bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic Depth Buffer Compression using Generalized Plane Encoding
Authors: Andersson M. , Munkberg J. , Akenine‐Möller T.
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we derive compact representations of the depth function for a triangle undergoing motion or defocus blur. Unlike a static primitive, where the depth function is planar, the depth function is a rational function in time and the lens parameters. Furthermore, we show how these compact depth functions can be used to design an efficient depth buffer compressor/decompressor, which significantly lowers total depth buffer bandwidth usage for a range of test scenes. In addition, our compressor/decompressor is simpler in the number of operations needed to execute, which makes our algorithm more amenable for hardware implementation than previous methods.
Current status of rectal cancer treatment in China
Authors: Gu J. , Chen N.
Published: May 2013

Aim

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common carcinoma in China. For economic reasons, a national CRC registry has not been established and a large‐scale screening programme has not been implemented.

Method

Clinical studies (since 2000) of CRC epidemiology which originated from China were summarized, and data was analyzed.

Results

In China, the majority of hospitals in central cities and even in county hospitals are able to provide medical care for CRC patients. Due to socio‐economic disparities, medical conditions and skill level, there is a wide variation in the treatment. Most oncologists make their clinical decisions based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, although some domestic guidelines are now available. On 11 October 2011, the China Ministry of Health released national guidelines for CRC treatment. Owing to language difficulties, research on CRC in China has only had a limited exposure in the international literature, due in some part to lack of understanding of the current position in the country.

Conclusion

The national guidelines for CRC treatment will give a degree of standardization of the treatment of CRC nationwide and will ensure that higher quality care will be available, especially in rural areas. Chinese colorectal surgeons urgently need to exchange their knowledge and experience with international colleagues.
Acute effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and static stretching on maximal voluntary contraction and muscle electromyographical activity in indoor soccer players
Authors: Reis Erika da Fonseca Silva , Pereira Guilherme Borges , de Sousa Nuno Manuel Frade , Tibana Ramires Alsamir , Silva Mauro Fernando , Araujo Marcia , Gomes Italo , Prestes Jonato
Published: May 2013

The aim was to investigate and compare the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and static stretching (SS) on maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and muscle activation in indoor soccer players. Thirty‐three young adult men were divided into two groups: (i) sedentary and (ii) trained. Each group completed three different experimental trials: SS, PNF and no stretching (NS). The MVC of knee extension was evaluated before and immediately after each condition along with electromyography from the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles of the dominant leg. PNF or SS techniques induced no decrease on MVC and muscle electromyographical activity in indoor soccer players (P>0·05). The electromyography of the RF and VL was lower after SS only in the sedentary group (P≤0·05). Short‐duration PNF or SS has no effect on isometric MVC and muscle activity in indoor soccer players.
Microhabitat use of the diamond darter
Authors: Welsh Stuart A. , Smith Dustin M. , Taylor Nate D.
Published: May 2013

The only known extant population of the diamond darter (Crystallaria cincotta) exists in the lower 37 km of Elk River, WV, USA. Our understanding of diamond darter habitat use was previously limited, because few individuals have been observed during sampling with conventional gears. We quantified microhabitat use of diamond darters based on measurements of water depth, water velocity and per cent substrate composition. Using spotlights at night‐time, we sampled 16 sites within the lower 133 km of Elk River and observed a total of 82 diamond darters at 10 of 11 sampling sites within the lower 37 km. Glides, located immediately upstream of riffles, were the primary habitats sampled for diamond darters, which included relatively shallow depths (<1 m), moderate‐to‐low water velocities (often < 0.5 m·s−1) and a smooth water surface. Microhabitat use (mean ± SE) of diamond darters was estimated for depth (0.47 ± 0.02 m), average velocity (0.27 ± 0.01 m·s−1) and bottom velocity (0.15 ± 0.01 m·s−1). Substrate used (mean ± SE) by diamond darters was predominantly sand intermixed with lesser amounts of gravel and cobble: % sand (52.1 ± 1.6), % small gravel (12.2 ± 0.78), % large gravel (14.2 ± 0.83), % cobble (19.8 ± 0.96) and % boulder (1.6 ± 0.36). Based on our microhabitat use data, conservation and management efforts for this species should consider preserving glide habitats within Elk River. Spotlighting, a successful sampling method for diamond darters, should be considered for study designs of population estimation and long‐term monitoring.
Hume's Unified Theory of Mental Representation
Authors: Schafer Karl
Published: May 2013

On its face, Hume's account of mental representation involves at least two elements. On the one hand, Hume often seems to write as though the representational properties of an idea are fixed solely by what it is a copy or image of. But, on the other, Hume's treatment of abstract ideas (and other similar cases) makes it clear that the representational properties of a Humean idea sometimes depend, not just on what it is copied from, but also on the manner in which the mind associates it with other ideas. Past interpretations of Hume have tended to focus on one of these elements of his account to the neglect of the other. But no interpretation of this sort is likely to capture the role that both copying and association play within Hume's discussion. In what follows, I argue that the most plausible way of understanding Hume's discussion involves attributing to him a unified account of mental representation in which both of these elements play a central role. I close by discussing the manner in which reading Hume in this way would alter our understanding of the relationship between Hume's thought and contemporary philosophy of mind.
Reduced activity of β‐glucosidase resulting from host‐guest interactions with dissolved fulvic acids as revealed by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Mazzei P. , Piccolo A.
Published: May 2013

Interactions between fulvic acids (FAs) and a β‐glucosidase (GLU) enzyme and consequent modifications of enzymatic activity were investigated at pH 5.0 and 7.2 by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. With increasing FA content, the enzyme proton signals were progressively broadened, while the relaxation (T1 and T2) and correlation (τc) times of GLU decreased and increased, respectively. Regardless of pH, these effects were greater for the hydroxy‐alkylic and aromatic protons of GLU, suggesting that the FA‐enzyme associations, which progressively limited GLU tumbling rate, resulted from weak interactions, such as H‐bonds and dispersive hydrophobic bonds. The catalytic activity of β‐D‐glucosidase, when in weakly bound complexes with FA, was studied by following the change of NMR signals of two different substrates, p‐nitrophenyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (pNPG) and salicin, and their hydrolysis products. Spectral evidence suggests that enzyme activity was substantially reduced with increasing FA concentration and the rate reduction was more pronounced for salicin than for pNPG. The enzyme inhibition may be explained by either a partial cover of GLU active sites by fulvic molecules or modification of the enzyme conformational structure during formation of humic‐enzyme complexes. Our results indicate that even weak interactions of FA with GLU are sufficient to inhibit partially its catalytic activity, and that the environmental role of extracellular enzymes may be significantly reduced when coming into contact with organic matter in the soil.
Abnormal white matter correlates with neuropsychological impairment in children with localization‐related epilepsy
Authors: Widjaja Elysa , Skocic Jovanka , Go Cristina , Snead O. Carter , Mabbott Donald , Smith Mary Lou
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The white matter (WM) is considered critical for linking cortical processing networks necessary for cognition. The aim of this study was to assess diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures of regional WM in children with nonlesional localization‐related epilepsy in comparison to controls, and to determine the relation between lobar WM and neuropsychological performance.

Methods

Forty children with nonlesional localization‐related epilepsy and 25 healthy controls with no neurological or psychiatric disorders and normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were recruited. All patients and controls underwent neuropsychological testing that evaluated intelligence, language, memory, executive function, and motor function, as well as DTI to assess regional WM measures of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). The regional FA and MD were compared between patients and controls, and correlated with neuropsychological function. The relations between regional FA and MD with age at seizure onset and duration of epilepsy were assessed.

Key Findings

Twenty‐one patients had left‐sided and 19 patients had right‐sided epilepsy. There were no significant differences in seizure‐related variables including age at seizure onset, duration of epilepsy, seizure frequency, and number of antiepileptic medications, as well as no significant differences in neuropsychological function and DTI measures of white matter in left‐sided compared to right‐sided epilepsy. Therefore, all the patients with epilepsy were treated as one group. Patients with epilepsy performed significantly worse on intelligence (p < 0.001), language (p < 0.001), and executive function (p = 0.001) evaluation than controls. Patients had significantly reduced FA in left frontal (p = 0.015), right frontal (p = 0.004), left temporal (p = 0.039), right temporal (p = 0.003), right parietal (p = 0.014), and right occipital (p = 0.025) WM relative to controls. There were no significant regional WM differences (all p > 0.05) in MD between patients and controls. There was a significant positive correlation between right temporal FA with language (r = 0.535, p < 0.001) and executive function (r = 0.617, p < 0.001), as well as between body of corpus callosum FA with intelligence (r = 0.536, p < 0.001) and language (r = 0.529, p < 0.001) in patients. Left parietal MD was significantly correlated with language (r = −0.545, p < 0.001) in patients. FA of right temporal WM was significantly associated with age at seizure onset (t = 4.97, p < 0.001).

Significance

There was widespread regional WM abnormality in children with nonlesional localization‐related epilepsy, which was associated with impaired neuropsychological function. The impairment in WM may reflect disruption in the connectivity for cortical processing networks, which is necessary for the development of cognition.
WiMAX traffic analysis and base stations classification in terms of LRD
Authors: Stolojescu‐Crisan Cristina , Isar Alexandru , Moga Sorin , Lenca Philippe
Published: May 2013

The goal of this paper is to highlight the particularities of Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) traffic from a long‐range dependence perspective. The application presented in this paper consists in the estimation of the quality of base stations (BS) positioning in the architecture of a WiMAX network. Analysing the traffic of the considered WiMAX network, with an original data mining methodology based on long‐range dependence, we determine which BS have a correct position in the topology of the network and which BS have an incorrect position. These BS must be repositioned when the next session of the network maintenance will take place.
Visualization of evolving social networks using actor‐level and community‐level trajectories
Authors: Oliveira Márcia , Gama João
Published: May 2013

Visualization of static social networks is a mature research field in information visualization. Conventional approaches rely on node‐link diagrams that provide a representation of the network topology by representing nodes as points and links between them as lines. However, the increasing availability of longitudinal network data has spurred interest in visualization techniques that go beyond the static node‐link representation of a network. In temporal settings, the focus is on the network dynamics at different levels of analysis (e.g. node, communities and whole network). Yet, the development of visualizations that are able to provide actionable insights into different types of changes occurring in the network and their impact on both the neighbourhood and the overall network structure is a challenging task. In such settings, traditional node‐link representations can prove to be limited (Yi et al., 2010). Alternative methods, such as matrix graph representations, fail in tasks involving path finding (Ghoniem et al., 2005). This work attempts to overcome these issues by proposing a methodology for tracking the evolution of dynamic social networks, at both the node‐level and the community‐level, based on the concept of temporal trajectory. We resort to three‐order tensors to represent evolving social networks, and we further decompose them using a Tucker3 model. The two most representative components of this model define the 2D space where the trajectories of social entities are projected. To illustrate the proposed methodology, we conduct a case study using a set of temporal self‐reported friendship networks.
When Does a Merger Create Value? Using Option Prices to Elicit Market Beliefs
Authors: Borochin Paul A.
Published: May 2013

I introduce and test a method to identify market expectations about value creation in mergers. Post‐announcement market prices reflect beliefs about both merged and standalone firm values, and the likelihood of either outcome. Stock prices alone do not contain sufficient information to identify these latent beliefs. By adding exchange‐traded stock option data, I deliver a clear decomposition of observed value change into two parts: 1) value creation and 2) new information about standalone value. Previous research has struggled to disentangle the two. This decomposition provides a strong and practical measure of the market's expectations about value creation in a merger.
The relative roles of contemporary and ancient processes in shaping genetic variation of a generalist fish in a catchment dominated by agriculture
Authors: Jordan Mark A. , Patel Deepal , Sanders Kathryn E. , Gillespie Robert B.
Published: May 2013

Conversion of land for agriculture has led to the channelisation of headwater streams and reduced water quality. Resident fish populations are expected to be challenged under such conditions and may experience declines that lead to a loss of neutral genetic variation.

However, species‐specific responses to recent ecological changes in stream condition and/or range expansion following glacial retreat can also influence the pattern of genetic variation found within and among contemporary populations. To evaluate the relative roles of contemporary and ancient scenarios that are hypothesised to affect the genetics of populations in streams, we studied the creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), a common species that is tolerant of stream degradation.

We screened eight microsatellite loci on 308 individuals originating from ditches and streams surrounded by agricultural and forested land cover within the St. Joseph River catchment in north‐eastern Indiana and southern Michigan, U.S.A.

We found weak population structure associated with land cover and, in contrast to expectation, higher allelic richness in agricultural streams. Using Bayesian coalescent modelling, the strongest pattern found within the data set was evidence of a population decline throughout the catchment that most likely preceded stream channelisation and land conversion.

The results illustrate the complexity of using neutral genetic variation of populations to assay stream quality. Tolerant species may have increased gene flow in channelised streams that leads to an increase in genetic variation. Meanwhile, post‐glacial landscape change and subsequent colonisation of nascent freshwater streams appears to shape genetic variation regardless of contemporary land use.
Effects of ocean warming and acidification on survival, growth and skeletal development in the early benthic juvenile sea urchin (Heliocidaris erythrogramma)
Authors: Wolfe Kennedy , Dworjanyn Symon A. , Byrne Maria
Published: May 2013

Co‐occurring ocean warming, acidification and reduced carbonate mineral saturation have significant impacts on marine biota, especially calcifying organisms. The effects of these stressors on development and calcification in newly metamorphosed juveniles (ca. 0.5 mm test diameter) of the intertidal sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma, an ecologically important species in temperate Australia, were investigated in context with present and projected future conditions. Habitat temperature and pH/pCO2 were documented to place experiments in a biologically and ecologically relevant context. These parameters fluctuated diurnally up to 10 °C and 0.45 pH units. The juveniles were exposed to three temperature (21, 23 and 25 °C) and four pH (8.1, 7.8, 7.6 and 7.4) treatments in all combinations, representing ambient sea surface conditions (21 °C, pH 8.1; pCO2 397; ΩCa 4.7; ΩAr 3.1), near‐future projected change (+2–4 °C, −0.3–0.5 pH units; pCO2 400–1820; ΩCa 5.0–1.6; ΩAr 3.3–1.1), and extreme conditions experienced at low tide (+4 °C, −0.3–0.7 pH units; pCO2 2850–2967; ΩCa 1.1–1.0; ΩAr 0.7–0.6). The lowest pH treatment (pH 7.4) was used to assess tolerance levels. Juvenile survival and test growth were resilient to current and near‐future warming and acidification. Spine development, however, was negatively affected by near‐future increased temperature (+2–4 °C) and extreme acidification (pH 7.4), with a complex interaction between stressors. Near‐future warming was the more significant stressor. Spine tips were dissolved in the pH 7.4 treatments. Adaptation to fluctuating temperature‐pH conditions in the intertidal may convey resilience to juvenile H. erythrogramma to changing ocean conditions, however, ocean warming and acidification may shift baseline intertidal temperature and pH/pCO2 to levels that exceed tolerance limits.
Interleukin‐1β induces tumor necrosis factor‐α secretion from rat hepatocytes
Authors: Yoshigai Emi , Hara Takafumi , Inaba Hiroyuki , Hashimoto Iwao , Tanaka Yoshito , Kaibori Masaki , Kimura Tominori , Okumura Tadayoshi , Kwon A‐Hon , Nishizawa Mikio
Published: May 2013

Aim

Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in various inflammatory diseases. The only production of TNF‐α in the liver is thought to be from hepatic macrophages known as Kupffer cells, predominantly in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods

Primary cultured rat hepatocytes were used to analyze TNF‐α expression in response to the pro‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). Livers of rats subjected to LPS‐induced endotoxemia were analyzed.

Results

Immunocytochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays demonstrated that IL‐1β‐treated rat hepatocytes secreted TNF‐α, and RNA analyses indicated that TNF‐α mRNA was induced specifically by IL‐1β. Northern blot analysis showed that not only mRNA, but also a natural antisense transcript (asRNA), was transcribed from the rat Tnf gene in IL‐1β‐treated hepatocytes. TNF‐α was detected in the hepatocytes of LPS‐treated rats. Both TNF‐α mRNA and asRNA were expressed in the hepatocytes of LPS‐treated rats, human hepatocellular carcinoma and human monocyte/macrophage cells. To disrupt the interaction between TNF‐α asRNA and TNF‐α mRNA, sense oligonucleotides corresponding to TNF‐α mRNA were introduced into rat hepatocytes resulting in significantly increased levels of TNF‐α mRNA. One of these sense oligonucleotides increased a half‐life of TNF‐α mRNA, suggesting that the TNF‐α asRNA may reduce the stability of TNF‐α mRNA.

Conclusion

IL‐1β‐stimulated rat hepatocytes are a newly identified source of TNF‐α in the liver. TNF‐α mRNA and asRNA are expressed in rats and humans, and the TNF‐α asRNA reduces the stability of the TNF‐α mRNA. Hepatocytes and TNF‐α asRNA may be therapeutic targets to regulate levels of TNF‐α mRNA.
Comparison between fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells derived from dermal and adipose tissue
Authors: Brohem C. A. , de Carvalho C. M. , Radoski C. L. , Santi F. C. , Baptista M. C. , Swinka B. B. , de A. Urban C. , de Araujo L. R. R. , Graf R. M. , Feferman I. H. S. , Lorencini M.
Published: May 2013

Synopsis

Objective

Stem cells have the ability to renew themselves and differentiate into various cell types. For this reason, numerous research groups have been studying these cells for their therapeutic potential. Some of the therapies, however, are not producing the expected results because of contamination by other cell types, especially by fibroblasts. In the cosmetic industry, stem cells are used to test the efficacy of anti‐ageing and rejuvenation products. The purpose of this work was to gain a better understanding of the differences in phenotype, in gene expression associated with stem cells, in the pattern of cell surface proteins and in the differentiation capacity of adipose‐derived stem cells, of skin‐derived stem cells and of commercially available fibroblasts.

Methods

In this study, we compared fibroblasts with mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow, skin (dermis) and adipose tissue, to assess the differentiation potential of fibroblasts. Dermal and adipose stem cells were isolated from aesthetic surgery patients, and fibroblasts were obtained from a commercial source. The following parameters were used in this study: immunophenotypic profile (positive: CD29, CD73, CD90 and CD105; negative: CD14, CD45 and HLA‐DR); differentiation into osteoblastic, chondrogenic and adipogenic cell types; and PCR array to analyse the gene expression of cells isolated from different culture passages.

Results

Fibroblasts express the same cell immunophenotypic markers, as well as the genes that are known to be expressed in stem cells, and were shown to be expressed also in adipose and dermis stem cells. Fibroblasts are also able to differentiate into the three cell lineages mentioned above, that is, adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes.

Conclusion

Human dermal fibroblasts have a potential to adhere to plastic surfaces and differentiate into other cell types. However, for stem cells intended to be used in cosmetics, experiments conducted with contaminated fibroblasts may produce poor or even falsely negative results for the efficacy of the active ingredient or formulation and thus conceal their promising effects as anti‐ageing and skin rejuvenation products.
External cervical resorption: an analysis using cone beam and microfocus computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Gunst V. , Mavridou A. , Huybrechts B. , Van Gorp G. , Bergmans L. , Lambrechts P.
Published: May 2013

Aim

To provide a three‐dimensional representation of external cervical resorption (ECR) with microscopy, stereo microscopy, cone beam computed tomography (CT), microfocus CT and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

External cervical resorption is an aggressive form of root resorption, leading to a loss of dental hard tissues. This is due to clastic action, activated by a damage of the covering cementum and stimulated probably by infection. Clinically, it is a challenging situation as it is characterized by a late symptomatology. This is due to the pericanalar protection from a resorption‐resistant sheet, composed of pre‐dentine and surrounding dentine. The clastic activity is often associated with an attempt to repair, seen by the formation of osteoid tissue.

Key learning points

Cone beam CT is extremely useful in the diagnoses and treatment planning of ECR.

SEM analyses provide a better insight into the activity of osteoclasts.

The root canal is surrounded by a layer of dentine that is resistant to resorption.
Toward unification of exact and heuristic optimization methods
Authors: Hooker J. N.
Published: May 2013

This paper argues that many exact and heuristic methods have common structure that permits some degree of unification. It interprets solution algorithms as primal–dual methods in which the primal component searches over problem restrictions, and the dual component obtains bounds on the optimal value. In particular, the concept of an inference dual provides the basis for constraint‐directed search, which is a feature of many exact and heuristic methods. The motivations for unification are (a) to encourage the exchange of algorithmic techniques between exact and heuristic methods and (b) to design solution methods that transition gracefully from exact to heuristic modes as problem instances scale up.
Longevity costs of same‐sex interactions: first evidence from a parasitic wasp
Authors: Benelli Giovanni , Gennari Gabriele , Francini Alessandra , Canale Angelo
Published: May 2013

Costs of sexual interactions play a key role in life‐history evolution. Although the costs of reproduction have been investigated in both sexes of many insects, the costs of same‐sex interactions have been examined in few species. In parasitic wasps, very little has been reported about the longevity costs of heterosexual interactions, and nothing is known about longevity costs of same‐sex interactions. In this study, the effects of heterosexual and homosexual activities on longevity were evaluated in Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a synovigenic koinobiont larval‐pupal endoparasitoid of tephritid flies. When compared with individually housed virgin wasps, male longevity was strongly reduced both in males kept with females, and in males kept with other males. When females were kept with males, their longevity was reduced compared with the virgin females and females kept with other females. Overall, the costs of male–female interactions were considerable in both sexes of P. concolor, while same‐sex activities were found to be costly only among males, suggesting that they may have implications for the evolution of the P. concolor mating system.
Relationship between environmental variables and surface activity of scorpions in the Arid Chaco ecoregion of Argentina
Authors: Nime Mónica F. , Casanoves Fernando , Vrech David E. , Mattoni Camilo I.
Published: May 2013

Many environmental factors may influence the activity of scorpions in arid ecosystems. In this study, we examined the effects of such factors on scorpion activity at a mature and a secondary forest site in the Chancaní Reserve (Arid Chaco ecoregion in Córdoba, Argentina). Scorpions were collected using pitfall traps, and their nocturnal activity was observed by means of UV light during 14 nights. Temperature, air humidity, atmospheric pressure, and wind velocity were measured, and the percentage of visible moon was estimated. A total of 440 scorpions, representing seven species belonging to two families (Bothriuridae and Buthidae), were observed in the study area. Brachistosternus ferrugineus was the species most commonly observed using both methods. Mature and secondary forest shared slightly more than 50% of species. Surface activity of scorpions observed with the two methods differed significantly between the two areas. Surface activity of all scorpions and of B. ferrugineus were negatively related to the phase of the moon and positively related to air temperature. Physical factors thus have important effects on scorpion activity.
Survival and colonization of nematodes in a composting process
Authors: Steel Hanne , Verdoodt Freija , Čerevková Andrea , Couvreur Marjolein , Fonderie Pamela , Moens Tom , Bert Wim
Published: May 2013

Nematodes are omnipresent in composts and are active in virtually all stages of the composting process. Major shifts in species composition, life strategies, and feeding behavior occur during the composting process. Due to the heat peak, nematodes can be virtually absent, but several taxa appear immediately when the temperatures drop. These comprise both taxa present before the heat peak and new taxa. However, it is not known how nematodes populate the compost. In this study, we aimed to assess the survival and colonization capacity of nematodes in compost. Our results showed that composting processes inaccessible to insects or not in contact with soil did not significantly influence nematode succession during composting. However, differences between treatments were found for some specific taxa (i.e., for Acrostichus sp., Neodiplogasteridae sp., Nygolaimoides sp., and Rhabditidae sp. 1), illustrating the importance of insects for the dispersal of nematodes to compost. Experiments in the lab with the blue bottle fly as a possible carrier demonstrated actual transport of nematodes isolated from compost by the fly (i.e., Halicephalobus cfr. gingivalis, Diploscapter coronatus, Diplogasteritus sp., Acrostichus sp., and Mesorhabditis sp.). Juveniles and dauer stages of Aphelenchoides sp., Panagrolaimus sp., and rhabditids survived an experimentally induced temperature peak, while members of Tylenchidae did not. In conclusion, our results indicate that the rapidly changing nematode community in compost is the result of both differential survival and colonization capacities.
Nanooravia gen. nov., subtribe Dimeriinae (Poaceae–Panicoideae–Andropogoneae) from India
Authors: Raj M. S. Kiran , Sivadasan M. , Veldkamp J. F. , Alfarhan A. H. , Thomas Jacob
Published: May 2013

The new genus Nanooravia Kiran Raj & Sivad. (Poaceae–Andropogoneae–Dimeriinae) from the southwestern Ghats in India is described and illustrated, and the new combination N. santapaui (M. R. Almeida) Kiran Raj & Sivad. is made. The genus is characterized by its usually unequal and intertwined racemes, triquetrous rachis, extremely oblique and glabrous pedicel tip, distantly arranged spikelets, long trigonous callus with oblique tip and densely covered with golden–yellow or yellowish–brown hairs along one angle, keel‐less glumes with a dorsally echinate apex and apically auricled margins, and an upper lemma with a stout awn having a long column. The new genus is distinct from Dimeria R. Br. in which the species was originally described, but is similar to the monotypic Indian genus Pogonachne Bor currently placed in the subtribe Ischaeminae. It occurs in Peninsular India, a region considered as the centre of diversity of the subtribe with more than 50% of the known Dimeria species, including numerous endemics.
Addendum to ‘A new taxonomy of the family Teloschistaceae’
Authors: Arup Ulf , Søchting Ulrik , Frödén Patrik
Published: May 2013

The recently invalidly published name Teloschistaceae subfam. Teloschistoideae Arup, Søchting & Frödén subfam. nov. is validated here by providing a diagnosis for the taxon (ICN Art. 38).
Differential Effects of the β‐Adrenoceptor Blockers Carvedilol and Metoprolol on SQT1‐ and SQT2‐Mutant Channels
Authors: BODI ILONA , FRANKE GERLIND , PANTULU NAGA DEEPA , WU KEZHONG , PEREZ‐FELIZ STEFANIE , BODE CHRISTOPH , ZEHENDER MANFRED , HAUSEN AXEL ZUR , BRUNNER MICHAEL , ODENING KATJA E.
Published: May 2013

β‐Blocker Effects on SQTS‐Mutant K+ Channels

Background

N588K‐KCNH2 and V307L‐KCNQ1 mutations lead to a gain‐of‐function of IKr and IKs thus causing short‐QT syndromes (SQT1, SQT2). Combined pharmacotherapies using K+‐channel‐blockers and β‐blockers are effective in SQTS. Since β‐blockers can block IKr and IKs, we aimed at determining carvedilol's and metoprolol's electrophysiological effects on N588K‐KCNH2 and V307L‐KCNQ1 channels.

Methods

Wild‐type (WT)‐KCNH2, WT‐KCNQ1 and mutant N588K‐KCNH2 and V307L‐KCNQ1 channels were expressed in CHO‐K1 or HEK‐293T cells and IKs and IKr were recorded at baseline and during β‐blocker exposure.

Results

Carvedilol (10 μM) reduced IKs tail in WT‐ and V307L‐KCNQ1 by 36.5 ± 5% and 18.6 ± 9% (P < 0.05). IC50 values were 16.3 μM (WT) and 46.1 μM (V307L), indicating a 2.8‐fold decrease in carvedilol's IKs‐blocking potency in V307L‐KCNQ1. Carvedilol's (1 μM) inhibition of the IKr tail was attenuated in N588K‐KCNH2 (4.5 ± 3% vs 50.3 ± 4%, WT, P < 0.001) with IC50 values of 2.8 μM (WT) and 25.4 μM (N588K). Carvedilol's IKr end‐pulse inhibition, however, was increased in N588K‐KCNH2 (10 μM, 60.7 ± 6% vs 36.5 ± 5%, WT, P < 0.01).

Metoprolol (100 μM) reduced IKr end‐pulse by 0.23 ± 3% (WT) and 74.1 ± 7% (N588K, P < 0.05), IKr tail by 32.9 ± 10% (WT) and 68.8 ± 7% (N588K, P < 0.05), and reduced IKs end‐pulse by 18.3 ± 5% (WT) and 57.1 ± 11% (V307L, P < 0.05) and IKs tail by 3.3 ± 1% (WT) and 45.1 ± 13 % (V307L, P < 0.05), indicating an increased sensitivity to metoprolol in SQT mutated channels.

Conclusions

N588K‐KCNH2 and V307L‐KCNQ1 mutations decrease carvedilol's inhibition of the IKs or IKr tail but increase carvedilol's IKr end‐pulse inhibition and metoprolol's inhibition of tail and end‐pulse currents. These different effects on SQT1 and SQT2 mutated channels should be considered when using β‐blocker therapy in SQTS patients.
Poor reporting quality of key Randomization and Allocation Concealment details is still prevalent among published RCTs in 2011: a review
Authors: Clark Laura , Schmidt Ulrike , Tharmanathan Puvan , Adamson Joy , Hewitt Catherine , Torgerson David
Published: May 2013

Rationale, aims and objectives

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are powerful tools; it is essential that these trials are not only conducted rigorously, but reported accurately. The aim of this paper was to describe the reporting quality among a set of RCTs published in 2011 on methodological details essential to judging the adequacy of allocation concealment methods employed.

Methods

Medline was searched using the Ovid platform to identify all those RCTs published in January 2011 in core clinical journals.

Methodological details in relation to allocation concealment were extracted from the identified RCTs to allow the reporting quality to be assessed. If the information was not available in the paper the corresponding author was contacted.

Results

Eighty‐five papers were identified, 74% (n = 63) endorsed the CONSORT statement. 73% (n = 62) required the author to be contacted for further information. Sequence generation methods were ascertained in 74% of trials, allocation concealment method in 41%, details of who recruited participants and who generated the randomization sequence in 38%.

Conclusions

There is evidence to suggest that in 2011 key methodological information relating to allocation concealment is still not reported well in RCTs. Authors and journal editors need to ensure explicit and clear methods are reported in RCTs published.
A naïve approach for deriving scoring systems to support clinical decision making
Authors: Barbini Paolo , Cevenini Gabriele , Furini Simone , Barbini Emanuela
Published: May 2013

Rationale, aims and objectives

Scoring systems are frequently proposed in medicine to summarize a set of qualitative and quantitative items by means of a numeric score. Their design often requires modelling ability and subjective judgments. This can make it difficult to adapt a scoring system to a clinical setting different from that in which the system was developed. The objective of this study was to discuss an approach to derive scoring systems, which can be easily modified and matched to any scenario.

Methods

A naïve Bayes approach was used to develop a scoring system that is completely defined by descriptive tables obtained by frequency counts from the training set. The approach was implemented to build a locally customized scoring system for planning transfusion requirements after cardiac surgery. The performance of this system was evaluated and compared with that of a logistic regression model designed using the same predictors. The working sample was a set of 3182 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery at the University Hospital of Siena, Italy.

Results

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was equal to 0.811 and 0.824 for the scoring system and for the logistic regression model, respectively. This result proves that this global index of discrimination capacity was virtually identical and very good for both models. The values of sensitivity, specificity and overall correct‐classification percentage obtained by the leave‐one‐out method were practically the same for the two models (73.9% versus 75.3%).

Conclusions

An easy‐fitting and trustworthy scoring system can be directly developed using a naïve Bayes approach. The simplicity of its design allows the system to be customized to any specific institution and updated regularly. This aspect has important practical implications because it can encourage the use of scoring systems among clinicians, enabling their performance to be properly assessed in a wider clinical context.
Variation in social information use: the influences of information reliability and mass on decision making in a group‐living fish Gambusiaaffinis
Authors: Lindstedt E. R. , Hamilton I. M.
Published: May 2013

The effect of the reliability of available social information was assessed by examining whether the age of social information changes its effects on a foraging decision in a group‐living fish Gambusia affinis. Individuals switched their patch preference when faced with social information that conflicted with personal information in general; the age of the social information, however, did not significantly influence preference for feeding patch. The mass of decision makers was positively correlated with their use of available social information, with heavier individuals exhibiting a greater difference in patch preference than lighter individuals, suggesting that large and small G. affinis trade‐off the benefits of information acquisition and the costs of competition from conspecifics differently.
Do clinical and behavioural correlates of obese patients seeking bariatric surgery differ from those of individuals involved in conservative weight loss programme?
Authors: Gradaschi R. , Noli G. , Cornicelli M. , Camerini G. , Scopinaro N. , Adami G. F.
Published: May 2013

Background

Clinical practice has suggested that, in severely obese patients seeking bariatric surgery, clinical conditions, behavioural characteristics and psychological status might all differ from those of their counterparts starting conventional conservative therapy.

Methods

Two groups of obese patients with closely similar body mass values were considered. The first group included individuals voluntarily and spontaneously seeking biliopancreatic diversion and the second group comprised patients at the beginning of a weight loss programme. After anthropometric and metabolic evaluation, the patients underwent an alimentary interview; eating behaviour and psychological status were assessed by Three Factor Eating Questionnaire and by Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS).

Results

Among bariatric candidates, a greater number of individuals with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia and high tendency to disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger scores was observed, whereas the other aspects of eating pattern were essentially similar. In the two groups, no difference in TAS score and or number of patients with alexithymic traits was observed. Finally, a logistic regression model showed that only age and metabolic derangement predicted the bariatric option, whereas eating behaviour or psychological status did not influence individual therapeutic choice.

Conclusions

Independently of the degree of obesity, bariatric surgery was requested by the more metabolically deranged patients, whereas, in the surgical candidates, the eating pattern and psychological conditions were very similar to those of obese persons at the beginning of a conservative weight loss programme. These results suggest a highly realistic and practical attitude in severely obese patients towards obesity and bariatric surgery.
GS6, A Member of the GRAS Gene Family, Negatively Regulates Grain Size in Rice
Authors: Sun Lianjun , Li Xiaojiao , Fu Yongcai , Zhu Zuofeng , Tan Lubin , Liu Fengxia , Sun Xianyou , Sun Xuewen , Sun Chuanqing
Published: May 2013

Grain size is an important yield‐related trait in rice. Intensive artificial selection for grain size during domestication is evidenced by the larger grains of most of today's cultivars compared with their wild relatives. However, the molecular genetic control of rice grain size is still not well characterized. Here, we report the identification and cloning of Grain Size 6 (GS6), which plays an important role in reducing grain size in rice. A premature stop at the +348 position in the coding sequence (CDS) of GS6 increased grain width and weight significantly. Alignment of the CDS regions of GS6 in 90 rice materials revealed three GS6 alleles. Most japonica varieties (95%) harbor the Type I haplotype, and 62.9% of indica varieties harbor the Type II haplotype. Association analysis revealed that the Type I haplotype tends to increase the width and weight of grains more than either of the Type II or Type III haplotypes. Further investigation of genetic diversity and the evolutionary mechanisms of GS6 showed that the GS6 gene was strongly selected in japonica cultivars. In addition, a “ggc” repeat region identified in the region that encodes the GRAS domain of GS6 played an important historic role in the domestication of grain size in rice. Knowledge of the function of GS6 might aid efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that control grain development and evolution in rice plants, and could facilitate the genetic improvement of rice yield.
Involvement of α2‐antiplasmin in dendritic growth of hippocampal neurons
Authors: Kawashita Eri , Kanno Yosuke , Asayama Haruka , Okada Kiyotaka , Ueshima Shigeru , Matsuo Osamu , Matsuno Hiroyuki
Published: May 2013

The α2‐Antiplasmin (α2AP) protein is known as a principal physiological inhibitor of plasmin, but we previously demonstrated that it acts as a regulatory factor for cellular functions independent of plasmin. α2AP is highly expressed in the hippocampus, suggesting a potential role for α2AP in hippocampal neuronal functions. However, the role for α2AP was unclear. This study is the first to investigate the involvement of α2AP in the dendritic growth of hippocampal neurons. The expression of microtubule‐associated protein 2, which contributes to neurite initiation and neuronal growth, was lower in the neurons from α2AP−/− mice than in the neurons from α2AP+/+ mice. Exogenous treatment with α2AP enhanced the microtubule‐associated protein 2 expression, dendritic growth and filopodia formation in the neurons. This study also elucidated the mechanism underlying the α2AP‐induced dendritic growth. Aprotinin, another plasmin inhibitor, had little effect on the dendritic growth of neurons, and α2AP induced its expression in the neurons from plaminogen−/− mice. The activation of p38 MAPK was involved in the α2AP‐induced dendritic growth. Therefore, our findings suggest that α2AP induces dendritic growth in hippocampal neurons through p38 MAPK activation, independent of plasmin, providing new insights into the role of α2AP in the CNS.
Distinct intrinsic and synaptic properties of pre‐sympathetic and pre‐parasympathetic output neurons in Barrington's nucleus
Authors: Guo Yue‐Xian , Li De‐Pei , Chen Shao‐Rui , Pan Hui‐Lin
Published: May 2013

Barrington's nucleus (BN), commonly known as the pontine micturition center, controls micturition and other visceral functions through projections to the spinal cord. In this study, we developed a rat brain slice preparation to determine the intrinsic and synaptic mechanisms regulating pre‐sympathetic output (PSO) and pre‐parasympathetic output (PPO) neurons in the BN using patch‐clamp recordings. The PSO and PPO neurons were retrogradely labeled by injecting fluorescent tracers into the intermediolateral region of the spinal cord at T13‐L1 and S1‐S2 levels, respectively. There were significantly more PPO than PSO neurons within the BN. The basal activity and membrane potential were significantly lower in PPO than in PSO neurons, and A‐type K+ currents were significantly larger in PPO than in PSO neurons. Blocking A‐type K+ channels increased the excitability more in PPO than in PSO neurons. Stimulting μ‐opioid receptors inhibited firing in both PPO and PSO neurons. The glutamatergic EPSC frequency was much lower, whereas the glycinergic IPSC frequency was much higher, in PPO than in PSO neurons. Although blocking GABAA receptors increased the excitability of both PSO and PPO neurons, blocking glycine receptors increased the firing activity of PPO neurons only. Furthermore, blocking ionotropic glutamate receptors decreased the excitability of PSO neurons but paradoxically increased the firing activity of PPO neurons by reducing glycinergic input. Our findings indicate that the membrane and synaptic properties of PSO and PPO neurons in the BN are distinctly different. This information improves our understanding of the neural circuitry and central mechanisms regulating the bladder and other visceral organs.
Diethylmaleate and iodoacetate in combination caused profound cell death in astrocytes
Authors: Liao Su‐Lan , Ou Yen‐Chuan , Chang Cheng‐Yi , Chen Wen‐Ying , Kuan Yu‐Hsiang , Wang Wen‐Yi , Pan Hung‐Chuan , Chen Chun‐Jung
Published: May 2013

Energy failure and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia. Here, we report a potential link between cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) activation and energy failure/oxidative stress‐induced astrocyte damage involving reactive oxygen species (ROS), protein kinase C‐α (PKC‐α), Src, Raf, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling and concurrent elevation of endogenous chelatable zinc. Energy failure and oxidative stress were produced by treating astrocytes with glycolytic inhibitor iodoacetate and glutathione chelator diethylmaleate, respectively. Diethylmaleate and iodoacetate in combination caused augmented damage to astrocytes in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. The cell death caused by diethylmaleate/iodoacetate was accompanied by increased ROS generation, PKC‐α membrane translocation, Src, Raf, ERK, and cPLA2 phosphorylation. Pharmacological studies revealed that these activations all contributed to diethylmaleate/iodoacetate‐induced astrocyte death. Intriguingly, the mobilization of endogenous chelatable zinc was observed in diethylmaleate/iodoacetate‐treated astrocytes. Zinc appears to act as a downstream mediator in response to diethylmaleate/iodoacetate treatment because of the attenuating effects of its chelator N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(2‐pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine. These observations indicate that ROS/PKC‐α, Src/Raf/ERK signaling and cPLA2 are active participants in diethylmaleate/iodoacetate‐induced astrocyte death and contribute to a vicious cycle between the depletion of ATP/glutathione and the mobilization of chelatable zinc as critical upstream effectors in initiating cytotoxic cascades.

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Energy failure and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia and cell death. Through the application of the glycolytic inhibitor iodoacetate and the glutathione chelator diethylmaleate, we report a potential link between cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) activation and energy failure/oxidative stress‐induced astrocyte damage involving reactive oxygen species (ROS), signaling through the kinases PKC‐α, Src, Raf, and ERK and concurrent elevation of endogenous chelatable zinc.