bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational ecology as an emerging science
Authors: Petrovskii Sergei , Petrovskaya Natalia
Published: January 2012

It has long been recognized that numerical modelling and computer simulations can be used as a powerful research tool to understand, and sometimes to predict, the tendencies and peculiarities in the dynamics of populations and ecosystems. It has been, however, much less appreciated that the context of modelling and simulations in ecology is essentially different from those that normally exist in other natural sciences. In our paper, we review the computational challenges arising in modern ecology in the spirit of computational mathematics, i.e. with our main focus on the choice and use of adequate numerical methods. Somewhat paradoxically, the complexity of ecological problems does not always require the use of complex computational methods. This paradox, however, can be easily resolved if we recall that application of sophisticated computational methods usually requires clear and unambiguous mathematical problem statement as well as clearly defined benchmark information for model validation. At the same time, many ecological problems still do not have mathematically accurate and unambiguous description, and available field data are often very noisy, and hence it can be hard to understand how the results of computations should be interpreted from the ecological viewpoint. In this scientific context, computational ecology has to deal with a new paradigm: conventional issues of numerical modelling such as convergence and stability become less important than the qualitative analysis that can be provided with the help of computational techniques. We discuss this paradigm by considering computational challenges arising in several specific ecological applications.
Multi-stable composite twisting structure for morphing applications
Authors: Lachenal X. , Weaver P. M. , Daynes S.
Published: January 2012

Conventional shape-changing engineering structures use discrete parts articulated around a number of linkages. Each part carries the loads, and the articulations provide the degrees of freedom of the system, leading to heavy and complex mechanisms. Consequently, there has been increased interest in morphing structures over the past decade owing to their potential to combine the conflicting requirements of strength, flexibility and low mass. This article presents a novel type of morphing structure capable of large deformations, simply consisting of two pre-stressed flanges joined to introduce two stable configurations. The bistability is analysed through a simple analytical model, predicting the positions of the stable and unstable states for different design parameters and material properties. Good correlation is found between experimental results, finite-element modelling and predictions from the analytical model for one particular example. A wide range of design parameters and material properties is also analytically investigated, yielding a remarkable structure with zero stiffness along the twisting axis.
dsRNA provides sequence-dependent protection against infectious myonecrosis virus in Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Loy J. Dustin , Mogler Mark A. , Loy Duan S. , Janke Bruce , Kamrud Kurt , Scura Edward D. , Harris D. L. Hank , Bartholomay Lyric C.
Published: January 2012

Viral diseases are significant impediments to the sustainability of shrimp aquaculture. In addition to endemic disease, new viral diseases continue to emerge and cause significant impact on the shrimp industry. Disease caused by infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) has caused tremendous losses in farmed Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) since it emerged in Brazil and translocated to Indonesia. There are no existing antiviral interventions, outside of pathogen exclusion, to mitigate disease in commercial shrimp operations. Here, we describe an iterative process of panning the genome of IMNV to discover RNA interference trigger sequences that initiate a robust and long-lasting protective response against IMNV in L. vannamei. Using this process, a single, low dose (0.02 µg) of an 81 or 153 bp fragment, with sequence corresponding to putative cleavage protein 1 in ORF1, protected 100 % of animals from disease and mortality caused by IMNV. Furthermore, animals that were treated with highly efficacious dsRNA survived an initial infection and were resistant to subsequent infections over 50 days later with a 100-fold greater dose of virus. This protection is probably sequence dependent, because targeting the coding regions for the polymerase or structural genes of IMNV conferred lesser or no protection. Interestingly, non-sequence specific dsRNA did not provide any degree of protection to animals as had been described for other shrimp viruses. Our data indicate that the targeted region for dsRNA is a crucial factor in maximizing the degree of protection and lowering the dose required to induce a protective effect against IMNV infection in shrimp.
Seroprevalence of human polyomavirus 9 and cross-reactivity to African green monkey-derived lymphotropic polyomavirus
Authors: Trusch Franziska , Klein Marcus , Finsterbusch Tim , Kühn Joachim , Hofmann Jörg , Ehlers Bernhard
Published: January 2012

Human polyomavirus 9 (HPyV9) was discovered recently in immunocompromised patients and shown to be genetically closely related to B-lymphotropic polyomavirus (LPyV). No serological data are available for HPyV9, but human antibodies against LPyV have been reported previously. To investigate the seroepidemiology of HPyV9 and the sero-cross-reactivity between HPyV9 and LPyV, a capsomer-based IgG ELISA was established using the major capsid protein VP1 of HPyV9 and LPyV. VP1 of an avian polyomavirus was used as control. For HPyV9, a seroprevalence of 47 % was determined in healthy adults and adolescents (n = 328) and 20 % in a group of children (n = 101). In both groups, the seroreactivities for LPyV were less frequent and the ELISA titres of LPyV were lower. Of the HPyV9-reactive sera, 47 % reacted also with LPyV, and the titres for both PyVs correlated. Sera from African green monkeys, the natural hosts of LPyV, reacted also with both HPyV9 and LPyV, but here the HPyV9 titres were lower. This potential sero-cross-reactivity between HPyV9 and LPyV was confirmed by competition assays, and it was hypothesized that the reactivity of human sera against LPyV may generally be due to cross-reactivity between HPyV9 and LPyV. The HPyV9 seroprevalence of liver transplant recipients and patients with neurological dysfunctions did not differ from that of age-matched controls, but a significantly higher seroprevalence was determined in renal and haematopoietic stem-cell transplant recipients, indicating that certain immunocompromised patient groups may be at a higher risk for primary infection with or for reactivation of HPyV9.
Anilinium dihydrogen phosphate
Authors: Kaman Ondřej , Smrčok Ľubomír , Gyepes Róbert , Havlíček David
Published: January 2012

The triclinic structure of the title compound, C6H8N+·H2PO4−, with three symmetry-independent structural units (Z′ = 3), is formed of separate organic and inorganic layers alternating along thebaxis. The building blocks of the inorganic layer are deformed H2PO4tetrahedra assembled into infinite ladders by short and hence strong hydrogen bonds. The anilinium cations forming the organic layer are not hydrogen bonded to one another, but they are anchored by four N—H...O crosslinks between the dihydrogen phosphate chains of adjacent ladders. Two H atoms of each –NH3group then form one normal and one bifurcated N—H...O hydrogen bond to the P=O oxygens of two tetrahedra of one chain, while the third H atom is hydrogen bonded to the nearest O atom of an adjacent chain belonging to another dihydrogen phosphate ladder.
Molecular complexes of dimethyl sulfoxide with tri- and dichloromethane
Authors: Yufit Dmitry S. , Howard Judith A. K.
Published: January 2012

Crystals of molecular complexes of dimethyl sulfoxide with trichloromethane (chloroform), (CH3)2SO·2CHCl3, (I), and dichloromethane, (CH3)2SO·CH2Cl2, (II), have been grownin situ. In both compounds, the components are linked together by (Cl)C—H...O interactions. The dimethyl sulfoxide molecules in (I) are bound into chains by C—H...O interactions. In (II), pairs of the components form centrosymmetric rings, linked into a three-dimensional network by C—H...O contacts and dipole–dipole interactions between dimethyl sulfoxide molecules.
Does the presence of a seawater gill morphology induced by dietary salt loading affect Cl− uptake and acid–base regulation in freshwater rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Perry S. F. , Rivero‐Lopez L.
Published: January 2012

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of the changes in gill morphology induced by dietary salt feeding on several aspects of gill function in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss maintained in fresh water with specific emphasis on Cl− uptake (JINCl−) and acid–base regulation. The addition of 11% NaCl to the diet caused JINCl− to be reduced by c. 45% from 214·4 ± 26·7 to 117·3 ± 17·4 µmol kg−1 h−1 (mean ±s.e.). Rates of Cl− efflux (JOUTCl−), net Cl− flux (JNETCl−), JNETNa+ and plasma levels of Na+ or Cl− were unaffected by salt feeding. On the basis of significant effect of the salt diet on decreasing the maximal uptake rate of Cl− (JMAXCl−), it would appear that internal salt loading caused a decrease in the number of functional ion transport proteins involved in Cl− uptake (e.g. Cl−–HCO3− exchangers) and decreased the transporting capacity of existing proteins. The acid–base regulating capacity of control fish and salt‐loaded fish was assessed by monitoring arterial blood acid–base status [partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2), pH and HCO3−] during exposure to external hypercapnia (nominally 7·5 mm Hg). Both groups of fish exhibited typical compensatory responses to sustained hypercapnia consisting of the gradual accumulation of plasma HCO3− and thus metabolic restoration within 24 h of the initial respiratory acidosis elicited by hypercapnia. Overall, the results demonstrate that while Cl− uptake capacity is reduced in salt‐fed fish, there is no associated alteration in acid–base regulating capability.
Tolerance to lipopolysaccharide promotes an enhanced neutrophil extracellular traps formation leading to a more efficient bacterial clearance in mice
Authors: Landoni V I , Chiarella P , Martire-Greco D , Schierloh P , van-Rooijen N , Rearte B , Palermo M S , Isturiz M A , Fernández G C
Published: January 2012

Tolerance to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) constitutes a stress adaptation, in which a primary contact with LPS results in a minimal response when a second exposure with the same stimulus occurs. However, active important defence mechanisms are mounted during the tolerant state. Our aim was to assess the contribution of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in the clearance of bacterial infection in a mouse model of tolerance to LPS. After tolerance was developed, we investigated in vivo different mechanisms of bacterial clearance. The elimination of a locally induced polymicrobial challenge was more efficient in tolerant mice both in the presence or absence of local macrophages. This was related to a higher number of PMN migrating to the infectious site as a result of an increased number of PMN from the marginal pool with higher chemotactic capacity, not because of differences in their phagocytic activity or reactive species production. In vivo, neutrophils extracellular trap (NET) destruction by nuclease treatment abolished the observed increased clearance in tolerant but not in control mice. In line with this finding, in vitro NETs formation was higher in PMN from tolerant animals. These results indicate that the higher chemotactic response from an increased PMN marginal pool and the NETs enhanced forming capacity are the main mechanisms mediating bacterial clearance in tolerant mice. To sum up, far from being a lack of response, tolerance to LPS causes PMN priming effects which favour distant and local anti-infectious responses.
Seasonal carbon dynamics and water fluxes in an Amazon rainforest
Authors: Kim Yeonjoo , Knox Ryan G. , Longo Marcos , Medvigy David , Hutyra Lucy R. , Pyle Elizabeth H. , Wofsy Steven C. , Bras Rafael L. , Moorcroft Paul R.
Published: January 2012

Satellite‐based observations indicate that seasonal patterns in canopy greenness and productivity in the Amazon are negatively correlated with precipitation, with increased greenness occurring during the dry months. Flux tower measurements indicate that the canopy greening that occurs during the dry season is associated with increases in net ecosystem productivity (NEP) and evapotranspiration (ET). Land surface and terrestrial biosphere model simulations for the region have predicted the opposite of these observed patterns, with significant declines in greenness, NEP, and ET during the dry season. In this study, we address this issue mainly by developing an empirically constrained, light‐controlled phenology submodel within the Ecosystem Demography model version 2 (ED2). The constrained ED2 model with a suite of field observations shows markedly improved predictions of seasonal ecosystem dynamics, more accurately capturing the observed patterns of seasonality in water, carbon, and litter fluxes seen at the Tapajos National Forest, Brazil (2.86°S, 54.96°W). Long‐term simulations indicate that this light‐controlled phenology increases the resilience of Amazon forest NEP to interannual variability in climate forcing.
Killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors and malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in The Gambia
Authors: Yindom L.‐M. , Forbes R. , Aka P. , Janha O. , Jeffries D. , Jallow M. , Conway D. J. , Walther M.
Published: January 2012

The relevance of innate immune responses to Plasmodium falciparum infection, in particular the central role of natural killer (NK) cell‐derived interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), is becoming increasingly recognised. Recently, it has been shown that IFN‐γ production in response to P. falciparum antigens is in part regulated by killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) genes, and a study from malaria‐exposed Melanesians suggested an association between KIR genotypes and susceptibility to infection. This prompted us to determine and compare the frequencies of 15 KIR genes in Gambian children presenting with either severe malaria (n = 133) or uncomplicated malaria (n = 188) and in cord‐blood population control samples (n = 314) collected from the same area. While no significant differences were observed between severe and uncomplicated cases, proportions of individuals with KIR2DS2+C1 and KIR2DL2+C1 were significantly higher among malaria cases overall than in population control samples. In an exploratory analysis, activating KIR genes KIR2DS2, KIR3DS1 and KIR2DS5 were slightly higher in children in disease subgroups associated with the highest mortality. In addition, our data suggest that homozygosity for KIR genotype A might be associated with different malaria outcomes including protection from infection and higher blood parasitaemia levels in those that do get infected. These findings are consistent with a probable role of KIR genes in determining susceptibility to malaria, and further studies are warranted in different populations.
Fruit ripening in Vitis vinifera: light intensity before and not during ripening determines the concentration of 2‐methoxy‐3‐isobutylpyrazine in Cabernet Sauvignon berries
Authors: Koch Alfredo , Ebeler Susan E. , Williams Larry E. , Matthews Mark A.
Published: January 2012

The roles of light and temperature in the accumulation of the vegetal impact compound 2‐methoxy‐3‐isobutylpyrazine (MIBP) in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries were determined. Individual clusters were exposed to various light intensities using neutral density shade cloth before ripening, during ripening or throughout the season in three growing seasons. A recently developed method using headspace solid‐phase microextraction combined with GC‐MS in the selected ion‐monitoring mode was employed to measure MIBP in berries. Berry MIBP concentration increased subsequent to berry set, reached a maximum prior to onset of ripening, and then decreased thereafter until harvest. Complete shading of clusters increased the concentration of MIBP more than 100% compared to unshaded controls in 2 out of 3 years. Light increasingly inhibited MIBP concentrations up to 25–50% of ambient light intensities (1500 µmol photons m−2 s−1). However, only changes in light intensity before ripening had any effect on MIBP accumulation or final MIBP concentration. Analyses of weather data showed that the 1 year in which shading was ineffective was unusually warm, warm early in the season, and had more hot days and higher early season degree days than the other 2 years. In controlled environment experiments, warm growth conditions reduced MIBP concentrations in fruit about as much as light exposure reduced MIBP concentrations in the field experiments. The results indicate that both light and temperature significantly affect MIBP in harvested fruit, but that the light environment during ripening does not significantly affect MIBP concentrations in the berries at harvest.
Can mechanism help explain insect host choice?
Authors: CUNNINGHAM J. P.
Published: January 2012

Evolutionary theory predicts that herbivorous insects should lay eggs on plants in a way that reflects the suitability of each plant species for larval development. Empirical studies, however, often fail to find any relationship between an adult insect’s choice of host–plant and offspring fitness, and in such cases, it is generally assumed that other ‘missing’ factors (e.g. predation, host–plant abundance, learning and adult feeding sites) must be contributing to overall host suitability. Here, I consider an alternative theory – that a fitness cost inherent in the olfactory mechanism could constrain the evolution of insect host selection. I begin by reviewing current knowledge of odour processing in the insect antennal lobe with the aid of a simple schematic: the aim being to explain the workings of this mechanism to scientists who do not have prior knowledge in this field. I then use the schematic to explore how an insect’s perception of host and non‐host odours is governed by a set of processing rules, or algorithm. Under the assumptions of this mechanistic view, the perception of every plant odour is interrelated, and seemingly bad host choices can still arise as part of an overall adaptive behavioural strategy. I discuss how an understanding of mechanism can improve the interpretation of theoretical and empirical studies in insect behaviour and evolution.
Abdominal Exploration in Captive Collared Peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) by Ultrasonography
Authors: Peixoto G. C. X. , Oliveira I. R. S. , Alves N. D. , Oliveira M. F. , Silva A. R.
Published: January 2012

This study determines the morphology and ultrasound features of the abdominal organs in male, nestling and healthy collared peccaries. The bladder wall is hyperechogenic, with a thickness of 0.2 ± 0.08 cm. The kidneys present a well‐defined cortex, medulla and pelvis, and the dimensions are 2.56 ± 0.3 × 4.6 ± 0.8 cm for the left and 2.51 ± 0.4 × 4.86 ± 1.1 cm for the right kidney. The spleen has a uniform echotexture over its entire surface. The largest dimensions of the liver are 2.0 ± 0.57 cm for the left lobe and 1.42 ± 0.66 cm for the caudate lobe. The liver presents a homogeneous echotexture in the majority of cases, but sometimes some hyperechoic spots are present. The stomach wall has a thickness of 0.42 ± 0.28 cm. The bowel loops show alternate hyperechoic and hypoechoic layers with a uniform diameter and a wall thickness of 0.19 ± 0.07 cm.
Pilot study on the acceptance of mobile teledermatology for the home monitoring of high‐need patients with psoriasis
Authors: Frühauf Julia , Schwantzer Gerold , Ambros‐Rudolph Christina M , Weger Wolfgang , Ahlgrimm‐Siess Verena , Salmhofer Wolfgang , Hofmann‐Wellenhof Rainer
Published: January 2012

Background/Objectives:  The willingness to be educated is one of the highest desires among patients with psoriasis. Therefore, a collaborative model of management would appear to be essential in enhancing patient satisfaction in this challenging condition. The present study aimed at examining the applicability of a mobile teledermatology service in this regard and assessing the association between patient acceptance and perceived health‐related quality of life.

Methods:  High‐need patients with psoriasis performed visits over 12 weeks transmitting clinical images together with some relevant clinical information via mobile phones to teledermatologists, who provided treatment instructions. Ten patients and two teledermatologists completed 20‐item patient (weeks 6 and 12) and 10‐item physician (at week 12) acceptance questionnaires. In addition, patients answered the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) at weeks 0, 6 and 12.

Results:  Both patients and teledermatologists were pleased with the service with high acceptance rates (patients: 81.0% at week 6 and 82.9% at week 12; teledermatologists: 74.0%). In addition, 80% of the patients considered the service an alternative to in‐person consultation and 90% felt they were in good hands but had achieved a more flexible and empowered lifestyle. No significant correlations were found between patient acceptance and DLQI. Both teledermatologists found the service a convenient and reliable tool for patient monitoring. Neither patients nor teledermatologists thought further in‐person consultations necessary.

Conclusion:  Mobile teledermatology is a valuable tool for the home monitoring of patients with psoriasis that makes a meaningful difference in their lives. It is well accepted by both patients and the physicians involved.
Differential responses of plants, reptiles and birds to grazing management, fertilizer and tree clearing
Authors: DORROUGH J. , MCINTYRE S. , BROWN G. , STOL J. , BARRETT G. , BROWN A.
Published: January 2012

The relative effects of tree clearing, increased livestock densities and nutrient enrichment have rarely been compared across markedly different organism types, but negative effects are generally predicted. In contrast, adoption of rotational grazing is thought to benefit biodiversity in pastures but there are few supporting data. We examined the response of native plants, birds and reptiles to livestock management in south‐eastern Australia. We selected 12 pairs of rotationally and continuously grazed farms. Two 1‐ha plots were established in native pastures on each farm, one cleared and the second still retaining woodland tree cover. Stocking rates, fertilizer histories and landscape tree cover varied among farms. The abundance and richness of all taxa was lower in cleared pastures. The less mobile organisms (reptiles and plants) were positively correlated with tree cover at landscape scales, but only when trees were present at the plot scale. This pattern was driven by a few observations in landscapes with approximately 50% tree canopy cover. Neither bird abundance nor richness was correlated with stocking rates or nutrient enrichment, but plant richness responded negatively to both. The response of reptiles varied, declining with nutrient enrichment but positively correlated with livestock densities. These responses may be partly interpreted within the context of prior filtering of species pools through long‐term grazing pressure. No taxa responded positively to rotational grazing management. We predict that reductions in livestock density and soil nutrients will directly benefit plants and less so reptiles, but not birds. Indirect benefits are predicted for birds and reptiles if management increases persistence of trees within paddocks. Although some forms of rotational grazing can increase woodland tree recruitment, rotational grazing in itself is unlikely to enhance diversity.
General anesthesia without intravenous access in children – a survey of current practice among members of the APAGBI and UK regional representatives of the APAGBI and the AAGBI
Authors: Pettigrew Tom , Adewale Lola , Morton Neil S.
Published: January 2012

Background:  The establishment of intravenous (IV) access should be considered for all adults and children undergoing general anesthesia. Inhalational induction prior to the establishment of IV access remains a popular technique in pediatric practice, and most practitioners will subsequently obtain IV access at the earliest opportunity. Previous surveys have indicated that some anesthetists may elect to omit IV access for the duration of anesthesia and surgery; however, the extent of this practice is unclear. A survey of pediatric anesthetists (members of the APAGBI and regional representatives of both the APAGBI and the AAGBI) was conducted to determine the prevalence of anesthesia without IV access in children, together with the circumstances in which this would be considered by practitioners.

Method:  A web‐based survey was distributed via email to members of the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (APAGBI) and regional representatives of both the APAGBI and the Association of Anesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI). In total, 1419 invitations to complete the survey were sent.

Results:  Seven hundred and twenty seven completed surveys were returned, indicating a response rate of 51%. Twenty‐eight respondents reported that they did not anesthetize children age <16 years. Of the remaining 699 respondents, 295 (42%) described circumstances where intravenous access was omitted during general anesthesia. The vast majority (84.7%) indicated that this was a rare occurrence. Only 44 (6.3%) respondents indicated they would always or usually undertake procedures under general anesthesia in children without IV access. Respondents suggested that short procedures, including dental extractions and myringotomy, were circumstances in which this practice was acceptable.

Conclusion:  The majority of respondents to this survey reported that they would usually establish IV access in children undergoing general anesthesia except in specific circumstances.
Look@NanoSIMS – a tool for the analysis of nanoSIMS data in environmental microbiology
Authors: Polerecky Lubos , Adam Birgit , Milucka Jana , Musat Niculina , Vagner Tomas , Kuypers Marcel M. M.
Published: January 2012

We describe an open‐source freeware programme for high throughput analysis of nanoSIMS (nanometre‐scale secondary ion mass spectrometry) data. The programme implements basic data processing and analytical functions, including display and drift‐corrected accumulation of scanned planes, interactive and semi‐automated definition of regions of interest (ROIs), and export of the ROIs' elemental and isotopic composition in graphical and text‐based formats. Additionally, the programme offers new functions that were custom‐designed to address the needs of environmental microbiologists. Specifically, it allows manual and automated classification of ROIs based on the information that is derived either from the nanoSIMS dataset itself (e.g. from labelling achieved by halogen in situ hybridization) or is provided externally (e.g. as a fluorescence in situ hybridization image). Moreover, by implementing post‐processing routines coupled to built‐in statistical tools, the programme allows rapid synthesis and comparative analysis of results from many different datasets. After validation of the programme, we illustrate how these new processing and analytical functions increase flexibility, efficiency and depth of the nanoSIMS data analysis. Through its custom‐made and open‐source design, the programme provides an efficient, reliable and easily expandable tool that can help a growing community of environmental microbiologists and researchers from other disciplines process and analyse their nanoSIMS data.
Morphology of the female genital ducts of the blue land crab Cardisoma guanhumi (Crustacea: Brachyura: Gecarcinidae)
Authors: de Souza Leonardo P. , Silva José R.F. , Araujo Andréa M. , Camargo‐Mathias Maria I.
Published: January 2012

This is a histological and histochemical analysis of the terminal portion of the female reproductive system and genital ducts of the blue land crab (Cardisoma guanhumi). Animals were collected in the Jaguaribe estuary (Ceará, Brazil) and dissected. Genital duct fragments were fixed and submitted to different staining techniques. The female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries and a pair of genital ducts. In the mid‐posterior portion of each lobe, the ovaries communicate with the genital ducts, which are subdivided into oviduct, spermatheca, vagina, and gonopore. Histologically, the spermatheca of C. guanhumi is composed of columnar secretory epithelium and is divided into a dorsal zone and a ventral zone, the latter covered internally by a cuticle layer. Both zones are enveloped by a thin layer of loose connective tissue. Histological cross sections revealed the vagina to be concave, a pattern considered phylogenetically more advanced than the simple, tubular form. Our findings suggest fertilization is internal, favoring sperm from the most recent copulation.
Partial nephrectomy for renal masses ≥7 cm: technical, oncological and functional outcomes
Authors: Long Christopher J. , Canter Daniel J. , Kutikov Alexander , Li Tianyu , Simhan Jay , Smaldone Marc , Teper Ervin , Viterbo Rosalia , Boorjian Stephen A. , Chen David Y.T. , Greenberg Richard E. , Uzzo Robert G.
Published: January 2012

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

Partial nephrectomy for the pT1 renal mass has demonstrated acceptable oncological outcomes in addition to improved overall long‐term survival when compared with radical nephrectomy. Previous reports for lesions ≥7 cm have shown mixed data concerning oncological outcomes and technological success.

We demonstrate that partial nephrectomy for renal masses ≥7 cm has acceptable oncological, technical, and functional outcomes. As such, partial nephrectomy should be a surgical option when feasible regardless of tumour size.

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To present outcomes for patients with renal masses ≥7 cm in size who are treated with partial nephrectomy (PN) at our institution and to summarize the cumulative published experience.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed our prospectively maintained institutional kidney cancer database and identified patients undergoing PN for tumours >7 cm in size.

Technical, oncological and renal functional data were analyzed and compared with the existing published experience of PNs for tumours >7 cm in size.

RESULTS

In total, 46 patients with 49 renal tumours >7 cm in size who underwent PN were identified.

With a median (range) follow‐up of 13.1 (0.2–170.0) months, there were 16 complications, including four (8.2%) blood transfusions and six (12.2%) urinary fistulae.

The 5‐ and 10‐year overall and renal cell carcinoma (RCC)‐specific survivals were 94.5% and 70.9%. There were five (10.9%) patients who had an upward migration in their chronic kidney disease status after PN.

There were six previous series totalling 280 tumours encompassing the published experience of PN for tumours >7 cm in size. The incidence of urinary fistulae and postoperative haemorrhage, respectively, was in the range 3.3–18.8% and 0–3%.

Although oncological outcomes showed cancer‐specific survival in the range 66–97.0%, series matching PN and RN in patients with T2 RCC show equivalency in RCC‐specific and overall survivals. When reported, PN for tumours >7 cm in size was associated with better renal functional preservation.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study show that PN can safely be performed in tumours ≥7 cm in size with acceptable technical, oncological and functional outcomes. Further studies are warranted.
What determines the profitability of banks? Evidence from Spain
Authors: Trujillo‐Ponce Antonio
Published: January 2012

This paper empirically analyses the factors that determine the profitability of Spanish banks for the period of 1999–2009. We conclude that the high bank profitability during these years is associated with a large percentage of loans in total assets, a high proportion of customer deposits, good efficiency and a low doubtful assets ratio. In addition, higher capital ratios also increase the bank’s return, but only when return on assets (ROA) is used as the profitability measure. We find no evidence of either economies or diseconomies of scale or scope in the Spanish banking sector. Finally, our study reveals differences in the performance of commercial and savings banks.
Facilitating SME Innovation Capability through Business Networking
Authors: Konsti‐Laakso Suvi , Pihkala Timo , Kraus Sascha
Published: January 2012

Innovation processes can be regarded as complex, dynamic, and a result of cumulative dynamic interaction and learning processes involving many actors. In this setting, private small‐ and medium‐sized businesses (SMEs) can be considered a key factor – as generators of new ideas, as entrepreneurs carrying out new ventures, and as partners for other local actors. This study focuses on the SME networks and their ability to participate in innovative processes directed at new value creation. We present a case study of the development of a young innovation network. Our focus in the case study is on the SME's ability to carry out innovation and new value creation in a network. The key contribution of the study centers on the new understanding of the way SME innovation could be promoted through facilitated network development.
Bedlam or Parnassus: The Verse Idea
Authors: Jarvis Simon
Published: January 2012

This essay considers some problems in philosophical approaches to poetry. Philosophers’ accounts of what poetry is are often ill informed. They tend to select, as essential, features that can also characterize prose works: conspicuous metaphoricity, imagination, fictionality, and so on. This essay considers instead a humbler term: verse. It argues that the constraints on language implied by composing in verse are not only a handicap but can also be an engine for thinking. Even philosophy has sometimes been thought in verse, rather than thought first in prose and versified later. This argument is explored through a brief consideration of Alexander Pope's Essay on Man. The essay concludes by questioning a further way of distinguishing between poetry and philosophy, Peter Lamarque's claim that paraphrasability is essential to philosophy but fatal to poetry.
Philosophy, Early Modern Intellectual History, and the History of Philosophy
Authors: Edwards Michael
Published: January 2012

Historians of philosophy are increasingly likely to emphasize the extent to which their work offers a pay‐off for philosophers of un‐historical or anti‐historical inclinations; but this defence is less familiar, and often seems less than self‐evident, to intellectual historians. This article examines this tendency, arguing that such arguments for the instrumental value of historical scholarship in philosophy are often more problematic than they at first appear. Using the relatively familiar case study of René Descartes' reading of his scholastic and Aristotelian contemporaries, the article attempts to problematize this notion of pay‐off from an historian's perspective.
Forms of Reflection, Imagination, and the Love of Wisdom
Authors: Hedley Douglas
Published: January 2012

This article reflects upon the relationship between philosophy and theology. It further considers the persisting relevance of the specifically Hellenic inheritance of philosophy as contemplation and the Delphic exhortation, “Know thyself!” It concludes with reflections upon the role of imagination in relation to the philosophical idea of God as the supreme and transcendent causal principle of the physical cosmos.
Allometric covariation: a hallmark behavior of plants and leaves
Authors: Price Charles A. , Weitz Joshua S.
Published: January 2012

Size is one of the most important axes of variation among plants. As such, plant biologists have long searched for unifying principles that can explain how matter and energy flux and organ partitioning scale with plant size. Several recent models have proposed a universal biophysical basis for numerous scaling phenomena in plants based on vascular network geometry. Here, we review statistical analyses of several large‐scale plant datasets that demonstrate that a true hallmark of plant form variability is systematic covariation among traits. This covariation is constrained by allometries that combine and trade off with one another, rather than any single universal allometric scaling exponent for a trait or suite of traits. Further, we show that covariation can be successfully modeled using network approaches that allow for species‐specific designs in plants and geometric approaches that constrain relationships among economic traits in leaves. Finally, we report large‐scale efforts utilizing semi‐automated software tools that quantify physical networks and can inform our attempts to link vascular network structure to plant form and function. Collectively, this work highlights how the linking of morphology, biomass partitioning and the structure of physical distribution networks can improve our empirical and theoretical understanding of important drivers of plant functional diversity.
The effects of anthropogenic alteration of nesting habitat on rates of extra‐pair fertilization and intraspecific brood parasitism in Canada Geese Branta canadensis
Authors: MOORE JENNIFER A. , KAMARAINEN AMY M. , SCRIBNER KIM T. , MYKUT CURT , PRINCE HAROLD H.
Published: January 2012

Parentage studies have shown that alternative reproductive strategies are widespread in many avian taxa that were once thought to be monogamous. Recent anthropogenically mediated habitat change may have disrupted ecological factors, such as breeding density, which have given rise to inter‐ and intraspecific variation in the frequency of extra‐pair fertilization (EPF) and intraspecific brood parasitism (IBP). We used genetic analyses to quantify the incidence of alternative reproductive strategies exhibited within clutches of Canada Geese Branta canadensis maxima nesting in high‐ and low‐density situations in and around urban areas in southern Michigan, USA. We tested the hypothesis that high nesting density would increase the frequency of EPF and IBP. There were no significant differences in rates of EPF and IBP clutches (14 and 26% of clutches, respectively) from nests in high‐density (21.7% EPF, 21.7% IBP) vs. low‐density (5.3% EPF, 31.6% IBP) areas, although high‐density sites had a fourfold higher rate of EPF. Rates of EPF and IBP in high‐density urban areas in Michigan were comparable to rates observed in other species nesting under different ecological conditions. Levels of relatedness between host and parasitic females were higher than expected by chance, suggesting that related females are more tolerant of one another and that host females could gain inclusive fitness benefits from rearing parasitic offspring. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the different costs and benefits associated with alternative behavioural repertoires that may vary as habitats and associated selection pressures are increasingly modified by human activities.
The Role of Matched Controls in Building an Evidence Base for Hospital‐Avoidance Schemes: A Retrospective Evaluation
Authors: Steventon Adam , Bardsley Martin , Billings John , Georghiou Theo , Lewis Geraint Hywel
Published: January 2012

Objective

To test whether two hospital‐avoidance interventions altered rates of hospital use: “intermediate care” and “integrated care teams.”

Data Sources/Study Setting

Linked administrative data for England covering the period 2004 to 2009.

Study Design

This study was commissioned after the interventions had been in place for several years. We developed a method based on retrospective analysis of person‐level data comparing health care use of participants with that of prognostically matched controls.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Individuals were linked to administrative datasets through a trusted intermediary and a unique patient identifier.

Principal Findings

Participants who received the intermediate care intervention showed higher rates of unscheduled hospital admission than matched controls, whereas recipients of the integrated care team intervention showed no difference. Both intervention groups showed higher rates of mortality than did their matched controls.

Conclusions

These are potentially powerful techniques for assessing impacts on hospital activity. Neither intervention reduced admission rates. Although our analysis of hospital utilization controlled for a wide range of observable characteristics, the difference in mortality rates suggests that some residual confounding is likely. Evaluation is constrained when performed retrospectively, and careful interpretation is needed.
Early progress in epigenetic regulation of endothelin pathway genes
Authors: Welch AK , Jacobs ME , Wingo CS , Cain BD
Published: January 2012

Control of gene transcription is a major regulatory determinant for function of the endothelin pathway. Epigenetic mechanisms act on tissue‐specific gene expression during development and in response to physiological stimuli. Most of the limited evidence available on epigenetic regulation of the endothelin pathway focuses on the EDN1 and EDNRB genes. Examination of whole genome databases suggests that both genes are influenced by histone modifications and DNA methylation. This interpretation is supported by studies directed at detecting epigenetic action on the two genes. The clearest illustration of epigenetic factors altering endothelin signalling is DNA methylation‐associated EDNRB silencing during tumourigenesis. This review summarizes our current understanding of epigenetic regulation of the endothelin pathway genes.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Endothelin. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.168.issue-2
Drug‐like actions of autoantibodies against receptors of the autonomous nervous system and their impact on human heart function
Authors: Herda LR , Felix SB , Boege F
Published: January 2012

Antibodies against cholinergic and adrenergic receptors (adrenoceptors) are frequent in serum of patients with chronic heart failure. Their prevalence is associated with Chagas' disease, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and ischaemic heart disease. Among the epitopes targeted are first and second extracellular loops of the β‐adrenergic (β‐adrenoceptor) and M2 muscarinic receptor. β1‐adrenoceptor autoantibodies affect radioligand binding and cardiomyocyte function similar to agonists. Corresponding rodent immunizations induce symptoms compatible with chronic heart failure that are reversible upon removal of the antibodies, transferable via the serum and abrogated by adrenergic antagonists. In DCM patients, prevalence and stimulatory efficacy of β1‐adrenoceptor autoantibodies are correlated to the decline in cardiac function, ventricular arrhythmia and higher incidence of cardiac death. In conclusion, such autoantibodies seem to cause or promote chronic human left ventricular dysfunction by acting on their receptor targets in a drug‐like fashion. However, the pharmacology of this interaction is poorly understood. It is unclear how the autoantibodies trigger changes in receptor activity and second messenger coupling and how that is related to the pathogenesis and severity of the associated diseases. Here, we summarize the available evidence regarding these issues and discuss these findings in the light of recent knowledge about the conformational activation of the human β2‐adrenoceptor and the properties of bona fide cardiopathogenic autoantibodies derived from immune‐adsorption therapy of DCM patients. These considerations might contribute to the conception of therapy regimen aimed at counteracting or neutralizing cardiopathogenic receptor autoantibodies.
Renin activates PI3K‐Akt‐eNOS signalling through the angiotensin AT1 and Mas receptors to modulate central blood pressure control in the nucleus tractus solitarii
Authors: Cheng Wen‐Han , Lu Pei‐Jung , Hsiao Michael , Hsiao Chun‐Hui , Ho Wen‐Yu , Cheng Pei‐Wen , Lin Chia‐Te , Hong Ling‐Zong , Tseng Ching‐Jiunn
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) is critical for the control of blood pressure by the CNS. Recently, direct renin inhibitors were approved as antihypertensive agents. However, the signalling mechanism of renin, which regulates blood pressure in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) remains unclear. Here we have investigated the signalling pathways involved in renin‐mediated blood pressure regulation, at the NTS.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Depressor responses to renin microinjected into the NTS of Wistar‐Kyoto rats were elicited in the absence and presence of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)‐specific inhibitor, N(5)‐(‐iminoethyl)‐L‐ornithine, Akt inhibitor IV and LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor and GP antagonist‐2A [Gq inhibitor]. Lisinopril (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor), losartan, valsartan (angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonists), D‐Ala7‐Ang‐(1‐7) (angiotensin‐(1‐7) receptor antagonist) were used to study the involvement of RAS on renin‐induced depressor effects.

KEY RESULTS

Microinjection of renin into the NTS produced a prominent depressor effect and increased NO production. Pretreatment with Gq‐PI3K‐Akt‐eNOS pathway‐specific inhibitors significantly attenuated the depressor response evoked by renin. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemical studies further showed that inhibition of PI3K significantly blocked renin‐induced eNOS‐Ser117 and Akt‐Ser473 phosphorylation in situ. In addition, pre‐treatment of the NTS with RAS inhibitors attenuated the vasodepressor effects evoked by renin. Microinjection of renin also increased Ras activation in the NTS.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Taken together, these results suggest renin modulated blood pressure at the NTS by AT1 and Mas receptor‐mediated activation of Gq and Ras to evoke PI3K‐Akt‐eNOS signalling.
Genomic Expression Patterns in Menstrual‐Related Migraine in Adolescents
Authors: Hershey Andrew , Horn Paul , Kabbouche Marielle , O'Brien Hope , Powers Scott
Published: January 2012

Background.— Exacerbation of migraine with menses is common in adolescent girls and women with migraine, occurring in up to 60% of females with migraine. These migraines are oftentimes longer and more disabling and may be related to estrogen levels and hormonal fluctuations.

Objective.— This study identifies the unique genomic expression pattern of menstrual‐related migraine (MRM) in comparison to migraine occurring outside the menstrual period and headache‐free controls.

Methods.— Whole blood samples were obtained from female subjects having an acute migraine during their menstrual period (MRM) or outside of their menstrual period (non‐MRM) and controls (C) – females having a menstrual period without any history of headache. The messenger RNA was isolated from these samples, and genomic profile was assessed. Affymetrix Human Exon ST 1.0 (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA, USA) arrays were used to examine the genomic expression pattern differences between these3 groups.

Results.— Blood genomic expression patterns were obtained on 56 subjects (MRM =  18, non‐MRM =  18, and controls =  20). Unique genomic expression patterns were observed for both MRM and non‐MRM. For MRM, 77 genes were identified that were unique to MRM, while 61 genes were commonly expressed for MRM and non‐MRM, and 127 genes appeared to have a unique expression pattern for non‐MRM. In addition, there were 279 genes that differentially expressed for MRM compared to non‐MRM that were not differentially expressed for non‐MRM. Gene ontology of these samples indicated many of these groups of genes were functionally related and included categories of immunomodulation/inflammation, mitochondrial function, and DNA homeostasis.

Conclusions.— Blood genomic patterns can accurately differentiate MRM from non‐MRM. These results indicate that MRM involves a unique molecular biology pathway that can be identified with a specific biomarker and suggest that individuals with MRM have a different underlying genetic etiology.