bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Footprints Sticking Out of the Sand. Part 2: Children's Bayesian Priors for Shape and Lighting Direction
Authors: Stone James V
Published: March 2011

The shading information in images that depict surfaces of 3-D objects cannot be perceived correctly unless the direction of the illuminating light source is known and, in the absence of this knowledge, perception in adults is consistent with a light-from-above Bayesian prior assumption. In order to investigate if children make use of a similar assumption, 171 children between the ages of 4.6 and 10.8 years were tested with 20 images containing shading information, where the shape depicted in each image could be perceived as either convex or concave. Each child's Bayesian prior probability that light comes from above was estimated, and (assuming that decision-noise is approximately the same in all children) regression analyses revealed a significant increase in this prior probability of 0.034–0.035 per year, and predict a neutral prior (0.5) at 1.6 years for naturalistic picture stimuli and 3.6 years for abstract symbol stimuli. Additionally, each child's prior probability for perceiving shapes as being convex/concave was estimated, and was found to be close to a neutral value of 0.5 for all ages. Together, these results indicate that children have a neutral prior for shape convexity, and that their prior probability for lighting direction gradually shifts towards an adult-like prior value as they grow older. Finally, the status of these one-dimensional priors is discussed in relation to marginal distributions of high-dimensional priors implicit in the statistical structure of the physical word.
Vection in Depth during Consistent and Inconsistent Multisensory Stimulation
Authors: Ash April , Palmisano Stephen , Kim Juno
Published: March 2011

We examined vection induced during physical or simulated head oscillation along either the horizontal or depth axis. In the first two experiments, during active conditions, subjects viewed radial-flow displays which simulated viewpoint oscillation that was either in-phase or out-of-phase with their own tracked head movements. In passive conditions, stationary subjects viewed playbacks of displays generated in earlier active conditions. A third control, experiment was also conducted where physical and simulated fore–aft oscillation was added to a lamellar flow display. Consistent with ecology, when active in-phase horizontal oscillation was added to a radial-flow display it modestly improved vection compared to active out-of-phase and passive conditions. However, when active fore–aft head movements were added to either a radial-flow or a lamellar-flow display, both in-phase and out-of-phase conditions produced very similar vection. Our research shows that consistent multisensory input can enhance the visual perception of self-motion in some situations. However, it is clear that multisensory stimulation does not have to be consistent (ie ecological) to generate compelling vection in depth.
The Importance of a Visual Horizon for Distance Judgments under Severely Degraded Vision
Authors: Rand Kristina M , Tarampi Margaret R , Creem-Regehr Sarah H , Thompson William B
Published: March 2011

In two experiments we examined the role of visual horizon information on absolute egocentric distance judgments to on-ground targets. Sedgwick [1983, in Human and Machine Vision (New York: Academic Press) pp 425–458] suggested that the visual system may utilize the angle of declination from a horizontal line of sight to the target location (horizon–distance relation) to determine absolute distances on infinite ground surfaces. While studies have supported this hypothesis, less is known about the specific cues (vestibular, visual) used to determine horizontal line of sight. We investigated this question by requiring observers to judge distances under degraded vision given an unaltered or raised visual horizon. The results suggest that visual horizon information does influence perception of absolute distances as evident through two different action-based measures: walking or throwing without vision to previously viewed targets. Distances were judged as shorter in the presence of a raised visual horizon. The results are discussed with respect to how the visual system accurately determines absolute distance to objects on a finite ground plane and for their implications for understanding space perception in low-vision individuals.
The combustion of sound and rotten coarse woody debris: a review
Authors: Hyde Joshua C. , Smith Alistair M. S. , Ottmar Roger D. , Alvarado Ernesto C. , Morgan Penelope
Published: March 2011

Coarse woody debris serves many functions in forest ecosystem processes and has important implications for fire management as it affects air quality, soil heating and carbon budgets when it combusts. There is relatively little research evaluating the physical properties relating to the combustion of this coarse woody debris with even less specifically addressing decomposition, a condition that eventually affects all debris. We review studies evaluating the combustion and consumption of coarse woody debris in the field and under controlled conditions. The thermal properties affected by decomposition are also reviewed, as are current modelling tools to represent their combustion. Management implications and suggestions for future research are then presented.
Declining fires in Larix-dominated forests in northern Irkutsk district
Authors: Wallenius Tuomo , Larjavaara Markku , Heikkinen Juha , Shibistova Olga
Published: March 2011

To study the poorly known fire history of Larix-dominated forest in central Siberia, we collected samples from 200 trees in 46 systematically located study plots. Our study area stretches ~90 km from north to south along the River Nizhnyaya Tunguska in northern Irkustk district. Cross-dated tree-ring chronology for all samples combined extended from the year 1360 AD to the present and included 76 fire years and 88 separate fire events. Average fire cycle gradually lengthened from 52 years in the 18th century to 164 years in the 20th century. During the same time, the number of recorded fires decreased even more steeply, i.e. by more than 85%. Fires were more numerous but smaller in the past. Contrary to expectations, climate change in the 20th century has not resulted in increased forest fires in this region. Fire suppression may have contributed to the scarcity of fires since the 1950s. However, a significant decline in fires was evident earlier; therefore an additional explanation is required, a reduction in human-caused ignitions being likely in the light of historical accounts.
Sonochemistry and sonoluminescence in microfluidics
Authors: Tandiono  , Ohl Siew-Wan , Ow Dave S. W. , Klaseboer Evert , Wong Victor V. , Dumke Rainer , Ohl Claus-Dieter
Published: March 2011

One way to focus the diffuse energy of a sound field in a liquid is by acoustically driving bubbles into nonlinear oscillation. A rapid and nearly adiabatic bubble collapse heats up the bubble interior and produces intense concentration of energy that is able to emit light (sonoluminescence) and to trigger chemical reactions (sonochemistry). Such phenomena have been extensively studied in bulk liquid. We present here a realization of sonoluminescence and sonochemistry created from bubbles confined within a narrow channel of polydimethylsiloxane-based microfluidic devices. In the microfluidics channels, the bubbles form a planar/pancake shape. During bubble collapse we find the formation of OH radicals and the emission of light. The chemical reactions are closely confined to gas–liquid interfaces that allow for spatial control of sonochemical reactions in lab-on-a-chip devices. The decay time of the light emitted from the sonochemical reaction is several orders faster than that in the bulk liquid. Multibubble sonoluminescence emission in contrast vanishes immediately as the sound field is stopped.
Bonding changes in hot fluid hydrogen at megabar pressures
Authors: Subramanian Natarajan , Goncharov Alexander F. , Struzhkin Viktor V. , Somayazulu Maddury , Hemley Russell J.
Published: March 2011

Raman spectroscopy in laser-heated diamond anvil cells has been employed to probe the bonding state and phase diagram of dense hydrogen up to 140 GPa and 1,500 K. The measurements were made possible as a result of the development of new techniques for containing and probing the hot, dense fluid, which is of fundamental importance in physics, planetary science, and astrophysics. A pronounced discontinuous softening of the molecular vibron was found at elevated temperatures along with a large broadening and decrease in intensity of the roton bands. These phenomena indicate the existence of a state of the fluid having significantly modified intramolecular bonding. The results are consistent with the existence of a pressure-induced transformation in the fluid related to the presence of a temperature maximum in the melting line as a function of pressure.
Grassroots spirituality as a holistic expression of the psyche
Authors: Tacey David
Published: March 2011

Jung was aware that any new experience of the sacred would not be welcomed as sacred by religious tradition or intellectual high culture. In fact, new experiences of the sacred are often rejected by religions, and regarded with utmost scepticism by critical traditions. I suggest that a grassroots spirituality movement is to be viewed in this context today. I distinguish this movement from the New Age movement with which it is often conflated and confused. I argue that the grassroots movement is an expression of the holistic directions of the collective psyche. Finally, I explore the Vatican's recent attack on Jungian psychology as an example of a senex tradition that seeks to destroy creativity, and suggest that Jung's theory of the religious function of the psyche is being deliberately misread by a besieged and failing tradition.
Plasma-induced complete destruction of tetrachlorophenols in an aqueous solution
Authors: Yang Haiming , Tezuka Meguru
Published: March 2011

The complete destruction of tetrachlorophenols (TCPs) in water irradiated with a dc plasma was carried out. The plasma was generated locally between an electrolytic solution and the tip of an anode in contact with the surface by means of contact glow discharge electrolysis. From the beginning of the reaction, the TCPs were smoothly degraded. With the disappearance of the TCPs, the amount of total organic carbon (TOC) in water concurrently decreased, which signified the effective conversion of organic carbons to inorganic ones. In addition, all the chlorine atoms of the TCPs were eventually liberated as chloride ions. Thus, it was shown that TCPs could be thoroughly mineralized under these conditions. Furthermore, it was revealed that the decay of both the TCPs and TOC obeyed the first-order rate law. The apparent rate constant for the decay of TCPs rose with a decline in the pK

a
values of the TCPs, while for the decay of TOC the rate was substantially unchanged. The kinetic behaviour associated with the relative reactivity of TCPs could be interpreted on the basis of a reaction scheme involving successive attacks by the hydroxyl radicals generated in water by the action of the plasma.
Schur-Agler class rational inner functions on the tridisk
Authors: Knese Greg
Published: March 2011

We prove two results with regard to rational inner functions in the Schur-Agler class of the tridisk. Every rational inner function of degree

(
n
,
1
,
1
)

(n,1,1)

is in the Schur-Agler class, and every rational inner function of degree

(
n
,
m
,
1
)

(n,m,1)

is in the Schur-Agler class after multiplication by a monomial of sufficiently high degree.
Expected declines in recruitment of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) in the eastern Bering Sea under future climate change
Authors: Mueter Franz J. , Bond Nicholas A. , Ianelli James N. , Hollowed Anne B.
Published: March 2011

Mueter, F. J., Bond, N. A., Ianelli, J. N., and Hollowed, A. B. 2011. Expected declines in recruitment of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) in the eastern Bering Sea under future climate change. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1284–1296. A statistical model is developed to link recruitment of eastern Bering Sea walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) to variability in late summer sea surface temperatures and to the biomass of major predators. The model is based on recent advances in the understanding of pollock recruitment, which suggest that warm spring conditions enhance the survival of early larvae, but high temperatures in late summer and autumn are associated with poor feeding conditions for young-of-year pollock and reduced recruitment in the following year. A statistical downscaling approach is used to generate an ensemble of late summer temperature forecasts through 2050, based on a range of IPCC climate projections. These forecasts are used to simulate future recruitment within an age-structured stock projection model that accounts for density-dependent effects (stock–recruitment relationship), the estimated effects of temperature and predation, and associated uncertainties. On average, recruitment in 2040–2050 should expectedly decline by 32–58% relative to a random recruitment scenario, depending on assumptions about the temperature relationship, the magnitude of density-dependence, and future changes in predator biomass. The approach illustrated here can be used to evaluate the performance of different management strategies and provide long-term strategic advice to managers confronted with a rapidly changing climate.
REVIEW: Zein Extraction from Corn, Corn Products, and Coproducts and Modifications for Various Applications: A Review
Authors: Anderson Timothy J. , Lamsal Buddhi P.
Published: March 2011

Corn can be fractioned to produce starch, fiber, oil, and protein in relatively pure forms. The corn kernel contains 9–12% protein, but half of this is an industrially useful protein called zein. Dry milled corn (DMC), corn gluten meal (CGM), and distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are all coproducts from corn that contain zein and are used for zein extraction. Because it is insoluble in water, zein has found uses in many products such as coatings, plastics, textiles, and adhesives. Newer applications are taking advantage of zein's biological properties for supporting growing cells, delivering drugs, producing degradable sutures, and producing biodegradable plastics. This review covers zein characteristics and nomenclature, past and current practices in processing and extraction of zein from corn products and coproducts, and the modifications of zein for various applications.
A Comparison of Disinfectants to Prevent Spread of Potyviruses in Greenhouse Tomato Production
Authors: Wintermantel W. M.
Published: March 2011

Potyviruses, transmitted by a diverse array of common aphid species, infect a broad range of vegetable crops, and can be problematic in greenhouse tomato production. Once introduced, these viruses are believed to be transmitted plant-to-plant during pruning operations, and can infect large sections of a greenhouse, resulting in significant losses in fruit quality and yield. Several methods are used for virus management in greenhouse production, including rouging of diseased plants and treatment of tools and facilities with virucides to eradicate the virus responsible. To clarify potyvirus transmission efficiency from an infected source during pruning operations, experiments were conducted using direct and serial mechanical inoculation of Potato virus Y (PVY) using a scalpel dipped in a suspension of PVY-infected plant sap. Tests demonstrated that both serial and direct inoculation resulted in significant PVY transmission, but that transmission rates declined after the first few plants in serial transmission. Additional tests evaluated the efficiency of two virucides, a quaternary ammonium solution and sodium hypochlorite, for virus inactivation during pruning operations using a range of concentrations and time points. Results demonstrated that 0.5% sodium hypochlorite treatment for two seconds was sufficient for virus control, and superior to treatment with quaternary ammonium solutions.

Accepted for publication 20 December 2010. Published 21 February 2011.
Screening Exotic Sorghum Germplasm, Hybrids, and Elite Lines for Resistance to a New Virulent Pathotype (P6) of Peronosclerospora sorghi Causing Downy Mildew
Authors: Radwan Ghada L. , Perumal Ramasamy , Isakeit Thomas , Magill Clint W. , Prom Louis K. , Little Christopher R.
Published: March 2011

A recent outbreak of sorghum downy mildew (SDM) in Texas has led to the discovery of both metalaxyl fungicide resistance and a new pathotype, P6, in the causal organism Peronosclerospora sorghi. New and alternate sources of host plant resistance are needed for successful management of SDM. To identify sources of resistance, a total of 333 (242 minicore lines representing diverse germplasm from India, 67 commercial hybrids from Kansas, and 24 elite breeding lines from Texas) were inoculated in the greenhouse. Using an established sandwich inoculation technique, artificial inoculation of test lines with P. sorghi conidia, resulting in < 10% infection, were scored as “resistant.” Fifty-two minicore and 20 accessions from Kansas exhibited ≤ 10% infection and were selected as resistant. Out of 52 resistant minicore accessions, 28 were photoinsensitive. Eleven of 20 commercial hybrids from Kansas showed zero percent infection. Thirteen of 24 elite breeding lines from Texas were also resistant. In this study, resistance sources for the new P6 SDM pathotype were identified. The diversity among these materials is expected to provide different single-gene sources as well as quantitative sources of SDM resistance for use in breeding programs.

Accepted for publication 13 January 2011. Published 23 March 2011.
Sexy birds are superior at solving a foraging problem
Authors: Mateos-Gonzalez Fernando , Quesada Javier , Senar Juan Carlos
Published: March 2011

Yellow, red or orange carotenoid-based colorations in male birds are often a signal to prospecting females about body condition, health status and ability to find food. However, this general ‘ability to find food’ has never been defined. Here we show that more brightly ornamented individuals may also be more efficient when foraging in novel situations. The results highlight the fact that evolution may have provided females tools to evaluate cognitive abilities of the males.
Parasitoid diversity reduces the variability in pest control services across time on farms
Authors: Macfadyen Sarina , Craze Paul G. , Polaszek Andrew , van Achterberg Kees , Memmott Jane
Published: March 2011

Recent declines in biodiversity have increased interest in the link between biodiversity and the provision and sustainability of ecosystem services across space and time. We mapped the complex network of interactions between herbivores and parasitoids to examine the relationship between parasitoid species richness, functional group diversity and the provision of natural pest control services. Quantitative food webs were constructed for 10 organic and 10 conventional farms. Parasitoid species richness varied from 26 to 58 species and we found a significant positive relationship between parasitoid species richness and temporal stability in parasitism rates. Higher species richness was associated with lower variation in parasitism rate. A functional group analysis showed significantly greater parasitoid species complementarity on organic farms, with on average more species in each functional group. We simulated parasitoid removal to predict whether organic farms experienced greater robustness of parasitism in the face of local extinctions. This analysis showed no consistent differences between the organic and conventional farm pairs in terms of loss of pest control service. Finally, it was found that the different habitats that make up each farm do not contribute equally to parasitoid species diversity, and that hedgerows produced more parasitoid species, significantly more so on organic farms.
Hibernation is associated with increased survival and the evolution of slow life histories among mammals
Authors: Turbill Christopher , Bieber Claudia , Ruf Thomas
Published: March 2011

Survival probability is predicted to underlie the evolution of life histories along a slow–fast continuum. Hibernation allows a diverse range of small mammals to exhibit seasonal dormancy, which might increase survival and consequently be associated with relatively slow life histories. We used phylogenetically informed GLS models to test for an effect of hibernation on seasonal and annual survival, and on key attributes of life histories among mammals. Monthly survival was in most cases higher during hibernation compared with the active season, probably because inactivity minimizes predation. Hibernators also have approximately 15 per cent higher annual survival than similar sized non-hibernating species. As predicted, we found an effect of hibernation on the relationships between life history attributes and body mass: small hibernating mammals generally have longer maximum life spans (50% greater for a 50 g species), reproduce at slower rates, mature at older ages and have longer generation times compared with similar-sized non-hibernators. In accordance with evolutionary theories, however, hibernating species do not have longer life spans than non-hibernators with similar survival rates, nor do they have lower reproductive rates than non-hibernators with similar maximum life spans. Thus, our combined results suggest that (i) hibernation is associated with high rates of overwinter and annual survival, and (ii) an increase in survival in hibernating species is linked with the coevolution of traits indicative of relatively slow life histories.
Bell miner provisioning calls are more similar among relatives and are used by helpers at the nest to bias their effort towards kin
Authors: McDonald Paul G. , Wright Jonathan
Published: March 2011

Kin selection predicts that helpers in cooperative systems should preferentially aid relatives to maximize fitness. In family-based groups, this can be accomplished simply by assisting all group members. In more complex societies, where large numbers of kin and non-kin regularly interact, more sophisticated kin-recognition mechanisms are needed. Bell miners (
Manorina melanophrys
) are just such a system where individuals regularly interact with both kin and non-kin within large colonies. Despite this complexity, individual helpers of both sexes facultatively work harder when provisioning the young of closer genetic relatedness. We investigated the mechanism by which such adaptive discrimination occurs by assessing genetic kinship influences on the structure of more than 1900 provisioning vocalizations of 185 miners. These ‘mew’ calls showed a significant, positive linear increase in call similarity with increasing genetic relatedness, most especially in comparisons between male helpers and the breeding male. Furthermore, individual helping effort was more heavily influenced by call similarity to breeding males than to genetic relatedness, as predicted if call similarity is indeed the rule-of-thumb used to discriminate kin in this system. Individual mew call structure appeared to be inflexible and innate, providing an effective mechanism by which helpers can assess their relatedness to any individual. This provides, to our knowledge, the first example of a mechanism for fine-scale kin discrimination in a complex avian society.
Sea urchin tube feet are photosensory organs that express a rhabdomeric-like opsin and PAX6
Authors: Lesser Michael P. , Carleton Karen L. , Böttger Stefanie A. , Barry Thomas M. , Walker Charles W.
Published: March 2011

All echinoderms have unique hydraulic structures called tube feet, known for their roles in light sensitivity, respiration, chemoreception and locomotion. In the green sea urchin, the most distal portion of these tube feet contain five ossicles arranged as a light collector with its concave surface facing towards the ambient light. These ossicles are perforated and lined with pigment cells that express a PAX6 protein that is universally involved in the development of eyes and sensory organs in other bilaterians. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based sequencing and real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) also demonstrate the presence and differential expression of a rhabdomeric-like opsin within these tube feet. Morphologically, nerves that could serve to transmit information to the test innervate the tube feet, and the differential expression of opsin transcripts in the tube feet is inversely, and significantly, related to the amount of light that tube feet are exposed to depending on their location on the test. The expression of these genes, the differential expression of opsin based on light exposure and the unique morphological features at the distal portion of the tube foot strongly support the hypothesis that in addition to previously identified functional roles of tube feet they are also photosensory organs that detect and respond to changes in the underwater light field.
The Jasmonate-ZIM Domain Proteins Interact with the R2R3-MYB Transcription Factors MYB21 and MYB24 to Affect Jasmonate-Regulated Stamen Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Song Susheng , Qi Tiancong , Huang Huang , Ren Qingcuo , Wu Dewei , Chang Changqing , Peng Wen , Liu Yule , Peng Jinrong , Xie Daoxin
Published: March 2011

The Arabidopsis thaliana F-box protein CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1 (COI1) perceives jasmonate (JA) signals and subsequently targets the Jasmonate-ZIM domain proteins (JAZs) for degradation by the SCFCOI1-26S proteasome pathway to mediate various jasmonate-regulated processes, including fertility, root growth, anthocyanin accumulation, senescence, and defense. In this study, we screened JAZ-interacting proteins from an Arabidopsis cDNA library in the yeast two-hybrid system. MYB21 and MYB24, two R2R3-MYB transcription factors, were found to interact with JAZ1, JAZ8, and JAZ11 in yeast and in planta. Genetic and physiological experiments showed that the myb21 myb24 double mutant exhibited defects specifically in pollen maturation, anther dehiscence, and filament elongation leading to male sterility. Transgenic expression of MYB21 in the coi1-1 mutant was able to rescue male fertility partially but unable to recover JA-regulated root growth inhibition, anthocyanin accumulation, and plant defense. These results demonstrate that the R2R3-MYB transcription factors MYB21 and MYB24 function as direct targets of JAZs to regulate male fertility specifically. We speculate that JAZs interact with MYB21 and MYB24 to attenuate their transcriptional function; upon perception of JA signal, COI1 recruits JAZs to the SCFCOI1 complex for ubiquitination and degradation through the 26S proteasome; MYB21 and MYB24 are then released to activate expression of various genes essential for JA-regulated anther development and filament elongation.
High-Resolution Temporal Profiling of Transcripts during Arabidopsis Leaf Senescence Reveals a Distinct Chronology of Processes and Regulation
Authors: Breeze Emily , Harrison Elizabeth , McHattie Stuart , Hughes Linda , Hickman Richard , Hill Claire , Kiddle Steven , Kim Youn-sung , Penfold Christopher A. , Jenkins Dafyd , Zhang Cunjin , Morris Karl , Jenner Carol , Jackson Stephen , Thomas Brian , Tabrett Alexandra , Legaie Roxane , Moore Jonathan D. , Wild David L. , Ott Sascha , Rand David , Beynon Jim , Denby Katherine , Mead Andrew , Buchanan-Wollaston Vicky
Published: March 2011

Leaf senescence is an essential developmental process that impacts dramatically on crop yields and involves altered regulation of thousands of genes and many metabolic and signaling pathways, resulting in major changes in the leaf. The regulation of senescence is complex, and although senescence regulatory genes have been characterized, there is little information on how these function in the global control of the process. We used microarray analysis to obtain a high-resolution time-course profile of gene expression during development of a single leaf over a 3-week period to senescence. A complex experimental design approach and a combination of methods were used to extract high-quality replicated data and to identify differentially expressed genes. The multiple time points enable the use of highly informative clustering to reveal distinct time points at which signaling and metabolic pathways change. Analysis of motif enrichment, as well as comparison of transcription factor (TF) families showing altered expression over the time course, identify clear groups of TFs active at different stages of leaf development and senescence. These data enable connection of metabolic processes, signaling pathways, and specific TF activity, which will underpin the development of network models to elucidate the process of senescence.
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis: where to go?
Authors: Kallenberg C G M
Published: March 2011

Enormous progress has been made during the last 25 years in our understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV). This has led to improvements in early diagnosis, treatment and secondary prevention of these diseases. Nevertheless, there are still unmet needs in the AAV. With respect to diagnosis and follow-up, sensitive biomarkers that reflect disease activity, also during smouldering disease, are needed. In the field of aetiopathogenesis, genetic and epigenetic studies are being performed not only directed at the autoimmune response but also at the expression of, possibly modified, autoantigens. Environmental factors, in particular microbial factors, are also being explored. This will enable analysis of gene–environment interactions in the AAV, so elucidating further their aetiopathogenesis. Explaining the differences in clinical presentation between proteinase 3 (PR3)-associated AAV and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-associated AAV requires an adequate animal model for PR3-ANCA disease, which is currently lacking. Although many large randomized controlled trials have built a base for a rational therapeutic approach in the AAV, late morbidity and mortality is still significant. The availability of new biologicals and the development of sensitive biomarkers for disease activity could further improve prognosis for patients suffering from AAV.
Nomenclature and classification of vasculitis – update on the ACR/EULAR Diagnosis and Classification of Vasculitis Study (DCVAS)
Authors: Luqmani R A , Suppiah R , Grayson P C , Merkel P A , Watts R
Published: March 2011

Classification of vasculitis remains unsatisfactory. This is largely because the pathogenetic mechanisms of this family of related disorders have not been fully understood. Existing classification criteria are useful but limited. This has become more apparent with the advent of more effective and more specific therapies. A rational basis for classification could significantly improve our approach to treatment. The development of diagnostic criteria in vasculitis is an even greater challenge but may ultimately provide more useful for the non-specialist clinician. International efforts are underway to provide more effective classification and diagnostic criteria.
Rituximab in induction therapy for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis
Authors: Niles J
Published: March 2011

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) have been associated with a spectrum of vasculitis that includes granulomatous polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis), microscopic polyangiitis, the Churg–Strauss syndrome, primary pauciimmune necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis and related forms of vasculitis. In vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence support the conclusion that ANCA participate in the pathophysiology of this disease spectrum. Rituximab is a potent tool that can interrupt B cell-mediated immunity without major compromise of T cell-mediated immunity. Thus, it has great appeal as a tool to interrupt antibody-mediated autoimmune disease. The results of two prospective randomized trials confirm that rituximab can be effective as part of induction therapy for active ANCA-associated vasculitis. The safety profile for rituximab appears favourable relative to cyclophosphamide and steroids. However, there remain many patients who require individualized adjustments of ancillary therapy, as breakthrough disease, relapses and infectious complications do occur. Based on our current knowledge, rituximab should now be incorporated as part of induction therapy in many patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis. However, more work is needed to determine how rituximab may best be integrated into the overall immunosuppression of these patients.
Comparison of actigraphy with polysomnography and sleep logs in depressed insomniacs
Authors: MCCALL CATHERINE , MCCALL W. VAUGHN
Published: March 2011

Actigraphy is increasingly used in the assessment and treatment of various clinical conditions, being a convenient and cost‐effective method of capturing bodily movements over long periods of time. This study examined the use of actigraphy in the measurement of sleep of patients with depression and insomnia. Fifty‐four patients diagnosed with a current major depressive episode and chronic insomnia underwent a baseline overnight study with concurrent actigraphic and polysomnography (PSG) monitoring, as well as subjective sleep diaries. Agreement between PSG, actigraphy and sleep diary measurements was evaluated using two‐tailed t‐tests, Pearson’s correlations and the Bland–Altman concordance technique. The only significant difference found between actigraphy and PSG was in latency to persistent sleep, in which actigraphy underestimated sleep latency relative to PSG (P < 0.05). There were moderate positive correlations between actigraphy and PSG for all variables. In contrast, significant differences were observed between sleep diaries and PSG for all sleep variables. Bland–Altman concordance diagrams also demonstrated that, while bias was limited between PSG and the other two measurement types, there were somewhat broad 95% limits of agreement for all sleep variables with both sleep diaries and actigraphy. In summary, actigraphic measurements of sleep more closely approximated those of PSG than did sleep diaries in this sample of depressed insomniacs.
Bromelain Treatment Leads to Maturation of Monocyte‐derived Dendritic Cells but Cannot Replace PGE2 in a Cocktail of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α and PGE2
Authors: Karlsen M. , Hovden A.‐O. , Vogelsang P. , Tysnes B. B. , Appel S.
Published: March 2011

Immunotherapy using dendritic cells (DC) has shown promising results. However, the use of an appropriate DC population is critical for the outcome of this treatment, and the search for an optimal DC subset is still ongoing. The DC used in immunotherapy today are usually matured with a cytokine cocktail consisting of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and PGE2. These cells have deficits in their cytokine production, particularly IL‐12p70, mainly because of the presence of PGE2. Bromelain is a pineapple stem extract containing a mixture of proteases that has been used clinically in adjuvant cancer treatment. In this study, we analysed the effect of bromelain on human monocyte‐derived DC. We added bromelain to the cytokine cocktail and modified cytokine cocktails with either no PGE2 or reduced amounts of PGE2, respectively. Combining bromelain with the cytokine cocktails containing PGE2 resulted in an increased surface expression of CD83, CD80 and CD86. The chemokine receptor CCR7 was also considerably upregulated in these DC populations compared with DC treated with the cytokine cocktail alone. Removal or reduction of PGE2 from the cytokine cocktail did not increase the IL‐12p70 secretion from stimulated DC, and addition of bromelain to the different cytokine cocktails resulted in only a minor increase in IL‐12p70 production. Moreover, combining bromelain with the cytokine cocktails did not improve the T cell stimulatory capacity of the generated DC populations. In conclusion, bromelain treatment of monocyte‐derived DC does not improve the functional quality compared with the standard cytokine cocktail.
Impact of implementation of free high‐quality health care on health facility attendance by sick children in rural western Kenya
Authors: Burgert Clara R. , Bigogo Godfrey , Adazu Kubaje , Odhiambo Frank , Buehler James , Breiman Robert F. , Laserson Kayla , Hamel Mary J. , Feikin Daniel R.
Published: March 2011

Objectives  To explore whether implementation of free high‐quality care as part of research programmes resulted in greater health facility attendance by sick children.

Methods  As part of the Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria in Infants (IPTi), begun in 2004, and population‐based infectious disease surveillance (PBIDS), begun in 2005 in Asembo, rural western Kenya, free high‐quality care was offered to infants and persons of all ages, respectively, at one Asembo facility, Lwak Hospital. We compared rates of sick‐child visits by children <10 years to all seven Asembo clinics before and after implementation of free high‐quality care in 10 intervention villages closest to Lwak Hospital and 8 nearby comparison villages not participating in the studies. Incidence rates and rate ratios for sick‐child visits were compared between intervention and comparison villages by time period using Poisson regression.

Results  After IPTi began, the rate of sick‐child visits for infants, the study’s target group, in intervention villages increased by 191% (95% CI 75–384) more than in comparison villages, but did not increase significantly more in older children. After PBIDS began, the rate of sick‐child visits in intervention villages increased by 267% (95% CI 76–661) more than that in comparison villages for all children <10 years. The greatest increases in visit rates in intervention villages occurred 3–6 months after the intervention started. Visits for cough showed greater increases than visits for fever or diarrhoea.

Conclusions  Implementation of free high‐quality care increased healthcare use by sick children. Cost and quality of care are potentially modifiable barriers to improving access to care in rural Africa.
Cardiac function and aminoterminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide levels in liver‐transplanted cirrhotic patients
Authors: Bernal Vanesa , Pascual Isaac , Lanas Angel , Esquivias Paula , Piazuelo Elena , Garcia‐Gil Francisco A , Lacambra Isaac , Simon Miguel A
Published: March 2011

Bernal V, Pascual I, Lanas A, Esquivias P, Piazuelo E, Garcia‐Gil FA, Lacambra I, Simon MA. Cardiac function and aminoterminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide levels in liver‐transplanted cirrhotic patients.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: 111–116.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Cirrhosis is associated with structural and functional abnormalities of the heart. We examined the evolution of these abnormalities after liver transplantation (LT).

Methods:  Sixty cirrhotic patients, without cardiovascular disease, were included. Clinical data, echocardiography, and aminoterminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels were analyzed before and after transplantation. Healthy controls (n = 25) were included for reference.

Results:  Before transplantation, cirrhotic patients had higher left atrium diameter, left ventricular (LV) mass index, and ejection fraction than controls. After transplantation, LV mass index increased (105 ± 31 vs. 119 ± 35 g/m2; p < 0.05), diastolic cardiac function deteriorated, expressed as a reduction in E/A wave ratio (1.105 ± 0.295 vs. 0.798 ± 0.248; p < 0.001), and NT‐proBNP levels decreased significantly in patients compared to pre‐transplantation values (1759 ± 1154 vs. 1117 ± 600 pg/mL; p < 0.001), although they were still above levels found in controls (1117 ± 600 vs. 856 ± 123 pg/mL; p < 0.05). NT‐proBNP levels above 2000 pg/mL before transplantation were significantly associated with risk for cardiovascular events after procedure (37% vs. 9%, p = 0.008).

Conclusions:  In cirrhotic patients, diastolic function and cardiac structure deteriorate after LT. Compared to controls, NT‐proBNP levels tend to be higher before and after transplantation. The mechanisms and consequences of these results require further study.
The impact of renal replacement therapy before or after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Ikegami Toru , Shirabe Ken , Soejima Yuji , Taketomi Akinobu , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Uchiyama Hideaki , Harada Noboru , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: March 2011

Ikegami T, Shirabe K, Soejima Y, Taketomi A, Yoshizumi T, Uchiyama H, Harada N, Maehara Y. The impact of renal replacement therapy before or after living donor liver transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: 143–148.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Introduction:  The impact of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has not yet been investigated.

Methods:  Among 253 LDLT patients, RRT was started before (RRT‐Pre, n = 9), or after (RRT‐Post, n = 27) LDLT. The clinical outcomes were reviewed.

Results:  The one‐yr graft survival rate was 94.1% without RRT, and 63.9% and in those with RRT (p < 0.0001). Among the RRT patients, the RRT‐Pre patients exhibited acute liver failure, hepatorenal syndrome and high model for end‐stage liver disease score (35 ± 12), whereas the RRT‐Post patients had sepsis as a comorbidity. The one‐yr graft survival rate was 100.0% in the RRT‐Pre patients vs. 51.9% in the RRT‐Post patients (p < 0.01). The duration of RRT was significantly shorter in the RRT‐Pre patients than that in the RRT‐Post patients (5.3 ± 2.1 vs. 17.8 ± 14.1 d, p = 0.02). The mean duration between starting RRT and LDLT was 2.1 ± 0.7 d in the Pre‐RRT patients.

Conclusion:  The RRT‐Pre patients had excellent outcomes because the severe condition was primarily treated by LDLT after short‐term pre‐transplant RRT. Post‐transplant uncontrollable sepsis was the major cause of graft loss in patients who receive RRT after LDLT.
Cutaneous angiosarcoma of the leg showing radiation sensitivity
Authors: Ohashi Atsuko , Kubo Hitomi , Iwade Maiko , Shiohara Junko , Takata Minoru , Uhara Hisashi , Okuyama Ryuhei
Published: March 2011

We report a case of cutaneous angiosarcoma occurring on the leg of a 97‐year‐old Japanese woman. Considering the patient's age and general condition, she was treated with electron beam irradiation, which led to the almost complete disappearance of the tumour. Because cutaneous angiosarcoma is an aggressive tumour with a high propensity for local recurrence and distant metastases, therapy preferably involves a multimodal approach. However, monotherapy with radiation may be effective in some cases of cutaneous angiosarcoma.
Recombinant adenovirus‐mediated human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene can stimulate cell proliferation and maintain primitive characteristics in bovine mammary gland epithelial cells
Authors: He Xiao‐Ying , Zheng Yue‐Mao , Lan Jie , Wu Yue‐Hong , Yan Jing , He Xiao‐Ning , Zhang Tuo , He Yu‐Long , Zheng Yan‐Ling , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2011

The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene has been used to stimulate the proliferation of most types of human cells. The present study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of adenovirus‐mediated hTERT in the proliferation of bovine mammary gland epithelial cells (bMGEs). A plasmid and an adenovirus vector that carried hTERT, namely pEGFP‐ hTERT and Ad‐ hTERT, were constructed and transfected into bMGEs, respectively. In order to select the best strategy for stimulating cell proliferation, the adenovirus‐ and plasmid‐mediated hTERT were compared in terms of the positive cloning and transgenic efficiency. The results showed that only Ad‐ hTERT had high infection efficiency and produced a positive polyclone population (hTERT‐bMGEs). The characteristics of the hTERT‐bMGEs were investigated with further analysis by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), western blotting, proliferation assays, and flow cytometry, which showed that hTERT facilitated strong cell proliferation. Real‐time quantitative PCR showed a normal level of expression of beta‐casein, the caspase‐8 and c‐myc proto‐oncogene, and immunofluorescence demonstrated the properties of the epithelial cells. In conclusion, the adenovirus‐mediated hTERT gene could not only extend the cell lifespan, but also maintained the primary characteristics of the cells. It may be possible to extend the use of a wide variety of non‐human mammalian cells in this way. This study has provided additional insight into the mechanism of cell proliferation by demonstrating the lack of integration of the adenovirus‐mediated hTERT gene into the mammalian genome.
Role of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase activation in blastema formation during planarian regeneration
Authors: Tasaki Junichi , Shibata Norito , Sakurai Toshihide , Agata Kiyokazu , Umesono Yoshihiko
Published: March 2011

The robust regenerative abilities of planarians absolutely depend on a unique population of pluripotent stem cells called neoblasts, which are the only mitotic somatic cells in adult planarians and are responsible for blastema formation after amputation. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms that drive blastema formation during planarian regeneration. Here we found that treatment with the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125 blocked the entry of neoblasts into the M‐phase of the cell cycle, while allowing neoblasts to successfully enter S‐phase in the planarian Dugesia japonica. The rapid and efficient blockage of neoblast mitosis by treatment with the JNK inhibitor provided a method to assess whether temporally regulated cell cycle activation drives blastema formation during planarian regeneration. In the early phase of blastema formation, activated JNK was detected prominently in a mitotic region (the “postblastema”) proximal to the blastema region. Furthermore, we demonstrated that undifferentiated mitotic neoblasts in the postblastema showed highly activated JNK at the single cell level. JNK inhibition by treatment with SP600125 during this period caused a severe defect of blastema formation, which accorded with a drastic decrease of mitotic neoblasts in regenerating animals. By contrast, these animals still retained many undifferentiated neoblasts near the amputation stump. These findings suggest that JNK signaling plays a crucial role in feeding into the blastema neoblasts for differentiation by regulating the G2/M transition in the cell cycle during planarian regeneration.