bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impacts of uncertainty on the estimation of biological reference points for the shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus, in the north-western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Tsai Wen-Pei , Sun Chi-Lu , Wang Sheng-Ping , Liu Kwang-Ming
Published: November 2011

Biological reference points (BRPs) are commonly used to assess the harvest level and stock status of marine fish populations. However, BRP estimates may be influenced by uncertainties about life-history parameters and fishing practices. The shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus, is one of the most important by-catch species for tuna longline fisheries; however, its stock status remains poorly understood. To understand its population dynamics, the present study examined fishery statistics data and biological measurements of the shortfin mako in the north-western Pacific, and evaluated the impact of uncertainties associated with various sources of uncertainty, by using a simulation approach. The simulations indicated that BRPs are especially sensitive to changes in weight–length relationship and the growth parameters. Failure to take this into account may lead to inaccurate estimates and have serious consequences for management decision-making. To improve the accuracy of BRP estimates, biological measurements and life-history parameters should be updated regularly to account for changes in size composition and population structure. Further research could focus on increasing the sex-ratio sample size, updating the weight–length relationship and growth equations, incorporating ageing error into BRP calculations and determining BRPs by using appropriate levels of spawning-potential ratio.
Single-helicity states in compressible magnetohydrodynamics simulations of the reversed-field pinch with nonuniform resistivity
Authors: Onofri M.
Published: November 2011

Using a magnetohydrodynamics numerical code that includes the description of density and pressure evolution and anisotropic thermal conductivity, it is shown that single-helicity states in the reversed-field pinch (RFP) configuration are obtained when the resistivity has a radial profile sharply increasing close to the wall. In contrast, a uniform resistivity produces multiple-helicity states. A radially increasing resistivity profile is determined in RFP experiments by the temperature difference between the plasma core and the wall. The results of the simulations presented in this letter are an indication that quasi-single-helicity states observed in experiments with high toroidal currents may be a consequence of the resistivity profile determined by the high temperatures reached in the plasma core in high-current discharges.
Melt-layer ejection and material changes of three different tungsten materials under high heat-flux conditions in the tokamak edge plasma of TEXTOR
Authors: Coenen J.W. , Philipps V. , Brezinsek S. , Pintsuk G. , Uytdenhouwen I. , Wirtz M. , Kreter A. , Sugiyama K. , Kurishita H. , Torikai Y. , Ueda Y. , Samm U.
Published: November 2011

The behaviour of tungsten (W) plasma-facing components (PFCs) has been investigated in the plasma edge of the TEXTOR tokamak to study melt-layer ejection, macroscopic tungsten erosion from the melt layer as well as the changes of material properties such as grain-size and abundance of voids or bubbles. The parallel heat flux at the radial position of the exposed tungsten tile in the plasma ranges around q
‖ ∼ 45 MW m−2 causing samples to be exposed at an impact angle of 35° to 20–30 MW m−2. Locally the temperature reached up to 6000 K, high levels of evaporation and boiling are causing significant erosion in the form of continuous fine spray or droplet ejection. The amount of fine-spray tungsten emission depends strongly on the material properties: in the case of the tungsten–tantalum alloy the effect of spraying and droplet emission is significantly higher at even low temperatures when compared with regular tungsten or even ultra-high purity tungsten which shows almost no spraying at all. Differences in the material composition, grain structure and size may be related to the different evolution of macroscopic erosion. In addition the re-solidified material is studied and strong differences in terms of re-crystallized grain size and evolution of the grain structure and grain orientation are observed. The build up of large voids has been observed.
Effect of a telemonitoring‐facilitated collaboration between general practitioner and heart failure clinic on mortality and rehospitalization rates in severe heart failure: the TEMA‐HF 1 (TElemonitoring in the MAnagement of Heart Failure) study
Authors: Dendale Paul , De Keulenaer Gilles , Troisfontaines Pierre , Weytjens Caroline , Mullens Wilfried , Elegeert Ivan , Ector Bavo , Houbrechts Marita , Willekens Koen , Hansen Dominique
Published: November 2011

Aims

Chronic heart failure (CHF) patients are frequently rehospitalized within 6 months after an episode of fluid retention. Rehospitalizations are preventable, but this requires an extensive organization of the healthcare system. In this study, we tested whether intensive follow‐up of patients through a telemonitoring‐facilitated collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and a heart failure clinic could reduce mortality and rehospitalization rate.

Methods and results

One hunderd and sixty CHF patients [mean age 76 ± 10 years, 104 males, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 35 ± 15%] were block randomized by sealed envelopes and assigned to 6 months of intense follow‐up facilitated by telemonitoring (TM) or usual care (UC). The TM group measured body weight, blood pressure, and heart rate on a daily basis with electronic devices that transferred the data automatically to an online database. Email alerts were sent to the GP and heart failure clinic to intervene when pre‐defined limits were exceeded. All‐cause mortality was significantly lower in the TM group as compared with the UC group (5% vs. 17.5%, P = 0.01). The total number of follow‐up days lost to hospitalization, dialysis, or death was significantly lower in the TM group as compared with the UC group (13 vs. 30 days, P = 0.02). The number of hospitalizations for heart failure per patient showed a trend (0.24 vs. 0.42 hospitalizations/patient, P = 0.06) in favour of TM.

Conclusion

Telemonitoring‐facilitated collaboration between GPs and a heart failure clinic reduces mortality and number of days lost to hospitalization, death, or dialysis in CHF patients. These findings need confirmation in a large trial.

Trial registation: ISRCTN39223875
Age verification of boarfish (Capros aper) in the Northeast Atlantic
Authors: Hüssy Karin , Coad Julie O. , Farrell Edward D. , Clausen Lotte A. W. , Clarke Maurice W.
Published: November 2011

Hüssy, K., Coad, J. O., Farrell, E. D., Clausen, L. A. W., and Clarke, M. W. 2012. Age verification of boarfish (Capros aper) in the Northeast Atlantic. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 34–40. The boarfish (Capros aper) is a pelagic species of recent interest to the fishing industry, with landings increasing by >500% over the past 3 years. The objective of the study was to provide a method for age determination based on whole sagittal otoliths, with the results to be used in stock assessment. Translucent zones laid down at regular intervals are identified by marginal increment analysis as seasonally recurring. Translucent zones are formed between September/October and March/April, regardless of fish age. The occurrence of the first annulus is validated by analysis of presumed daily growth increments. Subsequent annulus deposition is homogenous between individuals and allows general guidelines to be derived for interpreting the age of boarfish using their otoliths.
Multifrequency target strength of northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) swimming horizontally
Authors: Calise Lucio , Knutsen Tor
Published: November 2011

Calise, L., and Knutsen, T. 2012. Multifrequency target strength of northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) swimming horizontally. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 119–130. Multifrequency acoustic measurements on ex situ horizontally swimming krill were made in a novel experimental setting. An ensemble of northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) was introduced to a large enclosure (a mesocosm), and acoustic backscatter was sampled using a multifrequency (70, 120, and 200 kHz) echosounder (Simrad EK60). Two submerged lamps were placed at opposite sides of the mesocosm and switched on and off to induce the krill, by light attraction, to swim horizontally through the acoustic beams. By tracking echoes, animal displacement, swimming speed, and target strength (TS) by frequency were estimated. The dominant and secondary modes of the total-length distribution were 21.8 ± 3.0 and 27.8 ± 2.7 mm, respectively. Although krill orientation was assumed stable and the ping rate was high, the range and inter-ping variability of the average TS values were large, decreasing and increasing with frequency, respectively. The overall TS frequency response observed and concurrent measurements at 120 and 200 kHz confirm the theoretical expectation that the acoustic backscatter from the investigated organisms were confined to the Rayleigh and Geometric scattering regions, a finding that might both aid acoustic identification and size-group separation of in situ northern krill.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorumγ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (Ss-Ggt1) Is Required for Regulating Glutathione Accumulation and Development of Sclerotia and Compound Appressoria
Authors: Li Moyi , Liang Xiaofei , Rollins Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2011

Transcripts encoding Sclerotinia sclerotiorum γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (Ss-Ggt1) were found to accumulate specifically during sclerotium, apothecium, and compound appressorium development in S. sclerotiorum. To determine the requirement of this protein in these developmental processes, gene deletion mutants of Ss-ggt1 were generated and five independent homokaryotic ΔSs-ggt1 mutants were characterized. All deletion mutants overproduced sclerotial initials that were arrested in further development or eventually produced sclerotia with aberrant rind layers. During incubation for carpogenic germination, these sclerotia decayed and failed to produce apothecia. Total glutathione accumulation was approximately 10-fold higher and H2O2hyperaccumulated in ΔSs-ggt1 sclerotia compared with the wild type. Production of compound appressoria was also negatively affected. On host plants, these mutants exhibited a defect in infection efficiency and a delay in initial symptom development unless the host tissue was wounded prior to inoculation. These results suggest that Ss-Ggt1 is the primary enzyme involved in glutathione recycling during these key developmental stages of the S. sclerotiorum life cycle but Ss-Ggt1 is not required for host colonization and symptom development. The accumulation of oxidized glutathione is hypothesized to negatively impact these developmental processes by disrupting the dynamic redox environment associated with multicellular development.
PCR-Based Detection of Cephalosporium gramineum in Winter Wheat
Authors: Klos K. L. E. , Vásquez-Siller L. M. , Wetzel H. C. , Murray T. D.
Published: November 2011

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed amplifying a 496-bp fragment of the internal transcribed spacer region of Cephalosporium gramineum genomic DNA at concentrations of 100 fg/μl. Winter wheat seed and seedlings were collected from field plots where C. gramineum was present. Seed was tested by PCR using 20-seed samples bulked for DNA extraction. Estimates of seed infection, based on isolation of the pathogen on semiselective medium and PCR, were comparable at 0.18 and 0.13% of winter wheat ‘Stephens’ (P = 0.6042), and 0.45 and 0.58% of experimental line WA7970 (P = 0.5636), respectively. PCR differentiated between plants with well-developed symptoms of Cephalosporium stripe and noninoculated plants. Positive PCR was obtained from 22% of asymptomatic leaf blades from inoculated plants. We found no false positives when PCR and C. gramineum isolation on a semiselective medium were performed using tissue from the same leaf. The PCR assay has potential to diagnose Cephalosporium stripe disease prior to the appearance of symptoms. Negative PCR for some samples from which C. gramineum was isolated suggests that C. gramineum may be present below the level of detection in some asymptomatic leaves. This PCR assay may be useful for investigations into C. gramineum infection of wheat.
First Report of Turnip mosaic virus in Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) in California
Authors: Liu H.-Y. , Koike S. T. , Xu D. , Li R.
Published: November 2011

Tomatillo is an important vegetable in Mexican cuisine. It is of Mesoamerica origin and now is grown widely in the Western Hemisphere. In 2011, 2% of commercially grown tomatillo plants in San Benito County, California exhibited severe stunting with foliage showing mosaic symptoms and leaf distortion. The fruits on infected plants were mottled and unmarketable. Flexuous filamentous-shaped virus particles of 800 to 850 nm long and 11 to 12 nm wide were observed from sap of the symptomatic plants with a transmission electron microscope. Sap from the diseased tomatillo plants reacted positively in an immunostrip assay for potyvirus (Agdia Inc., Elkhart, IN), indicating a potyvirus was associated with the disease. The causal agent was mechanically transmitted from the diseased field plants to six virus-free greenhouse tomatillo plants and all inoculated plants induced identical symptoms. The causal agent was also transmitted to Chenopodium quinoa and C. murale (chlorotic local lesions) and Nicotiana clevelandii, N. tabacum, and Physalis wrightii (systemic symptoms). The disease was also transmitted to tomatillo plants by the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) in a nonpersistent manner (1-min acquisition access period and 1-min transmission access period with no latent period). To further identify the causal agent, total nucleic acids were extracted by a cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB) method (2) and tested by reverse transcription-PCR using potyvirus degenerate primers CIFor and CIRev (1). An amplicon of approximately 700 bp from the diseased tomatillo was cloned and sequenced. Analysis of the 631-bp partial CI sequence (GenBank Accession No. JN601884) showed that the virus had 93.6% nucleotide identity and 100% amino acid identity with cognate regions of Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) (GenBank Accession No. D10927). Our results indicated that the disease was caused by TuMV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TuMV in tomatillo. Since TuMV has a wide host range and is readily transmitted by green peach aphids, TuMV could be a new threat to tomatillo production in California.

References: (1) C. Ha et al. Arch. Virol. 153:25, 2008. (2) R. Li et al. J. Virol. Methods 154:48, 2008.
A Rapid Microbioassay for Discovery of Antagonistic Bacteria for Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae
Authors: Wang Hancheng , Li Wenhong , Chen Qingyuan , Huang Yanfei , Li Kai , Xia Haiqian , Wang Maosheng , Cai Liuti , Shang Shenghua , Shi Junxiong
Published: November 2011

A simple, rapid, small-scale microbioassay for infection of tobacco seedlings by Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae was developed here. This assay uses tobacco seedlings cultivated in petri dishes for a standardized method for quantitation of initial zoospore inocula and high-throughput screening of antagonistic bacteria. Zoospore inocula between 102 to 105 spores per petri dish were inoculated on 14-day-old tobacco seedlings for the susceptibility test. The optimum inocula was established to be ten thousand zoospores. One hundred and fifty pure culture bacteria with different pigments, growth rates, and morphologies were isolated from rhizosphere soil of tobacco and screened for protective ability against tobacco black shank. Fifteen bacteria presented high activity against P. parasitica on tobacco seedlings. They were identified by Biolog GEN III MicroPlate and distributed as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. licheniformis, Paenibacillus pabuli, B. atrophaeus, B. subtilis, B. pumilus, and B. endophyticus, respectively. Four antagonists chosen randomly from the 15 bacteria all exhibited the same 100% protective activity in planta as that in the petri dishes. This microassay proved to be a rapid, reproducible, and efficient method for screening of potential biological agents or microorganisms and may be useful for studying mechanisms of infection and control of Phytophthora spp. under hydroponic conditions.
Determining elastic properties of skin by measuring surface waves from an impulse mechanical stimulus using phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography
Authors: Li Chunhui , Guan Guangying , Reif Roberto , Huang Zhihong , Wang Ruikang K.
Published: November 2011

The mechanical properties of skin are important tissue parameters that are useful for understanding skin patho-physiology, which can aid disease diagnosis and treatment. This paper presents an innovative method that employs phase-sensitive spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (PhS-OCT) to characterize the biomechanical properties of skin by measuring surface waves induced by short impulses from a home-made shaker. Experiments are carried out on single and double-layer agar–agar phantoms, of different concentrations and thickness, and on
in vivo
human skin, at the forearm and the palm. For each experiment, the surface wave phase-velocity dispersion curves were calculated, from which the elasticity of each layer of the sample was determined. It is demonstrated that the experimental results agree well with previous work. This study provides a novel combination of PhS-OCT technology with a simple and an inexpensive mechanical impulse surface wave stimulation that can be used to non-invasively evaluate the mechanical properties of skin
in vivo
, and may offer potential use in clinical situations.
Simulation of shock wave diffraction by a square cylinder in gases of arbitrary statistics using a semiclassical Boltzmann–Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook equation solver
Authors: Muljadi Bagus Putra , Yang Jaw-Yen
Published: November 2011

The unsteady shock wave diffraction by a square cylinder in gases of arbitrary particle statistics is simulated using an accurate and direct algorithm for solving the semiclassical Boltzmann equation with relaxation time approximation in phase space. The numerical method is based on the discrete ordinate method for discretizing the velocity space of the distribution function and high-resolution method is used for evolving the solution in physical space and time. The specular reflection surface boundary condition is employed. The complete diffraction patterns including regular reflection, triple Mach reflection, slip lines, vortices and their complex nonlinear manifestations are recorded using various flow property contours. Different ranges of relaxation times corresponding to different flow regimes are considered, and the equilibrium Euler limit solution is also computed for comparison. The effects of gas particles that obey the Maxwell–Boltzmann, Bose–Einstein and Fermi—Dirac statistics are examined and depicted.
Unitary transformations depending on a small parameter
Authors: Casas F. , Oteo J. A. , Ros J.
Published: November 2011

We formulate a unitary perturbation theory for quantum mechanics inspired by the Lie-Deprit formulation of canonical transformations. The original Hamiltonian is converted into a solvable one by a transformation obtained through a Magnus expansion. This ensures unitarity at every order in a small parameter. A comparison with the standard perturbation theory is provided. We work out the scheme up to order ten with some simple examples.
Physiological variation as a mechanism for developmental caste-biasing in a facultatively eusocial sweat bee
Authors: Kapheim Karen M. , Smith Adam R. , Ihle Kate E. , Amdam Gro V. , Nonacs Peter , Wcislo William T.
Published: November 2011

Social castes of eusocial insects may have arisen through an evolutionary modification of an ancestral reproductive ground plan, such that some adults emerge from development physiologically primed to specialize on reproduction (queens) and others on maternal care expressed as allo-maternal behaviour (workers). This hypothesis predicts that variation in reproductive physiology should emerge from ontogeny and underlie division of labour. To test these predictions, we identified physiological links to division of labour in a facultatively eusocial sweat bee,Megalopta genalis. Queens are larger, have larger ovaries and have higher vitellogenin titres than workers. We then compared queens and workers with their solitary counterparts—solitary reproductive females and dispersing nest foundresses—to investigate physiological variation as a factor in caste evolution. Within dyads, body size and ovary development were the best predictors of behavioural class. Queens and dispersers are larger, with larger ovaries than their solitary counterparts. Finally, we raised bees in social isolation to investigate the influence of ontogeny on physiological variation. Body size and ovary development among isolated females were highly variable, and linked to differences in vitellogenin titres. As these are key physiological predictors of social caste, our results provide evidence for developmental caste-biasing in a facultatively eusocial bee.
Neurotoxin localization to ectodermal gland cells uncovers an alternative mechanism of venom delivery in sea anemones
Authors: Moran Yehu , Genikhovich Grigory , Gordon Dalia , Wienkoop Stefanie , Zenkert Claudia , Özbek Suat , Technau Ulrich , Gurevitz Michael
Published: November 2011

Jellyfish, hydras, corals and sea anemones (phylum Cnidaria) are known for their venomous stinging cells, nematocytes, used for prey and defence. Here we show, however, that the potent Type I neurotoxin of the sea anemoneNematostella vectensis, Nv1, is confined to ectodermal gland cells rather than nematocytes. We demonstrate massive Nv1 secretion upon encounter with a crustacean prey. Concomitant discharge of nematocysts probably pierces the prey, expediting toxin penetration. Toxin efficiency in sea water is further demonstrated by the rapid paralysis of fish or crustacean larvae upon application of recombinant Nv1 into their medium. Analysis of other anemone species reveals that inAnthopleura elegantissima, Type I neurotoxins also appear in gland cells, whereas in the common speciesAnemonia viridis, Type I toxins are localized to both nematocytes and ectodermal gland cells. The nematocyte-based and gland cell-based envenomation mechanisms may reflect substantial differences in the ecology and feeding habits of sea anemone species. Overall, the immunolocalization of neurotoxins to gland cells changes the common view in the literature that sea anemone neurotoxins are produced and delivered only by stinging nematocytes, and raises the possibility that this toxin-secretion mechanism is an ancestral evolutionary state of the venom delivery machinery in sea anemones.
The sophisticated visual system of a tiny Cambrian crustacean: analysis of a stalked fossil compound eye
Authors: Schoenemann Brigitte , Castellani Christopher , Clarkson Euan N. K. , Haug Joachim T. , Maas Andreas , Haug Carolin , Waloszek Dieter
Published: November 2011

Fossilized compound eyes from the Cambrian, isolated and three-dimensionally preserved, provide remarkable insights into the lifestyle and habitat of their owners. The tiny stalked compound eyes described here probably possessed too few facets to form a proper image, but they represent a sophisticated system for detecting moving objects. The eyes are preserved as almost solid, mace-shaped blocks of phosphate, in which the original positions of the rhabdoms in one specimen are retained as deep cavities. Analysis of the optical axes reveals four visual areas, each with different properties in acuity of vision. They are surveyed by lenses directed forwards, laterally, backwards and inwards, respectively. The most intriguing of these is the putatively inwardly orientated zone, where the optical axes, like those orientated to the front, interfere with axes of the other eye of the contralateral side. The result is a three-dimensional visual net that covers not only the front, but extends also far laterally to either side. Thus, a moving object could be perceived by a two-dimensional coordinate (which is formed by two axes of those facets, one of the left and one of the right eye, which are orientated towards the moving object) in a wide three-dimensional space. This compound eye system enables small arthropods equipped with an eye of low acuity to estimate velocity, size or distance of possible food items efficiently. The eyes are interpreted as having been derived from individuals of the early crustacean
Henningsmoenicaris scutula
pointing to the existence of highly efficiently developed eyes in the early evolutionary lineage leading towards the modern Crustacea.
Bacterial recombination promotes the evolution of multi-drug-resistance in functionally diverse populations
Authors: Perron Gabriel G. , Lee Alexander E. G. , Wang Yun , Huang Wei E. , Barraclough Timothy G.
Published: November 2011

Bacterial recombination is believed to be a major factor explaining the prevalence of multi-drug-resistance (MDR) among pathogenic bacteria. Despite extensive evidence for exchange of resistance genes from retrospective sequence analyses, experimental evidence for the evolutionary benefits of bacterial recombination is scarce. We compared the evolution of MDR between populations of
Acinetobacter baylyi
in which we manipulated both the recombination rate and the initial diversity of strains with resistance to single drugs. In populations lacking recombination, the initial presence of multiple strains resistant to different antibiotics inhibits the evolution of MDR. However, in populations with recombination, the inhibitory effect of standing diversity is alleviated and MDR evolves rapidly. Moreover, only the presence of DNA harbouring resistance genes promotes the evolution of resistance, ruling out other proposed benefits for recombination. Together, these results provide direct evidence for the fitness benefits of bacterial recombination and show that this occurs by mitigation of functional interference between genotypes resistant to single antibiotics. Although analogous to previously described mechanisms of clonal interference among alternative beneficial mutations, our results actually highlight a different mechanism by which interactions among co-occurring strains determine the benefits of recombination for bacterial evolution.
Tangled in a sparse spider web: single origin of orb weavers and their spinning work unravelled by denser taxonomic sampling
Authors: Dimitrov Dimitar , Lopardo Lara , Giribet Gonzalo , Arnedo Miquel A. , Álvarez-Padilla Fernando , Hormiga Gustavo
Published: November 2011

In order to study the tempo and the mode of spider orb web evolution and diversification, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis using six genetic markers along with a comprehensive taxon sample. The present analyses are the first to recover the monophyly of orb-weaving spiders based solely on DNA sequence data and an extensive taxon sample. We present the first dated orb weaver phylogeny. Our results suggest that orb weavers appeared by the Middle Triassic and underwent a rapid diversification during the end of the Triassic and Early Jurassic. By the second half of the Jurassic, most of the extant orb-weaving families and web designs were already present. The processes that may have given origin to this diversification of lineages and web architectures are discussed. A combination of biotic factors, such as key innovations in web design and silk composition, as well as abiotic environmental changes, may have played important roles in the diversification of orb weavers. Our analyses also show that increased taxon sampling density in both ingroups and outgroups greatly improves phylogenetic accuracy even when extensive data are missing. This effect is particularly important when addition of character data improves gene overlap.
Giant Bilateral Renal Angiomyolipomas and Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Presenting after Two Successive Pregnancies Successfully Treated with Surgery and Rapamycin
Authors: Peces Ramón , Cuesta-López Emilio , Peces Carlos , Selgas Rafael
Published: November 2011

We report the case of a 25-year-old woman who presented with abdominal and flank pain with two successive pregnancies and was diagnosed of giant bilateral renal AMLs and pulmonary LAM associated with TSC in the post-partum of her second pregnancy. This case illustrates that in women with TSC rapid growth from renal AMLs and development of LAM may occur with successive pregnancies. It also stresses the potential for preservation of renal function despite successive bilateral renal surgery of giant AMLs. Moreover, the treatment with a low-dose rapamycin may be an option for LAM treatment. Finally, a low-dose rapamycin may be considered as an adjuvant treatment together to kidney-sparing conservative surgery for renal AMLs.
PPAD: A tool for presumption of atopic dermatitis
Authors: MISERY Laurent , ORTONNE Jean‐Paul , CAMBAZARD Frédéric , GUILLET Gérard , THOMAS Luc , LORETTE Gérard , DUROSIER Vincent , RAHHALI Nora , AUGES Marie , TAIEB Charles
Published: November 2011

Although it is a frequent disease, atopic dermatitis is poorly recognised and therefore under‐diagnosed. The aim of this study was to define and validate a convenient tool allowing presumption of atopic dermatitis for non‐dermatologists. A 20‐item questionnaire (PPAD) and an 8‐item short version (PPAD‐S) were developed in French by a board of experts, then tested on outpatients presenting with atopic dermatitis or not. Diagnosis was confirmed by a dermatologist, who measured the severity of the disease by using SCORAD. PPAD and PPAD‐S proved to be efficient tools for presumption of atopic dermatitis, but not tools for diagnosis. Scores were correlated to the severity of the disease. PPAD and PPAD‐S can be considered useful tools for orientating patients with undiagnosed atopic dermatitis to a specialised consultation, all the more quickly since atopic dermatitis is severe.
Topical tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of lichen sclerosus, comparing genital and extragenital involvement
Authors: KIM Gun‐Wook , PARK Hyun‐Je , KIM Hoon‐Soo , KIM Su‐Han , KO Hyun‐Chang , KIM Byung‐Soo , KIM Moon‐Bum
Published: November 2011

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis presenting with significant sclerosis, atrophy and pruritus. The treatment for this condition remains unsatisfactory, with potent corticosteroids being the most effective therapy. In this study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus ointment in patients with genital and extragenital lichen sclerosus. Sixteen patients with active lichen sclerosus (10 with anogenital and six with extragenital localization) were treated with topical tacrolimus ointment twice daily. The therapeutic effects were evaluated according to 3 grades: complete response (>75% improvement), partial response (25–75% improvement), or no response (<25% improvement). Applications were continued until complete disappearance or stabilization of the cutaneous lesions. In addition, we conducted telephone surveys to determine the long‐term treatment outcome and relapse rate. Objective response to therapy occurred in nine of 10 patients (90%) with anogenital and one of six patients (16.7%) with extragenital lesions. Out of 10 patients with anogenital lichen sclerosus, five showed more than 75% improvement. Complete, partial and no response were achieved in five (50%), four (40%) and one (10%) patient, respectively. During the follow‐up period of a mean of 29.3 months, six of nine patients had a relapse of symptoms. However, most patients with extragenital involvement did not respond to tacrolimus, except one patient showing partial response. No significant adverse effects were observed. Topical tacrolimus ointment was a safe and effective treatment for genital lichen sclerosus and should be used for long‐term duration to prevent relapse. However, it was not useful for patients with extragenital lichen sclerosus.
Insulin‐like growth factor receptor expression is associated with aggressive phenotypes and has therapeutic activity in biliary tract cancers
Authors: Ohashi Hirokazu , Adachi Yasushi , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Taniguchi Hiroaki , Nosho Katsuhiko , Suzuki Hiromu , Arimura Yoshiaki , Imai Kohzoh , Carbone David P. , Shinomura Yasuhisa
Published: November 2011

Insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I receptor (IGF‐IR) signaling is required for carcinogenicity and progression of several cancers but the function of this pathway and its utility as a therapeutic target have not been studied comprehensively in biliary tract carcinomas (BTC). We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of elements of the IGF axis, matrilysin, overexpression of p53 and the methylation status of the IGFBP‐3 promoter in 80 surgically resected BTC. We also assessed the effect of IGF‐IR blockade on signal transduction, proliferation and survival in three BTC cell lines using a new tyrosine kinase inhibitor, BMS‐536924, and dominant negative IGF‐IR (IGF‐IR/dn). The effects of IGF‐IR blockade was also studied in nude mouse xenograft models. IGF‐I was expressed in 60% and IGF‐II in 50% of tumors. High expression was associated with tumor size. IGF‐IR was expressed in 69% of the cases and was associated with advanced stage and matrilysin expression. Hypermethylation of the IGFBP‐3 promoter was detected in 41% of BTC and was inversely correlated with p53 expression. BMS‐536924 blocked autophosphorylation of IGF‐IR and both Akt and ERK activation by both IGF‐I and insulin. BMS‐536924 suppressed proliferation and tumorigenicity in vitro in a dose‐dependent fashion. This inhibitor upregulated chemotherapy‐induced apoptosis in a dose‐dependent fashion. Moreover, IGF‐IR blockade was effective against tumors in mice. IGF‐IR might identify a subset of BTC with a particularly aggressive phenotype and is a candidate therapeutic target in this disease. BMS‐536924 might have significant therapeutic utility. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 252–261)
Secretomics identifies Fusarium graminearum proteins involved in the interaction with barley and wheat
Authors: YANG FEN , JENSEN JENS D. , SVENSSON BIRTE , JØRGENSEN HANS J. L. , COLLINGE DAVID B. , FINNIE CHRISTINE
Published: November 2011

Fusarium graminearum is a phytopathogenic fungus primarily infecting small grain cereals, including barley and wheat. Secreted enzymes play important roles in the pathogenicity of many fungi. In order to access the secretome of F. graminearum, the fungus was grown in liquid culture with barley or wheat flour as the sole nutrient source to mimic the host–pathogen interaction. A gel‐based proteomics approach was employed to identify the proteins secreted into the culture medium. Sixty‐nine unique fungal proteins were identified in 154 protein spots, including enzymes involved in the degradation of cell walls, starch and proteins. Of these proteins, 35% had not been identified in previous in planta or in vitro studies, 70% were predicted to contain signal peptides and a further 16% may be secreted in a nonclassical manner. Proteins identified in the 72 spots showing differential appearance between wheat and barley flour medium were mainly involved in fungal cell wall remodelling and the degradation of plant cell walls, starch and proteins. The in planta expression of corresponding F. graminearum genes was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction in barley and wheat spikelets harvested at 2−6 days after inoculation. In addition, a clear difference in the accumulation of fungal biomass and the extent of fungal‐induced proteolysis of plant β‐amylase was observed in barley and wheat. The present study considerably expands the current database of F. graminearum secreted proteins which may be involved in Fusarium head blight.
Marine environment‐based forecasting of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) adult recruitment
Authors: RUPP DAVID E. , WAINWRIGHT THOMAS C. , LAWSON PETER W. , PETERSON WILLIAM T.
Published: November 2011

Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to investigate the relationships between annual recruitment of natural coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) from Oregon coastal rivers and indices of the physical ocean environment. Nine indices were examined, ranging from large‐scale ocean indicators, e.g., Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), to indicators of the local ecosystem (e.g., coastal water temperature near Charleston, OR). Generalized additive models with two and three predictor variables were evaluated using a set of performance metrics aimed at quantifying model skill in short‐term (approximately 1 yr) forecasting. High explanatory power and promising forecast skill resulted when the spring/summer PDO averaged over the 4 yr prior to the return year was used to explain a low‐frequency (multi‐year) pattern in recruitment and one or two additional variables accounted for year‐to‐year deviations from the low‐frequency pattern. More variance was explained when averaging the predictions from a set of models (i.e., taking the ensemble mean) than by any single model. Making multiple forecasts from a set of models also provided a range of possible outcomes that reflected, to some degree, the uncertainty in our understanding of how salmon productivity is driven by physical ocean conditions.
A prospective registry of European haemophilia B patients receiving nonacog alfa, recombinant human factor IX, for usual use
Authors: BERNTORP E. , KEELING D. , MAKRIS M. , TAGLIAFERRI A. , MALE C. , MAUSER‐BUNSCHOTEN E. P. , MUSSO R. , ROCA C. A. , HASSOUN A. , KOLLMER C. , CHARNIGO R. , BAUMANN J. , RENDO P.
Published: November 2011

Summary.  Nonacog alfa, a recombinant factor IX (FIX) used for the treatment of haemophilia B, was approved in Europe in 1998. In accordance with European Medicines Agency requirements, a registry study was conducted from 2002 to 2009. A reformulated iso‐osmotic version was approved for European use in 2007. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety of nonacog alfa in a usual care setting, and provide clinical trial and postmarketing surveillance data support. This open‐label, non‐interventional, prospective observational cohort study (registry) comprised 52 sites in nine European countries. Patients with haemophilia B receiving nonacog alfa in either formulation for prevention or treatment were followed on a usual care schedule. A total of 218 patients were enrolled, of whom 66 (30.3%) were <18 years of age. Haemophilia severity was evenly distributed, with baseline FIX activity of <1%, 1–5% and >5% in 33.3%, 36.6% and 30.1% of patients, respectively. One hundred thirty‐eight patients received the original formulation alone; 80 switched to or received only the new formulation. There was a low incidence of events of special interest (ESIs), with less‐than‐expected therapeutic effect in five patients (2.2%), inhibitor development in two (0.9%), thrombosis in one (0.5%) and allergic events in eight (3.7%). These accounted for the majority of the 15 serious AEs reported in six patients. Six patients discontinued because of AEs, primarily related to hypersensitivity. Nonacog alfa was shown to be safe for the treatment of haemophilia B, with a low incidence of serious AEs and ESIs.
The effect of curing conditions on the physical properties of tricalcium silicate cement for use as a dental biomaterial
Authors: Formosa L. M. , Mallia B. , Camilleri J.
Published: November 2011

Formosa LM, Mallia B, Camilleri J. The effect of curing conditions on the physical properties of tricalcium silicate cement for use as a dental biomaterial. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 326–336, 2012.

Aim  To investigate the physical properties of tricalcium silicate (TCS) with and without the addition of a radiopacifier and compare them with that of Portland cement (PC) and radiopaque PC in an mineral trioxide aggregate‐like system.

Methodology  Tricalcium silicate, PC and radiopacified variants containing 20% bismuth oxide were tested for radiopacity, compressive strength, setting time and dimensional stability. All the testing was performed at 37 °C and under different environmental conditions namely at 100% humidity or immersed in either water or Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS). Testing was performed after both 1 and 28 days.

Results  The cements exhibited radiopacity values equivalent to <3 mm. Addition of 20% bismuth oxide resulted in adequate radiopacity. The strength of TCS was independent of the curing conditions. The cements without radiopacifier had improved strength characteristics when immersed in HBSS, whilst the radiopacified cements exhibited higher strengths when soaked in water. Tricalcium silicate demonstrated the shortest setting time. Addition of bismuth oxide increased the setting time of the cements while HBSS inhibited the setting of bismuth oxide‐replaced cements. The PC‐based materials exhibited a net contraction higher than that recorded for TCS‐based cements in all curing conditions. The dimensional change exhibited by the specimens was generally greater in the first few hours of setting, but then stabilized with time.

Conclusions  Tricalcium silicate cement required the addition of a radiopacifying agent to make it suitable for use as a dental material. Tricalcium silicate exhibited adequate physical properties and thus was shown to be a suitable replacement for the PC component in MTA. Bismuth oxide drastically increased the setting time of the test cements in phosphate‐containing solutions. Alternative radiopacifiers that do not retard the setting time need to be investigated.
Effects of altering the Si/Ca molar ratio of a calcium silicate cement on in vitro cell attachment
Authors: Shie M. Y. , Chang H. C. , Ding S. J.
Published: November 2011

Shie MY, Chang HC, Ding SJ. Effects of altering the Si/Ca molar ratio of a calcium silicate cement on in vitro cell attachment. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 337–345, 2012.

Aim  To examine the effects of altering the Si/Ca molar ratio (6 : 4, 5 : 5, and 4 : 6) of a quick‐setting calcium silicate cement on in vitro cell attachment.

Methodology  Working time and setting time of three different calcium silicate cements were measured. Alamar Blue was used for real‐time and repeated monitoring of cell attachment and proliferation. The Si and Ca ion concentrations of the cell culture medium in the presence of three different calcium silicate cements seeded with MG63 cells were measured. Kinetic immunofluorescent staining of MG63 cells was performed during cell attachment and spreading. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine gene expression in MG63 cells cultured on the cements. One‐way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the significance of the differences between the mean values.

Results  The working time (4–7 min) and setting time (17–24 min) of the cements were shortened with an increase in the Ca content of the calcium silicate powders after mixing the powder with water. In contrast, the higher the Si content in the cement, the more the MG63 cells attached to the cement at all culture time‐points, accompanying by the formation of more obvious actin stress fibres. Cell proliferation and differentiation increased significantly (P < 0.05) with an increase in the Si content of the calcium silicate cements. Si ion concentration of the culture medium increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing cement Si content and culture time‐points.

Conclusions  The higher Si content cement enhanced the higher expression of cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation as compared to the lower Si content cement.
Effects of inclusion on the academic achievement and adaptive behaviour of children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Dessemontet R. Sermier , Bless G. , Morin D.
Published: November 2011

Background  While an extensive body of research has examined the outcomes of inclusion for pupils with special needs, in particular learning disabilities, its effects on the development of children with intellectual disabilities (ID) have been less explored. As inclusive practices tend to be more common for this group of children, it is important to acquire more knowledge on this issue.

Methods  A comparative study with an experimental group of 34 children with ID fully included in general education classrooms with support, and a control group of 34 comparable children in special schools has been conducted. The progress accomplished by these two groups in their academic achievement and adaptive behaviour has been compared over two school years.

Results  Included children made slightly more progress in literacy skills than children attending special schools. No differences were found between the progress of the two groups in mathematics and adaptive behaviour.

Conclusions  Inclusive education is an appropriate educational option for primary pupils with ID who require extensive support in school.
Sleep in children and adolescents with Angelman syndrome: association with parent sleep and stress
Authors: Goldman S. E. , Bichell T. J. , Surdyka K. , Malow B. A.
Published: November 2011

Background  Sleep concerns are common in children with Angelman syndrome, with 20–80% of individuals having a decreased sleep need and/or abnormal sleep–wake cycles. The impact of these sleep behaviours on parental sleep and stress is not known.

Method  Through the use of standardised questionnaires, wrist actigraphy and polysomnography, we defined the sleep behaviours of 15 children/adolescents with Angelman syndrome and the association of the child/adolescents sleep behaviours on parental sleep behaviours and parental stress.

Results  Both children/adolescents and their parents exhibited over 1 h of wake time after sleep onset and fragmented sleep. Prolonged sleep latency in the child was associated with parent insomnia and daytime sleepiness. Additionally, variability in child total sleep time was associated with parental stress.

Conclusions  Poor sleep in children/adolescents with Angelman syndrome was associated with poor parental sleep and higher parental stress. Further work is warranted to identify the underlying causes of the poor sleep, and to relate these findings to daytime functioning, behaviour and the family unit.
Police encounters with people with intellectual disability: prevalence, characteristics and challenges
Authors: Henshaw M. , Thomas S.
Published: November 2011

Background  This study investigated the experiences and perceptions of operational members of Victoria Police in relation to their contacts with people with intellectual disability (ID). Key interests for exploration included how frequently and in what context police reported coming into contact with people with ID, how they made this identification, and the challenges they experienced at this interface.

Methods  Participants comprised 229 operational police members who attended mandatory firearms training sessions over a 2‐week period in Melbourne, Australia.

Results  Police reported coming into contact with people they believed to have an ID on a regular basis and for a wide variety of reasons. They were most likely to base their knowledge on job‐related experiences and were most likely to identify individuals on the basis of physical and behavioural cues. The most common challenges were communication, and gaining access to assistance and co‐operation from other service providers. While many considered themselves capable in their interactions with those with ID, those who identified that they were most in need of training reported lower confidence in how to respond in these encounters.

Conclusions  Future training needs to focus on differentiating between mental illness and ID, techniques for enhancing identification and communication, and the inclusion of hands‐on scenario‐based sessions involving an interdisciplinary approach.