bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lamin A/C Mutation Affecting Primarily the Right Side of the Heart
Authors: Ollila Laura , Kuusisto Johanna , Peuhkurinen Keijo , Kärkkäinen Satu , Tuomainen Petri , Kaartinen Maija , Raheem Olayinka , Udd Bjarne , Magga Jarkko , Rapola Janne , Lahtinen Annukka , Lehtonen Eero , Holmström Miia , Kivistö Sari , Widén Elisabeth , Saksa Markku , Heliö Tiina
Published: June 2013

LMNA mutations are amongst the most important causes of familial dilated cardiomyopathy. The most important cause of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is desmosomal pathology. The aim of the study was to elucidate the role of LMNA mutations among Finnish cardiomyopathy patients. We screened 135 unrelated cardiomyopathy patients for LMNA mutations. Because of unusual phenotype, two patients were screened for the known Finnish ARVC-related mutations of desmosomal genes, and their Plakophilin-2b gene was sequenced. Myocardial samples from two patients were examined by immunohistochemical plakoglobin staining and in one case by electron microscopy. We found a new LMNA mutation Phe237Ser in a family of five affected members with a cardiomyopathy affecting primarily the right side of the heart. The phenotype resembles ARVC but does not fulfill the Task Force Criteria. The main clinical manifestations of the mutation were severe tricuspid insufficiency, right ventricular enlargement and failure. Three of the affected patients died of the heart disease, and the two living patients received heart transplants at ages 44 and 47. Electron microscopy showed nuclear blebbing compatible with laminopathy. Immunohisto - chemical analysis did not suggest desmosomal pathology. No desmosomal mutations were found. The Phe237Ser LMNA mutation causes a phenotype different from traditional cardiolaminopathy. Our findings suggest that cardiomyopathy affecting primarily the right side of the heart is not always caused by desmosomal pathology. Our observations highlight the challenges in classifying cardiomyopathies, as there often is significant overlap between the traditional categories.
A Novel Approach to Collecting Satellite Cells From Adult Skeletal Muscles on the Basis of Their Stress Tolerance
Authors: Shigemoto Taeko , Kuroda Yasumasa , Wakao Shohei , Dezawa Mari
Published: June 2013

Stem cells are generally collected using flow cytometry, but this method is not applicable when the cell surface marker is not well determined. Satellite cells, which are skeletal muscle stem cells, have the ability to regenerate damaged muscles and are expected to be applicable for treatment of muscle degeneration. Although the transcription factor Pax7 is a known specific marker of satellite cells, it is not located on the cell surface and therefore flow cytometry is not directly applicable. In the present study, we turned our attention to the stress tolerance of adult stem cells, and we propose long-term trypsin incubation (LTT) as a novel approach to collecting satellite cells from mouse and human skeletal muscles. LTT led to a remarkable increase in the ratio of Pax7(+) cells that retain normal myogenic stem cell function. In particular, human Pax7(+) cells made up approximately 30% of primary cultured cells, whereas after LTT, the ratio of Pax7(+) cells increased up to ∼80%, and the ratio of Pax7(+) and/or MyoD(+) myogenic cells increased to ∼95%. Once transplanted, LTT-treated cells contributed to subsequent muscle regeneration following repetitive muscle damage without additional cell transplantation. The stress tolerance of Pax7(+) cells is related to heat shock protein 27 and αB-crystallin, members of the small heat shock protein family. This approach, based on the stress resistance of adult stem cells, is a safe and inexpensive method of efficiently collecting human satellite cells and may also be used for collecting other tissue stem cells whose surface marker is unknown.
First Aid Training for Those on the Front Lines: Digital Preservation Needs Survey Results 2012
Authors: DeRidder Jody L.
Published: June 2013

Every day history is being made and recorded in digital form. Every day, more and more digitally-captured history disappears completely or becomes inaccessible due to obsolescence of hardware, software, and formats. Although it has long been the focus of libraries and archives to retain, organize, and preserve information, these communities face a critical skills gap. Until we have in place the infrastructure, expertise and resources to distill critical information from the digital deluge and preserve it appropriately, what steps can those in the field take to help mitigate the loss of our cultural heritage? This article argues for the need for practical, accessible free or low-cost digital preservation training webinars, and reports on the results of a survey to identify the most important topics and types of materials on which to focus.
Recent Progress in the Replication of Hierarchical Biological Tissues
Authors: Paris Oskar , Fritz‐Popovski Gerhard , Van Opdenbosch Daniel , Zollfrank Cordt
Published: June 2013

Bioinspired materials research is a continuously growing field in interdisciplinary materials science and engineering with large potential for novel functional materials. One possibility of combining the hierarchical structure of natural materials with the broad range of available constituent materials is biotemplating, i.e., the use of biological materials as scaffolds or casting molds for the synthesis of ceramics, semiconductors, metals, polymers or composites thereof. However, the replication of structural details of complex biological tissues over several levels of hierarchy down to the nanometer level is still a big challenge. The biological templates need to be (made) accessible for the precursor materials down to the nanometer scale, and the desired inorganic replica often require a final thermal treatment with the danger of collapse of the nanostructure. Here, some of the current knowledge about the replication of hierarchical biological materials into ceramics or carbons with special emphasis on wood as a template is reviewed. It is concluded that real hierarchical replication down to the nanometer scale requires a careful preparation of the biological template, followed by elaborate template infiltration via gas or liquid phases and their transformation into a solid, and finally, the gentle removal of the template. Not surprisingly, retaining the replicated material in an amorphous or nanocrystalline state is a key requirement for a successful nanometer‐scale replication of biological materials.
Highly Transmissive Carbon Nanotube Forests Grown at Low Substrate Temperature
Authors: Anguita José V. , Cox David C. , Ahmad Muhammad , Tan Y. Y. , Allam Jeremy , Silva S. Ravi P.
Published: June 2013

Despite the “darker than black” association attributed to carbon nanotube forests, here is shown that it is also possible to grow these structures, over heat‐sensitive substrates, featuring highly transmissive characteristics from the UV to infrared wavelengths, for forest heights as high as 20 μm. The optical transmission is interpreted in terms of light propagation along channels that are self‐generated by localized bundling of tubes, acting as waveguides. A good correlation is shown between the distribution of diameter sizes of these sub‐wavelength voids and the transmission spectrum of the forests. For the shorter visible and near‐UV wavelengths, this model shows that light propagates by channeling along individual vertical voids in the forests, which elucidates the origin for the widely‐reported near‐zero reflectance values observed in forests. For the longer infrared wavelengths, the mode spreads over many nanotubes and voids, and propagates along a “homogeneous effective medium”. The strong absorption of the forest at the shorter wavelengths is correlated in terms of the stronger attenuation inside a waveguide cavity, according to the λ−1/2 attenuation dependency of standard waveguide theory. The realization of this material can lead to novel avenues in new optoelectronic device design, where the carbon nanotube forests can be used as highly conducting “scaffolds” for optically active materials, whilst also allowing light to penetrate to significant depths into the structure, in excess of 20 μm, enabling optical functionality.
Chain Extension of Stimuli‐Responsive Polymer Brushes: A General Strategy to Overcome the Drawbacks of the “Grafting‐To” Approach
Authors: Rauch Sebastian , Eichhorn Klaus‐Jochen , Kuckling Dirk , Stamm Manfred , Uhlmann Petra
Published: June 2013

Stimuli‐responsive polymer brushes are smart materials for the design of bio‐interactive and responsive interfaces. The “grafting‐to” approach is a convenient preparation procedure that allows the modification of surfaces with preformed and most notably well‐defined functionalized macromolecules. However, the shortcoming of this approach is an intrinsic limitation of the grafting density, which in turn affects the stimuli‐responsive properties of the brush system. Here, a general strategy to overcome this limitation and to simultaneously improve the switching behavior of a temperature‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAAm) brush is reported. A technically simple processing step is used in combination with the thermal azide–alkyne cycloaddition to perform the chain extension of alkyne‐functionalized PNiPAAm brushes with azide‐functionalized PNiPAAm molecules.
Gold Nanocage‐Based Dual Responsive “Caged Metal Chelator” Release System: Noninvasive Remote Control with Near Infrared for Potential Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Shi Peng , Li Meng , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: June 2013

Metal ions have been demonstrated to participate in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD): amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) aggregation and formation of neurotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as H2O2. Metal chelator can block ROS formation and inhibit metal induced Aβ aggregation. Metal‐ion chelation therapy as a compelling treatment for AD has been extensively studied. However, most chelators are not suitable for AD treatment because of their poor permeability of the blood–brain barrier and their limited ability to differentiate toxic metals associated with Aβ plaques from those associated with normal metal homeostasis. Here, a novel dual‐responsive “caged metal chelator” release system based on gold nanocage (AuNC) for AD treatment is reported. Since arylboronic ester is redox‐ and thermal‐sensitive, phenylboronic acid‐functionalized AuNC can serve as an efficient delivery system for H2O2‐responsive controlled release of metal chelator. The release can be further enhanced through remote control with NIR light because of the high near‐infrared absorbance of AuNC. The smart system can effectively inhibit Aβ aggregate formation, decrease cellular ROS, and protect cells from Aβ‐related toxicity. In light of these advantages, this design provides new insights into noninvasive remote control with NIR to improve therapeutic efficacy for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Mechanochromic Photonic Gels
Authors: Chan Edwin P. , Walish Joseph J. , Urbas Augustine M. , Thomas Edwin L.
Published: June 2013

Polymer gels are remarkable materials with physical structures that can adapt significantly and quite rapidly with changes in the local environment, such as temperature, light intensity, electrochemistry, and mechanical force. An interesting phenomenon observed in certain polymer gel systems is mechanochromism – a change in color due to a mechanical deformation. Mechanochromic photonic gels are periodically structured gels engineered with a photonic stopband that can be tuned by mechanical forces to reflect specific colors. These materials have potential as mechanochromic sensors because both the mechanical and optical properties are highly tailorable via incorporation of diluents, solvents, nanoparticles, or polymers, or the application of stimuli such as temperature, pH, or electric or strain fields. Recent advances in photonic gels that display strain‐dependent optical properties are discussed. In particular, this discussion focuses primarily on polymer‐based photonic gels that are directly or indirectly fabricated via self‐assembly, as these materials are promising soft material platforms for scalable mechanochromic sensors.
Three‐Dimensional Super Lens Composed of Fractal Left‐Handed Materials
Authors: Xu He‐Xiu , Wang Guang‐Ming , Qi Mei Qing , Li Lianming , Cui Tie Jun
Published: June 2013

Inspired by the fractal concept, a miniaturized and fully printed planar, left‐handed (LH) material with C band (from 4.89 to 5.55 gigahertz) negative permittivity and permeability is proposed, using the transmission‐line (TL) approach. By incorporating four interdigital capacitors in the Sierpinski fractal curves of the second iteration order, the resulting LH‐TL material features large inductance and capacitance values in the equivalent circuit model, and thus facilitates an electrically small dimension and a broadband negative magnetic response. Based on the planar LH‐TL materials and sophisticated theory, a three‐dimensional (3D) free‐space LH‐TL super lens is designed and fabricated using multiple structures. Both numerical and experimental results illustrate that the 3D super lens exhibits excellent impedance matching to free space and significantly improves the imaging resolution. It is shown that the resolution reaches 0.39 λ0 at 5.35 gigahertz, in which the LH‐TL material possesses μ ≈ –μ0 and ε ≈ –ε0 (μ0 and ε0 are free‐space permeability and permittivity).
Low Catalyst Loadings in Self‐Metathesis of 1‐Dodecene
Authors: Czaban Justyna , Schertzer Bryan M. , Grela Karol
Published: June 2013

A series of ruthenium catalysts has been screened in the self‐metathesis of 1‐dodecene with and without the addition of benzoquinones. Many of these catalysts demonstrated excellent selectivity and yields with as low as 10 ppm catalyst loading. Reactions have been conducted under decreased pressure or under argon bubbling, which caused a tremendous increase in yield and selectivity of the examined process.
Palladium Supported on Cross‐Linked Imidazolium Network on Silica as Highly Sustainable Catalysts for the Suzuki Reaction under Flow Conditions
Authors: Pavia Cinzia , Ballerini Eleonora , Bivona Lucia Anna , Giacalone Francesco , Aprile Carmela , Vaccaro Luigi , Gruttadauria Michelangelo
Published: June 2013

Highly cross‐linked imidazolium‐based materials, obtained by radical oligomerization of bis‐vinylimidazolium salts in the presence of 3‐mercaptopropyl‐modified silica gel, were used as supports for palladium catalysts. Thanks to the high imidazolium loading these materials were able to support a high amount of the metal (10 wt%). Such materials were characterized by several techniques (13C magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy). The palladium catalysts displayed good activity allowing the synthesis of several biphenyl compounds in high yields working with only 0.1 mol% of palladium loading at 50 °C in ethanol/water under batch condition. Moreover, a flow apparatus, to optimize the efficiency of the isolation of the pure products and minimize waste (E‐factor), was investigated. For the first time the palladium catalyst and base (K2CO3) were placed in two separate columns allowing an easy recovery of the products with very low E‐factor values (<4). Waste production was reduced by over 99% compared to classic batch conditions. Because of the high Pd loading only 42 mg of catalysts were employed in the Suzuki reaction between 160 mmol of 4‐bromotoluene and 180 mmol of phenylboronic acid. No loss in activity was observed.
Modeling multisystem biological risk in later life: Allostatic load in the lothian birth cohort study 1936
Authors: Booth Tom , Starr John M. , Deary Ian
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To investigate and replicate a multisystem model of biological risk, or allostatic load, in a sample of generally healthy older adults.

Methods

Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (MG‐CFA) was applied to data from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (n = 726). Blood samples were taken at a physical examination. Three markers of inflammation (fibrinogen, interleukin‐6, and C‐reactive protein), five metabolic markers (high‐ and low‐density lipoprotein, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, and triglyceride), and blood pressure (mean sitting systolic and diastolic blood pressure) were used to estimate a second‐order CFA model of allostatic load. Our sample was split into those taking antihypertensive, anti‐inflammatory, lipid‐lowering, and diabetes medications (n = 470), and those who were not (n = 256), in order to test the stability of the CFA model across groups.

Results

In the nonmedicated sample, a second‐order allostatic load model showed good fit to the data. However, the second‐order model failed to estimate in the medicated group. The factor correlations between blood pressure and inflammation and metabolism were smaller in magnitude in the medicated group. Invariance analysis on the first‐order measurement model suggested significant differences across groups in the associations of low‐density lipoprotein and HbA1c with metabolism.

Conclusions

Reliable measurement of allostatic load is possible in ageing samples free of medications but is complicated in the presence of medications. MG‐CFA represents a highly versatile method for the analysis of allostatic load. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:538–543, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Birth weight, season of birth and postnatal growth do not predict levels of systemic inflammation in gambian adults
Authors: Richards Anna A. , Fulford Anthony J. , Prentice Andrew M. , Moore Sophie E.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Studies testing whether systemic inflammation might lie on the causal pathway between aberrant fetal and post‐natal growth patterns and later cardiovascular disease have been inconclusive, possibly due to the use of single markers of unknown predictive value. We used repeated measures of a comprehensive set of inflammatory markers to investigate the relationship between early life measures and systemic inflammation in an African population.

Methods

Individuals born in three rural villages in The Gambia, and for whom early life measurements were recorded, were traced (n = 320). Fasting levels of eight inflammatory markers (C‐reactive protein, serum amyloid A, orosomucoid, fibrinogen, α 1‐antichymotrypsin, sialic acid, interleukin‐6 and neopterin) were measured, and potential confounding factors recorded. The association between early life measurements and systemic inflammation was assessed using regression analysis.

Results

Levels of most markers were unrelated to early growth patterns. In analyses adjusted for age and sex, more rapid growth between birth and 3 months of age was associated with higher levels of fibrinogen, orosomucoid, and sialic acid. These relationships persisted after further adjustment for body mass index but after full adjustment only the association with fibrinogen remained.

Conclusions

This study provides little evidence that size at birth or growth in early infancy determine levels of inflammatory markers in young Gambian adults. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:457–464, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Natural selection In Utero: Evidence from the great East Japan earthquake
Authors: Catalano R. , Yorifuji T. , Kawachi I.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Controversy remains over whether declines in male births reported after population stressors result from either or both reduced conception of males or increased selection in utero against male fetuses. We use monthly birth cohorts to determine if Japanese male births following the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 fell below levels expected from female births and from history (i.e., autocorrelation) among cohorts exposed to the Earthquake at or after conception.

Methods

We apply interrupted time‐series methods to 69 months (i.e., April, 2006 through December, 2011) of birth data from the most and least affected prefectures as well as from the remainder of Japan. We estimate expected male births from female births and from autocorrelation.

Results

Findings varied by distance from the greatest damage but suggest sensitive periods both early and late in gestation when population stressors may induce selection against males in utero. Support for reduced conception of males appeared only in the prefectures most damaged by the Earthquake.

Conclusions

Results align with the claim that natural selection has conserved mechanisms that reduce the odds of a male live birth during stressful times by reducing the conception of males and by increasing the rate of spontaneous abortion among male fetuses. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:555–559, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Palladiumkatalysierte migratorische Insertion von Isocyaniden: eine neue Methode für die Kreuzkupplungschemie
Authors: Vlaar Tjøstil , Ruijter Eelco , Maes Bert U. W. , Orru Romano V. A.
Published: June 2013

Seit der Entdeckung der Ugi‐Reaktion und ähnlicher Isocyanid‐ basierter Mehrkomponentenreaktionen sind Isocyanide wichtige Bausteine für die organische Synthese. In den letzten zehn Jahren fanden Isocyanide als vielseitige C1‐Bausteine in der Palladiumkatalyse eine neue Anwendung. Palladiumkatalysierte Reaktionen, die unter Isocyanidinsertion ablaufen, bieten ein enormes Potenzial für die Synthese stickstoffhaltiger Feinchemikalien. In diesem Kurzaufsatz werden alle erzielten Erfolge auf diesem neu entstehenden Gebiet diskutiert.
Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions of aryl chlorides catalyzed by a new nickel(II) σ‐aryl complex
Authors: Lei Xiangyang , Obregon Karla A. , Alla Jhansi
Published: June 2013

A new nickel(II) σ‐aryl complex, trans‐chloro(9‐phenanthrenyl)bis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(II), was used as a precatalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions of aryl chlorides. The catalytic conditions were optimized by investigating the cross‐coupling of p‐chloroanisole with phenylboronic acid. The results show that this complex is efficient for both electron‐rich and electron‐deficient aryl chlorides, though it gives better yields for activated arylboronic acids than deactivated ones. All isolated cross‐coupled biaryl products have been characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, and their spectral data are consistent with those reported. Side products from the coupling of arylboronic acid with the precatalyst complex have also been isolated and characterized, which is helpful for understanding the coupling mechanism. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel microwave synthesis of half‐sandwich [(η6‐C6H6)Ru] complexes and an evaluation of the biological activity and biochemical reactivity
Authors: Beckford Floyd A. , Stott Alyssa , Gonzalez‐Sarrías Antonio , Seeram Navindra P.
Published: June 2013

We have used a novel microwave‐assisted method to synthesize a pair of half‐sandwich ruthenium–arene–thiosemicarbazone complexes of the type [(η6‐C6H6Ru(TSC)Cl]PF6. The thiosemicarbazone (TSC) ligands are 2‐(anthracen‐9‐ylmethylene)hydrazinecarbothioamide and 2‐(anthracen‐9‐ylmethylene)‐N‐ethylhydrazinecarbothioamide derived from 9‐anthraldehyde. The complexes are moderately strong binders of DNA, with binding constants of 104 m−1. They are also strong binders of human serum albumin, having binding constants of the order of 105 m−1. The complexes show some in vitro anticancer activity against human colon cancer cells, Caco‐2 and HCT‐116, with positive therapeutic indices. They did not show any activity as antibacterial agents against the organisms that were studied. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new bioreactor for paclitaxel production based on foam separation
Authors: Taura Kohei , Yamamoto Shinjiro , Hayashi Shuhei , Furusaki Shintaro , Shioya Suteaki
Published: June 2013

We report here the development of a new bioreactor (bioreactor with foam separation, BFS) for efficient production and recovery of paclitaxel that circumvents paclitaxel's inhibitory effects on growth through a feedback mechanism. The BFS captures paclitaxel through its hydrophobic interaction with the foam generated by aerated culture medium. The BFS comprises co‐axial 0.65 dm3 outer (150 mm height and 75 mm diameter) and 0.15 dm3 inner vessels (90 mm height and 50 mm diameter) equipped with a ball‐type sparger (5–10 µm pore size, 10 mm diameter) and a wire‐framed draft tube covered by a water‐permeable cellulose bag (150 × 40 mm, 100 µm maximum pore size). The BFS was tested by adding paclitaxel alone to the medium of 0.12 dm3 in the inner vessel and collecting it in the foam that overflowed into the outer vessel. Paclitaxel was separated with first‐order kinetics and was optimally recovered using an aeration rate of 0.05 dm3 min−1 (0.21 vvm). Next, a Taxus cuspidata callus was cultured using the optimal aeration rate. A conventional shaking culture (110 rpm) served as the control using a 0.2 dm3 Erlenmeyer flask (0.12 dm3 medium). Paclitaxel was maintained at less than 0.02 g m−3 in the inner vessel of the BFS. Consequently, there was no feedback inhibition, and the paclitaxel production increased by a factor of five in the BFS compared with the control culture where there was feedback inhibition by the high concentration of paclitaxel. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding marine park opposition: the relationship between social impacts, environmental knowledge and motivation to fish
Authors: Voyer Michelle , Gladstone William , Goodall Heather
Published: June 2013

Marine protected areas (MPAs), are being vigorously pursued globally but meeting significant resistance at a local level. Despite this, there is limited research into the factors that drive this resistance.

The Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park (PSGLMP) and Batemans Marine Park (BMP), both situated in New South Wales (NSW) Australia, were established in December 2005 and April 2006 respectively. Both generated significant controversy and hostility, particularly from the recreational fishing sector.

The controversy surrounding the declaration of these and other NSW marine parks continues and has been the subject of intense political interest and government enquiry.

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with recreational, professional and indigenous fishers. They explored the social impacts of the declaration of PSGLMP and BMP and their link to marine park opposition. Opponents felt the marine parks had resulted in a variety of negative impacts ranging from a loss of enjoyment and convenience through to more serious impacts on wellbeing, livelihood and culture.

Examination of the reasons why interview subjects participated in fishing provided further insight into their perception of the marine park and the impacts resulting from the declaration.

Opposition to MPAs, however, cannot be explained by impact alone. All the marine park opponents interviewed represented themselves as ‘knowledge holders’ about their local marine area. This knowledge – predominately ‘fish’ knowledge – appears to have conflicted with a policy position which places biodiversity conservation as the primary objective of MPAs. This has led to a perception that the practical knowledge of users was not valued in the planning of each marine park.

Incorporation of the goals and objectives of local communities into the development of MPA proposals may provide communities with a greater sense of ownership. Considering motivation to fish may allow for the development of more holistic management responses to mitigate and compensate users for social impacts that may arise from any necessary trade‐offs between these often competing objectives.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does propeller turbulence affect the sink rate of baited hooks and their availability to seabirds in pelagic longline fisheries?
Authors: Robertson Graham , Candy Steven G.
Published: June 2013

Experiments were conducted on three pelagic longline fishing vessels on the effects of propeller and hull turbulence on baited hook sink rates. Baited hooks were deployed to land in the sea: (i) close to the vessel's stern in the centre line of the propeller; into the wake zones on both (ii) upswing and (iii) downswing sides of the propeller; and outboard of wake zones on vessel (iv) upswing and (v) downswing sides. Two branch line deployment methods – the ‘lead sinker first’ and ‘hook‐and‐sinker together’– were also assesssed.

Branch line deployment method made no difference to the sink rates in each of the five bait landing positions. The sink rates within bait landing position varied among vessels as did the order of the sink profiles (fastest to slowest), indicating that results cannot be combined for all vessels.

Within each of the three vessels, baited hooks in the centre position reached 3 m depth 16%, 19% and 30% slower than those in the next slowest position. Mean sink times in propeller upswing and downswing zones were virtually the same. Sink times to 3 m in these two positions and in the two positions outboard of vessel wakes varied by only 2 s (0.02 m s‐1). Gear sank fastest outboard of vessel wakes on the downswing side of the propeller, but the advantage in deploying to this area was minor.

To reduce bait availability to seabirds, hooks should be set to avoid the area of maximum propeller upwelling astern of vessels (i.e. the centre position). The absence of strong effects with the other bait landing positions dictates that rigging position of bird scaring streamer lines takes priority over landing position, and baits be set to areas that provide the most effective coverage (both laterally and distance astern) by streamer lines.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polynesian chickens in the New World: a detailed application of a commensal approach
Authors: Storey Alice A. , Quiroz Daniel , Beavan Nancy , Matisoo‐Smith Elizabeth
Published: June 2013

In 2007, based on direct radiocarbon dates, we presented evidence that chickens were introduced to Chile before Europeans first made contact with the New World. The pre‐Columbian age of the chicken bones and their mtDNA affinities with one of two prehistoric Pacific chicken haplogroups (E) led us to conclude that Polynesia was the most likely origin for these pre‐Columbian chickens. Subsequently, the mtDNA and radiocarbon evidence provided has been applied to a range of studies and occasionally reinterpreted. This has revealed issues related to the brevity of the initial report in 2007. Here, we provide a full discussion of the evidence, including the relevant archaeological, historical and biological information necessary to provide the context for interpreting genetic analyses and understanding their implications for addressing archaeological questions. We include a comprehensive analysis of the isotope data within a geographical and temporally relevant dataset to verify the pre‐Columbian age of the El Arenal chickens. In addition, we provide longer DNA sequences obtained from some of the ancient Chilean chicken remains to address objections raised by critics and to demonstrate that longer sequences do not change the observed affinities of the mtDNA sequences, nor their interpretation. In this analysis, historical information is used to critically evaluate the results of phylogenetic analyses. This comprehensive approach demonstrates that the examination of modern chicken DNA sequences does not contribute to our understanding of the origins of Chile's earliest chickens. Interpretations based on poorly sourced and documented modern chicken populations, divorced from the archaeological and historical evidence, do not withstand scrutiny. Instead, this expanded account will confirm the pre‐Columbian age of the El Arenal remains and lend support to our original hypothesis that their appearance in South America is most likely due to Polynesian contact with the Americas in prehistory.
Where are stone artefacts found? Testing Hall's predictive model of artefact density in the south‐east Australian highlands
Authors: Cochrane Grant W.G. , Doelman Trudy , Greenwood Simon , Reeves Jamie
Published: June 2013

We use a non‐site survey methodology and statistical significance testing to evaluate Hall's (1992a) predictive model of stone artefact distributions in the south‐east Australian highlands. The study area is a 19.5 km2 rectangular corridor in the Limestone Creek valley, north‐east Victoria. The study confirms a number of Hall's predictions about the relationship between stone artefact density and environmental factors. The strongest relationship is between artefact density and slope. This relationship is probably a reflection of both cultural and non‐cultural processes, which have promoted higher artefact density on the more subdued terrain. We also found that less common artefact types such as retouched tools and cores had the least predictable spatial distributions, although this may be a reflection of the small sample size.
Silcrete quarries and artefact distribution in the Central Queensland Highlands, Eastern Australia
Authors: Webb John , Finlayson Brian , Cochrane Grant , Doelman Trudy , Domanski Marian
Published: June 2013

A geoarchaeological study of silcrete in the Central Queensland Highlands highlights the importance of geological context in understanding the procurement, use and transport of artefacts. This study shows, by focusing on a newly discovered silcrete quarry, that silcrete formed beneath basalt by silicification of stream sediments and underlying sandstone. Silcrete outcrops are largely restricted to cliffs where the base of the basalt is exposed, narrowing the location of potential quarries. Silcrete artefacts are abundant throughout the region, and there are clear patterns in the use and distribution of different qualities of silcrete. Fine‐grained grain‐supported silcrete is the dominant artefact lithology because of its excellent flaking quality; it is sufficiently versatile to make flake scrapers and retouched microlithic tools. At one occupation site, the mid‐Holocene appearance of backed artefacts and points was accompanied by an increase in the use of fine‐grained grain‐supported silcrete and a decrease in the exploitation of coarse‐grained matrix‐supported silcrete; the latter was less suited to the manufacture of more curated tools. With increasing distance from silcrete outcrops, there is a decrease in the percentage of silcrete artefacts and an increase in the expedient use of local lithologies. However, silcrete's flaking quality justified its dispersal over distances of >80 kilometres from the nearest outcrop.
Baseline Predictors of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flares: Data From the Combined Placebo Groups in the Phase III Belimumab Trials
Authors: Petri Michelle A. , van Vollenhoven Ronald F. , Buyon Jill , Levy Roger A. , Navarra Sandra V. , Cervera Ricard , Zhong Z. John , Freimuth William W. ,   on behalf of the BLISS‐52 and BLISS‐76 Study Groups
Published: June 2013

Objective

To identify predictors of moderate‐to‐severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flare in 562 patients treated with standard therapy alone in phase III belimumab trials, and to evaluate the impact of standard therapies on preventing flares.

Methods

Post hoc analysis assessed baseline demographics, disease activity, and biomarkers in patients with and those without flare at treatment weeks 24 and 52. Severe flare was defined by the modified SLE Flare Index (SFI) and the development of any new British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) A domain score. Severe and moderate flare was defined by development of 1 new BILAG A domain score or 2 new BILAG B domain scores. Baseline characteristics associated with a ≥10% absolute difference or a ≥50% increase in flare rates were considered predictive.

Results

Frequencies of flares over 52 weeks according to the SFI, any new BILAG A domain score, and 1 new BILAG A domain score or 2 new BILAG B domain scores were 23.7%, 23.1%, and 32.0%, respectively. Flare predictors by univariate analysis on all 3 indices at weeks 24 and 52 were a score ≥12 on the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment version of the SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA–SLEDAI); anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) positivity; proteinuria (≥0.5 gm/24 hours); BILAG renal, vasculitic, and hematologic scores; elevated C‐reactive protein levels; and B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) levels ≥2 ng/ml. Independent predictors by multivariate analysis at week 52 were SELENA–SLEDAI and/or BILAG renal involvement and anti‐dsDNA ≥200 IU/ml (on all 3 indices); SELENA–SLEDAI and/or BILAG neurologic and vasculitic involvement (on 2 indices: any new BILAG A domain score and 1 new BILAG A domain score or 2 new BILAG B domain scores); BLyS levels ≥2 ng/ml (on 2 indices: the SFI and 1 new BILAG A domain score or 2 new BILAG B domain scores); and low C3 level (on the SFI). Baseline medications did not significantly decrease or increase moderate‐to‐severe SLE flare risk.

Conclusion

Patients who were receiving standard SLE therapy and had renal, neurologic, or vasculitic involvement, elevated anti‐dsDNA or BLyS levels, or low C3 had increased risk of clinically meaningful flare over 1 year. Hydroxychloroquine use was not predictive.
Effect of Renal Disease on the Standardized Mortality Ratio and Life Expectancy of Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Mok C. C. , Kwok Raymond C. L. , Yip Paul S. F.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To study the effect of renal disease on the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and life expectancy of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Patients whose diagnosis met ≥4 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE were longitudinally followed up from 1995 to 2011. The cumulative survival rate, SMR, and life expectancy were calculated, and the effect of renal involvement, histologic class of lupus nephritis, renal damage, and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on these parameters was evaluated.

Results

Of the 694 SLE patients studied, 368 (53%) had renal disease, and the distribution of histologic classes (among 285 patients) was class I (1%), class II (6%), class III (19%), class IV (47%), class III/IV + class V (10%), and class V (16%). Renal damage was present in 79 patients (11%), and 24 (3%) developed ESRD. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of mortality in SLE patients with renal disease, those with renal damage, and those with ESRD, as compared to those without, were 2.23 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.29–3.85), 3.59 (95% CI 2.20–5.87), and 9.20 (95% CI 4.92–17.2), respectively. Proliferative lupus nephritis (adjusted HR 2.28, 95% CI 1.22–4.24), but not the pure membranous type (adjusted HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.38–3.14), was associated with a significant increase in mortality. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted SMRs of SLE patients without renal involvement, those with lupus nephritis, those with proliferative nephritis, those with pure membranous nephritis, those with renal damage, and those with ESRD were 4.8 (95% CI 2.8–7.5), 9.0 (95% CI 6.7–11.9), 9.8 (95% CI 6.5–14.1), 6.1 (95% CI 2.0–14.1), 14.0 (95% CI 9.1–20.5), and 63.1 (95% CI 33.6–108.0), respectively. The life expectancy of SLE patients with renal disease and those with renal damage was reduced by 15.1 years and 23.7 years, respectively, compared to the general population.

Conclusion

The presence of renal disease, in particular proliferative nephritis causing renal insufficiency, significantly reduces the survival and life expectancy of SLE patients.
Relatives Without Rheumatoid Arthritis Show Reactivity to Anti–Citrullinated Protein/Peptide Antibodies That Are Associated With Arthritis‐Related Traits: Studies of the Etiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Young Kendra A. , Deane Kevin D. , Derber Lezlie A. , Hughes‐Austin Jan M. , Wagner Catriona A. , Sokolove Jeremy , Weisman Michael H. , Buckner Jane H. , Mikuls Ted R. , O'Dell James R. , Keating Richard M. , Gregersen Peter K. , Robinson William H. , Holers V. Michael , Norris Jill M.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To examine reactivity to anti–citrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPAs) and determine associations between ACPAs and other rheumatoid arthritis (RA)–related autoantibodies and clinically assessed swollen or tender joints in unaffected first‐degree relatives of RA patients.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from first‐degree relatives without RA according to the 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the 2010 ACR/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria. A bead‐based assay was used to measure 16 separate ACPAs in sera from 111 antibody‐positive first‐degree relatives who were positive on at least 1 visit for any of 5 RA‐related autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor [RF], anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 [anti–CCP‐2], and RF isotypes), and sera from 99 antibody‐negative first‐degree relatives who were never autoantibody positive. Cutoffs for positivity for each ACPA were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves derived from data on 200 RA patients and 98 blood donor controls, in which positivity for ≥9 ACPAs had 92% specificity and 62% sensitivity for RA. In first‐degree relatives, ACPA reactivity was assessed, and associations between ACPAs (number positive, and positivity for ≥9 ACPAs) and RA‐related characteristics were examined.

Results

Fifty‐seven percent of anti–CCP‐2–positive first‐degree relatives and 8% of anti–CCP‐2– negative first‐degree relatives were positive for ≥9 ACPAs. After adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, and pack‐years of smoking, an increasing number of ACPAs was directly associated with the presence of ≥1 tender joint on examination (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.04–1.34), with the greatest risk of having ≥1 tender joint seen in first‐degree relatives positive for ≥9 ACPAs (OR 5.00, 95% CI 1.37–18.18).

Conclusion

RA‐free first‐degree relatives (even those negative for RF and anti–CCP‐2) demonstrate reactivity to multiple ACPAs, and the presence of an increasing number of ACPAs may be associated with signs of joint inflammation. Prospective evaluation of the relationship between these findings and the progression of classifiable RA is warranted.
Systemic Polyarteritis Nodosa in the Young: A Single‐Center Experience Over Thirty‐Two Years
Authors: Eleftheriou Despina , Dillon Michael J. , Tullus Kjell , Marks Stephen D. , Pilkington Clarissa A. , Roebuck Derek J. , Klein Nigel J. , Brogan Paul A.
Published: June 2013

Objective

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare disease of childhood. The aims of this study were to describe the clinical features, treatment, and outcome of systemic childhood PAN and to identify predictors of relapse.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective medical records review of children with PAN fulfilling the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/Paediatric Rheumatology European Society (PRES)/Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation (PRINTO) classification criteria who were seen over a 32‐year period was performed. Data on demographic and clinical features, treatments, relapses (recurrence of clinical signs/symptoms or occurrence of new symptoms after initial remission requiring escalation or resumption of immunosuppressive therapy), and deaths were recorded. A disease activity score was retrospectively assigned using the Paediatric Vasculitis Activity Score (PVAS) instrument. Cox regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors of relapse.

Results

Sixty‐nine children with PAN were identified; 55% were male, and their median age was 8.5 years (range 0.9–15.8 years). Their clinical features at presentation were fever (87%), myalgia (83%), skin (88%), renal (19%), severe gastrointestinal (GI) (10%), and neurologic (10%) involvement. The PVAS at presentation was 9 of 63 (range 4–24). Histopathologic analysis of the skin showed necrotizing vasculitis in biopsy samples from 40 of 50 children. Results of selective visceral arteriography suggested the presence of PAN in 96% of patients. Treatment included cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids (83%), plasma exchange (9%), and biologic agents (after 2002; 13%). The relapse rate was 35%, and the mortality rate was 4%. Severe GI involvement was associated with increased risk of relapse (P = 0.031), while longer time to induce remission (P = 0.022) and increased cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide (P = 0.005) were associated with lower relapse risk.

Conclusion

Childhood PAN is a severe inflammatory disease of insidious onset and variable clinical presentation. Relapses occurred more frequently in those with severe GI involvement. A higher cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide was associated with a lower risk of relapse.
Long‐Term Safety and Efficacy of Rilonacept in Patients With Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Lovell Daniel J. , Giannini Edward H. , Reiff Andreas O. , Kimura Yukiko , Li Suzanne , Hashkes Philip J. , Wallace Carol A. , Onel Karen B. , Foell Dirk , Wu Richard , Biedermann Stephanie , Hamilton Jennifer D. , Radin Allen R.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To determine the long‐term safety and efficacy of rilonacept, an anti–interleukin‐1 fusion protein, in patients with active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

In patients with systemic JIA, ages 4–20 years, the efficacy of rilonacept was evaluated using 30%, 50%, and 70% levels of improvement according to the adapted American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Pediatric 30, 50, and 70 response criteria, respectively. Efficacy and safety were evaluated during 23 months of open‐label treatment (3 phases) after a 4‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase. Following double‐blind treatment with 2.2 mg/kg or 4.4 mg/kg of rilonacept, patients were eligible to receive open‐label treatment at their prior dose, with adjustments. Reductions in the median daily dose of oral prednisone and improvements in laboratory parameters of disease activity (i.e., decreased levels of D‐dimer and myeloid‐related proteins [MRPs]) were also evaluated.

Results

Twenty‐four patients entered the double‐blind study and 23 entered the open‐label period. Patients were predominantly white and female, and had a median age of 14.0 years at baseline. No significant differences in efficacy were observed between the rilonacept‐ and placebo‐treated patients during the double‐blind phase, but fever and rash completely resolved by month 3 in all patients during the open‐label treatment period and did not recur. Adapted ACR Pediatric 30, 50, and 70 response rates at 3 months from the start of the study were 78.3%, 60.9%, and 34.8%, respectively; these responses were generally maintained over the study duration. Levels of D‐dimer and MRP‐8/MRP‐14 dramatically improved during the study, and in 22 of 23 patients, the prednisone dose was decreased or prednisone therapy was discontinued. No serious treatment‐related adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

Sustained improvements in clinical and laboratory measures of the articular and systemic manifestations of systemic JIA were achieved in >50% of rilonacept‐treated patients over 2 years. Treatment with rilonacept had a substantial steroid‐sparing effect and was generally well‐tolerated.