bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small RNA Profiling in Two Brassica napus Cultivars Identifies MicroRNAs with Oil Production- and Development-Correlated Expression and New Small RNA Classes
Authors: Zhao Ying-Tao , Wang Meng , Fu San-Xiong , Yang Wei-Cai , Qi Cun-Kou , Wang Xiu-Jie
Published: December 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs are important regulators of plant development and seed formation, yet their population and abundance in the oil crop Brassica napus are still not well understood, especially at different developmental stages and among cultivars with varied seed oil contents. Here, we systematically analyzed the small RNA expression profiles of Brassica napus seeds at early embryonic developmental stages in high-oil-content and low-oil-content B. napus cultivars, both cultured in two environments. A total of 50 conserved miRNAs and 9 new miRNAs were identified, together with some new miRNA targets. Expression analysis revealed some miRNAs with varied expression levels in different seed oil content cultivars or at different embryonic developmental stages. A large number of 23-nucleotide small RNAs with specific nucleotide composition preferences were also identified, which may present new classes of functional small RNAs.
Persuasive design: a different approach to information systems (and information)
Authors: Hasle Per
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the theme issue on “Persuasive design”.

Design/methodology/approach

This editorial describes the essential ideas and purposes of persuasive design (PD). PD's relation to other IT‐disciplines and rhetoric in general is discussed. A special emphasis is put on the possible wider implications for the concept of information.

Findings

PD makes an important difference for information systems design. It is also an obvious part of a wider development towards user involvement. PD rests not only on persuasive techniques adapted to information systems, but also on overall information architecture. For that reason PD may be seen as having wider implications for the very ideas of information and information systems.

Originality/value

The introduction of the essential ideas of PD is per se mainly descriptive. The emphasis on the relation to rhetoric and the concomitant implications for library and information systems is largely original (when compared with other discussions of PD).
A standard procedure for Bradford analysis and its application to the periodical literature in systems librarianship
Authors: Xu Fei
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a standard procedure for Bradford analysis: export citations from research databases to a bibliographic management tool, separate the desired citation fields with bibliographic output styles, and then manipulate the empirical data, formulate graph and analyze linearity with Microsoft Excel.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology mainly employed by the paper is to test the theory of Bradford's law of scattering. Based on research work and experiments, a standard procedure for Bradford analysis is to be developed.

Findings

A standard procedure for Bradford analysis is developed. The study also shows that the literature in systems librarianship follows Bradford distribution.

Originality/value

Many fields or disciplines of literature have been found to follow Bradford's law, which seems to offer a great potential promise for solving library problems. However, empirical Bradford analysis demands tedious computation, and sophisticated graphical formulation. This paper develops an easy operational procedure for Bradford analysis, which will shed light on problem solving in a similar bibliometric analysis.
Developmental intervention, learning climate and use of knowledge in elderly care
Authors: Hauer Esther , Nordlund Annika M. , Westerberg Kristina
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the learning climate in elderly care, its potential improvements after the “Steps for skills”, and its influence on knowledge from formal training. The assumptions were: the different activities of the Steps for skills should enhance the perceived learning climate; differences in working conditions in home help and residential homes should influence the perceived learning climate and its improvements; and changes in the perception of the learning climate should bring changes in the perceived usefulness of new knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a case study carried out in the public elderly care in Sweden, and used a repeated measurements design. A total of 270 nursing assistants answered a questionnaire at Time I, and 174 at Time II.

Findings

Results show no improvements of the learning climate for the full sample. When contrasting the learning climate in home help services and in residential homes significant differences are found, and also a tendency for their learning climate to change in opposite directions. The perception of the learning climate seems to influence the perceived usefulness of new knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was from one single organization.

Practical implications

Developmental interventions should take in to consideration that context matters, and that the perceived learning climate influences the use of new knowledge.

Originality/value

In this study, a 15‐items learning climate scale (LCS) is presented. Another contribution is identifying working condition failure as a potential explanation to why interventions usually do not result in expected changes.
Framing numbers “at a distance”: intangible performance reporting in a theater
Authors: Sundström Andreas
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the framing of numbers may be related to the distance between the information provider and information users.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of the paper is a case study, in an organizational situation where there are perceived problems in producing stable inscriptions for reporting to users at a distance. The study focuses on the top management level in a small‐sized publicly‐funded theater. The qualitative research design incorporates interviews, observations and document analysis.

Findings

The paper illustrates how knowledge and understanding of the circumstances of measurement form a substantial part of what constitutes “distance” between an accounting user and the referred context. It is argued that the framing of numbers may be utilized as a means to control action at a distance. The findings also imply that the use of measurements regarding intangibles may be perceived as useful for purposes beyond internal management.

Originality/value

The paper contributes in two ways to prior research on accountability relations and accounting as an enabler of action at a distance: it elaborates on what constitutes a distance, and it also adds an emphasis on reciprocal behavior by the provider of information in an accountability relation.
Extending the literature on the environmental strategy of MNEs
Authors: Aguilera‐Caracuel Javier , Aragón‐Correa Juan Alberto , Esther Hurtado‐Torres Nuria
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the different international environmental strategies that multinational enterprises (MNEs) can adopt.

Design/methodology/approach

This study updates the traditional country‐specific advantages/firm‐specific advantages (FSA/CSA) framework. In order to do so, the concepts of environmental institutional distance between countries and MNEs' availability of slack resources are used.

Findings

First, a low environmental institutional distance between headquarters' and subsidiaries' countries contributes to creating environmental standards within the company. Second, MNEs with high availability of slack resources are willing to standardize their environmental practices. However, those MNEs that have a high availability of slack resources but have units based in high‐distance countries prefer to generate valuable and advanced environmental management practices only in specific countries. Finally, those MNEs with a low level of slack resources and with units based in low‐distance countries only comply with national environmental institutional requirements, becoming isomorphic with other local firms.

Research limitations/implications

Although previous findings suggest that MNEs are increasingly standardizing their environmental practices, this generalization can be applied to those MNEs with units based in low‐distance countries that have a high availability of slack resources, which lead them to create valuable non‐location‐bound, green, firm‐specific advantages (FSAs).

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the way in which MNEs' activities affect the natural environment. Since MNEs are key actors in terms of economic and environmental development, they can promote social and environmental values in society, and at the same time encourage other organizations and institutions to adopt a socially responsible attitude.
Internationalization of new ventures: tests of growth and survival
Authors: Schueffel Patrick , Amann Wolfgang , Herbolzheimer† Emilio
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate key contingencies affecting the internationalization of young ventures, and to shed light on early internationalization's implications for organizational survival and growth.

Design/methodology/approach

A previously suggested conceptual framework is tested based on a quantitative study of UK firms before explorative analysis takes the analysis further.

Findings

Contrary to the model suggested by Sapienzaet al.that internationalization is of increasing importance at young ventures' founding stage, no such indications were found in this study. Further statistical tests revealed interesting insights into the relationship between other organizational factors and a young firm's survival and growth prospects.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical results suggest that internationalization is a largely overrated theoretical factor as far as young ventures' short‐term survival and performance are concerned. As internationalization paths differ contingent upon country of origin and other factors, further empirical tests are needed beyond the UK sample.

Originality/value

Empirical tests of previously suggested conceptual frameworks are needed to advance the body of knowledge on successful internationalization. Next to this initial test, further exploratory analysis suggests a refined framework.
SEC adopts large trader reporting system
Authors: Blanc Roger D. , Schloendorn Daniel , Kramer Howard L. , Miller Martin R. , Comstock Matthew B.
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to inform the various securities market participants about new Exchange Act Rule 13h‐1, its specifics and the requirements it may impose.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the various requirements of the Rule and additional background information and some clarifications based on the SEC adopting release.

Findings

The Rule requires “large traders”, as defined in the Rule, to self‐identify to the SEC and to obtain from the SEC a large trader identification number (“LTID”) and provide the LTID to each US‐registered broker‐dealer through which it effects transactions in NMS securities. The Rule also requires US‐registered broker‐dealers to provide to the SEC, on request, data on large traders' transactions in NMS securities by the morning after the transactions are effected; and it requires US‐registered broker‐dealers to maintain books and records, and perform certain monitoring functions, with respect to these transactions. The SEC has also adopted Form 13H under Exchange Act Section 13(h). A large trader must submit to the SEC Form 13H as an “Initial Filing” to receive its LTID and file various periodic amendments thereafter.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers. The authors hope the discussion in the paper will enable affected market participants, which include US‐ registered broker‐dealers as well as other persons within the Rule's definition of large trader, to be informed about and to prepare for compliance with the Rule.
The Supreme Court's Janus decision: no secondary liability, but many secondary questions
Authors: Delibert Arthur , Wright Gregory
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review significant questions raised by the US Supreme Court's June 13, 2011 decision in Janus Capital Group, Inc. v. First Derivative Traders and discuss issues that fund directors and advisers may want to consider as a result.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the narrow interpretation of Rule 10b‐5 that the Court decision represents and the Court's effort not to allow expansion of secondary liability for aiding and abetting under the federal securities laws. It raises questions about the allocation of liability for prospectus content among fund directors, officers, and advisers. It compares liability of advisers and their affiliates under provisions of Rule 10b‐5 and Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933. It recommends three matters that directors should consider concerning the allocation of liability in a case involving a false prospectus: the best way for fund directors to carry out their “due diligence” regarding the content of fund registration statements; the provisions of advisory, administrative and distribution contracts that allocate liability between those entities and the fund for prospectus misstatements and omissions; and various avenues for indemnification and shared liability, including D&O/E&O coverage and an indemnification agreement with the adviser. It introduces the alternative of shared liability in which the adviser signs the fund's registration statement.

Practical implications

The paper finds that the Janus decision has caused fund directors, officers and advisers to focus on the allocation of liability for prospectus errors.

Originality/value

The paper provides a practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
Multiple features facial image retrieval by spectral regression and fuzzy aggregation approach
Authors: Zhang Bailing
Published: December 2011

Purpose

Content‐based image retrieval (CBIR) is an important research area for automatically retrieving images of user interest from a large database. Due to many potential applications, facial image retrieval has received much attention in recent years. Similar to face recognition, finding appropriate image representation is a vital step for a successful facial image retrieval system. Recently, many efficient image feature descriptors have been proposed and some of them have been applied to face recognition. It is valuable to have comparative studies of different feature descriptors in facial image retrieval. And more importantly, how to fuse multiple features is a significant task which can have a substantial impact on the overall performance of the CBIR system. The purpose of this paper is to propose an efficient face image retrieval strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, three different feature description methods have been investigated for facial image retrieval, including local binary pattern, curvelet transform and pyramid histogram of oriented gradient. The problem of large dimensionalities of the extracted features is addressed by employing a manifold learning method called spectral regression. A decision level fusion scheme fuzzy aggregation is applied by combining the distance metrics from the respective dimension reduced feature spaces.

Findings

Empirical evaluations on several face databases illustrate that dimension reduced features are more efficient for facial retrieval and the fuzzy aggregation fusion scheme can offer much enhanced performance. A 98 per cent rank 1 retrieval accuracy was obtained for the AR faces and 91 per cent for the FERET faces, showing that the method is robust against different variations like pose and occlusion.

Originality/value

The proposed method for facial image retrieval has a promising potential of designing a real‐world system for many applications, particularly in forensics and biometrics.
Innovative streamline‐flow preserving actuation strategies for wing airfoil nose
Authors: Tomassetti Giordano , Ameduri Salvatore , Carozza Antonio
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on a morphing architecture, conceived to produce droop nose effect, thus preserving high lift performance and laminar flow.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical approach was adopted. On the base of preliminary aerodynamic requirements, the main aspects of the actuation architecture were defined and then assessed through a genetic approach.

Findings

Two different working modalities of mentioned architecture were identified: the former implying the use of an actuator, the latter taking advantage of a tailored elastic element, able to actuate morphing under the action of aerodynamic loads, without the aid of actuators.

Research limitations/implications

The research presented in this work refers to an optimisation process currently tailored on preliminary aerodynamic requirements (leading edge vertical displacement maximisation, leading edge radius increase).

Originality/value

The research shows the possibility of producing morphing on the leading edge zone, actuating droop nose effect on metallic (constant and pice wise thickness) and composite skins.
Ontogenetic scaling of the morphology and biomechanics of the feeding apparatus in the Pacific hagfish Eptatretus stoutii
Authors: Clark A. J. , Summers A. P.
Published: December 2011

The form and function of the support skeleton, musculature and teeth were examined in an ontogenetic series of Pacific hagfish Eptatretus stoutii spanning about a six‐fold range in total length (LT). Tooth area, feeding apparatus length, basal plate size, theoretical dental plate retractile force, penetration force and applied tooth stress were measured relative to body size. Morphological variables (e.g. tooth area and basal plate size) scaled with positive allometry and functional variables (e.g. retractile force and applied tooth stress) scaled isometrically with LT. These results suggest that juveniles do not undergo ontogenetic dietary changes and consume functionally equivalent prey to adults, although adults can grasp proportionally larger portions of food. Low tooth stress in juveniles and adults imposes mechanical constraints to puncturing and tearing, which are circumvented by a preference for softer prey tissue or the inclusion of knotting behaviours for reducing tougher prey.
Elderly cases of Churg–Strauss syndrome: Case report and review of Japanese cases
Authors: UCHIYAMA Masaki , MITSUHASHI Yoshihiko , YAMAZAKI Masashi , TSUBOI Ryoji
Published: December 2011

Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a vasculitis usually thought to affect comparatively young individuals, however, elderly cases of CSS are being reported increasingly. We report two elderly cases of CSS and review 123 cases of CSS reported in Japan between 2003 and 2010. The two patients showed typical features of CSS such as asthma, chronic sinusitis, purpura and mononeuritis multiplex. The biopsy specimens demonstrated leukocytoclastic vasculitis with infiltration of eosinophils. Both patients responded well to oral prednisolone. The age of the CSS cases we reviewed ranged from the teens to the 80s, with 47.2% of the patients aged 60 years or older. These patients tended more frequently to have complications such as gastrointestinal involvement, and a higher mortality rate. Elderly cases of CSS are not rare. Correct diagnosis at an earlier stage and careful, long‐term follow up are of particular importance in preventing a fatal outcome.
Three siblings with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: SHU En , ICHIKI Yoshiro , MORIYA Chie , IWATA Hiroaki , KITAJIMA Yasuo , SEISHIMA Mariko
Published: December 2011

We present the cases of three siblings with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The diagnosis was made when the sisters were of age 21, 25 and 28 years. They shared some clinical features, including typical facial rash, photosensitivity and Raynaud’s phenomenon, and tested positive for antinuclear antibodies. However, their symptoms and clinical courses varied. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing revealed that DR4 and A2 were present in all three sisters, while HLA type A11, B35 and B54 were each found in two of the three sisters. The two elder sisters developed lupus glomerulonephritis 8 and 11 years after the onset of SLE. It is suggested that there are genes responsible for the onset of the disease and also unknown regulatory genes other than HLA result in different phenotypes.
Mutational complex genotype of the hepatitis B virus X /precore regions as a novel predictive marker for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jang Jeong Won , Chun Ji‐Yong , Park Young Min , Shin Soo‐Kyung , Yoo Wangdon , Kim Soo‐Ok , Hong Sun Pyo
Published: December 2011

This study explored the combined effect of number and pattern of mutations in the X/precore regions of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome, mutational complex genotype (MCG), on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Sequence variations were determined by direct sequencing and multiplex restriction fragment mass polymorphism analysis in 150 age‐, sex‐ and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status‐matched patients with and without HCC. In addition, a longitudinal study and an external validation of MCG were conducted. All were HBV subgenotype C2. Eight high‐frequency mutations (G1613A, C1653T, T1753V, A1762T, G1764A, A1846T, G1896A and G1899A) were significantly associated with HCC. Whereas C1653T, T1753V, G1764A and A1846T were independent mutational factors for HCC, the significance of these individual mutations was negligible when analyzed with all clinico‐virological variables. The total number of mutations was the only independent viral factor for HCC, irrespective of HBeAg status. There was a significant dose–risk relationship between the number of mutations and HCC, in which high risks for HCC were associated with mutation numbers ≥6. Pattern analysis of the mutations revealed disparity in distribution among the top seven high‐risk mutation combination patterns, which accounted for 40 and 2.7% of HCC and non‐HCC cases, respectively. The predictive accuracy of the high‐risk mutations for HCC was similar to that of α‐fetoprotein. Longitudinal and external validation studies also supported the association of mutation number with HCC development. MCG in the HBV X/precore regions is a risk indicator for HCC, and might serve as a new guide to the HCC screening scheme for chronic HBV carriers. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 296–304)
Replication and refinement of a quantitative trait locus influencing milk protein percentage on ovine chromosome 3
Authors: García‐Gámez E. , Gutiérrez‐Gil B. , Sánchez J. P. , Arranz J. J.
Published: December 2011

A previous genome scan that was conducted in Spanish Churra sheep identified a significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) for milk protein percentage (PP) on chromosome 3 (OAR3), between markers KD103 and OARVH34. The aim of this study was to replicate these results and to refine the mapped position of this QTL. To accomplish this goal, we analysed 14 new half‐sib families of Spanish Churra sheep including 1661 ewes from 29 different flocks. These animals were genotyped for 21 microsatellite markers mapping to OAR3. In addition to a classical linkage analysis (LA), a combined linkage disequilibrium and linkage analysis (LDLA) was performed with the aim of enhancing the resolution of the QTL mapping. The LA that was performed in this sheep population identified the presence of a highly significant QTL for PP near marker KD103 (Pc < 0.001; Pexp < 0.001). The phenotypic variance that was owing to the QTL was 2.74%. Two segregating families for the target QTL were identified in this population with QTL effect estimates of 0.47 and 0.95 SD. The LDLA identified the same QTL as the previous analyses with a high level of statistical significance (P = 9.184 E‐11) and narrowed the confidence interval (CI) to a 13 cM region. These results confirm the segregation of the previously identified OAR3 QTL that influences PP in Spanish Churra sheep. Future research will aim to increase the marker density across the refined CI and to analyse the corresponding candidate genes to identify the allelic variant or variants that underlie this genetic effect.
TheMichaelis–Menten kinetics of soil extracellular enzymes in response to temperature: a cross‐latitudinal study
Authors: German Donovan P. , Marcelo Kathleen R. B. , Stone Madeleine M. , Allison Steven D.
Published: December 2011

Decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM) is mediated by microbial extracellular hydrolytic enzymes (EHEs). Thus, given the large amount of carbon (C) stored asSOM, it is imperative to understand how microbialEHEs will respond to global change (and warming in particular) to better predict the links betweenSOMand the globalCcycle. Here, we measured theMichaelis–Menten kinetics [maximal rate of velocity (Vmax) and half‐saturation constant (Km)] of five hydrolytic enzymes involved inSOMdegradation (cellobiohydrolase, β‐glucosidase, β‐xylosidase, α‐glucosidase, andN‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase) in five sites spanning a boreal forest to a tropical rainforest. We tested the specific hypothesis that enzymes from higher latitudes would show greater temperature sensitivities than those from lower latitudes. We then used our data to parameterize a mathematical model to test the relative roles ofVmaxandKmtemperature sensitivities inSOMdecomposition. We found that bothVmaxandKmwere temperature sensitive, withQ10values ranging from 1.53 to 2.27 forVmaxand 0.90 to 1.57 forKm. TheQ10values for theKmof the cellulose‐degrading enzyme β‐glucosidase showed a significant (P = 0.004) negative relationship with mean annual temperature, indicating that enzymes from cooler climates can indeed be more sensitive to temperature. Our model showed thatKmtemperature sensitivity can offsetSOMlosses due toVmaxtemperature sensitivity, but the offset depends on the size of theSOMpool and the magnitude ofVmax. Overall, our results suggest that there is a local adaptation of microbialEHEkinetics to temperature and that this should be taken into account when making predictions about the responses of C cycling to global change.
The ebb and flow of antimicrobial skin peptides defends northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) against chytridiomycosis
Authors: Pask James D. , Woodhams Douglas C. , Rollins‐Smith Louise A.
Published: December 2011

Many amphibian species are threatened with extinction by the emerging infectious disease, chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This unprecedented global crisis threatens to reduce the biodiversity of the entire amphibian class. The fungus invades the skin and impairs the uptake and retention of essential ions leading to cardiac arrest. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) secreted into the mucus of some amphibians are thought to be an important defense against chytridiomycosis. However, little is known about the quantities of AMPs secreted under natural conditions, whether they are sufficient to protect against this pathogen, and how they interact with commensal microbes. To understand how defensive peptides and skin microbes may interact, it is essential to know the precise quantities of AMPs present under natural conditions. Using matrix‐assisted laser desorption time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and growth inhibition assays, we show that northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) at rest constitutively release low amounts of AMPs that inhibit B. dendrobatidis in vitro, and AMP defenses are elevated following a simulated predator attack. Using a synthetic peptide analogue of brevinin‐1Pb as an external control, we quantified the amounts of four previously described AMPs (brevinin 1Pa, brevinin‐1Pb, brevinin‐1Pd, and ranatuerin‐2P) at several time points after secretion. Once secreted onto the skin, the peptides are most active for 15 min, and small quantities persist for at least 2 h. Taken together, our data suggest that small amounts of AMPs are rapidly available and quite stable on the skin of R. pipiens. They are effective inhibitors of B. dendrobatidis at these low constitutive concentrations but degrade within 2 h, protecting the integrity of the skin and commensal bacteria.
Synthesis and physicochemical properties of carboxymethylated bambara groundnut (Voandzeia subterranean) starch
Authors: Afolabi T. Adeniyi
Published: December 2011

The effect of carboxymethylation on the functional and physicochemical properties of bambara groundnut starch was studied. The starch yield on the dry weight of the seed basis was 40.35%, degree of substitution was 0.78, while the reaction efficiency was 62.50%. The FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of the carboxymethylated group on the modified starch granule with new bands at 1590, 1455 and 1423 cm−1. X‐ray diffractogram revealed the loss of crystallinity as a result of carboxymethylation of the starch. DSC study showed that the gelatinisation temperature and enthalpy were significantly altered by the carboxymethylation, also the pasting property corroborate this observation with the increase in the paste viscosity from 278.58 to 300.83 RVU. The solubility and swelling power of the native and carboxymethylated starch increased with increase in temperature, but with no significant effect on the swelling power of the starch in alkaline and acidic medium (pH 2–12).
The Balkans and the colonization of Europe: the post‐glacial range expansion of the wild boar, Sus scrofa
Authors: Alexandri Panoraia , Triantafyllidis Alexander , Papakostas Spiros , Chatzinikos Evangelos , Platis Petros , Papageorgiou Nikolaos , Larson Greger , Abatzopoulos Theodore J. , Triantaphyllidis Costas
Published: December 2011

Aim  We focus on the biogeographical role of the Balkan Peninsula as a glacial refugium and source of northward post‐glacial dispersal for many European taxa. Specifically, we analysed the genetic structure and variation of wild boar (Sus scrofa) samples primarily from Greece, a region that has repeatedly served as a glacial refugium within the Balkan Peninsula.

Location  Continental Greece, the Aegean island of Samos and Bulgaria.

Methods  We analysed wild boar samples from 18 localities. Samples from common domestic breeds were also examined to take into account interactions between wild and domesticated animals. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out on a 637‐bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region in 200 wild boar and 27 domestic pigs. The sequences were also compared with 791 Eurasian wild boar and domestic pig D‐loop sequences obtained from GenBank.

Results  Ninety‐four haplotypes were identified in the European wild boar data set, of which 68 were found in the Balkan samples and assigned to two previously described clades: the E1 European and Near Eastern clades. All of the continental samples clustered in the E1 clade and the samples from Samos fell into the Near Eastern clade, consistent with the island’s proximity to Asia Minor. Intriguingly, 62 novel haplotypes were identified and are found exclusively in the Balkans. Only six haplotypes were shared between wild boar and domestic pigs.

Main conclusions  Our data reveal numerous novel and geographically restricted haplotypes in wild boar populations, suggesting the presence of separate refugia in the Balkans. Our analyses support the hypothesis of a post‐glacial wild boar expansion consistent with the leading edge model, north and west from modern day Greece, and suggest little maternal introgression of Near Eastern and domestic haplotypes into wild Balkan populations.
Safe surgery: how accurate are we at predicting intra‐operative blood loss?
Authors: Solon Jacqueline Gemma , Egan Ciara , McNamara Deborah A.
Published: December 2011

Introduction  Preoperative estimation of intra‐operative blood loss by both anaesthetist and operating surgeon is a criterion of the World Health Organization's surgical safety checklist. The checklist requires specific preoperative planning when anticipated blood loss is greater than 500 mL. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of surgeons and anaesthetists at predicting intra‐operative blood loss.

Methods  A 6‐week prospective study of intermediate and major operations in an academic medical centre was performed. An independent observer interviewed surgical and anaesthetic consultants and registrars, preoperatively asking each to predict expected blood loss in millilitre. Intra‐operative blood loss was measured and compared with these predictions. Parameters including the use of anticoagulation and anti‐platelet therapy as well as intra‐operative hypothermia and hypotension were recorded.

Results  One hundred sixty‐eight operations were included in the study, including 142 elective and 26 emergency operations. Blood loss was predicted to within 500 mL of measured blood loss in 89% of cases. Consultant surgeons tended to underestimate blood loss, doing so in 43% of all cases, while consultant anaesthetists were more likely to overestimate (60% of all operations). Twelve patients (7%) had underestimation of blood loss of more than 500 mL by both surgeon and anaesthetist. Thirty per cent (n = 6/20) of patients requiring transfusion of a blood product within 24 hours of surgery had blood loss underestimated by more than 500 mL by both surgeon and anaesthetist. There was no significant difference in prediction between patients on anti‐platelet or anticoagulation therapy preoperatively and those not on the said therapies.

Conclusion  Predicted intra‐operative blood loss was within 500 mL of measured blood loss in 89% of operations. In 30% of patients who ultimately receive a blood transfusion, both the surgeon and anaesthetist significantly underestimate the risk of blood loss by greater than 500 mL. Theatre staff must be aware that 1 in 14 patients undergoing intermediate or major surgery will have an unexpected blood loss exceeding 500 mL and so robust policies to identify and manage such circumstances should be in place to improve patient safety.
Pharmacokinetics and bone tissue concentrations of lincomycin following intravenous and intramuscular administrations to cats
Authors: ALBARELLOS G. A. , MONTOYA L. , DENAMIEL G. A. A. , VELO M. C. , LANDONI M. F.
Published: December 2011

Albarellos, G. A., Montoya, L., Denamiel, G. A. A., Velo, M. C., Landoni, M. F. Pharmacokinetics and bone tissue concentrations of lincomycin following intravenous and intramuscular administrations to cats.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 534–540.

The pharmacokinetic properties and bone concentrations of lincomycin in cats after single intravenous and intramuscular administrations at a dosage rate of 10 mg/kg were investigated. Lincomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for some gram‐positive strains isolated from clinical cases was determined. Serum lincomycin disposition was best‐fitted to a bicompartmental and a monocompartmental open models with first‐order elimination after intravenous and intramuscular dosing, respectively. After intravenous administration, distribution was rapid (T1/2(d) = 0.22 ± 0.09 h) and wide as reflected by the volume of distribution (V(d(ss))) of 1.24 ± 0.08 L/kg. Plasma clearance was 0.28 ± 0.09 L/h·kg and elimination half‐life (T1/2) 3.56 ± 0.62 h. Peak serum concentration (Cmax),Tmax, and bioavailability for the intramuscular administration were 7.97 ± 2.31 μg/mL, 0.12 ± 0.05 h, and 82.55 ± 23.64%, respectively. Thirty to 45 min after intravenous administration, lincomycin bone concentrations were 9.31 ± 1.75 μg/mL. At the same time after intramuscular administration, bone concentrations were 3.53 ± 0.28 μg/mL. The corresponding bone/serum ratios were 0.77 ± 0.04 (intravenous) and 0.69 ± 0.18 (intramuscular). Lincomycin MIC forStaphylococcusspp. ranged from 0.25 to 16 μg/mL and forStreptococcusspp. from 0.25 to 8 μg/mL.
A depositional model for a wave‐dominated open‐coast tidal flat, based on analyses of the Cambrian–Ordovician Lagarto and Palmares formations, north‐eastern Brazil
Authors: BASILICI GIORGIO , DE LUCA PEDRO HENRIQUE VIEIRA , OLIVEIRA ELSON PAIVA
Published: December 2011

Open‐coast tidal flats are hybrid depositional systems resulting from the interaction of waves and tides. Modern examples have been recognized, but few cases have been described in ancient rock successions. An example of an ancient open‐coast tidal flat, the depositional architecture of the Lagarto and Palmares formations (Cambrian–Ordovician of the Sergipano Belt, north‐eastern Brazil) is presented here. Detailed field analyses of outcrops allowed the development of a conceptual architectural model for a coastal depositional environment that is substantially different from classical wave‐dominated or tide‐dominated coastal models. This architectural model is dominated by storm wave, low orbital velocity wave and tidal current beds, which vary in their characteristics and distribution. In a landward direction, the storm deposits decrease in abundance, dimension (thickness and spacing) and grain size, and vary from accretionary through scour and drape to anisotropic hummocky cross‐stratification beds. Low orbital wave deposits are more common in the medium and upper portion of the tidal flat. Tidal deposits, which are characterized by mudstone interbedded with sandstone strata, are dominant in the landward portion of the tidal flat. Hummocky cross‐stratification beds in the rock record are believed, in general, to represent storm deposits in palaeoenvironments below the fair‐weather wave base. However, in this model of an open‐coast tidal flat, hummocky cross‐stratification beds were found in very shallow waters above the fair‐weather wave base. Indeed, this depositional environment was characterized by: (i) fair‐weather waves and tides that lacked sufficient energy to rework the storm deposits; (ii) an absence of biological communities that could disrupt the storm deposits; and (iii) high aggradation rates linked to an active foreland basin, which contributed definitively to the rapid burial and preservation of these hummocky cross‐stratification deposits.
ABERRANT SPIKELET AND PANICLE1, encoding a TOPLESS‐related transcriptional co‐repressor, is involved in the regulation of meristem fate in rice
Authors: Yoshida Akiko , Ohmori Yoshihiro , Kitano Hidemi , Taguchi‐Shiobara Fumio , Hirano Hiro‐Yuki
Published: December 2011

Post‐embryonic development depends on the activity of meristems in plants, and thus control of cell fate in the meristem is crucial to plant development and its architecture. In grasses such as rice and maize, the fate of reproductive meristems changes from indeterminate meristems, such as inflorescence and branch meristems, to determinate meristems, such as the spikelet meristem. Here we analyzed a recessive mutant of rice, aberrant spikelet and panicle1 (asp1), that showed pleiotropic phenotypes such as a disorganized branching pattern, aberrant spikelet morphology, and disarrangement of phyllotaxy. Close examination revealed that regulation of meristem fate was compromised in asp1: degeneration of the inflorescence meristem was delayed, transition from the branch meristem to the spikelet meristem was accelerated, and stem cell maintenance in both the branch meristem and the spikelet meristem was compromised. The genetic program was also disturbed in terms of spikelet development. Gene isolation revealed that ASP1 encodes a transcriptional co‐repressor that is related to TOPLESS (TPL) in Arabidopsis and RAMOSA ENHANCER LOCUS2 (REL2) in maize. It is likely that the pleiotropic defects are associated with de‐repression of multiple genes related to meristem function in the asp1 mutant. The asp1 mutant also showed de‐repression of axillary bud growth and disturbed phyllotaxy in the vegetative phase, suggesting that the function of this gene is closely associated with auxin action. Consistent with these observations and the molecular function of Arabidopsis TPL, auxin signaling was also compromised in the rice asp1 mutant. Taken together, these results indicate that ASP1 regulates various aspects of developmental processes and physiological responses as a transcriptional co‐repressor in rice.
Terrestrial plant methane production and emission
Authors: Bruhn Dan , Møller Ian M. , Mikkelsen Teis N. , Ambus Per
Published: December 2011

In this minireview, we evaluate all experimental work published on the phenomenon of aerobic methane (CH4) generation in terrestrial plants and plant. Clearly, despite much uncertainty and skepticism, we conclude that the phenomenon is true. Four stimulating factors have been observed to induce aerobic plant CH4 production, i.e. cutting injuries, increasing temperature, ultraviolet radiation and reactive oxygen species. Further, we analyze rates of measured emission of aerobically produced CH4 in pectin and in plant tissues from different studies and argue that pectin is very far from the sole contributing precursor. In consequence, scaling up of aerobic CH4 emission needs to take into consideration other potential sources than pectin. Due to the large uncertainties related to effects of stimulating factors, genotypic responses and type of precursors, we conclude that current attempts for upscaling aerobic CH4 into a global budget is inadequate. Thus it is too early to draw the line under the aerobic methane emission in plants. Future work is needed for establishing the relative contribution of several proven potential CH4 precursors in plant material.
Expression Levels of mRNA‐Encoding PDGF Receptors in Goat Ovaries and the Influence of PDGF on the In Vitro Development of Caprine Pre‐Antral Follicles
Authors: Brito IR , Lima IMT , Saraiva MVA , Silva CMG , Magalhães‐Padilha DM , Araújo VR , Barreto Luz V , Barbalho Silva AW , Campello CC , Silva JRV , Figueiredo JR
Published: December 2011

Contents

The aims of this study were to investigate the expression levels of mRNA for platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors (PDGFR‐α and ‐β) in caprine follicles at different developmental stages and to evaluate the influence of PDGF on the in vitro development of pre‐antral follicles. For this, goat primordial, primary and secondary follicles, as well as small (1–3 mm) and large (3–6 mm) antral follicles, were obtained, and PDGFR‐α and ‐β mRNA levels were quantified by real‐time PCR. Furthermore, pre‐antral follicles (≥200 μm) were isolated from goat ovaries and cultured for 18 days in α‐ minimum essential medium supplemented with PDGF at 50 or 100 ng/ml, containing or not FSH. Real‐time PCR showed highest PDGFR‐α mRNA levels in secondary follicles, while PDGFR‐β mRNA levels were highest in primary follicles onwards. Both receptors showed higher mRNA levels in granulosa/theca cells from small and large antral follicles than in their corresponding cumulus–oocyte complexes. In culture, the percentage of antrum formation was significantly higher in 100 ng/ml PDGF compared with the same PDGF concentration associated with FSH. After 18 days, PDGF in both concentrations associated with FSH promoted follicular growth significantly higher than the control. Moreover, the addition of FSH to 50 ng/ml PDGF positively influenced the follicular growth when compared with the same PDGF concentration in the absence of FSH. In conclusion, PDGF is important for early goat folliculogenesis, because the presence of PDGFR‐α and ‐β mRNA was detected in all follicular categories, and PDGF associated with FSH stimulated the growth of goat pre‐antral follicles isolated and cultured in vitro.
Leptin Enhances Maturation and Development of Calf Oocytes In vitro
Authors: Jia Z , Zhang J , Wu Z , Tian J
Published: December 2011

Contents

We investigated the effects of leptin on the in vitro maturation (IVM) and development of calf oocytes. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were matured in IVM medium containing 0–100 ng/ml leptin. Experiment 1 showed that exposure of calf oocytes to IVM medium containing 1 or 10 ng/ml leptin significantly increased rates of development to the metaphase II stage compared with the control (81.7 ± 3.0% and 83.3 ± 2.1% for 1 and 10 ng/ml leptin, respectively, vs 64.1 ± 5.1% for control; p < 0.05). Experiment 2 showed that 1 or 10 ng/ml leptin significantly improved cleavage rates after in vitro fertilization when compared to control (58.6 ± 3.3% and 59.3 ± 2.9% for 1 and 10 ng/ml leptin, respectively, vs 48.5 ± 2.6% for control; p < 0.05); in addition, when compared to control medium, the addition of 10 ng/ml leptin to the IVM medium resulted in more presumptive zygotes reaching the 4‐ to 8‐cell stage after 48 h of in vitro culture (30.3 ± 2.3% vs 20.1 ± 2.3%; p < 0.05) and developing into blastocysts after 8 days of culture (20.4 ± 1.6% vs 11.7 ± 1.7%; p < 0.05). Experiment 3 showed that the addition of 1 or 10 ng/ml leptin significantly increased the total number of blastocyst cells on day 8 of culture (114.6 ± 7.8 and 117.4 ± 5.9 for 1 and 10 ng/ml leptin, respectively, vs 92.7 ± 8.3 for control; p < 0.05) and trophectoderm (TE) cells (88.5 ± 5.5 and 90.6 ± 3.7 for 1 and 10 ng/ml leptin, respectively, vs 70.1 ± 5.9 for control; p < 0.05). In summary, these results indicate that the addition of leptin to IVM medium enhances meiotic maturation and embryo development from calf oocytes and improves the quality of embryos derived from these oocytes.
Toxin‐assisted micropredation: experimental evidence shows that contact micropredation rather than exotoxicity is the role of Prymnesium toxins
Authors: Remmel Emily J. , Hambright K David
Published: December 2011

Ecology Letters (2011)

Blooms of Prymnesium parvum can severely harm fish and zooplankton, presumably through the release of allelopathic exotoxins that offer advantages for Prymnesium in its interactions with competitors and prey. We show that Prymnesium attaches to zooplankton and fish, causing mortality, whereas exposure of these organisms to Prymnesium across a permeable membrane does not cause mortality. We also show that Prymnesium exotoxins are released independently of contact toxicity only in response to experimental procedures or natural causes of stress. Our results are consistent with the idea that toxins have evolved for release during cell‐to‐cell contact in support of heterotrophy. The evolution of toxin‐assisted micropredation would be consistent with mechanisms of natural selection favouring individual fitness as opposed to broadcast allelopathy from which the benefits are more dispersed. Research into the toxicity of Prymnesium and other harmful algal species may profit from focus on processes following physical contact with potential prey.