bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature regulation
Authors: Falk Bareket , Dotan Raffy
Published: September 2013

This chapter outlines the physical and physiological changes that occur during growth and maturation and the possible effects these changes can have on the nature and effectiveness of thermoregulation. The physiological responses to heat stress are discussed in terms of metabolic, circulatory, hormonal, and sweating responses, changes in body temperature, and in terms of heat tolerance. Also discussed is hydration status, which can affect thermoregulatory effectiveness in the heat. The physiological response to cold stress is considered in terms of the metabolic and circulatory responses and their possible influence on the effectiveness of thermoregulation. The discussion does not outline the thermoregulatory response per se, but rather emphasizes the differences in that response between children and adults. Finally, child–adult differences in the acclimatization- and training-induced adaptations to thermal stress are discussed.
Exercise, physical activity, and cystic fibrosis
Authors: Kriemler Susi
Published: September 2013

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic autosomal recessive disease of the Caucasian race, generally leading to death in early adulthood.1 The frequency of the gene carrier (heterozygote) is 1:20–25 in Caucasian populations, 1:2000 in African-Americans, and practically non-existent in Asian populations. The disease occurs in about 1 in every 2500 life births of the white population. Mean survival has risen from 8.4 years in 1969 to 32 years in 2000 due to improvements in treatment. The genetic defect causes a pathological electrolyte transport through the cell membranes by a defective chloride channel membrane transport protein [cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)]. With respect to the function, this affects mainly the exocrine glands of secretory cells, sinuses, lungs, pancreas, liver, and the reproductive tract of the human body leading to a highly viscous, water-depleted secretion. The secretion cannot leave the glands and in consequence causes local inflammation and destruction of various organs. The main symptoms include chronic inflammatory pulmonary disease with a progressive loss of lung function, exocrine and sometimes endocrine pancreas insufficiency, and an excessive salt loss through the sweat glands.1 A summary of the signs and symptoms of CF will be given with a special emphasis on the effect of exercise performance and capacity.
Lower-limb injuries in sporting children
Authors: Giuseppe Longo Umile , Maffulli Nicola
Published: September 2013

Chapter 47 gives an overview on sports-related injuries of the lower limb in children with emphasis on the management. Overall, injuries in children are uncommon, and although their incidence increases with age, most are self-limiting and have no long-term effects. Any sport can cause musculoskeletal injuries, and this chapter discusses how the specific pattern and location of injuries of each sport should be known by health professionals, as well as how training programmes and performance standards should take into account the biological age of the participants, and their physical and psychological immaturity, more than their chronological age. A deep knowledge of the different aspects of training, including duration, intensity, frequency, and recovery, are also discussed as being needed to avoid serious damage to the musculoskeletal system of athletic children.
Pathology
Authors: Bye Louise A.
Published: September 2013

This chapter discusses pathology in ophthalmology, including inflammation, wound healing, hypersensitivity, transplants, graft rejection, ageing, degeneration, dystrophy, cellular and tissue reactions, neoplasia and preneoplastic conditions, thrombosis, emboli, and artheroma.
Other Psychiatric Comorbidities in Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Cath Danielle C. , Ludolph Andrea G.
Published: September 2013

This chapter will examine in detail the phenomenology, comorbidity profile, and impact on outcome of all the major psychiatric comorbidities observed in Tourette syndrome (TS) patients in addition to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are frequent in patients with TS and in their family members, but the relationship is complex and still incompletely defined. Whereas obsessive-compulsive symptoms, more than tics, may be associated with later development of anxiety and depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms in childhood and adolescence may influence the risk of tic persistence into adulthood. The role of environmental adversities also needs to be underscored as a contributing factor to comorbidity with anxiety and depression in this condition. Specific personality disorders are more common than others in TS, although this remains an underinvestigated aspect. There seem to be similarities between executive function problems typical of autistic spectrum disorders and those typical of TS, and this may in part be accounted for by the comorbidity profile in TS, with cognitive flexibility and planning more impaired in patients with comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder and autistic traits and inhibition problems more often linked to comorbid ADHD. Likewise, the association with learning disabilities seems related to comorbidity with ADHD particularly. Finally, the impact of rage attacks in TS patients and their association with comorbidities will be discussed.
Perinatal Adversities and Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Hoekstra Pieter J.
Published: September 2013

This chapter provides a literature review and critical commentary on epidemiological works evaluating the association between pregnancy-related and birth-related adversities in Tourette syndrome. Perinatal risk factors for the development of Tourette syndrome include older paternal age, severe maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy, maternal smoking during pregnancy, more and earlier prenatal care visits, delivery complications, and low Apgar score at 5 minutes after birth. Risk factors for more severe tics include older paternal age, maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy, maternal severe nausea and/or vomiting during the first trimester, maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal medication use during pregnancy, low birth weight, and delivery complications. Maternal smoking during pregnancy and low birth weight are risk factors for the presence of comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in individuals with a tic disorder. Older paternal age; maternal use of coffee, cigarettes, or alcohol during pregnancy; and forceps deliveries are risk factors for the presence of comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder in individuals with a tic disorder.
Electrophysiology in Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Orth Michael
Published: September 2013

Electrophysiological methods are noninvasive means to analyze qualitatively brain activation, and include electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials, evoked potentials, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and magnetoencephalography (MEG). This chapter summarizes their contribution to the understanding of the pathophysiology of Tourette syndrome (TS). The TMS approach showed altered synaptic excitability and intracortical inhibition in these patients, with measures of motor cortical excitability associated with tic severity. At the same time, the reduced excitability of a measure of sensorimotor integration such as short-latency afferent inhibition suggests that sensory input has increased access to motor output in TS, consistent with a heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Motor cortex excitability measures also differed between TS patients and control subjects during the preparation of voluntary movements and the suppression of undesired movements. The latter is associated with more widespread cortical activity in TS (increased cortico-cortical coupling on EEG and MEG coherence analysis). Recent evidence also suggests abnormal plasticity mechanisms in TS, but new studies are necessary to confirm this. Finally, using repetitive TMS as a treatment for tics has overall been disappointing, although some recent small studies without a placebo control arm suggest some effects of motor cortex inhibitory protocols.
Pharmacological Treatment of Tics
Authors: Roessner Veit , Rothenberger Aribert
Published: September 2013

This chapter provides a literature review and a critical commentary of the available evidence on pharmacological treatment of tics in Tourette syndrome (TS). Because of the waxing and waning nature of tics, a meaningful appraisal of treatment efficacy in TS can be given in most cases only after a longer observation time. Environmental or situational factors have a modulating influence on tics, possibly biasing the appraisal of treatment efficacy. Many affected children, adolescents, and adults do not seek or require pharmacological treatment (tic severity: mild to moderate). Nonpharmacological and/or pharmacological interventions make sense for persons with subjective discomfort, social and/or emotional problems, functional interference, etc. The clinical experience is that pharmacotherapy induces faster and probably more prominent tic reduction than behavioral treatment options. The goal of pharmacological treatment is a reduction in tic symptoms. Antipsychotic drugs may produce the most reliable and fastest results, but they also pose the greatest risk of side effects. Risperidone can be considered a first-choice agent for treating tics; pimozide, tiapride, sulpiride, and aripiprazole are regarded as second-choice agents. Clonidine might be helpful mainly in case of TS plus attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. For high-quality evidence on pharmacological treatment in TS, future studies should include, for instance, longer observation periods, larger groups, a more standardized methodological approach, placebo controls, a double-blind design, etc.
Placing Gowers into Context
Authors: Reuber Markus , Waddington Keir , Schachter Steven
Published: September 2013

Chapter 1 gives a history of Sir William Gowers, including his personal development, professional career, his working methods and environment, his understanding of the nervous system, his take on epilepsy, and thoughts then and now on Gowers and his work.
Reflex Syncope
Authors: Thijs Roland D. , van Dijk J. Gert , Wieling Wouter
Published: September 2013

Syncope is a transient, brief and self-limited loss of consciousness due to global cerebral hypoperfusion. This specific pathophysiology sets syncope apart from other conditions causing transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) including generalised epileptic seizures, functional TLOC (psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and psychogenic pseudosyncope, mimicking epileptic seizures and syncope respectively), and less common disorders causing TLOC. There are three groups of syncope causes: reflex syncope (synonymous with neurally mediated syncope), syncope due to orthostatic hypotension and cardiac syncope (arrhythmic or associated with structural cardiac disease). Reflex syncope is by far the most common form of TLOC, affecting up to 40% of the population. Important diagnostic clues include the circumstances of the attack (e.g. fear, pain, standing, cessation of exercise), prodromal features (e.g. sweating, nausea, pallor, blurred vision), the prevention of TLOC by sitting or lying down and the prompt and complete recovery of consciousness. Taking a thorough step-by-step history of as many attacks as possible is the cornerstone of the diagnosis of reflex syncope and means that additional testing can be avoided in many patients.
Cardiac Syncope
Authors: Anderson Joseph , O’Callaghan Peter , Smith Philip
Published: September 2013

In the current medical lexicon, the lay term ‘faint’ generally refers to reflex (neurocardiogenic, usually vasovagal) syncope (Chapter 2), whereas ‘cardiac syncope’ refers to syncope caused by a heart disorder, either structural or functional. In this chapter, we highlight the importance of awareness of cardiac syncope to clinicians (particularly neurologists) diagnosing epilepsy. We describe the clinical features of cardiac syncope and their relation to its underlying cause, and outline the investigation and treatment of suspected cardiac syncope, emphasizing the relevance of the 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) in clinical assessment. Finally, we focus on complex situations, such as where seizures result from cardiac syncope, or where cardiac syncope (asystole) results from seizures.
Autoimmune Epilepsies
Authors: Irani Sarosh R. , Bien Christian G. , Vincent Angela
Published: September 2013

In the last decade, serum autoantibodies have been identified that are likely to be pathogenic in many cases of epilepsy. Established antibody targets include membrane or membrane-associated neuronal proteins such as components of the voltage-gated potassium channel complex (LGI1, CASPR2 and Contactin-2) and the NMDA, GABAB and AMPA receptors. Many of the ‘autoimmune encephalitides’ associated with these antibodies include seizures as a prominent part of the syndrome, but commonly also present with amnesia and confusion. The seizures and cognitive deficits usually show marked improvements with immunotherapies, and their amelioration is well correlated with reductions in antibody levels in individual patients. Antibodies to VGKC-complexes or GAD have also been described in cohorts of patients with various forms of epilepsy, although the etiological role of these antibodies is not yet clear. Recently, a new seizure semiology has been described that is closely associated with the presence of LGI1-antibodies. Very frequent short-lived, adult-onset arm and face dystonic spasms, termed faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS), were first identified within the context of LGI1-antibody associated limbic encephalitis (LE) but most cases precede LE. FBDS respond well to immunotherapies but relatively poorly to antiepileptic drugs. FBDS provide the first example of a pure epilepsy syndrome which is strongly associated with autoantibodies and a good response to immunotherapies. The field of autoimmune epilepsies is gathering pace and there are likely to be further developments in the next few years.
Nonepileptic Paroxysms in Neonates, Infants and Adolescents
Authors: Appleton Richard E.
Published: September 2013

Paroxysmal events (often collectively termed ‘fits, faints and funny turns’) are a common symptom in children and may be manifest by changes in sensation (including autonomic features), movement, behavior or any combination. The differentiation of epileptic seizures from other, non-epileptic paroxysmal events, is almost entirely dependent on the history. The child’s examination will often be normal, and even if abnormal rarely contributes to making a diagnosis of epilepsy. The results of any investigations, and specifically the EEG or neuro-imaging can – and should only – be interpreted with reference to the history. The accurate account of any eyewitness is essential and will be the only history available when young children present to the clinic or emergency department with paroxysmal events. Video-recordings of the events are now a particularly useful, if not definitive, aid to the diagnosis of the specific nature and cause of the paroxysmal events. This chapter will address the very many, and often diagnostically-challenging, paroxysmal events that occur in children.
Structure-function analysis of Hmo1 unveils an ancestral organization of HMG-Box factors involved in ribosomal DNA transcription from yeast to human
Authors: Albert Benjamin , Colleran Christine , Léger-Silvestre Isabelle , Berger Axel B. , Dez Christophe , Normand Christophe , Perez-Fernandez Jorge , McStay Brian , Gadal Olivier
Published: September 2013

Ribosome biogenesis is a major metabolic effort for growing cells. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Hmo1, an abundant high-mobility group box protein (HMGB) binds to the coding region of the RNA polymerase I transcribed ribosomal RNAs genes and the promoters of ∼70% of ribosomal protein genes. In this study, we have demonstrated the functional conservation of eukaryotic HMGB proteins involved in ribosomal DNA (rDNA) transcription. We have shown that when expressed in budding yeast, human UBF1 and a newly identified Sp-Hmo1 (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) localize to the nucleolus and suppress growth defect of the RNA polymerase I mutant rpa49-Δ. Owing to the multiple functions of both proteins, Hmo1 and UBF1 are not fully interchangeable. By deletion and domains swapping in Hmo1, we identified essential domains that stimulate rDNA transcription but are not fully required for stimulation of ribosomal protein genes expression. Hmo1 is organized in four functional domains: a dimerization module, a canonical HMGB motif followed by a conserved domain and a C-terminal nucleolar localization signal. We propose that Hmo1 has acquired species-specific functions and shares with UBF1 and Sp-Hmo1 an ancestral function to stimulate rDNA transcription.
Optochemical control of RNA interference in mammalian cells
Authors: Govan Jeane M. , Young Douglas D. , Lusic Hrvoje , Liu Qingyang , Lively Mark O. , Deiters Alexander
Published: September 2013

Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been widely used in mammalian tissue culture and model organisms to selectively silence genes of interest. One limitation of this technology is the lack of precise external control over the gene-silencing event. The use of photocleavable protecting groups installed on nucleobases is a promising strategy to circumvent this limitation, providing high spatial and temporal control over siRNA or miRNA activation. Here, we have designed, synthesized and site-specifically incorporated new photocaged guanosine and uridine RNA phosphoramidites into short RNA duplexes. We demonstrated the applicability of these photocaged siRNAs in the light-regulation of the expression of an exogenous green fluorescent protein reporter gene and an endogenous target gene, the mitosis motor protein, Eg5. Two different approaches were investigated with the caged RNA molecules: the light-regulation of catalytic RNA cleavage by RISC and the light-regulation of seed region recognition. The ability to regulate both functions with light enables the application of this optochemical methodology to a wide range of small regulatory RNA molecules.
Leaf Microbiota of Strawberries as Affected by Biological Control Agents
Authors: Sylla Justine , Alsanius Beatrix W. , Krüger Erika , Reineke Annette , Strohmeier Stephan , Wohanka Walter
Published: September 2013

The increasing use of biological control agents (BCAs) against Botrytis cinerea in strawberry raises the question of whether there are any undesirable impacts of foliar applications of BCAs on nontarget microorganisms in the phyllosphere. Therefore, our objective was to investigate this issue within a field study. Strawberry plants were repeatedly sprayed with three BCAs—namely, RhizoVital 42 fl. (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42), Trianum-P (Trichoderma harzianum T22), and Naturalis (Beauveria bassiana ATCC 74040)—to suppress Botrytis cinerea infections. Microbial communities of differentially treated leaves were analyzed using plate counts and pyrosequencing and compared with the microbial community of nontreated leaves. Plate count results indicate that the applied Bacillus and Trichoderma spp. survived in the strawberry phyllosphere throughout the strawberry season. However, no significant impacts on the leaf microbiota could be detected by this culture-dependent technique. Pyrosequencing of internal transcribed spacer ribosomal RNA and 16S RNA sequences revealed a change in fungal composition and diversity at class level after the introduction of T. harzianum T22 to the phyllosphere, whereas the bacterial composition and diversity was not affected by either this Trichoderma preparation or the other two BCAs. Our results suggest that pyrosequencing represents a useful method for studying microbial interactions in the phyllosphere.
Positive End-expiratory Pressure Increments during Anesthesia in Normal Lung Result in Hysteresis and Greater Numbers of Smaller Aerated Airspaces
Authors: Cereda Maurizio , Xin Yi , Emami Kiarash , Huang Jessie , Rajaei Jennia , Profka Harrilla , Han Biao , Mongkolwisetwara Puttisarn , Kadlecek Stephen , Kuzma Nicholas N. , Pickup Stephen , Kavanagh Brian P. , Deutschman Clifford S. , Rizi Rahim R.
Published: September 2013

Background:

Although it is recognized that pulmonary hysteresis can influence the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), the extent to which expansion of previously opened (vs. newly opening) peripheral airspaces contribute to increased lung volume is unknown.

Methods:

Following a recruitment maneuver, rats were ventilated with constant tidal volumes and imaged during ascending and descending ramps of PEEP.

Results:

The authors estimated peripheral airspace dimensions by measuring the apparent diffusion coefficient of 3He in 10 rats. In a separate group (n = 5) undergoing a similar protocol, the authors used computerized tomography to quantify lung volume. Hysteresis was confirmed by larger end-inspiratory lung volume (mean ± SD; all PEEP levels included): 8.4 ± 2.8 versus 6.8 ± 2.0 ml (P < 0.001) and dynamic compliance: 0.52 ± 0.12 versus 0.42 ± 0.09 ml/cm H2O (P < 0.001) during descending versus ascending PEEP ramps. Apparent diffusion coefficient increased with PEEP, but it was smaller during the descending versus ascending ramps for corresponding levels of PEEP: 0.168 ± 0.019 versus 0.183 ± 0.019 cm2/s (P < 0.001). Apparent diffusion coefficient was smaller in the posterior versus anterior lung regions, but the effect of PEEP and hysteresis on apparent diffusion coefficient was greater in the posterior regions.

Conclusions:

The authors’ study results suggest that in healthy lungs, larger lung volumes due to hysteresis are associated with smaller individual airspaces. This may be explained by opening of previously nonaerated peripheral airspaces rather than expansion of those already aerated. Setting PEEP on a descending ramp may minimize distension of individual airspaces.
The size of a melanin-based plumage ornament correlates with glucocorticoid receptor concentrations in the skin of that ornament
Authors: Lattin Christine R. , Romero L. Michael
Published: September 2013

Glucocorticoid hormones such as corticosterone (CORT) play crucial roles in many physiological processes. CORT's actions are primarily mediated via binding to two receptors (glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs)) in different target tissues. CORT receptors can be independently regulated from circulating hormone titres, from tissue to tissue and even within different regions of the same tissue type. Increasing evidence has shown relationships between circulating CORT and melanin-based pigmentation in skin and feathers, yet to our knowledge, there have been no studies of CORT receptors in the skin of melanized ornaments. Male house sparrows (
Passer domesticus
) have a black, melanized bib, and evidence suggests that bib size is an important intraspecific signal. We examined the relationship between bib area and tissue sensitivity to CORT by quantifying GR and MR in bib skin and in adjacent paler-feathered belly skin (as a control tissue) at different life-history stages using radioligand binding assays. Males with larger bibs relative to their life-history stage had less GR in bib skin, but not belly skin, than males with smaller bibs. These results suggest a connection between the size of a melanin-based ornament and the underlying tissue's responsiveness to CORT.
Covariance of paternity and sex with laying order explains male bias in extra-pair offspring in a wild bird population
Authors: Vedder Oscar , Magrath Michael J. L. , van der Velde Marco , Komdeur Jan
Published: September 2013

It has been hypothesized that parents increase their fitness by biasing the sex ratio of extra-pair offspring (EPO) towards males. Here, we report a male bias among EPO in a wild population of blue tits (
Cyanistes caeruleus
). This resulted from a decline in both the proportion of males and EPO over the laying order of eggs in the clutch. However, previous studies suggest that, unlike the decline in EPO with laying order, the relationship between offspring sex ratio and laying order is not consistent between years and populations in this species. Hence, we caution against treating the decline in proportion of males with laying order, and the resulting male bias among EPO, as support for the above hypothesis. Variable patterns of offspring sex and paternity over the laying order may explain inconsistent associations between offspring sex and paternity, between and within species.
High fidelity information processing in folic acid chemotaxis ofDictyosteliumamoebae
Authors: Segota Igor , Mong Surin , Neidich Eitan , Rachakonda Archana , Lussenhop Catherine J. , Franck Carl
Published: September 2013

Living cells depend upon the detection of chemical signals for their existence. Eukaryotic cells can sense a concentration difference as low as a few per cent across their bodies. This process was previously suggested to be limited by the receptor–ligand binding fluctuations. Here, we first determine the chemotaxis response ofDictyosteliumcells to static folic acid gradients and show that they can significantly exceed this sensitivity, responding to gradients as shallow as 0.2% across the cell body. Second, using a previously developed information theory framework, we compare the total information gained about the gradient (based on the cell response) to its upper limit: the information gained at the receptor–ligand binding step. We find that the model originally applied to cAMP sensing fails as demonstrated by the violation of the data processing inequality, i.e. the total information exceeds the information at the receptor–ligand binding step. We propose an extended model with multiple known receptor types and with cells allowed to perform several independent measurements of receptor occupancy. This does not violate the data processing inequality and implies the receptor–ligand binding noise dominates both for low- and high-chemoattractant concentrations. We also speculate that the interplay between exploration and exploitation is used as a strategy for accurate sensing of otherwise unmeasurable levels of a chemoattractant.
Modelling the perennial energy crop market: the role of spatial diffusion
Authors: Alexander Peter , Moran Dominic , Rounsevell Mark D. A. , Smith Pete
Published: September 2013

Biomass produced from energy crops, such as
Miscanthus
and short rotation coppice is expected to contribute to renewable energy targets, but the slower than anticipated development of the UK market implies the need for greater understanding of the factors that govern adoption. Here, we apply an agent-based model of the UK perennial energy crop market, including the contingent interaction of supply and demand, to understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of energy crop adoption. Results indicate that perennial energy crop supply will be between six and nine times lower than previously published, because of time lags in adoption arising from a spatial diffusion process. The model simulates time lags of at least 20 years, which is supported empirically by the analogue of oilseed rape adoption in the UK from the 1970s. This implies the need to account for time lags arising from spatial diffusion in evaluating land-use change, climate change (mitigation or adaptation) or the adoption of novel technologies.
Diffusion of curvature on a sheared semi-infinite film
Authors: Satomi Ryo , Grassia Paul , Cox Simon , Mishuris Gennady , Lue Leo
Published: September 2013

The viscous froth model is used to study the evolution of a long and initially straight soap film which is sheared by moving its endpoint at a constant velocity in a direction perpendicular to the initial film orientation. Film elements are thereby set into motion as a result of the shear, and the film curves. The simple scenario described here enables an analysis of the transport of curvature along the film, which is important in foam rheology, in particular for energy-relaxing ‘topological transformations’. Curvature is shown to be transported diffusively along films, with an effective diffusivity scaling as the ratio of film tension to the viscous froth drag coefficient. Computed (finite-length) film shapes at different times are found to approximate well to the semi-infinite film and are observed to collapse with distances rescaled by the square root of time. The tangent to the film at the endpoint reorients so as to make a very small angle with the line along which the film endpoint is dragged, and this angle decays roughly exponentially in time. The computed results are described in terms of a simple asymptotic solution corresponding to an infinite film that initially contains a right-angled corner.
The walk and jump of
Equisetum
spores
Authors: Marmottant Philippe , Ponomarenko Alexandre , Bienaimé Diane
Published: September 2013

Equisetum
plants (horsetails) reproduce by producing tiny spherical spores that are typically 50 µm in diameter. The spores have four elaters, which are flexible ribbon-like appendages that are initially wrapped around the main spore body and that deploy upon drying or fold back in humid air. If elaters are believed to help dispersal, the exact mechanism for spore motion remains unclear in the literature. In this manuscript, we present observations of the ‘walks’ and ‘jumps’ of
Equisetum
spores, which are novel types of spore locomotion mechanisms compared to the ones of other spores. Walks are driven by humidity cycles, each cycle inducing a small step in a random direction. The dispersal range from the walk is limited, but the walk provides key steps to either exit the sporangium or to reorient and refold. Jumps occur when the spores suddenly thrust themselves after being tightly folded. They result in a very efficient dispersal: even spores jumping from the ground can catch the wind again, whereas non-jumping spores stay on the ground. The understanding of these movements, which are solely driven by humidity variations, conveys biomimetic inspiration for a new class of self-propelled objects.
Do smart birds stress less? An interspecific relationship between brain size and corticosterone levels
Authors: Lendvai Ádám Z. , Bókony Veronika , Angelier Frédéric , Chastel Olivier , Sol Daniel
Published: September 2013

Vertebrates respond to unpredictable noxious environmental stimuli by increasing secretion of glucocorticoids (CORT). Although this hormonal stress response is adaptive, high levels of CORT may induce significant costs if stressful situations are frequent. Thus, alternative coping mechanisms that help buffer individuals against environmental stressors may be selected for when the costs of CORT levels are elevated. By allowing individuals to identify, anticipate and cope with the stressful circumstances, cognition may enable stress-specific behavioural coping. Although there is evidence that behavioural responses allow animals to cope with stressful situations, it is unclear whether or not cognition reduces investment in the neuroendocrine stress response. Here, we report that in birds, species with larger brains relative to their body size show lower baseline and peak CORT levels than species with smaller brains. This relationship is consistent across life-history stages, and cannot be accounted for by differences in life history and geographical latitude. Because a large brain is a major feature of birds that base their lifetime in learning new things, our results support the hypothesis that enhanced cognition represents a general alternative to the neuroendocrine stress response.
Charge flipping for routine structure solution
Authors: van der Lee A.
Published: September 2013

Charge flipping can be routinely used for solving small-molecule structures measured at atomic resolution. It is shown by benchmark tests that its performance is at least equal to that of direct methods in terms of the speed of solution and the quality of the resulting structure. There are, however, cases where charge flipping may be more suitable than direct methods for solving structures,viz.where space-group symmetry is uncertain from the analysis of systematic extinct reflections. The latest charge-flipping enhancements, such as the minimum superposition map procedure and the AAR algorithm, are also tested against database structures and compared with the usual variant. Default parameters are determined which yield a maximum of solved structures.
Microstructure determination of IQ-WB clays: a direct procedure by small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Segad M.
Published: September 2013

An accurate characterization of the microstructure of raw and pure homoionic clays from Wadi Bashira in Iraq (IQ-WB) has been carried out experimentally, using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic light scattering. The structures of lamellar IQ-WB dispersions were identified by these techniques and by complementary free swelling and dialysis experiments. SAXS measurements were used to resolve the characteristic distance,hs, between individual platelets in Na IQ-WB and between platelets inside tactoids formed in Ca clays. The tactoids in raw and Ca IQ-WB have well formed lamellar structures wherehs= 1.9 nm. The average lateral size, 〈D〉, of a platelet is determined to be a few hundred nanometres. Analysis of the SAXS peaks, based on the Scherrer relation, revealed a small difference in the average number of platelets per tactoid, 〈N〉 = 6–9, depending on platelet size and the concentrations of divalent counter-ions. It was also found that the average tactoid size can be estimated from an empirical relation as follows: 〈N〉 ≃ δ + α〈D〉, where δ is a constant and α the slope.
3D elastic full‐waveform inversion of small‐scale heterogeneities in transmission geometry
Authors: Butzer S. , Kurzmann A. , Bohlen T.
Published: September 2013

Three‐dimensional elastic full‐waveform inversion aims to reconstruct elastic material properties of 3D structures in the subsurface with high resolution. Here we present an implementation of 3D elastic full‐waveform inversion based on the adjoint‐state method. The code is optimized regarding runtime and storage costs by using a time‐frequency approach. The gradient is computed from monochromatic frequency‐domain particle‐velocity wavefields calculated with a time‐domain velocity‐stress finite‐difference scheme. The 3D full‐waveform inversion was applied to data of a complex random medium model, which resembles a realistic crystalline rock environment. We show synthetic inversion results of P‐wave and S‐wave velocities for two transmission geometries: (1) a 3D acquisition geometry with planes of sources and receivers and (2) a 2D geometry with two lines of sources and receivers, resembling a realistic two‐borehole geometry. The 3D inversion of data acquired with 3D source‐receiver geometry is capable to reconstruct differently sized 3D structures of shear and compressional velocities with resolution of about a wavelength. The 3D random medium data recorded with 2D acquisition geometry were inverted using 3D inversion and 2D full‐waveform inversion for comparison. The 2D inversion suffers from strong artefacts that are caused by 3D scattering. The multiparameter 3D inversion, by contrast, is capable to invert the 3D scattered waves and to reconstruct 3D structures up to about 1–2 wavelengths adjacent to the plane between sources and receivers. The resolution is lower compared to the 3D acquisition geometry result. Still, a 3D inversion of cross‐hole data can be beneficial compared to a 2D inversion in the presence of complex 3D small‐scale heterogeneities, as it is capable to resolve 3D structures next to the source‐receiver plane.
Pregnancy week at delivery and the risk of shoulder dystocia: a population study of 2 014 956 deliveries
Authors: Øverland EA , Vatten LJ , Eskild A
Published: September 2013

Objective

To study whether pregnancy week at delivery is an independent risk factor for shoulder dystocia.

Design

Population study.

Setting

Medical Birth Registry of Norway.

Population

All vaginal deliveries of singleton offspring in cephalic presentation in Norway during 1967 through 2009 (n = 2 014 956).

Methods

The incidence of shoulder dystocia was calculated according to pregnancy week at delivery. The associations of pregnancy week at delivery with shoulder dystocia were estimated as crude and adjusted odds ratios using logistic regression analyses. We repeated the analyses in pregnancies with and without maternal diabetes.

Main outcome measures

Shoulder dystocia at delivery.

Results

The overall incidence of shoulder dystocia was 0.73% (n = 14 820), and the incidence increased by increasing pregnancy week at delivery. Birthweight was strongly associated with shoulder dystocia. After adjustment for birthweight, induction of labour, use of epidural analgesia at delivery, prolonged labour, forceps‐assisted and vacuum‐assisted delivery, parity, period of delivery and maternal age in multivariable analyses, the adjusted odds ratios for shoulder dystocia were 1.77 (1.42–2.20) for deliveries at 32–35 weeks of gestation, and 0.84 (0.79–0.88) at 42–43 weeks of gestation, using weeks 40–41 as the reference. In pregnancies affected by diabetes (n = 11 188), the incidence of shoulder dystocia was 3.95%, and after adjustment for birthweight the adjusted odds ratio for shoulder dystocia was 2.92 (95% CI 1.54–5.52) for deliveries at weeks 32–35 of gestation, and 0.91 (95% CI 0.50–1.66) at 42–43 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion

The risk of shoulder dystocia was associated with increased birthweight, diabetes, induction of labour, use of epidural analgesia at delivery, prolonged labour, forceps‐assisted and vacuum‐assisted delivery, parity and period of delivery but not with post‐term delivery.
Functionality of Protein‐Fortified Extrudates
Authors: Day Li , Swanson Barry G.
Published: September 2013

Fortification of extrusion feed formulations with proteins from selected sources will improve the health‐promoting quality of snack and breakfast foods. Molecular interactions among proteins, starch, lipids, water, and other constituents in the extrusion “melt” are the basis for extrudate appearance as well as textural, sensory, and physical properties. Covalent disulfide and sulfhydryl bonding as well as electrostatic, hydrogen, and hydrophobic affinity developing among molecules during extrusion determine extrudate sensory quality, digestibility, and nutrient availability. Extrudate quality is dependent on the physical profile of the feed material from particle size to moisture concentration, the mechanical profile of the twin‐screw extruder from screw speed to die aperture, and the temperature, pressure, and shear leading to specific mechanical energy delivered in the extruder. Methods to assess extrudate physical and sensory quality are presented. Protein concentration, feed moisture, and extrusion temperatures are most important to expansion, density, and texture of extrudates. Fortification with whey and wheat proteins results in acceptable extrusion of snack and breakfast foods. Extrusion generally improves protein quality and digestibility while retaining active nutrients.
Functional Properties and Postharvest Utilization of Commercial and Noncommercial Banana Cultivars
Authors: Anyasi Tonna A. , Jideani Afam I. O. , Mchau Godwin R. A.
Published: September 2013

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the world's most important crops cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Banana is a major source of macro‐elements, especially potassium, and contains health‐beneficial ingredients such as resistant starch, total dietary fibers, rapidly digestible starch, and slowly digestible starch. Oligosaccharides (fructooligosaccharides and inulin) and polyphenols ((+)‐catechin, (−)‐epicatechin, (−)‐epigallocatechin, and gallic acid) are other ingredients present in bananas that have found application in the prevention of muscular contractions, regulation of blood pressure, prevention of colon cancer and diabetes, and in the cure of intestinal disorders when unripe. This review identifies the different commercial and noncommercial banana cultivars and their utilization. Commercial cultivars include Williams (M. acuminata cv. Williams), Dwarf Cavendish (M. acuminata cv. Petite Nain), Chinese Cavendish (M. acuminata cv. Chinese Cavendish), Grand Nain (M. acuminata cv. Grand Nain), and Goldfinger (M. acuminata cv. Goldfinger), with Mabounde and Luvhele identified as noncommercial varieties. Banana postharvest utilization includes its use as functional foods, prebiotics, probiotics, nutraceuticals, and processing into value‐added products.
Oxidative Processes in Muscle Systems and Fresh Meat: Sources, Markers, and Remedies
Authors: Bekhit Alaa El‐Din A. , Hopkins David L. , Fahri Fahri T. , Ponnampalam Eric N.
Published: September 2013

Oxidation of meat occurs under postmortem conditions and is inevitable. This oxidation includes the biochemical changes in meat leading to changes in color pigments and lipids. As a consequence, color deteriorates, and undesirable flavors and rancidity develop in meat thereby impacting on consumer appeal and satisfaction. Across carcasses, there is variation in the rate at which muscle undergoes chemical reactions under postmortem conditions that reflect inherent variation at the biochemical level. It is expected that this underlying biochemical variation will be reflected in living muscle through oxidative processes. The oxidative process of muscle tissues will vary according to an animal's immunity status, temperament, and ability to cope with stress, with all these affected by nutrition, genetics, management practices, and environmental conditions (hot and cold seasons). Identification of biomarkers that indicate the oxidative status levels of animals or muscle tissues in vivo could provide insight as to how the muscle will respond to the anoxic conditions that produce undesirable results in meat. This review outlines the potential use of 1 group of biomarkers, the isoprostanes, in the context of complex biochemical reactions relating to oxidative processes that take place in the biological systems of live animals (in vivo) and subsequently in meat (in vitro).
Migration of Chemical Compounds from Packaging Polymers during Microwave, Conventional Heat Treatment, and Storage
Authors: Bhunia Kanishka , Sablani Shyam S. , Tang Juming , Rasco Barbara
Published: September 2013

Polymeric packaging protects food during storage and transportation, and withstands mechanical and thermal stresses from high‐temperature conventional retort or microwave‐assisted food processing treatments. Chemical compounds that are incorporated within polymeric packaging materials to improve functionality, may interact with food components during processing or storage and migrate into the food. Once these compounds reach a specified limit, food quality and safety may be jeopardized. Possible chemical migrants include plasticizers, antioxidants, thermal stabilizers, slip compounds, and monomers. Chemical migration from food packaging is affected by a number of parameters including the nature and complexity of food, the contact time and temperature of the system, the type of packaging contact layer, and the properties of the migrants. Researchers study the migration of food‐packaging compounds by exposing food or food‐simulating liquids to conventional and microwave heating and storage conditions, primarily through chromatographic or spectroscopic methods; from these data, they develop kinetic and risk assessment models. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the migration of chemical compounds into food or food simulants exposed to various heat treatments and storage conditions, as well as a discussion of regulatory issues.
Genotypic Polymorphisms of Hepatitis B Virus Provide Useful Information for Estimating Geographical Origin or Place of Long‐term Residence of Unidentified Cadavers
Authors: Inoue Hiroyuki , Motani‐Saitoh Hisako , Sakurada Koichi , Ikegaya Hiroshi , Yajima Daisuke , Nagasawa Sayaka , Iwase Hirotaro
Published: September 2013

Increasing numbers of unidentified cadavers are a major problem. We have developed a new method for providing identification information that can determine the geographical origin or place of long‐term residence of unidentified cadavers based on genotypic polymorphisms of hepatitis B virus (HBV) known to correlate with their geographical distribution. PCR of serum samples detected HBV DNA from 4 (3.9%) of 102 randomly selected Japanese forensic cadavers.

Multiplex PCR did not detect multiple HBV genotypes from any single cadaver, confirming the absence of coinfection. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on a 485‐bp mutant region of the HBV S gene successfully classified the HBV genotypes into A to J. Among 10 HBV‐infected cadavers, 8 had genotype Ce/C2, a genotype prevalent in East Asia, and 2 had genotype Bj/B1, a Japanese‐specific genotype. HBV genotypic polymorphisms correlate with the geographical distribution of the virus and thus provide important information for identifying unidentified cadavers infected with HBV.
The Potential Application of Rice Bran Wax Oleogel to Replace Solid Fat and Enhance Unsaturated Fat Content in Ice Cream
Authors: Zulim Botega Daniele C. , Marangoni Alejandro G. , Smith Alexandra K. , Goff H. Douglas
Published: September 2013

The development of structure in ice cream, characterized by its smooth texture and resistance to collapse during melting, depends, in part, on the presence of solid fat during the whipping and freezing steps. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential application of 10% rice bran wax (RBW) oleogel, comprised 90% high‐oleic sunflower oil and 10% RBW, to replace solid fat in ice cream. A commercial blend of 80% saturated mono‐ and diglycerides and 20% polysorbate 80 was used as the emulsifier. Standard ice cream measurements, cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to evaluate the formation of structure in ice cream. RBW oleogel produced higher levels of overrun when compared to a liquid oil ice cream sample, creating a lighter sample with good texture and appearance. However, those results were not associated with higher meltdown resistance. Microscopy revealed larger aggregation of RBW oleogel fat droplets at the air cell interface and distortion of the shape of air cells and fat droplets. Although the RBW oleogel did not develop sufficient structure in ice cream to maintain shape during meltdown when a mono‐ and diglycerides and polysorbate 80 blend was used as the emulsifier, micro‐ and ultrastructure investigations suggested that RBW oleogel did induce formation of a fat globule network in ice cream, suggesting that further optimization could lead to an alternative to saturated fat sources for ice cream applications.
Acute and Subacute Toxicity Assessment of Lutein in Lutein‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Nidhi Bhatiwada , Baskaran Vallikannan
Published: September 2013

Dietary lutein consumption is lower than the actual recommended allowances to prevent macular degeneration; thus dietary lutein supplements have been recommended. This study aimed to investigate potential adverse effect of lutein from Tagetes erecta in lutein‐deficient (LD) male mice. Preliminary acute toxicity study revealed that the LD50 exceeded the highest dose of 10000 mg/kg BW. In a subacute study, male mice were gavaged with 0, 100, 1000 mg/kg BW/day for a period of 4 wk. Plasma lutein levels increased dose dependently (P < 0.01) after acute and subacute feeding of lutein in LD mice. Compared to the control (peanut oil without lutein) group, no treatment‐related toxicologically significant effects of lutein were prominent in clinical observation, ophthalmic examinations, body, and organ weights. Further, no toxicologically significant findings were eminent in hematological, histopathological, and other clinical chemistry parameters. In the oral subacute toxicity study, the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) for lutein in LD mice was determined as 1000 mg/kg/day, the highest dose tested.