bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling biological evolution: recent progress, current challenges and future direction
Authors: Morozov Andrew
Published: October 2013

Mathematical modelling is widely recognized as a powerful and convenient theoretical tool for investigating various aspects of biological evolution and explaining the existing genetic complexity of the real world. It is increasingly apparent that understanding the key mechanisms involved in the processes of species biodiversity, natural selection and inheritance, patterns of animal behaviour and coevolution of species in complex ecological systems is simply impossible by means of laboratory experiments and field observations alone. Mathematical models are so important because they provide wide-ranging exploration of the problem without a need for experiments with biological systems—which are usually expensive, often require long time and can be potentially dangerous. However, as the number of theoretical works on modelling biological evolution is constantly accelerating each year as different mathematical frameworks and various aspects of evolutionary problems are considered, it is often hard to avoid getting lost in such an immense flux of publications. The aim of this issue ofInterfaceFocusis to provide a useful guide to important recent findings in some key areas in modelling biological evolution, to refine the existing challenges and to outline possible future directions. In particular, the following topics are addressed here by world-leading experts in the modelling of evolution: (i) the origins of biodiversity observed in ecosystems and communities; (ii) evolution of decision-making by animals and the optimal strategy of populations; (iii) links between evolutionary and ecological processes across different time scales; (iv) quantification of biological information in evolutionary models; and (v) linking theoretical models with empirical data. Most of the works presented here are in fact contributed papers from the international conference ‘Modelling Biological Evolution’ (MBE 2013), which took place in Leicester, UK, in May 2013 and brought together theoreticians and empirical evolutionary biologists with the main aim of creating debates and productive discussions between them. Finally, we should emphasize that the individual papers in this issue are not limited to only one of the topics mentioned above, but often lie at the interface of them.
Glaciihabitans tibetensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a psychrotolerant bacterium of the family Microbacteriaceae, isolated from glacier ice water
Authors: Li Ai-Hua , Liu Hong-Can , Xin Yu-Hua , Kim Song-Gun , Zhou Yu-Guang
Published: October 2013

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-spore-forming, short-rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain MP203T, was isolated from ice water of Midui Glacier in Tibet Autonomous Region, China. The strain was psychrotolerant, growing at 0–25 °C. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain MP203T was most similar to

Frigoribacterium faeni

NBRC 103066T,

Compostimonas suwonensis

KACC 13354T,

Frigoribacterium mesophilum

KCTC 19311T,

Marisediminicola antarctica

CCTCC AB 209077T and

Alpinimonas psychrophila

JCM 18951T, with similarities of 97.4, 97.2, 97.2, 97.1 and 97.1 %, respectively. The maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree indicated that strain MP203T clustered with nine genera of the family

Microbacteriaceae

, namely

Frigoribacterium

,

Compostimonas

,

Marisediminicola

,

Alpinimonas

,

Frondihabitans

,

Clavibacter

,

Subtercola

,

Klugiella

and

Agreia

. However, bootstrap analysis showed that there was no significance in the branching pattern of the linage comprising strain MP203T and any existing generic lineage of the family

Microbacteriaceae

. DNA–DNA hybridization results indicated levels of relatedness between strain MP203T and

Marisediminicola antarctica

CCTCC AB 209077T,

Frigoribacterium faeni

NBRC 103066T,

Frigoribacterium mesophilum

KCTC 19311T,

Compostimonas suwonensis

KACC 13354T and

Alpinimonas psychrophila

JCM 18951T were 25.8±7.3, 29.6±7.6, 19.7±6.7, 16.0±4.2 and 12.4±5.1 % (mean±sd), respectively. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 64.1 mol%. Analysis of the cell-wall peptidoglycan revealed that the peptidoglycan structure of strain MP203T was B10 type with Gly[l-Hse]–d-Glu–d-DAB, containing 2, 4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) as a diagnostic amino acid. The cell-wall sugars were rhamnose, ribose, mannose and glucose. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso A-C15 : 1. An unusual compound identified as anteiso-C15 : 0-DMA (1, 1-dimethoxy-anteiso-pentadecane) was also present in strain MP203T. The predominant menaquinone was MK-10. Diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), one unknown glycolipid and four unknown lipids were detected in the polar lipid extracts. As strain MP203T was distinguishable from phylogenetically related genera in the family

Microbacteriaceae

in terms of its physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics and phylogenetic position, it was considered to represent a novel species of a new genus. Thus, the name Glaciihabitans tibetensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Glaciihabitans tibetensis is MP203T ( = CGMCC 1.12484T = KCTC 29148T).
Novosphingobium arabidopsis sp. nov., a DDT-resistant bacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lin Shih-Yao , Hameed Asif , Liu You-Cheng , Hsu Yi-Han , Lai Wei-An , Huang Hsin-I , Young Chiu-Chung
Published: October 2013

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, DDT-resistant bacterium, designated strain CC-ALB-2T, was isolated from the Arabidopsis thaliana rhizosphere. Strain CC-ALB-2T was able to grow at 25–37 °C, at pH 5.0–8.0, with 1.0 % (w/v) NaCl and tolerate up to 200 mg l−1 DDT. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of strain CC-ALB-2T showed highest sequence similarity to

Novosphingobium stygium

KCTC 2891T (97.1 %) and

Novosphingobium soli

DSM 22821T (96.8 %), and lower levels of similarity (<97.0 %) to other species of the genus

Novosphingobium

. The major fatty acid profile consisted of C14 : 0 2-OH (13.1 %), C16 : 0 (10.0 %), C15 : 0 iso 3-OH (5.8 %), C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c (summed feature 3, 24.7 %) and C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c (summed feature 8, 42.4 %). The polar lipid profile constitutes sphingoglycolipid, glycolipid, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine. The polyamine pattern showed a predominance of spermidine as the major polyamine. The predominant quinone system was ubiquinone (Q-10). The DNA G+C content was 68.9±0.1 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features, strain CC-ALB-2T is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus

Novosphingobium

for which the name Novosphingobium arabidopsis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-ALB-2T ( = BCRC 80571T = JCM 18896T).
Myroides xuanwuensis sp. nov., a mineral-weathering bacterium isolated from forest soil
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Dong , He Lin-Yan , Huang Zhi , Sheng Xia-Fang
Published: October 2013

A Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, non-motile, yellow-pigmented, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain TH-19T, was isolated from a forest soil sample in Jiangsu province, China. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain TH-19T was shown to belong to the genus

Myroides

, a member of the phylum

Bacteroidetes

, and was related to

Myroides odoratimimus

LMG 4029T (98.7 % similarity),

Myroides profundi

D25T (98.2 %) and

Myroides marinus

JS-08T (97.5 %). Strain TH-19T contained menaquinone-6 (MK-6) as the predominant menaquinone, and the dominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The DNA G+C content of strain TH-19T was 37.2 mol%. The DNA–DNA relatedness values of strain TH-19T with

Myroides odoratimimus

JCM 7460T,

Myroides profundi

D25T and

Myroides marinus

JS-08T were below 70 %. Based on phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic evidence, it is suggested that strain TH-19T represents a novel species of the genus

Myroides

, for which the name Myroides xuanwuensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TH-19T ( = CCTCC AB 2013145T = JCM 19200T).
Emended description of Actinoplanes friuliensis and description of Actinoplanes nipponensis sp. nov., antibiotic-producing species of the genus Actinoplanes
Authors: Wink Joachim , Schumann Peter , Spöer Cathrin , Eisenbarth Kerstin , Glaeser Stefanie P. , Martin Karin , Kämpfer Peter
Published: October 2013

In 2000, an actinomycete strain that showed strong antibacterial activity in culture extracts was isolated from a soil sample. The antibiotic activity corresponds to a lipopeptide complex that was named friulimycin, as the producing micro-organism was isolated from a soil sample from the region of Friaul in Italy. Taxonomic investigations showed that the producer strain belonged to a novel species of the genus

Actinoplanes

, for which the name

Actinoplanes friuliensis

was proposed. During further taxonomic studies, another antibiotic-producing isolate belonging to the genus

Actinoplanes

, FH 2241T, was characterized; in a patent, the name ‘Actinoplanes nipponensis’ was proposed for this strain. This organism was shown to be related to

A. friuliensis

. ‘A. nipponensis’ was never described in detail and the name was never validly published. Here we present a complete description of Actinoplanes nipponensis sp. Nov. (type strain FH 2241T = ATCC 31145T = DSM 43867T) and an emended description of

Actinoplanes friuliensis

(type strain HAG 010964T = DSM 45797T = CCUG 63250T).
High-precision spin coater for a synchrotron radiationin situGISAXS system: for the investigation of formation mechanisms of self-assembled structures in polymer thin films
Authors: Ogawa Hiroki , Miyazaki Tsukasa , Shimokita Keisuke , Fujiwara Akihiko , Takenaka Mikihito , Yamada Tatsuya , Sugihara Yasunori , Takata Masaki
Published: October 2013

A high-precision spin-coater system has been developed for the investigation of formation mechanisms of self-assembled structures in polymer thin films. The spin coater was designed to have small axial deflection (<2.6 µm at the maximum speed of 2000 r min−1) during rotation in order to maintain the relative position with respect to the incident X-ray beam, and to be compact (70 mm) in height to facilitate incorporation into anin situsynchrotron radiation grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) system. The first results of simultaneous measurements on the morphology and film thickness of a triblock copolymer with time resolution of 64 ms during thin-film formation at 2000 r min−1provide indispensable information for understanding the vertically grown lamellar structure on the film surface.
Aging-time-resolvedin situmicrostructural investigation of tin films electroplated on copper substrates, applying two-dimensional-detector X-ray diffraction
Authors: Stein Jendrik , Welzel Udo , Huegel Werner , Blatt Sabine , Mittemeijer Eric Jan
Published: October 2013

Pure thin tin films, electroplated on copper substrates, were investigated byin situX-ray diffraction analysis during room-temperature aging, using a laboratory diffractometer equipped with a two-dimensional detector. Diffraction spots of single Sn grains in the Sn film could be observed and traced over time by using the diffraction method adopted. For the as-deposited specimens, striking changes of the Sn reflection spots, concerning their position and intensity, as well as sudden appearances and disappearances of additional diffraction spots, were observed. This could be ascribed to local microstructural changes in the films such as grain rotation, grain growth and grain dissolution. In contrast to the as-deposited specimens, so-called post-baked specimens (i.e.annealed at 423 K for 1 h after layer deposition) exhibited a stable microstructure. The results obtained are discussed with respect to their relevance for the Sn whisker-growth phenomenon.
Kookaburra: the ultra-small-angle neutron scattering instrument at OPAL
Authors: Rehm Christine , Brûlé Alain , Freund Andreas K. , Kennedy Shane J.
Published: October 2013

The new double crystal ultra-small-angle neutron scattering instrument Kookaburra, currently under construction at the ANSTO OPAL reactor, will allow characterization of microstructures covering length scales in the range of 0.1 to 10 µm. Using the 002 and 004 reflections of a doubly curved mosaic highly oriented pyrolytic graphite premonochromator crystal at a fixed Bragg angle of 45° in conjunction with two pairs of Si(111) and Si(311) quintuple-reflection channel-cut crystals will allow operation of the instrument at two different wavelengths, thus optimally accommodating weakly and strongly scattering samples in one sample position. The versatility, the estimated neutron fluxes and the low background noise of Kookaburra suggest that this state-of-the-art instrument will have a major impact in the field of large-scale structure determination.
N-(1H-Indol-3-ylmethylidene)-4-methylpiperazin-1-amine
Authors: Kavitha Channappa N. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Anderson Brian J. , Yathirajan H. S. , Kaur Manpreet
Published: October 2013

In the title compound, C14H18N4, the piperazine ring is in a slightly distorted chair conformation. The indole ring system is twisted from the piperazine ring, making a dihedral angle of 7.27 (11)°. In the crystal, N—H...N hydrogen bonds link molecules into chains along [10-1].
Redetermination of bis(acetylacetonato-κ2O,O′)(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2N,N′)manganese(II)
Authors: Suckert Stefan , Jess Inke , Näther Christian
Published: October 2013

In the crystal structure of the title compound, [Mn(C5H7O2)2(C12H8N2)], the Mn2+cation is coordinated by one bidentate 1,10-phenanthroline ligand and two acetylacetonate anions within a slightly distorted N2O4octahedron. The asymmetric unit consists of one Mn2+cation situated on a twofold rotation axis, one half of a 1,10-phenanthroline ligand and one acetylacetonate anion. In comparison with the previous determination based on visually estimated intensities recorded on precession photographs, the current redetermination with image-plate data reveals bond lengths and angles with much higher precision.
Redetermination of Dy3Ni from single-crystal X-ray data
Authors: Levytskyy Volodymyr , Babizhetskyy Volodymyr , Kotur Bohdan , Smetana Volodymyr
Published: October 2013

The classification of the title compound, tridysprosium nickel, into the Fe3C (or Al3Ni) structure type has been deduced from powder X-ray diffraction data with lattice parameters reported in a previous study [Lemaire & Paccard (1967).Bull. Soc. Fr. Mineral. Cristallogr.40, 311–315]. The current re-investigation of Dy3Ni based on single-crystal X-ray data revealed atomic positional parameters and anisotropic displacement parameters with high precision. The asymmetric unit consists of two Dy and one Ni atoms. One Dy atom has site symmetry .m. (Wyckoff position 4c) and is surrounded by twelve Dy and three Ni atoms. The other Dy atom (site symmetry 1, 8d) has eleven Dy and three Ni atoms as neighbours, forming a distorted Frank–Kasper polyhedron. The coordination polyhedron of the Ni atom (.m., 4c) is a tricapped trigonal prism formed by nine Dy atoms.
Dichloridobis[1-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-1H-imidazole-κN3]copper(II)
Authors: Zhang Yantao , Lin Zhuzhen
Published: October 2013

In the title complex, [CuCl2(C12H14N2)2], the Cu2+cation is situated on an inversion centre and is coordinated by two N atoms from symmetry-related 1-mesityl-1H-imidazole ligands and by two chloride anions in a slightly distorted square-planar geometry. In the organic ligand, the dihedral angle between the benzene ring of the mesityl moiety and the imidazole ring is 76.99 (18)°. Weak intramolecular C—H...Cl hydrogen-bonding interactions consolidate the molecular conformation.
N-(1H-Indazol-5-yl)-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide
Authors: Chicha Hakima , Rakib El Mostapha , Bouissane Latifa , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: October 2013

In the title compound, C14H13N3O3S, the fused ring system is almost planar, the largest deviation from the mean plane being 0.023 (2) Å, and makes a dihedral angle of 47.92 (10)° with the benzene ring of the benzenesulfonamide moiety. In the crystal, molecules are connected through N—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O contacts, forming a two-dimensional network which is parallel to (010).
City Relative Price Dynamics in Australia: Are Structural Breaks Important?*
Authors: Nath Hiranya K. , Sarkar Jayanta
Published: October 2013

This paper examines the dynamic behaviour of relative prices across seven Australian cities by applying panel unit root test procedures with structural breaks to quarterly consumer price index data for 1972 Q1–2011 Q4. We find overwhelming evidence of convergence in city relative prices. Three common structural breaks are endogenously determined at 1985, 1995, and 2007. Further, correcting for two potential biases, namely Nickell bias and time aggregation bias, we obtain half‐life estimates of 2.3–3.8 quarters that are much shorter than those reported by previous research. Thus, we conclude that both structural breaks and bias corrections are important to obtain shorter half‐life estimates.
Expression of an endoglucanase from Tribolium castaneum (TcEG1) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Shirley Derek , Oppert Cris , Reynolds Todd B. , Miracle Bethany , Oppert Brenda , Klingeman William E. , Jurat‐Fuentes Juan Luis
Published: October 2013

Insects are a largely unexploited resource in prospecting for novel cellulolytic enzymes to improve the production of ethanol fuel from lignocellulosic biomass. The cost of lignocellulosic ethanol production is expected to decrease by the combination of cellulose degradation (saccharification) and fermentation of the resulting glucose to ethanol in a single process, catalyzed by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae transformed to express efficient cellulases. While S. cerevisiae is an established heterologous expression system, there are no available data on the functional expression of insect cellulolytic enzymes for this species. To address this knowledge gap, S. cerevisiae was transformed to express the full‐length cDNA encoding an endoglucanase from the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (TcEG1), and evaluated the activity of the transgenic product (rTcEG1). Expression of the TcEG1 cDNA in S. cerevisiae was under control of the strong glyceraldehyde‐3 phosphate dehydrogenase promoter. Cultured transformed yeast secreted rTcEG1 protein as a functional β‐1,4‐endoglucanase, which allowed transformants to survive on selective media containing cellulose as the only available carbon source. Evaluation of substrate specificity for secreted rTcEG1 demonstrated endoglucanase activity, although some activity was also detected against complex cellulose substrates. Potentially relevant to uses in biofuel production rTcEG1 activity increased with pH conditions, with the highest activity detected at pH 12. Our results demonstrate the potential for functional production of an insect cellulase in S. cerevisiae and confirm the stability of rTcEG1 activity in strong alkaline environments.
Institutional Voids and the Role of Civil Society: the Case of Global Finance
Authors: Anheier Helmut K.
Published: October 2013

Globalizing policy fields can contain institutional voids in which effective regulatory frameworks and the corrective counterbalance of civil society are equally absent. With the inherently incomplete regulation of global finance on the one hand and the evident dearth of civil society institutions on the other, a central governance question emerges: under what conditions could civil society help to recapture the financial system by embedding it in a wider social and economic policy, and thereby reversing the erosion of confidence in market capitalism and liberal democracy? For this purpose, this article proposes the systematic development of a transnational civil society infrastructure in terms of organizational capacity and expertise for accountability enforcement, policy review, performance oversight and advocacy. The goal of this infrastructure is to fill the institutional void and form a counterveiling force against the unchecked might of global finance.
Identification of Vivianite in Painted Works of Art and Its Significance for Provenance and Authorship Studies
Authors: Čermáková Z. , Hradilová J. , Jehlička J. , Osterrothová K. , Massanek A. , Bezdička P. , Hradil D.
Published: October 2013

Vivianite (Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O) is a rare blue historical pigment, which can be profitably used in authorship ascription or copy identification. However, its tendency to degrade complicates its proper identification in paint layers. Reference vivianite mineralogical samples were analysed in order to compare and to test the limits of structural analyses on possibly degraded vivianite samples (X‐ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopies). The same methods, in their μ‐configuration, were tested on micro‐samples of the paintings and their limits evaluated. A sedimentary origin of the pigment has been suggested. Vivianite was detected in various works by Jean George de Hamilton (1672–1737) and in a Late Gothic Transylvanian altarpiece.
High prevalence of anaphylaxis in patients with systemic mastocytosis – a single‐centre experience
Authors: Gülen T. , Hägglund H. , Dahlén B. , Nilsson G.
Published: October 2013

Background

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a clonal mast cells disorder characterized by the proliferation, accumulation and activation of mast cells in extracutaneous tissues. The clinical picture is heterogeneous and may range from asymptomatic to potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions due to excessive mast cell mediator release.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and trigger factors of anaphylactic reactions among adult SM patients. We also explored the clinical spectrum of mast cell mediator‐related symptoms in patients with SM.

Methods

This descriptive study was performed among 84 consecutive adult (≥ 18 years) patients those were diagnosed with SM according to WHO criteria. Sixty‐six of the patients also underwent a comprehensive allergy work‐up.

Results

Sixty of 84 patients with SM (71%) had bone marrow mast cell aggregates and fulfilled the major criteria for SM and 76 patients (91%) had indolent disease. Simultaneous occurrence of cutaneous mastocytosis was observed in 59 patients (70%). Thirty‐six patients (43%) had had at least one episode of an anaphylactic reaction. The clinical courses of the reactions were usually severe and patients often presented with syncope attacks (72%). Most patients reacted after hymenoptera venom stings (19/36; 53%). In 39% (14/36), a clear aetiology could not be determined. While males and females were equally frequent among the patients with SM, anaphylaxis patients showed a male predominance (61%). Anaphylactic reactions occurred more frequently in patients without cutaneous engagement. The rate of allergy sensitization was significantly higher in SM patients with anaphylaxis as compared with non‐anaphylaxis SM patients, 70% vs. 23%, respectively (P = 0.0002).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Anaphylaxis is more prevalent in patients with SM, predominantly in patients with atopic SM. Hymenoptera venom‐induced and idiopathic anaphylaxis were the most frequent elicitors. Our findings implicate that all mastocytosis patients with anaphylaxis should undergo detailed allergological assessment before considering treatment and preventive measures.
Evidence for clinical, genetic and biochemical variability in spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Dyment D.A. , Sell E. , Vanstone M.R. , Smith A.C. , Garandeau D. , Garcia V. , Carpentier S. , Le Trionnaire E. , Sabourdy F. , Beaulieu C.L. , Schwartzentruber J.A. , McMillan H.J. ,   FORGE Canada Consortium, Majewski J. , Bulman D.E. , Levade T. , Boycott K.M.
Published: October 2013

Spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMA‐PME) is a recently delineated, autosomal recessive condition caused by rare mutations in the N‐acylsphingosine amidohydrolase 1 (acid ceramidase) ASAH1 gene. It is characterized by motor neuron disease followed by progressive myoclonic seizures and eventual death due to respiratory insufficiency. Here we report an adolescent female who presented with atonic and absence seizures and myoclonic jerks and was later diagnosed as having myoclonic‐absence seizures. An extensive genetic and metabolic work‐up was unable to arrive at a molecular diagnosis. Whole exome sequencing (WES) identified two rare, deleterious mutations in the ASAH1 gene: c.850G>T;p.Gly284X and c.456A>C;p.Lys152Asn. These mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing in the patient and her parents. Functional studies in cultured fibroblasts showed that acid ceramidase was reduced in both overall amount and enzymatic activity. Ceramide level was doubled in the patient's fibroblasts as compared to control cells. The results of the WES and the functional studies prompted an electromyography (EMG) study that showed evidence of motor neuron disease despite only mild proximal muscle weakness. These findings expand the phenotypic spectrum of SMA‐PME caused by novel mutations in ASAH1 and highlight the clinical utility of WES for rare, intractable forms of epilepsy.
Atypical multifocal Dravet syndrome lacks generalized seizures and may show later cognitive decline
Authors: Kim Young Ok , Bellows Susannah , McMahon Jacinta M , Iona Xenia , Damiano John , Dibbens Leanne , Kelley Kent , Gill Deepak , Cross J Helen , Berkovic Samuel F , Scheffer Ingrid E
Published: October 2013

Aim

To show that atypical multifocal Dravet syndrome is a recognizable, electroclinical syndrome associated with sodium channel gene (SCN1A) mutations that readily escapes diagnosis owing to later cognitive decline and tonic seizures.

Method

Eight patients underwent electroclinical characterization. SCN1A was sequenced and copy number variations sought by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification.

Results

All patients were female (age range at assessment 5–26y) with median seizure onset at 6.5 months (range 4–19mo). The initial seizure was brief in seven and status epilepticus only occurred in one; three were febrile. Focal seizures occurred in four patients and bilateral convulsion in the other four. All patients developed multiple focal seizure types and bilateral convulsions, with seizure clusters in six. The most common focal seizure semiology (six out of eight) comprised unilateral clonic activity. Five also had focal or asymmetric tonic seizures. Rare or transient myoclonic seizures occurred in six individuals, often triggered by specific antiepileptic drugs. Developmental slowing occurred in all: six between 3 years and 8 years, and two around 1 year 6 months. Cognitive outcome varied from severe to mild intellectual disability. Multifocal epileptiform discharges were seen on electroencephalography. Seven out of eight patients had SCN1A mutations.

Interpretation

Atypical, multifocal Dravet syndrome with SCN1A mutations may not be recognized because of later cognitive decline and frequent tonic seizures.
WILLFUL BLINDNESS: THE INEFFICIENT REWARD STRUCTURE IN ACADEMIC RESEARCH
Authors: LIEBOWITZ STAN J.
Published: October 2013

This article examines how economics departments judge research articles and assign credit to authors. It begins with a demonstration that only strictly prorated author credit induces researchers to choose eﬃcient sized teams. Nevertheless, survey evidence reveals that most economics departments only partially prorate authorship credit, implying excessive coauthorship. Indeed, a half‐century increase in coauthorship may be better explained by incomplete proration than by any increased specialization among authors. A possible explanation for the reliance on incomplete proration is the self‐interest of economists who are more likely to engage coauthorship—full professors. The self‐interest of senior faculty may also explain the relatively small role given to citations in senior promotions. A rational response by economists to the under‐proration of author credit is to engage in false authorship.

Although false authorship is of dubious ethical status, it may have the perverse impact of improving the eﬃciency of team production. Grossly excessive coauthorship, where little attention is paid to most authors listed on a paper, as found in some other academic disciplines, may be the path down which economics is headed if the reward structure is not altered. (JEL A14, O30, I23)
Photoperiod and variation in life history traits in core and peripheral populations in the damselfly Lestes sponsa
Authors: ŚNIEGULA SZYMON , DROBNIAK SZYMON M. , GOŁĄB MARIA J. , JOHANSSON FRANK
Published: October 2013

In order to predict evolutionary responses to environmental changes one needs to identify the evolutionary potential in terms of genetic variation of traits and of the traits' plasticity. We studied genetic variance in life history traits and their reaction norms in response to manipulated photoperiods in central, northern, and northernmost peripheral populations of the damselfly Lestes sponsa (Hansemann). After the central‐marginal hypothesis, it is predicted that central populations will express the highest genetic variance.

Northern and northernmost populations showed the highest development and growth rates. All populations expressed shorter development and accelerated growth when raised in a northern compared with a central latitude photoperiod. The slopes of reaction norms differed between regions resulting in a region‐by‐photoperiod interaction.

There was genetic variation in development time; however, it did not differ across regions. There was no genetic variation in growth rate or in the plasticity of development time and growth rate to photoperiod.

Results did not support the central‐marginal hypothesis. However, evidence was found that the development time has the potential to evolve at similar rates across study regions. In contrast, the growth rate seems to be genetically constrained for further evolution, probably because of a strong past directional selection on this trait. The presence of low genetic variation in the slope of the reaction norms could be a result of stabilising selection imposed by seasonality.
Influence of C‐reactive protein levels and age on the value of D‐dimer in diagnosing pulmonary embolism
Authors: Crop Meindert Johannes , Siemes Claire , Berendes Paul , van der Straaten Frans , Willemsen Sten , Levin Mark‐David
Published: October 2013

Background

Recently, the number of performed CT‐angiographies to diagnose pulmonary embolism (PE) rised markedly, while the incidence of PE hardly increased. This low yield of CT‐angiography leads to more patients exposed to radiation and higher costs.

Aim

The diagnostic value of age, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and D‐dimer in PE was investigated. Additionally an age‐adjusted D‐dimer cutoff level [age‐adjusted cutoff = age/100 mg/L] was compared with the conventional cutoff level in diagnosing PE for patients ≥50 yr.

Methods

This observational study (2004–2007) included all consecutive patients suspected for PE presenting on the emergency department with a performed CT‐angiography after measuring CRP and D‐dimer levels.

Results

Of 4609 patients suspected for PE, 1164 patients underwent CT‐angiography of whom 309 (26.5%) had PE. Correlation between CRP and D‐dimer was 0.42 (P < 0.001). D‐dimer and age correlated positively (rs = 0.33, P < 0.001), but only in patients >50 yr and independent of PE. Multivariate regression analysis showed significant contribution of age, D‐dimer and age‐adjusted D‐dimer for diagnosing PE, but not for CRP. Using an age‐adjusted D‐dimer cutoff value increased specificity from 37% to 50%, whereas sensitivity declined from 96% to 90%. Applying this age‐adjusted cutoff level in patients ≥70 yr, specificity increased from 18% to 40%, while sensitivity decreased from 96% to 88%.

Conclusions

In the prediction of PE, age and D‐dimer levels are relevant, while CRP level is not. Using an age‐adjusted D‐dimer cutoff in older patients remarkably improves the specificity of D‐dimer testing with a minor decline in sensitivity. This may increase the yield of CT‐angiography in diagnosing PE.
Postallogeneic monitoring with molecular markers detected by pretransplant next‐generation or Sanger sequencing predicts clinical relapse in patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Fu Yuewen , Schroeder Thomas , Zabelina Tatjana , Badbaran Anita , Bacher Ulrike , Kobbe Guido , Ayuk Francis , Wolschke Christine , Schnittger Susanne , Kohlmann Alexander , Haferlach Torsten , Kröger Nicolaus
Published: October 2013

Relapse is the major cause of treatment failure after allogeneic stem‐cell transplantation (AHSCT) for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative syndrome neoplasms (MDS/MPN). We evaluated the impact of molecular mutations on outcome and the value of molecular monitoring post‐transplantation. We screened 45 patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (n = 39 patients, including seven with transformed‐acute myeloid leukemia), MDS/MPN unclassifiable (n = 5), and atypical BCR‐ABL1‐negative CML (n = 1) for mutations in ASXL1, CBL, NRAS, and TET2 genes by molecular genetics including a sensitive next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technique. In 36 patients, sufficient DNA was available for molecular analyses. In particular, TET2 and CBL mutations were screened applying amplicon deep sequencing. In 89% of cases, at least one mutation could be detected: ASXL1: n = 18 (50%); CBL: n = 7 (19%); TET2: n = 15 (42%); and NRAS: n = 11 (32%). Survival after AHSCT at 5 yr was 46% (95% CI 28–64%) and was not influenced by any mutation. After a median of 6 months after AHSCT in 33% of the patients, one of the molecular markers was still detectable, resulting in a higher incidence of relapse than in patients with undetectable mutations (50% vs. 15%, P = 0.04). In conclusion, pretransplant molecular mutation analysis can help to detect biomarkers in patients with MPN/MDS, which may be subsequently used as minimal residual disease markers after AHSCT.
Adaptive and non‐adaptive changes in activity‐deprived presynaptic terminals
Authors: Horellou Süzel , Pascual Olivier , Triller Antoine , Marty Serge
Published: October 2013

How the number of docked vesicles is regulated is still unclear. Following chronic activity blockade the number of docked vesicles increases, providing a model through which to address this issue. We tested the hypotheses that the number of docked vesicles is regulated with the size of the terminal, and by the level of Rab3‐interacting molecule 1/2 (RIM1/2). We immobilized mouse hippocampal slice cultures by high‐pressure freezing after 3 days of tetrodotoxin treatment and analysed them by electron microscopy. The number of docked vesicles, the size of the active zones and the amount of GluA2 were increased after activity blockade. However, there was no modification of either the total number of synaptic vesicles or the area of presynaptic profiles. Surprisingly, immunocytochemistry showed no change in the mean level of RIM1/2 per terminal but its distribution was modified. Additionally, there was no modification of the mean frequency or amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents, but the distribution of amplitudes was modified. These results indicate a specific homeostatic regulation of the synaptic junction. The number of docked vesicles does not seem to be regulated by the amount of RIM1/2. The modification of the distribution, but not the amount, of RIM1/2 may explain the contradiction between the morphological and electrophysiological findings.
Ethical consideration in invasion ecology: A marine perspective
Authors: Bunting Denise , Coleman Ross A.
Published: October 2013

Biological introductions of species to regions outside their known natural distribution are considered a major threat to native marine biodiversity and a key consideration for ecological management. For most invasive species in marine systems, however, little is known about potential impacts. If we are to increase our knowledge of the processes and mechanisms behind the spread of nonindigenous species or determine economic or ecological impacts, manipulative ecological field experiments are the best way to unambiguously ascribe causal relationships. For studies of invasions, such research may result in species spread and the establishment of new viable populations. Is it ethical then, to take the risk of potentially modifying or endangering other species, populations or ecosystems? Is it possible to mitigate the risks? Or should invasion ecologists work under restrictions that limit their ability to fully assess the impact of invaders? Consideration of the ethics of experimentation is rarely carried out. As a consequence, we propose a decision model that includes possible risk of escape/establishment versus the value of the research to allow researchers and/or managers to critically evaluate what type of experimental approach is appropriate.
Frontal plane fractures of the accessory carpal bone and implications for the carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons
Authors: Minshall G. J. , Wright I. M.
Published: October 2013

Reasons for performing study

Accurate radiological and ultrasonographic descriptions of frontal plane fractures of the accessory carpal bone (ACB) are lacking, and implications of these fractures for the carpal sheath and its contents have not previously been reported.

Objectives

Aims were as follows: 1) to describe the location and radiological features of frontal plane fractures of the ACB; 2) to document communication of displaced fractures with the carpal sheath and consequent injury to the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT); 3) to describe ultrasonographic identification of lesions; and 4) to report tenoscopic evaluation and treatment.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Analysis of frontal plane fractures of the ACB referred to a single hospital between 2006 and 2012, including review of radiographic, ultrasonographic and tenoscopic images.

Results

Nine fractures were identified, of which 8 displaced fractures all communicated with the carpal sheath. Comminuted fragments and/or protruding fracture margins lacerated the lateral margin of the enclosed DDFT. This was identifiable ultrasonographically and confirmed at tenoscopy in 7 cases. Treatment in these horses consisted of removal of torn tendon tissue together with fragmentation and protuberant fracture edges, and 7 of 7 cases returned to work. One horse with a nondisplaced fracture was managed with immobilisation; the fracture healed, and the horse returned to work. One horse with a displaced fracture was retired to stud.

Conclusions

Frontal plane fractures of the ACB occur palmar to the groove in its lateral margin for the tendon of insertion of ulnaris lateralis. Comminuted fragments can displace distally within the carpal sheath to a mid‐metacarpal level or abaxially to lie extrathecally, lateral to the parent bone. Displaced fractures communicate with the carpal sheath and traumatise the DDFT.
Plastic collapse load prediction and failure assessment diagram analysis of cracked circular hollow section T‐joint and Y‐joint
Authors: Lie S. T. , Li T. , Shao Y. B.
Published: October 2013

This paper concerns the validation of standard safety assessment procedure given in BS 7910 for cracked circular hollow section T‐joint and Y‐joint, using the finite element (FE) results. A robust and efficient FE mesh generator is developed to produce the 3D models of the cracked joints and to calculate the elastic J‐integral (Je) and elastic–plastic J‐integral (Jep) values of the crack respectively. In order to verify its accuracy and convergence, the plastic collapse loads (Pc) obtained from experimental tests and FE predictions are compared; they agree very well with each other. It is also found from experimental tests that the plastic collapse loads (Pc) predicted using the BS 7910 reduction factor (FAR) are safe and conservative. Subsequently, the failure assessment diagrams (FADs) of five cracked T‐joints and three cracked Y‐joints are constructed using the FE results, following the J‐integral method, which is classified as Level 3C in BS 7910. Thereafter, a comparison between the constructed FAD curves and the standard Level 2A curve is carried out, and it is observed that the safety assessment results using the standard Level 2A curve might be unsafe because some parts of the constructed FAD curves fall inside of the standard one. A penalty factor of 1.15 working on both the elastic–plastic J‐integral and plastic collapse load (Pc) is proposed to move all the constructed FAD curves just outside of the standard Level 2A curve.
Residual strength at −40 °C of a precracked cold‐formed rectangular hollow section made of ultra‐high‐strength steel – an engineering approach
Authors: Nykänen T. , Björk T. , Mettänen H. , Ilyin A. V. , Koskimäki M.
Published: October 2013

This study investigated the residual strength of a precracked cold‐formed rectangular hollow section made of novel ultra‐high‐strength steel. The primary goal was to experimentally discover the residual strength of the structure when used in low temperature service conditions. The secondary goal was to predict the residual strength by using aJ‐integral approach with nonlinear finite element calculations and to compare these predictions with measured results. The experimental tests were carried out with a beam in four‐point bending loading. The test specimens were taken from a cold‐formed rectangular hollow section fabricated from direct quenched (untempered) ultra‐high‐strength steel S960 QC omitting the annealing in the fabrication process. The tests for final failure were carried out at −40 °C, with the exception of the first pilot test. There were two kinds of tests: (1) the beam was cyclically loaded until the final fracture or the fatigue precrack was first introduced and (2) the specimen was then subjected to a quasistatic bending loading condition until it failed. The new experimental results matched well with our predictions, and both confirmed the high toughness of ultra‐high‐strength steel in beam construction studied, even at a low ambient temperature.
Where are the wild things? Why we need better data on species distribution
Authors: Duputié Anne , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Chuine Isabelle
Published: October 2013

Aim

The effects of ongoing global change are causing increasing concern about the ability of species or biomes to shift or adapt. Tremendous efforts have been made to develop ever more sophisticated species distribution models to provide forecasts for the future of biodiversity. All these models rely on species occurrence data, either for calibration or validation. Here we evaluate (i) whether distribution data diverge among widely used sources, for supposedly well‐known taxa, and (ii) to what extent these divergences affect species distribution models.

Location

Europe (as an example).

Methods

We compared the distribution maps of 21 of the most common European trees, according to four large‐scale, putatively reliable sources of distribution data. For each species, we compared the outputs of correlative species distribution models built using occurrence data from each of these sources of data. We also investigated how discrepancies in large‐scale occurrence data affected the validation scores of two process‐based tree distribution models.

Results

Maps of tree occurrence diverged in 8–74% of the forested area, depending on species. These discrepancies affected projections of niche models: for example, 22–75% of the area projected as suitable by at least one model generated using one source of data was not projected as such by all other models. For most species, this proportion increased under scenarios of climate change, whatever the model used. To a lesser extent, uncertainties on current species distributions also affect the validation score of process‐based distribution models.

Main conclusions

Reliable, widely used sources of occurrence data strongly diverge even for well‐known taxa – the most common European trees. Scientists and stakeholders should acknowledge this gap in knowledge, since accurate data are a prerequisite to providing stakeholders with robust forecasts on biodiversity. Participatory science programmes and remote sensing techniques are promising tools for rapidly gathering such data.
Contingent spaces for smallholder participation in GlobalGAP: insights from Kenyan horticulture value chains
Authors: Tallontire Anne , Opondo Maggie , Nelson Valerie
Published: October 2013

Private standards initiatives (PSIs) in agri‐food value chains raise questions of democratic governance and accountability relating to the voice and agency of those whom the standards are designed to benefit or whom they most affect. We employ the concept of ‘spaces for participation’ to analyse participation in a particular PSI, GlobalGAP, and assess how, and to what extent, it opens up a space for debate about what constitutes good practice in agri‐food chains and for whom. We draw on focus groups with smallholders, together with semi‐structured interviews and workshops held with actors at the national and international scales to examine PSIs operating in Kenyan export horticulture to examine good agricultural practice (GAP) standards. Our analysis suggests that despite public announcements that these initiatives promote the voice of the farmer, the direct participation of farmers is largely absent from these policy spaces at present. This is related to the way in which invitations to the spaces for participation are constructed, what is deemed to be appropriate subjects for discussion in PSIs as well as the practical challenges associated with the organisation of farmers across spatial scales. The spaces for participation are located largely at the international and national scales with few connections to the local scale. This paper contributes to an extension of value chain analysis that re‐asserts the importance of institutional context and how value chains are embedded in particular socio‐economic and political systems.
Present and Past Helicobacter pylori Infection in Mexican School Children
Authors: Mendoza Eugenia , Camorlinga‐Ponce Margarita , Perez‐Perez Guillermo , Mera Robertino , Vilchis Jenny , Moran Segundo , Rivera Octavio , Coria Rafael , Torres Javier , Correa Pelayo , Duque Ximena
Published: October 2013

Background

In developing countries, more than 50% of children have serological evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, serological tests for H. pylori did not differentiate between active and past infection. The objectives of this study were to estimate the frequency of active and past H. pylori infection utilizing functional urea breath test (UBT) and serological tests and evaluate factors associated with the infection.

Methods

A total of 675 school children, 6–13 years of age, participated. UBT was performed to detect active H. pylori infection. Blood samples were obtained to determine iron status and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to the H. pylori whole‐cell and to Cag A antigens by antigen‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Weight, height, and sociodemographic characteristics were recorded.

Results

A total of 37.9% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 34.2–41.6) of school children had active or past H. pylori infection; of them, 73.8% (CI95% 68.4−79.2) were carrying CagA‐positive strain, 26.5% (CI95% 23.2–29.8) had active infection, and 11.4% (95%CI: 9.0–13.8) had evidence of past H. pylori infection. School children with iron deficiency and low height for age had higher risk of H. pylori infection: [OR to active or past infection was 2.30 (CI 95% 1.01–5.23) and to active infection it was 2.64 (CI 95% 1.09–6.44)] compared to school children with normal iron status and height for age or with normal iron status but low height for age or with iron deficiency and normal height for age.

Conclusions

The estimated prevalence of infection depends of the test utilized. Frequency of H. pylori infection and carrying CagA‐positive strains was high in this population. Malnutrition was associated with active H. pylori infection.