bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating models for predicting hydraulic characteristics of layered soils
Authors: Mavimbela S. S. W. , van Rensburg L. D.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K-coefficient) are critical hydraulic properties governing soil water activity on layered soils. Sustainable soil water conservation would not be possible without accurate knowledge of these hydraulic properties. Infield rainwater harvesting (IRWH) is one conservation technique adopted to improve the soil water regime of a number of clay soils found in the semi arid areas of Free State province of South Africa. Given that SWCC is much easier to measure, most soil water studies rely on SWCC information to predict in-situ K-coefficients. This work validated this practice on the Tukulu, Sepane and Swartland layered soil profiles. The measured SWCC was first described using Brooks and Corey (1964), van Genuchten (1980) and Kasugi (1996) parametric models. The conductivity functions of these models were then required to fit in-situ based K-coefficients derived from instantaneous profile method (IPM). The same K-coefficient was also fitted by HYDRUS 1-D using optimised SWCC parameters. Although all parametric models fitted the measured SWCC fairly well their corresponding conductivity functions could not do the same when fitting the in-situ based K-coefficients. Overestimates of more than 2 orders of magnitude especially at low soil water content (SWC) were observed. This phenomenon was pronounced among the upper horizons that overlaid a clayey horizon. However, optimized α and n parameters using HYDRUS 1-D showed remarkable agreement between fitted and in-situ K-coefficient with root sum of squares error (RMSE) recording values not exceeding unity. During this exercise the Brooks and Corey was replaced by modified van Genuchten model (Vogel and Cislerova, 1988) since it failed to produce unique inverse solutions. The models performance appeared to be soil specific with van Genuchten-Mualem (1980) performing fairly well on the Orthic and neucutanic horizons while its modified form fitted very well the prismatic and pedo-cutanic horizons. The lognormal distribution model of Kasugi (1996) showed an extraordinary good fit among the Swartland profile horizons especially the saprolite rock layer. It was therefore concluded that in-situ KL-coefficient estimates from SWCC parameters could be acceptable if only rough estimates were required. Optimization of parameters for in-situ conditions especially for HYDRUS 1-D carried much prospects in characterising the hydraulic properties of most of the layered soils earmarked for IRWH in the province.
Two new species of Corynespora from northeastern Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Raghvendra , Kamal
Published: January 2012

Two Corynespora species collected from northeastern Uttar Pradesh, India, are described and illustrated: C. carrisae sp. nov. from living leaves of Carissa spinarum (Apocynaceae) and C. peristrophicola sp. nov. from living leaves of Peristrophe
bicalyculata (Acanthaceae).
Tremelloscypha gelatinosa (Sebacinales) from tropical deciduous Gymnopodium forests in southern Mexico
Authors: Bandala Victor M. , Montoya Leticia , Villegas Rafael
Published: January 2012

Populations of Tremelloscypha gelatinosa were found growing on the soil in Gymnopodium floribundum associations of the tropical deciduous forest in southern Mexico (State of Chiapas). Documentation of the different developmental coriaceous and spongy stages revealed a
widely variable gross morphology that ranges from stipeless pulvinate forms to rudimentarily stipitate pseudoinfundibuliform forms that appear polyporoid, steroid, or gomphoid. The studied collections are described and their taxonomically distinctive macro-and micromorphological characters
are illustrated. The possible mycorrhizal association of T. gelatinosa with Gymnopodium floribundum and traditional use of the basidiomes as a wild edible fungus by the local population are also discussed.
New records of polypores from southern Florida
Authors: Vlasák J. , Kout J. , Vlasák J. , Ryvarden L.
Published: January 2012

Fifteen new records of polypore species are reported from the southern Florida, USA, with short comments to their key features, ecology, and distribution. The combination Fomitiporia apiahyna is proposed.
Paraphysoderma sedebokerense , gen. et sp. nov., an aplanosporic relative of Physoderma (Blastocladiomycota)
Authors: James Timothy Y. , Hoffman Yoram , Zarka Aliza , Boussiba Sammy
Published: January 2012

A monocentric blastocladialean fungus was identified as a parasite of the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis in aquaculture and isolated into pure culture. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the fungus is a sister taxon to the obligately biotrophic plant parasitic genus Physoderma.
The parasite, which has not been observed to reproduce by zoospores, instead forms amoeboid aplanospores. We formally describe the new genus and species Paraphysoderma sedebokerense to accommodate this unusual member of the Blastocladiomycota.
Epitypification, morphology, and phylogeny of Tothia fuscella
Authors: Wu Haixia , Jaklitsch Walter M. , Voglmayr Hermann , Hyde Kevin D.
Published: January 2012

The holotype of Tothia fuscella has been re-examined and is re-described and illustrated. An identical fresh specimen from Austria is used to designate an epitype with herbarium material and a living culture. Sequence analyses show T. fuscella to be most closely related
to Venturiaceae and not Microthyriaceae, to which it was previously referred.
A new species of Coccomyces (Rhytismatales, Ascomycota) from Mt Huangshan, China
Authors: Jia Guo-Jun , Lin Ying-Ren , Hou Cheng-Lin
Published: January 2012

A fungus found on leaves of Osmanthus fragrans from Mt Huangshan in Anhui Province, China, is described as Coccomyces minimus. The new species is similar to C. cyclobalanopsis but differs in the extremely small, subepidermal ascomata and in the presence of conidiomata.
The type specimen is deposited in the Forest Fungi Dried Reference Collection of Anhui Agricultural University, China (AAUF). Both illustration and comments accompany the description.
Cylindrochytridium johnstonii is a member of the Cladochytriales
Authors: Steiger Rebecca A. , Simmons Rabern D. , Longcore Joyce E.
Published: January 2012

The taxonomy of the Chytridiomycota has been in flux between a classical system based on thallus morphology and a new system based on zoosporic ultrastructure and analyses of genetic sequences. Chytridiales sensu Sparrow has been divided into 7 orders plus undescribed
lineages. We found and brought into pure culture Cylindrochytridium johnstonii, the type species of the genus, which heretofore has not been characterized by molecular methods. We confirmed that this species is a member of the Cladochytriales, but it does not lie within a recognized
family.
Species of Rhytismataceae on Lithocarpus spp. from Mt Huangshan, China
Authors: Zheng Qian , Lin Ying-Ren , Yu Sheng-Ming , Chen Li
Published: January 2012

Seven members of the Rhytismataceae are reported from leaves of tanoaks from Mt Huangshan, China. Among them Coccomyces mucronatoides and Terriera coacervata are new species, Terriera illiciicola is a new combination, and the other species are already known
for China. This paper provides descriptions, discussions for these species as well as a dichotomous key for the eight rhytismataceous species known to occur on tanoaks worldwide.
Discovery of Geastrum xerophilum from the Neotropics
Authors: da Silva Bianca Denise Barbosa , de Oliveira Sousa Julieth , Goulart Baseia Iuri
Published: January 2012

Geastrum xerophilum, a xerophytic species found in the Brazilian semi-arid region, is reported for the first time from the Neotropics. Descriptions, taxonomic remarks, and SEM-photos are provided.
Hypoderma siculum sp. nov. from Italy
Authors: Lantieri Angela , Johnston Peter R. , Park Duckchul , Lantz Henrik , Medardi Gianfranco
Published: January 2012

Hypoderma siculum is described and illustrated as a new species from southeast Sicily (Italy) that occurs on remnants of Ferula communis (Apiaceae). Its ecology and taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships are discussed.
Tuber sinoalbidum and T. polyspermum — new species from China
Authors: Fan Li , Hou Cheng-Lin , Cao Jin-Zhong
Published: January 2012

Two new Tuber species from China are described and illustrated. Tuber sinoalbidum is recognized by its white mid to large sized ascocarps and spinulose-reticulate ascospores, while T. polyspermum is characterized by Tuber lyonii-like ascospores and smaller
brown ascomata. A molecular study based on the ITS sequences supports the erection of the two new species.
Validation of combinations with basionyms published by Fries in 1861
Authors: Redhead Scott A. , Ammirati Joseph F. , Norvell Lorelei L. , Vizzini Alfredo , Contu Marco
Published: January 2012

Authors (including some of us) have incorrectly cited as basionyms names treated by Fries in 1863 that were actually originally published by him in 1861. As these basionym citation errors mean that the intended new combinations are not validly published, the following combinations are
again proposed as new: Chromosera cyanophylla, Mythicomyces corneipes, Tephrocybe misera, T. tesquorum. Three other intended combinations are noted as also not validly published, but the species are currently treated under the different (and validly published) names
Haasiella venustissima, Phaeoclavulina curta, and Rhodonia placenta.
Diversispora clara (Glomeromycetes)— a new species from saline dunes in the Natural Park Cabo de Gata (Spain)
Authors: Estrada Beatriz , Palenzuela Javier , Barea José-Miguel , Manuel Ruiz-Lozano Juan , Alves da Silva Gladstone , Oehl Fritz
Published: January 2012

A new species of Diversispora (Glomeromycetes) was found in saline sand dunes of the Natural Park Cabo de Gata (Almería, Andalucía, Southern Spain) in the rhizosphere of Asteriscus maritimus, a plant species especially adapted to saline environments.
The new fungal species forms brilliant white spores that are 79–130 × 75–125 μm and have one wall consisting of three layers. The subtending hyphae are, as typical for many Diversispora spp., thin-walled, hyaline, and cylindrical (or rarely constricted) and flexible
and fragile below the septa separating the spore and hyphal contents. The septa form regularly at the spore bases or, less frequently, in subtending hyphae at short distances from the spore base. Phylogenetic analyses of the ITS and partial 28S ribosomal gene confirm that D. clara forms
a monophyletic, independent clade within Diversispora.
Amicodisca castaneae sp. nov. (Hyaloscyphaceae, Helotiales) on Japanese chestnut bur
Authors: Han Jae-Gu , Hosoya Tsuyoshi , Shin Hyeon-Dong
Published: January 2012

Amicodisca castaneae sp. nov. was collected on Japanese chestnut bur. It differs from all known members of Amicodisca by having brownish apothecia and smaller asci and ascospores. A key to the accepted Amicodisca species is given.
Pseudocercospora epidendri sp. nov. on the neotropical orchid, Epidendrum secundum from Brazil
Authors: da Silva Meiriele , Liparini Pereira Olinto
Published: January 2012

A new leaf spot disease was observed on the orchid species Epidendrum secundum in “high altitude grasslands” of Araponga, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Inoculation tests on healthy plants confirmed the pathogenicity of this fungus. Pseudocercospora epidendri
sp. nov., the causal agent of the leaf spot disease of E. secundum, is described, illustrated, and compared with allied Pseudocercospora species on hosts of the family Orchidaceae.
Predictors of Response to Targeted Therapies for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Marrari Andrea , Wagner Andrew J. , Hornick Jason L.
Published: January 2012

Context.—The inhibition of oncogenic kinase signaling is a successful strategy to treat both hematologic and solid malignancies. Patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia, lung adenocarcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors are experiencing tremendous clinical benefits from targeted therapies in the form of kinase inhibitors. These drugs marked a revolution in cancer treatment, not only for their safety and efficacy, but also because they continue to expand our knowledge of the pathophysiology of cancer.

Objective.—To provide a summary of the biologic predictors of gastrointestinal stromal tumor behavior and response to targeted therapies that currently help guide clinical decision making.

Data Sources.—Published articles pertaining to the diagnosis, molecular genetics, prognostication, clinical behavior, and treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, as well as experiences in a multidisciplinary sarcoma clinic.

Conclusions.—In gastrointestinal stromal tumors, the strongest predictor of response to targeted therapies is the mutational status of KIT or PDGFRA. Patients whose tumors harbor a KIT exon 11 mutation benefit the most from imatinib mesylate therapy, in terms of response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Conversely, tumors without detectable mutations in either gene (“wild-type” gastrointestinal stromal tumors) are generally not responsive to imatinib mesylate.
Ultrasound evaluation of fluid in knee recesses at varying degrees of flexion
Authors: Mandl P. , Brossard M. , Aegerter P. , Backhaus M. , Bruyn G. A. , Chary‐Valckenaere I. , Iagnocco A. , Filippucci E. , Freeston J. , Gandjbakhch F. , Jousse‐Joulin S. , Möller I. , Naredo E. , Schmidt W. A. , Szkudlarek M. , Terslev L. , Wakefield R. J. , Zayat A. , D'Agostino M. A. , Balint P. V.
Published: January 2012

Objective

Various methods are utilized in daily practice to obtain optimal information on effusion in the knee. Our aim is to investigate which scanning position provides the best information about synovial fluid in the knee by using ultrasound and to evaluate the magnitude of difference for measuring synovial fluid in 3 major recesses (suprapatellar, medial parapatellar, and lateral parapatellar) of the knee according to various degrees of flexion.

Methods

Sonographers in 14 European centers documented bilateral knee joint ultrasound examinations on a total of 148 knee joints. The largest sagittal diameter of fluid was measured in scans corresponding to the 3 major recesses at different (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) degrees of flexion of the knee. The difference of measurement of effusion according to transducer position, knee position, and the interaction between them was investigated by analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test.

Results

No correlation was noted between patient characteristics and ultrasound detection of effusion. The sagittal diameter of synovial fluid in all 3 recesses was greatest at 30° flexion. Analysis of variance and Tukey's test revealed that the suprapatellar scan and 30° flexion is the best combination for detecting effusion as confirmed by receiver operator characteristic curve analysis.

Conclusion

The suprapatellar scan of the knee in 30° flexion was the most sensitive position to detect fluid in knee joints. Sagittal diameter of fluid in all 3 recesses increased with the knee in the 30° flexed position as compared to the extended position.
Is there a higher genetic load of susceptibility loci in familial ankylosing spondylitis?
Authors: Joshi Reeti , Reveille John D. , Brown Matthew A. , Weisman Michael H. , Ward Michael M. , Gensler Lianne S. , Wordsworth B. Paul , Evans David M. , Assassi Shervin
Published: January 2012

Objective

Several genetic risk variants for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have been identified in genome‐wide association studies. Our objective was to examine whether familial AS cases have a higher genetic load of these susceptibility variants.

Methods

Overall, 502 AS patients were examined, consisting of 312 patients who had first‐degree relatives (FDRs) with AS (familial) and 190 patients who had no FDRs with AS or spondylarthritis (sporadic). All patients and affected FDRs fulfilled the modified New York criteria for AS. The patients were recruited from 2 US cohorts (the North American Spondylitis Consortium and the Prospective Study of Outcomes in Ankylosing Spondylitis) and from the UK‐Oxford cohort. The frequencies of AS susceptibility loci in IL‐23R, IL1R2, ANTXR2, ERAP‐1, 2 intergenic regions on chromosomes 2p15 and 21q22, and HLA–B27 status as determined by the tag single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4349859 were compared between familial and sporadic cases of AS. Association between SNPs and multiplex status was assessed by logistic regression controlling for sibship size.

Results

HLA–B27 was significantly more prevalent in familial than sporadic cases of AS (odds ratio 4.44 [95% confidence interval 2.06, 9.55], P = 0.0001). Furthermore, the AS risk allele at chromosome 21q22 intergenic region showed a trend toward higher frequency in the multiplex cases (P = 0.08). The frequency of the other AS risk variants did not differ significantly between familial and sporadic cases, either individually or combined.

Conclusion

HLA–B27 is more prevalent in familial than sporadic cases of AS, demonstrating higher familial aggregation of AS in patients with HLA–B27 positivity. The frequency of the recently described non–major histocompatibility complex susceptibility loci is not markedly different between the sporadic and familial cases of AS.
Longitudinal study of the bidirectional association between pain and depressive symptoms in patients with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Husted Janice A. , Tom Brian D. , Farewell Vernon T. , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To test the bidirectional hypothesis that depressive symptoms influence changes in pain over time, and pain influences changes in depressive symptoms.

Methods

A total of 394 patients attending the University of Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis clinic were followed over a mean period of 7.5 years with annual assessments, including number of swollen joints (SJC), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 (SF‐36). Linear mixed‐effects models were used to examine the cross‐ and lagged associations between the changes in HAQ pain and in the SF‐36 mental component summary (MCS) score, adjusting for SJC and other covariates.

Results

The strongest predictors of changes in pain, SJC, and depressive symptoms between visits were scores of the corresponding variables at the previous visit, with standardized regression coefficients exceeding 0.75 in absolute value. There was, however, evidence of a small, but consequential, bidirectional relationship (i.e., standardized regression coefficients <0.3) between depressive symptoms and pain. Both previous MCS scores and change in MCS scores were associated with change in pain between visits; conversely, previous pain scores and change in pain scores were associated with change in depressive symptoms between visits.

Conclusion

Even though cross‐variable associations between pain and depressive symptoms exist, changes in pain and depressive symptoms appear to be strongly driven by their measurements at the previous visit. To optimize patient outcomes, a clinical approach that assesses and treats clinically significant depressive symptoms, as well as pain, is required.
Hierarchical Nanocomposites Derived from Nanocarbons and Layered Double Hydroxides ‐ Properties, Synthesis, and Applications
Authors: Zhao Meng‐Qiang , Zhang Qiang , Huang Jia‐Qi , Wei Fei
Published: January 2012

The combination of one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional building blocks leads to the formation of hierarchical composites that can take full advantages of each kind of material, which is an effective way for the preparation of multifunctional materials with extraordinary properties. Among various building blocks, nanocarbons (e.g., carbon nanotubes and graphene) and layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are two of the most powerful materials that have been widely used in human life. This Feature Article presents a state‐of‐the‐art review of hierarchical nanocomposites derived from nanocarbons and LDHs. The properties of nanocarbons, LDHs, as well as the combined nanocomposites, are described first. Then, efficient and effective fabrication methods for the hierarchical nanocomposites, including the reassembly of nanocarbons and LDHs, formation of LDHs on nanocarbons, and formation of nanocarbons on LDHs, are presented. The as‐obtained nanocomposites derived form nanocarbons and LDHs exhibited excellent performance as multifunctional materials for their promising applications in energy storage, nanocomposites, catalysis, environmental protection, and drug delivery. The fabrication of LDH/carbon nanocomposites provides a novel method for the development of novel multifunctional nanocomposites based on the existing nanomaterials. However, knowledge of their assembly mechanism, robust and precise route for LDH/nanocarbon hybrid with well designed structure, and the relationship between structure, properties, and applications are still inadequate. A multidisciplinary approach from the scope of materials, physics, chemistry, engineering, and other application areas, is highly required for the development of this advanced functional composite materials.
Electrostatic Anchoring of Mn4 Single‐Molecule Magnets onto Chemically Modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Bosch‐Navarro Concha , Coronado Eugenio , Martí‐Gastaldo Carlos , Rodríguez‐González Benito , Liz‐Marzán Luis M.
Published: January 2012

Two different routes that enable the electrostatic grafting of cationic single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) onto the surface of chemically modified anionic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are described. The chemical nature and physical properties of the resulting hybrids are discussed on the basis of a complete battery of experimental techniques. The data show that the chemical nature of the SMM unit remains intact, while its magnetic response is significantly affected by the grafting process, which is likely due to surface effects.
Think Positive: Phase Separation Enables a Positively Charged Additive to Induce Dramatic Changes in Calcium Carbonate Morphology
Authors: Cantaert Bram , Kim Yi‐Yeoun , Ludwig Henning , Nudelman Fabio , Sommerdijk Nico A. J. M. , Meldrum Fiona C.
Published: January 2012

Soluble macromolecules are essential to Nature's control over biomineral formation. Following early studies where macromolecules rich in aspartic and glutamic acid were extracted from nacre, research has focused on the use of negatively charged additives to control calcium carbonate precipitation. It is demonstrated that the positively charged additive poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) can also cause dramatic changes in calcite morphologies, yielding thin films and fibers of CaCO3 analogous to those produced with poly(aspartic acid) via a so‐called PILP (polymer‐induced liquid precursor) phase. The mechanism by which PAH induces these effects is investigated using a range of techniques including cryo transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, and the data show that hydrated Ca2+/PAH/CO32− droplets initially form in solution, before coalescing and ultimately crystallizing to give calcite, together with small quantities of vaterite. It is suggested that it is the initial formation of hydrated Ca2+/PAH/CO32− droplets that is key to this process, rather than a specific polymer/mineral interaction. These results are discussed in terms of their relevance to biomineralization processes and highlight the opportunity for using counter‐ion‐induced phase separation of polyelectrolytes as a method for generating minerals with non‐crystallographic morphologies.
Autonomously Controlled Homogenous Growth of Wafer‐Sized High‐Quality Graphene via a Smart Janus Substrate
Authors: Wan Dongyun , Lin Tianquan , Bi Hui , Huang Fuqiang , Xie Xiaoming , Chen I.‐Wei , Jiang Mianheng
Published: January 2012

The work reports a new method for large‐area growth of graphene films, which have been predicted to have novel and broad applications in the future. While chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is currently the preferred method, it suffers from a rather narrow processing window, and there is also much to be desired in the electrical properties of the CVD films. A new method for large‐area growth of graphene films is reported to overcome the narrow processing window of the CVD method. A composite substrate made of a C‐dissolving top (Ni) layer and a C‐rejecting bottom (Cu) layer is designed, which evolves into a C‐rejecting mixture, to autonomously regulate the C content at an elevated yet stable level at and near the surface over an extended duration. This “smart” substrate promotes graphene formation over a wide temperature‐gas composition window, leading to reliable growth of wafer‐sized graphene films of defined layer‐thickness and superior electrical–optical properties. This “smart”‐substrate strategy can also be implemented on Si and SiO2 supports, paving the way toward the direct fabrication of large area, graphene‐enabled electronic and photonic devices.
Multiechelon supply chain planning with sequence‐dependent changeovers and price elasticity of demand under uncertainty
Authors: Liu Songsong , Shah Nilay , Papageorgiou Lazaros G.
Published: January 2012

An optimization framework is proposed for a multiechelon multiproduct process supply chain planning under demand uncertainty considering inventory deviation and price fluctuation. In this problem, the sequence‐dependent changeovers occur at the production plants, and price elasticity of demand is considered at the markets. Based on the classic formulation of travelling salesman problem (TSP), a mixed‐integer liner programming (MILP) is developed, whose objective function considers the profit, inventory deviations from the desired trajectories and price changes simultaneously. Model predictive control (MPC) approach is adopted to tackle the uncertain issues, as well as the inventory and price maintenance. The applicability of the proposed model and approach was illustrated by solving a supply chain example. Some issues, including length of the control horizon, price elasticity of demand, weights, inventory trajectories, and changeovers, are discussed based on the computational results. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Tests of linkage and allelic association between markers in the 1p36 PRKCZ (Protein Kinase C Zeta) gene region and bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Kandaswamy Radhika , McQuillin Andrew , Curtis David , Gurling Hugh
Published: January 2012

Three linkage studies of families with multiple cases of bipolar disorder and/or unipolar affective disorder have confirmed the involvement of the chromosome 1p36 region in the etiology of affective disorders with LOD scores of 2.7, 3.6, and 3.97. We investigated the protein kinase C zeta gene (PRKCZ) as a susceptibility locus for bipolar disorder because it is highly brain expressed and is localized close to the marker D1S243 which was linked to affective disorder in a single large UCL bipolar disorder family with a LOD of 3.1. PRKCZ encodes an unusual type of protein kinase which affects axonal differentiation through Wnt‐signaling. We genotyped four microsatellite markers and nine single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers within or near the PRKCZ gene in the UCL case–control sample of 600 bipolar disorder patients and up to 605 supernormal controls. Markers D1S243 and rs3128396 were significantly associated with bipolar disorder (empirical P = 0.037 and P = 0.040, respectively). We also included data from eight SNPs which were genotyped as part of our GWA study on bipolar disorder for association analysis. Tests of haplotypic association found that a haplotype block comprising markers rs3128296, rs2503706, and rs3128309 was associated with bipolar disorder (empirical P = 0.004). A previous linkage study had shown greater evidence for linkage within female cases compared to males. Therefore, to assess if the association was sex‐specific, we performed a female‐only allelic‐association analysis, which resulted in SNPs rs3128296 and rs3128309 becoming associated with bipolar disorder (P = 0.004 and P = 0.016, respectively). PRKCZ may play a role in susceptibility to bipolar affective disorder. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy caused by a mutation in dystonin
Authors: Edvardson Simon , Cinnamon Yuval , Jalas Chaim , Shaag Avraham , Maayan Channa , Axelrod Felicia B. , Elpeleg Orly
Published: January 2012

In 4 infants with a new lethal autonomic sensory neuropathy with clinical features similar to familial dysautonomia as well as contractures, we identified a deleterious mutation in the DST gene, using homozygosity mapping followed by exome sequencing. DST encodes dystonin, a cytoskeleton linker protein, and the mutation results in an unstable transcript. Interestingly, dystonin is significantly more abundant in cells of familial dysautonomia patients with IKBKAP (I‐κ‐B kinase complex‐associated protein) mutation compared to fibroblasts of controls, suggesting that upregulation of dystonin is responsible for the milder course in familial dysautonomia. Homozygosity mapping followed by exome sequencing is a successful approach to identify mutated genes in rare monogenic disorders. Ann Neurol 2012;71:569–572
Efficacy and safety of rituximab in patients with active proliferative lupus nephritis: The lupus nephritis assessment with rituximab study
Authors: Rovin Brad H. , Furie Richard , Latinis Kevin , Looney R. John , Fervenza Fernando C. , Sanchez‐Guerrero Jorge , Maciuca Romeo , Zhang David , Garg Jay P. , Brunetta Paul , Appel Gerald ,   LUNAR Investigator Group
Published: January 2012

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase III trial in patients with lupus nephritis treated concomitantly with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids.

Methods

Patients (n = 144) with class III or class IV lupus nephritis were randomized 1:1 to receive rituximab (1,000 mg) or placebo on days 1, 15, 168, and 182. The primary end point was renal response status at week 52.

Results

Rituximab depleted peripheral CD19+ B cells in 71 of 72 patients. The overall (complete and partial) renal response rates were 45.8% among the 72 patients receiving placebo and 56.9% among the 72 patients receiving rituximab (P = 0.18); partial responses accounted for most of the difference. The primary end point (superior response rate with rituximab) was not achieved. Eight placebo‐treated patients and no rituximab‐treated patients required cyclophosphamide rescue therapy through week 52. Statistically significant improvements in serum complement C3, C4, and anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) levels were observed among patients treated with rituximab. In both treatment groups, a reduction in anti‐dsDNA levels greater than the median reduction was associated with reduced proteinuria. The rates of serious adverse events, including infections, were similar in both groups. Neutropenia, leukopenia, and hypotension occurred more frequently in the rituximab group.

Conclusion

Although rituximab therapy led to more responders and greater reductions in anti‐dsDNA and C3/C4 levels, it did not improve clinical outcomes after 1 year of treatment. The combination of rituximab with MMF and corticosteroids did not result in any new or unexpected safety signals.
Increased numbers of CD5+ B lymphocytes with a regulatory phenotype in spondylarthritis
Authors: Cantaert Tineke , Doorenspleet Marieke E. , FrancoSalinas Gabriela , Paramarta Jaqueline E. , Klarenbeek Paul L. , Tiersma Yvonne , van der Loos Chris M. , De Vries Niek , Tak Paul Peter , Baeten Dominique L.
Published: January 2012

Objective

Whether and how B lymphocytes contribute to the pathogenesis of spondylarthritis (SpA), a seronegative arthritis associated with gut inflammation, remains unknown. Because innate‐like CD5+ B lymphocytes with regulatory functions have been identified in colitis models, we undertook the present study to analyze the presence and function of CD5+ B cells in human SpA.

Methods

Peripheral blood B cells from patients with SpA, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and healthy controls were analyzed by flow cytometry. Synovial biopsy samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry analysis. Sorted CD5+ and CD5− B cells were analyzed for somatic hypermutation, expression of costimulatory molecules, and cytokine production.

Results

The naive, marginal zone–like, and to a lesser extent memory B cell compartments in patients with SpA exhibited a clear and specific increase of CD5+ B cells, which was not found in patients with RA. This increase was not due to either B cell activation or preferential migration of CD5− B cells to the inflamed synovium. Consistent with their phenotype and the low‐affinity polyreactive immunoglobulins produced by their murine counterpart cells, CD5+ B cells from patients with SpA showed low levels of somatic hypermutation. With regard to antigen presentation, CD5+ B cells expressed slightly increased HLA–DR levels but low CD80 and CD86 levels. In vitro activation failed to up‐regulate these costimulatory molecules but induced significant production of interleukin‐10 and interleukin‐6 by CD5+ B cells.

Conclusion

CD5+ B cells are specifically increased in SpA. Analysis of somatic hypermutation, expression of antigen‐presenting and costimulatory molecules, and cytokine production indicates that this B cell subset has regulatory capacities. Further investigation of the potential role of CD5+ cells in SpA is warranted.
Heme oxygenase 1 attenuates interleukin‐1β–induced cytosolic phospholipase A2 expression via a decrease in NADPH oxidase/reactive oxygen species/activator protein 1 activation in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Chi Pei‐Ling , Chen Yu‐Wen , Hsiao Li‐Der , Chen Yuh‐Lien , Yang Chuen‐Mao
Published: January 2012

Objective

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by cytokines induce the expression of inflammatory mediators in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) exerts an antiinflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to examine the mechanisms underlying interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)–induced cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) expression through ROS generation as modulated by HO‐1 in RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFs).

Methods

IL‐1β–induced ROS generation was determined by flow cytometry. The involvement of MAPKs and NADPH oxidase (NOX)/ROS in IL‐1β–induced cPLA2 expression was investigated using pharmacologic inhibitors and transfection with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and was analyzed by Western blotting and promoter assay. Overexpression of HO‐1 was performed by transfection of RASFs with a recombinant adenovirus containing human HO‐1 plasmid. SCID mice with inflammation caused by IL‐1β were infected with adenovirus containing HO‐1. Histologic characterization of joint inflammation and local expression of cPLA2 were evaluated after treatment.

Results

IL‐1β–induced cPLA2 expression was mediated through NOX activation/ROS production, which was attenuated by N‐acetylcysteine (NAC; a scavenger of ROS), the inhibitors of NOX (diphenyleneiodonium chloride and apocynin), MEK‐1/2 (U0126), and JNK‐1/2 (SP600125), transfection with the respective siRNAs, and the overexpression of HO‐1 in RASFs. IL‐1β–induced cPLA2 expression was mediated through recruitment of activator protein 1 (AP‐1) to the cPLA2 promoter region, which was attenuated by NAC and overexpression of HO‐1. Furthermore, HO‐1 overexpression inhibited IL‐1β–mediated cPLA2 expression in SCID mice.

Conclusion

In RASFs, IL‐1β induced cPLA2 expression via activation of p42/p44 MAPK and JNK‐1/2, leading to p47phox phosphorylation, ROS production, and AP‐1 activation. The induction of HO‐1 exerted protective effects on the pathogenesis of RA.
Influence of pregnancy on the adipocytokine and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor pathways in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors and rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Weix Janine , Förger Frauke , Häupl Thomas , Surbek Daniel , Østensen Monika , Villiger Peter M.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To identify candidate genes that are regulated by human pregnancy and have the potential to modulate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy pregnant volunteers were analyzed using Affymetrix GeneChips at 4 time points (during the first, second, and third trimesters and 6 weeks postpartum). Based on the GeneChip data, target genes were further analyzed via real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using PBMCs from healthy controls and RA patients. In order to determine the cellular source of the candidate gene messenger RNA (mRNA), monocytes and lymphocytes from healthy controls and RA patients were positively selected using magnetic beads, and their mRNA was analyzed by qPCR.

Results

One‐way analysis of variance identified 1,286 mRNAs that were differentially expressed with regard to the 4 time points. The changes became more pronounced as pregnancy progressed, and they were reversed postpartum. A subsequent pathway analysis suggested a regulatory role of pregnancy on the adipocytokine pathway as well as on the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. Of 19 preselected candidate genes, AKT3, SOCS3, FADS2, STAT1, and CD36 proved to be differentially regulated by pregnancy. In samples from RA patients, the differences were concordant with those in healthy controls but more pronounced. Both T lymphocytes and monocytes contributed to the regulated expression of these genes.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that normal human pregnancy leads to changes in the expression of several molecular pathways in PBMCs, which are reversed postpartum. Changes in RA patients, although concordant, exceed the levels observed in healthy controls. Genes of the adipocytokine and PPAR signaling pathways qualify as candidates for the modulation of RA disease activity during pregnancy.
The use of electronic media to develop transferable skills in science students studying anatomy
Authors: Choudhury Bipasha , Gouldsborough Ingrid
Published: January 2012

Transferable skills such as team working, communication, information gathering, critical thinking, and peer assessment are essential for graduates seeking employment in the competitive jobs market. Use of online discussion boards have grown to allow students to communicate with each other at a time and location of their choosing. This study aimed to develop transferable skills using specially developed online components supported by discussion boards and chat rooms. Students enrolled in the Human Anatomy and Histology module at the University of Manchester were put into groups of six or seven students (26 groups in total). Two e‐learning components were constructed to develop transferable skills. Each group had a discussion board and chat room available to assist communication in completion of the components. Peer marking was also done on this media. Data collected showed the discussion boards were heavily utilized (average number of posts per group was 48). Eighty‐three percent of students found the discussion boards useful to complete the tasks. Students felt their team building and critical analysis skills had improved. Peer assessment was well received by students. Using online discussion boards proved an excellent way to develop transferable skills in a large group of science students. Anat Sci Educ. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Perineal reconstruction after abdominoperineal excision using inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps2
Authors: Hainsworth A , Al Akash M , Roblin P , Mohanna P , Ross D , George M L
Published: January 2012

Background

Perineal wound complications following abdominoperineal excision (APE) for low rectal tumours remain an important cause of morbidity and prolonged hospital stay, particularly after chemoradiotherapy. The aim was to assess outcomes after using inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flaps for immediate perineal reconstruction, and to compare these with the authors' previous experience and published literature on myocutaneous flaps.

Methods

A series of patients who underwent immediate IGAP flap reconstruction after APE between April 2008 and December 2010 were examined retrospectively to determine patient demographics, length of operation, complications (perineal wound and general) and length of hospital stay.

Results

Forty patients with rectal adenocarcinoma (33 primary and 7 recurrent disease) underwent immediate IGAP flap reconstruction following APE. Median follow-up was 9 months. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was received by 98 per cent of the patients. Thirty-two patients underwent APE plus IGAP flaps (25 open, 7 laparoscopic), with a median operating time of 402 min, and eight patients had multivisceral resection (MVR) plus IGAP flaps (7 total pelvic exenteration (TPE), 1 abdominosacral resection), with a median duration of surgery of 561 min. There was one death (fatal stroke) and four major flap complications (10 per cent) (1 enteroperineal fistula, and 3 deep wound infections). Median length of hospital stay was 13 days after APE plus IGAP flaps and 27 days following MVR plus IGAP flaps. Late complications occurred in two patients who had vaginal reconstruction and developed perineal hernias requiring revisional surgery.

Conclusion

Although operating times are long, the IGAP flap is robust, with no flap necrosis observed in this series.
Single Site Supported Cationic Rhodium(I) Complexes for the Selective Redox Isomerization of Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Sahoo Suman , Lundberg Helena , Edén Mattias , Ahlsten Nanna , Wan Wei , Zou Xiaodong , Martín‐Matute Belén
Published: January 2012

The isomerization of allylic alcohols to carbonyl compounds by a heterogeneous rhodium complex is reported. Different silica material supports and catalyst/ligand systems were evaluated. The most efficient catalyst in terms of catalytic activity and stability was found to be a cationic rhodium(I) complex with sulfonated phosphine ligands anchored on a mesoporous aluminosilica AlSBA‐15. The heterogeneous complex catalyzed the isomerization of a variety of allylic alcohols in excellent yields with very low catalyst loadings (0.5 mol %). The catalyst could be recycled without significant loss of activity or selectivity. The optimized catalyst was characterized by N2 sorption, powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, as well as solution and solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance, and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopies.
Towards Mesostructured Zinc Imidazolate Frameworks
Authors: Junggeburth Sebastian C. , Schwinghammer Katharina , Virdi Kulpreet S. , Scheu Christina , Lotsch Bettina V.
Published: January 2012

The transfer of supramolecular templating to the realm of metal–organic frameworks opens up new avenues to the design of novel hierarchically structured materials. We demonstrate the first synthesis of mesostructured zinc imidazolates in the presence of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), which acts as a template giving rise to ordered lamellar hybrid materials. A high degree of order spanning the atomic and mesoscale was ascertained by powder X‐ray diffraction, electron diffraction, as well as solid‐state NMR and IR spectroscopy. The metrics of the unit cells obtained for the zinc methylimidazolate and imidazolate species are a=(11.43±0.45), b=(9.55±0.35), c=(27.19±0.34) Å, and a=(10.98±0.90), b=(8.95±0.95), c=(26.33±0.34) Å, respectively, assuming orthorhombic symmetry. The derived structure model is consistent with a mesolamellar structure composed of bromine‐terminated zinc (methyl)imidazolate chains interleaved with motionally rigid cationic surfactant molecules in an all‐trans conformation. The hybrid materials exhibit unusually high thermal stability up to 300 °C, at which point CTAB is lost and evidence for a thermally induced transformation into poorly crystalline mesostructures with larger feature sizes is obtained. Treatment with ethanol effects the extraction of CTAB from the material, followed by facile transformation into pure microporous ZIF‐8 nanoparticles within minutes, thus demonstrating a unique transition from a mesostructure into a microporous zinc imidazolate.
Semi‐Synthesis of Unusual Chondroitin Sulfate Polysaccharides Containing GlcA(3‐O‐sulfate) or GlcA(2,3‐di‐O‐sulfate) Units
Authors: Bedini Emiliano , De Castro Cristina , De Rosa Mario , Di Nola Annalida , Restaino Odile F. , Schiraldi Chiara , Parrilli Michelangelo
Published: January 2012

The extraction from natural sources of Chondroitin sulfate (CS), a polysaccharide used for management of osteoarthritis, leads to very complex mixtures. The synthesis of CS by chemical modification of other polysaccharides has seldom been reported due to the intrinsic complexity that arises from fine chemical modifications of the polysaccharide structure. In view of the growing interest in expanding the application of CS to pharmacological fields other than osteoarthritis treatment, we launched a program to find new sources of known or even unprecedented CS polysaccharides. As part of this program, we report herein on an investigation of the use of a cyclic orthoester group to selectively protect the 4,6‐diol of N‐acetyl‐galactosamine residues in chondroitin (obtained from a microbial source), thereby facilitating its transformation into CSs. In particular, three CS polysaccharides were obtained and demonstrated to possess rare or hitherto unprecedented sulfation patterns by 2D NMR spectroscopy characterization. Two of them contained disaccharide subunits characterized by glucuronic acid residues selectively sulfated at position 3 (GlcA(3S)), the biological functions of which are known but have yet to be fully investigated. This first semi‐synthetic access to GlcA(3S)‐containing CS could greatly expedite such studies, since it can easily furnish considerable amounts of these polysaccharides, which are usually isolated with difficulty and in very low quantity from natural sources.
Facile and Low‐Cost Synthesis of Large‐Area Pure V2O5 Nanosheets for High‐Capacity and High‐Rate Lithium Storage over a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Wang Zhong‐li , Xu Dan , Wang Li‐min , Zhang Xin‐bo
Published: January 2012

One of the great challenges in the development of next‐generation lithium ion batteries is to simultaneously achieve high power and large energy capacity. Herein, large‐area pure V2O5 nanosheets are successfully synthesized by a novel and facile dissolution–splitting method using low‐cost raw materials. The as‐prepared product exhibits enhanced lithium storage properties including high reversible capacity (290 mAh g−1), good cycling and rate performance (144 mAh g−1 at 10 C and 95 mAh g−1 at 20 C), which can deliver a high power density of 15.6 kW kg−1 while the energy density remains as high as 260 Wh kg−1. At low temperatures of 0 and −20 oC, the V2O5 nanosheets can still deliver high capacities of 184 and 158 mAh g−1 at 1 C, respectively, and also exhibit excellent cycling stability.
Cryptanalysis and enhancements of efficient three‐party password‐based key exchange scheme
Authors: Wu Shuhua , Chen Kefei , Pu Qiong , Zhu Yuefei
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we first showed that Lou and Huang's three‐party password‐based key exchange protocol is still vulnerable to offline dictionary attacks. Thereafter, we proposed an enhanced protocol that can defeat the attack described and yet is efficient. Finally, we provided the rigorous proof of the security for it. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.