bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Southern hemisphere distributional patterns in plant bugs (Hemiptera:Miridae:Phylinae): Xiphoidellus, gen. nov. from Australia and Ampimpacoris, gen. nov. from Argentina, show transantarctic relationships
Authors: Weirauch Christiane , Schuh Randall T.
Published: March 2011

Transantarctic distributional patterns are common in many groups of insects and plants including Coleorrhyncha, the sister group of Heteroptera. In contrast, evidence for such patterns within Heteroptera, or true bugs, is rare. We here describe two new genera of Phylini (Miridae : Phylinae) – Xiphoidellus, gen. nov. from Australia with six included species, and the monotypic Ampimpacoris, gen. nov. from Argentina. Xiphoidellus shows relationships to taxa in New Zealand and southern South America. Two sets of cladistic analyses, using equal and implied weights approaches, analyse relationships of the seven new species and 19 or 29 additional phyline taxa using 54 and 45 morphological characters, respectively. Both analyses support the New Zealand endemic genus Xiphoides Eyles & Schuh as the sister group to the Australian Xiphoidellus; Araucanophylus pacificus Carvalho from Chile is the sister taxon to the Xiphoides + Xiphoidellus clade. Affinities of the monotypic genus Ampimpacoris, gen. nov. are less clear cut and may be with a clade of Australian plant bugs or a Nearctic taxon. A primary Brooks parsimony analysis, based on one of the tree topologies, resulted in an area cladogram that proposes a close relationship between Australia and New Zealand, with southern South America being the sister to that area. This pattern differs from the classical vicariance pattern reported for many groups of insects, but is consistent with the ‘southern pattern’ frequently observed in plants.
Reduced contact resistance in solution-processed phenylenevinylene-based copolymer thin-film transistors using annealing-induced morphological variation
Authors: Chen Lin , Xu Hao , Yang Li-Gong , Zhang Guo-Qiang , Li Yang , Wang Mang , Chen Hong-Zheng
Published: March 2011

A significant (about 10-fold) reduction in contact resistance in top-contact poly[divinyl-bis(hexyloxy)benzene-alt-diketopyrrolopyrrole] thin-film transistors was realized by changing the microscopic morphology of Au/polymer interface through thermal annealing. An enhancement of roughness was caused by the variation of molecular stacking, as confirmed by x-ray diffraction spectra. The influences of roughness variation on the mobility-dependent contact resistances were compared, and a more than 10-fold increase in linear field-effect mobility was obtained in annealed devices, approaching 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1. Further analysis showed that the increased density of local states and better bulk transport near the contact interface, which resulted from the enhanced surface roughness, should be responsible for this improvement.
Effect of pre-treatment of the substrate surface by energetic C+ ion bombardment on structure and nano-tribological characteristics of ultra-thin tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) protective coatings
Authors: Rismani E , Sinha S K , Tripathy S , Yang H , Bhatia C S
Published: March 2011

Depositing an ultra-thin tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) protective coating on the surface of the recording heads in magnetic tape drives can improve the tribological problems at the head/tape interface. In this work the effect of pre-treatment of the surface of AlTiC substrate (main bearing surface of head in contact with tape) by C+ ions of moderate energy (smaller than 400 eV) on the structural and tribo-mechanical behaviours of the coated surfaces is studied. Sample preparation consisted of two separate stages of surface pre-treatment and deposition of the protective film, and was done by means of filtered cathodic vacuum arc. Structure of the ta-C film and its interface with the substrate were studied by transmission electron microscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry depth profiling. The results revealed the formation of a broader, dense atomically mixed layer at the ta-C film–substrate interface of the pre-treated samples comparing with that of the samples without pre-treatment. Chemical characterization of thin diamond-like carbon coatings was conducted by means of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the surface pre-treatment was found to have a remarkable effect on increasing the sp3 hybridization fraction in the ta-C overcoat. Nano-tribological properties of the treated surfaces were examined using ball-on-flat wear test at very low load (20 mN). There was a good correlation between the surface and structure characteristics of the film, and the tribological results and the pre-treated surfaces presented a very low coefficient of friction and higher wear life. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of bombardment of the surface with C+ ions of moderate ion energy to improve the structural and tribo-mechanical properties of the protective ta-C films on the magnetic head substrate material.
The Shu complex, which contains Rad51 paralogues, promotes DNA repair through inhibition of the Srs2 anti-recombinase
Authors: Bernstein Kara A. , Reid Robert J.D. , Sunjevaric Ivana , Demuth Kimberly , Burgess Rebecca C. , Rothstein Rodney
Published: March 2011

The Shu complex, which contains RAD51 paralogues, is involved in the decision between homologous recombination and error-prone repair. We discovered a link to ribosomal DNA (rDNA) recombination when we found an interaction between one member of the Shu complex, SHU1, and UAF30, a component of the upstream activating factor complex (UAF), which regulates rDNA transcription. In the absence of Uaf30, rDNA copy number increases, and this increase depends on several functional subunits of the Shu complex. Furthermore, in the absence of Uaf30, we find that Shu1 and Srs2, an anti-recombinase DNA helicase with which the Shu complex physically interacts, act in the same pathway regulating rDNA recombination. In addition, Shu1 modulates Srs2 recruitment to both induced and spontaneous foci correlating with a decrease in Rad51 foci, demonstrating that the Shu complex is an important regulator of Srs2 activity. Last, we show that Shu1 regulation of Srs2 to double-strand breaks is not restricted to the rDNA, indicating a more general function for the Shu complex in the regulation of Srs2. We propose that the Shu complex shifts the balance of repair toward Rad51 filament stabilization by inhibiting the disassembly reaction of Srs2.
Thioredoxin-family protein EYE2 and Ser/Thr kinase EYE3 play interdependent roles in eyespot assembly
Authors: Boyd Joseph S. , Mittelmeier Telsa M. , Lamb Mary Rose , Dieckmann Carol L.
Published: March 2011

The eyespot of the biflagellate unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a complex organelle that facilitates directional responses of the cell to environmental light stimuli. The eyespot, which assembles de novo after every cell division and is associated with the daughter four-membered (D4) microtubule rootlet, comprises an elliptical patch of rhodopsin photoreceptors on the plasma membrane and stacks of carotenoid-rich pigment granule arrays in the chloroplast. Two loci, EYE2 and EYE3, define factors involved in the formation and organization of the eyespot pigment granule arrays. Whereas EYE3, a serine/threonine kinase of the ABC1 family, localizes to pigment granules, EYE2 localization corresponds to an area of the chloroplast envelope in the eyespot. EYE2 is positioned along, and adjacent to, the D4 rootlet in the absence of pigment granules. The eyespot pigment granule array is required for maintenance of the elliptical shape of both the overlying EYE2 and channelrhodopsin-1 photoreceptor patches. We propose a model of eyespot assembly wherein rootlet and photoreceptor direct EYE2 to an area of the chloroplast envelope, where it acts to facilitate assembly of pigment granule arrays, and EYE3 plays a role in the biogenesis of the pigment granules.
Role of claudin species–specific dynamics in reconstitution and remodeling of the zonula occludens
Authors: Yamazaki Yuji , Tokumasu Reitaro , Kimura Hiroshi , Tsukita Sachiko
Published: March 2011

Tight-junction strands, which are organized into the beltlike cell–cell adhesive structure called the zonula occludens (TJ), create the paracellular permselective barrier in epithelial cells. The TJ is constructed on the basis of the zonula adherens (AJ) by polymerized claudins in a process mediated by ZO-1/2, but whether the 24 individual claudin family members play different roles at the TJ is unclear. Here we established a cell system for examining the polymerization of individual claudins in the presence of ZO-1/2 using an epithelial-like cell line, SF7, which lacked endogenous TJs and expressed no claudin but claudin-12 in immunofluorescence and real-time PCR assays. In stable SF7-derived lines, exogenous claudin-7, -14, or -19, but no other claudins, individually reconstituted TJs, each with a distinct TJ-strand pattern, as revealed by freeze-fracture analyses. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analyses of the claudin dynamics in these and other epithelial cells suggested that slow FRAP-recovery dynamics of claudins play a critical role in regulating their polymerization around AJs, which are loosely coupled with ZO-1/2, to form TJs. Furthermore, the distinct claudin stabilities in different cell types may help to understand how TJs regulate paracellular permeability by altering the paracellular flux and the paracellular ion permeability.
Mechanical models of sandfish locomotion reveal principles of high performance subsurface sand-swimming
Authors: Maladen Ryan D. , Ding Yang , Umbanhowar Paul B. , Kamor Adam , Goldman Daniel I.
Published: March 2011

We integrate biological experiment, empirical theory, numerical simulation and a physical model to reveal principles of undulatory locomotion in granular media. High-speed X-ray imaging of the sandfish lizard,Scincus scincus, in 3 mm glass particles shows that it swims within the medium without using its limbs by propagating a single-period travelling sinusoidal wave down its body, resulting in a wave efficiency,η, the ratio of its average forward speed to the wave speed, of approximately 0.5. A resistive force theory (RFT) that balances granular thrust and drag forces along the body predictsηclose to the observed value. We test this prediction against two other more detailed modelling approaches: a numerical model of the sandfish coupled to a discrete particle simulation of the granular medium, and an undulatory robot that swims within granular media. Using these models and analytical solutions of the RFT, we vary the ratio of undulation amplitude to wavelength (A/λ) and demonstrate an optimal condition for sand-swimming, which for a givenAresults from the competition betweenηandλ. The RFT, in agreement with the simulated and physical models, predicts that for a single-period sinusoidal wave, maximal speed occurs forA/λ≈ 0.2, the same kinematics used by the sandfish.
Identifying the ‘inorganic gene’ for high-temperature piezoelectric perovskites through statistical learning
Authors: Balachandran Prasanna V. , Broderick Scott R. , Rajan Krishna
Published: March 2011

This paper develops a statistical learning approach to identify potentially new high-temperature ferroelectric piezoelectric perovskite compounds. Unlike most computational studies on crystal chemistry, where the starting point is some form of electronic structure calculation, we use a data-driven approach to initiate our search. This is accomplished by identifying patterns of behaviour between discrete scalar descriptors associated with crystal and electronic structure and the reported Curie temperature (
T
C
) of known compounds; extracting design rules that govern critical structure–property relationships; and discovering in a quantitative fashion the exact role of these materials descriptors. Our approach applies linear manifold methods for data dimensionality reduction to discover the dominant descriptors governing structure–property correlations (the ‘genes’) and Shannon entropy metrics coupled to recursive partitioning methods to quantitatively assess the specific combination of descriptors that govern the link between crystal chemistry and
T
C
(their ‘sequencing’). We use this information to develop predictive models that can suggest new structure/chemistries and/or properties. In this manner, BiTmO
3
–PbTiO
3
and BiLuO
3
–PbTiO
3
are predicted to have a
T
C
of 730
°
C and 705
°
C, respectively. A quantitative structure–property relationship model similar to those used in biology and drug discovery not only predicts our new chemistries but also validates published reports.
Local adaptation to temperature conserves top-down control in a grassland food web
Authors: Barton Brandon T.
Published: March 2011

A fundamental limitation in many climate change experiments is that tests represent relatively short-term ‘shock’ experiments and so do not incorporate the phenotypic plasticity or evolutionary change that may occur during the gradual process of climate change. However, capturing this aspect of climate change effects in an experimental design is a difficult challenge that few studies have accomplished. I examined the effect of temperature and predator climate history in food webs composed of herbaceous plants, generalist grasshopper herbivores and spider predators across a natural 4.8°C temperature gradient spanning 500 km in northeastern USA. In these grasslands, the effects of rising temperatures on the plant community are indirect and arise via altered predator–herbivore interactions. Experimental warming had no direct effect on grasshoppers, but reduced predation risk effects by causing spiders from all study sites to seek thermal refuge lower in the plant canopy. However, spider thermal tolerance corresponded to spider origin such that spiders from warmer study sites tolerated higher temperatures than spiders from cooler study sites. As a consequence, the magnitude of the indirect effect of spiders on plants did not differ along the temperature gradient, although a reciprocal transplant experiment revealed significantly different effects of spider origin on the magnitude of top-down control. These results suggest that variation in predator response to warming may maintain species interactions and associated food web processes when faced with long term, chronic climate warming.
Constraints on food chain length arising from regional metacommunity dynamics
Authors: Calcagno Vincent , Massol François , Mouquet Nicolas , Jarne Philippe , David Patrice
Published: March 2011

Classical ecological theory has proposed several determinants of food chain length, but the role of metacommunity dynamics has not yet been fully considered. By modelling patchy predator–prey metacommunities with extinction–colonization dynamics, we identify two distinct constraints on food chain length. First, finite colonization rates limit predator occupancy to a subset of prey-occupied sites. Second, intrinsic extinction rates accumulate along trophic chains. We show how both processes concur to decrease maximal and average food chain length in metacommunities. This decrease is mitigated if predators track their prey during colonization (habitat selection) and can be reinforced by top-down control of prey vital rates (especially extinction). Moreover, top-down control of colonization and habitat selection can interact to produce a counterintuitive positive relationship between perturbation rate and food chain length. Our results show how novel limits to food chain length emerge in spatially structured communities. We discuss the connections between these constraints and the ones commonly discussed, and suggest ways to test for metacommunity effects in food webs.
Frequency-dependent variation in mimetic fidelity in an intraspecific mimicry system
Authors: Iserbyt Arne , Bots Jessica , Van Dongen Stefan , Ting Janice J. , Van Gossum Hans , Sherratt Thomas N.
Published: March 2011

Contemporary theory predicts that the degree of mimetic similarity of mimics towards their model should increase as the mimic/model ratio increases. Thus, when the mimic/model ratio is high, then the mimic has to resemble the model very closely to still gain protection from the signal receiver. To date, empirical evidence of this effect is limited to a single example where mimicry occurs between species. Here, for the first time, we test whether mimetic fidelity varies with mimic/model ratios in an intraspecific mimicry system, in which signal receivers are the same species as the mimics and models. To this end, we studied a polymorphic damselfly with a single male phenotype and two female morphs, in which one morph resembles the male phenotype while the other does not. Phenotypic similarity of males to both female morphs was quantified using morphometric data for multiple populations with varying mimic/model ratios repeated over a 3 year period. Our results demonstrate that male-like females were overall closer in size to males than the other female morph. Furthermore, the extent of morphological similarity between male-like females and males, measured as Mahalanobis distances, was frequency-dependent in the direction predicted. Hence, this study provides direct quantitative support for the prediction that the mimetic similarity of mimics to their models increases as the mimic/model ratio increases. We suggest that the phenomenon may be widespread in a range of mimicry systems.
Short-term phenotypic plasticity in long-chain cuticular hydrocarbons
Authors: Thomas Melissa L. , Simmons Leigh W.
Published: March 2011

Cuticular hydrocarbons provide arthropods with the chemical equivalent of the visually extravagant plumage of birds. Their long chain length, together with the number and variety of positions in which methyl branches and double bonds occur, provide cuticular hydrocarbons with an extraordinary level of information content. Here, we demonstrate phenotypic plasticity in an individual's cuticular hydrocarbon profile. Using solid-phase microextraction, a chemical technique that enables multiple sampling of the same individual, we monitor short-term changes in cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of individual crickets,
Teleogryllus oceanicus
, in response to a social challenge. We experimentally manipulate the dominance status of males and find that dominant males, on losing fights with other dominant males, change their hydrocarbon profile to more closely resemble that of a subordinate. This result demonstrates that cuticular hydrocarbons can be far more responsive to changes in social dominance than previously realized.
Now you see him, now you don't: experience, not age, is related to reproduction in kittiwakes
Authors: Desprez Marine , Pradel Roger , Cam Emmanuelle , Monnat Jean-Yves , Gimenez Olivier
Published: March 2011

In long-lived species, individuals can skip reproduction. The proportion of breeders affects population growth rate and viability, there is a need to investigate the factors influencing intermittent breeding. The theory predicts that if lack of experience is an important constraint, breeding probabilities should increase with experience for individuals of the same age, whereas under the so-called restraint hypothesis, breeding probabilities should increase with age regardless of experience. However, because the probability of detecting individuals in the wild is generally less than 1, it is difficult to know exactly the number of previous breeding episodes (breeding experience). To cope with this issue, we developed a hidden process model to incorporate experience as a latent state possibly influencing the probability of breeding. Using a 22-year mark-recapture dataset involving 9970 individuals, we analysed simultaneously experience and age effects on breeding probabilities in the kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla). We did not detect an influence of age on adult breeding probabilities. We found that inexperienced birds breed less frequently than experienced birds. Our approach enables us to highlight the key role of experience on adults breeding probabilities and can be used for a wide range of organisms for which detection is less than 1.
PA0305 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a quorum quenching acylhomoserine lactone acylase belonging to the Ntn hydrolase superfamily
Authors: Wahjudi Mariana , Papaioannou Evelina , Hendrawati Oktavia , van Assen Aart H. G. , van Merkerk Ronald , Cool Robbert H. , Poelarends Gerrit J. , Quax Wim J.
Published: March 2011

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 genome has at least two genes, pvdQ and quiP, encoding acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) acylases. Two additional genes, pa1893 and pa0305, have been predicted to encode penicillin acylase proteins, but have not been characterized. Initial studies on a pa0305 transposon insertion mutant suggested that the gene is not related to the AHL growth phenotype of P. aeruginosa. The close similarity (67 %) of pa0305 to HacB, an AHL acylase of Pseudomonas syringae, prompted us to investigate whether the PA0305 protein might also function as an AHL acylase. The pa0305 gene has been cloned and the protein (PA0305) has been overproduced, purified and subjected to functional characterization. Analysis of the purified protein showed that, like β-lactam acylases, PA0305 undergoes post-translational processing resulting in α- and β-subunits, with the catalytic serine as the first amino acid of the β-subunit, strongly suggesting that PA0305 is a member of the N-terminal nucleophile hydrolase superfamily. Using a biosensor assay, PA0305his was shown to degrade AHLs with acyl side chains ranging in length from 6 to 14 carbons. Kinetics studies using N-octanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C8-HSL) and N-(3-oxo-dodecanoyl)-l-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C12-HSL) as substrates showed that the enzyme has a robust activity towards these two AHLs, with apparent K
cat/K
m values of 0.14×104 M−1 s−1 towards C8-HSL and 7.8×104 M−1 s−1 towards 3-oxo-C12-HSL. Overexpression of the pa0305 gene in P. aeruginosa showed significant reductions in both accumulation of 3-oxo-C12-HSL and expression of virulence factors. A mutant P. aeruginosa strain with a deleted pa0305 gene showed a slightly increased capacity to kill Caenorhabditis elegans compared with the P. aeruginosa PAO1 wild-type strain and the PAO1 strain carrying a plasmid overexpressing pa0305. The harmful effects of the Δpa0305 strain on the animals were most visible at 5 days post-exposure and the mortality rate of the animals fed on the Δpa0305 strain was faster than for the animals fed on either the wild-type strain or the strain overexpressing pa0305. In conclusion, the pa0305 gene encodes an efficient acylase with activity towards long-chain homoserine lactones, including 3-oxo-C12-HSL, the natural quorum sensing signal molecule in P. aeruginosa, and we propose to name this acylase HacB.
Sulphite : cytochrome c oxidoreductase deficiency in Campylobacter jejuni reduces motility, host cell adherence and invasion
Authors: Tareen A. Malik , Dasti Javid Iqbal , Zautner Andreas E. , Groß Uwe , Lugert Raimond
Published: March 2011

Campylobacter jejunilacks the enzyme phosphofructokinase and, consequently, is incapable of metabolizing glucose. Instead, the pathogen uses a number of other chemicals to serve as electron donors. Like chemolithotrophic bacteria,C. jejuniis able to respire sulphite in the presence of a sulphite : cytochromecoxidoreductase (SOR) that is encoded by the genescj0004candcj0005c; the former encodes a monohaem cytochromecoxidoreductase and the latter a molybdopterin oxidoreductase. After screening of a transposon-based mutant library, we identified a mutant with an insertion in genecj0005cthat was strongly reduced in its capacity to infect Caco2 cells. Further characterization of a corresponding non-random knockout mutant together with a complemented mutant and the parental strain showed thecj0005c-deficient mutant to exhibit clearly reduced motility and diminished adherence to host cells. Furthermore, the transcription of genes responsible for the synthesis of, in particular, legionaminic acid was downregulated and the mutant had a reduced capacity to autoagglutinate. In contrast, neither the proliferation of the mutant, nor its intracellular ATP content, was altered compared to the parental strain.
Organelles Contribute Differentially to Reactive Oxygen Species-Related Events during Extended Darkness
Authors: Rosenwasser Shilo , Rot Ilona , Sollner Evelyn , Meyer Andreas J. , Smith Yoav , Leviatan Noam , Fluhr Robert , Friedman Haya
Published: March 2011

Treatment of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves by extended darkness generates a genetically activated senescence program that culminates in cell death. The transcriptome of leaves subjected to extended darkness was found to contain a variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-specific signatures. The levels of transcripts constituting the transcriptome footprints of chloroplasts and cytoplasm ROS stresses decreased in leaves, as early as the second day of darkness. In contrast, an increase was detected in transcripts associated with mitochondrial and peroxisomal ROS stresses. The sequential changes in the redox state of the organelles during darkness were examined by redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein probes (roGFP) that were targeted to specific organelles. In plastids, roGFP showed a decreased level of oxidation as early as the first day of darkness, followed by a gradual increase to starting levels. However, in mitochondria, the level of oxidation of roGFP rapidly increased as early as the first day of darkness, followed by an increase in the peroxisomal level of oxidation of roGFP on the second day. No changes in the probe oxidation were observed in the cytoplasm until the third day. The increase in mitochondrial roGFP degree of oxidation was abolished by sucrose treatment, implying that oxidation is caused by energy deprivation. The dynamic redox state visualized by roGFP probes and the analysis of microarray results are consistent with a scenario in which ROS stresses emanating from the mitochondria and peroxisomes occur early during darkness at a presymptomatic stage and jointly contribute to the senescence program.
Nicotine‐mediated suppression of the retinoic acid metabolizing enzyme CYP26A1 limits the oncogenic potential of breast cancer
Authors: Osanai Makoto , Lee Gang‐Hong
Published: March 2011

Tobacco smoke influences cancer development in tissues that are not directly exposed, and epidemiological studies have indicated that smoking women might experience decreased risk of breast cancer as a result of antiestrogenic effects. However, it remains to be clarified whether nicotine, one of the major addictive and best‐investigated constituents of tobacco smoke, has any effect on breast cancer. Our recent work demonstrated that the retinoic acid metabolizing enzyme CYP26A1 enhances oncogenic and cell survival properties of breast carcinoma cells, implying a role as an oncogene. Here, we present evidence that nicotine significantly suppresses constitutive expression of CYP26A1, and that cells treated with nicotine exhibit enhanced sensitivity to apoptosis. In addition, nicotine may inhibit anchorage independent growth, cellular invasiveness and motility. These data show that nicotine can limit CYP26A1‐mediated oncogenic characteristics, and suggest mechanisms by which nicotine might inhibit breast cancer development. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1158–1163)
Diagnosing pulmonary embolism: a comparison of clinical probability scores
Authors: Hogg Kerstin , Thomas Deborah , Mackway‐Jones Kevin , Lecky Fiona , Cruickshank Kennedy
Published: March 2011

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major cause of community and in‐hospital mortality. This study aimed to compare the performance of the British Thoracic Society (BTS) score to the Wells’ score in diagnosing PE. Data from two separate prospective diagnostic PE studies were analysed. All patients underwent gold standard investigation to determine the presence or absence of PE, together with a 3‐month follow‐up. The posttest prevalence of PE was compared using both scores and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Seven hundred and seventy‐nine patients were consented and investigated for PE. In patients with pleuritic chest pain, respiratory rate <20 breaths/min and absence of dyspnoea, 4·0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·9–7·9%] had PE. The BTS score allocated 463/779 patients as low probability, compared to 565/779 according to the Wells’ score. Both scores identified a low risk group in the Manchester Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis cohort, however the BTS low probability group in the Thromboembolism Assessment and Diagnosis study had a prevalence of 9·7% (95% CI 5·8–15·9%). For the BTS score, the areas under the ROC curves were 0·67 (95% CI 0·61–0·72) and 0·71 (95% CI 0·61–0·75). For the Wells’ score these were 0·76 (95%CI 0·71–0·81) and 0·68 (95%CI 0·64–0·73). Given the lack of BTS validation studies to date, the Wells’ score appears to be the safer assessment option.
Dynamics of Insulin Release and Microtubular‐Microfilamentous System
Authors: Van Obberghen E. , Devis G. , Somers G. , Ravazzola M. , Malaisse‐Lagae F. , Malaisse W. J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Colchicine failed to inhibit and actually enhanced insulin release evoked by gliclazide at a low glucose concentration (0.3 mg/ml). The facilitating action of colchicine was invariably present, whatever the concentration of (2.10−5 to 10−3 M) and length of exposure to (25 to 120 min.) the mitotic spindle‐inhibitor. Colchicine, and similarly cytochalasin B, also minimized the reduction in insulin output otherwise observed during the second of two successive stimulations with sulphonylurea. These data suggest that the short‐lived secretory response evoked by sulphonylurea corresponds to a modality of insulin release which does not require the oriented intracellular transport of secretory granules.
Dynamics of Insulin Release and Microtubular‐Microfilamentous System
Authors: Van Obberghen E. , Devis G. , Somers G. , Ravazzola M. , Malaisse W. J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. A model is proposed to account for the phasic nature of insulin release. It is suggested that one modality of secretion results from the mobilization of secretory granules already located in the close vicinity of the microfilamentous cell web. This corresponds to a fraction of the initial secretory response to a high glucose concentration, the residual release of insulin provoked by glucose in the presence of diazoxide, and the total release of insulin evoked by sulphonylurea at a low glucose concentration. A second modality of release, which is characteristic of the late phase of glucose‐induced insulin secretion, is thought to correspond to the mobilization of secretory granules transported to the periphery of the β‐cell along oriented microtubular pathways. Whether only one or both modalities of release are initiated by a given insulinotropic stimulus may depend on the magnitude and duration of the changes induced by secretagogues in the insular handling of calcium.
Tracing possible drivers of synchronously fluctuating species catches in individual logbook data
Authors: JANKOVSKÝ M. , BOUKAL D. S. , PIVNIČKA K. , KUBEČKA J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract  Recreational fisheries statistics can provide valuable information on the dynamics of fish stocks and their exploitation. For some reservoirs in the Czech Republic, there are conspicuous synchronous fluctuations in catches of different species that might be caused by fishing skills and strategies. This study describes a method that could detect signatures of such phenomena in individual logbooks. It classifies anglers by species reported during 1 year and compares the resulting angler groups by group size, fishing effort, catch per unit effort (CPUE) and annual catch. The method is illustrated by data from one reservoir, showing that the number of generalist anglers who caught several species was higher than expected. Generalists also had higher catches and effort but lower CPUE than specialists who caught only one of the species. The results indicate that generalist anglers with a low degree of specialisation and high effort could contribute to long‐term correlations in species catches.
Factors affecting the population viability of the burbot, Lota lota
Authors: WORTHINGTON T. , KEMP P. , OSBORNE P. E.
Published: March 2011

Abstract  Population viability analysis (PVA) is a frequently used conservation tool for the assessment of long‐term survival of populations. Based on demographic information from published literature, a PVA model using VORTEX was constructed for the burbot Lota lota (L.), a freshwater fish species believed extinct in the United Kingdom since the 1970s. The model was constructed to evaluate the persistence of a single burbot population over a 100‐year period as part of an assessment of the feasibility of reintroducing the species to rivers of its former distribution in England. Population persistence was highly variable and dependent on juvenile survival and spawning regularity. Under high juvenile survival scenarios, all populations persisted and were maintained at the carrying capacity. At low juvenile survival, population persistence was highly influenced by spawning regularity. Sensitivity analysis indicated that females must successfully spawn approximately every second year to guarantee 95% population survival. The analysis suggests that the long‐term viability of any potential reintroduced burbot population will be dependent on the environmental conditions related to spawning success.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 expression is a predictor of poor prognosis in node‐positive breast cancers: a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Yoshioka Takako , Umekita Yoshihisa , Ohi Yasuyo , Souda Masakazu , Sagara Yoshiatsu , Sagara Yasuaki , Sagara Yoshiaki , Rai Yoshiaki , Tanimoto Akihide
Published: March 2011

Yoshioka T, Umekita Y, Ohi Y, Souda M, Sagara Y, Sagara Y, Sagara Y, Rai Y & Tanimoto A (2011) Histopathology58, 608–616 Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 expression is a predictor of poor prognosis in node‐positive breast cancers: a long‐term follow‐up study

Aims:  Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) has been identified as a reliable marker of breast cancer stem cells. The aim was to determine the prognostic significance of ALDH1 expression in a long‐term follow‐up study.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on 257 invasive ductal carcinomas (IDCs), 109 matched lymph node metastases and 190 ductal carcinomas in situ (DCISs), using paraffin‐embedded sections. ALDH1 expression was found in 26% of IDCs, and correlated with larger tumour size (P = 0.007), high histological grade (P < 0.001), HER2 overexpression (P < 0.001) and negative hormone receptor status (P < 0.001). ALDH1 expression was observed in 14% of DCISs but was not correlated with any clinicopathological parameter. The IDC patients were followed up for 7–190 months (median: 120 months), and groups with ALDH1 expression had shorter relapse‐free survival (P = 0.0013) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.0005) by log‐rank test. By Cox’s multivariate analysis, it had a weak effect on OS (P = 0.047), and its most significant effect on OS was observed in node‐positive groups (P = 0.013). No significant differences in OS stratified by ALDH1 expression status in lymph node metastases were noted.

Conclusions:  ALDH1 expression in primary cancer is an independent prognostic factor in node‐positive breast cancer patients.
Outcome of breast lesions diagnosed as lesion of uncertain malignant potential (B3) or suspicious of malignancy (B4) on needle core biopsy, including detailed review of epithelial atypia
Authors: Rakha Emad A , Ho Bernard C , Naik Veena , Sen Soumadri , Hamilton Lisa J , Hodi Zsolt , Ellis Ian O , Lee Andrew H S
Published: March 2011

Rakha E A, Ho B C, Naik V, Sen S, Hamilton L J, Hodi Z, Ellis I O & Lee A H S (2011) Histopathology 58, 626–632 Outcome of breast lesions diagnosed as lesion of uncertain malignant potential (B3) or suspicious of malignancy (B4) on needle core biopsy, including detailed review of epithelial atypia

Aims:  To provide updated evidence of the outcome of breast lesions of uncertain malignant potential (B3) and suspicious of malignancy (B4) diagnosed on needle core biopsy (NCB) and analyse the outcome of the different types of intraductal epithelial atypia.

Methods and results:  One‐hundred and forty‐nine B3 and 26 B4 NCBs diagnosed over a 2‐year period (2007–2008) were compared with those diagnosed over a previous 2‐year period (1998–2000). The proportion of B3 diagnoses increased from 3.1% to 4.5%, and the positive predictive value (PPV) of malignancy of a B3 core decreased from 25% to 10%. Increased diagnosis of radial scar and reductions in the PPV of lobular neoplasia and of atypical intraductal proliferation may explain the reduction in the PPV of the B3 group as a whole. There were no significant changes in the proportion of B4 diagnosis (1.1% and 0.8%) or the PPV of B4 (83% and 88%). Review of cores with intraductal atypia showed a wide range of PPVs, from 100% for suspicious of ductal carcinoma in situ, to 40% for atypical ductal hyperplasia categorized as B3, and 14% for isolated flat epithelial atypia.

Conclusion:  The study has found a decrease in the PPV for a B3 diagnosis and suggests possible explanations.
The therapeutic efficacy of human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells on experimental autoimmune hearing loss in mice
Authors: Zhou Yixuan , Yuan Jingdong , Zhou Bin , Lee Austin J. , Lee Albert J. , Ghawji Jr Maher , Yoo Tai June
Published: March 2011

Autoimmune inner ear disease is characterized by progressive, bilateral although asymmetric, sensorineural hearing loss. Patients with autoimmune inner ear disease had higher frequencies of interferon‐γ‐producing T cells than did control subjects tested. Human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) were recently found to suppress effector T cells and inflammatory responses and therefore have beneficial effects in various autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the immunosuppressive activity of hASCs on autoreactive T cells from the experimental autoimmune hearing loss (EAHL) murine model. Female BALB/c mice underwent β‐tubulin immunization to develop EAHL; mice with EAHL were given hASCs or PBS intraperitoneally once a week for 6 consecutive weeks. Auditory brainstem responses were examined over time. The T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th17‐mediated autoreactive responses were examined by determining the proliferative response and cytokine profile of splenocytes stimulated with β‐tubulin. The frequency of regulatory T (Treg) cells and their suppressive capacity on autoreactive T cells were also determined. Systemic infusion of hASCs significantly improved hearing function and protected hair cells in established EAHL. The hASCs decreased the proliferation of antigen‐specific Th1/Th17 cells and induced the production of anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 in splenocytes. They also induced the generation of antigen‐specific CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+  Treg cells with the capacity to suppress autoantigen‐specific T‐cell responses. The experiment demonstrated that hASCs are one of the important regulators of immune tolerance with the capacity to suppress effector T cells and to induce the generation of antigen‐specific Treg cells.
Recent adverse trends in semen quality and testis cancer incidence among Finnish men
Authors: Jørgensen N. , Vierula M. , Jacobsen R. , Pukkala E. , Perheentupa A. , Virtanen H. E. , Skakkebæk N. E. , Toppari J.
Published: March 2011

Impaired semen quality and testicular cancer may be linked through a testicular dysgenesis syndrome of foetal origin. The incidence of testis cancer has been shown to increase among Finnish men, whereas there is no recent publication describing temporal trends in semen quality. Therefore, we carried out a prospective semen quality study and a registry study of testis cancer incidence among Finnish men to explore recent trends. A total of 858 men were investigated in the semen quality study during 1998–2006. Median sperm concentrations were 67 (95% CI 57–80) million/mL, 60 (51–71) and 48 (39–60) for birth cohorts 1979–81, 1982–83 and 1987; total sperm counts 227 (189–272) million, 202 (170–240) and 165 (132–207); total number of morphologically normal spermatozoa 18 (14–23) million, 15 (12–19) and 11 (8–15). Men aged 10–59 years at the time of diagnosis with testicular cancer during 1954–2008 were included in the registry study, which confirmed the increasing incidence of testicular cancer in recent cohorts. These simultaneous and rapidly occurring adverse trends suggest that the underlying causes are environmental and, as such, preventable. Our findings necessitate not only further surveillance of male reproductive health but also research to detect and remove the underlying factors.
Registered Nurses’ smoking behaviours and their attitudes to personal cessation
Authors: Berkelmans Anna , Burton Debbie , Page Karen , Worrall‐Carter Linda
Published: March 2011

berkelmans a., burton d., page k. & worrall‐carter l. (2011) Registered Nurses’ smoking behaviours and their attitudes to personal cessation. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(7), 1580–1590.

Aim.  The aim of the study was to assess smoking behaviour of nurses including; (1) smoking prevalence and nicotine dependence; (2) demographic characteristics according to smoking status and (3) attitudes to cessation amongst current smokers.

Background.  Smoking amongst nurses is a barrier to the delivery of patient smoking cessation interventions. Studies on the smoking behaviour of nurses have lagged behind government surveys on smoking prevalence in the general population.

Method.  A descriptive, comparative study using a self‐administered questionnaire was distributed to 3200 nurses over July and August of 2007 across one major metropolitan health service network in Victoria, Australia.

Results.  The questionnaire was completed by 1029 nurses, a response rate of 32%. Eleven per cent of nurses (n = 113) were current smokers. Nurses who smoked were more likely to be divorced/separated and report smoking amongst family and friends. Smoking was more common amongst nurses who work in psychiatry and the emergency departments. Amongst the nurses who smoked, 45% desired to stop smoking and while 89% had experienced previous quit attempts, only half had ever received help or advice about smoking cessation. The most common factors preventing smoking cessation included fear of withdrawal symptoms including stress, weight gain and anxiety.

Conclusion.  Smoking rates amongst nurses in this sample have declined below smoking rates amongst the general population. Considering the low uptake of smoking cessation support reported in this study, targeted strategies must be developed sensitive to the potential intrapersonal‐professional struggle related to personal smoking which is at odds with nurses’ health promotion role.
Breast cancer knowledge among women with intellectual disabilities and their experiences of receiving breast mammography
Authors: Truesdale‐Kennedy Maria , Taggart Laurence , McIlfatrick Sonja
Published: March 2011

truesdale‐kennedy m., taggart l. & mcilfatrick s. (2011) Breast cancer knowledge among women with intellectual disabilities and their experiences of receiving breast mammography. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(6), 1294–1304.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a descriptive study of understanding of breast cancer and experiences of breast mammography among women with an intellectual disability.

Background.  Despite the efforts of government policies and documents to ensure equal access to improve health screening for people with intellectual disability, the uptake for breast mammography in this population still remains lower than that of the general population.

Method.  A qualitative approach using four focus groups was undertaken with 19 women identified as having a borderline to moderate intellectual disability all of whom had received a breast mammography. Data collection took place in 2009. Analysis of the data was undertaken using thematic content analysis.

Results.  The women’s knowledge of breast cancer including associated risks, preventative factors and signs and symptoms were extremely limited with their sources of knowledge primarily coming from carers or nursing staff on receipt of an invitation for mammography. Although these women expressed a positive attitude towards their experiences of breast mammography, they also described negative feelings of fear and anxiety, attributed to a lack of understanding about the screening process. A lack of information and embarrassment were identified as the main barriers to screening for this group.

Conclusion.  This study highlights the need for accessible multi‐format information in order to facilitate health promotion and education in women with intellectual disability, their family carers and healthcare staff working with this target group in order to enhance the knowledge and awareness of breast cancer and screening.
Comparative evaluation of five needleless intravenous connectors
Authors: Chernecky Cynthia , Waller Jennifer
Published: March 2011

chernecky c. & waller j. (2011) Comparative evaluation of five needleless intravenous connectors. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(7), 1601–1613.

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro differences of colony forming units (CFUs), of four different bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli), over 4 days, using bovine blood, in five intravenous needleless connectors (three negative, one positive, one zero).

Background.  Availability of colony forming units creates a definitive environment for bloodstream infections and occlusions. Protection of the intraluminal pathway is one important way to help eliminate occlusions and catheter‐related bloodstream infections and utilization of best available product(s) will aid in best patient outcomes.

Methods.  Five different connectors evaluated in 2009 by an independent laboratory for in vitro differences about colony forming units of four different organisms over 4 days.

Results.  The Q‐Syte™ performed poorly on all organisms (P < 0·0001). The MaxPlus® Clear and MicroCLAVE® fluctuated between high colony forming units (28·15 & 56·55 respectively) and zero colony forming units. The TKO™Clave® stayed increased (high of 50·8 colony forming units). The RyMed‐5001® performed the best with very low colony forming units (2·25 CFUs to zero).

Conclusions.  Non‐antimicrobial connectors differ on colony forming unit counts in vitro for four types of bacteria. Connectors with most colony forming units to least colony forming units included the Q‐Syte™, TKO™Clave®, MicroCLAVE®, MaxPlus® Clear and RyMed‐5001®. Connectors are one statistically significant variable (50%) in the development of occlusions and infections. Staff nurses, managers, infection control specialists and vascular access specialists in all settings need to use technologies that invoke the least patient harm. The RyMed‐5001® connector best protects the intraluminal pathway from bacteria compared with four other commonly used connectors in vitro.