bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who Should Be Afraid of the Jeffreys-Lindley Paradox?
Authors: Spanos Aris
Published: January 2013

The article revisits the largen(sample size) problem as it relates to the Jeffreys-Lindley paradox to compare the frequentist, Bayesian, and likelihoodist approaches to inference and evidence. It is argued that what is fallacious is to interpret a rejection ofas providing the same evidence for a particular alternative, irrespective ofn; this is an example of the fallacy of rejection. Moreover, the Bayesian and likelihoodist approaches are shown to be susceptible to the fallacy of acceptance. The key difference is that in frequentist testing the severity evaluation circumvents both fallacies but no such principled remedy exists for the other approaches.
The New String Paradox
Authors: Laraudogoitia Jon Pérez
Published: January 2013

I shall begin by discussing Benardete’s string paradox. Then, a new puzzle involving supertasks and causality (the new string paradox) is proposed and discussed. Finally, the new string paradox facilitates the discovery of a surprising example of irreversible mechanical process.
Expected Accuracy Supports Conditionalization—and Conglomerability and Reflection
Authors: Easwaran Kenny
Published: January 2013

Expected accuracy arguments have been used by several authors (Leitgeb and Pettigrew and Greaves and Wallace) to support the diachronic principle of conditionalization, in updates where there are only finitely many possible propositions to learn. I show that these arguments can be extended to infinite cases, giving an argument not just for conditionalization but also for principles known as ‘conglomerability’ and ‘reflection’. This shows that the expected accuracy approach is stronger than has been realized. I also argue that we should be careful to distinguish diachronic update principles from related synchronic principles for conditional probability.
What Selection Can and Cannot Explain: A Reply to Nanay’s Critique of Sober
Authors: Helgeson Casey
Published: January 2013

In The Nature of Selection, Elliott Sober argued that natural selection is in principle powerless to explain why any individual organism has the traits it does rather than the very same individual having different traits. In this note, I argue that in a recent and prominent critique of Sober’s position, Bence Nanay talks past that position rather than addressing it.
Nonrigidity of a class of two dimensional surfaces with positive curvature and planar points
Authors: Meziani A.
Published: January 2013

Existence of nontrivial infinitesimal bendings is established for an orientable surface with boundary

S
⊂

R

3

S\subset \mathbb {R}^3

that has positive curvature except at finitely many planar points and such that

H
1

(
S
)
=
0

H_1(S)=0

. As an application, we show that any neighborhood of such a surface

S
S

(for the

C
k

C^k

topology) contains isometric surfaces that are noncongruent.
Index of reducibility of distinguished parameter ideals and sequentially Cohen-Macaulay modules
Authors: Truong Hoang
Published: January 2013

It is shown that every sequentially Cohen-Macaulay module eventually has constant index of reducibility for distinguished parameter ideals.
Robust Error Specification in a Production System
Authors: Pope Rulon D. , LaFrance Jeffrey T.
Published: January 2013

Economists estimating demand and supply systems face the question of using shares or quantities as dependent variables. This article finds that inconsistent estimates are obtained if one makes the wrong choice. A robust structure is presented to let the data choose the preferred form. Empirical applications to U.S. and Texas agriculture using the generalized method of moments suggest that shares and quantities are rejected in favor of a more general functional form. The Texas application provides some evidence for fixed capital but not for labor.
Genomic Segments RNA1 and RNA2 of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus Codetermine Viral Pathogenicity to Adapt to Alternating Natural Prunus Hosts
Authors: Cui Hongguang , Hong Ni , Wang Guoping , Wang Aiming
Published: January 2013

Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) affects Prunus fruit production worldwide. To date, numerous PNRSV isolates with diverse pathological properties have been documented. To study the pathogenicity of PNRSV, which directly or indirectly determines the economic losses of infected fruit trees, we have recently sequenced the complete genome of peach isolate Pch12 and cherry isolate Chr3, belonging to the pathogenically aggressive PV32 group and mild PV96 group, respectively. Here, we constructed the Chr3- and Pch12-derived full-length cDNA clones that were infectious in the experimental host cucumber and their respective natural Prunus hosts. Pch12-derived clones induced much more severe symptoms than Chr3 in cucumber, and the pathogenicity discrepancy between Chr3 and Pch12 was associated with virus accumulation. By reassortment of genomic segments, swapping of partial genomic segments, and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified the 3′ terminal nucleotide sequence (1C region) in RNA1 and amino acid K at residue 279 in RNA2-encoded P2 as the severe virulence determinants in Pch12. Gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that both the 1C region and K279 of Pch12 were required for severe virulence and high levels of viral accumulation. Our results suggest that PNRSV RNA1 and RNA2 codetermine viral pathogenicity to adapt to alternating natural Prunus hosts, likely through mediating viral accumulation.
Unexpected Phytostimulatory Behavior for Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium tumefaciens Model Strains
Authors: Walker Vincent , Bruto Maxime , Bellvert Floriant , Bally René , Muller Daniel , Prigent-Combaret Claire , Moënne-Loccoz Yvan , Comte Gilles
Published: January 2013

Plant-beneficial effects of bacteria are often underestimated, especially for well-studied strains associated with pathogenicity or originating from other environments. We assessed the impact of seed inoculation with the emblematic bacterial models Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58 (plasmid-cured) or Escherichia coli K-12 on maize seedlings in nonsterile soil. Compared with the noninoculated control, root biomass (with A. tumefaciens or E. coli) and shoot biomass (with A. tumefaciens) were enhanced at 10 days for ‘PR37Y15’ but not ‘DK315’, as found with the phytostimulator Azospirillum brasilense UAP-154 (positive control). In roots as well as in shoots, Agrobacterium tumefaciens and E. coli triggered similar (in PR37Y15) or different (in DK315) changes in the high-performance liquid chromatography profiles of secondary metabolites (especially benzoxazinoids), distinct from those of Azospirillum brasilense UAP-154. Genome sequence analysis revealed homologs of nitrite reductase genes nirK and nirBD and siderophore synthesis genes for Agrobacterium tumefaciens, as well as homologs of nitrite reductase genes nirBD and phosphatase genes phoA and appA in E. coli, whose contribution to phytostimulation will require experimental assessment. In conclusion, the two emblematic bacterial models had a systemic impact on maize secondary metabolism and resulted in unexpected phytostimulation of seedlings in the Azospirillum sp.-responsive cultivar.
Complete Genome Sequence and Biological Characterization of Moroccan pepper virus (MPV) and Reclassification of Lettuce necrotic stunt virus as MPV
Authors: Wintermantel William M. , Hladky Laura L.
Published: January 2013

Moroccan pepper virus (MPV) and Lettuce necrotic stunt virus (LNSV) have been steadily increasing in prevalence in central Asia and western North America, respectively, over the past decade. Recent sequence analysis of LNSV demonstrated a close relationship between the coat proteins of LNSV and MPV. To determine the full extent of the relationship between LNSV and MPV, the genomes of three MPV isolates were sequenced and compared with that of LNSV. Sequence analysis demonstrated that genomic nucleotide sequences as well as virus-encoded proteins of the three MPV isolates and LNSV shared 97% or greater identity. A full-length clone of a California LNSV isolate was developed and virus derived from infectious transcripts was used to evaluate host plant reactions under controlled conditions. Symptoms of LNSV matched those described previously for MPV on most of a select series of host plants, although some differences were observed. Collectively, these molecular and biological results demonstrate that LNSV should be classified as MPV within the family Tombusviridae, genus Tombusvirus, and confirm the presence of MPV in North America.
Multiple Ceratocystis smalleyi Infections Associated with Reduced Stem Water Transport in Bitternut Hickory
Authors: Park J.-H. , Juzwik J. , Cavender-Bares J.
Published: January 2013

Hundreds of cankers caused by Ceratocystis smalleyi are associated with hickory bark beetle-attacked bitternut hickory exhibiting rapid crown decline in the north-central and northeastern United States. Discolored sapwood colonized by the fungus commonly underlies the cankers. Field studies were conducted to test the hypothesis that C. smalleyi infections cause vascular system dysfunction in infected trees. Fifty C. smalleyi inoculations made at 1.8 to 3.8 m in height on stems of healthy bitternut hickory trees (13 to 28 cm in diameter at 1.4 m in height) resulted in extensive canker formation and sapwood discoloration 12 to 14 months after treatment compared with water-inoculated and noninoculated controls. Sap flow velocity (midday) was significantly lower in the infected trees compared with that in the controls. Sap flow velocity also was inversely correlated with the proportion of bark area with cankered tissues and with tylose abundance in the youngest two growth rings. Tylose formation in current-year vessels associated with C. smalleyi infections is likely responsible for much of the water transport disruption. It is hypothesized that multiple stem infections of C. smalleyi and the resulting xylem dysfunction contribute to crown wilt development in bitternut hickory exhibiting rapid crown decline.
Material efficiency: from top-down steering to tailor-made governance
Authors: Cramer Jacqueline
Published: January 2013

Material efficiency is one of the major challenges facing our society in the twenty-first century. Research can help to understand how we can make the transition towards a material-efficient society. This study focuses on the role of the government in such transition processes. Use is made of literature in the field of public administration and innovation literature, particularly transition management. On the basis of three Dutch examples (plastics, e-waste and bio-energy), the complex system change towards a material-efficient society will be reflected upon. These case studies underline the need for a tailor-made governance approach instead of a top-down government approach to enhance material efficiency in practice. The role of the government is not restricted to formulating policies and then leaving it up to other actors to implement these policies. Instead, it is a continuous interplay between the different actors during the whole implementation process. As such, the government's role is to steer the development in the desired direction and orchestrate the process from beginning to end. In order to govern with a better compass, scientifically underpinned guiding principles and indicators are needed. This is a challenge for researchers both in public administration and in transition management.
‘Visionary rather than practical’: craft, art and material efficiency
Authors: Harrod Tanya
Published: January 2013

Emotional responses to materials and manufactured objects have a long history but provoked vivid writing during the design reform debates of the nineteenth century and were carried forward into the twentieth century. In particular, nineteenth-century anxieties about plasticity and about composite materials are still with us. Wood continues to represent sustainability, ‘truth to materials’, emotional durability and an assumed reassuring contact between material, tools and maker. By contrast, the facture offered by new media, in the form of self-replicating rapid prototyping machines, appears disembodied while also offering the possibility of homesteader-making. The desirability of recycling and up-cycling is currently central to our emotional responses to materials, with the world’s waste dumps becoming sites of horrified fascination and inspiration. Symbolic moves in the direction of autarchy and reverse engineering by artists and designers register doubts about sustainability and seek to uncover the hidden impact of individual materials. This survey of historic and current attitudes towards materials and making processes by makers, artists and designers sheds light on anxieties familiar to us all, concerning technological development, authentic experience, agency, a sense of selfhood and the often bruising experience of modernity itself.
Relative influence of noncovalent interactions on the melting points of a homologous series of 1,2-dibromo-4,5-dialkoxybenzenes
Authors: Fonrouge Ana , Cecchi Florencia , Alborés Pablo , Baggio Ricardo , Cukiernik Fabio D.
Published: January 2013

Crystal structures are presented for two members of the homologous series of 1,2-dibromo-4,5-dialkoxybenzenes,viz.those with decyloxy and hexadecyloxy substituents, namely 1,2-dibromo-4,5-bis(decyloxy)benzene, C26H44Br2O2, (II), and 1,2-dibromo-4,5-bis(hexadecyloxy)benzene, C38H68Br2O2, (III). The relative influences which halogen bonding, π–π stacking and van der Waals interactions have on these structures are analysed and the results compared with those already found for the lightest homologue, 1,2-dibromo-4,5-dimethoxybenzene, (I) [Cukiernik, Zelcer, Garland & Baggio (2008).Acta Cryst.C64, o604–o608]. The results confirm that the prevalent interactions stabilizing the structures of (II) and (III) are van der Waals contacts between the aliphatic chains. In the case of (II), weak halogen C—Br...(Br—C)′ interactions are also present and contribute to the stability of the structure. In the case of (III), van der Waals interactions between the aliphatic chains are almost exclusive, weaker C—Br...π interactions being the only additional interactions detected. The results are in line with commonly accepted models concerning trends in crystal stability along a homologous series (as measured by their melting points), but the earlier report forn= 1, and the present report forn= 10 and 16, are among the few providing single-crystal information validating the hypothesis.
Application of seismic full waveform inversion to monitor CO2 injection: modelling and a real data example from the Ketzin site, Germany
Authors: Zhang Fengjiao , Juhlin Christopher , Ivandic Monika , Lüth Stefan
Published: January 2013

Seismic monitoring of an injected carbon dioxide (CO2) distribution at depth is an important issue in the geological storage of CO2. To help monitor changes in the subsurface during CO2 injection a series of 2D seismic surveys were acquired within the framework of the CO2SINK and CO2MAN projects at Ketzin, Germany at different stages of the injection process. Here we investigate using seismic full waveform inversion as a qualitative tool for time‐lapse seismic monitoring given the constraints of the limited maximum offsets of the 2D seismic data. Prior to applying the inversion to the real data we first made a number of benchmark tests on synthetic data using a similar geometry as in the real data. Results from the synthetic benchmark tests show that it is difficult to recover the true value of the velocity anomaly due to the injection but that it is possible to qualitatively locate the distribution of the injected CO2. After the synthetic studies, we applied seismic full waveform inversion on the real time‐lapse data from the Ketzin site along with conventional time‐lapse processing. Both methods show a similar qualitative distribution of the injected CO2 and agree well with expectations based upon more extensive 3D time‐lapse monitoring in the area.
Risk, governance and the experience of care
Authors: Hillman Alexandra , Tadd Win , Calnan Sian , Calnan Michael , Bayer Antony , Read Simon
Published: January 2013

Drawing on perspectives from the governmentality literature and the sociology of risk, this article explores the strategies, tools and mechanisms for managing risk in acute hospital trusts in the United Kingdom. The article uses qualitative material from an ethnographic study of four acute hospital trusts undertaken between 2008 and 2010 focusing on the provision of dignified care for older people. Extracts from ethnographic material show how the organisational mechanisms that seek to manage risk shape the ways in which staff interact with and care for patients. The article bridges the gap between the sociological analysis of policy priorities, management strategy and the organisational cultures of the NHS, and the everyday interactions of care provision. In bringing together this ethnographic material with sociological debates on the regulation of healthcare, the article highlights the specific ways in which forms of governance shape how staff care for their patients challenging the possibility of providing dignified care for older people.
Life in and after the Armed Forces: social networks and mental health in the UK military
Authors: Hatch Stephani L. , Harvey Samuel B. , Dandeker Christopher , Burdett Howard , Greenberg Neil , Fear Nicola T. , Wessely Simon
Published: January 2013

This study focuses on the influence of structural aspects of social integration (social networks and social participation outside work) on mental health (common mental disorders (CMD), that is, depression and anxiety symptoms, post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and alcohol misuse). This study examines differences in levels of social integration and associations between social integration and mental health among service leavers and personnel still in service. Data were collected from regular serving personnel (n = 6511) and regular service leavers (n = 1753), from a representative cohort study of the Armed Forces in the UK. We found that service leavers reported less social participation outside work and a general disengagement with military social contacts in comparison to serving personnel. Service leavers were more likely to report CMD and PTSD symptoms. The increased risk of CMD but not PTSD symptoms, was partially accounted for by the reduced levels of social integration among the service leavers. Maintaining social networks in which most members are still in the military is associated with alcohol misuse for both groups, but it is related to CMD and PTSD symptoms for service leavers only.
Characterizing genic and nongenic molecular markers: comparison of microsatellites andSNPs
Authors: DeFaveri Jacquelin , Viitaniemi Heidi , Leder Erica , Merilä Juha
Published: January 2013

The implications of transitioning to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) from microsatellite markers (MSs) have been investigated in a number of population genetics studies, but the effect of genomic location on the amount of information each type of marker reveals has not been explored in detail. We developed novelSNPmarkers flanking 1 kb regions of 13 genic (within gene or <1 kb away from gene) and 13 nongenic (>10 kb from annotated gene)MSs in the threespine stickleback genome to obtain comparable data for both types of markers. We analysed patterns of genetic diversity and divergence on various geographic scales after converting theSNPloci within each genomic region into haplotypes. Marker type (SNPhaplotype orMS) and location (genic or nongenic) significantly affected most estimates of population diversity and divergence. Between‐lineage divergence was significantly higher inSNPhaplotypes (genic and nongenic), however, within‐lineage divergence was similar between marker types. Most divergence and diversity measures were uncorrelated between markers, except for population differentiation which was correlated betweenMSs andSNPhaplotypes (both genic and nongenic). Broad‐scale population structure and assignment were similarly resolved by both marker types, however, only theMSs were able to delimit fine‐scale population structuring, particularly when genic and nongenic markers were combined. These results demonstrate that estimates of genetic variability and differentiation among populations can be strongly influenced by marker type, their genomic location in relation to genes and by the interaction of these two factors. This highlights the importance of having an awareness of the inherent strengths and limitations associated with different molecular tools to select the most appropriate methods for accurately addressing various ecological and evolutionary questions.
Deficiency of a New Protein Associated with Cardiac Syndrome X; Called Adropin
Authors: Celik Ahmet , Balin Mehmet , Kobat Mehmet Ali , Erdem Kenan , Baydas Adil , Bulut Musa , Altas Yakup , Aydin Suna , Aydin Suleyman
Published: January 2013

The pathophysiology of cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is still unclear, but most patients with CSX have endothelial dysfunction. It has been shown that adropin uniquely effects the regulation of endothelial function. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of adropin in CSX. Eighty‐six consecutive cardiac syndrome X‐diagnosed patients and 86 age‐sex matched healthy subjects were enrolled into the study. Serum adropin levels, nitrite/nitrate levels were measured in each subject. The adropin levels were significantly lower in patients with CSX than healthy subjects (1.7 ± 0.8 ng/mL and 3.4 ± 1.8 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). The BMI values of patients with CSX were significantly higher than control subjects (28.1 ± 2.4 kg/m2 and 26.0 ± 3.7 kg/m2, respectively; P < 0.001). Plasma nitrite/nitrate levels were lower in patients with CSX than control subjects (15.9 ± 1.6 μmol/L vs. 25.4 ± 2.8 μmol/L, respectively; P < 0.001), and they have a significantly positive correlation with plasma adropin levels (r = 0.463, P < 0.001). In the multiple linear regression analysis, nitrite/nitrate levels, BMI, and adropin were found to be independent risk factors for CSX. A ROC curve is used to identify the ability of adropin levels to predict the cardiac syndrome X. The area under the ROC curve was 0.854 for adropin levels (P = 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity values of adropin levels were 90.7 and 70.9%, respectively (cut‐off value 2.73). In conclusion, lower serum adropin levels were associated with CSX. Adropin is an independent risk factor for CSX.
Determining adrenocortical activity as a measure of stress in African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in relation to human activities in Serengeti ecosystem
Authors: Tingvold Heidi G. , Fyumagwa Robert , Bech Claus , Baardsen Lisa F. , Rosenlund Håvard , Røskaft Eivin
Published: January 2013

African elephants (Loxodonta africana) play a vital role in most African ecosystems, with their opportunity to alter the entire ecosystem by their sheer numbers. Defining and measuring animal welfare has been much discussed. One potential way of determining an animal's welfare is to record the absence or presence of stress. Little research on elephant welfare has so far been performed in the Serengeti ecosystem. The aim of this study was to record the faecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels of African elephants in areas with high or with minimum human interference. A total of 117 faecal samples were collected from randomly located single elephants as well as family herds in the northern, central and western Serengeti National Park (SNP) as well as in Grumeti Game Reserve and Ikoma Open Area, northern Tanzania in 2010. Elephants had higher levels of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in the areas outside, compared with areas inside SNP. No single males were observed outside SNP, and in general, higher abundance of elephants was observed inside SNP. This suggests that elephants may prefer to reside in the potential safer areas inside the national park, demonstrating the importance of protected areas to improve the welfare of elephants.
Early childhood‐onset restless legs syndrome: symptoms and effect of oral iron treatment
Authors: Tilma Jens , Tilma Karen , Norregaard Ole , Ostergaard John R
Published: January 2013

Aim

To describe symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in early childhood and the effect of oral iron treatment.

Methods

A study population comprising 22 children, 15 males and seven females referred for paediatric evaluation because of sleep disturbances. Presence of RLS was evaluated using the International RLS Study Group consensus criteria of RLS. In case of ferritin level below 50 ng/mL, oral iron treatment was initiated. Fourteen were examined by polysomnography as well, and periodic limb movement index during sleep (PLMSI) was calculated. Relief of symptoms was recorded by the parents and correlated with ferritin levels and PLMSI.

Results

Median age at onset of symptoms was 7.5 months (0–40 months). The most striking single symptom was awakening after 1–3 h of sleep followed by screaming, crying, kicking or hitting the legs. Oral iron supplementation had a positive ferritin‐concentration‐dependent clinical effect. A relation between high PLMSI and low ferritin levels was demonstrated.

Conclusion

Symptoms of RLS may start as early as the first year of life, are accompanied by low ferritin levels and a high PLMSI and can be ameliorated by iron supplementation. An increased awareness and knowledge of RLS in early childhood are warranted.
Temporal alterations and cellular mechanisms of transmural repolarization during progression of mouse cardiac hypertrophy and failure
Authors: Shi C. , Wang X. , Dong F. , Wang Y. , Hui J. , Lin Z. , Yang J. , Xu Y.
Published: January 2013

Aim

The remodelling of transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) in human heart failure (HF) and in different animal models of cardiac hypertrophy or HF remains a controversial topic. We hypothesize that TDR may exhibit temporal alterations, depending on the stage of the disease.

Methods

We systematically investigated the temporal alterations of TDR during the development of cardiac hypertrophy and HF in the mouse pressure‐overload model using electrophysiological and molecular biology techniques.

Results

A progressive prolongation of QT interval and changes in the amplitude of the J wave at 2, 5, 9 and 13 weeks were found in anesthetized aorta‐banded mice. Action potential duration (APD) at 90% repolarization (APD90) in subendocardial myocytes of the left ventricular free wall remained unchanged at the hypertrophic stage (2 and 5 weeks), but was significantly prolonged in HF mice at 9 and 13 weeks. However, APD90 in subepicardial myocytes exhibited a significant prolongation at 2 weeks and did not progressively extend from 2 weeks to 13 weeks in banded mice. Thus, non‐parallel prolongation of APD in subendocardial and subepicardial myocytes led to a reduction in TDR at hypertrophic stage and an amplification of TDR at HF stage. Further experiments revealed that asynchronous down‐regulation of voltage‐dependent potassium currents (Ito,f, IK,slow and Iss) and L‐type calcium currents (ICa‐L) in subendocardial and subepicardial myocytes may contribute to the dynamic remodelling of transmural APD.

Conclusion

The two distinct TDR modes were revealed during the progression of mouse cardiac hypertrophy and failure, indicating that the remodelling of TDR depends on the stage of the disease.
Development of a chick bioassay for determination of infectivity of viral pathogens in poultry litter
Authors: Islam AFMF , Walkden‐Brown SW , Groves PJ , Wells B
Published: January 2013

Objective

To develop a chicken bioassay to detect infective viral pathogens in poultry litter and to determine the effects of type of chicken and age of exposure, as well as the effect of simulated litter transportation, on the level of viral infectivity detected.

Design

A 5 × 2 × 2 factorial design, plus negative controls. Five chicken litters, including two with deliberate contamination (one transported and one not), two chicken types (specific‐pathogen‐free (SPF) Leghorns and Cobb broilers) and two ages at initial exposure (days 1 and 8). Two replicates of each treatment combination.

Methods

The 10 chickens in each of 22 isolators were either exposed (20 isolators) or not (2 isolators) to 8 L of previously used or deliberately contaminated poultry litter in two deep scratch trays. At day 35 post‐exposure, sera were assayed for antibodies against chicken anaemia virus (CAV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and fowl adenovirus (FAV). Spleen samples were tested for Marek's disease virus (MDV) using real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The bioassay detected CAV, IBDV and FAV, but not NDV, IBV or MDV, in chickens exposed to infected litters. Infection in SPF chickens was detected with greater sensitivity than in the broiler chickens. Sensitivity increased with age at exposure in broiler but not SPF chickens. Simulated transportation for 24 h had little effect on pathogen detection.

Conclusion

A bioassay based on the exposure of day‐old SPF chickens to poultry litter and measurement of seroconversion at day 35 post‐exposure is a useful semi‐quantitative assay for viral infectivity in poultry litter, with overnight transportation of litter having little effect on the level of viral infectivity detected. This bioassay has applications in research on litter treatment protocols.
The HSP90 inhibitor NVP‐AUY922‐AG inhibits the PI3K and IKK signalling pathways and synergizes with cytarabine in acute myeloid leukaemia cells
Authors: Walsby Elisabeth J. , Lazenby Michelle , Pepper Chris J. , Knapper Steven , Burnett Alan K.
Published: January 2013

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90; HSP90AA1) is a molecular chaperone involved in signalling pathways for cell proliferation, survival, and cellular adaptation. Inhibitors of HSP90 are being examined as anti‐cancer agents, but the critical molecular mechanism(s) of their activity remains unresolved. HSP90 inhibition potentially facilitates the simultaneous targeting of multiple molecules within tumour cells and represents an attractive therapeutic proposition. Here, we investigated HSP90 as a molecular target for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) using the novel HSP90 inhibitor NVP‐AUY922‐AG. NVP‐AUY922‐AG induced dose‐dependent killing in myeloid cell lines and primary AML blasts. In primary blasts, cell death in response to NVP‐AUY922‐AG was seen at concentrations almost 2 logs lower than cytarabine (Ara‐C) (50% lethal dose = 0·12 μ mol/l ± 0·28). NVP‐AUY922‐AG was significantly less toxic to normal bone marrow (P = 0·02). In vitro response to NVP‐AUY922‐AG did not correlate with response to Ara‐C (r2 = 0·0006). NVP‐AUY922‐AG was highly synergistic with Ara‐C in cell lines and in 20/25 of the primary samples tested. NVP‐AUY922‐AG induced increases in HSP70 expression and depletion of total AKT, IKKα and IKKβ in cell lines and primary blasts. This study shows that the novel HSP90 inhibitor NVP‐AUY922‐AG has significant single agent activity in AML cells and is synergistic with Ara‐C.
The efficacy and tolerability of adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine and Stanford V in older Hodgkin lymphoma patients: a comprehensive analysis from the North American intergroup trial E2496
Authors: Evens Andrew M. , Hong Fangxin , Gordon Leo I. , Fisher Richard I. , Bartlett Nancy L. , Connors Joseph M. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Wagner Henry , Gospodarowicz Mary , Cheson Bruce D. , Stiff Patrick J. , Advani Ranjana , Miller Thomas P. , Hoppe Richard T. , Kahl Brad S. , Horning Sandra J.
Published: January 2013

There is a lack of contemporary prospective data examining the adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) and Stanford V (SV; doxorubicin, vinblastine, mechlorethamine, vincristine, bleomycin, etoposide, prednisone) regimens in older Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients. Forty‐four advanced‐stage, older HL patients (aged ≥60 years) were treated on the randomized study, E2496. Toxicities were mostly similar between chemotherapy regimens, although 24% of older patients developed bleomycin lung toxicity (BLT), which occurred mainly with ABVD (91%). Further, the BLT‐related mortality rate was 18%. The overall treatment‐related mortality for older HL patients was 9% vs. 0·3% for patients aged <60 years (P < 0·001). Among older patients, there were no survival differences between ABVD and SV. According to age, outcomes were significantly inferior for older versus younger patients (5‐year failure‐free survival: 48% vs. 74%, respectively, P = 0·002; 5‐year overall survival: 58% and 90%, respectively, P < 0·0001), although time‐to‐progression (TTP) was not significantly different (5‐year TTP: 68% vs. 78%, respectively, P = 0·37). Furthermore, considering progression and death without progression as competing risks, the risk of progression was not different between older and younger HL patients (5 years: 30% and 23%, respectively, P = 0·30); however, the incidence of death without progression was significantly increased for older HL patients (22% vs. 9%, respectively, P < 0·0001). Altogether, the marked HL age‐dependent survival differences appeared attributable primarily to non‐HL events.
Habitat Specialization by Birds in Western Amazonian White‐sand Forests
Authors: Alonso José Álvarez , Metz Margaret R. , Fine Paul V. A.
Published: January 2013

In the Peruvian Amazon, white‐sand forests are patchily distributed and restricted to a few localities in the North. Although recent studies have documented patterns of habitat specialization by plants in these unique forests, very few studies of the fauna of these habitats have been conducted. The species composition of the avifauna of the white‐sand forests at six localities in the region was sampled by conducting transects and point counts. Surrounding habitats were also sampled to compare avifaunal communities and to determine the degree of restriction of bird species to white‐sand habitats. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling analysis showed that bird communities of white‐sand forests were more similar to each other than they were to terra firme or flooded forest communities. Sites on either side of the Amazon‐Marañón barrier were the most similar within habitat type consistent with the hypothesis that these rivers represent a major biogeographic barrier. Twenty‐six species, belonging to 13 families, were to some degree specialized to white‐sand forests. This is the first comprehensive ornithological assessment carried out on these habitats in Peru. The high degree of habitat specialization found in these 26 bird species highlights the need for conservation and management measures that will protect white‐sand forests.
Using Theory of Mind
Authors: Liszkowski Ulf
Published: January 2013

The ability to flexibly predict others' behaviors has been ascribed to a theory of mind (ToM) system. Most research has focused on formal conceptual definitions of such a system, and the question of whom to credit with a ToM. In this article, I suggest shifting perspective from formal definitions to a usage‐based approach. This approach views action within human interaction as central to the emergence and continuous development of the ability to flexibly predict others' behaviors. Addressing the current debate about whether infants have a ToM, I illustrate how infants use flexible action expectations to interact with others appropriately. I also discuss the continuous development of ToM and its natural structure from a usage‐based perspective.
Longitudinal development of gross motor function among Dutch children and young adults with cerebral palsy: an investigation of motor growth curves
Authors: Smits Dirk‐Wouter , Gorter Jan Willem , Hanna Steven E , Dallmeijer Annet J , Van Eck Mirjam , Roebroeck Marij E , Vos Rimke C , Ketelaar Marjolijn ,   on behalf of the PERRIN Plus Study Group
Published: January 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe patterns for gross motor development by level of severity in a Dutch population of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

This longitudinal study included 423 individuals (260 males, 163 females) with CP. The mean age at baseline was 9 years 6 months (SD 6y 2mo, range 1–22y). The level of severity of CP among participants, according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), was 50% level I, 13% level II, 14% level III, 13% level IV, and 10% level V. Participants had been assessed up to four times with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM‐66) at 1‐ or 2‐year intervals between 2002 and 2009. Data were analysed using non‐linear mixed effects modelling. For each GMFCS level, patterns were created by contrasting a stable limit model (SLM) with a peak and decline model (PDM), followed by estimating limits and rates of gross motor development.

Results

The SLM showed a better fit for all GMFCS levels than the PDM. Within the SLM, significant differences between GMFCS levels were found for both the limits (higher values for lower GMFCS levels) and the rates (higher values for GMFCS levels I–II vs level IV and for GMFCS levels I–IV vs level V) of gross motor development.

Interpretation

The results validate the existence of five distinct patterns for gross motor development by level of severity of CP.
Clinical utility of a panfungal polymerase chain reaction assay for invasive fungal diseases in patients with haematologic disorders
Authors: Sugawara Yumiko , Nakase Kazunori , Nakamura Akiko , Ohishi Kohshi , Sugimoto Yuka , Fujieda Atushi , Monma Fumihiko , Suzuki Kei , Masuya Masahiro , Matsushima Yoshiko , Wada Hideo , Nobori Tsutomu , Katayama Naoyuki
Published: January 2013

Objectives

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are life‐threatening events in patients with haematologic disorders, and the spectrum of the aetiological pathogens continues to expand. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of a panfungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the management of IFDs in such patients.

Methods

We prospectively analysed 273 consecutive blood samples from 64 risk episodes in 51 patients with haematologic disorders at high risk for IFD who were treated at our hospital between April 2007 and October 2010.

Results

PCR‐positive results were obtained in 18 of 64 risk episodes (35.3%). IFD was documented in 14 episodes (21.9%, 9 probable IFDs and 5 possible IFDs) according to the revised criteria of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group. PCR was positive in all of these 14 episodes, and in 4 of the 50 episodes with no IFD category. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of our assay were 100%, 92%, 78% and 100% respectively. A considerable number of fungi (44.4%) that are less common than Aspergillus and Candida species were positive by PCR. Molecular diagnoses of Cunninghamella species, Aspergillus ustus, Fusarium species, Scedosporium apiospermum, Rhodotorula species and Rhizopus species were beneficial in selecting suitable treatments.

Conclusions

Our panfungal PCR approach allows for the highly sensitive and specific detection and identification of a wide spectrum of fungal pathogens, which provides indispensable information for managing IFDs, especially refractory or breakthrough IFDs during antifungal therapy in high‐risk patients with haematologic disorders.
Quantifying processes of pedogenesis using optically stimulated luminescence
Authors: Stockmann U. , Minasny B. , Pietsch T. J. , McBratney A. B.
Published: January 2013

New analytical techniques have opened up the possibility of addressing rates of soil processes quantitatively. Here, we present the results of an investigation into the use of single‐grain optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to derive rates of soil mixing in the top 50 cm of soil profiles from two toposequences situated in the Werrikimbe National Park in Australia. Of 500 single grains analysed from each sampled depth increment, less than 25% provided a finite age, with the rest of the grains either non‐responsive or dose‐saturated. This proportion of finite‐age grains tended to decrease with soil depth. Median ages of quartz grains increased down the soil profile, with topsoil ages of up to 500 years and subsoil ages of up to 5000 years. Few ‘younger’ grains were found deeper in the profile and few ‘older’ grains near the soil surface. These trends suggest that pedoturbation is resulting in vertical transport of grains through the profile, but that there is a distribution of transport distances, with a poor probability of large transport distances from surface to subsoil or vice versa compared with a more frequent movement of grains to and from the surface in the uppermost 10–35 cm. The calculation of a single age for each soil horizon was unachievable as each horizon contained a heterogeneous mixture of grains with varying histories of transport to and from the soil surface. Soil mixing was confirmed along both toposequences studied. However, the occurrence of minor mixing rates did not lead to a homogenization of the topsoil and adjacent horizons. We postulated that mixing velocities were mostly related to flora at our study site. Vertical soil mixing rates of 0.5 and 0.2 mm year−1 were calculated from the distribution of finite single‐grain ages.
A pilot project testing the effectiveness of three weed control methods on the removal of Lantana camara in Forty Mile Scrub National Park, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Dohn Justin , Berry Z. Carter , Curran Timothy J.
Published: January 2013

Lantana (Lantana camara) poses a serious threat to the biodiversity of the dry rainforest vegetation at Forty Mile Scrub National Park, Queensland, Australia, by outcompeting native species and increasing vulnerability to fire. This pilot study tests the effectiveness of three weed control methods (hand pulling, a glyphosphate‐based foliar spray herbicide and a picloram‐ and triclopyr‐based basal bark herbicide) in removing lantana and their success in reducing lantana fuel loads. The foliar spray herbicide was the most effective in killing lantana, while manual pulling resulted in the largest decrease in fuel height. We suggest that foliar spraying will be most efficient for combating large infestations of lantana, while hand pulling techniques are recommended for creating firebreaks or when minimizing damage to native species is paramount.
Examining factors related to accelerated long‐term forgetting in epilepsy using ambulatory EEG monitoring
Authors: Fitzgerald Zoë , Thayer Zoë , Mohamed Armin , Miller Laurie A.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Some patients with epilepsy demonstrate normal memory when this is tested at relatively short intervals (e.g., 30 min), but substantial loss over longer delay periods (e.g., days or weeks) when compared to healthy control subjects. This pattern of “accelerated long‐term forgetting” (ALF) affects the everyday lives of patients, yet goes undetected by standard neuropsychological memory tests, and its pathophysiologic basis is poorly understood. By testing memory over a period of concurrent ambulatory electroencephalography (EEG), the current study aimed to investigate possible factors contributing to ALF.

Methods

Thirty‐nine patients diagnosed with epilepsy or probable epilepsy underwent 5 days of continuous ambulatory EEG: 18 had normal EEG studies, 10 had focal epileptic discharges, 5 had generalized epileptic discharges, and 6 had one or more seizures. Fifteen matched healthy control subjects also participated, but did not undergo EEG. Subjects were taught 13‐item word and design lists to criterion, and recall was tested at 30 min, 24 h, and 4 days. Subjects also completed questionnaires pertaining to everyday memory and mood.

Key Findings

Group analyses (excluding patients who experienced seizures during monitoring) indicated that patients who experienced generalized discharges during the 24‐h to 4‐day delay intervals showed higher rates of forgetting for nonverbal information. Those with focal discharges showed ALF between 30 min and 4 days for verbal information, whereas those with normal EEGs over the 4 days recording had no evidence of ALF. Surprisingly, mood and epilepsy variables (such as duration of disease or number of anticonvulsant medications) showed no significant correlation with ALF. Although no aspect of nighttime sleep architecture was found to be related to recall after the first 24 h, daytime naps were associated with better retention. Self‐report of everyday memory functioning was related to recall at longer delays, but not at 30 min.

Significance

The present findings indicated that ALF in epilepsy is associated with subclinical discharges rather than antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), mood or sleep disturbance. Measures of longer‐term recall can reveal correlations with subjective everyday memory complaints that are not evident when recall is only tested at a standard (30 min) delay interval. These findings have the potential to improve treatment strategies for patients who complain of memory difficulties.
Altered transporter‐mediated neocortical GABA release in Rasmussen encephalitis
Authors: Rassner Michael P. , van Velthoven‐Wurster Vera , Ramantani Georgia , Feuerstein Thomas J.
Published: January 2013

To learn whether epileptic seizures in Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) may be promoted by insufficient γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) release. 3H‐GABA was released from neocortical synaptosomes through transporter reversal following intrasynaptosomal Na+ accumulation by veratridine that prevents inactivation of Na+ channels. Tissues of three RE patients were compared with those of nine non‐RE. In RE, the release was markedly reduced. In non‐RE, the extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]e) was inversely related to the amount of release. In RE, the percental decline of additional release upon withdrawal was linked with the presurgical duration of epilepsy. Permanent opening of Na+ channels by veratridine resembles maximal frequency of action potentials corresponding to epileptic seizures. These are preceded by a fall in [Ca2+]e. Zero [Ca2+]e increased release through the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger additionally elevating intrasynaptosomal Na+. This enhanced GABA release probably reflects an antiseizure mechanism. In RE, the additional release gets lost over epilepsy duration.
Tonic phase of a generalized convulsive seizure is an independent predictor of postictal generalized EEG suppression
Authors: Tao James X. , Yung Iris , Lee Anthony , Rose Sandra , Jacobsen John , Ebersole John S.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

To determine the incidence, duration, risk factors for, and clinical correlates of postictal generalized electroencephalography (EEG) suppression (PGES), and to further delineate the significance of PGES in the pathogenesis of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the video‐EEG studies of 109 consecutive patients with 151 generalized convulsive seizures (GCS) during video‐EEG monitoring. We determined the incidence, duration, and clinical correlates of PGES. We also investigated whether factors such as age, sex, seizure type, total seizure duration, and duration of tonic and clonic phases influenced PGES.

Key Findings

PGES was observed in 64 (58.7%) of 109 patients and in 98 (64.9%) of 151 GCS. Average duration of PGES was 42.4 ± 19.1 s. Statistical analysis showed that patients with PGES had no difference in age, gender, total seizure duration, total convulsive duration, clonic phase, seizure type, and seizure termination, as compared to those without PGES. However, tonic phase was significantly prolonged in patients with PGES than in those without PGES (p = 0.00086). A 1 s increase in tonic phase duration was associated with a 0.06 increase in log odds of PGES (odds ratio = 1.1, p = 0.00055). Clinically, 95.3% patients were unresponsive or immobile during PGES, whereas only 26.7% patients without PGES were unresponsive or immobile immediately after seizure termination.

Significance

PGES is a common EEG pattern of GCS. Tonic phase of GCS is an independent predictor of PGES, which is well correlated with postictal unresponsiveness or immobile, and may play a significant role in the mechanism of SUDEP.