bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The allometric relationship between clean mohair growth and the fleece-free liveweight of Angora goats is affected by liveweight change
Authors: McGregor B. A. , Butler K. L. , Ferguson M. B.
Published: December 2012

Clean fleece weight (CFWt) is affected by liveweight and change in liveweight in Merino sheep, Angora and cashmere goats. However, how these relationships progress as animals age has not been elucidated. Measurements were made over 12 shearing periods on a population of Angora goats representing the current range and diversity of genetic origins including South African, Texan and interbred admixtures of these and Australian sources. Records of breed, sire, dam, date of birth, dam age, birthweight, birth parity, weaning weight, liveweight, fleece growth and fleece quality were taken for does and castrated males (wethers) (n = 267 animals). Fleece-free liveweights (FFLwt) were determined for each goat at shearing time by subtracting the greasy fleece weight from the liveweight recorded immediately before shearing. The average of the FFLwt at the start of the period and the FFLWt at the end of the period was calculated (AvFFLwt). Liveweight change (LwtCh) was the change in FFLwt over the period between shearings. A restricted maximum likelihood model was developed for CFWt, after log10 transformation, which allowed the observations of the same animal at different ages to be correlated in an unstructured manner. A simple way of describing the results is: CFWt = κ (AvFFLwt)β, where κ is a parameter that can vary in a systematic way with shearing age, shearing treatment and LwtCh; and β is an allometric coefficient that only varies with LwtCh. CFWt was proportional to FFLwt0.67 but only when liveweight was lost at the rate of 5–10 kg during a shearing interval of 6 months. The allometric coefficient declined to 0.3 as LwtCh increased from 10 kg loss to 20 kg gain during a shearing interval. A consequence is that, within an age group of Angora goats, the largest animals will be the least efficient in converting improved nutrition to mohair.
Adsorption of AsV in aqueous solutions on porous hematite prepared by thermal modification of a siderite - goethite concentrate
Authors: Ramirez-Muñiz Kardia , Jia Feifei , Song Shaoxian
Published: December 2012

Environmental contextArsenic in drinking water is a global environmental concern with serious effects on human health. We have developed a cheap and effective adsorbent, based on porous hematite, for removing arsenic from water. This material could be used in adsorption columns to remove arsenic from drinking water supplies.
AbstractThe adsorption of AsV in aqueous solutions on porous hematite prepared by the thermal modification of a siderite–goethite concentrate has been studied. This study included the preparation and characterisation of the porous hematite and the adsorption of AsV on the modified concentrate. The experimental results showed that the thermal decomposition of the siderite–goethite concentrate was an efficient process to prepare porous hematite. The mechanism might be attributed to the dehydration of goethite and the decomposition of siderite during the thermal treatment, forming a large amount of micropores. It has been found that the adsorption capacity of AsV on the porous hematite in aqueous solutions was greatly improved to 8.94 mg g–1, compared with 1.07 mg g–1 from the original concentrate, and the adsorption rate was also increased approximately four times. The improvements might be due to the formation of micropores and mesopores and thus the increase of the surface area. The mechanism of the adsorption was attributed to chemical adsorption of AsV species on porous hematite in aqueous solutions. The adsorption was enhanced by increasing solution temperature and was strongly pH dependent.
Monitoring adverse events following immunisation in developing countries: experience from human papillomavirus vaccination demonstration projects
Authors: Jain Kriti M. , Paul Proma , LaMontagne D. Scott
Published: December 2012

Background
Surveillance of adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs) is important for maintaining trust in vaccination. This paper discusses retrospective reports by parents and guardians of girls experiencing AEFIs during human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine demonstration projects in Uganda and Vietnam. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from a population-based survey measuring HPV vaccine coverage of eligible girls and acceptability among parents and guardians was conducted. Survey data from parents were analysed for frequency and type of AEFI and actions taken. Results: Of the 1700 eligible households contacted, all responded to the survey; of those, 1313 respondents had an eligible child who had received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Data were missing from 49 respondents, resulting in 1264 surveys. Twenty-five percent reported an AEFI, with fever (29.1%) and pain or swelling at the injection site (62.0%) being the most common. Events totalled 386 (10.5%) of the 3684 doses administered. Most parents reported that they took no action (63.9%) or cared for girls at home (16.1%) following an AEFI. Thirty-three parents sought advice from health workers or attended a clinic for 46 events (0.8% of all doses). Frequency of reporting varied by respondent identity, geographic location and vaccination location. Conclusions: AEFIs reported were similar to Phase III vaccine trials. Most parents reporting AEFIs took no action or treated the girl at home, suggesting that most AEFIs were not serious enough to contact the health system. AEFI reports were more frequent when solicited in surveys compared with reports from routine monitoring.
Neighborhood Defenders Program: An Evaluation of Maryland’s Holistic Representation Program
Authors: Hisle Brooke , Shdaimah Corey , Finegar Natalie
Published: December 2012

This article provides insights and lessons learned from the Neighborhood Defenders Program (NDP) established by the Maryland Office of the Public Defender in 2006. The NDP is a holistic representation model that uses interdisciplinary teams of lawyers, social workers, law clerks, support staff, and college interns to provide legal representation while assisting clients with social and economic concerns such as reentry, housing, employment, immigration, mental health, and education. Clients are eligible for social service assistance from the NDP indefinitely, even after their legal case has been resolved. First, the authors provide an overview of holistic criminal defense and a description of the NDP. This is followed by a brief description of evaluation methods and a report of the main findings, which are based on interviews, focus groups, and observations with clients, attorneys, social workers, support staff, and families or guardians of clients. Last, the authors provide concluding thoughts and recommendations based on these findings that may help others who seek to establish or improve existing holistic criminal defense practices. It is the authors’ goal to contribute to dialogue around holistic criminal defense programs to maximize benefits to clients and to avoid or mitigate any harm.
Letter from the Editors (4)
Authors: Vaughan-Eden Viola , Butters Rob
Published: December 2012

Letter from the Editors
Connes embeddings and von Neumann regular closures of amenable group algebras
Authors: Elek Gábor
Published: December 2012

The analytic von Neumann regular closure

R
(
Γ
)

R(\Gamma )

of a complex group algebra

C

Γ

\mathbb {C}\Gamma

was introduced by Linnell and Schick. This ring is the smallest

∗
*

-regular subring in the algebra of affiliated operators

U
(
Γ
)

U(\Gamma )

containing

C

Γ

\mathbb {C}\Gamma

. We prove that all the algebraic von Neumann regular closures corresponding to sofic representations of an amenable group are isomorphic to

R
(
Γ
)

R(\Gamma )

. This result can be viewed as a structural generalization of Lück’s approximation theorem.

The main tool of the proof which might be of independent interest is that an amenable group algebra

K
Γ

K\Gamma

over any field

K
K

can be embedded to the rank completion of an ultramatricial algebra.
The mixed problem in Lipschitz domains with general decompositions of the boundary
Authors: Taylor J. , Ott K. , Brown R.
Published: December 2012

This paper continues the study of the mixed problem for the Laplacian. We consider a bounded Lipschitz domainΩ⊂Rn\Omega \subset \mathbf {R}^n,n≥2n\geq 2, with boundary that is decomposed as∂Ω=D∪N\partial \Omega =D\cup N, withDDandNNdisjoint. We letΛ\Lambdadenote the boundary ofDD(relative to∂Ω\partial \Omega) and impose conditions on the dimension and shape ofΛ\Lambdaand the setsNNandDD. Under these geometric criteria, we show that there existsp0>1p_0>1depending on the domainΩ\Omegasuch that forppin the interval(1,p0)(1,p_0), the mixed problem with Neumann data in the spaceLp(N)L^p(N)and Dirichlet data in the Sobolev spaceW1,p(D)W^{1, p}(D)has a unique solution with the non-tangential maximal function of the gradient of the solution inLp(∂Ω)L^p(\partial \Omega ). We also obtain results forp=1p=1when the Dirichlet and Neumann data come from Hardy spaces, and a result when the boundary data comes from weighted Sobolev spaces.
Tempered representations and nilpotent orbits
Authors: Harris Benjamin
Published: December 2012

Given a nilpotent orbit

O

\mathcal {O}

of a real, reductive algebraic group, a necessary condition is given for the existence of a tempered representation

π
\pi

such that

O

\mathcal {O}

occurs in the wave front cycle of

π
\pi

. The coefficients of the wave front cycle of a tempered representation are expressed in terms of volumes of precompact submanifolds of an affine space.
Sequence of a fusogenic herpes simplex virus, RH2, for oncolytic virotherapy
Authors: Takahashi Gen , Meshii Noritoshi , Hamada Masakazu , Iwai Soichi , Yura Yoshiaki
Published: December 2012

RH2 is a novel oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) produced by simultaneous infection with neurovirulent γ134.5 gene-deficient HSV-1 R849 derived from strain F and the spontaneously occurring, fusogenic HSV-1 HF in cell culture. The genome of RH2 was studied using Genome Sequencer FLX. RH2 comprised 149 643 bp and it was shown that thelacZgene was inserted into the γ134.5 gene of R849. Comparison of ORFs revealed that RH2 had 100 % identity with strain F in 21/58 unique long (UL) genes (36.2 %) and 1/13 unique short (US) genes (7.7 %). RH2 had 100 % amino acid identity with HF10 in 24/58 UL genes (41.4 %) and 9/13 US genes (69.2 %). Twelve genes, including UL27 (gB), US4 (gG) and UL6 (gD), had amino acid changes unique to RH2. Amino acid changes in gB occurred at positions 459 (T→A) and 817 (L→P). Other unique features were the amino acids missing in UL36 (VP1/2) and UL46 (VP11/12). Thus, RH2 is an HF10-based vector preserving the fusogenic amino acid changes of gB but lacking the γ134.5 gene. RH2 is expected to be a version of HF10 useful for the treatment of brain tumours as well as oral squamous cell carcinoma. Spontaneously occurring HSV-1 mutants may also be useful clinically, as their genome sequences can easily be determined by this genome sequencing system.
The role of environmental factors on the evolution of phenotypic diversity in vesicular stomatitis virus populations
Authors: Smith-Tsurkan Sarah D. , Herr Roger A. , Khuder Sadik , Wilke Claus O. , Novella Isabel S.
Published: December 2012

Virus adaptation to an ever-changing environment requires the availability of variants with phenotypes that can fulfil new requirements for replication. High mutation rates result in the generation of these variants. The factors that contribute to the maintenance or elimination of this diversity, however, are not fully understood. This study used a collection of vesicular stomatitis virus strains generated under different conditions to measure the extent of variation within each population, and tested the effects of several environmental factors on diversity. It was found that the host-cell type used for selection sometimes had an effect on the extent of variation and that there may be different levels of variation over time. Persistent infections promoted higher levels of diversity than acute infections, presumably due to complementation. In contrast, environmental heterogeneity, host breadth and the cell type used for testing (as opposed to the cell type used for selection) did not seem to have an effect on the amount of phenotypic diversity observed.
Characterization of the Salehabad virus species complex of the genus Phlebovirus (Bunyaviridae)
Authors: Palacios Gustavo , Savji Nazir , Travassos da Rosa Amelia , Desai Aaloki , Sanchez-Seco Maria Paz , Guzman Hilda , Lipkin W. Ian , Tesh Robert
Published: December 2012

Genomic and antigenic characterization of the Salehabad virus, a species of the genus Phlebovirus, and four other unclassified phleboviruses (Arbia, Adria, Arumowot and Odrenisrou) demonstrate a serological and genetic relation to one another and are distinct from the eight other recognized species within the genus Phlebovirus. We propose to incorporate these four unclassified viruses as part of the Salehabad species complex within the genus. The known geographical distribution for the members of this species group includes southern Europe, Central Asia and Africa.
Specialization on traits as basis for the niche‐breadth of flower visitors and as structuring mechanism of ecological networks
Authors: Junker Robert R. , Blüthgen Nico , Brehm Tanja , Binkenstein Julia , Paulus Justina , Martin Schaefer H. , Stang Martina
Published: December 2012

Biotic interactions do not occur in isolation but are imbedded in a network of species interactions. Network analysis facilitates the compilation and understanding of the complexity found in natural ecosystems and is a powerful tool to reveal information on the degree of specialization of the interacting partners and their niches. The indices measuring these properties are based on qualitative or quantitative observations of interactions between partners from different trophic levels, which informs about the structure of network patterns, but not about the underlying mechanisms. Functional traits may control the interaction strength between partners and also the (micro‐) structure of networks. Here, we ask whether flower visitors specialize on certain plant traits and how this trait specialization contributes to niche partitioning and interaction partner diversity.

We introduce two novel statistical approaches suited to evaluate the dimension of the realized niche and to analyse which traits determine niches. As basis for our analysis, we measured 10 quantitative flower traits and evaluated whether 31 arthropod taxaivisited flowers displaying only subsets of the available trait characteristics, indicating a specialization on these traits by narrowtrait‐widths〈Si〉. The product of 10 trait‐ and species‐specifictrait‐widths〈Si〉 was defined astrait‐volumeVi(expansion of an‐dimensional hypervolume) occupied by each taxoni. These indices are applicable beyond flower–visitor interactions to quantify realized niches based on various biotic and abiotic factors.

Each flower visitor species showed some degree of specialization to a unique set of flower traits (realized niche). Overall, our data suggested a hierarchical sequence of flower traits influencing the flower visitors' behaviour and thus network structure: flowering phenology was found to have the strongest effect, followed by flower height, nectar‐tube depth and floral reflectance. Less important were pollen‐mass/flower, sugar/flower, anther position, phylogeny, display size and abundance.

The species‐specific specialization on traits suggests that plant communities with more diverse floral niches may sustain a larger number of flower visitors with non‐redundant fundamental niches. Our study and statistical approach provide a basis for a better understanding of how plant traits shape interactions between flowers and their visitors and thus network structure.
Identifying optimal barriers to halt the invasion of cane toads Rhinella marina in arid Australia
Authors: Tingley Reid , Phillips Benjamin L. , Letnic Mike , Brown Gregory P. , Shine Richard , Baird Stuart J. E.
Published: December 2012

Spatial heterogeneity in environmental conditions may restrict the spread of invasive species to narrow corridors between extensive patches of suitable habitat; thus, we may be able to curtail invasions by identifying such corridors, and focusing control efforts in these areas. Invasive cane toads Rhinella marina have spread rapidly through northern Australia, but to invade further into Western Australia, the toads must traverse a narrow arid corridor where artificial waterbodies may serve as critical stepping stones for range expansion.

We focus on the cane toads' imminent expansion into north‐western Australia and use stochastic simulation to identify areas in which removal of artificial waterbodies would be most effective at stopping their spread.

Our model predicts that toads will spread from the Kimberley to the Pilbara regions of Western Australia through a narrow coastal corridor, but that they will depend upon artificial waterbodies to do so. Importantly, excluding toads from artificial waterbodies is predicted to prevent toads from colonizing c. 268 200 km2 of their potential range in Western Australia.

We identified three locations where closure of a relatively small subset of artificial waterbodies is predicted to halt the spread of toads.

Synthesis and applications. We present a modelling framework that can be used to focus management activities within invasion corridors. Our analyses suggest that strategic removal of potential invasion hubs along such corridors can halt the spread of an invasive species.
Population dynamics of the climate‐sensitive endangered perennial Ferula sadleriana Ledeb. (Apiaceae)
Authors: Lendvay Bertalan , Kalapos Tibor
Published: December 2012

Ancient plant species surviving in isolated small populations are particularly vulnerable to extinction, therefore understanding their population dynamics is necessary for conservation. The iteroparous perennial relic endemic Ferula sadleriana Ledeb. (Apiaceae) is restricted to seven distant localities in the Carpathian Basin, where it inhabits rocky hills. We monitored the species' largest population on the Pilis Hill, Hungary, over 14–19 years (depending on trait) between 1979 and 2010, and relationships were sought between climatic properties and population attributes. The population of 4000 ± 1509 emergent individuals underwent large interannual fluctuations, with the vegetative stage displaying sevenfold and the reproductive stage twenty‐eight‐fold differences. Spring and early summer precipitation had a marked influence on abundances and seed set. Alternating years of high and low counts of reproductive plants suggest costs of reproduction that most probably incur prolonged dormancy and retrogression to the vegetative stage. Seed set was positively influenced by number of reproductive plants over years and by plant size within a year. Ungulates nullify yearly reproductive output by grazing on reproductive individuals. This is particularly intense in dry summers, when reproductive output is already low. The strong precipitation response of abundance, absence of clonal propagation and soil seed bank, and geographical isolation of the populations place F. sadleriana at considerable risk under an increasingly variable and extreme climate. Management should seek to maintain the species' original habitat mosaic (potentially compensating for climate variation), minimize grazing damage and anthropogenic disturbance, and establish ex situ conservation programs to provide propagules for eventual reintroduction.
The Long‐run Impacts of Ethanol Subsidies and Ethanol Expansion on the US Corn and Pig Sectors  Les incidences à long terme des subventions à l’éthanol et de la croissance de la production d’éthanol sur les secteurs du maïs et de la viande porcine aux États‐Unis  Die langfristigen Auswirkungen von Ethanol‐Subventionen und Ethanol‐Ausbau auf den US‐amerikanischen Mais‐ und Schweinesektor
Authors: Fabiosa Jacinto Fama
Published: December 2012

summary

The Long‐run Impacts of Ethanol Subsidies and Ethanol Expansion on the US Corn and Pig Sectors

In this article, we derive how much the corn and livestock sectors have been impacted by US ethanol subsidies and ethanol expansion, and whether these impacts should be expected to persist in the long run. We use a ‘backcasting’ approach for the period 2005 to 2010 coupled with a long‐run condition that requires all sectors to return to normal profits by 2010. We found that of the US$ 2.88 per bushel corn price increase between 2004 and 2010, 3 per cent (US$ 0.09) can be attributed to ethanol subsidies, 26 per cent (US$ 0.75) to market‐based expansion of ethanol, and 71 per cent (US$ 2.04) to other factors outside the ethanol sector, e.g. strong domestic and foreign corn demand for feed. With a larger share of the price increase explained by market‐based ethanol expansion, the impact can be sustained even in the absence of government intervention. If the size of the ethanol sector remained at the 2004 level, the corn price in 2010 would have been 17 per cent lower, the swine farm price and pork retail price would also have been lower by 8 per cent and 1.6 per cent, respectively. Finally, we project that any development in cellulosic ethanol that uses corn stover as feedstock will be favourable to the livestock sector.
Experimental evaluation of reproductive response to climate warming in an oviparous skink
Authors: LU Hongliang , WANG Yong , TANG Wenqi , DU Weiguo
Published: December 2012

The impact of climate warming on organisms is increasingly being recognized. The experimental evaluation of phenotypically plastic responses to warming is a critical step in understanding the biological effects and adaptive capacity of organisms to future climate warming. Oviparous Scincella modesta live in deeply‐shaded habitats and they require low optimal temperatures during embryonic development, which makes them suitable subjects for testing the effects of warming on reproduction. We raised adult females and incubated their eggs under different thermal conditions that mimicked potential climate warming. Female reproduction, embryonic development and hatchling traits were monitored to evaluate the reproductive response to warming. Experimental warming induced females to lay eggs earlier, but it did not affect the developmental stage of embryos at oviposition or the reproductive output. The high temperatures experienced by gravid females during warming treatments reduced the incubation period and increased embryonic mortality. The locomotor performance of hatchlings was not affected by the maternal thermal environment, but it was affected by the warming treatment during embryonic development. Our results suggest that climate warming might have a profound effect on fitness‐relevant traits both at embryonic and post‐embryonic stages in oviparous lizards.
A newly‐found pattern of social relationships among adults within one‐male units of golden snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxenalla) in the Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: WANG Xiaowei , WANG Chengliang , QI Xiaoguang , GUO Songtao , ZHAO Haitao , LI Baoguo
Published: December 2012

Group living provides various advantages to individuals in regards to protection avoidance, intergroup competition, productive success and social information. Stable one‐male units (OMUs) consist of relationships between the adult females and the resident male as well as the relationships among adult females. Based on continuous observation of a reproductive group of golden snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) in the Qinling Mountains, we analyzed the relationships among adult individual dyads within 4 OMUs. The results indicated that in golden snub‐nosed monkey societies, females not only had no strong tendency to build a relationship with the resident male in the OMU but also had no strong tendency to build relationships with other females in the OMU. In comparison with hamadryas (Papio hamadryas) and gelada baboons (Theropithecus gelada), the relationships within golden snub‐nosed monkeys OMUs showed neither the star‐shaped pattern observed in hamadryas baboons nor the net‐shaped pattern observed in gelada baboons. We concluded that the relationships within golden snub‐nosed monkey OMUs indicated a third pattern in nonhuman primate societies. Future research is required to determine the potential mechanisms for such a pattern.
The effect of the molecular adsorbent recirculating system on moxifloxacin and meropenem plasma levels
Authors: ROTH G. A. , SIPOS W. , HÖFERL M. , BÖHMDORFER M. , SCHMIDT E. M. , HETZ H. , SCHEBESTA K. , KLAUS D. , MOTAL M. , JÄGER W. , KRENN C. G.
Published: December 2012

Background

Adequate plasma antibiotic concentrations are necessary for effective elimination of invading microorganism; however, extracorporeal organ support systems are well known to alter plasma concentrations of antibiotics, requiring dose adjustments to achieve effective minimal inhibitory concentrations in the patient's blood.

Methods

A mock molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) circuit was set using 5000 ml of bovine heparinized whole blood to simulate an 8‐h MARS treatment session. After the loading dose of 400 mg of moxifloxacin or 2 g of meropenem had been added, blood was drawn from the different parts of the MARS circuit at various time points and analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The experiments were performed in triplicate. Additionally, meropenem concentrations were determined in the plasma of one patient treated with MARS suffering from acute liver failure due to an idiosyncratic reaction to immunosuppressive medication.

Results

In our single‐compartment model, a significant decrease in the quasi‐systemic concentration of moxifloxacin and meropenem could be detected as early as 15 min after the commencing of the MARS circuit. Moreover, within 60 min the moxifloxacin and meropenem concentrations were less than 50% of the initial value. The activated charcoal removed the majority of moxifloxacin and meropenem in the albumin circuit. In our patient, the meropenem concentrations in the return line after MARS were constantly lower than in the access line, indicating a likely removal of meropenem through MARS.

Conclusion

Our data provide evidence that moxifloxacin and meropenem are effectively removed from the patient's blood by MARS, leading to low plasma levels. Dose adjustments of both antibiotic compounds may be required.
Reducing the impact of a toxic invader by inducing taste aversion in an imperilled native reptile predator
Authors: Price‐Rees S. J. , Webb J. K. , Shine R.
Published: December 2012

It is virtually impossible to eradicate invasive organisms once they have spread widely, and even low densities of invaders may have devastating impacts. We need to explore alternative management options that accept the inevitability of encounters between alien and native taxa, but reduce the negative consequences of those encounters. Conditioned taste aversion (CTA) is one approach that offers promise in this respect. The spread of the invasive cane toad Rhinella marina across northern Australia is devastating populations of predators such as the blue‐tongued skink Tiliqua scincoides intermedia. Predators unable to tolerate the toads' powerful bufadienolide chemical defences are likely to die if they ingest a toad. We trained field‐caught skinks to avoid eating cane toad flesh, by offering them toad sausages laced with a nausea‐inducing chemical (lithium chloride). These individuals (and controls) were then released and radio‐tracked as toads arrived at our study site in north‐western Australia. Skinks that regurgitated after consuming the toad sausage survived after release, whereas most untrained animals were fatally poisoned by toad ingestion. Even if we cannot eradicate invasive cane toads, we can ameliorate their ecological impact by CTA training of vulnerable predators.
Portal vein embolization prior to major liver resection
Authors: Kuo Samuel C. L. , Azimi‐Tabrizi Arash , Briggs Gregory , Maher Richard , Harrington Timothy , Samra Jaswinder S. , Drummond Martin , Hugh Thomas J.
Published: December 2012

Background

Portal vein embolization (PVE) induces compensatory hypertrophy of the future liver remnant volume (FLRV) to improve the safety of major liver surgery by reducing the risk of post‐operative liver failure. The aim was to describe our experience of PVE for patients with large or multifocal malignant liver tumours who initially were deemed unresectable.

Methods

Perioperative data were retrieved from a prospective database and computed tomographic scans were retrospectively reviewed to calculate volume changes and the degree of liver hypertrophy following PVE.

Results

PVE was successful in 23 out of 25 patients and resulted in a change in the mean estimated FLRV from 585 to 788 mL following PVE. This represented a 35% increase in the remnant liver parenchymal volume post‐embolization (P < 0.01). The procedure was well tolerated and did not compromise the surgical resection in any patient. Nineteen patients went on to have a liver resection following PVE with an in‐hospital mortality of 16% (3 out of 19) and a 42% morbidity rate. After a mean follow‐up of 31 months (1–130 months), 32% (6 out of 19) of patients are alive and 4 of these (21%) are completely disease‐free.

Conclusions

PVE results in an increase in the FLRV prior to major hepatectomy. Failure to develop hypertrophy following PVE is a surrogate marker for underlying liver dysfunction. PVE is safe and may increase the pool of patients suitable for liver resection. Long‐term survival is similar to those not requiring embolization prior to liver resection.
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) collaborative update of CANMAT guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder: update 2013
Authors: Yatham Lakshmi N , Kennedy Sidney H , Parikh Sagar V , Schaffer Ayal , Beaulieu Serge , Alda Martin , O’Donovan Claire , MacQueen Glenda , McIntyre Roger S , Sharma Verinder , Ravindran Arun , Young L Trevor , Milev Roumen , Bond David J , Frey Benicio N , Goldstein Benjamin I , Lafer Beny , Birmaher Boris , Ha Kyooseob , Nolen Willem A , Berk Michael
Published: December 2012

Yatham LN, Kennedy SH, Parikh SV, Schaffer A, Beaulieu S, Alda M, O’Donovan C, MacQueen G, McIntyre RS, Sharma V, Ravindran A, Young LT, Milev R, Bond DJ, Frey BN, Goldstein BI, Lafer B, Birmaher B, Ha K, Nolen WA, Berk M.  Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) collaborative update of CANMAT guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder: update 2013.  Bipolar Disord 2012: 00: 000–000. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments published guidelines for the management of bipolar disorder in 2005, with updates in 2007 and 2009. This third update, in conjunction with the International Society for Bipolar Disorders, reviews new evidence and is designed to be used in conjunction with the previous publications.The recommendations for the management of acute mania remain largely unchanged. Lithium, valproate, and several atypical antipsychotic agents continue to be first‐line treatments for acute mania. Monotherapy with asenapine, paliperidone extended release (ER), and divalproex ER, as well as adjunctive asenapine, have been added as first‐line options.For the management of bipolar depression, lithium, lamotrigine, and quetiapine monotherapy, as well as olanzapine plus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and lithium or divalproex plus SSRI/bupropion remain first‐line options. Lurasidone monotherapy and the combination of lurasidone or lamotrigine plus lithium or divalproex have been added as a second‐line options. Ziprasidone alone or as adjunctive therapy, and adjunctive levetiracetam have been added as not‐recommended options for the treatment of bipolar depression. Lithium, lamotrigine, valproate, olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, risperidone long‐acting injection, and adjunctive ziprasidone continue to be first‐line options for maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. Asenapine alone or as adjunctive therapy have been added as third‐line options.
Age‐dependent interaction between atopy and eosinophils in asthma cases: results from NHANES 2005–2006
Authors: Arbes S. J. , Calatroni A. , Mitchell H. E. , Gergen P. J.
Published: December 2012

Background

Atopy is an established risk factor for asthma, and an elevated eosinophil level is a hallmark of atopic and non‐atopic asthma. Whether atopy and eosinophils act independently or interact to influence asthma has clinical and public health implications.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between atopy and eosinophils in asthma.

Methods

Data on current asthma, atopy (IgE positive to ≥ 1 allergen), and blood eosinophil percent (dichotomized at the median) were obtained for persons aged ≥ 6 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006. Interaction on an additive scale was evaluated by estimating the prevalences of asthma for combinations of atopy (yes or no) and eosinophil percent (high or low) and calculating the excess prevalence due to interaction.

Results

For all ages combined, the adjusted prevalences of asthma were 4.6%, 7.6%, 6.9% and 17.2% for persons with neither factor, atopy alone, a high eosinophil percent alone and both factors respectively. The excess prevalence of asthma due to interaction was 7.2%, indicating synergism. The excess prevalence was greatest in children aged 6–17 years (15.3%), and it decreased with each older age category until it was absent in adults aged ≥ 55 years (−0.2%). In children, 94% of asthma cases attributable to the 2 factors were attributable to the interaction, whereas in the oldest adults, no cases were attributable to the interaction.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Interaction between atopy and an elevated eosinophil level in asthma cases was very strong in children but absent in the oldest adults, which suggests different mechanistic pathways for these factors by age and supports the notion that asthma is a heterogeneous disease. In addition, the age‐dependent interaction between the factors has potential implications for the selection of asthma patients for treatments that would target either IgE or a high eosinophil level.
Is Chronic Sildenafil Therapy Safe and Clinically Beneficial in Patients With Systolic Heart Failure?
Authors: Amin Ahmad , Mahmoudi Ebrahim , Navid Hossein , Chitsazan Mitra
Published: December 2012

Sildenafil is a selective phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor and causes vasodilatation, particularly in pulmonary circulation. Since left heart failure may be associated with pulmonary hypertension “out of proportion to left heart disease,” sildenafil may have beneficial effect in such patients. The present investigation was designed as a 12‐week, single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study evaluating the effects of sildenafil on mean blood pressure (primary endpoint) in patients with left systolic heart failure. Secondary endpoints included exercise capacity assessed by 6‐minute walk test. A total of 106 patients were randomized 1:1 to sildenafil (n=53) or placebo (n=53). Patients received sildenafil 25 mg twice a day or matching placebo for the first 2 weeks and 50 mg 3 times a week for the remainder of the trial. The placebo‐corrected effect on mean blood pressure was 1.16 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, −1.6 to 5.1, P >.05), demonstrating that sildenafil did not decrease mean blood pressure. Compared with placebo, sildenafil increased the 6‐minute walk test by a nonsignificant treatment effect of 14 m (P=.67). Adverse effects occurred in a comparable proportion of patients taking sildenafil and placebo, and none of the patients needed to discontinue therapy. Sildenafil is well tolerated in left heart failure patients and does not decrease blood pressure. It can be safely added to standard heart failure therapy.
A novel Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein mutation in an infant with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Kawasaki Yukako , Toyoda Hidemi , Otsuki Shoichiro , Iwasa Tadashi , Iwamoto Shotaro , Azuma Eiichi , Itoh‐Habe Naomi , Wada Hideo , Fujimura Yoshihiro , Morio Tomohiro , Imai Kohsuke , Mitsuiki Noriko , Ohara Osamu , Komada Yoshihiro
Published: December 2012

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) has not yet been reported to be associated with mutations in the Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS) gene. WAS is an X‐linked recessive disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, small platelet size, eczema, recurrent infections, and increased risk of autoimmune disorders and malignancies. A broad spectrum of mutations in the WAS protein (WASP) gene have been identified as causing the disease. In this study, we report on a 2‐month‐old Japanese boy who presented with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and TTP. The activity of von Willebrand factor cleaving metalloproteinase, ADAMTS13 was low and the antibody against ADAMTS13 was positive (3.6 Bethesda U/mL). Although TTP was improved by plasma exchange and steroid pulse therapy, thrombocytopenia persisted and regular transfusions of irradiated platelets were needed. Tiny platelets were found on a peripheral blood smear. CMV genome was positive in peripheral blood by polymerase chain reaction and the CMV viremia continued to persist despite intravenous gancyclovir therapy. Through direct sequencing of genomic DNA of the WASP gene in the patient, we identified a novel mutation of WASP gene: the seventh nucleotide in exon 11 (G) had been deleted (1345delG). This mutation causes a frameshift and a stop codon at amino acid 470. Western blotting demonstrated a truncated WAS protein. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing TTP in WAS patients with novel mutation in the WASP gene.
Effects of abiotic factors and species interactions on estimates of male plant function: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Schaeffer Robert N. , Manson Jessamyn S. , Irwin Rebecca E.
Published: December 2012

The majority of angiosperms are hermaphroditic with total fitness comprised of both male and female components of reproduction. However, most studies examining the effects of abiotic factors and species interactions on fitness have focussed on female reproduction, potentially biasing our understanding of the consequences of environmental factors on total fitness. Here, we use meta‐analysis to test how environmental factors affect male function. We obtained 278 effect sizes from 96 studies that measured male function responses to manipulated environmental factors. We found significant effects of abiotic factors and species interactions on estimates of male function, with responses varying depending on environmental factor identity. Male and female responses were correlated for abiotic factor manipulations, but varied based on the type of species interaction (antagonistic or mutualistic). This suggests that measuring only female function may misrepresent whole‐plant reproduction depending on context. Finally, we found differences amongst components of male function in response to environmental factors, suggesting that some male function estimates may fail to capture the effects of environmental factors on male fitness. Our results demonstrate the importance of incorporating male function into ecological and evolutionary studies to provide a more accurate understanding of the effects of environmental factors on total fitness.
Re‐epithelialization of wounds
Authors: Koivisto Leeni , Häkkinen Lari , Larjava Hannu
Published: December 2012

Shortly after wounding, epithelial keratinocytes become activated through the combined effects of the exposure to pro‐migratory matrix molecules within the wound site and to growth factors that are released by other wound cells and from the blood clot as well as by wound‐generated electrical fields. Within 24 hours, they start migrating from the wound edges into the fibrin–fibronectin‐rich blood clot. They also deposit their own matrix molecules that facilitate their motility, including EDA fibronectin, laminin‐332, and tenascin‐C as well as express their receptors (mainly integrins). Basal keratinocytes adjacent to the wound site start proliferating 48–72 hours after the injury, contributing to the migrating cell pool. Re‐epithelialization is stimulated by a number of cytokines and growth factors such as members of the epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor‐β, and keratinocyte growth factor families that promote keratinocyte migration and proliferation. Furthermore, re‐epithelialization is dependent on regulated expression of proteases, including plasmin and matrix metalloproteinases, which break down extracellular matrix to allow keratinocyte invasion into wound provisional matrix as well as release and activate matrix‐bound growth factors. Thus, wound re‐epithelialization is a complex process that requires coordinated expression of several new extracellular matrix molecules, their receptors, and proteinases, and when dysregulated, can result in failures to re‐epithelialize and formation of chronic wounds.
Granulation tissue formation and remodeling
Authors: Häkkinen Lari , Larjava Hannu , Koivisto Leeni
Published: December 2012

The aim of this review is to summarize the key biological processes involved in soft connective tissue wound healing particularly in the context of oral mucosa. In a broader sense, healing of the connective tissue is not a separate, self‐driven process, but occurs in a reciprocal interaction with other tissue components and cells, including the epithelium, vasculature and inflammatory cells, and these interactions will also be discussed when relevant.
Specialized pro‐resolving mediators: wiring the circuitry of effector immune and tissue homeostasis
Authors: Fredman Gabrielle , Serhan Charles N.
Published: December 2012

Inflammation when uncontrolled is associated with prevalent disorders such as arthritis and periodontal disease, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Hence mechanisms to dampen the inflammatory response and promote resolution are of immense interest. Recent evidence has prompted a paradigm shift whereby the resolution of acute inflammation is now considered a biochemically active process regulated in part by endogenousPUFA(polyunsaturated fatty acid)‐derived autacoids. Among these are specialized pro‐resolving mediators (SPMs) that comprise lipoxins, resolvins, protectins and maresins. SPMs are endogenous stereoselective, potent mediators that temper both the magnitude and duration of inflammatory responses. Moreover, an appreciation of these endogenous mediators and pathways that control timely resolution opens a new terrain for therapeutic approaches targeted at stimulating resolution of local inflammation. The focus of this review is to depict recent advances on the biosynthesis and actions of these novel pro‐resolving and protective lipid mediators. Collectively, these findings indicate that defective mechanisms and pathways in resolution may underlie the unchecked inflammatory phenotype(s) that characterize some prevalent human diseases.
Evaluating the influence of land use, drought and reach isolation on the occurrence of freshwater mussel species in the lower Flint River Basin, Georgia (U.S.A.)
Authors: SHEA COLIN P. , PETERSON JAMES T. , CONROY MICHAEL J. , WISNIEWSKI JASON M.
Published: December 2012

1. North American freshwater mussels have been subjected to multiple stressors in recent decades that have contributed to declines in the status and distribution of many species. However, considerable uncertainty exists regarding the relative influence of these factors on observed population declines.

2. We used an occupancy modelling approach to quantify relationships between mussel species occurrence and various site‐ and catchment‐level factors, including land cover, stream size, the occurrence of drought and reach isolation due to impoundment for 21 mussel species native to the lower Flint River Basin, Georgia, U.S.A.

3. Our modelling approach accounted for potential biases associated with both incomplete detection and misidentification of species, which are frequently not accommodated as sources of bias in freshwater mussel studies.

4. Modelling results suggested that mussel species were, on average, four times less likely to be present following severe drought, but the negative effects of drought declined rapidly with increasing stream size. Similarly, mussel species were 15 times less likely to occupy small streams that were isolated from mainstem tributaries by impoundments.

5. This study provides insight into the effects of natural and anthropogenic factors on freshwater mussel species. Our findings add to a growing body of literature aimed at improving understanding of the predominant factors influencing freshwater mussel populations and fostering the development of more informed and effective conservation strategies.
Mutation profiling of adenoid cystic carcinomas from multiple anatomical sites identifies mutations in the RAS pathway, but no KIT mutations
Authors: Wetterskog Daniel , Wilkerson Paul M , Rodrigues Daniel N , Lambros Maryou B , Fritchie Karen , Andersson Mattias K , Natrajan Rachael , Gauthier Arnaud , Palma Silvana Di , Shousha Sami , Gatalica Zoran , Töpfer Chantal , Vukovic Vesna , A'Hern Roger , Weigelt Britta , Vincent‐Salomon Anne , Stenman Göran , Rubin Brian P , Reis‐Filho Jorge S
Published: December 2012

Aims

The majority of adenoid cystic carcinomas (AdCCs), regardless of anatomical site, harbour the MYB–NFIB fusion gene. The aim of this study was to characterize the repertoire of somatic genetic events affecting known cancer genes in AdCCs.

Methods and results

DNA was extracted from 13 microdissected breast AdCCs, and subjected to a mutation survey using the Sequenom OncoCarta Panel v1.0. Genes found to be mutated in any of the breast AdCCs and genes related to the same canonical molecular pathways, as well as KIT, a proto‐oncogene whose protein product is expressed in AdCCs, were sequenced in an additional 68 AdCCs from various anatomical sites by Sanger sequencing. Using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform and Sanger sequencing, mutations in BRAF and HRAS were identified in three and one cases, respectively (breast, and head and neck). KIT, which has previously been reported to be mutated in AdCCs, was also investigated, but no mutations were identified.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that mutations in genes pertaining to the canonical RAS pathway are found in a minority of AdCCs, and that activating KIT mutations are either absent or remarkably rare in these cancers, and unlikely to constitute a driver and therapeutic target for patients with AdCC.