bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ArabidopsisClade I TGA Transcription Factors Regulate Plant Defenses in an NPR1-Independent Fashion
Authors: Shearer Heather L. , Cheng Yu Ti , Wang Lipu , Liu Jinman , Boyle Patrick , Després Charles , Zhang Yuelin , Li Xin , Fobert Pierre R.
Published: August 2012

Transcriptional reprogramming during induction of salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defenses is regulated primarily by NPR1 (NONEXPRESSOR OF PATHOGENESIS-RELATED GENES 1), likely through interactions with TGA bZIP transcription factors. To ascertain the contributions of clade I TGA factors (TGA1 and TGA4) to defense responses, a tga1-1 tga4-1 double mutant was constructed and challenged with Pseudomonas syringae and Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. Although the mutant displayed enhanced susceptibility to virulent P. syringae, it was not compromised in systemic acquired resistance against this pathogen or resistance against avirulent H. arabidopsidis. Microarray analysis of nonelicited and SA-treated plants indicated that clade I TGA factors regulate fewer genes than NPR1. Approximately half of TGA-dependent genes were regulated by NPR1 but, in all cases, the direction of change was opposite in the two mutants. In support of the microarray data, the NPR1-independent disease resistance observed in the autoimmune resistance (R) gene mutant snc1 is partly compromised by tga1-1 tga4-1 mutations, and a triple mutant of clade I TGA factors with npr1-1 is more susceptible than either parent. These results suggest that clade I TGA factors are required for resistance against virulent pathogens and avirulent pathogens mediated by at least some R gene specificities, acting substantially through NPR1-independent pathways.
Odontonema cuspidatum and Psychotria punctata, Two New Hosts of Cucumber mosaic virus in the United States
Authors: Baker C. A. , Webster C. G. , Adkins S.
Published: August 2012

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has a reported host range of 750 to 1,200 species (2,3) that includes weeds, wild plants, crops, and ornamentals. Two new CMV hosts were recently identified in Florida. In July 2011, leaves of Odontonema cuspidatum (firespike), a member of the Acanthaceae, with virus-like symptoms were sent to FDACS-DPI. Firespike is an ornamental shrub native to Mexico with evergreen ovate leaves tapering to a pointed tip. Leaf symptoms included severe leaf distortion with some subtle yellowing or mosaic on younger leaves. Pink-red crystals were seen in leaf strips stained with the nucleic acid stain Azure A, indicating a viral infection. In January 2012, leaves of Psychotria punctata (dotted wild coffee), a member of the Rubiaceae, with virus-like symptoms were sent to FDACS-DPI. Dotted wild coffee is a small exotic tropical tree found in south Florida with many tiny leaf nodules inhabited by endosymbiotic bacteria. In addition to the nodules, these leaves had many large dark green ringspots surrounded with a yellow halo. Both samples were positive for CMV when tested with ImmunoStrips and/or by conventional ELISA using CMV antiserum (Agdia, Elkhart, IN). To confirm CMV infection, reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR on total RNA from a leaf sample of each plant species was used with previously published cucumovirus primers (1). An expected ~940 bp product was amplified from each sample and cloned into pGEM-T (Promega, Madison, WI). Ten clones from each plant species were sequenced in both directions. After removal of primer sequences, the 906 bp products were 96.3% identical with each other and showed 96.8 to 98.9% nucleotide identity with CMV sequences from Hungary, the United States, and Austria (GenBank Accession Nos. AF517802, U20668, and HQ916354, respectively). Identification of CMV infection in these two species expands the known host range and therefore the reservoir of this plant virus. This has implications for the ornamental industry in general and Florida farmers in particular.

References: (1) S. K. Choi et al. J. Virol. Methods 83:67, 1999. (2) E. J. Sikora. Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Pant Disease Notes, Alabama Cooperative Extensions System, retrieved online at http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0868/ANR-0868.pdf , 2004. (3) T. A. Zitter and J. F. Murphy. The Plant Health Instructor. DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I-2009-0518-01, 2009.
The Mode of Host Resistance to Plasmopara viticola Infection of Grapevines
Authors: Yu Ying , Zhang Yali , Yin Ling , Lu Jiang
Published: August 2012

The resistance and susceptibility of grapevines to downy mildew (DM) disease caused by Plasmopara viticola were compared among different cultivars/accessions belonging to Vitis vinifera, V. rotundifolia, and 10 oriental Vitis species. After inoculation with P. viticola pathogen, no symptom was found in V. rotundifolia grapevines at all, while oriental species V. davidii and V. piasezkii, like V. vinifera, were susceptible to DM disease. The other eight oriental Vitis species showed various resistance levels to DM disease. Intraspecific resistant variations were also observed in V. amurensis. Microscopy studies were conducted on various time courses after pathogen infection on grape leaves. P. viticola hyphae were not observed in V. rotundifolia cultivars, while symptoms with varying degrees of severity were observed among the Euvitis species. In general, the DM resistant oriental species showed a slower development of hypha and less formation of haustoria than DM susceptible V. vinifera grapevines. Cells with distinctive fluorescence were observed in V. rotundifolia and the oriental species V. pseudoreticulata, and callose deposits were observed in V. rotundifolia, V. pseudoreticulata, and V. amurensis grapevines. Based on the results of morphological observations and microscopy studies, we concluded that there were five levels of grapevine resistance to P. viticola pathogen: (i) immune, (ii) extremely resistant, (iii) resistant, (iv) partly resistant, and (v) susceptible.
Pathogenicity and transmissibility of reassortant H9 influenza viruses with genes from pandemic H1N1 virus
Authors: Qiao Chuanling , Liu Qinfang , Bawa Bhupinder , Shen Huigang , Qi Wenbao , Chen Ying , Mok Chris Ka Pun , García-Sastre Adolfo , Richt Jürgen A. , Ma Wenjun
Published: August 2012

Both H9N2 avian influenza and 2009 pandemic H1N1 viruses (pH1N1) are able to infect humans and swine, which has raised concerns that novel reassortant H9 viruses with pH1N1 genes might be generated in these hosts by reassortment. Although previous studies have demonstrated that reassortant H9 viruses with pH1N1 genes show increased virulence in mice and transmissibility in ferrets, the virulence and transmissibility of reassortant H9 viruses in natural hosts such as chickens and swine remain unknown. This study generated two reassortant H9 viruses (H9N2/CA09 and H9N1/CA09) in the background of the pH1N1 A/California/04/2009 (CA09) virus by replacing either both the haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes or only the HA gene with the respective genes from the A/quail/Hong Kong/G1/1997 (H9N2) virus and evaluated their replication, pathogenicity and transmission in chickens and pigs compared with the parental viruses. Chickens that were infected with the parental H9N2 and reassortant H9 viruses seroconverted. The parental H9N2 and reassortant H9N2/CA09 viruses were transmitted to sentinel chickens, but H9N1/CA09 virus was not. The parental H9N2 replicated poorly and was not transmitted in pigs, whereas both H9N2/CA09 and H9N1/CA09 viruses replicated and were transmitted efficiently in pigs, similar to the pH1N1 virus. These results demonstrated that reassortant H9 viruses with pH1N1 genes show enhanced replication and transmissibility in pigs compared with the parental H9N2 virus, indicating that they may pose a threat for humans if such reassortants arise in swine.
1,3-Ninhydrin dihydrazone featuring anR44(12) motif with \bf \overline{4} symmetry and comprising only N and H atoms
Authors: Blake Alexander J. , Chebude Yonas , Tadesse Haregewine , Wondimu Berhanu
Published: August 2012

In the title compound [systematic name: (1Z,3Z)-1,3-dihydrazinylidene-1H-inden-2(3H)-one], C9H8N4O, isolated molecules possess approximate noncrystallographicC2vsymmetry and theircisconformation and planarity are assisted by a pair of short intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds. Each molecule is asymmetrically involved in an extensive three-dimensional network of N—H...O and N—H...N hydrogen bonds, and the structure also exhibits weaker π–π and C=O...C interactions. The structure features anR44(12) motif consisting solely of N and H atoms and possessing crystallographic \overline{4} symmetry.
Single‐agent lenalidomide in relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma: results from a UK phase II study suggest activity and possible gender differences
Authors: Eve Heather E. , Carey Sean , Richardson Sarah J. , Heise Carla C. , Mamidipudi Vidya , Shi Tao , Radford John A. , Auer Rebecca L. , Bullard Sheila H. , Rule Simon A. J.
Published: August 2012

We present data from a phase II study investigating a novel treatment strategy for relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Twenty‐six patients received lenalidomide 25 mg/d (days 1–21 of a 28‐d cycle) for up to 6 cycles followed by low‐dose maintenance lenalidomide (15 mg) in responding patients. Eight patients achieved complete or partial response to give an overall response rate of 31% with median response duration of 22·2 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·0–53·6] and median progression‐free survival (PFS) of 3·9 months (95% CI 0·0–11·1). An additional six patients (23%) achieved stable disease. Eleven patients received maintenance with median PFS of 14·6 months (95% CI 7·3–21·9). Correlative studies showed that peripheral T and Natural Killer (NK) cells increased in responding patients by 40–60% over the first 6 cycles with an initial dip in NK cells suggestive of tumour infiltration. Peripheral regulatory T cells were increased in MCL patients (P = 0·001) and expanded further following lenalidomide. Sequential plasma analysis showed increased IL12 p40 and IL7 alongside decreased MMP9, IL10, and adiponectin. Finally, a significant correlation (P = 0·02) between gender and response suggested that female MCL patients were more sensitive to lenalidomide than males. In summary, we confirm the activity, safety and immunomodulatory properties of lenalidomide in MCL and highlight its potential as a low‐dose maintenance agent.
Subtle CD20 positivity in the bone marrow of a patient who has a mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma should not be regarded as evidence of involvement in the bone marrow
Authors: Won Dahae , Park Chan‐Jeoung , Shim Hyoeun , Jang Seongsoo , Chi Hyun‐Sook , Huh Jooryung , Yoon Dok Hyun , Suh Cheolwon
Published: August 2012

Aims:  Bone marrow (BM) biopsies of some mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma patients show scattered or small clusters of CD20+ cells without definite lesions (subtle CD20 positivity). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of BM involvement and subtle CD20 positivity in 122 patients diagnosed with MALT lymphoma.

Methods and results:  Patients were divided into three categories: BM involvement [BM(+)], subtle CD20 positivity, and no BM involvement [BM(−)]. Eleven (9%) showed BM involvement, and 17 (14%) showed subtle CD20 positivity. BM(+) patients had significantly worse progression‐free survival (PFS) than BM(−) patients [hazard ratio (HR) 6.25, P = 0.01], but there was no significant difference between subtle CD20 positivity and BM(−) patients. Patients with >30 CD3+ cells among 100 nucleated cells in the areas with increased numbers of CD3+ cells had significantly worse PFS than those with <15 CD3+ cells (HR 5.49, P = 0.02). BM(+) patients with >30 CD3+ cells had worse PFS than those with ≤30 CD3+ cells (P = 0.029), with an extent of BM(+) involvement of >10% positively correlating with >30 CD3+ cells (P = 0.015).

Conclusions:  Patients with BM(+) MALT lymphoma showed significantly worse PFS than those with subtle CD20 positivity and BM(−) MALT lymphoma, but the PFS of patients with subtle CD20 positivity MALT lymphoma was not significantly different from that of those with BM(−) MALT lymphoma. Increased numbers of BM T cells in MALT lymphoma patients might be suggestive of a worse prognosis.
New developments in endocervical glandular lesions
Authors: McCluggage W Glenn
Published: August 2012

McCluggage W G  (2012) Histopathology New developments in endocervical glandular lesions

There is evidence that the prevalence of premalignant and malignant endocervical glandular lesions is increasing in real as well as in apparent terms. In this review, new developments and selected controversial aspects of endocervical glandular lesions are covered, concentrating mainly on premalignant and malignant lesions. The terminology of premalignant endocervical glandular lesions is discussed with a comparison of the World Health Organization classification and the cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia (CGIN) system, which is in widespread use in the United Kingdom. Primary cervical adenocarcinomas comprise a heterogeneous group of different morphological types, and while it is known that the majority of these are associated with high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV), it has become clear in recent years that most of the more uncommon morphological types are unassociated with HPV, although they may sometimes be p16‐positive. A spectrum of benign, premalignant and malignant cervical glandular lesions exhibiting gastric differentiation is now recognized; these include type A tunnel clusters, typical and atypical lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia, adenoma malignum and gastric‐type adenocarcinoma. The latter is a recently described variant of primary cervical adenocarcinoma which has a different morphological appearance to the usual endocervical type and which is probably associated with different patterns of spread and a worse prognosis. There is accumulating evidence that ‘early invasive’ cervical adenocarcinomas have an excellent prognosis and are suitable for conservative management. Immunohistochemical markers of value in the distinction between a primary cervical and endometrial adenocarcinoma are discussed. While it is well known that a panel of markers comprising oestrogen receptor (ER), vimentin, p16 and monoclonal carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is useful, several major pitfalls are pointed out and this panel of markers is predominantly of value in ‘low‐grade’ adenocarcinomas. A related group of lesions, including cervical ectopic prostatic tissue and vaginal tubulosquamous polyp, are probably derived from para‐urethral Skene’s glands and may be positive with prostatic markers. Recent developments in cervical neuroendocrine neoplasms are discussed, as these are associated not uncommonly with a premalignant or malignant endocervical glandular lesion.
Can exercise training rescue the adverse cardiometabolic effects of low birth weight and prematurity?
Authors: Siebel Andrew L , Carey Andrew L , Kingwell Bronwyn A
Published: August 2012

Being born preterm and/or small for gestational age are well‐established risk factors for cardiometabolic disease in adulthood.

Physical activity has the potential to mitigate against the detrimental cardiometabolic effects of low birth weight from two perspectives: (i) maternal exercise prior to and during pregnancy; and (ii) exercise during childhood or adulthood for those born small or prematurely.

Evidence from epidemiological birth cohort studies suggests that the effects of moderate‐intensity physical activity during pregnancy on mean birth weight are small, but reduce the risk of either high or low birth weight infants. In contrast, vigorous and/or high‐intensity exercise during pregnancy has been associated with reduced birth weight.

In childhood and adolescence, exercise ability is compromised in extremely low birth weight individuals (< 1000 g), but only marginally reduced in those of very low to low birth weight (1000–2500 g).

Epidemiological studies show that the association between birth weight and metabolic disease is lost in physically fit individuals and, consistently, that the association between low birth weight and metabolic syndrome is accentuated in unfit individuals.

Physical activity intervention studies indicate that most cardiometabolic risk factors respond to exercise in a protective manner, independent of birth weight.

The mechanisms by which exercise may protect low birth weight individuals include restoration of muscle mass, reduced adiposity and enhanced β‐cell mass and function, as well as effects on both aerobic and anaerobic muscle metabolism, including substrate utilization and mitochondrial function. Vascular and cardiac adaptations are also likely important, but are less well studied.
Acute Surgical Unit at Auckland City Hospital: a descriptive analysis
Authors: Hsee Li , Devaud Marcelo , Middelberg Lisa , Jones Wayne , Civil Ian
Published: August 2012

Lack of timely assessment and access to acute operating rooms is a worldwide problem and also exists in New Zealand hospitals. To address these issues, an Acute Surgical Unit (ASU) was set up at Auckland City Hospital (ACH) in January 2009. This service has evolved and been modified to address the specific needs of acute surgical patients of ACH. Despite initial challenges inherent to setting up a new service, the Unit has been in steady operation and enhanced its performance over time. This paper is a descriptive analysis of the design of the ACH ASU and discusses some of the indications for streamlining acute surgical services at a large tertiary metropolitan hospital in New Zealand. Performance of the ASU has shown benefits for acute patients and the Hospital. The acute surgical rotation has also been beneficial for surgical training.
Bacteriology laboratories and musculoskeletal tissue banks in Australia
Authors: Varettas Kerry
Published: August 2012

In Australia, there are six Therapeutic Goods Administration–licensed clinical bacteriology laboratories providing bacterial and fungal bioburden testing of allograft musculoskeletal samples sent from 10 tissue banks. Musculoskeletal swab and/or tissue biopsy samples are collected at the time of allograft retrieval and sent to bacteriology laboratories for bioburden testing, in some cases requiring interstate transport. Bacteria and fungi may be present within the allograft at the time of retrieval or contaminated from an external source. The type of organism recovered will determine if the allograft is rejected for transplant, which may include all allografts from the same donor. Bacteriology staff also provides unpaid support of tissue banks through meeting involvement, consultations, licence‐related activities, validations and research funded by their organisation and not part of any contractual agreement. Bacteriology laboratories and tissue banks must be compliant to the Code of Good Manufacturing Practice – Human Blood and Tissues and regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Clinical bacteriology laboratories also require mandatory accreditation to Standards Australia International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 15189:2009 medical laboratories – particular requirements for quality and competence, and may also attain Standards Australia/New Zealand Standard ISO 9001:2000 quality management systems certification. Bacteriology laboratories and musculoskeletal tissue banks are integral partners in providing safe allograft musculoskeletal tissue for transplant.
Ileosigmoid knotting: clinical appearance of 73 cases over 45.5 years
Authors: Atamanalp Sabri Selçuk
Published: August 2012

Background

Ileosigmoid knotting (ISK) is the wrapping of the ileum around the base of the sigmoid colon. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of 73 patients with ISK over 45.5 years.

Methods

The clinical records were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

The age range was 7–92 years (mean 46.7 years), and 54 patients (74.0%) were male. Forty‐two patients (57.5%) experienced shock. The symptom duration range was 12–120 h (mean 46.5 h). The most common clinical features were abdominal pain and tenderness in 73 patients (100.0%), obstipation in 72 patients (98.6%), distention in 70 patients (95.9%) and vomiting in 61 patients (83.6%). The rate of correct diagnosis was 4.1% when based on clinical and X‐ray findings (3/73) and 100.0% when based on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging findings (4/4 and 2/2, respectively). The diagnosis of ISK was confirmed by surgery in all cases.

Conclusion

ISK is a rare disease that occurs most commonly in adult men. The disease is generally associated with shock, and the clinical features generally present as a mechanical bowel obstruction. Although X‐rays may aid diagnosis, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are more reliable diagnostic tools. However, the diagnosis is made at laparotomy in some cases.
Multi‐length or 24 cm ureteric stent? A multicentre randomised comparison of stent‐related symptoms using a validated questionnaire
Authors: Calvert Robert C. , Wong Kee Y. , Chitale Sudhanshu V. , Irving Stuart O. , Nagarajan Muthuswamy , Biyani Chandra S. , Browning Anthony J. , Young James G. , Timoney Anthony G. , Keeley Francis X. , Burgess Neil A.
Published: August 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

One of the suggested factors for stent‐related symptoms is that excess distal intravesical stent mass may cause bladder irritation. There is a lack of studies investigating this in a randomised controlled fashion using a validated questionnaire.

This study compared two of the most commonly used length of stents (a 30 cm multi‐length vs a 24 cm long stent) and showed no significance difference in stent‐related symptoms in patients with either of these stents.

Objective

To investigate whether excessive redundant intravesical stent component contributes to the severity of stent‐related symptoms in patients with a ureteric stent. We compared stent‐related symptoms in patients who had either a standard 24 cm or multi‐length ureteric stent.

Patients and Methods

In all, 162 patients with upper urinary tract calculi requiring ureteric stent insertion were randomised to receive either a 6 F × 24 cm ContourTM or multi‐length 6 F × 22–30 cm Contour VLTM stent.

Patients were requested to complete the validated Bristol Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) at 1 and 4 weeks after stent insertion and 4 weeks after removal.

The mean scores for each domain of the USSQ for both groups were compared using the Student's t‐test.

Any adverse events, e.g. stent migration, early removal of stent due to stent‐related symptoms and failure of stent insertion, were also recorded.

Results

In all, 153 patients who had successful stent insertion were requested to complete the USSQ and 74% of patients returned at least the week 1 questionnaire.

At 1 and 4 weeks with the stent in situ, comparison of the mean scores showed no significant difference in urinary symptoms, pain, general health, work performance, sexual dysfunction and number of days patients stayed in bed or reduced their routine activities.

Three (2%) patients had their stent removed early due to stent‐related symptoms and five (3%) had failed stent insertion.

Conclusions

This study did not find any difference in symptoms between the 24 cm or multi‐length Contour stents. However, the study was not powered to detect small differences particularly for the pain symptom domain.

Stents should only be used sparingly and the stent dwell‐time should be minimised.
The regulation of ATP release from the urothelium by adenosine and transepithelial potential
Authors: Dunning‐Davies Bryony M. , Fry Christopher H. , Mansour Dina , Ferguson Douglas R.
Published: August 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Stretch of the urothelium, as occurs during bladder filling, is associated with a release of ATP that is postulated to act as a sensory neurotransmitter. The regulation of ATP release is poorly understood and in particular if there is a feedback mechanism provided by ATP itself.

Adenosine, a breakdown product of ATP, is a potent inhibitor of stretch‐induced ATP release, acting through and A1 receptor; endogenous levels are about 0.6μM. Data are consistent with ATP release relying on the rise of intracellular Ca2+. Transepithelial potential also controls ATP release, also acting via an A1 receptor‐dependent pathway.

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that distension‐induced ATP release from the bladder urothelium is regulated by adenosine as well as changes to transurothelial potential (TEP).

To examine the role of changes to intracellular [Ca2+] in ATP release.

Materials and Methods

Rabbit urothelium/suburothelium membranes were used in an Ussing chamber system. Distension was induced by fluid removal from the chamber bathing the serosal (basolateral) membrane face.

The TEP and short‐circuit current were measured. ATP was measured in samples aspirated from the serosal chamber by a luciferin–luciferase assay.

Intracellular [Ca2+] was measured in isolated urothelial cells using the fluorochrome Fura‐2. All experiments were performed at 37°C.

Results

Distension‐induced ATP release was decreased by adenosine (1–10 μm) and enhanced by adenosine deaminase and A1‐ (but not A2‐) receptor antagonists.

Distension‐induced ATP release was reduced by 2‐APB, nifedipine and capsazepine; capsaicin induced ATP release in the absence of distension.

ATP and capsaicin, but not adenosine, generated intracellular Ca2+ transients; adenosine did not affect the ATP‐generated Ca2+ transient.

ATP release was dependent on a finite transepithelial potential. Changes to TEP, in the absence of distension, generated ATP release that was in turn reduced by adenosine.

Conclusion

Adenosine exerts a powerful negative feedback control of ATP release from the urothelium via A1 receptor activation.

Distension‐induced ATP release may be mediated by a rise of the intracellular [Ca2+].

Modulation of distension‐induced ATP release by adenosine and TEP may have a common pathway.
Prognostic factors for recent‐onset interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
Authors: Warren John W. , Clauw Daniel J. , Langenberg Patricia
Published: August 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) comprises pain perceived to be from the bladder, urinary urgency and frequency, and nocturia. As diagnosed at present, it is primarily identified in adult women. It is a chronic disease yet its natural history has not been well studied.

In a prospective study of 304 incident female IC/PBS cases followed for a median of 33 months after onset, women with baseline chronic fatigue syndrome had a worse prognosis for IC/PBS. Mild IC/PBS at baseline was the only variable that was directly associated with a good prognosis.

OBJECTIVE

To identify baseline variables that predict the prognosis of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) in women seeking medical care for recent onset of this syndrome.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In a prospective study of women with incident IC/PBS (≤12 months of symptoms), we contacted patients at intervals and asked standardized questions about IC/PBS symptoms in the previous week.

Logistic regression analyses assessed baseline variables as predictors of mild vs more severe IC/PBS at the last follow‐up.

RESULTS

Median length of follow‐up was 33 months after onset of IC/PBS; 304 (97%) patients had at least one follow‐up assessment.

Mild IC/PBS at baseline was the only variable that was directly associated with a mild IC/PBS endpoint.

Conversely, a history of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was inversely associated with a mild endpoint of IC/PBS (i.e. individuals with CFS had a worse prognosis for their IC/PBS symptoms).

CONCLUSIONS

At a median of nearly 3 years after onset, baseline mild IC/PBS was directly associated with a milder disease severity.

Baseline co‐morbid CFS was associated with more severe disease.

Whether CFS was uniquely associated or represented several co‐morbid non‐bladder syndromes (NBSs) could not be determined.
Consolidation of vocabulary is associated with sleep in children
Authors: Henderson Lisa M. , Weighall Anna R. , Brown Helen , Gareth Gaskell M.
Published: August 2012

Although the acquisition of a novel word is apparently rapid, adult research suggests that integration of novel and existing knowledge (measured by engagement in lexical competition) requires sleep‐associated consolidation. We present the first investigation of whether a similar time‐course dissociation characterizes word learning across development. Consistent with previous research but counter to adults, 7–12‐year‐olds showed sleep‐associated consolidation effects in declarative but not procedural memory. Nevertheless, the relationship between sleep and word learning in children was remarkably similar to the pattern for adults. Following exposure to nonword competitors (e.g. biscal) in the a.m. or p.m., children’s ability to recognize and recall the nonwords improved only after sleep (after approximately 12‐hrs for the p.m. group and 24‐hrs for the a.m. group), with performance stable 1 week later. Novel nonwords only induced lexical competition effects after sleep. These findings suggest that children utilize a dual memory system when acquiring and integrating new vocabulary and highlight sleep as integral to this process. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mm8SDUXw_0&feature=plcp.
On the Ways of Viewing Spanish Art
Authors: Heide Claudia
Published: August 2012

Spanish Art in Britain and Ireland, 1750–1920. Studies in Reception in Memory of Enriqueta Harris Frankfort, edited by Nigel Glendinning and Hilary Macartney, Woodbridge: Tamesis, 2010, i–xx + 307pp., 17 col. and 56 b. & w. illus., £50.00
Direct and Indirect Roles of Morphological Awareness in the English Reading Comprehension of Native English, Spanish, Filipino, and Vietnamese Speakers
Authors: Kieffer Michael J. , Lesaux Nonie K.
Published: August 2012

This study tested three hypotheses about the direct and indirect contributions of derivational morphological awareness to English reading comprehension in sixth‐grade students from differing language backgrounds (n= 952). Students included Spanish‐speaking, Filipino‐speaking, and Vietnamese‐speaking language minority learners as well as native English speakers. Multiple‐group structural equation modeling indicated that morphological awareness made a significant direct contribution to reading comprehension, controlling for reading vocabulary and word reading fluency. Morphological awareness also made a significant indirect contribution to reading comprehension via reading vocabulary, but not via word reading fluency. Effects were similar across the four language groups. Findings suggest that morphological awareness may play multiple important roles in English reading comprehension for students from a variety of home language backgrounds.
Improving L2 Listeners’ Perception of English Vowels: A Computer‐Mediated Approach
Authors: Thomson Ron I.
Published: August 2012

A high variability phonetic training technique was employed to train 26 Mandarin speakers to better perceive ten English vowels. In eight short training sessions, learners identified 200 English vowel tokens, produced in a post bilabial stop context by 20 native speakers. Learners’ ability to identify English vowels significantly improved in the training context and in one novel phonetic context. Training did not transfer to a third phonetic context. A delayed posttest indicated that improvement was maintained for one month after training was completed, although in the absence of training, no further improvement was found. Learners’ scalar judgments regarding the certainty of their choices on identification tests indicated a significant increase in confidence after training.
Killer whale ecotypes: is there a global model?
Authors: de Bruyn P. J. N. , Tosh Cheryl A. , Terauds Aleks
Published: August 2012

Killer whales, Orcinus orca, are top predators occupying key ecological roles in a variety of ecosystems and are one of the most widely distributed mammals on the planet. In consequence, there has been significant interest in understanding their basic biology and ecology. Long‐term studies of Northern Hemisphere killer whales, particularly in the eastern North Pacific (ENP), have identified three ecologically distinct communities or ecotypes in that region. The success of these prominent ENP studies has led to similar efforts at clarifying the role of killer whale ecology in other regions, including Antarctica. In the Southern Hemisphere, killer whales present a range of behavioural, social and morphological characteristics to biologists, who often interpret this as evidence to categorize individuals or groups, and draw general ecological conclusions about these super‐predators. Morphologically distinct forms (Type A, B, C, and D) occur in the Southern Ocean and studies of these different forms are often presented in conjunction with evidence for specialised ecology and behaviours. Here we review current knowledge of killer whale ecology and ecotyping globally and present a synthesis of existing knowledge. In particular, we highlight the complexity of killer whale ecology in the Southern Hemisphere and examine this in the context of comparatively well‐studied Northern Hemisphere populations. We suggest that assigning erroneous or prefatory ecotypic status in the Southern Hemisphere could be detrimental to subsequent killer whale studies, because unsubstantiated characteristics may be assumed as a result of such classification. On this basis, we also recommend that ecotypic status classification for Southern Ocean killer whale morphotypes be reserved until more evidence‐based ecological and taxonomic data are obtained.
Seasonal pre‐migratory fattening and increased activity in a nomadic and irruptive migrant, theRedCrossbillLoxia curvirostra
Authors: Cornelius Jamie M. , Hahn Thomas P.
Published: August 2012

It is well documented that irruptive and nomadic migrants move in response to resources that are distributed unpredictably in space, time or both. Increasing evidence, however, suggests that irruptive and nomadic species may use seasonal timing mechanisms to prepare for migrations, despite the more facultative nature of their movements. Here we use data from free‐living and captiveRedCrossbillsLoxia curvirostra, a typical irruptive nomad, to examine three hypotheses regarding control of facultative migration: (1) the facultative migration hypothesis, which states that both preparation and departure decisions are regulated by resource availability; (2) the seasonal preparation hypothesis, which states that preparation is initiated by seasonal factors (i.e. endogenous rhythms and/or photoperiod) but that departure decisions are dependent on local resource availability; and (3) the seasonal migration hypothesis, which states that both preparation and departure decisions are initiated by seasonal mechanisms and are independent of local food resources. Red Crossbills inNorthAmerica are thought to make temporally consistent spring migrations in anticipation of conifer cone maturation. In this study, fat deposits of free‐livingRedCrossbills peaked inMay andJune, exceeding even winter deposits. In agreement with the field data, captive birds on a natural photoperiod with constant food and temperature showed a peak in fat deposition and activity levels in June. These findings are consistent with the seasonal preparation and the seasonal migration hypotheses and contribute to a growing literature that suggests that facultative migrants may prepare for movements in similar ways to seasonal migrants.
A Material Flow‐based Approach to Enhance Resource Efficiency in Production and Recycling Networks
Authors: Fröhling Magnus , Schwaderer Frank , Bartusch Hauke , Schultmann Frank
Published: August 2012

Resource and energy efficiency are key strategies for production and recycling networks. They can contribute to more sustainable industrial production and can help cope with challenges such as competition, rising resource and energy prices, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and scarce and expensive landfill space. In pursuit of these objectives, further enhancements of single processes are often technologically sophisticated and expensive due to past achievements that have brought the processes closer to technical optima. Nevertheless, the potential for network‐wide advancements may exist. Methods are required to identify and assess the potential for promising resource and energy efficiency measures from technical, economic, and ecological perspectives. This article presents an approach for a material flow‐based techno‐economic as well as ecological analysis and assessment of resource efficiency measures in production and recycling networks. Based on thermodynamic process models of different production and recycling processes, a material and energy flow model of interlinked production and recycling processes on the level of chemical compounds is developed. The model can be used to improve network‐wide resource efficiency by analyzing and assessing measures in scenario and sensitivity analyses. A necessary condition for overcoming technical and economic barriers for implementing such measures can be fulfilled by identifying strategies that appear technologically feasible and economically and ecologically favorable. An exemplary application to a production and recycling network of the German steel and zinc industry is presented. From a methodological point of view, the approach shows one way of introducing thermodynamics and further technological aspects into industrial planning and assessment.
Morphologies of the Atria and Pulmonary Veins in Relation to Lone Atrial Fibrillation Progression: A Dual‐Source Computed Tomography Scan Study
Authors: LIU XING‐PENG , XU XIA , TIAN YING , TANG RI‐BO , YU RONG‐HUI , LONG DE‐YONG , SANG CAI‐HUA , JIANG CHEN‐XI , NING MAN , DONG JIAN‐ZENG , MA CHANG‐SHENG
Published: August 2012

Atrial Remodeling and Lone Atrial Fibrillation. Background: We sought to investigate the role of anatomic remodeling of the atria and pulmonary veins (PVs) in the progression of lone atrial fibrillation (AF) using dual‐source computed tomography (DSCT).

Methods and Results: From 1,308 consecutive patients referred for an index ablation procedure for AF, we prospectively enrolled 29 consecutive patients with recently developed (<3 months) lone persistent AF (PsAF) and 23 consecutive patients with short‐lasting (6–12 months) lone PsAF, all of whom had a history of paroxysmal AF (PAF). The control group consisted of 33 patients with lone PAF. On DSCT, the recently developed PsAF group showed more extensive atrial anatomic remodeling than the PAF group as shown by ∼40% higher spot biatrial volume, even though the mean duration of continuous AF was only 6 weeks. In contrast, the DSCT variables in the recently developed PsAF group and the short‐lasting PsAF group were comparable, despite the fact that the mean duration of continuous AF in the latter group was 8 months. Series of cross‐sectional areas of the ostial 1.5 cm of PV trunks were comparable in the PAF and PsAF groups in all but 3 ostial planes. A higher spot left atrial volume was the only independent factor associated with the progression of lone PAF to PsAF (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.09, P<0.0001) on logistic regression.

Conclusions: Prominent anatomic remodeling of the atria, rather than the PVs, underlies the mechanism of recent progression of lone paroxysmal AF to the persistent variety. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. S29‐S35, November 2012)
Dermal hypersensitivity reaction: a PCR‐confirmed pattern of herpetic dermatitis
Authors: Kinonen Christopher L. , Gleason Briana C. , Thomas Antoinette B. , Kaul Karen L. , Cibull Thomas L.
Published: August 2012

Background

Herpetic dermatitis due to herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) can present with similar clinical and histopathologic features. Further confounding matters, viral cytopathic changes are not always observed in biopsy specimens. Therefore, use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis can play an integral role in the definitive diagnosis of herpetic dermatitis and in the distinction of HSV‐1/HSV‐2 from VZV.

Methods

Forty patients with skin biopsies (2004–2011) had PCR analysis performed to detect HSV‐1/2 or VZV. Patient demographics, clinical impression and histopathologic characteristics were reviewed and correlated with PCR findings.

Results

Overall, there was complete correlation between clinical impression, histopathology and PCR results in 21 of 40 cases. In 19 cases, clinical impression and histopathology were discrepant and in 15 of these cases PCR confirmed HSV or VZV infection. We also describe 3 cases of herpetic dermatitis without viral change that histopathologically demonstrate the pattern of a dermal hypersensitivity reaction.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that routine use of PCR for definitive diagnosis of herpetic dermatitis should be considered when there is a clinical suspicion of herpes virus infection, even when there is a lack of specific histopathologic findings. Additionally, a dermal hypersensitivity reaction should be recognized as one histopathologic manifestation of herpes incognito.
Leaf functional traits for the assessment of succession following management in semi‐natural grasslands: a case study in the North Apennines, Italy
Authors: Targetti Stefano , Messeri Alessandro , Staglianò Nicolina , Argenti Giovanni
Published: August 2012

Question

Do leaf functional traits describe variation in the intensity of management in semi‐natural grasslands?

Location

Mugello, North Apennines, Italy.

Methods

In an ecologically homogeneous area, we identified four grassland management practices (three different stocking rates and abandonment for 10 or more years). We measured leaf functional traits (LFT) of three dominant grass species – leaf dry matter content (LDMC), specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf N concentration (LNC) – in two permanent sampling plots per treatment for two consecutive years. Statistical tests and multivariate analysis were employed to compare the traits and analyse their sensitivity in responding to the different management intensities.

Results

The robustness of LDMC and SLA in grass species ranking was confirmed. Weighted LDMC and SLA were able to differentiate the most intensely managed site from the others.

Conclusions

The results of the weighted LDMC and the weighted SLA encourage further studies aimed at the development of a LFT database for the most common grass species of Apennine semi‐natural grasslands. This could be of great help in the development of indicators able to support the formulation of rational management plans for conservation and sustainable animal production.
Big Data and City Living – What can it do for Us?
Authors: Ann Keller Sallie , Koonin Steven E. , Shipp Stephanie
Published: August 2012

Big data is transforming our cities. Sallie Ann Keller, Steven E. Koonin and Stephanie Shipp look at the benefits that big data can bring to society – and at some of the challenges as well.
Colorless Green Ideas Learn Furiously
Authors: Norvig Peter
Published: August 2012

Language recognition programs use massive databases of words, and statistical correlations between those words, to translate or to recognise speech. But correlation is not causation. Do these statistical data-dredgings give any insight into how language works? Or are they a mere big-number trick, useful but adding nothing to understanding? One who holds the latter view is the theorist of language Noam Chomsky. Peter Norvig disagrees.
Analysing My Facebook Friends
Authors: Salter-Townshend Michael
Published: August 2012

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn: most of us belong to social networks, and their huge databases are ripe fields for statisticians. Michael Salter-Townshend, an entrant in our Young Statisticians Group writers’ competition, analysed his own circles of friends.
Big Data and the Future
Authors: Rose Sherri
Published: August 2012

At the beginning of her career Sherri Rose discusses big data and stands amazed at its potential.
Low and high surface brightness galaxies at void walls
Authors: Ceccarelli L. , Herrera-Camus R. , Lambas D. G. , Galaz G. , Padilla N. D.
Published: August 2012

We study the relative fraction of low and high surface brightness galaxies (LSBGs and HSBGs) at void walls in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 7. We focus on galaxies in equal local density environments. We assume that the host dark matter halo mass (for which we use SDSS group masses) is a good indicator of local density. This analysis allows us to examine the behaviour of the abundance of LSBGs and HSBGs at a fixed local density and distinguish the large-scale environment defined by the void geometry. We compare galaxies in the field and in the void walls; the latter are defined as the volume of void shells of radius equal to that of the void. We find a significant decrement, a factor of ∼4, of the relative fraction of blue, active star-forming LSBGs in equal-mass groups at the void walls and the field. This decrement is consistent with an increase of the fraction of blue, active star-forming HSBGs. In contrast, red LSBGs and HSBGs show negligible changes. We argue that these results are consistent with a scenario where LSBGs with blue colours and strong star formation activity at the void walls are fuelled by gas from the expanding void regions. This process could lead to LSBG to HSBG transformations.
Interaction of a Fresh Water Lake and a Karstic Spring via a Syncline Fold
Authors: Rezaei Abolfazl , Zare Mohammad , Raeisi Ezzatollah , Ghanbari Reza Namdar
Published: August 2012

Kaftar Lake is a high‐altitude fresh water lake located in High Zagros, south of Iran. Despite the high annual evaporation to precipitation ratio in the area, lake water electrical conductivity is usually lower than 1000 µS/cm, this may be due to high seepage from the floor of the lake. Therefore, the hypothesis of possible underground connections between Namdan Basin, where the lake is located, and the surrounding basins with lower elevation (Aspas and Dehbid Basins) was investigated. Hydrogeology, hydrochemistry, and stable isotopes data of the lake and surrounding basins along with the lake water balance study were applied to test the hypothesis. Results indicate that Kaftar Lake has no connection with Aspas Basin in south, but it is hydraulically connected to Dehbid Basin. In Dehbid Basin, “Ghasr_e_Yaghoob spring” (average discharge ≅1200 L/s) emerges from a small outcrop (about 0.8 km2) of Daryan limestone Formation, where this outcrop is much smaller than the required recharge area for such average discharge rate. The study shows that this spring is recharged by Kaftar Lake and Namdan Basin aquifer, through Daryan Formation of Gandboee Syncline located to the northern part of the lake.
Presumed brain infarctions in two dogs with systemic leishmaniasis
Authors: José‐López R. , la Fuente C. De , Añor S.
Published: August 2012

Clinical signs and magnetic resonance imaging findings of multiple brain infarcts in two dogs infected with Leishmania spp. are reported. Clinical signs of intracranial dysfunction were peracute and there was no further deterioration. Magnetic resonance images of the brain were consistent with multifocal, non‐haemorrhagic, ischaemic lesions. Routine serum biochemistry revealed hyperproteinaemia and hyperglobulinaemia. Serum antibody titres were highly positive for Leishmania infantum and Leishmania amastigotes were seen within bone marrow macrophages in both cases. Canine leishmaniasis can cause cerebrovascular alterations, such as vasculitis, that might predispose dogs to brain infarcts.