bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition and distribution of ground‐dwelling beetles among oak fragments and surrounding pine plantations in a temperate forest of North China
Authors: Yu Xiao‐Dong , Luo Tian‐Hong , Zhou Hong‐Zhang
Published: April 2013

In this study, we compared ground‐dwelling beetle assemblages (Coleoptera) from a range of different oak fragments and surrounding conifer plantations to evaluate effects of forest size and surrounding matrix habitat in a temperate forest of north China. During 2000, beetles were sampled via pitfall traps within two large oak fragments (ca. 2.0−4.0 ha), two small oak fragments (ca. 0.2−0.4 ha) and two surrounding matrices dominated by pine plantations (>4 ha) in two sites of different aspects. Overall, no significantly negative effects from forest patch size and the surrounding matrix habitat were detected in total species number and abundance of ground‐dwelling beetles. However, compared with small oak patches or pine plantations, more species were associated with an affinity for at least one large oak patch of the two aspects. Multivariate regression trees showed that the habitat type better determined the beetle assemblage structure than patch size and aspect, indicating a strong impact of the surrounding matrix. Linear mixed models indicated that species richness and abundance of all ground‐dwelling beetles or beetle families showed different responses to the selected environmental variables. Our results suggest that more disturbed sites are significantly poorer in oak forest specialists, which are usually more abundant in large oak fragments and decrease in abundance or disappear in small fragments and surrounding matrix habitats. Thus, it is necessary to preserve a minimum size of forest patch to create conditions characteristic for forest interior, rather than the more difficult task of increasing habitat connectivity.
Descriptive Analysis of Flavor Characteristics for Black Walnut Cultivars
Authors: Miller Ashley E. , Chambers Delores H.
Published: April 2013

Seven black walnut cultivars, Brown Nugget, Davidson, Emma K, Football, Sparks 127, Sparrow, and Tomboy, were evaluated by descriptive sensory analysis. Seven trained panelists developed a lexicon for the black walnuts and scored the intensities of the samples for 22 flavor attributes. Results showed that the 7 samples differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) on 13 of the attributes. For the majority of the attributes, only Emma K differed from the rest of the cultivars by being characterized with lower scores for black walnut ID, overall nutty, nutty‐grain‐like, nutty‐buttery, floral/fruity, oily, and overall sweet. That sample also was higher in acrid, burnt, fruity‐dark, musty/earthy, rancid, and bitter attributes. The remaining 6 cultivars showed few differences in individual attribute ratings, but did show some differences when mapped using multivariate techniques. Future studies should include descriptive analysis of other black walnut varieties, both wild and commercial, that could be grown and harvested for production.
The urban matrix and artificial light restricts the nightly ranging behaviour of Gould's long‐eared bat (Nyctophilus gouldi)
Authors: Threlfall C. G. , Law B. , Banks P. B.
Published: April 2013

Cities are heterogeneous landscapes, with remnant vegetation interspersed amongst areas designed for human use. Native wildlife remaining in urban areas are only likely to thrive and persist if they incorporate human altered areas into what they perceive as habitat. Many sensitive species may be lost if they are restricted to remnant vegetation, and cannot use the urban matrix. In this study, we quantify spatial aspects of the ranging behaviour of Gould's long‐eared bat (Nyctophilus gouldi) using radio‐telemetry and acoustic surveys to determine use of the suburban–bushland interface. This species represents a group prone to extinction due to biological attributes that adapt it to flight within cluttered vegetation, making it more specialized. We radio‐tracked 19 individuals in Cumberland State Forest (CSF), a 40‐ha remnant located in north‐west Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The nightly range (95% Kernel Density Estimator) was small and localized, and was no greater than 80 ha, where individuals moved on average less than 300 m from roosts each night. All individual N. gouldi tracked used bushland in an almost obligate manner, where up to 100% of used habitat was within local bushland, with little to no use of areas classified as ‘urban’ (residential, commercial and educational land uses). Small open spaces exposed to artificial lighting within the main ranging area of CSF had significantly lower activity (bat passes) of Nyctophilus spp. and significantly higher activity of other species more tolerant of urbanization (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that artificial lighting can ‘spill‐over’ into bushland and alter the use of preferred habitat. We conclude that large patches (>40 ha) of protected remnant vegetation must be managed to reduce further degradation, and smaller isolated patches could be restored to provide habitat, particularly in narrow bushland corridors, to assist these species to tolerate urban areas.
Combining population genetics, species distribution modelling and field assessments to understand a species vulnerability to climate change
Authors: McCallum Kimberly P. , Guerin Greg R. , Breed Martin F. , Lowe Andrew J.
Published: April 2013

Climate change is recognized as a major threat to biodiversity. Multidisciplinary approaches that combine population genetics and species distribution modelling to assess these threats and recommend conservation actions are critical but rare. Combined, these methods provide independent verification and a more compelling case for developing conservation actions. This study integrates these data streams together with field assessments and spatial analyses to develop future genetic resource management recommendations. The study species was Callistemon teretifolius (Needle Bottlebrush), a shrub species endemic to the Mount Lofty and Flinders Ranges, South Australia, and potentially vulnerable to climate change. Chloroplast microsatellite and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism data were combined with species distribution modelling (MaxEnt), spatial analysis and field assessment to evaluate climate change vulnerability. Two major genetic groups were identified (Mount Lofty and Flinders Ranges). Populations in the Flinders Ranges, especially the Southern Flinders Ranges exhibited the highest genetic diversity, indicating a possible genetic refugium. Lower genetic diversity to the south in the Mount Lofty Ranges and north in the Gammon Ranges may be due to post‐glacial expansion into these areas from the Flinders Ranges or loss of alleles. Low levels of contemporary gene flow were identified, which suggests Callistemon teretifolius may have a limited capacity to respond to climate change through migration. Range restrictions were predicted for all future climates, especially in the north. It is likely that C. teretifolius will be adversely affected by climate change, due to limited gene flow, predicted range restriction and loss of suitable habitat. The Southern Flinders Ranges should be a priority for conservation because it contains the highest number of individuals and genetic diversity. We recommend monitoring and adaptive management involving restoration in the Southern Flinders Ranges, potentially incorporating genetic translocations from other areas to capture diversity, to assist C. teretifolius to adapt to climate change.
Are invasive species drivers of native species decline or passengers of habitat modification? A case study of the impact of the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) on Australian bird species
Authors: Grarock Kate , Tidemann Christopher R. , Wood Jeffrey T. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: April 2013

Habitat modification and invasive species are significant drivers of biodiversity decline. However, distinguishing between the impacts of these two drivers on native species can be difficult. For example, habitat modification may reduce native species abundance, while an invasive species may take advantage of the new environment. This scenario has been described as the driver‐passenger model, with ‘passengers’ taking advantage of habitat modification and ‘drivers’ causing native species decline. Therefore, research must incorporate both habitat modification and invasive species impact to successfully investigate native species decline. In this paper, we used the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) as a case study to investigate the driver‐passenger model. We investigated changes in bird abundance, over 2 years, in relation to different habitat types and common myna abundance. We hypothesized that the common myna is both a passenger of habitat change and a driver of some bird species decline. Our results indicated that the abundance of many native species is greater in high tree density nature reserves, while the common myna was uncommon in these areas. Common myna abundance was almost three times higher in urban areas than nature reserves and declined rapidly as tree density in nature reserves increased. Our findings indicated that the common myna is primarily a passenger of habitat change. However, we also observed negative associations between common myna abundance and some bird species. We stress the importance of simultaneously investigating both invasive species impact and habitat modification. We suggest habitat restoration could be a useful tool for both native species recovery and invasive species control. Understanding the drivers of native species decline will help inform impact mitigation and direct further research.
Effect of Culture Conditions on the Phenotype of THP‐1 Monocyte Cell Line
Authors: Aldo Paulomi B. , Craveiro Vinicius , Guller Seth , Mor Gil
Published: April 2013

Problem

Macrophage function has many implications in a variety of diseases. Understanding their biology becomes imperative when trying to elucidate immune cell interactions with their environment, and in vitro cell lines allow researchers to manipulate these interactions. A common cell line used is THP‐1, a promyeloid cell line suggestive to outside factors, and therefore sensitive to culture conditions. In this study, we describe how culture conditions can alter THP‐1 morphology and in turn affect their response to differentiation stimuli.

Method of Study

THP‐1 cells were cultured in two conditions and treated with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) or MCSF. CD14 surface expression was determined by flow cytometry and cytokine/chemokine production determined by multiplex analysis.

Results

Culture conditions of THP‐1 affect their response to PMA. Highly confluent THP‐1 cells differentiate into a heterogeneous population responsive to PMA as seen by an increase in CD14 expression. However, these cells, cultured in low confluence, remain as a homogenous population and do not gain CD14. Additionally, there are major differences in the constitutive cytokine profile.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that the culture conditions of THP‐1 cells can alter their response PMA. This suggests that culture techniques may account for the discrepancy in the literature of both basal THP‐1 phenotype and their response to PMA.
Interbranch Negotiations over Policies with Multiple Outcomes
Authors: Howell William G. , Jackman Saul P.
Published: April 2013

Whereas presidents represent the entire nation, members of Congress serve districts and states. Consequently, presidents and members of Congress often disagree not only about the merits of different policies but also about the criteria used to assess them. To investigate the relevance of jurisdictional−and by extension criterial−differences for policymaking, we revisit classic models of bargaining under uncertainty. Rather than define uncertainty about the mapping of one policy into one outcome, as all previous scholars have done, we allow for every policy to generate two politically relevant outcomes, one local and another national. We then identify equilibria in which the president's utility is increasing in the value that a representative legislator assigns to national outcomes. As an application of this theory, we analyze budgetary politics in war and peace. We find that during periods of war, when members of Congress assign greater importance to the very same national outcomes that preoccupy presidents, congressional appropriations more closely reflect presidential proposals.
Multiple atopy phenotypes and their associations with asthma: similar findings from two birth cohorts
Authors: Lazic N. , Roberts G. , Custovic A. , Belgrave D. , Bishop C. M. , Winn J. , Curtin J. A. , Hasan Arshad S. , Simpson A.
Published: April 2013

Background

Although atopic sensitization is one of the strongest risk factors for asthma, its relationship with asthma is poorly understood. We hypothesize that ‘atopy’ encompasses multiple sub‐phenotypes that relate to asthma in different ways.

Methods

In two population‐based birth cohorts (Manchester and Isle of Wight – IoW), we used a machine learning approach to independently cluster children into different classes of atopic sensitization in an unsupervised manner, based on skin prick and sIgE tests taken throughout childhood and adolescence. We examined the qualitative cluster properties and their relationship to asthma and lung function.

Results

A five‐class solution best described the data in both cohorts, with striking similarity between the classes across the two populations. Compared with nonsensitized class, children in the class with sensitivity to a wide variety of allergens (~1/3 of children atopic by conventional definition) were much more likely to have asthma (aOR [95% CI0; 20.1 [10.9–40.2] in Manchester and 11.9 [7.3–19.4] in IoW). The relationship between asthma and conventional atopy was much weaker (5.5 [3.4–8.8] in Manchester and 5.8 [4.1–8.3] in IoW). In both cohorts, children in this class had significantly poorer lung function (FEV1/FVC lower by 4.4% in Manchester and 2.6% in IoW; P < 0.001), most reactive airways, highest eNO and most hospital admissions for asthma (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

By adopting a machine learning approach to longitudinal data on allergic sensitization from two independent unselected birth cohorts, we identified latent classes with strikingly similar patterns of atopic response and association with clinical outcomes, suggesting the existence of multiple atopy phenotypes.
Asthma and allergies: is the farming environment (still) protective in Poland? The GABRIEL Advanced Studies
Authors: MacNeill S. J. , Sozanska B. , Danielewicz H. , Debinska A. , Kosmeda A. , Boznanski A. , Illi S. , Depner M. , Strunz‐Lehner C. , Waser M. , Büchele G. , Horak E. , Genuneit J. , Heederik D. , Braun‐Fahrländer C. , von Mutius E. , Cullinan P. ,   The GABRIELA study group
Published: April 2013

Background

Evidence exists that a farming environment in childhood may provide protection against atopic respiratory disease. In the GABRIEL project based in Poland and Alpine regions of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, we aimed to assess whether a farming environment in childhood is protective against allergic diseases in Poland and whether specific exposures explain any protective effect.

Methods

In rural Poland, 23 331 families of schoolchildren completed a questionnaire enquiring into farming practices and allergic diseases (Phase I). A subsample (n = 2586) participated in Phase II involving a more detailed questionnaire on specific farm exposures with objective measures of atopy.

Results

Farming differed between Poland and the Alpine centres; in the latter, cattle farming was prevalent, whereas in Poland 18% of village farms kept ≥1 cow and 34% kept ≥1 pig. Polish children in villages had lower prevalences of asthma and hay fever than children from towns, and in the Phase II population, farm children had a reduced risk of atopy measured by IgE (aOR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.57, 0.91) and skin prick test (aOR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.50, 0.86). Early‐life contact with grain was inversely related to the risk of atopy measured by IgE (aOR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.47, 0.92) and appeared to explain part of the farming effect.

Conclusion

While farming in Poland differed from that in the Alpine areas as did the exposure–response associations, we found in communities engaged in small‐scale, mixed farming, there was a protective farming effect against objective measures of atopy potentially related to contact with grain or associated farm activities.
A common environmental pollutant, 4‐nonylphenol, promotes allergic lung inflammation in a murine model of asthma
Authors: Suen J. L. , Hsu S. H. , Hung C. H. , Chao Y. S. , Lee C. L. , Lin C. Y. , Weng T. H. , Yu H. S. , Huang S. K.
Published: April 2013

Background

Exposure to environmental hormones, such as alkylphenols, has been suggested to be associated with the development of asthma, but the mechanism of action remains unclear.

Objective

This study examined the effect of 4‐nonylphenol (NP), one of the most important alkylphenols, on conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and adaptive T‐cell responses. It also explored the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in NP's effect.

Methods

NP‐conditioned bone marrow‐derived DCs (BM‐DCs) and splenic CD11c+ cDCs were assessed regarding function in a murine model under conditions relevant to route and level of exposure in humans.

Results

Our results showed that splenic cDCs from NP‐exposed mice have potent Th2‐skewing ability and secrete increased levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α, but not IL‐10 and IL‐12, at baseline and after stimulation with LPS. Further, bone marrow‐derived DCs were cultured in the presence of NP and showed similar cytokine pattern and influenced the antigen‐specific T cells secreting significantly less IFN‐γ. Importantly, NP‐exposed mice developed more severe OVA‐induced allergic lung inflammation compared with control group. Interestingly, in a congenic strain of mice carrying low‐affinity, ligand‐binding mutant AhR (AhRd), NP's effect on DC functions and lung inflammation was not observed in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

These results suggested that NP may disturb physiologic function of DCs through, in part, AhR‐dependent mechanisms, supporting the importance of NP exposure on the regulation of DC functions and allergic inflammation.
A phase 1 study of heat/phenol‐killed, E. coli‐encapsulated, recombinant modified peanut proteins Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3 (EMP‐123) for the treatment of peanut allergy
Authors: Wood R. A. , Sicherer S. H. , Burks A. W. , Grishin A. , Henning A. K. , Lindblad R. , Stablein D. , Sampson H. A.
Published: April 2013

Background

Immunotherapy for peanut allergy may be limited by the risk of adverse reactions.

Objective

To investigate the safety and immunologic effects of a vaccine containing modified peanut proteins.

Methods

This was a phase 1 trial of EMP‐123, a rectally administered suspension of recombinant Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3, modified by amino acid substitutions at major IgE‐binding epitopes, encapsulated in heat/phenol‐killed E. coli. Five healthy adults were treated with 4 weekly escalating doses after which 10 peanut‐allergic adults received weekly dose escalations over 10 weeks from 10 mcg to 3063 mcg, followed by three biweekly doses of 3063 mcg.

Results

There were no significant adverse effects in the healthy volunteers. Of the 10 peanut‐allergic subjects [4 with intermittent asthma, median peanut IgE 33.3 kUA/l (7.2–120.2), and median peanut skin prick test wheal 11.3 mm (6.5–18)]; four experienced no symptoms; one had mild rectal symptoms; and the remaining five experienced adverse reactions preventing completion of dosing. Two were categorized as mild, but the remaining three were more severe, including one moderate reaction and two anaphylactic reactions. Baseline peanut IgE was significantly higher in the five reactive subjects (median 82.4 vs 17.2 kUA/l, P = 0.032), as was baseline anti‐Ara h 2 IgE (43.3 versus 8.3, P = 0.036). Peanut skin test titration and basophil activation (at a single dilution) were significantly reduced after treatment, but no significant changes were detected for total IgE, peanut IgE, or peanut IgG4.

Conclusions

Rectal administration of EMP‐123 resulted in frequent adverse reactions, including severe allergic reactions in 20%.
Retinal vascular calibres are significantly associated with cardiovascular risk factors: the Tromsø Eye Study
Authors: von Hanno Therese , Bertelsen Geir , Sjølie Anne K. , Mathiesen Ellisiv B.
Published: April 2013

Purpose:  To describe the association between retinal vascular calibres and cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods:  Population‐based cross‐sectional study including 6353 participants of the Tromsø Eye Study in Norway aged 38–87 years. Retinal arteriolar calibre (central retinal artery equivalent) and retinal venular calibre (central retinal vein equivalent) were measured computer‐assisted on retinal photographs. Data on blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and smoking were collected. Association between retinal vessel calibre and the cardiovascular risk factors was assessed by multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses.

Results:  Retinal arteriolar calibre was independently associated with age, blood pressure, HbA1c and smoking in women and men, and with HDL cholesterol in men only. Blood pressure had the strongest effect on arteriolar calibre, with a decrease in calibre of 3.6 μm (women)/4.1 μm (men) per standard deviation increase in mean arterial blood pressure. Retinal venular calibre was independently associated with age, blood pressure, BMI, HDL and LDL cholesterol and smoking in men and women. The effect of BMI and HDL cholesterol on venular calibre was significantly stronger in men than in women. Current smoking was the most important factor for venular calibre, where smokers had 13.2 μm (women)/15.2 μm (men) wider calibre than nonsmokers.

Conclusion:  All the explored cardiovascular risk factors were independently associated with retinal vascular calibre, with stronger effect of HDL cholesterol and BMI in men than in women. Blood pressure and smoking contributed most to the explained variance.
Parental involvement in children's learning: Mothers' fourth shift, social class, and the growth of state intervention in family life
Authors: Holloway Sarah L. , Pimlott‐Wilson Helena
Published: April 2013

Nation states across the global North are restructuring their education systems. This process has changed the relationship between school and home, with an increasing onus being placed on parents to involve themselves in their children's education. The article explores what mothers with different social class positions think about state attempts to enrol them in the education of their primary‐aged children (ages 4–11), and considers their experience of school curriculum events designed to encourage and guide their help for children's learning within the home. Mothers’ support for this form of educational restructuring is widespread, but motivations for, and experiences of, involvement vary significantly between higher‐, middle‐ and low‐income schools. This matters as parental involvement not only increases mothers’ workloads—adding a fourth shift to the existing demands of paid labour, domestic work, and their own education/training—but also risks widening social inequality as middle‐class children potentially benefit more than their working class counterparts. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the need for geographies of education to: explore parents’ gendered and classed engagement with education; trace the sectors’ changing spatiality in the context of growing links between different sites of learning; and produce geographies that look both inward into the education system and outward at its importance in wider society.
Accommodating all applicants? School choice and the regulation of enrolment in Ireland
Authors: Ledwith Valerie , Reilly Kathy
Published: April 2013

The politics of access are a central issue when considering education as both a process and product of socio‐demographic stratification. This article undertakes a two‐fold investigation of school choice in Ireland, first using data gathered during 2009–2010 as part of the Galway Education Survey (GES) to examine school choice practices on the ground. We then localize these findings in the discursive context of three Department of Education and Skills documents—the Audit of School Enrolment Policies by the Regional Offices Service (2007), the Letter to Education Partners on Enrolment Audit Follow‐up (2008), and the Discussion Paper on a Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment (2011). The analysis highlights the inequality of access for migrant students that exists as a result of current school enrolment practice and discusses the potential for developing future arrangements that support inclusive, transparent, and fair enrolment policies.
Short (8‐mm) locking‐taper implants supporting single crowns in posterior region: a prospective clinical study with 1‐to 10‐years of follow‐up
Authors: Mangano Francesco Guido , Shibli Jamil Awad , Sammons Rachel Lilian , Iaculli Flavia , Piattelli Adriano , Mangano Carlo
Published: April 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term outcome of short (8‐mm) locking‐taper implants supporting single crowns in the posterior regions and to analyze the influence of different factors on implant survival and implant‐crown success rates.

Materials and methods

Between June 2002 and September 2011, all patients referred to two private practices for treatment with short (8‐mm) implants supporting single tooth restorations in posterior areas of both jaws were considered for inclusion in this study. At each annual follow‐up session, clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed. Implant‐crown success criteria included absence of pain, suppuration, mobility, and peri‐implant radiolucency, distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone‐to‐implant contact (DIB) <1.5 mm after 12 months and not exceeding 0.2 mm for each following year, absence of prosthetic complications. The cumulative survival and implant‐crown success were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier survival estimator; Chi‐square test was applied to evaluate correlations between the study variables. The statistical analysis was performed at the patient and at the implant level.

Results

Two hundred and fifteen implants (124 maxilla; 91 mandible) were placed in 194 patients (104 men; 90 women). Three implants failed (2 maxilla; 1 mandible). The 10‐year cumulative survival rate was 98.4% (patient‐based) and 98.5% (implant‐based). Among the surviving implants, the mean DIB was 0.31 (±0.24), 0.43 (±0.29), and 0.62 (±0.31) mm at the 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year follow‐up session; two biologic and three prosthetic complications were reported, for a 10‐year cumulative implant‐crown success rate of 95.8% (patient‐based) and 95.9% (implant‐based). The implant survival and implant‐crown success rates did not differ significantly with respect to patients' gender, age, smoking habit, parafunctional habit, implant location, implant diameter, and bone type.

Conclusions

The use of short (8‐mm) locking‐taper implants is a predictable treatment modality for the restoration of single tooth gaps of posterior segments of dentition.
Placement of a triple‐layered covered versus uncovered metallic stent for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction: A multicenter randomized trial
Authors: Maetani Iruru , Mizumoto Yoshinori , Shigoka Hiroaki , Omuta Shigefumi , Saito Michihiro , Tokuhisa Junya , Morizane Toshio
Published: April 2013

Background

Usually, uncovered self‐expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are used for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). A triple‐layered covered SEMS is reported to be efficacious, but its performance has not been compared with uncovered SEMS. The present study is the first to compare the efficacy and safety of a triple‐layered covered versus uncovered SEMS.

Patients and Methods

A multicenter randomized study was conducted in two tertiary referral centers, with 62 eligible patients with symptomatic GOO to receive covered (n = 31) or uncovered SEMS (n = 31). The primary endpoint was SEMS patency, and secondary endpoints were success rate and adverse events after complete follow up.

Results

Both groups had a technical success rate of 100% and comparable clinical success rates (P = 0.67). There was nostatistically significant difference in stent patency and adverse events between the two groups (P = 0.52 and P = 0.38, respectively). Although the occurrence rate of persistent obstructive symptoms was comparable (P = 0.42), that of recurrent obstructive symptoms was higher in the uncovered group (29% vs 3.6%, P = 0.0125). Patient survival did not differ between groups (P = 0.34).

Conclusion

There was no statistically significant difference in stent patency, but use of a triple‐layered covered SEMS was associated with less frequent stent dysfunction more than 4 weeks after stenting, despite similar short‐term outcomes.
Reporter Mouse Lines for Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Abe Takaya , Fujimori Toshihiko
Published: April 2013

The use of live imaging approaches to examine and understand the dynamic processes that take place during mouse development has become widespread. Several groups have reported their success in generating different reporter mouse lines that express a variety of fluorescent markers for imaging. However, there is currently no established database of the reporter mouse lines available for live imaging, such as the Cre transgenic lines (Cre‐X‐Mice). Researchers therefore often have difficulties in determining which reporter mouse line meets their research purposes. In this review, we summarize some of the reporter mouse lines that have been generated for live imaging studies, and discuss their characteristics.
Towards comprehensive cell lineage reconstructions in complex organisms using light‐sheet microscopy
Authors: Amat Fernando , Keller Philipp J.
Published: April 2013

Understanding the development of complex multicellular organisms as a function of the underlying cell behavior is one of the most fundamental goals of developmental biology. The ability to quantitatively follow cell dynamics in entire developing embryos is an indispensable step towards such a system‐level understanding. In recent years, light‐sheet fluorescence microscopy has emerged as a particularly promising strategy for recording the in vivo data required to realize this goal. Using light‐sheet fluorescence microscopy, entire complex organisms can be rapidly imaged in three dimensions at sub‐cellular resolution, achieving high temporal sampling and excellent signal‐to‐noise ratio without damaging the living specimen or bleaching fluorescent markers. The resulting datasets allow following individual cells in vertebrate and higher invertebrate embryos over up to several days of development. However, the complexity and size of these multi‐terabyte recordings typically preclude comprehensive manual analyses. Thus, new computational approaches are required to automatically segment cell morphologies, accurately track cell identities and systematically analyze cell behavior throughout embryonic development. We review current efforts in light‐sheet microscopy and bioimage informatics towards this goal, and argue that comprehensive cell lineage reconstructions are finally within reach for many key model organisms, including fruit fly, zebrafish and mouse.
New bone formation around xenogenic dentin grafts to rabbit tibia marrow
Authors: Al‐Asfour Adel , Andersson Lars , Kamal Mohammad , Joseph Bobby
Published: April 2013

Purpose

From traumatology, it is well known that dentoalveolar ankylosis results in osseous replacement and formation of new bone. This principle is used after decoronation for preservation of the height and width of the alveolar bone crest after trauma. Dentin possesses bone‐forming properties and may possibly also be used as a bone augmentation material prior to implant placement. The aim of this study was to investigate whether xenogenic dentin particles inserted into the marrow space of rabbit tibia, a space where there is no solid bone tissue initially, would contribute to new bone formation.

Materials and Methods

Dentin chips from human teeth were inserted into tibias of ten New Zealand rabbits. The tibial bones were processed for histology after 6 months, and new bone formation was quantified.

Results

Bone formation was ranging from 0 to 86% on the dentin fragments, and there was minor inflammation. Bone formation was seen to a larger extent on dentin grafts located close to the native tibial bone wall. There was a significant correlation (r = −0.579, P < 0.001) between the amount of bone formation around the dentin graft and distance to the tibial cortical wall.

Conclusion

Dentin promotes new bone formation when located close to native cortical bone and may have a potential as a bone augmentation material.
Behavioural Flexibility and Personality in Zebra Finches
Authors: Brust Vera , Wuerz Yvonne , Krüger Oliver
Published: April 2013

Consistent individual differences in behaviour of animals, that is, personalities, are both widespread and widely studied, but very few studies also include cognitive traits in this context. Animal personality has recently been integrated into the pace‐of‐life‐syndrome hypothesis, relating individual behavioural traits to life history. Variation in cognitive traits could be explained well by this theoretical framework. A risk‐reward trade‐off might lead to different cognitive types: Active birds that learn fast, take risks and probably have a fast lifestyle and less active, slow learning birds that are risk averse but thereby perform better in reversal learning as they probably pay more attention to external cues. We investigated the performance of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) in a cognitively challenging reversal learning task and linked this to two personality traits: activity and fearfulness. Male birds were better in reversal learning than females. While no personality‐related differences occurred in the initial learning of our task, more active and fearful birds relearned the cue–reward association faster. While birds of different sex might have revealed different risk‐taking strategies in the training, our findings do not reveal the expected direction of a risk‐reward trade‐off in the reversal learning. It seems likely that a more general and personality‐related cognitive ability might improve performance across different tasks. The linkage between personality and cognition documented here could hence suggest that cognitive traits are indeed part of an overall pace‐of‐life syndrome.
Are there radiologically identifiable prodromal changes inThoroughbred racehorses with parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx?
Authors: Smith M. R. W. , Wright I. M.
Published: April 2013

Reasons for performing study

Fractures of the proximal phalanx are generally considered to result from monotonic supraphysiological loads, but radiological observations from clinical cases suggest there may be a stress‐related aetiology.

Objectives

To determine whether there are radiologically identifiable prodromal changes inThoroughbred racehorses with confirmed parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx.

Study design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Case records and radiographs ofThoroughbred racehorses with parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx were analysed. Thickness of the subchondral bone plate was measured in fractured and contralateral limbs, and additional radiological features consistent with prodromal fracture pathology documented.

Results

The subchondral bone plate was significantly thicker in affected than in contralateral limbs. Evidence of additional prodromal fracture pathology was observed in 15/110 (14%) limbs with parasagittal fractures, and in 4% of contralateral limbs.

Conclusions

The results of this study are not consistent with monotonic loading as a cause of fracture in at least a proportion of cases, but suggest a stress‐related aetiology. Increased thickness of the subchondral bone plate may reflect (failed) adaptive changes that precede fracture.

Potential relevance

Better understanding of the aetiology of fractures of the proximal phalanx may help develop strategies to reduce the risk of fracture.

TheSummary is available inChinese – seeSupporting information.
The art of blocking ADP‐ribosyltransferases (ARTs): Nanobodies as experimental and therapeutic tools to block mammalian and toxin ARTs
Authors: Menzel Stephan , Rissiek Björn , Haag Friedrich , Goldbaum Fernando A. , Koch‐Nolte Friedrich
Published: April 2013

In 1901, the first Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Emil von Behring for his ground‐breaking discovery of serum therapy: serum from horses vaccinated with toxin‐containing culture medium of Corynebacterium diphtheriae contained life‐saving ‘antitoxins’. The molecular nature of the ADP‐ribosylating toxin and the neutralizing antibodies were unraveled only 50 years later. Today, von Behring's antibody therapy is being refined with a new generation of recombinant antibodies and antibody fragments. Nanobodies, which are single‐domain antibodies derived from the peculiar heavy‐chain antibodies of llamas and other camelids, are emerging as a promising new class of highly specific enzyme inhibitors. In this review, we illustrate the potential of nanobodies as tools to block extracellular and intracellular ADP‐ribosyltransferases (ARTs), using the toxin‐related membrane‐bound mammalian ecto‐enzyme ARTC2 and the actin‐ADP‐ribosylating Salmonella virulence plasmid factor B toxin of Salmonella enterica as examples.
Is there a core set of organisms that structure macroinvertebrate assemblages in freshwater wetlands?
Authors: Batzer Darold P. , Ruhí Albert
Published: April 2013

We analysed taxa lists from 447 individual wetlands from several ecoregions across the world using nestedness and similarity‐based multivariate analyses. We examined how similar wetland assemblages are across regions, whether variation in assemblages is ordered (nested) or unpredictable (idiosyncratic), whether individual taxa occur predictably or unpredictably across wetland habitats, and if any of these patterns differed between temporary‐ and permanent water habitats.

We found that macroinvertebrate assemblages were highly nested (N = 0.947), but unexpectedly 37 of the 40 most widespread taxa (>10% occurrence) were idiosyncratic.

Of the 447 wetlands, we identified 277 that shared more than 40% similarities in assemblages, were mostly nested, and clustered together in ordination space, and thus could be considered a core set of wetlands in terms of assemblage structure. Assemblages in the 170 wetlands outside this core (mostly idiosyncratic) tended to be depauperate sites in arid or high elevation areas, or alternatively taxonomically rich sites supporting numerous lotic or lacustrine organisms.

The ‘Core’ itself split into two main parts, one comprised of wetlands from semi‐arid or mild climate areas dominated by strong flying insects, and the second comprised of wetlands from wetter, more northerly areas where non‐insects with passive dispersal were very prevalent. Climate and geology appear to be major controls on macroinvertebrate distributions across the set of 447 wetlands. Hydrology (temporary versus permanent) of wetlands was a lesser control on assemblage structure over the set of 447 wetlands.

That wetlands are dominated by about 40 widely‐occurring macroinvertebrate taxa, and those taxa tend to occur idiosyncratically, suggests that overall assemblages across wetlands may share many similarities, but some of widespread taxa may still be missing from many individual wetlands. Why these otherwise fairly ubiquitous taxa do not occur in specific wetlands may shed important light on how those wetlands are controlled ecologically; in other words, do sites lack specific factors required by these taxa?
Global deglaciation and the re‐appearance of microbial matground‐dominated ecosystems in the late Paleozoic of Gondwana
Authors: Buatois L. A. , Netto R. G. , Gabriela Mángano M. , Carmona N. B.
Published: April 2013

The extensive matgrounds in Carboniferous‐Permian open‐marine deposits of western Argentina constitute an anachronistic facies, because with the onset of penetrative bioturbation during the early Paleozoic microbial mats essentially disappeared from these settings. Abundant microbially induced sedimentary structures in the Argentinean deposits are coincident with the disappearance of trace and body fossils in the succession and with a landward facies shift indicative of transgressive conditions. Deposits of the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian glacial event are well developed in adjacent basins in eastern Argentina, Brazil, South Africa and Antarctica, but do not occur in the western Andean basins of Argentina. However, the deglaciation phase is indirectly recorded in the studied region by a rapid rise in sea level referred to as the Stephanian‐Asselian transgression. We suggest that an unusual release of meltwater during the final deglaciation episode of the Gondwana Ice Age may have dramatically freshened peri‐Gondwanan seas, impacting negatively on coastal and shallow‐marine benthic faunas. Suppression of bioturbation was therefore conducive to a brief re‐appearance of matground‐dominated ecosystems, reminiscent of those in the precambrian. Bioturbation is essential for ecosystem performance and plays a major role in ocean and sediment geochemistry. Accordingly, the decimation of the mixed layer during deglaciation in the Gondwana basins may have altered ecosystem functioning and geochemical cycling.
Fluid inclusion evidence for a genetic link between simple antimony veins and giant silver veins in the Coeur d'Alene mining district, ID and MT, USA
Authors: Hofstra A. H. , Marsh E. E. , Todorov T. I. , Emsbo P.
Published: April 2013

The US Antimony mine in west central Montana is the United States' second largest quartz–stibnite vein deposit with production and reserves of about 15.4 kt of antimony. It is in the Mesoproterozoic Belt Basin on the eastern side of the Coeur d'Alene mining district that is known for its world class Ag, Pb, and Zn veins. To advance understanding of the origin and relation of the simple quartz–stibnite veins in the Prichard Formation to the giant Ag‐rich tetrahedrite veins in the Revett and St. Regis Formations, fluid inclusions in quartz from the US Antimony mine were characterized using a variety of single inclusion and bulk analysis techniques. The measured Sb concentrations in fluid inclusions (approximately 2000 ppm) agree with equilibrium models for stibnite‐saturated fluids at the measured homogenization temperatures (224–263°C), salinities (approximately 5 wt.% NaCl), H2S concentrations (<0.001 mole%), and near neutral pH indicated by sericitic alteration. The aqueous‐carbonic fluid inclusions in quartz from the US Antimony mine have P‐T‐X that are similar to previous results on fluid inclusions from the giant silver veins in the district. The assemblage and abundance of trace elements and ore metals (Sb > As > Fe > Pb > Zn > Cu > Ag) in fluid inclusions from the US Antimony mine support previous interpretations, based upon Pb isotopes, that the quartz–stibnite veins are genetically related to the Ag‐rich tetrahedrite veins. In particular, the measured range of Ag concentrations in US Antimony fluid inclusions brackets that calculated on the basis of equilibrium with tetrahedrite in the silver veins. These data clearly show that hydrothermal fluids in the Prichard Formation contained metals that were fixed at shallower levels in the Revett and St. Regis Formations. We surmise that both the antimony and silver veins formed in response to Cretaceous magmatism, prograde metamorphism of the lower Prichard Formation, and episodic discharge of metamorphic fluids along dilatant faults. Ascending fluids deposited quartz and stibnite in the upper Prichard Formation and siderite, quartz, and tetrahedrite at shallower levels in the Revett and St. Regis Formations in response to cooling, decompression, phase separation, and mixing with external fluids.
FASTER: an unsupervised fully automated sleep staging method for mice
Authors: Sunagawa Genshiro A. , Séi Hiroyoshi , Shimba Shigeki , Urade Yoshihiro , Ueda Hiroki R.
Published: April 2013

Identifying the stages of sleep, or sleep staging, is an unavoidable step in sleep research and typically requires visual inspection of electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) data. Currently, scoring is slow, biased and prone to error by humans and thus is the most important bottleneck for large‐scale sleep research in animals. We have developed an unsupervised, fully automated sleep staging method for mice that allows less subjective and high‐throughput evaluation of sleep. Fully Automated Sleep sTaging method via EEG/EMG Recordings (FASTER) is based on nonparametric density estimation clustering of comprehensive EEG/EMG power spectra. FASTER can accurately identify sleep patterns in mice that have been perturbed by drugs or by genetic modification of a clock gene. The overall accuracy is over 90% in every group. 24‐h data are staged by a laptop computer in 10 min, which is faster than an experienced human rater. Dramatically improving the sleep staging process in both quality and throughput FASTER will open the door to quantitative and comprehensive animal sleep research.
miR‐145 suppresses cell invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma cells: miR‐145 targets ADAM17
Authors: Yang Xue‐wei , Zhang Long‐juan , Huang Xiao‐hui , Chen Lian‐zhou , Su Qiao , Zeng Wen‐tao , Li Wen , Wang Qian
Published: April 2013

Aim

miR‐145 is a candidate tumor suppressor miRNA. However, it is unknown whether miR‐145 is involved in the invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of miR‐145 in the control of HCC cell invasion.

Methods

HCC cell invasion was evaluated by transwell assays after transfection with pre‐miR‐145 or anti‐miR‐145. A luciferase reporter assay was used to determine whether a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) were a target of miR‐145. The levels of miR‐145 and ADAM17 mRNA were detected by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay, and the level of ADAM17 protein was measured by western blot analysis. Pearson's correlation test was used to assess the correlation between ADAM17 mRNA expression and miR‐145 expression in 20 HCC tissue samples.

Results

miR‐145 was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. The loss of miR‐145 expression was associated with the tumor–node–metastasis stage, vascular invasion and intrahepatic metastasis. The overexpression of miR‐145 was able to suppress tumor MHCC‐97H cell invasion, whereas the knockdown of miR‐145 expression induced SMMC‐7721 cell invasion. We demonstrated that miR‐145 bound directly to the 3′‐untranslated region of ADAM17 and inhibited the expression of ADAM17. The knockdown of ADAM17 in SMMC‐7721 cells could partially reverse the effects of anti‐miR‐145. miR‐145 expression was inversely associated with ADAM17 expression in 20 HCC tissue specimens.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that miR‐145 could inhibit HCC cell invasion by regulating the expression of ADAM17.
SiSiC Heat Exchangers for Recuperative Gas Burners with Highly Structured Surface Elements
Authors: Ortona Alberto , Trimis Dimosthenis , Uhlig Volker , Eder Robert , Gianella Sandro , Fino Paolo , D'Amico Giuseppe , Boulet Emmanuel , Chazelas Claire , Grämer Tobias , Cresci Enrico , Wünning Joachim G. , Altena Herwig , Beneke Franz , Debier Michel
Published: April 2013

Heat exchangers are used in gas burners as recuperators. Their efficiency is proportional to their surface which is usually limited by the burner length and diameter. Ceramic recuperators used nowadays in industrial burners are tubular. We studied and developed a new generation of ceramic heat exchanger with the final goal of increasing the efficiency or, at similar efficiencies, of reducing their size and weight. A commercial SiSiC heat exchanger component was used to guarantee safety and robustness. The use of structured textile geometries followed by their conversion into a ceramic is the main innovation of this work.