bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of growth temperature on the vortex pinning properties of pulsed laser deposited YBa2Cu3O7−x thin films
Authors: Chen Z. , Kametani F. , Kim S. I. , Larbalestier D. C. , Jang H. W. , Choi K. J. , Eom C. B.
Published: March 2008

Epitaxial high-temperature superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−x thin films grown on 2° miscut (001) (LaAlO3)0.3-(SrAl0.5Ta0.5O3)0.7 substrates by pulsed laser deposition show significant and systematic changes in flux pinning properties on changing the substrate temperature from 730to820°C. The bulk pinning force is highest for the 760°C growth, rising to a maximum of 4.4GN∕m3 at 77K, though there are indications that vortex pinning strength is even higher for the 730°C growth once allowance for the current-blocking effects of a-axis oriented grains is made. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscope images show that the density of antiphase boundaries, stacking faults, and edge dislocations increases strongly with decreasing growth temperature, and is highest at 730°C. In spite of the enhanced density of the pinning defects mentioned above, their vortex pinning effect is still much smaller than for insulating nanoparticles of high density and optimum size, where pinning forces can be four to five times higher.
Moore looks beyond the law
Authors: Matthews Jermey N. A.
Published: March 2008

Intel cofounder, author of Moore’s law, and self-titled “accidental entrepreneur” is a benefactor of the Thirty Meter Telescope and other scientific research and education efforts.
Skating down a Steeper Slope: Fear Influences the Perception of Geographical Slant
Authors: Stefanucci Jeanine K , Proffitt Dennis R , Clore Gerald L , Parekh Nazish
Published: March 2008

Previous studies have shown that conscious awareness of hill slant is overestimated, but visually guided actions directed at hills are relatively accurate. Also, steep hills are consciously estimated to be steeper from the top than the bottom, possibly because they are dangerous to descend. In the present study, participants stood at the top of a hill either on a skateboard or a wooden box of the same height. They gave three estimates of the slant: a verbal report, a visually matched estimate, and a visually guided action. Fear of descending the hill was also assessed. Those participants who were scared (by the skateboard) consciously judged the hill to be steeper than unafraid participants. However, the visually guided action measure was accurate across conditions. These results suggest that explicit awareness of slant is influenced by the fear associated with a potentially dangerous action that could be performed on the hill.
Change Detection is Easier at Texture Border Bars When They are Parallel to the Border: Evidence for V1 Mechanisms of Bottom-up Salience
Authors: Jingling Li , Zhaoping Li
Published: March 2008

A vertical bar is salient among horizontal ones by orientation contrast, and, traditionally, bottom—up salience is viewed as caused only by feature contrast. Recently, it has been proposed that the primary visual cortex (V1) creates a bottom—up salience map in its outputs, which depends on direct inputs and on contextual inputs by intra-cortical interactions (Li Zhaoping, 2002 Trends in Cognitive Sciences6 9–16). Since the interactions include iso-feature (eg iso-orientation) suppression, responsible for salience by feature contrast, and collinear facilitation, the V1 proposal predicts that collinear grouping contributes to salience additionally. Accordingly, in orientation textures, texture bars are more salient near texture borders owing to orientation contrast, and are even more salient when they are additionally parallel to the border by collinear grouping. We show that colour changes in texture bars are more detectable when the bars are parallel to the texture border. Since changes are more detectable at salient locations, our finding supports V1 mechanisms for bottom—up salience.
Seasonal and temporal trends in metrics of fish community for otter-trawl discards in a Mediterranean ecosystem
Authors: Tsagarakis K. , Machias A. , Giannoulaki M. , Somarakis S. , Karakassis I.
Published: March 2008

Tsagarakis, K., Machias, A., Giannoulaki, M., Somarakis, S., and Karakassis, I. 2008. Seasonal and temporal trends in metrics of fish community for otter-trawl discards in a Mediterranean ecosystem. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 539–550. Trends in discard to marketed ratios, size spectra, diversities, and trophic levels of the demersal fish community were examined using data from a seasonally closed commercial trawl fishery in the eastern Mediterranean Sea (Ionian Sea), over a period of about 10 years. Trends were also examined for the artificial fractions derived from the discarding process (the marketed, the discarded, and the non-marketed clusters of the catch), as well as for the “big” and “small” fractions (defined by the size at which 50% of all specimens were discarded). The ratio of the discarded/marketed catch fluctuated greatly. Two commercial (Merluccius merluccius, and Mullus barbatus) and two non-marketed species (Lepidotrigla cavillone, and Argentina sphyraena) were the characteristic species of the fractions. A declining trend with time was observed for the examined time-series for species richness (S), Margalef’s d, and average taxonomic distinctness (Δ+), whereas the variation in taxonomic distinctness (Λ+) increased. The composition and/or trophic level of discards in relation to the marketed catch seemed to be indicative of the exploitation state of the demersal community: differences between the discarded and marketed fractions were high at the beginning of the fishing season (autumn), but the values of the indices converged at the end of the fishing season (spring). These changes could be attributed to alternative discarding strategies for certain species in response to increased cumulative fishing mortality towards the end of the period.
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression by Drosophila Myb and E2F2–RBF via the Myb–MuvB/dREAM complex
Authors: Wen Hong , Andrejka Laura , Ashton Jonathan , Karess Roger , Lipsick Joseph S.
Published: March 2008

The Drosophila Myb oncoprotein, the E2F2 transcriptional repressor, and the RBF and Mip130/LIN-9 tumor suppressor proteins reside in a conserved Myb–MuvB (MMB)/dREAM complex. We now show that Myb is required in vivo for the expression of Polo kinase and components of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). Surprisingly, the highly conserved DNA-binding domain was not essential for assembly of Myb into MMB/dREAM, for transcriptional regulation in vivo, or for rescue of Myb-null mutants to adult viability. E2F2, RBF, and Mip130/LIN-9 acted in opposition to Myb by repressing the expression of Polo and SAC genes in vivo. Remarkably, the absence of both Myb and Mip130, or of both Myb and E2F2, caused variegated expression in which high or low levels of Polo were stably inherited through successive cell divisions in imaginal wing discs. Restoration of Myb resulted in a uniformly high level of Polo expression similar to that seen in wild-type tissue, whereas restoration of Mip130 or E2F2 extinguished Polo expression. Our results demonstrate epigenetic regulation of gene expression by Myb, Mip130/LIN-9, and E2F2–RBF in vivo, and also provide an explanation for the ability of Mip130-null mutants to rescue the lethality of Myb-null mutants in vivo.
Migratory neighbors and distant invaders: tumor-associated niche cells
Authors: Wels Jared , Kaplan Rosandra N. , Rafii Shahin , Lyden David
Published: March 2008

The cancer environment is comprised of tumor cells as well as a wide network of stromal and vascular cells participating in the cellular and molecular events necessary for invasion and metastasis. Tumor secretory factors can activate the migration of host cells, both near to and far from the primary tumor site, as well as promote the exodus of cells to distant tissues. Thus, the migration of stromal cells and tumor cells among specialized microenvironments takes place throughout tumor and metastatic progression, providing evidence for the systemic nature of a malignancy. Investigations of the tumor–stromal and stromal–stromal cross-talk involved in cellular migration in cancer may lead to the design of novel therapeutic strategies.
A cryptic unstable transcript mediates transcriptional trans-silencing of the Ty1 retrotransposon in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Berretta Julia , Pinskaya Marina , Morillon Antonin
Published: March 2008

Cryptic unstable transcripts (CUTs) are synthesized from intra- and intergenic regions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and are rapidly degraded by RNA surveillance pathways, but their function(s) remain(s) elusive. Here, we show that an antisense TY1 CUT, starting within the Ty1 retrotransposon and encompassing the promoter 5′ long terminal repeat (LTR), mediates RNA-dependent gene silencing and represses Ty1 mobility. We show that the Ty1 regulatory RNA is synthesized by RNA polymerase II, polyadenylated, and destabilized by the cytoplasmic 5′ RNA degradation pathway. Moreover, the Ty1 regulatory RNA represses Ty1 transcription and transposition in trans by acting on the de novo transcribed TY1 RNA. Consistent with a transcriptional regulation mechanism, we show that RNA polymerase II occupancy is reduced on the Ty1 chromatin upon silencing, although TBP binding remains unchanged. Furthermore, the Ty1 silencing is partially mediated by histone deacetylation and requires Set1-dependent histone methylation, pointing out an analogy with heterochromatin gene silencing. Our results show the first example of an RNA-dependent gene trans-silencing mediated by epigenetic marks in S. cerevisiae.
Electroretinogram (ERG) Measurements in Larval Zebrafish
Authors: Fleisch Valerie C. , Jametti Tiziana , Neuhauss Stephan C.F.
Published: March 2008

INTRODUCTION

The electroretinogram (ERG) is an electrophysiological tool used to measure electrical activity originating in the outer retina in response to a light stimulus. Defects occurring at various levels of the retina can easily be detected by ERG measurements. Furthermore, the shape of the ERG response points toward the likely retinal cell type responsible for the deficit. Thus, this method is particularly useful for a rapid assessment of retinal function in genetically or pharmacologically manipulated animals. A typical ERG curve can be subdivided into three components: a small initial a-wave originating in photoreceptor activity, a large positive b-wave reflecting mainly ON bipolar cell depolarization, and a d-wave occurring at light offset. Here we present a noninvasive protocol for taking ERG measurements in larval zebrafish (4-7 days post-fertilization [dpf]). We use an extracellular recording electrode which is placed onto the surface of the cornea of the larva, and a light flash of a defined intensity and duration which is applied to evoke a response. In a typical larval ERG trace, we are able to record ERG a-, b-, and d-waves.
Methylated CpG Island Amplification and Microarray (MCAM) for High-Throughput Analysis of DNA Methylation
Authors: Estécio Marcos R. H. , Yan Pearlly S. , Huang Tim H-M. , Issa Jean-Pierre J.
Published: March 2008

INTRODUCTION

This protocol describes the use of methylated CpG island amplification (MCA) in combination with a microarray platform to analyze genome-wide DNA methylation in a high-throughput fashion. In this approach, termed MCAM, methylated CpG islands are selectively targeted using oligonucleotide adaptors after two rounds of digestion with a combination of methylation-sensitive and methylation-insensitive nucleases. They are then amplified using PCR. The resulting amplicons, representing the methylated fraction of the genome, are labeled with fluorochromes. Subsequently, a comparative hybridization of reference and test samples (typically normal and tumor DNA specimens) is done on a microarray platform.
Photoactivation Cell Labeling for Cell Tracing in Avian Development
Authors: Stark Danny A. , Kasemeier-Kulesa Jennifer C. , Kulesa Paul M.
Published: March 2008

INTRODUCTION

Tracing cell movements in a living embryo or embryo slice culture remains a challenging problem due to difficulties in cell accessibility and in accurate delivery of fluorescent labels into an individual cell or subgroup of cells. Here, we describe a photoactivation cell-labeling technique in avian embryos that allows for selective marking of individual cells or groups of cells at precise times and spatial locations normally not accessible using previous techniques. The current protocol is also less invasive than previously described methods. We provide details of fluorescent protein delivery into cells of interest utilizing microinjection and in ovo electroporation, as well as the optical parameters needed for photoactivation and imaging of both single- and dual-color photoactivatable fluorescent proteins (PAFPs). We present applications to label single cells and small subgroups of cells throughout the head and trunk of the developing vertebrate embryo, using the avian neural crest as our model cell population.
Transfection of HEK293-EBNA1 Cells in Suspension with 293fectin for Production of Recombinant Proteins
Authors: Tom Roseanne , Bisson Louis , Durocher Yves
Published: March 2008

INTRODUCTION

Fast and efficient production of recombinant proteins (r-proteins) remains a major challenge for the academic and biopharmaceutical communities. Pure r-proteins are often required in large amounts (hundreds of milligrams to gram quantities) when being developed as biotherapeutics, or in smaller quantities (milligrams) for high-throughput screening campaigns and structural or functional studies. Mammalian cells are often preferred over prokaryotic systems when expressing cDNAs of mammalian origin, due to their superior capability to conduct elaborate post-translational modifications. Large-scale transfection of mammalian cells is now establishing itself as a “must-have” technology in the scientific community, as it allows the production of milligram to gram quantities of r-proteins within a few days after cDNA cloning into the appropriate expression vector. Although calcium-mediated large-scale transfection is very effective, other methods suitable for efficient transfection of mammalian cells are easier to use. This protocol describes the steps needed for successful transfection of 293-6E cells in suspension culture in serum-free medium using 293fectin.
In vitro differentiation of Runx3−/–p53−/– gastric epithelial cells into intestinal type cells
Authors: Fukamachi Hiroshi , Mimata Ayako , Tanaka Issei , Ito Kosei , Ito Yoshiaki , Yuasa Yasuhito
Published: March 2008

We have reported that a lack of RUNX3 function is causally associated with gastric carcinogenesis. We have also presented evidence that loss of Runx3 may be related to the genesis of intestinal metaplasia because expression of RUNX3 is reduced in some intestinal metaplasias, and some Runx3−/–p53−/– gastric epithelial cells differentiate into intestinal type cells in vivo. Recently several reports have indicated that blood cells play important roles in the gastric carcinogenesis. In the present study, we therefore examined whether Runx3−/–p53−/– gastric epithelial cells differentiate autonomously into intestinal type cells, or whether the presence of other cells is necessary for the differentiation in vitro. When Runx3−/–p53−/– gastric epithelial cells were cultured with collagen gels, they did not exhibit any morphogenesis and differentiated poorly. When cultured with fetal mouse gastric mesenchymes, the cells formed glandular structures and differentiated into surface mucous cells, but differentiation of intestinal type cells was never observed. When cultured with Matrigel, the cells formed glandular structures, and some cells differentiated into intestinal type cells in vitro. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the cells expressed stomach‐specific genes, and their levels decreased gradually during the culture. The cells expressed some intestine‐specific genes weakly at the start of culture, and their levels were increased with time in culture. We therefore conclude that Runx3−/–p53−/– gastric epithelial cells differentiate into intestinal type cells in combination with Matrigel in the absence of other cell types. Extracellular matrix, not blood cells, may play a role in the genesis of intestinal metaplasia. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 671–676)
UGT1A6 genotype‐related pharmacokinetics of deferiprone (L1) in healthy volunteers
Authors: Limenta Lie Michael George , Jirasomprasert Totsapol , Tankanitlert Jeeranut , Svasti Saovaros , Wilairat Prapin , Chantharaksri Udom , Fucharoen Suthat , Morales Noppawan Phumala
Published: March 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• UGT1A6 has been proposed as the predominant isoform responsible for the glucuronidation of deferiprone.

• UGT1A6*2allele has been associated with the altered enzyme activity.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• There is no statistically significant effect ofUGT1A6genotype on the single‐dose pharmacokinetics of deferiprone in healthy volunteers.

• Gender influences serum pharmacokinetics of deferiprone.

• Body iron stores reflected by serum ferritin levels may have an influence on the extent of extravascular deferiprone distribution.

AIMS

To examine the effects ofUGT1A6polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of deferiprone in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Twenty‐two healthy volunteers were enrolled and grouped according toUGT1A6genotype. After an overnight fast, the subjects received a single oral dose of 25 mg kg−1deferiprone. Blood samples were collected at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 min after dosing. Urine output was collected at 0, 0–2, 2–4, 4–8, 8–12 and 12–24 h. Deferiprone (L1) and deferiprone‐glucuronide (L1G) concentrations in serum and urine were determined using a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method.UGT1A6genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences in any pharmacokinetic parameters of either deferiprone or deferiprone‐glucuronide among the genotype groups were noted. Likewise, there were no statistically significant differences in 24‐h urinary deferiprone and deferiprone‐glucuronide excretion among the genotype groups. Significant differences between men and women were found in AUC0–∞,Vd/F, and CL/Fof deferiprone. Gender differences in 24‐h urinary deferiprone and its metabolite excretion, however, failed to reach statistical significance. TheVd/Fof deferiprone was found to correlate significantly with serum ferritin (rs = 0.665;P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The studied single nucleotide polymorphisms inUGT1A6do not appear to exert statistically significant effects on the single‐dose pharmacokinetics of deferiprone. Gender appears to influence the serum pharmacokinetics of deferiprone, but not urinary excretion of deferiprone and its metabolite. Body iron stores may have an influence on the extent of extravascular deferiprone distribution.
Direct and indirect effects of soil structure on the density of an antlion larva in a tropical dry forest
Authors: FARJI‐BRENER ALEJANDRO G. , CARVAJAL DORIAN , GEI MARÍA GABRIELA , OLANO JUANITA , SÁNCHEZ JUAN DAVID
Published: March 2008

Abstract 1. We used structural equation models to discriminate direct and indirect effects of soil structure on the abundance of the antlion Myrmeleon crudelis, a neuropteran larva that digs conical pits in soil to capture small arthropods. We proposed that soil structure may modify antlion density indirectly through its influence on tree cover, which in turn directly alters the amount of sun and rain that can reach the forest floor and the amount of litter fall.

2. The proportion of finer soils positively affected antlion density directly, but negatively tree cover. Tree cover positively affected both the amount of leaf litter and antlion density. Leaf litter negatively affected antlion density. The indirect effects of soils varied in strength and sign depending on whether trees are considered shelters against sun and rain, or leaf litter sources. The relative importance of these effects might also vary between years and seasons.

3. Antlions may select patches of finer soils not only because they are easy substrates in which to build pits, but also for their indirect benefit as sites with low leaf litter, illustrating how indirect interactions may affect the local abundance of semi‐sedentary insects.
Intraguild predation of the aphid pathogenic fungus Pandora neoaphidis by the invasive coccinellid Harmonia axyridis
Authors: ROY H. E. , BAVERSTOCK J. , WARE R. L. , CLARK S. J. , MAJERUS M. E. N. , BAVERSTOCK K. E. , PELL J. K.
Published: March 2008

Abstract 1. The ladybird Harmonia axyridis is an invasive alien species in many countries and is predicted to have a negative impact on native biodiversity. However, little is known on the status of this aphidophage as an intraguild predator of natural enemies of aphids such as insect‐pathogenic fungi.

2. The study assessed the predation of the aphid‐specific pathogenic fungus Pandora neoaphidis by adult and larval H. axyridis collected from the U.K. (an invasive population) and Japan (a native population) relative to that of the ladybird Coccinella septempunctata (native to the U.K.) and the non‐U.K. C. septempunctata subspecies brucki that were either starved or unstarved.

3. Overall, predation of uninfected aphids was greater than infected aphids and, when given a choice, a preference for aphids was shown. However, the extent of this preference was dependent on the species and origin of the coccinellid. Harmonia axyridis (U.K.) consumed the greatest quantity of fungal cadavers and showed little preference for uninfected aphids over infected aphids. In contrast, C. septempunctata rarely consumed infected aphids. Life stage had no direct effects on predation but starved coccinellids consumed more uninfected aphids than infected aphids.

4. Harmonia axyridis (U.K.) is a stronger intraguild predator of P. neoaphidis cadavers than the native species C. septempunctata and, therefore, may have an impact on the occurrence and persistence of P. neoaphidis. The differences in intraguild predation by H. axyridis collected in the U.K. and those from Japan suggests that individuals that invaded the U.K. could have a different genetic profile to those in its native range.
The rapid effects of a whole‐lake reduction of coarse woody debris on fish and benthic macroinvertebrates
Authors: HELMUS MATTHEW R. , SASS GREG G.
Published: March 2008

1. Ecosystems can enhance the biodiversity of adjacent ecosystems through subsidies of prey, nutrients and also habitat. For example, trees can fall into aquatic ecosystems and act as a subsidy that increases aquatic habitat heterogeneity. This habitat subsidy is vulnerable in lakes where anthropogenic development of shorelines coincides with a thinning of riparian forests and the removal of these dead trees (termed coarse woody debris: CWD). How the disruption of this subsidy affects lake ecosystems is not well understood.

2. We performed a whole ecosystem experiment on Little Rock Lake, a small (18 ha), undeveloped, and unfished lake in Vilas County, WI, U.S.A., that is divided into two similar‐sized basins by a double poly‐vinyl chloride curtain that prevents both fish and water exchange between basins. In 2002, we removed about 70% of the littoral CWD in the treatment basin, while the reference basin was left unaltered. We tested for changes in both fish and benthic macroinvertebrate community composition in the two years following the CWD reduction.

3. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) was the most abundant fish species in the lake prior to our experiment, but declined to very low densities in the treatment basin after manipulation. We found no evidence of an effect on macroinvertebrates – the treatment basin’s macroinvertebrate community composition, diversity and density did not change relative to the reference basin.

4. Our results indicate that different trophic groups may have differential responses to the loss of a habitat subsidy, even if anthropogenic effects on that subsidy are severe. In the case of Little Rock Lake, fish community responses were evident on a short‐time scale, whereas the macroinvertebrate community did not rapidly change following CWD reduction.
Ski tourism affects habitat use and evokes a physiological stress response in capercaillie Tetrao urogallus: a new methodological approach
Authors: Thiel Dominik , Jenni‐Eiermann Susanne , Braunisch Veronika , Palme Rupert , Jenni Lukas
Published: March 2008

Human outdoor recreational activities are increasing and have a significant impact on wildlife. There are few methods suitable for investigating the response of rare and endangered species to human recreational activities, although the impact can be assessed at various scales by measuring both physiological and behavioural responses to disturbance.

Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus are suffering strong population declines throughout central Europe. We examined the effects of ski tourism on capercaillie habitat use and adrenocortical activity, measured non‐invasively in droppings.

During three winters, 2003–06, we radio‐tracked 13 capercaillie. In the southern Black Forest in Germany, we sampled 396 droppings of these and additional individuals before and after the start of the ski season. We tested whether the intensity of human winter recreational activities affected home range location and habitat use, and we identified those factors influencing the concentration of corticosterone metabolites (CM) in droppings.

Capercaillie used habitats subject to ski tourism. Although the latter did not affect home range location, capercaillie preferred undisturbed forests within their home ranges and avoided areas with high recreation intensity in the ski season. Faecal CM levels of individuals in areas with low recreation intensity were significantly lower than those in areas with moderate or high recreation intensity during the entire study period.

We conclude that ski tourism affects both habitat use and endocrine status in capercaillie, with potential negative consequences on body condition and overall fitness.

Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates the relevance of studying wildlife responses at various temporal and spatial scales, and the value of using multiple methods applied to the same individuals to monitor the impact of human recreational activities on a free‐ranging species. In order to protect capercaillie populations, we recommend that managers keep forests inhabited by capercaillie free from tourism infrastructure and retain undisturbed forest patches within skiing areas.
An electromyographic evaluation of bilateral symmetry of masticatory, neck and trunk muscles activity in patients wearing a positioner
Authors: TECCO S. , EPIFANIA E. , FESTA F.
Published: March 2008

Summary  This study was designed to investigate the attitude of a positioner (Finition©) or an Hawley’s retention appliance to create a symmetric function of the masticatory, neck and trunk muscles during the orthodontic retention phase. Sixteen patients (18·5 ± 2·2 years) were included in the sample. All the patients received an orthodontic therapy for the treatment of an Angle’s class I malocclusion and skeletal class I, for a period of 2 years. After removal of orthodontic brackets, eight patients wore a teeth positioner (group I) as retention appliance and eight subjects wore an Hawley’s appliance as upper retention (group II). Surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity was recorded from the bilateral anterior temporal, posterior temporal, masseter, sternocleidomastoid (SCM), upper and lower trapezius and cervical muscles at mandibular rest position and during maximal voluntary clenching (MVC) at T0, i.e. soon after the removal of orthodontic brackets and at T1, i.e. after 3 months of retention treatment. No significant difference was observed between the two groups at T0. At T1, at mandibular rest position, the group I showed a significantly lower sEMG activity of anterior temporal and SCM muscles compared with the group II. During MVC, at T1, the group I showed a significantly lower sEMG activity of the SCM and posterior cervicals, compared with the group II. The positioner seems to show a relevant effect on the sEMG activity of masticatory, neck and trunk muscles.
AtMSH5 partners AtMSH4 in the class I meiotic crossover pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana, but is not required for synapsis
Authors: Higgins James D. , Vignard Julien , Mercier Raphael , Pugh Alice G. , Franklin F. Chris H. , Jones Gareth H.
Published: March 2008

MSH5, a meiosis‐specific member of the MutS‐homologue family of genes, is required for normal levels of recombination in budding yeast, mouse and Caenorhabditis elegans. In this paper we report the identification and characterization of the Arabidopsis homologue of MSH5 (AtMSH5). Transcripts of AtMSH5 are specific to reproductive tissues, and immunofluorescence studies indicate that expression of the protein is abundant during prophase I of meiosis. In a T‐DNA tagged insertional mutant (Atmsh5‐1), recombination is reduced to about 13% of wild‐type levels. The residual chiasmata are randomly distributed between cells and chromosomes. These data provide further evidence for at least two pathways of meiotic recombination in Arabidopsis and indicate that AtMSH5 protein is required for the formation of class I interference‐sensitive crossovers. Localization of AtMSH5 to meiotic chromosomes occurs at leptotene and is dependent on DNA double‐strand break formation and strand exchange. Localization of AtMSH5 to the chromatin at mid‐prophase I is dependent on expression of AtMSH4. At late zygotene/early pachytene a proportion of AtMSH5 foci co‐localize with AtMLH1 which marks crossover‐designated sites. Chromosome synapsis appears to proceed normally, without significant delay, in Atmsh5‐1 but the pachytene stage is extended by several hours, indicative of the operation of a surveillance system that monitors the progression of prophase I.
Mitochondrial respiratory pathways modulate nitrate sensing and nitrogen‐dependent regulation of plant architecture in Nicotiana sylvestris
Authors: Pellny Till K. , Van Aken Olivier , Dutilleul Christelle , Wolff Tonja , Groten Karin , Bor Melike , De Paepe Rosine , Reyss Agnès , Van Breusegem Frank , Noctor Graham , Foyer Christine H.
Published: March 2008

Mitochondrial electron transport pathways exert effects on carbon–nitrogen (C/N) relationships. To examine whether mitochondria–N interactions also influence plant growth and development, we explored the responses of roots and shoots to external N supply in wild‐type (WT) Nicotiana sylvestris and the cytoplasmic male sterile II (CMSII) mutant, which has a N‐rich phenotype. Root architecture in N. sylvestris seedlings showed classic responses to nitrate and sucrose availability. In contrast, CMSII showed an altered ‘nitrate‐sensing’ phenotype with decreased sensitivity to C and N metabolites. The WT growth phenotype was restored in CMSII seedling roots by high nitrate plus sugars and in shoots by gibberellic acid (GA). Genome‐wide cDNA‐amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis of leaves from mature plants revealed that only a small subset of transcripts was altered in CMSII. Tissue abscisic acid content was similar in CMSII and WT roots and shoots, and growth responses to zeatin were comparable. However, the abundance of key transcripts associated with GA synthesis was modified both by the availability of N and by the CMSII mutation. The CMSII mutant maintained a much higher shoot/root ratio at low N than WT, whereas no difference was observed at high N. Shoot/root ratios were strikingly correlated with root amines/nitrate ratios, values of <1 being characteristic of high N status. We propose a model in which the amine/nitrate ratio interacts with GA signalling and respiratory pathways to regulate the partitioning of biomass between shoots and roots.
‘I feel as if my IBS is keeping me hostage!’ Exploring the negative impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) upon university‐aged women
Authors: Schneider Margaret A , Fletcher Paula C
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this article is to describe the negative impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and/or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) upon university‐aged women. This exploratory study was conducted using phenomenology, with heuristic inquiry as the guiding theoretical orientation. Seven women participated in an email interview and in a semistructured interview. The findings indicate that women with active IBD/IBS commonly experience an anxiety reaction, followed by an attack of illness. This attack then triggers a cascade of impact that negatively influences their emotional and physical well‐being, ultimately affecting their overall quality of life. Health‐care professionals can play an important role in minimizing the impact of IBD/IBS upon those affected, and possible interventions are suggested.
An evaluation of the effectiveness and acceptability of nurse practitioners in an adult emergency department
Authors: Wilson Anne , Shifaza Fathimath
Published: March 2008

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of nurse practitioner services for minor injuries in an adult emergency department and to ascertain consumers' satisfaction with the care received. Nurse practitioner roles in Australia have been progressively developing since a pilot project in 1990 examined their feasibility. Currently, nurse practitioners in Australia practise in a variety of specialist areas including coronary care cardiology, adult and paediatric palliative care, emergency, diabetics, aged care and perinatal care. The reported study used a retrospective design that conducted case‐note audits and explored patient satisfaction with after‐care questionnaires. One hundred case notes of patients treated by the nurse practitioner were audited and 57 patients completed questionnaires exploring their satisfaction and perception of the care received. Analysis of the case‐note data indicated that the majority of presenting complaints were minor injuries. Of these injuries, 96.3% of presentations triaged level 4 and 94.4% of those triaged level 5 were seen within the time frame recommended by the Australasian Triage Scale. Forty‐six per cent of patients required X‐rays and 2% required pathology tests during their emergency department stay. The majority of patients were satisfied with the treatment received from the nurse practitioner. Patients are satisfied with management of small injury presentations by nurse practitioners in the emergency department. Incidentally, it was noted that the flow of patients through the department was improved, resulting in medical resources concentrated to higher priority presentations.
Daily rehabilitation nursing increases the nursing time spent on residents
Authors: Vähäkangas Pia , Noro Anja , Finne‐Soveri Harriet
Published: March 2008

Nurses are primary managers of rehabilitation nursing activities. When improving rehabilitation nursing, it is important to understand the content of care provided and time spent on residents. This study discusses the allocation of nursing staff time within a context of rehabilitation nursing. The variables of rehabilitation nursing and residents' characteristics were derived from the Resident Assessment Instrument. The wage‐adjusted direct nursing time was obtained from a time measurement study carried out in November 2002 in long‐term care facilities in southern Finland. The average direct wage‐adjusted nursing time spent on resident was 93.8 min per day. Residents receiving daily rehabilitation nursing were allocated ∼8 min more wage‐adjusted direct nursing time than their peers. More ‘hands in care’ staff is required for adopting rehabilitation nursing in long‐term care units. Maximizing residents' independency should be the goal for rehabilitation care and therefore the focus for allocating both nursing and rehabilitation staff to units and facilities.
Accuracy of nurse documentation of delirium symptoms in medical charts
Authors: Voyer Philippe , Cole Martin G , McCusker Jane , St‐Jacques Sylvie , Laplante Johanne
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this study undertaken in an acute care hospital was to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of the documentation of nurse‐reported delirium symptoms in medical charts. This is a descriptive study based on the clinical assessments of a study nurse and nursing notes in the medical charts of 226 delirious older patients newly admitted to an acute care hospital. The results of this prospective validation study indicated that documentation of delirium symptoms is poor. Disorientation, agitation and altered level of consciousness were the three symptoms yielding a higher level of sensitivity, but even so said symptoms were reported in less than a third of the medical charts. Univariate analysis suggested that higher comorbidity level, more severe symptoms of delirium and the use of physical restraints were associated with more valid documentation of delirium symptoms in medical charts. Lastly, this study corroborates results of previous studies, indicating that documentation of delirium symptoms in medical charts can be improved. Future study should target improving nurse documentation of delirium symptoms in medical charts.
Severe Legionella pneumonia successfully treated by independent lung ventilation with intrapulmonary percussive ventilation
Authors: FUJITA Motoki , TSURUTA Ryosuke , ODA Yasutaka , KANEDA Kotaro , MIYAUCHI Takashi , KASAOKA Shunji , MAEKAWA Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  A case of severe Legionella pneumonia was successfully treated by independent lung ventilation (ILV) with intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV). A 57‐year‐old man with lobar pneumonia was intubated and mechanically ventilated because of his deteriorating respiratory status. The diagnosis of Legionella pneumonia was made on the fourth day after admission and appropriate antibiotic therapy was commenced. On the fifth hospital day, ILV was commenced because the right unaffected lung was over‐distended, his haemodynamic state was unstable and his left lung was producing copious amounts of purulent sputum. His right lung was ventilated and his left lung was treated with IPV owing to the existence of massive atelectasis. After treatment with antibiotics and ILV combined with IPV, his respiratory and haemodynamic status gradually improved. On the tenth day after admission, ILV was changed to conventional bilateral ventilation. The patient was extubated on the sixteenth hospital day and discharged from the intensive care unit 30 days after admission. The combination of ILV and IPV was therapeutically effective during the acute phase of unilateral severe Legionella pneumonia.
High adenosine deaminase activity in the pleural effusion of a patient with Legionnaires' disease
Authors: DIKENSOY Oner , FAKILI Fusun , ELBEK Osman , UYSAL Nevin
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  Although Legionnaires' disease (LD) is frequently accompanied by pleural effusion, the characteristics of pleural effusions in LD have not been well studied. Levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in pleural fluid >40 IU/L have a high sensitivity (81–100%) and specificity (83–100%) for tuberculosis. ADA activity in pleural effusions due to LD has not been previously reported. The case of a patient with LD complicated by a pleural effusion with high ADA activity is reported. In countries where the prevalence of tuberculosis is high and pleural fluid ADA activities are frequently measured, LD should be included in the differential diagnosis of an exudative pleural effusion with high ADA activity.
Stable prevalence of asthma symptoms in school‐aged children in the Torres Strait region
Authors: VALERY Patricia C. , CHANG Anne B. , MASTERS Ian B. , STIRLING Janelle , LAIFOO Yancy , TWIST Aletia
Published: March 2008

Background and objective:  To (i) determine if the prevalence of asthma has altered in two previously studied communities and (ii) obtain baseline measures in two further communities in the Torres Strait region, Australia.

Methods:  A population‐based cross‐sectional study of school‐aged children was conducted. Five schools in four communities were selected: 361 children aged 5–17 years participated. The study used the same epidemiological tool that had been utilized to measure asthma prevalence (locally adapted International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood questionnaire).

Results:  The overall response rate was 30%; response rates in individual communities ranged from 23% to 100%. The prevalence of self‐reported wheezing in the last 12 months decreased from 10.7% to 6.6% (P = 0.109) on Thursday Island and from 3.1% to zero (P = 0.358) on Warraber Island. The percentage of children with asthma symptoms was lower in this current study but changes were not statistically significant. Overall self‐reported prevalence of ever wheezing was 12.5%; 5.4% reported wheezing in the previous 12 months, 5.9% reported wheezing after exercise and 12.2% reported ever having asthma. There was considerable inter‐community variation in the prevalence of symptoms.

Conclusions:  Asthma prevalence in school‐aged children living in the Torres Strait region remains high but, as in mainstream Australian children, the prevalence is stable.
Magnetic resonance imaging in rectal cancer downstaged using neoadjuvant chemoradiation: accuracy of prediction of tumour stage and circumferential resection margin status
Authors: Kulkarni T. , Gollins S. , Maw A. , Hobson P. , Byrne R. , Widdowson D.
Published: March 2008

Objective  The aim was to examine the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement, T‐ and N‐stage in patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the rectum, who had undergone long‐course downstaging chemoradiation (CRT).

Method  Patients with rectal cancer were selected for long‐course downstaging CRT if their tumour was considered to threaten (≤1 mm) or involve the CRM on MRI. Eighty such patients had a repeat MRI at a median of 6 weeks post‐CRT followed by surgical excision soon thereafter. The findings on the post‐CRT MRI were compared with histological examination of the surgical specimen.

Results  For CRM involvement, post‐CRT restaging MRI had an accuracy of 81% (65/80) a sensitivity of 54% (7/13), a specificity of 87% (58/67), a positive predictive value of 44% (7/16) and a negative predictive value of 91% (58/64). Accuracy for T‐ and N‐staging was 43% (34/80) and 78% (62/80), respectively. 38% of T‐stages were overstaged and 20% understaged. 4% of N‐stages were overstaged and 19% understaged. The 13 patients with histological positive CRM had worse clinical outcomes than the 67 patients with negative CRM in terms of disease‐free survival (relative risk of reduced DFS 4.6, P = 0.001) and overall survival (relative risk of death 3.6, P = 0.016).

Conclusion  Magnetic resonance imaging has good specificity and negative predictive value for predicting an uninvolved CRM post downstaging CRT in locally advanced rectal cancer although sensitivity and positive predictive value for an involved CRM were unsatisfactory. The shortcomings of MRI stem from poor differentiation of viable tumour from posttreatment changes and inability to identify small nodal and tumour deposits. Clinical correlates in this group of patients have confirmed the importance of achieving a clear CRM at surgery.
THE GULLIFORD LECTURE: Autistic spectrum disorders: a challenge and a model for inclusion in education
Authors: Jordan Rita
Published: March 2008

Rita Jordan, Professor in Autism Studies at the School of Education, University of Birmingham, gave last year's Gulliford Lecture at the University of Birmingham on 4 October 2007. This article is based upon that lecture. In it, Professor Jordan discusses the role of education in the lives of people with autistic spectrum disorders. She traces the growth in our knowledge about autistic spectrum disorders and the development of a variety of ways of responding to autism, from the highly specialised, and frequently strictly segregated, to the explicitly inclusive. She uses her analysis to draw distinctions between ‘therapeutic’ models of education and education as ‘entitlement’– and identifies problems with either paradigm. Professor Jordan closes her article by setting out her vision for a future in which there is greater flexibility and diversity and in which specialisation has a key role to play in making inclusion a working reality. The challenge of teaching pupils with autistic spectrum disorders will, argues Professor Jordan, help us all to imagine a truly inclusive model for education in which equity is achieved by treating all learners differently.
FOCUS ON PRACTICE: Encouraging children to think in more inclusive ways
Authors: Messiou Kyriaki
Published: March 2008

This article explores the possible contributions that children can make in educational settings that aim to move towards greater inclusion. In constructing her debate, Kyriaki Messiou, lecturer in education in the Centre for Educational Studies at the University of Hull, draws on understandings gained through an ethnographic study carried out in a primary school in Cyprus. She used qualitative methods to collect her data, carrying out participant observations and semi‐structured interviews with all the children in the school. Her study adopted a broad view of inclusion that is concerned with addressing any form of marginalisation that might be experienced by students. In the first phases of the study, children who were possibly experiencing marginalisation were identified and the practices used in the school were explored. Then, during the final phase, which is the main focus of this article, efforts were made to help children think in more inclusive ways. Kyriaki Messiou describes the activities she used in this intervention phase, all designed to promote pupil participation, and argues that these offer promising strategies for teachers who wish to develop more inclusive ways of working.
RESEARCH SECTION: Young people who cut themselves – a growing challenge for educational settings
Authors: Dimmock Margaret , Grieves Sue , Place Maurice
Published: March 2008

There has been an increasing pattern of young people seeking to cope with the stresses of modern life by acts of self‐harm. The frequency of this has been estimated by one review as between one in 12 and one in 15 across the UK. In this article, Margaret Dimmock, family therapist, Sue Grieves, community psychiatric nurse, both of whom work for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in Hartlepool, and Maurice Place, Professor of Child and Family Psychiatry at Northumbria University, report the results of a survey carried out in a large comprehensive secondary school in the North of England, where the rate of self‐destructive behaviour was found to be at least 9.8%. The reasons for this behaviour are explored when the authors look at the differences in coping behaviour that these young people show compared with their peers. The results from this project indicate that, within this sample of young people, there is a tendency to worry far more; to feel rather remote from peers; and to feel less able to cope with setbacks. Drawing on these findings, Margaret Dimmock, Sue Grieves and Maurice Place discuss some approaches that might help young people to avoid self‐harming behaviour in future.