade‐off in the teaching of other skills. Some skills, such as program management, may be best developed in on‐the‐job training or collaborative projects. We argue that the problem of graduate education in conservation will not be solved by restructuring academia alone. Conservation employers need to communicate their specific needs to educators, universities need to be more flexible with their opportunities, and students need to be better consumers of the skills offered by universities and other institutions.
Focal brain malformations: Seizures, signaling, sequencing
Authors: Crino Peter B.
Published: September 2009

Focal malformations of cortical development are highly associated with intractable epilepsy in children and adults. Most patients with focal cortical malformations and epilepsy will require epilepsy surgery. Recent studies have provided new insights into the developmental pathogenesis of cortical malformations specifically relating to alterations in cell signaling though the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Focal cortical dysplasias, hemimegalencephaly, and tubers in tuberous sclerosis complex all exhibit evidence for hyperactive mTOR signaling, suggesting that these disorders form a spectrum of malformations or “TORopathies” characterized by disorganized cortical lamination, cytomegaly, and intractable seizures. Alterations in mTOR activity in focal brain malformations provide a potential pathogenic pathway to investigate for gene mutations and to exploit for animal models. Most importantly, however, if select focal cortical malformations result from enhanced mTOR signaling, new therapeutic antiepileptic compounds, such as rapamycin, can be designed and tested that specifically target mTOR signaling.
Comprehensive survey of red blood cell unit life cycle at a large teaching institution in eastern Canada
Authors: Cheng Calvino K. , Trethewey Dawn , Sadek Irene
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: Recent blood shortages and the potential clinical impact of red blood cell (RBC) age highlight the need to understand blood supply delivery. This study addresses the characteristics and mechanics of RBC unit trafficking and storage across the transfusion service, previously undescribed in the literature.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective qualitative institutionwide survey assessed the comprehensive RBC life cycle within Capital District Health Authority in Nova Scotia, Canada, during 2007.

RESULTS: A total of 15,930 unique RBC units were received from the supplier with 98.6% having mean age of 12.5 days. The mean ages on receipt, transfusion, and time spent in the transfusion system before transfusion were 12, 19.6, and 7.5 days, respectively. Of 12,298 units, 9689 (78.8%) remained within the blood transfusion services (BTSs), while 2609 (21.2%) migrated having been returned a mean of 1.26 times from locations outside BTS (SD, 0.56 times), the latter spending a mean of 18.4 hours outside the BTS. Stationary units had mean age at dispense and time spent in the transfusion system of 19.2 and 6.9 days, respectively, compared to migratory units at 21.3 and 9.9 days, respectively (p < 0.005). A total of 5.2% (636/12258) of units were discarded; 423 of 636 (66.5%) were due to “unit expiry.”

CONCLUSION: Quantification of our institutional RBC life cycle highlighted key areas for intervention, such as the reduction of unit migration, especially D− units, as this increased RBC age at transfusion. In the era of limited resources, this method could identify areas where effort should be directed to address unnecessary wastage and aging of RBC units.
Incremental Changes in QRS Duration Predict Mortality in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: LIN YUEH‐JUH , LIU YEN‐BIN , CHU CHING‐CHI
Published: September 2009

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate serial changes in QRS duration in the 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and their prognostic value in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods:

Retrospective evaluation of the 12‐lead ECG was performed in 822 patients with AF. Inclusion criteria included AF in two sequential ECGs and an echocardiogram obtained within 7 days of the second ECG. The mean age of the 228 patients enrolled in the study was 71.2 ± 12.9 and 45.6% were females. Nearly half of the patients had hypertension (49.5%) and a history of heart failure (44.7%). The patients were followed for 21 ± 19 months, and the end point was all‐cause mortality.

Results

: Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that the independent predictors of mortality in AF patients were age, renal insufficiency, a history of stroke, heart rate, incremental QRS prolongation (P = 0.0418), and the absence of warfarin use. Patients with QRS prolongation >15 ms had a worse prognosis than those with QRS prolongation ≤15 ms (P = 0.0019).

Conclusions:

A progressive increase in QRS duration predicted a poor prognosis in patients with AF in our study. A prospective study is needed to substantiate the prognostic value of QRS prolongation in AF patients.
Mechanisms of Antioxidants in the Oxidation of Foods
Authors: Choe Eunok , Min David B.
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  Antioxidants delay or inhibit lipid oxidation at low concentration. Tocopherols, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, flavonoids, amino acids, phospholipids, and sterols are natural antioxidants in foods. Antioxidants inhibit the oxidation of foods by scavenging free radicals, chelating prooxidative metals, quenching singlet oxygen and photosensitizers, and inactivating lipoxygenase. Antioxidants show interactions, such as synergism (tocopherols and ascorbic acids), antagonism (α‐tocopherol and caffeic acid), and simple addition. Synergism occurs when one antioxidant is regenerated by others, when one antioxidant protects another antioxidant by its sacrificial oxidation, and when 2 or more antioxidants show different antioxidant mechanisms.