bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcium channel blocking activity ofMentha longifoliaL. explains its medicinal use in diarrhoea and gut spasm
Authors: Shah Abdul Jabbar , Bhulani Nizar Noorali , Khan Sara Haroon , ur Rehman Najeeb , Gilani Anwarul Hassan
Published: July 2010

Mentha longifoliahas a reputation in traditional medicine in the indications of diarrhoea and gut spasm. This study was carried out to provide a possible pharmacological basis for its medicinal use in hyperactive gut disorders. In a castor oil induced diarrhoeal model, the crude extract ofMentha longifolia(Ml.Cr), at doses of 100–1000 mg/kg, provided 31–80% protection, similar to loperamide. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, Ml.Cr caused inhibition of spontaneous and high K+‐induced contractions, with respective EC50values of 1.80 (1.34–2.24;n= 6–8) and 0.60 mg/mL (0.37–0.85;n= 6–8), which suggests spasmolytic activity, mediated possibly through calcium channel blockade (CCB). The CCB activity was further confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Ml.Cr (0.3–1 mg/mL) caused a rightward shift in the Ca++concentration–response curves (CRCs), similar to verapamil. Loperamide also inhibited spontaneous and high K+‐induced contractions and shifted the Ca++CRCs to the right. Activity‐directed fractionation revealed that the petroleum spirit fraction was more potent than the parent crude extract and aqueous fraction. These data indicate that the antidiarrhoeal and spasmolytic effects of the crude extract ofMentha longifoliaare mediated through the presence of CCB‐like constituent(s), concentrated in the petroleum spirit fraction and this study provides indirect evidence for its medicinal use in diarrhoea and spasm. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust model predictive control algorithm for incrementally conic uncertain/nonlinear systems
Authors: Açıkmeşe Behçet , Carson John M. , Bayard David S.
Published: July 2010

This paper presents a robustly stabilizing model predictive control algorithm for systems with incrementally conic uncertain/nonlinear terms and bounded disturbances. The resulting control input consists of feedforward and feedback components. The feedforward control generates a nominal trajectory from online solution of a finite‐horizon constrained optimal control problem for a nominal system model. The feedback control policy is designed off‐line by utilizing a model of the uncertainty/nonlinearity and establishes invariant ‘state tubes’ around the nominal system trajectories. The entire controller is shown to be robustly stabilizing with a region of attraction composed of the initial states for which the finite‐horizon constrained optimal control problem is feasible for the nominal system. Synthesis of the feedback control policy involves solution of linear matrix inequalities. An illustrative numerical example is provided to demonstrate the control design and the resulting closed‐loop system performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenylalanine loading in pediatric patients with dopa‐responsive dystonia: revised test protocol and pediatric cutoff values
Authors: Opladen Thomas , Okun Jürgen G. , Burgard Peter , Blau Nenad , Hoffmann Georg F.
Published: July 2010

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to determine the value of phenylalanine (Phe) loading for diagnosing dopa‐responsive dystonia (DRD) in children.

Methods

We investigated orally administered Phe loading tests (100 mg/kg) in seven patients with confirmed DRD and 17 pediatric patients with clinically suspected but excluded DRD. Results of Phe, tyrosine (Tyr), and biopterin from plasma and dried blood spot (DBS) analyses were correlated, and pediatric cutoff values established.

Results

The peak Phe concentration following a Phe load in the pediatric DRD population is lower than reported in adults. By using adult cutoff values and either Phe/Try ratios or biopterin concentrations only, false positive and false negative results are frequent. Only the combined analysis of the Phe/Tyr ratio and biopterin concentration is reliable in children. In children with DRD, dried blood Phe/Tyr ratio exceeded 4.6 (plasma Phe/Tyr ratio >5.4) after 2 h and biopterin concentration in dried blood remained below 16.2 nmol/L (plasma biopterin <14 nmol/L) 1 h after Phe challenge.

Conclusions

Phe loading is a useful tool for diagnosing DRD in children. Test duration can be reduced to only 2 h, and specific pediatric cutoff values need to be applied. Simultaneous measurements of the Phe/Tyr ratio and biopterin in plasma or DBS are essential in pediatric patients.
The effect of expertise on the relation between implicit and explicit attitude measures: An information availability/accessibility perspective
Authors: Czellar Sandor , Luna David
Published: July 2010

Three experiments investigate expertise as a moderator of the relationship between implicit and explicit attitude measures. Prior research suggests that greater expertise leads to stronger implicit–explicit relations; however, a cognitive view of expertise can also predict a weaker implicit–explicit relation. Our framework helps to resolve that seeming contradiction on the basis of the availability/accessibility of attributes versus attitudes in explicit attitude measures. We show that object specificity and contextual factors (e.g., instructions and prior evaluations in a survey) differentially affect the availability/accessibility of global attitudes and attribute information for novices versus experts, thus determining how expertise moderates the implicit–explicit relation.
DNA methylation profiling in cancer
Authors: Kondo Yutaka , Issa Jean-Pierre J.
Published: July 2010

Aberrant DNA methylation in the genome is found in almost all types of cancer and contributes to malignant transformation by silencing multiple tumour-suppressor genes, sometimes simultaneously. Therefore, deciphering the signature of DNA methylation in each tumour is required to better understand tumour behaviour and might be of benefit for clinical diagnostics and therapy. Recent technologies for high-throughput genome-wide DNA methylation analyses are promising and potent tools for epigenetic profiling. Since epigenetic therapy is now in clinical use or trials for several types of cancers, efficient epigenetic profiling is required. In this review, the current key technologies available to assess genome-wide DNA methylation are introduced and the implications of DNA methylation profiling in human cancers are discussed.
Fragebogen zu Gedanken und Gefühlen (FGG)
Authors: Renneberg Babette , Seehausen Annika
Published: July 2010

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Basierend auf kognitiven Ansätzen sowie dem bio-sozialen Modell von Linehan zur Borderline Störung wurden eine Kurz- (14 Items) und eine Langversion (37 Items) des Fragebogens zu Gedanken und Gefühlen (FGG; Renneberg et al., 2005 ) entwickelt. Fragestellung: Die psychometrischen Kennwerte beider Versionen sowie die Eignung der Kurzversion als Screening Verfahren sollten überprüft werden. Methode: Itemkennwerte, Reliabilität und konvergente sowie diskriminante Validität werden an verschiedenen klinischen und nicht-klinischen Stichproben für den FGG-37 (insgesamt n = 530) und den FGG-14 (insgesamt n = 378) ermittelt. Mit der Langversion des FGG wurde zusätzlich zum Mittelwert ein Index zur Erfassung widerspruchsvollen Denkens (IWD) gebildet. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine gute interne Konsistenz und Test-Retest-Reliabilität, eine hohe konvergente Validität und sehr gute diskriminante Validität des FGG-37 und der Kurzversion des FGG mit 14 Items. Schlussfolgerungen: Mit dem Index für widerspruchsvolles Denken (IWD) des FGG-37 ist es möglich, das Ausmaß festzustellen, in dem das Denken durch sich widersprechende handlungsleitende Kognitionen geprägt ist. Die Kurzform des FGG kann als Screening Instrument bei Verdacht auf BPS empfohlen werden.
Networking the nucleus
Authors: Rajapakse Indika , Scalzo David , Tapscott Stephen J , Kosak Steven T , Groudine Mark
Published: July 2010

The nuclei of differentiating cells exhibit several fundamental principles of self‐organization. They are composed of many dynamical units connected physically and functionally to each other—a complex network—and the different parts of the system are mutually adapted and produce a characteristic end state. A unique cell‐specific signature emerges over time from complex interactions among constituent elements that delineate coordinate gene expression and chromosome topology. Each element itself consists of many interacting components, all dynamical in nature. Self‐organizing systems can be simplified while retaining complex information using approaches that examine the relationship between elements, such as spatial relationships and transcriptional information. These relationships can be represented using well‐defined networks. We hypothesize that during the process of differentiation, networks within the cell nucleus rewire according to simple rules, from which a higher level of order emerges. Studying the interaction within and among networks provides a useful framework for investigating the complex organization and dynamic function of the nucleus.
Evidence for D4 Receptor Regulation of Retinomotor Movement in Isolated Teleost Cone Inner‐Outer Segments
Authors: Hillman David W. , Lin Daniel , Burnside Beth
Published: July 2010

Abstract: In the retinas of teleost fish, cone photoreceptors change shape in response to light and circadian signals. They elongate in the dark, contract in the light, and under conditions of constant darkness undergo appropriate movements at expected dusk and dawn. Dopamine induces cones to contract, thus mimicking the effect of light or expected dawn. To identify the receptor subtype responsible for mediating dopamine regulation of cone retinomotor movements, we have carried out pharmacological studies using isolated fragments of teleost cones consisting of cone inner segments‐cone outer segments (CIS‐COS). Isolated CIS‐COS retain the ability to elongate in dark culture and contract when subsequently exposed to light or dopamine. We report that dark‐induced elongation of CIS‐COS was inhibited by dopamine and its agonists with an effectiveness ranking of dopamine = quinpirole > bromocriptine ⋙SKF‐38393. After 60 min of elongation in dark culture, CIS‐COS myoids contracted when subsequently cultured in the dark with dopamine or quinpirole. Quinpirole‐induced inhibition of elongation and quinpirole‐induced contraction were completely blocked by clozapine at 1 µM or by sulpiride at 100 µM. These effectiveness profiles for dopamine agonists and antagonists suggest that dopamine regulation of cone retinomotor movement is mediated by a D4‐like receptor.
Fast and slow carrier recombination transients in highly excited 4H– and 3C–SiC crystals at room temperature
Authors: Ščajev P. , Gudelis V. , Jarašiūnas K. , Klein P. B.
Published: July 2010

Nonequilibrium carrier recombination in highly excited epitaxial layers of 4H–SiC and free standing 3C–SiC was analyzed numerically and studied experimentally by the time-resolved free carrier absorption (FCA) technique. The measurement setup combined interband carrier excitation by a picosecond laser pulse and probing of carrier dynamics at excess carrier densities in the ΔN=1017–1020 cm−3 range by optically or electronically delayed probe pulses, thus providing temporal resolution of 10 ps and 10 ns, respectively. FCA decay kinetics at different excitation levels and subsequent numerical modeling were used to determine the bulk lifetime, surface recombination velocity, and bimolecular (B) and Auger recombination (C) coefficients at 300 K. Bulk lifetimes of ∼800 ns and ∼65 ns were determined in 4H and 3C epitaxial layers, respectively. The numerical fitting of FCA kinetics in the 4H layer provided values of B=(1.2±0.4)×10−12 cm3/s and C=(7±4)×10−31 cm6/s at lower excitations while the Auger coefficient decreased to C=(0.8±0.2)×10−31 cm6/s at ΔN∼1020 cm−3 due to screening of the Coulomb-enhanced Auger recombination. In 3C crystals, these values were measured to be B=(2.0±0.5)×10−12 cm3/s and C=(2.0±0.5)×10−32 cm6/s. The tendency for a strongly increased surface recombination rate in 3C at high excitation conditions was observed experimentally and associated with the screening of the surface potential by the high density carrier plasma.
Self-erasing and rewritable wettability patterns on ZnO thin films
Authors: Kekkonen Ville , Hakola Antti , Kajava Timo , Sahramo Elina , Malm Jari , Karppinen Maarit , Ras Robin H. A.
Published: July 2010

Self-erasing patterns allow a substrate to be patterned multiple times or could store temporary information for secret communications, and are mostly based on photochromic molecules to change the color of the pattern. Herein we demonstrate self-erasing patterns of wettability on thin ZnO films made by atomic layer deposition. Hydrophilic patterns are written using UV light and decay spontaneously, i.e. become hydrophobic, or are erased aided by vacuum conditions or heat. We demonstrate that these patterns can be applied for channels to confine flow of water without physical walls.
Effect of substrate-induced strain in the transport properties of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures
Authors: Azize M. , Palacios T.
Published: July 2010

This paper studies the effect of substrate-induced strain in the transport properties of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures grown on Si substrates by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. Partial thinning of the original Si substrate by chemical dry etching has been used to induce controllable amounts of biaxial strain in the sample. After each etching step, Raman and Hall effect—Van Der Pauw measurements were performed as a function of remaining Si substrate thickness to study the residual biaxial strain and transport properties of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). A 25% increase in the 2DEG density was obtained after removal of ∼30% of the total Si thickness. In addition, a 20% higher electron mobility has been observed under biaxial strain increase. This new technology has been applied to standard AlGaN/GaN transistors grown on Si substrates to increase their maximum current density by ∼20%.
Turnbuckle diamond anvil cell for high-pressure measurements in a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer
Authors: Giriat Gaétan , Wang Weiwei , Attfield J. Paul , Huxley Andrew D. , Kamenev Konstantin V.
Published: July 2010

We have developed a miniature diamond anvil cell for magnetization measurements in a widely used magnetic property measurement system commercial magnetometer built around a superconducting quantum interference device. The design of the pressure cell is based on the turnbuckle principle in which force can be created and maintained by rotating the body of the device while restricting the counterthreaded end-nuts to translational movement. The load on the opposed diamond anvils and the sample between them is generated using a hydraulic press. The load is then locked by rotating the body of the cell with respect to the end-nuts. The dimensions of the pressure cell have been optimized by use of finite element analysis. The cell is approximately a cylinder 7 mm long and 7 mm in diameter and weighs only 1.5 g. Due to its small size the cell thermalizes rapidly. It is capable of achieving pressures in excess of 10 GPa while allowing measurements to be performed with the maximum sensitivity of the magnetometer. The performance of the pressure cell is illustrated by a high pressure magnetic study of Mn3[Cr(CN)6]2⋅xH2O Prussian blue analog up to 10.3 GPa.
Noise analysis of grating-based x-ray differential phase contrast imaging
Authors: Revol Vincent , Kottler Christian , Kaufmann Rolf , Straumann Ulrich , Urban Claus
Published: July 2010

The sensitivity of x-ray radiographic images, meaning the minimal detectable change in the thickness or in the index of refraction of a sample, is directly related to the uncertainty of the measurement method. In the following work, we report on the recent development of quantitative descriptions for the stochastic error of grating-based differential phase contrast imaging (DPCi). Our model includes the noise transfer characteristics of the x-ray detector and the jitter of the phase steps. We find that the noise in DPCi depends strongly on the phase stepping visibility and the sample properties. The results are supported by experimental evidence acquired with our new instrument with a field of view of 50×70 mm2. Our conclusions provide general guidelines to optimize grating interferometers for specific applications and problems.
Freestanding spherical silicon nanocrystals: A model system for studying confined excitons
Authors: Goller B. , Polisski S. , Wiggers H. , Kovalev D.
Published: July 2010

We report on the light emitting properties of freestanding hydrogen-terminated spherical silicon nanocrystals. The nanocrystals exhibit size-dependent tunable light emission properties. Many light emission properties of this system are found to be very similar to those known for other systems containing silicon nanocrystals. However, we found specific emission properties of this system ascribed to the spherical shape of silicon nanocrystals and their spatial separation. We attributed all observations to the spatial confinement of excitons within the crystalline core of the indirect band gap silicon nanocrystals.
Metaplasticity of amygdalar responses to the stress hormone corticosterone
Authors: Karst Henk , Berger Stefan , Erdmann Gitta , Schütz Günther , Joëls Marian
Published: July 2010

High levels of corticosteroids (as circulate after stress) quickly and reversibly enhance hippocampal glutamatergic transmission via nongenomic actions requiring mineralocorticoid receptors. Subsequently, the hormone slowly and long-lastingly normalizes hippocampal cell function, through nuclear glucocorticoid receptors. Here we describe a rapid mineralocorticoid receptor-dependent enhancement of glutamatergic transmission in basolateral amygdala neurons. Contrary to the hippocampus, this rapid enhancement is long-lasting, potentially allowing an extended window for encoding of emotional aspects during stressful events. Importantly, the long-lasting change in state of amygdala neurons greatly affects the responsiveness to subsequent surges of corticosterone, revealing a quick suppression of glutamatergic transmission, which requires the glucocorticoid receptor. Responses of basolateral amygdala neurons to the stress hormone corticosterone can thus switch from excitatory to inhibitory, depending on the recent stress history of the organism.
Direct transcriptional control of the
Arabidopsis
immune receptor FLS2 by the ethylene-dependent transcription factors EIN3 and EIL1
Authors: Boutrot Freddy , Segonzac Cécile , Chang Katherine N. , Qiao Hong , Ecker Joseph R. , Zipfel Cyril , Rathjen John P.
Published: July 2010

In plant innate immunity, the leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase FLS2 recognizes the bacterial pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) flagellin. The molecular mechanisms underlying PAMP perception are not fully understood. Here, we reveal that the gaseous phytohormone ethylene is an integral part of PAMP-triggered immunity. Plants mutated in the key ethylene-signaling protein EIN2 are impaired in all FLS2-mediated responses, correlating with reduced
FLS2
transcription and protein accumulation. The EIN3 and EIN3-like transcription factors, which depend on EIN2 activity for their accumulation, directly control
FLS2
expression. Our results reveal a direct role for ethylene in regulation of an innate immune receptor.
A TRANSITION REGION EXPLOSIVE EVENT OBSERVED IN He ii WITH THE MOSES SOUNDING ROCKET
Authors: Fox J. Lewis , Kankelborg Charles C. , Thomas Roger J.
Published: July 2010

Transition region explosive events (EEs) have been observed with slit spectrographs since at least 1975, most commonly in lines of C iv (1548 Å, 1550 Å) and Si iv (1393 Å, 1402 Å). We report what we believe to be the first observation of a transition region EE in He ii 304 Å. With the Multi-Order Solar EUV Spectrograph (MOSES) sounding rocket, a novel slitless imaging spectrograph, we are able to see the spatial structure of the event. We observe a bright core expelling two jets that are distinctly non-collinear, in directions that are not anti-parallel. The jets have sky-plane velocities of order 75 km s−1 and line-of-sight velocities of +75 km s−1 (blue) and −30 km s−1 (red). The core is a region of high non-thermal Doppler broadening, characteristic of EEs, with maximal broadening 380 km s−1 FWHM. It is possible to resolve the core broadening into red and blue line-of-sight components of maximum Doppler velocities +160 km s−1 and −220 km s−1. The event lasts more than 150 s. Its properties correspond to the larger, long-lived, and more energetic EEs observed in other wavelengths.
Rai1 haploinsufficiency causes reduced Bdnf expression resulting in hyperphagia, obesity and altered fat distribution in mice and humans with no evidence of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Burns Brooke , Schmidt Kristie , Williams Stephen R. , Kim Sun , Girirajan Santhosh , Elsea Sarah H.
Published: July 2010

Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a genetic disorder caused by haploinsufficiency of the retinoic acid induced 1 (RAI1) gene. In addition to intellectual disabilities, behavioral abnormalities and sleep disturbances, a majority of children with SMS also have significant early-onset obesity. To study the role of RAI1 in obesity, we investigated the growth and obesity phenotype in a mouse model haploinsufficient for Rai1. Data show that Rai1+/− mice are hyperphagic, have an impaired satiety response and have altered abdominal and subcutaneous fat distribution, with Rai1+/− female mice having a higher proportion of abdominal fat when compared with wild-type female mice. Expression analyses revealed that Bdnf (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a gene previously associated with hyperphagia and obesity, is downregulated in the Rai1+/− mouse hypothalamus, and reporter studies show that RAI1 directly regulates the expression of BDNF. Even though the Rai1+/− mice are significantly obese, serum analyses do not reveal any evidence of metabolic syndrome. Supporting these findings, a caregiver survey revealed that even though a high incidence of abdominal obesity is observed in females with SMS, they did not exhibit a higher incidence of indicators of metabolic syndrome above the general population. We conclude that Rai1 haploinsufficiency represents a single-gene model of obesity with hyperphagia, abnormal fat distribution and altered hypothalamic gene expression associated with satiety, food intake, behavior and obesity. Linking RAI1 and BDNF provides a more thorough understanding of the role of Rai1 in growth and obesity and insight into the complex pathogenicity of obesity, behavior and sex-specific differences in adiposity.
Drivers of host plant shifts in the leaf beetle Chrysomela lapponica: natural enemies or competition?
Authors: ZVEREVA ELENA L. , KRUGLOVA OKSANA YU. , KOZLOV MIKHAIL V.
Published: July 2010

1. The leaf beetle, Chrysomela lapponica, originally uses the salicyl glucosides (SGs) of its host plants to sequester salicylaldehyde, which serves as a defence against generalist enemies but attracts specialist enemies. However, some populations of C. lapponica have shifted to SG‐poor hosts, and their secretions do not contain salicylaldehyde.

2. In was suggested that beetles shift to SG‐poor hosts to escape from specialist enemies. To test this hypothesis, we compared field mortality between two populations of C. lapponica that were associated with SG‐rich willow, Salix myrsinifolia (Kola Peninsula and Finland) and two populations that fed on SG‐poor willows, S. glauca (Ural) and S. caprea (Belarus).

3. Mortality from generalist enemies was significantly higher in Belarus than in three other populations, whereas mortality from specialists did not differ among populations. A specialist predator (syrphid fly larvae, Parasyrphus nigritarsis) and specialist parasitoids (phorid flies, Megaselia spp.) were attracted to the secretions of larvae reared on both SG‐rich and SG‐poor hosts.

4. Feeding on leaves of S. caprea and S. myrsinifolia both previously damaged by leaf puncturing and by the larvae of potentially competing species Chrysomela vigintipunctata, decreased the weight and prolonged the development of C. lapponica.

5. Thus, populations of C. lapponica that have shifted to SG‐poor willow species did not obtain enemy‐free space because specialist enemies have developed adaptations to herbivores that switched to a novel host plant. We suggest that in some populations host plant shift was favoured by interspecific competition with the early season SG‐using specialist, C. vigintipunctata.
Turning northern peatlands upside down: disentangling microclimate and substrate quality effects on vertical distribution of Collembola
Authors: Krab Eveline J. , Oorsprong Hilde , Berg Matty P. , Cornelissen Johannes H.C.
Published: July 2010

1. Although direct contributions of soil invertebrates to carbon turnover are modest, they have a disproportionally large indirect impact through their control over the activity of microbial decomposers. Shifts in soil invertebrate species distribution might have a substantial effect on the decomposition process because their functional role depends on the species’ vertical position in soils. Gradients in microclimate and substrate quality and structure largely determine the vertical position of soil invertebrates. Because of the possible impact of climate change on soil invertebrate distribution, and consequently on decomposition, it is important to know the relative contributions of microclimate and substrate quality to the vertical distribution patterns of soil invertebrates.

2. We studied this for springtails (Collembola) as a keystone group in cool and cold biomes, by turning peat cores in a subarctic blanket bog upside down, thereby reversing the substrate quality gradient and leaving temperature and moisture gradients intact.

3. Two opposing groups of springtail species could be distinguished with respect to their abundance responses along the vertical gradient: (i) species that remain associated with the stratum they were originally found in (‘stayers’) and (ii) species that re‐establish the original stratification pattern, by remigration either to the top or deeper layers, irrespective of any substrate quality change (‘movers’). Within the ‘mover’ response pattern, the direction of their migration in response to microclimate changes seemed to coincide with their ecomorphological traits.

4. Our results not only demonstrate that springtail species differ in their responses to changes in climate or substrate quality; they also suggest that interspecific faunal trait variation may provide a useful tool to predict animal responses to climatic changes.
Impact of growth temperature on scaling relationships linking photosynthetic metabolism to leaf functional traits
Authors: Atkinson Lindsey J. , Campbell Catherine D. , Zaragoza‐Castells Joana , Hurry Vaughan , Atkin Owen K.
Published: July 2010

1. Scaling relationships linking photosynthesis (A) to leaf traits are important for predicting vegetation patterns and plant‐atmosphere carbon fluxes. Here, we investigated the impact of growth temperature on such scaling relationships.

2. We assessed whether changes in growth temperature systematically altered the slope and/or intercepts of log–log plots of A vs leaf mass per unit leaf area (LMA), nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations for 19 contrasting plant species grown hydroponically at four temperatures (7, 14, 21 and 28 °C) in controlled environment cabinets. Responses of 21 °C‐grown pre‐existing (PE) leaves experiencing a 10 day growth temperature (7, 14, 21 and 28 °C) treatment, and newly‐developed (ND) leaves formed at each of the four new growth temperatures, were quantified. Irrespective of the growth temperature treatment, rates of light‐saturated photosynthesis (A) were measured at 21 °C.

3. Changes in growth temperature altered the scaling between A and leaf traits in pre‐existing (PE) leaves, with thermal history accounting for up to 17% and 31% of the variation on a mass and area basis, respectively. However, growth temperature played almost no role in accounting for scatter when comparisons were made of newly‐developed (ND) leaves that form at each growth temperature.

4. Photosynthetic nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency (PNUE and PPUE, respectively) decreased with increasing LMA. No systematic differences in temperature‐mediated reductions in PNUE or PPUE of PE leaves were found among species.

5. Overall, these results highlight the importance of leaf development in determining the effects of sustained changes in growth temperature on scaling relationships linking photosynthesis to other leaf traits.
The role of constraints and limitation in driving individual variation in immune response
Authors: Ardia Daniel R. , Parmentier Henk K. , Vogel Laura A.
Published: July 2010

1. Life history theory predicts that immunity should be plastic and reflect environmental contexts. However, individual variation in immune investment may arise not just because of individual adjustment, but because of developmental, physiological, genetic or immunological constraints which lead to non‐adaptive responses by limiting or eliminating flexibility in immune investment. Constraints can arise because organisms are single integrated units with interconnected and interacting components, in which physiological and genetic control mechanisms may limit or constrain immunity. We review some of the key underlying genetic and physiological factors that may constrain the occurrence and intensity of immune responses.

2. A major part of individual variability may rest on variation in genetic background. Genetic‐based constraints can limit or influence immune responses, particularly through pleiotropy and epistatic interactions. In addition, genetic variation, an important driver of variation in antigen recognition and immune system polarization, can be constrained through linkage disequilibrium and genetic drift. Epigenetic changes can also constrain or limit immune responses in future generations based on individual experience.

3. The immune system itself can influence individual flexibility in immune investment. Throughout development individuals face tradeoffs within the immune system that favour the expression of one trait at the expense of another. Ontogenetic differences can cause juveniles and adults to produce entirely different immune responses to the same pathogen. T‐helper 1 (Th1)/T‐helper 1 (Th2) polarization during infection also imposes constraints upon an individual’s immune responsiveness, with the consequence that hosts cannot simultaneously mount strong responses using both Th1 and Th2 cells. In addition, evidence suggests that flexibility in immune responses becomes constrained with age through accumulation of memory cells at the expense of naïve cells, decreased function of cells involved in adaptive and innate immunity, and programming of HPA‐immune interactions.

4. In summary, selection on a particular immune trait can have effects on other immune components or phenotypic characters, as revealed by artificial selection studies. In particular selection for increased investment in compartments of the immune system leads to decreased investment in other competing life history functions and/or marked changes in other immune components. The role of past experience, even the past experience of parents, may limit and constrain immune responses through influencing the ontogeny of immunity, as well as through epigenetic influences.
Innate immune stimuli modulate bone marrow‐derived dendritic cell production in vitro by toll‐like receptor‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms
Authors: Downes Joan E. , Marshall‐Clarke Stuart
Published: July 2010

Haematopoiesis is crucial for immunity because it results in the production of leucocytes. Bacterial and viral infections alter leucocyte production by promoting granulopoiesis or lymphopoiesis. Recent studies suggest that changes in leucocyte production may be caused by the effects of inflammatory responses on the differentiation of haematopoietic progenitors in the bone marrow. We investigated the mechanisms through which infection regulates the formation of bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) in vitro. We mimicked infection by stimulating developing cells with molecules associated with bacteria and viruses and with inactivated influenza viruses. We showed that toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligands act as modulators of haematopoiesis, and that signalling through different TLRs results in differing effects on the production of BMDCs. We demonstrated that ligands for TLR3 and influenza viruses reduce the production of BMDCs, resulting in increased neutrophil numbers, and that ligands for TLR4 and TLR9 drive the production of plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Furthermore, there are distinct signalling mechanisms involved in these effects. Signalling pathways triggered by TLR4 and TLR9 involve MyD88 and are partially mediated by the cytokine tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Mechanisms activated by TLR3 were Tir‐domain‐containing adaptor‐inducing interferon dependent. Haematopoietic modulation induced by inactivated influenza viruses was associated with the activation of an antiviral pathway mediated by type‐1 interferons.
Measurements of foraging success in a highly pelagic marine predator, the northern elephant seal
Authors: Robinson Patrick W. , Simmons Samantha E. , Crocker Daniel E. , Costa Daniel P.
Published: July 2010

1. Identification of foraging behaviour and the ability to assess foraging success is critical to understanding individual and between‐species variation in habitat use and foraging ecology. For pelagic predators, behaviour‐dependent foraging metrics are commonly used to identify important foraging areas, yet few of these metrics have been validated.

2. Using the northern elephant seal as a model species, we validated the use of a behaviour‐independent measure of foraging success (changes in drift rate) at the scale of the entire foraging migration, and then used this to assess a variety of common foraging metrics that are based on movement patterns and dive behaviour. Transit rate consistently provided the best estimate of daily foraging success, although the addition of other metrics provides insight into different foraging behaviours or strategies.

3. While positive changes in buoyancy occurred throughout most of the migrations, implying successful feeding across much of the north Pacific, the areas of most rapid changes in buoyancy occurred along a latitudinal band (40–50° N) corresponding to a dynamic hydrographic region including Subarctic Gyre and Transition Zone waters.

4. These results support the use of transit rate as an index of foraging success: a metric that is easily derived from tracking measurements on a wide range of marine species.
Pre‐screening acoustic and other natural signatures for use in noninvasive individual identification
Authors: Pollard Kimberly A. , Blumstein Daniel T. , Griffin Suzanne C.
Published: July 2010

1.Common ecological tasks, such as wildlife monitoring, adaptive management, and behavioural study, often make use of natural signatures (e.g. animal calls or visual markings) to identify individual animals noninvasively. However, there is no accepted method for pre‐screening candidate natural signatures to select which signatures are the best‐suited for this purpose. In this paper, we suggest a pre‐screening checklist and focus on the challenge of assessing a candidate signature’s individuality.

2.Individuality is critical, as the use of low‐individuality natural signatures can lead to misidentification of individuals and therefore bias estimation of population parameters and population response to management actions. An information‐based metric of individuality could assist researchers with selecting suitable signatures by allowing comparison among candidate signatures and providing an estimate of how many individuals may be reliably discriminated using a particular signature.

3.Before an individuality metric can be used to pre‐screen natural signatures, the metric must first be calculated from preliminary sampling and must be robust to typical sampling concerns. We used field‐collected animal vocalizations as well as simulations to test how robust the metric is to variation in sampling design.

4.We found that the metric is fairly robust to the number of animals sampled and the number of sessions (e.g. calling bouts) analysed, but that it is sensitive to the number of observations per session.

5. Synthesis and applications. Managers and researchers could save time and energy and improve the accuracy of estimates (such as abundance, survival, or population response) based on individual identification by first pre‐screening candidate natural signatures for their individuality. As long as the number of observations per session is controlled, the relative values of the individuality metric can be meaningfully compared. The metric can thus be used as a tool to estimate relative individuality and so facilitates a difficult step in choosing a natural signature for noninvasive individual identification. We include instructions on how to calculate and interpret the individuality metric.
The effect of HLA mismatch on highly sensitized renal allograft recipients
Authors: Paramesh Anil S. , Zhang Rubin , Baber John , Yau C. L. , Slakey Douglas P. , Killackey Mary T. , Ren Qing , Sullivan Karen , Heneghan Jean , Florman Sander S.
Published: July 2010

Paramesh AS, Zhang R, Baber J, Yau CL, Slakey DP, Killackey MT, Ren Q, Sullivan K, Heneghan J, Florman SS. The effect of HLA mismatch on highly sensitized renal allograft recipients.  Clin Transplant 2010: 24: E247–E252. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Introduction:  We examined the effects of increasing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches (MM) on long‐term graft outcomes in patients transplanted with a panel reactive antibody (PRA) >80% over a 10‐yr period.

Methods:  A total of 142 recipients were divided into three groups based on the number of HLA MM with their allograft (0–2, 3–4 and 5–6 MM; Groups I, II and III). All patients received the same immunosuppression protocol.

Results:  The higher MM groups had a higher incidence of rejection (4.4% vs. 11.4% vs. 31.3%, p < 0.01). A multivariate analysis showed that rejection was the only significant variable affecting graft loss (OR = 7.45, p = 0.01). There was a trend toward more CMV infection and worse graft function with higher MM. Kaplan–Meier five‐yr graft survival estimates were 100% vs. 81% vs. 74% for Groups I, II and III, respectively (p = 0.14).

Conclusions:  In patients with PRA levels >80%, a higher HLA MM is associated with higher incidence of acute rejection. Acute rejection was the only significant variable affecting graft loss. We found a trend toward more CMV infections and worse graft outcomes with higher MM. Closer HLA matching and immunologic monitoring needs to be considered to improve graft outcomes among sensitized recipients.
A prospective randomized study comparing cyclosporine versus tacrolimus combined with daclizumab, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids in heart transplantation
Authors: Sánchez‐Lázaro Ignacio J. , Almenar Luis , Martínez‐Dolz Luis , Buendía‐Fuentes Francisco , Agüero Jaime , Navarro‐Manchón Josep , Vicente José‐Luis , Salvador Antoinio
Published: July 2010

Sánchez‐Lázaro IJ, Almenar L, Martínez‐Dolz L, Buendía‐Fuentes F, Agüero J, Navarro‐Manchón J, Vicente J‐L, Salvador A. A prospective randomized study comparing cyclosporine versus tacrolimus combined with daclizumab, mycophenolate mofetil and steroids in heart transplantation. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 606–613. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Background:  Cyclosporine (CsA) and tacrolimus (Tac) in heart transplantation (HTx) have been compared but with certain drawbacks. We compared both drugs in a prospective analysis with medium‐term follow‐up.

Methods:  Hundred and six patients were randomized to receive CsA or Tac (53 per group). Target levels of CsA were 200–300 ng/mL in the first six months and 100–200 ng/mL thereafter. Tac levels were 10–15 and 5–10 ng/mL, respectively. We also used daclizumab as induction and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and steroids as maintenance therapy.

Results:  Baseline characteristics were similar. Survival (CsA 88.7% vs. Tac 81.1%; p = 0.493) was similar. There was a tendency for longer time to first rejection with CsA (93 ± 110 vs. 55 ± 81 d; p = 0.122). There were more rejection‐free patients with Tac (39 vs. 28%; p = 0.233). CsA patients suffered more viral infections (0.41 ± 0.58 vs. 0.11 ± 0.31; p = 0.003). CsA patients developed hypertension often (64 vs. 43%; p = 0.032). Tac patients suffered more gastrointestinal complications (16 vs. 6%; p = 0.042). Renal function and the development of diabetes, dyslipidemia, or neurological complications was similar.

Conclusions:  Tac patients showed a tendency for longer time to first rejection, and there were more rejection‐free patients with Tac and suffered fewer viral infections. Tac patients developed less hypertension and needed less drugs for its control. Renal function was similar in both groups.
Video‐laryngoscopes in the adult airway management: a topical review of the literature
Authors: NIFOROPOULOU P. , PANTAZOPOULOS I. , DEMESTIHA T. , KOUDOUNA E. , XANTHOS T.
Published: July 2010

The aim of the present paper is to review the literature regarding video‐laryngoscopes (Storz V‐Mac and C‐Mac, Glidescope, McGrath, Pentax‐Airway Scope, Airtraq and Bullard) and discuss their clinical role in airway management. Video‐laryngoscopes are new intubation devices, which provide an indirect view of the upper airway. In difficult airway management, they improve Cormack–Lehane grade and achieve the same or a higher intubation success rate in less time, compared with direct laryngoscopes. Despite the very good visualization of the glottis, the insertion and advancement of the endotracheal tube with video‐laryngoscopes may occasionally fail. Each particular device's features may offer advantages or disadvantages, depending on the situation the anaesthesiologist has to deal with. So far, there is inconclusive evidence indicating that video‐laryngoscopy should replace direct laryngoscopy in patients with normal or difficult airways.
Are deep‐sea demersal fish assemblages globally homogenous? Insights from seamounts
Authors: Clark Malcolm R. , Althaus Franziska , Williams Alan , Niklitschek Edwin , Menezes Gui M. , Hareide Nils‐Roar , Sutton Philip , O’Donnell Ciaran
Published: July 2010

Deep‐sea fishes have been poorly sampled globally, and overall knowledge of demersal fish distributions and the drivers of community composition and diversity remain limited. Here, we used nine comparable datasets with species‐level identification of fishes from research surveys around the world to test the hypothesis that deep‐sea demersal fish assemblage composition on seamounts is consistent between major oceans. Two levels of analysis were undertaken: the first combined all presence‐absence data from a seamount, while a second more detailed analysis included catch weight data based on a smaller number of seamounts. Overall, there was a consistent separation of seamounts by region based on the compositions of their fish assemblages. New Zealand and SE Australian seamounts have a very similar ichthyofauna, which differs substantially from seamounts in the eastern South Pacific Ocean off Chile. In the North Atlantic, Bear Seamount appears to be distinct from all others, while seamount fish assemblages off Ireland, the Azores, and Faraday Seamount have some affinities. The Tasman Sea and New Caledonian seamounts show strong intra‐regional variation. On an ocean basin scale we therefore reject the hypothesis that the composition of deep‐sea demersal fish fauna is homogeneous globally. However, regional patterns of both species composition and relative abundance show some similarities between widely separated geographical locations, especially where orange roughy is a dominant species. Salinity was the main environmental factor identified in a multivariate analysis of environmental covariate data. This is likely to be a result of salinity being a key characteristic defining both Antarctic Intermediate Water and North Atlantic Deep Water, the water masses found over most seamounts examined in this study, and which may explain similarities between deep‐sea fish assemblages.
Seamount megabenthic assemblages fail to recover from trawling impacts
Authors: Williams Alan , Schlacher Thomas A. , Rowden Ashley A. , Althaus Franziska , Clark Malcolm R. , Bowden David A. , Stewart Robert , Bax Nicholas J. , Consalvey Mireille , Kloser Rudy J.
Published: July 2010

Because the nature, tempo and trajectories of biological changes that follow the cessation of trawling are unknown for seamounts, it is unclear whether closing them to trawling will lead to a recovery of the fauna and, if so, over what time scales. This paper reports on a ‘test of recovery’ from repeated towed camera surveys on three seamounts off New Zealand in 2001 and 2006 (5 years apart) and three off Australia in 1997 and 2006 (10 years apart). In each region, seamounts where trawling had ceased were compared to adjacent seamounts where trawling was still active, and to seamounts that had never been trawled. If recovery signals existed, the likelihood of detecting them was high because the seamounts were relatively small and topographically simple, and because quantitative survey methods were employed. Multivariate patterns showed no change in the megafaunal assemblage consistent with recovery over a 5–10 year timeframe on seamounts where trawling had ceased. Results based on the number of species and diversity were equivocal, with some cases of increase and decrease on seamounts where trawling had ceased. A few individual taxa were found at significantly higher abundance in the later surveys where trawling had occurred. We suggest this may have resulted from their resistance to the direct impacts of trawling (two chrysogorgid corals and solitary scleractinians), or from protection in natural refuges inaccessible to trawls (unstalked crinoids, two chrysogorgid corals, gorgonians, and urchins). Alternatively, these taxa may represent the earliest stages of seamount recolonisation. They have potential to be dominant for long periods because the pre‐trawling composition of benthic assemblages on seamounts includes taxa that grow slowly and/or have an association with ‘thickets’ of a single keystone stony coral (Solenosmilia variabilis) that has generated biogenic habitat over millennia. Resilience of seamount ecosystems dominated by corals is low compared to most other marine systems subject to disturbance by bottom trawling because there are no alternative habitats of the same value for supporting associated species, and because trawling typically removes coral habitat from large areas of individual seamounts. Management to conserve seamount ecosystems needs to account for changing oceanographic conditions (ocean acidification), as well as the direct impacts of human activities such as bottom trawling. Networks of spatial closures that include intact habitats over a range of depths, especially <1500 m, and on clusters and isolated seamounts, may be effective by maintaining the resilience of seamount benthic communities.