bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vigilance and the functional response of granivorous foragers
Authors: Baker David J. , Stillman Richard A. , Smith Barbara M. , Bullock James M. , Norris Ken J. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract 1. Functional response models that predict the relationship between feeding rate and food density often include only two behavioural parameters, handling time and searching rate. However, vigilance can occupy a large proportion of foraging time and, consequently, may affect the functional response. Previous functional response models of granivorous birds showed no effect of vigilance on predicted feeding rates; these models assumed that all of handling time is compatible with vigilance and, therefore, overestimated the potential time for cost free vigilance to occur. 2. Here we have derived a new functional response model that incorporates the proportion of time spent vigilant (v) and the proportion of handling time that is compatible with vigilance (p). This model allows for the relationship between vigilance and handling to vary from completely compatible to mutually exclusive, and degrees in between. 3. To determine whether vigilance can affect the functional response of a granivorous bird, grey partridge Perdix perdix L, we measured the functional response and associated behavioural parameters, and used the behavioural estimates to parameterize the model. Any deviation from the feeding rates predicted using a model without vigilance indicates that vigilance is affecting the predicted functional response. 4. We found that vigilance only affected the predicted functional response at very low food densities (<3 seeds m−2). Simulations show how the potential for vigilance to affect feeding rate (i.e. the values of p given v) increases as v increases. We parameterized the model using data from chaffinches Fringilla coelebs, which were shown to spend >50% of their foraging time vigilant, and found that even with a high value of p vigilance reduced feeding rates at higher seed densities. 5. This study shows that vigilance can affect the feeding rate of a granivorous bird when either the proportion of time spent vigilant is high or the proportion of compatible handling time is low. This may affect larger scale ecological processes, i.e. spatial distribution of foragers and patterns of resource depletion, as individuals try to mitigate the effects of vigilance by maximizing their feeding rate whilst minimizing their predation risk.
Dual‐channel heterodyne microscope: new functions
Authors: PROTOPOPOV V. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryQuantitative assessment of critical dimensions of sub‐wavelength structures, dark‐field and bright‐field modes of operation, recognition of nonpatterned anisotropic surfaces, and three‐dimensional profiling of opaque and transparent samples are the new features of a super‐resolution dual‐channel heterodyne microscope that was introduced in a previous publication in this journal. The aforementioned modes of operation can be activated by simple rotation of a polarizer or insertion of a polarization‐separating prism. Various experimental results are presented, demonstrating new performance capabilities of the heterodyne microscope.
Ectopic expression of hetP can partially bypass the need for hetR in heterocyst differentiation by Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120
Authors: Higa Kelly C. , Callahan Sean M. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryDifferentiation of nitrogen‐fixing cells, called heterocysts, by the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 requires HetR, which is considered the master regulator of heterocyst differentiation. In this study, ectopic expression of hetP from an inducible promoter was shown to partially bypass the need for hetR in heterocyst differentiation. A hetR‐deletion strain with hetP expressed ectopically produced cells morphologically similar to heterocysts that produced exopolysaccharide and glycolipids specific to heterocysts, and nitrogenase activity was present under anaerobic conditions, as indicated by an acetylene reduction assay. Five potential transcription start points or transcript processing sites located at positions −727, −545, −208, −177 and −12 bp relative to the putative translational start site were identified in the promoter region of hetP. Relative levels of transcription and their location in filaments resembled that previously reported for HetR protein in various genetic backgrounds, and an inverted repeat sequence in the promoter of hetP was necessary for binding of HetR. Two of the three identified homologues of hetP found in PCC 7120 partially complemented a hetP‐null mutant. Taken together, these results suggest that HetP functions directly downstream of HetR in the regulatory network responsible for heterocyst differentiation.
On the ropivacaine‐reducing effect of low‐dose sufentanil in intrathecal labor analgesia
Authors: ORTNER C. M. , POSCH M. , ROESSLER B. , FAYBIK P. , RÜTZLER K. , GRABOVICA J. , KIMBERGER O. , GUSTORFF B. 
Published: June 2010

Background:Combining ropivacaine with sufentanil for intrathecal (i.t.) analgesia in labor is well recognized, but information on dosing is limited. This study aimed to determine the ED 50 of i.t. ropivacaine and to assess the effect of adding defined low doses of sufentanil.Methods:This was a two‐phase, double‐blind, randomized and prospective study. One hundred and fifteen parturients receiving combined spinal epidural analgesia were allocated to one of four groups to receive ropivacaine or sufentanil alone or in combination. In phase one, sufentanil dose–response was calculated using logistic regression. In phase two, ED 50 of ropivacaine and of the combination with a fixed dosage of sufentanil at ED 20 and ED 40 was evaluated using the technique of up–down sequential allocation. Analgesic effectiveness was assessed 15 min after injection using a 100 mm visual analog scale, with <10 mm lasting for 45 min defined as effective. Furthermore, side effects and duration were recorded.Results:The ED 50 of i.t. ropivacaine was 4.6 mg [95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 4.28, 5.31]. Adding sufentanil at ED 20 significantly decreased the ED 50 of i.t. ropivacaine to 2.1 mg (95%CI 1.75, 2.5) (P<0.005); at ED 40, the reduction was similar (P<0.005). Combining sufentanil with ropivacaine resulted in a dose‐independent prolongation of analgesia. Besides pruritus, which was well tolerated, there were no differences in side effects.Conclusion:Adding sufentanil at ED 20 results in a more than 50% dose‐sparing effect of ropivacaine and considerably prolongs analgesia. Increasing dosage implicates no clinical benefit.
Expression of Cell Adhesion Molecules at the Collapse and Recovery of Haematopoiesis in Bone Marrow of Mouse
Authors: Tada T , Fukuta K 
Published: June 2010

With 8 figuresSummaryAfter bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and lethal irradiation, vascular endothelial cells play an important role in the homing of haematopoietic cells and recovery of haematopoiesis. We investigated the expression of mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule‐1 (MAdCAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) and fibronectin in the endothelial cells of bone marrow in a collapsed state after lethal irradiation and in a recovery state after BMT in mice. After lethal irradiation, the expression of MAdCAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and fibronectin increased on the luminal surface of endothelial cells. In the recovery state, the expression of MAdCAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 was increased from 2 to 4 days after BMT, but fibronectin levels remained constant, except for a temporary increase at 4 days after BMT. The number of homing cells, however, was markedly decreased in parallel with the reduction in the haematopoietic compartment at 2 and 4 days after lethal irradiation. Next, to analyse the influence of fibronectin expression after BMT on homing activity, we performed double BMT experiment. The number of homing cells in double BMT experiment maintained high level from 2 h to 2 days after secondary BMT. Our data suggest that homing of bone marrow cells is activated until fibronectin‐mediated endothelial cell repair and that transplanted haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells inhibit fibronectin expression for endothelial cell repair until the homing is completed. Therefore, the homing of haematopoietic cells in bone marrow depends on the condition of the bone marrow endothelial cells, as well as the cell adhesion molecules.
Expression and characterization of antimicrobial peptides Retrocyclin‐101 and Protegrin‐1 in chloroplasts to control viral and bacterial infections
Authors: Lee Seung‐Bum , Li Baichuan , Jin Shuangxia , Daniell Henry 
Published: June 2010

SummaryRetrocyclin‐101 (RC101) and Protegrin‐1 (PG1) are two important antimicrobial peptides that can be used as therapeutic agents against bacterial and/or viral infections, especially those caused by the HIV‐1 or sexually transmitted bacteria. Because of their antimicrobial activity and complex secondary structures, they have not yet been produced in microbial systems and their chemical synthesis is prohibitively expensive. Therefore, we created chloroplast transformation vectors with the RC101 or PG1 coding sequence, fused with GFP to confer stability, furin or Factor Xa cleavage site to liberate the mature peptide from their fusion proteins and a His‐tag to aid in their purification. Stable integration of RC101 into the tobacco chloroplast genome and homoplasmy were confirmed by Southern blots. RC101 and PG1 accumulated up to 32%–38% and 17%∼26% of the total soluble protein. Both RC101 and PG1 were cleaved from GFP by corresponding proteases in vitro, and Factor Xa–like protease activity was observed within chloroplasts. Confocal microscopy studies showed location of GFP fluorescence within chloroplasts. Organic extraction resulted in 10.6‐fold higher yield of RC101 than purification by affinity chromatography using His‐tag. In planta bioassays with Erwinia carotovora confirmed the antibacterial activity of RC101 and PG1 expressed in chloroplasts. RC101 transplastomic plants were resistant to tobacco mosaic virus infections, confirming antiviral activity. Because RC101 and PG1 have not yet been produced in other cell culture or microbial systems, chloroplasts can be used as bioreactors for producing these proteins. Adequate yield of purified antimicrobial peptides from transplastomic plants should facilitate further preclinical studies.
Can Turnitin be used to provide instant formative feedback?
Authors: Rolfe Vivien 
Published: June 2010

AbstractNew students face the challenge of making a smooth transition between school and university, and with regards to academic practice, there are often gaps between student expectations and university requirements. This study supports the use of the plagiarism detection service Turnitin to give students instant feedback on essays to help improve academic literacy.A student cohort (n = 76) submitted draft essays to Turnitin and received instruction on how to interpret the ‘originality report’ themselves for feedback. The impact of this self‐service approach was analysed by comparing the writing quality and incidence of plagiarism in draft and final essays, and comparing the results to a previous cohort (n = 80) who had not used Turnitin formatively. Student and staff perceptions were explored by interview and questionnaire.Using Turnitin formatively was viewed positively by staff and students, and although the incidence of plagiarism did not reduce because of a worsening of referencing and citation skills, the approach encouraged students to develop their writing.To conclude, students were positive of their experience of using Turnitin. Further work is required to understand how to use the self‐service approach more effectively to improve referencing and citation, and narrow the gap between student expectations and university standards.
In‐hospital stroke: a multi‐centre prospective registry
Authors: Vera R. , Lago A. , Fuentes B. , Gállego J. , Tejada J. , Casado I. , Purroy F. , Delgado P. , Simal P. , Martí‐Fábregas J. , Vivancos J. , Díaz‐Otero F. , Freijo M. , Masjuan J. ,   On behalf of the Stroke Project of the Spanish Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group
Published: June 2010

Background:  In‐hospital strokes (IHS) are relatively frequent. Avoidable delays in neurological assessment have been demonstrated. We study the clinical characteristics, neurological care and mortality of IHS.Methods:  Multi‐centre 1‐year prospective study of IHS in 13 hospitals. Demographic and clinical characteristics, admission diagnosis, quality of care, thrombolytic therapy and mortality were recorded.Results:  We included 273 IHS patients [156 men; 210 ischaemic strokes (IS), 37 transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) and 26 cerebral haemorrhages]. Mean age was 72 ± 12 years. Cardiac sources of embolism were present in 138 (50.5%), withdrawal of antithrombotic drugs in 77 (28%) and active cancers in 35 (12.8%). Cardioembolic stroke was the most common subtype of IS (50%). Reasons for admission were programmed or urgent surgery in 70 (25%), cardiac diseases in 50 (18%), TIA or stroke in 30 (11%) and other medical illnesses in 71 (26%). Fifty‐two per cent of patients were evaluated by a neurologist within 3 h of stroke onset. Thirty‐three patients received treatment with tPA (15.7%). Thirty‐one patients (14.7%) could not be treated because of a delay in contacting the neurologist. During hospitalization, 50 patients (18.4%) died, 41 of them because of the stroke or its complications.Conclusions:  Cardioembolic IS was the most frequent subtype of stroke. Cardiac sources of embolism, active cancers and withdrawal of antithrombotic drugs constituted special risk factors for IHS. A significant proportion of patients were treated with thrombolysis. However, delays in contacting the neurologist excluded a similar proportion of patients from treatment. IHS mortality was high, mostly because of stroke.
The practical use of cytology for diagnosis in dermatology
Authors: Ruocco E , Brunetti G , Del Vecchio M , Ruocco V 
Published: June 2010

AbstractExfoliative cytology for diagnostic purposes is rarely used in Dermatology despite the rapid and reliable results which this procedure can offer in many clinical conditions. This simple procedure may prove advantageous in a wide range of skin diseases, including genodermatoses (Hailey–Hailey disease), infections (mainly herpetic infections, molluscum contagiosum, leishmaniasis), immune disorders (early oral pemphigus) and tumours (basal and squamous cell carcinomas, Paget disease, erythroplasia of Queyrat, and others). The specific circumstances where cytological examination provides a very helpful and practical aid to confirmation or exclusion of a clinically suspected diagnosis are briefly reviewed. Cytological patterns, along with some technical hints on how to take and stain Tzanck smears correctly, are described in connection with the diseases considered.
Risk factors for emergence and progression of scoliosis in children with severe cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: LOETERS MARIANNE J B , MAATHUIS CAREL G B , HADDERS‐ALGRA MIJNA 
Published: June 2010

Aim  Scoliosis is a frequently occurring and serious complication of severe cerebral palsy (CP). This systematic review aims to the assess the risk factors associated with the emergence and progression of scoliosis in children with CP functioning at level IV or V of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).Method  Relevant studies conducted from 1966 to March 2009 were identified in Embase, Medline, and Scopus. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed and relations between risk factors and scoliosis were documented systematically.Results  Ten studies were included. They had a low level of evidence and heterogeneous methodological quality. No systematic associations were found between type of CP and scoliosis or between age, type, and location of scoliotic curve and progression of scoliosis. Weak evidence was present for an association between the severity of CP, hip dislocation, and pelvic obliquity and scoliosis.Interpretation  The low level of evidence precludes the drawing of firm conclusions on risk factors for the emergence and progression of scoliosis in children with severe CP. However, given the high prevalence of the disorder and its serious consequences for daily life, more research in this area is urgently needed.
Understanding college students' opinions on a smoking policy
Authors: Cho Yoon‐Na , DeVaney Sharon A. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBecause of the negative aspects of smoking, the US National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse has recommended that university campuses should be smoke free. The purpose of this research was to learn students' opinions about the effectiveness of a smoking policy on campus. The policy simply stated there should be no smoking within 30 feet of a building. However, no areas were designated as smoking areas. Using phenomenological inquiry, the authors observed and interviewed both smoking and non‐smoking students. Findings suggest that the existing smoking policy was weak and often ignored. Students felt the purpose of the smoking policy should be clearly stated because they were not sure if the policy was intended to make smokers quit or prevent them from smoking in front of doors. This study demonstrates the utility of careful observation as a prelude to the design and implementation of qualitative data collection methods. The results indicate observation is a valuable part of a qualitative research strategy.
Resistance to experimental tumorigenesis in cells of a long‐lived mammal, the naked mole‐rat (Heterocephalus glaber)
Authors: Liang Sitai , Mele James , Wu Yuehong , Buffenstein Rochelle , Hornsby Peter J. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThe naked mole‐rat (NMR, Heterocephalus glaber) is a long‐lived mammal in which spontaneous cancer has not been observed. To investigate possible mechanisms for cancer resistance in this species, we studied the properties of skin fibroblasts from the NMR following transduction with oncogenes that cause cells of other mammalian species to form malignant tumors. Naked mole‐rat fibroblasts were transduced with a retrovirus encoding SV40 large T antigen and oncogenic RasG12V. Following transplantation of transduced cells into immunodeficient mice, cells rapidly entered crisis, as evidenced by the presence of anaphase bridges, giant cells with enlarged nuclei, multinucleated cells, and cells with large number of chromosomes or abnormal chromatin material. In contrast, similarly transduced mouse and rat fibroblasts formed tumors that grew rapidly without crisis. Crisis was also observed after > 40 population doublings in SV40 TAg/Ras‐expressing NMR cells in culture. Crisis in culture was prevented by additional infection of the cells with a retrovirus encoding hTERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase). SV40 TAg/Ras/hTERT‐expressing NMR cells formed tumors that grew rapidly in immunodeficient mice without evidence of crisis. Crisis could also be induced in SV40 TAg/Ras‐expressing NMR cells by loss of anchorage, but after hTERT transduction, cells were able to proliferate normally following loss of anchorage. Thus, rapid crisis is a response of oncogene‐expressing NMR cells to growth in an in vivo environment, which requires anchorage independence, and hTERT permits cells to avoid crisis and to achieve malignant tumor growth. The unique reaction of NMR cells to oncogene expression may form part of the cancer resistance of this species.
Metabolomics‐based systematic prediction of yeast lifespan and its application for semi‐rational screening of ageing‐related mutants
Authors: Yoshida Ryo , Tamura Takayuki , Takaoka Chika , Harada Kazuo , Kobayashi Akio , Mukai Yukio , Fukusaki Eiichiro 
Published: June 2010

SummaryMetabolomics – the comprehensive analysis of metabolites – was recently used to classify yeast mutants with no overt phenotype using raw data as metabolic fingerprints or footprints. In this study, we demonstrate the estimation of a complicated phenotype, longevity, and semi‐rational screening for relevant mutants using metabolic profiles as strain‐specific fingerprints. The fingerprints used in our experiments are profiled data consisting of individually identified and quantified metabolites rather than raw spectrum data. We chose yeast replicative lifespan as a model phenotype. Several yeast mutants that affect lifespan were selected for analysis, and they were subjected to metabolic profiling using mass spectrometry. Fingerprinting based on the profiles revealed a correlation between lifespan and metabolic profile. Amino acids and nucleotide derivatives were the main contributors to this correlation. Furthermore, we established a multivariate model to predict lifespan from a metabolic profile. The model facilitated the identification of putative longevity mutants. This work represents a novel approach to evaluate and screen complicated and quantitative phenotype by means of metabolomics.
Control of enteric neuromuscular functions by purinergic A3receptors in normal rat distal colon and experimental bowel inflammation
Authors: Antonioli L , Fornai M , Colucci R , Ghisu N , Tuccori M , Awwad O , Bin A , Zoppellaro C , Castagliuolo I , Gaion RM , Giron MC , Blandizzi C 
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAdenosine A3receptors mediate beneficial effects in experimental colitis, but their involvement in enteric neuromuscular functions during bowel inflammation is undetermined. This study investigated the regulatory role of A3receptors on colonic motility in the presence of experimental colitis.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHColitis was induced in rats by 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. A3receptors and adenosine deaminase (ADA, adenosine catabolic enzyme) mRNA were examined by RT‐PCR. Tissue distribution of A3receptors was detected by confocal immunofluorescence. The effects of 2,3‐ethyl‐4,5‐dipropyl‐6‐phenylpyridine‐3‐thiocarboxylate‐5‐carboxylate (MRS1523) (MRS, A3receptor antagonist), 2‐chloro‐N6‐(3‐iodobenzyl)‐adenosine‐5′‐N‐methyluronamide (2Cl‐IB‐MECA) (CIB, A3receptor agonist), dipyridamole (DIP, adenosine transport inhibitor) and ADA were assayed on contractile responses evoked by electrical stimulation (ES) or carbachol in colonic longitudinal muscle preparations (LMP).KEY RESULTSRT‐PCR showed A3receptors and ADA mRNA in normal colon and their increased level in inflamed tissues. Immunofluorescence showed a predominant distribution of A3receptors in normal myenteric ganglia and an increased density during colitis. MRS enhanced ES‐induced cholinergic contractions in normal LMP, but was less effective in inflamed tissues. After pretreatment with dipyridamole plus ADA, to reduce extracellular adenosine, CIB decreased cholinergic motor responses of normal LMP to ES, with enhanced efficacy in inflamed LMP. A3receptor ligands did not affect carbachol‐induced contractions in LMP from normal or inflamed colon.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSNormally, adenosine modulated colonic cholinergic motility via activation of A3receptors in the myenteric plexus. A3receptor‐mediated tonic inhibitory control by adenosine was impaired in inflamed bowel, despite increased density of functioning and pharmacologically recruitable A3receptors.