bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Kinetic Analysis of Reaction Curve with a Proper Classical Approach for Enzymatic Analysis
Authors: Yang Xiaolan , Long Gaobo , Jiang Hairong , Liao Pu , Liao Fei
Published: May 2012

For enzymatic analysis to quantify a substrate or enzyme, kinetic analysis of reaction curve can be integrated with a proper classical approach. For their integration, they should have consistent slopes and intercepts of linear response and an overlapped region of analyte quantities measurable under optimized conditions. To quantify a substrate after optimizations of tool enzyme activity and reaction duration, the equilibrium method works when the reaction is completed within the reaction duration; otherwise, kinetic analysis of reaction curve applies providing at least seven data with sufficient consumption of substrate. To quantify an enzyme after optimizations of initial substrate concentration and reaction duration, the classical initial rate method works when an estimated initial rate locates within the linear range; otherwise, kinetic analysis of reaction curve applies after the conversion of the quantification index with optimized parameters. This integration strategy has ideal linear ranges and practical efficiency for quantifying an enzyme at moderate substrate levels and for quantifying a substrate at moderate cost on tool enzyme; it has promise to simultaneous assays of multiple enzymes in one reaction vessel each time and ,thus, potential applications to concurrently quantify multiple serum enzymes, screen inhibitors against multiple enzyme targets, and detect multiple serum components by enzymeimmunoassay.
Climate Impacts of Deforestation/Land-Use Changes in Central South America in the PRECIS Regional Climate Model: Mean Precipitation and Temperature Response to Present and Future Deforestation Scenarios
Authors: Canziani Pablo O. , Carbajal Benitez Gerardo
Published: May 2012

Deforestation/land-use changes are major drivers of regional climate change in central South America, impacting upon Amazonia and Gran Chaco ecoregions. Most experimental and modeling studies have focused on the resulting perturbations within Amazonia. Using the Regional Climate Model PRECIS, driven by ERA-40 reanalysis and ECHAM4 Baseline model for the period 1961–2000 (40-year runs), potential effects of deforestation/land-use changes in these and other neighboring ecoregions are evaluated. Current 2002 and estimated 2030 land-use scenarios are used to assess PRECIS's response during 1960–2000. ERA-40 and ECHAM4 Baseline driven runs yield similar results. Precipitation changes for 2002 and 2030 land-use scenarios, while significant within deforested areas, do not result in significant regional changes. For temperature significant changes are found within deforested areas and beyond, with major temperature enhancements during winter and spring. Given the current climate, primary effects of deforestation/land-use changes remain mostly confined to the tropical latitudes of Gran Chaco, and Amazonia.
Use of Fertigation and Municipal Solid Waste Compost for Greenhouse Pepper Cultivation
Authors: Tzortzakis Nikos , Gouma Sofia , Dagianta Eleni , Saridakis Christos , Papamichalaki Maria , Goumas Dimitrios , Manios Thrassyvoulos
Published: May 2012

Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) and/or fertigation used in greenhouse pepper (Capsicum annuumL.) cultivation with five different substrates with soil (S) and/or MSWC mixtures (0–5–10–20–40%) used with or without fertigation. Plants growth increased in 10–20% MSWC and fertigation enhanced mainly the plant height. Fruit number increased in S : MSWC 80 : 20 without fertilizer. Plant biomass increased as MSWC content increased. There were no differences regarding leaf fluoresces and plant yield. The addition of MSWC increased nutritive value (N, K, P, organic matter) of the substrate resulting in increased EC. Fruit fresh weight decreased (up to 31%) as plants grown in higher MSWC content. Fruit size fluctuated when different MSWC content used into the soil and the effects were mainly in fruit diameter rather than in fruit length. Interestingly, the scale of marketable fruits reduced as MSWC content increased into the substrate but addition of fertilizer reversed this trend and maintained the fruit marketability. MSWC affected quality parameters and reduced fruit acidity, total phenols but increased fruit lightness. No differences observed in fruit dry matter content, fruit firmness, green colour, total soluble sugars and EC of peppers and bacteria (total coliform andE. coli) units. Low content of MSWC improved plant growth and maintained fruit fresh weight for greenhouse pepper without affecting plant yield, while fertigation acted beneficially.
A Genetic Approach to Spanish Populations of the ThreatenedAustropotamobius italicusLocated at Three Different Scenarios
Authors: Matallanas Beatriz , Callejas Carmen , Ochando M. Dolores
Published: May 2012

Spanish freshwater ecosystems are suffering great modification and some macroinvertebrates likeAustropotamobius italicus, the white-clawed crayfish, are threatened. This species was once widely distributed in Spain, but its populations have shown a very strong decline over the last thirty years, due to different factors. Three Spanish populations of this crayfish—from different scenarios—were analysed with nuclear (microsatellites) and mitochondrial markers (COIand16S rDNA). Data analyses reveal the existence of four haplotypes at mitochondrial level and polymorphism for four microsatellite loci. Despite this genetic variability, bottlenecks were detected in the two natural Spanish populations tested. In addition, the distribution of the mitochondrial haplotypes and SSR alleles show a similar geographic pattern and the genetic differentiation between these samples is mainly due to genetic drift. Given the current risk status of the species across its range, this diversity offers some hope for the species from a management point of view.
Application of HPLC Combined with Laser Induced Fluorescence for Protein Profile Analysis of Tissue Homogenates in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Bhat Sujatha , Patil Ajeetkumar , Rai Lavanya , Kartha V. B. , Chidangil Santhosh
Published: May 2012

A highly objective method, High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Laser Induced Fluorescence (HPLC-LIF) technique was used to study the protein profiles of normal and cervical cancer tissue homogenates. A total of 44 samples including normal cervical biopsy samples from the hysterectomy patients and the patients suffering from different stages of the cervical cancer were recorded by HPLC-LIF and analysed by Principle Component Analysis (PCA) to get statistical information on different tissue components. Discrimination of different stages of the samples was carried out by considering three parameters—scores of factor, spectral residual, and Mahalanobis Distance. Diagnostic accuracy of the method was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, and Youden's index(J)plots. The PCA results showed high sensitivity and specificity (∼100) for cervical cancer diagnosis. ROC and Youden's index curves for both normal and malignant standard sets show good diagnostic accuracy with high AUC values. The statistical analysis has shown that the differences in protein profiles can be used to diagnose biochemical changes in the tissue, and thus can be readily applied for the detection of cervical cancer, even in situations where a histopathology examination is not easy because of nonavailability of experienced pathologists.
Evolutionary Pattern of Asian HIV-1 Subtype B from 1990 to 2007:In SilicoAnalysis Based on Envelop Protein
Authors: Kanwal Sobia , Mahmood Tariq
Published: May 2012

HIV-1 envelop gene is a major target for vaccine development. Envelop protein and its V3 loop is shown to be important determinant of HIV-1 pathogenecity. Herein, the evolutionary pattern of most prevalent HIV-1 subtype B in Asia is determined by analyzing envelop protein and V3 domain based on the 40 randomly selected sequences of HIV-1 from database (Los Alamos), divided into four groups since 1990–2007. Construction of envelop protein phylogeny by using MEGA 5 exhibit the active mutation pattern, increase in potential N-glycosylation sites which were predicted by using online software SignalP-NN. An online available tool Drawgram was used for multiple sequence alignment (MSA) of HIV-1 subtype B envelop region and V3 loop while the alignment was rechecked by using CLUSTAL W and further was analyzed for GPGX motif and conserved region in V3 loop. Variation at fourth position of the GPGX motif and 60% conservation was found in V3 loop. Hence, this diversifying pattern of envelop protein in the Asia formulates the HIV-1 strains more pathogenic during the period of 17 years. These findings might help in understanding significant structural and functional constrains of the mutant viral strains and ultimately in vaccine development.
Single-crystal CVD diamonds as small-angle X-ray scattering windows for high-pressure research
Authors: Wang Suntao , Meng Yu-fei , Ando Nozomi , Tate Mark , Krasnicki Szczesny , Yan Chih-shiue , Liang Qi , Lai Joseph , Mao Ho-kwang , Gruner Sol M. , Hemley Russell J.
Published: May 2012

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was performed on single-crystal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamonds with low nitrogen concentrations, which were fabricated by microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition at high growth rates. High optical quality undoped 500 µm-thick single-crystal CVD diamonds grown without intentional nitrogen addition proved to be excellent as windows on SAXS cells, yielding parasitic scattering no more intense than a 7.5 µm-thick Kapton film. A single-crystal CVD diamond window was successfully used in a high-pressure SAXS cell.
A compact, transportable, thermoelectrically cooled cold stage for reflection geometry X-ray powder diffraction
Authors: Wood Ian G. , Hughes N. J. , Browning F. , Fortes A. D.
Published: May 2012

A cold stage for Bragg–Brentano geometry X-ray powder diffraction is described for use in the temperature range from about 250 to 300 K. The stage is constructed in such a way that it may be removed from the diffractometer and pre-cooled to its base temperature before the sample is loaded. After loading, thermoelectric cooling maintains the specimen at low temperature (ice free) whilst the body of the stage is allowed to return to room temperature prior to remounting on the diffractometer.
Simple inversion formula for the small-angle X-ray scattering intensity from polydisperse systems of spheres
Authors: Botet Robert , Cabane Bernard
Published: May 2012

A practical inversion method to calculate the size distribution of colloidal homogeneous particles from small-angle scattering experiments is presented. It is based on the analysis of the deviations of the scattering signal from the Porod law. The resulting inversion formula provides a reliable way to assess complex size distributions such as power-law, multimodal or very broad distributions. It is particularly suitable for colloidal dispersions that have a substantial fraction of very small particles. These cases correspond to large deviations from the Porod law over a broad range of scattering vector values,q. Shannon's theorem gives a way to obtain the maximum amount of information concerning the size distribution, without requiring an arbitrary extrapolation of the data beyond the availableqrange. It is demonstrated that this protocol yields a calculated distribution of particle sizes that is stable.
Growth and electro-elastic properties of K(H1−xDx)2PO4single crystals
Authors: Liu Baoan , Yin Xin , Sun Xun , Xu Mingxia , Ji Shaohua , Xu Xinguang , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: May 2012

A series of K(H1−xDx)2PO4crystals were grown from deuterated aqueous solution by using a point-seed rapid-growth method. The elastic, piezoelectric and dielectric constants of these crystals were determined using the resonance technique and impedance analysis, respectively. The elastic compliance constants11measured in this experiment is larger than that in previous experiments, and the reliability of the results presented herein has been verified. These results show that, with increasing content of deuterium,s11,s44,s66,d36,e36andk36are gradually increased, whereass12,s13,s33,d14,e14andk14have no demonstrable variation. The reasons for the composition dependence of these constants were analyzed based on the variation of the crystal structures resolved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
ISODEC: software for calculating diffraction elastic constants
Authors: Gnäupel-Herold Thomas
Published: May 2012

A program is introduced that calculates diffraction elastic constants for the Reuss, modified Voigt, Hill, Kröner and inverse Kröner models. For materials with preferred orientation it uses the orientation distribution function (ODF) to calculate the anisotropic stress factors. The ODF is read in text format as output from the freely available texture programspopLAandMTEX. The software also calculates the orientation-dependent mixing ratios of intensities of overlapped reflections, anisotropic bulk constants, and stress from lattice strain andvice versa.
Patterson analysis for layer profile determination by neutron or X-ray reflectometry
Authors: Tun Zin
Published: May 2012

The possibility of using Patterson analysis to interpret neutron or X-ray reflectometry data has been critically examined in terms of a hypothetical case study. The technique yields a highly accurate layer profile model provided the data are measured with a beam geometry that gives rise to unit reflectivity atQ= 0 only,i.e.Qc= 0. For those cases where a plateau of unit reflectivity extends out to finiteQ,i.e.Qc> 0, a distorted model is obtained. A strategy to significantly improve this initial estimate of the model is proposed and demonstrated.
Helical screw type magnetic structure of the multiferroic CaMn7O12 with low Cu-doping
Authors: Sławiński W. , Przeniosło R. , Sosnowska I. , Petříček V.
Published: May 2012

The modulated crystal structure and modulated magnetic ordering of the multiferroic CaCu
x
Mn7−x
O12 is studied by analysing neutron and synchrotron-radiation (SR) powder diffraction data with a model based on the magnetic superspace group R31′(00γ)ts. Both atomic position modulations and magnetic modulations are described with the modulation vector (0, 0, q). The magnetic ordering is a screw-type circular helix where the magnetic moments are perpendicular to the c direction. The temperature dependence of the modulation vector length and the ordered magnetic moments of Mn3+ and Mn4+ ions is given between T = 50 K and the Néel temperature T
N ≃ 90 K. The atomic position modulation length L
p and the magnetic modulation length L
m fulfil the relation L
m = 2L
p at all temperatures between 50 K and T
N.
Phase transition at high pressure in Cu2CO3(OH)2 related to the reduction of the Jahn–Teller effect
Authors: Merlini Marco , Perchiazzi Natale , Hanfland Michael , Bossak Alexei
Published: May 2012

Hydroxycarbonates with the general formula Me2(CO3)(OH)2 are widely used materials in industrial processes and are widespread in nature. The Cu term, malachite, Cu2CO3(OH)2, is monoclinic, P21/a. Substitution of Cu2+ with other bivalent cations such as Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu or Ni is possible and leads to a different structure type, rosasite, P21/a or P21/b11 in the same cell setting as malachite. Rosasite structure is topologically similar to malachite, but the symmetry elements are oriented differently with respect to structural units. The stability of the malachite-like structure (MS) compared with the rosasite-like structure (RS) has been suggested to be related to the Jahn–Teller effect in CuO6 coordination polyhedra. For this reason the hypothesis of the phase transition of malachite, Cu2CO3(OH)2, to a rosasite structure at high pressure, as a result of the reduced Jahn–Teller effect, has been tested and confirmed by powder and single-crystal diffraction structural studies: above 6 GPa the malachite structure is no longer stable and transforms to a RS structure. RS Cu2CO3(OH)2 is 3% more dense than malachite and the bulk modulus is remarkably higher, 80 (2) GPa compared with 48 (4) GPa. The longer apical Cu—O bonds in the distorted Me1 octahedral site are progressively shortened with increasing pressure, revealing a decrease in the Jahn–Teller effect at high pressure. The transition has a first-order character, is reversible with a significant hysteresis, and there is no evidence of any intermediate phase between the two structures. We then have further evidence that in the Me2(CO3)(OH)2 compounds, the two main structural types, MS and RS, are closely related. The former structure is stabilized only when Cu is the prevalent cation in the octahedral sites, and it can transform directly to the RS as a function of thermodynamic changes.
Parallel stacking interactions in square-planar transition-metal complexes containing fused chelate and C6-aromatic rings
Authors: Sredojević Dušan N. , Vojislavljević Dubravka Z. , Tomić Zoran D. , Zarić Snežana D.
Published: May 2012

Stacking interactions in the crystal structures of square-planar transition metal complexes from the Cambridge Structural Database with five- and six-membered chelate rings fused with C6-arom rings (arom = aromatic) were analyzed. The distribution of distances between the closest C6-arom–C6-arom and C6-arom–chelate contacts shows that in a large fraction of the intermolecular interactions the C6-arom ring of one molecule is closer to the chelate than to the C6-arom ring of the other molecule. These results indicate a possible preference of the C6-arom ring to form stacking contacts with the chelate rings. The preference is ubiquitous and does not depend on the metal type.
Biochemical and functional characterisation of αPIX, a specific regulator of axonal and dendritic branching in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Totaro Antonio , Tavano Stefania , Filosa Giuseppe , Gärtner Annette , Pennucci Roberta , Santambrogio Paolo , Bachi Angela , Dotti Carlos G. , de Curtis Ivan
Published: May 2012

Background information

PIX proteins are exchange factors for Rac and Cdc42 GTPases that are differentially expressed in the brain, where they are implicated in neuronal morphogenesis. The PIX family includes the two members αPIX and βPIX, and the gene of αPIX is mutated in patients with intellectual disability.

Results

We have analysed the expression of PIX proteins in the developing brain and addressed their role during early hippocampal neuron development. Mass spectrometry identified several βPIX isoforms and a major p75 αPIX isoform in brain and hippocampal cultures. PIX proteins expression increased with time during neuronal differentiation in vitro. The PIX partners GIT1 and GIT2 are also found in brain and their expression was increased during neuronal differentiation. We found that αPIX, but not βPIX, was required for proper hippocampal neuron differentiation, since silencing of αPIX specifically hampered dendritogenesis and axonal branching. Interestingly, the depletion of GIT2 but not GIT1 mimicked the phenotype observed after αPIX knock‐down. Over‐expression of αPIX specifically enhanced dendritic branching, while both αPIX and βPIX over‐expression affected axonal morphology. Again, only over‐expression of GIT2, but not GIT1, affected neuritic morphology.

Conclusions

The results indicate that αPIX and GIT2 are required for neuronal differentiation, and suggest that they are part of the same pathway, while GIT1 and βPIX are dispensable for early hippocampal neurons development.
Visibility conditions and diel period affect small‐scale spatio‐temporal behaviour of pike Esox lucius in the absence of prey and conspecifics
Authors: Nilsson P. A. , Baktoft H. , Boel M. , Meier K. , Jacobsen L. , Rokkjær E. M. , Clausen T. , Skov C.
Published: May 2012

Pike Esox lucius in the absence of prey and conspecifics were shown to have the highest habitat‐change activity during dusk and to decrease preference for complex habitats in turbid water. As the behaviours indicate routine responses in the absence of behavioural interactions, E. lucius spatio‐temporal distributions should be directly affected and thereby more easily assessed and avoided by prey, with potential consequences for encounter rates.
Panmixia in Zoarces viviparus: implications for environmental monitoring studies
Authors: Bergek S. , Franzén F. , Quack M. , Hochkirch A. , Kinitz T. , Prestegaard T. , Appelberg M.
Published: May 2012

In this study, the genetic population structure of the eelpout Zoarces viviparus was investigated by using microsatellites. Samples were collected at 10 sites in the Baltic Sea, covering a distance of c. 90 km. Ten newly developed microsatellite loci were used to infer the population structure. No global spatial genetic differentiation was found (global FST = 0·0001; Dest = −0·0003), indicating strong gene flow at this scale, nor any clear pattern of isolation by distance. The results suggest that gene flow among the studied populations of Z. viviparus is stronger than usually thought, which might be caused by environmental homogeneity. This is important for planning and evaluating monitoring activities in this species and for the interpretation of ecotoxicological studies. Strong migration might lead to wrong conclusions concerning the pollution in a given area. Therefore, reference stations should be placed at a larger distance than presently practiced.
Detection of feeding behaviour in common carp Cyprinus carpio by using an acceleration data logger to identify mandibular movement
Authors: Makiguchi Y. , Sugie Y. , Kojima T. , Naito Y.
Published: May 2012

Miniaturized acceleration data loggers were attached to the lower mandible of common carp Cyprinus carpio to remotely identify feeding behaviour. Whether the acceleration signal could distinguish the quantity and quality of food was also investigated. The frequency and amplitude of the lower mandible stroke, calculated from surging acceleration determined by continuous wavelet transformation, significantly increased during the feeding period compared to that during the non‐feeding period. These characteristic movement patterns were maintained for mean ±s.e. 187·3 ± 38·2 s when the fish were fed a single item of food and for mean ±s.e. 419·3 ± 28·6 s when they consumed multiple items. The dominant cycle and amplitude calculated according to feeding event duration, however, did not differ significantly between the two types of diets the fish consumed. Surging acceleration could detect mean ±s.e. 89·8 ± 13·5% of feeding events, although the false detection rate was mean ±s.e. 25·9 ± 10·9%. The results indicate that the mandible acceleration measurement method could be utilized to detect and record the feeding events in fishes that use a suction feeding mode similar to C. carpio.
Feeding ecology of the American freshwater goby Ctenogobius shufeldti (Gobiidae, Perciformes) in a sub‐tropical estuary
Authors: Contente R. F. , Stefanoni M. F. , Spach H. L.
Published: May 2012

The feeding ecology of the American freshwater goby Ctenogobius shufeldti in a low salinity salt‐marsh habitat in the Paranaguá Bay estuarine complex (Brazil) was assessed through the gut analysis of 632 individuals. The effects of a set of abiotic factors (type of sediment, salinity, temperature and estuarine reach), season and body size on dietary composition were analysed. Seasonal and size‐related changes in feeding strategy, feeding intensity and trophic level were assessed. The effects of gape and body size on prey size use were also analysed. The results showed that C. shufeldti is a typical omnivorous, generalized benthic predator of low trophic levels throughout the seasons and size classes, feeding on 56 dietary items; tanaids, chlorophyte algae, ostracods, gastropods, detritus and benthic diatoms made up the bulk of its diet. The tanaid Kalliapseudes schubarti was the main prey item in both numerical and volumetric terms. The gut fullness was persistently high across the seasons. As expected for a typical generalized, opportunistic omnivorous feeder: (1) seasonal and spatial‐temporal variability of abiotic factors had a significant effect on diet structure, (2) season accounted for most of the dietary variation and (3) diet composition and the size of prey consumed did not vary across the size classes.
Monitoring medicines use: the role of the clinical pharmacologist
Authors: Williams David
Published: May 2012

Appreciation of the potential of newly marketed medicines to produce both benefit and harm has increased the role of the clinical pharmacologist. Pharmacoepidemiology applies epidemiological reasoning, methods and knowledge to the study of the uses and effects of drugs in human populations. Pharmacovigilence identifies and then responds to safety issues about marketed drugs. Whilst adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting systems can identify potential problems with drugs, determination of causation requires population‐based studies of adverse events (including information from large clinical trials), which attempt to link unequivocally the adverse outcome to the drug in question. Pharmacovigilance is closely linked to postmarketing surveillance and is important for determining issues such as the long‐term effects of drugs, identification of low‐frequency ADRs, the effectiveness of drugs for their licensed indications or in new indications and other factors which may modify the efficacy and effectiveness of the drug in question. The related field of drug utilization developed in parallel with the study of adverse drug reactions, in recognition of the dramatic increase in the marketing of new drugs, the wide variations in the patterns and extent of drug prescribing, the growing concern about ADRs and the increasing costs of drugs. With the ever increasing number of recognized adverse effects of drugs, prescribing errors, patients' expectations concerning drug safety and the need for appropriate new drug appraisal, the clinical pharmacologist will play an important role both in the introduction of new drugs and in improving the safe and effective use of established drugs.
Differences between opioids: pharmacological, experimental, clinical and economical perspectives
Authors: Drewes Asbjørn M. , Jensen Rasmus D. , Nielsen Lecia M. , Droney Joanne , Christrup Lona L. , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars , Riley Julia , Dahan Albert
Published: May 2012

Clinical studies comparing the response and side effects of various opioids have not been able to show robust differences between drugs. Hence, recommendations of the regulatory authorities have been driven by costs with a general tendency in many countries to restrict physician's use of opioids to morphine. Although this approach is recognized as cost‐effective in most cases there is solid evidence that, on an individual patient basis, opioids are not all equal. Therefore it is important to have an armamentarium of strong analgesics in clinical practice to ensure a personalized approach in patients who do not respond to standard treatment. In this review we highlight differences between opioids in human studies from a pharmacological, experimental, clinical and health economics point of view. We provide evidence that individuals respond differently to opioids, and that general differences between classes of opioids exist. We recommend that this recognition is used to individualize treatment in difficult cases allowing physicians to have a wide range of treatment options. In the end this will reduce pain and side effects, leading to improved quality of life for the patient and reduce the exploding pain related costs.
Geographic variation in vulnerability to climate warming in a tropical Caribbean lizard
Authors: Gunderson Alex R. , Leal Manuel
Published: May 2012

1. Rising global temperatures are predicted to impact organisms in diverse ways. For ectotherms, recent broad‐scale analyses have predicted global patterns of vulnerability to warming, with tropical species at higher risk of detrimental effects than temperate species. However, vulnerability results from complex interactions between environment, physiology and behaviour. For species that inhabit a diversity of habitat types, these interactions may change across their range.

2. We measured operative thermal environments (Te) and body temperatures (Tb) of the tropical Caribbean lizard Anolis cristatellus at nine sites representing two habitat types: mesic and xeric forest. The thermal sensitivity of whole‐organism physiological performance (i.e. sprint speed) of one mesic and one xeric population was also measured. Thermal and performance data were integrated to determine how habitat thermal variation, behavioural thermoregulation and thermal physiology influence current physiological performance capacity in the field. We then evaluate if habitat suitability and physiological capacity would change assuming climate warming of 3 °C over the next century.

3. The mean Te of the xeric habitat was 4·5 °C warmer than that of the mesic habitat. However, behavioural thermoregulation by xeric lizards led to lesser differences in Tb (3·5 °C) between habitat types. The thermal sensitivity of sprint performance was similar for mesic and xeric lizards, and lizards from both habitats maintain sprint capacities near 100%. Climate warming is predicted to influence mesic and xeric lizards differently. Xeric lizards currently live in a thermal environment near their upper temperature threshold, while mesic lizards do not. As a result, the number of suitable perch sites is predicted to decrease dramatically in the xeric but not the mesic habitat. In addition, the physiological capacity of mesic lizards is predicted to increase by approximately 4%, whereas a decrease of approximately 30% is predicted for xeric lizards.

4. We characterized variation in the current biophysical and ecophysiological conditions experienced by A. cristatellus by integrating fine‐scale measurements of thermal microhabitats with data on body temperatures and physiological performance capacities. These data allowed us to explicitly demonstrate how variation in these parameters can influence population susceptibility to climate warming across a species range and highlight the utility of a mechanistic approach in studies of global climate change.
The impact of delactosed whey permeate treatment on shelf‐life and antioxidant contents of strawberries
Authors: Ahmed Lubna , Martin‐Diana Ana B. , Rico Daniel , Barry‐Ryan Catherine
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of delactosed whey permeate (DWP) treatment on antioxidant and physicochemical properties of strawberries. Fresh strawberries treated with 3% DWP were analysed for different quality, nutritional and microbiological markers during 10 days of storage at 5 °C. The results showed that DWP treatment significantly reduced incidences of decay (70%) and numbers of total aerobic counts (∼1.4 Log10 CFU g−1) and yeast and moulds (∼1.8 Log10 CFU g−1). DWP treatment also inhibited the loss of firmness (15%) and maintained significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher levels of vitamin C, total phenols and antioxidant activity of strawberries. Sensory scores confirmed that the DWP‐treated strawberries retained a good appearance and overall quality. The aroma and colour attributes were not reduced during storage. These results suggest that DWP treatment has potential to extend the shelf‐life and maintain the quality of strawberries during storage.
Non‐medical prescribing by nurse practitioners in accident & emergency and sexual health: a comparative study
Authors: Black Adam
Published: May 2012

black a. (2013) Non‐medical prescribing by nurse practitioners in accident & emergency and sexual health: a comparative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(3), 535–545. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06028.x

Aim.  This article is a report of a study to explore the application and safety of non‐medical prescribing in an accident and emergency and sexual health department.

Background.  Since 1 May 2006 non‐medical prescribers in the UK have had prescribing powers comparable with doctors. Evidence suggests that nurses give safe, competent, autonomous care packages in their scope of practice but despite the perceived benefits there is limited evidence detailing how it is specifically applied in practice.

Design.  Cross‐sectional comparative design.

Methods.  The study explored non‐medical prescribing in accident and emergency and sexual health retrospectively reviewing 764 nurse prescribers’ case notes. For intra‐department comparison 490 case notes from those who could not prescribe were included. Patient attendances from 1 July 2009–30 June 2010 were randomly sampled. Prescribing frequency, range of medications and diagnoses, independent episode completion, and prescribing safety was recorded.

Results/findings.  Over 53·5% (n = 409) of prescribers’ patients required medication, with 99·8% (n = 568) being clinically appropriate. Analgesia was most commonly prescribed in accident and emergency (31%, n = 85) and antibiotics in sexual health (55%, n = 162). Intra‐department comparison of independent episode completion had statistically significant results using the chi‐square test in sexual health, but not in accident and emergency. The use of patient group directions in accident and emergency explains this difference. Safe prescribing practice was evident in 99·4% of cases, with a lack of documentation (n = 2) and a contraindicated prescription (n = 1) identified.

Conclusion.  Nurses having access to medication facilitate safe, appropriate, and independent prescribing practice. Further research is advised in this area.
Brown bear habitat suitability in the Pyrenees: transferability across sites and linking scales to make the most of scarce data
Authors: Martin Jodie , Revilla Eloy , Quenette Pierre‐Yves , Naves Javier , Allainé Dominique , Swenson Jon E.
Published: May 2012

1. Identification of suitable habitats for small, endangered populations is important to preserve key areas for potential augmentation. However, replicated spatial data from a sufficient number of individuals are often unavailable for such populations, leading to unreliable habitat models. This is the case for the endangered Pyrenean brown bear Ursus arctos population, with only about 20 individuals surviving in two isolated groups.

2. We conducted habitat suitability analyses at two spatial scales (coarse and local). Given the limited available data, we used information from the nearby Cantabrian brown bear population in Spain to develop a two‐dimensional model (human and natural variables) at a coarse scale, based on logistic regression, which we applied in the Pyrenees. At a local scale, we used bear presence in the Pyrenees to describe the population’s ecological niche and develop a habitat suitability model using presence‐only methods. We combined these models to obtain a more integrative understanding of bear requirements.

3. The coarse‐scale model showed a good transferability to the Pyrenees, identifying preference for areas with high forest connectivity, masting trees, rugged terrain and shrubs and avoidance of areas with anthropogenic structures. The local‐scale model was consistent with the coarse‐scale model. Bears showed a trade‐off between food resources (scarcer at high elevations) and human presence (higher at low elevations).

4. Our models illustrated that there is unoccupied good habitat for bears in the Pyrenees that could host new individuals. Combining two scales allowed us to identify areas that should be prioritized for management actions and also those that should be easier to manage for bears.

5. Synthesis and applications. Our study illustrates how a nested‐scale approach, combining coarse data from a different population and fine‐scale local data, can aid in the management of small populations with limited data. This was applied to remnant brown bear populations to identify priorities for conservation management.
Senescence in immune priming and attractiveness in a beetle
Authors: DAUKŠTE J. , KIVLENIECE I. , KRAMA T. , RANTALA M. J. , KRAMS I.
Published: May 2012

Age‐related decline in immune activity is referred to as immunosenescence and has been observed for both the adaptive immune response of vertebrates and the innate immune system of invertebrates. Because maintaining a basic level of immune defence and mounting an immune response is costly, optimal investment in immune function should vary over a wide range of individual states such as the individual’s age. In this study, we tested whether the immune response and immunological priming within individuals become less efficient with age using mealworm beetles, Tenebrio molitor, as a model organism. We also tested whether ageing and immunological priming affected the odours produced by males. We found that young males of T. molitor were capable of mounting an immune response a sterile nylon monofilament implant with the potential to exhibit a simple form of immune memory through mechanisms of immune priming. Older males did not increase their immune response to a second immune challenge, which negatively affected their sexual attractiveness and remaining life span. Our results indicate that the immune system of older males in T. molitor is less effective, suggesting complex evolutionary trade‐offs between ageing, immune response and sexual attractiveness.
Effects of reflective groundcovers on ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) cropping systems
Authors: Comeau C. , Privé J.‐P. , Moreau G.
Published: May 2012

Reflective groundcovers are management tools used in temperate regions where light can be a limiting factor to crop productivity. Although their effects on crops have been extensively studied, little is known about their ecological impacts on ground‐dwelling organisms. Theoretically, reflective groundcovers add structural complexity to the system and thus have the potential to create refuges for ground‐dwelling invertebrates. At the same time, groundcovers can create abiotic conditions underneath them that could potentially cause declines in the abundance and richness of ground‐dwelling invertebrates. During the summers of 2006 and 2007, white, woven, reflective polymer groundcovers were placed in two red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cropping systems (organic and conventional) in south‐eastern New Brunswick to assess their effects on ground beetle richness, activity density and overall assemblage structure. A total of 8723 ground beetles belonging to 23 species were collected using pitfall traps. In contrast with the combined effects of cropping systems and sampling years, the use of a groundcover accounted for a small proportion of the variance in trap catches and caused little change in ground beetle richness, activity density and overall assemblage structure. Based on these results, we suggest that reflective groundcovers constitute promising management tools to increase light environment quality in row crops without being detrimental to ground beetle species that may contribute to pest suppression.
Endoscopic mucosal resection with 0.13% hyaluronic acid solution for colorectal polyps less than 20 mm: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yoshida Naohisa , Naito Yuji , Inada Yutaka , Kugai Munehiro , Kamada Kazuhiro , Katada Kazuhiro , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Ishikawa Takeshi , Takagi Tomohisa , Handa Osamu , Konishi Hideyuki , Yagi Nobuaki , Kokura Satoshi , Wakabayashi Naoki , Yanagisawa Akio , Yoshikawa Toshikazu
Published: May 2012

Background and Aim:  Adequate mucosal elevation by submucosal injection is important for definitive en bloc resection and prevention of perforation during endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of 0.13% hyaluronic acid (HA) solution for high and sustained mucosal elevation during colorectal EMR.

Methods:  The study was a prospective randomized controlled trial; a total of 196 patients with colon polyps of < 20 mm diameter were enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo EMR using either 0.13% HA or normal saline (NS). The primary outcome of the study was histopathologically confirmed complete resection. The secondary outcomes such as maintenance of high mucosal elevation and development of complications were also evaluated. Moreover, the relationship between complete resection and the experience of the endoscopist (veteran vs less experienced) was analyzed.

Results:  Compete resection was achieved in 74 of 93 polyps (79.5%) in the 0.13% HA group and 63 of 96 polyps (65.6%) in the NS group (P < 0.05). High mucosal elevation was maintained in 83.9% of procedures in the 0.13% HA group and 54.1% in the NS group (P < 0.01). The frequency of complete resection achieved by less‐experienced endoscopists was higher in the 0.13% HA group (79.3%) than in the NS group (62.1%; P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Endoscopic mucosal resection using 0.13% HA to colon polyps of less than 20 mm diameter is more effective than NS for complete resection and maintenance of mucosal elevation.
Prognosis of hepatitis B‐related liver cirrhosis in the era of oral nucleos(t)ide analog antiviral agents
Authors: Kim Chang Ha , Um Soon Ho , Seo Yeon Seok , Jung Jin Yong , Kim Jin Dong , Yim Hyung Joon , Keum Bora , Kim Yong Sik , Jeen Yoon Tae , Lee Hong Sik , Chun Hoon Jai , Kim Chang Duck , Ryu Ho Sang
Published: May 2012

Background and Aim:  We investigated long‐term outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related liver cirrhosis in the era of oral nucleos(t)ide analog antiviral agents.

Methods:  Between January 1999 and February 2009, a total of 240 consecutive patients who had HBV‐related cirrhosis without malignancy were treated with lamivudine and second line nucleos(t)ide analogs. The group of historical controls consisted of 481 consecutive patients with HBV‐related cirrhosis who were managed without any antiviral treatment prior to 1999.

Results:  In 78% of the patients who received antiviral treatment, sustained viral suppression (serum HBV DNA < 105 copies/mL) was achieved during a mean follow‐up period of 46 months. The occurrences of death, hepatic decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were less frequent in the treated cohort than in untreated historical controls, with the 5‐year cumulative incidences being 19.4% versus 43.9% (log‐rank P < 0.001), 15.4% versus 45.4% (P = 0.001), and 13.8% versus 23.4% (P = 0.074), respectively. For patients who received antiviral treatment, suboptimal viral suppression (HBV DNA > 105 copies/mL at last follow‐up) was an important independent risk factor of death (P < 0.001) and hepatic decompensation (P = 0.019), and was linked to an increased risk of HCC (P = 0.042). Although the Child–Pugh grade remained a useful prognostic factor, no significant differences were found between patients with Child–Pugh grade B and C cirrhosis at the beginning of antiviral treatment (P = 0.656).

Conclusions:  Oral antiviral agents have improved the prognosis of patients with HBV‐related cirrhosis and affected the prognostic values of factors constituting the Child–Pugh system, necessitating a more efficient prognostic system.
Clinically distinct characteristics in patients younger than 40 years old with non‐cardiac chest pain
Authors: Ko Soon Young , Kim So‐I , Kim Jeong Hwan , Lee Jung Hyeon , Lee Kyung‐Ju , Hong Sung Noh , Lee Sun‐Young , Sung In‐Kyung , Park Hyung Seok , Shim Chan Sup
Published: May 2012

Background and Aim:  Little is known about non‐cardiac chest pain (NCCP) in young patients. We aimed to examine the proportion of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in young patients with NCCP compared to the average‐aged NCCP patients and to evaluate their symptomatic characteristics and the clinical efficacy of a 2‐week proton pump inhibitor (PPI) trial.

Methods:  Ninety‐six patients with NCCP ≥ 1/week were classified into the young‐aged (≤ 40 years, n = 38) and the average‐aged groups (> 40 years, n = 58). Typical reflux symptoms were assessed. The patients were defined into a GERD group and non‐GERD group according to reflux esophagitis on esophagogastroduodenoscopy and/or pathologic acid exposure on 24‐h esophageal pH monitoring. Then the patients were treated with 30 mg of lansoprazole bid for 14 days.

Results:  Nine patients (23%) in the young‐aged group and 22 patients (38%) in average‐aged group were diagnosed with GERD‐related NCCP (P = 0.144). The proportion of typical reflux symptoms was higher in the GERD group compared with the non‐GERD group in both age groups. A PPI test improved symptoms in the GERD group irrespective of age, but this improvement was not observed in non‐GERD group.

Conclusions:  In young NCCP patients, the prevalence of GERD was relatively low compared to average‐aged NCCP, but the difference was insignificant. The PPI test was very effective in diagnosing GERD in the NCCP patients in both age groups. Therefore, in young NCCP patients, if there is a negative response to a 2‐week PPI trial, the possibility of extra‐esophageal disease origin needs to be considered.
Serrated polyps: new classifications highlight clinical importance
Authors: Messick C. A. , Church J. , Bennett A. , Kalady M. F.
Published: May 2012

Aim  Many lesions previously classified as hyperplastic polyps and therefore thought to be innocuous have been reclassified as sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/Ps), establishing their place in the serrated pathway and underscoring their malignant potential. The clinical relevance of this new nomenclature is incompletely defined. This study examines the incidence and characteristics of colorectal SSA/Ps and describes other associated colorectal neoplasia.

Method  A single institution pathology database was searched for the diagnosis of SSA/Ps between January 2004 and October 2007. SSA/Ps found by colonoscopy were included. Patient demographics, SSA/P characteristics and associated colonoscopic findings were retrospectively recorded.

Results  A total of 585 SSA/Ps were removed during 519 colonoscopies in 483 patients performed by 64 different endoscopists. This represented an overall incidence of SSA/Ps per colonoscopy of 2.1% in the 28 054 colonoscopies performed during the study period. The median SSA/P size was 0.8 cm (range 0.2–4.5) and 188 (69%) were ≥ 1.0 cm. Of the 585 SSA/Ps, 366 (63%) were right‐sided, 129 (22%) were in the left colon and 90 (15%) were in the rectum. Also, 439 synchronous polyps of other histology (mainly adenomas and hyperplastic polyps) were found during the same 519 colonoscopies.

Conclusion  SSA/Ps are rare lesions found during colonoscopy that may coexist with small hyperplastic polyps. Because SSA/Ps are part of the serrated oncogenic pathway, all, even those appearing to be hyperplastic, should be removed or biopsied for diagnosis. Careful review of historical lesions with application of new definitions may redefine risk for malignancy.