bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Critique of Dialetheism
Authors: Littmann Greg , Simmons Keith
Published: May 2010

Dialetheism is the view that there are true contradictions. The strongest argument in favour of dialetheism is that it alone allows us to solve semantic paradoxes like the liar paradox. This chapter presents two main criticisms of dialetheism. First, it argues that semantic pathology spreads to the dialetheist theory itself, putting into question the acceptability of the theory. Second, it argues that, even though dialetheism admits true contradictions, it is nevertheless subject to a revenge liar.
Simple Truth, Contradiction, and Consistency
Authors: Shapiro Stewart
Published: May 2010

This paper argues that the dialetheist is subject to a criticism much like one that Priest levels against consistent theories of truth: there are certain notions and concepts that the dialetheist invokes (informally), but which he or she cannot adequately express, unless the meta-theory is (completely) consistent. Such notions include disagreement, simple truth, simple falsity, non-diatheia, and even consistency. The insistence on a consistent meta-theory would undermine the key aspect of dialetheism; namely, the uniformity of object language and meta-language.
Prologue
Authors: Hsing You‐tien
Published: May 2010

The Prologue offers the author's personal account of the way this book was shaped by China's radical changes over the past twelve years, and how urban issues came to prominence after decades during which the state professed its devotion to industrialism.
Chapter 1 Land and Urban Politics
Authors: Hsing You‐tien
Published: May 2010

Chapter 1 introduces the empirical and theoretical background of the project with its focus on the connection between land and urban politics. Persistent state land tenure in China has triggered fierce competition among state actors for land rents and territorial control, and provides an opportunity to reconsider theories of the state, power, and territory. Key differences between the concepts of “urbanization of the local state” and “state‐led urbanization” are also discussed. On the societal front, the land‐based regime of accumulation has fuelled distributional politics over land in different types of places, which offers an opportunity to add to geographers' theorization of location, locale, place, and territory. The second part is a methodological note on the challenges of doing fieldwork on the politics of land in China, and the author's strategies for data collection and interpretation. The chapter ends with an organizational overview of the book and brief summaries of each chapter.
Chapter 6 Township Governments as Brokers of Power and Property
Authors: Hsing You‐tien
Published: May 2010

Chapter 6 moves to the third type of place examined in this book, the rural edge of the metropolitan region, where the influence of the metropolitan government gives way to low‐ranking township governments exercising informal power over rural land. Acting as power and property brokers between the state bureaucracy and peasants, township leaders try to avoid scrutiny from above while intensifying downward control over village land to develop illegal industrial, commercial, and residential projects. Townships' power and property brokerage is exemplified by their issuing of homeownership certificates that attract buyers of affordable homes but are not recognized by the state. Townships' limited formal power is secured through construction projects and expanded through the operation of the black market for property.
Penicillium Species Associated with Preharvest Wet Core Rot in South Africa and Their Pathogenicity on Apple
Authors: van der Walt Lené , Spotts Robert A. , Visagie Cobus M. , Jacobs Karin , Smit Francois J. , McLeod Adéle
Published: May 2010

Symptoms associated with the core region of apple fruits (Malus domestica) can be classified as moldy core (MC), wet core rot (WCR), and dry core rot (DCR). Infections leading to WCR are thought to occur primarily postharvest, although in South Africa preharvest symptoms also have been reported. The first aim of this study was to investigate the causative agent(s) of preharvest WCR by isolating fungi from eight internal positions in asymptomatic, MC, WCR, and DCR fruits. Secondly, the pathogenicity and virulence of all Penicillium isolates were investigated using three apple fruit inoculation methods: surface wounding, deep wounding, and nonwounding. Isolation of fungi from WCR fruits showed that Penicillium was the predominant fungal genus from most isolation positions including the lesion area. Penicillium ramulosum was the predominant species isolated from all fruits. However, in WCR fruits, the incidence (58%) of P. ramulosum was much higher than in MC (6%), DCR (7%), or asymptomatic (7%) fruits. Less frequently isolated Penicillium species included P. expansum and a few other species. Pathogenicity testing using the nonwounding method was best at discriminating highly virulent isolates. P. expansum was the most virulent species, followed by a putative new Penicillium species with closest sequence similarity to P. dendriticum. P. ramulosum isolates, although showing varying degrees of virulence, all had low virulence, causing only small lesions in wounded apple fruits.
Night Spraying Peanut Fungicides II. Application Timings and Spray Deposition in the Lower Canopy
Authors: Augusto J. , Brenneman T. B. , Culbreath A. K. , Sumner P.
Published: May 2010

Chemical control of soilborne peanut (Arachis hypogaea) diseases requires deposition of fungicide on plant tissues near the soil. Four applications of a protectant fungicide, chlorothalonil (1.26 kg a.i./ha), or a systemic, azoxystrobin (0.21 kg a.i./ha), pyraclostrobin (0.21 kg a.i./ha), or prothioconazole (0.08 kg a.i./ha) plus tebuconazole (0.15 kg a.i./ha), were sprayed either (i) early in the morning (3:00 to 5:00 A.M., with folded and wet leaves), (ii) during daylight (10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., with unfolded and dry leaves), or (iii) in the evening (9:00 to 10:00 P.M., with folded and dry leaves). All timings of systemic fungicides provided similar control of foliar diseases. Early-morning applications of pyraclostrobin and prothioconazole plus tebuconazole decreased stem rot (caused by Sclerotium rolfsii) at digging compared with day and evening applications. All systemic fungicides increased yield when applied at early-morning compared with day applications. Spray coverage, density, and droplet size were higher with night than day applications, and differences were more evident in the lower canopy layers. These results suggest that applications made early in the morning to folded, wet leaves can improve spray penetration of peanut canopies, thus improving stem rot control and increasing yield.
Phytophthora ramorum Occurrence in Ornamentals in Serbia
Authors: Bulajić Aleksandra , Djekić Ivana , Jović Jelena , Krnjajić Slobodan , Vučurović Ana , Krstić Branka
Published: May 2010

In a survey to determine the presence of Phytophthora ramorum in Serbia, ornamentals from garden centers, nurseries, and private and public gardens, as well as imported plant material, were inspected. In total, 577 plant, soil, and potting media samples were tested using various detection methods: lateral flow diagnostic test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, conventional polymerase chain reaction, and isolation, followed by identification based on growth characteristics in culture and morphological features. P. ramorum was not detected in any of the 162 soil or potting media tested by the baiting method. P. ramorum was detected in 12 Rhododendron samples from one private garden in Zemun (City of Belgrade District) exhibiting symptoms of leaf necrosis and blight and petiole necrosis, and in three samples of Pieris spp. from one garden center exhibiting symptoms of leaf necrosis. Eight Phytophthora isolates were obtained from the positive Rhododendron plants and three isolates from Pieris plants, and all were identified as P. ramorum on the basis of their uniform morphological and growth characteristics. P. ramorum conformation was also made by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer regions for a single isolate taken from one infected rhododendron and one pieris plant. Serbian isolates were determined as A1 mating type, due to formation of a few typical sexual structures when crossed with the A2 mating type of P. cinnamomi and P. cryptogea. Pathogenicity test on nonwounded detached leaves of 19 popular ornamentals, as well as the most frequently imported ones, revealed that 10 host species were susceptible, including Robinia pseudoacacia, which is widely distributed in Serbia. During this study, Cotoneaster horizontalis and C. dammeri were determined to be new experimental hosts of P. ramorum. This article provides evidence of P. ramorum introduction into Serbia. Although P. ramorum has not been detected in Serbian production nurseries, its presence outdoors might cause severe damages on susceptible common urban plants in public green and natural ecosystems.
Reduced Sensitivity in Monilinia fructicola Field Isolates from South Carolina and Georgia to Respiration Inhibitor Fungicides
Authors: Amiri A. , Brannen P. M. , Schnabel G.
Published: May 2010

Quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SdhI) fungicides are respiration inhibitors (RIs) used for preharvest control of brown rot of stone fruit. Both chemical classes are site-specific and, thus, prone to resistance development. Between 2006 and 2008, 157 isolates of Monilinia fructicola collected from multiple peach and nectarine orchards with or without RI spray history in South Carolina and Georgia were characterized based upon conidial germination and mycelial growth inhibition for their sensitivity to QoI fungicides azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin, SdhI fungicide boscalid, and a mixture of pyraclostrobin + boscalid. There was no significant difference (P = 0.05) between EC50 values for inhibition of conidial germination versus mycelial growth. The mean EC50 values based upon mycelial growth tests for 25 isolates from an orchard without RI-spray history were 0.15, 0.06, 2.23, and 0.09 μg/ml for azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, boscalid, and pyraclostrobin + boscalid, respectively. The respective mean EC50 values for 76 isolates from RI-sprayed orchards in South Carolina were 0.9, 0.1, 10.7, and 0.13 μg/ml and for 56 isolates from RI-sprayed orchards in Georgia were 1.2, 0.1, 8.91, and 0.17 μg/ml. Overall, mean EC50 values of populations from RI-sprayed orchards increased three-, two-, five-, and twofold between 2006 and 2008 for azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, boscalid, and pyraclostrobin + boscalid, respectively. A subset of 10 M. fructicola isolates representing low and high EC50 values for azoxystrobin, boscalid, and boscalid + pyraclostrobin was selected for a detached fruit assay to determine disease incidence and severity following protective treatments of formulated RI fungicides at label rates. Brown rot incidence was greater than 50% when fruit were inoculated with isolates having EC50 values of 2, 4, and 0.6 μg/ml for azoxystrobin, boscalid, and pyraclostrobin + boscalid, respectively. Pyraclostrobin failed to control any of the isolates tested in detached fruit assays. Based on minimum inhibitory concentration and brown rot incidence data, we recommend using 3 and 0.75 μg/ml as discriminatory doses to distinguish between sensitive isolates and those with reduced sensitivity to azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin + boscalid, respectively. Results from our in vitro and in vivo assays indicate a shift toward reduced sensitivity in M. fructicola from the southeastern United States. No cross-resistance was observed between the QoI and the SdhI fungicides, which implies that rotation or tank mixtures of these two chemical classes can be used as a resistance management strategy.
In Situ Detection of Benzimidazole Resistance in Field Isolates of Venturia inaequalis in Indiana
Authors: Quello Kacie L. , Chapman Kimberly S. , Beckerman Janna L.
Published: May 2010

Venturia inaequalis, the causal agent of apple scab, infects both commercial apples and ornamental crabapples. We found four classes of benzimidazole fungicide sensitivity in the Indiana population: sensitive (S) isolates unable to grow on 0.5 μg active ingredient (a.i.)/ml; low resistant (LR) isolates that grew at 0.5 μg a.i./ml, but not at 5 μg a.i./ml; moderately resistant (MR) isolates that grew at 5 μg a.i./ml, but not at 50 μg a.i./ml; and very highly resistant (VHR) isolates that grew rapidly at 50 μg a.i./ml. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of the β-tubulin gene with two restriction enzymes, BstUI and Cac8I, enabled us to rapidly identify benzimidazole resistance among all tested isolates. Sixty-nine percent of the resistant isolates tested possessed the BstUI RFLP at codon 198 that corresponds to VHR, and the remaining LR and MR isolates possessed the Cac8I RFLP corresponding to a newly identified resistance allele at codon L240F. Combined, PCR-RFLP correctly identified the resistance status of all isolates tested to date. The preponderance of benzimidazole-resistant isolates from commercial apple orchards and their absence in the landscape on ornamental crabapple suggests that two distinct populations of V. inaequalis coexist in Indiana.
First Report of Phytophthora Blight of Lily Caused by Phytophthora nicotianae in China
Authors: Yang X. M. , Wang J. H. , Qu S. P. , Wang L. H. , Peng L. C.
Published: May 2010

Lily (Lilium spp.) is an economically important cut flower in China. In August 2009, 30 to 40% of plants of lily cv. Siberia in a greenhouse for cut flower production in Yunnan, China were severely diseased. Infected plants developed water-soaked lesions and soft rot on the base of stems and leaves near the soil surface. As the disease progressed, stems bent and plants collapsed. Soft rot symptoms were observed on some bulbs and roots of severely diseased plants. Small, diseased tissue fragments (approximately 3 mm) were surface disinfected with 0.5% NaOCl and then plated to Phytophthora selective medium (10% V8 juice agar) (4). Inoculated dishes were incubated at 25°C in the dark. After 5 days, white colonies with abundant aerial mycelia developed from all plated tissue samples. The fungus had aseptate hyphae. Sporangia were papillate, both caducous and noncaducous, and the shape ranged from ovoid to spherical. The dimensions of sporangia were 30 to 62 × 21 to 46 μm. On the basis of morphological features, isolates were identified as Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA was amplified using primers ITS1/ITS4 and sequenced. BLAST analysis of the 835-bp fragment showed a 99% homology with the sequence of P. nicotianae AY833527. The nucleotide sequence has been assigned GenBank No. GU299778. PCR amplification of genomic DNAs using the P. nicotianae-specific primer pair ITS3-PNIC1 generated a 455-bp sequence (3). The result further confirmed the identity of P. nicotianae. Pathogenicity tests were conducted in the greenhouse on lily cv. Siberia grown in pots. Ten 3-month-old plantlets were inoculated by watering the wounded stem bases and soil surface with 30 ml of zoospore suspensions (105 spores per ml). Five uninoculated plantlets were used as controls. All plantlets were covered with plastic bags and incubated at room temperature (22 to 26°C) for 48 h. Inoculated plants developed initial symptoms of slight chlorosis and wilting of lower leaves. Within a 3-week period, all plants died due to soft rot of stem bases and leaves. The pathogen was reisolated from inoculated plants but not from control plants that were symptomless. P. nicotianae has been reported as the causal agent of Phytophthora blight on lily in Korea, Japan, and Hungary (1,2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Phytophthora blight of lily in China.

References: (1) J. Bakonyi et al. Plant Pathol. 50:795, 2001. (2) H. J. Jee and W. G. Kim. Plant Pathol. J. 14:452, 1998. (3) P. W. Tooley et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 63:1467, 1997. (4) X. B. Zheng. Phytophthora and Its Research Technology. Beijing. China Agriculture Press, Beijing, 1997.
Gene Knockdown of the N -Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor NR1 Subunit with Subcutaneous Small Interfering RNA Reduces Inflammation-induced Nociception in Rats
Authors: Tan Ping-Heng , Chia Yuan-Yi , Chow Lok-Hi , Chen Jieh-Jie , Yang Lin-Cheng , Hung Kuo-Chuan , Chen Hung-Shu , Kuo Chien-Hung
Published: May 2010

Background

Spinal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors have been demonstrated to play an important role in the facilitation and maintenance of nociception. To avoid adverse effects of blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the central nervous system, blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in peripheral nervous system is an ideal alternative. Transfection of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) into cells has been revealed to provide potent silencing of specific genes. In this study, the authors examined the effect of subcutaneous injection of siRNA targeting the NR1 subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor on silencing NR1 gene expression and subsequently abolishing inflammatory nociception in rats.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats received intradermal injection of NR1 siRNA and underwent injection of formalin or complete Freund's adjuvant. The flinch response and mechanical hypersensitivity by von Frey filaments were assessed. Then the messenger RNA and protein of NR1 in skin and dorsal root ganglion were analyzed.

Results

The results revealed that subcutaneous injection of 1 nmol NR1 siRNA effectively diminished the nociception induced by formalin and complete Freund's adjuvant stimuli and attenuated the level of NR1 messenger RNA and protein in skin and ipsilateral dorsal root ganglion. The antinociception effect and the inhibition of NR1 expression persisted for about 7 days after administration of NR1 siRNA.

Conclusions

The data of this study suggest that NR1 siRNA has potential therapeutic value in the treatment of inflammatory pain induced or maintained by peripheral nociceptor activity and support the potential application of this method to the study of nociceptive processes and target the validation of pain-associated genes.
Pungent General Anesthetics Activate Transient Receptor Potential-A1 to Produce Hyperalgesia and Neurogenic Bronchoconstriction
Authors: Eilers Helge , Cattaruzza Fiore , Nassini Romina , Materazzi Serena , Andre Eunice , Chu Catherine , Cottrell Graeme S. , Schumacher Mark , Geppetti Pierangelo , Bunnett Nigel W.
Published: May 2010

Background

Volatile anesthetics such as isoflurane and halothane have been in clinical use for many years and represent the group of drugs most commonly used to maintain general anesthesia. However, despite their widespread use, the molecular mechanisms by which these drugs exert their effects are not completely understood. Recently, a seemingly paradoxical effect of general anesthetics has been identified: the activation of peripheral nociceptors by irritant anesthetics. This mechanism may explain the hyperalgesic actions of inhaled anesthetics and their adverse effects in the airways.

Methods

To test the hypothesis that irritant inhaled anesthetics activate the excitatory ion-channel transient receptor potential (TRP)-A1 and thereby contribute to hyperalgesia and irritant airway effects, we used the measurement of intracellular calcium concentration in isolated cells in culture. For our functional experiments, we used models of isolated guinea pig bronchi to measure bronchoconstriction and withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation with von Frey filaments in mice.

Results

Irritant inhaled anesthetics activate TRPA1 expressed in human embryonic kidney cells and in nociceptive neurons. Isoflurane induces mechanical hyperalgesia in mice by a TRPA1-dependent mechanism. Isoflurane also induces TRPA1-dependent constriction of isolated bronchi. Nonirritant anesthetics do not activate TRPA1 and fail to produce hyperalgesia and bronchial constriction.

Conclusions

General anesthetics induce a reversible loss of consciousness and render the patient unresponsive to painful stimuli. However, they also produce excitatory effects such as airway irritation and they contribute to postoperative pain. Activation of TRPA1 may contribute to these adverse effects, a hypothesis that remains to be tested in the clinical setting.
Learning Curves for Bag-and-mask Ventilation and Orotracheal Intubation
Authors: Komatsu Ryu , Kasuya Yusuke , Yogo Hisanori , Sessler Daniel I. , Mascha Edward , Yang Dongsheng , Ozaki Makoto
Published: May 2010

Background

In this study, the authors determined the success and failure rates for interns learning bag-and-mask ventilation and orotracheal intubation. Their goal was to determine the amount of experience needed to perform these procedures correctly.

Methods

The authors recorded 695 bag-and-mask ventilations and 679 orotracheal intubations performed by 15 inexperienced interns during their 3 month-long anesthesia rotations. Learning curves for each procedure for each intern were constructed with both the standard and risk-adjusted cumulative sum methods. The average number of procedures required to attain a failure rate of 20% was estimated for each technique.

Results

Fourteen of 15 interns attained acceptable failure rates at bag-and-mask ventilation after 27 +/- 13 procedures, with a median (95% confidence interval) of 25 (15-32) procedures to cross the decision limit when considering all 15 interns. Nine of 15 interns attained acceptable failure rates at orotracheal intubation after 26 +/- 8 procedures, with a median of 29 (22-not estimable) procedures to cross the limit when considering all interns. The proportion of interns who attained acceptable failure rates for mask ventilation was greater than for tracheal intubation (93% vs. 60%, P = 0.025). Overall, our interns achieved a bag-and-mask ventilation failure rate of 20% or better after a median of 25 procedures; approximately 80% of interns achieved the goal after 35 procedures or less.

Conclusions

Participating interns developed mask ventilation skills faster than orotracheal intubation skills, and there was more variability in the rate at which intubation skills developed. A median of 29 procedures was required to achieve an 80% orotracheal intubation success rate.
A Comparison of Change in the 0–10 Numeric Rating Scale to a Pain Relief Scale and Global Medication Performance Scale in a Short-term Clinical Trial of Breakthrough Pain Intensity
Authors: Farrar John T. , Polomano Rosemary C. , Berlin Jesse A. , Strom Brian L.
Published: May 2010

Background

Pain intensity is commonly reported using a 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale in pain clinical trials. Analysis of the change on the Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale as a proportion has most consistently correlated with clinically important differences reported on the patient's global impression of change. The correlation of data from patients with breakthrough pain with a Pain Relief Scale and a different global outcome measures will extend our understanding of these measures.

Methods

Data were obtained from the open titration phase of a multiple crossover, randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate with immediate-release oral morphine sulfate for the treatment of cancer-related breakthrough pain. Raw and percentage changes in the pain intensity scores from 1,307 episodes of pain in 134 oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate-naïve patients were correlated with the clinically relevant secondary outcomes of Pain Relief Verbal Response Scale and the global medication performance scale. The changes in raw and percentage change were assessed over time and compared with the ordinal Pain Relief Verbal Response Scale and Global Medication Performance Scale.

Results

The P value of the interaction between the raw pain intensity difference was significant (P = 0.034) for four 15-min time periods but not for the percentage pain intensity difference score (P = 0.26). We found similar results in comparison with the ordinal Pain Relief Verbal Response Scale (P = 0.0048 and P = 0.36 respectively) and global medication performance categories (P = 0.048 and P = 0.45, respectively).

Conclusion

The change in pain intensity in breakthrough pain was more consistent over time and when compared with both the Pain Relief Verbal Response Scale and the Global Medication Performance Scale when the percentage change is used rather than raw pain intensity difference.
Increased Leaf Size: Different Means to an End
Authors: Gonzalez Nathalie , De Bodt Stefanie , Sulpice Ronan , Jikumaru Yusuke , Chae Eunyoung , Dhondt Stijn , Van Daele Twiggy , De Milde Liesbeth , Weigel Detlef , Kamiya Yuji , Stitt Mark , Beemster Gerrit T.S. , Inzé Dirk
Published: May 2010

The final size of plant organs, such as leaves, is tightly controlled by environmental and genetic factors that must spatially and temporally coordinate cell expansion and cell cycle activity. However, this regulation of organ growth is still poorly understood. The aim of this study is to gain more insight into the genetic control of leaf size in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) by performing a comparative analysis of transgenic lines that produce enlarged leaves under standardized environmental conditions. To this end, we selected five genes belonging to different functional classes that all positively affect leaf size when overexpressed: AVP1, GRF5, JAW, BRI1, and GA20OX1. We show that the increase in leaf area in these lines depended on leaf position and growth conditions and that all five lines affected leaf size differently; however, in all cases, an increase in cell number was, entirely or predominantly, responsible for the leaf size enlargement. By analyzing hormone levels, transcriptome, and metabolome, we provide deeper insight into the molecular basis of the growth phenotype for the individual lines. A comparative analysis between these data sets indicates that enhanced organ growth is governed by different, seemingly independent pathways. The analysis of transgenic lines simultaneously overexpressing two growth-enhancing genes further supports the concept that multiple pathways independently converge on organ size control in Arabidopsis.
Genetic variability, structure and assignment of Spanish and French pig populations based on a large sampling
Authors: Boitard S. , Chevalet C. , Mercat M.‐J. , Meriaux J. C. , Sanchez A. , Tibau J. , Sancristobal M.
Published: May 2010

The Spanish and French pig populations share the common practice of quasi systematic paternity control of pure breed and composite line males. Ten microsatellite markers are in common between Spain and France controls, among the 17 markers used in France and the 13 used in Spain. After the adjustment of allele sizes, it is possible to merge the two datasets and to obtain a set of 5791 animals, including the vast majority of the males in the Duroc, Landrace, Large White and Piétrain French and Spanish breeds. Twelve French composite lines are also available. The genetic diversity analysis of these pig populations is presented, as well as the assignment of an individual to its breed. The effects of heterogeneous sampling across time and of relatedness among animals are also assessed. Consistent with the results of the previous studies, we found that different populations from the same breed clearly clustered together. In addition, all populations of this study, whether purebred or composite, are quite well differentiated from the other ones. As a result, we note that the 10 microsatellites commonly used for paternity control ensure a powerful detection of the breed of origin, with the power of detection being 95–99%. The detection of the exact population within breed is more difficult, but the power exceeds 70% for most of the populations. Practical implications include, for instance, the detection of outlier animals, crosses and admixture events.
Scale‐based freshwater conservation planning: towards protecting freshwater biodiversity in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: RIVERS‐MOORE N. A. , GOODMAN P. S. , NEL J. L.
Published: May 2010

1. River systems have strong linear linkages. Innovative solutions to capture these linkages are required from aquatic conservation planners.

2. We apply an approach to freshwater conservation planning to freshwater ecosystems of KwaZulu‐Natal (South Africa), using generic conservation planning software. We used a two‐step, hierarchical process to capture catchment‐ and local‐scale dynamics, where priority primary catchments were first identified and then used at a second level for selecting priority subcatchments, which served as planning units at a finer scale.

3. We set quantitative targets for defined freshwater biodiversity features. Priority planning units at both catchment levels were selected using modified weighted cost discounts and penalties, which included the presence of priority estuaries and free‐flowing rivers, planning units falling within priority primary catchments, planning units identified as important in an existing terrestrial conservation plan and the degree of catchment degradation. Ecological processes were incorporated by discounting planning units important for surface and groundwater yield.

4. Upstream–downstream connectivity was achieved by linking adjoining subcatchments associated with main rivers and wetlands and enhanced by setting high targets for subcatchments through which eels (Anguilla mossambica) must migrate.

5. The hierarchical approach of selecting priority primary catchments and using these to affect subcatchment costs, plus the use of high targets for migratory fish species, is applicable to any freshwater conservation plan to favour planning unit selection within selected basins, while facilitating connectivity in upstream–downstream subcatchments.
Maturation of Sleep–Wake Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Secretion Across Puberty in Girls: Potential Mechanisms and Relevance to the Pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: McCartney C. R.
Published: May 2010

Neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying the progression of sleep–wake gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse secretion across puberty have remained enigmatic. Here, the changes of sleep–wake luteinising hormone (LH) (and, by inference, GnRH) pulse secretion across puberty in normal girls are reviewed, primarily focusing on available human data. It is suggested that the primary control of GnRH pulse frequency changes across puberty, with sex steroid feedback exerting minimal control during childhood, but primary control during adulthood. A working model is proposed regarding how such a transfer of GnRH pulse frequency control may partly account for the prominent day–night differences of GnRH pulse frequency characteristic of puberty. How this model may be relevant to the genesis of abnormal GnRH secretion in peripubertal girls with hyperandrogenaemia is then described.
Loss of the actin‐like protein MamK has pleiotropic effects on magnetosome formation and chain assembly in Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense
Authors: Katzmann Emanuel , Scheffel André , Gruska Manuela , Plitzko Jürgen M. , Schüler Dirk
Published: May 2010

Magnetotactic bacteria synthesize magnetosomes, which are unique organelles consisting of membrane‐enclosed magnetite crystals. For magnetic orientation individual magnetosome particles are assembled into well‐organized chains. The actin‐like MamK and the acidic MamJ proteins were previously implicated in chain assembly. While MamK was suggested to form magnetosome‐associated cytoskeletal filaments, MamJ is assumed to attach the magnetosome vesicles to these structures. Although the deletion of either mamK in Magnetospirillum magneticum, or mamJ in Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense affected chain formation, the previously observed phenotypes were not fully consistent, suggesting different mechanisms of magnetosome chain assembly in both organisms. Here we show that in M. gryphiswaldense MamK is not absolutely required for chain formation. Straight chains, albeit shorter, fragmented and ectopic, were still formed in a mamK deletion mutant, although magnetosome filaments were absent as shown by cryo‐electron tomography. Loss of MamK also resulted in reduced numbers of magnetite crystals and magnetosome vesicles and led to the mislocalization of MamJ. In addition, extensive analysis of wild type and mutant cells revealed previously unidentified ultrastructural characteristics in M. gryphiswaldense. Our results suggest that, despite of their functional equivalence, loss of MamK proteins in different bacteria may result in distinct phenotypes, which might be due to a species‐specific genetic context.
Bacterial protein acetylation: the dawning of a new age
Authors: Hu Linda I. , Lima Bruno P. , Wolfe Alan J.
Published: May 2010

Protein acetylation has historically been considered a predominantly eukaryotic phenomenon. Recent evidence, however, supports the hypothesis that acetylation broadly impacts bacterial physiology. To explore more rapidly the impact of protein acetylation in bacteria, microbiologists can benefit from the strong foundation established by investigators of protein acetylation in eukaryotes. To help advance this learning process, we will summarize the current understanding of protein acetylation in eukaryotes, discuss the emerging link between acetylation and metabolism and highlight the best‐studied examples of protein acetylation in bacteria.
Pilot evaluation of the efficacy of shampoo treatment with ultrapure soft water for canine pruritus
Authors: Ohmori Keitaro , Tanaka Akane , Makita Yuka , Takai Masaki , Yoshinari Yuji , Matsuda Hiroshi
Published: May 2010

Ultrapure soft water (UPSW) is water in which calcium and magnesium ions have been replaced with sodium ions using a cation‐exchange resin. We recently demonstrated that washing with soap and UPSW reduced the clinical severity of dermatitis and improved the skin barrier function in NC/NgaTnd mice, a murine model for human atopic dermatitis. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of shampoo treatment with UPSW for dogs with pruritus. Eleven dogs with pruritus were randomly assigned to two groups depending on whether they received weekly shampoo treatment with UPSW or tap water for 4 weeks. After a washout period, the treatment protocol was switched such that each dog received both treatments. The pre‐treatment and post‐treatment values of the following were compared: pruritus scores assessed by the owners; dermatitis scores recorded by an investigator; and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Shampoo treatment with UPSW significantly decreased pruritus and dermatitis scores in the dogs, whereas shampoo treatment with tap water did not. In addition, shampoo treatment with UPSW, but not with tap water, significantly reduced TEWL in the dogs. Adverse events due to the treatment were not observed in the dogs. Furthermore, we found that topical application of UPSW for barrier‐disrupted skin caused by tape stripping in healthy dogs decreased TEWL more rapidly than topical application of tap water. Our findings suggest that shampoo treatment with UPSW promotes skin barrier recovery and thus could be considered as a possible therapeutic option in the management of pruritus and dermatitis in dogs.
Competition between relatives and the evolution of dispersal in a parasitoid wasp
Authors: INNOCENT T. M. , ABE J. , WEST S. A. , REECE S. E.
Published: May 2010

Evolutionary theory predicts that levels of dispersal vary in response to the extent of local competition for resources and the relatedness between potential competitors. Here, we test these predictions by making use of a female dispersal dimorphism in the parasitoid wasp Melittobia australica. We show that there are two distinct female morphs, which differ in morphology, pattern of egg production, and dispersal behaviour. As predicted by theory, we found that greater competition for resources resulted in increased production of dispersing females. In contrast, we did not find support for the prediction that high relatedness between competitors increases the production of dispersing females in Melittobia. Finally, we exploit the close links between the evolutionary processes leading to selection for dispersal and for biased sex ratios to examine whether the pattern of dispersal can help distinguish between competing hypotheses for the lack of sex ratio adjustment in Melittobia.
Geographical and individual variation in echolocation calls of the intermediate leaf‐nosed bat, Hipposideros larvatus
Authors: Jiang Tinglei , Liu Rong , Metzner Walter , You Yuyan , Li Shi , Liu Sen , Feng Jiang
Published: May 2010

The cause and significance of variation in echolocation call frequency within hipposiderid bats is not well understood despite an increasing number of allopatric and sympatric examples being documented. We examined variation patterns in the resting frequency (RF) of echolocation calls emitted by the intermediate leaf‐nosed bat, Hipposideros larvatus, on a broad geographical scale. Data mining technology and Kruskal–Wallis test both showed substantial variation with a longitudinal pattern in RF in H. larvatus among colonies, and this variation was associated with geographical distance and not body size. In addition, we found that a high degree of variability between individuals was hidden under the geographical variation. The results support an effect of random cultural drift, and challenge the prey detection hypothesis. Moreover, an acoustic difference among local island colonies may be indicative of a vocal dialect. We found that each colony of H. larvatus seems to maintain a ‘private bandwidth’, which could be used for colony identity and individual communication thus helping individuals and colonies to get a number of fitness benefits.
Chronic telogen effluvium is due to a reduction in the variance of anagen duration
Authors: Gilmore Stephen , Sinclair Rodney
Published: May 2010

Background/Objectives:  Chronic telogen effluvium and diffuse cyclical hair loss in women are well‐described clinical entities characterized by chronic and fluctuating increases in hair shedding without loss of hair volume. We sought to investigate the follicular dynamics of chronic telogen effluvium and diffuse cyclical hair loss using a previously validated computer simulation known as the follicular automaton.

Methods:  Using our model, we were able to simulate reductions in both the mean and variance of anagen duration and thus investigate their consequences with respect to both hair volume and hair shedding.

Results:  We showed that reducing the mean anagen duration results in a loss of hair volume without prominent fluctuations in hair fall: findings that reproduced the key features in androgenetic alopecia. In contrast, a reduction in the variance of anagen duration generated follicular dynamics that accurately reproduced the known key features of chronic telogen effluvium and diffuse cyclical hair loss: acute exacerbations, periodicity and only minimal reductions in long‐term hair volume.

Conclusions:  We provide evidence that suggests chronic telogen effluvium may be secondary to a reduction in the variance of anagen and suggest this pathological state represents a new functional type of recurrent hair shedding.
Initiation and duration of proton pump inhibitors in the Australian veteran population
Authors: Gadzhanova S. V. , Roughead E. E. , Mackson J. M.
Published: May 2010

Aim: To determine the duration of initial treatment with high strength proton pump inhibitors prescribed for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in the veteran population in Australia and variance by the medical professional who initiated treatment.

Method: Retrospective cohort study in the Australian veteran population using Department of Veterans' Affairs pharmacy claims data. Veterans who had been dispensed at least one prescription for the high strength proton pump inhibitor indicative of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2007, were eligible for full health services, and who had not been dispensed any proton pump inhibitor in the previous 12 months were included in the study. The study end‐point was time to discontinuation of initial high strength proton pump inhibitor (cessation or switch to maintenance strength) stratified by the type of initial prescriber.

Results: Of the new users of high strength proton pump inhibitors (n= 41 041), 32% discontinued within 8 weeks, and 62% discontinued within 12 months. The median treatment duration was: 195 days (95% CI, 186–205) for patients with hospital‐initiated therapy (n= 12 294), 124 days (95% CI, 121–127) for patients with treatment initiated by general practitioners (n= 25 327) and 112 days (95% CI, 104–121) for patients with treatment initiated by specialist (n= 3420).

Conclusions: Only one‐third of the Australian veteran patients who initiated high strength proton pump inhibitor treatment for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease discontinued (ceased or stepped down) within 8 weeks consistent with guideline recommendations. The majority continued treatment beyond recommended durations. This is not directly attributable to the initiating prescriber.
The safety of flexible fibre‐optic bronchoscopy and proceduralist‐administered sedation: a tertiary referral centre experience
Authors: Dang D. , Robinson P. C. , Winnicki S. , Jersmann H. P. A.
Published: May 2010

Background: Flexible fibre‐optic bronchoscopy has become an essential investigation and is widely regarded as safe, but wider published prospective data regarding delayed complications are limited. There is continuing debate concerning the safety of proceduralist‐administered sedation. We evaluated complication rates of bronchoscopy and proceduralist‐administered sedation at our tertiary institution, and their clinical significance.

Methods: Prospective evaluation of all patients undergoing bronchoscopy over a 12‐month period at a tertiary referral centre. Immediate minor and major complications were documented within 4 h of bronchoscopy, delayed complications at 48 h, case notes and bronchoscopy records were reviewed 1 month later.

Results: Five hundred and fifty‐eight flexible fibre‐optic bronchoscopies were performed, 216 with transbronchial biopsy or nodal aspiration, 19 had therapeutic airways intervention. The minor complication rate at 4 h was 4.12% (23), rising to 26% (145) at 48 h. All 2.2% (12) major complications occurred exclusively within 4 h of bronchoscopy. No complications could be attributed to proceduralist‐administered sedation.

Discussion: Complication rates at 4 h were comparable with previously reported data. Delayed minor complications were greater than expected, and did not require additional medical input. There were no complications from proceduralist‐administered sedation. Flexible fibre‐optic bronchoscopy and proceduralist‐administered sedation within our institution's guidelines are safe.
Increased activity and improved outcome in unrelated donor haemopoietic cell transplants for acute myeloid leukaemia in Australia, 1992–2005
Authors: Nivison‐Smith I. , Dodds A. J. , Dunckley H. , Ma D. D. F. , Moore J. J. , Simpson J. M. , Szer J. , Bradstock K. F.
Published: May 2010

Background/Aim:  Numbers of unrelated donor allogeneic haemopoietic cell transplants (HCT) for acute myeloid leukaemia have increased in Australia in recent years. The aims of this study were to investigate the components of this change and find contributing factors to changes in outcome.

Methods:  The study method was a retrospective analysis of 213 consecutive first unrelated donor HCT for acute myeloid leukaemia performed within Australia for adult patients during the years of 1992–1997 (n= 43) and 1998–2005 (n= 170).

Results:  The proportion of patients transplanted in first or second complete remission (CR) increased markedly from 21% in 1992–1997 to 52% in 1998–2005. The cumulative incidence of relapse at 1 year post HCT was significantly lower for the later cohort (22% vs 30%, P= 0.04) and for patients transplanted in CR compared with those not in CR (16% vs 31%, P= 0.01). The overall survival probability was significantly better at 5 years post HCT for patients transplanted in 1998–2005 compared with 1992–1997 (40% vs 21%, P= 0.04). Multivariate analysis identified five independent significant favourable factors for survival among the whole patient group: age under 40 years, transplant in CR1, CR2 or first relapse, patient CMV seronegativity, good performance status and year of transplant within 1998–2005.

Conclusion:  The later cohort of patients had improved survival even after allowing for the effects of age, remission status and other factors, which suggests a general improvement in the safety of the procedure over time, particularly for patients in early disease stages at transplant.
Protracted speciation revitalizes the neutral theory of biodiversity
Authors: Rosindell James , Cornell Stephen J. , Hubbell Stephen P. , Etienne Rampal S.
Published: May 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 716–727

Understanding the maintenance and origin of biodiversity is a formidable task, yet many ubiquitous ecological patterns are predicted by a surprisingly simple and widely studied neutral model that ignores functional differences between species. However, this model assumes that new species arise instantaneously as singletons and consequently makes unrealistic predictions about species lifetimes, speciation rates and number of rare species. Here, we resolve these anomalies – without compromising any of the original model's existing achievements and retaining computational and analytical tractability – by modelling speciation as a gradual, protracted, process rather than an instantaneous event. Our model also makes new predictions about the diversity of ‘incipient’ species and rare species in the metacommunity. We show that it is both necessary and straightforward to incorporate protracted speciation in future studies of neutral models, and argue that non‐neutral models should also model speciation as a gradual process rather than an instantaneous one.
Diversification of honest signals in a predator–prey system
Authors: Speed Michael P. , Ruxton Graeme D. , Blount Jon D. , Stephens Philip A.
Published: May 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 744–753

Many animals use bright colouration to advertise their toxicity to predators. It is now well established that both toxicity and colouration are often variable within prey populations, yet it is an open question whether or not brighter signals should be used by the more toxic members of the population. We therefore describe a model in which signal honesty can easily be explained. We assumed that prey toxicity is environmentally conferred and variable between individuals, and that signalling bears a cost through attracting the attention of predators. A key assumption is that predators know the mean toxicity associated with each signalling level, so that the probability of attack for each signal value declines as mean toxicity associated with that signal increases. The probability of death given attack for each individual, however, declines with the precise value of its own toxicity, and prey must evolve the optimal level of signal to match the toxicity level that they acquire from their environments. At the start of our simulations there is no signalling system, as neither prey nor predators have biases that favour signal diversification. Over evolutionary time, however, a positive correlation emerges between signal strength and the mean toxicity associated with each signal level. When stability is reached, predators change their behaviour so that they now tend to avoid prey that signal conspicuously. In addition to predicting within‐species signal reliability, our model can explain the initial evolution of aposematic displays without the need to assume special biases in predators.