bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host selection in parasitic birds: are open‐cup nesting insectivorous passerines always suitable cuckoo hosts?
Authors: Yang Canchao , Stokke Bård G. , Antonov Anton , Cai Yan , Shi Suhua , Moksnes Arne , Røskaft Eivin , Møller Anders P. , Liang Wei , Grim Tomáš
Published: March 2013

How do potential hosts escape detrimental interactions with brood parasites? Current consensus is that hole‐nesting and granivorous birds avoid brood parasites, like common cuckoos Cuculus canorus, by their inaccessible nest‐sites and food unsuitable for parasites, respectively. Any open‐nesting insectivorous hosts are believed to remain open to brood parasite exploitation which leads to the evolution of costly host defences like egg or chick discrimination. In contrast to this coevolutionary scenario, we show for the first time that a previously not studied but seemingly suitable host species escapes brood parasites. The Asian verditer flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus, feed newly hatched chicks entirely with beetles and grasshoppers. These are poor quality and hard to digest diet items that are rarely fed to own or cuckoo chicks by regular hosts. Indeed, chick cross‐fostering experiments showed that these food items remained undigested by either cuckoos or other sympatric passerines causing them to die quickly. Egg discrimination experiments showed that the flycatcher accepts any foreign eggs. Although most but not all other potential explanations can be safely excluded at present, the most parsimonious historical explanation for these patterns is that the flycatcher exploits a trophic niche that no other sympatric bird can exploit, and that any cuckoo lineages that switch from their original hosts to the flycatcher have no possibilities for establishing viable populations. Thus, the current classification of host suitability based on diet composition may need revision, raising an important cautionary tale for comparative studies and the interpretation of apparent host rejection of parasitic chicks.
Is there variation in the response to contact call playbacks across the hybrid zone of the parrot Platycercus elegans?
Authors: Ribot Raoul F. H. , Berg Mathew L. , Buchanan Katherine L. , Bennett Andrew T. D.
Published: March 2013

Learned vocal signals could be important in the formation of prezygotic isolation between two hybridising taxa. This study examined whether vocal variation in the parrot Platycercus elegans facilitates the separation of individuals from two subspecies, P. e. elegans (CR) and P. e. flaveolus (YR). CR and YR have very different plumage coloration, respectively deep crimson and pale yellow, but hybridise where they meet creating an intermediate population (WS). In a factorial design playback experiment, we conducted 108 playback trials on three focal populations (YR, WS, CR), in and around this area of hybridisation, to test if they respond differently to contact calls from their own or another population. We also analysed whether differences in acoustic variables of the stimulus calls predicted the response to the call. We did not find any indication that individuals from the three focal populations responded differently to calls sampled from their own or another subspecies. We did find an effect of two of the five acoustic variables that we used to describe and classify contact calls from the three source populations. Specifically, duration of the stimulus call positively affected the response from individuals from WS and negatively the response from CR, and CR responded more to stimulus calls with a lower peak frequency. Overall, we found no indication that acoustic variation in contact calls on a subspecies level is involved in maintaining plumage colour differences between P. e. elegans and P. e. flaveolus subspecies.
The role of climate for the range limits of parapatric European land salamanders
Authors: Werner Philine , Lötters Stefan , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Engler Jan O. , Rödder Dennis
Published: March 2013

Abrupt range limits of parapatric species may serve as a model system to understand the factors that determine species’ range borders. Theory suggests that parapatric range limits can be caused by abiotic conditions along environmental gradients, biotic interactions or a combination of both. Geographic ranges of the parapatric salamanders, Salamandra salamandra and S. atra, meet in small contact zones in the European Alps and to date, the cause of parapatry and the restricted range of S. atra remain elusive. We combine multivariate approaches and climatic data analysis to explore niche differentiation among the two salamanders with respect to the available climatic environment at their contact zones. Our purpose is to evaluate whether climatic conditions explain the species’ sharp range limits or if biotic interactions may play a role for range delimitation. Analyses were carried out in three contact zones in Switzerland to assess possible geographic variation. Our results indicate that both species occur at localities with different climatic conditions as well as the presence of a strong climatic gradient across the species’ range limits. Although the species’ climatic niches differ moderately (with a wider niche breadth for S. atra), interspecific niche overlap is found. Comparisons among the contact zones confirm geographic variation in the species’ climatic niches as well as in the conditions within the geographically available space. Our results suggest that the change in climatic conditions along the recognized gradient represents a determining factor for species’ range limits within contact zones. However, our analyses of geographic variation in climatic conditions reveal that both salamander species can occur in a much wider range of conditions than observed within contact zones. This finding and the interspecific climatic niche overlap within each contact zone provides indirect evidence that biotic interactions (likely competition) between the two species may also determine their range limits.
Prosecuting Pirates: The Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, Governance and International Law
Authors: Guilfoyle Douglas
Published: March 2013

Since 2008 the response to Somali piracy has been highly decentralised. Criticisms have been made of the seemingly low rate of piracy prosecutions and centralised solutions, such as an international piracy court, proposed. This article explores the role of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia’s Working Group 2 (WG2) as a mechanism involved in coordinating piracy prosecutions. It reviews the applicable international law and available options. It suggests that WG2 has had a discernible influence in promoting the decentralised use of national courts over the creation of a stand‐alone international piracy court. It then reflects on WG2 as an example of a ‘new governance’ coordination mechanism.
The Moral Economy of Somali Piracy – Organised Criminal Business or Subsistence Activity?
Authors: Klein Axel
Published: March 2013

Abstract  Somali piracy is increasingly explained in terms of organised criminal business. This article argues that piracy does not constitute a business and the analogy with organised crime is misleading and can obstruct the search for a long term settlement. Dismissing the underlying grievance, the destruction of Somali fisheries by foreign trawlers, with literalist explanations such as ‘pirates are rarely fishermen’ and ‘most targets are cargo ships’, ignores its function as a ‘legitimating notion’. The concept of ‘moral economy’ is used to explain how along the coast but also within the diaspora the identity of Somalis as victims is used to legitimize pirate activities. International responses should therefore focus actively and symbolically on reconstructing livelihoods along the coast, instead of seeking security sector and criminal justice solution. This is possible and cost effective because Somali piracy is a subsistence activity driven by lack of employment and investment opportunities, and provides a limited economic stimulus for coastal micro economies.
Orchestrating the Response: Somali Piracy and Ontological Complexity
Authors: Bueger Christian
Published: March 2013

Contemporary piracy is a complex and intricate problem. This article discusses different sources of complexity of the problem and suggests paying attention to ontological complexity. To unravel ontological complexity one has to ask the very fundamental question: Why is piracy actually considered to be problematic? Addressing this question leads to a set of different paradigms of piracy which underpin counter‐piracy policy. Each of these paradigms works with different presumptions, foregrounds different dimensions and suggests other types of measures. Five paradigms of counter‐piracy are outlined: Firstly, a security paradigm, which stresses that piracy is a threat; secondly, a legal paradigm, within which piracy is a crime; thirdly, an economic paradigm within which piracy is a business model; fourthly, a development paradigm that interprets piracy as a problem of structural root causes; and fifthly a humanitarian paradigm in which piracy is the source of suffering for individuals. These paradigms produce a range of tensions between each other. The article concludes in stressing the importance of paying attention to this complexity to increase reflexivity in drafting counter‐piracy policies.

Policy Implications

Contemporary piracy is not only one problem, but different ones. There are competing paradigms of piracy.

At least five paradigms of piracy exist: piracy as threat, as a crime, as a business model, as a problem of root causes, or as a humanitarian problem leads to contradicting policy objectives.

Paradigms produce tensions and contradictions which are not easily reconciled.

Complexity should not be reduced. Policy responses should be orchestrated, that is not streamlining according to a single logic, but playing with several logics, introducing breaks and silences as well using contradictions and tensions productively.
Patterns and implications of extensive heterochrony in carnivoran cranial suture closure
Authors: Goswami A. , Foley L. , Weisbecker V.
Published: March 2013

Heterochronic changes in the rate or timing of development underpin many evolutionary transformations. In particular, the onset and rate of bone development have been the focus of many studies across large clades. In contrast, the termination of bone growth, as estimated by suture closure, has been studied far less frequently, although a few recent studies have shown this to represent a variable, although poorly understood, aspect of developmental evolution. Here, we examine suture closure patterns across 25 species of carnivoran mammals, ranging from social‐insectivores to hypercarnivores, to assess variation in suture closure across taxa, identify heterochronic shifts in a phylogenetic framework and elucidate the relationship between suture closure timing and ecology. Our results show that heterochronic shifts in suture closure are widespread across Carnivora, with several shifts identified for most major clades. Carnivorans differ from patterns identified for other mammalian clades in showing high variability of palatal suture closure, no correlation between size and level of suture closure, and little phylogenetic signal outside of musteloids. Results further suggest a strong influence of feeding ecology on suture closure pattern. Most of the species with high numbers of heterochronic shifts, such as the walrus and the aardwolf, feed on invertebrates, and these taxa also showed high frequency of closure of the mandibular symphysis, a state that is relatively rare among mammals. Overall, caniforms displayed more heterochronic shifts than feliforms, suggesting that evolutionary changes in suture closure may reflect the lower diversity of cranial morphology in feliforms.
Inducible transgenic expression in the short‐lived fish Nothobranchius furzeri
Authors: Allard J. B. , Kamei H. , Duan C.
Published: March 2013

This study demonstrates inducible transgenic expression in the exceptionally short‐lived turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri, which is a useful vertebrate model for ageing research. Transgenic N. furzeri bearing a green fluorescent protein (Gfp) containing construct under the control of a heat shock protein 70 promoter were generated, heat shock‐induced and reversible Gfp expression was demonstrated and germline transmission of the transgene to the F1 and F2 generations was achieved. The availability of this inducible transgenic expression system will make the study of ageing‐related antagonistically pleiotropic genes possible using this unique vertebrate model organism.
Geranylgeranyltransferase I mediates BDNF‐induced synaptogenesis
Authors: Li Zhengwei , Sun Chengdong , Zhang Tao , Mo Jianbing , Shi Qiong , Zhang Xianfeng , Yuan Maochun , Chen Long , Mao Xueqiang , Yu Rutong , Zhou Xiuping
Published: March 2013

Geranylgeranyltransferase I (GGT) is a prenyltransferase that mediates lipid modification of Rho small GTPases, such as Rho, Rac, and Cdc42, which are important for neuronal synaptogenesis. Although GGT is expressed in brain extensively, the function of GGT in central nerves system is largely unknown so far. We have previously demonstrated that GGT promotes the basal and neuronal activity and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)‐induced dendritic morphogenesis of cultured hippocampal neurons and cerebellar slices. This study is to explore the function and mechanism of GGT in neuronal synaptogenesis. We found that the protein level and activity of GGT gradually increased in rat hippocampus from P7 to P28 and subcellular located at synapse of neurons. The linear density of Synapsin 1 and post‐synaptic density protein 95 increased by over‐expression of GGT β, while reduced by inhibition or down‐regulation of GGT. In addition, GGT and its known substrate Rac was activated by BDNF, which promotes synaptogenesis in cultured hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, BDNF‐induced synaptogenesis was eliminated by GGT inhibition or down‐regulation, as well as by non‐prenylated Rac1 over‐expression. Together, our data suggested that GGT mediates BDNF‐induced neuronal synaptogenesis through Rac1 activation.
Assessment of oral care needs of patients treated at the intensive care unit
Authors: Yildiz Melek , Durna Zehra , Akin Semiha
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

To assess the oral hygiene needs and the status of the oral mucus membranes of patients being treated in an intensive care unit and to determine the personal‐ or treatment‐related variables associated with oral hygiene and the status of the oral mucus membranes of patients.

Background

Oral hygiene has an impact on the clinical outcomes and well‐being of critically ill patients.

Design

A descriptive, cross‐sectional design was used.

Method

The study was conducted in the intensive care unit of a private hospital located in Istanbul. The study sample consisted of 60 patients treated in the intensive care unit for five consecutive days. Oral assessments were conducted once per day every morning for five days. The oral assessments were performed using the Oral Assessment Tool and Oral Assessment Checklist.

Results

The oral hygiene status and the health of the oral mucus membranes improved over the consecutive five‐day assessments, and the routine oral care provided by nurses in the intensive care unit was effective in preventing oral mucus membrane‐related complications.

Conclusions

The frequency of oral care and oral moistening should be determined according to the patient's condition and the presence of risk factors for oral complications. Oral mucus membranes should be assessed closely and systematically in all critically ill patients who are mechanically ventilated, are receiving oxygen therapy, are undergoing invasive procedures, have a history of chronic health problems or are receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition.

Relevance to clinical practice

To prevent infections or complications during intensive care treatment, it is important for nurses working in critical care units to develop and implement oral care assessments and evidence‐based oral care protocols.
Pain experiences and self‐management strategies among middle‐aged and older adults with arthritis
Authors: Gong Guilan , Li Jie , Li Xiuyun , Mao Jing
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

The purposes were (1) to explore pain experiences and the use and perceived effectiveness of pain self‐management methods among middle‐aged and older adults with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in mainland China and (2) to compare those with diagnoses of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Background

Prior research has suggested that pain is a major concern for people with arthritis. However, studies systematically investigating pain experiences and self‐management status of arthritis patients are scarce in mainland China.

Design

Descriptive survey.

Methods

Participants (n = 197) aged 45 and over, diagnosed with either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and experiencing persistent pain were administered three self‐report questionnaires: the Demographic Data Questionnaire, the Brief Pain Inventory and the Pain Management Inventory.

Results

The mean of the overall pain intensity was 5·6 (SD = 1·3). The median of number of pain sites was 7·0 (QR = 7·0) and the overall pain interference was 6·0 (QR = 2·6). Most participants experienced moderate to severe pain and interference. The current methods used for managing pain were perceived as only moderately effective. The sample used a median of 4·0 (QR = 3·0) self‐management methods. Most often used were prescribed medicine, massage, heat and activity pacing. Methods perceived as most helpful included prescribed medicine, over‐the‐counter medicine, hot baths and heat. Persons with rheumatoid arthritis had significantly more pain sites, higher pain intensity and greater number of pain management methods used compared to those with osteoarthritis.

Conclusions

Pain management is a significant problem in this population. The findings highlight the importance of helping the individual to identify and appropriately use a variety of self‐management methods, selecting the appropriate method(s) at any one time.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare providers are urged to develop appropriate interventions on pain management tailored to arthritis patients in mainland China.
Weight, body image and bullying in 9‐year‐old children
Authors: Reulbach Udo , Ladewig Emma L , Nixon Elizabeth , O'Moore Mona , Williams James , O'Dowd Tom
Published: March 2013

Aim

To explore the association between weight and bullying; considering victims and perpetrators as two aspects of bullying, and subjective perception and objective measurement as two aspects of weight.

Methods

This study is based on the first wave of data collection from Growing Up in Ireland – the National Longitudinal Study of Children. The two‐stage sample design included a sample of 910 primary schools in Ireland, from which a sample of 8568 nine‐year‐old children and their families was randomly selected. Analysis is based on statistically reweighted data to ensure that it is representative of all 9‐year‐olds in Ireland.

Results

Significantly (P < 0.001) more girls were overweight or obese (33.1%: 23.1% overweight and 10% obese) than boys (25.2%: 18.3% and 6.9%). Children who were body mass index (BMI) classified as overweight or obese were significantly (P < 0.001) more likely to be victimised when compared with children whose BMI was not classified as overweight or obese. BMI‐classified thinness was not significantly associated with victimisation; however, the body image of being skinny or very skinny was significantly (P = 0.015) associated with being victimised. Bullying perpetration was not associated with BMI‐derived weight classification but was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with the child's own self‐description of weight.

Conclusions

Overall body image was found to have a stronger association with victimisation and bullying perpetration than objective BMI‐derived weight classification. Further research investigating the mediating role of body image in the relationship between weight, victimisation and bullying is necessary to better understand this association.
(S)-[6]-Gingerol inhibits TGF-β-stimulated biglycan synthesis but not glycosaminoglycan hyperelongation in human vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Kamato Danielle , Babaahmadi Rezaei Hossein , Getachew Robel , Thach Lyna , Guidone Daniel , Osman Narin , Roufogalis Basil , Duke Colin C , Tran Van Hoan , Zheng Wenhua , Little Peter J
Published: March 2013

Objectives

(S)-[6]-Gingerol is under investigation for a variety of therapeutic uses. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β stimulates proteoglycan synthesis, leading to increased binding of low-density lipoproteins, which is the initiating step in atherosclerosis. We evaluated the effects of (S)-[6]-gingerol on these TGF-β-mediated proteoglycan changes to explore its potential as an anti-atherosclerotic agent.

Methods

Purified (S)-[6]-gingerol was assessed for its effects on proteoglycan synthesis by [35S]-sulfate incorporation into glycosaminoglycan chains and [35S]-Met/Cys incorporation into proteoglycans and total proteins in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Biglycan level was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions and the effects of (S)-[6]-gingerol on TGF-β signalling by assessment of the phosphorylation of Smads and Akt by western blotting.

Key findings

(S)-[6]-Gingerol concentration-dependently inhibited TGF-β-stimulated proteoglycan core protein synthesis, and this was not secondary to inhibition of total protein synthesis. (S)-[6]-Gingerol inhibited biglycan mRNA expression. (S)-[6]-Gingerol did not inhibit TGF-β-stimulated glycosaminoglycan hyperelongation or phosphorylation of Smad 2, in either the carboxy terminal or linker region, or Akt phosphorylation.

Conclusions

The activity of (S)-[6]-gingerol to inhibit TGF-β-stimulated biglycan synthesis suggests a potential role for ginger in the prevention of atherosclerosis or other lipid-binding diseases. The signalling studies indicate a novel site of action of (S)-[6]-gingerol in inhibiting TGF-β responses.
Resistance and Barriers to Local Estrogen Therapy in Women with Atrophic Vaginitis
Authors: Kingsberg Sheryl A. , Krychman Michael L.
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Vaginal atrophy results from a decrease in circulating estrogen and is experienced by approximately 50% of postmenopausal women. Its symptoms affect multiple dimensions of genitopelvic health, sexuality, and overall quality of life. Nonhormonal over-the-counter treatments may provide temporary symptom relief, but the condition is progressive, and hormonal treatment may be warranted.

Aim

The study aims to review the literature and discuss the impact of atrophic vaginitis and various treatment options, including the resistance and barriers to the use of local estrogen therapy for atrophic vaginitis. This article also aims to provide a greater awareness of the condition and the difficulties in communicating effectively with patients, and to provide strategies to help healthcare professionals acquire effective communication skills to initiate a candid dialogue with patients who may be suffering in silence and may benefit from therapy.

Methods

This review was based on peer-reviewed publications on the topic of atrophic vaginitis and local estrogen therapy identified from key word searches of PubMed, in addition to landmark studies/surveys and treatment guidelines/recommendations on menopause available in the literature and on the Internet.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcomes are the impact of atrophic vaginitis and the various treatment options, including the resistance and barriers to the use of local estrogen therapy.

Results

Minimally absorbed local vaginal estrogen therapy enables administration of estrogen doses much lower than systemic doses used for vasomotor symptoms. Local therapy is also the first-line pharmacologic treatment recommended by the North American Menopause and International Menopause Societies. Despite treatment options, the sensitive nature of the condition and embarrassment may prohibit or limit many women from openly discussing symptoms with healthcare professionals. Many are hesitant to initiate hormonal treatment because of safety concerns.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals should initiate and encourage frank and candid conversation about vaginal atrophy at annual visits and provide follow-up and treatment as needed.
Distribution and Factors Associated with Four Premature Ejaculation Syndromes in Outpatients Complaining of Ejaculating Prematurely
Authors: Zhang Xiansheng , Gao Jingjing , Liu Jishuang , Xia Lei , Yang Jiajia , Hao Zongyao , Zhou Jun , Liang Chaozhao
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Because available definitions of premature ejaculation (PE) were unable to encompass the various forms of PE, Waldinger et al. proposed a new classification that distinguished four PE syndromes. However, few studies have examined the prevalence rates of these four PE syndromes.

Aims

The study aims to analyze the prevalence of and factors associated with four PE syndromes in outpatients who complained of ejaculating prematurely.

Methods

Between December 2009 and December 2011, outpatients who complained of PE completed a detailed verbal questionnaire regarding their demographic data and medical and sexual history. Each patient was classified as having one of four PE subtypes: lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE (APE), natural variable PE (NVPE), or premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (PLED).

Main Outcome Measures

Based on the new classification scheme, PE was classified into four subtypes. The anxiety/depression status of patients was assessed by the Zung self-rating anxiety/depression scales, and erectile function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 instrument.

Results

This study included 1,988 male outpatients who complained of PE, with mean ages and body mass index (BMI) scores of 35.52 ± 10.38 years and 25.34 ± 4.51 kg/m2, respectively. Prevalence rates of PE syndromes were 35.66% for LPE, 28.07% for APE, 12.73% for NVPE, and 23.54% for PLED. Patients with APE had the highest mean ages and BMI scores, and they more frequently reported several comorbidities, including sexual desire disorder, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic prostatitis, and erectile dysfunction. The PLED group had a lower mean frequency of sexual intercourse than other groups and higher rates of anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

The prevalence of LPE was higher than that of other PE subtypes in an outpatient setting. Several comorbidities were more common in patients with APE and PLED. In particular, a lower frequency of intercourse and higher frequencies of anxiety and depression were found in patients with PLED.
A geometric time series model with dependent Bernoulli counting series
Authors: Ristić Miroslav M. , Nastić Aleksandar S. , Miletić Ilić Ana V.
Published: March 2013

A new stationary first‐order integer‐valued autoregressive process with geometric marginal distribution based on the generalized binomial thinning is introduced. The model involves dependent count variables. Some properties of the process are determined. A set of estimators are obtained, and their asymptotic distributions are considered. Some numerical results of the estimates are presented. Possible application of the process is discussed through the real data example.
Distributions for residual autocovariances in parsimonious periodic vector autoregressive models with applications
Authors: Duchesne Pierre , Lafaye de Micheaux Pierre
Published: March 2013

The asymptotic distribution of the residual autocovariance matrices in the class of periodic vector autoregressive time series models with structured parameterization is derived. Diagnostic checking with portmanteau test statistics represents a useful application of the result. Under the assumption that the periodic white noise process of the periodic vector autoregressive time series model is composed of independent random variables, we demonstrate that the finite sample distributions of the Hosking‐Li‐McLeod portmanteau test statistics can be approximated by those of weighted sums of independent chi‐square random variables. The quantiles of the asymptotic distribution can be computed using the Imhof algorithm or other exact methods. Thus, using the (single) chi‐square distribution for these test statistics appears inadequate in general, although it is often recommended in practice for diagnostic methods of that kind. A simulation study provides empirical evidence.
Peptidoglycan transformations during Bacillus subtilis sporulation
Authors: Tocheva Elitza I. , López‐Garrido Javier , Hughes H. Velocity , Fredlund Jennifer , Kuru Erkin , VanNieuwenhze Michael S. , Brun Yves V. , Pogliano Kit , Jensen Grant J.
Published: March 2013

While vegetative Bacillus subtilis cells and mature spores are both surrounded by a thick layer of peptidoglycan (PG, a polymer of glycan strands cross‐linked by peptide bridges), it has remained unclear whether PG surrounds prespores during engulfment. To clarify this issue, we generated a slender ΔponA mutant that enabled high‐resolution electron cryotomographic imaging. Three‐dimensional reconstructions of whole cells in near‐native states revealed a thin PG‐like layer extending from the lateral cell wall around the prespore throughout engulfment. Cryotomography of purified sacculi and fluorescent labelling of PG in live cells confirmed that PG surrounds the prespore. The presence of PG throughout engulfment suggests new roles for PG in sporulation, including a new model for how PG synthesis might drive engulfment, and obviates the need to synthesize a PG layer de novo during cortex formation. In addition, it reveals that B. subtilis can synthesize thin, Gram‐negative‐like PG layers as well as its thick, archetypal Gram‐positive cell wall. The continuous transformations from thick to thin and back to thick during sporulation suggest that both forms of PG have the same basic architecture (circumferential). Endopeptidase activity may be the main switch that governs whether a thin or a thick PG layer is assembled.
Surgical pathology of epilepsy‐associated non‐neoplastic cerebral lesions: A brief introduction with special reference to hippocampal sclerosis and focal cortical dysplasia
Authors: Miyata Hajime , Hori Tomokatsu , Vinters Harry V.
Published: March 2013

Among epilepsy‐associated non‐neoplastic lesions, mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (mTLE‐HS) and malformation of cortical development (MCD), including focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), are the two most frequent causes of drug‐resistant focal epilepsies, constituting about 50% of all surgical pathology of epilepsy. Several distinct histological patterns have been historically recognized in both HS and FCD, and several studies have tried to perform clinicopathological correlations. However, results have been controversial, particularly in terms of post‐surgical seizure outcome. Recently, the International League Against Epilepsy constituted a Task Forces of Neuropathology and FCD within the Commission on Diagnostic Methods, to establish an international consensus of histological classification of HS and FCD, respectively, based on agreement with the recognition of the importance of defining a histopathological classification system that reliably has some clinicopathological correlation. Such consensus classifications are likely to facilitate future clinicopathological studies. Meanwhile, we reviewed the neuropathology of 41 surgical cases of mTLE, and confirmed three type/patterns of HS along with no HS, based on the qualitative evaluation of the distribution and severity of neuronal loss and gliosis within hippocampal formation, that is, HS type 1 (61%) equivalent to “classical” Ammon's horn sclerosis, HS type 2 (2%) representing CA1 sclerosis, HS type 3 (17%) equivalent to end folium sclerosis, and no HS (19%). Furthermore, we performed a neuropathological comparative study on mTLE‐HS and dementia‐associated HS (d‐HS) in the elderly, and confirmed that neuropathological features differ between mTLE‐HS and d‐HS in the distribution of hippocampal neuronal loss and gliosis, morphology of reactive astrocytes and their protein expression, and presence of concomitant neurodegenerative changes, particularly Alzheimer type and TDP‐43 pathologies. These differences may account, at least in part, for the difference in pathogenesis and epileptogenicity of HS in mTLE and senile dementia. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of most epileptogenic lesions are yet to be elucidated.
Primary Hodgkin lymphoma of the central nervous system: Two case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Kresak Jesse Lee , Nguyen Johnny , Wong Kondi , Davis Richard
Published: March 2013

CNS involvement by systemic Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is quite rare, but the disease limited to the CNS is an exceptionally rare entity. The incidence of CNS‐HL has been estimated at 0.2–0.5% of cases, but a more recent study has modified that figure to less than 0.02%. Like the conventional form, the diagnosis of primary CNS‐HL rests upon distinct morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics, including diagnostic Reed‐Sternberg cells, in addition to staging studies demonstrating a lack of disease elsewhere. The paucity of cases in the literature precludes reliable clinical and demographic data, as well as a consensus on treatment and prognosis. We present two cases of primary cerebellar HL, one with 10‐year follow‐up, and a relevant review of the literature.
Gene expression profiles during embryo development in Brassica napus
Authors: Venglat Prakash , Xiang Daoquan , Yang Hui , Wan Lianglu , Tibiche Chabane , Ross Andrew , Wang Edwin , Selvaraj Gopalan , Datla Raju
Published: March 2013

The seed in angiosperms is produced through coordinated development of the embryo, endosperm and seed coat. In dicots, most of the seed mass is taken up by the embryo with nutritional reserves stored in the cotyledons. During embryogenesis, well‐coordinated developmental and genetic programmes establish the embryonic body plan, and the associated complex metabolic pathways result in the production of diverse nutrients and deposition of important seed storage reserves. To gain insights into the genetic programmes that operate during embryo development in Brassica napus L. (canola), an important oilseed crop, we performed gene and protein expression analyses. We used the key stages from single‐cell zygote to mature embryo to generate comprehensive EST and proteome data sets. Analysis of these data sets identified 20 183 genes and 2607 proteins that are differentially expressed across different stages of embryo development. B. napus genes share high degree of homology with Arabidopsis and display stage‐specific and shared expression patterns associated with developmental and metabolic pathways. Together, this study has generated useful new molecular and genomic resources for embryo development in B. napus.
Functions in Jurisprudential Methodology
Authors: Ehrenberg Kenneth
Published: March 2013

This paper guides the reader through the use of functions in contemporary legal philosophy: in developing those philosophies and through methodological debates over their proper role. This paper is broken into two sections. In the first I canvass the role of functions in the legal philosophies of several mid to late twentieth century Anglo‐American general jurisprudents whose theories are still common topics of discussion: Ronald Dworkin, H.L.A. Hart, Lon L. Fuller, John Finnis, and Joseph Raz. In the second, I examine contemporary arguments over the role of functions in the methodology of legal philosophy.
Jurisprudential Theories and First‐Order Legal Judgments
Authors: Toh Kevin
Published: March 2013

The nature of the relation between jurisprudential theories and first‐order legal judgments is a strangely uncontroversial matter in contemporary legal philosophy. There is one dominant conception of the relation according to which jurisprudential theories are second‐order or meta‐legal theories that specify the ultimate grounds of first‐order legal judgments. According to this conception, difficult first‐order legal disputes are to be resolved by jurisprudential theorizing. According to an alternative conception that Ronald Dworkin has influentially advocated, jurisprudential theories are not second‐order theories about the nature of law, but instead covert first‐order legal theories. These two conceptions of the relation between jurisprudential theories and first‐order legal judgments dominate the contemporary legal philosophical scene and crowd out other possible conceptions. This article scrutinizes the two conceptions, and in the process raises the possibility of a different and arguably more credible conception. According to this new conception, our first‐order legal views and a jurisprudential theory that we accept are supposed to form a mutually disciplining and supporting set of views that we accept in our pursuit of the epistemic ideal of wide reflective equilibrium. The two sets of views are supposed to constrain and discipline each other; but neither is meant to underwrite, certify, or ultimately determine the contents of the other. This new conception, which allows the relation between jurisprudential theories and first‐order legal judgments to be much looser, untidier, and more complex than what the two dominant conceptions imply, should facilitate progress in legal philosophy and in first‐order legal thinking.
Complement split product C4d deposition in placenta in systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy‐induced hypertension
Authors: Minamiguchi Sachiko , Mikami Yoshiki , Nakajima Naoki , Salah Adeeb , Kondoh Eiji , Tatsumi Keiji , Konishi Ikuo , Haga Hironori
Published: March 2013

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) are related to premature delivery and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and share histological findings of the placenta. Association with complement dysregulation has been reported in pregnancy for both disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of C4d immunohistochemistry for placentas with SLE‐ and PIH‐associated pregnancy. C4d staining was performed on paraffin‐embedded tissue of placentas from 26 patients with SLE, 26 with PIH, and 25 control cases. We used the H‐score with a range of 0–300 for the evaluation of C4d immunoreactivity. Placentas of SLE and PIH cases showed a higher H‐score than control cases (average, SLE, 38.3 (P < 0.05); PIH, 17.8; control, 1.68), with linear staining on the membrane of syncytiotrophoblast. C4d‐high groups comprised 50% (12/26) of SLE and 35% (9/26) of PIH cases, with H‐scores ranging 14–270 and 15–170. C4d‐high groups were significantly associated with low‐placental weights and low birth weight in both SLE and PIH (P < 0.05), and lower gestational age (P < 0.05) in PIH cases. These results suggest that C4d might be utilized as a biomarker evaluating the subsequent risk for IUGR and disease control during the gestation period in these patients.
Clinicopathological features of acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia: Relationship between fibrosis and platelet‐derived growth factor
Authors: Niino Daisuke , Tsuchiya Takeshi , Tomonaga Masao , Miyazaki Yasushi , Ohshima Koichi
Published: March 2013

Acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AMGL) is an uncommon disease with poor prognosis. Histopathologically, AMGL cases show variable degree of fibrosis and the presence of uniform blasts or mature dysplastic megakaryocytes. Here we examined 18 cases of AMGL, including idiopathic (n = 9) and secondary (n = 9) cases. Fourteen cases were males and four were females, ranging in age from 14 to 87 years (median, 58). All cases had anaemia, but leukocyte and platelet counts varied. Blast cells were detected in the peripheral blood of 14 cases. Fourteen of 16 cases showed chromosomal abnormalities. The median survival was 6 months (range, 1–48 months). Survival rates did not correlate with the severity of fibrosis, proportion of blast cells and cause of AMGL. Nine of the 11 cases examined immunohistochemically were positive for platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)(‐BB), especially megakaryoblasts and a few fibroblasts. The PDGF‐positive cases showed various degrees of fibrosis, while the negative cases showed no evidence of fibrosis. Our results confirmed the poor prognosis of patients with AMGL, irrespective of the degrees of fibrosis, and demonstrated that PDGF could play an important role in the pathogenesis of marrow fibrosis.
Geochemical and Microbiological Analysis of Sambe Hot Springs, Shimane Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Sasaki Keiko , Uejima Yoshitaka , Sakamoto Atsushi , Yu Qianqian , Ishibashi Junichiro , Okibe Naoko , Hirajima Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2013

Microbiological contribution to the formation of the manganese deposits in Sambe hot springs, Shimane, was investigated in combination with water chemistry, characterization of sediments and microbial community structure. Analysis of bacterial and fungal community structure based on DNA extracted from a Mn‐oxidizing enrichment culture indicated close matches with Pseudomonas putida, Phoma sp. and Plectosphaerella cucumerina, all Mn‐oxidizing microorganisms. These sediments were poorly crystalline and formed at neutral pH values, which is characteristic of biogenic precipitates. The EPMA results demonstrated a positive correlation between Mn and Ba contents in well‐crystalline Mn oxide grains. Substantial Ba contents were observed inside Mn oxide grains. These findings indicated that Ba contents in sediments are influenced by not only aqueous Ba2+ concentrations but also crystallinity of biogenic birnessite. Barium would be incorporated in birnessite during biomineralization.
Zircon U–Pb Dating and Geochemistry of the Linong Granitoid and Its Relationship to Cu Mineralization in the Yangla Copper Deposit, Yunnan, China
Authors: Yang Xi‐An , Liu Jia‐Jun , Li Da‐Peng , Zhai De‐Gao , Yang Long‐Bo , Han Si‐Yu , Wang Huan
Published: March 2013

The Yangla copper deposit (Cu reserves: 1.2 Mt) in the Jinshajiang–Lancangjiang–Nujiang region in China is spatially associated with the Linong granitoid. Zircon U–Pb dating shows the granitoid formed at 234.1 ± 1.2 to 235.6 ± 1.2 Ma, and the KT2 ore body of the deposit yields a molybdenite Re–Os model age of 230.9 ± 3.2 Ma. The ages of mineralization and crystallization of the granitoid are identical within the measurement uncertainties, suggesting the Yangla deposit is genitically related to the Indosinian Linong granitoid.
Conditional Lie–Bäcklund Symmetries and Invariant Subspaces to Nonlinear Diffusion Equations with Convection and Source
Authors: Ji Lina , Qu Changzheng
Published: March 2013

The conditional Lie–Bäcklund symmetry method is used to study the invariant subspace of the nonlinear diffusion equations with convection and source terms. We obtain a complete list of canonical forms for such equations which admit higher order conditional Lie–Bäcklund symmetries and multidimensional invariant subspaces. The functionally generalized separable solutions to the resulting equations are constructed due to the corresponding symmetry reductions. For most of the cases, they are reduced to solving finite‐dimensional dynamical systems.
Evaluation of a pressure pulse in a fractured‐rock aquifer to reduce uncertainty of hydraulic conductivity measurements,RioGrandeRift,NewMexico,UnitedStates
Authors: Langman Jeff B. , Engdahl Nicholas B.
Published: March 2013

Fractured‐rock aquifers are inherently difficult for determining flow dynamics because of variability in fracture orientation and extension. A confined, fractured‐rock aquifer in a semi‐arid mountainous area of theRioGrandeRiftZone was analysed for its response to recharge events that produced a pressure pulse within its potentiometric surface. The pulse was evaluated at the well scale and subaquifer level to evaluate flowpaths, travel times and dispersion and compare the bulk‐scale aquifer response to possible velocities from slug test hydraulic conductivity measurements. Travel time and dispersion from the pulse proved comparable to probable travel times based on hydraulic conductivity measurements. Evaluation of the pressure pulse and the hydraulic conductivity measurements allowed for a holistic interpretation of the fractured‐rock aquifer through analysis of two distinct data sets that provided corroborative evidence of flow dynamics and fracture connectivity. This holistic approach reduced uncertainty regarding the individual hydraulic conductivity values.
Composite hydrogeological investigation and characterisation methods applied at a nuclear power plant site in Taiwan
Authors: Lo Hung‐Chieh , Chou Po‐Yi , Huang Chun‐Chieh , Chen Po‐Jui , Hsu Shih‐Meng
Published: March 2013

Drawing from the lessons learnt from the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, the assessment of subsurface environmental hazard around nuclear power plants has emerged as a critical task. Consequently, aiming to better understand the possible environmental impact of radiation leaks into the groundwater, a prescreening programme was initiated in 2011 by the Taiwanese government. As part of this programme, this study conducted various borehole prospecting techniques to identify in situ hydrogeological characteristics at Chin‐Shan Nuclear Power Plant. Borehole electrical log, sonic log and temperature/conductivity log were conducted to explain the regional lithologic conditions and permeability of the formation. In conjunction with this, the interwell tracer and pumping test was carried out to simultaneously determine the hydraulic parameters. In our opinion, the implementation of such in situ end‐to‐end investigations is essential in interpreting in situ fluid and solute transport dynamics prior to programming any numerical scheme for early warning, vulnerability assessment and regular monitoring of a nuclear power plant site.
Particle Resuspension in a Wall-Bounded Turbulent Flow
Authors: Fu S. C. , Chao C. Y. H. , So R. M. C. , Leung W. T.
Published: March 2013

Resuspension is of common occurrence in a wide range of industrial and environmental processes. Excessive resuspension in these processes could have a severe impact on human safety and health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a practical, yet reasonably accurate model to describe the resuspension phenomenon. It has been identified that rolling is the dominant mechanism for particle resuspension in the presence of an air stream, be it laminar or turbulent. Existing models predict the resuspension rate by regarding particles as being resuspended once they are set in motion; only a few of these models attempt to describe the full scenario, including rolling motion and the effect of turbulence. The objective of this paper is to propose a stochastic model to simulate the resuspension rate in the presence of a near-wall turbulent stream, and where the rolling mechanism is assumed to dominate the resuspension process. The fluctuating part of the angular velocity of a rolling particle is modeled by the Langevin equation (i.e., an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process); thus, the overall angular velocity is modeled as a diffusion process. A free parameter of the proposed resuspension model is determined using data obtained from a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of the problem. Once determined, the parameter is found to be universal for different materials and different sizes of particles tested. The modeling results obtained using this parameter are found to be in good agreement with experimental data, and the model performs better compared to other models.