bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex pheromone biosynthetic pathways are conserved between moths and the butterfly Bicyclus anynana
Authors: Liénard Marjorie A , Wang Hong-Lei , Lassance Jean-Marc , Löfstedt Christer
Published: May 2014

Although phylogenetically nested within the moths, butterflies have diverged extensively in a number of life history traits. Whereas moths rely greatly on chemical signals, visual advertisement is the hallmark of mate finding in butterflies. In the context of courtship, however, male chemical signals are widespread in both groups although they likely have multiple evolutionary origins. Here, we report that in males of the butterflyBicyclus anynana, courtship scents are producedde novovia biosynthetic pathways shared with females of many moth species. We show that two of the pheromone components that play a major role in mate choice, namely the (Z)-9-tetradecenol and hexadecanal, are produced through the activity of a fatty acyl Δ11-desaturase and two specialized alcohol-forming fatty acyl reductases. Our study provides the first evidence of conservation and sharing of ancestral genetic modules for the production of FA-derived pheromones over a long evolutionary timeframe thereby reconciling mate communication in moths and butterflies.
A global compendium of human dengue virus occurrence
Authors: Messina Jane P , Brady Oliver J , Pigott David M , Brownstein John S , Hoen Anne G , Hay Simon I
Published: May 2014

A global geographic database of human dengue virus occurrence was produced to generate a global risk map and associated burden estimates1. Herein we present the database, which comprises occurrence data linked to point or polygon locations, derived from peer-reviewed literature and case reports as well as informal online sources. Entries date from 1960 to 2012. We describe all data collection processes in full, as well as geo-positioning, database management and quality-control procedures. This is the most comprehensive database of confirmed human dengue infection to-date, consisting of 8,309 geo-positioned occurrences in total.
The confinement induced resonance in spin-orbit coupled cold atoms with Raman coupling
Authors: Zhang Yi-Cai , Song Shu-Wei , Liu Wu-Ming
Published: May 2014

The confinement induced resonance provides an indispensable tool for the realization of the low-dimensional strongly interacting quantum system. Here, we investigate the confinement induced resonance in spin-orbit coupled cold atoms with Raman coupling. We find that the quasi-bound levels induced by the spin-orbit coupling and Raman coupling result in the Feshbach-type resonances. For sufficiently large Raman coupling, the bound states in one dimension exist only for sufficiently strong attractive interaction. Furthermore, the bound states in quasi-one dimension exist only for sufficient large ratio of the length scale of confinement to three dimensional s-wave scattering length. The Raman coupling substantially changes the confinement-induced resonance position. We give a proposal to realize confinement induced resonance through increasing Raman coupling strength in experiments.
A reversal of fortunes: climate change ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ in Antarctic Peninsula penguins
Authors: Clucas Gemma V. , Dunn Michael J. , Dyke Gareth , Emslie Steven D. , Levy Hila , Naveen Ron , Polito Michael J. , Pybus Oliver G. , Rogers Alex D. , Hart Tom
Published: May 2014

Climate change is a major threat to global biodiversity. Antarctic ecosystems are no exception. Investigating past species responses to climatic events can distinguish natural from anthropogenic impacts. Climate change produces ‘winners’, species that benefit from these events and ‘losers’, species that decline or become extinct. Using molecular techniques, we assess the demographic history and population structure of Pygoscelis penguins in the Scotia Arc related to climate warming after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). All three pygoscelid penguins responded positively to post-LGM warming by expanding from glacial refugia, with those breeding at higher latitudes expanding most. Northern (Pygoscelis papua papua) and Southern (Pygoscelis papua ellsworthii) gentoo sub-species likely diverged during the LGM. Comparing historical responses with the literature on current trends, we see Southern gentoo penguins are responding to current warming as they did during post-LGM warming, expanding their range southwards. Conversely, Adélie and chinstrap penguins are experiencing a ‘reversal of fortunes’ as they are now declining in the Antarctic Peninsula, the opposite of their response to post-LGM warming. This suggests current climate warming has decoupled historic population responses in the Antarctic Peninsula, favoring generalist gentoo penguins as climate change ‘winners’, while Adélie and chinstrap penguins have become climate change ‘losers’.
Transport of hop aroma compounds across Caco-2 monolayers
Authors: Heinlein A. , Metzger M. , Walles H. , Buettner A.
Published: May 2014

Hop aroma compounds and digestive transformation products thereof were investigated in view of their human intestinal absorption and biotransformation processes.
Solid-phase extraction combined with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the spectrophotometric determination of ultra-trace amounts of azide ion in water samples
Authors: Zarei Ali Reza , Hajiaghabozorgy Reihaneh
Published: May 2014

Schematic of the preparation of surfactant-coated MWCNT/nano-Fe3O4composites and their application for the SPE–DLLME procedure.
A doubly hermaphroditic chiral crown ether
Authors: Hirsch Anna K. H. , Sirlin Claude , Harrowfield Jack M. , Lehn Jean-Marie
Published: May 2014

Part of the doubly hermaphroditic chain formed by the crown ether derivative.
Strong Lewis acid air-stable cationic titanocene perfluoroalkyl(aryl)sulfonate complexes as highly efficient and recyclable catalysts for C–C bond forming reactions
Authors: Li Ningbo , Wang Jinying , Zhang Xiaohong , Qiu Renhua , Wang Xie , Chen Jinyang , Yin Shuang-Feng , Xu Xinhua
Published: May 2014

A series of titanocene perfluoroalkyl(aryl)sulfonate complexes were synthesized, characterized, and applied in various C–C bond forming reactions.
Dual responsive supramolecular amphiphiles: guest molecules dictate the architecture of pyridinium-tailored anthracene assemblies
Authors: Hu Jun , Wang Peiyi , Lin Yuan , Yang Song , Song Baoan , Wang Qian
Published: May 2014

By introducing an electron-deficient guest molecule and a counter anion, the assembly morphology of 1-[11-(2-anthracenylmethoxy)-11-oxoundecyl]pyridinium bromide (2-AP) was transformed to microsheets and nanofibers from microtubes, respectively.
Synthesis and properties of heterografted toothbrush-like copolymers with alternating PEG and PCL grafts and tunable RAFT-generated segments
Authors: Tang Dandan , Jiang Xiao , Liu Huanhuan , Li Cangxia , Zhao Youliang
Published: May 2014

Novel (A-g-D)(B-alt-C)mD-type heterografted toothbrush-like copolymers with great potential in smart drug delivery systems and thermo-responsive surface materials are investigated.
Exchange of cysteamine, thiol ligand in binuclear cationic tetranitrosyl iron complex, for glutathione
Authors: Syrtsova L. A. , Sanina N. A. , Kabachkov E. N. , Shkondina N. I. , Kotelnikov A. I. , Aldoshin S. M.
Published: May 2014

This paper describes the comparative study of the decomposition of two iron nitrosyl complexes (NICs) with a cysteamine thiolate ligand {Fe2[S(CH2)2NH3]2(NO)4}SO4·2.5H2O (I) and a glutathione (GSH)-ligand, [Fe2(SC10H17N3O6)2(NO)4]SO4·2H2O (II), which spontaneously evolve NO in aqueous medium.
Stabilisation of 2D colloidal assemblies by polymerisation of liquid crystalline matrices for photonic applications
Authors: Mirri Giorgio , Jampani V. S. R. , Cordoyiannis George , Umek Polona , Kouwer Paul H. J. , Muševič Igor
Published: May 2014

A method for the stabilisation of colloidal crystals assembled in liquid crystalline matrices which could be applied to a variety of photonic liquid crystal devices.
Activation of lymphocyte autophagy/apoptosis reflects haemodynamic inefficiency and functional aerobic impairment in patients with heart failure
Authors: Weng Tzu-Pin , Fu Tieh-Cheng , Wang Chao-Hung , Hsu Chih-Chin , Wang Jong-Shyan
Published: May 2014

Lymphocytopenia is associated with an adverse prognosis in heart failure (HF). The present study investigated whether lymphocytopenia results from activated lymphocyte autophagy/apoptosis, which reflects haemodynamic inefficiency and functional aerobic impairment in patients with HF. One hundred and twenty-seven patients with HF were divided into three groups: HF with non- (lymphocytes ≥2000 cells/μl; n=45), mild (lymphocytes between ≥1500 cells/μl and <2000 cells/μl; n=39) and severe (lymphocytes <1500 cells/μl; n=43) lymphocytopenia. Lymphocyte autophagy/apoptosis, ventilatory/haemodynamic efficiencies and generic/disease-specific quality of life were analysed in these patients with HF and 35 normal counterparts. The results demonstrated that patients with HF with severe lymphocytopenia had (i) increased G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK-2) levels, (ii) lower mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) levels with higher lysosome-associated membrane protein-2 (LAMP-2) expression and Acridine Orange (AO) staining, (iii) lower mitochondrial transmembrane potential with higher caspase-3 activation and phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, and (iv) greater extents of adrenaline (epinephrine)-induced apoptosis in lymphocytes, and higher plasma noradrenaline (norepinephrine)/adrenaline, myeloperoxidase and interleukin-6 concentrations than patients with HF without lymphocytopenia and normal counterparts did. Moreover, lymphocyte caspase-3 activation was an effect modifier, which modulated the correlation status between lymphocyte count and GRK-2 level. Lymphocyte count was positively correlated with peak cardiac output and peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak) in patients with HF. In addition, HF with lymphocytopenia was accompanied by lower Short Form-36 physical/mental component scores and increased Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores. Therefore, we conclude that increased sympathetic activation and oxidative stress/pro-inflammatory status cause lymphocytopenia by activating programmed lymphocyte death in patients with HF. Moreover, a low lymphocyte count correlates with reduced haemodynamics and aerobic capacity, which reflects poor generic/disease-specific quality of life in patients with HF.
2 GHz sub‐harmonically injection‐locked PLL with mixer‐based injection timing control in 0.18 µm CMOS technology
Authors: Huang Ke , Wang Ziqiang , Zheng Xuqiang , Zhang Chun , Wang Zhihua
Published: May 2014

A 2 GHz sub‐harmonically injection‐locked phase‐locked loop (SILPLL) with a self‐aligned injection window is presented. The SILPLL adopts a mixer‐based self‐align technique to automatically adjust the injection timing, overcoming the speed limitation of the phase detection. Circuit techniques such as a symmetrical mixer and a V/I converter with mismatch cancellation are adopted to improve injection timing accuracy. Fabricated in a 180 nm CMOS technology, the SILPLL exhibits −127 dBc/Hz phase noise at 1 MHz offset and draws 6.9 mA current from a 1.8 V power supply. The measured root‐mean‐square jitter integrating from 1 kHz to 40 MHz is 214 fs and the reference spur is −61 dBc.
Exponential H∞ filtering for switched neural networks with mixed delays
Authors: Su Ziyi , Wang Hongxia , Yu Li , Zhang Dan
Published: May 2014

The study focuses on the exponential H∞ filtering problem of biological neural nets (BNNs). By considering some realistic factors including delays, disturbance and topology changes, the well‐known leaky integrate‐and‐fire model is modified as a switched neural network so that function of a single neuron is identified via the H∞ filtering instead of biological experimental methods. With the aid of average dwell time method, we provide a delay‐dependent sufficient condition, under which the designed filter for the function of every individual neuron in BNNs satisfies H∞ noise attenuation and exponential stability. Moreover, the design of such a filter is converted into a convex optimisation problem, which can be easily solved by using standard numerical software. Finally, two examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A fractal‐based image encryption system
Authors: Abd‐El‐Hafiz Salwa Kamal , Radwan Ahmed G. , Abdel Haleem Sherif H. , Barakat Mohamed L.
Published: May 2014

This study introduces a novel image encryption system based on diffusion and confusion processes in which the image information is hidden inside the complex details of fractal images. A simplified encryption technique is, first, presented using a single‐fractal image and statistical analysis is performed. A general encryption system utilising multiple fractal images is, then, introduced to improve the performance and increase the encryption key up to hundreds of bits. This improvement is achieved through several parameters: feedback delay, multiplexing and independent horizontal or vertical shifts. The effect of each parameter is studied separately and, then, they are combined to illustrate their influence on the encryption quality. The encryption quality is evaluated using different analysis techniques such as correlation coefficients, differential attack measures, histogram distributions, key sensitivity analysis and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) statistical test suite. The obtained results show great potential compared to other techniques.
Sparse‐induced similarity measure: mono‐modal image registration via sparse‐induced similarity measure
Authors: Ghaffari Aboozar , Fatemizadeh Emad
Published: May 2014

Similarity measure is an important key in image registration. Most traditional intensity‐based similarity measures (e.g. sum‐of‐squared‐differences, correlation coefficient, mutual information and correlation ratio) assume a stationary image and pixel‐by‐pixel independence. These similarity measures ignore the correlation among pixel intensities; hence, a perfect image registration cannot be achieved especially in the presence of spatially varying intensity distortions and outlier objects that appear in one image but not in the other. It is supposed here that non‐stationary intensity distortion (such as bias field) has a sparse representation in the transformation domain. Based on this assumption, a novel similarity measure is proposed here based on sparse representation in a mono‐modal setting. The zero norm (ℓ0) in the transform domain is introduced as a new similarity measure in the presence of non‐stationary intensity distortion. The present study defines a sparsity similarity measure that indicates the complexity of the residual image between two registered images in the transform domain such as discrete cosine transform or wavelet. It is attempted here to analytically and statistically illustrate that the proposed similarity measure has important properties such as metric properties in vector space, from correntropy perspective. This measure produces accurate registration results on both artificial and real‐world problems which are examined in the present study.
ZnO core–shell microspheres prepared by one‐pot hydrothermal reaction and their photocatalysis properties
Authors: Liu Yingying , Jia Xiaohua , Wu Xiangyang
Published: May 2014

ZnO core–shell microspheres were fabricated by a facile one‐pot hydrothermal method without any other surfactant or template. The structure, morphologies and properties of the as‐prepared samples were determined using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet (UV) and visible absorption spectroscopy. Results showed that the zinc ions were first adsorbed onto the surface of a sucrose droplet or included in the droplet and then reacted with each other to form a ZnO crystal nucleus, which was followed by the growth and calcination steps to form ZnO core–shell microspheres. The photocatalytic characterisation revealed that ZnO core–shell microspheres behave high photocatalytic activity for methylene blue under UV light irradiation, and the degradation rate can reach to 97.64% in 210 min.
Fabrication of black silicon via reactive ion etching through Cu micromask
Authors: Jiang Ye , Shen Honglie , Yue Zhihao , Wang Wei , Jin Jiale
Published: May 2014

Black silicon was fabricated on a pyramid silicon surface via reactive ion etching (RIE) through a Cu micromask formed by a sputtering and annealing process. This adopted RIE technique does not rely on oxygen gas avoiding the silicon surface damage from oxygen plasma. Scanning electron microscopy and an UV–vis‐NIR spectrophotometer were used to characterise the morphology and optical reflectance of the prepared samples with porous structures on a pyramid. The results show that the homogeneity of the Cu micromask controlled by the annealing condition determines the reflectance of the textured silicon wafer. A lowest reflectance of 6.2% appears in the samples with sputtered Cu thin film annealed at a temperature of 500°C for 10 min. This work may provide a choice to fabricate black silicon with an excellent light confinement structure, which will have potential application for the improvement of efficiency of silicon solar cells.
Repeater insertion for carbon nanotube interconnects
Authors: Zhao Wen‐Sheng , Wang Gaofeng , Sun Lingling , Yin Wen‐Yan , Guo Yong‐Xin
Published: May 2014

In this reported work, the effects of repeater insertion on the electrical performance of carbon nanotube (CNT) interconnects are studied theoretically. It is shown that the time delay of CNT interconnects, when the length becomes larger than the transition length, can be effectively suppressed by inserting a series of equispaced repeaters. Furthermore, the impact of contact resistance on the repeater insertion is examined and compared. As the single‐walled CNT interconnects can endure large contact resistance, its optimal repeater insertion can be determined analytically by neglecting the contact resistances. However, for multi‐walled CNT interconnects, the contact resistance must be taken into account in the design of optimal repeater insertion when it exceeds a certain value.
Facile synthesis of leaf‐like cobalt microstructures at low temperature
Authors: Cheng Guobin
Published: May 2014

Three‐dimensional (3D) hierarchical cobalt microstructures with a leaf‐like shape were prepared using cobalt chloride as the starting material via a facile solution method at 90°C. An ethanol and water mixed solution was used as the solvent, and hydrazine was employed as the reducing agent. The phase purity and morphologies were investigated by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the concentration of alkaline and the volume ratio of ethanol to water played important roles for the shape control of the final products. Magnetisation measurements revealed that the leaf‐like cobalt microstructures exhibited ferromagnetic characteristics with a saturation magnetisation of 156.2 emu/g and an enhanced coercivity of 371.5 Oe at room temperature. This relatively simple, efficient and shape controllable approach can be extended to the preparation of other metal materials with complex 3D micro/nanostructures.
Conversion of AgCl nanocubes to Ag/AgCl nanohybrids via solid–liquid reaction for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering detection
Authors: Cui Fangling , Zhai Muheng , Wu Konglin , Yu Nan , Wang Zhenghua
Published: May 2014

In this reported work, Ag/AgCl nanohybrids were synthesised through a facile solid–liquid reaction approach by reducing pre‐grown AgCl nanocubes with a sodium borohydride (NaBH4) ethanol solution. The morphology of the AgCl nanocubes' precursor is kept very well after the reactions. The influence of the NaBH4 concentration and the injection speed of NaBH4 solution were studied. It is demonstrated that the prepared Ag/AgCl nanohybrids can serve as effective surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. Rhodamine 6G (R6G) as the typical SERS analyte was applied to determine the effect of the Ag/AgCl substrate, and SERS signals of R6G were observed in a low concentration of 1 × 10−12M. Furthermore, the Ag/AgCl substrate was applied to detect other analytes such as crystal violet and 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid, which also show high sensitivity.
Cross-Modal Associations in Synaesthesia: Vowel Colours in the Ear of the Beholder
Authors: Moos Anja , Smith Rachel , Miller Sam R. , Simmons David R.
Published: May 2014

Human speech conveys many forms of information, but for some exceptional individuals (synaesthetes), listening to speech sounds can automatically induce visual percepts such as colours. In this experiment, grapheme–colour synaesthetes and controls were asked to assign colours, or shades of grey, to different vowel sounds. We then investigated whether the acoustic content of these vowel sounds influenced participants' colour and grey-shade choices. We found that both colour and grey-shade associations varied systematically with vowel changes. The colour effect was significant for both participant groups, but significantly stronger and more consistent for synaesthetes. Because not all vowel sounds that we used are “translatable” into graphemes, we conclude that acoustic–phonetic influences co-exist with established graphemic influences in the cross-modal correspondences of both synaesthetes and non-synaesthetes.
On second language processing and grammatical development
Authors: Dekydtspotter Laurent , Renaud Claire
Published: May 2014

The parsing-to-learn hypothesis (Fodor, 1998) identifying the parser as the language acquisition device (PLAD) is discussed for second-language (L2) grammatical acquisition. Parsing is assumed to involve concomitant UG-sanctioned structure generation and licensing by a parameterized lexicon. In this architecture, licensing induces immediate changes to the lexical knowledge base as new feature matrices for categories and their exponents are registered. Stages arise as these matrices are increasingly activated and can be accessed within the narrow window imposed by working-memory limitations. Specifically, the PLAD instantiates feature re-assembly (Lardiere, 2009) in response to licensing failures (Clark & Roberts, 1993), characterizing transitions between grammatical states (Gregg, 1996, 2003) in the Full Transfer/Full Access model (Schwartz & Sprouse, 1994, 1996). The PLAD is examined in light of current research and of evidence showing mandatory engagement of syntax, breakdown reflecting feature organization, and domain-specificity. The PLAD offers potentially fruitful insights about L2 parsing and grammatical development.
Accessing and maintaining referents in L2 processing of wh-dependencies
Authors: Miller A. Kate
Published: May 2014

This study considers the role of lexical access in the activation and maintenance of referents interacting with syntactic computations during the online processing of wh-dependencies in second-language French by beginning (N = 39), low intermediate (N = 40), and high intermediate (N = 35) learners. Two computer-paced reading tasks involving concurrent picture classification were designed to investigate trace reactivation during sentence processing: The first task targeted sentences that contained indirect object relative clauses, whereas the second task involved indirect object cleft sentences. Response time profiles for sentences containing English-French cognates as antecedents were compared with those for sentences with noncognate vocabulary. All learner participants produced differing response patterns for cognate and noncognate items. Intermediate learners’ response patterns were consistent with trace reactivation for cognate items only; noncognate items induced inhibitions or erratic response patterns. Additionally, a (French-English bilingual) native speaker control group (N = 35) showed the predicted response pattern with the noncognate items only. These findings indicate that the role of lexical access in sentence processing merits further consideration.
Diversity recognition and minority representation in Central and Southeast Europe: a comparative analysis
Authors: Székely István Gergőo , Horváth István
Published: May 2014

The need to handle ethnocultural diversity and the external pressures of Euro-Atlantic integration have led to the development of complex minority rights regimes in Central and Southeast European states. The aim of this paper is to perform a comparative analysis of the political representation dimension of these regimes, and to investigate how the regulations in this domain are related to the more general attitude of states toward diversity recognition and registration. For this purpose, we classify the states according to a series of variables concerning the manner in which ethnocultural diversity is recognized and portrayed, as well as the regulations concerning the representation of minorities, and identify patterns of their incidence. The formal-legal analysis of the constitutions, minority protection laws and of the electoral legislation of the included countries reveals a clear connection between the general attitude of the state toward diversity and the incidence of autonomies, and a less unequivocal, yet strong relationship in the case of minority representation in the national polity.
The potential for launching a postgraduate course on sustainable energy in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Taleb Hanan M.
Published: May 2014

The pressures of a growing global population, compounded by environmental degradation, escalating energy use and the depletion of natural energy resources, have led to sustainable energy (SE) holding a prominent position on the international agenda. In spite of the widespread recognition of the important role of SE education in securing a sustainable future, it has not yet received much attention within oil‐rich countries such as Saudi Arabia. A single‐sex private college in Saudi Arabia – referred to here as ‘Al‐Ola College’ – has been selected as a case study for this study. As part of this work, a survey has been distributed to all of the female students of Al‐Ola College in order to examine their potential acceptance of such a proposed course dedicated to SE. Moreover, several in‐depth interviews have been conducted with senior staff of the Al‐Ola College and with the potential employers of SE graduates. Issues that have been investigated herewith go beyond the likelihood of acceptance of the new course, and include a detailed examination of the potential benefits and challenges that might be encountered when incorporating the subject of SE into Saudi higher education curricula, in addition to the employment prospects for female students specialising in SE in Saudi Arabia. The primary conclusion was that the launch of a postgraduate course on SE for Saudi females might not be viable at present. This conclusion emerges from the identification of a wide range of barriers including insufficient government support for the SE agenda, a lack of sustainability awareness, a strong social resistance to accepting this field of study and lack of work opportunities for females in the highly conservative Saudi society. As a result of this empirical research, a set of practical ‘enablers’ has been proposed in order to change the status quo with regard to the poor prospects for SE education in Saudi Arabia.
A negative feedback loop mediated by the Bcl6–cullin 3 complex limits Tfh cell differentiation
Authors: Mathew Rebecca , Mao Ai-ping , Chiang Andrew H. , Bertozzi-Villa Clara , Bunker Jeffrey J. , Scanlon Seth T. , McDonald Benjamin D. , Constantinides Michael G. , Hollister Kristin , Singer Jeffrey D. , Dent Alexander L. , Dinner Aaron R. , Bendelac Albert
Published: May 2014

Induction of Bcl6 (B cell lymphoma 6) is essential for T follicular helper (Tfh) cell differentiation of antigen-stimulated CD4+ T cells. Intriguingly, we found that Bcl6 was also highly and transiently expressed during the CD4+CD8+ (double positive [DP]) stage of T cell development, in association with the E3 ligase cullin 3 (Cul3), a novel binding partner of Bcl6 which ubiquitinates histone proteins. DP stage–specific deletion of the E3 ligase Cul3, or of Bcl6, induced the derepression of the Bcl6 target genes Batf (basic leucine zipper transcription factor, ATF-like) and Bcl6, in part through epigenetic modifications of CD4+ single-positive thymocytes. Although they maintained an apparently normal phenotype after emigration, they expressed increased amounts of Batf and Bcl6 at basal state and produced explosive and prolonged Tfh responses upon subsequent antigen encounter. Ablation of Cul3 in mature CD4+ splenocytes also resulted in dramatically exaggerated Tfh responses. Thus, although previous studies have emphasized the essential role of Bcl6 in inducing Tfh responses, our findings reveal that Bcl6–Cul3 complexes also provide essential negative feedback regulation during both thymocyte development and T cell activation to restrain excessive Tfh responses.
The road to rack and ruin: selecting deleterious mitochondrial DNA variants
Authors: Holt Ian J. , Speijer Dave , Kirkwood Thomas B. L.
Published: May 2014

Mitochondria constitute the major energy-producing compartment of the eukaryotic cell. These organelles contain many molecules of DNA that contribute only a handful of proteins required for energy production. Mutations in the DNA of mitochondria were identified as a cause of human disease a quarter of a century ago, and they have subsequently been implicated in ageing. The process whereby deleterious variants come to dominate a cell, tissue or human is the subject of debate. It is likely to involve multiple, often competing, factors, as selection pressures on mitochondrial DNA can be both indirect and intermittent, and are subjected to rapid change. Here, we assess the different models and the prospects for preventing the accumulation of deleterious mitochondrial DNA variants with time.
The methylome of the human frontal cortex across development
Authors: Jaffe Andrew E. , Gao Yuan , Tao Ran , Hyde Thomas M. , Weinberger Daniel R. , Kleinman Joel E.
Published: May 2014

DNA methylation (DNAm) plays an important role in epigenetic regulation of gene expression, orchestrating tissue differentiation and development during all stages of mammalian life. This epigenetic control is especially important in the human brain, with extremely dynamic gene expression during fetal and infant life, and becomes progressively more stable at later periods of development. We characterized the epigenetic state of the developing and aging human frontal cortex in post-mortem tissue from 351 individuals across the lifespan using the Illumina 450k DNA methylation microarray. The largest changes in the methylome occur at birth at varying spatial resolutions – we identify 359,087 differentially methylated loci, which form 23,732 significant differentially methylated regions (DMRs). There were also 298 regions of long-range changes in DNAm, termed “blocks”, associated with birth that strongly overlap previously published colon cancer “blocks”. We then identify 55,439 DMRs associated with development and aging, of which 61.9% significantly associate with nearby gene expression levels. Lastly, we find enrichment of genomic loci of risk for schizophrenia and several other common diseases among these developmental DMRs. These data, integrated with existing genetic and transcriptomic data, create a rich genomic resource across brain development.
Photosynthesis in perennial mixotrophic Epipactis spp. (Orchidaceae) contributes more to shoot and fruit biomass than to hypogeous survival
Authors: Gonneau Cédric , Jersáková Jana , de Tredern Eloïse , Till‐Bottraud Irène , Saarinen Kimmo , Sauve Mathieu , Roy Mélanie , Hájek Tomáš , Selosse Marc‐André
Published: May 2014

Some forest understorey plants recover carbon (C) not only from their own photosynthesis, but also from mycorrhizal fungi colonizing their roots. How these mixotrophic plants use the resources obtained from mycorrhizal and photosynthetic sources remains unknown.

We investigated C sources and allocation in mixotrophic perennial orchids from the genus Epipactis. Based on the assumption that fungal biomass has high δ13C and N content, while photosynthetic biomass has lower δ13C and N content, we indirectly estimated the respective contributions of these two resources to various organs, at various times over the growth season. Fully heterotrophic and fully autotrophic plants from the same sites were used as references for δ13C and N content of biomass purely issuing from fungi and photosynthesis, respectively.

In four investigated populations, the biomass shifted from fully heterotrophic in young spring shoots to 80–100% autotrophic in leaves and fruits at fruiting time, suggesting that photosynthesis supported mostly fruiting costs. In addition, fungal colonization decreased in roots over this period.

Based on δ13C and N content, below‐ground organs and young spring shoots from green (mixotrophic) individuals and spontaneous achlorophyllous variants (fully heterotrophic) displayed similar fungal C contributions. Similar fungal contributions were also found in shoots of individuals that were either sprouting (and thus partially photosynthetic) or dormant (and thus fully heterotrophic) in the previous years. Therefore, fungal C supported mostly young spring shoots and below‐ground organs.

Although experimentally shaded plants had decreased contributions of photosynthetic C in shoots, experimentally defoliated plants showed no increase in fungal C contribution as compared with non‐defoliated controls. Strikingly, these defoliated plants maintained the same seed production: they likely compensated defoliation by increasing stem and fruit photosynthesis.

Synthesis. We propose a falsifiable model of C resource allocation in mixotrophic orchids, where mycorrhizal fungi mostly support below‐ground organs and survival, while photosynthesis mostly supports above‐ground sexual reproduction, but not below‐ground reserves. We discuss how this allocation pattern, where seed production depends on photosynthesis, complicates the evolutionary route to full heterotrophy in mixotrophic orchids.
Understanding the Impact of Migration on Innovation
Authors: Jensen Paul H.
Published: May 2014

Although immigration debates in the popular press sometimes focus on the perceived negative aspects, immigrants may actually stimulate innovation, thereby promoting job creation and enhancing productivity. Although there is an emerging international literature on the impact of migration on innovation, Australian studies are limited. Given the importance of net immigration to Australian society, this is an oversight. In this article, recent developments in the international literature on the migration–innovation relationship are critically reviewed and their implications for the debate in Australia are considered. Moreover, some ideas on how to improve the evidence base for policy‐making in Australia are proposed.
Immigration in a Population Context
Authors: Withers Glenn
Published: May 2014

Immigration has conditioned the peopling of Australia. This article examines the evolution of Australia's population as influenced by immigration, what the impacts of population change have been for the economy, society and environment and what options exist to influence this process. The desirable course of policy is examined. A central role for immigration and the enhancement of its management and of complementary policies in building a worthy future for Australians are proposed. The contribution of past economic analysis to understanding of these issues and to informing policy settings is discussed and work still required in analysis and policy is identified.
Clinical audit of gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma: Results of a single institution
Authors: Ng Yuen‐Shan , Wong Ka‐Fai , Yiu Hak‐Lim , Leung Siu‐Kee
Published: May 2014

Aim

To study the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of surgical resections for gastric adenocarcinoma.

Patients and Methods

All patients who had gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent gastrectomy from 2002 to 2012 at Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, were reviewed. Pathological staging was defined according to 7th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage manual. D1 lymphadenectomy is the removal of perigastric lymph nodes, and D2 lymphadenectomy is the removal of perigastric and the second tier of regional lymph nodes, according to the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association.

Results

The clinical outcomes of 354 patients were studied. The median age was 67, and 65.8 per cent of patients were male. A total of 299 operations (84.5 per cent) were performed with curative intent; 167 (47.2 per cent) patients received extended lymphadenectomy (D2). Laparoscopic gastrectomy was started in 2008 and comprised of 7.8 per cent of gastrectomies since then; 44.9 per cent of patients had pathological stage III, 31.1 per cent of patients received adjuvant treatment and 18.8 per cent of patients developed complications, including intra‐abdominal collection (3 per cent), duodenal stump leak (2.5 per cent) and anastomotic leak (1.4 per cent). The median postoperative length of stay was 10 days. The 30‐day mortality was 2.3 per cent. The overall median survival time was 38.23 months. The 3‐year survival rates for D1 and D2 gastrectomies were 45.45 per cent and 58.37 per cent, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for D1 and D2 gastrectomies were 33.49 per cent and 47.78 per cent, respectively (P = 0.0013). The results are comparable to international standards.

Conclusion

The outcomes of patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer are reviewed and were found to be comparable to international standards. Many of our patients had advanced disease and were benefitted by more extensive lymph‐node dissection.
A decade of experience evolving visiting dental services in partnership with rural remote Aboriginal communities
Authors: Dyson K , Kruger E , Tennant M
Published: May 2014

Background

Embedding research capabilities and workforce development activities with clinical service entities promotes the development of sustainable, innovative, quality‐focused oral health care services. Clinical and strategic governance is an important area of consideration for rural and remote dental services, posing particular challenges for smaller service structures. Sustaining remote area dental services has some significant complexities beyond those involved in urban service models.

Methods

This study describes the sustaining structure of a remote area dental service with a decade of history.

Results

In the current climate, chief among these challenges may be those associated with dental workforce shortages as these impact most heavily in the public sector, and most particularly, in remote areas. As sustained workforce solutions come from developing a future workforce, an essential element of the workforce governance framework for remote dental service provision should be the inclusion of a student participation programme. Collaborative partnership approaches with Aboriginal health services promote the development and maintenance of effective, culturally sensitive dental services within rural and remote Aboriginal communities. Having sustained care for 10 years, this collaborative model of integrated research, education and service has demonstrated its effectiveness as a service model for Aboriginal communities in Western Australia.

Conclusions

This descriptive study finds the core values for this success have been communication, clinical leadership, mentorship within effective governance systems all linked to an integrated education and research agenda.
Fluoride release, recharge and flexural properties of polymethylmethacrylate containing fluoridated glass fillers
Authors: Al‐Bakri IA , Swain MV , Naoum SJ , Al‐Omari WM , Martin E , Ellakwa A
Published: May 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fluoridated glass fillers on fluoride release, recharge and the flexural properties of modified polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).

Methods

Specimens of PMMA denture base material with various loading of fluoridated glass fillers (0%, 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% by weight) were prepared. Flexural properties were evaluated on rectangular specimens (n = 10) aged in deionized water after 24 hours, 1 and 3 months. Disc specimens (n = 10) were aged for 43 days in deionized water and lactic acid (pH 4.0) and fluoride release was measured at numerous intervals. After ageing, specimens were recharged and fluoride re‐release was recorded at 1, 3 and 7 days after recharge.

Results

Samples containing 2.5%, 5% and 10% glass fillers showed significantly (p < 0.05) greater levels of fluoride release compared with the control and 1% glass fillers specimens. All experimental specimens exhibited fluoride release in both media. The flexural strength of specimens decreased in proportion to the percentage filler inclusion with the modulus of elasticity values remaining within ISO Standard 1567.

Conclusions

The modified PMMA with fluoridated glass fillers has the ability to release and re‐release fluoride ion. Flexural strength decreased as glass filler uploading increased.
Expression of nuclear receptors of gingiva in polycystic ovarian syndrome: a preliminary case study
Authors: Asnani KP , Hingorani D , Kheur S , Deshmukh VL , Romanos GE
Published: May 2014

Oestrogen is mainly responsible for alterations in blood vessels and progesterone stimulates the production of inflammatory mediators. In females, during puberty, ovulation and pregnancy, there is an increase in the production of sex steroid hormones, which results in increased gingival inflammation, characterized by gingival enlargement, increased bleeding and crevicular fluid flow. This article presents a case of a patient who presented with a complaint of gingival swelling and spontaneous bleeding that persisted for more than two months. Her health history documented the recently diagnosed presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Clinical examination revealed enlarged painful gingival tissues, which bled when touched. After completion of Phase I therapy, the enlargement did not subside and a biopsy sample was taken. This was compared with another patient who had the same health condition but did not show any gingival enlargement. Testing of tissue samples for oestrogen and progesterone receptors showed the first patient to be positive for oestrogen receptors but negative for progesterone, whereas the control was negative for both. Positive oestrogen receptors suggest that polycystic ovarian syndrome has some effect on the periodontium. The dental consequences of this condition, highly prevalent among young females, are typically ignored. Further studies warrant establishment of a clinical association and future diagnosis.
Effect on interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐8 levels following use of fibrin sealant for periodontal surgery
Authors: Pulikkotil SJ , Nath S
Published: May 2014

Background

Fibrin sealant (FS) is a biologically derived tissue adhesive for securing flaps. The aim of the present randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare early wound healing by assessing interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) levels from gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) after using FS and suture for periodontal flap closure.

Methods

Thirty selected quadrants in 15 periodontitis patients were randomly assigned to either a test (fibrining) or control group (suturing) for flap closure. IL‐1β and IL‐8 were assessed in GCF using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and eight days after surgery. Patients were recalled at 7, 14, 21 days and 3 months after surgery for clinical assessment.

Results

There was a statistically significant decrease in IL‐1β (84.82 ± 77.18, 29.2 ± 21.97 pg/μl) and IL‐8 (57.94 ± 55.47, 21.82 ± 21.93 pg/μl) levels in the test side after fibrining while there was an increase in the control side (IL‐1β 31.40 ± 16.82, 128.8 ± 45.14; IL‐8 31.40 ± 16.82, 128.83 ± 45.14 pg/μl) (p < 0.05). The change in concentration of IL‐1β and IL‐8 following intervention correlated significantly in both the sites. Clinical parameters differed significantly only on the seventh day with less plaque and bleeding on the test sites.

Conclusions

Fibrin sealant enhances early wound healing by reducing inflammation after periodontal flap surgery.
Flicker‐induced retinal vasodilatation is not dependent on complement factor H polymorphism in healthy young subjects
Authors: Told Reinhard , Palkovits Stefan , Boltz Agnes , Schmidl Doreen , Napora Katarzyna J. , Werkmeister René M. , Haslacher Helmuth , Frantal Sophie , Popa‐Cherecheanu Alina , Schmetterer Leopold , Garhöfer Gerhard
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The complement factor H (CFH) tyrosine 402 histidine (Y402H, rs1061170) variant is known to be significantly associated with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Whether this genetic variant may impact retinal blood flow regulation is largely unknown. This study investigated whether flicker‐induced vasodilation, an indicator for the coupling between neural activity and blood flow, is altered in subjects carrying the rs1061170 risk allele.

Methods

One hundred healthy subjects (aged between 18 and 45 years) were included in this study. Retinal blood flow regulation was tested by assessing retinal vessel calibres in response to stimulation with diffuse flicker light. Retinal vascular flicker responses were determined with a Dynamic Vessel Analyzer (DVA). In addition, genotyping for rs1061170 was performed.

Results

Eighteen subjects were homozygous for the risk allele C, 50 were homozygous for the ancestral allele T, and 31 subjects were heterozygous (CT). One subject had to be excluded from data evaluation, as no genetic analysis could be performed due to technical difficulties. Baseline diameters of retinal arteries (p = 0.39) and veins (p = 0.64) were comparable between the three groups. Flicker‐induced vasodilation in both retinal arteries (p = 0.38) and retinal veins (p = 0.62) was also comparable between the three studied groups.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that homozygous healthy young carriers of the C risk allele at rs1061170 do not show abnormal flicker‐induced vasodilation in the retina. This suggests that the high‐risk genetic variant of CFH polymorphism does not impact neuro‐vascular coupling in healthy subjects.
Variation in small bowel length: Factor in achieving total enteroscopy?
Authors: Raines Daniel , Arbour Adrienne , Thompson Hilary W. , Figueroa‐Bodine Jazmin , Joseph Saju
Published: May 2014

Background and Aim

Estimation of small bowel length is of interest following the recent development of device‐assisted enteroscopy. This new technology allows access to the deep small bowel, but rates of examination of the entire small bowel (total enteroscopy) differ between study populations. Variation in small bowel length could factor into this observed irregularity in total enteroscopy rates. Medical literature contains limited information regarding small bowel length in living patients and conflicting data regarding small bowel length and its relationship to height and weight. We carried out small bowel measurements on surgical patients to further define the total length of the small bowel and its relationship to height, weight and body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Measurement of ileojejunal length on 91 surgical patients undergoing laparotomy for routine indications. Demographic data were collected for each subject, including height, weight and BMI.

Results

Small bowel length was found to vary widely between individuals (average 998.52 cm, range 630–1510 cm). Linear regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between small bowel length and height (regression coefficient = 0.0561, P‐value = 0.0238). A linear relationship between small bowel length and weight or BMI was not observed.

Conclusions

Length of the small bowel in humans is pertinent to advances in deep enteroscopy and existing surgical applications such as intestinal bypass and prevention of short gut syndrome. If average small bowel length varies with height, total enteroscopy may be easier to achieve in patients who are short in stature.