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Here, we present a rare case of a patient who developed multiple primary melanomas within the boundaries of two nevi depigmentosa. The melanomas were excised, and as a preventive measure, the remainder of the nevi depigmentosa were removed. We performed whole-exome sequencing on excised tissue from the nevus depigmentosus, adjacent normal skin, and saliva to explain this intriguing phenomenon. We also performed a GeneTrails Comprehensive Solid Tumor Panel analysis on one of the melanoma tissues. Genetic analysis revealed germline MC1R V92M and TYR R402Q polymorphisms and a MET E168D germline mutation that may have increased the risk of melanoma development. This genetic predisposition, combined with a patient-reported history of substantial sun exposure and sunburns, which were more severe within the boundaries of the nevi depigmentosa due to the lack of photoprotective melanin, produced numerous somatic mutations in the melanocytes of the nevi depigmentosa. Fitting with this paradigm for melanoma development in chronically sun-damaged skin, the patient's melanomas harbored somatic mutations in CDKN2A (splice site), NF1, and ATRX and had a tumor mutation burden in the 90-95th percentile for melanoma.

Globally, collapse of ecosystems—potentially irreversible change to ecosystem structure, composition and function—imperils biodiversity, human health and well‐being. We examine the current state and recent trajectories of 19 ecosystems, spanning 58° of latitude across 7.7 M km2, from Australia's coral reefs to terrestrial Antarctica. Pressures from global climate change and regional human impacts, occurring as chronic ‘presses’ and/or acute ‘pulses’, drive ecosystem collapse. Ecosystem responses to 5–17 pressures were categorised as four collapse profiles—abrupt, smooth, stepped and fluctuating. The manifestation of widespread ecosystem collapse is a stark warning of the necessity to take action. We present a three‐step assessment and management framework (3As Pathway Awareness, Anticipation and Action) to aid strategic and effective mitigation to alleviate further degradation to help secure our future.

Aims: To identify potential hull fouling marine invasive species that could survive in East Antarctica presently and in the future. Location: Australia's Antarctic continental stations: Davis, Mawson and Casey, East Antarctica; and subantarctic islands: Macquarie Island and Heard and McDonald Islands. Methods: Our study uses a novel machine-learning algorithm to predict which currently known hull fouling MIS could survive in shallow benthic ecosystems adjacent to Australian Antarctic research stations and subantarctic islands, where ship traffic is present. We used gradient boosted machine learning (XGBoost) with four important environmental variables (sea surface temperature, salinity, nitrate and pH) to develop models of suitable environments for each potentially invasive species. We then used these models to determine if any of Australia's three Antarctic research stations and two subantarctic islands could be environmentally suitable for MIS now and under two future climate scenarios. Results: Most of the species were predicted to be unable to survive at any location between now and the end of this century; however, four species were identified as potential current threats and five as threats under future climate change. Asterias amurensis was identified as a potential threat to all locations. Main conclusions: This study suggests that the risks are very low, but plausible, that known hull fouling species could survive in the shallow benthic habitats near Australia's East Antarctica locations and suggest a precautionary approach is needed by way of surveillance and monitoring in this region, particularly if propagule pressure increases. While some species could survive as adults in the region, their ability to reach these locations and undergo successful reproduction is considered unlikely based on current knowledge.

Southern Ocean waters are among the most vulnerable to ocean acidification. The projected increase in the CO2 level will cause changes in carbonate chemistry that are likely to be damaging to organisms inhabiting these waters. A meta‐analysis was undertaken to examine the vulnerability of Antarctic marine biota occupying waters south of 60°S to ocean acidification. This meta‐analysis showed that ocean acidification negatively affects autotrophic organisms, mainly phytoplankton, at CO2 levels above 1,000 μatm and invertebrates above 1,500 μatm, but positively affects bacterial abundance. The sensitivity of phytoplankton to ocean acidification was influenced by the experimental procedure used. Natural, mixed communities were more sensitive than single species in culture and showed a decline in chlorophyll a concentration, productivity, and photosynthetic health, as well as a shift in community composition at CO2 levels above 1,000 μatm. Invertebrates showed reduced fertilization rates and increased occurrence of larval abnormalities, as well as decreased calcification rates and increased shell dissolution with any increase in CO2 level above 1,500 μatm. Assessment of the vulnerability of fish and macroalgae to ocean acidification was limited by the number of studies available. Overall, this analysis indicates that many marine organisms in the Southern Ocean are likely to be susceptible to ocean acidification and thereby likely to change their contribution to ecosystem services in the future. Further studies are required to address the poor spatial coverage, lack of community or ecosystem‐level studies, and the largely unknown potential for organisms to acclimate and/or adapt to the changing conditions., Antarctic waters are among the most vulnerable in the world to ocean acidification due to their cold temperatures, naturally low levels of calcium carbonate and upwelling that brings deep CO2‐rich waters to the surface. This meta‐analysis demonstrates groups of Antarctic marine biota in waters south of 60°S have a range of tolerances to ocean acidification. Invertebrates and phytoplankton showed negative effects above 500 μatm and 1,000 μatm CO2, respectively, while bacteria appear tolerant to elevated CO2.

Ultraviolet radiation-induced DNA mutations are a primary environmental driver of melanoma. The reason for this very high level of unrepaired DNA lesions leading to these mutations is still poorly understood. The primary DNA repair mechanism for UV-induced lesions, that is, the nucleotide excision repair pathway, appears intact in most melanomas. We have previously reported a postreplication repair mechanism that is commonly defective in melanoma cell lines. Here we have used a genome-wide approach to identify the components of this postreplication repair mechanism. We have used differential transcript polysome loading to identify transcripts that are associated with UV response, and then functionally assessed these to identify novel components of this repair and cell cycle checkpoint network. We have identified multiple interaction nodes, including global genomic nucleotide excision repair and homologous recombination repair, and previously unexpected MASTL pathway, as components of the response. Finally, we have used bioinformatics to assess the contribution of dysregulated expression of these pathways to the UV signature mutation load of a large melanoma cohort. We show that dysregulation of the pathway, especially the DNA damage repair components, are significant contributors to UV mutation load, and that dysregulation of the MASTL pathway appears to be a significant contributor to high UV signature mutation load.

Kelly‐Anne S. Stark, Jason F. Alvino, K. Paul Kirkbride, Christopher J. Sumby, Gregory F. Metha, Claire E. Lenehan, Mark Fitzgerald, Craig Wall, Mark Mitchell, Chad Prior

1-5% of individuals with melanoma have a strong family history with a causal gene identified in ~30% of those families, most commonly CDKN2A. Genetic testing and counselling for CDKN2A improves sun-protective and surveillance behaviour without negative psychological sequelae. Given these advantages, dermatologists need to recognise those with a sufficient a priori risk to warrant the offer of genetic testing.

Precise detection of early melanomas is essential as the stage of disease guides treatment options. One growing field that may facilitate the advancement of early melanoma detection, is achieved through profiling serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) using sensitive nanotechnology. As a proof of principle, using a detection platform that combines a microfluidic device and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), the expression profiles of 4 protein biomarkers in serum EVs (termed as “EV SERS signatures”) derived from 20 early stage melanoma patients (including in situ melanoma) and 21 healthy participants are multiplexed. Significantly higher signal intensities of selected protein biomarkers are observed in serum EVs from melanoma patients compared with healthy participants, with mean fold-changes ranging from 3.7 to 4.2. It is demonstrated that the EV SERS signatures can accurately separate melanoma patients and healthy individuals, with an area under the curve of 0.95. Thus, with further development, this ultra-sensitive detection platform, combined with the panel of melanoma-associated biomarkers, has the ability to differentiate early stage melanoma patients from healthy participants.

Engineering electrode materials for optoelectronic and energy storage applications requires a fundamental understanding of intercalation using spatially-resolved techniques. However, spectroscopic methods can have limited spatial resolution and low intensity since the signal passes through electrolyte. Here, a device geometry is presented in which the electrolyte is laterally separated from the area probed spectroscopically, so that the signal does not pass through the electrolyte. This geometry enables us to visualize ion transport with optical microscopy and monitor charge transfer with Raman and visible reflectance spectroscopies. In addition, vibrational changes are probed in the mid-IR, a region previously difficult to access due to electrolyte absorption. This geometry will allow many layered electrodes to be probed in situ using time- and spatially-resolved techniques, including photon and electron spectroscopies.

Landscape heterogeneity impacts community assembly in animals and plants, but it is not clear if this ecological concept extends to microbes. To examine this question, we chose to investigate polar soil environments from the Antarctic and Arctic, where microbes often form the major component of biomass. We examined soil environments that ranged in connectivity from relatively well-connected slopes to patchy, fragmented landforms that comprised isolated frost boils. We found landscape connectedness to have a significant correlation with microbial community structure and connectivity, as measured by co-occurrence networks. Soils from within fragmented landforms appeared to exhibit less local environmental heterogeneity, harboured more similar communities, but fewer biological associations than connected landforms. This effect was observed at both poles, despite the geographical distances and ecological differences between them. We suggest that microbial communities inhabiting well-connected landscape elements respond consistently to regional-scale gradients in biotic and edaphic factors. Conversely, the repeated freeze thaw cycles that characterize fragmented landscapes create barriers within the landscape and act to homogenize the soil environment within individual frost boils and consequently the microbial communities. We propose that lower microbial connectivity in the fragmented landforms is a function of smaller patch size and continual disturbances following soil mixing.

Human impacts threaten not only species, but also entire ecosystems. Ecosystems under stress can collapse or transition into different states, potentially reducing biodiversity at a variety of scales. Here we examine the vulnerability of Antarctic shallow invertebrate-dominated ecosystems, which may be threatened for several reasons.These unique shallow-water communities mostly consist of dark-adapted invertebrates, and rely on sea ice to create low-light marine environments. Climate change is likely to cause early breakout of seasonal sea ice in parts of Antarctica, which will dramatically increase the amount of light reaching shallow seabed. This is predicted to result in ecological regime shifts, in which invertebrate-dominated communities are replaced by macroalgal beds. Habitat for these endemic Antarctic ecosystems is globally rare, and the fragmented nature of their distribution along Antarctic coast increases their sensitivity to change. Concurrently, human activities in Antarctica are concentrated in areas where these habitats occur, compounding potential impacts. While there are clear mechanisms of threat to these ecosystems, lack of knowledge about their spatial distribution obscures predictions of potential ecosystem loss, and the likelihood of recovery. In this paper we describe these ecosystems, their association with the environment and the reasons for their vulnerability.We estimate their spatial distribution around Antarctica using sea ice and bathymetric data, and apply the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Ecosystems criteria to assess their vulnerability. Best available data suggest that shallow ice-covered ecosystems are likely Near Threatened to Vulnerable in places, although the magnitude of risk is spatially variable and requires additional data to strengthen the assessment.

Summary The vector potential formulation is a promising solution method for nonlinear electromechanically coupled boundary value problems. However, one of the drawbacks of this formulation is the non-uniqueness of the (electric) vector potential in three dimensions. The present paper focuses on the Coulomb gauging method to overcome this problem. In particular, the corresponding gauging boundary conditions and their consistency with the physical boundary conditions are examined in detail. Furthermore, certain topological features like cavities and multiply connectedness of the domain of analysis are taken into account. Different variational/weak formulations being appropriate for finite element implementation are described. Finally, the suitability of these formulations is demonstrated in several numerical examples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in melanoma is unclear. We examined global miRNA expression profiles in fresh-frozen metastatic melanomas in relation to clinical outcome and BRAF mutation, with validation in independent cohorts of tumours and sera. We integrated miRNA and mRNA information from the same samples and elucidated networks associated with outcome and mutation. Associations with prognosis were replicated for miR-150-5p, miR-142-3p and miR-142-5p. Co-analysis of miRNA and mRNA uncovered a network associated with poor prognosis (PP) that paradoxically favoured expression of miRNAs opposing tumorigenesis. These miRNAs are likely part of an autoregulatory response to oncogenic drivers, rather than drivers themselves. Robust association of miR-150-5p and the miR-142 duplex with good prognosis and earlier stage metastatic melanoma supports their potential as biomarkers. miRNAs overexpressed in association with PP in an autoregulatory fashion will not be suitable therapeutic targets.

High density SNP arrays can be used to identify DNA copy number changes in tumors such as homozygous deletions of tumor suppressor genes and focal amplifications of oncogenes. Illumina Human CNV370 Bead chip arrays were used to assess the genome for unbalanced chromosomal events occurring in 39 cell lines derived from stage III metastatic melanomas. A number of genes previously recognized to have an important role in the development and progression of melanoma were identified including homozygous deletions of CDKN2A (13 of 39 samples), CDKN2B (10 of 39), PTEN (3 of 39), PTPRD (3 of 39), TP53 (1 of 39), and amplifications of CCND1 (2 of 39), MITF (2 of 39), MDM2 (1 of 39), and NRAS (1 of 39). In addition, a number of focal homozygous deletions potentially targeting novel melanoma tumor suppressor genes were identified. Because of their likely functional significance for melanoma progression, FAS, CH25H, BMPR1A, ACTA2, and TFG were investigated in a larger cohort of melanomas through sequencing. Nonsynonymous mutations were identified in BMPR1A (1 of 43), ACTA2 (3 of 43), and TFG (5 of 103). A number of potentially important mutation events occurred in TFG including the identification of a mini mutation "hotspot" at amino acid residue 380 (P380S and P380L) and the presence of multiple mutations in two melanomas. Mutations in TFG may have important clinical relevance for current therapeutic strategies to treat metastatic melanoma.

Recent molecular research on Antarctic benthic organisms has challenged traditional taxonomic classifications, suggesting that our current perceptions of Antarctic biodiversity and species distributions must be thoroughly revised. Furthermore, genetic differentiation at the intraspecific level remains poorly understood, particularly in eastern Antarctica. We addressed these issues using DNA sequence data for two sibling amphipod species that could be collected on a circum-Antarctic scale: Eusirus perdentatus and Eusirus giganteus. Haplotype networks and Bayesian phylogenies based on mitochondrial (COI, CytB) and nuclear (ITS2) DNA provided strong evidence of multiple cryptic species of Eusirus, with several occurring in sympatry and at least one likely to have a true circum-Antarctic distribution. Within species, gene flow was often highly restricted, consistent with a brooding life history and in some cases suggestive of current or future allopatric speciation. Patterns of genetic structure were not always predictable: one cryptic species showed preliminary evidence of high genetic differentiation across 150 km in eastern Antarctica (FST > 0.47, P < 0.01), yet another was remarkably homogenous across 5000 km (FST = 0.00, P = 1.00). Genetic diversity also varied among cryptic species, independent of sample size (p = 0.00–0.99). These results indicate several hidden levels of genetic complexity in these Antarctic amphipods that are neither apparent from previous taxonomic or ecological studies nor predictable from their life history. Such genetic diversity and structure may reflect different modes of survival for Antarctic benthic organisms during historic glacial cycles, and ⁄ or subsequent re-establishment of populations on the shelf, and highlight our misunderstanding of Antarctic marine species diversity.

To identify microRNAs potentially involved in melanomagenesis, we compared microRNA expression profiles between melanoma cell lines and cultured melanocytes. The most differentially expressed microRNA between the normal and tumor cell lines was miR-211. We focused on this pigment-cell-enriched miRNA as it is derived from the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF)-regulated gene, TRPM1 (melastatin). We find that miR-211 expression is greatly decreased in melanoma cells and melanoblasts compared to melanocytes. Bioinformatic analysis identified a large number of potential targets of miR-211, including POU3F2 (BRN2). Inhibition of miR-211 in normal melanocytes resulted in increased BRN2 protein, indicating that endogenous miR-211 represses BRN2 in differentiated cells. Over-expression of miR-211 in melanoma cell lines changed the invasive potential of the cells in vitro through directly targeting BRN2 translation. We propose a model for the apparent non-overlapping expression levels of BRN2 and MITF in melanoma, mediated by miR-211 expression.

Fur hochbeanspruchte und sicherheitsrelevante Bauteile werden zunehmend hochfeste Aluminiumwerkstoffe eingesetzt, bei deren Umformung die Werkzeuge stark beansprucht werden. Besonders die stark abrasiven Eigenschaften hochfester Aluminiumwerkstoffe und deren Neigung zum Anhaften auf Werkzeugoberflachen erfordern den Einsatz von Schmier- und Trennmitteln. Im Sinne des Umweltschutzes und verbesserter Energieeffizienz wird der Verzicht auf derartige Hilfsstoffe angestrebt. Die tribologischen Verhaltnisse zwischen Werkzeug und Werkstuck sollen dazu durch geeignete Oberflachenbehandlungen oder Beschichtungen entsprechend beeinflusst werden. Bei der Auslegung beschichteter Umformwerkzeuge mussen die dadurch veranderten Oberflacheneigenschaften und die daraus resultierenden Beanspruchungen berucksichtigt werden. Ausgehend von der Auswahl und Optimierung geeigneter Beschichtungen werden im Teilprojekt B1 des SFB 692 deshalb unter Einsatz numerischer Simulationen mittels FEM Gestaltungsrichtlinien fur die Auslegung und Anwendung beschichteter Umformwerkzeuge entwickelt. Dimensioning of coated tools for high strength aluminium forming processes For lightweight construction of security relevant parts the use of high-strength aluminium alloys plays an increasing role. Hence, in forming processes tools are subject to severe stress. Especially abrasive wear and adhesive properties require the application of lubricants and separators. Due to environmental compatibility and enhanced energy efficiency a minimum of additives is wanted. For this reason the tribological system between tool and workpiece has to be influenced by appropriate surface treatment or coating techniques. For design of forming tools, surface properties and the resulting loading conditions have to be adapted. Appropriate coatings are selected and guidelines for the design of the forming tools are worked out by using numerical simulations.

Massiv umgeformte Bauteile aus hochfestem Aluminium gewinnen im Leichtbau zunehmend an Bedeutung. Aufgrund okonomischer und okologischer Aspekte wird bei der Herstellung ein geringer Einsatz bzw. ein Verzicht von Schmiermitteln angestrebt. Um dieser Forderung auch bei hohen Umformkraften gerecht zu werden, um geringe Reibwerte einzustellen und Anhaftungen von Aluminium am Werkzeug zu vermeiden, mussen die Werkzeugoberflachen modifiziert, d. h. randschichtbehandelt oder beschichtet werden [1–7]. Um verschiedene Beschichtungskonzepte zu testen, wurden fur die vorliegende Arbeit Proben mittels PVD- (Physical Vapour Deposition) und CVD-Verfahren (Chemical Vapour Deposition) beschichtet und charakterisiert. Das Verhalten der Beschichtungen und die Auswirkungen auf den Umformvorgang wurden mit Hilfe mechanischer Tests und numerischer Berechnungen untersucht. Fur die Dunnschichtsysteme TiCN, TiC-TiN und DLC auf Stahl erfolgten die Bestimmung des E-Modul, die Analyse von Versagensmechanismen und die Untersuchung des Schicht-Substrat-Verhaltens. Die mittels Simulation gewonnen Ergebnisse wurden mit dem realen Umformverhalten von Aluminiumlegierungen korreliert. Development and evaluation of coatings for lubricant free forming of high strength aluminium Many applications in light weight construction require massive formed high strength aluminium parts. For economical and ecological reasons the use of lubricants for massive forming has to be avoided. Both, lubricant free forming and processing of high strength materials are big challenges that can be realized by using coated tools with functional surfaces that show high wear resistance, low friction and low adhesion to aluminium [1–7]. For goal-oriented surface engineering different coating technologies, such as Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) have been used for the preparation of specimens. The coating properties are evaluated by mechanical tests and numeric simulation to investigate the massive forming processes and the coating-substrate-behaviour. On the base of TiCN-, TiC-TiN- and DLC-coatings on steel it is shown how relevant coating properties like Young’s Modulus, crack behaviour and hardness can be analyzed with regard to small coating thicknesses. In order to scale up the results to industrial conditions, finally the simulation is correlated to real deforming.

p14ARF is inactivated by deletions/mutations in many cancer types and can suppress cell growth by both p53-dependent and p53-independent mechanisms. To identify novel downstream effectors of p14ARF, we used gene expression profiling as a primary screening tool to select candidates for follow up validation studies using in vitro cell-based assays. Gene expression profiles of a panel of 35 melanoma cell lines with either wild-type (n = 12) or mutant (n = 23) p14ARF were compared to identify genes associated with inactivation of p14ARF. Analysis of the microarray data identified 1,316 probe sets that were significantly (p < 0.01) differentially expressed between the p14ARF wild-type and mutant cell lines. Pathway analysis of these genes showed an overrepresentation of many receptor-mediated signal transduction pathways, e.g. TGF, EGF, HGF, PDGF, MAPK, Wnt and integrin pathways. A number of components of these pathways, including FLRT3, RUNX2, MIG-6 and SMURF2 were confirmed as downstream targets of p14ARF using p14ARF-inducible cell lines and RNAi. We propose that regulation of these genes may contribute to melanoma development when p14ARF function is lost. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A large number of nevi (LNN) is a high risk phenotypic trait for developing cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). In this study, the breakpoints of a t(9;12)(p21;q13) balanced chromosome translocation were finely mapped in a family with LNN and CMM. Molecular characterization of the 9p21 breakpoint identified a novel gene C9orf14 expressed in melanocytes disrupted by the translocation. Integrative analysis of functional genomics data was applied to determine the role of C9orf14 in CMM development. An analysis of genome-wide DNA copy number alterations in melanoma tumors revealed the loss of the C9orf14 locus, located proximal to CDKN2A, in approximately one-fourth of tumors. Analysis of gene expression data in cancer cell lines and melanoma tumors suggests a loss of C9orf14 expression in melanoma tumorigenesis. Taken together, our results indicate that C9orf14 is a candidate tumor-suppressor for nevus development and late stage melanoma at 9p21, a region frequently deleted in different types of human cancers.

Abandoned work sites, disposal sites, hazardous waste and untreated fuel spills in Antarctica have recently begun to receive significant attention. A profile of the clean-up at Casey waste disposal site demonstrates a suite of cultural, social, economic and scientific changes to the way Antarctica and its environmental management are viewed.

The increasing use of botulinum toxin type-A, especially for focal dystonia and spasticity has highlighted the issue of secondary non-responsiveness. Within the last few years botulinum toxin type-B (Myobloc®/Neurobloc®) has become commercially available as an alternative to type-A. This paper discusses our initial experience of botulinum toxin type-B in a total of 63 individuals who attended our botulinum clinic. Thirty-six patients had cervical dystonia and a secondary non-response to type-A toxin. Thirteen of these patients (36%) had a reasonable clinical response to Neurobloc® and continue to have injections. The other 23 patients either had no response, or a poor response, or had unacceptable side effects and ceased treatment. A small number of people with blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm and foot dystonia also had a disappointing response to injection. Twenty patients with spasticity were also type-A resistant. Seven of these show some continuing response to type-B, without unacceptable side effects. These findings demonstrate that botulinum toxin type-B has a place in the management of patients who have become non-responsive to type-A, but overall the responses to type-B toxin were disappointing.

Differences between marine soft-sediment assemblages at disturbed (two waste dumps, a sewage outfall and a wharf) and control locations were found at Casey Station, Antarctica. These differences were significant against considerable background spatial variability. Core samples were collected by divers using a hierarchical, spatially nested sampling design incorporating four scales: (i) locations (thousands of metres apart); (ii) sites (hundreds of metres apart); (iii) plots (tens of metres apart); and (iv) among replicates within plots (approximately 1 metre apart). Control locations had greater species richness and diversity than disturbed locations and there were many taxa found at control locations that were not recorded at disturbed locations. Assemblages at disturbed locations were less variable than those at control locations. In contrast, populations of some dominant species were more variable at disturbed locations than at control locations. Significant variation in populations of individual taxa was also found at all scales and although greatest at the level of location, variation was also large at the smallest scale, between replicate cores, indicating significant small-scale patchiness in populations of taxa. Patterns of assemblage structure were similar at fine (77 taxa) and medium (aggregated to 33 taxa) levels of taxonomic resolution, but changed at coarse levels of resolution (nine phyla). Soft-sediment assemblages at Casey Station are markedly different from those reported from other areas of Antarctica. Assemblages at Casey are almost completely dominated by crustaceans (up to 99% total abundance) and polychaetes are rare or in very low abundances in most areas investigated in the region. This is also the first demonstration that small Antarctic research stations (population 20-50 people) may cause impacts that are detectable in the adjacent marine environment.

The effects of metals and petroleum hydrocarbons on benthic marine diatom communities were assessed using a manipulative field experiment at Casey Station, Antarctica. Uncontaminated, metal contaminated, and petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated sediments were deployed for 11 weeks during the 1999 austral summer. The treatments were deployed at three different locations: Brown Bay, which has elevated levels of anthropogenic contaminants, and two uncontaminated reference locations, O'Brien Bay and Sparkes Bay, the latter of which has naturally occurring high concentrations of some heavy metals. At each location, significant differences between the composition of diatom communities recruiting to control and petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated treatments were observed. Navicula directa (Smith) Ralfs occurred at lower abundances in the petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated treatments than in the control treatments. In contrast, Navicula cancellata Donkin occurred at higher relative abundances in both contaminated treatments relative to the control treatment. Interactions between treatment and location were also observed for several species, including Navicula glaciei Van Heurck. Significant differences in the overall community composition of diatom communities between control and metal contaminated treatments and metal contaminated and petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated treatments were only observed within Brown Bay. The location of deployment also had a significant influence on the composition of diatom communities. Brown Bay had higher abundances of Achnanthes brevipes Agardh but lower abundances of Navicula aff. cincta (Ehrenberg) Van Heurck than either reference locations. This experiment demonstrated that benthic diatom communities are sensitive to sediment contamination and would be suitable for future monitoring work within this and other areas of Antarctica.

The Drosophila norpA gene encodes at least two subtypes of phospholipase C (PLC), one of which is essential for phototransduction and the other is utilized in signalling pathways other than phototransduction. The two subtypes of norpA-PLC differ by 14 amino acids that have been proposed as important for the function of PLC in different signalling pathways. The present study aimed to determine whether norpA subtype II enzyme can functionally substitute for the subtype I enzyme in the phototransduction pathway. We found that the non-retinal norpA-PLC enzyme can substitute for its retinal counterpart, but that there is a reduced rate of repolarization of photoreceptors following intense light stimuli. This reduced repolarization might be due to the inability of a regulatory component being able to interact with the non-retinal norpA-PLC enzyme.

Dopamine is an important signaling molecule in the nervous system; it also plays a vital role in the development of diverse non-neuronal tissues in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The current study demonstrates that males depleted of dopamine as third instar larvae (via inhibition of the biosynthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase) demonstrated abnormalities in courtship behavior as adults. These defects were suggestive of abnormalities in sensory perception and/or processing. Electroretinograms (ERGs) of eyes from adults depleted of dopamine for 1 day as third instar larvae revealed diminished or absent on- and off-transients. These sensory defects were rescued by the addition of L-DOPA in conjunction with tyrosine hydroxylase inhibition during the larval stage. Depletion of dopamine in the first or second larval instar was lethal, but this was not due to a general inhibition of proliferative cells. To establish that dopamine was synthesized in tissues destined to become part of the adult sensory apparatus, transgenic lines were generated containing 1 or 4 kb of 5′ upstream sequences from the Drosophila tyrosine hydroxylase gene (DTH) fused to the E. coli β-galactosidase reporter. The DTH promoters directed expression of the reporter gene in discrete and consistent patterns within the imaginal discs, in addition to the expected expression in gonadal, brain, and cuticular tissues. The β-galactosidase expression colocalized with tyrosine hydroxylase protein. These results are consistent with a developmental requirement for dopamine in the normal physiology of adult sensory tissues. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 47: 280–294, 2001

The fly visual system has served for decades as a model for receptor spectral multiplicity and vitamin A utilization. A diverse armamentarium of structural techniques has dovetailed with convenient electrophysiology, photochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology in Drosophila to facilitate recent progress, which is reviewed here. New data are also presented. Ultrastructure of retinula cells of carotenoid-deprived flies shows that organelles associated with protein biosynthesis, i.e., rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, are present, while organelles associated with rhabdomere turnover, i.e., multivesicular bodies (MVBs), are rare. Ultrastructure and morphometry suggest that retinoic acid-rearing stimulates membrane export and rhabdomere buildup, even though functional rhodopsin is missing. Confocal microscopy suggests that RH4, one of the ultraviolet rhodopsins, may reside in the previously-described pale fluorescent R7 cells with RH3 in the yellow fluorescent R7 cells.

A series of laboratory and modelling experiments on the oxidation of propene in the gas phase has been undertaken to determine conditions which give high yields of propene oxide. The conditions under which the experiments were conducted were 505–549 K and up to 4 bar pressure. It is proposed that propene oxide is formed from propene by reaction with several peroxy radicals including HO2 and CH3CO3. However, one of the more important radicals is hydroxypropylperoxy. Its reaction with propene, under these conditions is more important than concerted decomposition to formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Faculty respond to suggestions for curricular change in ways that reflect their disciplinary perspectives. Faculty from varied disciplines, therefore, will need thoughtful leadership to develop support for a common curricular framework.

Background Diaper dermatitis (DD) is the most common type of irritative dermatitis in infancy. It is frequently complicated by Candida superinfection. Objective Comparison of efficacy and safety of two antifungal pastes (Imazol® = 1% clotrimazole; Multilind® = 100 000 IU nystatin/g + 20% zinc oxide) in infants with DD. Methods A total of 96 infants were included in this multi-centre, controlled, randomized, evaluator-blinded phase IV trial and treated with pastes containing either clotrimazole (n = 45) or nystatin (n = 46) twice daily for 14 days. In all, 91 children (age 12.1 ± 5.3 months; 48 females) with DD were evaluable. Total symptom score after 7 days (TSS7) was assessed as primary parameter. Secondary efficacy parameters were TSS at 14 days (TSS14), clinical and microbiological cure rates and global assessment (GA) of clinical response. Results TSS improved markedly with both pastes. Decreases in symptom score were 4.5 ± 2.1 (day 7) and 6.1 ± 1.9 (day 14) with clotrimazole compared with 4.2 ± 2.3 and 5.4 ± 2.4 with nystatin (P < 0.0001). With respect to TSS14, clotrimazole was superior to nystatin (P = 0.0434). Clinical cure rate was higher with clotrimazole [36.2% (day 7) and 68.1% (day 14)] compared with 28.6% and 46.9% (nystatin). GA was very good in 26 (55.3%) clotrimazole-treated children (nystatin: 16 [32.7%], P = 0.0257). Frequency of adverse events was comparable in both treatment groups. Conclusion Clotrimazole was superior to nystatin with respect to reduction in symptom score and GA. Microbiological cure rate was 100% for both agents. Both treatments were safe and well-tolerated.

VioLit summary: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study by Deffenbacher et al. was to provide an intervention setting for anger reduction treatment in a process group therapy environment to compare its effectiveness with cognitive-behavioral intervention which was also normally implemented in group settings. METHODOLOGY: This study was quasi-experimental. The subjects were gathered through a screening instrument questionnaire administered to four introductory psychology classes of approximately 200 students per class. Subjects who met the inclusion criteria that focused on admissions of inabilities to control anger and wanting intervention were subsequently placed in groups of 10-20 by two of the authors. There were 48 participants (26 male and 22 female). These students were randomly assigned to conditions for cognitive-relaxation counseling (CRC) (14 students), and for process group counseling (PGC) (16 students). Eighteen students were placed in the control condition of no intervention aside from taking assessment tests. All participants were rewarded with 3 hours of university laboratory credit. Both PGC and CRC treatment sessions consisted of eight weekly, 1-hour group meetings led by an advanced graduate student who was selected because she was an experienced process group counselor. Those students who received CRC intervention attended sessions devoted to cognitive-relaxation coping rationale, progressive relaxation training, and received training in various other relaxation coping skills. The students who received PGC intervention attended sessions focused on a time-limited, problem-focused interactive meeting environment. This environment encouraged participants to explore and discuss their anger and anger-related emotions with each other in a group setting. General anger was assessed by Likert-type scales, in which increasing scores reflected greater self-reported anger and anger across a range of situations. General-anger expression style, or the ability to suppress anger when provoked, was also measured by a Likert-type scale. Person-specific anger, or anger unique to the individual was assessed by self-reported data, which was later rated by the severity of anger symptoms. State anger and coping were analyzed by a Likert-type scale and a 6-item Coping questionnaire following the presentation of a social provocation through imagery. Lastly, perceived treatment implementation and impact were assessed by evaluation questionnaires drawn from the authors. FINDINGS/DISCUSSION: The authors found that generally CRC and PGC intervention subjects showed significant anger reduction compared with the control conditions, but did not differ significantly from one another. Thus, both interventions appeared effective. However, the authors also noted that the PGC intervention subjects attended significantly more sessions than did the CRC participants for undisclosed reasons. The authors concluded that their study provided some basis for evaluating the options for using either CRC or PGC interventions. However, the results obtained indicated that the effects for CRC were similar to those found in prior studies by the same researchers using less experienced counselors. The authors suggested that it was a reliable, effective group intervention. The authors cautioned that generalizations to PGC should be more circumspect since in this study the intervention was delivered by a highly experienced counselor in an anger-focused format, and to a group including only angry clients. Although, PGC in that format was effective, results should not be generalized to broader situations. AUTHORS' RECOMMENDATIONS: The authors advised that careful evaluative outcome research was needed to map the parameters (e.g., counselor experience, focused versus unfocused format, and homogeneous versus heterogeneous group composition) of effective PGC for anger reduction and to see under what conditions the findings of their current study hold up. (CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado)

Knowledge of the trophic functioning of Southern Ocean ecosystems is critical to their understanding and management. Marine ecosystem models, often used to explore the potential impacts of human disturbance and climate change, and for fisheries stock assessments, generally rely on suitable data to underpin the parameterization of taxon attributes and diets. Diet-related data from published and unpublished data sets and studies were collated into a single consistent data set, circum-Antarctic in scope, with two principal tables. The first table relates to direct sampling methods of dietary assessment, including gut, scat, and bolus content analyses, stomach flushing, and observed feeding. It currently comprises ∼25 000 records from 300 studies and includes information on >1000 taxa. The second table is a compilation of stable isotope values (currently 1500 records from 20 studies, covering 200 taxa). Each record in these two tables includes details such as the location and date of sampling, predator size a...

A large-scale, in situ experiment was set up near the Bailey Peninsula area (Casey Station, East Antarctica) to monitor the natural attenuation of synthetic lubricants in marine sediments over five years. Here, we report the short-term changes after 5 and 56 weeks. The lubricants tested were an unused and used Mobil lubricant (0W/40; Exxon Mobil, Irving, TX, USA) and a biodegradable alternative (0W/20; Fuchs Lubricants, Harvey, IL, USA). Clean sediment was collected, contaminated with the lubricants, and deployed by divers onto the seabed in a randomized block design. The sampled sediments were analyzed by gas chromatography-flame-ionization detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selective ion monitoring. The base fluid of all lubricant treatments did not decrease significantly after 56 weeks in situ. Alkanoate esters of 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)propane in the biodegradable and unused lubricants were degraded extensively in situ; however, these esters constituted only a minor proportion of the lubricant volume. The additives, alkylated naphthalenes and substituted diphenylamines, were fairly resistant to degradation, which is of environmental concern because of their toxicity. The biodegradable lubricant did not break down to recognized biodegradable thresholds and, as such, should not be classified as biodegradable under Antarctic marine conditions. A separate experiment was conducted to determine the influence of sediment preparation and deployment on compound ratios within the lubricants, and we found that preparation and deployment of the contaminated sediments had only a minor effect on compound recovery. Further monitoring of this in situ experiment will provide much needed information about the long-term natural attenuation of lubricants.

Efforts are under way to help educational consumers choose their institutions by making data more meaningful, accurate, and accessible.

Universities that devise models to involve faculty in curricular change, building on commonalities among academic fields, can progress toward curricular coherence.

The chain of the BBGKY (Bogolyubov-Born-Green-Kirkwood-Yvon) equations for lattice systems is obtained. These equations differ greatly from those for the continuous case and can be used in the theory of the Ising model. Different characteristics of ordering in alloys are computed using these equations: phase transition temperature, correlation parameter, correlation functions at great distances. The results obtained are in good agreement with other theories. [Russian Text Ignored].

Viewing curriculum as an academic plan permits development of parallel course and program planning models that are dynamic, conceptually related to student learning, and familiar to institutional planners.

A method for the determination of the long-range interparticle interaction energies in alloys from the experimentally measured short-range order parameters is presented. This way of determining which is based on the Monte Carlo method is applied to the problem of calculating of the first five pair interaction energies in Cu3Au. The results are compared with those obtained through the analytical theories of ordering. [Russion Text Ignored]

Emerging federal policy includes a multidimensional attack on abuses of the educational consumer-aimed primarily at protecting federal investments.

It is generally stated in elementary lectures on sensory systems that the limits of the visible spectrum are 400 nm (violet) and 700 nm (red), although there are several exceptions to this generalization. Recently, the properties of ultraviolet (UV) vision in invertebrates, as well as vertebrates, have been better characterized, and it is worthwhile to examine visual phenomena in the UV region of the spectrum. The purpose of this review is to integrate what is known about UV vision in invertebrates, which have been particularly well studied, with a growing literature on UV sensitivity and UV effects in the visual systems of humans and other vertebrates.

Integration of career and liberal study program can be educationally fruitful if similarities and differences in influences and ideologies are recognized. At an early stage, discussions should focus on compatible learning activities and outcomes.

The consumer movement seeks a better balance between institutional rights and those of the student who contracts for educational services.

In addition to pursuing studies for which they are best qualified, institutional researchers could play a key role in linking basic, policy, and evaluation research to improve teaching and learning.

Professional program faculty value educational outcomes that go beyond technical competence. New educational approaches are needed that will integrate professional and liberal study to achieve commonly valued outcomes.