bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and distribution of iron overload in patients with transfusion‐dependent anemias differs across geographic regions: results from the CORDELIA study
Authors: Aydinok Yesim , Porter John B. , Piga Antonio , Elalfy Mohsen , El‐Beshlawy Amal , Kilinç Yurdanur , Viprakasit Vip , Yesilipek Akif , Habr Dany , Quebe‐Fehling Erhard , Pennell Dudley J.
Published: November 2014

Objectives

The randomized comparison of deferasirox to deferoxamine for myocardial iron removal in patients with transfusion‐dependent anemias (CORDELIA) gave the opportunity to assess relative prevalence and body distribution of iron overload in screened patients.

Methods

Patients aged ≥10 yr with transfusion‐dependent anemias from 11 countries were screened. Data were summarized descriptively, overall and across regions.

Results

Among 925 patients (99.1% with β‐thalassemia major; 98.5% receiving prior chelation; mean age 19.2 yr), 36.7% had myocardial iron overload (myocardial T2* ≤20 ms), 12.1% had low left ventricular ejection fraction. Liver iron concentration (LIC) (mean 25.8 mg Fe/g dw) and serum ferritin (median 3702 ng/mL) were high. Fewer patients in the Middle East (ME; 28.5%) had myocardial T2* ≤20 ms vs. patients in the West (45.9%) and Far East (FE, 40.9%). Patients in the West had highest myocardial iron burden, but lowest LIC (26.9% with LIC <7 mg Fe/g dw) and serum ferritin. Among patients with normal myocardial iron, a higher proportion of patients from the ME and FE had LIC ≥15 than <7 mg Fe/g dw (ME, 56.7% vs. 17.2%; FE, 78.6% vs. 7.8%, respectively), a trend which was less evident in the West (44.6% vs. 33.9%, respectively). Transfusion and chelation practices differed between regions.

Conclusions

Evidence of substantial myocardial and liver iron burden across regions revealed a need for optimization of effective, convenient iron chelation regimens. Significant regional variation exists in myocardial and liver iron loading that are not well explained; improved understanding of factors contributing to differences in body iron distribution may be of clinical benefit.
Predicting Scottish topsoil organic matter content from colour and environmental factors
Authors: Aitkenhead M. J. , Donnelly D. , Sutherland L. , Miller D. G. , Coull M. C. , Black H. I. J.
Published: November 2014

Assessment of soil organic matter content using laboratory analysis can be costly and time consuming, so limiting how often land managers assess this important property. This work demonstrates an ability to estimate topsoil organic matter content from field observations alone and provides a method by which rapid and cost‐effective assessments of soil organic matter status may be made. Models using environmental factors from the National Soil Inventory of Scotland (NSIS) dataset as inputs to a neural network model were used to predict loss on ignition (LOI). Two models, one for all soils and one for soils with small organic matter contents (LOI< 20%), were developed. It was found that the model developed for all soils produced reasonable predictive results across the entireLOIrange (R2= 0.877), although it was not as effective at predicting smallLOIvalues (R2= 0.354) as the small organic matter content model (R2= 0.674). Both models were tested with imagery and data from samples outwith theNSISdataset to validate the approach. Predictive results were less accurate than when usingNSISdata. A discussion of possible improvements to make the model useful for field observations of soils is given.
The NET, the trap and the pathogen: neutrophil extracellular traps in cutaneous immunity
Authors: Stephan Alexander , Fabri Mario
Published: November 2014

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), large chromatin structures casted with various proteins, are externalized by neutrophils upon induction by both self‐ and non‐self‐stimuli. It has become clear that NETs are potent triggers of inflammation in autoimmune skin diseases. Moreover, the ability of NETs to trap pathogens suggests a crucial role in innate host defense. However, the outcome of the encounter between pathogens and NETs remains highly controversial. Here, we discuss recent insights into the morphology and formation of NETs, their role in skin inflammation and how NETs might contribute to host protection in skin infection.
Periostin induces fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast persistence in hypertrophic scarring
Authors: Crawford Justin , Nygard Karen , Gan Bing Siang , O'Gorman David Brian
Published: November 2014

Hypertrophic scarring is characterized by the excessive development and persistence of myofibroblasts. These cells contract the surrounding extracellular matrix resulting in the increased tissue density characteristic of scar tissue. Periostin is a matricellular protein that is abnormally abundant in fibrotic dermis, however, its roles in hypertrophic scarring are largely unknown. In this report, we assessed the ability of matrix‐associated periostin to promote the proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation of dermal fibroblasts isolated from the dermis of hypertrophic scars or healthy skin. Supplementation of a thin type‐I collagen cell culture substrate with recombinant periostin induced a significant increase in the proliferation of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts but not normal dermal fibroblasts. Periostin induced significant increases in supermature focal adhesion formation, α smooth muscle actin levels and collagen contraction in fibroblasts cultured from hypertrophic scars under conditions of increased matrix tension in three‐dimensional type‐I collagen lattices. Inhibition of Rho‐associated protein kinase activity significantly attenuated the effects of matrix‐associated periostin on hypertrophic scar fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Depletion of endogenous periostin expression in hypertrophic scar myofibroblasts resulted in a sustained decrease in α smooth muscle actin levels under conditions of reducing matrix tension, while matrix‐associated periostin levels caused the cells to retain high levels of a smooth muscle actin under these conditions. These findings indicate that periostin promotes Rho‐associated protein kinase‐dependent proliferation and myofibroblast persistence of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts and implicate periostin as a potential therapeutic target to enhance the resolution of scars.
Modelling nutrient transport and transformation by pool‐breeding amphibians in forested landscapes using a 21‐year dataset
Authors: Capps Krista A. , Berven Keith A. , Tiegs Scott D.
Published: November 2014

Migrations of animals can transfer energy and nutrients through and among terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Pool‐breeding amphibians, such as the wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus), make annual breeding migrations to ephemeral wetlands in forest habitats in the eastern and midwestern United States and Canada.

To model the influence of wood frogs on nutrient transport and transformation through time, we coupled long‐term population monitoring data (1985–2005) from a wood frog population with estimates of the elemental composition of wood frog egg masses and emerging juveniles.

Over the 21‐year study period, 8.8 kg carbon (C), 2.0 kg nitrogen (N) and 0.20 kg phosphorus (P) were transported from the terrestrial to the aquatic habitat and approximately 21 kg C, 5.5 kg N and 1.2 kg P were exported to the surrounding terrestrial habitat by wood frogs.

During the study period, the average net flux of C, N and P was from aquatic to terrestrial habitats, but the magnitude and direction of the net flux was element dependent. Thus, the net flux of C, N and P did not always flow in the same direction.

Predicting long‐term trends in nutrient and energy flux by organisms with biphasic life cycles should rely on long‐term population data to account for temporal variability. This is especially true for organisms that are sensitive to long‐term shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, such as amphibians that breed in ephemeral pools.
Diet composition affects the rate and N:P ratio of fish excretion
Authors: Moody Eric K. , Corman Jessica R. , Elser James J. , Sabo John L.
Published: November 2014

Nutrient recycling by fish can be an important part of nutrient cycles in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. As a result, understanding the mechanisms that influence excretion elemental ratios of fish is of great importance to a complete understanding of aquatic nutrient cycles. As fish consume a wide range of diets that differ in elemental composition, stoichiometric theory can inform predictions about dietary effects on excretion ratios.

We conducted a meta‐analysis to test the effects of diet elemental composition on consumption and nutrient excretion by fish. We examined the relationship between consumption rate and diet N : P across all laboratory studies and calculated effect sizes for each excretion metric to test for significant effects.

Consumption rate of N, but not P, was significantly negatively affected by diet N : P. Effect sizes of diet elemental composition on consumption‐specific excretion N, P and N : P in laboratory studies were all significantly different from 0, but effect size for raw excretion N : P was not significantly different from zero in laboratory or field surveys.

Our results highlight the importance of having a mechanistic understanding of the drivers of consumer excretion rates and ratios. We suggest that more research is needed on how consumption and assimilation efficiency vary with N : P and in natural ecosystems in order to further understand mechanistic processes in consumer‐driven nutrient recycling.
Nutrient enrichment scarcely affects ecosystem impacts of a non‐native herbivore in a spring‐fed river
Authors: Datri Crystal W. , Pray Corey L. , Zhang Yixin , Nowlin Weston H.
Published: November 2014

Non‐native invasive species (NNIS) are a global issue whose introduction into novel ecosystems can fundamentally alter nutrient recycling and storage. It is therefore important to understand factors that affect the abundance and distribution of NNIS and their effects on ecosystems.

We investigated how nutrient enrichment and herbivorous armoured catfish separately and in combination affect ecosystem processes in a subtropical spring‐fed river (San Marcos, River, TX, U.S.A.). A replicated stream channel experiment in which nutrient enrichment was cross‐classified with the presence and the absence of armoured catfish was conducted to evaluate how nutrient enrichment may affect the ecosystem and nutrient cycling effects of catfish.

The presence of catfish reduced periphyton biomass and altered detrital decomposition rates and, contrary to predictions, decreased periphyton N:P. In addition, the presence of catfish increased the severity of periphyton P‐limitation. We found little evidence that adding nutrients altered the effects of armoured catfish on ecosystem dynamics.

Armoured catfish likely play an important role in the nutrient dynamics of the San Marcos River, but nutrient enrichment has little influence on determining the magnitude of ecosystem and nutrient cycling effects of this invasive and stoichiometrically unique consumer.
The interaction between abiotic photodegradation and microbial decomposition under ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Lingli , Wang Xin , Chen Yiwei
Published: November 2014

Elevated ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been demonstrated to stimulate litter decomposition. Despite years of research, it is still not fully understood whether the acceleration in litter degradation is primarily attributed to abiotic photodegradation or the combined effects of abiotic photodegradation and microbial decomposition. In this study, we used meta‐analysis to synthesize photodegradation studies and compared the effects of UV radiation on litter decomposition between abiotic and biotic conditions. We also conducted a microcosm experiment to assess the effects of UV radiation on litter biodegradability and microbial activity. Overall, our meta‐analysis found that under abiotic photodegradation, UV radiation reduced the remaining litter mass by 1.44% (95% CI: 0.85% to 2.08%), did not affect the remaining lignin and increased the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration by 14.01% (1.49–23.67%). Under combined abiotic photodegradation and microbial decomposition, UV radiation reduced the remaining litter mass and lignin by 1.60% (0.04–3.58%) and 16.07% (9.27–24.23%), respectively, but did not alter DOC concentration. UV radiation had no significant impact on soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), but it reduced microbial respiration by 44.91% (2.26–78.62%) and altered the composition of the microbial community. In addition, UV radiation reduced nitrogen (N) immobilization by 19.44% (4.77–37.92%). Our microcosm experiment further indicated that DOC concentration and the amount of respired C in UV‐treated litter increased with UV exposure time, suggesting that longer UV exposure resulted in greater biodegradability. Overall, our study suggested that UV exposure could increase litter biodegradability by increasing the microbial accessibility of lignin, as well as the labile carbon supply to microbes. However, the remaining litter mass was not different between the abiotic and biotic conditions, most likely because the positive effect of UV radiation on litter biodegradability was offset by its negative effect on microbial activity. Our results also suggested that UV radiation could alter the N cycle during decomposition, primarily by inhibiting N immobilization.
Fluid mixing induced by hydrothermal activity in the ordovician carbonates in Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Jiang L. , Pan W. , Cai C. , Jia L. , Pan L. , Wang T. , Li H. , Chen S. , Chen Y.
Published: November 2014

Permian hydrothermal activity in the Tarim Basin may have been responsible for the invasion of hot brines into Ordovician carbonate reservoirs. Studies have been undertaken to explain the origin and geochemical characteristics of the diagenetic fluid present during this hydrothermal event although there is no consensus on it. We present a genetic model resulting from the study of δ13C, δ18O, δ34S, and 87Sr/86Sr isotope values and fluid inclusions (FIs) from fracture‐ and vug‐filling calcite, saddle dolomite, fluorite, barite, quartz, and anhydrite from Ordovician outcrops in northwest (NW) Tarim Basin and subsurface cores in Central Tarim Basin. The presence of hydrothermal fluid was confirmed by minerals with fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures being >10°C higher than the paleo‐formation burial temperatures both in the NW Tarim and in the Central Tarim areas. The mixing of hot (>200°C), high‐salinity (>24 wt% NaCl), 87Sr‐rich (up to 0.7104) hydrothermal fluid with cool (60–100°C), low‐salinity (0 to 3.5 wt% NaCl), also 87Sr‐rich (up to 0.7010) meteoric water in the Ordovician unit was supported by the salinity of fluid inclusions, and δ13C, δ18O, and 87Sr/86Sr isotopic values of the diagenetic minerals. Up‐migrated hydrothermal fluids from the deeper Cambrian strata may have contributed to the hot brine with high sulfate concentrations which promoted thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) in the Ordovician, resulting in the formation of 12C‐rich (δ13C as low as −13.8‰) calcite and 34S‐rich (δ34S values from 21.4‰ to 29.7‰) H2S, pyrite, and elemental sulfur. Hydrothermal fluid mixing with fresh water in Ordovician strata in Tarim Basin was facilitated by deep‐seated faults and up‐reaching faults due to the pervasive Permian magmatic activity. Collectively, fluid mixing, hydrothermal dolomitization, TSR, and faulting may have locally dissolved the host carbonates and increased the reservoir porosity and permeability, which has significant implications for hydrocarbon exploration.
Immune responses to human factor IX in haemophilia B mice of different genetic backgrounds are distinct and modified by TLR4
Authors: Sack B. K. , Wang X. , Sherman A. , Rogers G. L. , Markusic D. M.
Published: November 2014

Our laboratory develops protocols to prevent or reverse ongoing anti‐hFIX IgG inhibitors in haemophilia B mice with a F9 gene deletion on BALB/c and C3H/HeJ backgrounds. C3H/HeJ F9−/Y mice develop high titre anti‐hFIX IgG1 inhibitors and anaphylaxis, whereas most BALB/c F9−/Y mice have mild anti‐hFIX IgG1 inhibitors and no anaphylaxis. Our aim was to determine if hFIX‐specific B‐ and T‐cell responses in BALB/c and C3H/HeJ F9−/Y mice trigger the difference in anti‐hFIX immune responses. BALB/c and C3H/HeJ F9−/Y mice were challenged weekly with recombinant hFIX protein. Humoral immune responses were determined by IgG1 and IgG2a anti‐hFIX ELISA, Bethesda assay for inhibitors and B‐cell ELISpot on bone marrow and spleen cells. T‐cell studies measured the TH1 (IFN‐γ) and TH2 (IL‐4) cytokine responses in splenocytes at the mRNA and protein level in response to hFIX protein. Antibody responses were also measured in C3H/HeJ/OuJ F9−/Y mice with restored toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) function. BALB/c F9−/Y mice have a TH2 skewed response and a reduction in anti‐hFIX secreting plasma cells in the bone marrow. Independent antigen challenge revealed both strains generated equivalent IgG1 antibody titres to an intravenously delivered antigen. C3H/HeJ F9−/Y mice have a mixed TH1 and TH2 response (mainly TH2). Importantly, TLR4 signalling has a modulatory role in the C3H background on the levels of anti‐hFIX IgG1 and incidence of anaphylaxis. The background strain strongly impacts the immune response to hFIX, which can be significantly impacted by mutations in innate immune sensors.
Preserved or enhanced OATP1B3 expression in hepatocellular adenoma subtypes with nuclear accumulation of β‐catenin
Authors: Fukusato Toshio , Soejima Yurie , Kondo Fukuo , Inoue Masafumi , Watanabe Masato , Takahashi Yoshihisa , Aso Tatsuya , Uozaki Hiroshi , Sano Keiji , Sanada Yukihiro , Niki Toshiro
Published: November 2014

Aim

Recent studies have indicated that hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a heterogenous group of benign tumors with various genetic and clinicopathological characteristics. We delineated the clinicopathological characteristics of HCA subtypes and evaluated the expression of transporter protein OATP1B3 in HCA.

Methods

HCA in 34 Japanese patients were investigated immunohistochemically and classified into four subtypes (HNF1α‐inactivated type, H‐HCA; β‐catenin‐activated type, b‐HCA; inflammatory type, I‐HCA; unclassified type, u‐HCA). Immunostaining of OATP1B3 protein in HCA tissue sections was performed to determine the association between OATP1B3 expression and HCA subtypes.

Results

HCA was categorized into the following four subtypes and two combined subtypes: 10 H‐HCA (29%), 10 I‐HCA (29%), seven b‐HCA (21%), two b‐HCA/H‐HCA (6%), two b‐HCA/I‐HCA (6%) and three u‐HCA (9%). The male‐to‐female ratio was 18:16. Oral contraceptive use was rare but seven HCA were found in patients with glycogen storage disease, congenital absence of the portal vein and idiopathic portal hypertension. OATP1B3 expression was decreased in 24 HCA but was preserved or increased in 10 HCA. All nine HCA with nuclear staining for β‐catenin showed preserved or enhanced OATP1B3 expression, indicating a significant association between nuclear β‐catenin accumulation and OATP1B3 expression in HCA.

Conclusion

HCA subtype classification was validated in 91% of our Japanese subjects although their clinical backgrounds including rare contraceptive use were different from European subjects. A close association between preserved or enhanced OATP1B3 expression and b‐HCA subtype indicated important modalities for clinical decisions in the treatment and follow up of patients with HCA.
SMALL DATA
Authors: Coomber Steve
Published: November 2014

It really is a numbers business
PRêT‐à‐PORTES
Authors: Portes Richard
Published: November 2014

The economist Richard Portes looks at lessons from the crisis, the reality of risk, the danger of forecasting and much more
IDEOLOGICALLY SPEAKING
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: November 2014

With hyper‐competition putting a premium on innovation and creativity, IDEO offers a design‐led route forward. Stuart Crainer gets creative
OFFICE SPACE
Authors: Geci Karla
Published: November 2014

LBS alumna Karla Geci of Facebook takes us on a guided tour of its London office
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE TODAY
Authors: Seaward Royston , Laws Martin
Published: November 2014

Royston Seaward and Martin Laws from Deloitte look at how companies of the future will use innovation to optimise the working environment for employees and clients
UPWARDLY MOBILE
Authors: Anderson Jamie , Vakulenko Michael
Published: November 2014

The dizzying rise of digital ecosystems and their implications are charted by Jamie Anderson and Michael Vakulenko
THE GREAT WAR OF CHINA
Authors: De Cremer David , Zhang Jess
Published: November 2014

The country faces serious challenges in meeting its innovation goal, say David De Cremer and Jess Zhang
10 CREATIVE BUSINESS MYTHS DEBUNKED
Authors: Orme Greg
Published: November 2014

Business creativity is shrouded in unhelpful myths. Greg Orme cuts his way through the folklore to enable some clear creative thinking
PICTURES OF ILLY
Authors: Cornelli Francesca
Published: November 2014

Andrea Illy, Chairman and CEO of the family‐owned coffee business illycaffè, talks to Francesca Cornelli about innovation, sustainability and much more
SHARE WEAR
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: November 2014

Girl Meets Dress is part of the fast‐rising sharing economy. Company Co‐founder Anna Bance talks pay‐as‐you‐live with Stuart Crainer
TRANSFERS TRANSFORMED
Authors: Coomber Steve
Published: November 2014

Remittances sent around the world from workers abroad amount to nearly $600 bn. But the system is often unfair and costly. Ismail Ahmed's new venture has a solution
SPINNING THE WHEEL OF STRATEGIC INNOVATION
Authors: Styles Chris , Goddard Jules
Published: November 2014

How can truly innovative strategies be developed when firms see themselves as operating in a mature market and adopt almost identical strategies to their competitors? Chris Styles and Jules Goddard suggest a solution in this article from the BSR archives of 2004
THE SHAMROCK ORGANISATION
Authors: Handy Charles
Published: November 2014

What is the best way to organise a company? From the shamrock to the Triple I, Charles Handy has led the debate
Regulatory fit in framing strategy of parental persuasive messages to young children
Authors: Sasaki Hiroyuki , Hayashi Yoichiro
Published: November 2014

The present research examined regulatory fit in parental messages aimed at young children. Study 1 measured parents' chronic regulatory focus, asking them to select either positively or negatively framed messages for promotion‐ and prevention‐focused outcomes. The results showed that parents preferred positive frames for promotion‐focused messages and negative frames for prevention‐focused messages. Furthermore, parents with a chronic promotion focus favored a positively framed strategy more than parents with a prevention focus. Study 2 found that parents adopted different message strategies depending on whether they favored an active responsive or an active restrictive parenting style. Together, these findings demonstrate for the first time the applicability of regulatory focus/fit theory to explain parents' preferences for positively and negatively framed messages targeting children.
Do terrorist threat alerts increase perception of threat and legitimization of in‐group's wars? The moderating role of perceived in‐group homogeneity
Authors: Bilali Rezarta
Published: November 2014

This study examined the impact of external cues of (experimentally induced) terrorist threat or security on perceived threat and legitimization of the U.S.'s war in Iraq as a function of perceived in‐group homogeneity and in‐group identification. In‐group identification did not moderate the effects of external cues of threat or security. External cues of threat resulted in higher legitimization of war via heightened perceived threat, but only among participants who rated low or moderate in perceived in‐group homogeneity. By contrast, cues affirming the security of the in‐group resulted in lower legitimization of war among group members who viewed their in‐group to be homogeneous. These results draw attention to in‐group homogeneity's role in increasing perceived group's agency to cope with threats.
Di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate‐induced apoptosis in rat INS‐1 cells is dependent on activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and suppression of antioxidant protection
Authors: Sun Xia , Lin Yi , Huang Qiansheng , Shi Junpeng , Qiu Ling , Kang Mei , Chen Yajie , Fang Chao , Ye Ting , Dong Sijun
Published: November 2014

Di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used as plasticizer and is ubiquitously found in the environment. Exposure to DEHP has been linked to an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes. Pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes; however, it is unknown whether DEHP exposure contributes to this risk. Here, we aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of DEHP on INS‐1 cells and to further explore the related underlying mechanisms. INS‐1 cells were exposed to 0, 5, 25, 125 or 625 μM DEHP for 24 hrs. Cell viability, glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cellular antioxidant response, Ca2+ homoeostasis and the levels of genes and proteins involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were measured. The results showed that DEHP decreased insulin secretion and content and induced apoptosis in INS‐1 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, ROS generation was increased and Nrf2‐dependent antioxidant defence protection was dysregulated in INS‐1 cells after DEHP exposure. Most importantly, DEHP effectively depleted ER Ca2+ and triggered the ER stress response as demonstrated by the elevated transcription and translation of the ER chaperone GRP78 and GRP94, the increased phosphorylation of protein kinase R‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and its downstream substrate eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), as well as the increased levels of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Taken together, DEHP exerted toxic effects on INS‐1 cells by inducing apoptosis, which is dependent on the activation of the PERK–ATF4–CHOP ER stress signalling pathway and the suppression of Nrf2‐dependent antioxidant protection.
Randomized controlled multicentre study comparing short dental implants (6 mm) versus longer dental implants (11–15 mm) in combination with sinus floor elevation procedures. Part 1: demographics and patient‐reported outcomes at 1 year of loading
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Haas Robert , Tutak Marcin , Garcia Abel , Schincaglia Gian Pietro , Hämmerle Christoph H. F.
Published: November 2014

Aim

To test whether or not the use of short dental implants (6 mm) results in an implant survival rate similar to long implants (11–15 mm) in combination with sinus grafting.

Methods

This multicentre study enrolled 101 patients with a posterior maxillary bone height of 5–7 mm. Patients randomly received short implants (6 mm) (group short) or long implants (11–15 mm) with sinus grafting (group graft). Six months later, implants were loaded with single crowns and patients re‐examined at 1 year of loading. Outcomes included treatment time, price calculations, safety, patient‐reported outcome measures (OHIP‐49 = Oral Health Impact Profile) and implant survival. Statistical analysis was performed using a non‐parametric approach.

Results

In 101 patients, 137 implants were placed. Mean surgical time was 52.6 min. (group short) and 74.6 min. (group graft). Mean costs amounted to 941EUR (group short) and 1946EUR (group graft). Mean severity scores between suture removal and baseline revealed a statistically significant decrease for most OHIP dimensions in group graft only. At 1 year, 97 patients with 132 implants were re‐examined. The implant survival rate was 100%.

Conclusions

Both treatment modalities can be considered suitable for implant therapy in the atrophied posterior maxilla. Short implants may be more favourable regarding short‐term patient morbidity, treatment time and price.
Why Aren't Advanced High–Strength Steels More Widely Used?: Stakeholder Preferences and Perceived Barriers to New Materials
Authors: Alriksson Stina , Henningsson Marianne
Published: November 2014

Advanced high‐strength steels may reduce the use of nonrenewable resources and energy given that the amount of material needed is smaller, compared to traditional steel grades. Still, advanced steel grades are not utilized to the extent that could be expected. This study examines stakeholders’ preferences of steel characteristics and perceived barriers to the introduction of new materials. Focus group interviews were used to identify steel characteristics and perceived barriers. Stakeholder preferences of steel characteristics were evaluated through a conjoint analysis; the results showed that low weight was given the highest priority, followed by high impact strength and low price. Low chromium content was the steel characteristic of least interest. Perceived barriers to the introduction of high‐strength steel were categorized as technical barriers, knowledge barriers, scrap management barriers, suitability barriers, and cost barriers.
Discrepancies in quantitative assessment of normal and regenerated peripheral nerve fibers between light and electron microscopy
Authors: Ronchi Giulia , Jager Sara Buskbjerg , Vaegter Christian Bjerggaard , Raimondo Stefania , Giacobini‐Robecchi Maria Giuseppina , Geuna Stefano
Published: November 2014

Quantitative estimation of myelinated nerve fiber number, together with fiber size parameters, is one of the most important tools for nerve regeneration research. In this study we used a design‐based stereological method to evaluate the regenerative process in two experimental paradigms: crush injury and autograft repair. Samples were embedded in resin and morphometric counting and measurements were performed using both light and electron microscopes. Results show a significant difference in myelinated fiber number estimation between light and electron microscopes, especially after autograft repair; light microscope significantly underestimates the number of fibers because of the large number of very small axons that can be detected only in electron microscope. The analysis of the size parameters also shows a higher number of small fibers in electron microscopic analysis, especially in regenerated nerves. This comparative study shows that the integration of data obtained in light microscope with those obtained in electron microscope is necessary in revealing very small myelinated fibers that cannot be detected otherwise. Moreover, the difference in the estimation of total number of myelinated fibers between light and electron microscopes must be considered in data analysis to ensure accurate interpretation of the results.
Development of a Sensory Lexicon for Dairy Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Newman J. , O'Riordan D. , Jacquier J.C. , O'Sullivan M.
Published: November 2014

The objective of this study was to develop a sensory lexicon for dairy protein hydrolysates (DPHs) produced from whey and casein substrates. To create the lexicon, 25 DPHs were assessed by a trained sensory panel (n = 8) using the spectrum descriptive analysis method using a 15‐point intensity scale. The sensory panel identified over 43 attributes present in the DPHs, the attributes that occurred the most frequently formed the refined lexicon of 19 attributes, which were then scaled by their intensity. Principal component analysis was employed to visualize the relationships between attributes and samples. The DPHs were separated by their attributes as whey protein hydrolysates were found to have a more complex flavor profile than casein hydrolysates, which were found to be bitter, astringent and metallic. The attribute that was found to clearly characterize the DPH samples was bitterness as the taste occurred in all samples and many of which were of high intensity.

Practical Applications

Dairy protein hydrolysates (DPHs) are a variety of food ingredient that is of interest to the food industry for their functionality within foods, their nutritional profile and their bioactivity. However, it has been reported in previous studies that DPHs can have undesirable sensory attributes. This sensory lexicon was created to allow for a more systematic and quantitative approach to characterizing sensory attributes of DPH. Such information would be valuable to manufacturers contemplating on the use of DPH as ingredients in foods, allowing the evaluation of the impact of DPH on product sensory properties as well as helping to direct any masking strategies required. While lexicons for whey‐based DPHs have been published, this work represents the first attempt to develop a combined lexicon for DPH based on either whey or casein. The principal component analysis based on descriptor scores shows clear differences between the sensory attributes of whey protein and casein‐based DPHs.
Salting Potency and Time‐Intensity Profile of Microparticulated Sodium Chloride in Shoestring Potatoes
Authors: Freire Tassyana Vieira Marques , Freire Dieyckson Osvani , de Souza Vanessa Rios , Gonçalves Carla Saraiva , Carneiro João de Deus Souza , Nunes Cleiton Antônio , Pinheiro Ana Carla Marques
Published: November 2014

It is well known that sodium chloride overuse has a positive association with blood pressure and hypertension, and it has been related directly to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reducing the sodium chloride particle size on the salting power and time‐intensity profile in shoestring potatoes. We found that the amounts of sodium chloride with reduced particle sizes required to yield an equivalent salting power to 1.6% unmilled (common) sodium chloride on shoestring potatoes were 0.97, 0.862, 0.795 and 0.785% for salt particles with mean diameters of about 97, 37, 30 and 26 μm, respectively. Based on these salting potencies, it is possible to reduce the sodium chloride used in shoestring potatoes by about 39, 46, 50 and 51% with the mentioned salt particles, respectively. The reduction in the size of salt particles also resulted in a more rapid perception of the maximum saltiness in shoestring potatoes.

Practical Applications

The reduction of the salt content in processed food means a great challenge because of limitations of sensory characteristics, functional properties and microbiological safety of products. Reducing the size of sodium chloride particles is an important alternative for reducing the sodium content of foods, thereby making them healthier but not by altering their sensory characteristics, unlike some sodium chloride substitutes.
Report and review of described associations of Mayer‐Rokitansky‐Küster‐Hauser syndrome and Silver–Russell syndrome
Authors: Abraham Mary B , Carpenter Karen , Baynam Gareth S , Mackay Deborah JG , Price Glynis , Choong Catherine S
Published: November 2014

Silver–Russell syndrome (SRS) and Mayer‐Rokitansky‐Küster‐Hauser (MRKH) syndrome are described in isolation. However, their co‐occurrence has only been rarely reported. Here, we present a case report of an adolescent with SRS who was diagnosed with MRKH during the evaluation of primary amenorrhoea. Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification analysis showed a normal methylation pattern and normal dosage at 11p15.5. A PubMed search for all peer‐reviewed publications (original articles and reviews) using the key words Silver–Russell syndrome, Mayer‐Rokitansky‐Küster‐Hauser syndrome, genetics, hypomethylation and reproductive anomalies identified three cases of SRS with MRKH, two of which were associated with significant hypomethylation of the H19 imprinting control region of the 11p15.5 locus. This report highlights the association between SRS and MRKH. The absence of hypomethylation and normal dosage at 11p15.5 suggests these two rare entities share alternative aetiopathogenic mechanisms.
The Blind Scientists and the Elephant of Swallowing: A Review of Instrumental Perspectives on Swallowing Physiology
Authors: Steele Catriona M.
Published: November 2014

Swallowing is a complex biomechanical process. In this review, several different techniques for measuring swallowing physiology are described, and limitations of each instrumental perspective are discussed. The techniques discussed include videofluoroscopy, endoscopy, three‐dimensional dynamic computed tomography imaging, ultrasound, electromagnetic articulography, electromyography, lingual and pharyngeal manometry, electropalatography, airflow measurement, and swallowing acoustics/accelerometry. It is hoped that this review will inform scientists in the food oral‐processing field regarding methods that may be useful for capturing relevant features of swallowing behavior across different food textures and liquid consistencies. Likewise, it is hoped that the delineation of current gaps in knowledge will reveal topics of shared interest for swallowing and food oral scientists as a first step toward future collaboration.

Practical Applications

Swallowing is something that we take for granted, but is actually a complicated biomechanical activity involving many muscles. The process of swallowing can be studied or measured using a variety of different clinical and instrumental techniques. In this review article, the strengths and limitations of several different instrumental approaches to measuring swallowing behaviours are discussed. An extensive reference list is provided to original articles using these different techniques.
Uptake and utilization of directly acting antiviral medications for hepatitis C infection in U.S. veterans
Authors: Gidwani R. , Barnett P. G. , Goldhaber‐Fiebert J. D. , Asch S. M. , Lo J. , Dally S. K. , Owens D. K.
Published: November 2014

New drugs therapies have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The objectives of this study were to evaluate uptake and utilization of boceprevir and telaprevir in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We evaluated whether therapies conformed to response‐guided protocols, whether they replaced standard interferon plus ribavirin treatment, and whether IL‐28B was used to guide treatment. We performed an administrative data‐based analysis of all patients receiving pharmacologic treatment for HCV in VA from October 2009 to July 2013. There were 12 737 new HCV prescriptions in VA during this time, with 5564 boceprevir or telaprevir prescriptions (44%) and 7173 prescriptions (56%) written for standard interferon plus ribavirin treatment. Prescriptions for the new treatments heavily favoured boceprevir vs telaprevir (83% vs 17%). Sixty‐two percent (62%) of boceprevir‐treated patients completed their minimum‐specified protocol, while 69.2% of telaprevir‐treated patients completed their minimum‐specified protocol. From October 2010 to July 2012, 4090 patients had an IL‐28B test; less than 16% of these tests guided subsequent HCV prescriptions. Uptake of boceprevir and telaprevir was rapid; the number of patients initiating treatment approximately doubled in the period after their introduction. While new prescriptions favor boceprevir or telaprevir over standard interferon plus ribavirin therapy, there appears to still be a strong role of interferon plus ribavirin in treating HCV patients. This work can inform our understanding of how other new effective HCV therapies will be used, their diffusion, and the timing of their diffusion in actual clinical practice.
Spatial regulation of the spindle assembly checkpoint and anaphase‐promoting complex in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Edgerton Heather , Paolillo Vitoria , Oakley Berl R.
Published: November 2014

The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) plays a critical role in preventing mitotic errors by inhibiting anaphase until all kinetochores are correctly attached to spindle microtubules. In spite of the economic and medical importance of filamentous fungi, relatively little is known about the behavior of SAC proteins in these organisms. In our efforts to understand the role of γ‐tubulin in cell cycle regulation, we have created functional fluorescent protein fusions of four SAC proteins in Aspergillus nidulans, the homologs of Mad2, Mps1, Bub1/BubR1 and Bub3. Time‐lapse imaging reveals that SAC proteins are in distinct compartments of the cell until early mitosis when they co‐localize at the spindle pole body. SAC activity is, thus, spatially regulated in A. nidulans. Likewise, Cdc20, an activator of the anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome, is excluded from interphase nuclei, but enters nuclei at mitotic onset and accumulates to a higher level in mitotic nuclei than in the surrounding nucleoplasm before leaving in anaphase/telophase. The activity of this critical cell cycle regulatory complex is likely regulated by the location of Cdc20. Finally, the γ‐tubulin mutation mipAD159 causes a nuclear‐specific failure of nuclear localization of Mps1 and Bub1/R1 but not of Cdc20, Bub3 or Mad2.
Partner selection in the mycorrhizal mutualism
Authors: Werner Gijsbert D. A. , Kiers E. Toby
Published: November 2014

Partner selection in the mycorrhizal symbiosis is thought to be a key factor stabilising the mutualism. Both plant hosts and mycorrhizal fungi have been shown to preferentially allocate resources to higher quality partners. This can help maintain underground cooperation, although it is likely that different plant species vary in the spatial precision with which they can select partners. Partner selection in the mycorrhizal symbiosis is presumably context‐dependent and can be mediated by factors like (relative) resource abundance and resource fluctuations, competition among mycorrhizas, arrival order and cultivation history. Such factors complicate our current understanding of the importance of partner selection and its effectiveness in stimulating mutualistic cooperation.

Contents

Summary
1437

I.
Introduction
1437

II.
Bidirectional partner selection in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
1438

III.
Nutrient transport and partner selection
1438

IV.
Mycorrhizal partner selection: an underground biological market?
1438

V.
Potential factors influencing partner selection in the mycorrhizal symbiosis
1440

VI.
Conclusions
1441

Acknowledgements
1441

References
1441
Towards a holistic understanding of the beneficial interactions across the Populus microbiome
Authors: Hacquard Stéphane , Schadt Christopher W.
Published: November 2014

Interactions between trees and microorganisms are tremendously complex and the multispecies networks resulting from these associations have consequences for plant growth and productivity. However, a more holistic view is needed to better understand trees as ecosystems and superorganisms, where many interacting species contribute to the overall stability of the system. While much progress has been made on microbial communities associated with individual tree niches and the molecular interactions between model symbiotic partners, there is still a lack of knowledge of the multi‐component interactions necessary for holistic ecosystem‐level understanding. We review recent studies in Populus to emphasize the importance of such holistic efforts across the leaf, stem and rooting zones, and discuss prospects for future research in these important ecosystems.

Contents

Summary
1424

I.
Introduction
1424

II.
The root endosphere and rhizosphere microbiome
1425

III.
The phyllosphere and leaf endosphere microbiome
1426

IV.
The stem and wood microbiome
1427

V.
Toward understanding microbiome functions in a community context
1427

Acknowledgements
1428

References
1428
Large‐scale adaptive differentiation in the alpine perennial herb Arabis alpina
Authors: Toräng Per , Wunder Jörg , Obeso José Ramón , Herzog Michel , Coupland George , Ågren Jon
Published: November 2014

Information about the incidence and magnitude of local adaptation can help to predict the response of natural populations to a changing environment, and should be of particular interest in arctic and alpine environments where the effects of climate change are expected to be severe.

To quantify adaptive differentiation in the arctic‐alpine perennial herb Arabis alpina, we conducted reciprocal transplant experiments for 3 yr between Spanish and Scandinavian populations. At the sites of one Spanish and one Scandinavian population, we planted seedlings representing two Spanish and four Scandinavian populations, and recorded survival, flowering propensity and fecundity. The experiment was replicated in two subsequent years.

The results demonstrate strong adaptive differentiation between A. alpina populations from the two regions. At the field site in Spain, survival and fruit production of Spanish populations were higher than those of Scandinavian populations, while the opposite was true at the site in Scandinavia, and these differences were consistent across years. By comparison, fitness varied little among populations from the same region.

The results suggest that the magnitude and geographical scale of local adaptation need to be considered in predictions of the effects of global change on the dynamics of arctic and alpine plant populations.
Ancient horizontal transfer of transaldolase‐like protein gene and its role in plant vascular development
Authors: Yang Zefeng , Zhou Yong , Huang Jinling , Hu Yunyun , Zhang Enying , Xie Zhengwen , Ma Sijia , Gao Yun , Song Song , Xu Chenwu , Liang Guohua
Published: November 2014

A major event in land plant evolution is the origin of vascular tissues, which ensure the long‐distance transport of water, nutrients and organic compounds. However, the molecular basis for the origin and evolution of plant vascular tissues remains largely unknown.

Here, we investigate the evolution of the land plant TAL‐type transaldolase (TAL) gene and its potential function in rice (Oryza sativa) based on phylogenetic analyses and transgenic experiments, respectively.

TAL genes are only present in land plants and bacteria. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that land plant TAL genes are derived from Actinobacteria through an ancient horizontal gene transfer (HGT) event. Further evidence reveals that land plant TAL genes have undergone positive selection and gained several introns following its acquisition by the most recent common ancestor of land plants. Transgenic plant experiments show that rice TAL is specifically expressed in vascular tissues and that knockdown of TAL expression leads to changes in both the number and pattern of vascular bundles.

Our findings show that the ancient HGT of TAL from bacteria probably plays an important role in plant vascular development and adaptation to land environments.
The evolution and function of protein tandem repeats in plants
Authors: Schaper Elke , Anisimova Maria
Published: November 2014

Sequence tandem repeats (TRs) are abundant in proteomes across all domains of life. For plants, little is known about their distribution or contribution to protein function. We exhaustively annotated TRs and studied the evolution of TR unit variations for all Ensembl plants.

Using phylogenetic patterns of TR units, we detected conserved TRs with unit number and order preserved during evolution, and those TRs that have diverged via recent TR unit gains/losses. We correlated the mode of evolution of TRs to protein function.

TR number was strongly correlated with proteome size, with about one‐half of all TRs recognized as common protein domains. The majority of TRs have been highly conserved over long evolutionary distances, some since the separation of red algae and green plants c. 1.6 billion yr ago. Conversely, recurrent recent TR unit mutations were rare.

Our results suggest that the first TRs by far predate the first plants, and that TR appearance is an ongoing process with similar rates across the plant kingdom. Interestingly, the few detected highly mutable TRs might provide a source of variation for rapid adaptation. In particular, such TRs are enriched in leucine‐rich repeats (LRRs) commonly found in R genes, where TR unit gain/loss may facilitate resistance to emerging pathogens.