bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis on size dependence of eutectic temperature of alloy nanoparticles in the Ag–Pb system
Authors: Chen C. L. , Lee J.-G. , Arakawa K. , Mori H.
Published: February 2011

The eutectic transition of Ag–Pb alloy nanoparticles was investigated using in situ transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the eutectic temperature of Ag–Pb alloy nanoparticles decreased with decreasing particle size. A linear relationship was obtained for the eutectic temperature as a function of the reciprocal of the particle radius. Theoretical calculations based on the theory of thermodynamics also suggested a linear relationship between the eutectic temperature and the inverse radius. The calculated results were in good agreement with the experimental observations.
Centrosome docking at the immunological synapse is controlled by Lck signaling
Authors: Tsun Andy , Qureshi Ihjaaz , Stinchcombe Jane C. , Jenkins Misty R. , de la Roche Maike , Kleczkowska Joanna , Zamoyska Rose , Griffiths Gillian M.
Published: February 2011

Docking of the centrosome at the plasma membrane directs lytic granules to the immunological synapse. To identify signals controlling centrosome docking at the synapse, we have studied cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in which expression of the T cell receptor–activated tyrosine kinase Lck is ablated. In the absence of Lck, the centrosome is able to translocate around the nucleus toward the immunological synapse but is unable to dock at the plasma membrane. Lytic granules fail to polarize and release their contents, and target cells are not killed. In CTLs deficient in both Lck and the related tyrosine kinase Fyn, centrosome translocation is impaired, and the centrosome remains on the distal side of the nucleus relative to the synapse. These results show that repositioning of the centrosome in CTLs involves at least two distinct steps, with Lck signaling required for the centrosome to dock at the plasma membrane.
First Report of Hop stunt viroid in Greenhouse Cucumber in Finland
Authors: Lemmetty A. , Werkman A. W. , Soukainen M.
Published: February 2011

In July 2009, the occurrence of pale yellow, bottle-shaped greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruits was reported by a horticultural adviser from Kannus in western Finland. The grower had observed the first symptoms in greenhouse cucumber cv. Rapides in May. The most distinctive symptoms were found in fruits, but also flowers were crumpled. Symptoms had spread along plant rows. Estimated yield loss by the grower was 2 to 3%. Fruit and flower symptoms were typical of cucumber pale fruit disease (3) caused by a strain of Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) (2). The original samples were collected by a phytosanitary inspector and the farmer from approximately 10 symptomatic plants growing in the same greenhouse. Testing two samples, one a cucumber leaf and the other a cucumber fruit, by return-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gave clear electrophoretic bands at the same position. However, the position of the bands differed slightly from the positive control (Potato spindle tuber viroid) and two other pospiviroids tested on the same gel, indicating the presence of a different viroid with a shorter length than those from the genus Pospiviroid. This observation of size combined with symptoms on cucumber gave a strong indication of the presence of a viroid, likely to be HSVd. RNA was extracted from two subsamples of fruit and leaf samples with a RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). Extracted RNA was examined with primer pair HSVdF1/R1 designed to detect HSVd from citrus (1). The PCR reactions were performed using a reverse transcription-PCR protocol developed for Pospiviroids (4). Both fruit and leaf samples gave a PCR amplicon of the same size. Sequencing of the amplicon of approximately 300 bp revealed 99% similarity with 11 GenBank citrus isolates of HSVd and 98% similarity with two cucumber isolates of HSVd (Accession Nos. X07405 and X00524) On the basis of these results, the viroid of these cucumber plants was identified as HSVd. To our knowledge, this is the first finding of this viroid in Finland. Although we could determine the causal agent, we could not find the origin of the infection. The seedling plants had been grown in the same greenhouse where the infection was detected. Even though HSVd is not known to be seed transmitted (3) the other production places that had used the same seed lot were inspected and found to be free of the viroid. Very strict phytosanitary measures were taken to eradicate the infection. Since the viroid is easily sap transmissible, there is a certain risk of spreading of HSVd via human action, e.g., visitors, staff, and the use of common packing facilities.

References: (1) L. Bernard and N. Duran-Vila. Mol. Cell. Probes 20:105, 2006. (2) T. Sano et al. Nucleic Acids Res. 12:3427, 1984. (3) H. J. M. van Dorst and D. Peters. Neth. J. Plant Pathol. 80:85, 1974. (4) J. Th. J. Verhoeven et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 110:823, 2004.
Debye–Scherrer rings from block copolymer films with powder-like order
Authors: Busch Peter , Rauscher Markus , Moulin Jean-François , Müller-Buschbaum Peter
Published: February 2011

The powder-like orientation of lamellar domains in thin films of the diblock copolymer polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) is investigated using grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) and grazing-incidence small-angle neutron scattering (GISANS). Conventional monochromatic GISANS and GISAXS measurements are compared with neutron time-of-flight GISANS. For angles of incidence and exit larger than the critical angle of total external reflection of the polymer, Debye–Scherrer rings are observed. The position of the Debye–Scherrer rings is described quantitatively based on a reduced version of the distorted-wave Born approximation. A strong distortion of the ring shape is caused by refraction and reflections from the film interfaces. Close to the critical angle, the ring shape collapses into a banana shape.
Application of synchrotron-based reciprocal-space mapping at a fixed angular position to identification of crystal symmetry of Bi4Ti3O12epitaxial thin films
Authors: Sakata Osami , Watanabe Takayuki , Funakubo Hiroshi
Published: February 2011

The crystal structures of Bi4Ti3O12epitaxial films with thicknesses of 50 and 3 nm were investigated using synchrotron-based diffraction. Films with (100)/(010) orientations (i.e.aandbdomains) were grown on TiO2(101) single crystals using metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. Synchrotron-based reciprocal-space mapping at a fixed angular position was applied to the determination of the crystal symmetry of the films. This method used a grazing-incidence geometry at a fixed azimuthal angle using 25 keV incident X-rays, which enabled the generation of a reciprocal-space map with a single X-ray exposure. The maps recorded about 120 and 30 diffraction spots from the 50 and 3 nm-thick samples, respectively. A two-dimensional 200 × 250 mm detector was used 133 mm downstream from the sample. The results revealed that both Bi4Ti3O12films had aB1a1 monoclinic structure or a lower crystal symmetry.
X-ray strain analysis of {111} fiber-textured thin films independent of grain-interaction models
Authors: Faurie D. , Renault P.-O. , Le Bourhis E. , Chauveau T. , Castelnau O. , Goudeau Ph.
Published: February 2011

The anisotropic elastic response of supported thin films with a {111} fiber texture has been studied using anin-situmicro-tensile tester and X-ray diffractometry. It is shown which specific X-ray diffraction measurement geometries can be used to analyze the elastic strains in thin films without requiring any assumptions regarding elastic interactions between grains. It is evidenced (theoretically and experimentally) that the combination of two specific geometries leads to a simple linear relationship between the measured strains and the geometrical variable sin2ψ, avoiding the transition scale models. The linear fit of the experimental data allows a direct determination of the relationship between the three single-crystal elastic compliances or a direct determination of theS44single-crystal elastic compliance and the combination ofS11+ 2S12if the macroscopic stress is known. This methodology has been applied to a model system,i.e.gold film for which no size effect is expected, deposited on polyimide substrate, and it was found thatS44= 23.2 TPa−1andS11+ 2S12= 1.9 TPa−1, in good accordance with values for large crystals of gold.
Tribbles in disease: Signaling pathways important for cellular function and neoplastic transformation
Authors: Yokoyama Takashi , Nakamura Takuro
Published: February 2011

The tribbles family of genes encodes pseudokinase proteins that are highly conserved in evolution. Instead of direct phosphorylation of target proteins, tribbles act as adaptors in signaling pathways for important cellular processes. These include mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK), CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and C/EBP‐homologous protein (CHOP). Trib1 and Trib2 have been identified as myeloid oncogenes, and both may be involved in human leukemia. Tribbles proteins are also involved in a series of non‐neoplastic disorders including metabolic and neurological diseases. The RAS/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway molecules (in particular MAPK/ERK kinase 1 (MEK1) and C/EBP transcription factors) include tribbles‐binding proteins that are involved in leukemogenesis, and the role of Trib1 as a linker between MAPK signaling and C/EBP degradation is proposed. Although the molecular function of tribbles is still under investigation, the research on tribbles in cellular processes, homeostasis of organisms and human diseases will provide valuable information for therapy of cancer as well as non‐neoplastic disorders. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1115–1122)
Degeneration of hrpZ gene in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci to evade tobacco defence: an arms race between tobacco and its bacterial pathogen
Authors: TSUNEMI KAZUHIKO , TAGUCHI FUMIKO , MARUTANI MIZURI , WATANABE‐SUGIMOTO MEGUMI , INAGAKI YOSHISHIGE , TOYODA KAZUHIRO , SHIRAISHI TOMONORI , ICHINOSE YUKI
Published: February 2011

The HrpZ harpin of Pseudomonas syringae is known to induce a hypersensitive response (HR) in some plants. In P. syringae pv. tabaci (Pta), the harpin gene hrpZ has been spontaneously disrupted by an internal deletion in its open reading frame and a frame shift. The loss of the ability of the recombinant harpin polypeptide of Pta to induce HR despite the high sensitivity of tobacco plants to harpin led us to investigate the meaning of the disrupted hrpZ gene in the virulence of Pta 6605. The hrpZ gene from P. syringae pv. pisi was introduced into wild‐type (WT) Pta. The hrpZ‐complemented Pta secreted harpin into the culture medium, but failed to cause disease symptoms by both infiltration and spray inoculation. Inoculation with the hrpZ‐complemented Pta induced defence responses in tobacco plants, whereas the defence responses of tobacco plants were not prominent on inoculation with WT Pta. These results indicate that an ancestor of Pta might have disrupted hrpZ by an internal deletion to evade plant defences and confer the ability to cause disease in tobacco plants.
CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells do not transfer oral tolerance to peanut allergens in a mouse model of peanut allergy
Authors: Rezende M. Marcondes , Hassing I. , Bol‐Schoenmakers M. , Bleumink R. , Boon L. , van Bilsen J. , Pieters R.
Published: February 2011

Background
Recent studies have implicated CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (nTregs) in the maintenance of tolerance to oral antigens and in the regulation of the food allergic IgE response.

Objective
The objective was to assess if nTregs can transfer allergen‐specific oral tolerance to naïve, non‐TCR transgenic mice and regulate peanut extract (PE)‐specific hypersensitivity responses. Additionally, the role of the regulatory cytokines IL‐10 and TGF‐β in the modulation of peanut‐allergic sensitization was studied.

Methods
CD25‐enriched T cells from PE‐tolerant mice were adoptively transferred to recipient mice, which were subsequently sensitized to PE. Depletion of CD25+ cells and neutralization of IL‐10 and TGF‐β were compared in a CH3/HeOuJ mouse model of peanut‐allergic sensitization.

Results
Transfer of CD25+ Tregs‐enriched cell populations did not affect the PE‐specific cytokine production or PE‐specific antibody levels compared with control mice but interestingly resulted in a decrease of mast cell responsiveness. On the contrary, transfer of CD25+ Tregs‐depleted cells caused an increase in non‐specific cytokine production, in the absence of changes in PE‐specific responses. TGF‐β neutralization resulted even in a larger increase in spontaneous release of all cytokines measured (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐13, and IFN‐γ), but surprisingly also to a higher PE‐specific Th2‐associated (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13) cytokine production compared with depletion of CD25 cells or neutralization of IL‐10. Similarly, depletion of CD25 cells and TGF‐β neutralization but not of IL‐10 neutralization lead to an increase in PE‐specific antibody levels and elevated mast cell degranulation following a PE challenge.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
We conclude that CD4+CD25+ Tregs from non‐transgenic‐tolerant mice cannot transfer specific oral tolerance of exogenous antigens to naïve mice and are more involved in general immune suppressive mechanisms. However, we found evidence that TGF‐β secreting Tregs (Th3) may play an important role.

Cite this as: M. Marcondes Rezende, I. Hassing, M. Bol‐Schoenmakers, R. Bleumink, L. Boon, J. van Bilsen and R. Pieters, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1324–1333.
Strategies used for managing symptoms by women with fibromyalgia
Authors: Kengen Traska Theresa , Rutledge Dana N , Mouttapa Michele , Weiss Jie , Aquino Jordan
Published: February 2011

Aims. The goal of this study was to describe how persons with fibromyalgia manage their lives given the multiple symptoms they experience, in particular how they use non‐pharmacologic strategies, or how they incorporate these strategies along with pharmacologic agents.

Background. Persons with fibromyalgia, a widespread chronic pain condition, often suffer from considerable fatigue, sleep disturbances and morning stiffness. Medical management does not lead to a cure, and sufferers must self‐manage to maintain a good quality of life.

Design. This qualitative descriptive study used group interview methodology.

Methods. Data were obtained from eight women with fibromyalgia. Women’s mean age was 61 (range 54–81). Participants were invited to participate in a 90‐ minute group interview focused on symptom management. In the interview, open‐ended questions allowed them to speak freely about managing multiple fibromyalgia symptoms. Content analysis by the first and second authors led to the identification of themes, which were validated by the co‐authors who attended the interviews.

Results. Participants reported many strategies to cope with fibromyalgia symptoms and manage their lives. Main strategies included: ‘pacing/planning’, ‘distraction techniques’, ‘coping with touch sensitivity’, ‘putting on the mask’ and ‘medications’. In addition, ‘social support’ from others with fibromyalgia and from family members was reported to be very important.

Conclusions. Study findings demonstrate that women with fibromyalgia can develop strategies that enable them to cope with a life encumbered with chronic pain and fatigue. Moreover, this study confirmed effective fibromyalgia management strategies reported in other studies. Further research is needed on risks/benefits of these and other self‐management strategies used by women with fibromyalgia.

Relevance to clinical practice. Our findings suggest that nurses should discuss the self‐management strategies found with persons who have fibromyalgia in the context of individual patient experiences.
Relationships between perceived chewing ability and muscle strength of the body among the elderly
Authors: MORIYA S. , TEI K. , YAMAZAKI Y. , HATA H. , SHINKAI S. , YOSHIDA H. , MURAMATSU M. , KITAGAWA Y. , INOUE N. , YAMADA H. , MIURA H.
Published: February 2011

Summary  The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether self‐assessed masticatory ability (masticatory ability) is significantly related to muscle strength of the body evaluated as handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass of the whole body (kg) (SMM) after adjusting for confounding variables, including, age, gender, height, weight, employment status, type of household, educational background, social interaction, chronic medical conditions, smoking habit, drinking habits and dentition status among the elderly. A total of 381 persons aged 67–74 years were enrolled. Masticatory ability was classified into one of three categories: ability to chew all kinds of food, ability to chew only slightly hard food or ability to chew only soft or pureed food. Handgrip strength was measured, and bioimpedance analysis was used to estimate SMM. One‐way analysis of variance and Bonferroni methods were used to examine differences in handgrip strength and SMM among the three groups of masticatory ability. An ordinal regression model was conducted with masticatory ability as the dependent variable and handgrip strength as the principal independent variable. Handgrip strength was significantly lower in those individuals who could chew only soft or pureed food than in those individuals who could chew all kinds of food. No significant difference in SMM was found among the three groups of masticatory ability. Masticatory ability was significantly related to handgrip strength after adjusting for SMM, dentition status and background factors. Chewing ability may be related to muscle strength of the body evaluated as handgrip strength, but not evaluated as SMM.
Effectiveness of pharmacy interventions in improving availability of essential medicines at the primary healthcare level
Authors: Nunan Michael , Duke Trevor
Published: February 2011

Objective  To assess the effectiveness of pharmaceutical systems interventions in improving the availability of essential medicines at the primary care level.

Methods  Literature search for examples of pharmaceutical systems interventions in low and middle income countries that evaluated the impact of specific interventions on medicines’ availability. Qualitative and quantitative studies were included.

Results  Seventeen studies were included, on privatisation of drug distribution, user‐fees, revolving drug funds (RDFs), supervisory visitation programmes, staff training initiatives, community‐directed interventions (CDIs) and disease‐specific drug programmes. We found no studies on non‐monetary staff incentives or the use of national pharmacy standards. Generally, the quantity and quality of evidence was low; evidence was strongest for supervisory visitation programmes and CDIs.

Conclusion  Several interventions have the potential for improving medicines’ availability without requiring large‐scale international cooperation or global policy change. The absence of evidence in this field does not prove lack of effect. There is a need for more systematic studies of multi‐faceted pharmaceutical interventions to improve drug availability in the context of difficult health systems, such as structured supervision of remote health facilities, CDIs, staff training, integration of disease‐specific programmes, implementation of national pharmacy standards, non‐monetary staff incentives and measures to ensure cost is not a barrier to access. A standardised approach to measuring the availability of essential medicines is needed.
Disseminated adiaspiromycosis: case report of a liver transplant patient with human immunodeficiency infection, and literature review
Authors: Pelegrín I. , Ayats J. , Xiol X. , Cuenca‐Estrella M. , Jucglà A. , Boluda S. , Fernàndez‐Sabé N. , Rafecas A. , Gudiol F. , Cabellos C.
Published: February 2011

I. Pelegrín, J. Ayats, X. Xiol, M. Cuenca‐Estrella, A. Jucglà, S. Boluda, N. Fernàndez‐Sabé, A. Rafecas, F. Gudiol, C. Cabellos. Disseminated adiaspiromycosis: case report of a liver transplant patient with human immunodeficiency infection, and literature review. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 507–514. All rights reserved

Abstract: Disseminated adiaspiromycosis is a rare infection that is sometimes associated with immunocompromised situations. We report the case of a patient, infected with human immunodeficiency virus and receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy, who had a liver transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient presented skin and pulmonary lesions due to adiaspiromycosis during immunosuppressive therapy. A review of >60 cases in the literature shows that adiaspiromycosis is a rare infection and Emmonsia is a dimorphic fungus that is difficult to grow. It should be considered a possible diagnosis in case of fungal infection and pulmonary granulomatosis. We should be aware of emerging adiaspiromycosis in patients with risk factors of immunosuppression, particularly transplant recipients. In these patients in particular, liposomal amphotericin B therapy should be considered.
Routine preoperative gastric emptying is seldom indicated. A study of 85 594 anaesthetics with special focus on aspiration pneumonia
Authors: Mellin‐Olsen J. , Fasting S. , Gisvold S. E.
Published: February 2011

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and severity of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents during anaesthesia, to determine the short‐ and long‐term morbidity, and to evaluate present routines for preoperative gastric emptying. During the study period, preoperative gastric emptying was done only when intestinal obstruction was suspected.

Methods: We routinely record prospectively all problems during and after anaesthesia by means of a database. All data for the 5 years from 1989 to 1993, a total of 85 594 anaesthetic procedures, were analyzed. The hospital charts were also reviewed for those patients where aspiration to the lungs had occurred.

Results: Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents was detected in 25 cases; all occurred in patients receiving general anaesthesia. The incidence was 4.1 times higher in emergency procedures than in electives. There were no aspirations in 30 199 patients receiving regional anaesthesia. The complication occurred in all phases of anaesthesia, but clinical morbidity was low in most cases. Three cases showed serious morbidity immediately after the event, but recovered. Two cases showed serious long‐term morbidity, but also recovered completely. No patients died. No cases, except possibly one, might have been prevented by stricter routines for preoperative gastric emptying.

Conclusion: We found a low incidence of pulmonary aspiration. When it occurs, it carries a low risk for serious morbidity. Emergency cases for general anaesthesia are most at risk. Regional anaesthesia is considered safe. There is no evidence that preoperative gastric emptying should be routinely done in emergency cases, except in patients with suspected ileus/subileus.
Effect of pre‐ vs postoperative tonsillar infiltration with local anesthetics on postoperative pain after tonsillectomy
Authors: Molliex S. , Haond P. , Baylot D. , Prades J. M. , Navez M. , Elkhoury Z. , Auboyer C.
Published: February 2011

Background: Since pre‐incisional peritonsillar infiltrations of local anesthetic solutions have been suggested to reduce postoperative pain after tonsillectomy, we compared the efficacy of either pre‐ or postoperative local anesthetic infiltration upon post‐tonsillectomy pain.

Methods: After the induction of general anesthesia, 68 consecutive healthy patients, ranging in age from 8 to 65 years, were randomly allocated to either receive peritonsillar infiltration with 0.25% bupivacaine (group 1) or normal saline (group 2) before incision. A third group (group 3) had their peritonsillar region infiltrated with 0.25% bupivacaine after the completion of surgery but before the patients were awakened from anesthesia. All the patients were treated in the same way in the postoperative period: NSAIDs were given intravenously to adults and rectally to children. Acetaminophen was given intravenously or rectally (children aged < 15 yr) if additional analgesic support was requested by the patient. Additional acetaminophen consumption was recorded daily. Pain scores were assessed on every patient with the use of a visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest, 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21 and 36 h after surgery, and also on swallowing during the first postoperative day.

Results: Global VAS pain scores were lower in the groups treated with bupivacaine infiltration during the first 24 h after surgery (P < 0.05). Supplementary analgesic consumption was lower in group 3 than in group 2 during the 0–9 h interval immediately following surgery (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences for any other parameters between the 3 groups.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the timing of peritonsillar infiltration with bupivacaine is not of clinical importance and does not affect the quality of postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing tonsillectomy.
Effects of halothane, isoflurane and sevoflurane on ischemiareperfusion injury in the perfused liver of fasted rats
Authors: Imai M. , Kon S. , Inaba H.
Published: February 2011

Background: Although intraoperative ischemia‐reperfusion of the liver generally occurs under general anesthesia, little is known about the direct effect of anesthetic agents on hepatic injury due to this phenomenon. The effect of volatile anesthetics on ischemia‐reperfusion injury was studied using isolated liver perfusion.

Methods: The liver was isolated from 24‐h‐fasted male Sprague‐Dawley rats and perfused through the portal vein with a modified Krebs‐Ringer bicarbonate solution in a recirculating perfusion‐aeration system. Ischemia was induced by reducing the baseline perfusion pressure from 1.2 to 0.2 kPa followed by reperfusion to baseline level. The ischemia‐reperfusion injury was assessed by LDH release from the perfused liver. We studied the effect of halothane, isoflurane and sevoflurane on the ischemia‐reperfusion injury during 20 min of control conditions, exposure of the liver to 60 min of ischemia and reperfusion for 90 min.

Results: Ischemia was evident by reduced portal vein flow and oxygen consumption, and caused an increase in lactate production. Reperfusion caused a transient reduction in lactate production and a significant increase in LDH release. All anesthetics reduced hepatic oxygen consumption and increased the net lactate production during control conditions. Volatile anesthetics also significantly attenuated LDH release during reperfusion. The suppression of LDH release was observed even when isoflurane was administered during the reperfusion period, but not when it was administered only during ischemia.

Conclusion: These results indicate that volatile anesthetics may protect the fasted liver from early, neutrophil‐independent, ischemia‐reperfusion injury by acting during the reperfusion phase.
Epidural and intrathecal opioids for postoperative pain management in Europe — a 17‐nation questionnaire study of selected hospitals
Authors: Rawal N. , Allvin R. ,   Euro Pain Study Group on Acute Pain
Published: February 2011

Background: A questionnaire study conducted with the help of selected contact persons in 17 countries in Europe attempted to create a picture of the practice of acute pain management with the use of spinal opioid analgesia (SOA).

Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to anaesthesiologists in 105 European hospitals. Depending on the population, 5–10 hospitals from each country were selected by a country co‐ordinator.

Results: A total of 101 (96.2%) completed questionnaires were returned. During 1 year SOA was used in 55117 patients (6.6% of all in‐patient surgical procedures); of these, 89.2% received epidural opioids and 10.8% intrathecal opioids (ratio 8: 1). The most common opioid for SOA was morphine; fentanyl was also used quite frequently; 12 different opioids and 8 non‐opioids had been used. ASA 1–2 patients receiving epidural morphine were nursed on surgical wards in 58.4% of the hospitals; in 25.7% of hospitals even ASA 3–4 were nursed on surgical wards. Respiratory depression (requiring naloxone treatment) was noted in 45 of the 49 183 patients who received epidural opioids (0.09%); 33 of these patients had received morphine. In more than 75% of hospitals the monitoring variables were respiratory rate, sedation level and pulse oximetry. There was a great difference between hospitals and countries regarding duration of monitoring.

Conclusions: This questionnaire study showed that SOA was used in about 7% of 836 000 in‐patients undergoing surgery at the 105 selected hospitals. Epidural opioids were used eight times more often than intrathecal opioids. Morphine was the commonest opioid for SOA. The duration of monitoring differed greatly between hospitals and countries; the need for official guidelines is emphasized.
Effects of thoracic vs. lumbar epidural anaesthesia on systemic haemodynamics and coronary circulation in sevoflurane anaesthetized dogs
Authors: Hirabayashi Y. , Shimizu R. , Fukuda H. , Saitoh K. , Igarashi T.
Published: February 2011

Background: Although many investigators reported changes in coronary circulation during thoracic epidural anaesthesia (TEA), no previous studies have attempted to compare it with lumbar epidural anaesthesia (LEA) concerning coronary circulation. Our aim was to compare effects of TEA on systemic haemodynamics and coronary circulation with those of LEA in anaesthetized dogs.

Methods: In dogs receiving 1.5% sevoflurane, 2% lidocaine (0.1 ml kg−1)was injected into the epidural space via an epidural catheter inserted at either the T7‐T8 (TEA group, n=8) or L5‐L6 (LEA group, n=8) interspace, and the same dose was repeated again 30 min later.

Results: Heart rate and maximum left ventricular dP/dt decreased in the TEA group but were unchanged in the LEA group. Decreases in mean arterial pressure were found for both groups, and they were more substantial in the TEA than in the LEA group. Decreases in left ventricular minute work index were found for both groups, and they tended to be more substantial in the TEA than in the LEA group. Coronary perfusion pressure and blood flow decreased in both groups. Calculated coronary vascular resistance increased in the TEA group but was unchanged in the LEA group.

Conclusion: The most significant difference between TEA and LEA concerning coronary circulation was characterized by an increase in coronary vascular resistance in the TEA group, which was not present in the LEA group. The increase in coronary vascular resistance caused by TEA may be explained by a coronary vasoconstriction caused by a lower myocardial oxygen demand.
Effect of lidocaine on histamine release and Ca2+ mobilization from mast cells and basophils
Authors: Yanagi H. , Sankawa H. , Saito H. , Iikura Y.
Published: February 2011

Background: Various anesthetic drags have been known to induce allergic reactions, which have been caused by histamine release from mast cells/basophils. Although lidocaine is reported to suppress allergic reactions, there have been no reports about lidocaine's direct effects to inhibit histamine release from mast cells/basophils.

Methods: We examined the effect of lidocaine on histamine release in vitro from freshly extracted as well as cultured mast cells and basophils. Additionally, the effects of lidocaine on intracellular calcium concentration were monitored by assessing Fura‐2 signals in cultured cells.

Results: Lidocaine (10−3∼10−2 M: approximately 234∼2340 μg/ ml) inhibited both the IgE‐dependent and IgE‐independent histamine release from all mast cells/basophils in a dose‐dependent manner. However, lidocaine inhibited the IgE‐dependent response more than the IgE‐independent response (P<0.01). Lidocaine also inhibited increases in intracellular Ca2+ to a greater extent after IgE‐dependent stimulation as compared with IgE‐independent stimulation. The degree of the inhibition of histamine release by lidocaine appeared to parallel decreases in Ca2+ mobilization.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that lidocaine directly inhibits histamine release from both rodent mast cells and human basophils in vitro at concentrations from 10−3 to 10−2 M (234 to 2340 μg/ml). That may be influenced by Ca2+ mobilization. Although these results are not immediately relevant to clinical practice, allergic reaction caused by direct effect of lidocaine seems to be impossible.
Cerebral autoregulation is impaired in patients resuscitated after cardiac arrest
Authors: Nishizawa H. , Kudoh I.
Published: February 2011

Background: Cerebral autoregulation is important to maintain a constant perfusion in the face of changes in blood pressure. It is reported to be impaired in pathologic states, including hypertension, cerebral infarction, and head injury. However, it is not clear whether cerebral autoregulation is impaired in resuscitated patients after cardiac arrest.

Methods: Cerebral autoregulation in comatose patients after cardiac arrest was assessed by using an indirect method of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Eight patients who had cardiac arrest outside of the hospital and were successfully resuscitated in the emergency room were included in this study. A catheter was inserted percutaneously into the right internal jugular vein and positioned so that the tip was in the jugular bulb. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was changed to a value of 30% lower or higher than baseline MAP by infusing trimethaphan or methoxamine, respectively. At each MAP level, arterial and jugular bulb venous blood gases were measured, and arterial‐jugular bulb venous oxygen content difference (AVDO2) was calculated.

Results: The 1/AVDO2 (CBFI) and oxygen saturation of jugular bulb venous blood (SjvO2) significantly decreased at the lower MAP level, and significantly increased at the higher MAP level. The ratio of the CBFI at the lower MAP level to the CBFI at baseline (CBFI‐L/CBFI‐B) inversely correlated with the Sjvo2 at baseline.

Conclusions: Assuming that the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen does not change during the interventions in MAP, the changes of CBFI and SjvO2 seen after the decrease or increase in MAP indicate that cerebral autoregulation was impaired in these resuscitated patients. The degree of the impairment of cerebral autoregulation may be secondary to the degree of brain injury caused by the cerebral ischemia accompanying cardiac arrest.
Investigation of seedling‐stage salinity tolerance QTLs using backcross lines derived from Oryza sativa L. Pokkali
Authors: Alam Rebjana , Sazzadur Rahman M. , Seraj Zeba I. , Thomson Michael J. , Ismail Abdelbagi M. , Tumimbang‐Raiz Ellen , Gregorio Glenn B.
Published: February 2011

With 2 figures and 5 tables

A population of BC3F4 rice lines derived from a cross of salt‐tolerant Pokkali and sensitive IR29 was developed for validation of the Saltol QTL and comparison of this QTL effect with background QTLs. Specific BC3F4 progenies from the advanced backcross population were found to have similar salinity tolerance at the seedling stage even without the Saltol alleles. Therefore, additional QTLs responsible for seedling‐stage salinity tolerance were investigated by screening and genotyping with markers at multiple loci throughout the 12 rice chromosomes. Single marker regression (SMR) using Q‐Gene detected seven QTLs above the threshold logarithm of the odds of 3.0. Single marker analysis using IciMapping detected the same markers linked to the seven QTLs identified by SMR. Likelihood ratio test‐based on stepwise regression (LRT‐RSTEP) analysis using IciMapping, more suitable for BC3F4 introgression lines located six QTLs, of which two were common with SMR and included two significant segments within Saltol. The new non‐Saltol QTLs represent targets for further study to evaluate their usefulness in breeding for higher levels of seedling‐stage salinity tolerance in rice.
Slab partial melts from the metasomatizing agent to adakite, Tafresh Eocene volcanic rocks, Iran
Authors: GHORBANI MOHAMMAD R. , BEZENJANI RASOUL N.
Published: February 2011

Geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of the Eocene volcanic succession in Tafresh area of the Urumieh–Dokhtar Magmatic Assemblage (UDMA) are unique in the 2000‐km‐length assemblage. Demonstrating rather steep rare earth element (REE) patterns and the widespread presence of amphibole (+biotite) phenocrysts are two distinct characters that dominate the Eocene volcanic succession of mainly andesitic composition. Coincidence of the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of the whole volcanic succession with adakites, rather amphibole‐ (+biotite) rich dacitic (with 61–64 wt% SiO2) stocks and dykes, is considered as the key in unraveling the role of ‘slab‐derived melt contribution’ in petrogenesis of the volcanic succession. Slab‐derived melting has been an ongoing process that metasomatized some parts of the mantle wedge from which hybrid rocks (andesites) are derived. Basalts with distinct signatures of slab melt metasomatism are yet another support for the occurrence of slab melting. Interlayering of normal, island‐arc‐type calc‐alkaline volcanic rocks with the slab‐melt metasomatized basalts and hybrid andesites suggests that the slab melting has been motivated by the subduction. Formation of the Tafresh Caldera, the likely consequence of an explosive eruption, is compatible with the volatile‐bearing nature of the adakitic volcanism in the study area. It is indicated by the ubiquitous presence of the hydrous minerals. Beneath the Tafresh area, in Eocene time, the subducting slab seems to have reached a critical high depth that is enough for the development of amphibolite–eclogite. The slab deformation, motivated by the geometry of subduction and/or the underlying mantle's steeper geotherms, is suggested to have resulted in the slab melting that helped develop a rock assemblage unique to the UDMA.
Relicts of deformed lithospheric mantle within serpentinites and weathered peridotites from the Godzilla Megamullion, Parece Vela Back‐arc Basin, Philippine Sea
Authors: HARIGANE YUMIKO , MICHIBAYASHI KATSUYOSHI , OHARA YASUHIKO
Published: February 2011

Relicts of deformed lithospheric mantle have been identified within serpentinites and weathered peridotites recovered from nine dredge sites and one submersible dive site from across the Godzilla Megamullion, which was emplaced at the now‐extinct Parece Vela Rift in the Parece Vela Basin, a back‐arc basin in the Philippine Sea. The serpentinites consist dominantly of lizardite ± chrysotile and magnetite with minor relict primary minerals that include pyroxene, spinel, and rare olivine. The weathered peridotites consist of pyroxene, spinel, lizardite ± chrysotile, and magnetite as well as weathering products of olivine. These rocks were classified in hand specimen into three types with different structures: massive, foliated, and mylonitic. In thin‐section the serpentine minerals show no sign of deformation, whereas relict primary minerals show evidence of plastic deformation such as undulose extinction, kink bands, dynamic recrystallization, and weak to moderate crystallographic preferred orientations. Therefore, the serpentinites and weathered peridotites result from the static replacement and weathering of previously ductile‐deformed peridotite. Given their location close to or on the detachment surface that exposed them, the relicts of peridotite provide evidence of deformation in the lithospheric mantle that could be related to the formation and emplacement of the Godzilla Megamullion in the Parece Vela Rift.
A novel association between oribatid mites and leafy liverworts (Marchantiophyta: Jungermanniidae), with a description of a new species of Birobates Balogh, 1970 (Acari: Oribatida: Oripodidae)
Authors: Colloff Matthew J , Cairns Andi
Published: February 2011

This paper contains a description of a new species of oribatid mite, Birobates hepaticolus sp. nov., from eucalypt woodland and rainforest in North Queensland, Australia. Adults and immatures of B. hepaticolus live completely enclosed within the ventral lobules of the corticolous liverwort Frullania ferdinandi‐muelleri Steph. The ventral lobes provide a protected, moisture‐buffered microhabitat on tree bark that would otherwise be subject to extremes of wetting and drying. Analysis of gut contents indicates that B. hepaticolus appears to feed on liverwort tissue. To our knowledge this is the first documented example of an association between an oribatid mite and a leafy liverwort based on the provision of food and habitat. The genus Birobates is redefined and diagnosed.
Review of the planthopper genus Zophiuma Fennah (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Lophopidae) with first description of the male of Zophiuma pupillata Stål
Authors: Gitau Catherine W , Fletcher Murray J , Mitchell Andrew , Dewhurst Charles F , Gurr Geoff M
Published: February 2011

An examination of the five described species of the New Guinean genus Zophiuma Fennah (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Lophopidae), has confirmed that Zophiuma guineae (Lallemand) is a new synonym of Zophiuma pupillata (Stål) and that Zophiuma lobulata Ghauri is a new synonym of Zophiuma butawengi (Heller). The third species of the genus, Zophiuma doreyensis Distant, is known only from the male holotype. The morphology of the male genitalia and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences were used to compare Z. pupillata and Z. butawengi. Both the male genitalia and the COI sequences showed clear cut differences between the two species with little intraspecific variation in comparison to interspecific variation. Sequence data demonstrated that males collected with the distinctively coloured Z. pupillata females are the males of that species. Male genitalia of Z. pupillata are described and illustrated for the first time and a key for the discrimination of the three species of the genus is provided.
Rice plants expressing the moss sodium pumping ATPase PpENA1 maintain greater biomass production under salt stress
Authors: Jacobs Andrew , Ford Kristina , Kretschmer Jodie , Tester Mark
Published: February 2011

High cytosolic concentrations of Na+ inhibit plant growth and development. To maintain low cytosolic concentrations of Na+, higher plants use membrane‐bound transporters that drive the efflux of Na+ or partition Na+ ions from the cytosol, either to the extracellular compartment or into the vacuole. Bryophytes also use an energy‐dependent Na+ pumping ATPase, not found in higher plants, to efflux Na+. To investigate whether this transporter can increase the salt tolerance of crop plants, Oryza sativa has been transformed with the Physcomitrella patens Na+ pumping ATPase (PpENA1). When grown in solutions containing 50 mm NaCl, plants constitutively expressing the PpENA1 gene are more salt tolerant and produce greater biomass than controls. Transgenics and controls accumulate similar amounts of Na+ in leaf and root tissues under stress, which indicates that the observed tolerance is not because of Na+ exclusion. Moreover, inductively coupled plasma analysis reveals that the concentration of other ions in the transformants and the controls is similar. The transgenic lines are developmentally normal and fertile, and the transgene expression levels remain stable in subsequent generations. GFP reporter fusions, which do not alter the ability of PpENA1 to complement a salt‐sensitive yeast mutant, indicate that when it is expressed in plant tissues, the PpENA1 protein is located in the plasma membrane. PpENA1 peptides are found in plasma membrane fractions supporting the plasma membrane targeting. The results of this study demonstrate the utility of PpENA1 as a potential tool for engineering salinity tolerance in important crop species.
God and Country: The Partisan Psychology of the Presidency, Religion, and Nation
Authors: Sheets Penelope , Domke David S. , Greenwald Anthony G.
Published: February 2011

Overt love of God and country have seemingly been prerequisites to be president in the United States in recent decades, if not always. Indeed, the 2008 presidential race was replete with campaign messages showcasing such perspectives—that Barack Obama and John McCain were religiously faithful and deeply patriotic. Scholarship demonstrates the potential political power of explicit appeals to America and Christianity; however, little research has examined (a) citizens'perceptionsof candidates' ties to faith and nation and (b) how these impressions may be related to electoral attitudes and intended vote. We address this gap, measuring both explicit and implicit indicators of the Christian‐ness and American‐ness of Obama and McCain. We expected and found that both explicit and—in a final‐entry regression position—implicit perceptions of these traits related to voters' overall candidate attitudes and intended vote choice and that they were connected significantly more strongly for our sample of self‐described Republicans than Democrats. Results illuminate these partisan differences and raise questions about their implications for U.S. presidential politics in years to come.
How should firms evaluate success in university–industry alliances? A performance measurement system
Authors: Perkmann Markus , Neely Andy , Walsh Kathryn
Published: February 2011

While firms increasingly engage in formal alliances with universities, there is a lack of tools to assess the outcomes of such collaborations. We propose a performance measurement system for university–industry alliances. We derive a success map from existing research on university–industry relations, indicating the causal relationships underpinning successful alliances. The success map distinguishes between different process stages, including inputs, in‐process activities, outputs and impacts. We discuss specific measures for each of these stages, and how they should be deployed. The resulting framework includes both prospective and retrospective measures and subjective and objective measures. It provides research and development managers with a tool for assessing university–industry alliances that is prospective, reliable and multi‐dimensional.
Aquatic prey switching and urban foraging by the White Ibis Eudocimus albus are determined by wetland hydrological conditions
Authors: DORN NATHAN J. , COOK MARK I. , HERRING GARTH , BOYLE ROBIN A. , NELSON JENNIFER , GAWLIK DALE E.
Published: February 2011

Prey availability is known to limit reproduction of some species of nesting birds, but identifying the primary prey types of a species with a flexible diet can be challenging. For the White Ibis Eudocimus albus, a tactile feeding, medium‐sized wading bird, nestling prey composition is suggested to depend on landscape water depths/availability of foraging habitat at the time of nesting and on historical drying events affecting prey production. We collected and compared inter‐ and intra‐annual diet variation of White Ibis chicks reared in the Everglades over two years that were independently identified as being relatively good (2006) and poor (2007) nesting seasons. We collected 127 nestling boluses and analysed the temporal variation in biomass of eight functional prey groups using multivariate techniques. The boluses from 2006 in the central Everglades were dominated by fish, but in 2007, after fish had been reduced by the previous year of drying, the boluses from the same region were more variable and dominated by garbage (i.e. scavenging). Analysis of five different collections taken from a different colony in the northern Everglades indicated that boluses were characterized by crayfish and had fewer fish or less garbage when landscape water depths were relatively higher and more preferred habitat was available. At lower landscape water depths in 2007 the bolus composition shifted away from crayfish towards small fish and urban food (terrestrial insects and garbage). Our results support the suggestion of depth‐dependent diets; prey composition depends on the current landscape water levels around the colonies, and also suggests that previous drying events can lead to increased reliance on alternative food sources. White Ibis partially compensated for unavailable aquatic prey with alternative urban foods, but their nesting success appears to have suffered.