bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of diverse groups of endogenous gammaretroviruses in mega- and microbats
Authors: Cui Jie , Tachedjian Gilda , Tachedjian Mary , Holmes Edward C. , Zhang Shuyi , Wang Lin-Fa
Published: June 2012

A previous phylogenetic study suggested that mammalian gammaretroviruses may have originated in bats. Here we report the discovery of RNA transcripts from two putative endogenous gammaretroviruses in frugivorous (Rousettus leschenaultii retrovirus, RlRV) and insectivorous (Megaderma lyra retrovirus, MlRV) bat species. Both genomes possess a large deletion in pol, indicating that they are defective retroviruses. Phylogenetic analysis places RlRV and MlRV within the diversity of mammalian gammaretroviruses, with the former falling closer to porcine endogenous retroviruses and the latter to Mus dunni endogenous virus, koala retrovirus and gibbon ape leukemia virus. Additional genomic mining suggests that both microbat (Myotis lucifugus) and megabat (Pteropus vampyrus) genomes harbour many copies of endogenous retroviral forms related to RlRV and MlRV. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis reveals the presence of three genetically diverse groups of endogenous gammaretroviruses in bat genomes, with M. lucifugus possessing members of all three groups. Taken together, this study indicates that bats harbour distinct gammaretroviruses and may have played an important role as reservoir hosts during the diversification of mammalian gammaretroviruses.
Molecular and behavioral changes associated with adult hippocampus-specific SynGAP1 knockout
Authors: Muhia Mary , Willadt Silvia , Yee Benjamin K. , Feldon Joram , Paterna Jean-Charles , Schwendener Severin , Vogt Kaspar , Kennedy Mary B. , Knuesel Irene
Published: June 2012

The synaptic Ras/Rap-GTPase-activating protein (SynGAP1) plays a unique role in regulating specific downstream intracellular events in response to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation. Constitutive heterozygous loss of SynGAP1 disrupts NMDAR-mediated physiological and behavioral processes, but the disruptions might be of developmental origin. Therefore, the precise role of SynGAP1 in the adult brain, including its relative functional significance within specific brain regions, remains unexplored. The present study constitutes the first attempt in achieving adult hippocampal-specific SynGAP1 knockout using the Cre/loxP approach. Here, we report that this manipulation led to a significant numerical increase in both small and large GluA1 and NR1 immunoreactive clusters, many of which were non-opposed to presynaptic terminals. In parallel, the observed marked decline in the amplitude of spontaneous excitatory currents (sEPSCs) and inter-event intervals supported the impression that SynGAP1 loss might facilitate the accumulation of extrasynaptic glutamatergic receptors. In addition, SynGAP1-mediated signaling appears to be critical for the proper integration and survival of newborn neurons. The manipulation impaired reversal learning in the probe test of the water maze and induced a delay-dependent impairment in spatial recognition memory. It did not significantly affect anxiety or reference memory acquisition but induced a substantial elevation in spontaneous locomotor activity in the open field test. Thus, the present study demonstrates the functional significance of SynGAP1 signaling in the adult brain by capturing several changes that are dependent on NMDAR and hippocampal integrity.
Mutations in Multiple XXT Genes of Arabidopsis Reveal the Complexity of Xyloglucan Biosynthesis
Authors: Zabotina Olga A. , Avci Utku , Cavalier David , Pattathil Sivakumar , Chou Yi-Hsiang , Eberhard Stefan , Danhof Linda , Keegstra Kenneth , Hahn Michael G.
Published: June 2012

Xyloglucan is an important hemicellulosic polysaccharide in dicot primary cell walls. Most of the enzymes involved in xyloglucan synthesis have been identified. However, many important details of its synthesis in vivo remain unknown. The roles of three genes encoding xylosyltransferases participating in xyloglucan biosynthesis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) were further investigated using reverse genetic, biochemical, and immunological approaches. New double mutants (xxt1 xxt5 and xxt2 xxt5) and a triple mutant (xxt1 xxt2 xxt5) were generated, characterized, and compared with three single mutants and the xxt1 xxt2 double mutant that had been isolated previously. Antibody-based glycome profiling was applied in combination with chemical and immunohistochemical analyses for these characterizations. From the combined data, we conclude that XXT1 and XXT2 are responsible for the bulk of the xylosylation of the glucan backbone, and at least one of these proteins must be present and active for xyloglucan to be made. XXT5 plays a significant but as yet uncharacterized role in this process. The glycome profiling data demonstrate that the lack of detectable xyloglucan does not cause significant compensatory changes in other polysaccharides, although changes in nonxyloglucan polysaccharide amounts cannot be ruled out. Structural rearrangements of the polysaccharide network appear responsible for maintaining wall integrity in the absence of xyloglucan, thereby allowing nearly normal plant growth in plants lacking xyloglucan. Finally, results from immunohistochemical studies, combined with known information about expression patterns of the three genes, suggest that different combinations of xylosyltransferases contribute differently to xyloglucan biosynthesis in the various cell types found in stems, roots, and hypocotyls.
A 1:1 cocrystal of baicalein with nicotinamide
Authors: Sowa Michał , Ślepokura Katarzyna , Matczak-Jon Ewa
Published: June 2012

Cocrystallization of baicalein with nicotinamide yields a 1:1 cocrystal [systematic name: pyridine-3-carboxamide–5,6,7-trihydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one (1/1)], C6H6N2O·C15H10O5. The asymmetric unit contains one baicalein and one nicotinamide molecule, both in neutral forms. Molecules in the cocrystal form column motifs stabilized by an array of intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
Stem cell‐derived endothelial cells for cardiovascular disease: a therapeutic perspective
Authors: Reed Daniel M. , Foldes Gabor , Harding Sian E. , Mitchell Jane A.
Published: June 2012

Stem cell therapy and organ regeneration are therapeutic approaches that will, we suggest, become mainstream for the treatment of human disease. Endothelial cells, which line the luminal surface of every vessel in the body, are essential components in any organ regeneration programme. There are a number of potentially therapeutic endothelial cell types, including embryonic, adult progenitor and induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived endothelial cells, as well as host vascular cells. The features (benefits as well as disadvantages) of each cell type that make them potentially useful in therapy are important to consider. The field of stem cell biology is well developed in terms of protocols for generating endothelium. However, where there is a distinct and urgent unmet need for knowledge concerning how the endothelial cells from these different sources function as endothelium and how susceptible they may be to inflammation and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, where stem cells have been used in clinical trials there is little commonality in protocols for deriving the cells (and thereby the specific phenotype of cells used), administering the cells, dosing the cells and/or in assessing efficacy attributed to the cells themselves. This review discusses these and other issues relating to stem cell‐derived endothelial cells in cell therapy for cardiovascular disease.
Elacytarabine has single‐agent activity in patients  with advanced acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: O'Brien Susan , Rizzieri David A. , Vey Norbert , Ravandi Farhad , Krug Utz O. , Sekeres Mikkael A. , Dennis Mike , Venditti Adriano , Berry Donald A. , Jacobsen Tove Flem , Staudacher Karin , Bergeland Trygve , Giles Francis J.
Published: June 2012

Elacytarabine is a novel cytotoxic nucleoside analogue, independent of nucleoside transporters (e.g. human Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 [hENT1]) for cell uptake, and mechanisms of action similar to those of cytarabine. This Phase II study assessed the efficacy and safety of elacytarabine in patients with advanced stage acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Patients received 2000 mg/m2 per d continuously i.v. during days 1–5 every 3 weeks. Patients were matched by six risk factors with historical controls; remission rate (assessed after 1 or 2 cycles) and 6‐month survival were compared. Sixty‐one patients, median age 58 years, were enrolled; 52% had five or six risk factors. The remission rate was 18% (95% confidence interval: 9–30%) vs. 4% in controls (P < 0·0001), 6‐month survival rate was 43%, median overall survival was 5·3 months (vs. 1·5 months); 10 patients (16%) were referred for stem cell transplantation after treatment. Side effects were predictable and manageable. The most common grade 3/4 non‐haematological adverse events were febrile neutropenia, hypokalemia, fatigue, hyponatraemia, dyspnoea and pyrexia. Thirty‐day all‐cause mortality, after start of treatment, was 13% vs. 25% in controls. Elacytarabine has monotherapy activity in patients with advanced AML. This study provides proof‐of‐concept that lipid esterification of nucleoside analogues is clinically relevant.
Age‐specific TSH reference ranges have minimal impact on the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction
Authors: Kahapola‐Arachchige Kalani M. , Hadlow Narelle , Wardrop Robert , Lim Ee M. , Walsh John P.
Published: June 2012

Objective

The use of age‐specific reference ranges for TSH is advocated, but the impact of this on laboratory diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction is unclear. Our aims were to determine age‐specific TSH reference ranges and to examine interassay differences in performance.

Design

We analysed TSH results from 223 045 consecutive samples assayed over 1 year by a single pathology provider using the Siemens Centaur assay. We excluded patients with evidence of thyroid disease to derive a reference population of 148 938 individuals and analysed results in the 5‐year age bands. We reassayed 120 samples using three other methods (Architect, Roche and Immulite) to assess precision and bias.

Results

The 2·5th percentile for TSH was consistent across age groups (approximately 0·5 mU/l), whereas the 97·5th percentile increased from age 40 upwards, with the reference range upper limit being 3·75 mU/l at age 40 and 5·0 mU/l at age 90. In most age bands, the use of age‐specific upper limits reclassified only 0·1–1·9% of participants as normal or abnormal compared with a common cut‐off of 4·0 mU/l; in participants aged 85 years or more, reclassification rates were higher (2·1–4·7%). The four TSH assays showed good agreement at low‐normal TSH concentrations (<2 mU/l), but at concentrations of 4·0 mU/l, there were intermethod differences of approximately 1 mU/l.

Conclusion

The use of age‐specific reference ranges for TSH has only minor effects on thyroid status, except in the very old. At high‐normal TSH concentrations, between‐method differences in performance have a comparable impact to that of age and may affect clinical decision‐making.
An integrated view on the luteal phase: diagnosis and treatment in subfertility
Authors: Sonntag Barbara , Ludwig Michael
Published: June 2012

The term ‘luteal phase deficiency’ was first coined more than 60 years ago, and, since then, it has been suggested as a clinical entity per se and an aetiological factor for subfertility, implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage. Despite the existing recommendations for rational work‐up in subfertility, luteal phase evaluation and progesterone therapy alone is still common in daily practice. This review comprises results from a Pubmed literature search with the terms ‘luteal phase’ and ‘subfertility’, focussing on clinical situations not primarily related to assisted reproduction techniques. Additional data from the experimental studies published in the past 10 years on follicular maturation, oocyte developmental competence and the ovulatory cascade are integrated into the clinical continuum of dysfunctional ovulation, menstrual cycle irregularity and impaired corpus luteum function. As reliable diagnostic tools for adequate luteal function are missing, the presence of clinical symptoms such as cycle irregularity or premenstrual spotting is indicative and should initiate early follicular phase diagnostic work‐up. New evidence on the interdependence of oocyte and follicular maturation and resulting developmental competence of the embryo further support the use of ovarian stimulation as the first‐line therapeutic option in different subsets of patients with subfertility including luteal phase deficiency.
Effects of different cooking methods on the mineral contents of wild and farmed sea bream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Mnari B. Amira , Zaghbib Sonia F. , Dhibi Madiha , Harzallah Hanene J. , Dabbou Samia , El Cafsi Mohamed , Hammami Mohamed , Chaouch Abdelhamid
Published: June 2012

The effects of different cooking methods (steaming, boiling, oven cooking, grilling, frying in olive oil, frying in soybean oil, frying in corn oil and frying in sunflower oil) on mineral contents (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) of wild and farmed sea bream (Sparus aurata) were determined. The moisture rate decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after boiling, grilling, oven cooking and frying but remains stable after steaming. The fat content increased with different frying treatments. The Ca, Mg, Na, K and Zn contents of wild and farmed sea bream cooked by almost all methods significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The Cu content in grilled wild and farmed sea bream increased significantly (P < 0.05). Losses of mineral content in fried sea bream were higher than those of fish cooked by other methods. On comparing the raw and cooked fish, the results indicated that cooking had considerable effect on the mineral contents.
The impact of applying natural clinoptilolite (zeolite) on the chemical, sensory and microbiological changes of vacuum packed sardine fillets
Authors: Kuley Esmeray , Ozogul Fatih , Durmus Mustafa , Gokdogan Saadet , Kacar Cigdem , Ozogul Yesim , Ucar Yilmaz
Published: June 2012

Different doses (1% and 5%) of natural zeolite were applied to determine quality changes in vacuum packaged sardine fillets during 19 days at 4 ± 1 °C. Zeolite had an effect to improve sensory quality of sardine especially for removing off‐odour. The acceptable shelf life of vacuum packaged sardine was 8 days for control and 12 days for groups treated with 1% and 5% zeolite. The zeolite application resulted in significant reduction in total volatile basic nitrogen values, except for group treated with 5% zeolite at 15 days. Although the effect of zeolite depended on dose and specific storage days, application of zeolite had no effect on free fatty acid analysis. The use of zeolite significantly reduced ammonia and biogenic amine accumulation, especially for histamine and tyramine. The result of the study showed that the efficacy of zeolite as natural antimicrobials was high and lower dose of zeolite has to be applied to get maximum preservation effect.
Comparative phylogeography of African savannah ungulates1
Authors: LORENZEN E. D. , HELLER R. , SIEGISMUND H. R.
Published: June 2012

The savannah biome of sub‐Saharan Africa harbours the highest diversity of ungulates (hoofed mammals) on Earth. In this review, we compile population genetic data from 19 codistributed ungulate taxa of the savannah biome and find striking concordance in the phylogeographic structuring of species. Data from across taxa reveal distinct regional lineages, which reflect the survival and divergence of populations in isolated savannah refugia during the climatic oscillations of the Pleistocene. Data from taxa across trophic levels suggest distinct savannah refugia were present in West, East, Southern and South‐West Africa. Furthermore, differing Pleistocene evolutionary biogeographic scenarios are proposed for East and Southern Africa, supported by palaeoclimatic data and the fossil record. Environmental instability in East Africa facilitated several spatial and temporal refugia and is reflected in the high inter‐ and intraspecific diversity of the region. In contrast, phylogeographic data suggest a stable, long‐standing savannah refuge in the south.
Timing of photoperiodic competency causes phenological mismatch in balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera L.)
Authors: SOOLANAYAKANAHALLY RAJU Y. , GUY ROBERT D. , SILIM SALIM N. , SONG MINGHUA
Published: June 2012

Plant phenology is expected to be sensitive to climate warming. In boreal trees, spring flush is primarily temperature driven, whereas height growth cessation and autumn leaf senescence are predominantly controlled by photoperiod. Cuttings of 525 genotypes from the full range of balsam poplar were planted into two common gardens (Vancouver and Indian Head, Canada) at similar latitudes, but with differing winter temperatures and growing seasons. There was clinal variation in spring and, particularly, summer and fall phenology. Bud flush and, despite milder climate, bud set and leaf drop were earlier at Vancouver than at Indian Head by 44, 28 and 7 d, respectively. Although newly flushed growth is insensitive to photoperiod, many genotypes at both sites became competent before the summer solstice. At Vancouver, high‐latitude genotypes set dormant terminal buds in mid‐spring. Most other genotypes grew until midsummer or set bud temporarily and then experienced a second flush. In both gardens and in a growth chamber experiment, earlier bud set was associated with reduced height growth and higher root/shoot ratios. Shoots attained competency ∼5 weeks after flushing, which would normally prevent dormancy induction before the solstice, but may be insufficient if spring advances by more than a few weeks.
Education is associated with reduction in racial disparities in kidney transplant outcome
Authors: Goldfarb‐Rumyantzev Alexander S. , Sandhu Gurprataap S. , Barenbaum Anna , Baird Bradley C. , Patibandla Bhanu K. , Narra Akshita , Koford James K. , Barenbaum Lev
Published: June 2012

In this study, we hypothesized that higher level of education might be associated with reduced racial disparities in renal transplantation outcomes.

We used data from the United States Renal Data System (September 1, 1990–September 1, 2007) (n = 79 223) and analyzed two outcomes, graft loss and recipient mortality, using Cox models.

Compared with whites, African Americans had increased risk of graft failure (HR, 1.48; p < 0.001) and recipient mortality (HR, 1.06; p = 0.004). Compared with recipients who graduated from college, all other education groups had inferior graft survival. Specifically, compared with college‐graduated individuals, African Americans who never finished high school had the highest risk of graft failure (HR, 1.45; p < 0.001), followed by high school graduates (HR, 1.27; p < 0.001) and those with some college education (HR, 1.18; p < 0.001). A similar trend was observed in whites. In African Americans (compared with whites), the highest risk of graft failure was associated with individuals who did not complete high school (HR, 1.96; p < 0.001) followed by high school graduates (HR, 1.47; p < 0.001), individuals with some college education (HR, 1.45; p < 0.001), and college graduates (HR, 1.39; p < 0.001). A similar trend was observed with recipient mortality. In sum, higher education was associated with reduced racial disparities in graft and recipient survival.
Bone marrow findings of 23 Korean post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder patients: a single‐center experience
Authors: Cho Min‐Chul , Park Chan‐Jeoung , Huh Jooryung , Chi Hyun‐Sook , Jang Seongsoo , Suh Cheolwon , Lee Kyoo‐Hyung , Lee Je‐Hwan , Seo Jong Jin , Im Ho Joon
Published: June 2012

Background

Work‐up of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) often involves bone marrow (BM) examinations. We evaluated 23 transplant patients with PTLDs to investigate incidence of BM involvement and associated morphologic changes as well as prognosis.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed BM findings of 23 transplant patients with PTLDs who had undergone BM staging at Seoul Asan Medical Center from 1994 to 2010.

Results

Four (17%) showed BM involvement of PTLDs, including two pathologically diagnosed with PTLD by liver and skin biopsy and two diagnosed by BM examination. PTLD subtypes in four patients were all monomorphic, with one each having plasma cell myeloma, diffuse large B cell lymphoma, monomorphic B cell lineage, and monomorphic T‐cell lineage. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in situ hybridization showed 11 of 23 (47.8%) patients were EBV positive, including two patients with BM involvement, one each with plasma cell myeloma and monomorphic T‐cell lineage. Epstein–Barr virus infection was observed in nine of 19 patients (39.1%) without BM involvement or morphologic abnormalities. Mortality rate was higher in patients with than without BM involvement (p = 0.050).

Conclusion

High incidence of BM involvement in patients with PTLD and high mortality rates of these patients suggest BM examination study may be important in diagnosis and staging work‐up of PTLD.
Differential Immunolocalization of Sulfonylurea Receptors in Mouse and Rat Ureters
Authors: Qureshi I. Z. , White S. J.
Published: June 2012

The receptors for sulphonylurea (SURs) are known to be expressed in the mouse kidney, but their expression in the ureter is undefined. Owing to the physiological and pharmacological significance of SURs, the localization of SUR in ureters of adult mice and rats was investigated through immunohistochemistry. Animals were perfused transcardially with 4% paraformaldehyde and tissues were processed for immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antisera against SUR2A and SUR2B (SUR1) receptor proteins. Sections were incubated with primary and secondary antisera and developed with aminoethylcarbazole as a chromogen. A differentiated localized staining pattern of SUR proteins in rat and mouse ureters is demonstrated. In the mouse, immunoreactivity of SUR2A was predominantly confined to the cytoplasmic portion of epithelial cells and blood vessels, with comparatively low‐level staining found in smooth muscle. In contrast, SUR2B (SUR1) immunoreactivity was absent in mouse ureters. In rats, SUR2A immunoreactivity was localized only in the blood vessels, while SUR2B (SUR1) immunoreactivity was localized in the epithelial cell cytoplasm. Tissue specificity of SUR is demonstrated in the two species of rodents and suggests a role of SUR proteins in urinary metabolism pertaining possibly to salt handling and maintenance of the smooth muscle tone.
Successful catheter ablation of incessant atrial tachycardia in pregnancy using three‐dimensional electroanatomical mapping with minimal radiation
Authors: Wu H. , Ling L‐H. , Lee G. , Kistler P. M.
Published: June 2012

Arrhythmias during pregnancy are not an infrequent problem and present a difficult therapeutic challenge to physicians. Anti‐arrhythmic medication is used with some trepidation given concerns for the unborn foetus. Catheter ablation is typically avoided due to concerns regarding foetal exposure to radiation and delayed until the post‐partum period. With the availability of three‐dimensional mapping systems, catheter ablation may be performed with minimal radiation. We report a pregnant woman who underwent successful ablation of focal atrial tachycardia using three‐dimensional electroanatomical mapping with minimal radiation exposure.
Auditory nerve fibre responses in the ferret
Authors: Sumner Christian J. , Palmer Alan R.
Published: June 2012

The ferret (Mustela putorius) is a medium‐sized, carnivorous mammal with good low‐frequency hearing; it is relatively easy to train, and there is therefore a good body of behavioural data detailing its detection thresholds and localization abilities. However, despite extensive studies of the physiology of the central nervous system of the ferret, even extending to the prefrontal cortex, little is known of the functioning of the auditory periphery. Here, we provide an insight into this peripheral function by detailing responses of single auditory nerve fibres. Our expectation was that the ferret auditory nerve responsiveness would be similar that of its near relative, the cat. However, by comparing a range of variables (the frequency tuning, the variation of rate–level functions with spontaneous rate, and the high‐frequency cut‐off of phase locking) across several species, we show that the auditory nerve (and hence cochlea) in the ferret is more similar to that of the guinea‐pig and chinchilla than to that of the cat. Animal models of hearing are often chosen on the basis of the similarity of their audiogram to that of the human, particularly in the low‐frequency region. We show here that whereas the ferret hears well at low frequencies, this is likely to occur via fibres with higher characteristic frequencies. These qualitative differences in response characteristics in auditory nerve fibres are important in interpreting data across all of auditory science, as it has been argued recently that tuning in animals is broader than in humans.
Increases of corticospinal excitability in self‐related processing
Authors: Salerno Silvia , Zamagni Elisa , Urquizar Christian , Salemme Romeo , Farnè Alessandro , Frassinetti Francesca
Published: June 2012

Involvement of fronto‐parietal structures within the right hemisphere in bodily self recognition has gained convergent support from behavioural, neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies. Increases in corticospinal excitability via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) also testify to right hemisphere self‐related processing. However, evidence for self‐dependent modulations of motor excitability is limited to the processing of face‐related information that, by definition, conveys someone’s identity. Here we tested the hypothesis that vision of one’s own hand, as compared with vision of somebody else’s hand, would also engage specific self‐hand processing in the right hemisphere. Healthy participants were submitted to a classic TMS paradigm to assess changes in corticospinal excitability of the right (Experiment 1) and left (Experiment 2) motor cortex, while viewing pictures of a (contralateral) still hand, which could either be their own (Self) or not (Other). As a control for body selectivity, subjects were also presented with pictures of a hand‐related, but non‐corporeal object, i.e. a mobile phone, which could similarly be their own or not. Results showed a selective right hemisphere increase in corticospinal excitability with self‐hand and self‐phone stimuli with respect to Other stimuli. Such a Self vs. Other modulation of primary motor cortex appeared at 600 ms and was maintained at 900 ms, but was not present at earlier timings (100 and 300 ms) and was completely absent following stimulation of the left hemisphere. A similar pattern observed for self‐hand and self‐phone stimuli suggests that owned hands and objects may undergo similar self‐processing, possibly via a different cortical network from that responsible for self‐face processing.
Differential modulation of motor cortex excitability in BDNF Met allele carriers following experimentally induced and use‐dependent plasticity
Authors: Cirillo John , Hughes James , Ridding Michael , Thomas Paul Q. , Semmler John G.
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate how healthy young subjects with one of three variants of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene modulate motor cortex excitability following experimentally induced and use‐dependent plasticity interventions. Electromyographic recordings were obtained from the right first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle of 12 Val/Val, ten Val/Met and seven Met/Met genotypes (aged 18–39 years). Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the left hemisphere was used to assess changes in FDI motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) following three separate interventions involving paired associative stimulation, a simple ballistic task and complex visuomotor tracking task using the index finger. Val/Val subjects increased FDI MEPs following all interventions (≥ 25%, P < 0.01), whereas the Met allele carriers only showed increased MEPs after the simple motor task (≥ 26%, P < 0.01). In contrast to the simple motor task, there was no significant change in MEPs for the Val/Met subjects (7%, P = 0.50) and a reduction in MEPs for the Met/Met group (−38%, P < 0.01) following the complex motor task. Despite these differences in use‐dependent plasticity, the performance of both motor tasks was not different between BDNF genotypes. We conclude that modulation of motor cortex excitability is strongly influenced by the BDNF polymorphism, with the greatest differences observed for the complex motor task. We also found unique motor cortex plasticity in the rarest form of the BDNF polymorphism (Met/Met subjects), which may have implications for functional recovery after disease or injury to the nervous system in these individuals.
A randomized controlled trial comparing the AccuVein AV300 device to standard insertion technique for intravenous cannulation of anesthetized children
Authors: Kaddoum Roland N. , Anghelescu Doralina L. , Parish Mary E. , Wright Becky B. , Trujillo Luis , Wu Jianrong , Wu Yanan , Burgoyne Laura L.
Published: June 2012

Objectives and Aims:  To evaluate the efficacy of the AccuVein AV300 device in improving the first‐time success rate of intravenous cannulation of anesthetized pediatric patients.

Background:  The AccuVein AV300 device was developed to assist venepuncture and intravenous cannulation by enhancing the visibility of superficial veins. It uses infrared light to highlight hemoglobin so that blood vessels are darkly delineated against a red background.

Methods/Materials:  Patients were randomized to cannulation with the AccuVein AV300 device or standard insertion by experienced pediatric anesthesiologists. An observer recorded the number of skin punctures and cannulation attempts required, and the time between tourniquet application and successful cannulation or four skin punctures, whichever came first.

Results and Conclusions:  There were 146 patients with a median age of 4.6 years (range, 0.18–17.1 years), 46.6% were male, 80.8% were light skin colored, and 15.7% were younger than 2 years. The first‐attempt success rates were 75% (95% CI, 63.8–84.2%) using AV300 and 73% (95% CI, 61.9–81.9%) using the standard method (P = 0.85). Patients with dark or medium skin color were 0.38 times less likely to have a successful first attempt than patients with light skin color. The difference between the two treatment groups in number of skin punctures and the time to insertion was not significant. Although the AV300 was easy to use and improved visualization of the veins, we found no evidence that it was superior to the standard method of intravenous cannulation in unselected pediatric patients under anesthesia.
Identifying the sister group to the bees: a molecular phylogeny of Aculeata with an emphasis on the superfamily Apoidea
Authors: Debevec Andrew H. , Cardinal Sophie , Danforth Bryan N.
Published: June 2012

Debevec, AH., Cardinal, S & Danforth, BN. Identifying the sister group to the bees: a molecular phylogeny of Aculeata with an emphasis on the superfamily Apoidea. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 527–535.

The hymenopteran superfamily Apoidea includes the bees (Anthophila) as well as four predatory wasp families (Heterogynaidae, Ampulicidae, Sphecidae and Crabronidae) collectively referred to as the “sphecoid” or “apoid” wasps. The most widely cited studies suggest that bees are sister to the wasp family Crabronidae, but alternative hypotheses have been proposed based on both morphological and molecular data. We combined DNA sequence data from previously published studies and newly generated data for four nuclear genes (28S, long‐wavelength rhodopsin, elongation factor‐1α and wingless) to identify the likely sister group to the bees. Analysis of our four‐gene data set by maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods indicates that bees most likely arise from within a paraphyletic Crabronidae. Possible sister groups to the bees include Philanthinae, Pemphredoninae or Philanthinae + Pemphredoninae. We used Bayesian methods to explore the robustness of our results. Bayes Factor tests strongly rejected the hypotheses of crabronid monophyly as well as placement of Heterogynaidae within Crabronidae. Our results were also stable to alternative rootings of the bees. These findings provide additional support for the hypothesis that bees arise from within Crabronidae, rather than being sister to Crabronidae, thus altering our understanding of bee ancestry and evolutionary history.
The effect of clinical trial participation versus non‐participation on overall survival in men receiving first‐line docetaxel‐containing chemotherapy for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Goyal Jatinder , Nuhn Philipp , Huang Peng , Tyagi Prachi , Oh Daniel , Carducci Michael A. , Eisenberger Mario A. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S.
Published: June 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Previous studies have reported better outcomes in cancer patients that enrolled in clinical trials, suggesting that trial participation in itself might be beneficial.

We investigated the potential positive effect of clinical trial participation on survival outcomes of patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer who were treated with first‐line docetaxel‐containing chemotherapy. After accounting for potential baseline inequalities, participation in a clinical trial itself was associated with significantly longer overall survival in these patients.

OBJECTIVE

To study differences in baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving first‐line docetaxel‐containing chemotherapy on prospective clinical studies (trial participants) versus those receiving this therapy outside of a clinical study (non‐participants).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Records from 247 consecutive chemotherapy‐naive patients who were treated with docetaxel‐containing chemotherapy for mCRPC at a single high‐volume centre from 1998 to 2010 were reviewed.

All patients received docetaxel either as clinical trial participants (n= 142; 11 separate studies) or as non‐participants (n= 105).

Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models predicted overall survival after chemotherapy initiation.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between trial participation and non‐participation with respect to patient age, type of primary treatment, tumour grade or clinical stage.

Multivariable analyses showed a significantly lower risk of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.567; P= 0.027) among trial participants vs non‐participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients that were treated with docetaxel for mCRPC showed a significantly longer overall survival when enrolled in a clinical trial.

Improved survival in trial participants may reflect the better medical oversight typically seen in patients enrolled in trials, more regimented follow‐up schedules, or a positive effect on caregivers' attitudes because of greater contact with medical services.

With the retrospective nature of this analysis and the small study population, prospective studies are needed to validate the present findings and to further investigate the relationship between clinical trial participation and outcomes.
FABULOUS FUBLES
Authors: Dearlove Des
Published: June 2012

Fubles is where social networking meets the beautiful game. Des Dearlove is onside.
THE REAL PROBLEM WITH GREECE
Authors: Jacobides Michael G
Published: June 2012

What really lies behind the economic fall of Greece?Michael G Jacobides provides administrative lessons from a fiscal tragedy.
VOICES: CREATING REAL VALUE
Authors: Haq Inam Ul
Published: June 2012

Our current thinking on value is awed if we want to create a sustainable organisation, asserts Inam Ul Haq. He offers his insights on a more balanced way to think.
Generalized Swept Mid‐structure for Polygonal Models
Authors: Martin Tobias , Chen Guoning , Musuvathy Suraj , Cohen Elaine , Hansen Charles
Published: June 2012

We introduce a novel mid‐structure called the generalized swept mid‐structure (GSM) of a closed polygonal shape, and a framework to compute it. The GSM contains both curve and surface elements and has consistent sheet‐by‐sheet topology, versus triangle‐by‐triangle topology produced by other mid‐structure methods. To obtain this structure, a harmonic function, defined on the volume that is enclosed by the surface, is used to decompose the volume into a set of slices. A technique for computing the 1D mid‐structures of these slices is introduced. The mid‐structures of adjacent slices are then iteratively matched through a boundary similarity computation and triangulated to form the GSM. This structure respects the topology of the input surface model is a hybrid mid‐structure representation. The construction and topology of the GSM allows for local and global simplification, used in further applications such as parameterization, volumetric mesh generation and medical applications.
Explicit Mesh Surfaces for Particle Based Fluids
Authors: Yu Jihun , Wojtan Chris , Turk Greg , Yap Chee
Published: June 2012

We introduce the idea of using an explicit triangle mesh to track the air/fluid interface in a smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulator. Once an initial surface mesh is created, this mesh is carried forward in time using nearby particle velocities to advect the mesh vertices. The mesh connectivity remains mostly unchanged across time‐steps; it is only modified locally for topology change events or for the improvement of triangle quality. In order to ensure that the surface mesh does not diverge from the underlying particle simulation, we periodically project the mesh surface onto an implicit surface defined by the physics simulation. The mesh surface gives us several advantages over previous SPH surface tracking techniques. We demonstrate a new method for surface tension calculations that clearly outperforms the state of the art in SPH surface tension for computer graphics. We also demonstrate a method for tracking detailed surface information (like colors) that is less susceptible to numerical diffusion than competing techniques. Finally, our temporally‐coherent surface mesh allows us to simulate high‐resolution surface wave dynamics without being limited by the particle resolution of the SPH simulation.
Leverage and Influence Diagnostics for Spatial Point Processes
Authors: BADDELEY ADRIAN , CHANG YA‐MEI , SONG YONG
Published: June 2012

Abstract. For a spatial point process model fitted to spatial point pattern data, we develop diagnostics for model validation, analogous to the classical measures of leverage and influence in a generalized linear model. The diagnostics can be characterized as derivatives of basic functionals of the model. They can also be derived heuristically (and computed in practice) as the limits of classical diagnostics under increasingly fine discretizations of the spatial domain. We apply the diagnostics to two example datasets where there are concerns about model validity.
The Emergence of Rural Support Organisations in the UK and Canada: Providing Support for Patrilineal Family Farming
Authors: Price Linda
Published: June 2012

A certain type of rural support has emerged since agricultural restructuring of the 1980s. The article draws on research from the UK and Canada to suggest that support in both countries is derived from a patrilineal culture that still dominates family farming in both countries. Such a way of life, it is argued, involves the majority of farming men and women across generations working increasingly hard to ensure farm survival in order to facilitate an overall pattern of farm succession via the male or ‘patrilineal’ line. The article begins by providing a conceptualisation of patrilineal family farming drawing on insights from gender‐informed work on farming identities, political‐economy approaches from agricultural geography and the cultural turn in rural studies. This section will provide theoretical direction for discussion of the research findings. Here the article presents a discussion of the context to and typologies of organisations that emerged and five key findings derived from research conducted with members of the organisations in the UK and Canada. This assists in developing the argument that the emergent organisations are responding to and supporting this way of life and highlights some of the potential implications of doing so. The article has two aims. Firstly, it suggests that family farming in the UK and Canada continues to be predominantly structured by a way of life transmitted across generations which has the overall prerequisite of maintaining farm survival to enable patrilineal succession. Secondly, it suggests that a particular type of support for farming families emerged as a response to perceived threats to this way of life and provides evidence of its enduring nature.
LIMIT THEOREMS FOR PARTIAL HEDGING UNDER TRANSACTION COSTS
Authors: Dolinsky Yan
Published: June 2012

We study shortfall risk minimization for American options with path‐dependent payoffs under proportional transaction costs in the Black–Scholes (BS) model. We show that for this case the shortfall risk is a limit of similar terms in an appropriate sequence of binomial models. We also prove that in the continuous time BS model, for a given initial capital, there exists a portfolio strategy which minimizes the shortfall risk. In the absence of transactions costs (complete markets) similar limit theorems were obtained by Dolinsky and Kifer for game options. In the presence of transaction costs the markets are no longer complete and additional machinery is required. Shortfall risk minimization for American options under transaction costs was not studied before.
Lateral distribution of Merkel cell carcinoma in a nationwide cohort
Authors: Koljonen V. , Kluger N. , Sihto H. , Böhling T.
Published: June 2012

Background The asymmetric laterality of UV‐linked skin cancer, including melanoma and non‐ melanoma skin cancers has been identified. However, there seems to be a paucity in the data correlating the laterality and presence of Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV) DNA as an aetiological factor for this phenomenon.

Objective To study the laterality in Finnish primary Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) patients, and compare statistically clinicopathological variables with lateral distribution.

Methods Data on 171 primary MCC patients and tumour characteristics; and the presence of MCPyV DNA or large T antigen in the tumour tissue, MCPyV copy number and MCC specific mortality were compared statistically against left, right or midline presentation.

Results Fiftysix percentage of tumours presented on the left, 37% on the right and 7% in the midline. Excluding the latter category, the left‐sided excess was 60%. The excess of left‐sided tumours was noted in head and neck with left‐right ratio 3.22, face 1.5, forearm and hand 4.0 and the leg and foot 2.4. On the trunk, tumours occurred equally on both sides. Statistically significant difference was noted for smaller midline tumours (P < 0.0065). Left‐sided tumours associated with lower median Merkel cell polyoma virus copy number (P < 0.042) although the trend vanished when comparing the groups separately.

Conclusion We confirmed left‐sided asymmetry in MCC distribution. In areas commonly hidden form solar exposure, the occurrence was symmetrical. Detailed aetiology of these findings remains unclear, plausible explanations include biology of viral associated tumours or alterations in Nodal transcription factor pathway.
Evolution and development of the vertebrate neck
Authors: Ericsson Rolf , Knight Robert , Johanson Zerina
Published: June 2012

Muscles of the vertebrate neck include the cucullaris and hypobranchials. Although a functional neck first evolved in the lobe‐finned fishes (Sarcopterygii) with the separation of the pectoral/shoulder girdle from the skull, the neck muscles themselves have a much earlier origin among the vertebrates. For example, lampreys possess hypobranchial muscles, and may also possess the cucullaris. Recent research in chick has established that these two muscles groups have different origins, the hypobranchial muscles having a somitic origin but the cucullaris muscle deriving from anterior lateral plate mesoderm associated with somites 1–3. Additionally, the cucullaris utilizes genetic pathways more similar to the head than the trunk musculature. Although the latter results are from experiments in the chick, cucullaris homologues occur in a variety of more basal vertebrates such as the sharks and zebrafish. Data are urgently needed from these taxa to determine whether the cucullaris in these groups also derives from lateral plate mesoderm or from the anterior somites, and whether the former or the latter represent the basal vertebrate condition. Other lateral plate mesoderm derivatives include the appendicular skeleton (fins, limbs and supporting girdles). If the cucullaris is a definitive lateral plate‐derived structure it may have evolved in conjunction with the shoulder/limb skeleton in vertebrates and thereby provided a greater degree of flexibility to the heads of predatory vertebrates.
Defective motion processing in children with cerebral visual impairment due to periventricular white matter damage
Authors: WEINSTEIN JOEL M , GILMORE RICK O , SHAIKH SUMERA M , KUNSELMAN ALLEN R , TRESCHER WILLIAM V , TASHIMA LAUREN M , BOLTZ MARIANNE E , MCAULIFFE MATTHEW B , CHEUNG ALBERT , FESI JEREMY D
Published: June 2012

Aim  We sought to characterize visual motion processing in children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) due to periventricular white matter damage caused by either hydrocephalus (eight individuals) or periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) associated with prematurity (11 individuals).

Method  Using steady‐state visually evoked potentials (ssVEP), we measured cortical activity related to motion processing for two distinct types of visual stimuli: ‘local’ motion patterns thought to activate mainly primary visual cortex (V1), and ‘global’ or coherent patterns thought to activate higher cortical visual association areas (V3, V5, etc.). We studied three groups of children: (1) 19 children with CVI (mean age 9y 6mo [SD 3y 8mo]; 9 male; 10 female); (2) 40 neurologically and visually normal comparison children (mean age 9y 6mo [SD 3y 1mo]; 18 male; 22 female); and (3) because strabismus and amblyopia are common in children with CVI, a group of 41 children without neurological problems who had visual deficits due to amblyopia and/or strabismus (mean age 7y 8mo [SD 2y 8mo]; 28 male; 13 female).

Results  We found that the processing of global as opposed to local motion was preferentially impaired in individuals with CVI, especially for slower target velocities (p=0.028).

Interpretation  Motion processing is impaired in children with CVI. ssVEP may provide useful and objective information about the development of higher visual function in children at risk for CVI.
Effect of a bacteriocin‐producing strain of Lactobacillus paracasei on the nonstarter microflora of Cheddar cheese
Authors: RISTAGNO DILETTA , HANNON JOHN A , BERESFORD THOMAS P , McSWEENEY PAUL L H
Published: June 2012

In this study, the growth of chloramphenicol‐resistant bacteriocin‐sensitive indicator strain Lactobacillus casei DPC 2048CM was evaluated in Cheddar cheese made with bacteriocin‐producing Lactobacillus paracasei DPC 4715. No suppression of growth of the indicator strain was observed in the cheese during ripening, and no bacteriocin production by L. paracasei DPC 4715 was detected by the well diffusion method in cheese and cheese extracts. The bacteriocin produced by L. paracasei DPC 4715 was sensitive to chymosin and cathepsin D, and it may have been hydrolysed by the rennet used for cheese manufacture or by indigenous milk proteases.