bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis of ionotropic acetylcholine receptors requires the evolutionarily conserved ER membrane complex
Authors: Richard Magali , Boulin Thomas , Robert Valérie J. P. , Richmond Janet E. , Bessereau Jean-Louis
Published: February 2013

The number of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) present in the plasma membrane of muscle and neuronal cells is limited by the assembly of individual subunits into mature pentameric receptors. This process is usually inefficient, and a large number of the synthesized subunits are degraded by endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation. To identify cellular factors required for the synthesis of AChRs, we performed a genetic screen in the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
for mutants with decreased sensitivity to the cholinergic agonist levamisole. We isolated a partial loss-of-function allele of
ER membrane protein complex-6 (emc-6)
, a previously uncharacterized gene in
C. elegans
.
emc-6
encodes an evolutionarily conserved 111-aa protein with two predicted transmembrane domains. EMC-6 is ubiquitously expressed and localizes to the ER. Partial inhibition of EMC-6 caused decreased expression of heteromeric levamisole-sensitive AChRs by destabilizing unassembled subunits in the ER. Inhibition of
emc-6
also reduced the expression of homomeric nicotine-sensitive AChRs and GABA
A
receptors in
C. elegans
muscle cells.
emc-6
is orthologous to the yeast and human
EMC6
genes that code for a component of the recently identified ER membrane complex (EMC). Our data suggest this complex is required for protein folding and is connected to ER-associated degradation. We demonstrated that inactivation of additional EMC members in
C. elegans
also impaired AChR synthesis and induced the unfolded protein response. These results suggest that the EMC is a component of the ER folding machinery. AChRs might provide a valuable proxy to decipher the function of the EMC further.
Real-time 3D imaging of Haines jumps in porous media flow
Authors: Berg Steffen , Ott Holger , Klapp Stephan A. , Schwing Alex , Neiteler Rob , Brussee Niels , Makurat Axel , Leu Leon , Enzmann Frieder , Schwarz Jens-Oliver , Kersten Michael , Irvine Sarah , Stampanoni Marco
Published: February 2013

Newly developed high-speed, synchrotron-based X-ray computed microtomography enabled us to directly image pore-scale displacement events in porous rock in real time. Common approaches to modeling macroscopic fluid behavior are phenomenological, have many shortcomings, and lack consistent links to elementary pore-scale displacement processes, such as Haines jumps and snap-off. Unlike the common singular pore jump paradigm based on observations of restricted artificial capillaries, we found that Haines jumps typically cascade through 10–20 geometrically defined pores per event, accounting for 64% of the energy dissipation. Real-time imaging provided a more detailed fundamental understanding of the elementary processes in porous media, such as hysteresis, snap-off, and nonwetting phase entrapment, and it opens the way for a rigorous process for upscaling based on thermodynamic models.
Proteomic analysis of skeletal organic matrix from the stony coral
Stylophora pistillata
Authors: Drake Jeana L. , Mass Tali , Haramaty Liti , Zelzion Ehud , Bhattacharya Debashish , Falkowski Paul G.
Published: February 2013

It has long been recognized that a suite of proteins exists in coral skeletons that is critical for the oriented precipitation of calcium carbonate crystals, yet these proteins remain poorly characterized. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of proteins extracted from the cell-free skeleton of the hermatypic coral,
Stylophora pistillata
, combined with a draft genome assembly from the cnidarian host cells of the same species, we identified 36 coral skeletal organic matrix proteins. The proteome of the coral skeleton contains an assemblage of adhesion and structural proteins as well as two highly acidic proteins that may constitute a unique coral skeletal organic matrix protein subfamily. We compared the 36 skeletal organic matrix protein sequences to genome and transcriptome data from three other corals, three additional invertebrates, one vertebrate, and three single-celled organisms. This work represents a unique extensive proteomic analysis of biomineralization-related proteins in corals from which we identify a biomineralization “toolkit,” an organic scaffold upon which aragonite crystals can be deposited in specific orientations to form a phenotypically identifiable structure.
Intracoelomic Acoustic Tagging of Juvenile Sockeye Salmon: Swimming Performance, Survival, and Postsurgical Wound Healing in Freshwater and during a Transition to Seawater
Authors: Collins Alison L. , Hinch Scott G. , Welch David W. , Cooke Steven J. , Clark Timothy D.
Published: February 2013

Juvenile hatchery‐reared Sockeye Salmon Oncorhynchus nerka from Cultus Lake, British Columbia, were implanted during their smolt phase with one of three sizes of dummy acoustic tags to assess how tag burden (tag mass: body mass ratios ranging from 1.3% to 13.6% in air) influenced prolonged swimming performance, survival, and postsurgical wound healing in freshwater for up to 16.5 d and following a transition to seawater for 9 d. Tagged fish were compared with surgical shams and control fish (no tag, no surgery). Fish subjected to sham surgery treatments had mean swim times similar to those of control fish; however, tagged fish had a significantly lower probability of swimming the mean time of nontagged control fish. In addition, we found that the effect of tagging on swimming performance was exacerbated by tag burden and that higher tag burdens decreased the swimming performance of tagged individuals. Fish with tag burdens ≥8% had shorter swimming durations than fish with tag burdens <8%. The incisions of fish implanted with smaller tags healed more quickly than those of fish implanted with the largest tag. Overall, survival was high (≥95%) and in freshwater mortalities only occurred in fish that had tag burdens greater than 6%. These findings have important implications for studies using tagging technologies to examine the behavior and survival of migrating salmon smolts.
The Influence of Release Strategy and Migration History on Capture Rate of Oncorhynchus mykiss in a Rotary Screw Trap
Authors: Tattam Ian A. , Ruzycki James R. , Bayley Peter B. , Li Hiram W. , Giannico Guillermo R.
Published: February 2013

Rotary screw traps are used in rivers throughout the west coast of North America to capture emigrating juvenile salmonids. Calibrating the capture efficiency of each trap is essential for valid estimates of fish passage. We released PIT-tagged Oncorhynchus mykiss upstream of a rotary screw trap in the South Fork John Day River, Oregon, to estimate capture efficiency. We used three strategies for release of fish recently captured in the trap. We recaptured 28% of medium-sized fish (86–145 mm FL) and 14% of large-sized fish (146–230 mm FL) released during daylight 1.6 km upstream from the trap. We recaptured 33% of medium-sized fish and 17% of large-sized fish released during daylight 4.8 km upstream from the trap. We recaptured 42% of medium-sized fish and 23% of large-sized fish released at twilight 1.8 km upstream from the trap. A PIT tag antenna detected summer-tagged parr (which were PIT-tagged upstream 1–5 months before migration) as they approached the trap to evaluate potential bias from reduced recapture of recently trapped fish. We captured 53% of the medium-sized first-time migrants and 40% of the large-sized first-time migrants. Although average capture efficiencies of first-time migrants were greater than those from any of the recently trapped fish from the three release strategies, twilight releases of recently trapped fish were the least negatively biased, especially for medium-sized fish.

Received May 7, 2012; accepted December 6, 2012
Using the HCR-20 to Predict Aggressive Behavior among Men with Schizophrenia Living in the Community: Accuracy of Prediction, General and Forensic Settings, and Dynamic Risk Factors
Authors: Michel StevenF. , Riaz Muhammad , Webster Christopher , Hart StephenD. , Levander Sten , Müller-Isberner Rüdiger , Tiihonen Jari , Repo-Tiihonen Eila , Tuninger Eva , Hodgins Sheilagh
Published: February 2013

The HCR-20 is widely used to assess risk of violence among patients with schizophrenia. Further understanding of the accuracy and changes over time in C and R scores is needed. Using prospectively collected data on 248 men with schizophrenia, the present study found that the HCR-20 significantly predicted aggressive behavior over 24 months. The H, C, R, HCR-20 total, and final risk judgment scores were unable to predict aggressive behavior better than chance among the general psychiatric patients in the first six months after discharge. Changes in three C items, the total R score, and in three R items significantly predicted changes in aggressive behavior.
Characteristics of Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatients with Early-Onset and Adolescent-Onset Disruptive Behavior
Authors: de Boer SjoukjeB.B. , Boon AlbertE. , Verheij Fop , Donker MarianneC. H.
Published: February 2013

The main aim of this study was to identify factors that diagnosticians in clinical practice can use to differentiate between adolescents on the life-course-persistent and adolescence-limited pathways of antisocial behavior. In epidemiological research these subtypes could not be distinguished based on their disruptive behavior. Because this differentiation is important for choice of treatment for adolescent psychiatric inpatients with severe disruptive behavior, the purpose of the present study was to identify easily measurable characteristics present in adolescence that are associated with the pathways. Male and female adolescent psychiatric inpatients were divided into either early-onset (EO) ( n = 134) or adolescent-onset (AO) ( n = 69) disruptive behavior, based on the age at which professional care was required for disruptive behavior, referral to special education occurred, or criminal offences were first committed. The groups differed on several characteristics. No gender differences were found in these characteristics. Logistic regression analysis indicated that males with a history of physical abuse, who were referred by a youth care facility had the highest probability of being member of the EO group. These characteristics are reasonably easy to identify, may apply to other clinical samples as well, and may help clinicians to target their treatment.
Maximum sustained yield: a policy disguised as science
Authors: Finley Carmel , Oreskes Naomi
Published: February 2013

Finley, C. and Oreskes, N. 2013. Maximum sustained yield: a policy disguised as science. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 245–250. Overfishing is most commonly explained as an example of the tragedy of the commons, where individuals are unable to control their activities, leading to the destruction of the resource they are dependent on. The historical record suggests otherwise. Between1949 and 1958, the US State Department used fisheries science, and especially the concept of maximum sustained yield (MSY) as a political tool to achieve its foreign policy objectives. During the Cold War, the Department thought that if countries were allowed to restrict fishing in their waters, it might lead to restrictions on passage of military vessels. While there has been much criticism of MSY and its failure to conserve fish stocks, there has been little attention paid to the political context in which MSY was adopted.
Characterization of Species ofDiaporthefrom Wood Cankers of Grape in Eastern North American Vineyards
Authors: Baumgartner Kendra , Fujiyoshi Phillip T. , Travadon Renaud , Castlebury Lisa A. , Wilcox Wayne F. , Rolshausen Philippe E.
Published: February 2013

In eastern North America, Phomopsis cane and leaf spot, caused by Phomopsis viticola, is a foliar disease of grape but, in the Mediterranean climate of western North America, P. viticola is primarily associated with wood cankers, along with other Diaporthe spp. To determine the identity of wood-infecting Diaporthe spp. in eastern North America, 65 isolates were cultured from 190 wood-canker samples from 23 vineyards with a history of Phomopsis cane and leaf spot. Identification of 29 representative isolates was based initially on morphology, followed by phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region, elongation factor subunit 1-α, and actin in comparison with those of type specimens. Three species were identified: P. viticola, P. fukushii, and Diaporthe eres. Inoculations onto woody stems of potted Vitis labruscana ‘Concord’ and V. vinifera ‘Chardonnay’ showed that D. eres and P. fukushii were pathogenic (mean lesion lengths of 7.4 and 7.1 mm, respectively, compared with 3.5 mm for noninoculated controls) but significantly less so than wood-canker and leaf-spot isolates of P. viticola (13.5 mm). All three species infected pruning wounds of Concord and Chardonnay in the field. Our finding of pathogenic, wood-infecting Diaporthe spp. in all 23 vineyards suggests a frequent co-occurrence of the foliar symptoms of Phomopsis cane and leaf spot and wood cankers, although the latter are not always due to P. viticola.
Transfer of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to Spinach by House Flies, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Wasala Lakmini , Talley Justin L. , DeSilva Udaya , Fletcher Jacqueline , Wayadande Astri
Published: February 2013

Filth flies are known mechanical vectors of pathogenic bacteria in hospital and restaurant settings, but their role as vectors for disseminating microbes to plants has not been demonstrated. Escherichia coli O157:H7 deposition by flies onto spinach was studied using molecular, microbiological, and microscopy techniques. Relative quantitative polymerase chain reaction studies showed that bacteria acquired by flies from contaminated cattle manure and deposited in regurgitation spots on leaves survived and multiplied. Scanning electron microscopy of the regurgitation spots of flies exposed to manure inoculated with E. coli suggested the multiplication of bacteria-like organisms within the spots. This finding implies that the bacteria were active and is consistent with a hypothesis that regurgitation spots serve as a nutrition source allowing E. coli O157:H7 to survive on the spinach phylloplane. E. coli O157:H7 persisted on fly body surfaces up to 13 days after exposure to acquisition sources, suggesting that fly cuticular surfaces are conducive to the growth of this pathogen. These results are consistent with the hypothesis of bioenhanced transmission of human pathogens by house flies and suggest that filth flies may affect the microbial safety of fresh produce.
Exposure to a fearful context during periods of memory plasticity impairs extinction via hyperactivation of frontal-amygdalar circuits
Authors: Stafford James M. , Maughan DeeAnna K. , Ilioi Elena C. , Lattal K. Matthew
Published: February 2013

An issue of increasing theoretical and translational importance is to understand the conditions under which learned fear can be suppressed, or even eliminated. Basic research has pointed to extinction, in which an organism is exposed to a fearful stimulus (such as a context) in the absence of an expected aversive outcome (such as a shock). This extinction process results in the suppression of fear responses, but is generally thought to leave the original fearful memory intact. Here, we investigate the effects of extinction during periods of memory lability on behavioral responses and on expression of the immediate–early gene c-Fos within fear conditioning and extinction circuits. Our results show that long-term extinction is impaired when it occurs during time periods during which the memory should be most vulnerable to disruption (soon after conditioning or retrieval). These behavioral effects are correlated with hyperactivation of medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala subregions associated with fear expression rather than fear extinction. These findings demonstrate that behavioral experiences during periods of heightened fear prevent extinction and prolong the conditioned fear response.
In situ analysis of oxygen consumption and diffusive transport in high‐temperature acidic iron‐oxide microbial mats
Authors: Bernstein Hans C. , Beam Jacob P. , Kozubal Mark A. , Carlson Ross P. , Inskeep William P.
Published: February 2013

The role of dissolved oxygen as a principal electron acceptor for microbial metabolism was investigated within Fe(III)‐oxide microbial mats that form in acidic geothermal springs of Yellowstone National Park (USA). Specific goals of the study were to measure and model dissolved oxygen profiles within high‐temperature (65–75°C) acidic (pH = 2.7–3.8) Fe(III)‐oxide microbial mats, and correlate the abundance of aerobic, iron‐oxidizing Metallosphaera yellowstonensis organisms and mRNA gene expression levels to Fe(II)‐oxidizing habitats shown to consume oxygen. In situ oxygen microprofiles were obtained perpendicular to the direction of convective flow across the aqueous phase/Fe(III)‐oxide microbial mat interface using oxygen microsensors. Dissolved oxygen concentrations dropped from ∼ 50–60 μM in the bulk‐fluid/mat surface to below detection (< 0.3 μM) at a depth of ∼ 700 μm (∼ 10% of the total mat depth). Net areal oxygen fluxes into the microbial mats were estimated to range from 1.4–1.6 × 10−4 μmol cm−2 s−1. Dimensionless parameters were used to model dissolved oxygen profiles and establish that mass transfer rates limit the oxygen consumption. A zone of higher dissolved oxygen at the mat surface promotes Fe(III)‐oxide biomineralization, which was supported using molecular analysis of Metallosphaera yellowstonensis 16S rRNA gene copy numbers and mRNA expression of haem Cu oxidases (FoxA) associated with Fe(II)‐oxidation.
Isolation and physiological characterization of psychrophilic denitrifying bacteria from permanently cold Arctic fjord sediments (Svalbard, Norway)
Authors: Canion Andy , Prakash Om , Green Stefan J. , Jahnke Linda , Kuypers Marcel M. M. , Kostka Joel E.
Published: February 2013

A large proportion of reactive nitrogen loss from polar sediments is mediated by denitrification, but microorganisms mediating denitrification in polar environments remain poorly characterized. A combined approach of most‐probable‐number (MPN) enumeration, cultivation and physiological characterization was used to describe psychrophilic denitrifying bacterial communities in sediments of three Arctic fjords in Svalbard (Norway). A MPN assay showed the presence of 103−106 cells of psychrophilic nitrate‐respiring bacteria g−1 of sediment. Fifteen strains within the Proteobacteria were isolated using a systematic enrichment approach with organic acids as electron donors and nitrate as an electron acceptor. Isolates belonged to five genera, including Shewanella, Pseudomonas, Psychromonas (Gammaproteobacteria), Arcobacter (Epsilonproteobacteria) and Herminiimonas (Betaproteobacteria). All isolates were denitrifiers, except Shewanella, which exhibited the capacity for dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA). Growth from 0 to 40°C demonstrated that all genera except Shewanella were psychrophiles with optimal growth below 15°C, and adaptation to low temperature was demonstrated as a shift from primarily C16:0 saturated fatty acids to C16:1 monounsaturated fatty acids at lower temperatures. This study provides the first targeted enrichment and characterization of psychrophilic denitrifying bacteria from polar sediments, and two genera, Arcobacter and Herminiimonas, are isolated for the first time from permanently cold marine sediments.
Application of Random Match Probability Calculations to Mixed STR Profiles
Authors: Bille Todd , Bright Jo‐Anne , Buckleton John
Published: February 2013

Mixed DNA profiles are being encountered more frequently as laboratories analyze increasing amounts of touch evidence. If it is determined that an individual could be a possible contributor to the mixture, it is necessary to perform a statistical analysis to allow an assignment of weight to the evidence. Currently, the combined probability of inclusion (CPI) and the likelihood ratio (LR) are the most commonly used methods to perform the statistical analysis. A third method, random match probability (RMP), is available. This article compares the advantages and disadvantages of the CPI and LR methods to the RMP method. We demonstrate that although the LR method is still considered the most powerful of the binary methods, the RMP and LR methods make similar use of the observed data such as peak height, assumed number of contributors, and known contributors where the CPI calculation tends to waste information and be less informative.
Antioxidant Capacities, Phenolic Contents, and GC/MS Analysis of Rhodiola imbricata Edgew. Root Extracts from Trans‐Himalaya
Authors: Tayade A.B. , Dhar P. , Sharma M. , Chauhan R.S. , Chaurasia O.P. , Srivastava R.B.
Published: February 2013

Our aim was to assess the antioxidant capacities and phenolic constituents of methanol and aqueous extracts of Rhodiola imbricata Edgew. root from Trans‐Himalayan cold desert of Ladakh. The 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging capacity of the root extracts increased in a dose‐dependent manner (up to 0.1 mg/mL) and root extract concentrations required for 50% inhibition of radical scavenging effect (IC50) were recorded as 0.013 and 0.014 mg/mL (for DPPH) and 0.016 and 0.017 mg/mL (for ABTS) for methanol and aqueous extracts, respectively. The total antioxidant power of the extract was determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Total polyphenol and phenolic acid content of methanol and aqueous extracts were 112.24, 59.06, 39.02, and 16.95 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of extract, respectively. Total flavonoid and flavonol contents were estimated to be 30.2, 17.67, 20.68, and 7.38 mg quercetin equivalent/g of extract, respectively. In all antioxidant capacity assays, the methanol extract exhibited significantly higher antioxidant capacity than that of aqueous extract due to the presence of significantly higher amount of vital phytoconstitiuents, viz. polyphenol, phenolic acid, and flavonol. GC/MS analysis showed that phytosterols, alkyl halide, phenols, and fatty acid esters were major phytochemical clusters. On the other hand, monoterpenes, fatty acids, tocopherols, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and ethers were found to be present in comparatively less amount in the methanol extract. Hence, our study signifies that this high‐altitude medicinal herb could be used as the natural source of antioxidants and supports its use in traditional system of medicine to ameliorate oxidative stress and high‐altitude maladies.
Live feed is not a major determinant of the microbiota associated with cod larvae (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Bakke Ingrid , Skjermo Jorunn , Vo Tu Anh , Vadstein Olav
Published: February 2013

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract of newly hatched fish is probably colonized by bacteria present in the water, but how environmental and internal factors affect the development of the GI microbiota is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of diet and of rearing in separate tanks on the cod larval microbiota. Cod larvae were fed three different live feed diets. For each diet, larvae were reared in three replicate tanks. The microbial communities were investigated for water, live feed and individual larvae using a PCR/DGGE (Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis) strategy. Statistical tests were applied to investigate differences in the larval microbiota between groups of individuals. We found no differences in the larval microbiota due to diet after 8 dph (days post hatching). Moreover, the larval microbiota was similar at 17 and 32 dph, despite a change in live feed at 18 dph. The larval microbiota was generally more similar to the water microbiota than to live feed microbiota. We further found that rearing of larvae in replicate tanks with identical diet could result in significant differences in larval microbiota. These findings indicate that diet does not entail major changes to the composition of cod larval microbiota.
Peri‐implant conditions and their relationship with periodontal conditions in Chinese patients: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang R. , Zhao W. , Tang Z. H. , Jin L. J. , Cao C. F.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To analyze the relationships between peri‐implant conditions and periodontal conditions in Chinese patients with dental implants in place for at least 1 year.

Material and methods

Seventy‐six patients (mean age, 41 ± 10 years; range, 21–69 years) who received placement of 120 dental implants (Straumann®), (mean 1.6 implants per subject; range, 1–5 implants per subject) after a mean period of 25 months (range, 12–66 months) responded to recall. Clinical examinations were performed around the implants and natural teeth. Periapical radiographs were taken by the long cone technique for implants, and radiographic bone level (BL) was measured. Comparisons of the peri‐implant conditions were performed between the patients with different periodontal conditions by t‐test and chi‐square test. The relative risk of periodontal condition as a risk factor for peri‐implant conditions was analyzed by logistic regression.

Results

Subjects who presented with ≥5% sites with probing depth (PD) ≥ 4 mm and ≥30% sites with bleeding on probing (BoP) in the dentition showed significantly poorer peri‐implant conditions (58% vs. 18% subjects who had maximum modified gingival index (mGI) 2 or 3, P = 0.003; 94% vs. 62% subjects who had maximum PD ≥ 4 mm, P = 0.008; 100% vs. 79% subjects who had BoP, P = 0.044; mean PD 3.36 ± 0.66 vs. 2.75 ± 0.66 mm, P = 0.002; and sites% with BoP 68 ± 23% vs. 36 ± 31%, P < 0.001), as compared with those who had <5% sites with PD ≥ 4 mm and <30% sites with BoP on the remaining teeth. The relative risk for subjects with the more severe and extensive periodontal conditions compared to those with better periodontal conditions to have PD ≥ 5 mm with BoP at peri‐implant sites was 23.3 (P = 0.003, 95% CI, 2.8–192.3.

Conclusions

The peri‐implant conditions were significantly related to the periodontal conditions around the remaining natural teeth, which implies that control of periodontal disease is essential for successful implant treatment.
The creation of virtual teeth with and without tooth pathology for a virtual learning environment in dental education
Authors: de Boer I. R. , Wesselink P. R. , Vervoorn J. M.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

To describe the development and opportunities for implementation of virtual teeth with and without pathology for use in a virtual learning environment in dental education.

Material and methods

The creation of virtual teeth begins by scanning a tooth with a cone beam CT. The resulting scan consists of multiple two‐dimensional grey‐scale images. The specially designed software program ColorMapEditor connects these two‐dimensional images to create a three‐dimensional tooth. With this software, any aspect of the tooth can be modified, including its colour, volume, shape and density, resulting in the creation of virtual teeth of any type.

Results

This article provides examples of realistic virtual teeth with and without pathology that can be used for dental education.

ColorMapEditor offers infinite possibilities to adjust and add options for the optimisation of virtual teeth.

Discussion

Virtual teeth have unlimited availability for dental students, allowing them to practise as often as required. Virtual teeth can be made and adjusted to any shape with any type of pathology. Further developments in software and hardware technology are necessary to refine the ability to colour and shape the interior of the pulp chamber and surface of the tooth to enable not only treatment but also diagnostics and thus create a greater degree of realism.

Conclusion

The creation and use of virtual teeth in dental education appears to be feasible but is still in development; it offers many opportunities for the creation of teeth with various pathologies, although an evaluation of its use in dental education is still required.
Atypical Resting‐State Functional Connectivity of Affective Pain Regions in Chronic Migraine
Authors: Schwedt Todd J. , Schlaggar Bradley L. , Mar Soe , Nolan Tracy , Coalson Rebecca S. , Nardos Binyam , Benzinger Tammie , Larson‐Prior Linda J.
Published: February 2013

Objective.—

Chronic migraineurs (CM) have painful intolerances to somatosensory, visual, olfactory, and auditory stimuli during and between migraine attacks. These intolerances are suggestive of atypical affective responses to potentially noxious stimuli. We hypothesized that atypical resting‐state functional connectivity (rs‐fc) of affective pain‐processing brain regions may associate with these intolerances. This study compared rs‐fc of affective pain‐processing regions in CM with controls.

Methods.—

Twelve minutes of resting‐state blood oxygenation level‐dependent data were collected from 20 interictal adult CM and 20 controls. Rs‐fc between 5 affective regions (anterior cingulate cortex, right/left anterior insula, and right/left amygdala) with the rest of the brain was determined. Functional connections consistently differing between CM and controls were identified using summary analyses. Correlations between number of migraine years and the strengths of functional connections that consistently differed between CM and controls were calculated.

Results.—

Functional connections with affective pain regions that differed in CM and controls included regions in anterior insula, amygdala, pulvinar, mediodorsal thalamus, middle temporal cortex, and periaqueductal gray. There were significant correlations between the number of years with CM and functional connectivity strength between the anterior insula with mediodorsal thalamus and anterior insula with periaqueductal gray.

Conclusion.—

CM is associated with interictal atypical rs‐fc of affective pain regions with pain‐facilitating and pain‐inhibiting regions that participate in sensory‐discriminative, cognitive, and integrative domains of the pain experience. Atypical rs‐fc with affective pain regions may relate to aberrant affective pain processing and atypical affective responses to painful stimuli characteristic of CM.
Phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 signaling: Shifting between tumor suppression and fibro‐carcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Yamaguchi Takashi , Matsuzaki Koichi , Inokuchi Ryosuke , Kawamura Rinako , Yoshida Katsunori , Murata Miki , Fujisawa Junichi , Fukushima Nobuyoshi , Sata Michio , Kage Masayoshi , Nakashima Osamu , Tamori Akihiro , Kawada Norifumi , Tsuneyama Koichi , Dooley Steven , Seki Toshihito , Okazaki Kazuichi
Published: February 2013

Aim

Insight into hepatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis (fibro‐carcinogenesis) caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has come from recent analyses of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β signaling. TGF‐β type I receptor and pro‐inflammatory cytokine‐activated kinases differentially phosphorylate Smad2 and Smad3 to create C‐terminally (C), linker (L) or dually (L/C) phosphorylated (p) isoforms. This study aimed to elucidate how HCV infection affected hepatic fibro‐carcinogenesis, particularly via phospho‐Smad signaling.

Methods

We first studied phospho‐Smad2/3 positivity of 100 patients in different stages of HCV‐related chronic liver disease. To examine changes in phospho‐Smad2/3 after HCV clearance, we analyzed 32 paired liver biopsy samples obtained before and after sustained virological response (SVR), dividing patients into two groups: 20 patients not developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after attaining SVR (non‐HCC group), and 12 patients who developed HCC despite SVR (HCC group).

Results

Hepatocytic tumor‐suppressive pSmad3C signaling shifted to carcinogenic pSmad3L and fibrogenic pSmad2L/C signaling as liver diseases progressed. In the non‐HCC group, 13 patients (65%) displayed fibrotic regression and inflammation reduction after SVR. Interestingly, SVR restored cytostatic pSmad3C signaling in hepatocytes, while eliminating prior carcinogenic pSmad3L and fibrogenic pSmad2L/C signaling. In the HCC group, seven patients (58%) displayed unchanged or even progressed fibrosis despite smoothened inflammatory activity, reflecting persistently high numbers of hepatocytes with pSmad3L‐ and pSmad2L/C‐signaling and low pSmad3C‐signaling.

Conclusion

HCV clearance limits fibrosis and reduces HCC incidence by switching inflammation‐dependent phospho‐Smad signaling from fibro‐carcinogenesis to tumor suppression. However, progression to HCC would occur in severely fibrotic livers if an inflammation‐independent fibro‐carcinogenic process has already begun before HCV clearance.
Experiences of the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis: a focused ethnography of Somali patients and healthcare professionals in the UK
Authors: Gerrish Kate , Naisby Andrew , Ismail Mubarak
Published: February 2013

Aim

To explore experiences of the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis from the perspective of Somali patients and healthcare professionals involved in their care.

Background

The Somali population has the third highest incidence of tuberculosis occurring in persons born outside the UK. Tuberculosis is a disease with sociocultural as well as physical consequences. Nurses should understand how the disease is experienced by people from different ethnic backgrounds to implement strategies for prevention and management of tuberculosis.

Design

A focused ethnography.

Method

Individual interviews with 14 Somali patients and 18 healthcare professionals with experience of providing care to Somalis were undertaken in 2008–2009. Interviews explored the patient experience from onset of symptoms to completion of treatment. Data were analysed using Framework approach.

Findings

Despite presenting in primary care early, patients experienced diagnostic delays due to low clinical suspicion of tuberculosis among general practitioners. Although patients reported felt and enacted stigma, it did not adversely affect concordance with treatment. Patients were reticent about sharing their diagnosis among wider networks due to perceived stigma. Psychological support from families and specialist nurses was valued highly. Healthcare professionals perceived that stigmatization of tuberculosis was diminishing among Somalis leading to improved management of tuberculosis. Patients and healthcare professionals raised concerns about the longer term physical and psychosocial implications of tuberculosis once treatment was completed.

Conclusion

Nurses have a role in promoting early presentation, timely diagnosis, and treatment adherence through supporting Somali patients and raising awareness of the disease among primary care practitioners.
Calcium dysregulation in relation to Alzheimer‐type pathology in the ageing brain
Authors: Garwood C. , Faizullabhoy A. , Wharton S. B. , Ince P. G. , Heath P. R. , Shaw P. J. , Baxter L. , Gelsthorpe C. , Forster G. , Matthews F. E. , Brayne C. , Simpson J. E. ,   MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Neuropathology Study Group
Published: February 2013

Aims

Calcium dyshomeostasis is implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. However, much of the previous research has focused on changes in neuronal calcium signalling. In a recent microarray study we identified dysregulation of several key signalling pathways including the Ca2+ signalling pathway in astrocytes as Alzheimer‐type pathology developed. In this study we sought to determine the expression of calpain‐10 and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase alpha (CamKIIα) in relation to Alzheimer‐type pathology in a population‐based study.

Methods

Using post mortem temporal cortex samples derived from the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC‐CFAS) ageing brain cohort we examined calpain‐10 and CamKIIα gene and protein expression using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.

Results

We demonstrate that astrocytic expression of calpain‐10 is up‐regulated, and CamKIIα down‐regulated with increasing Braak stage. Using immunohistochemistry we confirm protein expression of calpain‐10 in astrocytes throughout the temporal cortex and demonstrate that calpain‐10 immunoreactivity is correlated with both local and global measures of Alzheimer‐type pathology. In addition, we identify a subpopulation of calpain‐10 immunoreactive interlaminar astrocytes that extend processes deep into the cortex. CamKIIα is predominantly neuronal in localization and is associated with the presence of diffuse plaques in the ageing brain.

Discussion

Dysregulated expression of key calcium signalling molecules occurs with progression of Alzheimer‐type pathology in the ageing brain, highlighting the need for further functional studies of astrocytic calcium signalling with respect to disease progression.
Intragenesis and cisgenesis as alternatives to transgenic crop development
Authors: Holme Inger Bæksted , Wendt Toni , Holm Preben Bach
Published: February 2013

One of the major concerns of the general public about transgenic crops relates to the mixing of genetic materials between species that cannot hybridize by natural means. To meet this concern, the two transformation concepts cisgenesis and intragenesis were developed as alternatives to transgenesis. Both concepts imply that plants must only be transformed with genetic material derived from the species itself or from closely related species capable of sexual hybridization. Furthermore, foreign sequences such as selection genes and vector‐backbone sequences should be absent. Intragenesis differs from cisgenesis by allowing use of new gene combinations created by in vitro rearrangements of functional genetic elements. Several surveys show higher public acceptance of intragenic/cisgenic crops compared to transgenic crops. Thus, although the intragenic and cisgenic concepts were introduced internationally only 9 and 7 years ago, several different traits in a variety of crops have currently been modified according to these concepts. Five of these crops are now in field trials and two have pending applications for deregulation. Currently, intragenic/cisgenic plants are regulated as transgenic plants worldwide. However, as the gene pool exploited by intragenesis and cisgenesis are identical to the gene pool available for conventional breeding, less comprehensive regulatory measures are expected. The regulation of intragenic/cisgenic crops is presently under evaluation in the EU and in the US regulators are considering if a subgroup of these crops should be exempted from regulation. It is accordingly possible that the intragenic/cisgenic route will be of major significance for future plant breeding.
C1 metabolism and the Calvin cycle function simultaneously and independently during HCHO metabolism and detoxification in Arabidopsis thaliana treated with HCHO solutions
Authors: SONG ZHONG‐BANG , XIAO SU‐QIN , YOU LAN , WANG SHA‐SHA , TAN HAO , LI KUN‐ZHI , CHEN LI‐MEI
Published: February 2013

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is suggested to be detoxified through one‐carbon (C1) metabolism or assimilated by the Calvin cycle in plants. To further understand the function of the Calvin cycle and C1 metabolism in HCHO metabolism in plants, HCHO elimination and metabolism by Arabidopsis thaliana in HCHO solutions was investigated in this study. Results verified that Arabidopsis could completely eliminate aqueous HCHO from the HCHO solutions. Carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C‐NMR) analysis showed that H13CHO absorbed by Arabidopsis was first oxidized to H13COOH. Subsequently, a clear increase in [U‐13C]Gluc peaks accompanied by a strong enhancement in peaks of [2‐13C]Ser and [3‐13C]Ser appeared in Arabidopsis. Pretreatment with cyclosporin A or L‐carnitine, which might inhibit the transport of 13C‐enriched compounds into chloroplasts and mitochondria, caused a remarkable decline in yields of both [U‐13C]Gluc and [3‐13C]Ser in H13CHO‐treated Arabidopsis. These results suggested that both the Calvin cycle and the C1 metabolism functioned simultaneously during HCHO detoxification. Moreover, both functioned more quickly under high H13CHO stress than low H13CHO stress. When a photorespiration mutant was treated in 6 mm H13CHO solution, formation of [U‐13C]Gluc and [2‐13C]Ser was completely inhibited, but generation of [3‐13C]Ser was not significantly affected. This evidence suggested that the Calvin cycle and C1 metabolism functioned independently in Arabidopsis during HCHO metabolism.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi native from a Mediterranean saline area enhance maize tolerance to salinity through improved ion homeostasis
Authors: ESTRADA BEATRIZ , AROCA RICARDO , MAATHUIS FRANS J. M. , BAREA JOSÉ MIGUEL , RUIZ‐LOZANO JUAN MANUEL
Published: February 2013

Soil salinity restricts plant growth and productivity. Na+ represents the major ion causing toxicity because it competes with K+ for binding sites at the plasma membrane. Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can alleviate salt stress in the host plant through several mechanisms. These may include ion selection during the fungal uptake of nutrients from the soil or during transfer to the host plant. AM benefits could be enhanced when native AMF isolates are used. Thus, we investigated whether native AMF isolated from an area with problems of salinity and desertification can help maize plants to overcome the negative effects of salinity stress better than non‐AM plants or plants inoculated with non‐native AMF. Results showed that plants inoculated with two out the three native AMF had the highest shoot dry biomass at all salinity levels. Plants inoculated with the three native AMF showed significant increase of K+ and reduced Na+ accumulation as compared to non‐mycorrhizal plants, concomitantly with higher K+/Na+ ratios in their tissues. For the first time, these effects have been correlated with regulation of ZmAKT2, ZmSOS1 and ZmSKOR genes expression in the roots of maize, contributing to K+ and Na+ homeostasis in plants colonized by native AMF.
Brassica napus TT16 homologs with different genomic origins and expression levels encode proteins that regulate a broad range of endothelium‐associated genes at the transcriptional level
Authors: Chen Guanqun , Deng Wei , Peng Fred , Truksa Martin , Singer Stacy , Snyder Crystal L. , Mietkiewska Elzbieta , Weselake Randall J.
Published: February 2013

The transcription factor TRANSPARENT TESTA 16 (TT16) plays an important role in endothelial cell specification and proanthocyanidin (PA) accumulation. However, its precise regulatory function with regard to the expression of endothelial‐associated genes in developing seeds, and especially in the PA‐producing inner integument, remains largely unknown. Therefore, we endeavored to characterize four TT16 homologs from the allotetraploid oil crop species Brassica napus, and systematically explore their regulatory function in endothelial development. Our results indicated that all four BnTT16 genes were predominantly expressed in the early stages of seed development, but at distinct levels, and encoded functional proteins. Bntt16 RNA interference lines exhibited abnormal endothelial development and decreased PA content, while PA polymerization was not affected. In addition to the previously reported function of TT16 in the transcriptional regulation of anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) and dihydroflavonol reductase (TT3), we also determined that BnTT16 proteins played a significant role in the transcriptional regulation of five other genes involved in the PA biosynthetic pathway (P < 0.01). Moreover, we identified two genes involved in inner integument development that were strongly regulated by the BnTT16 proteins (TT2 and δ‐vacuolar processing enzyme). These results will better our understanding of the precise role of TT16 in endothelial development in Brassicaceae species, and could potentially be used for the future improvement of oilseed crops.
Maximizing Profits From End-of-Life and Initial Sales With Heterogeneous Consumer Demand
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Thurston Deborah
Published: February 2013

Growing concerns from customers and the government about product disposal highlight the necessity of improving product take-back systems to retain the embedded values in disposed products. Progress has been made toward minimizing the cost of the end-of-life (EOL) processes. While some progress has been made in recovering end-of-life value through decision making in the early design stage, contradictive objectives make it difficult to simultaneously optimize initial sales profits and EOL value. In this paper, a mathematical model is developed to integrate end-of-life recovery value considerations with product design decisions. The improvement of component reuse value or recycling value is achieved by linking design decisions in the early design stage with end-of-life decisions in order to maximize total product value across the span of product life cycle. A matrix based representation that can group components into several end-of-life modules with the same end-of-life decisions is also presented. The results are discussed to compare different design alternatives to understand their influence on net present product lifecycle value. The original contribution here is the simultaneous consideration of profits from initial and returned product sales, resulting from consumer demand as a function of heterogeneous preferences for the product attribute set. In order to estimate consumer demand resulting from discrete choices made by individuals, a random coefficient, mixed logit model was employed. The proposed method is illustrated through a cell phone example of product design decisions and end-of-life strategies.
Fundamental Solutions of Poroelastodynamics in Frequency Domain Based on Wave Decomposition
Authors: Ding Boyang , Cheng Alexander H.-D. , Chen Zhanglong
Published: February 2013

Fundamental solutions of poroelastodynamics in the frequency domain have been derived by Cheng et al. (1991, “Integral Equation for Dynamic Poroelasticity in Frequency Domain With BEM Solution,” J. Eng. Mech., 117(5), pp. 1136–1157) for the point force and fluid source singularities in 2D and 3D, using an analogy between poroelasticity and thermoelasticity. In this paper, a formal derivation is presented based on the decomposition of a Dirac δ function into a rotational and a dilatational part. The decomposition allows the derived fundamental solutions to be separated into a shear and two compressional wave components, before they are combined. For the point force solution, each of the isolated wave components contains a term that is not present in the combined wave field; hence can be observable only if the present approach is taken. These isolated wave fields may be useful in applications where it is desirable to separate the shear and compressional wave effects. These wave fields are evaluated and plotted.
Cross-Hemispheric Functional Connectivity in the Human Fetal Brain
Authors: Thomason Moriah E. , Dassanayake Maya T. , Shen Stephen , Katkuri Yashwanth , Alexis Mitchell , Anderson Amy L. , Yeo Lami , Mody Swati , Hernandez-Andrade Edgar , Hassan Sonia S. , Studholme Colin , Jeong Jeong-Won , Romero Roberto
Published: February 2013

fMRI enables noninvasive direct quantification of neural network connectivity in the healthy human fetus.
New Paradigms and Future Challenges in Radiation Oncology: An Update of Biological Targets and Technology
Authors: Liauw Stanley L. , Connell Philip P. , Weichselbaum Ralph R.
Published: February 2013

The future of radiation therapy lies in both technical and biological advances.