bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Germination strategies of annual forbs from south-eastern Australian semiarid grasslands
Authors: Scott Andrew J. , Morgan John W.
Published: June 2012

Germination is a key process driving the composition and dynamics of annual-forb communities and soil seed banks. We tested the germination biology of 20 annual forbs from semiarid grasslands in southern Australia, under a single temperature regime (20/10°C) in either constant darkness or 12-h diurnal light, to assess whether their laboratory germination responses are consistent with transient seed banks and rapid field emergence. Germination in the light was generally moderate to high, with most (70%) species achieving >35% final germination. Additionally, most (90%) species began germinating within 5 days, and all species achieved at least 50% of final germination within 10 days, suggesting that rapid and synchronous germination is the main strategy of annual forbs in this region. However, several species had seeds that continued to germinate for a prolonged period, and in most species, a fraction of seeds did not germinate, demonstrating risk-spreading strategies. Additionally, the germination of most (79%) species was significantly inhibited by continuous darkness. Despite the potential for the formation of large persistent seed banks through low germination in some species and dark inhibition in most, rapid germination and prevailing environmental conditions apparently prevent this in the field.
An unusually high heterochromatin content and large genome size in the palm tree Trithrinax campestris (Arecaceae)
Authors: Gaiero P. , Mazzella C. , Vaio M. , Barros e Silva A. E. , Santiñaque F. F. , López-Carro B. , Folle G. A. , Guerra M.
Published: June 2012

Trithrinax campestris (Burmeist.) Drude & Griseb., a neotropical member of tribe Cryosophileae, subfamily Coryphoideae (Arecaceae), forms small populations in the southern most extreme of the distribution for the tribe. To provide genetic information to assist its conservation, we performed detailed karyotype analysis in samples from Uruguay. The species displayed a karyotype with 2n = 36, a genome size (2C = 17.15 ± 0.07 pg) exceptionally high for a palm tree, and an elevated heterochromatin amount, represented by eight Chromomycin A3 (CMA) bands and numerous 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) bands. 45S rDNA sites were found co-localising with CMA+ bands on Chromosome pairs 6, 9, 13 and 18, whereas a single pair of 5S rDNA sites was found on the proximal region of Chromosome pair 7. Its complex CMA and/or DAPI banding, together with the position of rDNA sites, allowed the identification of each chromosome pair and provided a useful tool to evaluate cytogenetic variations among populations and closely related species. Although this species maintains several karyotype similarities with its close relative T. brasiliensis, it can be promptly recognised by its DNA amount and DAPI bands. The large genome size in T. campestris is probably associated with its large blocks of heterochromatin, which represent 39% of its total chromosome length. Excluding the heterochromatin fraction, its chromosome size and 2C value become similar to those reported for most other diploid species in the family, suggesting that amplification of satellite DNA played an important role in its karyotype evolution.
Perceived control over personal goals in Russian and American college students
Authors: Savina Elena
Published: June 2012

This study investigated cultural variations in perceived control over personal goals in Russian and American college students. Several appraisal dimensions of personal goals were studied including goals’ importance, their attainability, and sources of control over goal attainment, such as self, others, luck, and fate. The association between assimilative (tenacious goal pursuit) and accommodative (flexible goal adjustment) control strategies and perceived attainability of goals was also examined. The results indicated that both Russian and American students gave higher priority to work‐ and education‐related goals and lower priority to the familial goal. In both samples, the familial goal was the most influenced and health was the least influenced by luck/chance and fate. Overall, American students were more optimistic about the perceived probability to attain their goals, which may be affected by a cultural tendency for self‐enhancement and positive outlook. Russian students had a stronger belief in control by luck/chance and fate over personal goals, which coincides with a less agentic orientation of Russian culture. Regardless of culture and goal content, goal importance was associated with greater perceived success in goal attainment. However, control strategies (assimilative and accommodative) as well as internal control differentially predicted perceived attainability of goals depending on the goals’ content. For both Russians and Americans, perceived attainability of education‐related goals was associated with assimilative strategies and internal control; leisure was associated with accommodative strategies and health‐related goals were associated with internal control. Characteristics of cultural contexts accountable for crosscultural differences in perceived control over personal goals are discussed.
Psychological wellbeing and quality of life in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A review
Authors: Pagnini Francesco
Published: June 2012

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with a progressive and rapid course that, so far, cannot be stopped or reversed. The psychological impact of the disease is huge, on both patients and caregivers. This review summarizes studies that have investigated quality of life, depression, anxiety, pain, spiritual and existential issues, hope, and hopelessness in the ALS field, with attention to both patients and their caregivers. Psychological support and the possible role of psychologists in the ALS field are also discussed.
Sarcospan-dependent Akt activation is required for utrophin expression and muscle regeneration
Authors: Marshall Jamie L. , Holmberg Johan , Chou Eric , Ocampo Amber C. , Oh Jennifer , Lee Joy , Peter Angela K. , Martin Paul T. , Crosbie-Watson Rachelle H.
Published: June 2012

Utrophin is normally confined to the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in adult muscle and partially compensates for the loss of dystrophin in mdx mice. We show that Akt signaling and utrophin levels were diminished in sarcospan (SSPN)-deficient muscle. By creating several transgenic and knockout mice, we demonstrate that SSPN regulates Akt signaling to control utrophin expression. SSPN determined α-dystroglycan (α-DG) glycosylation by affecting levels of the NMJ-specific glycosyltransferase Galgt2. After cardiotoxin (CTX) injury, regenerating myofibers express utrophin and Galgt2-modified α-DG around the sarcolemma. SSPN-null mice displayed delayed differentiation after CTX injury caused by loss of utrophin and Akt signaling. Treatment of SSPN-null mice with viral Akt increased utrophin and restored muscle repair after injury, revealing an important role for the SSPN-Akt-utrophin signaling axis in regeneration. SSPN improved cell surface expression of utrophin by increasing transportation of utrophin and DG from endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi membranes. Our experiments reveal functions of utrophin in regeneration and new pathways that regulate utrophin expression at the cell surface.
The impact of the unfolded protein response on human disease
Authors: Wang Shiyu , Kaufman Randal J.
Published: June 2012

A central function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is to coordinate protein biosynthetic and secretory activities in the cell. Alterations in ER homeostasis cause accumulation of misfolded/unfolded proteins in the ER. To maintain ER homeostasis, eukaryotic cells have evolved the unfolded protein response (UPR), an essential adaptive intracellular signaling pathway that responds to metabolic, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response pathways. The UPR has been implicated in a variety of diseases including metabolic disease, neurodegenerative disease, inflammatory disease, and cancer. Signaling components of the UPR are emerging as potential targets for intervention and treatment of human disease.
Kar3Vik1, a member of the Kinesin-14 superfamily, shows a novel kinesin microtubule binding pattern
Authors: Rank Katherine C. , Chen Chun Ju , Cope Julia , Porche Ken , Hoenger Andreas , Gilbert Susan P. , Rayment Ivan
Published: June 2012

Kinesin-14 motors generate microtubule minus-end–directed force used in mitosis and meiosis. These motors are dimeric and operate with a nonprocessive powerstroke mechanism, but the role of the second head in motility has been unclear. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the Kinesin-14 Kar3 forms a heterodimer with either Vik1 or Cik1. Vik1 contains a motor homology domain that retains microtubule binding properties but lacks a nucleotide binding site. In this case, both heads are implicated in motility. Here, we show through structural determination of a C-terminal heterodimeric Kar3Vik1, electron microscopy, equilibrium binding, and motility that at the start of the cycle, Kar3Vik1 binds to or occludes two αβ-tubulin subunits on adjacent protofilaments. The cycle begins as Vik1 collides with the microtubule followed by Kar3 microtubule association and ADP release, thereby destabilizing the Vik1–microtubule interaction and positioning the motor for the start of the powerstroke. The results indicate that head–head communication is mediated through the adjoining coiled coil.
Human sperm bind to the N-terminal domain of ZP2 in humanized zonae pellucidae in transgenic mice
Authors: Baibakov Boris , Boggs Nathan A. , Yauger Belinda , Baibakov Galina , Dean Jurrien
Published: June 2012

Fertilization requires taxon-specific gamete recognition, and human sperm do not bind to zonae pellucidae (ZP1–3) surrounding mouse eggs. Using transgenesis to replace endogenous mouse proteins with human homologues, gain-of-function sperm-binding assays were established to evaluate human gamete recognition. Human sperm bound only to zonae pellucidae containing human ZP2, either alone or coexpressed with other human zona proteins. Binding to the humanized matrix was a dominant effect that resulted in human sperm penetration of the zona pellucida and accumulation in the perivitelline space, where they were unable to fuse with mouse eggs. Using recombinant peptides, the site of gamete recognition was located to a defined domain in the N terminus of ZP2. These results provide experimental evidence for the role of ZP2 in mediating sperm binding to the zona pellucida and support a model in which human sperm–egg recognition is dependent on an N-terminal domain of ZP2, which is degraded after fertilization to provide a definitive block to polyspermy.
Honeycomb lattice potentials and Dirac points
Authors: Fefferman Charles , Weinstein Michael
Published: June 2012

We prove that the two-dimensional Schrödinger operator with a potential having the symmetry of a honeycomb structure has dispersion surfaces with conical singularities (Dirac points) at the vertices of its Brillouin zone. No assumptions are made on the size of the potential. We then prove the robustness of such conical singularities to a restrictive class of perturbations, which break the honeycomb lattice symmetry. General small perturbations of potentials with Dirac points do not have Dirac points; their dispersion surfaces are smooth. The presence of Dirac points in honeycomb structures is associated with many novel electronic and optical properties of materials such as graphene.
Taking sociality seriously: the structure of multi-dimensional social networks as a source of information for individuals
Authors: Barrett Louise , Henzi S. Peter , Lusseau David
Published: June 2012

Understanding human cognitive evolution, and that of the other primates, means taking sociality very seriously. For humans, this requires the recognition of the sociocultural and historical means by which human minds and selves are constructed, and how this gives rise to the reflexivity and ability to respond to novelty that characterize our species. For other, non-linguistic, primates we can answer some interesting questions by viewing social life as a feedback process, drawing on cybernetics and systems approaches and using social network neo-theory to test these ideas. Specifically, we show how social networks can be formalized as multi-dimensional objects, and use entropy measures to assess how networks respond to perturbation. We use simulations and natural ‘knock-outs’ in a free-ranging baboon troop to demonstrate that changes in interactions after social perturbations lead to a more certain social network, in which the outcomes of interactions are easier for members to predict. This new formalization of social networks provides a framework within which to predict network dynamics and evolution, helps us highlight how human and non-human social networks differ and has implications for theories of cognitive evolution.
The human socio-cognitive niche and its evolutionary origins
Authors: Whiten Andrew , Erdal David
Published: June 2012

Hominin evolution took a remarkable pathway, as the foraging strategy extended to large mammalian prey already hunted by a guild of specialist carnivores. How was this possible for a moderately sized ape lacking the formidable anatomical adaptations of these competing ‘professional hunters’? The long-standing answer that this was achieved through the elaboration of a new ‘cognitive niche’ reliant on intelligence and technology is compelling, yet insufficient. Here we present evidence from a diversity of sources supporting the hypothesis that a fuller answer lies in the evolution of a newsocio-cognitive niche, the principal components of which include forms of cooperation, egalitarianism, mindreading (also known as ‘theory of mind’), language and cultural transmission, that go far beyond the most comparable phenomena in other primates. This cognitive and behavioural complex allows a human hunter–gatherer band to function as a unique and highly competitive predatory organism. Each of these core components of the socio-cognitive niche is distinctive to humans, but primate research has increasingly identified related capacities that permit inferences about significant ancestral cognitive foundations to the five pillars of the human social cognitive niche listed earlier. The principal focus of the present study was to review and integrate this range of recent comparative discoveries.
The co-evolution of language and emotions
Authors: Jablonka Eva , Ginsburg Simona , Dor Daniel
Published: June 2012

We argue that language evolution started like the evolution of reading and writing, through cultural evolutionary processes. Genuinely new behavioural patterns emerged from collective exploratory processes that individuals could learn because of their brain plasticity. Those cultural–linguistic innovative practices that were consistently socially and culturally selected drove a process of genetic accommodation of both general and language-specific aspects of cognition. We focus on the affective facet of this culture-driven cognitive evolution, and argue that the evolution of human emotions co-evolved with that of language. We suggest that complex tool manufacture and alloparenting played an important role in the evolution of emotions, by leading to increased executive control and inter-subjective sensitivity. This process, which can be interpreted as a special case of self-domestication, culminated in the construction of human-specific social emotions, which facilitated information-sharing. Once in place, language enhanced the inhibitory control of emotions, enabled the development of novel emotions and emotional capacities, and led to a human mentality that departs in fundamental ways from that of other apes. We end by suggesting experimental approaches that can help in evaluating some of these proposals and hence lead to better understanding of the evolutionary biology of language and emotions.
Darwinism and cultural change
Authors: Godfrey-Smith Peter
Published: June 2012

Evolutionary models of cultural change have acquired an important role in attempts to explain the course of human evolution, especially our specialization in knowledge-gathering and intelligent control of environments. In both biological and cultural change, different patterns of explanation become relevant at different ‘grains’ of analysis and in contexts associated with different explanatory targets. Existing treatments of the evolutionary approach to culture, both positive and negative, underestimate the importance of these distinctions. Close attention to grain of analysis motivates distinctions between three possible modes of cultural evolution, each associated with different empirical assumptions and explanatory roles.
Grist and mills: on the cultural origins of cultural learning
Authors: Heyes Cecilia
Published: June 2012

Cumulative cultural evolution is what ‘makes us odd’; our capacity to learn facts and techniques from others, and to refine them over generations, plays a major role in making human minds and lives radically different from those of other animals. In this article, I discuss cognitive processes that are known collectively as ‘cultural learning’ because they enable cumulative cultural evolution. These cognitive processes include reading, social learning, imitation, teaching, social motivation and theory of mind. Taking the first of these three types of cultural learning as examples, I ask whether and to what extent these cognitive processes have been adapted genetically or culturally to enable cumulative cultural evolution. I find that recent empirical work in comparative psychology, developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience provides surprisingly little evidence of genetic adaptation, and ample evidence of cultural adaptation. This raises the possibility that it is not only ‘grist’ but also ‘mills’ that are culturally inherited; through social interaction in the course of development, we not only acquire facts about the world and how to deal with it (grist), we also build the cognitive processes that make ‘fact inheritance’ possible (mills).
Social cognition on the Internet: testing constraints on social network size
Authors: Dunbar R. I. M.
Published: June 2012

The social brain hypothesis (an explanation for the evolution of brain size in primates) predicts that humans typically cannot maintain more than 150 relationships at any one time. The constraint is partly cognitive (ultimately determined by some aspect of brain volume) and partly one of time. Friendships (but not necessarily kin relationships) are maintained by investing time in them, and failure to do so results in an inexorable deterioration in the quality of a relationship. The Internet, and in particular the rise of social networking sites (SNSs), raises the possibility that digital media might allow us to circumvent some or all of these constraints. This allows us to test the importance of these constraints in limiting human sociality. Although the recency of SNSs means that there have been relatively few studies, those that are available suggest that, in general, the ability to broadcast to many individuals at once, and the possibilities this provides in terms of continuously updating our understanding of network members’ behaviour and thoughts, do not allow larger networks to be maintained. This may be because only relatively weak quality relationships can be maintained without face-to-face interaction.
The role of metacognition in human social interactions
Authors: Frith Chris D.
Published: June 2012

Metacognition concerns the processes by which we monitor and control our own cognitive processes. It can also be applied to others, in which case it is known as mentalizing. Both kinds of metacognition have implicit and explicit forms, where implicit means automatic and without awareness. Implicit metacognition enables us to adopt a we-mode, through which we automatically take account of the knowledge and intentions of others. Adoption of this mode enhances joint action. Explicit metacognition enables us to reflect on and justify our behaviour to others. However, access to the underlying processes is very limited for both self and others and our reports on our own and others' intentions can be very inaccurate. On the other hand, recent experiments have shown that, through discussions of our perceptual experiences with others, we can detect sensory signals more accurately, even in the absence of objective feedback. Through our willingness to discuss with others the reasons for our actions and perceptions, we overcome our lack of direct access to the underlying cognitive processes. This creates the potential for us to build more accurate accounts of the world and of ourselves. I suggest, therefore, that explicit metacognition is a uniquely human ability that has evolved through its enhancement of collaborative decision-making.
The economic approach to ‘theory of mind’
Authors: Robalino Nikolaus , Robson Arthur
Published: June 2012

Theory of mind (
ToM
) is a great evolutionary achievement. It is a special intelligence that can assess not only one's own desires and beliefs, but also those of others. Whether it is uniquely human or not is controversial, but it is clear that humans are, at least, significantly better at
ToM
than any other animal. Economists and game theorists have developed sophisticated and powerful models of
ToM
and we provide a detailed summary of this here. This economic
ToM
entails a hierarchy of beliefs. I know my preferences, and I have beliefs (a probabilistic distribution) about your preferences, beliefs about your beliefs about my preferences, and so on. We then contrast this economic
ToM
with the theoretical approaches of neuroscience and with empirical data in general. Although this economic view provides a benchmark and makes useful suggestions about empirical tendencies, it does not always generate a close fit with the data. This provides an opportunity for a synergistic interdisciplinary production of a falsifiable theory of bounded rationality. In particular, a
ToM
that is founded on evolutionary biology might well be sufficiently structured to have predictive power, while remaining quite general. We sketch two papers that represent preliminary steps in this direction.
An example of the refinement of positional disorder modeled as compositional disorder in [5-(2-formylphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrinato]nickel(II)
Authors: Spencer Lara C. , Yao Shu A. , Berry John F. , Guzei Ilia A.
Published: June 2012

The title compound, [Ni(C45H28N4O)], crystallizes in the space groupI\overline{4}2dand resides on a crystallographic fourfold rotoinversion axis with only a quarter of the complex in the asymmetric unit. The complex displays positional disorder as the one aldehyde group on the ligand can be located at four different positions. It was necessary to model this as compositional disorder to obtain a correct model and refinement. The practical approach to the refinement is explained.
Finding paradise: cues directing the migration of the waterfall climbing Hawaiian gobioid Sicyopterus stimpsoni
Authors: Leonard G. , Maie T. , Moody K. N. , Schrank G. D. , Blob R. W. , Schoenfuss H. L.
Published: June 2012

A series of waterfall‐climbing trials were conducted to identify cues that direct the climbing of juvenile Sicyopterus stimpsoni. In the first experiment, whether climbing juveniles preferentially ascend water sources with conspecifics or whether the presence of just stream water is sufficient to attract fish to ascend a climbing path were assessed. In the second experiment, whether climbing juveniles create a trail of mucus that facilitates the ability of conspecifics to follow their lead was determined. The results indicate that juvenile S. stimpsoni are less likely to climb in waters devoid of organic cues but are strongly attracted to stream water with or without the odour of conspecifics. Once climbing, performance did not differ for juveniles climbing in differing water choices, suggesting an all‐or‐nothing commitment once climbing commences. Climbing S. stimpsoni did produce a mucous trail while climbing that was associated with a mucous gland that dramatically increases in size just prior to juveniles gaining the ability to climb. The trail was not followed closely by subsequent juveniles traversing the same channel, however, suggesting only weak trail‐following in waterfall climbing S. stimpsoni. Previous genetic studies suggest that juvenile S. stimpsoni do not home to natal streams in the face of strong near‐shore oceanic currents. Instead, these fish appear primarily to rely on cues that suggest the presence of organic growth in streams, a factor that may indicate suitable habitat in an ever‐changing stream environment but which may also be vulnerable to interference through human activity.
Dead fish swimming: a review of research on the early migration and high premature mortality in adult Fraser River sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka
Authors: Hinch S. G. , Cooke S. J. , Farrell A. P. , Miller K. M. , Lapointe M. , Patterson D. A.
Published: June 2012

Adult sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka destined for the Fraser River, British Columbia are some of the most economically important populations but changes in the timing of their homeward migration have led to management challenges and conservation concerns. After a directed migration from the open ocean to the coast, this group historically would mill just off shore for 3–6 weeks prior to migrating up the Fraser River. This milling behaviour changed abruptly in 1995 and thereafter, decreasing to only a few days in some years (termed early migration), with dramatic consequences that have necessitated risk‐averse management strategies. Early migrating fish consistently suffer extremely high mortality (exceeding 90% in some years) during freshwater migration and on spawning grounds prior to spawning. This synthesis examines multidisciplinary, collaborative research aimed at understanding what triggers early migration, why it results in high mortality, and how fisheries managers can utilize these scientific results. Tissue analyses from thousands of O. nerka captured along their migration trajectory from ocean to spawning grounds, including hundreds that were tracked with biotelemetry, have revealed that early migrants are more reproductively advanced and ill‐prepared for osmoregulatory transition upon their entry into fresh water. Gene array profiles indicate that many early migrants are also immunocompromised and stressed, carrying a genomic profile consistent with a viral infection. The causes of these physiological changes are still under investigation. Early migration brings O. nerka into the river when it is 3–6° C warmer than historical norms, which for some late‐run populations approaches or exceeds their critical maxima leading to the collapse of metabolic and cardiac scope, and mortality. As peak spawning dates have not changed, the surviving early migrants tend to mill in warm lakes near to spawning areas. These results in the accumulation of many more thermal units and longer exposures to freshwater diseases and parasites compared to fish that delay freshwater entry by milling in the cool ocean environment. Experiments have confirmed that thermally driven processes are a primary cause of mortality for early‐entry migrants. The Fraser River late‐run O. nerka early migration phenomenon illustrates the complex links that exist between salmonid physiology, behaviour and environment and the pivotal role that water temperature can have on population‐specific migration survival.
A concept for improving Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolt migration past hydro power intakes
Authors: Fjeldstad H. P. , Uglem I. , Diserud O. H. , Fiske P. , Forseth T. , Kvingedal E. , Hvidsten N. A. , ØKland F. , Järnegren J.
Published: June 2012

In this study, cost effective (in terms of reducing loss of power production) measures for increasing bypass migration of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar were developed and tested by establishing statistical models for timing of smolt migration and favourable diversion of water to the bypass. Initial tracking of radio‐tagged smolts showed very low bypass migration under normal hydropower operations. Bypass migration increased when bypass discharge was experimentally increased and a model was developed that described relationships between total river discharge, bypass diversion and smolt migration route. Further improvements were obtained by installing two strobe lights at the power‐production tunnel entrance that increased bypass migration during the night, but not during daytime. According to the behaviour of radio‐tagged fish, the implemented measures contributed to increasing the annual percentage of bypass migration from 11 to 64%, and according to model predictions to 60–74% when the hydropower facilities were operated according to the developed models. To ensure correct timing of discharge diversion a smolt migration model was developed based on environmental variables that could successfully predict the general pattern of migration timing. The concept presented for improving smolt migration past hydropower intakes should be applicable in many systems where migration past hydropower installations cannot easily be solved by screening systems.
Migrations and movements of adult Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis in the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Wang C. Y. , Wei Q. W. , Kynard B. , Du H. , Zhang H.
Published: June 2012

From 2006 to 2009, 27 ultrasonic‐tagged wild adult Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis [eight males, 19 females; total length (LT) range = 245–368 cm] were captured on the spawning ground just downstream of Gezhouba Dam (GZD) in the Yangtze River. Twenty‐six individuals were tracked for 7 to 707 days (mean number of relocations = 859; range = 3–4549). Acipenser sinensis movements were divided into four categories: (1) spawning migration, two tagged A. sinensis (one female and one male) returned to the Yangtze River and migrated from the Yangtze Estuary (river kilometer, rkm, 0) to the spawning ground (1678 rkm) between June and October. Their mean upstream ground speed was 1·41 km h−1 (range = 0·26–2·35 km h−1). The speed of the male was faster than the female; (2) pre‐spawning holding, four of five females tagged in November 2008 stayed within 1678·00–1674·15 rkm for c. 1 year before the spawning period; (3) spawning movements, all A. sinensis swam mostly from the tailrace of the GZD (1678 rkm) to the Miaozui (1674·15 rkm) reach and some moved downstream c. 18·21 rkm (range = 3·93–24·64 rkm), but then, returned upstream to the GZD. Most tagged A. sinensis were on the spawning ground on the day when the spawning occurred; (4) post‐spawning migration males (n = 6) and females (n = 2) departed the spawning area on a different time schedule, females leaving before males. The mean seaward ground speed of six A. sinensis was 4·87 km h−1 (range = 0·68–7·60 km h−1). There were no significant differences (P > 0·05) in ground speeds among reaches or between sexes within reaches between telemetry receivers. These broad spatiotemporal scale results will help establish an effective protection strategy for the species in the Yangtze River.
Endemicity analysis, parsimony and biotic elements: a formal comparison using hypothetical distributions
Authors: Casagranda M. Dolores , Taher Leila , Szumik Claudia A.
Published: June 2012

There is as yet no general agreement regarding the most appropriate solution to the problem of identifying areas of endemism, not even in particular cases. In this study, we compared Endemicity Analysis (EA), Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity (PAE), and Biotic Elements Analysis (BE) based on their ability to identify hypothetical predefined patterns that represent nested, overlapping, and disjoint areas of endemism supported by species with different degrees of sympatry. We found that PAE performs poorly when applied to patterns that either overlap with each other or are supported by species with imperfect sympatry. BE exhibits a counterintuitive sensitivity to the degree of congruence among the distributions of endemic species, being unable to recognize areas of endemism supported by perfectly sympatric species. In contrast, in all cases examined we found that EA results in a high proportion of correctly identified distributional patterns. In addition to highlighting the strengths and limitations of these approaches, our results show how different methods can lead to seemingly conflicting conclusions and caution about the possibility of identifying distributional patterns that are merely methodological artefacts.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2012.
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 is a potential oncoprotein that upregulatesG1 cyclins/cyclin‐dependent kinases and the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/AKTsignaling cascade
Authors: Wei Tong‐You W. , Juan Chi‐Chang , Hisa Jiun‐Yi , Su Li‐Jen , Lee Yuan‐Chii G. , Chou Hsiang‐Yun , Chen Jo‐Mei M. , Wu Yu‐Chung , Chiu Shao‐Chih , Hsu Chung‐Ping , Liu Kuo‐Lin , Yu Chang‐Tze R.
Published: June 2012

Increasing evidence suggests thatPRMT5, a protein arginine methyltransferase, is involved in tumorigenesis. However, no systematic research has demonstrated the cell‐transforming activity ofPRMT5. We investigated the involvement ofPRMT5 in tumor formation. First, we showed thatPRMT5 was associated with many human cancers, through statistical analysis of microarray data in theNCBI GEOdatabase. Overexpression of ectopicPRMT5per seor its specific shRNAenhanced or reduced cell growth under conditions of normal or low concentrations of serum, low cell density, and poor cell attachment. A stable clone that expressed exogenousPRMT5 formed tumors in nude mice, which demonstrated thatPRMT5 is a potential oncoprotein.PRMT5 accelerated cell cycle progression throughG1 phase and modulated regulators ofG1; for example, it upregulated cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) 4,CDK6, and cyclinsD1,D2 andE1, and inactivated retinoblastoma protein (Rb). Moreover,PRMT5 activated phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKTand suppressed c‐JunN‐terminal kinase (JNK)/c‐Jun signaling cascades. However, only inhibition ofPI3Kactivity, and not overexpression ofJNK, blockedPRMT5‐induced cell proliferation. Further analysis ofPRMT5 expression in 64 samples of human lung cancer tissues by microarray and western blot analysis revealed a tight association ofPRMT5 with lung cancer. Knockdown ofPRMT5 retarded cell growth of lung cancer cell linesA549 andH1299. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, we have characterized the cell‐transforming activity ofPRMT5 and delineated its underlying mechanisms for the first time.
SYT‐SSX breakpoint peptide vaccines in patients with synovial sarcoma: A study from the Japanese Musculoskeletal Oncology Group
Authors: Kawaguchi Satoshi , Tsukahara Tomohide , Ida Kazunori , Kimura Shigeharu , Murase Masaki , Kano Masanobu , Emori Makoto , Nagoya Satoshi , Kaya Mitsunori , Torigoe Toshihiko , Ueda Emiri , Takahashi Akari , Ishii Takeshi , Tatezaki Shin‐ichiro , Toguchida Junya , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Osanai Toshihisa , Sugita Takashi , Sugiura Hideshi , Ieguchi Makoto , Ihara Koichiro , Hamada Ken‐ichiro , Kakizaki Hiroshi , Morii Takeshi , Yasuda Taketoshi , Tanizawa Taisuke , Ogose Akira , Yabe Hiroo , Yamashita Toshihiko , Sato Noriyuki , Wada Takuro
Published: June 2012

In the present study, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of SYT‐SSX‐derived peptide vaccines in patients with advanced synovial sarcoma. A 9‐mer peptide spanning the SYT‐SSX fusion region (B peptide) and its HLA‐A*2402 anchor substitute (K9I) were synthesized. In Protocols A1 and A2, vaccines with peptide alone were administered subcutaneously six times at 14‐day intervals. The B peptide was used in Protocol A1, whereas the K9I peptide was used in Protocol A2. In Protocols B1 and B2, the peptide was mixed with incomplete Freund's adjuvant and then administered subcutaneously six times at 14‐day intervals. In addition, interferon‐α was injected subcutaneously on the same day and again 3 days after the vaccination. The B peptide and K9I peptide were used in Protocols B1 and B2, respectively. In total, 21 patients (12 men, nine women; mean age 43.6 years) were enrolled in the present study. Each patient had multiple metastatic lesions of the lung. Thirteen patients completed the six‐injection vaccination schedule. One patient developed intracerebral hemorrhage after the second vaccination. Delayed‐type hypersensitivity skin tests were negative in all patients. Nine patients showed a greater than twofold increase in the frequency of CTLs in tetramer analysis. Recognized disease progression occurred in all but one of the nine patients in Protocols A1 and A2. In contrast, half the 12 patients had stable disease during the vaccination period in Protocols B1 and B2. Of note, one patient showed transient shrinkage of a metastatic lesion. The response of the patients to the B protocols is encouraging and warrants further investigation.
Eutrophication, recovery and temperature in Lake Mjøsa: detecting trends with monitoring data and sediment records
Authors: HOBÆK ANDERS , LØVIK JARL EIVIND , ROHRLACK THOMAS , MOE S. JANNICKE , GRUNG MERETE , BENNION HELEN , CLARKE GINA , PILIPOSYAN GAYANE T.
Published: June 2012

1. How climate warming may interact with other pressures on aquatic ecosystems is an important issue for research and management. We combined lake monitoring data with a palaeolimnological study to explore the combined effects of eutrophication and subsequent oligotrophication with a long‐term temperature increase in epilimnetic waters. Our goals were (i) to evaluate how well sediment‐based reconstructions reflect the instrumental observations, (ii) to use the palaeo‐record to characterise a reference state for the lake and (iii) to explore whether data from the sediment record can aid in separating the effects of nutrient load and temperature in a large and deep lake.

2. Lake Mjøsa is a large and deep lake in south‐eastern Norway. Eutrophication symptoms peaked in the 1970s, which led to extensive measures to reduce the phosphorus load. A monitoring programme has run continuously from 1972. Monitoring has documented a marked decrease in phosphorus load and algal biomass and also revealed an increase in epilimnetic temperature and extended summer stratification.

3. Records of algal pigments and diatoms were extracted from sediment cores taken from 236 m depth. The pigment record documented dramatic changes in lake production consistent with the monitoring record. The diatom record reflected well the eutrophication history of the lake and also demonstrated that the assemblage of the recent recovery stage differs from that of the pre‐eutrophication period.

4. Ordination of diatom assemblages over time constrained by proxies for nutrient load and temperature indicated that the diatom assemblage correlated with both factors, which together accounted for 60% of the variation in diatom composition. No interaction was detected between these factors. The results suggest that the diatom assemblage has responded to varying nutrient loads as well as to changes in temperature and/or factors that correlate with temperature.

5. Reconstructions of algal biomass and total phosphorus content mirrored known changes through the monitoring period, although the absolute phosphorus estimates were too high relative to the instrumental record. The sediment record from Lake Mjøsa provides a baseline for lake production in terms of algal pigments and organic contents, and for the diatom assemblage composition in a pristine stage.
Reproductive implications of herkogamy in homostylous primroses: variation during anthesis and reproductive assurance in alpine environments
Authors: de Vos Jurriaan M. , Keller Barbara , Isham Samuel T. , Kelso Sylvia , Conti Elena
Published: June 2012

1.Unreliable pollinator service is thought to promote the evolution of self‐compatible plant breeding systems, because selfing may provide reproductive assurance when outcrossing opportunity is limited. The recurrent evolution of self‐compatible homostyly from obligately outcrossing heterostylous species has been regarded as a classic example of evolutionary response to lack of pollinators or mates, as homostyly frequently occurs in pollinator‐limited or marginal environments. However, male and female sexual organs of homostylous species may display spatial separation (herkogamy), an arrangement presumed to promote outcrossing. It is largely unknown to what extent variation in herkogamy affects opportunities for autonomous selfing and reproductive assurance in self‐compatible, homostylous species.

2.Using the homostylousPrimula halleri, restricted to alpine environments, we investigated whether herkogamy occurs and varies during anthesis, among individuals, and populations, and compared the effects of herkogamy on seed set among three experimental treatments, to elucidate how herkogamy affects reproductive strategies in a homostylous species.

3.Herkogamy decreases during anthesis, but the ultimate expression of herkogamy in mature flowers differs among individuals and populations. Caging caging experiments indicate that herkogamy reduces a plant's potential for autonomous selfing, and emasculation and open‐pollination treatments demonstrate that herkogamy markedly decreases total seed set and the potential for reproductive assurance.

4.Herkogamy early in anthesis may enhance outcrossing potential, while its decrease later could enable reproductive assurance via delayed autonomous selfing in some, but not all plants. Conversely, pronounced herkogamy in older flowers comes at the cost of reduced total reproductive output and imposes pollinator dependence for reproduction, but may promote the genetic diversity of populations.

5.Our study suggests that even small amounts of herkogamy can have large effects on the reproductive strategy of homostylous species, by enabling more outcrossing than generally thought to be typical of homostyly.
WFH: Closing the global gap – achieving optimal care
Authors: SKINNER MARK W.
Published: June 2012

Summary.  For 50 years, the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) has been working globally to close the gap in care and to achieve Treatment for All patients, men and women, with haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders, regardless of where they might live. The WFH estimates that more than one in 1000 men and women has a bleeding disorder equating to 6,900,000 worldwide. To close the gap in care between developed and developing nations a continued focus on the successful strategies deployed heretofore will be required. However, in response to the rapid advances in treatment and emerging therapeutic advances on the horizon it will also require fresh approaches and renewed strategic thinking. It is difficult to predict what each therapeutic advance on the horizon will mean for the future, but there is no doubt that we are in a golden age of research and development, which has the prospect of revolutionizing treatment once again. An improved understanding of “optimal” treatment is fundamental to the continued evolution of global care. The challenges of answering government and payer demands for evidence‐based medicine, and cost justification for the introduction and enhancement of treatment, are ever‐present and growing. To sustain and improve care it is critical to build the body of outcome data for individual patients, within haemophilia treatment centers (HTCs), nationally, regionally and globally. Emerging therapeutic advances (longer half‐life therapies and gene transfer) should not be justified or brought to market based only on the notion that they will be economically more affordable, although that may be the case, but rather more importantly that they will be therapeutically more advantageous. Improvements in treatment adherence, reductions in bleeding frequency (including microhemorrhages), better management of trough levels, and improved health outcomes (including quality of life) should be the foremost considerations. As part of a new WFH strategic plan (2012–2014) the WFH has identified several key initiatives for particular emphasis – continuation of the Global Alliance for Progress (GAP) program, a new initiative to address underserved countries and regions (The Cornerstone Initiative), enhancing health outcomes research and analysis, and a new research mentorship program. Despite our progress to date in closing the global gap in care, our work is not complete. Too many patients remain undiagnosed and too few receive adequate treatment. This paper will also discuss historical, present and future challenges and opportunities to close the gap in care and achieve Treatment for All.
The World Federation of Hemophilia and research
Authors: LILLICRAP DAVID
Published: June 2012

Summary.  Until now, the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) has focused its energies on the development of initiatives to enhance the clinical care of persons with bleeding disorders around the world. While this objective will still represent the main goal of this organization, there is interest in launching a new program that focuses on international research into the inherited bleeding disorders. This project will begin with the development of a clinical outcomes research competition and will incorporate a complementary research mentorship program.
Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus infections
Authors: ZOULIM F. , BAILLY F. , JOHNSON M. , KESSLER C.
Published: June 2012

Summary.  Whilst virally attenuated clotting factor concentrates are now safe with respect to transmission of HBV and HIV there are many individuals with haemophilia who were infected many years ago by these viruses. New combination therapies are available for treating both these virus infections and efficacy rates are increasing. Although many of the clinical studies are initially undertaken in non‐haemophilia individuals, consideration needs to be given as to the possible benefits of including those with haemophilia in the clinical assessment.
Models for assessing immunogenicity and efficacy of new therapeutics for the treatment of haemophilia
Authors: SAINT‐REMY JEAN‐MARIE , REIPERT BIRGIT M , MONROE DOUGALD M
Published: June 2012

Summary.  Inhibitor development remains a challenge to appropriate haemophilia treatment. This challenge is being addressed, in part, by an expanding knowledge of the mechanisms that drive inhibitor development including how elements of the innate immune response play a role in inhibitor development. There are promising therapies that may suppress an active immune response. Models to assess the immune responses are becoming ever more sophisticated. Newer models can be used at the preclinical level to evaluate the role of MHC‐class II presentation of antigens in both in vitro cell culture studies and in vivo in transgenic mice that express either the protein to be studied or that express human MHC‐class II proteins. Parallel to work designed to reduce or reverse inhibitors is development of improved therapies including bypassing agents to treat patients with inhibitors. With these new treatment modalities comes the problem of assessing efficacy at the preclinical level. Models to evaluate bleeding are being developed that may give a more subtle assessment of bypassing agents. These models represent in part an attempt to incorporate the role of ongoing bleeding into the evaluation. Overall, these newer models have great potential in preclinical studies to evaluate the risk of inhibitor development of new therapeutics and to assess the functionality of these new therapeutics.
How I treat inhibitors in haemophilia
Authors: MAKRIS M. , HAY C. R. M. , GRINGERI A. , D’OIRON R.
Published: June 2012

Summary. The management of patients with inhibitors is the greatest challenge facing haemophilia health professionals. Immune tolerance induction (ITI) can be successful in eliminating the inhibitor in the majority of patients, provided it is started soon after the inhibitor develops and the titre of the inhibitor is <10 BU at commencement of ITI. Acute bleeding is treated using one of two bypassing agents, which exhibit similar efficacy and safety. Surgery in inhibitor patients is challenging and should only be carried out in experienced centres.