bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latitude, solar elevation angles and gap‐regenerating rain forest pioneers
Authors: Lusk C. H. , Sendall K. , Kooyman R.
Published: December 2010

1. Tropical rain forests have more species‐rich tree assemblages than forests at higher latitudes, but is this because they comprise a wider array of niches or functional types? We address this by considering one tree functional type – light‐demanding canopy trees with fast foliage turnover and growth – that is common in the tropics and subtropics, but virtually absent from mid‐latitude rain forests. Although often referred to as ‘tall pioneers’ or ‘large pioneers’, they are by no means confined to early‐successional stages, also recruiting directly to the canopy in old‐growth stands by rapid growth beneath tree‐fall gaps.

2. We also explored the influence of latitude on tree‐fall gap light environments as a possible constraint on the geographic distribution of this functional type, using the YPLANT program to simulate light interception and potential carbon gain by seedlings of the Australian rain forest pioneer Polyscias murrayi beneath idealized gaps at tropical, subtropical and cool temperate sites (latitudes 17, 29 and 42°S, respectively). P. murrayi grows quickly to heights of 20–25 m, has high photosynthetic capacity and respiration rates, and a leaf life span of 6–9 months.

3. Simulated light interception and potential carbon gain were strongly influenced by latitude, and by the interaction of latitude with position within an idealized tree‐fall gap of 100 m2. Potential net daily carbon gain of P. murrayi was strongly positive beneath the gap centre at latitude 17, and beneath the poleward (i.e. southern) gap margin at latitude 29, but negative beneath both the gap centre and margin at latitude 42. Light interception and carbon gain were also influenced by geographic variation in sunshine hours, which were highest at latitude 29 and lowest at latitude 42. A larger gap of 300 m2 permitted positive net carbon gain at all latitudes, although rates were again predicted to be highest beneath the gap centre in the tropics.

4. Synthesis. YPLANT simulations supported the hypothesis that sun angles could prevent trees with high metabolic rates from invading old‐growth mid‐latitude rain forests, where light environments suitable for their establishment will be scarce. Geographic variation in forest light environments is therefore likely to influence the range of viable functional types at different latitudes.
Under strong niche overlap conspecifics do not compete but help each other to survive: facilitation at the intraspecific level
Authors: Fajardo Alex , McIntire Eliot J. B.
Published: December 2010

1. Competition among conspecifics of the same cohort has been traditionally thought to be a main process driving population dynamics. In this classical view, however, the role of facilitation in stressful conditions has rarely been considered. Here, using a transplant experiment across a forest–prairie gradient, we test whether the stress gradient hypothesis (SGH) extends to individuals thought to be strongly competing.

2. We transplanted 2‐year‐old seedlings of Nothofagus pumilio at two different densities (clusters of 10 and isolated) and at different distances from the forest edge (from 30 m inside the forest up to 50 m outside the forest in the prairie). We further stem‐mapped all seedlings belonging to the clusters and computed a competition index (CI). After 3 years of growing, survival and increment growth in diameter and height were measured and analysed using mixed‐effects models. We conducted a nearest‐neighbour analysis using seedlings’ CI and growth and computed model fit using the area under the curve (AUC) method.

3. Seedlings planted in dense clusters had significantly higher survival than solitary seedlings at the stressful end of the gradient. This trend was reversed at the opposite end of the gradient, supporting the SGH at the intraspecific level. Pursuing this at the level of the individual, we found that higher CIs (more neighbours) in seedlings predicted higher probabilities of their survival (facilitation) in stressful conditions.

4. Seedlings diameter and height increment growth were not affected by planting density and only diameter varied along the stress gradient; seedlings had higher diameter increments in growth outside the forest. Finally, when compared with conceptual models, our results mostly support predictions of a higher facilitation at intermediate position along the gradient.

5. Synthesis. We showed that facilitation overrides competition among tree seedlings even at locations under moderate stress; the facilitation process occurs in resource‐mediated interactions (niche overlapping). These results represent an important shift in our way to understand the density‐dependent mortality process, and calls for a model reformulation including positive interactions even when competition is expected to be strongest (conspecifics of the same cohort).
Using molecules and morphology to infer the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of the Dirini (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae), a tribe of butterflies endemic to Southern Africa
Authors: PRICE BEN W. , VILLET MARTIN H. , WALTON SHAUN M. , BARKER NIGEL P.
Published: December 2010

The first empirically supported phylogenetic hypothesis of relationships for the southern African endemic butterfly tribe Dirini is presented. Data derived from the morphology and ecology of the adults and immature stages (33 characters), and portions of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and the nuclear genes elongation factor 1α (EF1α) and wingless (WG) (totalling 1734 bp) were used to infer the relationships of the in‐group genera. An expanded molecular dataset using four genera from the Nymphalini and Satyrini to root the tree, and three genera from the Melanitini to test the monophyly of the tribe, was analysed using parsimony and Bayesian methods. Estimates of divergence times were calculated using two fossil calibrations under a relaxed molecular clock model. The monophyly of the tribe and each in‐group genus were strongly supported. Key findings are the sister‐taxon relationship of Aeropetes and Tarsocera, the apparent simultaneous or nearly simultaneous radiation of four lineages, the polyphyly of the species within Torynesis, and the apparent trans‐Atlantic dispersal of the ancestors of Manataria about 40 Ma. Estimates of divergence times indicate that the tribe has undergone two major radiations since its origin: the first when they left forest habitats in the mid–late Oligocene, shortly after the radiation of the grasses (Poaceae), and the second in the early‐middle Pliocene, coinciding with the aridification of southern Africa and the spread of conditions that favoured C4 grasses over the C3 grasses that dirine larvae prefer to eat. The high species diversity within the tribe appears to be partly a taxonomic artefact that may have resulted from the misinterpretation of climate‐related phenotypic variation within extant species. Relocation and breeding experiments should test this hypothesis.
Stick insect on unsafe ground: does a fossil from the early Eocene of France really link Mesozoic taxa with the extant crown group of Phasmatodea?
Authors: BRADLER SVEN , BUCKLEY THOMAS R.
Published: December 2010

The recently described Gallophasma longipalpis from Earliest Eocene French amber is considered to be a key fossil taxon that phylogenetically links ‘Mesozoic Phasmatodea’ with extant stick and leaf insects. However, our re‐evaluation of the evidence provided for this placement reveals that Gallophasma does not possess any unambiguous synapomorphies with extant forms, e.g. neither with Euphasmatodea nor with the more inclusive Phasmatodea. The fusion of abdominal segment 1 with the metathoracic segment, a derived character state present in both Gallophasma and Euphasmatodea, shows fundamental structural differences, and cannot be homologized between both taxa. We argue that the presence of a well‐developed, externally visible ovipositor and four‐segmented cerci in Gallophasma can be interpreted only as plesiomorphic with regards to all extant Phasmatodea, or even to Phasmatodea plus its putative sister groups Embioptera or Orthoptera. Gallophasma does not belong to the stem lineage of recent Phasmatodea, and is referred to best as ‘lower Neoptera’ or Polyneoptera incertae sedis. Therefore, this fossil may be central to reconstructing the ground pattern of the aforementioned orthopteroid lineages, and to determining wing character polarity within Polyneoptera.
Early‐subduction‐related orogeny in the northern Andes: Turonian to Eocene magmatic and provenance record in the Santa Marta Massif and Rancheria Basin, northern Colombia
Authors: Cardona A. , Valencia V. A. , Bayona G. , Duque J. , Ducea M. , Gehrels G. , Jaramillo C. , Montes C. , Ojeda G. , Ruiz J.
Published: December 2010

Terra Nova, 23, 26–34, 2011

The timing of orogeny in the northern Andes and the mechanism driving it are still debated. We have studied the age, composition and provenance of granitoids and sandstones of the Santa Marta Massif and Rancheria Basin, northern Colombia, to relate deep‐seated and surface tectonic processes attending the Late Cretaceous–Palaeogene history of the northern Andes. Our results indicate the development of five tectonic episodes: (1) collision of northwestern South America with a 92–80 Ma Caribbean arc (70 Ma); (2) late‐collisional to early‐subduction metamorphism and magmatism (65 Ma); (3) distal accumulation of a thick siliciclastic sequence (60–58 Ma); (4) renewed arc magmatism (58–50 Ma); and (5) magmatic quiescence and block uplift (post‐50 Ma). The first episodes are related to the onset of subduction, and the last episode is related to shallow subduction and oblique convergence. Similar events in Colombia and Ecuador reveal that the Late Cretaceous–Eocene orogeny of the northern Andes was influenced by the collision and subduction of the Caribbean oceanic plate.
Auditory steady state response in bipolar disorder: relation to clinical state, cognitive performance, medication status, and substance disorders
Authors: Rass Olga , Krishnan Giri , Brenner Colleen A , Hetrick William P , Merrill Colleen C , Shekhar Anantha , O’Donnell Brian F
Published: December 2010

Rass O, Krishnan G, Brenner CA, Hetrick WP, Merrill CC, Shekhar A, O’Donnell BF. Auditory steady state response in bipolar disorder: relation to clinical state, cognitive performance, medication status, and substance disorders. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 793–803. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Abnormalities in auditory steady state response (ASSR) at gamma range frequencies have been found in bipolar disorder, but the relationship of these neurophysiological disturbances to clinical factors has not been well characterized. We therefore evaluated the ASSR in bipolar disorder and examined its sensitivity to clinical symptoms, cognitive function, and pharmacological treatment.

Methods:  A total of 68 patients with bipolar disorder and 77 control participants were evaluated. Click trains presented at 20, 30, 40, and 50 Hz evoked ASSRs. Mean trial power (MTP) and phase locking factor (PLF) measured response magnitude and phase synchronization of the ASSR at each stimulation frequency. Clinical state, pharmacological treatment, and neuropsychological performance were assessed, and their respective relationships with ASSR measures were evaluated.

Results:  Patients with bipolar disorder showed reduced MTP and PLF compared to control participants. Bipolar disorder patients taking psychotropic medications had decreased PLF relative to patients withdrawn from medications. Control participants performed better on neuropsychological tests than bipolar disorder patients; however, test scores did not correlate with ASSR measures.

Conclusions:  Deficits in the generation and maintenance of ASSR are present in bipolar disorder, implicating disturbances in auditory pathways. ASSR may be sensitive to medication status. Other clinical features, including mood state, psychotic features, cognitive performance, smoking, or history of substance use disorder, were unrelated to MTP or PLF.
Striatal structure and function in mood disorders: a comprehensive review
Authors: Marchand William R , Yurgelun‐Todd Deborah
Published: December 2010

Marchand WR, Yurgelun‐Todd D. Striatal structure and function in mood disorders: a comprehensive review. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 764–785. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  A large and diverse literature has implicated abnormalities of striatal structure and function in both unipolar and bipolar disorder. Recent functional imaging studies have greatly expanded this body of research. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive and critical appraisal of the relevant literature.

Methods:  A total of 331 relevant articles were reviewed to develop an integrated overview of striatal function in mood disorders.

Results:  There is compelling evidence from multiple studies that functional abnormalities of the striatum and greater corticostriatal circuitry exist in at least some forms of affective illness. The literature does not yet provide data to determine whether these aberrations represent primary pathology or they contribute directly to symptom expression. Finally, there is considerable evidence that bipolar disorder may be associated with striatal hyperactivity and some suggestion that unipolar illness may be associated with hypoactivation.

Conclusions:  Additional research investigating striatal function in affective disorders will be critical to the development of comprehensive models of the neurobiology of these conditions.
Social competence and observer‐rated social functioning in bipolar disorder
Authors: Depp Colin A , Mausbach Brent T , Harvey Philip D , Bowie Christopher R , Wolyniec Paula S , Thornquist Mary H , Luke James R , McGrath John A , Pulver Ann E , Patterson Thomas L
Published: December 2010

Depp CA, Mausbach BT, Harvey PD, Bowie CR, Wolyniec PS, Thornquist MH, Luke JR, McGrath JA, Pulver AE, Patterson TL. Social competence and observer‐rated social functioning in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 843–850. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  Impairment in social functioning appears to be common in bipolar disorder, although estimates have been derived largely from self‐report measures. We examined performance‐based and observer‐based ratings of social competence and functioning and assessed the contribution of symptoms and neurocognitive ability to social functioning in bipolar disorder.

Methods:  In this cross‐sectional study, 164 subjects with bipolar disorder were administered the performance‐based Social Skills Performance Assessment (SSPA), rated by an informant on the Specific Level of Functioning (SLOF)–Interpersonal subscale, received clinical ratings of depression and manic symptoms, and performed neurocognitive tests. We assessed the proportion of patients exhibiting social deficits and examined the associations between composite measures of neurocognitive ability, depression and manic symptoms, and SSPA scores with informant‐rated, real‐world social functioning.

Results:  Mean age of the sample was 47.6 years (SD = 14.1). Subjects were experiencing, on average, mild levels of depression and minimal manic symptoms. A total of 29% exhibited norm‐referenced impairment on the SSPA, and 64% registered at least one impairment on SLOF items; unemployed subjects had lower SSPA and SLOF ratings. Neurocognitive performance correlated with both performance‐based and observer‐rated social functioning, whereas depressive and manic symptoms correlated only with observer‐rated social impairments. In multivariate models, depression was the most potent association with social functioning, and impairment in social competence (i.e., capacity) increased the strength of the relationships between depression and neurocognitive impairment and social functioning (i.e., real‐world functioning).

Conclusions:  Our study confirmed the negative relationship of bipolar depression with social functioning. A subgroup of outpatients with bipolar disorder has impaired social competence, which, when present, worsened the impact of depression and cognitive impairment on social functioning.
The story of Vox Sanguinis
Authors: Leikola J. , van Aken W. G.
Published: December 2010

Vox Sanguinis was established in 1951 as a Dutch newsletter. It soon changed into an international journal. The main field of interest in the beginning was immunohaematology, but gradually transfusion medicine and related areas became more important. The article describes this evolution and gives background to various changes. The role of long‐serving editors‐in‐chief is particularly emphasised.
Recombinant plasma proteins
Authors: Burnouf T.
Published: December 2010

For almost 50 years, the fractionation of human plasma has been the sole possible source of a wide range of therapeutic proteins–such as coagulation factors, anticoagulants, immunoglobulins, and albumin – essential to the treatment of serious congenital or acquired bleeding or immunological diseases. In the last 20 years, the application of recombinant technologies to mammalian cell cultures has made possible – although with some limitations in productivity, costs, and immunogenic risks – to produce and commercialize complex plasma glycoproteins for human therapeutic applications and has opened the way to the development of new molecular entities. Today, the advanced exploration of alternative cell lines and enhanced cell culture systems, as well as the development of alternative expression technologies, such as transgenic animals, is opening a new era in the production of the full range of recombinant plasma protein therapeutics. In this review, we examine the achievements and ongoing challenges of the recombinant DNA technology as a platform for the production of plasma proteins and the advantages and limitations of such products compared to fractionated plasma proteins.
The functional importance of blood group‐active molecules in human red blood cells
Authors: Anstee D. J.
Published: December 2010

Antigens of 23 of the 30 human blood group systems are defined by the amino acid sequence of red cell membrane proteins. The antigens of DI, RH, RHAG, MNS, GE and CO systems are carried on blood group‐active proteins (Band 3, D and CE polypeptides, RhAG, Glycophorins A and B, Glycophorins C and D and Aquaporin 1, respectively) which are expressed at high levels (> 200 000 copies/red cell). These major proteins contribute to essential red cell functions either directly as membrane transporters and by providing linkage to the underlying red cell skeleton or by facilitating the membrane assembly of the protein complexes involved in these processes. The proteins expressing antigens of the remaining 17 blood group systems are much less abundant (< 20 000 copies/red cell) and their functional importance for the circulating red cell is largely unknown. Human gene knock‐outs (null phenotypes) have been described for many of these minor blood group‐active proteins, but only absence of Kx glycoprotein has been clearly linked with pathology directly related to the function of circulating red cells. Recent evidence suggesting the normal quality control system for glycoprotein synthesis is altered during the latter stages of red cell production raises the possibility that many of these low abundance blood group‐active proteins are vestigial. In sickle cell disease and polycythaemia vera, elevated Lutheran glycoprotein expression may contribute to pathology. Dyserythropoiesis with reduced antigen expression can result from mutations in the erythroid transcription factors GATA‐1 and EKLF.
Umbilical cord blood: current status and future directions
Authors: McKenna D. H. , Brunstein C. G.
Published: December 2010

Once considered biological waste, umbilical cord blood (UCB) has become an accepted source of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). With initial success in the pediatric setting, UCB transplantation continues to gain favor in the adult patient population. Novel approaches to UCB transplantation include use of two units and a variety of graft manipulations. Additional uses for UCB are currently being explored and include applications in regenerative medicine and immunotherapy.
A comparison of health care and blood supply system structures
Authors: AuBuchon J. P. , Custer B. , Sher G.
Published: December 2010

There is great diversity in the practice of blood banking and transfusion medicine between countries. We sought to relate this to the variety of health care and blood supply systems in different countries. Questionnaires were completed by respondents from 15 countries selected from among those with higher Human Development Indices. These data were reviewed searching for correlations with blood banking and transfusion medicine practices. Wide varieties of health care and blood supply schemes were documented. There was no apparent relationship between their structure and organization nor their financing arrangements and their proclivity for the implementation of new methods or approaches such as pathogen inactivation and universal leucoreduction. The costs of the operation of the blood supply system as represented by their product fees and the rate of collection of red cells could also not be associated with the factors examined. The diversity of practice evident across developed countries is not explicable solely through their health care and blood supply system structures. Other factors are likely involved but are not easy to define or measure.
HLA, immunogenetics, pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine
Authors: Charron D.
Published: December 2010

Displaying the highest level of diversity of any functional genetic complex with medical impact, the HLA system represents a landmark and a model for the development of predictive and preventive medicine. The massive amount of data which will soon be obtained through new high through put technologies for individual genomes and transcriptomes challenges the HLA and medicine paradigm. Systems biology approach and integrative methodologies will undoubtedly be needed to unravel the ever growing number of HLA and diseases associations and the role of immunogenetics in transplantation and other allogeneic cell therapies. Also HLA, immunogenetics and pharmacogenetics are merging to bring to the individual patient tailored and personalized treatment. Providing insights into the complexities of predictive, preventive participatory and personalized medicine, the role of the HLA system will be consolidated at the forefront of the newer medicine.
Haemovigilance: an effective tool for improving transfusion practice
Authors: de Vries R. R. P. , Faber J.‐C. , Strengers P. F. W. ,   Members of the Board of the International Haemovigilance Network
Published: December 2010

Haemovigilance is a tool to improve the quality of the blood transfusion chain, primarily focusing on safety. In this review we discuss the history and present state of this relatively new branch of transfusion medicine as well as some developments that we foresee in the near future. The top 10 results and conclusions are:

Haemovigilance systems have shown that blood transfusion is relatively safe compared with the use of medicinal drugs and that at least in Europe blood components have reached a high safety standard.

The majority of the serious adverse reactions and events occur in the hospital.

The majority of preventable adverse reactions are due to clerical errors.

Some adverse reactions such as anaphylactic reactions often are not avoidable and therefore have to be considered as an inherent risk of blood transfusion.

Well‐functioning haemovigilance systems have not only indicated how safety should be improved, but also documented the success of various measures.

The type of organisation of a haemovigilance system is of relative value, and different systems may have the same outcome.

International collaboration has been extremely useful.

Haemovigilance systems may be used for the vigilance and surveillance of alternatives for allogeneic blood transfusion such as cell savers.

Haemovigilance systems and officers may be used to improve the quality of aspects of blood transfusion other than safety, such as appropriate use.

Haemovigilance systems will be of benefit also for vigilance and surveillance of the treatment with other human products such as cells, tissues and organs.
Characteristics of prion‐filtered red cells suspended in pathogen‐inactivated plasma (MB treated or solvent‐detergent treated) for neonatal exchange transfusion
Authors: Hornsey V. S. , Casey C. , McColl K. , Young H. , Drummond O. , McMillan L. , Morrison A. , Prowse C. V.
Published: December 2010

Background and Objectives  Neonates undergoing exchange transfusion require < 5‐day‐old red cells suspended in plasma. This study assesses the effect of replacing the saline, adenine, glucose and mannitol (SAGM) of prion reduced (P‐Capt) red cells with either methylene blue–treated plasma (MBTFFP) or OctaplasLG to reduce the risk of variant Creutzfelt–Jakob disease transmission.

Materials and Methods  Twenty leucoreduced red cell units in SAGM were prion reduced on day 1. The SAGM was replaced by MBTFFP (n = 10) or OctaplasLG (n = 10). The units were irradiated and stored at 4°C for 24 h. A further 20 units were stored for 5 days before being processed as above. Haemolysis (%), potassium, ATP, 2,3‐DPG and plasma proteins were measured.

Results  Haemolysis remained low (≤ 0·16%). Following irradiation and storage, red cells in both types of plasma showed similar changes in potassium and ATP concentrations. The 2,3‐DPG concentrations were well maintained although lower in red cells in OctaplasLG compared with those in MBTFFP (4·79 vs. 6·83 μmoles/g Hb on day 6). MBTFFP contained lower concentrations of fibrinogen, FV and FVIII. In OctaplasLG, alpha‐2‐antiplasmin was approximately 0·4 U/ml lower than in MBTFFP. After 24 h at 4°C, free protein S in OctaplasLG fell from 0·82 to 0·57 IU/ml. Other plasma proteins, in both types of plasma, were stable.

Conclusions  Red cells in both types of plasma demonstrated similar storage characteristics. The plasma proteins, except protein S in OctaplasLG, were stable over 24 h at 4°C in both types of plasma, and low FVIII concentrations were noted in the MBTFFP (group O) units used.
Effect of rate and delay of cooling during initial cooling process: in vitro effect on red cells
Authors: Bontekoe I. J. , van der Meer P. F. , de Korte D.
Published: December 2010

Background  Whole blood is stored at room temperature (RT) until processing into components. After separation and filtration, the RCC has to be cooled from RT to +2 – 6°C. Different start times of the cooling process and different cooling rates can be encountered in daily routine. The effect of these parameters of the initial cooling of leucoreduced red cell concentrates (LR‐RCC) on in vitro quality is not known.

Methods  In paired experiments (n = 12), LR‐RCCs in SAGM were cooled immediately after preparation from RT to +2 to +6°C either ‘fast’ (within 2½ h) or ‘slow’ (within 10–24 h) or ‘slow’ after a holding period of 6, 12, 18 or 24 h. Units were then stored at +2 – 6°C for 42 days and sampled at regular intervals for in vitro analysis.

Results  Irrespective of the start time and cooling rate during the initial cooling process, all units maintained good in vitro quality up to Day 42 with haemolysis <0·8%. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels remained >2·7 μmol/g Hb in 99% of all units up to Day 35. Differences in pH, ATP content and 2,3‐DPG content between the groups were largest at Day 2 or 3 but generally disappeared during storage.

Conclusion  Start time and cooling rate of the initial cooling process had minor effects on in vitro quality of red cells. LR‐RCCs can be stored up to 24 h before cooling down to +2 – 6°C without deleterious effects on in vitro parameters during 42‐day storage.
An autopsy case of MM2‐cortical + thalamic‐type sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease
Authors: Saito Yufuko , Iwasaki Yasushi , Aiba Ikuko , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki , Yoshida Mari , Hashizume Yoshio
Published: December 2010

A 59‐year‐old Japanese man presented with depressed mood, insomnia, abnormal behavior and dementia. Visual and gait disturbance with ataxia also developed. Diffusion‐weighted MRI showed widespread regions of hyperintensity in the bilateral cerebral cortex. The patient died at 62 after a progressive clinical course of 32 months. Myoclonus, periodic sharp‐wave complexes on EEG, and akinetic mutism state were not observed. Neuropathologic examination showed widespread cerebral neocortical involvement with both large confluent vacuole‐type, alongside fine vacuole‐type spongiform changes. Mild spongiform degeneration was observed in the striatum and lateral thalamus. Severe neuron loss with hypertrophic astrocytosis in the medial thalamus and inferior olivary nucleus was present. Cerebral white matter showed diffuse myelin pallor indicating panencephalopathic‐type pathology. In the cerebellar cortex, severe Purkinje neuron loss was observed, but no spongiform degeneration in the molecular layer or neuron loss in the granular cell layer. PrP immunostaining showed widespread perivacuolar‐type PrP, irregular plaque‐like PrP, and synaptic‐type PrP depositions in the cerebral neocortex. Mild PrP deposition was observed in the striatum, lateral thalamus and brainstem, whereas PrP deposition was not apparent in the medial thalamus and inferior olivary nucleus. PrP gene analysis showed no mutations, and methionine homozygosity was observed at codon 129. Western blot analysis of protease‐resistant PrP showed type 2 PrP pattern. MRI and cerebral neocortical pathology suggested MM2‐cortical‐type sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD), whereas the clinical course and pathology of the medial thalamus and inferior olivary nucleus suggested MM2‐thalamic‐type sCJD. We believe this was a combination of MM2‐cortical‐type and MM2‐thalamic‐type sCJD, which explains the broad spectrum of MM2‐type sCJD findings and symptoms.
Plasticity of reproductive traits responding to variation in light availability at the rosette stage of the first year in a strict biennial, Pedicularis torta, from a field on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: ZHANG LONGCHONG , GUO HUI , WANG MANTANG , DU GUOZHEN
Published: December 2010

Light is a fundamental heterogeneous environmental factor for plants and often varies at both spatial and temporal scales. In the present study, we carried out a shading experiment to investigate the effect of variable light availability at the rosette stage of the first year in the strict biennial species Pedicularis torta (an endemic species of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau) on reproductive traits (i.e. total number of flowers per plant, total number of fruits per plant/total number of flowers per plant, the number of seeds per fruit, mean individual seed mass and estimation of the total number of seeds per plant, plant size at maturity in the second year and on the relationships between reproductive traits and plant size at this stage). We found that light availability affected most of the reproductive traits (except for mean individual seed mass), plant size at maturity in the second year, and the relationship between the total number of flowers per plant and plant size at this stage. Our results indicate that reproductive traits respond to changes in light availability during the rosette plant stage.
Impact of insulin resistance, insulin and adiponectin on kidney stones in the Japanese population
Authors: Ando Ryosuke , Suzuki Sadao , Nagaya Teruo , Yamada Tamaki , Okada Atsushi , Yasui Takahiro , Tozawa Keiichi , Tokudome Shinkan , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: December 2010

Objectives:  It has been reported that kidney stones are linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is characterized by insulin resistance. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of insulin resistance, insulin and adiponectin with kidney stones in a Japanese population.

Methods:  From February 2007 to March 2008, 1036 (529 men and 507 women) apparently healthy Japanese subjects, aged 35–79 years, were analyzed. Weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured. Overnight fasting blood was collected to measure insulin and adiponectin levels. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was calculated to assess insulin resistance. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals for a self‐reported history of kidney stones across tertiles of HOMA‐IR, insulin and adiponectin.

Results:  Of the participants, 84 men (15.6%) and 35 women (6.9%) had a history of kidney stones. Age, body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, HOMA‐IR and insulin were significantly higher in women with than in women without kidney stones. There was no difference in adiponectin level between subjects with and without a history of kidney stones in either sex. Furthermore, a significant positive trend was observed in the age‐adjusted OR for a history of kidney stones across insulin tertiles (P‐value for trend = 0.04) in women.

Conclusions:  For Japanese women, HOMA‐IR and insulin are associated with a history of kidney stones. The findings suggest that MetS components could increase the risk of kidney stones through subclinical hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance.
Effect of sensory stimulation in rat barrel cortex, dorsolateral striatum and on corticostriatal functional connectivity
Authors: Syed Emilie C. J. , Sharott Andrew , Moll Christian K. E. , Engel Andreas K. , Kral Andrej
Published: December 2010

The striatum integrates sensory information to enable action selection and behavioural reinforcement. In the rat, a large topographical projection from the rat barrel cortex to widely distributed areas of the striatum is assumed to be an important structural component supporting these processes. The striatal sensory response is, however, not comprehensively understood at a network level. We used a 10‐Hz, 100‐ms air puff, allowing undamped movement of multiple whiskers, to look at functional connectivity in contralateral cortex and striatum in response to sensory stimulation. Simultaneous recordings of cortical and striatal local field potentials (LFPs) were made under isoflurane anaesthesia in 15 male Brown Norway rats. Four electrodes were placed in the barrel cortex while the dorsolateral striatum was mapped with a 500‐μm resolution, resulting in a maximum of 315 recording positions per animal. Significant event‐related responses were unevenly distributed throughout the striatum in 34.8% of positions recorded within this area. Only 10.3% of recorded positions displayed significant total power increases in the LFPs during the stimulation period at the stimulus frequency. This suggests that the responses seen in the LFPs are due to phase rearrangement rather than an amplitude increase in the signal. Analysis of corticostriatal imaginary coherence revealed stimulus‐induced changes in the functional connectivity of 12% of corticostriatal pairs, the sensory response of sparsely distributed neuronal ensembles within the dorsolateral striatum is reflected in the phase relationship between the cortical and striatal local fields.
Are all seeds equal? Spatially explicit comparisons of seed fall and sapling recruitment in a tropical forest
Authors: Swamy Varun , Terborgh John , Dexter Kyle G. , Best Benjamin D. , Alvarez Patricia , Cornejo Fernando
Published: December 2010

Ecology Letters (2011) 14: 195–201

Understanding demographic transitions may provide the key to explain the high diversity of tropical tree communities. In a faunally intact Amazonian forest, we compared the spatial distribution of saplings of 15 common tree species with patterns of conspecific seed fall, and examined the seed‐to‐sapling transition in relation to locations of conspecific trees. In all species, the spatial pattern of sapling recruitment bore no resemblance to predicted distributions based on the density of seed fall. Seed efficiency (the probability of a seed producing a sapling) is strongly correlated with distance from large conspecific trees, with a > 30‐fold multiplicative increase between recruitment zones that are most distant vs. proximal to conspecific adults. The striking decoupling of sapling recruitment and conspecific seed density patterns indicates near‐complete recruitment failure in areas of high seed density located around reproductive adults. Our results provide strong support for the spatially explicit predictions of the Janzen–Connell hypothesis.
Diversity, biological roles and biosynthetic pathways for sugar‐glycerate containing compatible solutes in bacteria and archaea
Authors: Empadinhas Nuno , da Costa Milton S.
Published: December 2010

A decade ago the compatible solutes mannosylglycerate (MG) and glucosylglycerate (GG) were considered to be rare in nature. Apart from two species of thermophilic bacteria, Thermus thermophilus and Rhodothermus marinus, and a restricted group of hyperthermophilic archaea, the Thermococcales, MG had only been identified in a few red algae. Glucosylglycerate was considered to be even rarer and had only been detected as an insignificant solute in two halophilic microorganisms, a cyanobacterium, as a component of a polysaccharide and of a glycolipid in two actinobacteria. Unlike the hyper/thermophilic MG‐accumulating microorganisms, branching close to the root of the Tree of Life, those harbouring GG shared a mesophilic lifestyle. Exceptionally, the thermophilic bacterium Persephonella marina was reported to accumulate GG. However, and especially owing to the identification of the key‐genes for MG and GG synthesis and to the escalating numbers of genomes available, a plethora of new organisms with the resources to synthesize these solutes has been recognized. The accumulation of GG as an ‘emergency’ compatible solute under combined salt stress and nitrogen‐deficient conditions now seems to be a disseminated survival strategy from enterobacteria to marine cyanobacteria. In contrast, the thermophilic and extremely radiation‐resistant bacterium Rubrobacter xylanophilus is the only actinobacterium known to accumulate MG, and under all growth conditions tested. This review addresses the environmental factors underlying the accumulation of MG, GG and derivatives in bacteria and archaea and their roles during stress adaptation or as precursors for more elaborated macromolecules. The diversity of pathways for MG and GG synthesis as well as those for some of their derivatives is also discussed. The importance of glycerate‐derived organic solutes in the microbial world is only now being recognized. Their stress‐dependent accumulation and the molecular aspects of their interactions with biomolecules have already fuelled several emerging applications in biotechnology and biomedicine.
Genomic insights into the metabolic potential of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degrading sulfate‐reducing Deltaproteobacterium N47
Authors: Bergmann Franz , Selesi Draženka , Weinmaier Thomas , Tischler Patrick , Rattei Thomas , Meckenstock Rainer U.
Published: December 2010

Anaerobic degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is an important process during natural attenuation of aromatic hydrocarbon spills. However, knowledge about metabolic potential and physiology of organisms involved in anaerobic degradation of PAHs is scarce. Therefore, we introduce the first genome of the sulfate‐reducing Deltaproteobacterium N47 able to catabolize naphthalene, 2‐methylnaphthalene, or 2‐naphthoic acid as sole carbon source. Based on proteomics, we analysed metabolic pathways during growth on PAHs to gain physiological insights on anaerobic PAH degradation. The genomic assembly and taxonomic binning resulted in 17 contigs covering most of the sulfate reducer N47 genome according to general cluster of orthologous groups (COGs) analyses. According to the genes present, the Deltaproteobacterium N47 can potentially grow with the following sugars including d‐mannose, d‐fructose, d‐galactose, α‐d‐glucose‐1P, starch, glycogen, peptidoglycan and possesses the prerequisites for butanoic acid fermentation. Despite the inability for culture N47 to utilize NO3‐ as terminal electron acceptor, genes for nitrate ammonification are present. Furthermore, it is the first sequenced genome containing a complete TCA cycle along with the carbon monoxide dehydrogenase pathway. The genome contained a significant percentage of repetitive sequences and transposase‐related protein domains enhancing the ability of genome evolution. Likewise, the sulfate reducer N47 genome contained many unique putative genes with unknown function, which are candidates for yet‐unknown metabolic pathways.
Quality of life, health‐related quality of life and health status in patients having restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: a systematic review
Authors: Heikens J. T. , de Vries J. , van Laarhoven C. J. H. M.
Published: December 2010

Aim  There are numerous studies on quality of life (QoL), health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), and health status (HS) in patients undergoing surgery for ulcerative colitis. A systematic review of published literature was conducted to establish the quality of these studies and to determine QoL, HRQoL, and HS in patients after ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis.

Method  All published studies describing QoL, HRQoL, and HS in adult patients in combination with ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis were reviewed systematically. No time or language limitations were applied. Relevance was established on the basis of three pre‐specified selection criteria: 1) ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis was performed for ulcerative colitis, 2) QoL, HRQoL, and HS were reported as outcome of the study and 3) studies reported a minimum follow‐up after surgery for 12 months. Outcome variables were results of QoL, HRQoL, and HS, characteristics of the study population, pouch construction, duration of follow‐up, and time of assessment in months before and after restorative surgery. Descriptive data synthesis was performed by tabulation displaying the methodological quality, study characteristics and conclusions on QoL, HRQoL, and HS measurements in the studies.

Results  The review included 33 studies comprising 4790 patients. Three were graded to be of high quality, 23 of moderate quality and seven of low quality. All reported improved HS and the majority reported improved HRQoL. However, none of the studies reported on QoL.

Conclusion  The HRQoL and HS of patients with ulcerative colitis improved 12 months after restorative proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis and were indistinguishable from the HRQoL and HS of the normal healthy population.
Ultrastructural observations of the protonephridia of Polymerurus nodicaudus (Gastrotricha: Paucitubulatina)
Authors: Kieneke Alexander , Hochberg Rick
Published: December 2010

Kieneke, A. and Hochberg, R. 2012. Ultrastructural observations of the protonephridia of Polymerurus nodicaudus (Gastrotricha: Paucitubulatina). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 93: 115–124.

We studied different regions of the protonephridia of the limnic gastrotrich Polymerurus nodicaudus by means of light and electron microscopy to determine how freshwater species might differ from their marine relatives. Microscopic and ultrastructural characters are in accordance with another limnic species of Paucitubulatina, Chaetonotus maximus, whose protonephridial system has been previously reconstructed. Shared protonephridial characters of both species include the presence of highly elongate terminal organ cilia, microvilli, and the canal cell lumen as well as the presence of a conspicuous anterior loop of the protonephridial lumen. These features are not present in representatives of earlier, marine, paucitubulatan lineages (i.e., Xenotrichulidae) and so are assessed as evolutionary novelties that were likely important for the successful colonization of the freshwater environment.
The role of a leaky epithelium and potassium in the generation of bladder symptoms in interstitial cystitis/overactive bladder, urethral syndrome, prostatitis and gynaecological chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Parsons C. Lowell
Published: December 2010

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

This article reviews entirely new concepts concerning the etiology, presentation and diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. It pulls the information together in a concise fashion that emphasizes there is a radical change taking place in the concepts of what generates bladder symptoms.

Primarily this emphasizes that the paradigm for interstitial cysititis and the generation of bladder symptoms is going to change dramatically. The data reviewed shows that the symptoms are caused by a leaky epithelium and subsequent diffusion of potassium into the tissues causing frequency, urgency, pain and incontinence. This is totally different from current concepts.

The traditional diagnosis of interstitial cystitis (IC) only recognizes the severe form of the disease. The far more common early and intermittent phases of the disease are not perceived to be part of IC but rather are misdiagnosed as urinary tract infection, urethral syndrome, overactive bladder, chronic prostatitis, urethritis, or a type of gynecologic pelvic pain (such as endometriosis, vulvodynia, or some type of vaginitis). All of these patient groups actually suffer from the same bladder disease. This disease results from a leaky bladder epithelium and subsequent potassium leakage into the bladder interstitium that generates the symptoms of frequency, urgency, pain or incontinence in any combination. Robust scientific data now support this important concept. These data will be reviewed herein. The conclusions derived from these data substantially alter the paradigms for urology and gynecology in the generation of frequency, urgency and pelvic pain. All the above‐mentioned syndromes unite into one primary disease process, lower urinary dysfunction epithelium, or LUDE disease, and not the 10 plus syndromes traditionally recognized.