bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noncontact and nondestructive identification of neural circuits with a femtosecond laser
Authors: Liu Xiuli , Lv Xiaohua , Zeng Shaoqun , Zhou Wei , Luo Qingming
Published: February 2009

Identifying neuronal connections is regarded as essential in understanding the structure and functions of neural circuits. However, the issue is difficult to resolve. Due to its ultrahigh peak power, the femtosecond laser was used to stimulate neuron circuits in this study. Our results showed that optical stimulation of one neuron triggered significant calcium responses in the neighboring neurons. According to the responses, neural connections were estimated and the functional topology of the neural circuit was mapped. The optical identification of neural connections proved to be noncontact, nondestructive, and highly reproducible, which would enable characterizing the dynamics of neural circuits.
Lattice location and short range ordering of doping ions in RbTiOPO4
Authors: Carvajal Joan J. , Ciatto Gianluca , Peña Alexandra , Pujol Maria Cinta , Gavaldà Josefina , Díaz Francesc , Aguiló Magdalena
Published: February 2009

By using extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, we demonstrate that Yb3+ ions in RbTiOPO4 and RbTi1−xNbxOPO4 crystals occupy titanium sites. By comparing these results with optical spectroscopic data and the structural location of Nb5+ codopants, we concluded that Yb3+ is located in Ti(2) positions in RbTi1−xNbxOPO4 crystals. Short range ordering between Yb3+ and Nb5+ rules electrical and optical properties of these nonlinear optical materials.
Effects of twin boundary mobility on domain microstructure evolution in magnetic shape memory alloys: Phase field simulation
Authors: Jin Yongmei M.
Published: February 2009

Effects of twin boundary mobility on domain microstructure evolution during magnetic field-induced deformation in magnetic shape memory alloys are studied by phase field micromagnetic microelastic modeling. The simulations show that different twin boundary mobilities lead to drastically different domain microstructures and evolution pathways, yielding very different magnetization and strain responses, even with opposite signs. The study also reveals complex domain phenomena in magnetic shape memory alloys.
Surface-enhanced fluorescence from metal sculptured thin films with application to biosensing in water
Authors: Abdulhalim I. , Karabchevsky Alina , Patzig Christian , Rauschenbach Bernd , Fuhrmann Bodo , Eltzov Evgeni , Marks Robert , Xu Jian , Zhang Fan , Lakhtakia Akhlesh
Published: February 2009

Surface-enhanced fluorescence from porous, metallic sculptured thin films (STFs) was demonstrated for sensing of bacteria in water. Enhancement factors larger than 15 were observed using STFs made of silver, aluminum, gold, and copper with respect to their dense film counterparts. The STFs used are assemblies of tilted, shaped, parallel nanowires prepared with several variants of the oblique-angle-deposition technique. Comparison between the different films indicates that the enhancement factor is higher when the tilt is either small (<30 deg) or large (>80 deg); thus, the enhancement is higher when only a single resonance in the nanowires is excited.
An Intimate and Imperial Feminism: Meliscent Shephard and the Regulation of Prostitution in Colonial India
Authors: Legg Stephen
Published: February 2009

This paper seeks to construct an antinostalgic portrait of an imperial feminist. As the representative of the Association for Moral and Social Hygiene (AMSH) in India between 1928 and 1947, Meliscent Shephard was an embodiment not only of the feminist urge to challenge patriarchal gender relations, but also of the imperialist urge to classify and fathom the world through a series of racist typologies. Despite an earlier belief that blame for the exploitation of prostitutes lay with the colonial state and economy, she later fell back on explanations based on notions of Indian society and religion. Operating in a period of heightened anticolonial nationalism, these latter views thwarted any hope of her forging successful connections with emergent Indian social reform groups. This failure to cultivate intimate relations with Indian colleagues marks a failure at the level of national and racial politics. Shephard did, however, cultivate an intimate relationship with correspondents at the AMSH in London, while her experiences of the sexual geographies of Indian cities provided a form of intimate interaction that would inspire her mission to close down tolerated brothels. As such, this paper marks an empirical engagement with the intimate frontiers at which the affective grid of colonial politics was marked out.
Normal Susceptibility to Visual Illusions in Abnormal Development: Evidence from Williams Syndrome
Authors: Palomares Melanie , Ogbonna Chinyere , Landau Barbara , Egeth Howard
Published: February 2009

The perception of visual illusions is a powerful diagnostic of implicit integration of global information. Many illusions occur when length, size, orientation, or luminance are misjudged because neighboring visuospatial information cannot be ignored. We asked if people with Williams syndrome (WS), a rare genetic disorder that results in severely impaired global visuospatial construction abilities, are also susceptible to the context of visual illusions. Remarkably, we found that illusions influenced WS individuals to the same degree as normal adults, although size discrimination was somewhat impaired in WS. Our results are evidence that illusions are a consequence of the brain's bias to implicitly integrate visual information, even in a population known to have difficulty in explicitly representing spatial relationships among objects. Moreover, these results suggest that implicit and non-implicit integration of spatial information have different vulnerabilities in abnormal development.
Race Coding and the Other-Race Effect in Face Recognition
Authors: Rhodes Gillian , Locke Vance , Ewing Louise , Evangelista Emma
Published: February 2009

Other-race faces are generally recognised more poorly than own-race faces. According to Levin's influential race-coding hypothesis, this other-race recognition deficit results from spontaneous coding of race-specifying information, at the expense of individuating information, in other-race faces. Therefore, requiring participants to code race-specifying information for all faces should eliminate the other-race effect by reducing recognition of own-race faces to the level of other-race faces. We tested this prediction in two experiments. Race coding was induced by requiring participants to rate study faces on race typicality (experiment 1) or to categorise them by race (experiment 2). Neither manipulation reduced the other-race effect, providing no support for the race-coding hypothesis. Instead, race-coding instructions marginally increased the other-race effect in experiment 1 and had no effect in experiment 2. These results do not support the race-coding hypothesis. Surprisingly, a control task of rating the attractiveness of study faces increased the other-race effect, indicating that deeper encoding of faces does not necessarily reduce the effect (experiment 1). Finally, the normally robust other-race effect was absent when participants were instructed to individuate other-race faces (experiment 2). We suggest that poorer recognition of other-race faces may reflect reduced perceptual expertise with such faces and perhaps reduced motivation to individuate them.
Invariant phase structure of olivo-cerebellar oscillations and its putative role in temporal pattern generation
Authors: Jacobson Gilad A. , Lev Iddo , Yarom Yosef , Cohen Dana
Published: February 2009

Complex movements require accurate temporal coordination between their components. The temporal acuity of such coordination has been attributed to an internal clock signal provided by inferior olivary oscillations. However, a clock signal can produce only time intervals that are multiples of the cycle duration. Because olivary oscillations are in the range of 5–10 Hz, they can support intervals of ≈100–200 ms, significantly longer than intervals suggested by behavioral studies. Here, we provide evidence that by generating nonzero-phase differences, olivary oscillations can support intervals shorter than the cycle period. Chronically implanted multielectrode arrays were used to monitor the activity of the cerebellar cortex in freely moving rats. Harmaline was administered to accentuate the oscillatory properties of the inferior olive. Olivary-induced oscillations were observed on most electrodes with a similar frequency. Most importantly, oscillations in different recording sites retained a constant phase difference that assumed a variety of values in the range of 0–180°, and were maintained across large global changes in the oscillation frequency. The inferior olive may thus underlie not only rhythmic activity and synchronization, but also temporal patterns that require intervals shorter than the cycle duration. The maintenance of phase differences across frequency changes enables the olivo-cerebellar system to replay temporal patterns at different rates without distortion, allowing the execution of tasks at different speeds.
Identification of
cis
-regulatory sequences that activate transcription in the suspensor of plant embryos
Authors: Kawashima Tomokazu , Wang Xingjun , Henry Kelli F. , Bi Yuping , Weterings Koen , Goldberg Robert B.
Published: February 2009

Little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which the embryo proper and suspensor of plant embryos activate specific gene sets shortly after fertilization. We analyzed the upstream region of the scarlet runner bean (
Phaseolus coccineus
)
G564
gene to understand how genes are activated specifically within the suspensor during early embryo development. Previously, we showed that the
G564
upstream region has a block of tandem repeats, which contain a conserved 10-bp motif (GAAAAG
C
/
T
GAA), and that deletion of these repeats results in a loss of suspensor transcription. Here, we use gain-of-function (GOF) experiments with transgenic globular-stage tobacco embryos to show that only 1 of the 5 tandem repeats is required to drive suspensor-specific transcription. Fine-scale deletion and scanning mutagenesis experiments with 1 tandem repeat uncovered a 54-bp region that contains all of the sequences required to activate transcription in the suspensor, including the 10-bp motif (GAAAAGCGAA) and a similar 10-bp-like motif (GAAAAACGAA). Site-directed mutagenesis and GOF experiments indicated that both the 10-bp and 10-bp-like motifs are necessary, but not sufficient to activate transcription in the suspensor, and that a sequence (TTGGT) between the 10-bp and the 10-bp-like motifs is also necessary for suspensor transcription. Together, these data identify sequences that are required to activate transcription in the suspensor of a plant embryo after fertilization.
Determinants of Retinal Microvascular Architecture in Normal Subjects
Authors: HUGHES ALUN D. , WONG TIEN Y. , WITT NICHOLAS , EVANS RICHARD , THOM SIMON A. MCG. , KLEIN BARBARA E. , CHATURVEDI NISH , KLEIN RONALD
Published: February 2009

Background: Recent studies have shown that changes in the retinal microvasculature predict cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, little is known regarding influences on the retinal microvasculature in healthy people without overt cardiovascular or metabolic disease.

Methods: We used a semiautomated computerized technique to analyze digitized retinal photographs from a total of 167 healthy people (age range, 45–75 years; 83 female), without clinical CVD, diabetes, or hypertension, randomly sampled from the population‐based Beaver Dam Eye Study. We assessed arteriolar and venular narrowing, arteriolar optimality deviation, and other quantitative aspects of the retinal microvasculature.

Results: Arterioles were significantly narrower and longer, had wider branching angles, and were more tortuous than venules. Increased arteriolar length to diameter ratio (an index of ratio arteriolar narrowing) was positively and independently associated with older age and elevated systolic blood pressure. Arteriolar optimality deviation (an index of microvascular endothelial dysfunction) increased with greater body mass index. Current smoking and increased white blood cell (WBC) count was associated with wider venules. After controlling for smoking, WBC was no longer a significant predictor of venular diameter.

Conclusions: CVD risk factors are associated with retinal microvascular changes in healthy individuals without evidence of CVD, diabetes, or hypertension. CVD risk factors have different influences on the arteriolar and venular bed.
Repression of BIRC5/Survivin by FOXO3/FKHRL1 Sensitizes Human Neuroblastoma Cells to DNA Damage-induced Apoptosis
Authors: Obexer Petra , Hagenbuchner Judith , Unterkircher Thomas , Sachsenmaier Nora , Seifarth Christoph , Böck Günther , Porto Verena , Geiger Kathrin , Ausserlechner Michael
Published: February 2009

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)–protein kinase B (PKB) pathway regulates survival and chemotherapy resistance of neuronal cells, and its deregulation in neuroblastoma (NB) tumors predicts an adverse clinical outcome. Here, we show that inhibition of PI3K-PKB signaling in human NB cells induces nuclear translocation of FOXO3/FKHRL1, represses the prosurvival protein BIRC5/Survivin, and sensitizes to DNA-damaging agents. To specifically address whether FKHRL1 contributes to Survivin regulation, we introduced a 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen-regulated FKHRL1(A3)ERtm allele into NB cells. Conditional FKHRL1 activation repressed Survivin transcription and protein expression. Transgenic Survivin exerted a significant antiapoptotic effect and prevented the accumulation of Bim and Bax at mitochondria, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential as well as the release of cytochrome c during FKHRL1-induced apoptosis. In concordance, Survivin knockdown by retroviral short hairpin RNA technology accelerated FKHRL1-induced apoptosis. Low-dose activation of FKHRL1 sensitized to the DNA-damaging agents doxorubicin and etoposide, whereas the overexpression of Survivin diminished FKHRL1 sensitization to these drugs. These results suggest that repression of Survivin by FKHRL1 facilitates FKHRL1-induced apoptosis and sensitizes to cell death induced by DNA-damaging agents, which supports the central role of PI3K-PKB-FKHRL1 signaling in drug resistance of human NB.
What Can a GP Do about Climate Change?
Authors: Harvey Judith
Published: February 2009

Climate change is changing our world at a rate which increases every year. It is predicted that up to 35% of animal and plant species may be doomed to extinction by 2050. The proportion of the planet which man can inhabit is shrinking. The predictions are frightening; perhaps too frightening for individuals and governments to face up to them. GPs are already seeing, in a small way, the effects of climate change. The challenge to GPs is not just clinical; if they are to fulfil their duty to their patients, they will have to take on a wider role as advocates and activists.
Testicular Disorders
Authors: Thornton Andrew , Simon Chantal
Published: February 2009

The testes are the male gonads and have dual reproductive and endocrine functions, both producing spermatozoa and synthesizing testosterone. Male patients can present at any age with testicular disorders and are usually worried and embarrassed. Superficially, testicular disorders may present in similar ways. However, an understanding of the anatomy and good history and examination can usually identify the underlying problem.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Haynes Jayne
Published: February 2009

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) describes abnormal kidney function or structure. It is often asymptomatic (and unrecognized) and commonly occurs in the context of other chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is associated with an increased risk of mortality and a small, but significant percentage of people with CKD progress to end-stage renal failure. Patients with CKD have an increased risk of CVD and are much more likely to die from a CVDrelated cause than they are to progress to end-stage renal disease. There is evidence that treatment can delay the progression of CKD and reduce the associated risk of CVD. The combination of a condition that is common in primary care with evidence that treatment can reduce disease progression and the risk of associated complications make CKD an important topic for general practitioners (GPs). It is, however, not without controversy — there are significant disagreements within the nephrological community, particularly around the significance of milder stages of CKD and the effect of normal ageing, and this in part has contributed to confusion for many GPs.
Effect of epidural saline washout on regression of sensory and motor block after epidural anaesthesia with 2% lidocaine and fentanyl in elderly patients
Authors: Park E. Y. , Kil H. K. , Park W. S. , Lee N.‐H. , Hong J.‐Y.
Published: February 2009

Seventy elderly males received lumbar epidural anaesthesia with 12 ml of 2% lidocaine containing fentanyl 50 μg. At the end of transurethral surgery, the washout group (n = 33) received an epidural bolus of 30 ml saline while the control group (n = 34) did not. Mean (SD) times to 1‐grade (17.2 (11.9) vs 32.7 (11.3) min) and 2‐grade regression (23.8 (12.2) vs 56.0 (23.9) min) of motor block, 3‐dermatomal sensory regression (31.4 (11.6) vs 42.2 (14.4) min for cold and 30.8 (15.6) vs 40.6 (14.2) min for pinprick), and regression to S1 (57.7 (16.1) vs 76.2 (20.2) min for cold and 56.8 (17.3) vs 69.2 (16.2) min for pinprick) were significantly shorter in the washout group than the control group. There were no differences in postoperative pain scores and side effects between the two groups. We concluded that epidural washout facilitates regression of both motor and sensory block following epidural anaesthesia without reducing the postoperative analgesic benefit.
Ambulation in labour and delivery mode: a randomised controlled trial of high‐dose vs mobile epidural analgesia*
Authors: Wilson M. J. A. , MacArthur C. , Cooper G. M. , Shennan A. ,   on behalf of the COMET Study Group UK
Published: February 2009

Compared to high‐dose epidurals where mobility is impossible, mobile epidurals have been shown to reduce instrumental vaginal delivery rates. The mechanism for this benefit may depend on women walking or adopting upright postures during labour. We investigated maternal motor power and ambulation of 1052 primparous women randomised to high‐dose epidural (Control), Combined Spinal Epidural (CSE) or Low‐Dose Infusion (LDI) as a pre‐specified, secondary outcome of the Comparative Obstetric Mobile Epidural Trial. Modified Bromage power scores and the level of mobility a woman actually achieved were recorded each hour after epidural placement during first and second stage, until delivery. Relative to control, significantly more women maintained normal leg power throughout labour in both mobile groups and significantly more women with CSE maintained superior leg power for longer than with LDI. Observational analysis did not demonstrate an association between the level of ambulation a woman actually achieved after epidural placement and delivery mode.
Performance of four carbon dioxide absorbents in experimental and clinical settings
Authors: Yamakage M. , Takahashi K. , Takahashi M. , Satoh J.‐I. , Namiki A.
Published: February 2009

To evaluate the performance of four kinds of carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbents (Medisorb® GE Healthcare, Amsorb® Plus Armstrong Medical, YabashiLime® Yabashi Industries, and Sodasorb® LF Grace Performance Chemicals), we measured their dust production, acceptability of colour indicator, and CO2 absorption capacity in in vitro experimental settings and the concentration of compound A in an inspired anaesthetic circuit during in vivo clinical practice. In vitro, the order of the dust amount was Sodasorb LF > Medisorb > Amsorb Plus = YabashiLime both before and after shaking. The order of the color acceptability was similar: Sodasorb LF > Amsorb Plus = Medisorb > YabashiLime both initially and 16 h after CO2 exhaustion. During exposure to 200 ml.min−1 CO2 in vitro, the period until 1 kg of fresh soda lime allowed inspired CO2 to increase to 0.7 kPa (as a mark of utilisation of the absorbent) was longer with Medisorb (1978 min) than with the other absorbents (1270–1375 min). In vivo, compound A (1.0% inspired sevoflurane) was detected only when using Medisorb. While Medisorb has the best ability to absorb CO2, it alone produces compound A.
Comparison of the Glidescope® and Airtraq® optical laryngoscopes in patients undergoing direct microlaryngoscopy
Authors: Lange M. , Frommer M. , Redel A. , Trautner H. , Hampel J. , Kranke P. , Kehl F. , Scholtz L. U. , Roewer N.
Published: February 2009

Optical laryngoscopes have been developed to facilitate difficult airway management. The Airtraq® is a single‐use device and the GlideScope® is reusable. In this study, the Airtraq and the Glidescope were compared in 60 ASA I‐III patients with tumours of the upper airway undergoing direct endoscopic microlaryngoscopy. Patients were randomly assigned to the Airtraq or the Glidescope group and the Cormack and Lehane grade was assessed by Macintosh laryngoscopy prior to tracheal intubation. There were no differences in tracheal intubation success rates or duration of intubation attempts between both devices. The Cormack and Lehane grade was improved in 77% and 82% of cases in the Airtraq and Glidescope group, respectively. Blood traces on the device and traumatic pharyngeal lesions were found more frequently in the Airtraq group. The Airtraq and Glidescope laryngoscopes are valuable tools for the management of patients with potentially difficult airways with the Glidescope appearing to be less traumatic.
Ketamine or alfentanil administration prior to propofol anaesthesia: the effects on ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airway insertion conditions and haemodynamic changes in children
Authors: Begec Z. , Demirbilek S. , Onal D. , Erdil F. , Ilksen Toprak H. , Ozcan Ersoy M.
Published: February 2009

This study was designed to compare the effects of ketamine and alfentanil administered prior to induction of anaesthesia with propofol, on the haemodynamic changes and ProSeal laryngeal mask airway® (PLMA) insertion conditions in children. Eighty children, aged between 3–132 months, were randomly allocated to receive either alfentanil 20 μg.kg−1 (alfentanil group) or ketamine 0.5 mg.kg−1 (ketamine group) before induction of anaesthesia. Ninety seconds following the administration of propofol 4 mg.kg−1, a PLMA was inserted. In the ketamine group, heart rate and mean arterial pressure were higher during the study period compared with the alfentanil group (p < 0.05). The time for the return of spontaneous ventilation was prolonged in the alfentanil group (p = 0.004). In conclusion, we found that the administration of ketamine 0.5 mg.kg−1 with propofol 4 mg.kg−1 preserved haemodynamic stability, and reduced the time to the return of spontaneous ventilation, compared with alfentanil 20 μg.kg−1 during PLMA placement. In addition, the conditions for insertion of the PLMA with ketamine were similar to those found with alfentanil.
Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single/multiple doses of the oral, direct Factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban in healthy Chinese subjects
Authors: Zhao Xia , Sun Peihong , Zhou Ying , Liu Yuwang , Zhang Huilin , Mueck Wolfgang , Kubitza Dagmar , Bauer Richard J. , Zhang Hong , Cui Yimin
Published: February 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Rivaroxaban is an oral, direct Factor Xa inhibitor in advanced clinical development for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders.

• In single‐ and multiple‐dose Phase I studies in White subjects, rivaroxaban was safe and demonstrated predictable, dose‐dependent pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• The Phase III programme with rivaroxaban is being conducted worldwide.

• Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and tolerability of rivaroxaban are altered in patients of different ethnic origins.

• Dose‐escalation studies were conducted to determine the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single and multiple doses of rivaroxaban in healthy Chinese subjects.

AIMS

To investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rivaroxaban, an oral, direct Factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor, in healthy, male Chinese subjects.

METHODS

Two randomized, single‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐escalation studies were conducted in healthy Chinese men aged 18–45 years. In the single‐dose study, subjects received single, oral doses of rivaroxaban 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg. In the multiple‐dose study, oral rivaroxaban was administered in doses of 5, 10, 20 and 30 mg twice daily for 6 days.

RESULTS

Rivaroxaban, in single and multiple doses up to 60 mg, was well tolerated. Rapid absorption was observed in both studies (time to Cmax 1.25–2.5 h). In the multiple‐dose study, rivaroxaban exposure increased dose‐proportionally after the first dose and at steady state (for the 5–20‐mg doses). The half‐life of rivaroxaban was up to 7.9 h in the single‐dose study. Maximal inhibition of FXa activity was achieved within 1–3 h of dosing in the single‐dose study [at 20 mg FXa inhibition as a median percentage change from baseline, 45.92; 95% confidence interval (CI) 44.64, 50.70] and 2–3 h after administration at steady state in the multiple‐dose study (at 20 mg median FXa inhibition as a median percentage change from baseline, 60.25; 95% CI 56.16, 63.05), in line with maximum rivaroxaban plasma concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Rivaroxaban demonstrated predictable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in healthy Chinese subjects, in line with findings observed previously in White subjects. This suggests that fixed doses of rivaroxaban may be administered to all patients, regardless of their ethnic origin.
Tumour necrosis factor-α processing in interstitial lung disease: a potential role for exogenous proteinase-3
Authors: Armstrong L , Godinho S I H , Uppington K M , Whittington H A , Millar A B
Published: February 2009

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blockade has become an important immunomodulatory therapy, particularly in patients refractory to conventional immunosuppression, but responses can be unpredictable. Understanding the complex biology of TNF processing may be key to predicting such responses and reduce unwanted side effects. TNF bioavailability is regulated partly by TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE) cleavage; however, it can also be cleaved by proteinase-3 (PR-3). We have demonstrated this mechanism previously in healthy human alveolar macrophages (AM), leading us to hypothesize that PR-3-mediated TNF processing may be an important mechanism in inflammatory lung disease. Furthermore, this may be more apparent in diseases with a neutrophil component typical of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), compared with sarcoidosis, where lymphocytes predominate. We isolated AM from patients with UIP and sarcoidosis and healthy subjects. We found increased TACE expression on AM in sarcoidosis. In contrast, TACE was not increased in UIP; we found increased cleavage of glutathione S-transferase-proTNF) substrate, relative to both sarcoidosis and healthy controls. Furthermore, cleavage was subject to inhibition by serine protease inhibitor, rather than a TACE inhibitor BB-3103. Cleavage was proportional to the number of neutrophils isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage, whereas there was an inverse relationship between neutrophils and BB-3103 inhibition. There was also increased PR-3 on the AM surface in UIP relative to healthy controls. These data provide evidence for PR-3-mediated cleavage in UIP, which may have implications for future therapeutic targeting of TACE.
Estimation of total erosion in cultivated Black soils in northeast China from vertical profiles of soil organic carbon
Authors: Liang A. Z. , Zhang X. P. , Yang X. M. , Mclaughlin N. B. , Shen Y. , Li W. F.
Published: February 2009

It is difficult to estimate soil thickness eroded from annual erosion rates in cultivated Black soils in northeast China because of the uncertainty of the time when the soil was first cultivated for agricultural crops. Assuming soil organic carbon (SOC) profile curves for cultivated sites are the same as virgin sites before cultivation, it may be possible to estimate the total thickness of surface soils lost by erosion by vertical movement of plotted SOC profiles until those for the virgin and cultivated soils are superimposed. We collected pairs of soil samples (0–1 m) with one sample in each pair from a virgin site and the other from a nearby cultivated site in Heilongjiang province, northeast China. In undulating areas where soil erosion was moderate, the shapes of SOC distribution curves below 40 cm depth were nearly identical for both cultivated and virgin soils, but were offset vertically. This offset was attributed to the loss of surface soil by erosion in the cultivated land. By moving the distribution curve of SOC in cultivated soil downwards by 12.7 cm, we found nearly coincident curves below 45 cm for the virgin and cultivated soils. This thickness (12.7 cm) was believed to be the depth of soils that had been eroded since the onset of cultivation in Black soils in northeast China. We concluded that the amount of surface soil lost by erosion could be estimated from comparison of the vertical distribution of SOC in cultivated and virgin soils.
Land use, tillage, texture and organic matter stock and composition in tropical and subtropical Brazilian soils
Authors: Dieckow J. , Bayer C. , Conceição P. C. , Zanatta J. A. , Martin‐Neto L. , Milori D. B. M. , Salton J. C. , Macedo M. M. , Mielniczuk J. , Hernani L. C.
Published: February 2009

We examined the influence of land use change, tillage system and soil texture on organic carbon (C) stocks and on organic matter composition of tropical and subtropical soils from Brazil at four long‐term experiments (11–25 years) based on fine‐ and coarse‐textured soils. Soil samples were collected from the 0–5, 5–10 and 10–20 cm layers of conventional tillage (CT) and no‐till (NT) plots, and of the adjoining soil under native vegetation (NV) of Cerrado (tropical) or grassland (subtropical). Conversion of NV to CT resulted in losses of 7–29% of the original C stock of 0–20 cm; conversion to NT increased this C stock by 0–12% compared with CT. Organic matter composition of the 0–5 cm layer, assessed by solid state CPMAS‐13C‐NMR, ESR and laser induced fluorescence spectroscopies, was affected by land use and tillage systems. Conversion of NV to CT decreased O‐alkyl and increased aromatic, carbonyl, aromatic/O‐alkyl ratio, free radicals concentration and fluorescence signal. The opposite trend was observed when NT replaced CT. The relative losses and gains of C and qualitative changes resulting from land use and tillage were less evident in fine‐ than in coarse‐textured soils, suggesting a greater resistance and a smaller resilience of fine‐ compared with coarse‐textured soils. The direct relation between increase in C stock and increase in potentially labile moieties (e.g. O‐alkyl) and the decrease in more recalcitrant moieties (e.g. aromatics) in NT soils suggests that spatial inaccessibility by aggregates is playing a major role, compared with selective preservation, in promoting C accumulation in NT soils.
Age and functional ability are associated with self‐care practices used by women with metastatic breast cancer: an exploratory study
Authors: Norris Rebecca L , Liu Qin , Bauer‐Wu Susan
Published: February 2009

Aim.  To describe self‐care practices used by women with metastatic breast cancer and to examine relationships between self‐care practices and patient characteristics.

Background.  Self‐care involves the voluntary use of activities to promote one’s own well‐being. Individuals with advanced cancer are faced with multiple psychological and physical stressors. It is important to identify personal characteristics that are likely to influence patients’ preferred self‐care strategies.

Design.  This cross‐sectional descriptive study was a secondary analysis of baseline data obtained from a longitudinal intervention trial. A convenience sample of stage IV breast cancer patients (N = 173) completed self‐administered questionnaires. Recruitment and data collection took place between April 2000–March 2003.

Results.  This study demonstrates a high use and variety of self‐care practices in this sample of women with advanced‐stage breast cancer: confiding in family and friends, spiritual practices, physical exercise, group support activities and journal writing. Multivariate logistical regression analyses revealed that functional ability and age significantly predicted participation in self‐care activities. Higher levels of physical functioning were associated with use of physical exercise and lower levels of physical functioning were associated with journal writing. Additionally, younger age predicted participation in yoga/meditation, cancer retreats, cancer support and web‐based programmes.

Conclusions.  Findings from this study suggest that metastatic breast cancer patients frequently engage in a variety of self‐care practices that may be influenced by personal characteristics. Future clinical self‐care interventions could be tailored according to patients’ characteristics, functional ability, needs and interests.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses and other healthcare professionals who promote the use of self‐care practices to enhance quality of life for patients with advanced stage breast cancer may find this information useful to direct patients to appropriate resources.
Insulin initiation in adults: evidence based or context driven?
Authors: Coates Vivien E , Dromgoole Paul , Turner Eileen ,   On behalf of the UK Initiation of Insulin Study Group
Published: February 2009

Aim.  To describe insulin initiation practices across the United Kingdom (UK) and identify factors influencing current practice.

Background.  The number of people commencing insulin therapy has escalated in recent years; due to increased incidence of diabetes and the evidence that improvements in glycaemic control can reduce and delay the onset of diabetic complications. However, the process of insulin initiation is not well described and the optimal way to start insulin therapy is unclear. There is currently a strong emphasis on moving diabetes care from secondary to primary care and this change in policy may also influence insulin initiation.

Methods.  A quantitative, cross‐sectional, nationwide survey of diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs) and practice nurses (PNs) was completed in 2006. Data were gathered using a postal questionnaire, 1310 were returned (37·7% response rate).

Results.  Almost all DSNs working in secondary, or across primary and secondary, care initiate insulin in people with type 1 diabetes, but only 37·7% of DSNs working in primary care or 2·5% of PNs (p < 0·001). Most DSNs initiate insulin in adults with type 2 diabetes compared with only 37·7% of PNs (p < 0·001). Only 23·5% of respondents initiate insulin for those with gestational diabetes (GD), most working in secondary care (p < 0·001). The most commonly used insulin regimen was multiple injection in type 1 diabetes (43·9%), a twice‐daily mixture (19·2%) and night only basal insulin (17·9%) in type 2 diabetes and multiple injection in GD (46·8%). Analogue insulins were more frequently used than non‐analogues in type 1 and 2 diabetes but almost equally in those with GD.

Conclusion.  Despite the drive for much more diabetes care to be delivered in primary care insulin initiation remains largely the province of secondary care, and regardless of the contested nature of the evidence base, analogue insulins are widely used.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The focus of this study was on one aspect of diabetes care (insulin initiation), however the findings illustrate that whilst policy relating to the care of people with a long‐term condition such as diabetes may change, the practice implications in terms of community provision and availability of appropriate expertise are complex.
Influence of test parameters on in vitro fracture resistance of post‐endodontic restorations: a structured review
Authors: NAUMANN M. , METZDORF G. , FOKKINGA W. , WATZKE R. , STERZENBACH G. , BAYNE S. , ROSENTRITT M.
Published: February 2009

Summary  A structured literature review aimed to elucidate test parameters for in vitro testing of post‐endodontic restorations. The literature was digitally searched using MEDLINE, EMBASE, MedPilot and an additional hand search was performed. Two independent researchers assessed the articles in relation to the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature search revealed 125 abstracts. Sixty‐nine studies were included. Fifty‐seven per cent of the studies investigated maxillary incisors only. The restorative stage as complex of tooth, post, core, and crown and post‐and‐core restored specimens without crowns were used most frequently. Fifty‐nine per cent of the studies used static loading. Only 15% of the studies performed thermocycling and mechanical loading (TCML). However, the number of thermo‐ and load cycles varied. The cross‐head speed of linear loading after TCML ranged from 0·01 to 150 mm min−1. The reviewed studies were heterogeneous in test design regarding the used test parameters. A methodological standardization of in vitro testing of post‐endodontic restorations is recommended.
Impact of adefovir dipivoxil on liver fibrosis and activity assessed with biochemical markers (FibroTest–ActiTest) in patients infected by hepatitis B virus
Authors: Poynard T. , Ngo Y. , Marcellin P. , Hadziyannis S. , Ratziu V. , Benhamou Y. ,   for the Adefovir Dipivoxil 437 and 438 Study Groups
Published: February 2009

Summary.  The aim was to assess the utility of FibroTest–ActiTest (FT‐AT) as noninvasive markers of histological changes in patients with chronic hepatitis. Patients with chronic hepatitis B (HBeAg+ and HBeAg−) randomized in two trials of adefovir (ADV) vs placebo, with available paired liver biopsies and FT‐AT at baseline and after 48 weeks of treatment were included. The predictive value of FT‐AT was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUROCs) for the diagnosis of bridging fibrosis, cirrhosis and moderate–severe necroinflammatory activity. The impact of treatment with ADV vs placebo was assessed on liver injury according to baseline stage and virological response at 48 weeks. The analysis of 924 estimates for the diagnosis of bridging fibrosis, cirrhosis and moderate or severe necroinflammatory activity yielded FT‐AT AUROCs: 0.76 ± 0.02 (standardized 0.81 ± 0.02), 0.81 ± 0.02 and 0.80 ± 0.01, respectively. Similar impacts of ADV on liver fibrosis and activity were observed both with paired biopsy (fibrosis stage from 1.6 to 1.4, activity grade from 2.5 to 1.3) and paired biomarkers (FT from 0.44 to 0.40, AT from 0.62 to 0.25) (P < 0.0001). FibroTest–ActiTest provides a quantitative estimate of liver fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in patients with chronic hepatitis B and may be an alternative to reduce the need for liver biopsy.
CtrA response regulator binding to the Caulobacter chromosome replication origin is required during nutrient and antibiotic stress as well as during cell cycle progression
Authors: Bastedo D. Patrick , Marczynski Gregory T.
Published: February 2009

The Caulobacter crescentus chromosome replication origin (Cori) has five binding sites for CtrA, an OmpR/PhoB family ‘response regulator’. CtrA is degraded in replicating ‘stalked’ cells but is abundant in the non‐replicating ‘swarmer’ cells, where it was proposed to repress replication by binding to Cori. We systematically mutated all Cori CtrA binding sites, and examined their consequences in the contexts of autonomous Cori‐plasmid replication and in the natural chromosome locus. Remarkably, the C. crescentus chromosome tolerates severe mutations in all five CtrA binding sites, demonstrating that CtrA is not essential for replication. Further physiological and cell cycle experiments more rigorously supported the original hypothesis that CtrA represses replication. However, our experiments argued against another hypothesis that residual and/or replenished CtrA protein in stalked cells might prevent extra or unscheduled chromosome replication before cell division. Surprisingly, we also demonstrated that Cori CtrA binding sites are very advantageous and can become essential when cells encounter nutrients and antibiotics. Therefore, the CtrA cell cycle regulator co‐ordinates replication with viable cell growth in stressful and rapidly changing environments. We argue that this new role for CtrA provided the primary selective pressure for evolving control by CtrA.
Phenotype and spectrum of action of the Pvr4 resistance in pepper against potyviruses, and selection for virulent variants
Authors: Janzac B. , Fabre M.‐F. , Palloix A. , Moury B.
Published: February 2009

The dominant Pvr4 gene identified in Capsicum annuum cv. Criollo de Morelos 334 (CM334) is frequently used in pepper cultivars because it possesses one of the largest spectra of action among plant virus resistance genes. This gene was previously shown to confer efficient resistance to all known Potato virus Y isolates, to Pepper mottle virus, to Pepper yellow mosaic virus and to Ecuadorian rocoto virus. This study showed that the W4 line, derived from CM334 and carrying Pvr4, was also resistant to Peru tomato mosaic virus and Pepper severe mosaic virus, but not to Pepper veinal mottle virus, Chilli veinal mottle virus or Tobacco etch virus. It was noticed that the phenotype of the resistance was atypical since, in the W4 line, hypersensitive reaction or extreme resistance could be observed, depending on virus isolates and inoculated organs. Despite the large deployment of Pvr4 in hybrid cultivars, the numerous tests performed in controlled conditions and the use of W4 serial back‐inoculations with potyvirus isolates controlled by this line, no virulent variant isolates were obtained. However, it was shown that the use of graft inoculation experiments allow PVY virulent variants to be selected.
Induced tolerance of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum to isothiocyanates and toxic volatiles from Brassica species
Authors: Rahmanpour S. , Backhouse D. , Nonhebel H. M.
Published: February 2009

The response of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causal agent of stem rot of oilseed rape (Brassica napus), to toxic volatiles produced by the glucosinolate‐myrosinase system was studied. Mycelium plugs were exposed to inoculated leaf discs of oilseed rape cultivars and two related species, black mustard (Brassica nigra) and white mustard (Sinapis alba). Growth of exposed colonies was inhibited by more than 87% compared with controls. Despite inhibition of exposed fungal colonies, the fungus continued to grow in infected tissue. Repeated exposure of the fungus to hydrated mustard powder (which contains both glucosinolates and myrosinase) or synthetic isothiocyanates (ITCs) resulted in growth inhibition decreasing from initial levels of up to 80% to insignificant levels after 2–3 days, suggesting that S. sclerotiorum has the ability to adapt to volatiles during the infection progress. This adaptation was studied by investigating induction of glutathione S‐transferase‐like genes identified from the S. sclerotiorum genome. Three genes, with locus numbers SS1G_07195.1, SS1G_01918.1 and SS1G_10295.1, appeared to be up‐regulated following exposure of S. sclerotiorum to mustard powder or allyl ITC. A fourth gene, SS1G_07319.1, appeared to be down‐regulated. In addition, glutathione S‐transferase catalytic activity in crude mycelium extracts was doubled following 48 h of exposure to mustard powder volatiles. This adaptation could allow S. sclerotiorum to parasitize tissues of Brassica species despite the production of toxic metabolites.
Airway wall geometry in asthma and nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis
Authors: Siddiqui S. , Gupta S. , Cruse G. , Haldar P. , Entwisle J. , Mcdonald S. , Whithers P. J. , Hainsworth S. V. , Coxson H. O. , Brightling C.
Published: February 2009

Background:  Variable airflow obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) are features of asthma, which are absent in nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (EB). Airway remodelling is characteristic of both conditions suggesting that remodelling and airway dysfunction are disassociated, but whether the airway geometry differs between asthma and nonasthmatic EB is uncertain.

Methods:  We assessed airway geometry by computed tomography (CT) imaging in asthma vs EB. A total of 12 subjects with mild–moderate asthma, 14 subjects with refractory asthma, 10 subjects with EB and 11 healthy volunteers were recruited. Subjects had a narrow collimation (0.75 mm) CT scan from the aortic arch to the carina to capture the right upper lobe apical segmental bronchus (RB1). In subjects with asthma and EB, CT scans were performed before and after a 2‐week course of oral prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg).

Results:  Mild–moderate and refractory asthma were associated with RB1 wall thickening in contrast to subjects with nonasthmatic EB who had maintained RB1 patency without wall thickening [mean (SD) % wall area and luminal area mild‐t0‐moderate asthma 67.7 (7.3)% and 6.6 (2.8) mm2/m2, refractory asthma 67.3 (5.6)% and 6.7 (3.4) mm2/m2, healthy control group 59.7 (6.3)% and 8.7 (3.8) mm2/m2, EB 61.4 (7.8)% and 11.1 (4.6) mm2/m2 respectively; P < 0.05]. Airway wall thickening of non‐RB1 airways generation three to six was a feature of asthma only. There was no change in airway geometry of RB1 after prednisolone. Proximal airway wall thickening was associated with AHR in asthma (r = −0.56; P = 0.02).

Conclusions:  Maintained airway patency in EB may protect against the development of AHR, whereas airway wall thickening may promote AHR in asthma.
Resource specialization in a phytophagous insect: no evidence for genetically based performance trade‐offs across hosts in the field or laboratory
Authors: AGOSTA S. J. , KLEMENS J. A.
Published: February 2009

We present a field test of the genetically based performance trade‐off hypothesis for resource specialization in a population of the moth Rothschildia lebeau whose larvae primarily feed on three host plant species. Pairwise correlations between growth vs. growth, survival vs. survival and growth vs. survival across the different hosts were calculated, using families (sibships) as the units of analysis. Of 15 pairwise correlations, 14 were positive, 5 significantly so and none were negative. The same pattern was found using complementary growth and survival data from the laboratory. Overall, we found no evidence of negative genetic correlations in cross‐host performance that would be indicative of performance trade‐offs in this population. Rather, variation among families in performance appears to reflect ‘general vigour’ whereby families that perform well on one host perform well across multiple hosts. We discuss the implications of positive genetic correlations in cross‐host performance in terms of the ecology and evolution of host range. We argue that this genetic architecture facilitates colonization of novel hosts and recolonization of historical hosts, therefore contributing to host shifts, host range expansions, biological invasions and introductions, and host ranges that are regionally broad but locally narrow.