bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser induced and controlled chemical reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen
Authors: du Plessis Anton , Strydom Christien A. , Uys Hermann , Botha Lourens R.
Published: November 2011

Bimolecular chemical reaction control of gaseous CO and H2 at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, without any catalyst, using shaped femtosecond laser pulses is presented. High intensity laser radiation applied to a reaction cell facilitates non-resonant bond breakage and the formation of a range of ions, which can then react to form new products. Stable reaction products are measured after irradiation of a reaction cell, using time of flight mass spectroscopy. Bond formation of C–O, C–C, and C–H bonds is demonstrated as CO2+, C2H2+, CH+, and CH3+ were observed in the time of flight mass spectrum of the product gas, analyzed after irradiation. The formation of CO2 is shown to be dependent on laser intensity, irradiation time, and on the presence of H2 in the reaction cell. Using negatively chirped laser pulses more C–O bond formation takes place as compared to more C–C bond formation for unchirped pulses.
Beam steering in GaInAs/GaAs slow-light Bragg reflector waveguide amplifier
Authors: Gu Xiaodong , Shimada Toshikazu , Fuchida Ayumi , Matsutani Akihiro , Imamura Akihiro , Koyama Fumio
Published: November 2011

A high-resolution beam steering technique was proposed with a slow-light Bragg reflector waveguide amplifier. By tuning the wavelength of the propagating slow-light mode, a giant change in a deflection angle is predicted and high-resolution beam steering is prospective. In this paper, the first experimental demonstration of the beam steering technique is presented. We demonstrated a continuous beam steering of over 30°. The deflection angles are in good agreement with simulation results. By injecting larger current, the effective radiation window length is increased and sharp divergence angle is obtained, exhibiting a potential in getting a large number of resolution points.
Bacterial bioreporter detects mercury in the presence of excess EDTA
Authors: Dahl Amy L. , Sanseverino John , Gaillard Jean-François
Published: November 2011

Environmental contextUnderstanding the uptake of mercury by bacteria is essential for predicting the amount of toxic methyl mercury formed in the environment. This study shows that the uptake of mercury by a whole-cell bacterial biosensor as a function of a strong ligand was greater than predicted by chemical speciation measurements or equilibrium calculations. These results call into question the use of chemical measurements and equilibrium modelling for predicting the toxicity of metals to living organisms in the environment and suggest that direct biological methods yield more accurate results. AbstractA whole-cell bacterial reporter was used to probe the bioavailability of mercury in the presence of a strong metal chelator, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Strain ARL1 was constructed by inserting a merR::luxCDABE fusion into the chromosome of Escherichia coli. The response of the bioreporter to HgII was monitored as a function of added EDTA. In parallel, square-wave voltammetry (SWV) measurements and thermodynamic calculations using MINEQL were performed to study the chemical speciation of mercury. The amount of electro-labile HgII measured by SWV was similar to the amount of non-complexed HgII predicted from equilibrium calculations. In contrast, the bioavailable fraction measured by the bioreporter was greater than the fraction predicted by either equilibrium calculation or electrochemical analysis. These results suggest that conventional chemical measurements and equilibrium calculations are not necessarily good proxies for predicting the bioavailable metal fraction. Additional factors such as kinetic effects or biological ligand competition must be considered.
Global population status of shy albatross and an assessment of colony-specific trends and drivers
Authors: Alderman R. , Gales R. , Tuck G. N. , Lebreton J. D.
Published: November 2011

Context Monitoring the status of albatross populations and identifying the factors driving observed trends remain international conservation and management priorities. The shy albatross is endemic to Australia and breeds only on three Tasmanian islands. Aims To provide a reliable total population estimate for shy albatross, including an assessment of demographic trends for each of the three populations where possible. We consider also key drivers of population trends for each population, particularly the potential role of fisheries by-catch, with an overall aim of determining the status of the species. Methods Aerial photography and ground surveys were used to estimate the number of annual breeding pairs and trends in adult and juvenile survival rates were calculated using mark–recapture methods. At-sea distribution data was used to identify population specific trends in the overlap of shy albatross and fisheries to evaluate the potential influence of fisheries by-catch on the populations. Key Results The Albatross Island population increased post-harvesting but has recently stabilised at around 5200 breeding pairs, less than half its estimated historic size. This trajectory change appears driven by a decrease in juvenile survival. The small (170 breeding pairs) Pedra Branca population has recently declined, probably due to reduced breeding success associated with the increasing population of Australasian gannets (Morus serrator) on the island. The largest population (on Mewstone) comprises at least 9500 breeding pairs. Trends for this population are unknown. However, this paper demonstrates that these birds have greater overlap with trawl and longline fishing effort and are consequently at higher risk of fishing-related mortality. Conclusions Given the extent of fisheries overlap, survival rates for Mewstone individuals are likely to be lower than the Albatross Island population. Combined with recent trends on Pedra Branca and Albatross Island, we suggest that the current status of the shy albatross is likely to be stable at best and quite possibly decreasing. Implications The concerns raised about the conservation status of shy albatross reinforce the importance of continued population monitoring focussed particularly on establishing the trend of Mewstone. A thorough assessment of interactions with trawl fishing operations also is a management priority for this species.
Targeted drug delivery to tumor vasculature by a carbohydrate mimetic peptide
Authors: Hatakeyama Shingo , Sugihara Kazuhiro , Shibata Toshiaki K. , Nakayama Jun , Akama Tomoya O. , Tamura Naoaki , Wong Shuk-Man , Bobkov Andrey A. , Takano Yutaka , Ohyama Chikara , Fukuda Minoru , Fukuda Michiko N.
Published: November 2011

Although numerous carbohydrates play significant roles in mammalian cells, carbohydrate-based drug discovery has not been explored due to the technical difficulty of chemically synthesizing complex carbohydrate structures. Previously, we identified a series of carbohydrate mimetic peptides and found that a 7-mer peptide, designated I-peptide, inhibits hematogenous carbohydrate-dependent cancer cell colonization. During analysis of the endothelial surface receptor for I-peptide, we found that I-peptide bound to annexin 1 (Anxa1). Because Anxa1 is a highly specific tumor vasculature surface marker, we hypothesized that an I-peptide-like peptide could target anticancer drugs to the tumor vasculature. This study identifies IFLLWQR peptide, designated IF7, as homing to tumors. When synthetic IF7 peptide was conjugated to fluorescent Alexa 488 (A488) and injected intravenously into tumor-bearing mice, IF7-A488 targeted tumors within minutes. IF7 conjugated to the potent anticancer drug SN-38 and injected intravenously into nude mice carrying human colon HCT116 tumors efficiently suppressed tumor growth at low dosages with no apparent side effects. These results suggest that IF7 serves as an efficient drug delivery vehicle by targeting Anxa1 expressed on the surface of tumor vasculature. Given its extremely specific tumor-targeting activity, IF7 may represent a clinically relevant vehicle for anticancer drugs.
Trypanosoma cruzias an effective cancer antigen delivery vector
Authors: Junqueira Caroline , Santos Luara I. , Galvão-Filho Bruno , Teixeira Santuza M. , Rodrigues Flávia G. , DaRocha Wanderson D. , Chiari Egler , Jungbluth Achim A. , Ritter Gerd , Gnjatic Sacha , Old Lloyd J. , Gazzinelli Ricardo T.
Published: November 2011

One of the main challenges in cancer research is the development of vaccines that induce effective and long-lived protective immunity against tumors. Significant progress has been made in identifying members of the cancer testis antigen family as potential vaccine candidates. However, an ideal form for antigen delivery that induces robust and sustainable antigen-specific T-cell responses, and in particular of CD8+T lymphocytes, remains to be developed. Here we report the use of a recombinant nonpathogenic clone ofTrypanosoma cruzias a vaccine vector to induce vigorous and long-term T cell-mediated immunity. The rationale for using the highly attenuatedT. cruziclone was (i) the ability of the parasite to persist in host tissues and therefore to induce a long-term antigen-specific immune response; (ii) the existence of intrinsic parasite agonists for Toll-like receptors and consequent induction of highly polarized T helper cell type 1 responses; and (iii) the parasite replication in the host cell cytoplasm, leading to direct antigen presentation through the endogenous pathway and consequent induction of antigen-specific CD8+T cells. Importantly, we found that parasites expressing a cancer testis antigen (NY-ESO-1) were able to elicit human antigen-specific T-cell responses in vitro and solid protection against melanoma in a mouse model. Furthermore, in a therapeutic protocol, the parasites expressing NY-ESO-1 delayed the rate of tumor development in mice. We conclude that theT. cruzivector is highly efficient in inducing T cell-mediated immunity and protection against cancer cells. More broadly, this strategy could be used to elicit a long-term T cell-mediated immunity and used for prophylaxis or therapy of chronic infectious diseases.
Long-term music training tunes how the brain temporally binds signals from multiple senses
Authors: Lee HweeLing , Noppeney Uta
Published: November 2011

Practicing a musical instrument is a rich multisensory experience involving the integration of visual, auditory, and tactile inputs with motor responses. This combined psychophysics–fMRI study used the musician's brain to investigate how sensory-motor experience molds temporal binding of auditory and visual signals. Behaviorally, musicians exhibited a narrower temporal integration window than nonmusicians for music but not for speech. At the neural level, musicians showed increased audiovisual asynchrony responses and effective connectivity selectively for music in a superior temporal sulcus-premotor-cerebellar circuitry. Critically, the premotor asynchrony effects predicted musicians’ perceptual sensitivity to audiovisual asynchrony. Our results suggest that piano practicing fine tunes an internal forward model mapping from action plans of piano playing onto visible finger movements and sounds. This internal forward model furnishes more precise estimates of the relative audiovisual timings and hence, stronger prediction error signals specifically for asynchronous music in a premotor-cerebellar circuitry. Our findings show intimate links between action production and audiovisual temporal binding in perception.
Binding and cleavage of DNA with the restriction enzyme EcoR1 using time-resolved second harmonic generation
Authors: Doughty Benjamin , Kazer Samuel W. , Eisenthal Kenneth B.
Published: November 2011

The binding of EcoR1 to a 90-bp DNA duplex attached to colloidal microparticles and the subsequent cleavage by the enzyme was observed in real time and label-free with time-resolved second harmonic (SH) spectroscopy. This method provides a unique way to investigate biomolecular interactions based on its sensitivity to changes in structure and electrical charge on formation of a complex and subsequent dynamics. The binding of EcoR1 to the recognition sequence in DNA appears as a rapid increase in the SH signal, which is attributed to the enzyme-induced change in the DNA conformation, going from a rod-like to a bent shape. In the presence of the cofactor Mg
2+
, the subsequent decay in the SH signal was monitored in real time as the following processes occurred: cleavage of DNA, dissociation of the enzyme from the DNA, and diffusion of the 74-bp fragment into the bulk solution leaving the 16-bp fragment attached to the microparticle. The observed decay was dependent on the concentration of Mg
2+
, which functions as a cofactor and as an electrolyte. With SH spectroscopy the rehybridization dynamics between the rehybridized microparticle bound and free cleaved DNA fragments was observed in real time and label-free following the cleavage of DNA. Collectively, the experiments reported here establish SH spectroscopy as a powerful method to investigate equilibrium and time-dependent biological processes in a noninvasive and label-free way.
Transport properties of CF3I thermal plasmas mixed with CO2, air or N2 as an alternative to SF6 plasmas in high-voltage circuit breakers
Authors: Cressault Y , Connord V , Hingana H , Teulet Ph , Gleizes A
Published: November 2011

This paper is devoted to the calculation of equilibrium compositions, thermodynamic properties (mass density, enthalpy and specific heat at constant pressure) and transport coefficients (viscosity, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity) of air/CO2/N2–CF3I mixtures. These data are computed in the temperature range 300 K–50 kK and pressure between 1 and 32 bar. Results obtained for pure gases (CF3I, CO2, air and N2) are systematically compared with SF6. Transport coefficients for N2, CO2, CF3I and mixtures of CO2, N2 or air with CF3I are also confronted with previous published values. Particular attention is paid to the collision integral database by the use of the most accurate and recent cross-sections or interaction potentials available in the literature.
Linking extinction–colonization dynamics to genetic structure in a salamander metapopulation
Authors: Cosentino Bradley J. , Phillips Christopher A. , Schooley Robert L. , Lowe Winsor H. , Douglas Marlis R.
Published: November 2011

Theory predicts that founder effects have a primary role in determining metapopulation genetic structure. However, ecological factors that affect extinction–colonization dynamics may also create spatial variation in the strength of genetic drift and migration. We tested the hypothesis that ecological factors underlying extinction–colonization dynamics influenced the genetic structure of a tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) metapopulation. We used empirical data on metapopulation dynamics to makea prioripredictions about the effects of population age and ecological factors on genetic diversity and divergence among 41 populations. Metapopulation dynamics ofA. tigrinumdepended on wetland area, connectivity and presence of predatory fish. We found that newly colonized populations were more genetically differentiated than established populations, suggesting that founder effects influenced genetic structure. However, ecological drivers of metapopulation dynamics were more important than age in predicting genetic structure. Consistent with demographic predictions from metapopulation theory, genetic diversity and divergence depended on wetland area and connectivity. Divergence was greatest in small, isolated wetlands where genetic diversity was low. Our results show that ecological factors underlying metapopulation dynamics can be key determinants of spatial genetic structure, and that habitat area and isolation may mediate the contributions of drift and migration to divergence and evolution in local populations.
Linking the evolution and form of warning coloration in nature
Authors: Stevens Martin , Ruxton Graeme D.
Published: November 2011

Many animals are toxic or unpalatable and signal this to predators with warning signals (aposematism). Aposematic appearance has long been a classical system to study predator–prey interactions, communication and signalling, and animal behaviour and learning. The area has received considerable empirical and theoretical investigation. However, most research has centred on understanding the initial evolution of aposematism, despite the fact that these studies often tell us little about the form and diversity of real warning signals in nature. In contrast, less attention has been given to the mechanistic basis of aposematic markings; that is, ‘what makes an effective warning signal?’, and the efficacy of warning signals has been neglected. Furthermore, unlike other areas of adaptive coloration research (such as camouflage and mate choice), studies of warning coloration have often been slow to address predator vision and psychology. Here, we review the current understanding of warning signal form, with an aim to comprehend the diversity of warning signals in nature. We present hypotheses and suggestions for future work regarding our current understanding of several inter-related questions covering the form of warning signals and their relationship with predator vision, learning, and links to broader issues in evolutionary ecology such as mate choice and speciation.
Morphological innovation, diversification and invasion of a new adaptive zone
Authors: Dumont Elizabeth R. , Dávalos Liliana M. , Goldberg Aaron , Santana Sharlene E. , Rex Katja , Voigt Christian C.
Published: November 2011

How ecological opportunity relates to diversification is a central question in evolutionary biology. However, there are few empirical examples of how ecological opportunity and morphological innovation open new adaptive zones, and promote diversification. We analyse data on diet, skull morphology and bite performance, and relate these traits to diversification rates throughout the evolutionary history of an ecologically diverse family of mammals (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae). We found a significant increase in diversification rate driven by increased speciation at the most recent common ancestor of the predominantly frugivorous subfamily Stenodermatinae. The evolution of diet was associated with skull morphology, and morphology was tightly coupled with biting performance, linking phenotype to new niches through performance. Following the increase in speciation rate, the rate of morphological evolution slowed, while the rate of evolution in diet increased. This pattern suggests that morphology stabilized, and niches within the new adaptive zone of frugivory were filled rapidly, after the evolution of a new cranial phenotype that resulted in a certain level of mechanical efficiency. The tree-wide speciation rate increased non linearly with a more frugivorous diet, and was highest at measures of skull morphology associated with morphological extremes, including the most derived Stenodermatines. These results show that a novel stenodermatine skull phenotype played a central role in the evolution of frugivory and increasing speciation within phyllostomids.
A Small-Molecule Screen Identifiesl-Kynurenine as a Competitive Inhibitor of TAA1/TAR Activity in Ethylene-Directed Auxin Biosynthesis and Root Growth inArabidopsis
Authors: He Wenrong , Brumos Javier , Li Hongjiang , Ji Yusi , Ke Meng , Gong Xinqi , Zeng Qinglong , Li Wenyang , Zhang Xinyan , An Fengying , Wen Xing , Li Pengpeng , Chu Jinfang , Sun Xiaohong , Yan Cunyu , Yan Nieng , Xie De-Yu , Raikhel Natasha , Yang Zhenbiao , Stepanova Anna N. , Alonso Jose M. , Guo Hongwei
Published: November 2011

The interactions between phytohormones are crucial for plants to adapt to complex environmental changes. One example is the ethylene-regulated local auxin biosynthesis in roots, which partly contributes to ethylene-directed root development and gravitropism. Using a chemical biology approach, we identified a small molecule, l-kynurenine (Kyn), which effectively inhibited ethylene responses in Arabidopsis thaliana root tissues. Kyn application repressed nuclear accumulation of the ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3) transcription factor. Moreover, Kyn application decreased ethylene-induced auxin biosynthesis in roots, and TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE OF ARABIDOPSIS1/TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE RELATEDs (TAA1/TARs), the key enzymes in the indole-3-pyruvic acid pathway of auxin biosynthesis, were identified as the molecular targets of Kyn. Further biochemical and phenotypic analyses revealed that Kyn, being an alternate substrate, competitively inhibits TAA1/TAR activity, and Kyn treatment mimicked the loss of TAA1/TAR functions. Molecular modeling and sequence alignments suggested that Kyn effectively and selectively binds to the substrate pocket of TAA1/TAR proteins but not those of other families of aminotransferases. To elucidate the destabilizing effect of Kyn on EIN3, we further found that auxin enhanced EIN3 nuclear accumulation in an EIN3 BINDING F-BOX PROTEIN1 (EBF1)/EBF2-dependent manner, suggesting the existence of a positive feedback loop between auxin biosynthesis and ethylene signaling. Thus, our study not only reveals a new level of interactions between ethylene and auxin pathways but also offers an efficient method to explore and exploit TAA1/TAR-dependent auxin biosynthesis.
Integrated DNA copy number and methylation profiling of lymphoid neoplasms using a single array
Authors: Kwee Ivo , Rinaldi Andrea , Rancoita Paola , Rossi Davide , Capello Daniela , Forconi Francesco , Giuliani Nicola , Piva Roberto , Inghirami Giorgio , Gaidano Gianluca , Zucca Emanuele , Bertoni Francesco
Published: November 2011

Changes in DNA copy number (CN) and DNA methylation represent important aberrations for lymphomas and other cancers. Here, for the first time, we show that the Illumina Infinium Methylation (IIM) assay, although not originally designed for CN profiling, is able to estimate CN changes. We compared the IIM CN profiles to those obtained with a standard technique in a series of diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas: the profiles showed a high degree of consensus. The demonstration of CN profiling as an additional function of the IIM assay may impact the choice of platform for methylation profiling of haematological and solid tumours.
Effects of species richness on cadmium removal efficiencies of algal microcosms
Authors: Li Shao‐Peng , Li Jin‐Tian , Kuang Jia‐Liang , Duan Hong‐Nan , Zeng Yi , Shu Wen‐Sheng
Published: November 2011

1. An important factor limiting the wider application of constructed ecosystems for bioremediation of sites contaminated by toxic chemicals is their relatively low efficiency of contaminant removal. Although there is growing evidence that species‐rich ecosystems may out‐perform species‐poor ecosystems in removing excessive nutrients from water through niche partitioning, it remains unknown whether diverse ecosystems are more efficient in removing toxic chemicals from the environment, and if they are, by what mechanisms diverse ecosystems can lead to enhanced removals.

2. In this study, we exposed aquatic algal microcosm ecosystems of varying species richness to a realistic cadmium (Cd) contamination scenario. We explore the mechanisms of Cd removal by assemblages with differing diversity and consider the potential role of diversity on Cd bioremediation.

3. Our results suggest that Cd removal efficiencies of the algal microcosms increased with species richness. Furthermore, we found that 45% of all polycultures out‐performed the monocultures of their most efficient component species in removing Cd from the growth substrates (referred as to ‘over Cd removal’). However, the average Cd removal efficiency of the most diverse (eight‐species) polycultures was not higher than that of the most efficient monoculture (i.e. the algal species most tolerant to Cd) in this study. We also showed that the observed over Cd removal could be largely ascribed to the enhanced biomass yields of the polycultures, which were mainly driven by the positive effects of Cd‐tolerant species on Cd‐sensitive species.

4. Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates that some algal polycultures containing both Cd‐tolerant and Cd‐sensitive species may show over Cd removal through facilitation provided by Cd‐tolerant species. These polycultures are likely to be assembled and applied to achieve Cd removals higher than those of their most efficient component species in monoculture. Given that species‐rich ecosystems tend to be more environmentally stable than ones with fewer species, it would be prudent to employ diverse polycultures rather than risk the loss of individual monocultures.
Staphylococccus pseudintermedius surface proteins SpsD and SpsO mediate adherence to ex vivo canine corneocytes
Authors: Bannoehr Jeanette , Brown Jeremy K. , Shaw Darren J. , Fitzgerald Ross J. , van den Broek Adri H. M. , Thoday Keith L.
Published: November 2011

The Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is regarded as the major cause of canine bacterial pyoderma. Despite its clinical importance, there is only very limited knowledge about the pathogenesis of S. pseudintermedius infection and the specific bacterial virulence factors involved in causing disease. Using a whole‐genome approach, we have previously identified 18 predicted cell‐wall‐anchored surface proteins representing possible virulence factors in a clinical isolate of S. pseudintermedius (strain ED99). They were designated S. pseudintermedius surface proteins A–R (SpsA–SpsR). The present study tested three of the putative Sps proteins (SpsD, SpsL and SpsO) for their ability to mediate adherence of bacteria to canine corneocytes. The three proteins were expressed on the surface of the nonpathogenic surrogate host Lactococcus lactis, a Gram‐positive bacterium that does not adhere to canine corneocytes. Adherence assays were performed using corneocytes from different healthy canine donors (n = 5), and bacterial cells were quantified using computerized image analysis. Two of the proteins, SpsD and SpsO, mediated adherence of L. lactis to canine corneocytes, suggesting that they contribute to S. pseudintermedius pathogenesis and may represent novel therapeutic targets to combat infection.
Development of near‐infrared spectroscopy calibrations to quantify starch and soluble sugar content in the roots of Rumex obtusifolius
Authors: DECRUYENAERE V , CLÉMENT C , AGNEESSENS R , LOSSEAU C , STILMANT D
Published: November 2011

Decruyenaere V, Clément C, Agneessens R, Losseau C & Stilmant D (2011) Development of near‐infrared spectroscopy calibrations to quantify starch and soluble sugar content in the roots of Rumex obtusifolius. Weed Research 52, 1–5.

The long‐term objective of non‐chemical measures applied to control a perennial weed is to limit its vigour and regrowth capacity by reducing its acquisition of resources and subsequent allocation to reserve organs. In this context, we tested the possibility of developing near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) calibrations to quantify non‐structural carbohydrates in Rumex obtusifolius roots. The database used to develop the initial calibration contained 25 reference samples in which starch and total soluble sugar content ranged from 10.4 to 47.9% and from 12.4 to 22.2% of the dry matter (DM) respectively. The calibration performances were good, with an R² higher than 0.85 for both the tested parameters and the standard error of cross‐validation (SECV) of 1.32% and 1.03% for the starch and total soluble sugar estimates. However, validation with an independent data set of samples collected later led to a high standard error of prediction (SEP) and poor performances for total soluble sugar quantification, because the range of the validation samples was not represented in the calibration data set. A global calibration covering the diversity of the initial calibration and validation data sets was developed, and validation was performed on 10 samples discarded from this global data set. With ratios of standard deviation of validation set to SEP (RPD) of 8.0 and 5.4 for total soluble sugar and starch, respectively, we concluded that both calibrations could be used to analyse R. obtusifolius roots. The necessity for the calibration to cover sample variation reinforces the need to conduct reference analyses on 5–10% of the samples of each new set analysed, to improve calibration performances.
Effect of environmental factors on seed germination and seedling emergence of invasive Ceratocarpus arenarius
Authors: EBRAHIMI E , ESLAMI S V
Published: November 2011

Ebrahimi E & Eslami SV (2011). Effect of environmental factors on seed germination and seedling emergence of invasive Ceratocarpus arenarius. Weed Research 52, 50–59.

Ceratocarpus arenarius is a problematic and noxious weed of dryland farming in North Khorasan, Iran. Experiments were conducted to investigate the mechanism of seed dormancy, as well as the effect of environmental factors on germination and emergence of this species. Results showed that the pericarp is the major obstacle to seed germination; seeds without an intact pericarp had germination rates exceeding 90%. Ceratocarpus arenarius had identical germination rates in either light/dark and continuous dark conditions, indicating that this weed species is non‐photoblastic. Germination was >35% over a range of alternating light/dark temperatures (10/5, 20/10, 25/15, 30/20 and 35/25°C), with maximum germination (96%) at 25/15°C. Ceratocarpus arenarius seeds germinated at rates >20% in high levels of salinity (800 mm) and osmotic potential (−1 MPa), indicating that this species is tolerant to saline conditions and drought stress during germination and early seedling growth. Maximum germination of C. arenarius seeds occurred at a pH range of 7–9. Seedlings emerged from burial depths ranging from 0 (without covering with filter paper) to 6 cm, and the maximum emergence (94%) was observed in seeds placed on the soil surface covered with three layers of filter paper. This suggests that minimum‐ and no‐till systems would increase seedling emergence of this species through maintaining crop residues and seeds on the soil surface. These attributes, coupled with tolerance to salinity and drought stress during germination, should be taken into account when managing C. arenarius.
A randomized placebo‐controlled trial of rush preseasonal depigmented polymerized grass pollen immunotherapy*
Authors: Pfaar O. , Urry Z. , Robinson D. S. , Sager A. , Richards D. , Hawrylowicz C. M. , Bräutigam M. , Klimek L.
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Pfaar O, Urry Z, Robinson DS, Sager A, Richards D, Hawrylowicz CM, Bräutigam M, Klimek L. A randomized placebo‐controlled trial of rush preseasonal depigmented polymerized grass pollen immunotherapy. Allergy 2012; 67: 272–279.

Background:  Specific subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) for seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis with unmodified allergen extracts is effective, but limited by risk of side‐effects and involves treatment over 3 years. We examined a depigmented polymerized grass pollen extract for immunogenicity and for clinical efficacy in a rush preseasonal regimen.

Methods:  Depigmented polymerized grass pollen extract was tested for proliferation and cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of 195 grass pollen allergic patients treated with preseasonal rush immunotherapy using depigmented polymerized allergenic extract of mixed grass pollen was performed over 2 years. Primary outcome was combined symptom and medication score (SMS) during the peak of the second grass pollen season. Secondary outcomes included combined score over the whole season, during the first grass pollen season, individual symptom and medication scores, quality of life, well days/hell days and responder analysis. Adverse events were classified using the EAACI scale. Grass pollen‐specific IgE and IgG4 were measured before and during treatment.

Results:  Depigmented polymerized extract stimulated dose‐dependent T‐cell proliferation and cytokine production. Patients treated with preseasonal SCIT showed improved combined scores during peak season at year 2 (median 3.93, interquartile range 0.77–6.27 vs median 5.86 for placebo, 3.11–8.36, P < 0.01). Most secondary outcomes were significantly better for active treatment. Side‐effects were minimal, with no grade 3 or 4 reactions.

Conclusions:  Depigmented polymerized grass pollen extract is immunogenic and clinically effective in rush preseasonal SCIT. This form of immunotherapy may be an attractive option for some patients.
Cloning of aZoysia ZjLsLand its overexpression to induce axillary meristem initiation and tiller formation inArabidopsisand bentgrass
Authors: Yang D.‐H. , Sun H.‐J. , Goh C.‐H. , Song P.‐S. , Bae T.‐W. , Song I.‐J. , Lim Y.‐P. , Lim P.‐O. , Lee H.‐Y.
Published: November 2011

Zoysia grass and creeping bentgrass are important turf grasses used in parks, gardens and playing fields. Development of grasses with increased tiller formation will enhance their commercial cultivation. To investigate the regulatory mechanism of tiller formation, we cloned theZoysia japonica Lateral suppressor‐like (ZjLsL) gene. TheLateral suppressor(Ls) gene encodes a transcriptional regulator belonging to the plant‐specific GRAS protein family of putative transcription factors, and regulates axillary meristem initiation. A full‐length DNA of theZjLsLgene was isolated by 5′/3′ DNA walking. Phylogenetic analysis showed thatZjLsLis closely related toLsgenes. Southern blot analysis revealed that zoysia grass has two copies of theZjLsLgene.ZjLsLexpression was detected in all organs of zoysia grass but was most highly expressed in culms. Overexpression ofZjLsLin creeping bentgrass andArabidopsisplants promoted axillary bud formation. These results suggest thatZjLsLplays an important role in axillary meristem initiation and tiller formation.
Temperature controls seed germination and dormancy in the European woodland herbaceous perennial Erythronium dens‐canis (Liliaceae)
Authors: Mondoni A. , Rossi G. , Probert R.
Published: November 2011

We examined the germination ecology and the temperature requirements for germination of Erythronium dens‐canis, under both outdoor and laboratory conditions. E. dens‐canis is a spring flowering woodland geophyte widely distributed across Europe. Germination phenology, including embryo development and radicle and cotyledon emergence, were investigated in a natural population growing in Northern Italy. Immediately after harvest, seeds of E. dens‐canis were either sown on agar in the laboratory under simulated seasonal temperatures or placed in nylon mesh sachets and buried in the wild. Embryos, undifferentiated at the time of seed dispersal, grew during summer and autumn conditions in the laboratory and in the wild, culminating in radicle emergence in winter when temperatures fell to ∼5 °C. Emergence of cotyledons did not occur immediately after radicle emergence, but was delayed until the end of winter. Laboratory experiments showed that temperature is the main factor controlling dormancy and germination, with seeds becoming non‐dormant only when given warmth, followed by cold stratification. Unlike seeds of E. dens‐canis that germinate in winter, in other Erythronium species radicle emergence occurs in autumn, while in some it is delayed until seeds are transferred from winter to spring conditions. Our results suggest that there is genetic and environmental control of the expression of seed dormancy amongst Erythronium species, which is related to local climate.
Pediatric anesthetic meetings and conferences
Authors: Brown T.C.K.
Published: November 2011

World Paediatric Anaesthetic meetings (held in relation to World Congress of Anesthesiologists)

In 1984, David Steward (in Figure 1, front row) and Seizo Iwai (Figure 2) organized a meeting of pediatric anesthetists in Manila during the World Congress of Anesthesiologists. Following the meeting, there was a dinner at which John Zorab, then Secretary of the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA), told the audience that if they wanted to set up a Paediatric Committee in the WFSA, they should request to do so immediately. A show of hands at this informal occasion showed a majority but not unanimous approval (because no aims and objectives had been defined for the committee). It was established at the WFSA Executive meeting the next day. Eventually, a multiauthored WFSA handbook on Pediatric Anesthesia, initiated by David Steward and finalized by Anneke Meursing, was produced some years later.

 Speakers at World Paediatric Anaesthesia Meeting in Melbourne, following the World Congress of Anesthesiologists in Sydney, April 1996. Front: M. Rawicz (Poland), C. Riquelme (Chile), A. Meursing #(the Netherland), D. Steward* (Canada); 2nd: C. Cote (USA), P. Limoges (Canada), G, Goresky* (Canada), F. Berry (USA); 3rd: C. da Silva(Brazil), P. Kempthorne (NZ), J. Moray (USA), D. Baines (Australia), F. Veckymans (Belgium); 4th: M. Yamashita, (Japan), P. Morris (UK), D. Hatch (UK), M. Marx (Uruguay), K. Brown* (Australia); 5th: S. Rajev (Russia), J. Overton (Australia), D. Pawar (India), I. Mackenzie (Australia). *Organized World Paediatric Anaesthetic meetings. #Organized 1st and 2nd FEAPA congresses.

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 Seizo (Jake) Iwai from Kobe, Japan.

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Treating diabetes today: a matter of selectivity of sulphonylureas
Authors: Seino S. , Takahashi H. , Takahashi T. , Shibasaki T.
Published: November 2011

It is well known that sulphonylureas (SUs), commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, stimulate insulin secretion by closing ATP‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channels in pancreatic β‐cells by binding to the SU receptor SUR1. SUs are now known also to activate cAMP sensor Epac2 (cAMP‐GEFII) to Rap1 signalling, which promotes insulin granule exocytosis. For SUs to exert their full effects in insulin secretion, they are required to activate Epac2 as well as to inhibit the β‐cell KATP channels. As Epac2 is also necessary for potentiation of glucose‐induced insulin secretion by cAMP‐increasing agents, such as incretin, Epac2 is a target of both cAMP and SUs. The distinct effects of various SUs appear to be because of their different actions on Epac2/Rap1 signalling as well as KATP channels. Differently from other SUs, gliclazide is unique in that it is specific for β‐cell KATP channel and does not activate Epac2.
What matters in ADVANCE and ADVANCE‐ON
Authors: Hamet P.
Published: November 2011

Most recent meta‐analyses of morbidity‐mortality risk hazards brought about by the presence of diabetes as compared with non‐diabetics underline the dominant risk of renal disease and cardiovascular outcomes and the relevance of blood glucose, blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol levels. The translation of this reality into therapeutic guidelines always requires interventional evidence. Evidence for combined approaches in controlling for BP and blood glucose was provided by Action in Diabetes and Vascular disease: PreterAx and DiamicroN‐MR Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE), conducted in over 11 000 subjects from 20 countries. Reduction in systolic BP by 7.1 mm Hg, in diastolic BP by 2.9 mm Hg and in glycated haemoglobin A1c by 0.61% points in the combined routine BP lowering and intensive blood glucose‐control group after an average 4.3 years of follow‐up resulted in a relative risk reduction of 28% in renal events, 24% in cardiovascular death and 18% in all‐cause mortality. While other major intervention trials performed in similar populations with analogous goals did not achieve the same level of positive therapeutic evidence and even pointed to some risk of intensified treatment of type 2 diabetes, all three major studies [Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD), Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT) and ADVANCE] showed significant reduction in renal events, the major risk in type 2 diabetes. The divergence for other outcomes underlines the importance of considering specific therapeutic approaches for glucose control and prudent targets for BP. The current target values for glycated haemoglobin of 6.5–7% and for BP of 130/80 mmHg appear safe and beneficial. The potential long‐term benefit, particularly that of initial tight blood glucose control, suggested by recent post‐trial evidence is currently being evaluated in the ADVANCE‐ON study.
EPODE approach for childhood obesity prevention: methods, progress and international development
Authors: Borys J.‐M. , Le Bodo Y. , Jebb S. A. , Seidell J. C. , Summerbell C. , Richard D. , De Henauw S. , Moreno L. A. , Romon M. , Visscher T. L. S. , Raffin S. , Swinburn B. ,   the EEN Study Group
Published: November 2011

Childhood obesity is a complex issue and needs multistakeholder involvement at all levels to foster healthier lifestyles in a sustainable way. ‘Ensemble Prévenons l'ObésitéDes Enfants’ (EPODE, Together Let's Prevent Childhood Obesity) is a large‐scale, coordinated, capacity‐building approach for communities to implement effective and sustainable strategies to prevent childhood obesity. This paper describes EPODE methodology and its objective of preventing childhood obesity.

At a central level, a coordination team, using social marketing and organizational techniques, trains and coaches a local project manager nominated in each EPODE community by the local authorities. The local project manager is also provided with tools to mobilize local stakeholders through a local steering committee and local networks. The added value of the methodology is to mobilize stakeholders at all levels across the public and the private sectors. Its critical components include political commitment, sustainable resources, support services and a strong scientific input – drawing on the evidence‐base – together with evaluation of the programme.

Since 2004, EPODE methodology has been implemented in more than 500 communities in six countries. Community‐based interventions are integral to childhood obesity prevention. EPODE provides a valuable model to address this challenge.
Waist‐to‐height ratio is a better screening tool than waist circumference and BMI for adult cardiometabolic risk factors: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ashwell M. , Gunn P. , Gibson S.
Published: November 2011

Our aim was to differentiate the screening potential of waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) and waist circumference (WC) for adult cardiometabolic risk in people of different nationalities and to compare both with body mass index (BMI). We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies that used receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves for assessing the discriminatory power of anthropometric indices in distinguishing adults with hypertension, type‐2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, metabolic syndrome and general cardiovascular outcomes (CVD). Thirty one papers met the inclusion criteria. Using data on all outcomes, averaged within study group, WHtR had significantly greater discriminatory power compared with BMI. Compared with BMI, WC improved discrimination of adverse outcomes by 3% (P < 0.05) and WHtR improved discrimination by 4–5% over BMI (P < 0.01). Most importantly, statistical analysis of the within‐study difference in AUC showed WHtR to be significantly better than WC for diabetes, hypertension, CVD and all outcomes (P < 0.005) in men and women.

For the first time, robust statistical evidence from studies involving more than 300 000 adults in several ethnic groups, shows the superiority of WHtR over WC and BMI for detecting cardiometabolic risk factors in both sexes. Waist‐to‐height ratio should therefore be considered as a screening tool.
Eating out of home and its association with dietary intake: a systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Lachat C. , Nago E. , Verstraeten R. , Roberfroid D. , Van Camp J. , Kolsteren P.
Published: November 2011

During the last decades, eating out of home (OH) has gained importance in the diets worldwide. We document the nutritional characteristics of eating OH and its associations with energy intake, dietary quality and socioeconomic status. We carried out a systematic review of peer‐reviewed studies in eight databases up to 10 March 2011. Of the 7,319 studies retrieved, 29 met the inclusion criteria and were analysed in this review. The quality of the data was assessed and a sensitivity analysis was conducted by isolating nationally representative or large cohort data from 6 and 11 countries, respectively. OH foods were important sources of energy in all age groups and their energy contribution increased in adolescents and young adults. Eating OH was associated with a higher total energy intake, energy contribution from fat in the daily diet and higher socioeconomic status. Two large studies showed how eating OH was also associated with a lower intake of micronutrients, particularly vitamin C, Ca and Fe. Although the studies were cross‐sectional and heterogeneous in the way they classified eating OH, we conclude that eating OH is a risk factor for higher energy and fat intake and lower micronutrient intake.
English on the internet and a ‘post‐varieties’ approach to language
Authors: SEARGEANT PHILIP , TAGG CAROLINE
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT: This paper examines the use of English in computer‐mediated discourse, and considers the extent to which the traditional varieties‐based approach to the study of global English can provide adequate analytic tools for describing the actuality of communicative encounters conducted on the Internet. Starting from the contention that languages as discrete entities are a problematic sociolinguistic category, the paper addresses the question of how the study of global English may be refined to accommodate the type of English‐related communicative phenomena found in many online encounters. Drawing upon examples of communication between Thai speakers via social networking and instant messaging services, the paper outlines the complexity of English‐related forms in this genre of online interaction, and considers the metatheoretical questions this complexity poses for the discipline of world Englishes in terms of how best to describe and categorise such phenomena.
Commentary: Foundations in performance
Authors: Bauman Richard
Published: November 2011

In this article, I outline the principal conceptions of performance that have guided language‐oriented work on performance, where they come from, and how they relate to or diverge from one another. I consider first the undeveloped potential for performance‐oriented work in variationist sociolinguistics, and then turn to performance as virtuosic display, as developed principally in linguistic anthropology, performance as theatricality, with special attention to the analysis of the interaction order, and cultural performance as a marked, heightened event that affords a richly reflexive vantage point on culture. I conclude with a discussion of mediated performance and the productiveness of the concept of remediation in bridging the gap between co‐present performance and mediated performance.
Seeing is Believing: Urban Gossip and the Balcony in Early Modern Venice
Authors: Cowan Alexander
Published: November 2011

This article provides an analysis of the social functions of the balcony in early modern Venice using evidence from architecture, art history, theatre history and the records of two magistracies, one secular, the other ecclesiastical. It argues that the liminal position of balconies between the public and the private both exposed those present on them to the public gaze and potentially as subjects of gossip, and enabled them to see and hear what was going on below. Balconies were used by both women and men, although the latter were more likely to be there outside the working day. Those of high status preferred to appear only on special occasions as spectators of public events. The proximity of balconies to canals also allowed illicit use.