bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracellular polarity protein PAR‐1 regulates extracellular laminin assembly by regulating the dystroglycan complex
Authors: Masuda‐Hirata Maki , Suzuki Atsushi , Amano Yoshiko , Yamashita Kazunari , Ide Mariko , Yamanaka Tomoyuki , Sakai Michihiro , Imamura Michihiro , Ohno Shigeo
Published: June 2009

Cell polarity depends on extrinsic spatial cues and intrinsic polarity proteins including PAR‐aPKC proteins. In mammalian epithelial cells, cell–cell contacts provide spatial cues that activate the aPKC‐PAR‐3‐PAR‐6 complex to establish the landmark of the initial cellular asymmetry. PAR‐1, a downstream target of the aPKC‐PAR‐3‐PAR‐6 complex, mediates further development of the apical and basolateral membrane domains. However, the relationships between the PAR‐aPKC proteins and other extrinsic spatial cues provided by the extracellular matrix (ECM) remain unclear. Here, we show that PAR‐1 colocalizes with laminin receptors and is required for the assembly of extracellular laminin on the basal surface of epithelial cells. Furthermore, PAR‐1 regulates the basolateral localization of the dystroglycan (DG) complex, one of the laminin receptors essential for basement membrane formation. We also show that PAR‐1 interacts with the DG complex and is required for the formation of a functional DG complex. These results reveal the presence of a novel inside‐out pathway in which an intracellular polarity protein regulates the ECM organization required for epithelial cell polarity and tissue morphogenesis.
Seismicity and gas emissions on Tenerife: a real cause for alarm?
Authors: Carracedo Juan Carlos , Troll Valentin R.
Published: June 2009

In recent months the media has been drawing attention to the possibility of a dangerous eruption of the Teide Volcano on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Before accepting this prediction, which may well be detrimental to the tourist‐based economy of the island, it would be wise to examine the evidence on which it is based.
Using Foraminifera to estimate trends in ancient sea‐levels
Authors: Wilson Brent
Published: June 2009

Sea‐level curves are powerful tools for correlation: rocks deposited at the peaks of global transgressions, otherwise known as maximum flooding surfaces, can be correlated theoretically from one region to another. This begs the question: given that geologists can estimate the change in sea‐level between one rock formation and the next, can they discern trends at a smaller scale, within formations? Here I outline how foraminifera can be used to draw time/sea‐level graphs.
Grass invasion causes rapid increases in ecosystem carbon and nitrogen storage in a semiarid shrubland
Authors: WOLKOVICH ELIZABETH M. , LIPSON DAVID A. , VIRGINIA ROSS A. , COTTINGHAM KATHRYN L. , BOLGER DOUGLAS T.
Published: June 2009

Accurately predicting terrestrial carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage requires understanding how plant invasions alter cycling and storage. A common, highly successful type of plant invasion occurs when the invasive species is of a distinctly different functional type than the native dominant plant, such as shrub encroachment throughout the western United States and annual grass invasions in Mediterranean shrublands, as studied here. Such invasions can dramatically transform landscapes and have large potential to alter C and N cycling by influencing storage in multiple pools. We used a manipulation of non‐native annual grass litter within a shrub‐dominated habitat in southern California (coastal sage scrub, CSS) to study how grass invasion alters ecosystem C and N storage. We added, removed, or left unchanged grass litter in areas of high and low invasion, then followed soil and vegetation changes. Grass litter greatly increased C and N storage in soil, aboveground native and non‐native biomass. Aboveground litter storage increased due to the greater inputs and slower decomposition of grass litter relative to shrub litter; shading by grass litter further reduced decomposition of both non‐native and native litter, which may be due to reduced photodegradation. Soil C and N pools in areas of high litter increased ∼20% relative to low litter areas in the two years following manipulation and were generally sinks for C and N, while areas with low litter were sources. We synthesize our results into a C cycle of invaded and uninvaded areas of CSS and link changes in storage to increases in the soil fungi : bacteria ratio, increased plant inputs, and decreased litter loss. Overall, we show that grasses, especially through their litter, control important abiotic and biotic mechanisms governing C and N storage, with widespread implications for C sequestration and N storage in semiarid systems undergoing grass or shrub invasions.
Accelerated induction of mycobacterial antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐infected lung by subcutaneous vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette–Guérin
Authors: Begum Dilara , Umemura Masayuki , Yahagi Ayano , Okamoto Yuko , Hamada Satoru , Oshiro Kiyotetsu , Matsuzaki Goro
Published: June 2009

Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are important in protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. To evaluate the effect of vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) on the CD8+ T‐cell response to pulmonary M. tuberculosis infection, we analyzed the kinetics of CD8+ T cells specific to the mycobacterial Mtb32a309–318 epitope, which is shared by M. tuberculosis and M. bovis BCG, in the lung of mice infected with M. tuberculosis. The CD8+ T cells were detected by staining lymphocytes with pentameric major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I H‐2Db–Mtb32a209–318 peptide complex and were analysed by flow cytometry. Mtb32a‐specific CD8+ T cells became detectable on day 14, and reached a plateau on day 21, in the lung of M. tuberculosis‐infected unvaccinated mice. Subcutaneous vaccination with M. bovis BCG in the footpads induced Mtb32a‐specific CD8+ T cells in the draining lymph nodes (LNs) on day 7 and their numbers further increased on day 14. When M. bovis BCG‐vaccinated mice were exposed to pulmonaryinfection with M. tuberculosis 4 weeks after vaccination, the Mtb32a‐specific CD8+ T cells in the infected lung became detectable on day 7 and reached a plateau on day 14, which was 1 week earlier than in the unvaccinated mice. The pulmonary CD8+ T cells from the BCG‐vaccinated M. tuberculosis‐infected mice produced interferon‐γ in response to Mtb32a209–318 peptide on day 7 of the infection, whereas those of unvaccinated mice did not. The results demonstrate that induction of mycobacterial antigen‐specific protective CD8+ T cells in the M. tuberculosis‐infected lung is accelerated by subcutaneous vaccination with M. bovis BCG.
Cord blood mesenchymal stem cells propel human dendritic cells to an intermediate maturation state and boost interleukin‐12 production by mature dendritic cells
Authors: Van Den Berk Lieke C. J. , Roelofs Helene , Huijs Tonnie , Siebers‐Vermeulen Kim G. C. , Raymakers Reinier A. , Kögler Gesine , Figdor Carl G. , Torensma Ruurd
Published: June 2009

Pathogen‐derived entities force the tissue‐resident dendritic cells (DCs) towards a mature state, followed by migration to the draining lymph node to present antigens to T cells. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) modulate the differentiation, maturation and function of DCs. In umbilical cord blood an immature MSC population was identified. Remarkably, these immature stem cells modulated DCs in a different way. Marker expression was unchanged during the differentiation of monocytes towards immature DCs (iDCs) when cocultured with cord blood MSC [unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs)]. The maturation to mature DCs (mDCs) was enhanced when DCs were co‐cultured with USSC, as evidenced by the up‐regulation of costimulatory molecules. Endocytosis of dextran by iDCs was hampered in the presence of USSCs, which is indicative for the maturation of iDCs. Despite this maturation, the migration of iDCs cocultured with USSCs appeared to be identical to iDCs cultured alone. However, USSCs increased the migration of mDCs towards CCL21 and boosted interleukin‐12 production. So, USSCs mature iDCs, thereby redirecting the antigen‐uptake phenotype towards a mature phenotype. Furthermore, DC maturation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or USSCs reflects two distinct pathways because migration was unaffected when iDCs were matured by coculture with USSCs, while it was strongly enhanced in the presence of LPS. DCs are able to discriminate the different MSC subtypes, resulting in diverse differentiation programmes.
Accuracy of root canal length determination with the impedance ratio method
Authors: Jan J. , Križaj D.
Published: June 2009

Aim  To provide insight into the principles of operation of electronic apex locators, determine optimal measuring parameters of the impedance ratio method, and to evaluate its accuracy.

Methodology  Electrical impedance was measured ex vivo on 14 extracted human teeth using a QuadTech 1920 precision impedance analyzer. A file electrode was inserted into the root canal; the second electrode was placed in the saline solution surrounding the tooth. Measurements were performed in a frequency range from 20 Hz to 1 MHz, and repeated with different distances of the file tip from the major apical foramen. The measured impedances were analysed as a function of distance of the file tip to the major apical foramen. Parameters (e.g. measurement frequencies, impedance ratio value) that would result in optimal working length determination were evaluated.

Results  The optimal determination of the major apical foramen position was obtained at frequencies of 5 kHz and 0.5 kHz, 10 kHz and 0.5 kHz, and 5 kHz and 1 kHz, for the impedance ratios 0.73 (95% CI: −0.33 to 1.74 mm), 0.66 (95% CI: −0.34 to 1.81 mm) and 0.79 (95% CI: −0.33 to 1.58 mm) respectively. The limit of ±0.5 mm was attained in 86% of all measurements. Standard deviations decreased as the average measured distance approached and extended beyond the major apical foramen.

Conclusions  With the obtained optimal measuring parameters, the impedance ratio method determined position of the major foramen within ±0.5 mm. Accuracy varied depending on the set of frequencies used for evaluation as well as on the selected impedance ratio.
A comparative study of image quality and radiation exposure for dental radiographs produced using a charge‐coupled device and a phosphor plate system
Authors: Farrier S. L. , Drage N. A. , Newcombe R. G. , Hayes S. J. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: June 2009

Aim  To investigate the quality of periapical radiographic images produced by two digital dental radiography systems, a charge‐coupled device (CCD) and a photostimulable phosphor (PSP) image plate system, and to examine the overall radiation exposure when using these systems in a clinical setting.

Methodology  Patients were randomly allocated to both systems and the resultant radiographs rated for quality. The expected radiation exposure for an investigation was calculated.

Results  Overall, 98 images were acquired using the CCD system and 108 with the PSP system. The PSP system produced significantly higher quality (P < 0.001) periapical images compared with the CCD system. The CCD system required significantly more (P < 0.001) repeat exposures to obtain a diagnostic image than the PSP system but at a lower expected radiation exposure.

Conclusions  The image quality was superior using the phosphor plate system. Although more repeat radiographs were required using the CCD system, the images were produced with a lower expected radiation exposure.
Evolution of the second orangutan: phylogeny and biogeography of hominid origins
Authors: Grehan John R. , Schwartz Jeffrey H.
Published: June 2009

Aim  To resolve the phylogeny of humans and their fossil relatives (collectively, hominids), orangutans (Pongo) and various Miocene great apes and to present a biogeographical model for their differentiation in space and time.

Location  Africa, northern Mediterranean, Asia.

Methods  Maximum parsimony analysis was used to assess phylogenetic relationships among living large‐bodied hominoids (= humans, chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, orangutans), and various related African, Asian and European ape fossils. Biogeographical characteristics were analysed for vicariant replacement, main massings and nodes. A geomorphological correlation was identified for a clade we refer to as the ‘dental hominoids’, and this correlation was used to reconstruct their historical geography.

Results  Our analyses support the following hypotheses: (1) the living large‐bodied hominoids represent a monophyletic group comprising two sister clades: humans + orangutans, and chimpanzees (including bonobos) + gorillas (collectively, the African apes); and (2) the human–orangutan clade (dental hominoids) includes fossil hominids (Homo, australopiths, Orrorin) and the Miocene‐age apes Hispanopithecus, Ouranopithecus, Ankarapithecus, Sivapithecus, Lufengpithecus, Khoratpithecus and Gigantopithecus (also Plio‐Pleistocene of eastern Asia). We also demonstrate that the distributions of living and fossil genera are largely vicariant, with nodes of geographical overlap or proximity between Gigantopithecus and Sivapithecus in Central Asia, and between Pongo, Gigantopithecus, Lufengpithecus and Khoratpithecus in East Asia. The main massing is represented by five genera and eight species in East Asia. The dental hominoid track is spatially correlated with the East African Rift System (EARS) and the Tethys Orogenic Collage (TOC).

Main conclusions  Humans and orangutans share a common ancestor that excludes the extant African apes. Molecular analyses are compromised by phenetic procedures such as alignment and are probably based on primitive retentions. We infer that the human–orangutan common ancestor had established a widespread distribution by at least 13 Ma. Vicariant differentiation resulted in the ancestors of hominids in East Africa and various primarily Miocene apes distributed between Spain and Southeast Asia (and possibly also parts of East Africa). The geographical disjunction between early hominids and Asian Pongo is attributed to local extinctions between Europe and Central Asia. The EARS and TOC correlations suggest that these geomorphological features mediated establishment of the ancestral range.
The significance of neighbours: views and experiences of people with intellectual disability on neighbouring
Authors: Van Alphen L. M. , Dijker A. J. M. , Van Den Borne H. H. W. , Curfs L. M. G.
Published: June 2009

Background  People with intellectual disability (ID) who live in regular neighbourhoods have experiences with their neighbours, which are important to understand when studying social integration.

Method  This study describes and analyses the opinions on, and experiences with, neighbour relationships of 39 people with ID living in neighbourhood housing facilities.

Results  We found that, while the views of people with ID on ‘good neighbouring’ were consistent with ‘neighbouring’ described in sociological literature, their experiences may be influenced by an organisational context, the tendency to formalise relationships and apprehension towards meeting unfamiliar people.

Conclusion  Understanding influential factors to neighbouring for people with ID may shed light on the processes involved in social integration of people with ID at a neighbourhood level. This paper contributes to understanding the opinions of people with ID on satisfactory neighbourhood relationships, and explores opportunities to improve them.
Resolving power of lens‐less low energy electron point source microscopy
Authors: STEVENS G.B.
Published: June 2009

Simulations show the resolving power of lens‐less low energy electron point source microscopy to be approximately 15 Å  for electron energies of between 14 and 105 eV. This resolution can be improved to 10 Å  by employing a composite hologram method. However, these values fall short of predictions of at least 3 Å  resolution for electron energies in this range because the limited divergence angle of the electron beam had not previously been taken into account. Also shown is that electron coherence from field emitting tips that terminate in a single atom will not limit the resolving power as much as the beam divergence angle. The penetration depth of electrons with energies of between 50 and 100 eV, into biological molecules, was estimated from the inelastic mean free path length to be 25 Å . This places an upper limit on the size of biological molecules for which internal structural information can be obtained using low energy electrons.
EBSD characterization of a hot worked 304 austenitic stainless steel under strain reversal
Authors: JORGE‐BADIOLA D. , IZA‐MENDIA A. , GUTIÉRREZ I.
Published: June 2009

Monotonic and strain reversal hot torsion tests were performed on a 304 austenitic stainless steel, this led to changes in microstructures depending on the strain path. electron backscatter diffraction was used as the tool for characterizing the microstructures. It was possible to find some intragranular microstructural changes due to the reversal of the strain by means of several local and global misorientation‐related parameters. Σ3 boundaries also showed sensitivity to strain reversal.
Enhancement of confocal microscopy images using Mueller‐matrix polarimetry
Authors: BUENO J.M. , COOKSON C.J. , KISILAK M.L. , CAMPBELL M.C.W.
Published: June 2009

A simplified procedure based on Mueller‐matrix polarimetry has recently been reported as a method of retinal image improvement in a confocal ophthalmoscope [J. M. Bueno et al., J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 24, 1337 (2007)]. Here, we have applied the technique to imaging static samples providing well‐defined reflection properties. The method uses a generator of polarization states in the illumination pathway of a confocal scanning laser system. From the calculated four elements of the Mueller matrix of any sample and instrument combination, the best images defined by different metrics were constructed. For samples with specular, diffuse and mixed reflections, the best‐constructed images showed an enhancement in both objective and subjective image quality compared to the original images and those obtained from frame averaging. This technique could improve microscopic imaging in many diverse fields, particularly in biomedical imaging.
Electromyographic standardized indices in healthy Brazilian young adults and data reproducibility
Authors: DE FELÍCIO C. M. , SIDEQUERSKY F. V. , TARTAGLIA G. M. , SFORZA C.
Published: June 2009

Summary  The determination of normal parameters is an important procedure in the evaluation of the stomatognathic system. We used the surface electromyography standardization protocol described by Ferrario et al. (J Oral Rehabil. 2000;27:33–40, 2006;33:341) to determine reference values of the electromyographic standardized indices for the assessment of muscular symmetry (left and right side, percentage overlapping coefficient, POC), potential lateral displacing components (unbalanced contractile activities of contralateral masseter and temporalis muscles, TC), relative activity (most prevalent pair of masticatory muscles, ATTIV) and total activity (integrated areas of the electromyographic potentials over time, IMPACT) in healthy Brazilian young adults, and the relevant data reproducibility. Electromyography of the right and left masseter and temporalis muscles was performed during maximum teeth clenching in 20 healthy subjects (10 women and 10 men, mean age 23 years, s.d. 3), free from periodontal problems, temporomandibular disorders, oro‐facial myofunctional disorder, and with full permanent dentition (28 teeth at least). Data reproducibility was computed for 75% of the sample. The values obtained were POC Temporal (88·11 ± 1·45%), POC masseter (87·11 ± 1·60%), TC (8·79 ± 1·20%), ATTIV (−0·33 ± 9·65%) and IMPACT (110·40 ± 23·69 μV/μV·s %). There were no statistical differences between test and retest values (P > 0·05). The Technical Errors of Measurement (TEM) for 50% of subjects assessed during the same session were 1·5, 1·39, 1·06, 3·83 and 10·04. For 25% of the subjects assessed after a 6‐month interval, the TEM were 0·80, 1·03, 0·73, 12·70 and 19·10. For all indices, there was good reproducibility. These electromyographic indices could be used in the assessment of patients with stomatognathic dysfunction.
Relation of dietary preference to bite force and occlusal contact area in Japanese children
Authors: YAMANAKA R. , AKTHER R. , FURUTA M. , KOYAMA R. , TOMOFUJI T. , EKUNI D. , TAMAKI N. , AZUMA T. , YAMAMOTO T. , KISHIMOTO E.
Published: June 2009

Summary  The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of dietary preference to bite force and occlusal contact area in Japanese elementary school children. A total of 348 children, aged 7–12 years, from two public elementary schools located in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, participated in the study. Clinical examination included decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft and DMFT), and total numbers of deciduous and permanent teeth. Bite force and occlusal contact area were measured using a pressure‐detecting sheet. Dietary preference was assessed using a questionnaire in which the answers were given in like/dislike form. Mann–Whitney U‐test and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied to analyse the data. In multiple logistic regression analysis after adjustment for age, gender and total number of teeth present, children who liked cabbage and celery showed significantly higher bite force (P = 0·05 and P < 0·01, respectively) than those who disliked these. Children who liked cabbage and celery also showed higher occlusal contact area (P < 0·05 and P < 0·01, respectively) than those who disliked these. The Japanese elementary school children who liked hard foods such as cabbage and celery showed higher bite force and higher occlusal contact area than those who disliked these foods. A positive attitude towards harder food items might contribute to healthy development of the masticatory apparatus.
Prazosin modulates rapid eye movement sleep deprivation‐induced changes in body temperature in rats
Authors: JAISWAL MANOJ K. , MALLICK BIRENDRA N.
Published: June 2009

Prolonged rapid eye movement sleep deprivation (REMSD) causes hypothermia and death; however, the effect of deprivation within 24 h and its mechanism(s) of action were unknown. Based on existing reports we argued that REMSD should, at least initially, induce hyperthermia and the death upon prolonged deprivation could be due to persistent hypothermia. We proposed that noradrenaline (NA), which modulates body temperature and is increased upon REMSD, may be involved in REMSD‐ associated body temperature changes. Adult maleWistarrats were REM sleep deprived for 6–9 days by the classical flower pot method; suitable free moving, large platform and recovery controls were carried out. The rectal temperature (Trec) was recorded every minute for 1 h, or once daily, or before and after i.p. injection of prazosin, an alpha‐1 adrenergic antagonist. The Trec was indeed elevated within 24 h of REMSD which decreased steadily, despite continuation of deprivation. Prazosin injection into the deprived rats reduced the Trec within 30 min, and the duration of effect was comparable to its pharmacological half life. The findings have been explained on the basis of REMSD‐induced elevated NA level, which has opposite actions on the peripheral and the central nervous systems. We propose that REMSD‐associated immediate increase in Trec is due to increased Na‐K ATPase as well as metabolic activities and peripheral vasoconstriction. However, upon prolonged deprivation, probably the persistent effect of NA on the central thermoregulatory sites induced sustained hypothermia, which if remained uncontrolled, results in death. Thus, our findings suggest that peripheral prazosin injection in REMSD would not bring the body temperature to normal, rather might become counterproductive.
Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in infants: how does it work and where will it work?
Authors: Gosling R. D. , Carneiro I. , Chandramohan D.
Published: June 2009

We discuss the potential public health impact of IPTi by estimating the cases of malaria, anaemia and hospital admissions likely to be averted in different transmission settings; and we review the mechanism of action, choice of drugs regimens, and the effect on immunity of IPTi. IPTi using an efficacious drug is likely to substantially reduce cases of clinical malaria in moderate to high transmission settings. However, geographical heterogeneity in malaria transmission could hamper rolling out IPTi as a national policy.
Early wheezing phenotypes and cognitive development of 3‐yr‐olds. Community‐recruited birth cohort study
Authors: Jedrychowski Wieslaw , Perera Frederica P. , Jankowski Jeffery , Maugeri Umberto , Mrozek‐Budzyn Dorota , Mroz Elzbieta , Flak Elzbieta , Skarupa Anita , Edwards Susan , Lisowska‐Miszczyk Ilona
Published: June 2009

Jedrychowski W, Perera FP, Jankowski J, Maugeri U, Mrozek‐Budzyn D, Mroz E, Flak E, Skarupa A, Edwards S, Lisowska‐Miszczyk I. Early wheezing phenotypes and cognitive development of 3‐yr‐olds. Community‐recruited birth cohort study. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 550–556. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S

The main purpose of the study was to answer the question whether young children without clinical diagnosis of asthma but experiencing early wheezing disorders and therefore being at high risk of developing asthma may have cognitive deficits. In the ongoing birth cohort study wheezing symptoms were recorded postpartum over two first years of age and subsequently cognitive status of children at the age of 3 yr was assessed with the Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI). In the statistical analysis a wide range of modifying and confounding factors (maternal education, gender of children, prenatal exposure to lead and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) were considered to assess the independent effect of early wheezing phenotypes on cognitive development of children. The MDI score correlated inversely with the number of wheezing days recorded over 24 months (r = −0.13, p = 0.007), lead cord blood concentration (r = −0.12, p = −0.02), number of siblings (r = −0.17, p = 0.0006) and the number of cigarettes smoked daily by other household members at home over the pregnancy period (r = −0.18, p = 0.0002). While the children who experienced wheezing over the first year of age showed deficit of 2 MDI scores (beta coeff. = −2.31, 95%CI: −4.63 to 0.02), those with persistent wheezing had the score deficit of 4 points (beta coeff. = −4.41, 95%CI: −8.27 to −0.55). To our knowledge, it is the first report in the iterature showing that early wheezing is associated the cognitive deficit in a community‐recruited very young children. Observed cognitive deficit in early wheezers may be caused by RSV infections or can be related to lower lung function attributed to persistent wheezing, which reducing oxygen supply would affect rapidly developing brain.
Body mass index and acute asthma severity among children presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Ginde Adit A. , Santillan Alfredo A. , Clark Sunday , Camargo Jr Carlos A.
Published: June 2009

Ginde AA, Santillan AA, Clark S, Camargo CA Jr. Body mass index and acute asthma severity among children presenting to the emergency department. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 480–488. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S

To determine the prevalence of obesity among children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute asthma, and to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and acute asthma severity in the ED setting. We analyzed data from a multicenter prospective cohort study during 1997–1998; 44 ED in 17 US states and two Canadian provinces enrolled 672 patients, age 5–17, with acute asthma. BMI and Pulmonary Index were collected in the ED. We defined overweight and obesity using age, sex, and race‐specific BMI values from national and international databases. The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among ED patients with acute asthma as compared with children from the general population (23% vs. 9–15%; p < 0.001). Obese children with acute asthma did not differ from their non‐obese counterparts, by demographic factors or chronic asthma severity (all p > 0.2). Initial Pulmonary Index was the same across underweight, intermediate, and obese groups (3.7 ± 2.4, 3.8 ± 2.2, 3.7 ± 2.3; p = 0.70). Admission status also did not vary across groups (22%, 22% and 23%; p = 0.98). Stratifying the analysis by age group and sex did not change these results. The prevalence of obesity among children presenting to the ED with acute asthma was significantly higher compared with children from the general population. BMI was not associated with markers of chronic and acute asthma severity. The results of this study support a positive association between obesity and asthma, and suggest that asthma exacerbations among obese children are very similar to those experienced by other children.
Duffy antigen expression on reticulocytes does not alter following blood loss in an autologous donation model
Authors: Woolley I. J. , Brown C. M. S. , Hutchinson P. , Turkou V. , Visvanathan K. , Wood E. M.
Published: June 2009

Background  The Duffy blood group (Fy) antigen functions as the receptor whereby the malarial parasite Plasmodium vivax invades reticulocytes. In this study, we evaluated an autologous blood donation model to measure Fy expression during the anticipated response to blood loss.

Aims  This study aims to examine Fy expression following anticipated reticulocytosis in response to blood loss from autologous whole blood donation.

Method  Subjects were healthy blood donors presenting for planned collection of two or three autologous units. Whole blood (450 ml ± 10%) was collected and processed. Blood samples for Fy testing were obtained from the donations. These were assayed by flow cytometry by measuring binding of a phycoerythrin‐labelled anti‐Fy6 antibody and compared against reticulocyte numbers. Reticulocyte numbers were measured using thiazole orange. Results were compared from baseline (first donation) with samples at second and, if available, third, donations. Phenotyping for Fy a and b antigens was performed.

Results  Reticulocytes increased by a mean of 37% over baseline [0·93% (range 0·31–1·93) to 1·23% (0·32–3·51%)] following donation of two (n = 32) or three (n = 9) autologous whole blood units. Absolute reticulocyte count remained low. Mean and median Fy expression on mature red blood cells and reticulocytes did not change from baseline levels despite individual variation. No apparent relationship to serologically determined Fy a and/or b antigen status was present.

Conclusion  Baseline expression of Fy antigen on mature red blood cells and reticulocytes is quite variable between individuals, but appears not to be greatly affected by mild to moderate reticulocytosis following blood loss in an autologous blood donation model.
Restoration of hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen through light irradiation‐induced periphyton production
Authors: Kishimoto Naoyuki , Mawatari Koichi
Published: June 2009

Large quantities of detritus can accumulate on the bottom sediments of eutrophic lakes, leading to depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the hypolimnion. Decreased redox potential associated with low hypolimnetic DO concentrations can accelerate the remobilization of ammonia and phosphorus from the sediments back into the water column. As maintenance of aerobic conditions in the hypolimnion is an important consideration for successful lake management, this research focused on the use of periphyton production of DO to control hypolimnetic DO levels. To augment periphyton photosynthesis, light was irradiated to the bottom sediments via glass fibres, in order to examine the effects of light irradiation on DO restoration on bottom sediments in test chambers. Dissolved oxygen restoration by periphytic photosynthesis was confirmed in these experiments, with both temperature and light intensity having positive effects on the areal net oxygen production rate. The Q10 temperature coefficient for net oxygen production was estimated to be 2.24. In typical temperate‐zone lakes, the hypolimnetic water temperature is <15 °C, resulting in an expected areal net oxygen production rate ranging from 100 to 200 mg O2 m−2 day−1 at a light irradiation of 50 μE m−2 s−1. Based on these experimental results, the condenser area required to achieve DO restoration under hypolimnetic light irradiation alone was estimated to be 3.2–4.1% of the hypolimnetic area. Thus, hypolimnetic light irradiation combined with hypolimnetic aeration can reduce energy consumption required for hypolimnetic aeration in DO restoration efforts.
Assessment of element distribution and heavy metal contamination in Chilika Lake sediments (India)
Authors: Zachmann D. W. , Mohanti M. , Treutler H. C. , Scharf B.
Published: June 2009

Chilika Lake is situated on the Indian east coast. It is one of the largest lagoons in the world, with a unique assemblage of marine, brackish water and freshwater species. Due to the opening of new connections to the sea in the years 2000 and 2008, an environmental change is expected in the lagoon. The study gives an assessment of sediment contamination by heavy metals on the verge of this change (sampling campaign in 2000). Sediment samples from two surface levels (0–5 and 30–35 cm), and from depth profiles, were analysed for mineralogical composition, main and trace element concentrations, and element bonding forms. Background concentrations from a depth profile were also examined. The profile spans a time of ≈13 500 years. Age determinations by radiocarbon dating and the 137Cs‐ and 210Pb‐method were carried out. The composition of the surface sediments is generally uniform. The heavy metals exhibit slightly decreasing concentrations from NE to SW, thus indicating the supply of contaminants from the Mahanadi River. The anthropogenic portion of the heavy metal supply is mainly bound to Fe‐oxide‐hydroxides. Phosphorus is enriched in the sediments of the southern lake sector. Changes in element concentrations in the last 13 500 years have occurred mainly in two steps. The long‐term variations exceed the anthropogenic changes caused by the Mahanadi River inputs. The very sensitive response of coastal area fabrics on climate changes also causes fast geogenic changes in element concentrations in sediments (similar grain sizes). This prevents the use of element concentrations from deep sediment horizons to define contaminations in those areas.
Factors associated with variability in response of diabetic macular oedema after intravitreal triamcinolone
Authors: Mohamed Shaheeda , Leung Gabriel M , Chan Carmen KM , Lai Timothy YY , Lee Vincent YW , Liu David TL , Li Kenneth KW , Li Patrick SH , Lam Dennis SC
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Purpose:  To identify factors associated with variability in anatomical and functional response of diabetic macular oedema (DMO) after 4 mg of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (ivTA), and for recurrence of macular oedema.

Design:  Pooled analysis of individual data from two randomized controlled trials.

Methods:  This was a multicentre study involving 107 eyes with DMO administered 4 mg ivTA. Predictive factors for response to treatment were evaluated with linear regression analysis. Factors associated with time to recurrence of oedema were studied with Cox proportional hazards modelling. Main outcome measures were maximum improvement in optical coherence tomography (OCT)‐measured central foveal thickness (CFT) and best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), final CFT and BCVA at 12 months and time to oedema recurrence.

Results:  Greater reduction of retinal thickening occurred in eyes with worse baseline thickening (P < 0.001). There was also greater improvement of visual acuity in eyes with poorer preoperative BCVA levels (P < 0.001). Age, duration of oedema and previous macular laser treatment had no significant effect on maximal BCVA or CFT improvement. Eyes given 4 mg triamcinolone alone were more likely to develop recurrence of oedema at 12 months than those given a combination of 4 mg triamcinolone plus sequential laser (hazard ratio 2.60 [95% confidence interval: 1.45–4.67]).

Conclusion:  Baseline OCT‐measured retinal thickening and BCVA are important predictors of maximal anatomical and functional response of DMO to ivTA, respectively. Combination treatment strategy using sequential laser therapy may have a role in delaying recurrence of oedema after triamcinolone.
Decadal dynamics of tree cover in an Australian tropical savanna
Authors: LEHMANN CAROLINE E. R. , PRIOR LYNDA D. , BOWMAN DAVID M. J. S.
Published: June 2009

Spatio‐temporal variation in tropical savanna tree cover remains poorly understood. We aimed to quantify the drivers of tree cover in tropical mesic savannas in Kakadu National Park by relating changes in tree cover over 40 years to: mean annual rainfall, fire activity, initial tree cover and prior changes in tree cover. Aerial photography, acquired in 1964, 1984 and 2004, was obtained for fifty sites in Kakadu that spanned a rainfall gradient from approximately 1200 to 1600 mm. The remotely sensed estimates of tree cover were validated via field survey. Linear mixed effects modelling and multi‐model inference were used to assess the strength and form of the relationships between tree cover and predictor variables. Over the 40 years, tree cover across these savannas increased on average by 4.94 ± 0.88%, but was spatio‐temporally variable. Tree cover showed a positive albeit weak trend across the rainfall gradient. The strength of this positive relationship varied over the three measurement times, and this suggests that other factors are important in controlling tree cover. Tree cover was positively related to prior tree cover, and negatively correlated with fire activity. Over 20 years tree cover was more likely to increase if (i) tree cover was initially low or (ii) had decreased in the previous 20‐year interval or (iii) there had been fewer fires. Across the examined rainfall gradient, the greater variability in fire activity and inherently higher average tree cover at the wetter latitudes resulted in greater dynamism of tree cover compared with the drier latitudes. This is consistent with savanna tree cover being determined by interactions between mean annual rainfall, tree competition and frequent fire in these tropical mesic savannas.
Sources of protein in two semi‐arid zone mistletoe specialists: Insights from stable isotopes
Authors: BAREA LAURENCE P. , HERRERA M. L. GERARDO
Published: June 2009

Obtaining adequate levels of dietary protein is essential for the physiology of consumers. This presents potential problems for frugivorous birds because fruit is generally low in protein rendering it nutritionally inadequate and potentially explaining the rarity of exclusive frugivory in birds. We addressed this issue by determining the isotope composition (15N/14N) in the whole blood of two mistletoe consumers, that is, painted honeyeater (Grantiella picta, Meliphagidae) and mistletoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum, Dicaeidae) during the grey mistletoe (Amyema quandang, Loranthaceae) fruiting peak in a semi‐arid woodland, NSW, Australia. Grey mistletoe fruit pulp and arthropods were isotopically distinct (mean δ15N fruit 4.4‰vs. arthropods 7.1‰), thus readily discriminated using the stable isotope approach. Painted honeyeaters and mistletoebirds formed a single group based on their mean δ15N values and, on average, assimilated approximately half of their nitrogen from mistletoe fruit although individual variation was high. The importance of nitrogen derived from mistletoe fruit did not track its abundance in the environment, suggesting that at least during peak fruiting, this resource is not limiting at this site. Researchers should account for intraspecific variation and take a cautious approach when reconstructing diets using stable isotopes by incorporating individual‐based analyses rather than presenting mean values alone. This is the first study to use the isotope approach to investigate the dietary relationship of mistletoe frugivores and mistletoe fruit and has implications for our understanding of the nutritional ecology of frugivores and its functional relationship to ecosystem processes such as seed dispersal.
Effects of invasion of fire‐free arid shrublands by a fire‐promoting invasive alien grass (Pennisetum setaceum) in South Africa
Authors: RAHLAO S. J. , MILTON S. J. , ESLER K. J. , VAN WILGEN B. W. , BARNARD P.
Published: June 2009

Arid shrublands in the Karoo (South Africa) seldom accumulate sufficient combustible fuel to support fire. However, as a result of invasion by an alien perennial grass (Pennisetum setaceum), they could become flammable. This paper reports on an experiment to assess the effects of fire following invasion by P. setaceum. We established 10 plots (5 × 10 m) separated by 2.5 m, and added grass fuel to five plots (5 and 10 tons ha−1 to alternate halves of the plot) leaving the remaining five plots as interspersed controls. Plots with fuel added were burnt, and fire behaviour was measured during the burns. Rates of fire spread were generally low (0.01–0.07 m s−1) and did not differ significantly between burn treatments. Mean fireline intensities were higher in the high compared with the low fuel treatments (894 and 427 kW m−1, respectively). We recorded plant species and their cover before and after burning on each of the plots. After 15 months of follow‐up monitoring in the burn plots, only two species, the dwarf shrub (Tripteris sinuata) and the perennial herb (Gazania krebsiana) resprouted. Most individuals of other species were killed and did not reseed during the 15‐month study. The mass of added fuel load (high or low) did not influence vegetation recovery rates after fire. Should future invasions by P. setaceum lead to similar fuel loads in these shrublands, inevitable fires could change the vegetation and may favour spread of the flammable grass. Our results have important implications for predicting the effects of invasive alien plants (especially grasses) on fire‐free ecosystems elsewhere. The predicted impacts of fire may alter species composition, ultimately affecting core natural resources that support the Karoo economy.
EUS‐GUIDED DRAINAGE OF PANCREATIC PSEUDOCYSTS, ABSCESSES AND INFECTED NECROSIS
Authors: Seewald Stefan , Ang Tiing Leong , Teng Karl C Yu Kim , Soehendra Nib
Published: June 2009

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided drainage has emerged as the leading treatment modality for symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections. Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided endoscopic drainage is less invasive than surgery and avoids local complications related to percutaneous drainage. In addition, unlike non‐EUS guided endoscopic drainage, EUS‐guided drainage is able to drain non‐bulging fluid collections and may reduce the risk of procedure‐related bleeding. Excellent treatment success rates exceeding 90% have been reported for pancreatic pseudocysts and abscesses. In the context of infected pancreatic necrosis, adjunctive endoscopic necrosectomy is required for effective treatment. With such an aggressive approach, the treatment success rate may reach 81%–92%. The potential complications of concern for EUS‐guided drainage are severe bleeding and perforation. To minimize risk, only fluid collections with a mature wall and within 1 cm of the gastrointestinal lumen should undergo endoscopic drainage. Any coagulopathy, if present, should be corrected. Patients with pseudocysts undergoing drainage should also receive prophylactic antibiotics in order to prevent secondary infection of a sterile collection.
INTERVENTIONAL ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY: APPLICATIONS FOR CANCER RELATED TREATMENT
Authors: Irisawa Atsushi , Hikichi Takuto , Shibukawa Goro , Takagi Tadayuki , Imamura Hidemichi , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: June 2009

For tissue diagnosis in patients with abnormalities of various organs, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) has emerged as an effective technique. Subsequently, EUS‐guided fine needle injection (EUS‐FNI) has expanded the clinical utility of EUS. Several applications of EUS‐FNI for anti‐cancer efforts have included celiac nerve blocking and drug delivery into tumors, such as ablation, chemotherapy, gene therapy, and cytoimplantation. Furthermore, chemosensitivity tests with materials obtained using EUS‐FNA are available to produce tailor‐made medicines. Demonstrably, EUS‐guided intervention has opened new and exciting clinical applications for the management of malignancies.
ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION (ESD) FOR COLORECTAL TUMORS
Authors: Saito Yutaka , Sakamoto Taku , Fukunaga Shusei , Nakajima Takeshi , Kuriyama Shinsuke , Matsuda Takahisa
Published: June 2009

Background:  Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is accepted as a minimally invasive treatment for early gastric cancer, however, it is not widely used in the colorectum because of its technical difficulty.

Objective:  To determine the feasibility of using ESD for treating large superficial colorectal tumors.

Patients:  A total of 400 consecutive patients were treated by ESD for 405 lesions at National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

Interventions:  Endoscopic submucosal dissection procedures were performed using a bipolar needle knife (B‐knife) or an insulation‐tip knife (IT knife).

Results:  The en‐bloc resection rate was 87% and the curative resection rate was 86% among the 405 ESDs: 101 involved tubular adenomas, 255 intramucosal cancers and minute submucosal cancers, 46 submucosal deep cancers and 3 others (MALT and carcinoid tumors). The median operation time was 90 minutes and the mean size of resected specimens was 40 mm (range: 15 mm‐150 mm). Perforations occurred in 14 (3.5%) cases and postoperative bleeding in four (1%) cases, but only one perforation case needed emergency surgery because endoscopic clipping was ineffective.

Limitations:  Conducted at single center.

Conclusions:  Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a feasible technique for treating large superficial colorectal tumors because it provides a higher en‐bloc resection rate and is less invasive than surgical resection.
Fatigue behaviour of duplex stainless steel reinforcing bars subjected to shot peening
Authors: REAL E. , RODRÍGUEZ C. , BELZUNCE F. J. , SANJURJO P. , CANTELI A. F. , PARIENTE I. F.
Published: June 2009

The influence of shot peening on the fatigue properties of duplex stainless steel reinforcing bars manufactured using both hot‐ and cold‐rolled processes was studied. The S‐N curves of the bars before and after the shot‐peening process were determined, showing that shot peening improves the fatigue behaviour of the rebars. This improvement is essentially due to the introduction of a compressive residual stress field in the surface of the reinforcing bars, but also to the smoothing of the surface flaws and cold working generated during the manufacturing process. This improvement is much greater in the case of the hot‐rolled bars, mainly as a result of their much higher ability for plastic deformation, whereas cold‐rolled bars had a much higher hardness. A more severe peening action capable of promoting greater plastic deformation on the bar surface is judged necessary to improve the fatigue resistance of cold‐rolled rebars.
Prediction of residual fatigue life of aluminium foam through natural frequencies and damping shift
Authors: DATTOMA V. , GIANNOCCARO N. I. , MESSINA A. , NOBILE R.
Published: June 2009

This paper deals with the application of a non‐destructive technique based on natural frequencies and damping evaluation to predict fatigue failure of closed cell aluminium foams. Two different numerical methods have been used to analyse data, and a detailed analysis about frequency and damping evolution of metallic foam specimens subjected to fatigue load is shown. Moreover, significant correlations between modal data changes and the evolution due to the relevant fatigue loads in the high‐cycle regime have been extracted; these correlations may be efficiently used to predict the residual life with good accuracy from the beginning of the fatigue tests.