bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model of end stage liver disease (MELD) score greater than 23 predicts length of stay in the ICU but not mortality in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Oberkofler Christian E , Dutkowski Philipp , Stocker Reto , Schuepbach Reto A , Stover John F , Clavien Pierre-Alain , Béchir Markus
Published: July 2010

Introduction

The impact of model of end stage liver disease (MELD) score on postoperative morbidity and mortality is still elusive, especially for high MELD. There are reports of poorer patient outcome in transplant candidates with high MELD score, others though report no influence of MELD score on outcome and survival.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data of 144 consecutive liver transplant recipients over a 72-month period in our transplant unit, from January 2003 until December 2008 and performed uni- and multivariate analysis for morbidity and mortality, in particular to define the influence of MELD to these parameters.

Results

This study identified MELD score greater than 23 as an independent risk factor of morbidity represented by intensive care unit (ICU) stay longer than 10 days (odds ratio 7.0) but in contrast had no negative impact on mortality. Furthermore, we identified transfusion of more than 7 units of red blood cells as independent risk factor for mortality (hazard ratio 7.6) and for prolonged ICU stay (odds ratio [OR] 7.8) together with transfusion of more than 10 units of fresh frozen plasma (OR 11.6). Postoperative renal failure is a strong predictor of morbidity (OR 7.9) and postoperative renal replacement therapy was highly associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio 6.8), as was hepato renal syndrome prior to transplantation (hazard ratio 13.2).

Conclusions

This study identified MELD score greater than 23 as an independent risk factor of morbidity represented by ICU stay longer than 10 days but in contrast had no negative impact on mortality. This finding supports the transplantation of patients with high MELD score but only with knowledge of increased morbidity.
Identification of a bone marrow-derived CD8αα+ dendritic cell-like population in inflamed autoimmune target tissue with capability of inducing T cell apoptosis
Authors: Wu Jean , Zhou Cindy , Robertson Julie , Weng Connie C Y , Meistrich Marvin L , Tailor Ramesh C , Lou Ya-Huan
Published: July 2010

Special dendrictic cells invade target tissue at late autoimmune inflammation stage and may terminate inflammation by induction of T cell apoptosis.

DCs play critical roles in promotion of autoimmunity or immune tolerance as potent APCs. In our anti-GBM GN model, WKY rats develop severe T cell-mediated glomerular inflammation followed by fibrosis. A DC-like cell population (CD8αα+CD11c+MHC-II+ED1–) was identified in the inflamed glomeruli. Chimera experiments demonstrated that the CD8αα+ cells were derived from BM. The CD8αα+ cells infiltrated glomeruli at a late stage (Days 28–35), coincident with a rapid decline in glomerular inflammation before fibrosis. The CD8αα+ cells isolated from inflamed glomeruli were able to migrate rapidly from the bloodstream into inflamed glomeruli but not into normal glomeruli, suggesting that the migration was triggered by local inflammation. Despite high-level expression of surface and cellular MHC class II molecules, in vitro experiments showed that this CD8αα+ DC-like cell induced apoptosis but not proliferation in antigen-specific CD4+ T cells from T cell lines or freshly isolated from lymph nodes; they were not able to do so in the absence of antigens, suggesting induction of apoptosis was antigen-specific. Furthermore, apoptotic T cells were detected in a large number in the glomeruli at Day 32, coincident with the infiltration of the cells into glomeruli, suggesting that the cells may also induce T cell apoptosis in vivo. A potential role of this CD8αα+ DC-like population in peripheral immune tolerance and/or termination of autoimmune inflammation was discussed.
The role of interferon-γ in the pathogenesis of acute intra-abdominal sepsis
Authors: Romero Christopher R , Herzig Daniela S , Etogo Anthony , Nunez Jesus , Mahmoudizad Rod , Fang Geping , Murphey E D , Toliver-Kinsky Tracy , Sherwood Edward R
Published: July 2010

IFNγ produced by intraperitoneal myeloid and NK cells during cecal ligation/puncture-induced septic shock facilitates myeloid cell activation yet blockade of IFNγ does not improve survival.

Several studies indicate that IFN-γ facilitates systemic inflammation during endotoxin-induced shock. However, the pathobiology of IFN-γ in clinically relevant models of septic shock, such as CLP, is not well understood. In this study, the role of IFN-γ in the pathogenesis of CLP-induced septic shock was evaluated by examining IFN-γ production at the tissue and cellular levels. The impact of IFN-γ neutralization on systemic inflammation, bacterial clearance, and survival was also determined. Following CLP, concentrations of IFN-γ in plasma and peritoneal lavage fluid were low in comparison with concentrations of IL-6 and MIP-2, as was IFN-γ mRNA expression in liver and spleen. The overall percentage of IFN-γ+ splenocytes was <5% after CLP and not statistically different from control mice. Intracellular IFN-γ was present in a large proportion of peritoneal exudate cells after CLP, primarily in infiltrating myeloid cells and NK cells. i.p. myeloid cell activation was decreased in IFN-γKO mice, and plasma concentrations of IL-6 and MIP-2 were significantly lower in IFN-γKO mice and in mice treated with anti-IFN-γ compared with controls, but bacterial clearance was not affected. IFN-γKO mice were resistant to CLP-induced mortality when treated with systemic antibiotics. However, neutralization of IFN-γ with blocking antibodies did not improve survival significantly. These studies show that IFN-γ facilitates the proinflammatory response during CLP-induced septic shock. However, neutralization of IFN-γ did not improve survival uniformly.
Randomized Clinical Trial of Telephone-Administered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Reduce Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Distress Symptoms After Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation
Authors: DuHamel Katherine N. , Mosher Catherine E. , Winkel Gary , Labay Larissa E. , Rini Christine , Meschian Yeraz Markarian , Austin Jane , Greene Paul B. , Lawsin Catalina R. , Rusiewicz Anna , Grosskreutz Celia L. , Isola Luis , Moskowitz Craig H. , Papadopoulos Esperanza B. , Rowley Scott , Scigliano Eileen , Burkhalter Jack E. , Hurley Karen E. , Bollinger Andreas R. , Redd William H.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

A significant number of survivors of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) report enduring adverse effects of treatment, including illness-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and general distress. We report results of a randomized clinical trial that tested the effects of a 10-session, telephone-administered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention on PTSD, depression, and distress symptoms.

Methods

Survivors who had undergone HSCT 1 to 3 years earlier (N = 408) were assessed for study eligibility. Those who met study eligibility criteria (n = 89) completed a baseline assessment that included a clinical interview and self-report measures of PTSD symptoms (the primary outcome) and depression and general distress (the secondary outcomes). Next, they were randomly assigned to CBT or an assessment-only condition. Survivors in the CBT group completed 10 individual telephone-based CBT sessions (T-CBT) that included strategies to reduce PTSD symptoms, depression, and general distress. Follow-up assessments occurred at 6, 9, and 12 months after the baseline assessment.

Results

Linear mixed-model analyses revealed that, compared with HSCT survivors in the assessment-only condition, survivors who completed T-CBT reported fewer illness-related PTSD symptoms, including less avoidance (P < .001) and fewer intrusive thoughts (P < .05) as well as less general distress and fewer depressive symptoms (P < .05) even after controlling for potential demographic and medical covariates. These results were consistent across the three follow-up assessments.

Conclusion

A brief, telephone-administered CBT intervention developed for HSCT survivors is an efficacious treatment for reducing illness-related PTSD symptoms and general distress.
Procarbazine-Free OEPA-COPDAC Chemotherapy in Boys and Standard OPPA-COPP in Girls Have Comparable Effectiveness in Pediatric Hodgkin's Lymphoma: The GPOH-HD-2002 Study
Authors: Mauz-Körholz Christine , Hasenclever Dirk , Dörffel Wolfgang , Ruschke Kathrin , Pelz Tanja , Voigt Antje , Stiefel Martina , Winkler Melanie , Vilser Constanze , Dieckmann Karin , Karlén Jonas , Bergsträsser Eva , Fosså Alexander , Mann Georg , Hummel Michael , Klapper Wolfram , Stein Harald , Vordermark Dirk , Kluge Regine , Körholz Dieter
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, and doxorubicin (OEPA)–cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, and dacarbazine (COPDAC) is derived from standard vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone, and doxorubicin (OPPA)–cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (COPP) chemotherapy by replacing procarbazine with etoposide and dacarbazine for a potentially less gonadotoxic regimen for boys with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL).

Patients and Methods

Five hundred seventy-three pediatric patients with classical HL were enrolled onto the German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology–Hodgkin's Disease (GPOH-HD) -2002 study between November 2002 and December 2005. Boys received two courses of OEPA and girls received two courses of OPPA for induction. Treatment group (TG) -2 (intermediate stages) and TG-3 (advanced stages) patients received further two or four cycles COPP (girls) or COPDAC (boys), respectively. After chemotherapy all patients received involved-field irradiation with 19.8 Gy, except for patients with early-stage disease (TG-1) in complete remission.

Results

Five hundred seventy-three patients (287 males and 286 females) were less than 18 years old and fulfilled all inclusion criteria; 195 patients (34.0%) were allocated to TG-1, 139 (24.3%) were allocated to TG-2, and 239 (41.7%) were allocated to TG-3. Toxicity of OEPA-COPDAC was tolerable overall. Hematotoxicity was more pronounced with OEPA than OPPA, whereas it was less pronounced with COPDAC compared with COPP. The median observation time was 58.6 months. Overall survival and event-free survival (EFS) rates (± SE) at 5 years were 97.4% ± 0.7% and 89.0% ± 1.4%, respectively. In TG-1, overall EFS was 92.0% ± 2.0%. EFS of patients without irradiation (93.2% ± 3.3%) was similar to that of irradiated patients (91.7% ± 2.5%), confirming results of the previous GPOH-HD-95 study. In TG-2+3, EFS did not significantly differ between boys and girls (90.2% ± 2.3 v 84.7% ± 2.7, respectively; P = .12).

Conclusion

In TG-2+3, results in boys and girls are superimposable. OPPA-COPP and OEPA-COPDAC seem to be exchangeable regimens in intermediate- and advanced-stage classical HL in pediatric patients.
High Rates of Durable Responses With Anti-CD22 Fractionated Radioimmunotherapy: Results of a Multicenter, Phase I/II Study in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Morschhauser Franck , Kraeber-Bodéré Françoise , Wegener William A. , Harousseau Jean-Luc , Petillon Marie-Odile , Huglo Damien , Trümper Lorenz H. , Meller Johannes , Pfreundschuh Michael , Kirsch Carl-Martin , Naumann Ralph , Kropp Joachim , Horne Heather , Teoh Nick , Le Gouill Steven , Bodet-Milin Caroline , Chatal Jean-Francois , Goldenberg David M.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Fractionated radioimmunotherapy targeting CD22 may substantially improve responses and outcome in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

Patients and Methods

A multicenter trial evaluated two or three weekly infusions of yttrium-90 (90Y) epratuzumab tetraxetan (humanized anti-CD22 antibody) in 64 patients with relapsed/refractory NHL, including 17 patients who underwent prior autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). Objective (OR) and complete responses (CR/complete response unconfirmed [CRu]), as well as progression-free survival (PFS), were determined.

Results

At the maximum total 90Y dose of 45 mCi/m2 (1,665 MBq/m2), grade 3 to 4 hematologic toxicities were reversible to grade 1 in patients with less than 25% bone marrow involvement. The overall OR rate and median PFS for all 61 evaluable patients was 62% (CR/CRu, 48%) and 9.5 months, respectively. Patients without prior ASCT obtained high OR rates of 71% (CR/CRu, 55%) across all NHL subtypes and 90Y doses, even in poor-risk categories (refractory to last anti-CD20–containing regimen, 73% [CR/CRu, 60%]; bulky disease: 71% [CR/CRu, 43%]). Patients with prior ASCT received lower doses, but achieved an OR rate of 41% (CR/CRu, 29%). For patients with follicular lymphoma (FL), OR rates and median PFS increased with total 90Y-dose, reaching 100% (CR/CRu, 92%) and 24.6 months, respectively, at the highest dose levels (> 30 mCi/m2 total 90Y-dose [1,110 MBq/m2]). Further, patients with FL refractory to prior anti-CD20–containing regimens achieved 90% (nine of 10 patients) OR and CR/CRu rates and a median PFS of 21.5 months.

Conclusion

Fractionated anti-CD22 radioimmunotherapy provides high total doses of 90Y, yielding high rates of durable CR/CRus in relapsed/refractory NHL, resulting in 20 mCi/m2 × 2 weeks as the recommended dose for future studies.
Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Long-Acting Methylphenidate for Cancer-Related Fatigue: North Central Cancer Treatment Group NCCTG-N05C7 Trial
Authors: Moraska Amanda R. , Sood Amit , Dakhil Shaker R. , Sloan Jeff A. , Barton Debra , Atherton Pamela J. , Suh Jason J. , Griffin Patricia C. , Johnson David B. , Ali Aneela , Silberstein Peter T. , Duane Steven F. , Loprinzi Charles L.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms experienced by patients with cancer. This trial was developed to evaluate the efficacy of long-acting methylphenidate for improving cancer-related fatigue and to assess its toxicities.

Patients and Methods

Adults with cancer were randomly assigned in a double-blinded manner to receive methylphenidate (target dose, 54 mg/d) or placebo for 4 weeks. The Brief Fatigue Inventory was the primary outcome measure, while secondary outcome measures included a Symptom Experience Diary (SED), the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Vitality Subscale, a linear analog self-assessment, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Subject Global Impression of Change.

Results

In total, 148 patients were enrolled. Using an area under the serum concentration-time curve analysis, there was no evidence that methylphenidate, as compared with placebo, improved the primary end point of cancer-related fatigue in this patient population (P = .35). Comparisons of secondary end points, including clinically significant changes in quality-of-life variables and cancer-related fatigue change from baseline, were similarly negative. However, a subset analysis suggested that patients with more severe fatigue and/or with more advanced disease did have some fatigue improvement with methylphenidate (eg, in patients with stage III or IV disease, the mean improvement in usual fatigue was 19.7 with methylphenidate v 2.1 with placebo; P = .02). There was a significant difference in self-reported toxicities (SED), with increased levels of nervousness and appetite loss in the methylphenidate arm.

Conclusion

This clinical trial was unable to support the primary prestudy hypothesis that the chosen long-acting methylphenidate product would decrease cancer-related fatigue.
Prognostic Impact of Minimal Residual Disease inCBFB-MYH11–Positive Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Corbacioglu Andrea , Scholl Claudia , Schlenk Richard F. , Eiwen Karina , Du Juan , Bullinger Lars , Fröhling Stefan , Reimer Peter , Rummel Mathias , Derigs Hans-Günter , Nachbaur David , Krauter Jürgen , Ganser Arnold , Döhner Hartmut , Döhner Konstanze
Published: July 2010

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic impact of minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) expressing the CBFB-MYH11 fusion transcript.

Patients and Methods

Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on 684 bone marrow (BM; n = 331) and/or peripheral blood (PB; n = 353) samples (median, 13 samples per patient) from 53 younger adult (16 to 60 years old) patients with AML treated in prospective German-Austrian AML Study Group treatment trials. Samples were obtained at diagnosis (BM, n = 45; PB, n = 48), during treatment course (BM, n = 153; PB, n = 122), and at follow-up (BM, n = 133; PB, n = 183). To evaluate the applicability of PB for MRD detection, 198 paired BM and PB samples obtained at identical time points were analyzed.

Results

The following three clinically relevant checkpoints were identified during consolidation and early follow-up that predicted relapse: achievement of PCR negativity in at least one BM sample during consolidation therapy (2-year relapse-free survival [RFS], 79% v 54% for PCR positivity; P = .035); achievement of PCR negativity in at least two BM or PB samples during consolidation therapy and early follow-up (≤ 3 months; 2-year RFS, P = .001; overall survival, P = .01); and conversion from PCR negativity to PCR positivity with copy ratios of more than 10 after consolidation therapy. Analysis of paired BM and PB samples revealed BM samples to be more sensitive during the course of therapy, whereas for follow-up, PB samples were equally informative.

Conclusion

We defined clinically relevant MRD checkpoints that allow for the identification of patients with CBFB-MYH11–positive AML who are at high risk of relapse. Monitoring of CBFB-MYH11 transcript levels should be incorporated into future clinical trials to guide therapeutic decisions.
Chromatin interaction of TATA-binding protein is dynamically regulated in human cells
Authors: de Graaf Petra , Mousson Florence , Geverts Bart , Scheer Elisabeth , Tora Laszlo , Houtsmuller Adriaan B. , Timmers H. Th. Marc
Published: July 2010

Gene transcription in mammalian cells is a dynamic process involving regulated assembly of transcription complexes on chromatin in which the TATA-binding protein (TBP) plays a central role. Here, we investigate the dynamic behaviour of TBP by a combination of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and biochemical assays using human cell lines of different origin. The majority of nucleoplasmic TBP and other TFIID subunits associate with chromatin in a highly dynamic manner. TBP dynamics are regulated by the joint action of the SNF2-related BTAF1 protein and the NC2 complex. Strikingly, both BTAF1 and NC2 predominantly affect TBP dissociation rates, leaving the association rate unchanged. Chromatin immunoprecipitation shows that BTAF1 negatively regulates TBP and NC2 binding to active promoters. Our results support a model for a BTAF1-mediated release of TBP-NC2 complexes from chromatin.
Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Activities over WO3 on Glass Filters
Authors: Sayama Kazuhiro , Hayashi Hiroki , Konishi Yoshiya , Gunji Takahiro , Sugihara Hideki
Published: July 2010

WO3 on a glass filter prepared from peroxotungstic acid (PA) showed not only high photocatalytic activity under solar simulated light but also high antibacterial activity even if light irradiation was not present.
A Simple and Convenient Method to Fabricate Hexagonally Ordered Gold Nanoparticle Arrays Using Diblock Copolymer Micelle Template
Authors: Watanabe Shigeru , Nakano Shin , Imai Chie , Laskar Inamur R , Komura Tomonori , Hadano Shingo , Iyoda Tomokazu
Published: July 2010

Monolayer films of hexagonally ordered diblock copolymer micelles were prepared as templates by self-assembly. Gold nanoparticles immediately self-assembled on each individual micelle upon immersion of the template in an aqueous solution of the nanoparticles. This provided a simple, convenient, and inexpensive nanofabrication technique for manufacturing ordered arrays of gold nanoparticles over an extended area.
Rearrangement and Fragmentation of Estrogen Ether Ions: New Aspects Found with Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Freudenhammer Christoph , Grotemeyer Jürgen
Published: July 2010

Electrospray ionization mass spectra of several di- and tri-hydroxy-estratriene-ethers, as well as estradiol and estriol, have been investigated by high-resolution mass spectrometry. The fragmentation mechanisms leading to the loss of water molecules from the protonated molecular ion have been rationalized by using protecting groups as well as mass spectrometric means such as collision-induced dissociation and infrared multi-photon dissociation. The unexpected observation of a simultaneous loss of two water molecules from the protonated estradiol ethers and of three water molecules from the protonated estriol ethers has been discussed with respect to varying reaction mechanisms and rearrangements. Results and conclusions derived from them were obtained by adequate deuterated ethers.
Of proteins and RNA: The RNase P/MRP family
Authors: Esakova Olga , Krasilnikov Andrey S.
Published: July 2010

Nuclear ribonuclease (RNase) P is a ubiquitous essential ribonucleoprotein complex, one of only two known RNA-based enzymes found in all three domains of life. The RNA component is the catalytic moiety of RNases P across all phylogenetic domains; it contains a well-conserved core, whereas peripheral structural elements are diverse. RNA components of eukaryotic RNases P tend to be less complex than their bacterial counterparts, a simplification that is accompanied by a dramatic reduction of their catalytic ability in the absence of protein. The size and complexity of the protein moieties increase dramatically from bacterial to archaeal to eukaryotic enzymes, apparently reflecting the delegation of some structural functions from RNA to proteins and, perhaps, in response to the increased complexity of the cellular environment in the more evolutionarily advanced organisms; the reasons for the increased dependence on proteins are not clear. We review current information on RNase P and the closely related universal eukaryotic enzyme RNase MRP, focusing on their functions and structural organization.
Hepcidin concentrations and iron homeostasis in preeclampsia
Authors: Toldi Gergely , Stenczer Balázs , Molvarec Attila , Takáts Zoltán , Bekő Gabriella , Rigó János , Vásárhelyi Barna
Published: July 2010

Background: Plasma iron is increased in preeclampsia (PE) when compared to healthy pregnant women. This is in contrast to inflammation characteristic for PE. The link between iron homeostasis and inflammation is hepcidin. Our goal was to describe hepcidin concentrations and its association with iron homeostasis in PE.

Methods: We obtained peripheral blood samples from 30 preeclamptic [gestational age: 36.5 (24–40) weeks] and 37 healthy pregnant women [gestational age: 36 (28–39) weeks] to determine plasma hepcidin and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations, complete blood cell counts and parameters of iron homeostasis [plasma iron, transferrin and ferritin levels and total iron binding capacity (TIBC)]. Hepcidin was measured using mass spectrophotometry. The Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Plasma hepcidin, IL-6, iron and ferritin concentrations were increased (p<0.05 for all), whereas plasma transferrin, TIBC and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations were lower (p<0.05 for all) in PE compared to healthy pregnant women. No differences were seen in the other parameters investigated.

Conclusions: Plasma iron concentrations are increased despite high hepcidin concentrations in PE. This might indicate a resistance to the iron-decreasing action of hepcidin.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1423–6.
Using cationic polyvinyl alcohol (C-PVA) to improve the strength of wood-free papers containing high-yield pulp (HYP)
Authors: Liu Xin , Fatehi Pedram , Ni Yonghao , Xiao Huining
Published: July 2010

High-yield pulp (HYP) is gaining increasing interest in wood-free papers, because it can improve the bulk, formation, and opacity of papers. However, one of the challenges for the papermakers is the strength of papers when a large amount of HYP is replaced with hardwood kraft pulp. In this work, we explored the potential of using cationic-modified polyvinyl alcohol (C-PVA) in increasing the strength properties of HYP. Also, C-PVA was applied to the paper-sheets made of softwood/hardwood bleached kraft pulps (SBKP/HBKP) and HYP under various conditions, and the corresponding paper properties were evaluated. It was observed that C-PVA increased the strength properties of these paper-sheets, and the results obtained from using C-PVA were only slightly less effective than those obtained from using cationic starch (C-starch). Furthermore, the addition of C-PVA to HYP, and subsequently mixing with the blend of SBKP/HBKP (option no. 1) improved the tensile and burst indices, light scattering coefficient and apparent density of paper-sheets more significantly than did the addition of C-PVA directly to the mixed furnish of SBKP/HBKP/HYP (option no. 2). Additionally, atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis showed that the attraction force, developed between the AFM-tip and the fiber surface, was changed by the C-PVA modification. The tensile and burst indices of paper-sheets were improved by adding 10 mg g-1C-PVA and substituting 30% of HYP for HBKP, whereas the tear index, apparent density, PPS-roughness, and brightness decreased.
Transitions Between Male and Female Heterogamety Caused by Sex-Antagonistic Selection
Authors: van Doorn G Sander , Kirkpatrick Mark
Published: July 2010

Many animal taxa show frequent and rapid transitions between male heterogamety (XY) and female heterogamety (ZW). We develop a model showing how these transitions can be driven by sex-antagonistic selection. Sex-antagonistic selection acting on loci linked to a new sex-determination mutation can cause it to invade, but when acting on loci linked to the ancestral sex-determination gene will inhibit an invasion. The strengths of the consequent indirect selection on the old and new sex-determination loci are mediated by the strengths of sex-antagonistic selection, linkage between the sex-antagonistic and sex-determination genes, and the amount of genetic variation. Sex-antagonistic loci that are tightly linked to a sex-determining gene have a vastly stronger influence on the balance of selection than more distant loci. As a result, changes in linkage, caused, for example, by an inversion that captures a sex-determination mutation and a gene under sex-antagonistic selection, can trigger transitions between XY and ZW systems. Sex-antagonistic alleles can become more strongly associated with pleiotropically dominant sex-determining factors, which may help to explain biases in the rates of transitions between male and female heterogamety. Deleterious recessive mutations completely linked to the ancestral Y chromosome can prevent invasion of a neo-W chromosome or result in a stable equilibrium at which XY and ZW systems segregate simultaneously at two linkage groups.
Bacterial DNA Uptake Sequences Can Accumulate by Molecular Drive Alone
Authors: Maughan H , Wilson L A , Redfield R J
Published: July 2010

Uptake signal sequences are DNA motifs that promote DNA uptake by competent bacteria in the family Pasteurellaceae and the genus Neisseria. The genomes of these bacteria contain many copies of their canonical uptake sequence (often >100-fold overrepresentation), so the bias of the uptake machinery causes cells to prefer DNA derived from close relatives over DNA from other sources. However, the molecular and evolutionary forces responsible for the abundance of uptake sequences in these genomes are not well understood, and their presence is not easily explained by any of the current models of the evolution of competence. Here we describe use of a computer simulation model to thoroughly evaluate the simplest explanation for uptake sequences, that they accumulate in genomes by a form of molecular drive generated by biased DNA uptake and evolutionarily neutral (i.e., unselected) recombination. In parallel we used an unbiased search algorithm to characterize genomic uptake sequences and DNA uptake assays to refine the Haemophilus influenzae uptake specificity. These analyses showed that biased uptake and neutral recombination are sufficient to drive uptake sequences to high densities, with the spacings, stabilities, and strong consensuses typical of uptake sequences in real genomes. This result greatly simplifies testing of hypotheses about the benefits of DNA uptake, because it explains how genomes could have passively accumulated sequences matching the bias of their uptake machineries.
Pubertal Stage and the Prevalence of Violence and Social/Relational Aggression
Authors: Hemphill Sheryl A. , Kotevski Aneta , Herrenkohl Todd I. , Toumbourou John W. , Carlin John B. , Catalano Richard F. , Patton George C.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE:

We examined associations between pubertal stage and violent adolescent behavior and social/relational aggression.

METHODS:

The International Youth Development Study comprises statewide representative student samples in grades 5, 7, and 9 (N = 5769) in Washington State and Victoria, Australia, drawn as a 2-stage cluster sample in each state. We used a school-administered, self-report student survey to measure previous-year violent behavior (ie, attacking or beating up another person) and social/relational aggression (excluding peers from the group, threatening to spread lies or rumors), as well as risk and protective factors and pubertal development. Cross-sectional data were analyzed.

RESULTS:

Compared with early puberty, the odds of violent behavior were approximately threefold higher in midpuberty (odds ratio [OR]: 2.87 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.81–4.55]) and late puberty (OR: 3.79 [95% CI: 2.25–6.39]) after adjustment for demographic factors. For social/relational aggression, there were weaker overall associations after adjustment, but these associations included an interaction between pubertal stage and age, and stronger associations with pubertal stage at younger age were shown (P = .003; midpuberty OR: 1.78 [95% CI: 1.20–2.63]; late puberty OR: 3.00 [95% CI: 1.95–4.63]). Associations between pubertal stage and violent behavior and social/relational aggression remained after the inclusion of social contextual mediators in the analyses.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pubertal stage was associated with higher rates of violent behavior and social/relational aggression, with the latter association seen only at younger ages. Puberty is an important phase at which to implement prevention programs to reduce adolescent violent and antisocial behaviors.
Assessing Length-Related Bias and the Need for Data Standardization in the Development of Standard Weight Equations
Authors: Ranney Steven H. , Fincel Mark J. , Wuellner Melissa R. , VanDeHey Justin A. , Brown Michael L.
Published: July 2010

The recently developed empirical percentile (EmP) method, a technique for deriving standard weight (Ws) equations, putatively reduces the length-related biases that often plague such equations. To determine whether the EmP method is superior to the regression line–percentile (RLP) method in reducing length-related biases, we developed new Ws equations by applying both methods to two morphologically distinct species, walleye Sander vitreus and black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus. We also investigated diagnostic approaches to provide quality control for weight–length data. We evaluated the new Ws equations with filtered independent data to determine which equation reduced length bias the most. We suggest a protocol for evaluating length-related bias using an independent data set. Our results showed that for randomly selected walleye populations, the RLP method did not have any length-related biases when relative weight (Wr) was plotted as a function of length. However, the Wr values calculated from the EmP Ws equations were length biased when the latter were applied to those same populations. Both methods generated Ws equations that were length biased when Wr was plotted as a function of length for black crappies. Further, the absolute difference in Wr between the RLP and EmP methods indicates that there is little difference between the methods as far as their relevance to management is concerned. Based on these results, we believe that revising existing Ws equations using the EmP method is unnecessary and that the RLP technique should remain the standard for developing Ws equations pending the development of an approach that clearly eliminates methodological length bias.
Evidence of Panmixia between Sympatric Life History Forms of Coastal Cutthroat Trout in Two Lower Columbia River Tributaries
Authors: Johnson Jeffrey R. , Baumsteiger Jason , Zydlewski Joseph , Hudson J. Michael , Ardren William
Published: July 2010

Coastal cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii exhibit resident and migratory life history strategies that often occur sympatrically, but the relationship between these forms within a population is poorly characterized. Through use of passive integrated transponder technology, migratory and resident coastal cutthroat trout were identified in two lower Columbia River tributaries (Abernathy Creek and the Chinook River) separated by more than 80 km. Genetic data from 17 highly variable microsatellite loci were used to ascertain the genetic population structure of these life history forms within and between streams. No distinct genetic separation was observed between the life history forms within a stream, as assessed by four different statistical approaches: permutation tests based on the genetic differentiation index FST, principal components analysis of individuals, analysis of molecular variance, and contingency tests of allele frequency heterogeneity. Genetic differences were an order of magnitude higher between stream samples (FST > 0.03) than between life history forms within a stream (FST < 0.003). The contingency test detected allele frequency differences between migratory and resident life history forms in Abernathy Creek (P = 0.001), but this result was influenced more by age-class structure than by reproductive isolation between life history forms. Results are consistent with a single, randomly mating population in each stream producing both migratory and resident life history forms. These data suggest that individual life history strategy in coastal cutthroat trout is predominantly determined by phenotypic plasticity rather than genotype.
The Native Range of Walleyes in the Missouri River Drainage
Authors: Hoagstrom C. W. , Berry C. R.
Published: July 2010

The southern limit of the native range of walleye Sander vitreus is difficult to determine because of sparse historical information, early stockings, and early human disturbances. The southwestern limit is traditionally set within the Missouri River drainage, but the exact limit is uncertain and investigators have recently postulated that walleyes are not native anywhere in the drainage. We conducted a literature review to assess this controversy. The walleye is invasive, it has been stocked into the drainage, and many populations are associated with human-effected habitats (e.g., reservoirs). However, distributional, fossil, and molecular data indicate that walleyes were widespread in the drainage during glacial periods, and there is little evidence that the habitats of the Missouri River drainage are unsuitable. Although the historical information is inconclusive, other fishes with similar histories are regarded as native in at least some of the waters of the drainage. Fish distributions in the Missouri River drainage are dynamic and responsive to climatic fluctuations and human disturbance. The walleye probably is most appropriately considered a marginal native of this basin. Populations should be individually designated native or nonnative based on the following criteria: (1) the population does (does not) inhabit waters accessible via natural dispersal given no anthropogenic barriers (i.e., potential native range), (2) natural habitat conditions would (would not) be suitable (i.e., present native range), and (3) the population does (does not) originate from a native source. These criteria could be applied to all associated fishes for increased consistency among designations.
Sportfishing Participation on Lake Ontario: Modeling the Past, Predicting the Future
Authors: Connelly Nancy A. , Brown Tommy L.
Published: July 2010

Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes bordering the United States and Canada, has a long, rich tradition of sportfishing. The lake provides a good case study showing how biological, societal, and managerial factors interact with each other to affect fishing participation. Fishing effort at Lake Ontario peaked in 1990 and has since trended downward. Using multiple-regression analysis, we found three variables that explain the number of fishing boat trips taken on Lake Ontario over time. The first variable, time, may be acting as a surrogate for two interacting phenomena: the novelty of Great Lakes salmonid fishing specifically, which appears to be gradually declining, and the declining interest in fishing and outdoor recreation seen nationally. Stakeholders may look first for local explanations for changes, but they need to consider that national and societal trends may be very important. Second, a biological variable, the number of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. stocked in Lake Ontario, is positively correlated with boat trips. Third, the number of black bass Micropterus spp. harvested is positively correlated with the number of trips. Although not significant at the cutoff level of 0.05, this variable was retained in the model because it was considered an important variable and was close to the cutoff at 0.074. Forecasting these variables into the future, the model predicts a decline of 32% in fishing trips in the ensuing 5 years. Armed with this information, local communities can choose to be proactive and try to counteract the trend predicted by the model. The use of case studies and regression analysis to explain and forecast trends may be applicable to many other fisheries situations across the country.
Comparison of Two Alternative Approaches for Estimating Dam Passage Survival of Salmon Smolts
Authors: Skalski John R. , Townsend Richard L. , Steig Tracey W. , Hemstrom Steven
Published: July 2010

Traditional single and paired release–recapture models are incapable of providing unbiased estimates of dam passage survival because their assumptions can never be met. Nevertheless, regulatory requirements mandate the estimation of this important performance measure for migratory fish species passing through hydroprojects. We present a new release–recapture model that uses a virtual release of in-river migrants known to have arrived at the dam, combined with a paired release below the dam, to estimate dam passage survival. Analytical comparisons of the sampling precision of the proposed virtual–paired-release model and an established route-specific model found that the new approach was always more precise for equal release numbers of tagged fish. In a field trial at Rocky Reach Dam, Washington, using smolts of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka, the new approach estimated dam passage survival with more than twice the precision of the alternative method. The proposed virtual–paired-release design has the potential to provide robust and precise estimates of dam passage survival under a variety of hydroproject scenarios.
Physical Injuries in Juvenile Atlantic Salmon, Slimy Sculpin, and Blacknose Dace Attributable to Electrofishing
Authors: Clément Marie , Cunjak Richard A.
Published: July 2010

Juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar captured by electrofishing were X-rayed and dissected to determine rates of electrofishing-induced spinal injuries and hemorrhages. This study showed a low incidence of spinal injuries (11%) in electrofished wild parr captured alive and thereafter sacrificed. A negligible hemorrhage rate (2%) was observed. All of the spinal injuries observed were rated class 1 (minor injury), except for a class 2 injury in one parr. Larger, older wild parr (≥age 2) showed a higher incidence of spinal injuries (17%) than age-1 parr (4%). Parr captured with two or more electrofishing sweeps had a spinal injury rate of 20%, compared with 6% when captured with a single electrofishing sweep. Among the mortalities, 8% of the parr had spinal injuries (class 1 except for one class 3) and 5% had hemorrhages. Spinal injury was observed in 6% of the mortalities of slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus and blacknose dace Rhinichthys atratulus; no hemorrhages were observed in these fish. This study showed that electrofishing produced a low incidence of injuries in juvenile Atlantic salmon, slimy sculpin, and blacknose dace. Nonetheless, caution is advised when conducting electrofishing surveys because sublethal effects other than physical injuries remain largely unknown.
Did the Texas Closure Increase Brown Shrimp Catches off Texas?
Authors: Matlock Gary C.
Published: July 2010

The annual catch of brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus off Texas is forecasted by the National Marine Fisheries Service using a model that relates spring (April–June) juvenile abundance in Galveston Bay to subsequent offshore catch (July to the following June). The model is not well documented, nor has it been used rigorously to examine the success of management actions in enhancing the fishery. State and federal agencies use an areal closure of Gulf of Mexico waters deeper than 4 fathoms from late May to early July to increase shrimp abundance, catch, and value by delaying the harvest of emigrating juvenile shrimp. This study reports a preclosure (1960–1980) regression that explained over 70% of the variation in offshore Texas catches as a function of the juvenile abundance index from Galveston Bay. Positive effects of the closure—in terms of increasing the catch for a given level of juvenile abundance in 1981–2007—were not found in this study. However, the utility of the relationship between the juvenile abundance index and catch as a forecasting tool continued through 2007, but with less precision than in the preclosure regression.
Recall Bias in a Sportfishing Mail Survey
Authors: Osborn Maury F. , Matlock Gary C.
Published: July 2010

Information on sportfishing activity is often collected through mail and telephone surveys. These surveys may rely on a respondent's memories of a previous year's activity, which are subject to recall errors. Limited research has been conducted to quantify the possible bias caused by recall periods less than 1 year. Data from a 1982 mail survey of registered Texas boat owners were used to determine whether estimated saltwater sport boat fishing effort differed based on recall periods of 1 month and 1 year. The mean annual number of days of saltwater fishing per registered boat owner was statistically similar for the two recall periods although variances were statistically different. However, the number of days of saltwater fishing was about 7.5 times higher for coastal county residents than for inland county residents. The pattern of use among boat access types and fishing areas was generally similar between coastal and inland county residents within each recall period. However, the estimated number of days each access type was used and the reported number of days each area was fished were significantly different between the two recall periods. Saltwater fishing participation estimates based on a 1-year recall could be adjusted using the relationship between the two recall periods to improve accuracy and precision of estimates and to reduce sampling costs. Fisheries managers could more effectively monitor changes in fishing activity for possible development of forecasting models.
Behavior and Breeding Success of Wild and First‐Generation Hatchery Male Spring Chinook Salmon Spawning in an Artificial Stream
Authors: Schroder Steven L. , Knudsen Curtis M. , Pearsons Todd N. , Kassler Todd W. , Young Sewall F. , Beall Edward P. , Fast David E.
Published: July 2010

Spring Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha native to the upper Yakima River, Washington, were placed into an artificial stream to evaluate the effect of a single generation of hatchery culture on their spawning behavior and ability to produce offspring. From 2001 to 2005, seven independent test groups containing wild and hatchery fish were placed into the stream. The effects of body weight, spawning ground longevity, attack frequency, social dominance, courting frequency, and mate number on breeding success in hatchery and wild males were evaluated. Male breeding success increased with body weight, while spawning ground longevity was negatively associated with breeding success. Although important, body weight had a lesser effect on male breeding success than did social dominance or attack frequency. Males with high attack and courting frequencies produced the most progeny; of the traits examined, the number of female spawning partners explained the greatest amount of variation (average r2 = 80%) in male breeding success. Differences in male agonism due to male origin were found. Wild males exhibited higher attack rates and greater social dominance than did hatchery males. However, the observed inequalities in agonism and dominance appeared to be largely caused by differences in body weight between the two types of males: wild males were, on average, 9% heavier than hatchery males. Wild and hatchery males did not differ in the frequency of courting behaviors or in the number of mates. Pedigree analyses based on DNA showed that hatchery and wild males had comparable breeding success values. Consequently, a single generation of hatchery exposure appeared to have a low effect on spring Chinook salmon male breeding success in our experimental setting.
Habitat Selection and Abundance of Young‐of‐Year Smallmouth Bass in North Temperate Lakes
Authors: Brown Peter James , Bozek Michael Anthony
Published: July 2010

Habitat use during early life history plays an important role in the ecology of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu in north temperate lakes. The highest levels of mortality occur during the first year of life, and the habitat selected probably affects mortality. We used resource selection functions and abundance data from two northern Wisconsin lakes to determine the habitats that influence the survival of smallmouth bass. Coarse substrates were consistently important to both nesting locations and young‐of‐year smallmouth bass. Young smallmouth bass used woody structure after swimming from their nests but disassociated themselves from habitats with more complex woody structure by August. Nonwoody cobble areas offer protection for young‐of‐year smallmouth bass without attracting predators, as woody habitats do. The decline in the abundance of young‐of‐year smallmouth bass was best fit to an exponential decay function in woody habitats, but in rock habitats it was linear. Habitat selection by young‐of‐year smallmouth bass shifts over time, and the shift is linked to predation risk: woody habitats initially offer them an advantage with respect to spawning but eventually provide their predators greater opportunities for ambush. This shift underscores the importance of having a diversity of littoral habitats. This study provides the first quantifiable analyses describing the habitat features selected by young‐of‐year smallmouth bass and links these descriptions to population dynamics.