bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Action Semantics Modulate Action Prediction
Authors: Springer Anne , Prinz Wolfgang
Published: June 2010

Previous studies have demonstrated that action prediction involves an internal action simulation that runs time-locked to the real action. The present study replicates and extends these findings by indicating a real-time simulation process (Graf et al., 2007), which can be differentiated from a similarity-based evaluation of internal action representations. Moreover, results showed that action semantics modulate action prediction accuracy. The semantic effect was specified by the processing of action verbs and concrete nouns (Experiment 1) and, more specifically, by the dynamics described by action verbs (Experiment 2) and the speed described by the verbs (e.g., “to catch” vs. “to grasp” vs. “to stretch”; Experiment 3). These results propose a linkage between action simulation and action semantics as two yet unrelated domains, a view that coincides with a recent notion of a close link between motor processes and the understanding of action language.
Rethinking the role of automaticity in cognitive control
Authors: Blais Chris , Harris Michael B. , Guerrero Jennifer V. , Bunge Silvia A.
Published: June 2010

Behaviour that is assumed to be guided by strategy can, in fact, be based on the implicit learning of regularities in the environment. We demonstrate this point in the context of a Stroop experiment. It has been shown previously that performance on this measure of cognitive control varies as a function of the relative proportions of congruent and incongruent trials in a block. Here we provide evidence that this modulation of performance is largely based on implicit, rather than explicit, knowledge of these proportions. This result has important implications for our understanding of cognitive control.
Effects of Saccades and Response Type on the Simon Effect: If you Look at the Stimulus, the Simon Effect May be Gone
Authors: Buetti Simona , Kerzel Dirk
Published: June 2010

The Simon effect has most often been investigated with key-press responses and eye fixation. In the present study, we asked how the type of eye movement and the type of manual response affect response selection in a Simon task. We investigated three eye movement instructions (spontaneous, saccade, and fixation) while participants performed goal-directed (i.e., reaching) or symbolic (i.e., finger-lift) responses. Initially, no oculomotor constraints were imposed, and a Simon effect was present for both response types. Next, eye movements were constrained. Participants had to either make a saccade toward the stimulus or maintain gaze fixed in the screen centre. While a congruency effect was always observed in reaching responses, it disappeared in finger-lift responses. We suggest that the redirection of saccades from the stimulus to the correct response location in noncorresponding trials contributes to the Simon effect. Because of eye–hand coupling, this occurred in a mandatory manner with reaching responses but not with finger-lift responses. Thus, the Simon effect with key-presses disappears when participants do what they typically do—look at the stimulus.
Genetic architecture of a feeding adaptation: garter snake (Thamnophis) resistance to tetrodotoxin bearing prey
Authors: Feldman Chris R. , Brodie Edmund D. , Brodie Edmund D. , Pfrender Michael E.
Published: June 2010

Detailing the genetic basis of adaptive variation in natural populations is a first step towards understanding the process of adaptive evolution, yet few ecologically relevant traits have been characterized at the genetic level in wild populations. Traits that mediate coevolutionary interactions between species are ideal for studying adaptation because of the intensity of selection and the well-characterized ecological context. We have previously described the ecological context, evolutionary history and partial genetic basis of tetrodotoxin (TTX) resistance in garter snakes (Thamnophis). Derived mutations in a voltage-gated sodium channel gene (Nav1.4) in three garter snake species are associated with resistance to TTX, the lethal neurotoxin found in their newt prey (Taricha). Here we evaluate the contribution of Nav1.4 alleles to TTX resistance in two of those species from central coastal California. We measured the phenotypes (TTX resistance) and genotypes (Nav1.4 and microsatellites) in a local sample ofThamnophis atratusandThamnophis sirtalis. Allelic variation in Nav1.4 explains 23 per cent of the variation in TTX resistance inT. atratuswhile variation in a haphazard sample of the genome (neutral microsatellite markers) shows no association with the phenotype. Similarly, allelic variation in Nav1.4 correlates almost perfectly with TTX resistance inT. sirtalis, but neutral variation does not. These strong correlations suggest that Nav1.4 is a major effect locus. The simple genetic architecture of TTX resistance in garter snakes may significantly impact the dynamics of phenotypic coevolution. Fixation of a few alleles of major effect in some garter snake populations may have led to the evolution of extreme phenotypes and an ‘escape’ from the arms race with newts.
Gene expression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a mucin-containing synthetic growth medium mimicking cystic fibrosis lung sputum
Authors: Fung Carina , Naughton Sharna , Turnbull Lynne , Tingpej Pholawat , Rose Barbara , Arthur Jonathan , Hu Honghua , Harmer Christopher , Harbour Colin , Hassett Daniel J. , Whitchurch Cynthia B. , Manos Jim
Published: June 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosaairway infection is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Variousin vitromodels have been developed to studyP. aeruginosapathobiology in the CF lung. In this study we produced a modified artificial-sputum medium (ASMDM) more closely resembling CF sputum than previous models, and extended previous work by using strain PAO1 arrays to examine the global transcription profiles ofP. aeruginosastrain UCBPP-PA14 under early exponential-phase and stationary-phase growth. In early exponential phase, 38/39 nutrition-related genes were upregulated in line with data from previousin vitromodels using UCBPP-PA14. Additionally, 23 type III secretion system (T3SS) genes, several anaerobic respiration genes and 24 quorum-sensing (QS)-related genes were upregulated in ASMDM, suggesting enhanced virulence factor expression and priming for anaerobic growth and biofilm formation. Under stationary phase growth in ASMDM, macroscopic clumps resembling microcolonies were evident in UCBPP-PA14 and CF strains, and over 40 potentially important genes were differentially expressed relative to stationary-phase growth in Luria broth. Most notably, QS-related and T3SS genes were downregulated in ASMDM, and iron-acquisition and assimilatory nitrate reductase genes were upregulated, simulating the iron-depleted, microaerophilic/anaerobic environment of CF sputum. ASMDM thus appears to be highly suitable for gene expression studies ofP. aeruginosain CF.
ApuA, a multifunctional α-glucan-degrading enzyme of Streptococcus suis, mediates adhesion to porcine epithelium and mucus
Authors: Ferrando Maria Laura , Fuentes Susana , de Greeff Astrid , Smith Hilde , Wells Jerry M.
Published: June 2010

We have identifiedapuAinStreptococcus suis, which encodes a bifunctional amylopullulanase with conservedα-amylase and pullulanase substrate-binding domains and catalytic motifs. ApuA exhibited properties typical of a Gram-positive surface protein, with a putative signal sequence and LPKTGE cell-wall-anchoring motif. A recombinant protein containing the predicted N-terminalα-amylase domain of ApuA was shown to haveα-(1,4) glycosidic activity. Additionally, anapuAmutant ofS. suislacked the pullulanaseα-(1,6) glycosidic activity detected in a cell-surface protein extract of wild-typeS. suis. ApuA was required for normal growth in complex medium containing pullulan as the major carbon source, suggesting that this enzyme plays a role in nutrient acquisitionin vivovia the degradation of glycogen and food-derived starch in the nasopharyngeal and oral cavities. ApuA was shown to promote adhesion to porcine epithelium and mucusin vitro, highlighting a link between carbohydrate utilization and the ability ofS. suisto colonize and infect the host.
Mutation of the gene encoding a major outer-membrane protein in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris causes pleiotropic effects, including loss of pathogenicity
Authors: Chen Yih-Yuan , Wu Chieh-Hao , Lin Juey-Wen , Weng Shu-Fen , Tseng Yi-Hsiung
Published: June 2010

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is the phytopathogen that causes black rot in crucifers. The xanthan polysaccharide and extracellular enzymes produced by this organism are virulence factors, the expression of which is upregulated by Clp (CRP-like protein) and DSF (diffusible signal factor), which is synthesized by RpfF. It is also known that biofilm formation/dispersal, regulated by the effect of controlled synthesis of DSF on cell–cell signalling, is required for virulence. Furthermore, a deficiency in DSF causes cell aggregation with concomitant production of a gum-like substance that can be dispersed by addition of DSF or digested by exogenous endo-β-1,4-mannanase expressed by Xcc. In this study, Western blotting of proteins from a mopB mutant (XcMopB) showed Xcc MopB to be the major outer-membrane protein (OMP); Xcc MopB shared over 97 % identity with homologues from other members of Xanthomonas. Similarly to the rpfF mutant, XcMopB formed aggregates with simultaneous production of a gummy substance, but these aggregates could not be dispersed by DSF or endo-β-1,4-mannanase, indicating that different mechanisms were involved in aggregation. In addition, XcMopB showed surface deformation, altered OMP composition, impaired xanthan production, increased sensitivity to stressful conditions including SDS, elevated temperature and changes in pH, reduced adhesion and motility and defects in pathogenesis. The finding that the major OMP is required for pathogenicity is unprecedented in phytopathogenic bacteria.
Secretion of the chlamydial virulence factor CPAF requires the Sec-dependent pathway
Authors: Chen Ding , Lei Lei , Lu Chunxue , Flores Rhonda , DeLisa Matthew P. , Roberts Tucker C. , Romesberg Floyd E. , Zhong Guangming
Published: June 2010

The chlamydial protease/proteasome-like activity factor (CPAF) is secreted into the host cytosol to degrade various host factors that benefit chlamydial intracellular survival. Although the full-length CPAF is predicted to contain a putative signal peptide at its N terminus, the secretion pathway of CPAF is still unknown. Here, we have provided experimental evidence that the N-terminal sequence covering the M1–G31 region was cleaved from CPAF during chlamydial infection. The CPAF N-terminal sequence, when expressed in a phoA gene fusion construct, was able to direct the export of the mature PhoA protein across the inner membrane of wild-type Escherichia coli. However, E. coli mutants deficient in SecB failed to support the CPAF signal-peptide-directed secretion of PhoA. Since native PhoA secretion was known to be independent of SecB, this SecB dependence must be rendered by the CPAF leader peptide. Furthermore, lack of SecY function also blocked the CPAF signal-peptide-directed secretion of PhoA. Most importantly, CPAF secretion into the host cell cytosol during chlamydial infection was selectively inhibited by an inhibitor specifically targeting type I signal peptidase but not by a type III secretion-system-specific inhibitor. Together, these observations have demonstrated that the chlamydial virulence factor CPAF relies on Sec-dependent transport for crossing the chlamydial inner membrane, which has provided essential information for further delineating the pathways of CPAF action and understanding chlamydial pathogenic mechanisms.
TheCompact Root Architecture1Gene Regulates Lignification, Flavonoid Production, and Polar Auxin Transport inMedicago truncatula
Authors: Laffont Carole , Blanchet Sandrine , Lapierre Catherine , Brocard Lysiane , Ratet Pascal , Crespi Martin , Mathesius Ulrike , Frugier Florian
Published: June 2010

The root system architecture is crucial to adapt plant growth to changing soil environmental conditions and consequently to maintain crop yield. In addition to root branching through lateral roots, legumes can develop another organ, the nitrogen-fixing nodule, upon a symbiotic bacterial interaction. A mutant, cra1, showing compact root architecture was identified in the model legume Medicago truncatula. cra1 roots were short and thick due to defects in cell elongation, whereas densities of lateral roots and symbiotic nodules were similar to the wild type. Grafting experiments showed that a lengthened life cycle in cra1 was due to the smaller root system and not to the pleiotropic shoot phenotypes observed in the mutant. Analysis of the cra1 transcriptome at a similar early developmental stage revealed few significant changes, mainly related to cell wall metabolism. The most down-regulated gene in the cra1 mutant encodes a Caffeic Acid O-Methyl Transferase, an enzyme involved in lignin biosynthesis; accordingly, whole lignin content was decreased in cra1 roots. This correlated with differential accumulation of specific flavonoids and decreased polar auxin transport in cra1 mutants. Exogenous application of the isoflavone formononetin to wild-type plants mimicked the cra1 root phenotype, whereas decreasing flavonoid content through silencing chalcone synthases restored the polar auxin transport capacity of the cra1 mutant. The CRA1 gene, therefore, may control legume root growth through the regulation of lignin and flavonoid profiles, leading to changes in polar auxin transport.
Creation of a Genome-Wide Metabolic Pathway Database for Populus trichocarpa Using a New Approach for Reconstruction and Curation of Metabolic Pathways for Plants
Authors: Zhang Peifen , Dreher Kate , Karthikeyan A. , Chi Anjo , Pujar Anuradha , Caspi Ron , Karp Peter , Kirkup Vanessa , Latendresse Mario , Lee Cynthia , Mueller Lukas A. , Muller Robert , Rhee Seung Yon
Published: June 2010

Metabolic networks reconstructed from sequenced genomes or transcriptomes can help visualize and analyze large-scale experimental data, predict metabolic phenotypes, discover enzymes, engineer metabolic pathways, and study metabolic pathway evolution. We developed a general approach for reconstructing metabolic pathway complements of plant genomes. Two new reference databases were created and added to the core of the infrastructure: a comprehensive, all-plant reference pathway database, PlantCyc, and a reference enzyme sequence database, RESD, for annotating metabolic functions of protein sequences. PlantCyc (version 3.0) includes 714 metabolic pathways and 2,619 reactions from over 300 species. RESD (version 1.0) contains 14,187 literature-supported enzyme sequences from across all kingdoms. We used RESD, PlantCyc, and MetaCyc (an all-species reference metabolic pathway database), in conjunction with the pathway prediction software Pathway Tools, to reconstruct a metabolic pathway database, PoplarCyc, from the recently sequenced genome of Populus trichocarpa. PoplarCyc (version 1.0) contains 321 pathways with 1,807 assigned enzymes. Comparing PoplarCyc (version 1.0) with AraCyc (version 6.0, Arabidopsis [Arabidopsis thaliana]) showed comparable numbers of pathways distributed across all domains of metabolism in both databases, except for a higher number of AraCyc pathways in secondary metabolism and a 1.5-fold increase in carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in PoplarCyc. Here, we introduce these new resources and demonstrate the feasibility of using them to identify candidate enzymes for specific pathways and to analyze metabolite profiling data through concrete examples. These resources can be searched by text or BLAST, browsed, and downloaded from our project Web site (http://plantcyc.org).
Scattering from generalized Cantor fractals
Authors: Cherny A. Yu. , Anitas E. M. , Kuklin A. I. , Balasoiu M. , Osipov V. A.
Published: June 2010

A fractal with a variable fractal dimension, which is a generalization of the well known triadic Cantor set, is considered. In contrast with the usual Cantor set, the fractal dimension is controlled using a scaling factor, and can vary from zero to one in one dimension and from zero to three in three dimensions. The intensity profile of small-angle scattering from the generalized Cantor fractal in three dimensions is calculated. The system is generated by a set of iterative rules, each iteration corresponding to a certain fractal generation. Small-angle scattering is considered from monodispersive sets, which are randomly oriented and placed. The scattering intensities represent minima and maxima superimposed on a power law decay, with the exponent equal to the fractal dimension of the scatterer, but the minima and maxima are damped with increasing polydispersity of the fractal sets. It is shown that, for a finite generation of the fractal, the exponent changes at sufficiently large wave vectors from the fractal dimension to four, the value given by the usual Porod law. It is shown that the number of particles of which the fractal is composed can be estimated from the value of the boundary between the fractal and Porod regions. The radius of gyration of the fractal is calculated analytically.
Macromolecular crystallography at high pressure with pneumatic diamond anvil cells handled by a six-axis robotic arm
Authors: Girard Eric , Fourme Roger , Ciurko Romain , Joly Jacques , Bouis Florian , Legrand Pierre , Jacobs Jeroen , Dhaussy Anne-Claire , Ferrer Jean-Luc , Mezouar Mohamed , Kahn Richard
Published: June 2010

A new pneumatic diamond anvil cell has been constructed, generating continuous pressure and temperature variations in the range 0–2.5 GPa and 293–393 K. The cell is designed mainly for high-pressure macromolecular crystallography and should facilitate pressure and temperature annealing of the sample. The analysis is reported of several diffraction data sets of tetragonal hen egg-white lysozyme crystals loaded either in the new cell or in a currently used membrane-based cell. These experiments were performed on beamline FIP-BM30A at the ESRF, Grenoble, a macromolecular crystallography beamline on a bending magnet. Cells were handled and automatically centred by a six-axis robotic arm that was used as a goniometer for data collection by the oscillation method.
Effects of deviatoric stresses in the diamond-anvil pressure cell on single-crystal samples
Authors: Zhao J. , Angel R. J. , Ross N. L.
Published: June 2010

The nonhydrostatic stress states that are developed in the pressure media within diamond-anvil pressure cells have been investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Measurements of unit-cell parameters of small single crystals under nonhydrostatic conditions are used to calculate the deviatoric strains and, through knowledge of the elastic tensors of the crystals, the stress state of the media. The results confirm that the stress state is effectively cylindrically symmetrical with the stress parallel to the load axis being greater than the radial stresses. The stress state in a given medium can be predicted and can be used to design a specific response of the lattice parameters of small single crystals to pressure beyond the hydrostatic pressure limit of the pressure medium.
Hexagonal and cubic TiOF2
Authors: Shian Samuel , Sandhage Kenneth H.
Published: June 2010

The chemical, electrochemical, optical and electro-optical properties of titanium oxyfluoride, TiOF2, have led to interest in this compound for a number of applications. Prior analyses have indicated that TiOF2possesses a simple cubic structure (space groupPm{\overline 3}m) at room temperature. Three-dimensional nanostructured assemblies of polycrystalline TiOF2have recently been synthesizedviachemical conversion of intricate SiO2structures by metathetic reaction with TiF4(g). Rietveld analysis has been used to evaluate the structure of the TiOF2product formed by such reaction at 623 K. Unlike prior reports, this TiOF2product possessed a hexagonal structure (space groupR{\overline 3}c) at room temperature. Upon heating through 333–338 K, the hexagonal TiOF2polymorph converted into cubic (Pm{\overline 3}m) TiOF2. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analyses have been used to evaluate this thermally induced phase transformation.
‘Investing in the future’: residential aged care staff experiences of working with nursing students in a ‘community of practice’
Authors: Grealish Laurie , Bail Kasia , Ranse Kristen
Published: June 2010

Aims and objectives. This paper aims to discuss the implementation of a ‘community of practice’ model of clinical teaching into four residential aged care facilities.

Background. There is increasing international evidence that aged care is a burgeoning health issue, particularly in developed countries. Recruitment and retention of nurses is problematic in residential aged care. Nursing students maintain negative perceptions of aged care and dislike clinical placements in that area. Additionally, supporting students in residential aged care is difficult considering the staffing mix of skilled/unskilled staff. Innovative educational strategies are needed to manage the increasing shortages of clinical placements for nursing students in all clinical areas.

Study design. Staff experiences were elicited through four focus groups onsite at the residential aged care facility where students had been placed, one year after implementation of a ‘communities of practice’ clinical model. Data analysis used a qualitative, thematic approach.

Results. The staff in the residential aged care facilities expressed that work was involved in supporting students in the workplace, but that the additional workload was a valuable investment.

Conclusions. Staff in residential aged care see working with students as a local investment, where students’ fresh eyes, recent knowledge and questioning behaviours are a worthy investment of staff time and effort. Staff also valued the investment in the future, where working with students now creates future nurses sensitive to aged care issues.

Relevance to clinical practice. In a ‘communities of practice’ model of clinical experience for students, there are benefits for staff as well as students. The implementation of this clinical model in residential aged care was relatively low in cost, a benefit in this sector and has the potential to address the critical issues of recruitment and retention.
Intra‐isolate genome variation in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi persists in the transcriptome
Authors: BOON E. , ZIMMERMAN E. , LANG B. F. , HIJRI M.
Published: June 2010

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are heterokaryotes with an unusual genetic makeup. Substantial genetic variation occurs among nuclei within a single mycelium or isolate. AMF reproduce through spores that contain varying fractions of this heterogeneous population of nuclei. It is not clear whether this genetic variation on the genome level actually contributes to the AMF phenotype. To investigate the extent to which polymorphisms in nuclear genes are transcribed, we analysed the intra‐isolate genomic and cDNA sequence variation of two genes, the large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU rDNA) ofGlomussp. DAOM‐197198 (previously known asG. intraradices) and thePOL1‐like sequence (PLS) ofGlomus etunicatum. For both genes, we find high sequence variation at the genome and transcriptome level. Reconstruction of LSU rDNA secondary structure shows that all variants are functional. Patterns of PLS sequence polymorphism indicate that there is one functional gene copy, PLS2, which is preferentially transcribed, and one gene copy, PLS1, which is a pseudogene. This is the first study that investigates AMF intra‐isolate variation at the transcriptome level. In conclusion, it is possible that, in AMF, multiple nuclear genomes contribute to a single phenotype.
Pulmonary amyloidosis in Sjogren's syndrome: A case report and systematic review of the literature
Authors: RAJAGOPALA Srinivas , SINGH Navneet , GUPTA Kirti , GUPTA Dheeraj
Published: June 2010

Amyloidosis is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by misfolding of extracellular proteins. The two most common forms are light‐chain (AL) and reactive (AA) amyloidosis. Pulmonary amyloidosis secondary to Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is rare, and there is a paucity of data on its clinical and radiological features. We describe the case of a 41‐year‐old woman with diffuse septal pulmonary AL (λ) amyloidosis related to SS, in the absence of systemic amyloidosis. A systematic search for pulmonary amyloidosis in SS yielded 37 cases. Amyloidosis occured almost exclusively in women (96.5%). Cough and dyspnoea (56%) were the most common symptoms. The diagnosis of pulmonary amyloidosis was made subsequent to that of SS, with a median delay of 7 years. Radiologically, diffuse nodules with (45.5%) or without (33.3%) multiple cysts were the most common pattern. Most cases were related to nodular AL amyloidosis (both κ and λ). Diffuse septal AA amyloidosis has been reported in SS. The index patient is the first documented case of diffuse septal pulmonary AL amyloidosis in SS, without systemic amyloidosis. Surgical lung biopsy (78%) is usually required to establish the diagnosis and rule out lymphoma. There is no data to support any definitive therapeutic intervention for SS‐related pulmonary amyloidosis. Observation is sufficient for nodular amyloidosis. Further studies are necessary to assess the efficacy of current therapies in diffuse septal amyloidosis secondary to SS.
The influence of gastroesophageal reflux in the lung: A case–control study
Authors: MISE Kornelija , CAPKUN Vesna , JURCEV‐SAVICEVIC Anamarija , SUNDOV Zeljko , BRADARIC Anteo , MLADINOV Suzana
Published: June 2010

Background and objective: Many researchers have investigated the pH of exhaled breath condensate but direct measurement of pH in the lung has not been performedin vivoin humans. We hypothesized that the pH measured directly in the lung would differ between healthy subjects and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We also wished to determine whether an acidic environment in the lung influences pulmonary function and DLCO, and whether microaspiration of gastric contents directly influences non‐specific inflammation in the lung.

Methods: The patients were otherwise healthy individuals who had been newly diagnosed with GERD. The control subjects were mostly volunteers who underwent bronchoscopy for different reasons. For all subjects (n = 63) a medical history was taken, and physical examination, oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, fibre‐optic bronchoscopy and pulmonary function testing were performed.

Results: In patients with GERD the average pH in the lung was 5.13 ± 0.43; this was significantly lower than the pH in the lung of controls 6.08 ± 0.39 (P = 0.001). Patients with GERD had lower FEV1% (P = 0.035), PEF (P = 0.001), FEF50%(P = 0.002) and FEF25%(P = 0.003), while the differences in FVC% and FEF75%were not significant. DLCO(P = 0.003), as well as transfer coefficient of the lung (P = 0.001), was lower in patients with GERD. LDH levels in bronchoalveolar aspirate were higher in the patients with GERD (P = 0.001).

Conclusions: This study found evidence of cell and tissue injury in the lung, a lowering of pH and higher bronchoalveolar aspirate LDH levels in patients with GERD compared with healthy subjects. These findings suggest that pulmonary function, and especially DLCO, should be evaluated in patients presenting with GERD.
Effect of comorbid diabetes on length of stay and risk of death in patients admitted with acute exacerbations of COPD
Authors: PARAPPIL Ali , DEPCZYNSKI Barbara , COLLETT Peter , MARKS Guy B.
Published: June 2010

Background and objective:  Hyperglycaemia during hospital admission is associated with poor outcomes in patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction, stroke and pneumonia. Less evidence exists for effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on those admitted with an acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). We proposed that comorbidity with DM is associated with an increased length of stay in patients admitted with AECOPD.

Methods:  Records of patients admitted with AECOPD during 2007 were reviewed. Data on the presence of diagnosed DM, length of stay and markers of disease severity and other comorbidities were collected. Analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations to adjust for correlation between multiple admissions in some individuals. Log‐transformed length of stay and death were the dependent variables.

Results:  There were 246 admissions in 172 subjects. Diabetes was a comorbid condition in 22% of admissions for AECOPD. There was a trend for increased length of stay and deaths in those with diabetes (geometric mean 7.8 days and 8% mortality respectively) compared with those without diabetes (6.5 days and 4%). However, after adjustment for covariates, the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:  Taken together with a previous study that revealed a similar trend, our study suggests that comorbid DM prolongs length of stay and increases risk of death in patients with AECOPD. Further studies are now required to elucidate the reasons for these poorer outcomes, in particular whether premorbid glycaemic control or inpatient control is responsible, as these are potentially modifiable factors.
Tuberculosis at extremes of age
Authors: SCHAAF H. Simon , COLLINS Andrea , BEKKER Adrie , DAVIES Peter D.O.
Published: June 2010

Although tuberculosis (TB) has its highest burden among young adults, especially since the advent of HIV infection, two other groups with low immunity, the very young (<1 year) with immature immunity and the elderly (>65 years) with waning immunity, are vulnerable groups not to be forgotten. This review describes the epidemiology, clinical aspects, public health aspects and outcome of TB in patients at the extremes of age. The epidemiology differs therein that TB in infants occurs in developing countries with high incidences of TB and HIV, while TB in the elderly occurs in developed countries with ageing populations. The clinical presentation may be non‐specific, history of contact with TB is often not known and TB is often not considered at these age extremes, and when the diagnosis is considered, disease progression may already be advanced. Anti‐TB treatment regimens are the same as in other age groups, but drug dosages may need adjustment according to weight, renal function, liver function and other potentially complicating factors. Adverse events are more difficult to observe and both the young and the elderly are reliant on others for adherence to treatment. Mortality at both age extremes is higher than in the general TB population. For all the above reasons, public health measures to: prevent transmission of infection; identify those infected and providing preventive therapy; high index of suspicion in order to make an early diagnosis; and timely initiation of treatment are important in both the very young and the elderly.
Global patterns in the vulnerability of ecosystems to vegetation shifts due to climate change
Authors: Gonzalez Patrick , Neilson Ronald P. , Lenihan James M. , Drapek Raymond J.
Published: June 2010

Aim  Climate change threatens to shift vegetation, disrupting ecosystems and damaging human well‐being. Field observations in boreal, temperate and tropical ecosystems have detected biome changes in the 20th century, yet a lack of spatial data on vulnerability hinders organizations that manage natural resources from identifying priority areas for adaptation measures. We explore potential methods to identify areas vulnerable to vegetation shifts and potential refugia.

Location  Global vegetation biomes.

Methods  We examined nine combinations of three sets of potential indicators of the vulnerability of ecosystems to biome change: (1) observed changes of 20th‐century climate, (2) projected 21st‐century vegetation changes using the MC1 dynamic global vegetation model under three Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emissions scenarios, and (3) overlap of results from (1) and (2). Estimating probability density functions for climate observations and confidence levels for vegetation projections, we classified areas into vulnerability classes based on IPCC treatment of uncertainty.

Results  One‐tenth to one‐half of global land may be highly (confidence 0.80–0.95) to very highly (confidence ≥ 0.95) vulnerable. Temperate mixed forest, boreal conifer and tundra and alpine biomes show the highest vulnerability, often due to potential changes in wildfire. Tropical evergreen broadleaf forest and desert biomes show the lowest vulnerability.

Main conclusions  Spatial analyses of observed climate and projected vegetation indicate widespread vulnerability of ecosystems to biome change. A mismatch between vulnerability patterns and the geographic priorities of natural resource organizations suggests the need to adapt management plans. Approximately a billion people live in the areas classified as vulnerable.
Ivory in World History – Early Modern Trade in Context
Authors: Chaiklin Martha
Published: June 2010

Ivory was the cause of the some of the oldest trading networks in human history. It is part of our cultural landscape yet ivory has commonly only been viewed through the lens of slavery or conservation. This article takes a broad look at the place of ivory in human history, from prehistoric times to the 19th century, with emphasis on the early modern world. Ivory trade is set against the backdrop of the environmental and evolutionary history of the elephant. It decouples the commodity from its adjuncts, to encourage a better understanding of the impact of ivory.
Sufism in Medieval Muslim Societies
Authors: Ohlander Erik S.
Published: June 2010

Taking under consideration major historiographical and interpretive trends associated with recent western scholarship on the topic, this article furnishes a broad schematic overview of basic issues pertaining to the development, place, meaning, and role of Sufism in medieval Muslim societies.
A Survey of the History of Science in New Zealand 1769–1992
Authors: Priestley Rebecca
Published: June 2010

This article provides an overview of the history of science in New Zealand over the period 1769–1992. General histories of New Zealand often overlook science and scientists and their contribution to shaping the country. This broad overview of New Zealand’s science history is not so much a re‐interpretation of events through a history of science lens, but rather an introduction to the contribution of science to New Zealand’s history, and follows a narrative showing the progression of science from Enlightenment and colonial science through the emergence of state science and the recent commercialisation of science. Along the way some key scientific institutions, including the New Zealand Institute and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, are introduced, along with some of the individuals who have made a contribution to science in New Zealand and its history in general.
‘The Great Prohibition’: The Expansion of Christianity in Colonial Northern Nigeria
Authors: Barnes Andrew E.
Published: June 2010

Historical research on the spread of Christianity in colonial Northern Nigeria has been hampered by a focus on the wrong issues. The population of thecolony waspredominantly Muslim, but the colonial territory created by the British contained large populations of African traditionalist peoples. During the colonial era the British government prohibited Christian proselytization of Muslims. Historical research had focused on the battle between colonial administrators and missionaries over entry into Muslim areas, a battle missionaries lost. But during the colonial era Christian missions experienced real success in Christianizing traditionalist peoples. The colonial government also sought to impede this development, significantly by using the same rules that prohibited the proselytization of Muslims to prohibit the proselytization of traditionalists. This article makes the case that the government’s efforts to halt the spread of Christianity to traditionalists, not Muslims, should become the focus of new research.
The Concentration Camp in Global Historical Perspective
Authors: Mühlhahn Klaus
Published: June 2010

The global history of the concentration camp demonstrates the density and importance of multiple transnational links in the history of war and terror in the twentieth century. Concentration camps first emerged in the non‐Western world within the historical context of colonial rule – which both reinforced the myth of white racial superiority, justified the use of violence against colonized populations and proliferated ideas of ethnic and/or political cleansing. Global connections and transfers moved the concentration camp from the European colonial domains to the European continent itself where the implementation of those practices facilitated the shift to total war and also helped shape a new brutality displayed by European armies toward non‐combatants during and after World War I. From Europe those practices and concepts traveled further throughout the world to eventually manifest themselves in many conflicts in the non‐Western world. In their intention to seek potent strategies for ending resistance to their rule and enforcing discipline, various Chinese regimes, for instance, combed through the globally available stock of technologies of repression and violence and created concentration camp systems for dealing with their adversaries.
Clinical chemistry and hematology values in a Caribbean population of African green monkeys
Authors: Liddie Shervin , Goody Robin J. , Valles Rodrigo , Lawrence Matthew S.
Published: June 2010

Background  Hematology and clinical chemistry (HCC) reference values are critical in veterinary practice and in vivo pre‐clinical research, enabling detection of health abnormalities, response to therapeutic intervention or adverse toxicological effects, as well as monitoring of clinical management.

Methods  In this report, reference ranges for 46 HCC parameters were characterized in 331 wild‐caught and colony‐bred African green monkeys. Effects of sex, weight and duration of captivity were determined by one‐way analysis of variance.

Results  Significant sex differences were observed for several HCC parameters. Significant differences were also observed for select HCC variables between newly caught animals and those held in captivity for 1–12 months or longer.

Conclusions  Comparison of this data with other non‐human primate species and humans highlights similarities and disparities between species. Potential causes of interpopulation variability and relevance to the use of the African green monkey as a non‐human primate model are discussed.
Interproximal access efficacy of three manual toothbrushes with extended, x‐angled or flat multitufted bristles
Authors: Stiller S , Bosma MLP , Shi X , Spirgel CM , Yankell SL
Published: June 2010

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene
8, 2010; 244–248 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2010.00453.x Stiller S, Bosma MLP, Shi X, Spirgel CM, Yankell SL. Interproximal access efficacy of three manual toothbrushes with extended, x‐angled or flat multitufted bristles.

Purpose:  This laboratory research study was conducted to evaluate three manual toothbrushes for their ability to remove artificial plaque from interproximal sites.

Materials and methods:  Interproximal access efficacy (IAE) was evaluated using a pressure‐sensitive artificial plaque substrate placed around simulated anterior and posterior teeth with horizontal and vertical brushing motions. Efficacy was determined as the maximum width of artificial plaque removed from around the teeth. Testing was conducted on three manual toothbrushes with different bristle configurations coded as: Extended [Aquafresh® Between Teeth (also marketed as Dr. Best® Zwischenzahn®)], X‐angled (Oral‐B® CrossAction®) and Flat multitufted (Oral‐B® Indicator®). Twenty‐four tests on each toothbrush design were conducted, and the results were statistically analysed using two‐sample t‐tests, assuming unequal variances.

Results:  The individual mean IAE values on anterior and posterior tooth shapes with vertical and horizontal brushing were significantly (P < 0.001) higher for the toothbrush with extended bristles (Aquafresh® Between Teeth) than for the other two toothbrush designs tested. When the data were combined to give an overall average, the IAE for the toothbrush with extended bristles (Aquafresh® Between Teeth) was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the IAE value for the toothbrushes containing x‐angled (Oral‐B® CrossAction®) or flat multitufted bristles (Oral‐B® Indicator®).

Conclusion:  Based on the demonstrated predictability of the IAE assay for clinical interproximal plaque removal, the manual toothbrush with extended bristles should be an effective brush for cleansing the dental interproximal sites.
Clinical correlates of oral impacts on daily performances
Authors: Andersson P , Hakeberg M , Karlberg G , Östberg A‐L
Published: June 2010

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene
8, 2010; 219–226 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2010.00456.x Andersson P, Hakeberg M, Karlberg G, Östberg A‐L. Clinical correlates of oral impacts on daily performances.

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between oral health measures and oral health‐related quality of life as captured by OIDP (oral impacts on daily performances).

Methods:  The study was performed in three dental clinics in Sweden and included 204 patients, 43.8% men and 56.2% women (aged 20–86 years), consecutively recruited in connection with their routine dental examination. The patients were interviewed using the OIDP followed by a clinical examination. Four bite‐wing radiographs were taken in two of the clinics (n = 154). A self‐administered questionnaire provided information about socio‐economic data.

Results:  Subjects ≥60 years had significantly more missing teeth, lesser maximal jaw opening, higher number of sites with alveolar bone loss and proportionally more filled teeth than younger individuals. Impacts related to the oral health that affected their daily life were reported in 39.7%. Multivariate logistic regressions analysis showed that missing teeth (≥10) and a limited jaw opening (<40 mm) were significantly associated with having one or more impact as measured with the OIDP [odds ratio (OR) 6.50, 95% CI 1.48–28.43 and OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.03–7.96, respectively].

Conclusions:  Individuals with diminished functional oral health status (missing teeth and limited jaw opening) had significantly more often one or more oral impacts on daily life than those with fewer than 10 missing teeth and a jaw opening ≥40 mm. The OIDP instrument may be valuable for use in routine dental check‐ups in patients with related problems to determine possible oral impacts on daily life.
SLOW WALKER3, Encoding a Putative DEAD‐box RNA Helicase, is Essential for Female Gametogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Man , Shi Dong‐Qiao , Yuan Li , Liu Jie , Yang Wei‐Cai
Published: June 2010

RNA helicases are adenosine tri‐phosphatases that unwind the secondary structures of RNAs and are required in almost any aspect of RNA metabolism. They are highly conserved from prokaryotic to eukaryotic organisms. However, their precise roles in plant physiology and development remain to be clarified. Here we report that the mutation in the gene SLOW WALKER3 (SWA3) results in the slow and retarded progression of mitosis during megagametogenesis in Arabidopsis. SWA3 is a putative RNA helicase of the DEAD‐box subfamily. Mutant megagametophyte development is arrested at four‐ or eight‐nucleate stages, furthermore, one of the synergids in about half of the mutant embryo sacs displays abnormal polarity, with its nucleus locating at the chalazal end, instead of the micropylar end in the wild‐type. Transmission of the mutation through female gametophytes is severely reduced in swa3. However, a small portion of mutant embryo sacs are able to develop into mature and functional female gametophytes when pollination was postponed. The SWA3 in Arabidopsis is a homolog of Dbp8 in yeast. Dbp8 interacts with Efs2 and is essential for biogenesis of 18S rRNA in yeast. Our data suggest that SWA3 may form a complex with AtEfs2 and take roles in ribosomal biogenesis as RNA helicase during megagametogenesis in Arabidopsis.
Evolutionary Frameworks for Language Change: The Price Equation Approach
Authors: Clark Brady
Published: June 2010

Models and concepts from biology have informed the study of language change for several centuries. In this article, I take a comparative look across the disciplines of historical linguistics and evolutionary biology and ask if an evolutionary perspective on language change drawing on Darwin's theory of adaptation through natural selection can contribute in a substantive way to theorizing within the study of language change. This article discusses a framework for language change that borrows concepts from evolutionary theory, the framework presented inMufwene (2008). Building onJäger (2008), I suggest that George Price's “General Theory of Selection” provides a useful and precise framework in which to mathematically represent evolutionary frameworks for language change such as Mufwene's. In the final part of the paper, I propose that the Price equation approach to the levels of selection debate in biology can provide insight into the ways in which different levels of linguistic information interact during language change.
The Cartographic Enterprise in Syntax
Authors: Shlonsky Ur
Published: June 2010

Cartography is a research program within the Principles & Parameters framework of syntactic theory. Its project is to draw detailed maps of syntactic configurations but its place lies in a broader research project, namely the study of functional (or grammatical) categories, their content, number and order. Cartography is inspired by and contributes to research in comparative syntax and typology. It adheres to the view that syntactic structures are uniform, locally simple and both necessary and sufficient to structurally represent the grammatical or functional information relevant for semantic/pragmatic interpretation. Like Minimalism, it attributes a cardinal role to features in syntax but whereas Minimalism focuses on the driving force of uninterpretable features, Cartography is concerned with the inventory of interpretable ones. Cartography contributes to a growing affinity between research in syntactic theory, semantics, discourse and information structure.
Searching for Belonging – An Analytical Framework
Authors: Antonsich Marco
Published: June 2010

Belonging is a notion both vaguely defined and ill‐theorized. Scholars in various social disciplines often take this notion for granted, as if its meaning is somewhat self‐explanatory. Others tend to equate it with the notion of identity, citizenship, or both. By relying on a critical reading of an extensive literature across academic disciplines, this study aims to offer an analytical framework for the study of belonging. I argue that belonging should be analyzed both as a personal, intimate, feeling of being ‘at home’ in a place (place‐belongingness) and as a discursive resource that constructs, claims, justifies, or resists forms of socio‐spatial inclusion/exclusion (politics of belonging). The risk of focusing only on one of these two dimensions is to fall in the trap of either a socially de‐contextualized individualism or an all‐encompassing social(izing) discourse. The open question is whether the increasing cultural and ethnic diversification of contemporary societies can lead to the formation of communities of belonging beyond communities of identity.