bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Point vortex equilibria and optimal packings of circles on a sphere
Authors: Newton Paul K. , Sakajo Takashi 
Published: December 2010

We answer the question of whether optimal packings of circles on a sphere are equilibrium solutions to the logarithmic particle interaction problem for values of
N
=3–12 and 24, the only values of
N
for which the optimal packing problem (also known as the Tammes problem) has rigorously known solutions. We also address the cases
N
=13–23 where optimal packing solutions have been computed, but not proven analytically. As in Jamaloodeen & Newton (Jamaloodeen & Newton 2006
Proc. R. Soc. Lond. Ser. A
462
, 3277–3299. (
doi:10.1098/rspa.2006.1731
)), a logarithmic, or point vortex equilibrium is determined by formulating the problem as the one in linear algebra,

, where
A
is a
N
(
N
−1)/2×
N
non-normal configuration matrix obtained by requiring that all interparticle distances remain constant. If
A
has a kernel, the strength vector

is then determined as a right-singular vector associated with the zero singular value, or a vector that lies in the nullspace of
A
where the kernel is multi-dimensional. First we determine if the known optimal packing solution for a given value of
N
has a configuration matrix
A
with a non-empty nullspace. The answer is yes for
N
=3–9, 11–14, 16 and no for
N
=10, 15, 17–24. We then determine a basis set for the nullspace of
A
associated with the optimally packed state, answer the question of whether
N
-equal strength particles,

, form an equilibrium for this configuration, and describe what is special about the icosahedral configuration from this point of view. We also find new equilibria by implementing two versions of a random walk algorithm. First, we cluster sub-groups of particles into patterns during the packing process, and ‘grow’ a packed state using a version of the ‘yin-yang’ algorithm of Longuet-Higgins (Longuet-Higgins 2008
Proc. R. Soc. A
(doi:10.1098/rspa.2008.0219)). We also implement a version of our ‘Brownian ratchet’ algorithm to find new equilibria near the optimally packed state for
N
=10, 15, 17–24.
Characterization of innate immune signalling receptors in virus‐induced acute asthma
Authors: Wood L. G. , Simpson J. L. , Wark P. A. B. , Powell H. , Gibson P. G. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryBackground
The role of toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and innate immune activation in clinical asthma exacerbations and their relationship to virus infection are unclear.Objective
This study aimed to characterize TLR expression and innate immune activity during virus infection in acute asthma.Methods
Subjects with acute asthma, stable asthma and healthy controls were recruited and underwent spirometry and sputum induction with isotonic saline. Selected sputum was dispersed with dithiothreitol and total and differential leucocyte counts were performed. Selected sputum was also used for quantitative real‐time PCR for TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, IL‐10 and IP‐10mRNA expression. Sputum supernatant was used for the measurement of innate immune markers, including IL‐8, matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and neutrophil elastase activity. Viruses were detected using real‐time and gel‐based PCR.Results
Sputum TLR2 mRNA expression was up‐regulated in both acute and stable asthma compared with healthy controls and decreased 4–6 weeks after acute exacerbation. Sputum TLR2 mRNA expression was elevated in viral, compared with non‐viral, acute asthma. Sputum TLR3 mRNA expression was similar in controls, stable and acute asthma. However, in acute asthma, subjects with virus‐induced acute asthma had significantly higher sputum TLR3 mRNA expression. Induced sputum gene expression for IP‐10 and IL‐10 were increased in viral, compared with non‐viral, acute asthma. In virus‐induced acute asthma, levels of IP‐10 and IL‐10 mRNA expression were correlated with the mRNA expression of TLR2 and TLR3.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
Virus‐induced acute asthma leads to specific induction of TLR2, TLR3, IP‐10 and IL‐10, suggesting that signalling via TLRs may play an important role in mediating airway inflammation, via both innate and adaptive pathways, in virus‐induced exacerbations. These mediators may provide potential treatment targets for virus‐induced asthma. They may also be useful in diagnosing the nature of acute asthma exacerbations and monitoring treatment responses, which would be useful in the clinical management of asthma exacerbations. Cite this as: L. G. Wood, J. L. Simpson, P. A. B. Wark, H. Powell and P. G. Gibson, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 640–648.
Role of bone marrow imprints in haematological diagnosis: a detailed study of 3781 cases
Authors: Gong X. , Lu X. , Wu X. , Xu R. , Tang Q. , Xu G. , Wang L. , Zhang X. , Zhao X. 
Published: December 2010

X. Gong, X. Lu, X. Wu, R. Xu, Q. Tang, G. Xu, L. Wang, X. Zhang and X. ZhaoRole of bone marrow imprints in haematological diagnosis: a detailed study of 3781 casesObjectives:  To explore the role of imprints in routine bone marrow (BM) diagnosis.Methods:  The cellularity and diagnostic accuracy of BM imprints, aspirate smears and trephine biopsy sections from 3781 patients were assessed using routine cytochemical staining. Seventy‐nine cases of lymphoma and 114 cases of plasma cell myeloma (PCM) were selected for correlation analysis of tumour cell infiltration patterns. Another 21 cases of lymphoma were selected to detect t(14;18)(q32;q21) and t(11;14)(q13;q32) by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on BM imprints, and the G‐banding technique was performed for comparison.Results:  BM imprints were better than smears for evaluating cellularity. In the BM imprint group, diagnostic accuracy for metastatic carcinoma, myeloproliferative neoplasm, myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm and PCM was better than in the smear group, while accuracy for megaloblastic anaemia, acute myeloid leukaemia, refractory cytopenia with unilineage or multilineage dysplasia, refractory anaemia with excess blasts and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma was higher than in the section group, but not statistically different from the smear group. Good correlation of infiltration patterns of lymphoma and myeloma cells was found between BM imprints and sections (r = 0.90 and 0.78, respectively). Detection of t(11;14)(q13;q32) by FISH on imprints was higher than G‐banding analysis.Conclusions:  BM imprints show features of both smears and trephine sections. Imprints are superior to smears for evaluation of cellularity, and are also better than sections for analysis of cytological changes. In addition, FISH on BM imprints markedly improves the identification of chromosomal abnormalities.
Analysing cell‐free plasma DNA and SLE disease activity
Authors: Atamaniuk Johanna , Hsiao Yu‐Yang , Mustak Monika , Bernhard Duhm , Erlacher Ludwig , Fodinger Manuela , Tiran Beate , Stuhlmeier Karl M. 
Published: December 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (6): 579–583AbstractBackground  Over the years, the demonstration and confirmation of cell‐free DNA in the circulation has increasingly been recognized as a valuable diagnostic tool. Likewise, it has been known for some time that DNA structures that are targeted by auto‐antibodies play a central role in systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) and that DNA‐antibody complexes in the circulation are one of the hallmarks of SLE. Investigating whether and to what degree fluctuations in free plasma DNA levels in patients with SLE might correspond to disease severity was therefore the goal of this investigation.Methods  Blood from 13 patients with SLE and from 13 healthy controls was taken and analysed for the presence of anti‐dsDNA, anti‐ssDNA, anti‐nucleosome, anti‐histone antibodies as well as for cell‐free DNA concentrations. For each patient, the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was calculated.Results  As demonstrated herein, compared to healthy subjects, cell‐free DNA plasma levels in patients with SLE were significantly increased and so were anti‐dsDNA, anti‐ssDNA, anti‐histone and anti‐nucleosome antibodies. Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation was noted between cell‐free DNA and anti‐histone antibodies in patients with SLE. However, no correlation was noted between disease activity and anti‐dsDNA, anti‐ssDNA and anti‐nucleosome antibody concentrations. Surprisingly, and more important in the context of this study, there was no correlation between cell‐free DNA levels and SLEDAI scores.Conclusions  The presented data seem to exclude measuring free plasma DNA as an inexpensive, simple and quick tool to assess disease activity in patients with SLE. Further studies on a larger patient population would be needed to confirm our results.
MicroRNA534a control of BLADE‐ON‐PETIOLE 1 and 2 mediates juvenile‐to‐adult gametophyte transition in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Saleh Omar , Issman Noa , Seumel Gotelinde I. , Stav Ran , Samach Alon , Reski Ralf , Frank Wolfgang , Arazi Tzahi 
Published: December 2010

SummaryThe Arabidopsis thaliana BLADE‐ON‐PETIOLE genes encode a pair of transcriptional coactivators that regulate lateral organ architecture by promoting cell differentiation in their proximal regions. To gain insight into the roles of BOP genes early in land plant evolution, we characterized the functions of Physcomitrella patens BOP1 and BOP2 and their negative regulator Pp‐miR534a. We show that in ΔPpMIR534a mutants lacking mature Pp‐miR534a, cleavage of PpBOP1/2 is abolished, leading to elevated PpBOP1/2 transcript levels. These loss‐of‐function mutants display an accelerated gametophore development thus correlating elevated levels of PpBOP1/2 with premature bud formation. This is further supported by our finding that exposure to cytokinin, which is known to induce bud formation on caulonema, downregulates PpMIR534a transcription and increases the accumulation of PpBOP1 in apical caulonema cells. Reporter gene fusions showed that PpMIR534a is ubiquitously expressed in protonema whereas PpBOP1/2 accumulation is restricted almost exclusively to potent caulonema apical cells and their side branch initials, but absent from differentiated cells. Together, our data propose that PpBOP1/2 act as positive regulators of protonema differentiation and that Pp‐miR534a is required to control the timing of the juvenile‐to‐adult gametophyte transition by spatially restricting their expression to caulonema stem cells. As protonemata develop, increased cytokinin levels downregulate Pp‐MIR534a transcription in these cells until a threshold level of PpBOP1/2 is reached that triggers cell differentiation and bud formation.
Light exposure of Arabidopsis seedlings causes rapid de‐stabilization as well as selective post‐translational inactivation of the repressor of photomorphogenesis SPA2
Authors: Balcerowicz Martin , Fittinghoff Kirsten , Wirthmueller Lennart , Maier Alexander , Fackendahl Petra , Fiene Gabriele , Koncz Csaba , Hoecker Ute 
Published: December 2010

SummaryThe COP1/SPA complex acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase to repress photomorphogenesis by targeting activators of the light response for degradation. Genetic analysis has shown that the four members of the SPA gene family (SPA1–SPA4) have overlapping but distinct functions. In particular, SPA1 and SPA2 differ in that SPA1 encodes a potent repressor in light‐ and dark‐grown seedlings, but SPA2 fully loses its function when seedlings are exposed to light, indicating that SPA2 function is hyper‐inactivated by light. Here, we have used chimeric SPA1/SPA2 constructs to show that the distinct functions of SPA1 and SPA2 genes in light‐grown seedlings are due to the SPA protein sequences and independent of the SPA promoter sequences. Biochemical analysis of SPA1 and SPA2 protein levels shows that light exposure leads to rapid proteasomal degradation of SPA2, and, more weakly, of SPA1, but not of COP1. This suggests that light inactivates the COP1/SPA complex partly by reducing SPA protein levels. Although SPA2 was more strongly degraded than SPA1, this was not the sole reason for the lack of SPA2 function in the light. We found that the SPA2 protein is inherently incapable of repressing photomorphogenesis in light‐grown seedlings. The data therefore indicate that light inactivates the function of SPA2 through a post‐translational mechanism that eliminates the activity of the remaining SPA2 protein in the cell.
Differential contributions of ribosomal protein genes to Arabidopsis thaliana leaf development
Authors: Horiguchi Gorou , Mollá‐Morales Almudena , Pérez‐Pérez José Manuel , Kojima Kouji , Robles Pedro , Ponce María Rosa , Micol José Luis , Tsukaya Hirokazu 
Published: December 2010

SummaryIn Arabidopsis thaliana, mutations in genes encoding ribosomal proteins (r‐proteins) perturb various developmental processes. Whether these perturbations are caused by overall ribosome insufficiency or partial dysfunction of the ribosome caused by deficiency of a particular ribosomal protein is not known. To distinguish these possibilities, a comparative study using several r‐protein mutants was required. Here, we identified mutations in 11 r‐protein genes from previously isolated denticulata and pointed‐leaves mutants. Most of these mutations were associated with pointed leaves, with reduced growth due to a decrease in the number or size of palisade mesophyll and pavement cells. In addition, leaf abaxialization was usually observed when these r‐protein mutations were combined with asymmetric leaves1 (as1) and as2 mutations. These results suggest that the establishment of leaf polarity is highly sensitive to ribosome functionality in general. However, several r‐protein mutants showed a preference towards a specific developmental defect. For example, rpl4d mutations did not affect cell proliferation but caused strong abaxialization of leaves in the as1 and as2 backgrounds. On the other hand, rps28b enhanced leaf abaxialization of as2 to a weaker extent than expected on the basis of its negative effect on cell proliferation. In addition, hypomorphic rps6a alleles had the strongest effects on most of the phenotypes examined. These findings suggest that deficiencies in these three r‐protein genes lead to production of dysfunctional ribosomes. Depending on their structural abnormalities, dysfunctional ribosomes may affect translation of specific transcripts involved in the regulation of some leaf developmental processes.
The impact of HIV on agricultural livelihoods in southern Uganda and the challenges of attribution
Authors: Taylor Ben , Bukenya Dominic , van Asten Piet , Agol Dorice , Pain Adam , Seeley Janet 
Published: December 2010

SummaryChanges in agriculture and rural livelihoods in Africa are often attributed to the HIV epidemic. While acknowledging that the epidemic has devastated many families and communities because of excess morbidity and mortality, this review explores other causes of change in agriculture practices and production in southern Uganda. Over the past 20 years labour shortages, because of labour migration and changing aspirations (as well as HIV), crop and livestock pests and diseases, declining soil fertility, changes in commodity markets and a growing off‐farm sector have contributed to the changes seen in rural southern Uganda. Policy interventions outside agriculture and health have also had an impact on households. The HIV epidemic has not happened in isolation. The perceived impacts of the epidemic cannot be addressed in isolation from these other drivers of change.
The genetic architecture of sexual conflict: male harm and female resistance inCallosobruchus maculatus
Authors: GAY L. , BROWN E. , TREGENZA T. , PINCHEIRA‐DONOSO D. , EADY P. E. , VASUDEV R. , HUNT J. , HOSKEN D. J. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractMales harm females during mating in a range of species. This harm is thought to evolve because it is directly or indirectly beneficial to the male, despite being costly to his mate. The resulting sexually antagonistic selection can cause sexual arms races. For sexually antagonistic co‐evolution to occur, there must be genetic variation for traits involved in female harming and susceptibility to harm, but even then intersexual genetic correlations could facilitate or impede sexual co‐evolution. MaleCallosobruchus maculatusharm their mates during copulation by damaging the female’s reproductive tract. However, there have been no investigations of the genetic variation in damage or in female susceptibility to damage, nor has the genetic covariance between these characters been assessed. Here, we use a full‐sib/half‐sib breeding design to show that male damage is heritable, whereas female susceptibility to damage is much less so. There is also a substantial positive genetic correlation between the two, suggesting that selection favouring damaging males will increase the prevalence of susceptible females. We also provide evidence consistent with intralocus sexual conflict in this species.
Coming to America: multiple origins of New World geckos
Authors: GAMBLE T. , BAUER A. M. , COLLI G. R. , GREENBAUM E. , JACKMAN T. R. , VITT L. J. , SIMONS A. M. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractGeckos in the Western Hemisphere provide an excellent model to study faunal assembly at a continental scale. We generated a time‐calibrated phylogeny, including exemplars of all New World gecko genera, to produce a biogeographical scenario for the New World geckos. Patterns of New World gecko origins are consistent with almost every biogeographical scenario utilized by a terrestrial vertebrate with different New World lineages showing evidence of vicariance, dispersal via temporary land bridge, overseas dispersal or anthropogenic introductions. We also recovered a strong relationship between clade age and species diversity, with older New World lineages having more species than more recently arrived lineages. Our data provide the first phylogenetic hypothesis for all New World geckos and highlight the intricate origins and ongoing organization of continental faunas. The phylogenetic and biogeographical hypotheses presented here provide an historical framework to further pursue research on the diversification and assembly of the New World herpetofauna.
Posaconazole prophylaxis in patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia – results from an observational study
Authors: Egerer G. , Geist M. J. P. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryPatients with acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) and neutropenia after chemotherapy are at high risk for life‐threatening invasive fungal disease (IFD), in particular, invasive aspergillosis (IA). The aim of the study was to evaluate data on characteristics, risk factors, complications and additional antifungal treatment of patients with AML receiving posaconazole prophylaxis (PP) after chemotherapy in an actual clinical setting. A retrospective single‐centre observational study on 40 patients with AML, median age 66 years, was conducted. PP 200 mg three times daily was given routinely. After 76 cycles of remission induction chemotherapy followed by PP, median duration of 31 days (range 6–61 days), no fatal case occurred. The majority of patients had at least one additional risk factor for IFD and during 32 cycles (42.1%), three risk factors were present. During 40 therapy cycles (52.6%), fever of unknown origin occurred. Pneumonia was diagnosed after 23 cycles (30.3%), thereof one case of proven IA (1.3%). PP was interrupted in 25 cycles (32.9%) and was followed by systemic antifungal therapy with different agents, with a median duration 15 days (range: 6–32 days). PP appears to be an effective and well‐tolerated protection against IFD for AML patients under natural clinical conditions.
Importance of pulmonary imaging diagnostics in the management of febrile neutropenic patients
Authors: Heussel Claus Peter 
Published: December 2010

SummaryEarly detection and characterisation of a pulmonary focus is a major goal in febrile neutropenic patients. Thus, an intensive interdisciplinary co‐operation between radiologists and haemato‐oncologists on a patient basis, as well as on a department basis is essential to develop a differential diagnosis. The radiologist can contribute much to a differential diagnosis if information about the patient’s disease, status and medication is made available. On the other hand, the haemato‐oncologist needs to understand the opportunities and limitations of imaging techniques to evaluate better the images and results. This article focuses on pneumonia as the most common focus. First, imaging techniques are summarised shortly. Then, the perspectives for imaging techniques beyond early detection of pulmonary foci – exclusion of pneumonia, monitoring, characterisation of infiltrates and guidance for intervention – are reviewed.
The role of diagnostic imaging in the management of invasive fungal diseases – report from an interactive workshop
Authors: Gompelmann D. , Heussel C. P. , Schuhmann M. , Herth F. J. F. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryInvasive fungal diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the growing population of immunosuppressed patients. Appropriate early therapy is associated with a reduction in mortality, but relies on rapid diagnosis. Microbiological investigations are often a problem as it can take several days for a culture to mature. As a result, diagnostic imaging techniques play a larger role in the early recognition and characterisation of opportunistic fungal diseases. In April 2009, a 1‐day interactive workshop titled ‘The role of diagnostic imaging in the management of invasive fungal diseases’ was held for specialists in haemato‐oncology, pneumology and radiology. The aim of the workshop was to show the significance as well as the limitations of diagnostic imaging in the assessment of opportunistic fungal diseases and to provide education as to the radiological findings that aid disease evaluation.
Posaconazole as part of the antifungal armamentarium in the intensive care unit – case reports from a surgical ICU
Authors: Störzinger Dominic , Lichtenstern Christoph , Weigand Markus A. , Hoppe‐Tichy Torsten 
Published: December 2010

SummaryThe authors describe two cases of successful and safe posaconazole use in patients of a surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital.
Towards a competency‐based framework for nursing management education
Authors: Pillay Rubin 
Published: December 2010

Pillay R. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 545–554 Towards a competency‐based framework for nursing management educationDefining a competency‐based model for nursing management development will help to establish core competencies for nursing managers which will not only strengthen their practice and provide further learning and development opportunities, but will also provide the basis to focus training and professional development efforts. This paper identifies the competencies important for effective nursing management in the public and private health sectors. A total of 420 senior nursing managers in South Africa were surveyed using a self‐administered questionnaire. Respondents had to rate the importance of 51 competency items as it pertains to effective nursing management. Self‐management, controlling, health/clinical, organizing, people management, planning and ethical/legal competencies were found the most valuable for optimal nursing management. These findings reflect the reality of the nursing management milieu and will be useful in the design and delivery of management development programmes aimed at enhancing nursing management capacity.