bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive dynamics of three amphibian species in Mediterranean wetlands: the role of local precipitation and hydrological regimes
Authors: CAYUELA HUGO , BESNARD AURÉLIEN , BÉCHET ARNAUD , DEVICTOR VINCENT , OLIVIER ANTHONY
Published: October 2012

1. Although the influence of water availability and precipitation regimes on amphibians has been studied at large scales, whether and how interannual rainfall and hydrological variations affect amphibians dynamics at a local scale have rarely been addressed. In this respect, accounting for variations in species detectability in space and time has also been overlooked.

2. We assessed the effects of rainfall and hydrological variations on the breeding dynamics of three amphibian taxa: Pelodytes punctatus, Hyla meridionalis and Pelophylax spp. in 20 ponds of the Camargue region (southern France) over a 7‐year study period.

3. We used multiple season occupancy models to test the effect of winter–spring rainfall and interannual variations in hydroperiod, mean water depth and drought events on tadpole presence in spring (March–June), a proxy for breeding dynamics.

4. We used an independent survey with spatial replicates (dipnet sweeps) to disentangle the relative contributions of phenology and detectability to the absence of records in a given month. For the three taxa considered, the probability of missing a species when that species was actually present in a pond was most often negligible. Hence, we could consider that multiseason models properly tracked changes in species phenology.

5. Pelodytes punctatus was first detected in March, while the two other taxa appeared later in April. Hyla meridionalis appeared as a mid‐season species with much more synchronous pond occupancy than Pelodytes punctatus. The detection peak of Pelophylax spp. was short and unexpectedly early for this taxon.

6. Seasonal winter–spring rainfall was associated with a decrease in extinction rates and even more strongly with an increase in colonisation rates at individual ponds.

7. Colonisation rate increased following an annual drought and was best modelled as a negative quadratic effect of the variance of pond hydroperiod. Extinction probability was best modelled by a negative quadratic effect of mean water level. Hence, breeding was more stochastic (i) in unpredictable and shallow ponds because of yearly drying up and (ii) in highly predictable and deep ponds, possibly due to the presence of predators such as fish and crayfish.

8. Overall, we show that ponds with intermediate rather than extreme variations in environmental conditions currently correspond to optimal breeding sites. Our study demonstrates that amphibian monitoring coupled with fine‐scale analysis of environmental conditions is necessary to understand species dynamics in the long run and to inform conservation efforts for these species.
Information professionals' participation in interdisciplinary research: a preliminary study of factors affecting successful collaborations
Authors: Lorenzetti Diane L. , Rutherford Gayle
Published: October 2012

Objectives

This pilot study explores the conditions that support or hinder information professionals' participation in interdisciplinary research teams.

Methods

We undertook a preliminary grounded theory study investigating factors that impact on information professionals' participation in interdisciplinary research. Four biomedical information professionals working in academic universities and teaching hospitals in Canada participated in semi‐structured interviews. Grounded theory methods guided the data collection and analysis.

Results

Participants identified the conditions that support or hinder research participation as belonging to four distinct overlapping domains: client‐level factors including preconceptions and researcher resistance; individual‐level factors such as research readiness; opportunities that are most often made not found; and organisational supports.

Conclusions

Creating willingness, building preparedness and capitalising on opportunity appear crucial to successful participation in interdisciplinary research. Further exploration of the importance of educational, collegial and organisational supports may reveal additional data to support the development of a grounded theory regarding the facilitation of information professionals' engagement in interdisciplinary research.
Assessment of indexing trends with specific and general terms for herbal medicine
Authors: Bartol Tomaz
Published: October 2012

Background

Concepts for medicinal plants are represented by a variety of associated general terms with specific indexing patterns in databases, which may not consistently reflect growth of records.

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to assess the development in databases by identifying general terms that describe herbal medicine with optimal retrieval recall and to identify possible special trends in co‐occurrence of specific and general concepts.

Methods

Different search strategies are tested in cab abstracts, medline and web of science. Specific terms (Origanum and Salvia) are employed. Relevant general terms (e.g. ‘Plants, Medicinal’, Phytotherapy, Herbal drugs) are identified, along with indexing trends and co‐occurrences.

Results

Growth trends, in specific (narrower) terms, are similar among databases. General terms, however, exhibit dissimilar trends, sometimes almost opposing one another. Co‐occurrence of specific and general terms is changing over time.

Conclusions

General terms may not denote definite development of trends as the use of terms differs amongst databases, making it difficult to correctly assess possible numbers of relevant records. Perceived increase can, sometimes, be attributed to an increased occurrence of a more general term alongside the specific one. Thesaurus‐controlled databases may yield more hits, because of ‘up‐posted’ (broader) terms. Use of broader terms is helpful as it enhances retrieval of relevant documents.
Cognitive factors predicting intentions to search for health information: an application of the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Austvoll‐Dahlgren Astrid , Falk Ragnhild S. , Helseth Sølvi
Published: October 2012

Background

Peoples' ability to obtain health information is a precondition for their effective participation in decision making about health. However, there is limited evidence describing which cognitive factors can predict the intention of people to search for health information.

Objectives

To test the utility of a questionnaire in predicting intentions to search for health information, and to identify important predictors associated with this intention such that these could be targeted in an Intervention.

Method

A questionnaire was developed based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour and tested on both a mixed population sample (n=30) and a sample of parents (n = 45). The questionnaire was explored by testing for internal consistency, calculating inter‐correlations between theoretically‐related constructs, and by using multiple regression analysis.

Results

The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were found to be satisfactory and consistent across the two samples. The questionnaires' direct measures prediction of intention was high and accounted for 47% and 55% of the variance in behavioural intentions. Attitudes and perceived behavioural control were identified as important predictors to intention for search for health information.

Conclusion

The questionnaire may be a useful tool for understanding and evaluating behavioural intentions and beliefs related to searches for health information.
Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (cause of black rot of crucifers) in the genomic era is still a worldwide threat to brassica crops
Authors: Vicente Joana G. , Holub Eric B.
Published: October 2012

Background

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) (Pammel) Dowson is a Gram‐negative bacterium that causes black rot, the most important disease of vegetable brassica crops worldwide. Intensive molecular investigation of Xcc is gaining momentum and several whole genome sequences are available.

Taxonomy

Bacteria; Phylum Proteobacteria; Class Gammaproteobacteria; Order Xanthomonadales; Family Xanthomonadacea; Genus Xanthomonas; Species X. campestris.

Host range and symptoms

Xcc can cause disease in a large number of species of Brassicaceae (ex‐Cruciferae), including economically important vegetable Brassica crops and a number of other cruciferous crops, ornamentals and weeds, including the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Black rot is a systemic vascular disease. Typical disease symptoms include V‐shaped yellow lesions starting from the leaf margins and blackening of the veins.

Race structure, pathogenesis and epidemiology

Collections of Xcc isolates have been differentiated into physiological races based on the response of several brassica species lines. Black rot is a seed‐borne disease. The disease is favoured by warm, humid conditions and can spread rapidly from rain dispersal and irrigation water.

Disease control

The control of black rot is difficult and relies on the use of pathogen‐free planting material and the elimination of other potential inoculum sources (infected crop debris and cruciferous weeds). Major gene resistance is very rare in B. oleracea (brassica C genome). Resistance is more readily available in other species, including potentially useful sources of broad‐spectrum resistance in B. rapa and B. carinata (A and BC genomes, respectively) and in the wild relative A. thaliana.

Genome

The reference genomes of three isolates have been released. The genome consists of a single chromosome of approximately 5 100 000 bp, with a GC content of approximately 65% and an average predicted number of coding DNA sequences (CDS) of 4308.

Important genes identified

Three different secretion systems have been identified and studied in Xcc. The gene clusters xps and xcs encode a type II secretion system and xps genes have been linked to pathogenicity. The role of the type IV secretion system in pathogenicity is still uncertain. The hrp gene cluster encodes a type III secretion system that is associated with pathogenicity. An inventory of candidate effector genes has been assembled based on homology with known effectors. A range of other genes have been associated with virulence and pathogenicity, including the rpf, gum and wxc genes involved in the regulation of the synthesis of extracellular degrading enzymes, xanthan gum and lipopolysaccharides.

Useful website

http://www.xanthomonas.org/
Estimating primaries by sparse inversion, a generalized approach
Authors: Ypma F.H.C. , Verschuur D.J.
Published: October 2012

For an accurate interpretation of seismic data, multiple‐free data are of great value. Removing surface multiples and interbed multiples proves to be challenging in many cases. The nowadays widely used method of Surface‐Related Multiple Elimination (SRME) has lately been redefined as a full‐waveform inversion process, resulting in the method of Estimation of Primaries by Sparse Inversion (EPSI). The new method is shown to be more accurate than the former method in several situations, because it estimates primaries such that they, together with their multiples, explain the input data. Its main advantage is that the minimum energy assumption in traditional multiple subtraction is avoided. The SRME methodology has been extended to the case of internal multiples by several authors, however, the involved subtraction of predicted multiples is probably even more challenging than for the surface‐multiple case. Therefore, in this paper the EPSI method is generalized to remove both surface and interbed multiples. As in previous implementations of internal multiple removal based on data‐driven convolution, the newly proposed scheme requires some knowledge about the subsurface: the data should be divided into (macro) layers and appropriate time windows must be selected. The method is tested on two 2D synthetic datasets to prove its viability. Furthermore, application to a 2D field dataset showed improved accuracy compared to conventional prediction and subtraction.
Changing use of camera traps in mammalian field research: habitats, taxa and study types
Authors: McCallum Jamie
Published: October 2012

Camera traps are automated cameras, triggered by movements, used to collect photographic evidence of the presence of animals in field research. I asked whether the use of camera traps in mammalian field research is distributed evenly and increasing equally in a range of habitats, taxa and study types. I aimed to understand where camera traps are used and for what purposes.

I identified the population of papers published since 1994 in which camera trap methodology was used. I then explored the population for defined habitats, taxa and study types. I tested the derived data for growth and distribution. Over 96% of the population of camera trap papers identified were focused on mammalian species.

Between 1994 and 2011, the use of camera traps for mammalian research increased: 73% of 414 studies were published after 2005. Over time, equipment has become more sophisticated, reliable, flexible, cost‐effective and easy to deploy, and there have been other methodological advances.

Growth in the number of mammal‐related camera trap studies was matched by an expansion in the taxa studied and in study types. The most studied taxon is the order Carnivora; forests are the most studied habitat. No single study type dominates, although there are more population density studies than any other. Camera trap studies are focused on a limited number of habitats and taxa due to their particular strengths and the characteristics of the species that they are used to investigate.

Developments such as infrared illumination and triggering, greater battery life, improved lenses, digital storage capacity, miniaturization, video and real‐time links will enable camera traps to be used for an increasing range of habitats, taxa and study types and will reinforce their growing value in the areas in which they currently predominate.
In vitro evaluation of topical biocide and antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from dogs
Authors: Valentine Becky K. , Dew Walter , Yu Anthony , Weese J. Scott
Published: October 2012

Background –  Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an important canine pathogen, and the emergence and widespread dissemination of meticillin‐resistant strains (MRSP) is of significant concern. Multidrug‐resistant infections may require alternative approaches, such as the use of topical therapy. There is minimal information about the in vitro susceptibility of meticillin‐susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP) and MRSP to biocides and topical antimicrobials.

Hypothesis/Objectives –  The hypothesis was that clinical isolates of MSSP and MRSP would not have universal susceptibility to topical biocides and antimicrobials. The goal of this study was to assess the susceptibility of a collection of S. pseudintermedius isolates to selected antimicrobials and biocides.

Animals –  The study was performed on clinical isolates of MSSP and MRSP from dogs with skin and soft tissue infections collected throughout North America between 2006 and 2008.

Methods –  The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of chlorhexidine digluconate, benzalkonium chloride, triclosan, accelerated hydrogen peroxide, geranium oil, tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract were tested for 25 MRSP and 25 MSSP isolates from dogs using the agar dilution method. The MICs of fusidic acid, bacitracin and mupirocin were determined using Etests.

Results –  Triclosan demonstrated excellent activity against all bacterial isolates, with no growth at the lowest concentration evaluated (MIC ≤ 0.5 μg/mL). Conversely, grapefruit seed extract did not inhibit growth at the highest concentration tested (MIC > 3.84 μg/mL). All isolates were susceptible to mupirocin, fusidic acid and bacitracin. There were no significant differences noted in the range, MIC50 or MIC90 between MSSP and MRSP isolates.

Conclusions and clinical importance –  While isolates were susceptible to most of the tested compounds, universal susceptibility to all compounds with potential antimicrobial activity cannot be assumed, and specific testing is required.
Capability of different non‐nutritive feed additives on improving productive and physiological traits of broiler chicks fed diets with or without aflatoxin during the first 3 weeks of life
Authors: Attia Y. A. , Allakany H. F. , Abd Al‐Hamid A. E. , Al‐Saffar A. A. , Hassan R. A. , Mohamed N. A.
Published: October 2012

An experiment was conducted to determine whether some non‐nutritive feed additives (NNFA) could block the adverse effects of aflatoxin (AF) on growth performance and physiological parameters of Cobb broilers throughout the period from 1 to 21 day of age. There were eight treatments consisting of two levels of AF at 0 and 200 ppb and four NNFA within each AF level. These additives included mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) at 2 g/kg diet, hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) at 2 g/kg diet and Lactobacillus acidophilus (Lac) at 2 g/kg diet. At 21 day of age, five chickens of each treatment were slaughtered to study dressing percentage and relative weight of inner organs and glands. AF had a significant negative effect on body weight gain (BWG), and feed intake, while impairing feed conversion ratio (FCR). Aflatoxin significantly increased percentage liver, lymphocyte (%), monocyte (%), serum triglyceride level, and the aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), concentrations while decreasing dressing percentage, intestinal percentage, white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), haemoglobin (Hgb), packed cell volume (PCV), heterophil (%), heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, total serum protein and serum albumin. Aflatoxin adversely affected the morphology of the liver, bursa and the thymus. There was a significant interaction between AF and NNFA on the relative weights of liver, heart and intestine. Lac completely blocked the negative effects of AF on the percentage liver and the heart and partially on the intestine. In conclusion, Lac was most effective in reversing the adverse effects of AF on growth and FCR and on the percentage, functions and morphology of the liver. Hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate also improved the economic traits of broilers but was less effective than Lac and more effective than MOS.
What is the predictor of prolonged operative time during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy?
Authors: Kaneko Gou , Miyajima Akira , Yazawa Satoshi , Yuge Kazuyuki , Kikuchi Eiji , Asanuma Hiroshi , Nakagawa Ken , Oya Mototsugu
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To study the impact of high body mass index and large prostate weight on operative time of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of medical records from patients who had undergone extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by a single surgeon at our institution between September 2008 and April 2011 was carried out. For each case, the following parameters were recorded: age, body mass index, prostate weight, cross‐section area of the Retzius space, and history of previous lower abdominal surgery, repeated prostate biopsy and neoadjuvant hormone therapy. The laparoscopic radical prostatectomy procedure was divided into seven surgical steps: (i) port insertion and lymph node dissection; (ii) endopelvic fascia incision; (iii) dorsal vein complex ligation; (iv) prostate dissection from bladder neck; (v) dissection of seminal vesicles and vas deferens; (vi) prostate dissection from rectum; and (vii) vesicourethral anastomosis. The overall operative time and the duration of each surgical step were retrieved. Potential predictors of prolonged total operative time and prolonged duration of a step were assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 152 patients were analyzed. High body mass index (≥25.0 kg/m2) and prostate weight were independent predictors of prolonged total operative time. High body mass index was an independent predictor of prolonged step 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Prostate weight was an independent predictor of prolonged step 2, 5 and 6. A history of previous lower abdominal surgery was a predictor of prolonged step 1.

Conclusions

High body mass index and high prostate weight are independent predictors of prolonged total operative time in extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Although high body mass index seems to affect most of the surgical steps of the procedure, prostate weight mainly impacts the dissection close to the prostate, as enlarged prostate results in a narrower working space.
Exploring Counterurbanisation in a Post‐Socialist Context: Case of theCzechRepublic
Authors: Šimon Martin
Published: October 2012

Urban‐rural research in post‐socialist countries has focused on urban transformation, the impact of international migration and the spread of suburbanisation; little attention has been paid to counterurban migration. The aim of this article is to propose a typology of counterurban migration strategies based on quantitative research in rural areas in theCzechRepublic. Firstly, the article discusses the differences and similarities of counterurbanisation in western and post‐socialist countries by bringing together counterurbanisation and post‐socialist research literature. Secondly, detailed information about the counterurbanisation migration stream is provided on the basis of extensive field research. Thirdly, the article presents four basic types of counterurbanisation migration strategies, two lifestyle‐oriented types and two economic‐oriented types, based on household motivation, preferences and household employment location. The research demonstrates both general and specific features of counterurbanisation stream in theCzechRepublic.
Unified Orbital Description of the Envelope Dynamics in Two‐Dimensional Simple Periodic Lattices
Authors: Ablowitz M. J. , Zhu Y.
Published: October 2012

The propagation of wave envelopes in two‐dimensional (2‐D) simple periodic lattices is studied. A discrete approximation, known as the tight‐binding (TB) approximation, is employed to find the equations governing a class of nonlinear discrete envelopes in simple 2‐D periodic lattices. Instead of using Wannier function analysis, the orbital approximation of Bloch modes that has been widely used in the physical literature, is employed. With this approximation the Bloch envelope dynamics associated with both simple and degenerate bands are readily studied. The governing equations are found to be discrete nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS)‐type equations or coupled NLS‐type systems. The coefficients of the linear part of the equations are related to the linear dispersion relation. When the envelopes vary slowly, the continuous limit of the general discrete NLS equations are effective NLS equations in moving frames. These continuous NLS equations (from discrete to continuous) also agree with those derived via a direct multiscale expansion. Rectangular and triangular lattices are examples.
Rate of convergence in the central limit theorem for parameter estimation in a causal, invertible ARMA(p, q) model
Authors: Roy Sugata Sen , Bhattacharya Sankha
Published: October 2012

In this study we consider the estimators of the parameters of a stable ARMA(p, q) process. The autoregressive parameters are estimated by the instrumental variable technique while the moving average parameters are estimated using a derived autoregressive process. The estimators are shown to be asymptotically normal and their rate of convergence to normality is derived.
CHAPERONIN 20 mediates iron superoxide dismutase (FeSOD) activity independent of its co‐chaperonin role in Arabidopsis chloroplasts
Authors: Kuo W. Y. , Huang C. H. , Liu A. C. , Cheng C. P. , Li S. H. , Chang W. C. , Weiss C. , Azem A. , Jinn T. L.
Published: October 2012

Iron superoxide dismutases (FeSODs; FSDs) are primary antioxidant enzymes in Arabidopsis thaliana chloroplasts. The stromal FSD1 conferred the only detectable FeSOD activity, whereas the thylakoid membrane‐ and nucleoid‐co‐localized FSD2 and FSD3 double mutant showed arrested chloroplast development.

FeSOD requires cofactor Fe for its activity, but its mechanism of activation is unclear. We used reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gel filtration chromatography, LC‐MS/MS, protoplast transient expression and virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) analyses to identify and characterize a factor involved in FeSOD activation.

We identified the chloroplast‐localized co‐chaperonin CHAPERONIN 20 (CPN20) as a mediator of FeSOD activation by direct interaction. The relationship between CPN20 and FeSOD was confirmed by in vitro experiments showing that CPN20 alone could enhance FSD1, FSD2 and FSD3 activity. The in vivo results showed that CPN20‐overexpressing mutants and mutants with defective co‐chaperonin activity increased FSD1 activity, without changing the chaperonin CPN60 protein level, and VIGS‐induced downregulation of CPN20 also led to decreased FeSOD activity.

Our findings reveal that CPN20 can mediate FeSOD activation in chloroplasts, a role independent of its known function in the chaperonin system.
Microvascular protection is essential for successful neuroprotection in stroke
Authors: Gursoy‐Ozdemir Yasemin , Yemisci Muge , Dalkara Turgay
Published: October 2012

Currently, the best way of neuroprotection for acute ischemic stroke appears to be restoration of blood flow to the ischemic area by thrombolysis. Unfortunately, a short therapeutic time window as well as thrombolysis‐induced bleeding and edema limit the use of recanalization therapies. Here, we review the evidence suggesting that ischemia/reperfusion‐induced microvascular injury plays a critical role in determining tissue survival after recanalization in focal cerebral ischemia by disrupting the blood–brain barrier integrity and promoting microcirculatory clogging. Among many complex mechanisms of the ischemia–reperfusion injury, overproduction of oxygen and nitrogen radicals on the microvascular wall appears to significantly contribute to these pathological processes. These developments bring about the exciting possibility that effective suppression of oxidative/nitrative stress during pharmacological or interventional re‐opening of the occluded artery may significantly improve the outcome of recanalization therapies in stroke patients by improving microcirculatory reflow as well as by preventing hemorrhagic conversion and vasogenic edema. They also point to the critical (but partly neglected) importance of the microcirculation in neuroprotection.
Novel therapeutic strategies targeting innate immune responses and early inflammation after stroke
Authors: Shichita Takashi , Ago Tetsuro , Kamouchi Masahiro , Kitazono Takanari , Yoshimura Akihiko , Ooboshi Hiroaki
Published: October 2012

Post‐ischemic inflammation is an essential step in the progression of ischemic stroke. This review focuses on the function of infiltrating immune cells, macrophages, and T cells, in ischemic brain injury. The brain is a sterile organ; however, the activation of Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 is pivotal in the beginning of post‐ischemic inflammation. Some endogenous TLR ligands are released from injured brain cells, including high mobility group box 1 and peroxiredoxin family proteins, and activate the infiltrating macrophages and induce the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Following this step, T cells also infiltrate into the ischemic brain and mediate post‐ischemic inflammation in the delayed phase. Various cytokines from helper T cells and γδT cells function as neurotoxic (IL‐23/IL‐17, IFN‐γ) or neuroprotective (IL‐10, IL‐4) mediators. Novel neuroprotective strategies should therefore be developed through more detailed understanding of this process and the regulation of post‐ischemic inflammation.
Mitochondrial biogenesis contributes to ischemic neuroprotection afforded by LPS pre‐conditioning
Authors: Anne Stetler R. , Leak Rehana K. , Yin Wei , Zhang Lili , Wang Suping , Gao Yanqin , Chen Jun
Published: October 2012

Although alterations in mitochondrial dynamics are associated with cellular responses to injury, the functional role of these dynamic changes in ischemic neurons is underexplored. One of these dynamic responses to injury includes mitochondrial biogenesis. Various sublethal pre‐conditioning stimuli that induce an ischemic‐tolerant state [e.g., lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] may also induce mitochondrial biogenesis. Using neuron‐enriched cultures, we found that sublethal LPS pre‐conditioning induced both ischemic tolerance and markers of mitochondrial biogenesis with overlapping dose–response temporal kinetics. Sublethal LPS transiently increased the expression of critical components of the mitochondrial transcriptional machinery, including nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), as well as mtDNA copy number, mitochondrial protein levels, and markers of functional mitochondria, such as increased cellular ATP content, citrate synthase activity, and maximal respiration capacity. Importantly, knockdown of TFAM abrogated both the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis and the neuroprotective pre‐conditioning effects of LPS. Several signaling pathways coordinated these events. AMPK inhibition suppressed NRF1 and TFAM expression by LPS, whereas PI3K/Akt signaling was necessary for the nuclear translocation of NRF1 and subsequent induction of TFAM. This is the first demonstration that LPS pre‐conditioning initiates multiple signaling pathways leading to mitochondrial biogenesis in neurons and that these dynamic changes contribute to ischemic tolerance.
Comparison of keratometry measurements using the Pentacam HR, the Orbscan IIz, and the TMS‐4 topographer
Authors: Tajbakhsh Zahra , Salouti Ramin , Nowroozzadeh Mohammad H , Aghazadeh‐Amiri Mohammad , Tabatabaee Seyedmehdi , Zamani Mohammad
Published: October 2012

Purpose

To compare and evaluate the agreement between keratometry readings using three devices: the Pentacam HR, the Orbscan IIz, and the TMS‐4 topographer.

Methods

In this prospective comparative study, 115 eyes from 115 healthy refractive surgery candidates were sequentially examined using three devices. Fourier analysis was used to evaluate corneal astigmatism in these subjects. The outcome measures comprised steep and flat keratometry readings, corneal astigmatism, the mean keratometry reading, and the J0 and J45 components. Repeated‐measures analysis of variance (RM‐anova) and Bland–Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement were used to evaluate the difference between measurements.

Results

The mean keratometry readings were 43.89 ± 1.51, 43.52 ± 1.48, and 43.79 ± 1.50 D using the TMS‐4 topographer, the Orbscan IIz, and the Pentacam HR, respectively (p < 0.001; RM‐anova). The mean keratometric astigmatism was 1.27 ± 0.87, 1.20 ± 0.86, and 1.21 ± 0.82 D using the TMS‐4 topographer, the Orbscan IIz, and the Pentacam HR, respectively (p = 0.007; RM‐anova). The J0 measurements were higher using the TMS‐4 topographer compared with the Orbscan IIz (p = 0.021; Bonferroni test). The mean, steep, and flat keratometry data were in better agreement using the TMS‐4 topographer and the Pentacam HR. In general, the Orbscan IIz device measured lower values than either the TMS‐4 topographer or the Pentacam HR. However, the corneal astigmatism measurements and the J0 component showed the best agreement using the TMS‐4 topographer and the Orbscan IIz.

Conclusions

The TMS‐4 topographer and the Pentacam HR produced similar readings and can be used interchangeably to measure simulated keratometry values in young, healthy eyes. To measure corneal astigmatism, the TMS‐4 topographer and the Orbscan IIz produced values that were similar and could be used interchangeably.
Imputation Credits and Equity Returns*
Authors: LAJBCYGIER PAUL , WHEATLEY SIMON M.
Published: October 2012

The provision of imputation tax credits can in principle lower the returns that investors require on equity. Whether in practice imputation credits lower the returns that investors require depends in large part on the impact of foreign investors on equity prices. This is because foreign investors in general cannot use the credits that domestic equities provide. We use a range of pricing models and monthly data from July 1987 to December 2009 to test whether, holding risk constant, equity returns are related to credit yields. We find no evidence that the provision of imputation tax credits lowers the returns investors require on equity.
An OSL‐dated sediment sequence at Idre, west‐central Sweden, indicates ice‐free conditions in MIS 3
Authors: Möller Per , Anjar Johanna , Murray Andrew S.
Published: October 2012

In central and northern Sweden, glacial sediments and landforms, formed during Early and Middle Weichselian stadials and their transition into interstadials, are often preserved in spite of having been overridden by later glacial advances. This study presents an OSL‐dated glacial stratigraphy from Idre in west‐central Sweden, expanding the area in which Middle Weichselian ice‐free conditions have been identified. Three sedimentary units were identified, with the lowermost unit consisting of glaciolacustrine sand, deposited in a stagnant water‐body. Nine OSL samples gave ages ranging from 54 to 41 ka, suggesting deposition during a deglacial phase in MIS 3. Normal faults and silt veins, formed after deposition, indicate that the area was ice‐free for a prolonged period, enabling the melting of buried stagnant ice. Above an erosional unconformity is a sediment unit characterized by gravels and sands deposited in a proximal braided‐river environment. OSL ages range from 180 to 41 ka, indicating poor sediment bleaching during deposition. We thus consider them to give a maximum age of the sedimentation, indicating deposition at or after 41 ka. The uppermost unit consists of a stacked succession of subglacial traction tills and glaciotectonite beds, representing the Late Weichselian glaciation of the area, probably during the inception phase with a wet‐based glacier regime. At the last deglaciation of the area there was extensive meltwater erosion, eroding all sedimentary units and forming a landscape with terraces and channels, and erosional remnants of the uppermost diamict as free‐standing hummocks.
Clinical and Laboratory Predictors of All Causes Deaths and Alcohol‐Attributable Deaths Among Discharged Alcohol‐Dependent Patients
Authors: Park Subin , Hong Jin Pyo , Choi Soon Ho , Ahn Myung Hee
Published: October 2012

Background

Alcohol dependence is associated with increased mortality, but it is not clear whether certain laboratory abnormalities on admission predict premature death in discharged alcoholic patients. We examined total deaths and alcohol‐attributable deaths among discharged alcohol‐dependent patients in Korea, and the associated risk factors including laboratory abnormalities.

Methods

The subjects consisted of 442 patients who were admitted for alcohol dependence to a general hospital located in Seoul, Korea from January 1989 to December 2006. At the end of 2009, the risk of death among the discharged alcohol‐dependent patients was compared with that of the general population of Korea by calculating standardized mortality ratios. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for total deaths and alcohol‐attributable deaths in these patients.

Results

Twenty‐nine percent (127/442) of the discharged alcoholic patients died during the study period. Mortality among these patients was 6.67 times higher than in the Korean population as a whole (7.12 times for men and 2.62 times for women). The most common causes of death were alcoholic liver disease and unspecified liver cirrhosis. Recurrent admission and low albumin level at admission were independently associated with both all causes and alcohol‐attributable mortality. High bilirubin level at admission was independently associated with alcohol‐attributable mortality.

Conclusions

These observations indicate a high risk of death in discharged alcohol‐dependent patients, particularly those who are repeatedly admitted to psychiatric wards or who yield abnormal laboratory findings.
Drivers and Performance Outcomes of Supplier Innovation Generation in Customer–Supplier Relationships: The Role of Power‐Dependence
Authors: Jean Ruey‐Jer “Bryan” , Kim Daekwan , Sinkovics Rudolf R.
Published: October 2012

While innovations generated by supply channel relationships, as opposed to individual partners, play an increasingly important role in the success of all supply chain partners, there has been a dearth of research in the literature on how supply chain relationships cultivate the process of such innovation generation. We explore supplier market knowledge acquisition, relationship learning, systems collaboration, and technological uncertainty as antecedents of supplier innovation generation, which is in turn hypothesized to positively affect the relationship performance of the supplier. Furthermore, supplier dependence on the buyer is investigated as a moderator of the effects of such antecedents on supplier innovation generation. Empirical tests, which used a sample of 236 Taiwanese executives, supported most of the hypotheses, and some implications of the results are discussed.
An Overview of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome
Authors: Smith Edith Caroline
Published: October 2012

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome is an inherited condition that women's health care providers are likely to encounter in their practices. Persons affected by this disorder have extremely high risks for developing cancer. This article provides a definition and overview of the syndrome, including cancer prevention/risk reduction strategies and resources available for patients and providers.
Context‐dependent fruit–frugivore interactions: partner identities and spatio‐temporal variations
Authors: Perea Ramón , Delibes Miguel , Polko Mark , Suárez‐Esteban Alberto , Fedriani José M.
Published: October 2012

Fruit–frugivore interactions are crucial for the dynamics and regeneration of most forested ecosystems. Still, we lack an understanding of the potential variation in the sign and strength of such interactions in relation to variations in the spatial and temporal ecological context. Here, we evaluated spatial (three sites) and temporal (two fruiting seasons) local variation in the sign (seed predation versus dispersal) and strength (frequency and quantity) of the interactions among six frugivorous mammals and a community of Mediterranean fleshy‐fruited shrubs. We examined mammal faecal samples and quantified frequency of seed occurrence, number of seeds per faecal sample, seed species diversity and quality of seed treatment (i.e. percentage of undamaged seeds). The frequency of seed occurrence and number of seeds per faecal sample strongly varied among dispersers, sites, seasons and fruit species. For instance, fox Vulpes vulpes faeces showed between 6 and 40 times more seeds than wild boar Sus scrofa faeces in seasons or sites in which Rubus and Juniperus seeds were dominant. However, in seasons or sites dominated by Corema seeds, wild boar faeces contained up to seven times more seeds than fox faeces. Mammalian carnivores (fox and badger, Meles meles) treated seeds gently, acting mostly as dispersers, whereas deer (Cervus elaphus and Dama dama) acted mainly as seed predators. Interestingly, rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus acted as either mostly seed disperser or seed predator depending on the plant species. Our results indicated that the sign of fruit–frugivore interactions depended mainly on the identity of the partners. For a particular fruit–frugivore pair, however, our surrogate of interaction strength largely varied with the spatio‐temporal context (year and habitat), leading to a low specificity across the seed–frugivore network. The high spatio‐temporal variability of seed dispersal (in quantity, quality and seed diversity) by different frugivores would confer resilience against unpredictable environmental conditions, such as those typical of Mediterranean ecosystems.
2008 Movies, by Graham Wills
Authors: Champkin Julian
Published: October 2012

In each issue of Significance we hope to include a graphic or a visualisation of data that is interesting, imaginative, or worth discussion. We start with this one, created by Graham Wills, author of the book Visualizing Time1. Julian Champkin likes it — and his family finds it decorative
Testosterone/Estradiol Ratio Regulates NO-Induced Bladder Relaxation and Responsiveness to PDE5 Inhibitors
Authors: Vignozzi Linda , Filippi Sandra , Morelli Annamaria , Comeglio Paolo , Cellai Ilaria , Sarchielli Erica , Maneschi Elena , Mancina Rosa , Gacci Mauro , Vannelli Gabriella Barbara , Maggi Mario
Published: October 2012

Introduction

The efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) in treating lower urinary tract symptoms is supported by the extremely high expression and activity of PDE5 in male bladder. Although bladder function regulation is similar among genders, no data are available on PDE5 expression and activity in female bladder.

Aim

To investigate sex differences in PDE5 expression and biological activity in female bladder, as opposed to the male counterpart.

Main Outcome Measure

Gene and protein expression and enzymatic activity of PDE5.

Methods

We studied gene and protein expression, and enzymatic activity of PDE5 in bladder of male and female rats. A subgroup of female rats was ovariectomized and alternatively replaced with estradiol (E2), progesterone, and testosterone (T) alone or in combination with letrozole to completely abrogate T-induced E formation. As a readout of PDE5 activity, we studied vardenafil efficacy in potentiating sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced relaxation in bladder of the different experimental groups.

Results

SNP was three-log unit less potent in relaxing the male bladder than the female one. On the contrary, the PDE5-resistant cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analog (Bromo-β-phenyl-1, N2-ethenoguanosine-3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Sp-isomer [SP-8-Br-PET-cGMPS]) was equipotent in relaxing male and female bladder. Vardenafil was more effective in potentiating SNP-induced bladder relaxation in male than in female. Accordingly, the cGMP-hydrolyzing activity of PDE5 was higher in male vs. female homogenates. In ovariectomized female rats, with or without sex-steroid replacement, vardenafil activity in potentiating SNP-induced bladder relaxation was associated with an increased T/E2 ratio. In particular, masculinization of ovariectomized rats—by the administration of T + letrozole—dramatically increased vardenafil capacity to potentiate SNP-induced relaxation.

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrated that PDE5 activity is more pronounced in male as compared with female bladder and that T/E ratio positively regulates responsiveness to PDE5i, thus suggesting that male bladder is a more suitable target for PDE5i than the female counterpart.
The Effect of Grain Size on the Mechanical and Optical Properties of Spark Plasma Sintering‐Processed Magnesium Aluminate Spinel MgAl2O4
Authors: Rothman Amnon , Kalabukhov Sergey , Sverdlov Nataliya , Dariel Moshe P. , Frage Nahum
Published: October 2012

The study deals with the effect of the SPS parameters and LiF doping on the mechanical and optical properties polycrystalline magnesium aluminate spinel (PMAS) with emphasis on the grain size of the final product. Sintering at 1300°C of undoped powder yielded fully dense submicrometer (0.4–0.6 μm) samples with elevated mechanical properties (1600HV and 300MPa bending strength). Doped samples had a larger, 40 μm grain size, lower, 1450HV, hardness and 150MPa bending strength. The transmittance of the doped samples (80% at 500 nm wavelength) was higher than that of the undoped ones. Thus, the required functionality of the ceramic dictates the choice of parameters for the fabrication of dense transparent PMAS.
Characterization and transcriptional analyses of cDNAs encoding three trypsin‐ and chymotrypsin‐like proteinases in Cry1Ab‐susceptible and Cry1Ab‐resistant strains of sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis
Authors: Yang Yunlong , Zhu Yu Cheng , Ottea James , Husseneder Claudia , Leonard B. Rogers , Abel Craig , Luttrell Randall , Huang Fangneng
Published: October 2012

Diatraea saccharalis is a major corn borer pest. Midgut serine proteinases are essential for insect growth and development. Alteration of midgut proteinases is responsible for Bt resistance development in some species. To clone midgut trypsin and chymotrypsin cDNAs and to test if the Cry1Ab resistance in D. saccharalis is associated with changes in midgut proteinases, total midgut tryptic and chymotryptic activities, cDNA sequences, and gene expressions of three trypsin and three chymotrypsin genes were comparatively examined between Cry1Ab‐susceptible (Cry1Ab‐SS) and Cry1Ab‐resistant (Cry1Ab‐RR) strains. Full‐length cDNAs encoding three trypsin‐ and three chymotrypsin‐like proteinases were sequenced from Cry1Ab‐SS and Cry1Ab‐RR larvae. These cDNAs code for active forms of midgut serine proteinases with all functional motifs, including signal peptide, conserved His‐Asp‐Ser for the catalytic triad, three pairs of cysteines for disulfide bridge configurations, and conserved substrate specificity determination residues. In general, cDNA and putative protein sequences are highly similar between Cry1Ab‐SS and Cry1Ab‐RR strains, except for a few nucleotide and predicted amino acid substitutions, whose function need to be further clarified. Total trypsin and chymotrypsin activities were also similar between Cry1Ab‐SS and Cry1Ab‐RR strains. Transcriptional levels of the trypsin and chymotrypsin genes had numerical difference between Cry1Ab‐SS and Cry1Ab‐RR strains, but the difference was not statistically significant. Data suggest that the development of Cry1Ab resistance in D. saccharalis was not significantly associated with these trypsins and chymotrypsins. Results clarified the role of six midgut proteinases and provided a foundation for continuing examination of potential involvement of other midgut proteinases in Bt resistance development and other important biochemical processes.
Cabbage waxes affect Trissolcus brochymenae response to short‐range synomones
Authors: Frati Francesca , Salerno Gianandrea , Conti Eric
Published: October 2012

We show that induced synomones, emitted as a consequence of Murgantia histrionica activity on Brassica oleracea, are adsorbed by the epicuticular waxes of leaves and perceived by the egg parasitoid Trissolcus brochymenae. Leaves were exposed to M. histrionica females placed on the abaxial leaf surface. After 24 h, the leaves were treated mechanically using gum arabic, or chemically using chloroform, on the adaxial surface, and finally the adaxial surface was assayed with T. brochymenae by two‐choice tests in a closed arena. Wasp females responded to mechanically dewaxed cabbage leaf portions with feeding punctures and footprints (Ff) and with feeding punctures, oviposition and footprints (FOf), showing no effect of wax removal. In contrast, the removal of the epicuticular waxes from leaf portions close to FOf, and from leaves with oviposition and footprints (Of), determined the lack of responses by T. brochymenae. Solvent extracts of different treatments were bioassayed, but only FOf triggered parasitoid response. Thus the detection of oviposition‐induced synomones by the parasitoid depends on their adsorption by the epicuticular waxes. Mechanical wax removal from leaf portions contaminated with host footprints (f) also determined a lack of wasp responses, suggesting that the footprints might trigger the induction of a “footprint‐induced synomone” adsorbed onto the epicuticular waxes and exploited by the parasitoid. Leaf portions with the abaxial lamina previously dewaxed and then contaminated by footprints (D+f) of M. histrionica did not affect the parasitoid response, indicating that the abaxial epicuticular waxes are not directly involved in the chemicals induced by M. histrionica footprints.