bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolving research directions in Surface Ocean - Lower Atmosphere (SOLAS) science
Authors: Law Cliff S. , Brévière Emilie , de Leeuw Gerrit , Garçon Véronique , Guieu Cécile , Kieber David J. , Kontradowitz Stefan , Paulmier Aurélien , Quinn Patricia K. , Saltzman Eric S. , Stefels Jacqueline , von Glasow Roland
Published: March 2013

Environmental context
Understanding the exchange of energy, gases and particles at the ocean–atmosphere interface is critical for the development of robust predictions of, and response to, future climate change. The international Surface Ocean–Lower Atmosphere Study (SOLAS) coordinates multi-disciplinary ocean–atmosphere research projects that quantify and characterise this exchange. This article details five new SOLAS research strategies – upwellings and associated oxygen minimum zones, sea ice, marine aerosols, atmospheric nutrient supply and ship emissions – that aim to improve knowledge in these critical areas.

Abstract
This review focuses on critical issues in ocean–atmosphere exchange that will be addressed by new research strategies developed by the international Surface Ocean–Lower Atmosphere Study (SOLAS) research community. Eastern boundary upwelling systems are important sites for CO2 and trace gas emission to the atmosphere, and the proposed research will examine how heterotrophic processes in the underlying oxygen-deficient waters interact with the climate system. The second regional research focus will examine the role of sea-ice biogeochemistry and its interaction with atmospheric chemistry. Marine aerosols are the focus of a research theme directed at understanding the processes that determine their abundance, chemistry and radiative properties. A further area of aerosol-related research examines atmospheric nutrient deposition in the surface ocean, and how differences in origin, atmospheric processing and composition influence surface ocean biogeochemistry. Ship emissions are an increasing source of aerosols, nutrients and toxins to the atmosphere and ocean surface, and an emerging area of research will examine their effect on ocean biogeochemistry and atmospheric chemistry. The primary role of SOLAS is to coordinate coupled multi-disciplinary research within research strategies that address these issues, to achieve robust representation of critical ocean–atmosphere exchange processes in Earth System models.
Patterns of periphyton chlorophyll and dry mass in a neotropical stream: a cheap and rapid analysis using a hand-held fluorometer
Authors: Moulton Timothy P. , Souza Marcelo L. , Walter Taldi L. , Krsulovic Felipe A. M.
Published: March 2013

Periphyton distribution is affected by various physical, chemical and biological factors at different scales. In the present study, a cheap and rapid method of measurement was used to obtain the many samples necessary for spatial analysis of periphyton along an altitudinal gradient in a low-order stream in south-east Brazilian Atlantic rain-forest. Fluorescence and turbidity were measured using a hand-held fluorometer and calibrated to the chlorophyll and dry mass of periphyton. Periphyton on the horizontal and vertical surfaces of different boulders was examined and shading and water current were measured as covariables. The three upstream sites with higher abundances of potentially grazing and bioturbing shrimps and mayflies had significantly less periphyton dry mass than the three downstream sites. Chlorophyll was positively related to water current, but not to shading. Variabilities in the dry mass and chlorophyll among boulders within sites were not associated with the distribution of shrimps and mayflies. The in vivo measurement was cheap, rapid, sensitive and reasonably precise compared with standard methods. The necessary sacrifice of detail of pigments (different chlorophylls and pheophytin) and dry mass (organic and inorganic constituents) and probably precision was compensated for by the insights gained from the ability to obtain a large number of samples in a hierarchical design.
Synaptic plasticity by antidromic firing during hippocampal network oscillations
Authors: Bukalo Olena , Campanac Emilie , Hoffman Dax A. , Fields R. Douglas
Published: March 2013

Learning and other cognitive tasks require integrating new experiences into context. In contrast to sensory-evoked synaptic plasticity, comparatively little is known of how synaptic plasticity may be regulated by intrinsic activity in the brain, much of which can involve nonclassical modes of neuronal firing and integration. Coherent high-frequency oscillations of electrical activity in CA1 hippocampal neurons [sharp-wave ripple complexes (SPW-Rs)] functionally couple neurons into transient ensembles. These oscillations occur during slow-wave sleep or at rest. Neurons that participate in SPW-Rs are distinguished from adjacent nonparticipating neurons by firing action potentials that are initiated ectopically in the distal region of axons and propagate antidromically to the cell body. This activity is facilitated by GABAA-mediated depolarization of axons and electrotonic coupling. The possible effects of antidromic firing on synaptic strength are unknown. We find that facilitation of spontaneous SPW-Rs in hippocampal slices by increasing gap-junction coupling or by GABAA-mediated axon depolarization resulted in a reduction of synaptic strength, and electrical stimulation of axons evoked a widespread, long-lasting synaptic depression. Unlike other forms of synaptic plasticity, this synaptic depression is not dependent upon synaptic input or glutamate receptor activation, but rather requires L-type calcium channel activation and functional gap junctions. Synaptic stimulation delivered after antidromic firing, which was otherwise too weak to induce synaptic potentiation, triggered a long-lasting increase in synaptic strength. Rescaling synaptic weights in subsets of neurons firing antidromically during SPW-Rs might contribute to memory consolidation by sharpening specificity of subsequent synaptic input and promoting incorporation of novel information.
Floral organ abscission peptide IDA and its HAE/HSL2 receptors control cell separation during lateral root emergence
Authors: Kumpf Robert P. , Shi Chun-Lin , Larrieu Antoine , Stø Ida Myhrer , Butenko Melinka A. , Péret Benjamin , Riiser Even Sannes , Bennett Malcolm J. , Aalen Reidunn B.
Published: March 2013

Throughout their life cycle, plants produce new organs, such as leaves, flowers, and lateral roots. Organs that have served their purpose may be shed after breakdown of primary cell walls between adjacent cell files at the site of detachment. In
Arabidopsis
, floral organs abscise after pollination, and this cell separation event is controlled by the peptide INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION (IDA), which signals through the leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases HAESA (HAE) and HAESA-LIKE2 (HSL2). Emergence of new lateral root primordia, initiated deep inside the root under the influence of auxin, is similarly dependent on cell wall dissolution between cells in the overlaying endodermal, cortical, and epidermal tissues. Here we show that this process requires
IDA
,
HAE
, and
HSL2
. Mutation in these genes constrains the passage of the growing lateral root primordia through the overlaying layers, resulting in altered shapes of the lateral root primordia and of the overlaying cells. The HAE and HSL2 receptors are redundant in function during floral organ abscission, but during lateral root emergence they are differentially involved in regulating cell wall remodeling genes. In the root,
IDA
is strongly auxin-inducible and dependent on key regulators of lateral root emergence—the auxin influx carrier LIKE AUX1-3 and AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR7. The expression levels of the receptor genes are only transiently induced by auxin, suggesting they are limiting factors for cell separation. We conclude that elements of the same cell separation signaling module have been adapted to function in different developmental programs.
Mutant methionyl-tRNA synthetase from bacteria enables site-selective N-terminal labeling of proteins expressed in mammalian cells
Authors: Ngo John T. , Schuman Erin M. , Tirrell David A.
Published: March 2013

Newly synthesized cellular proteins can be tagged with a variety of metabolic labels that distinguish them from preexisting proteins and allow them to be identified and tracked. Many such labels are incorporated into proteins via the endogenous cellular machinery and can be used in numerous cell types and organisms. Though broad applicability has advantages, we aimed to develop a strategy to restrict protein labeling to specified mammalian cells that express a transgene. Here we report that heterologous expression of a mutant methionyl-tRNA synthetase from
Escherichia coli
permits incorporation of azidonorleucine (Anl) into proteins made in mammalian (HEK293) cells. Anl is incorporated site-selectively at N-terminal positions (in competition with initiator methionines) and is not found at internal sites. Site selectivity is enabled by the fact that the bacterial synthetase aminoacylates mammalian initiator tRNA, but not elongator tRNA. N-terminally labeled proteins can be selectively conjugated to a variety of useful probes; here we demonstrate use of this system in enrichment and visualization of proteins made during various stages of the cell cycle. N-terminal incorporation of Anl may also be used to engineer modified proteins for therapeutic and other applications.
Differentiation of integrals in higher dimensions
Authors: Parcet Javier , Rogers Keith M.
Published: March 2013

We prove a localization principle for directional maximal operators in
L

p

(ℝ

n

), with
p
> 1. The resulting bounds, which we conjecture hold for the largest possible class of directions, imply Lebesgue-type differentiation of integrals over tubes that point in the given directions.
Disruption of the petal identity gene
APETALA3-3
is highly correlated with loss of petals within the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Zhang Rui , Guo Chunce , Zhang Wengen , Wang Peipei , Li Lin , Duan Xiaoshan , Du Qinggao , Zhao Liang , Shan Hongyan , Hodges Scott A. , Kramer Elena M. , Ren Yi , Kong Hongzhi
Published: March 2013

Absence of petals, or being apetalous, is usually one of the most important features that characterizes a group of flowering plants at high taxonomic ranks (i.e., family and above). The apetalous condition, however, appears to be the result of parallel or convergent evolution with unknown genetic causes. Here we show that within the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), apetalous genera in at least seven different lineages were all derived from petalous ancestors, indicative of parallel petal losses. We also show that independent petal losses within this family were strongly associated with decreased or eliminated expression of a single floral organ identity gene,

APETALA3-3
(
AP3-3
)

, apparently owing to species-specific molecular lesions. In an apetalous mutant of
Nigella
, insertion of a transposable element into the second intron has led to silencing of the gene and transformation of petals into sepals. In several naturally occurring apetalous genera, such as
Thalictrum
,
Beesia
, and
Enemion
, the gene has either been lost altogether or disrupted by deletions in coding or regulatory regions. In
Clematis
, a large genus in which petalous species evolved secondarily from apetalous ones, the gene exhibits hallmarks of a pseudogene. These results suggest that, as a petal identity gene,
AP3-3
has been silenced or down-regulated by different mechanisms in different evolutionary lineages. This also suggests that petal identity did not evolve many times independently across the Ranunculaceae but was lost in numerous instances. The genetic mechanisms underlying the independent petal losses, however, may be complex, with disruption of
AP3-3
being either cause or effect.
Efficient generation of stable bispecific IgG1 by controlled Fab-arm exchange
Authors: Labrijn Aran F. , Meesters Joyce I. , de Goeij Bart E. C. G. , van den Bremer Ewald T. J. , Neijssen Joost , van Kampen Muriel D. , Strumane Kristin , Verploegen Sandra , Kundu Amitava , Gramer Michael J. , van Berkel Patrick H. C. , van de Winkel Jan G. J. , Schuurman Janine , Parren Paul W. H. I.
Published: March 2013

The promise of bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) to yield more effective therapeutics is well recognized; however, the generation of bsAbs in a practical and cost-effective manner has been a formidable challenge. Here we present a technology for the efficient generation of bsAbs with normal IgG structures that is amenable to both antibody drug discovery and development. The process involves separate expression of two parental antibodies, each containing single matched point mutations in the CH3 domains. The parental antibodies are mixed and subjected to controlled reducing conditions in vitro that separate the antibodies into HL half-molecules and allow reassembly and reoxidation to form highly pure bsAbs. The technology is compatible with standard large-scale antibody manufacturing and ensures bsAbs with Fc-mediated effector functions and in vivo stability typical of IgG1 antibodies. Proof-of-concept studies with HER2×CD3 (T-cell recruitment) and HER2×HER2 (dual epitope targeting) bsAbs demonstrate superior in vivo activity compared with parental antibody pairs.
Computational and statistical tradeoffs via convex relaxation
Authors: Chandrasekaran Venkat , Jordan Michael I.
Published: March 2013

Significance

The growth in the size and scope of datasets in science and technology has created a need for foundational perspectives on data analysis that blend computer science and statistics. Specifically, the core challenge with massive datasets is that of guaranteeing improved accuracy of an analysis procedure as data accrue, even in the face of a time budget. We address this problem via a notion of “algorithmic weakening,” whereby as data scale, the procedure backs off to cheaper algorithms, leveraging the growing inferential strength of the data to ensure that a desired level of accuracy is achieved within the computational budget.
Mice deficient in Epg5 exhibit selective neuronal vulnerability to degeneration
Authors: Zhao Hongyu , Zhao Yan G. , Wang Xingwei , Xu Lanjun , Miao Lin , Feng Du , Chen Quan , Kovács Attila L. , Fan Dongsheng , Zhang Hong
Published: March 2013

The molecular mechanism underlying the selective vulnerability of certain neuronal populations associated with neurodegenerative diseases remains poorly understood. Basal autophagy is important for maintaining axonal homeostasis and preventing neurodegeneration. In this paper, we demonstrate that mice deficient in the metazoan-specific autophagy gene Epg5/epg-5 exhibit selective damage of cortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons and spinal cord motor neurons. Pathologically, Epg5 knockout mice suffered muscle denervation, myofiber atrophy, late-onset progressive hindquarter paralysis, and dramatically reduced survival, recapitulating key features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Epg5 deficiency impaired autophagic flux by blocking the maturation of autophagosomes into degradative autolysosomes, leading to accumulation of p62 aggregates and ubiquitin-positive inclusions in neurons and glial cells. Epg5 knockdown also impaired endocytic trafficking. Our study establishes Epg5-deficient mice as a model for investigating the pathogenesis of ALS and indicates that dysfunction of the autophagic–endolysosomal system causes selective damage of neurons associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Plasma glutamate–modulated interaction of A2AR and mGluR5 on BMDCs aggravates traumatic brain injury–induced acute lung injury
Authors: Dai Shuang-Shuang , Wang Hao , Yang Nan , An Jian-Hong , Li Wei , Ning Ya-Lei , Zhu Pei-Fang , Chen Jiang-Fan , Zhou Yuan-Guo
Published: March 2013

The bone marrow–derived cell (BMDC)–associated inflammatory response plays a key role in the development of acute lung injury (ALI). Activation of adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is generally considered to be antiinflammatory, inhibiting BMDC activities to protect against ALI. However, in the present study, we found that in a mouse model of neurogenic ALI induced by severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), BMDC A2AR exerted a proinflammatory effect, aggravating lung damage. This is in contrast to the antiinflammatory effect observed in the mouse oleic acid–induced ALI model (a nonneurogenic ALI model.) Moreover, the A2AR agonist CGS21680 aggravated, whereas the antagonist ZM241385 attenuated, the severe TBI-induced lung inflammatory damage in mice. Further investigation of white blood cells isolated from patients or mouse TBI models and of cultured human or mouse neutrophils demonstrated that elevated plasma glutamate after severe TBI induced interaction between A2AR and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) to increase phospholipase C–protein kinase C signaling, which mediated the proinflammatory effect of A2AR. These results are in striking contrast to the well-known antiinflammatory and protective role of A2AR in nonneurogenic ALI and indicate different therapeutic strategies should be used for nonneurogenic and neurogenic ALI treatment when targeting A2AR.
The quantum transverse-field Ising chain in circuit quantum
electrodynamics: effects of disorder on the nonequilibrium
dynamics
Authors: Viehmann Oliver , Delft Jan von , Marquardt Florian
Published: March 2013

We study several dynamical properties of a recently proposed implementation of
the quantum transverse-field Ising chain in the framework of circuit quantum
electrodynamics (QED). Particular emphasis is placed on the effects of disorder
on the nonequilibrium behavior of the system. We show that small amounts of
fabrication-induced disorder in the system parameters do not jeopardize the
observation of previously predicted phenomena. Based on a numerical extraction
of the mean free path of a wave packet in the system, we also provide a simple
quantitative estimate for certain disorder effects on the nonequilibrium
dynamics of the circuit QED quantum simulator. We discuss the transition from
weak to strong disorder, characterized by the onset of Anderson localization of
the system's wave functions, and the qualitatively different dynamics it
leads to.
On the tail of Jones polynomials of closed braids with a full twist
Authors: Champanerkar Abhijit , Kofman Ilya
Published: March 2013

For a closed

n
n

–braid

L
L

with a full positive twist and with

ℓ
\ell

negative crossings,

0
≤
ℓ
≤
n

0\leq \ell \leq n

, we determine the first

n
−
ℓ
+
1

n-\ell +1

terms of the Jones polynomial

V
L

(
t
)

V_L(t)

. We show that

V
L

(
t
)

V_L(t)

satisfies a braid index constraint, which is a gap of length at least

n
−
ℓ

n-\ell

between the first two nonzero coefficients of

(
1
−

t
2

)

V
L

(
t
)

(1-t^2) V_L(t)

. For a closed positive

n
n

–braid with a full positive twist, we extend our results to the colored Jones polynomials. For

N
>
n
−
1

N>n-1

, we determine the first

n
(
N
−
1
)
+
1

n(N-1)+1

terms of the normalized

N
N

–th colored Jones polynomial.
EDAM: an ontology of bioinformatics operations, types of data and identifiers, topics and formats
Authors: Ison Jon , Kalaš Matúš , Jonassen Inge , Bolser Dan , Uludag Mahmut , McWilliam Hamish , Malone James , Lopez Rodrigo , Pettifer Steve , Rice Peter
Published: March 2013

Motivation: Advancing the search, publication and integration of bioinformatics tools and resources demands consistent machine-understandable descriptions. A comprehensive ontology allowing such descriptions is therefore required.

Results: EDAM is an ontology of bioinformatics operations (tool or workflow functions), types of data and identifiers, application domains and data formats. EDAM supports semantic annotation of diverse entities such as Web services, databases, programmatic libraries, standalone tools, interactive applications, data schemas, datasets and publications within bioinformatics. EDAM applies to organizing and finding suitable tools and data and to automating their integration into complex applications or workflows. It includes over 2200 defined concepts and has successfully been used for annotations and implementations.

Availability: The latest stable version of EDAM is available in OWL format from http://edamontology.org/EDAM.owl and in OBO format from http://edamontology.org/EDAM.obo. It can be viewed online at the NCBO BioPortal and the EBI Ontology Lookup Service. For documentation and license please refer to http://edamontology.org. This article describes version 1.2 available at http://edamontology.org/EDAM_1.2.owl.

Contact:  jison@ebi.ac.uk
Cluster Headache After Cataract Surgery
Authors: Gil-Gouveia Raquel , Fonseca Ana
Published: March 2013

Background:

Symptomatic cluster-like headache has been described with some ophthalmological disorders such as glaucoma, orbital myositis, posterior scleritis, enucleation, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, and cataract surgery.

Case Report:

We report a new case of a 79-year-old nonsmoker woman who developed cluster-like symptoms 2 days after a cataract surgery and review the 2 previously reported cases.

Discussion:

The surgical technique of cataract removal involves corneal incision, which can trigger the trigeminal-autonomic reflex, a pathophysiological mechanism potentially implicated in idiopathic cluster headache. Differential diagnosis in these cases includes surgical and anesthetic complications.
Regulation of reductive dehalogenase gene transcription in
Dehalococcoides mccartyi
Authors: Wagner Anke , Segler Lydia , Kleinsteuber Sabine , Sawers Gary , Smidt Hauke , Lechner Ute
Published: March 2013

The remarkable capacity of the genus
Dehalococcoides
to dechlorinate a multitude of different chlorinated organic compounds reflects the number and diversity of genes in the genomes of
Dehalococcoides
species encoding reductive dehalogenase homologues (
rdh
). Most of these genes are located in the vicinity of genes encoding multiple antibiotic resistance regulator (MarR)-type or two-component system regulators. Here, the transcriptional response of
rdhA
genes (coding for the catalytic subunit) to 2,3- and 1,3-dichlorodibenzo-
p
-dioxin (DCDD) was studied in
Dehalococcoides mccartyi
strain CBDB1. Almost all
rdhA
genes were transcribed in the presence of 2,3-DCDD, albeit at different levels as shown for the transcripts of
cbrA
, cbdbA1453, cbdbA1624 and cbdbA1588. By contrast, 1,3-DCDD did not induce
rdhA
transcription. The putative MarR CbdbA1625 was heterologously produced and its ability to bind
in vitro
to the overlapping promoter regions of the genes cbdbA1624 and cbdbA1625 was demonstrated. To analyse regulation
in vivo
, single-copy transcriptional promoter–
lacZ
fusions of different
rdhA
genes and of cbdbA1625 were constructed and introduced into the heterologous host
Escherichia coli
, and expression levels of the fusions were measured. The cbdbA1625 gene was cloned into a vector allowing a regulation of expression by arabinose and it was transformed into the strains containing the
rdh
-promoter–
lacZ
fusion derivatives. CbdbA1625 was shown to downregulate transcription from its own promoter resulting in a 40–50% reduction in the β-galactosidase activity, giving the first hint that it acts as a repressor.
Changing weather conditions and floating plants in temperate drainage ditches
Authors: Peeters Edwin T. H. M , van Zuidam Jeroen P. , van Zuidam Bastiaan G. , Van Nes Egbert H. , Kosten Sarian , Heuts Peter G. M. , Roijackers Rudi M. M. , Netten Jordie J. C. , Scheffer Marten
Published: March 2013

Dominance of free‐floating plants such as duckweed is undesirable as it indicates eutrophication. The objectives of this study are to investigate whether the onset of duckweed dominance is related to weather conditions by analysing field observations, to evaluate the effect of different climate scenarios on the timing of duckweed dominance using a model and to evaluate to what extent nutrient levels should be lowered to counteract effects of global warming.

To analyse the onset of duckweed dominance in relation to weather conditions, duckweed cover in Dutch ditches was correlated with weather conditions for the period 1980–2005. Furthermore, a model was developed that describes biomass development over time as a function of temperature, light and nutrient availability, crowding and mortality. This model was used to evaluate the effects of climate change scenarios and the effects of lowering nutrients.

The onset of duckweed dominance in the field advanced by approximately 14 days with an increase of 1 °C in the average maximum daily winter temperature. The modelled biomass development correlated well with the field observations. Scenarios showed that expected climate change will affect onset and duration of duckweed dominance in temperate ditches. Reducing nutrient levels may counteract the effect of warming.

Synthesis and applications. Global warming may lead to an increase in the dominance of free‐floating plants in drainage ditches in the Netherlands. The expected reductions in nutrient‐loading to surface waters as a result of different measures taken so far are likely not sufficient to counteract these effects of warming. Therefore, additional measures should be taken to avoid a further deterioration of the ecological water quality in ditches.
UsingDNAbarcoding to link cystacanths and adults of the acanthocephalanPolymorphus brevisin central Mexico
Authors: Alcántar‐Escalera F. J. , García‐Varela M. , Vázquez‐Domínguez E. , Pérez‐Ponce de León G.
Published: March 2013

In parasitic organisms, particularly helminths, the usage of the mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit I gene as the standardDNAbarcoding region for species identification and discovery has been very limited. Here, we present an integrated study, based on bothDNAbarcoding and morphological analyses, for acanthocephalans belonging to the genusPolymorphus, whose larvae (cystacanths) are commonly found in the mesentery of freshwater fishes, while adults are found in the intestine of fish‐eating birds. The alpha taxonomy of parasitic helminths is based on adult morphological traits, and because of that larval forms cannot be identified to species level based on morphology alone.DNAbarcoding offers an alternative tool for linking larval stages of parasitic organisms to known adults. We sequenced cystacanths collected from freshwater fishes in localities across central Mexico and adults obtained from fish‐eating birds, to determine whether they were conspecific. To corroborate the molecular results, we conducted a morphometric analysis with ‘Proboscis profiler’, which is a software tool developed to detect heterogeneity in morphologically similar acanthocephalans based on the multivariate statistical analysis of proboscis hook dimensions. Both sources of information indicate that cystacanths infecting freshwater fishes in central Mexico belong to a single species,Polymorphus brevis.
Schnitzler's syndrome: diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up
Authors: Simon A. , Asli B. , Braun‐Falco M. , De Koning H. , Fermand J.‐P. , Grattan C. , Krause K. , Lachmann H. , Lenormand C. , Martinez‐Taboada V. , Maurer M. , Peters M. , Rizzi R. , Rongioletti F. , Ruzicka T. , Schnitzler L. , Schubert B. , Sibilia J. , Lipsker D.
Published: March 2013

Schnitzler's syndrome is characterized by recurrent urticarial rash and monoclonal gammopathy, associated with clinical and biological signs of inflammation and a long‐term risk of AA amyloidosis and overt lymphoproliferation. An extensive literature review was performed, and the following questions were addressed during an expert meeting: In whom should Schnitzler's syndrome be suspected? How should the diagnosis of Schnitzler's syndrome be established? How should a patient with Schnitzler's syndrome be treated? How should a patient with Schnitzler's syndrome be followed up?. A diagnosis of Schnitzler's syndrome is considered definite in any patient with two obligate criteria: a recurrent urticarial rash and a monoclonal IgM gammopathy, and two of the following minor criteria: recurrent fever, objective signs of abnormal bone remodeling, elevated CRP level or leukocytosis, and a neutrophilic infiltrate on skin biopsy. It is considered probable, if only 1 minor criterion is present. In patients with monoclonal IgG gammopathies, diagnosis is definite if three minor criteria are present and possible if two are present. First‐line treatment in patients with significant alteration of quality of life or persistent elevation of markers of inflammation should be anakinra. Follow‐up should include clinical evaluation, CBC and CRP every 3 months and MGUS as usually recommended.
Transient impairments in single muscle fibre contractile function after prolonged cycling in elite endurance athletes
Authors: Hvid L. G. , Gejl K. , Bech R. D. , Nygaard T. , Jensen K. , Frandsen U. , Ørtenblad N.
Published: March 2013

Aim

Prolonged muscle activity impairs whole‐muscle performance and function. However, little is known about the effects of prolonged muscle activity on the contractile function of human single muscle fibres. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged exercise and subsequent recovery on the contractile function of single muscle fibres obtained from elite athletes.

Methods

Nine male triathletes (26 ± 1 years, 68 ± 1 mL O2 min−1 kg−1, training volume 16 ± 1 h week−1) performed 4 h of cycling exercise (at 73% of HRmax) followed by 24 h of recovery. Biopsies from vastus lateralis were obtained before and following 4 h exercise and following 24 h recovery. Measurements comprised maximal Ca2+‐activated specific force and Ca2+ sensitivity of slow type I and fast type II single muscle fibres, as well as cycling peak power output.

Results

Following cycling exercise, specific force was reduced to a similar extent in slow and fast fibres (−15 and −18%, respectively), while Ca2+ sensitivity decreased in fast fibres only. Single fibre‐specific force was fully restored in both fibre types after 24 h recovery. Cycling peak power output was reduced by 4–9% following cycling exercise and fully restored following recovery.

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate that prolonged cycling exercise transiently impairs specific force in type I and II fibres and decreases Ca2+ sensitivity in type II fibres only, specifically in elite endurance athletes. Further, the changes in single fibre‐specific force induced by exercise and recovery coincided temporally with changes in cycling peak power output.
First Possession, History, and Young Children's Ownership Judgments
Authors: Friedman Ori , Van de Vondervoort Julia W. , Defeyter Margaret A. , Neary Karen R.
Published: March 2013

It is impossible to perceive who owns an object; this must be inferred. One way that children make such inferences is through a first possession bias—when two agents each use an object, children judge the object belongs to the one who used it first. Two experiments show that this bias does not result from children directly inferring ownership from first possession; the experiments instead support an alternative account according to which the first possession bias reflects children's historical reasoning. In Experiment 1, eighty‐five 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds only based inferences on first possession when it was informative about the past. In Experiment 2, thirty‐two 5‐year‐olds based ownership judgments on testimony about past contact, while disregarding testimony about future contact.
Leak Plugging and Clog Removal: Useful Metaphors for Conservation and Restoration
Authors: Aronson James , Murcia Carolina , Balaguer Luis
Published: March 2013

Metaphors are common in our ecological and conservation language. They help us understand complex issues and communicate them to different audiences. We propose two new metaphors: ecosystem leaks and ecosystem clogs that can help us understand the role of flows among ecosystems (inflows and outflows), the impacts of anthropogenic perturbations of these flows within and beyond ecosystem boundaries. They help us grasp the need for a broader outlook in restoration and conservation that goes beyond the ecosystem level. We define an ecosystem leak asany net loss of natural capital from any ecosystem with the potential of exerting a long‐term transformative effect. As its name implies, an ecosystem clog is the opposite of a leak, and we define it asa total or partial obstruction in the flows of natural capital within an ecosystem, or between ecosystems. Leaks can create clogs, and vice versa, and they can occur in cyclic succession causing cascading effects that affect not just the natural capital of an ecosystem, but its social and cultural capital as well. We focus on anthropogenic leaks and clogs as these are the ones for which society does not invest adequate attention and efforts.
The impact of methylphenidate on seizure frequency and severity in children with attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder and difficult‐to‐treat epilepsies
Authors: Santos Kleber , Palmini Andre , Radziuk Ana L , Rotert Rosana , Bastos Fernanda , Booij Linda , Fernandes Brisa S
Published: March 2013

Aim

Difficult‐to‐treat epilepsies and attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often co‐occur. Because of concerns about the use of stimulants in children with this comorbidity, the impact of ADHD treatment on seizure frequency and severity is not known. This pilot study evaluated the safety and efficacy of methylphenidate in this population.

Method

After a 3 month period in which antiepileptic drugs were adjusted, 22 patients recruited from a specialist outpatient clinic for severe epilepsy (16 males, six females; mean age 11y 2mo, SD 3y 2mo) received methylphenidate for 3 months in an open label, non‐controlled trial; four with generalized or multifocal (symptomatic/cryptogenic) epilepsy, one with generalized (idiopathic) epilepsy, 17 with partial (symptomatic/cryptogenic) epilepsy; five with partial seizures only, 17 with primarily or secondarily generalized seizures). Epilepsy, ADHD symptoms, and side effects were assessed using the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Questionnaire, the Child Behavior Checklist, the Hague Seizure Severity Scale, and the Side Effects Rating Scale.

Results

Methylphenidate significantly improved ADHD. After 3 months of treatment, 73% of patients no longer had clinically significant symptoms. Methylphenidate also reduced seizure severity (9‐point median decrease on the Hague Seizure Severity Scale). Seizure frequency increased in four out of 22 patients, but only one patient withdrew from the study for this reason. Most patients experienced no major side effects.

Interpretation

These data are among the first showing that low doses of methylphenidate are safe and effective to treat ADHD symptoms in patients with difficult‐to‐treat epilepsies. Randomized controlled trials are needed to replicate the findings.
Burkholderia oklahomensis agglutinin is a canonical two‐domain OAA‐family lectin: structures, carbohydrate binding and anti‐HIV activity
Authors: Whitley Matthew J. , Furey William , Kollipara Sireesha , Gronenborn Angela M.
Published: March 2013

Burkholderia oklahomensis EO147 agglutinin (BOA) is a 29 kDa member of the Oscillatoria agardhii agglutinin (OAA) family of lectins. Members of the OAA family recognize high‐mannose glycans, and, by binding to the HIV envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120), block the virus from binding to and entering the host cell, thereby inhibiting infection. OAA‐family lectins comprise either one or two homologous domains, with a single domain possessing two glycan binding sites. We solved the structure of BOA in the ligand‐free form as well as in complex with four molecules of 3α,6α‐mannopentaose, the core unit of the N‐linked high‐mannose structures found on gp120 in vivo. This is the first structure of a double‐domain OAA‐family lectin in which all four binding sites are occupied by ligand. The structural details of the BOA–glycan interactions presented here, together with determination of affinity constants and HIV inactivation data, shed further light onto the structure–function relationship in this important class of anti‐HIV proteins.

Database

The atomic coordinates and structure factors for ligand‐bound and ligand‐free BOA have been deposited into the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 4GK9 and 4GU8, respectively.
Side population in LX2 cells decreased by transforming growth factor‐β
Authors: Kim Jong Bin , Ann Yeon Hwa , Park Seo Young , Jee Hyeon‐Gun , Kim Hye Ri , Lee Jeong‐Hoon , Yu Su Jong , Lee Hyo‐Suk , Kim Yoon Jun
Published: March 2013

Aim

Side population (SP) cells are known to be enriched in stem/progenitor‐like cells. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β signaling is associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) production in hepatic stellate cells. We hypothesized that the SP fraction in LX2 cells is associated with ECM deposition, which is regulated through TGF‐β signaling.

Methods

We investigated the relationship between SP cells and TGF‐β signaling in the hepatic stellate cell line LX2. The effects of TGF‐β and SB431542 on the SP fraction and expression of collagen type I and phospho‐Smad2 was determined.

Results

We identified 0.8–3% SP cells in LX2 cells. The growth rate of sorted SP and non‐SP cells was similar to that of the original LX2 population, but population of the G0/G1 phase was increased in SP cells. Treatment of LX2 cells with TGF‐β decreased the SP fraction in a dose‐dependent manner and increased the production of collagen type I. Treatment of LX2 cells with SB431542 blocked the effect of TGF‐β on the SP fraction and the expression of collagen type I. We cultured LX2 cells on collagen‐coated dishes to observe the effect of ECM deposition on the SP fraction. The growth rate and cell cycle distribution was similar to that observed on normal tissue culture dishes, but the SP fraction was decreased when LX2 cells were cultured on collagen‐coated plates.

Conclusion

These results show that LX2 cells contain an SP fraction and that TGF‐β signaling is involved in the induction of ECM deposition as well as the number of SP cells.
Microscopic schistocyte determination according to International Council for Standardization in Hematology recommendations in various diseases
Authors: Huh H. J. , Chung J. W. , Chae S. L.
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Recently, a consensus report for microscopic schistocyte determination was prepared by International Council for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH). ICSH focused on diagnosis of thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)/hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). We aimed to reanalyze schistocytes according to ICSH recommendations, to study diseases other than TTP/HUS related to the schistocytes, and to compare the percentage of schistocytes among the various diseases.

Methods

We retrieved all reported cases of peripheral blood (PB) smear in a single institution during 6 years. Schistocytes on 282 PB smears showing previous peripheral schistocytes and hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL were recounted according to ICSH recommendations.

Results

The schistocytes were frequently observed in patients with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), metastatic carcinoma, sepsis, chronic renal failure, preterm infant, and infection. Only two among 34 patients categorized as MAHA were diagnosed as TTP/HUS. Schistocytes were observed with other morphological changes in 169 of 170 cases with schistocyte ≤1% and in 102 of 112 with schistocyte >1%. The median schistocyte percentages of patients with hematologic malignancy, megaloblastic anemia, acute renal failure, and preterm infant were 1.20%, 1.30%, 1.35%, and 1.70%, respectively.

Conclusion

Schistocytes were observed above 1% in many diseases other than TTP /HUS. Therefore, it is important to understand that schistocytes could be seen in various diseases, and in these cases, schistocytes were usually detected together with other red blood cell morphologic changes. These data support ICSH recommendation that a schistocyte count should be considered clinically meaningful if schistocytes represent the main morphological abnormality in the PB smear.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RADIOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE OF TRACHEOBRONCHIAL LYMPH NODE ENLARGEMENT AND DEFINITIVE OR PRESUMPTIVE DIAGNOSIS
Authors: Jones Brian G. , Pollard Rachel E.
Published: March 2013

Tracheobronchial lymphadenomegaly is commonly associated with lymphosarcoma and disseminated mycotic infection. Available data also suggest other pathologic causes of enlarged tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Our objective was to establish the distribution and prevalence of diseases that cause radiographically evident tracheobronchial lymphadenomegaly in a large population of dogs. Patients were divided into groups based on the methods of diagnoses with 25 having confirmed diagnoses and 85 with presumptive diagnoses. Of the 110 dogs in the study, 92 (84%) had neoplasia and 18 (16%) had infectious diseases. Infections were attributed to Coccidioides (12, 67%), Aspergillus (3, 17%), and 1 each (6%) to Nocardia, Penicillium, and Mycobacteriosis. Tumors were characterized as lymphoma (66, 60%) or nonlymphoid (26, 23.6%). Nonlymphomas in Group 1 included histiocytic sarcoma complex (16%), carcinoma (12%), adenocarcinoma (8%), osteosarcoma (8%), chemodectoma (4%), ganglioneuroblastoma (4%), and neuroendocrine (4%). The number of dogs with tracheobronchial lymphadenomegaly scores 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 (with 5 being the greatest) was 8 (7%), 15 (14%), 30 (27%), 15 (14%), and 44 (38%), respectively. The results suggest that in addition to diagnoses of lymphoma and fungal infections, other neoplasms and in particular histiocytic sarcoma and metastatic adenocarcinoma, should be considered when tracheobronchial lymphadenomegaly is identified radiographically in dogs. When comparing the degree of tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy by disease category, there was no significant affiliation (P = 0.33).
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS IN A DOG WITH SEQUENTIAL BRAIN INFARCTION
Authors: Major Alison C. , Caine Abby , Rodriguez Sue B. , Cherubini Giunio B.
Published: March 2013

An adult greyhound was evaluated on three occasions for acute, intracranial neurologic signs. Based on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, there were T2‐hyperintense and T1‐hypointense, noncontrast enhancing lesions in the cerebellum, and brain stem. Using diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), the lesions were characterized initially by restricted water diffusion. The presumptive diagnosis on each occasion was acute ischemic cerebrovascular accident leading to infarction. This allowed us to characterize the changes in appearance of infarcted neural tissue on the standard MR sequences over time, and to confirm that the DWI could be successfully used in low‐field imaging. © 2012 Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound.
INTERVERTEBRAL AND INTRAVERTEBRAL RATIOS INDOBERMAN PINSCHER DOGS WITH CERVICAL SPONDYLOMYELOPATHY
Authors: da Costa Ronaldo C. , Johnson Jacqueline A.
Published: March 2013

No screening method is currently available to differentiate dogs with and without cervical spondylomyelopathy. Intravertebral and intervertebral ratios are used in horses and can predict cervical vertebral malformation. Intervertebral ratios could be a useful screening method for canine cervical spondylomyelopathy. Our purpose was to compare cervical intervertebral and intravertebral ratios in normal vs. affectedDoberman pinschers. Forty dogs were studied, 27 affected and 13 normal. Cervical radiographs were obtained in all dogs. The minimum intra‐ and intervertebral sagittal diameter ratios were established for each cervical vertebrae and disc space fromC2toC7. Comparisons were made between groups and specific vertebral body and disc levels. The effect of gender, age, and method of measurement (analog or digital radiographs) was also studied. There was no difference in either the intervertebral or intravertebral ratio between normal vs. affected dogs. The ratios decreased progressively along the cervical spine, being smallest atC6–C7andC7, respectively. Age, gender, and method of measurement had a significant influence on both inter‐ and intravertebral ratios, with smaller ratios seen as dogs aged and in male dogs. Based on our results, inter‐ or intravertebral ratios have no value to distinguish between clinically normalDoberman pinschers andDoberman pinschers with cervical spondylomyelopathy.
AGE‐RELATED THORACIC RADIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN GOLDEN AND LABRADOR RETRIEVER MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Authors: Bedu Anne‐Sophie , Labruyère Julien J. , Thibaud Jean Laurent , Barthélémy Inès , Leperlier Dimitri , Saunders Jimmy H. , Blot Stéphane
Published: March 2013

Golden retriever andLabrador retriever muscular dystrophy are inherited progressive degenerative myopathies that are used as models ofDuchenne muscular dystrophy in man. Thoracic lesions were reported to be the most consistent radiographic finding in golden retriever dogs in a study where radiographs were performed at a single‐time point. Muscular dystrophy worsens clinically over time and longitudinal studies in dogs are lacking. Thus our goal was to describe the thoracic abnormalities of golden retriever andLabrador retriever dogs, to determine the timing of first expression and their evolution with time. To this purpose, we retrospectively reviewed 390 monthly radiographic studies of 38 golden retrievers and sixLabrador retrievers with muscular dystrophy. The same thoracic lesions were found in both golden andLabrador retrievers. They included, in decreasing frequency, flattened and/or scalloped diaphragmatic shape (43/44), pulmonary hyperinflation (34/44), hiatal hernia (34/44), cranial pectus excavatum (23/44), bronchopneumonia (22/44), and megaesophagus (14/44). The last three lesions were not reported in a previous radiographic study in golden retriever dogs. In all but two dogs the thoracic changes were detected between 4 and 10 months and were persistent or worsened over time. Clinically, muscular dystrophy should be included in the differential diagnosis of dogs with a combination of these thoracic radiographic findings.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE LIGAMENTOUS STRUCTURES OF THE OCCIPITOATLANTOAXIAL REGION IN THE DOG
Authors: Middleton G. , Hillmann D. J. , Trichel J. , Bragulla H. H. , Gaschen L.
Published: March 2013

Our objectives were to establish a magnetic resonance (MR) protocol for the examination of, and then describe, the normal ligaments and the supporting structures of the occipitoatlantoaxial region. This was done in 10 cadaver dogs. In addition, MR images of three patients with cervical pain localized to the occipitoatlantoaxial region are included to provide examples of ligamentous abnormalities. All ligaments were hypointense in all pulse sequences. The apical, dorsal atlantoaxial, and dorsal longitudinal vertebral ligaments were seen best in the sagittal T1W and PD‐weighted images. The transverse ligament was best visualized in the transverse plane in all pulse sequences and appeared to be confluent with the dorsal longitudinal vertebral ligament dorsal to the dens in the sagittal plane. A 20° dorsal plane reconstructed image in 0.6‐mm slice thickness was necessary to visualize the alar ligaments, which were visible in 9/10 dogs. The dorsal longitudinal vertebral ligament appeared continuous with the apical ligament and tectorial membrane. Abnormalities in clinically affected dogs included thickening of the alar ligaments, absence of transverse ligament and elongation, and irregularity of the apical ligament.
POSTNATAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CEREBRAL GYRIFICATION IN THE CANINE BRAIN
Authors: Schmidt Martin J , Amort Kerstin , Kramer Martin
Published: March 2013

Data herein provide a reference for the normal development of canine postnatal cerebral cortical morphology. The growth of the canine cerebrum involves the emergence of sulci in a regular sequence of appearance through a number of breeds. The sequential course of sulcus development is constant in all breeds of the same age. The cortical surface is characterized by the full set of sulci at day 14 postpartum. These data will be useful for the investigations into abnormal canine cerebral cortex development.