bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory Viral Infections in Infants: Causes, Clinical Symptoms, Virology, and Immunology
Authors: Tregoning John S. , Schwarze Jürgen
Published: January 2010

In global terms, respiratory viral infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Infancy, in particular, is a time of increased disease susceptibility and severity. Early-life viral infection causes acute illness and can be associated with the development of wheezing and asthma in later life. The most commonly detected viruses are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus (RV), and influenza virus. In this review we explore the complete picture from epidemiology and virology to clinical impact and immunology. Three striking aspects emerge. The first is the degree of similarity: although the infecting viruses are all different, the clinical outcome, viral evasion strategies, immune response, and long-term sequelae share many common features. The second is the interplay between the infant immune system and viral infection: the immaturity of the infant immune system alters the outcome of viral infection, but at the same time, viral infection shapes the development of the infant immune system and its future responses. Finally, both the virus and the immune response contribute to damage to the lungs and subsequent disease, and therefore, any prevention or treatment needs to address both of these factors.
The Era of Molecular and Other Non-Culture-Based Methods in Diagnosis of Sepsis
Authors: Mancini Nicasio , Carletti Silvia , Ghidoli Nadia , Cichero Paola , Burioni Roberto , Clementi Massimo
Published: January 2010

Sepsis, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, is a clinical syndrome with signs and symptoms relating to an infectious event and the consequent important inflammatory response. From a clinical point of view, sepsis is a continuous process ranging from systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) to multiple-organ-dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Blood cultures are the current “gold standard” for diagnosis, and they are based on the detection of viable microorganisms present in blood. However, on some occasions, blood cultures have intrinsic limitations in terms of sensitivity and rapidity, and it is not expected that these drawbacks will be overcome by significant improvements in the near future. For these principal reasons, other approaches are therefore needed in association with blood culture to improve the overall diagnostic yield for septic patients. These considerations have represented the rationale for the development of highly sensitive and fast laboratory methods. This review addresses non-culture-based techniques for the diagnosis of sepsis, including molecular and other non-culture-based methods. In particular, the potential clinical role for the sensitive and rapid detection of bacterial and fungal DNA in the development of new diagnostic algorithms is discussed.
Fungal Sex and Pathogenesis
Authors: Butler Geraldine
Published: January 2010

Human fungal pathogens are associated with diseases ranging from dandruff and skin colonization to invasive bloodstream infections. The major human pathogens belong to the
Candida
,
Aspergillus
, and
Cryptococcus
clades, and infections have high and increasing morbidity and mortality. Many human fungal pathogens were originally assumed to be asexual. However, recent advances in genome sequencing, which revealed that many species have retained the genes required for the sexual machinery, have dramatically influenced our understanding of the biology of these organisms. Predictions of a rare or cryptic sexual cycle have been supported experimentally for some species. Here, I examine the evidence that human pathogens reproduce sexually. The evolution of the mating-type locus in ascomycetes (including
Candida
and
Aspergillus
species) and basidiomycetes (
Malassezia
and
Cryptococcus
) is discussed. I provide an overview of how sex is suppressed in different species and discuss the potential associations with pathogenesis.
Mucin AgC10 fromTrypanosoma cruziInterferes with L-Selectin-Mediated Monocyte Adhesion
Authors: Alcaide Pilar , Lim Yaw Chin , Luscinskas Francis W. , Fresno Manuel
Published: January 2010

The protozoan parasiteTrypanosoma cruzihas evolved sophisticated systems to evade the immune response. An important requirement for a productive immune response is recruitment of the appropriate immune cells from the bloodstream to the sites of infection. Here, we show that a mucin expressed and secreted by the metacyclic infective form ofT. cruzi, AgC10, is able to interfere with L-selectin-mediated monocyte adhesion. Thus, incubation of U937 monocytic cells stably expressing L-selectin (U937LAM) with AgC10 strongly reduced their adhesion on P-selectin under flow, which is dependent on L-selectin. This treatment also results in a significant inhibition by AgC10 of U937LAM and human primary monocyte adhesion to activated vascular endothelium. This effect was specific for L-selectin, because vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1)-mediated adhesion was not affected by AgC10 pretreatment. This effect of AgC10 is likely due to its ability to induce L-selectin shedding from the monocyte membrane, since pharmacologic blocking of this shedding prevents AgC10 activity. This is the first description of a mechanism that prevents leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium by a parasite and represents a new potential countermeasure to evade the generation of a correct immune response.
Modulation of Paired Immunoglobulin-Like Type 2 Receptor Signaling Alters the Host Response toStaphylococcus aureus-Induced Pneumonia
Authors: Banerjee Antara , Stevenaert Frederik , Pande Kalyan , Haghjoo Erik , Antonenko Svetlana , Gorman Dan M. , Sathe Manjiri , McClanahan Terrill K. , Pierce Robert , Turner Scott P. , Bigler Michael E. , Phillips Joseph H. , Heyworth Paul G.
Published: January 2010

Paired immunoglobulin-like type 2 receptors (PILRs) inhibitory PILRα and activating PILRβ are predominantly expressed on myeloid cells. Their functions in host defense and inflammation are largely unknown, and in this study, we evaluated their roles in an acuteStaphylococcus aureuspneumonia model. Compared to their respective controls,Pilrb−/−mice or mice in which PILRα was activated with an agonistic antibody showed improved clearance of pulmonary staphylococci and improved survival. These mice had reduced serum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6 and elevated levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), IL-12, and IL-10. In contrast, mice in which PILRβ was activated had increased lung bacterial burdens and higher mortality coupled with an intense proinflammatory response with highly elevated levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. Treatment groups with reduced bacterial burdens had higher levels of Keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), and MIP-1α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and an increased influx of neutrophils and macrophages to the lungs. Consistent with ourin vivofindings, bone marrow-derived macrophages fromPilrb−/−mice released significantly less IL-1β and TNF-α and more IFN-γ and IL-12 than did the wild-type macrophages when directly stimulated with heat-killedS. aureus. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence thatS. aureusdirectly interacts with PILRβ. It provides a mechanism by which manipulating the balance in favor of an inhibitory PILR signal, by activation of PILRα or deletion of PILRβ, helps to control acuteS. aureus-mediated pneumonia and attenuate the inflammatory response. These results highlight the importance of PILRs in innate immunity and the control of inflammation.
Polymerase chain reaction based human leucocyte antigen genotyping for the investigation of suspected gastrointestinal biopsy contamination
Authors: Bateman A C , Turner S J , Theaker J M , Warren B F , Howell W M
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND

Mislabelling or contamination of surgical specimens may lead to diagnostic inaccuracy, particularly within gastrointestinal pathology when multiple small mucosal biopsy specimens are commonly taken, and where a tiny fragment of foreign tissue may be indistinguishable from true biopsy material using histological assessment alone.

AIMS

To assess the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping techniques for the investigation of potentially mislabelled or contaminated gastrointestinal biopsy specimens.

PATIENTS

Ten cases (28 samples) in which mislabelling or contamination was suspected, comprising four upper gastrointestinal tract biopsies and six colonoscopic biopsy series.

METHODS

Direct and nested PCR-sequence specific primer (SSP) based HLA class II genotyping was performed on DNA extracted from formalin fixed and paraffin wax embedded tissue (23 samples) or peripheral blood leucocytes (five samples).

RESULTS

A full HLA-DRB1 genotype was determined in all 28 samples. In seven cases the HLA-DRB1 genotype of the putative contaminant was different to that of the corresponding reference tissue, confirming different individual origins for the contaminant and reference material. In one case the contaminant tissue was shown to possess the same HLA-DRB1 alleles as a second patient (probable source). In the remaining three cases the same HLA-DRB1 alleles were detected within the potential contaminant and reference tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

PCR based HLA class II genotyping is a valuable tool for investigating potential contamination or mislabelling within gastrointestinal biopsy specimens and this report has confirmed contamination in seven of ten cases studied.
Smoking cessation: the potential role of risk assessment tools as motivational triggers
Authors: Young Robert P , Hopkins Raewyn J , Smith Melinda , Hogarth D Kyle
Published: January 2010

Smoking is the most important and preventable cause of morbidity and premature mortality in developed and developing countries. To date, efforts to reduce the burden of smoking have focused on non-personalised strategies. Anxiety about ill health, especially lung cancer and emphysema, is the foremost concern for smokers and a major reason for quitting. Recent efforts in cessation management focus on behaviour change and pharmacotherapy. The ‘3 Ts’ (tension, trigger, treatment) model of behaviour change proposes that at any one time a smoker experiences varying degrees of motivational tension, which in the presence of a trigger may initiate or enhance quitting. Smokers' optimistic bias (ie, denial of one’s own vulnerability) sustains continued smoking, while increasing motivational tension (eg, illness) favours quitting. The 1 year quit rates achieved when smokers encounter a life threatening event, such as a heart attack or lung cancer, are as much as 50–60%. Utilising tests of lung function and/or genetic susceptibility personalises the risk and have been reported to achieve 1 year quit rates of 25%. This is comparable to quit rates achieved among healthy motivated smokers using smoking cessation drug therapy. In this paper we review existing evidence and propose that identifying those smokers at increased risk of an adverse smoking related disease may be a useful motivational tool, and enhance existing public health strategies directed at smoking cessation.
Necrotizing soft tissue infections
Authors: Urschel John D
Published: January 2010

Necrotizing soft tissue infections are a group of highly lethal infections that typically occur after trauma or surgery. Many individual infectious entities have been described, but they all have similar pathophysiologies, clinical features, and treatment approaches. The essentials of successful treatment include early diagnosis, aggressive surgical debridement, antibiotics, and supportive intensive treatment unit care. The two commonest pitfalls in management are failure of early diagnosis and inadequate surgical debridement. These life-threatening infections are often mistaken for cellulitis or innocent wound infections, and this is responsible for diagnostic delay. Tissue gas is not a universal finding in necrotizing soft tissue infections. This misconception also contributes to diagnostic errors. Incision and drainage is an inappropriate surgical strategy for necrotizing soft tissue infections; excisional debridement is needed. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be useful, but it is not as important as aggressive surgical therapy. Despite advances in antibiotic therapy and intensive treatment unit medicine, the mortality of necrotizing soft tissue infections is still high. This article emphasizes common treatment principles for all of these infections, and reviews some of the more important individual necrotizing soft tissue infectious entities.
Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of Lyme neuroborreliosis are preventable
Authors: Prasad Avinash , Sankar Douglas
Published: January 2010

The problems of diagnosis and treatment of Lyme neuroborreliosis can be minimised by strictly following the clinical diagnostic criteria, and understanding the pitfalls of laboratory tests. The diagnosis is based solely on objective clinical findings, with serologic test results used only to confirm the diagnosis. It must be underscored that serologic testing, when ordered without regard for clinical presentation (ie, used as a screen), may be misleading due to its extremely low positive predictive value. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay should always be confirmed by Western blot. The cerebrospinal fluid Borrelia burgdorferi antibody index is more meaningful than simple titres of specific antibody. Polymerase chain reaction is still a research tool and should not be utilised without clinical correlation. All serologic tests and polymerase chain reaction may remain positive long after successful treatment. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment can be minimised by following these guidelines.
Analysis of blood tests in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Rehmani Rifat , Amanullah Siraj
Published: January 2010

There is ample evidence that many investigations sent from the accident and emergency department are inappropriate, thus affecting the quality of patient care. A study was designed to address this issue in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital of a large city. A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out during the 3-month period 1 December 1996 to 28 February 1997. A set of guidelines was used to assess the appropriateness of different blood tests for the initial assessment of the patients presenting with common clinical conditions, although any investigation could be done if considered important for patient management. All other blood tests were considered inappropriate. A total of 6401 patients were seen in the emergency department and 14 300 blood tests were done on 3529 patients with diagnoses covered by the guidelines. Of these 62.2% were found to be inappropriate. Of the total 22 655 investigations done on all the 6401 patients seen, only 3.8% influenced the diagnosis, 3.0% influenced patient care in the emergency department, and 4.0% influenced the decision to admit or not. Amylase and arterial blood gases were found to be the most appropriate investigations. Analysis of reasons for unnecessary use of emergency tests suggested that improving supervision, decreasing the utilization of the emergency department as a phlebotomy service for the hospital, and abolition of routine blood tests would help to improve patient care.
Ciguatera fish poisoning
Authors: Crump John A , McLay Colin L , Chambers Stephen T
Published: January 2010

Ciguatera fish poisoning is one of a variety of non-bacterial forms of human seafood poisoning. Consuming large predatory fish from tropical reef ecosystems may be hazardous. We describe a case that is typical of the disease, and illustrates the persistence of neurological symptoms that occur in some patients.
Tobacco related bar promotions: insights from tobacco industry documents
Authors: Katz S K , Lavack A M
Published: January 2010

Objectives: To examine the tobacco industry's use of bar promotions, including their target groups, objectives, strategies, techniques, and results.

Design: Over 2000 tobacco industry documents available as a result of the Master Settlement Agreement were reviewed on the internet at several key web sites using keyword searches that included “bar”, “night”, “pub”, “party”, and “club”. The majority of the documents deal with the US market, with a minor emphasis on Canadian and overseas markets.

Results: The documents indicate that bar promotions are important for creating and maintaining brand image, and are generally targeted at a young adult audience. Several measures of the success of these promotions are used, including number of individuals exposed to the promotion, number of promotional items given away, and increased sales of a particular brand during and after the promotion.

Conclusion: Bar promotions position cigarettes as being part of a glamorous lifestyle that includes attendance at nightclubs and bars, and appear to be highly successful in increasing sales of particular brands.
The acceptance of a new breeding male into a wild wolf pack
Authors: Stahler Daniel R , Smith Douglas W , Landis Robert
Published: January 2010

The acceptance of an unfamiliar male wolf (Canis lupus) into a wolf pack after the recent death of the pack's alpha male was observed and filmed at close range in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, U.S.A. A 2½-year-old dispersing male from a neighboring pack was accepted as a new pack member over the course of a 6-h interaction. This observation involved stereotyped behaviors and canid body posturing in association with dominance/submission, play solicitation, and courtship. Although documented before via radiotelemetry, this interaction marks the first direct observation of a wild wolf pack accepting and incorporating a strange wolf as a breeder and pack leader.
Do male sticklebacks prefer females with red ornamentation?
Authors: Nordeide Jarle Tryti
Published: January 2010

In general, females are less ornamented than males and until recently female ornaments have been regarded as non-adaptive correlated effects of selection on males. This view is challenged and the alternative hypothesis that females' ornaments have evolved independently of male showiness, by intersexual selection for example, is supported. I tested these hypotheses experimentally using threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) from a population in which both sexes have red pelvic spines. Two females differing in red spine colour extravagance were presented simultaneously to a male under white and green light, and the male's courtship activity towards each female was quantified. Green light prevented the use of red cues by sticklebacks. The results show that red colour on the pelvic spines of female sticklebacks has value as a signal to males in this population, and males actually courted females with drab pelvic spines more than females whose pelvic spines had a redder hue, but only when illuminated by white light. The interpretation that best accounts for this result is that spine colour has a strong function in malemale aggressive interactions. This interpretation favours the hypothesis of non-adaptive correlation that has been proposed to explain the evolution of red spines in female sticklebacks.
Effects of fasting and refeeding on metabolic processes in the crabChasmagnathus granulata(Dana, 1851)
Authors: Vinagre Anapaula S , Da Silva Roselis S.M
Published: January 2010

We assessed the effects of 3 weeks of fasting and 48 h of refeeding on the incorporation of [14C]-labeled substrate into glucose, glycogen, lipid, and protein in hepatopancreas, muscle, and gills from the crab Chasmagnathus granulata. Fasting did not change the rate of glycogen and lipid synthesis in the three tissues. Neither fasting nor refeeding affected hemolymph glucose levels. Refeeding induced a reduction in glycogen synthesis in gills, but did not affect glycogen synthesis in hepatopancreas and muscle. Fasting did not affect lipogenesis in hepatopancreas, but refeeding elevated [14C]-lipid twofold. Muscle lipogenesis was not affected by fasting or refeeding. Gluconeogenesis in the three tissues was not modified by fasting. Refeeding induced an increase in the glucose-synthesis capacity only in muscle. Fasting did not affect glyconeogenesis in hepatopancreas and gills, but induced a reduction in glycogen synthesis in muscle. Muscle-protein synthesis was not affected by fasting; however, refeeding induced a reduction in [14C]-protein. Our data show that C. granulata is a fasting-adapted animal which is able to maintain metabolic homeostasis, and that following refeeding there is an adjustment of anabolic-synthesis processes to recover metabolic reserves that were lost during fasting.
Nocturnal and diurnal foraging behaviour of brown bears (Ursus arctos) on a salmon stream in coastal British Columbia
Authors: Klinka D R , Reimchen T E
Published: January 2010

Brown bears (Ursus arctos) have been reported to be primarily diurnal throughout their range in North America. Recent studies of black bears during salmon migration indicate high levels of nocturnal foraging with high capture efficiencies during darkness. We investigated the extent of nocturnal foraging by brown bears during a salmon spawning migration at Knight Inlet in coastal British Columbia, using night-vision goggles. Adult brown bears were observed foraging equally during daylight and darkness, while adult females with cubs, as well as subadults, were most prevalent during daylight and twilight but uncommon during darkness. We observed a marginal trend of increased capture efficiency with reduced light levels (day, 20%; night, 36%) that was probably due to the reduced evasive behaviour of the salmon. Capture rates averaged 3.9 fish/h and differed among photic regimes (daylight, 2.1 fish/h; twilight, 4.3 fish/h; darkness, 8.3 fish/h). These results indicate that brown bears are highly successful during nocturnal foraging and exploit this period during spawning migration to maximize their consumption rates of an ephemeral resource.
The link between sexual dimorphism, activity budgets, and group cohesion: the case of the plains zebra (Equus burchelli)
Authors: Neuhaus P , Ruckstuhl K E
Published: January 2010

Animals that differ in reproductive status and body size have different needs in terms of foraging and resting. In most social ungulates this leads to sexual segregation, probably because of incompatibilities between the activity budgets of males and females. Since most studies on behavioural differences between the sexes have been done on sexually dimorphic species, we decided to look at a system in which males and females are similar in body size. We studied time budgets, synchrony of behaviour, and bite rates of plains zebras (Equus burchelli) to evaluate the factors that enable these extremely social ungulates to stay in stable mixed-sex family groups throughout the year. As we predicted, time budgets were similar among males, lactating females, pregnant females, and non-reproductive females. Furthermore, we observed close synchronization of behaviours between females that differed in reproductive status and males. Lactating females, however, did take more bites per minute when foraging than either pregnant or non-reproducing females or males. We assume that the higher bite rates of lactating females were due to the extra costs of producing milk for their foal. We concluded that the special harem mating system, and for females the year-round possibility of conceiving, force the animals to synchronize their time budgets, which might be a major reason for the lack of difference in body size between males and females.
Geometry of social relationships in the Old World wood mouse,Apodemus sylvaticus
Authors: Polechová Jitka , Stopka Pavel
Published: January 2010

Pilot studies in England by Stopka and Macdonald revealed that allogrooming in the Old World wood mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus, is a commodity that males can trade for reproductive benefits with females. This study, which used a combination of field study and observations in experimental enclosures, revealed that specific experimental conditions such as group-size and sex-ratio manipulations have a significant effect on the pattern of allogrooming exchanged between individuals. Furthermore, females from the Czech population were more likely to associate with each other as revealed by the clustering of activity centers of females (i.e., as opposed to almost exclusive ranges in English populations), and also by the higher intensity of allogrooming exchanged between females (i.e., virtually lacking in the previous experiment with English mice). Therefore, geographic variation and specific social conditions seem to be important driving factors for allogrooming behavior. Together with changes in overall grooming patterns, allogrooming between males and females remained invariably asymmetrical over all four experimental groups (i.e., two conditions for each sex) in that males provided more allogrooming to females than they received from them.
Trade-offs between molt and immune activity in two populations of house sparrows (Passer domesticus)
Authors: Martin II Lynn B
Published: January 2010

Molt and immune defense are critical activities in which all birds must invest. Because each is costly, wild passerines may have to decrease their investment in one activity if they are to increase investments to others. Here, I studied such moltimmune trade-offs in one neotropical and one north-temperate population of house sparrows (Passer domesticus (L., 1758)). I included two populations in my study to investigate if moltimmune trade-offs in this species are phenotypically plastic or fixed. I expected that if they were fixed, then immune activity, molt, and immunemolt trade-offs would be distinct between populations after they were kept in captivity for 1 year under similar conditions. I found evidence for moltimmune trade-offs in house sparrows. Feather growth was inversely related to cutaneous immune activity to phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Furthermore, feather growth 3 weeks post immune challenge was lower in immune-challenged birds relative to saline-injected controls. However, there was no effect of population of origin on these patterns, or the rate of molt or PHA response at this time of year in each population. Thus, while house sparrows probably do face trade-offs between molt and immune activity in the wild, any variation in these trade-offs between populations are likely plastic responses to different environments.
Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) maternity denning habitat in western Hudson Bay: a bottom-up approach to resource selection functions
Authors: Richardson Evan , Stirling Ian , Hik David S
Published: January 2010

We examined habitat characteristics of 101 polar bear (Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774) den sites and 83 adjacent unoccupied sites in western Hudson Bay, Canada, between mid-August and early October 2001 and 2002. Bears denned almost exclusively in peat banks (n = 100) along the edges of creeks, rivers, and lakes adjacent to open lichen tundra sites. Den sites differed from unoccupied sites by having greater tree cover (P = 0.002), less moss cover (P < 0.001), and less herbaceous cover (P = 0.005). The presence of tree roots improved substrate stability, providing support to den structures. Den entrance azimuths were weighted toward a southeasterly aspect (P < 0.005), away from the prevailing northwest winds. To identify habitats with the greatest relative probability of having a den, a resource selection function (RSF) model was developed using remote sensing imagery and 1245 known den locations. High normalized difference vegetation index and brightness values derived from Landsat imagery, which were in close proximity to water, corresponded well with polar bear den sites. Identification of critical denning areas through the use of RSF will provide resource managers with a valuable tool for ensuring the protection of denning habitat, and consequently female bears and their young.
Winter browsing of moose on two different willow species: food selection in relation to plant chemistry and plant response
Authors: Stolter Caroline , Ball John P , Julkunen-Tiitto Riitta , Lieberei Reinhard , Ganzhorn Jörg U
Published: January 2010

We investigated the selection criteria of moose, Alces alces (L., 1758), feeding on two willow species, Salix phylicifolia L. and Salix myrsinifolia Salisb., and whether these willows respond chemically. We correlated winter twig browsing with the concentrations of primary and secondary plant compounds in twigs and new leaves. Furthermore, we investigated 12 specific phenolics in twigs of S. phylicifolia. During winter, moose browsed twigs with low concentrations of phenolic compounds. Additionally, we found significant negative correlations between browsing and the concentration of 7 of the 12 specific phenolic compounds in S. phylicifolia. Most importantly, even though ours was a field study and had many potential sources of variation, a multivariate analysis revealed that these specific phenolics predicted 47% of the variation in moose browsing. The two willows reacted in different chemical ways to moose browsing, but both showed signs of defensive response in early spring and compensation growth in summer. Our data demonstrate the importance of plant secondary chemicals for feeding behaviour of moose and underline the importance of working at a species level in studies of plantanimal interactions, especially with the chemically heterogeneous willows.
Long-term decline in white-tailed deer browse supply: can lichens and litterfall act as alternative food sources that preclude density-dependent feedbacks
Authors: Tremblay Jean-Pierre , Thibault Isabel , Dussault Christian , Huot Jean , Côté Steeve D
Published: January 2010

Selective browsing by cervids has persistent impacts on forest ecosystems. On Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada, introduced white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780)) have caused massive changes to the native boreal forest. Despite the apparent stability of the deer population over recent decades, we suspected that they were not at equilibrium with their browse supply and that further degradation of the habitat had occurred. A comparison of two browse surveys conducted 25 years apart showed a strong decline in browse availability. Although balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) P. Mill.) remained the most available browse species, it declined or disappeared from most stands (n = 13). Preferred deciduous species that were still available 25 years ago have almost disappeared. The continuous decline of the browse supply confirmed our hypothesis. This situation may be exacerbated by a subsidy from the winter litterfall, a significant and stable alternative food source. The abundance of litterfall from mature trees is independent of browsing over a long time period, which introduces a temporal uncoupling between the impact of deer browsing on balsam fir seedlings and the negative feedback from recruitment failure of mature balsam fir on the deer population. This means that the system is susceptible to being forced into an alternative regime.
Limits on egg predation by Richardson's ground squirrels
Authors: Michener Gail R
Published: January 2010

To test the inference, arising from circumstantial evidence, that Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii (Sabine, 1822)) frequently depredate eggs of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus (Bonaparte, 1827)), gape size was measured and the response of free-living squirrels to three sizes of eggs was observed. Maximum gape measured on carcasses was 26 mm and functional gape assessed from tooth imprints in artificial clay eggs was 17 mm. Squirrels left imprints in 46 of 110 clay eggs, but whether tested with domestic fowl (Gallus gallus (L., 1758)) or ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus L., 1758) eggs that approximated the maximum width of sage-grouse eggs or with much smaller Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica Temminck and Schlegel, 1849) eggs that approximated maximum gape, no squirrels (28 adults and at least 28 juveniles) spontaneously depredated eggs, even after multiple exposures. When re-tested with damaged eggs, 15 of 16 adult females scavenged contents, though usually not on their first exposure. After scavenging damaged eggs, 2 of 12 squirrels opened a few intact eggs, but only quail eggs and usually only if the shell was rough. Although Richardson's ground squirrels are potential scavengers of large damaged eggs and likely they could depredate small eggs, the inference from circumstantial evidence that they are major predators of greater sage-grouse eggs remains unsubstantiated.
Relationship between habitat distribution, growth rate, and plasticity in congeneric larval dragonflies
Authors: McCauley S J
Published: January 2010

The relationship between habitat distribution, growth rate, and plasticity was examined in the larvae of three species of dragonfly in the genus Libellula L., 1758. Growth rates were compared under three conditions: in the absence of predation risk, in the presence of sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque, 1819; Pisciformes: Centrachidae), and in the presence of invertebrate predators. I assessed how the habitat distributions of the three species of dragonfly, specifically how commonly they occur with fish, were related to growth rates and to the level of growth plasticity under different levels of perceived predation risk. There was a negative relationship between growth rate and the frequency with which species coexist with sunfish. Growth-rate plasticity was limited and does not appear to be important in determining the ability of species to coexist with alternative top predator types. Only one species exhibited growth-rate plasticity, decreasing growth in response to the predator with which it most commonly coexists but not to the species which poses the greatest predation risk. A comparison of growth rates and activity levels in the presence and absence of these predators suggests that growth and activity level parallel each other in these species.
Priority effects and desert anuran communities
Authors: Dayton G H , Fitzgerald L A
Published: January 2010

The roles of priority effects and predation in structuring anuran communities have not been considered important in desert environments characterized by highly ephemeral pools and anuran species that breed synchronously. Predation is one mechanism that can set the stage for priority effects to be important, especially in ephemeral pools where resources are limiting and densities are high. We observed oophagy by Scaphiopus couchii Baird, 1854 on eggs of Bufo speciosus Girard, 1854 in the field and conducted laboratory experiments to test the hypothesis that S. couchii tadpoles would reduce B. speciosus survivorship via predation. Three-day-old S. couchii tadpoles reduced hatching success of B. speciosus eggs by nearly 90%. When S. couchii and B. speciosus eggs were laid the same day, S. couchii tadpoles reduced B. speciosus egg survivorship by 56%. Our results indicate that priority effects and predation may play an important role in influencing species composition of anuran assemblages in desert regions. Our study provides more support for the need to reevaluate the current paradigm in aquatic ecology that suggests predation does not play a role in structuring community assemblages in highly ephemeral pools.
FIRST DIGIT DISTRIBUTION OF HADRON FULL WIDTH
Authors: SHAO LIJING , MA BO-QIANG
Published: January 2010

A phenomenological law, called Benford's law, states that the occurrence of the first digit, i.e. 1, 2,…, 9, of numbers from many real world sources is not uniformly distributed, but instead favors smaller ones according to a logarithmic distribution. We investigate, for the first time, the first digit distribution of the full widths of mesons and baryons in the well-defined science domain of particle physics systematically, and find that they agree excellently with the Benford distribution. We also discuss several general properties of Benford's law, i.e. the law is scale-invariant, base-invariant and power-invariant. This means that the lifetimes of hadrons also follow Benford's law.
COVARIANT TWO-POINT FUNCTION FOR MASSLESS SPIN-2 FIELD IN DE SITTER SPACE
Authors: DEHGHANI M.
Published: January 2010

The linearized gravitational field equation in de Sitter (dS) four-dimensional space is gauge invariant under some special gauge transformations. It is also gauge invariant in ambient space notations in which the field equation is written in terms of the Casimir operators of dS group. In this paper the field equation is solved in terms of a gauge-fixed value (i.e. in the minimal case). It is shown that the solution can be written as the multiplication of a generalized symmetric rank-2 polarization tensor and a massless minimally coupled scalar field in ambient space notations. The two-point function is calculated in ambient space notations, which is dS-invariant and free of any divergences. This two-point function has been expressed in terms of dS intrinsic coordinates, from its ambient space counterpart, which is clearly dS-invariant and free of any divergences again.
SELF-GRAVITATING ASTROPHYSICAL MASS WITH SINGULAR CENTRAL DENSITY VIBRATING IN FUNDAMENTAL MODE
Authors: BASTRUKOV S. I. , CHANG H.-K. , WU E.-H. , MOLODTSOVA I. V.
Published: January 2010

The fluid-dynamical model of a self-gravitating mass of viscous liquid with singular density at the center vibrating in fundamental mode is considered in juxtaposition with that for Kelvin fundamental mode in a homogeneous heavy mass of incompressible inviscid liquid. Particular attention is given to the difference between spectral formulas for the frequency and lifetime of f-mode in the singular and homogeneous models. The newly obtained results are discussed in the context of theoretical asteroseismology of pre-white dwarf stage of red giants and stellar cocoons — spherical gas-dust clouds with dense star-forming core at the center.
Dual Assessment of Data Quality in Customer Databases
Authors: Even Adir , Shankaranarayanan G.
Published: January 2010

Quantitative assessment of data quality is critical for identifying the presence of data defects and the extent of the damage due to these defects. Quantitative assessment can help define realistic quality improvement targets, track progress, evaluate the impacts of different solutions, and prioritize improvement efforts accordingly. This study describes a methodology for quantitatively assessing both impartial
and
contextual data quality in large datasets. Impartial assessment measures the extent to which a dataset is defective, independent of the context in which that dataset is used. Contextual assessment, as defined in this study, measures the extent to which the presence of defects reduces a dataset’s utility, the benefits gained by using that dataset in a specific context. The dual assessment methodology is demonstrated in the context of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), using large data samples from real-world datasets. The results from comparing the two assessments offer important insights for directing quality maintenance efforts and prioritizing quality improvement solutions for this dataset. The study describes the steps and the computation involved in the dual-assessment methodology and discusses the implications for applying the methodology in other business contexts and data environments.
A call for social tagging datasets
Authors: Körner Christian , Strohmaier Markus
Published: January 2010

Tagging represents a new, user-driven form of indexing and labeling resources on the web. The notion of "social tagging" usually refers to web-based systems that are supporting users in collaboratively tagging and sharing resources, such as Delicious, Flickr and others. In recent years, social tagging systems have emerged as an interesting alternative to labeling and linking resources on the web. This development has created an interesting opportunity for the Hypertext research community to gain new perspectives and understanding about the dynamics and nature of tagging and linking in large scale, participative Hypertext systems.
Gas Cooled Fast Reactor Research and Development in the European Union
Authors: Stainsby Richard , Peers Karen , Mitchell Colin , Poette Christian , Mikityuk Konstantin , Somers Joe
Published: January 2010

Gas‐cooled fast reactor (GFR) research is directed towards fulfilling the ambitious goals of Generation IV (Gen IV), that is, to develop a safe, sustainable, reliable, proliferation‐resistant and economic nuclear energy system. The research is directed towards developing the GFR as an economic electricity generator, with good safety and sustainability characteristics. Fast reactors maximise the usefulness of uranium resources by breeding plutonium and can contribute to minimising both the quantity and radiotoxicity nuclear waste by actinide transmutation in a closed fuel cycle. Transmutation is particularly effective in the GFR core owing to its inherently hard neutron spectrum. Further, GFR is suitable for hydrogen production and process heat applications through its high core outlet temperature. As such GFR can inherit the non‐electricity applications that will be developed for thermal high temperature reactors in a sustainable manner.
The Euratom organisation provides a route by which researchers in all European states, and other non‐European affiliates, can contribute to the Gen IV GFR system.
This paper summarises the achievements of Euratom′s research into the GFR system, starting with the 5th Framework programme (FP5) GCFR project in 2000, through FP6 (2005 to 2009) and looking ahead to the proposed activities within the 7th Framework Programme (FP7).
CyARM: Haptic Sensing Device for Spatial Localization on Basis of Exploration by Arms
Authors: Akita Junichi , komatsu Takanori , Ito Kiyohide , Ono Tetsuo , Okamoto Makoto
Published: January 2010

We introduce a new type of perception aid device based on user′s exploration action, which is named as CyARM (acronym of “Cyber Arm”). The user holds this device in her/his arm, the extension of the arm is controlled by tension in wires, which are attached to her/his body according to the distance to the object. This user interface has unique characteristics that give users the illusion of an imaginary arm that extends to existing objects. The implementations of CyARM and our two experiments to investigate the efficiency and effectiveness of CyARM are described. The results show that we could confirm that CyARM can be used to recognize the presence of an object in front of the user and to measure the relative distance to the object.
Long-Term Stability of Serum Sodium in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Peixoto Aldo J. , Gowda Nayan , Parikh Chirag R. , Santos Sergio F.F.
Published: January 2010

Background: A direct relationship between dialysate-to-plasma sodium gradient, blood pressure and interdialytic weight gain exists in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study was to delineate the long-term variability of serum sodium in HD patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of serum sodium and other analytes routinely evaluated in 100 stable chronic HD patients observed for 12 months. Results: Individual levels across the cohort varied from 122 to 145 mM, but 12-month intraindividual coefficients of variation for sodium were low (pre-HD = 1.6%; post-HD = 1.8%) with overall variability similar to that related to laboratory assay variability especially when compared with other analytes (3.1–30.8%). Pre-HD serum sodium had a trend toward hyponatremia (mean 136 ± 0.8 mM). Conclusion: Serum sodium is stable over time in HD patients. Pre-HD serum sodium may be used as a parameter for individualizing dialysate sodium prescription.
Effect of Catheter-Lock Solutions on Catheter-Related Infection and Inflammatory Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients: Heparin versus Citrate 46% versus Heparin/Gentamicin
Authors: Venditto Marcia , Tezenas du Montcel Sophie , Robert Jérôme , Trystam David , Dighiero Jean , Hue Danièle , Bessette Christelle , Deray Gilbert , Mercadal Lucile
Published: January 2010

Background and Objective: Prevention strategies are emerging with the use of catheter-lock solutions (CLS) to prevent catheter-related infections. We compared 3 CLS: heparin, citrate (46%) and heparin/gentamicin (H/G). Design, setting and participants: Three periods of 6 months using the three CLS were compared. Results: 265 catheters were studied. The CRI rate per 1,000 catheter-days was 2.9 for heparin, 3.4 for citrate and 0.4 for H/G. The free-infection catheter survival tended to be higher with H/G (log-rank test, p = 0.06) and the CRP had a significant decreasing course (p = 0.03). Since 2006 H/G was used as CLS in our dialysis unit. The resistance to gentamicin of Enterobacteriaceae increased in the nephrology department and in the entire hospital. On the other hand, the resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to gentamicin dropped to nil. Conclusion: CLS with heparin/gentamicin tended to decrease CRI compared to citrate 46% and heparin and frankly improved the CRP course after catheter insertion. Gentamicin resistance should be monitored.
Vulvar Lymphoedematous Pseudotumours Mistaken for Aggressive Angiomyxoma: Report of Two Cases
Authors: D’Antonio Antonio , Caleo Alessia , Boscaino Amedeo , Mossetti Gennaro , Iannantuoni Nicola
Published: January 2010

Background: We describe 2 cases of vulvar pseudotumour due to lymphatic obstruction with chronic lymphoedema of unknown cause that presented as a solitary mass that mimicked aggressive angiomyxoma. Material and Methods: Both patients presented with a vulvar mass without medical history of trauma, surgery in the anogenital region or skin diseases. One patient was overweight (BMI = 26). Both surgically resected vulvar specimens were represented by a polypoid mass with a soft and a gelatinous cut surface. Results: Histologically, the presence of an abundant oedematous stroma with spindle-shaped cells and numerous thin-walled small-to-medium vessels may be confused with an aggressive angiomyxoma. The diagnostic key was represented by the massive oedema, rather than myxoid stroma, with the presence of dilated, tortuous lymphatic channels (some surrounded by clusters of lymphocytes) in the dermis. Conclusion: The recognition of these lesions is important because they may be the cause of problems in differential diagnosis and therapeutic management. In fact, such lesions can be mistaken from both the clinical and histological perspective as a primitive tumour of the vulva-like aggressive angiomyxoma. However, these lesions are not true neoplasms and are likely due to lymphatic obstruction with lymphoedema. A simple surgical excision with vulvoplasty is curative.
Comparison of Modified Biophysical Profile and Doppler Ultrasound in Predicting the Perinatal Outcome at or over 36 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Bardakci Mehmet , Balci Osman , Acar Ali , Colakoglu Mehmet Cengiz
Published: January 2010

Aims: In this study, modified biophysical profile (MBP) and uterine and umbilical artery Doppler ultrasonographic (USG) analysis were compared in predicting the perinatal outcome of pregnancies at ≧36 weeks. Methods: Three hundred and fifteen pregnant women were included in this study. Following routine examination, amniotic fluid index, uterine and umbilical artery Doppler indices were evaluated. Nonstress test (NST) was done and MBP was generated. Non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS), perinatal mortality, 5-min APGAR score and umbilical artery pH results were used in evaluating the perinatal outcome. Results: In groups with abnormal MBP and Doppler analysis the results of all parameters were bad. The statistical difference between the groups of normal and abnormal MBP and Doppler analysis was significant. In predicting the NRFS, MBP sensitivity was 60%, umbilical artery Doppler was 50% and uterine artery Doppler was 30%. In case of combination of findings of MBP and umbilical artery Doppler, the sensitivity rose to 70%. Conclusion: MBP was proved to be more significant than Doppler analysis in prediction of NRFS and perinatal results, but the sensitivity was increased when both were combined, so combination of MBP and Doppler analysis instead of MBP alone is more significant in antenatal assessment.