bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Crying Game
Authors: Furlow F. Bryant
Published: November 2010

Evolutionary models of offspring solicitation systems have emphasized the potential for offspring manipulation of parents and the role of signal production costs in limiting exaggeration of need by offspring. Another, neglected possible evolutionary function of offspring solicitation is competition with siblings for access to limited parental resources via condition-dependent displays of probable offspring contributions to parental fitness. In this brief review of the behavioral ecological literature, I report that offspring phenotypic quality is indeed a common positive correlate of parental investment, and that apparently condition-dependent displays modulate differential parental investment. I argue that short-term fluctuations in need are secondary to intrinsic offspring phenotypic quality in determining parental investment responses to solicitation. I conclude that need display is an incomplete evolutionary explanation of offspring solicitation behaviors, and that fitness advertisement is a primary function of such neonatal behaviors. Offspring solicitation, like courtship displays and agonistic signals, may be best understood within the framework of competitive Zahavian signal selection. Future avenues of experimental research are proposed.
Infant Cries As Evolutionary Melodrama
Authors: Thompson N.S. , Dessureau Brian , Olson Carolyn
Published: November 2010

Crying is melodramatic in the sense that crying babies seem to respond to a great variety of distressing situations with behaviors, such as gasping, choking, and panting that would be appropriate to a very specific respiratory emergency. In this paper we develop models to explore whether extortion or deception is the more plausible origin of the melodrama in a baby's cry. According to these models, deception seems a more plausible origin than extortion because extortion requires the incoherent assumption that nature can select against the genetic interests of an organism. By comparison, the assumptions required to rationalize a deception explanation — that the parent share in the benefits given to its offspring — seem relatively harmless and consistent with contemporary sociobiological theory.
Langual
Authors: Pennington Jean A.T. , Smith Elizabeth C. , Chatfield Michele R. , Hendricks Thomas C.
Published: November 2010

LANGUAL, a computer-based food-description language, uses standardized vocabulary to describe specific characteristics of foods and food products. Each food product in a database is described by a set of descriptors from the following factors: product type; food source; part of plant or animal; physical state, shape, or form; extent of heat treatment; cooking method; treatment applied; preservation method; packing medium; container or wrapping; food contact surface; consumer group/dietary use/label claim; geographic places and regions; and adjunct characteristics. The purpose of LANGUAL is to allow rapid, accurate retrieval of food names from food-related databases relative to descriptive terms for these factors. The major advantages of LANGUAL are the speed and specificity of the retrievals and the flexibility of the system relative to change and updating.
On diversity and terminology
Authors: Cabré Castellví M. Teresa
Published: November 2010

This article aims to show the link of the concept of diversity with terminology. This fundamental relationship may seem paradoxical since one of the main goals of terminology is that of unification and standardisation of terms. However, it should be borne in mind that terminology has to take reality into account. This reality appears to be diverse in its nature. Terminology was born from diversity and owes much of its expansion to the diversity of its approaches, applications, functions, and training; this diversity is the natural outcome of facing up to a concrete and existing reality. Thus it can be seen that contrary to what might be common belief, the goal of absolute uniformity of scientific terms is not desirable as it reflects an artificial and Utopian process. In fact, idealising terms does not bear much resemblance to reality. Nor does it to terminology.
Terminology
Authors: Condamines Anne
Published: November 2010

Terminology is reaching an important moment in its development. Within firms, new terminological needs are appearing which go beyond those of traditional translation departments. Thanks to the results of natural-language processing (NLP) and knowledge acquisition and representation in artificial intelligence (AI), new possibilities for integrating terminological data are coming to light. In order to meet these new needs, it is necessary to approach the analysis of phenomena with strong theoretical bases. The article proposes to root terminology firmly within linguistics, while paying special attention to the specific link of terminology with knowledge. In limited fields, the strong link between linguistic signs and concepts permits linguistic research to put forward hypotheses concerning the extraction of terms, of links between terms and concepts, and of relations between concepts. It is necessary to elaborate a methodology for a linguistic analysis of how terms function. By developing the notion of "deviance " (deviant behaviour of the terminological system in comparison with the expected behaviour of the lexical system), the article presents a first linguistically based classification.
Recognition and acquisition
Authors: Jacquemin Christian
Published: November 2010

Corpora are not the exclusive source of knowledge in corpus-based term extraction. In particular, pre-existing term bases can be used in conjunction with corpora for extracting terminological knowledge. The advantage is twofold: only terms which are not yet in the base are produced and semantic links are acquired between initial terms and new terminological material. This paper reports on three methods for acquiring terminological knowledge from corpora and occurrences of terms within these corpora: acquisition of terms from recurrent variants, acquisition of terms from variant deconstructions, and acquisition of morphological knowledge from approximate equalities between occurrences.
Étude de la terminologie de la dégustation du Champagne par analyse de corpus
Authors: Normand Sylvie
Published: November 2010

We have studied the vocabulary of Champagne wine tasting from a linguistic point of view. Our study is based on the analysis of a corpus of texts produced by wine-tasting professionals. It deals with the meaning of linguistic units used to describe our perception during wine tasting. In this article, we present the different linguistic studies we have performed with our corpus and we propose a semantic description and a graphic representation of Champagne wine tasting terminology.
Literacy in Athapaskan Languages in the Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Burnaby Barbara
Published: November 2010

Data on fluency and literacy in Athapaskan (Dene) languages in the Northwest Territories of Canada are reviewed here, with discussion of recent policy decisions regarding implied or explicit roles of Dene literacy and the forms they might take. Emphasis is placed on evidence of trends in Dene literacy development; special attention is given to the extent to which new roles for literacy are created, and to the extent to which literacy conforms to patterns consistent with oral language use. The context is the legitimacy of Dene cultures, languages, social practices, and economic and political power in the face of Euro-Canadian pressures.
Ted Salmon: Kinetochores at the core of it all
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: November 2010

Salmon uses cutting-edge microscopy to dissect kinetochore structure and function.
An invasive podosome-like structure promotes fusion pore formation during myoblast fusion
Authors: Sens Kristin L. , Zhang Shiliang , Jin Peng , Duan Rui , Zhang Guofeng , Luo Fengbao , Parachini Lauren , Chen Elizabeth H.
Published: November 2010

Recent studies in Drosophila have implicated actin cytoskeletal remodeling in myoblast fusion, but the cellular mechanisms underlying this process remain poorly understood. Here we show that actin polymerization occurs in an asymmetric and cell type–specific manner between a muscle founder cell and a fusion-competent myoblast (FCM). In the FCM, a dense F-actin–enriched focus forms at the site of fusion, whereas a thin sheath of F-actin is induced along the apposing founder cell membrane. The FCM-specific actin focus invades the apposing founder cell with multiple finger-like protrusions, leading to the formation of a single-channel macro fusion pore between the two muscle cells. Two actin nucleation–promoting factors of the Arp2/3 complex, WASP and Scar, are required for the formation of the F-actin foci, whereas WASP but not Scar promotes efficient foci invasion. Our studies uncover a novel invasive podosome-like structure (PLS) in a developing tissue and reveal a previously unrecognized function of PLSs in facilitating cell membrane juxtaposition and fusion.
The RSC chromatin-remodeling complex influences mitotic exit and adaptation to the spindle assembly checkpoint by controlling the Cdc14 phosphatase
Authors: Rossio Valentina , Galati Elena , Ferrari Matteo , Pellicioli Achille , Sutani Takashi , Shirahige Katsuhiko , Lucchini Giovanna , Piatti Simonetta
Published: November 2010

Upon prolonged activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint, cells escape from mitosis through a mechanism called adaptation or mitotic slippage, which is thought to underlie the resistance of cancer cells to antimitotic drugs. We show that, in budding yeast, this mechanism depends on known essential and nonessential regulators of mitotic exit, such as the Cdc14 early anaphase release (FEAR) pathway for the release of the Cdc14 phosphatase from the nucleolus in early anaphase. Moreover, the RSC (remodel the structure of chromatin) chromatin-remodeling complex bound to its accessory subunit Rsc2 is involved in this process as a novel component of the FEAR pathway. We show that Rsc2 interacts physically with the polo kinase Cdc5 and is required for timely phosphorylation of the Cdc14 inhibitor Net1, which is important to free Cdc14 in the active form. Our data suggest that fine-tuning regulators of mitotic exit have important functions during mitotic progression in cells treated with microtubule poisons and might be promising targets for cancer treatment.
Milk sialyllactose influences colitis in mice through selective intestinal bacterial colonization
Authors: Fuhrer Andrea , Sprenger Norbert , Kurakevich Ekaterina , Borsig Lubor , Chassard Christophe , Hennet Thierry
Published: November 2010

Milk oligosaccharides contribute to the development of the intestinal environment by acting as decoy receptors for pathogens and as prebiotics, which promote the colonization of commensal bacteria. Here, using α2,3- and α2,6-sialyltransferase-deficient mice, we investigated the role of the sialylated milk oligosaccharides sialyl(α2,3)lactose and sialyl(α2,6)lactose on mucosal immunity. The exposure of newborn mice to milk containing or deficient in sialyllactose had no impact on the development of mucosal leukocyte populations. However, when challenged by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water, adult mice that had been fostered on sialyl(α2,3)lactose-deficient milk were more resistant to colitis compared with mice fostered on normal milk or sialyl(α2,6)lactose-deficient milk. Analysis of intestinal microbiota showed different colonization patterns depending on the presence or absence of sialyl(α2,3)lactose in the milk. Germ-free mice reconstituted with intestinal microbiota isolated from mice fed on sialyl(α2,3)lactose-deficient milk were more resistant to DSS-induced colitis than germ-free mice reconstituted with standard intestinal microbiota. Thus, exposure to sialyllactose during infancy affects bacterial colonization of the intestine, which influences the susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis in adult mice.
Prognostic transcriptional association networks: a new supervised approach based on regression trees
Authors: Nepomuceno-Chamorro Isabel , Azuaje Francisco , Devaux Yvan , Nazarov Petr V. , Muller Arnaud , Aguilar-Ruiz Jesús S. , Wagner Daniel R.
Published: November 2010

Motivation: The application of information encoded in molecular networks for prognostic purposes is a crucial objective of systems biomedicine. This approach has not been widely investigated in the cardiovascular research area. Within this area, the prediction of clinical outcomes after suffering a heart attack would represent a significant step forward. We developed a new quantitative prediction-based method for this prognostic problem based on the discovery of clinically relevant transcriptional association networks. This method integrates regression trees and clinical class-specific networks, and can be applied to other clinical domains.

Results: Before analyzing our cardiovascular disease dataset, we tested the usefulness of our approach on a benchmark dataset with control and disease patients. We also compared it to several algorithms to infer transcriptional association networks and classification models. Comparative results provided evidence of the prediction power of our approach. Next, we discovered new models for predicting good and bad outcomes after myocardial infarction. Using blood-derived gene expression data, our models reported areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve above 0.70. Our model could also outperform different techniques based on co-expressed gene modules. We also predicted processes that may represent novel therapeutic targets for heart disease, such as the synthesis of leucine and isoleucine.

Availability: The SATuRNo software is freely available at http://www.lsi.us.es/isanepo/toolsSaturno/.

Contact:  inepomuceno@us.es

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Callose Synthase GSL7 Is Necessary for Normal Phloem Transport and Inflorescence Growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Barratt D.H. Paul , Kölling Katharina , Graf Alexander , Pike Marilyn , Calder Grant , Findlay Kim , Zeeman Samuel C. , Smith Alison M.
Published: November 2010

One isoform of callose synthase, Glucan Synthase-Like7 (GSL7), is tightly coexpressed with two isoforms of sucrose synthase (SUS5 and SUS6) known to be confined to phloem sieve elements in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Investigation of the phenotype of gsl7 mutants of Arabidopsis revealed that the sieve plate pores of stems and roots lack the callose lining seen in wild-type plants. Callose synthesis in other tissues of the plant appears to be unaffected. Although gsl7 plants show only minor phenotypic alterations during vegetative growth, flowering stems are reduced in height and all floral parts are smaller than those of wild-type plants. Several lines of evidence suggest that the reduced growth of the inflorescence is a result of carbohydrate starvation. Levels of sucrose, hexoses, and starch are lower in the terminal bud clusters of gsl7 than in those of wild-type plants. Transcript levels of “starvation” genes expressed in response to low sugars are elevated in the terminal bud clusters of gsl7 plants, at the end of the night, and during an extended night. Pulse-chase experiments with 14CO2 show that transport of assimilate in the flowering stem is much slower in gsl7 mutants than in wild-type plants. We suggest that the callose lining of sieve plate pores is essential for normal phloem transport because it confers favorable flow characteristics on the pores.
Spatial analysis of egg distribution and geographic changes in the spawning habitat of the Brazilian sardine Sardinella brasiliensis
Authors: Gigliotti E. S. , Gherardi D. F. M. , Paes E. T. , Souza R. B. , Katsuragawa M.
Published: November 2010

This paper establishes the spawning habitat of the Brazilian sardine Sardinella brasiliensis and investigates the spatial variability of egg density and its relation with oceanographic conditions in the shelf of the south‐east Brazil Bight (SBB). The spawning habitats of S. brasiliensis have been defined in terms of spatial models of egg density, temperature–salinity plots, quotient (Q) analysis and remote sensing data. Quotient curves (QC) were constructed using the geographic distribution of egg density, temperature and salinity from samples collected during nine survey cruises between 1976 and 1993. The interannual sea surface temperature (SST) variability was determined using principal component analysis on the SST anomalies (SSTA) estimated from remote sensing data over the period between 1985 and 2007. The spatial pattern of egg occurrences in the SBB indicated that the largest concentration occurred between Paranaguá and São Sebastião. Spawning habitat expanded and contracted during the years, fluctuating around Paranaguá. In January 1978 and January 1993, eggs were found nearly everywhere along the inner shelf of the SBB, while in January 1988 and 1991 spawning had contracted to their southernmost position. The SSTA maps for the spawning periods showed that in the case of habitat expansion (1993 only) anomalies over the SBB were zero or slightly negative, whereas for the contraction period anomalies were all positive. Sardinella brasiliensis is capable of exploring suitable spawning sites provided by the entrainment of the colder and less‐saline South Atlantic Central Water onto the shelf by means of both coastal wind‐driven (to the north‐east of the SBB) and meander‐induced (to the south‐west of the SBB) upwelling.
Second to fourth digit ratios, male genital development and reproductive health: a clinical study among fertile men and testis cancer patients
Authors: Auger J. , Eustache F.
Published: November 2010

Second‐ to fourth‐digit length ratio, 2D : 4D, is a marker of testosterone level during foetal life that was found associated with sperm concentration or testosterone levels in some studies, but not in others, a difference possibly related to the way the ratio is assessed. In this study, 2D : 4D was assessed in 122 men partners of pregnant women and in 71 testicular cancer patients using a new method based on direct measurements of finger lengths. In addition, we investigated the association between 2D : 4D, birth weight, testicular volume, semen quality and time to pregnancy. A validation study of the method demonstrated high reliability and reproducibility. Neither digit lengths nor 2D : 4D significantly differed in both groups of men. We found a significant negative association between 2D : 4D and birth weight in testicular cancer patients. In fertile men, 2D : 4D was associated with testicular volume (r = −0.36, p < 0.001), total sperm number (r = −0.18, p = 0.04) and time to pregnancy (r = 0.24, p < 0.02). In addition, participants with a history of epididymal cyst had a significantly higher 2D : 4D than those without cysts. In conclusion, all significant findings indicate that the human male reproductive function is negatively related to 2D : 4D. However, 2D : 4D for testicular cancer patients does not point to a hormonal imbalance during foetal life as the common cause for developing germ‐cell cancer. Such results obtained, thanks to an easy, direct and reliable method for measuring finger lengths, suggest the usefulness of this new tool in fertility studies as well as for studying men with developmental disorders of the reproductive tract.
Experimental and parametric study on drying of green peas in spouted bed
Authors: Ghalavand Younes , Hatamipour Mohammad Sadegh , Rahimi Amir
Published: November 2010

Drying of Green Peas (Pisum sativum) was studied experimentally in a lab‐scale spouted bed. Experiments were carried out at different operating conditions, and the effect of inlet air temperature and its flow rate, bed height (initial mass of wet particles) and average diameter of particles were examined on performance of dryer and rate of drying. The obtained experimental results were fitted by an exponential form equation to model the drying kinetic behaviour of green peas in a spouted bed. The fitting parameters are presented in the form of mathematical correlations as a function of operating parameters. As expected, it was found that by increasing inlet air temperature and air‐flow rate, the rate of drying increases, but by increasing the bed height and diameter of particles, the rate of drying decreases. The results can help the design engineers to choose the optimum drying conditions for industrial applications.
Non‐digestible carbohydrates in Brazilian soybean seeds [Glycine max (L.) Merril]
Authors: Jiménez‐Escrig Antonio , Serra Myrian‐Thereza , Rupérez Pilar
Published: November 2010

Non‐digestible carbohydrate fraction (NDCF) consists of a range of bioactive compounds that escape digestion in the small intestine. NDCF is mainly composed of dietary fibre (DF) and non‐digestible oligosaccharides (NDO). The objective of this work was to analyse directly and compare the NDCF in two Brazilian cultivars of soybean seed with commercial flour. Brazil is the second major soybean producer in the world. The seed cultivars showed on average a NDCF value of 32.80 g per 100 g dry weight (dw). Regarding DF, insoluble DF (IDF) was the main fraction amounting on average to 98%. Uronic acids were significantly higher than neutral sugar (NS) in IDF and soluble DF (SDF) fractions. There was a considerable amount of Klason lignin – on average 84.14% of DF. Regarding NS profile, mannose was the most important sugar in SDF, whereas galactose and arabinose were predominant in IDF. Stachyose was the main oligosaccharide in NDO. DF and NDO were in the same proportion (94.2:5.8) in tested cultivars. No differences in swelling, water retention, or oil retention capacities between seed cultivars were detected. This study on non‐digestible carbohydrate components in soybean seed gives a different approach to the current nutritional knowledge on protein and oil constituents.
Iron deficiency – is there a role for the food industry?
Authors: Derbyshire Emma , Brennan Charles S. , Li Weili , Bokhari Falahat
Published: November 2010

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide, in both developing and developed regions. Although the aetiology of iron deficiency and resultant anaemia may be multifaceted, inadequate iron intakes, poor iron absorption and disease status may all be underlying causes. Whilst nutrition and supplement interventions may go some way towards improving iron status in ‘at‐risk’ populations, their efficacy can be questioned. New approaches, including food‐based strategies, may be an alternative means of improving the iron status and health of the public sectors. Economically, food‐based approaches may also be more cost‐effective than iron supplements. This paper aims to discuss how the food industry may play an important role in improving the iron status of public sectors, helping to prevent iron deficiency and need for tablet‐based iron supplements.
Effect of ripening on some physicochemical properties of cooking banana (Musa ABB Cardaba) pulp and flour
Authors: Ayo‐Omogie Helen N. , Adeyemi Isaac A. , Otunola Ezekiel T.
Published: November 2010

Cardaba banana (Musa ABB) pulp and flours were evaluated for changes in some physicochemical properties during ripening. Compositional changes in the pulp showed that ripening significantly (P < 0.05) increased the crude protein (2.48–9.88%), fat (1.33–4.67%), crude fibre (0.80–0.93%), ash (1.66–2.32%) and Vitamin C (12.60–24.28%), while carbohydrate and tannin reduced. Mineral composition varied, following this trend: K > Mg > P > Na > Zn. pH and ‘whiteness’ reduced, while yield, softness index and pulp/peel ratio increased significantly (P < 0.05). Pasting and functional properties of the flours were lowered, however, ripening enhanced better pasting properties. Flours from stages 1–7 could be used as binders, emulsifiers and thickeners, while flours from stages 5–7 may be useful as aerating agents and in preparation of baby formulas and flours from stages 1–2 may be used in bakery products. This investigation proposes the utilisation of the Cardaba banana flour as an industrial raw material and a good substitute to potato, corn or tapioca starches.
Interrelationships among tocopherols of commercial Runner market type peanuts grown in the United States
Authors: Shin Eui‐Cheol , Pegg Ronald B. , Phillips R. Dixon , Eitenmiller Ronald R.
Published: November 2010

Commercially grown US Runner peanuts from 10 cultivars comprising 151 samples over two recent crop years contained 10.54 ± 1.50 mg α‐tocopherol (T)/100 g kernel, 0.31 ± 0.12 β‐T, 10.93 ± 2.04 γ‐T and 0.76 ± 0.31 δ‐T. Box plots revealed segregations in tocopherol levels for normal, mid and high oleic cultivars as well as production years among the cultivars. Correlation coefficients indicated positive relationships between β‐ and γ‐T (r = 0.436,P < 0.001) and γ‐ and δ‐T (r = 0.437,P < 0.001) but no relationship between α‐ and γ‐T (r = −0.032). Principal component analysis of tocopherol contents simplified the data set and revealed two significant principal components (PCs) (PC1 and PC2), which together accounted for 72.6% of the total variance in the data. Eigen analysis of the correlation matrix loadings of the PCs revealed that PC1 was mainly contributed to by α‐, β‐ and δ‐T, whereas PC2 was by γ‐T. This study clearly demonstrates that using a chemometric approach to analyse raw data can provide scientists with more information concerning the variation in peanut cultivars than by simply reporting the means and standard deviations of HPLC results.
Influence of different crop management practices on the nutritional properties and benefits of tomato ‐Lycopersicon esculentumcv Perfectpeel‐
Authors: Durazzo Alessandra , Azzini Elena , Foddai Maria Stella , Nobili Fabio , Garaguso Ivana , Raguzzini Anna , Finotti Enrico , Tisselli Vanni , Del Vecchio Stefania , Piazza Cristina , Perenzin Maurizio , Plizzari Luca , Maiani Giuseppe
Published: November 2010

In this study, we have explored the relationship between the cultivation method and the concentration of major flavonoid aglycones, hydroxycinnamic acids, carotenoids and the total antioxidant activity of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentumcv Perfectpeel); in addition, we have investigated the bioactivity of polyphenol extracts from tomato. The main polyphenols in extracts were quercetin (33.90 ± 6.31 mg kg−1and 17.92 ± 1.09 mg kg−1in conventional and organic extracts), chlorogenic acid (3.52 ± 0.74 mg kg−1and 2.82 ± 0.92 mg kg−1in conventional and organic extracts) and caffeic acid (3.61 ± 0.71 mg kg−1and 3.29 ± 0.33  mg kg−1in conventional and organic extracts). Although statistical differences were found between organic and conventional extracts in several target compounds, no difference in biological effect was observed using cell models. The observed Trans Epithelial Electrical Resistance values were not significantly different between organic and conventional tomato extracts, but we have observed, in both samples, a decrease in tight‐junction permeability at 17 μmof polyphenol concentrations. Antioxidant compounds entering within the cell could exert an antioxidant action, nevertheless at concentrations >17 μmcould have a pro‐oxidant effect.
Immunoaffinity removal and immunoassay for rhodamine B in chilli powder
Authors: Song Shanshan , Lin Fei , Liu Liqiang , Kuang Hua , Wang Libing , Xu Chuanlai
Published: November 2010

A rapid and simple immunoassay and a sol–gel‐based immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) purification method for Rhodamine B (RB) were developed using spiked chilli powder. A polyclonal antibody against RB was generated by immunisation of rabbits with an immunogen hapten. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed that achieved a 50% inhibition (IC50) value of 0.94 ± 0.05 ng mL−1. The limit of detection of the ELISA method was 1 ng g−1 in chilli powder. For the IAC, recovery was 68.1–86.2% at 1 ng g−1 and 72.6–89.3% at 5 ng g−1 in spiked chilli powder. Fortified samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) after IAC purification, and the results showed a good agreement between the two methods. The ELISA could be a convenient tool for screening RB residue in foods, and the IAC cleanup procedure coupled with HPLC–MS could be an effective alternative method for the determination of RB in various substances.
Effect of hydrothermal processing on colour, antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacities of edible Irish brown seaweeds
Authors: Rajauria Gaurav , Jaiswal Amit K. , Abu‐Ghannam Nissreen , Gupta Shilpi
Published: November 2010

The effect of heat processing on change in colour (ΔE), level of bioactive compounds and overall antioxidant capacity in raw and heat‐processed edible Irish brown seaweeds was investigated. Raw seaweeds were heated at 85–121 °C for 15 min in an autoclave and extracted with 60% methanol. In comparison with raw seaweeds for all the species studied, heating increased total phenol (TPC) (1.6‐ to 1.9‐fold) and total tannin (TTC) (1.3‐ to 2.6‐fold) at 95 °C, while total flavonoid (TFC) (1.6‐ to 3.3‐fold) and total sugar (TSC) (1.9‐ to 4.3‐fold) at 85 °C. Similarly, EC50 value reduced in case of DPPH• scavenging (30.7–51.8%), metal chelating ability (FIC) (27–67.8%) and H2O2 scavenging capacity (13.3–16.1%) at 95 °C, while reduction in lipid peroxidation (10.8–31.5%) observed at 85 °C. Results showed that heating affects content of bioactive compounds as well as beneficial biological activity associated with these compounds, which can suggest new processing for application of seaweeds extract as nutraceutical.
Vitality predicts level of guideline‐concordant care in routine treatment of mood, anxiety and somatoform disorders
Authors: van Fenema Esther M. , van der Wee Nic J.A. , Giltay Erik J. , den Hollander‐Gijsman Margien E. , Zitman Frans G.
Published: November 2010

Objective  To examine the clinical and psychosocial correlates of adherence to treatment guidelines among outpatients with common mental disorders in a routine clinical setting.

Methods  In this retrospective cohort study, we analysed 192 patients who were treated for a mood, anxiety or somatoform disorder with pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy or a combination of both treatment modalities. Guideline adherence was assessed with a disorder independent set of quality indicators during up to 3 years of follow‐up. At baseline, a standardized diagnostic interview, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) and demographic variables were assessed. Using multivariable regression analysis we identified independent predictors associated with guideline adherence.

Results  Patients were aged 36.8 years (SD 11.6) on average. The majority of patients were treated with psychotherapy (47.4%), followed by pharmacotherapy (37.5%) and a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy (15.1%). Three adherence groups were defined: low (29.7%), intermediate (43.2%) and high (27.1%). Univariate predictors of low adherence were low scores on the subscales vitality and social functioning of the SF‐36. In the multivariable model, low adherence was independently predicted by a score lower than 50 on the subscale vitality of the SF‐36 (odds ratio per 10 units increase in vitality = 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.71). No significant differences were found within socio‐demographic variables, co‐morbidity and the scores on the BSI subscales between the adherence groups.

Conclusions  We found that patients with low scores on the vitality subscale of the SF‐36 were at the highest risk to receive low guideline‐concordant care. Understanding factors that affect treatment adherence may help to prevent non‐adherence and increase the quality of care as well as cost‐effectiveness.
Usefulness of Internet in adolescent mental health outpatient care
Authors: KURKI M. , KOIVUNEN M. , ANTTILA M. , HÄTÖNEN H. , VÄLIMÄKI M.
Published: November 2010

Accessible summary

Internet may have a clear potential in psychiatric nursing care.

Internet use could offer numerous benefits in nurse–adolescent interaction and in the care process among adolescents with depression in mental health services.

The nurses' attitudes to computer use, computer knowledge and skills should be taken into consideration in the implementation of Internet in psychiatric nursing practice.

Internet has become increasingly common in adolescents' daily lives and also in health care. However, there is still need to explore how nurses perceive its use as a part of adolescents' treatment. This explorative qualitative study aim was to explore how nurses perceive the usefulness of Internet in adolescents' outpatient care in mental health. The data were collected among nurses (n= 12) working in two psychiatric adolescent outpatient clinics in university central hospitals in Finland. The data were collected in focus group interviews and analysed using inductive content analysis. The analysis showed that Internet use could promote the care process of adolescents with depression by supporting their self‐reflection and self‐management, enhancing nurses' understanding of adolescents' daily lives and facilitating nurse–adolescent interaction. Disadvantages identified among nurses were fear of role changes in the nurse–adolescent interaction, changes in the intervention, when Internet might be a third party in the face‐to‐face interaction and negative effects of Internet on adolescents. Facilitators in the use of Internet were nurses' positive attitude to Internet, knowledge and experiences of Internet usage. Nurses' negative attitude to Internet and lack of training and instructions were seen as barriers in promoting the successful utilization of Internet among adolescents with depression in outpatient care.
A mechanistic model simulating ascosporic infections by Erysiphe necator, the powdery mildew fungus of grapevine
Authors: Caffi T. , Rossi V. , Legler S. E. , Bugiani R.
Published: November 2010

A new dynamic model for Erysiphe necator ascosporic infections on grapevine was developed. Between budbreak of vines and the time when the pool of ascospores is depleted, the model uses weather data for calculating, at daily intervals: curve of ascospore maturation; ascospore discharge events and relative proportion of the discharged ascospores; infection periods and their relative infection severity; and progress of latency period and time when secondary infections should begin. The model was validated over a 4‐year period (2005–2008) in 26 vineyards in Italy by comparing model predictions with actual observations of the first seasonal symptoms of powdery mildew. The model showed high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Proportions of true and false positive predictions were TPP = 0·94 and FPP = 0·26, respectively. Because a proportion of predicted infection periods did not result in actual disease onset, confidence was higher for prediction of non‐infections than for prediction of infections. Most of the false positive predictions occurred in the earlier growth stages of the host, when the surface area of susceptible tissue may be very small so that the probability that ejected ascospores land on susceptible tissue is low. An equation was then developed to describe the probability that a predicted infection period results in disease onset as a function of the growth stage of vines at the time of prediction. The new model should improve early season powdery mildew management by helping vineyard managers schedule fungicide sprays or schedule the scouting of the vineyard for detection of first disease signs.
Distinguishing fluvio‐deltaic facies by bulk geochemistry and heavy minerals: an example from the Miocene of Denmark
Authors: OLIVARIUS METTE , RASMUSSEN ERIK S. , SIERSMA VOLKERT , KNUDSEN CHRISTIAN , PEDERSEN GUNVER K.
Published: November 2010

Interpretations of seismic profiles, gamma‐ray logs and sediment descriptions were used to classify seven facies in Miocene fluvio‐deltaic deposits of Denmark. An impartial approach was adopted by not including analytical data in the facies definition. This approach allowed identification of significant differences between facies, where each fluvio‐deltaic facies can be distinguished by integrating geochemistry and mineralogy through a sedimentary succession. Variations in the heavy mineral assemblage between facies are caused primarily by sorting of hydraulically equivalent grains. Decreasing grain size of quartz and heavy minerals from the channel facies towards the delta shoreface facies and further along the coast to the spit shoreface facies is associated with an increase in sorting and textural maturity. This trend is related to longshore drift. Increasing heavy mineral grain size is found from the delta slope facies offshore to the delta toe and shelf facies. This trend is interpreted as a result of sorting by turbidity currents. The mixed origin of the transgressive lag facies is shown by the poorer sorting in this facies. By indicating the amount of alteration the sediments have been exposed to, the Ti‐mineral maturity has proven useful in characterizing the facies. This systematic approach of tying depositional environments to a well‐calibrated sequence stratigraphic model has generated analytical results which are valid as reference levels for future facies identifications.
Integrative taxonomy, or iterative taxonomy?
Authors: YEATES DAVID K. , SEAGO AINSLEY , NELSON LEIGH , CAMERON STEPHEN L. , JOSEPH LEO , TRUEMAN JOHN W. H.
Published: November 2010

The recently introduced term ‘integrative taxonomy’ refers to taxonomy that integrates all available data sources to frame species limits. We survey current taxonomic methods available to delimit species that integrate a variety of data, including molecular and morphological characters. A literature review of empirical studies using the term ‘integrative taxonomy’ assessed the kinds of data being used to frame species limits, and methods of integration. Almost all studies are qualitative and comparative – we are a long way from a repeatable, quantitative method of truly ‘integrative taxonomy’. The usual methods for integrating data in phylogenetic and population genetic paradigms are not appropriate for integrative taxonomy, either because of the diverse range of data used or because of the special challenges that arise when working at the species/population boundary. We identify two challenges that, if met, will facilitate the development of a more complete toolkit and a more robust research programme in integrative taxonomy using species tree approaches. We propose the term ‘iterative taxonomy’ for current practice that treats species boundaries as hypotheses to be tested with new evidence. A search for biological or evolutionary explanations for discordant evidence can be used to distinguish between competing species boundary hypotheses. We identify two recent empirical examples that use the process of iterative taxonomy.
Prevalence and self‐reported health consequences of vaginal practices in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa: findings from a household survey
Authors: Smit J. , Chersich M. F. , Beksinska M. , Kunene B. , Manzini N. , Hilber A. Martin , Scorgie F.
Published: November 2010

Objectives  To investigate population‐level prevalence of vaginal practices, their frequency and self‐reported health consequences in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa.

Methods  A household survey using multi‐stage cluster sampling was conducted in 2007. Women aged 18–60 (n = 867) were interviewed on demographics, sexual behaviours and vaginal practices, focusing on intravaginal practices. Design‐based analysis used multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with intravaginal or any practice.

Results  Most women currently perform vaginal practices (90.2%), with 34.8% reporting two and 16.3%≥3 practices. Internal cleansing, the commonest practice (63.3% of women), is undertaken frequently (61.6% cleansing twice daily; 20.0% using ≥2 products). Fewer report application (10.1%), insertion (11.6%) or ingestion (14.3%) practices. Hygiene is a common motivation, even for the 23.2% of women reporting intravaginal practices around the time of sex. Prevalence of any practice was lower among women with tertiary education than those without primary education (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.08–0.85), nearly twice as common in sexually active women (95% CI = 1.05–3.56) and increased as overall health status declined. Adjusted odds of intravaginal practices were 1.8‐fold higher in women reporting unprotected sex (95% CI = 1.11–2.90). Few reported health problems with current practices (0.6%); though, 12.6% had ever‐experienced adverse effects.

Conclusions  Vaginal practices are common in KwaZulu‐Natal. Although self‐reported health problems with current practices are rare, high lifetime risk of adverse events and potential for asymptomatic but clinically important damage make continued research important.
Clinicopathologic characteristics of cutaneous chronic graft‐versus‐host diseases: a retrospective study in Korean patients
Authors: Kim Sun‐Ji , Choi Jung‐Min , Kim Jung‐Eun , Cho Baik‐Kee , Kim Dong Wook , Park Hyun‐Jeong
Published: November 2010

Background  Chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) is a major complication in long‐term survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Cutaneous manifestations are frequently the presenting features; therefore, the dermatologist needs to be aware of the wide spectrum of cutaneous cGVHD.

Methods  We retrospectively evaluated patients’ characteristics, clinical, and histological features of cutaneous cGVHD and analyzed factors influencing the severity of cutaneous cGVHD in 100 Korean HSCT recipients between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2007.

Results  Clinical manifestations of cutaneous cGVHD mainly presented as lichenoid (60.0%), sclerodermoid (12.0%), or erythematous maculopapular (22.0%) patterns. Other less common findings included xerosis, dyspigmentation, acquired ichthyosis, eczema, exfoliative dermatitis, alopecia, erythema multiforme‐like or keratosis pilaris‐like eruption. Among 100 patients, 46 patients were investigated for nail involvement, and 29 (63.0%) of them were accompanied with nail abnormalities. Histologically, characteristic lichenoid lesions were observed in 53%, sclerodermoid in 9%, and acute/chronic overlap syndrome in 28% of patients. We also discovered that HSCT from female donors to male recipients increased the severity of cutaneous cGVHD.

Conclusions  We report a large study about cutaneous cGVHD in Asian patients. Cutaneous cGVHD presented with a wide spectrum of clinical and histological manifestations.
Melanoma in association with acquired melanocytic nevus in Japan: a review of cases in the literature
Authors: Togawa Y. , Nakamura Y. , Kamada N. , Kambe N. , Takahashi Y. , Matsue H.
Published: November 2010

Background  Malignant melanomas clinically and/or histologically associated with melanocytic nevi have been reported worldwide. Approximately 20% of malignant melanomas in Caucasians, most of which are found on the trunk and proximal extremities, develop in association with pre‐existing melanocytic nevi. In Japan, however, over half of all melanomas are acral lentiginous melanomas (ALMs) on the hands and feet; melanomas on sun‐exposed areas are seen less frequently in Japanese people than in Caucasians. As ALMs are not usually accompanied by melanocytic nevi and there have been no reviews of the literature or statistical data regarding Japanese cases of melanomas with melanocytic nevi, dermatologists in Japan have few opportunities to see melanomas associated with pre‐existing melanocytic nevi.

Methods  Here we report a case of a superficial spreading melanoma that was formed on a melanocytic nevus on the trunk, and we review for the first time the case reports from the Japanese literature.

Results and Conclusions  With regard to the reported cases, melanomas associated with melanocytic nevi were mainly superficial spreading melanomas and nodular melanomas on the trunk or extremities; ALMs were rarely associated with nevi, indicating a trend similar to that observed in Caucasians. These findings suggest that the low frequency of associations between melanomas and melanocytic nevi in Japan reflects racial differences in the frequencies of each type of melanoma.
Effective long‐term control of refractory hidradenitis suppurativa with adalimumab after failure of conventional therapy
Authors: Arenbergerova Monika , Gkalpakiotis Spyridon , Arenberger Petr
Published: November 2010

Background  Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic suppurative condition featuring inflammatory nodules, fistulas and scars. It occurs predominantly in the axillae and groin. The disease is poorly responsive to any treatment and is connected with significant morbidity. Systemic therapy, including oral antibiotics, retinoids and antiandrogens, usually has only limited effect. Surgical treatment of affected areas is necessary in advanced stages.

Objectives  Several reports support the beneficial effect of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) antagonists for the treatment of severe hidradenitis suppurativa. By contrast with data on infliximab and etanercept, data describing the potential positive influence of adalimumab on disease outcome are limited and refer to only small cohorts of patients.

Methods  Eight patients with severe, recalcitrant hidradenitis were treated for 1 year with adalimumab in a standard regimen and were subsequently followed for 1 year.

Results  All patients improved within 4–6 weeks and laboratory parameters of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte count reduced significantly during treatment. Three patients demonstrated long‐lasting improvement and five showed recurrences several months after discontinuation of the therapy. The average recurrence‐free interval was 9.5 months.

Conclusions  Adalimumab is suitable for the long‐term treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa and presents a further conservative treatment approach.
A pilot Iron Substitution Programme in female blood donors with iron deficiency without anaemia
Authors: Pittori C. , Buser A. , Gasser U. E. , Sigle J. , Job S. , Rüesch M. , Tichelli A. , Infanti L.
Published: November 2010

Background and objectives  Blood donation can contribute to iron deficiency. The possibly resulting anaemia importantly affects donor return rate. The determination of serum ferritin levels revealed iron deficiency in many non‐anaemic premenopausal female blood donors at our Institution. We started an iron substitution programme targeting this donor group to prevent anaemia and enhance donor retain.

Materials and methods  Women aged ≤50 with haemoglobin levels adequate for donation and serum ferritin ≤10 ng/ml were offered iron supplementation. Substitution lasted 16 weeks and the donation interval was extended. History collection including iron deficiency–related symptoms, whole blood count and serum ferritin determination was performed at baseline and after 2 and 6 months. Data were recorded prospectively and compared with those of 108 female controls with iron deficiency not receiving iron substitution (retrospective data).

Results  Of the 116 participating subjects, 60% completed the programme. Significant results were serum ferritin increase (from a mean value of 7·12 to 25·2 ng/ml), resolution of prostration, fatigue, sleep disturbances, tension in the neck, hair loss and nail breakage. No case of anaemia occurred. Sixty per cent of the women completed the programme and donated blood again.

Conclusions  Targeted iron substitution prevents the development of anaemia and enhances donation return in premenopausal female blood donors with iron deficiency.