bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualising uncertainty in radio-telemetry wildlife-tracking data to aid better study design
Authors: Etherington Thomas R. , Pietravalle Stéphane , Cowan Dave P.
Published: October 2010

Context. Animal movements recorded by radio-telemetry produce a series of spatio-temporal point-location estimates that sample an animal’s continuous track. However, uncertainty in the point locations themselves, and uncertainty of how the animal moved between locations, could be large enough to render data unsuitable for some purposes. Aims. Our objective was to develop a method that would visualise these uncertainties by calculating the maximum range of possible movements around the sampled point locations, given different probabilities of point-location error and animal-movement speed. By visualising the uncertainties, we hope to aid better study design. Methods. To quantify the probability of different levels of uncertainty, we use a probability density function (PDF) of point-location error and movement speed. By choosing a cut-off probability on each PDF, ellipses can be drawn for consecutive pairs of point-location estimates, which when combined show the maximum range of possible movements at those specific cut-off probabilities of location error and movement speed. We demonstrate how to establish the PDFs and apply the methodology by using an example of grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) radio-telemetry data. Key results. By establishing a range of probability cut-offs within each PDF, it is possible to visualise the area within which a grizzly bear could have moved under different combinations of those cut-offs. Conclusions. Comparison of the potential maximum range of possible movements, under different combinations of probability cut-offs, enables the relative importance of each source of uncertainty to be evaluated. Acquiring data from intense sampling would be particularly useful in providing robust information on likely movement speeds. Implications. This approach could be used during study design and testing to prioritise efforts towards reducing uncertainty in the point-location estimates, and uncertainty of where the animal moved between locations to ensure the radio-telemetry method used is appropriate for the study’s objectives.
Plasma alkaline phosphatase as a sensitive indicator of age and skeletal development in wild coscoroba swans
Authors: Calabuig Cecilia P. , Ferrer Miguel , Muriel Roberto , Tilgar Vallo
Published: October 2010

Context. Recent studies have suggested that plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can be used to assess skeletal development as well as health status in wild animals. Aims. However, the information about age-related dynamics of ALP in birds, especially in precocial species, is very scarce. Therefore, before ALP measurements can be effectively interpreted, it is necessary to determine its normal variation for each species, age group and sex. Methods. Here, we report total-ALP levels of free-living coscoroba swans (Coscoroba coscoroba) from the most important breeding and moulting population in Brazil. Data were gathered during the moulting period and categorised according to sex and the following three different age classes: chick (n = 11), young (n = 14) and mature (n = 29). Key results. ALP levels were related to the longitudinal measure of the bones, gradually diminishing with age and showing significant differences among birds of different age classes. In all age groups, no effect of sex on T-ALP concentration was detected. Conclusions. We conclude that measuring ALP facilitates the discrimination among different-aged individuals with similar plumage characteristics and body size.
Longevity and larval development among southern bell frogs (Litoria raniformis) in the Coleambally Irrigation Area - implications for conservation of an endangered frog
Authors: Mann Reinier M. , Hyne Ross V. , Selvakumaraswamy Paulina , Barbosa Sergio S.
Published: October 2010

Context. With the flow of many of the world’s rivers regulated such that water can be diverted for agriculture and human consumption, basic ecological information on the current status of key biota in significant floodplain wetlands and their response following inundation is needed. The maintenance of natural habitat to ensure amphibian survival is gaining increasing recognition, given the ongoing decline of anuran populations. Information on longevity, time required to emerge from the water and to reach sexual maturity, all provide important information about the required timing, frequency and duration of environmental water allocations to ensure successful recruitment among populations of southern bell frogs (Litoria raniformis Keferstein, 1867).
Aims. The aims of this research were to establish the longevity of southern bell frogs in the Coleambally Irrigation Area (CIA) in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia, and to evaluate the capacity for southern bell frog tadpoles to survive and successfully metamorphose following an extended overwintering period.
Methods. Skeletochronology studies were carried out using toe-clips taken from adult and juvenile frogs captured in irrigation channels and rice fields over two rice-growing seasons. For the metamorphosis assay, southern bell frog tadpoles were held back in their development by low temperatures and low food allocation for 290 days, before temperatures and food allocation were increased adequately to allow metamorphosis to occur.
Key results. The study indicated that skeletochronological examination of toe-bones was a useful technique for establishing the age structure of southern bell frogs in this region. The oldest animals in the population were found to be 4–5 years old, although the majority of frogs were typically 2–3 years old. Also, the metamorphosis assay indicated that successful metamorphosis was the exception rather than the rule if tadpole development was held back by low food ration and low temperatures.
Conclusions. If southern bell frogs reach sexual maturity only after 2 years, and the oldest animals observed in the field are 4 or 5 years old, then there is a very narrow window of opportunity – two to three seasons – for each individual to successfully breed.
Implications. The implications for environmental flow management are that habitats for key species identified for protection such as the endangered southern bell frog will need water every 1–2 years to enable each cohort to breed and maintain the wild populations. The extent of the environmental flows needs to be adequate to ensure that water persists long enough for critical biological events such as anuran metamorphosis to occur during the spring and summer months.
Thromboxane A2 receptor and MaxiK-channel intimate interaction supports channeltrans-inhibition independent of G-protein activation
Authors: Li Min , Tanaka Yoshio , Alioua Abderrahmane , Wu Yong , Lu Rong , Kundu Pallob , Sanchez-Pastor Enrique , Marijic Jure , Stefani Enrico , Toro Ligia
Published: October 2010

Large conductance voltage- and calcium-activated potassium channels (MaxiK, BKCa) are well known for sustaining cerebral and coronary arterial tone and for their linkage to vasodilator β-adrenergic receptors. However, how MaxiK channels are linked to counterbalancing vasoconstrictor receptors is unknown. Here, we show that vasopressive thromboxane A2 receptors (TP) can intimately couple with and inhibit MaxiK channels. Activation of the receptor with its agonisttrans-inhibits MaxiK independently of G-protein activation. This unconventional mechanism is supported by independent lines of evidence: (i) inhibition of MaxiK current by thromboxane A2 mimetic, U46619, occurs even when G-protein activity is suppressed; (ii) MaxiK and TP physically associate and display a high degree of proximity; and (iii) Förster resonance energy transfer occurs between fluorescently labeled MaxiK and TP, supporting a direct interaction. The molecular mechanism of MaxiK–TP intimate interaction involves the receptor's first intracellular loop and C terminus, and it entails the voltage-sensing conduction cassette of MaxiK channel. Further, physiological evidence of MaxiK–TP physical interaction is given in human coronaries and rat aorta, and by confirming TP role (with antagonist SQ29,548) in the U46619-induced MaxiK inhibition in human coronaries. We propose that vasoconstrictor TP receptor and MaxiK-channel direct interaction facilitates G-protein–independent TP to MaxiKtrans-inhibition, which would promote vasoconstriction.
microRNAs reveal the interrelationships of hagfish, lampreys, and gnathostomes and the nature of the ancestral vertebrate
Authors: Heimberg Alysha M. , Cowper-Sal·lari Richard , Sémon Marie , Donoghue Philip C. J. , Peterson Kevin J.
Published: October 2010

Hagfish and lampreys are the only living representatives of the jawless vertebrates (agnathans), and compared with jawed vertebrates (gnathostomes), they provide insight into the embryology, genomics, and body plan of the ancestral vertebrate. However, this insight has been obscured by controversy over their interrelationships. Morphological cladistic analyses have identified lampreys and gnathostomes as closest relatives, whereas molecular phylogenetic studies recover a monophyletic Cyclostomata (hagfish and lampreys as closest relatives). Here, we show through deep sequencing of small RNA libraries, coupled with genomic surveys, that Cyclostomata is monophyletic: hagfish and lampreys share 4 unique microRNA families, 15 unique paralogues of more primitive microRNA families, and 22 unique substitutions to the mature gene products. Reanalysis of morphological data reveals that support for cyclostome paraphyly was based largely on incorrect character coding, and a revised dataset is not decisive on the mono- vs. paraphyly of cyclostomes. Furthermore, we show fundamental conservation of microRNA expression patterns among lamprey, hagfish, and gnathostome organs, implying that the role of microRNAs within specific organs is coincident with their appearance within the genome and is conserved through time. Together, these data support the monophyly of cyclostomes and suggest that the last common ancestor of all living vertebrates was a more complex organism than conventionally accepted by comparative morphologists and developmental biologists.
A stochastic local search approach to language tree reconstruction
Authors: Tria Francesca , Caglioti Emanuele , Loreto Vittorio , Pagnani Andrea
Published: October 2010

In this paper we introduce a novel stochastic local search algorithm to reconstruct phylogenetic trees. We focus in particular on the reconstruction of language trees based on the comparison of the Swadesh lists of the recently compiled ASJP database. Starting from a generic tree configuration, our scheme stochastically explores the space of possible trees driven by the minimization of a pseudo-functional quantifying the violations of additivity of the distance matrix. As a consequence the resulting tree can be annotated with the values of the violations on each internal branch. The values of the deviations are strongly correlated with the stability of the internal edges; they are measured with a novel bootstrap procedure and displayed on the tree as an additional annotation. As a case study we considered the reconstruction of the Indo-European language tree. The results are quite encouraging, highlighting a potential new avenue to investigate the role of the deviations from additivity and check the reliability and consistency of the reconstructed trees.
Evidence for node and scope of negation in coverbal gesture
Authors: Harrison Simon
Published: October 2010

Negative structures are a characteristic of all human languages. One such structure is ‘node’ and ‘scope’ of negation. In an utterance, the node is the location of a negative form, and the scope is the stretch of language to which the negation applies. In this paper, I examine a gesture that English speakers perform when they negate and show how speakers organize the different phases of gestural action in relation to the negative structures in speech. In this gesture, speakers first bring one hand across their body (preparation phase). Then, with the palm turned down, they move their hand rapidly along the horizontal axis (stroke phase). Often, they hold their hand in space for a short period after the stroke (post-stroke hold phase), before returning it to rest (recovery phase). In several negative utterances, drawn from a corpus of audiovisual recordings of conversations in everyday settings, speakers prepared this gesture in advance of the node of negation, synchronized the stroke of the gesture with the node, and performed a post-stroke hold throughout the scope. I suggest that the grammatical concepts of node and scope can also account for the way speakers gesture when they negate. This study refines understanding of how gesture phrase structure functions and suggests a multimodal view of grammatical phenomena.
Features of spontaneous pointing gestures in toddlers
Authors: Cochet Hélène , Vauclair Jacques
Published: October 2010

This study investigated the production of spontaneous pointing gestures in 26 toddlers, who were observed during free play time at day nursery. Pointing gestures and their different features (e.g., handedness, vocalizations, form and function of gesture) were recorded for a total observation time of 100 hours. Results revealed that the vast majority of pointing gestures were right-handed and accompanied by vocalizations, emphasizing the tight interconnection between speech and gesture from an early stage of development. Whole-hand gestures were more frequently used in imperative contexts, whereas index extensions were more frequently produced in declarative ones. Moreover, the use of declarative gestures and index extensions were found to increase with age. Implications concerning the origins of imperative and declarative pointing are discussed.
The mixed mating system of the sea palm kelpPostelsia palmaeformis: few costs to selfing
Authors: Barner Allison K. , Pfister Catherine A. , Wootton J. Timothy
Published: October 2010

Naturally isolated populations have conflicting selection pressures for successful reproduction and inbreeding avoidance. These species with limited seasonal reproductive opportunities may use selfing as a means of reproductive assurance. We quantified the frequency of selfing and the fitness consequences for inbred versus outcrossed progeny of an annual kelp, the sea palm (Postelsia palmaeformis). Using experimentally established populations and microsatellite markers to assess the extent of selfing in progeny from six founding parents, we found the frequency of selfing was higher than expected in every population, and few fitness costs were detected in selfed offspring. Despite a decline in heterozygosity of 30 per cent in the first generation of selfing, self-fertilization did not affect individual size or reproduction, and correlated only with a marginally significant decline in survival. Our results suggest both that purging of deleterious recessive alleles may have already occurred and that selfing may be key to reproductive assurance in this species with limited dispersal.Postelsiahas an alteration of a free-living diploid and haploid stage, where the haploid stage may provide increased efficiency for purging the genetic load. This life history is shared by many seaweeds and may thus be an important component of mating system evolution in the sea.
Linking the Salt Transcriptome with Physiological Responses of a Salt-Resistant Populus Species as a Strategy to Identify Genes Important for Stress Acclimation
Authors: Brinker Monika , Brosché Mikael , Vinocur Basia , Abo-Ogiala Atef , Fayyaz Payam , Janz Dennis , Ottow Eric A. , Cullmann Andreas D. , Saborowski Joachim , Kangasjärvi Jaakko , Altman Arie , Polle Andrea
Published: October 2010

To investigate early salt acclimation mechanisms in a salt-tolerant poplar species (Populus euphratica), the kinetics of molecular, metabolic, and physiological changes during a 24-h salt exposure were measured. Three distinct phases of salt stress were identified by analyses of the osmotic pressure and the shoot water potential: dehydration, salt accumulation, and osmotic restoration associated with ionic stress. The duration and intensity of these phases differed between leaves and roots. Transcriptome analysis using P. euphratica-specific microarrays revealed clusters of coexpressed genes in these phases, with only 3% overlapping salt-responsive genes in leaves and roots. Acclimation of cellular metabolism to high salt concentrations involved remodeling of amino acid and protein biosynthesis and increased expression of molecular chaperones (dehydrins, osmotin). Leaves suffered initially from dehydration, which resulted in changes in transcript levels of mitochondrial and photosynthetic genes, indicating adjustment of energy metabolism. Initially, decreases in stress-related genes were found, whereas increases occurred only when leaves had restored the osmotic balance by salt accumulation. Comparative in silico analysis of the poplar stress regulon with Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) orthologs was used as a strategy to reduce the number of candidate genes for functional analysis. Analysis of Arabidopsis knockout lines identified a lipocalin-like gene (AtTIL) and a gene encoding a protein with previously unknown functions (AtSIS) to play roles in salt tolerance. In conclusion, by dissecting the stress transcriptome of tolerant species, novel genes important for salt endurance can be identified.
Loss of Cytosolic Phosphoglucomutase Compromises Gametophyte Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Egli Barbara , Kölling Katharina , Köhler Claudia , Zeeman Samuel C. , Streb Sebastian
Published: October 2010

Cytosolic phosphoglucomutase (cPGM) interconverts glucose-6-phosphate and glucose-1-phosphate and is a key enzyme of central metabolism. In this study, we show that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) has two cPGM genes (PGM2 and PGM3) encoding proteins with high sequence similarity and redundant functions. Whereas pgm2 and pgm3 single mutants were undistinguishable from the wild type, loss of both PGM2 and PGM3 severely impaired male and female gametophyte function. Double mutant pollen completed development but failed to germinate. Double mutant ovules also developed normally, but approximately half remained unfertilized 2 d after pollination. We attribute these phenotypes to an inability to effectively distribute carbohydrate from imported or stored substrates (e.g. sucrose) into the major biosynthetic (e.g. cell wall biosynthesis) and respiratory pathways (e.g. glycolysis and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway). Disturbing these pathways is expected to have dramatic consequences for germinating pollen grains, which have high metabolic and biosynthetic activities. We propose that residual cPGM mRNA or protein derived from the diploid mother plant is sufficient to enable double mutant female gametophytes to attain maturity and for some to be fertilized. Mature plants possessing a single cPGM allele had a major reduction in cPGM activity. However, photosynthetic metabolism and growth were normal, suggesting that under standard laboratory conditions cPGM activity provided from one wild-type allele is sufficient to mediate the photosynthetic and respiratory fluxes in leaves.
TheArabidopsisDynamin-Related Protein2 Family Is Essential for Gametophyte Development
Authors: Backues Steven K. , Korasick David A. , Heese Antje , Bednarek Sebastian Y.
Published: October 2010

Clathrin-mediated membrane trafficking is critical for multiple stages of plant growth and development. One key component of clathrin-mediated trafficking in animals is dynamin, a polymerizing GTPase that plays both regulatory and mechanical roles. Other eukaryotes use various dynamin-related proteins (DRP) in clathrin-mediated trafficking. Plants are unique in the apparent involvement of both a family of classical dynamins (DRP2) and a family of dynamin-related proteins (DRP1) in clathrin-mediated membrane trafficking. Our analysis of drp2 insertional mutants demonstrates that, similar to the DRP1 family, the DRP2 family is essential for Arabidopsis  thaliana development. Gametophytes lacking both DRP2A and DRP2B were inviable, arresting prior to the first mitotic division in both male and female gametogenesis. Mutant pollen displayed a variety of defects, including branched or irregular cell plates, altered Golgi morphology and ectopic callose deposition. Ectopic callose deposition was also visible in the pollen-lethal drp1c-1 mutant and appears to be a specific feature of pollen-defective mutants with impaired membrane trafficking. However, drp2ab pollen arrested at earlier stages in development than drp1c-1 pollen and did not accumulate excess plasma membrane or display other gross defects in plasma membrane morphology. Therefore, the DRP2 family, but not DRP1C, is necessary for cell cycle progression during early gametophyte development. This suggests a possible role for DRP2-dependent clathrin-mediated trafficking in the transduction of developmental signals in the gametophyte.
Clustered Transcription Factor Genes Regulate Nicotine Biosynthesis in Tobacco
Authors: Shoji Tsubasa , Kajikawa Masataka , Hashimoto Takashi
Published: October 2010

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) synthesizes nicotine and related pyridine alkaloids in the root, and their synthesis increases upon herbivory on the leaf via a jasmonate-mediated signaling cascade. Regulatory NIC loci that positively regulate nicotine biosynthesis have been genetically identified, and their mutant alleles have been used to breed low-nicotine tobacco varieties. Here, we report that the NIC2 locus, originally called locus B, comprises clustered transcription factor genes of an ethylene response factor (ERF) subfamily; in the nic2 mutant, at least seven ERF genes are deleted altogether. Overexpression, suppression, and dominant repression experiments using transgenic tobacco roots showed both functional redundancy and divergence among the NIC2-locus ERF genes. These transcription factors recognized a GCC-box element in the promoter of a nicotine pathway gene and specifically activated all known structural genes in the pathway. The NIC2-locus ERF genes are expressed in the root and upregulated by jasmonate with kinetics that are distinct among the members. Thus, gene duplication events generated a cluster of highly homologous transcription factor genes with transcriptional and functional diversity. The NIC2-locus ERFs are close homologs of ORCA3, a jasmonate-responsive transcriptional activator of indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus, indicating that the NIC2/ORCA3 ERF subfamily was recruited independently to regulate jasmonate-inducible secondary metabolism in distinct plant lineages.
Nonflowering Plants Possess a Unique Folate-Dependent Phenylalanine Hydroxylase That Is Localized in Chloroplasts
Authors: Pribat Anne , Noiriel Alexandre , Morse Alison M. , Davis John M. , Fouquet Romain , Loizeau Karen , Ravanel Stéphane , Frank Wolfgang , Haas Richard , Reski Ralf , Bedair Mohamed , Sumner Lloyd W. , Hanson Andrew D.
Published: October 2010

Tetrahydropterin-dependent aromatic amino acid hydroxylases (AAHs) are known from animals and microbes but not plants. A survey of genomes and ESTs revealed AAH-like sequences in gymnosperms, mosses, and algae. Analysis of full-length AAH cDNAs from Pinus taeda, Physcomitrella patens, and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii indicated that the encoded proteins form a distinct clade within the AAH family. These proteins were shown to have Phe hydroxylase activity by functional complementation of an Escherichia coli Tyr auxotroph and by enzyme assays. The P. taeda and P. patens AAHs were specific for Phe, required iron, showed Michaelian kinetics, and were active as monomers. Uniquely, they preferred 10-formyltetrahydrofolate to any physiological tetrahydropterin as cofactor and, consistent with preferring a folate cofactor, retained activity in complementation tests with tetrahydropterin-depleted E. coli host strains. Targeting assays in Arabidopsis thaliana mesophyll protoplasts using green fluorescent protein fusions, and import assays with purified Pisum sativum chloroplasts, indicated chloroplastic localization. Targeting assays further indicated that pterin-4a-carbinolamine dehydratase, which regenerates the AAH cofactor, is also chloroplastic. Ablating the single AAH gene in P. patens caused accumulation of Phe and caffeic acid esters. These data show that nonflowering plants have functional plastidial AAHs, establish an unprecedented electron donor role for a folate, and uncover a novel link between folate and aromatic metabolism.
Differential antiproliferation effect of 2′‐benzoyloxycinnamaldehyde in K‐ras‐transformed cells via downregulation of thiol antioxidants
Authors: Ock Jiyeon , Lee Hae‐Ahm , Ismail Ismail Ahmed , Lee Heon‐Jin , Kwon Byoung‐Mog , Suk Kyoungho , Lee Won‐Ha , Hong Su‐Hyung
Published: October 2010

2′‐Benzoyloxycinnamaldehyde (BCA), one of the derivatives of 2′‐hydroxycinnamaldehyde (HCA) isolated from the bark of Cinnamomum cassia, induces apoptosis in human cancer cells. We found that BCA induces stronger antiproliferative effects in K‐ras‐transformed cells (RK3E‐ras) than in isogenic non‐transformed cells (RK3E). Treatment of RK3E‐ras with BCA resulted in increased ROS generation and depletion of intracellular glutathione, whereas BCA‐treated RK3E showed no significant increase in the ROS level with concurrent increase in intracellular glutathione (GSH). Thiol antioxidants recovered cell proliferation inhibition caused by BCA in both cell lines, while non‐thiol antioxidants failed to recover cell death. BCA decreased metallothionein (MT) expression in RK3E‐ras, while inducing remarkable MT expression in RK3E. The increase of intracellular GSH in RK3E is partially caused by differential induction of γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ‐GCS) due to BCA treatment. To evaluate the upstream pathway for differential expression of γ‐GCS and MT, we analyzed early DJ‐1 (PARK7) and NF‐E2 p45‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) changes after BCA treatment. In RK3E, DJ‐1 expression considerably increased for 3 h with concurrent induction of Nrf2, whereas in RK3E‐ras cells BCA decreased these protein levels. Based on these findings, it seems that the therapeutic selectivity of BCA in RK3E‐ras results from decreased thiol antioxidants via decreased DJ‐1 and Nrf2 expression. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 212–218)
Factors associated with patient and visitor violence experienced by nurses in general hospitals in Switzerland: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Hahn Sabine , Müller Marianne , Needham Ian , Dassen Theo , Kok Gerjo , Halfens Ruud JG
Published: October 2010

Aims. To explore nurses’ experiences with patient and visitor violence, as well as other related factors, in Swiss general hospital settings.

Background. Patient and visitor violence is a complex occupational hazard among health care professions, with nursing in general, experiencing the highest rate of patient and visitor violence. International research has found that staff and patient attributes, interaction between staff and patients, as well as environmental characteristics are important factors associated with the occurrence of patient and visitor violence. Previous studies, however, have only partially described these factors in the general hospital setting. Mainland European general hospital settings are even less well researched.

Design. A retrospective cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 2007.

Methods. A total of 291 nurses working in different clinical departments in general hospitals provided data. The questionnaire used was a modified German version of the Survey of Violence Experienced by Staff.

Results. The findings revealed that 72% of nurses had experienced verbal patient and visitor violence and 42% physical patient and visitor violence in the past 12 months. Also, 23% were physically injured and 1·4% took one or more days of sick leave. Patient and visitor violence was distressing for the nursing staff. A higher risk for patient and visitor violence was observed with registered nurses nursing anxious or cognitively impaired patients, for rehabilitation units with longer‐term nurse‐patient/nurse‐relative interactions and for workplaces with an absence of formal procedures for patient and visitor violence.

Conclusions. The results indicate that the clinical setting has little impact on the occurrence of patient and visitor violence. Patient and visitor violence appears to be influenced more by the additional factors specific to the type of interaction and situation. Research should follow up on these specific findings to further improve policies, procedures and intervention strategies.

Relevance to clinical practice. To prevent patient and visitor violence, Swiss general hospitals should take into consideration the risk factors associated with patient and visitor violence. Existing policies, procedures and staff education should be improved on.
ICU nurses’ experiences and perspectives of caring for obstetric patients in intensive care: a qualitative study
Authors: Kynoch Kate , Paxton Jody , Chang Anne M
Published: October 2010

Aims and objectives. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences and perspectives of intensive care nurses caring for critically ill obstetric patients.

Background. Current literature suggests critically ill obstetric patients need specialised, technically appropriate care to meet their specific needs with which many intensive care nurses are unfamiliar. Furthermore, there is little research and evidence to guide the care of this distinct patient group.

Design. This study used a descriptive qualitative design.

Methods. Two focus groups were used to collect data from 10 Australian intensive care units nurses in May 2007. Open‐ended questions were used to guide the discussion. Latent content analysis was used to analyse the data set. Each interview lasted no longer than 60 minutes and was recorded using audio tape. The full interviews were transcribed prior to in‐depth analysis to identify major themes.

Results. The themes identified from the focus group interviews were competence with knowledge and skills for managing obstetric patients in the intensive care unit, confidence in caring for obstetric patients admitted to the intensive care unit and acceptance of an expanded scope of practice perceived to include fundamental midwifery knowledge and skills.

Conclusion. The expressed lack of confidence and competence in meeting the obstetric and support needs of critically ill obstetric women indicates a clear need for greater assistance and education of intensive care nurses. This in turn may encourage critical care nurses to accept an expanded role of clinical practice in caring for critically ill obstetric patients.

Relevance to clinical practice. Recognition of the issues for nurses in successfully caring for obstetric patients admitted to an adult intensive care setting provides direction for designing education packages, ensuring specific carepaths and guidelines are in place and that support from a multidisciplinary team is available including midwifery staff.
Verbal and physical violence in emergency departments: a survey of nurses in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Pinar Rukiye , Ucmak Firdevs
Published: October 2010

Aims.  The aim of this study was to determine the perceived verbal and physical violence and related factors experienced by nurses in emergency settings.

Background.  Studies on violence in emergency departments indicate an increasing frequency of these incidents. However, little is known about the violence experienced by the Turkish nurses working in emergency departments.

Design.  Survey.

Methods.  The study population included 255 nurses. Data were collected using a questionnaire.

Results.  Verbal violence was reported with a frequency of 91·4%. Of the nurses, 74·9% had been exposed to physical violence in at least several episodes during the previous 12 months. Patients’ relatives were the main perpetrators, followed by patients, most of whom were male. After experiencing violence, most of the nurses reported that, they had felt fear and only 3% described that they took sick leave, while 80% did not report the incidences of violence they experienced. The nurses described that, after a violent incident, they sought support mainly from their colleagues in emergency departments rather than from the administration. Over half of the nurses (65%) felt safe ‘none of the time’ in emergency departments, and 89·8% of them described that patients and patient relatives may potentially exhibit violent behaviours towards the staff when they are first admitted to emergency department, while 73·7% believed that the staffing pattern and physical environment of their emergency departments were not adequate to prevent violence. Most of the nurses (83·5%) stated that they should be provided with the training that will help them prevent and manage violence as part of their in‐service education, whereas 82·7% of them had not received any such training.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings have implications for occupational health and safety from both employer and employee perspective.
Pituitary Network Connectivity as a Mechanism for the Luteinising Hormone Surge
Authors: Lyles D. , Tien J. H. , McCobb D. P. , Zeeman M. L.
Published: October 2010

Ovulation in vertebrates is caused by a surge of luteinising hormone (LH) from the pituitary. The LH surge is initiated by rising oestradiol concentration, although the precise mechanism of oestradiol action in humans and primates is not yet understood. Recent advances in labelling and three‐dimensional imaging have revealed a rich pituitary structure of interwoven networks of different cell types. In the present study, we develop a mathematical model to test the hypothesis that oestradiol modulation of connectivity between pituitary cells can underlie the LH surge. In the model, gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) pulses stimulate LH secretion by two independent mechanisms. The first mechanism corresponds to the well known direct action of GnRH on gonadotrophs, which is inhibited by the rising oestradiol concentration. The second mechanism of GnRH action is to stimulate a recurrent network of pituitary cells; in this case, the folliculostellate cells, which in turn stimulate LH secretion from the gonadotrophs. The network activity is modelled by a one‐dimensional ordinary differential equation. The key to the LH surge in the model lies in the assumption that oestradiol modulates network connectivity. When the circulating oestradiol concentration is low, the network is barely connected, and cannot maintain a recurrent signal. When the oestradiol concentration is high, the network is highly connected, and maintains a high level of activity even after GnRH stimulation, thereby leading to a surge of LH secretion.
Life‐history traits of gaurBos gaurus: a first analysis
Authors: AHRESTANI Farshid S. , IYER Subramaniam , HEITKÖNIG Ignas M. A. , PRINS Herbert H. T.
Published: October 2010

In this first detailed analysis of gaurBos gauruslife‐history traits, data were collected from a 20‐month field study in South India and from captive gaur populations. Mean age of females at first parturition was 3 years; females remained fertile beyond the age of 15 years. Adult females were three times more abundant than adult males in the wild; survival of females was greater than males beyond three years of age. Life span of both sexes has not exceeded 24 years in captivity. Gaur life‐history traits are similar to those of other similar‐sized Bovini species.
Identification and characterisation of F3GT1 and F3GGT1, two glycosyltransferases responsible for anthocyanin biosynthesis in red‐fleshed kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis)
Authors: Montefiori Mirco , Espley Richard V. , Stevenson David , Cooney Janine , Datson Paul M. , Saiz Anna , Atkinson Ross G. , Hellens Roger P. , Allan Andrew C.
Published: October 2010

Much of the diversity of anthocyanins is due to the action of glycosyltransferases, which add sugar moieties to anthocyanidins. We identified two glycosyltransferases, F3GT1 and F3GGT1, from red‐fleshed kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) that perform sequential glycosylation steps. Red‐fleshed genotypes of kiwifruit accumulate anthocyanins mainly in the form of cyanidin 3‐O‐xylo‐galactoside. Genes in the anthocyanin and flavonoid biosynthetic pathway were identified and shown to be expressed in fruit tissue. However, only the expression of the glycosyltransferase F3GT1 was correlated with anthocyanin accumulation in red tissues. Recombinant enzyme assays in vitro and in vivo RNA interference (RNAi) demonstrated the role of F3GT1 in the production of cyanidin 3‐O‐galactoside. F3GGT1 was shown to further glycosylate the sugar moiety of the anthocyanins. This second glycosylation can affect the solubility and stability of the pigments and modify their colour. We show that recombinant F3GGT1 can catalyse the addition of UDP‐xylose to cyanidin 3‐galactoside. While F3GGT1 is responsible for the end‐product of the pathway, F3GT1 is likely to be the key enzyme regulating the accumulation of anthocyanin in red‐fleshed kiwifruit varieties.
Control of sulfur partitioning between primary and secondary metabolism
Authors: Mugford Sarah G. , Lee Bok‐Rye , Koprivova Anna , Matthewman Colette , Kopriva Stanislav
Published: October 2010

Sulfur is an essential nutrient for all organisms. Plants take up most sulfur as inorganic sulfate, reduce it and incorporate it into cysteine during primary sulfate assimilation. However, some of the sulfate is partitioned into the secondary metabolism to synthesize a variety of sulfated compounds. The two pathways of sulfate utilization branch after activation of sulfate to adenosine 5′‐phosphosulfate (APS). Recently we showed that the enzyme APS kinase limits the availability of activated sulfate for the synthesis of sulfated secondary compounds in Arabidopsis. To further dissect the control of sulfur partitioning between the primary and secondary metabolism, we analysed plants in which activities of enzymes that use APS as a substrate were increased or reduced. Reduction in APS kinase activity led to reduced levels of glucosinolates as a major class of sulfated secondary metabolites and an increased concentration of thiols, products of primary reduction. However, over‐expression of this gene does not affect the levels of glucosinolates. Over‐expression of APS reductase had no effect on glucosinolate levels but did increase thiol levels, but neither glucosinolate nor thiol levels were affected in mutants lacking the APR2 isoform of this enzyme. Measuring the flux through sulfate assimilation using [35S]sulfate confirmed the larger flow of sulfur to primary assimilation when APS kinase activity was reduced. Thus, at least in Arabidopsis, the interplay between APS reductase and APS kinase is important for sulfur partitioning between the primary and secondary metabolism.
An ABCG/WBC‐type ABC transporter is essential for transport of sporopollenin precursors for exine formation in developing pollen
Authors: Choi Hyunju , Jin Jun‐Young , Choi Setbyoul , Hwang Jae‐Ung , Kim Yu‐Young , Suh Mi Chung , Lee Youngsook
Published: October 2010

The exine of the pollen wall shows an intricate pattern, primarily comprising sporopollenin, a polymer of fatty acids and phenolic compounds. A series of enzymes synthesize sporopollenin precursors in tapetal cells, and the precursors are transported from the tapetum to the pollen surface. However, the mechanisms underlying the transport of sporopollenin precursors remain elusive. Here, we provide evidence that strongly suggests that the Arabidopsis ABC transporter ABCG26/WBC27 is involved in the transport of sporopollenin precursors. Two independent mutations at ABCG26 coding region caused drastic decrease in seed production. This defect was complemented by expression of ABCG26 driven by its native promoter. The severely reduced fertility of the abcg26 mutants was caused by a failure to produce mature pollen, observed initially as a defect in pollen‐wall development. The reticulate pattern of the exine of wild‐type microspores was absent in abcg26 microspores at the vacuolate stage, and the vast majority of the mutant pollen degenerated thereafter. ABCG26 was expressed specifically in tapetal cells at the early vacuolate stage of pollen development. It showed high co‐expression with genes encoding enzymes required for sporopollenin precursor synthesis, i.e. CYP704B1, ACOS5, MS2 and CYP703A2. Similar to two other mutants with defects in pollen‐wall deposition, abcg26 tapetal cells accumulated numerous vesicles and granules. Taken together, these results suggest that ABCG26 plays a crucial role in the transfer of sporopollenin lipid precursors from tapetal cells to anther locules, facilitating exine formation on the pollen surface.
Caribbean Cleaning Gobies Prefer Client Ectoparasites Over Mucus
Authors: Soares Marta C. , Côté Isabelle M. , Cardoso Sónia C. , Oliveira Rui F. , Bshary Redouan
Published: October 2010

If cooperation often involves investment, then what specific conditions prevent selection from acting on cheaters that do not invest? The mutualism between the Indo‐Pacific cleaner wrasseLabroides dimidiatusand its reef fish clients has been a model system to study conflicts of interest and their resolution. These cleaners prefer client mucus over ectoparasites – that is, they prefer to cheat – but punishment and partner switching by clients enforce cooperative behaviour by cleaners. By contrast, clients of Caribbean cleaning gobies (Elacatinusspp.) do not to use punishment or partner switching. Here, we test the hypothesis that the behavioural differences between these two cleaner fish systems are caused by differences in cleaner foraging preferences. In foraging choice experiments, we offered broadstripe cleaning gobiesElacatinus prochilosclient‐derived parasitic isopods, client mucus and a control food item. The cleaning gobies significantly preferred ectoparasites over mucus or the control item, which contrasts with cleaner wrasses. We propose that the low level of cleaner–client conflict arising from cleaning goby foraging preferences explains the observed lack of strategic partner control behaviour in the clients of cleaning gobies.
The seamless transition from student to intern: from theory to practice
Authors: Costello J. , Livett M. , Stride P. J. O. , West M. , Premaratne M. , Thacker D.
Published: October 2010

Many publications have highlighted a lack of practical competencies in recently qualified interns. Consultation between the University of Queensland and the Medical Education Unit at Redcliffe Hospital identified key areas where intervention could lead to greater work readiness, and the development of a complementary programme of practical workshops to remedy those deficiencies. A variety of content experts introduced the Graduate Medical Course 3 and 4 students to a range of practical skills during a dedicated lunch time one hour workshop each week over a period of 30 weeks. Several sessions were audited by the trainers though the majority of sessions used self‐evaluation by the participants. There was an overall self‐reported increase in the ability to perform the tasks from 25% before the session to 90% afterwards. Seven of the participants are returning to the hospital as interns, and a follow‐up survey will be performed to judge the usefulness of the programme.
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome: diagnosis and management in the setting of lung transplantation
Authors: Tsang B. K. T. , Kermeen F. D. , Hopkins P. M. A. , Chambers D. C.
Published: October 2010

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) is a potentially devastating early complication of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) therapy in solid organ transplantation. Management centres on cessation of CNI therapy; however, this strategy is complicated in lung transplantation because of the threat of allograft rejection, or, if CNI is replaced with mammalian target of rapamycin‐based immunosuppression, poor wound healing and bronchial dehiscence. We describe four cases of RPLS after lung transplantation, emphasizing the diagnostic and management approach required to maintain a healthy allograft and ensure that RPLS is, as the name suggests, reversible.
What is simulated in the action observation network when we observe actions?
Authors: Neal Alice , Kilner James M.
Published: October 2010

In the last decade there has been a great amount of research investigating the role of simulation in our ability to infer the underlying intentions of any observed action. The majority of studies have focussed on the role of mirror neurons and the network of cortical areas active during action observation (AON) in inferring the goal of an observed action. However, it remains unclear what precisely is simulated when we observe an action and how such simulations can enable the observer to infer the underlying intention of that action. In particular it is not known how simulation in the AON enables the inference of the same goal when the kinematics observed to achieve that goal differ, such as when reaching to grasp an object with the left or right hands. Here we performed a behavioural study with healthy human subjects to address this question. We show that the subjects were able to detect very subtle changes in the kinematics of an observed action. In addition, we fitted the behavioural responses with a model based on the predictive coding account of mirror neurons. This is a Bayesian account of action observation that can be explained by the free‐energy principle. Here we show that we can model all the effects observed when the action observation system is considered within a predictive coding framework.
Relationship between hair surface properties and tactile sensation
Authors: Kakizawa M. , Shimizu H. , Kawasoe T.
Published: October 2010

The degree of hair damage can be detected by touching the hair with one's fingers. Therefore, to quantify the degree of hair damage and clarify the relationship between tactile sensation and hair surface properties is important. There have been many studies regarding the changes in hair surface properties due to damage and the recovery effect noted with hair care products. However, few studies have examined the relationship between hair surface properties and the recognition of damage. In part this is due to the fact that there has been no objective device to measure the state and degree of damage to hair, which exhibits significant individual variation. In this study, we developed unique artificial hair surface model plates that specifically represent non‐damaged and damaged states of hair and reduce the individual variation in results that occurs frequently when real hair is used. The tactile sensations of four different types of hair surface model plates were evaluated by touching and rubbing them. The results showed that a wider cuticle and an irregular order of cuticle structure were essential to feel hair damage. The tactile sensation of damaged hair is influenced more by the shape of the cuticle under dry conditions although fingers can recognize a hydrophilic surface and can feel hair damage when the surface is touched and rubbed even under dry conditions. Furthermore, the tactile sensation of hair damage and the improvement effect of the tactile sensation can be qualified as a coefficient of dynamic friction using the hair surface model plates and a tactile friction meter. Therefore, the hair surface model plates are potential tools to evaluate hair damage more objectively and should prove useful in testing various toiletry products.