bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Existence of FGFR1–5-HT1A Receptor Heterocomplexes in Midbrain 5-HT Neurons of the Rat: Relevance for Neuroplasticity
Authors: Borroto-Escuela Dasiel O. , Romero-Fernandez Wilber , Pérez-Alea Mileidys , Narvaez Manuel , Tarakanov Alexander O. , Mudó Giuseppa , Agnati Luigi F. , Ciruela Francisco , Belluardo Natale , Fuxe Kjell
Published: May 2012

The ascending midbrain 5-HT neurons to the forebrain may be dysregulated in depression and have a reduced trophic support. Within situproximity ligation assay (PLA) and supported by coimmunoprecipitation and colocation of the FGFR1 and 5-HT1A immunoreactivities in the midbrain raphe cells, evidence for the existence of FGFR1–5-HT1A receptor heterocomplexes in the dorsal and median raphe nuclei of the Sprague Dawley rat as well as in the rat medullary raphe RN33B cells has been obtained. Especially after combined FGF-2 and 8-OH-DPAT treatment, a marked and significant increase in PLA clusters was found in the RN33B cells. Similar results were reached with the FRET technique in HEK293T cells, where TM-V of the 5HT1A receptor was found to be part of the receptor interface. The combined treatment with FGF-2 and the 5-HT1A agonist also synergistically increased FGFR1 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the raphe midline area of the midbrain and the RN33B cells as well as their differentiation, as seen from development of the increased number and length of extensions per cell and their increased 5-HT immunoreactivity. These signaling and differentiation events were dependent on the receptor interface since they were blocked by incubation with TM-V but not by TM-II. Together, the results indicate that the 5-HT1A autoreceptors by being part of a FGFR1–5-HT1A receptor heterocomplex in the midbrain raphe 5-HT nerve cells appear to have a trophic role in the central 5-HT neuron systems in addition to playing a key role in reducing the firing of these neurons.
PI3-kinase/Akt Pathway-Regulated Membrane Insertion of Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 1a Underlies BDNF-Induced Pain Hypersensitivity
Authors: Duan Bo , Liu Di-Shi , Huang Yu , Zeng Wei-Zheng , Wang Xiang , Yu Hui , Zhu Michael X. , Chen Zhe-Yu , Xu Tian-Le
Published: May 2012

Central neural plasticity plays a key role in pain hypersensitivity. This process is modulated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and also involves the type 1a acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC1a). However, the interactions between the BDNF receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), and ASIC1a are unclear. Here, we show that deletion ofASIC1gene suppressed the sustained mechanical hyperalgesia induced by intrathecal BDNF application in mice. In both rat spinal dorsal horn neurons and heterologous cell cultures, the BDNF/TrkB pathway enhanced ASIC1a currents via phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) cascade and phosphorylation of cytoplasmic residue Ser-25 of ASIC1a, resulting in enhanced forward trafficking and increased surface expression. Moreover, in both rats and mice, this enhanced ASIC1a activity was required for BDNF-mediated hypersensitivity of spinal dorsal horn nociceptive neurons and central mechanical hyperalgesia, a process that was abolished by intrathecal application of a peptide representing the N-terminal region of ASIC1a encompassing Ser-25. Thus, our results reveal a novel mechanism underlying central sensitization and pain hypersensitivity, and reinforce the critical role of ASIC1a channels in these processes.
5,6-EET Is Released upon Neuronal Activity and Induces Mechanical Pain Hypersensitivity via TRPA1 on Central Afferent Terminals
Authors: Sisignano Marco , Park Chul-Kyu , Angioni Carlo , Zhang Dong Dong , von Hehn Christian , Cobos Enrique J. , Ghasemlou Nader , Xu Zhen-Zhong , Kumaran Vigneswara , Lu Ruirui , Grant Andrew , Fischer Michael J. M. , Schmidtko Achim , Reeh Peter , Ji Ru-Rong , Woolf Clifford J. , Geisslinger Gerd , Scholich Klaus , Brenneis Christian
Published: May 2012

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are cytochrome P450-epoxygenase-derived metabolites of arachidonic acid that act as endogenous signaling molecules in multiple biological systems. Here we have investigated the specific contribution of 5,6-EET to transient receptor potential (TRP) channel activation in nociceptor neurons and its consequence for nociceptive processing. We found that, during capsaicin-induced nociception, 5,6-EET levels increased in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and the dorsal spinal cord, and 5,6-EET is released from activated sensory neuronsin vitro. 5,6-EET potently induced a calcium flux (100 nm) in cultured DRG neurons that was completely abolished when TRPA1 was deleted or inhibited. In spinal cord slices, 5,6-EET dose dependently enhanced the frequency, but not the amplitude, of spontaneous EPSCs (sEPSCs) in lamina II neurons that also responded to mustard oil (allyl isothiocyanate), indicating a presynaptic action. Furthermore, 5,6-EET-induced enhancement of sEPSC frequency was abolished in TRPA1-null mice, suggesting that 5,6-EET presynaptically facilitated spinal cord synaptic transmission by TRPA1. Finally,in vivointrathecal injection of 5,6-EET caused mechanical allodynia in wild-type but not TRPA1-null mice. We conclude that 5,6-EET is synthesized on the acute activation of nociceptors and can produce mechanical hypersensitivity via TRPA1 at central afferent terminals in the spinal cord.
Facial Muscle Coordination in Monkeys during Rhythmic Facial Expressions and Ingestive Movements
Authors: Shepherd Stephen V. , Lanzilotto Marco , Ghazanfar Asif A.
Published: May 2012

Evolutionary hypotheses regarding the origins of communication signals generally suggest, particularly for the case of primate orofacial signals, that they derive by ritualization of noncommunicative behaviors, notably including ingestive behaviors such as chewing and nursing. These theories are appealing in part because of the prominent periodicities in both types of behavior. Despite their intuitive appeal, however, there are little or no data with which to evaluate these theories because the coordination of muscles innervated by the facial nucleus has not been carefully compared between communicative and ingestive movements. Such data are especially crucial for reconciling neurophysiological assumptions regarding facial motor control in communication and ingestion. We here address this gap by contrasting the coordination of facial muscles during different types of rhythmic orofacial behavior in macaque monkeys, finding that the perioral muscles innervated by the facial nucleus are rhythmically coordinated during lipsmacks and that this coordination appears distinct from that observed during ingestion.
Monetary Loss Alters Perceptual Thresholds and Compromises Future Decisions via Amygdala and Prefrontal Networks
Authors: Laufer Offir , Paz Rony
Published: May 2012

The influence of monetary loss on decision making and choice behavior is extensively studied. However, the effect of loss on sensory perception is less explored. Here, we use conditioning in human subjects to explore how monetary loss associated with a pure tone can affect changes in perceptual thresholds for the previously neutral stimulus. We found that loss conditioning, when compared with neutral exposure, decreases sensitivity and increases perceptual thresholds (i.e., a relative increase in the just-noticeable-difference). This was so even when compared with gain conditioning of comparable intensity, suggesting that the finding is related to valence. We further show that these perceptual changes are related to future decisions about stimuli that are farther away from the conditioned one (wider generalization), resulting in overall increased and irrational monetary loss for the subjects. We use functional imaging to identify the neural network whose activity correlates with the deterioration in sensitivity on an individual basis. In addition, we show that activity in the amygdala was tightly correlated with the wider behavioral generalization, namely, when wrong decisions were made. We suggest that, in principle, less discrimination can be beneficial in loss scenarios, because it assures an accurate and fast response to stimuli that resemble the original stimulus and hence have a high likelihood of entailing the same outcome. But whereas this can be useful for primary reinforcers that can impact survival, it can also underlie wrong and costly behaviors in scenarios of contemporary life that involve secondary reinforcers.
Prefrontal Contributions to Metacognition in Perceptual Decision Making
Authors: Fleming Stephen M. , Huijgen Josefien , Dolan Raymond J.
Published: May 2012

Neuroscience has made considerable progress in understanding the neural substrates supporting cognitive performance in a number of domains, including memory, perception, and decision making. In contrast, how the human brain generates metacognitive awareness of task performance remains unclear. Here, we address this question by asking participants to perform perceptual decisions while providing concurrent metacognitive reports during fMRI scanning. We show that activity in right rostrolateral prefrontal cortex (rlPFC) satisfies three constraints for a role in metacognitive aspects of decision-making. Right rlPFC showed greater activity during self-report compared to a matched control condition, activity in this region correlated with reported confidence, and the strength of the relationship between activity and confidence predicted metacognitive ability across individuals. In addition, functional connectivity between right rlPFC and both contralateral PFC and visual cortex increased during metacognitive reports. We discuss these findings in a theoretical framework where rlPFC re-represents object-level decision uncertainty to facilitate metacognitive report.
Inhibitory Control of Synaptic and Behavioral Plasticity by Octopaminergic Signaling
Authors: Koon Alex C. , Budnik Vivian
Published: May 2012

Adrenergic receptors and their ligands are important regulators of synaptic plasticity and metaplasticity, but the exact mechanisms underlying their action are still poorly understood. Octopamine, the invertebrate homolog of mammalian adrenaline or noradrenaline, plays important roles in modulating behavior and synaptic functions. We previously uncovered an octopaminergic positive-feedback mechanism to regulate structural synaptic plasticity during development and in response to starvation. Under this mechanism, activation of Octß2R autoreceptors by octopamine at octopaminergic neurons initiated a cAMP-dependent cascade that stimulated the development of new synaptic boutons at theDrosophilalarval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). However, the regulatory mechanisms that served to brake such positive feedback were not known. Here, we report the presence of an alternative octopamine autoreceptor, Octß1R, with antagonistic functions on synaptic growth. Mutations inoctß1rresult in the overgrowth of both glutamatergic and octopaminergic NMJs, suggesting that Octß1R is a negative regulator of synaptic expansion. As Octß2R, Octß1R functioned in a cell-autonomous manner at presynaptic motorneurons. However, unlike Octß2R, which activated a cAMP pathway, Octß1R likely inhibited cAMP production through inhibitory Goα. Despite its inhibitory role, Octß1R was required for acute changes in synaptic structure in response to octopamine and for starvation-induced increase in locomotor speed. These results demonstrate the dual action of octopamine on synaptic growth and behavioral plasticity, and highlight the important role of inhibitory influences for normal responses to physiological stimuli.
Effect of Palate Re-Repairs and Hynes Pharyngoplasties on Pediatric Airways: An Analysis of Preoperative and Postoperative Cardiorespiratory Sleep Studies
Authors: Mehendale Felicity V. , Lane Rod , Laverty Aidan , Dinwiddie Robert , Sommerlad Brian C.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To determine whether Sommerlad palate re-repairs and Hynes pharyngoplasties cause obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea or increased upper airway resistance.

Design

Prospective before-and-after study.

Setting

Tertiary cleft unit.

Patients

A total of 44 patients undergoing a Sommerlad palate re-repair or a Hynes pharyngoplasty.

Interventions

Preoperative and postoperative multichannel cardiorespiratory sleep studies.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures were mean arterial oxygen saturation, desaturation index, percentage of time spent with arterial oxygen saturation <90%, mean pulse rate, number of pulse rate rises (arousals) per hour, inspiratory effort derived from pulse transit time, pulse transit time arousals, and snoring.

Results

No patient in either group required intervention for airway obstruction or obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea. Re-repairs caused no significant change in any parameter. Hynes caused an increase in inspiratory effort ( P = .04) and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea grading ( P = .002). All other parameters showed no significant deterioration. No patient developed more than mild/ moderate obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea. Snoring and arterial oxygen saturation levels were not reliable indicators of increased inspiratory effort.

Conclusions

A palate re-repair had no significant adverse effect on the airway. A Hynes, in patients with optimized velar function, caused a significant increase in inspiratory effort and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea grade. However, compared with studies on midline flaps and on sphincter pharyngoplasties, a Hynes appears to be less obstructive. Failure to study changes in inspiratory effort in patients undergoing velopharyngeal incompetence surgery may underestimate the obstructive effect of pharyngoplasties.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy with Concurrent Carboplatin and Paclitaxel for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: Toxicities and Efficacy
Authors: Vlacich Gregory , Diaz Roberto , Thorpe Steven W. , Murphy Barbara A. , Kirby Wyndee , Sinard Robert J. , Shakhtour Bashar , Shyr Yu , Murphy Patrick , Netterville James L. , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Cmelak Anthony J.
Published: May 2012

Background.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and alternative chemotherapy regimens strive to maintain efficacy while minimizing toxicity in locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) treatment. Our experience with concurrent IMRT and taxane-based chemotherapy is presented.

Methods.

A retrospective review of 150 consecutive patients with LAHNC treated with IMRT and concurrent taxane-based chemotherapy with curative intent was performed. The IMRT fractionation regimen consisted of 69.3 Gy to gross disease (2.1 Gy/fraction) and 56.1 Gy to prophylactic nodal sites (1.7 Gy/fraction). Weekly paclitaxel (30 mg/m2) and carboplatin (area under the concentration–time curve [AUC], 1) were given concurrently to all patients, and 69% received weekly induction with paclitaxel (60 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC, 2).

Results.

Over 90% of patients received the prescribed radiation dose. Ninety-six percent completed five or more cycles of concurrent chemotherapy, with similar tolerability for induction chemotherapy. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube was required in 80 patients, with 10 maintaining PEG use >18 months. Acute grade 4 mucositis and dermatitis developed in 2.0% and 4.0% of patients, respectively. No patient experienced nadir sepsis, grade ≥3 late xerostomia, or significant nephropathy or gastrointestinal toxicity. Median follow-up was 30 months. The 3-year locoregional control rate was 83.2% with disease-free survival and overall survival rates of 78.8% and 76.5%, respectively.

Conclusion.

Rates of acute and late toxicities were low, with excellent radiation dose delivery and impressive tumor control at 3 years, suggesting that concurrent carboplatin and paclitaxel with IMRT is a reasonable therapeutic option for the curative treatment of LAHNC.
Briefing: Delayed ettringite formation in concrete structures
Authors: Ingham Jeremy
Published: May 2012

Delayed ettringite formation (DEF) is a relatively rare but potentially severe form of internal sulphate attack of concrete. In the worst cases it has caused loss of serviceability of the affected concrete structure. DEF was first identified as a problem in heat-cured concrete during the 1980s and in recent years has also been found to occur in in situ concrete structures. Once established, it can cause expansion and cracking, which weaken concrete members and accelerate deterioration by other mechanisms such as reinforcement corrosion. This briefing explains how DEF occurs and how it is diagnosed and discusses how it can be prevented and managed in concrete structures.
Construction arbitration in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ranasinghe Ananda
Published: May 2012

In the process of dispute resolution, arbitration has been practised by commercial personnel over a long period. With the introduction of the Arbitration Act No. 11 of 1995, the process of arbitration has been refined and regularised in Sri Lanka. As the grounds for appeal in the Sri Lanka Arbitration Act are very limited, arbitration has become a popular way of resolving disputes. According to the Sri Lanka Arbitration Act, unless the parties agree otherwise, when an arbitration clause is incorporated into the contract, the jurisdiction of the court is denied. The procedure followed in Sri Lanka is a mostly ad hoc procedure. This is due to the fact that parties are reluctant to follow the institutionalised procedures as they are in some instances inconsistent with the Arbitration Act. There are three widely accepted procedures adopted in Sri Lanka and they are namely – document only, the short procedure and full procedure. The full procedure adopted in Sri Lanka is identical to the court procedure in Sri Lanka. It is important that arbitrators involved in arbitration must gain knowledge in construction law and technical knowledge in order to conduct arbitration successfully.
Bridging public works project performance gaps in South Africa
Authors: Emuze Fidelis , Smallwood John Julian
Published: May 2012

The construction industry’s role in terms of infrastructure development cannot be overemphasised. However, shortage of skills, poor productivity, accidents, time overruns, rework, cost overruns and corruption have marginalised infrastructure development in the developing world, and Africa in particular. Regardless of these shortcomings, the importance of the industry in terms of nation building motivated the South African government to embark upon continuous funding of infrastructure projects that are underpinned with appropriate fiscal policies in order to increase the pace of service delivery. This paper is a synopsis of performance-related barriers and interventions relative to infrastructure projects. Based upon a survey of the literature and a quantitative survey conducted among Eastern Cape-based consulting engineering firms, civil engineering contractors and selected public sector client organisations, performance gaps were identified in South African public works projects. The research findings indicate that there is major scope for performance improvement in South African public works construction projects, especially in terms of availability of technical and managerial skills in the infrastructure sector.
Strategies to address skills shortages in South African civil engineering
Authors: Fang Fang , Aboushhiwa Rawad Ayad
Published: May 2012

Civil engineers are at the heart of future development of the infrastructure, the economy and society in the developing world. Skills shortages in the civil engineering industry are a problem that many developing countries including South Africa face. This paper examines the current situation of civil engineering skills shortage in South Africa and suggests means to mitigate this shortage. It focuses on the role of the education system in civil engineering capacity building, considering short-term, medium-term and long-term strategies. It discusses problems with current equity targets and suggests setting flexible equity targets and using flexible affirmative procurement strategies as the means to build civil engineering capacity and to meet the requirement of investing on, procuring and maintaining infrastructures in South Africa. The experience gained from procuring the infrastructure for the 2010 Fifa World Cup and how it can be used to foster future engineering capacity building and the growth of South African economy are also discussed.
Reusing trench excavation materials as on-site backfill
Authors: Carrera Alessandra , Dawson Andrew , Grenfell James , Windsor Phillip , Proctor John
Published: May 2012

When a trench opening needs to be reinstated in a road, there are four key issues to be addressed: minimising costs, minimising the environmental impact, minimising the time before the road is re-opened and ensuring adequate performance in service. This paper describes the development of a new, environmentally appropriate process and piece of plant for trench reinstatement. It is designed to be mobile and able to recycle the excavated soil at the trench-side in order to deliver a backfill material with high performance qualities. Costs and environmental impacts are reduced through buying much less newly quarried aggregate because much less of the excavated spoil is sent to landfill. As the device can be transported and used directly at the trench site, this reduces even further the transport costs, congestion and length of time that the trench will remain open. The development process is described in this paper; it is based on laboratory and field tests to assess the treatments and machinery needed. The final device allows the recycling of at least 70% of the excavations.
Eutrophic lichens respond to multiple forms of N: implications for critical levels and critical loads research
Authors: Jovan Sarah , Riddell Jennifer , Padgett Pamela E. , Nash Thomas H.
Published: May 2012

Epiphytic lichen communities are highly sensitive to excess nitrogen (N), which causes the replacement of native floras by N‐tolerant, “weedy” eutrophic species. This shift is commonly used as the indicator of ecosystem “harm” in studies developing empirical critical levels (CLE) for ammonia (NH3) and critical loads (CLO) for N. To be most effective, empirical CLE and/or CLO must firmly link lichen response to causal pollutant(s), which is difficult to accomplish in field studies in part because the high cost of N measurements limits their use. For this case study we synthesized an unprecedented array of atmospheric N measurements across 22 long‐term monitoring sites in the Los Angeles Basin, California, USA: gas concentrations of NH3, nitric acid (HNO3), nitrogen dioxide, and ozone (n = 10 sites); N deposition in throughfall (n = 8 sites); modeled estimates of eight different forms of N (n = 22 sites); and nitrate deposition accumulated on oak twigs (n = 22 sites). We sampled lichens on black oak (Quercus kelloggii Newb.), and scored plots using two indices of eutroph (N tolerant species) abundance to characterize the community‐level response to N. Our results contradict two common assertions about the lichen‐N response: (1) that eutrophs respond specifically to NH3 and (2) that the response necessarily depends upon the increased pH of lichen substrates. Eutroph abundance related significantly but weakly to NH3 (r2 = 0.48). Total N deposition as measured in canopy throughfall was by far the best predictor of eutroph abundance (r2 = 0.94), indicating that eutrophs respond to multiple forms of N. Most N variables had significant correlations to eutroph abundance (r2 = 0.36–0.62) as well as to each other (r2 = 0.61–0.98), demonstrating the risk of mistaken causality in CLE/CLO field studies that lack sufficient calibration data. Our data furthermore suggest that eutroph abundance is primarily driven by N inputs, not substrate pH, at least at the high‐pH values found in the basin (4.8–6.1). Eutroph abundance correlated negatively with trunk bark pH (r2 = 0.43), exactly the opposite of virtually all previous studies of eutroph behavior. This correlation probably results because HNO3 dominates N deposition in our study region.
Historical‐ecological evaluation of the long‐term distribution of woodland caribou and moose in central British Columbia
Authors: Santomauro Domenico , Johnson Chris J. , Fondahl Gail
Published: May 2012

Throughout the 1800s and the 1900s, woodland caribou disappeared from much of the central and southern portions of British Columbia, Canada. Conversely, moose populations expanded during the 1900s and rapidly colonized forested areas formerly occupied by caribou. Although the general trend in range recession and expansion is documented, the processes, timing, and spatial extent of overlap between these two ungulates are uncertain. Such details have implications for our understanding of the ecology of these species and the conservation of woodland caribou. Using historical‐ecological methods, we documented the distribution and abundance of caribou and moose over a 150‐year period. Also, we evaluated three general sources of evidence for documenting long‐term changes in the distribution of hunted or trapped fauna: (1) semi‐structured interviews with Aboriginal and non‐aboriginal residents; (2) journals of the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC); and (3) primary written sources. The findings of this study suggested that caribou were relatively wide‐spread throughout the study area until the late 1800s when their distribution began to decline. The first recorded sighting of moose in the study area was 1832, although consensus among sources suggested that moose expanded into the area at the end of the 1800s becoming abundant in the 1920s and 1930s. Proposed causes of decline of caribou included climatic change during the 1800s and habitat loss, hunting, and altered predator‐prey dynamics through the early 1900s. Our analysis of three sources of historical information and knowledge confirmed the value of Local and Traditional Ecological Knowledge in documenting and explaining long‐term historical distribution of hunted species. Alternatively, HBC journals and other written sources provided good temporal specificity, but few recorded locations of caribou or moose. Documenting changes in the long‐term distribution of both species can enlighten conservation planning for woodland caribou.
Simulating the effects of climate change on fire regimes in Arctic biomes: implications for caribou and moose habitat
Authors: Joly Kyle , Duffy Paul A. , Rupp T. Scott
Published: May 2012

Wildfire is the primary ecological driver of succession in the boreal forest and may become increasingly important within tundra ecosystems as the Arctic warms. Migratory barren‐ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) rely heavily on terricolous lichens to sustain them through the winter months. Lichens preferred by caribou can take 50 or more years to recover after being consumed by wildfires. We simulated effects of climate change on the fire regime within the winter range of one of the largest caribou herds in the world, the Western Arctic Herd, to assess how their forage may be impacted. We forecast that the total area burned (AB) in the near term (2008–2053) will be 0–30% greater than during our historic reference period (1950–2007) depending on the climate model (CGCM3.1 or ECHAM5) considered. Further into the future (i.e., 2054–2099), we forecast AB to increase 25–53% more than during our reference period. In contrast to the entire study area, which contains both tundra and boreal forest habitats, we forecast that the amount of AB in tundra alone will increase (0–61%) in the near term. Simulated high‐quality caribou winter range, as indexed by tundra and spruce habitat that had not burned in ≥50 years, decreased modestly (<6%) in the near term over the entire study area. Simulated changes were more dramatic within the herd's core winter range, with declines in high‐quality caribou winter range approaching 30%. Conversely, moose habitat was projected to increase by 19–64% within the core winter range in the near term. The simulated declines in the quantity of core winter range in the future due to larger and more frequent fires could impact caribou abundance through decreased nutritional performance and/or apparent competition with moose. These impacts would likely be detrimental to the subsistence users that rely on this resource. Additionally, changes in the fire regime and decreases in caribou abundance could amplify feedback mechanisms, such as decreasing albedo, by facilitating shrub growth that may hasten climate‐driven changes to the composition and structure of vegetation communities in the low Arctic.
Is Surgical Root Coverage Effective for the Treatment of Cervical Dentin Hypersensitivity? A Systematic Review
Authors: Douglas de Oliveira Dhelfeson Willya , Oliveira‐Ferreira Fernanda , Flecha Olga Dumont , Gonçalves Patricia Furtado
Published: May 2012

Background: Cervical dentin hypersensitivity (CDH) is characterized by tooth pain arising from root exposure. The aim of the present systematic review is to survey the literature on the efficacy of surgical root coverage techniques at reducing CDH in cases of gingival recession.

Methods: An online electronic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Randomized clinical trials dating from the inception of the respective databases through November 2011 were selected. Studies addressing clinical parameters of periodontal plastic surgery outcomes and variables related to CDH in patients ≥18 years of age were included. The studies were evaluated by two independent reviewers. For each article, methodologic quality, size effect, the periodontal parameters measured, study design, methods, and results were analyzed.

Results: Nine relevant articles were analyzed in the present review. A decrease in CDH was observed after periodontal surgery for root coverage. The risk of bias was considered low in two studies, and the size effect was considered large in one study.

Conclusions: There is not enough scientific evidence to conclude that surgical root coverage procedures predictably reduce CDH. Well‐conducted clinical trials are needed to establish scientific evidence that allows periodontists to indicate root coverage as treatment for CDH.
Estimating Layers Deliverability in Multi-Layered Gas Reservoirs Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Alarfaj M. K. , Abdulraheem A. , Al-Majed A. , Hossain E.
Published: May 2012

In this paper, an artificial intelligence (AI) model has been created to estimate the production rate of each layer in a multi-layered gas reservoir using static properties (such as those obtained from well logging)and dynamic properties (such as pressure). This helps in several reservoir engineering applications, such as understanding depletion in layers, or targeting specific layers for workover. It could also be used for PLT analysis where the measured PLT values are compared to the expected values and a variance analysis could be performed.

Data were collected from more than 100 wells in a certain reservoir spanning over four fields. They were clustered in related input variables and fed to the AI model for learning purposes. To compare the AI methods, the data were fed to 4 different methods (MLP, RBF, SVM, and GRNN) and the results were optimized for each method.

Between the tested AI methods, SVM and GRNN performed best with a low mean absolute error percentage and a very high correlation coefficient. This paper shows a high potential for AI methods in estimating production rate from each layer in a multi-layered gas reservoir.
Streamline Simulation Technology: Evolution and Recent Trends
Authors: Al-Najem A. A. , Siddiqui S. , Soliman M. , Yuen B.
Published: May 2012

Streamline and streamtube methods have been used in fluid flow computations for many years. Early applications for hydrocarbon reservoir simulation were first reported by Fay and Pratts in the 1950s. Streamline-based flow simulation has made significant advances in the last 15 years. Today's simulators are fully three-dimensional and fully compressible and they account for gravity as well as complex well controls. Most recent advances also allow for compositional and thermal displacements.

In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the evolution and advancement of streamline simulation technology. This paper offers a general overview of most of the material available in the literature on the subject. This work includes the review of more than 200 technical papers and gives a chronological advancement of streamline simulation technology from 1996 to 2011. Firstly, three major areas are identified. These are development of streamline simulators, enhancements to current streamline simulators and applications. In view of the fact that this state of-the-art technology has been employed for a wide range of applications, we defined three major application areas that symbolize the relevance and validity of streamline simulation in addressing reservoir engineering concerns. These are history matching, reservoir management and upscaling, ranking and characterization of fine-grid geological models.

Streamline simulation has undergone several phases within its short stretch in the petroleum industry. Initially, the main focus was on the speed advantage and less on fluid flow physics. Next, the focus was shifted to extend its applicability to more complex issues such as compositional and thermal simulations, which require the inclusion of more physics, and potentially reducing the advantage of computational time. Recently, the focus has shifted towards the application of streamline technologies to areas where it can complement finite difference simulation such as revealing important information about drainage areas, flood optimization and improvement of sweep efficiency, quantifying uncertainties, etc.
Water Injection Optimization Using Streamlines from a Finite-Difference Simulator: A Case Study of a Middle East Field
Authors: Raslan Mohammed S. , Sultan Ahmad J.
Published: May 2012

Streamline technology allows for quantifying the relationship between a pair of injectors and producers. Understanding the behavior of the fluid movement between the wells enables a more comprehensive development plan in the field. This paper discusses the application of streamline technology to optimize water injection, in a case study involving an offshore sandstone reservoir in the Middle East.

Streamlines generated from a finite-difference simulator has the advantage of implicitly taking into account all the details of a simulation study, such as, the geological structure, fluid mobility, rock properties, gravity, connectivity of wells, well management, etc. This technique allows a user to evaluate different possible scenarios including: the number of injectors required, location, target rate, and completion interval of the injectors. Two critical parameters are analyzed in this study to describe the injection scheme of a reservoir: Injector Efficiency and Allocation Factor. These two parameters give an engineer the advantage of calculating injection efficiency of an injection plan down to an individual well level. The procedure implemented in this study also allows for quantifying the amount of water that may have been lost into the adjacent aquifer.

Streamline analysis, which was conducted using commercial software, suggested shutting in the poor performing injectors and helped in introducing new injectors at different locations, resulting in improving reservoir performance in the area. The analysis optimized the location and number of the injection wells, improved injection efficiency and reduced the amount of injection water lost to the adjacent aquifer. The paper also discusses the workflow of the streamlines analysis and how it was used for prediction scenarios, to enhance reservoir management strategy and evaluate water injection capacity requirements.
Clinical Utility of DNA Amplification and Sequencing to Identify a Strain of Mycobacterium Avium in Paraffin-Embedded, Formalin-Fixed Biopsies from an Immunosuppressed Child
Authors: Rogers John T. , Procop Gary W. , Steelman Charlotte K. , Abramowsky Carlos R. , Tuohy Marion T. , Shehata Bahig M.
Published: May 2012

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are serious, though rare, in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency who have received bone marrow transplants. A 5-year-old female patient underwent stem cell/bone marrow transplant with disseminated NTM. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probe for detection and identification of NTM was performed. The FRET-based real-time PCR assay amplified mycobacterial DNA, and the postamplification melt curve analysis classified the organism as a NTM. The pyrosequence of the hypervariable region A definitively identified the infecting organism as Mycobacterium avium. Real-time PCR along with melt curve analysis and pyrosequencing provides faster, definitive identification of mycobacteria, as compared to bacterial culture. In this case report, we emphasize the importance of utilizing molecular means for fast and accurate diagnosis.
Subjective Estimation of the Quality of Life in Relation to Neuroticism
Authors: Bobić Jasminka
Published: May 2012

Subjective Estimation of the Quality of Life in Relation to Neuroticism

It is generally agreed that personality variables have a relatively consistent influence on the subjective estimation of different situations in everyday life and the way people react to them. The aim of this review was to summarise our previously published findings on the relationship between subjective estimation of one's quality of life and the personality trait neuroticism-emotional stability. We used theWHO Quality of Life - BREFor SF-36 questionnaires for the assessment of the quality of life, Cornell Index for the assessment of neuroticism, and The Social Readjustment Rating Scale for the evaluation of common stressors. Our results have shown that more emotionally stable participants (lower neuroticism) perceive their life better in quality and are more satisfied with their work environment. In addition, our results support the findings from other studies that women have higher neuroticism and lower quality of life scores than men.
The Impact of Senile Cataract Maturity on Blood Oxidative Stress Markers and Glutathione-Dependent Antioxidants: Relations with Lens Variables
Authors: Mirić Dijana , Kisić Bojana , Žorić Lepša , Dolićanin Zana , Mitić Radoslav , Mirić Marko
Published: May 2012

The Impact of Senile Cataract Maturity on Blood Oxidative Stress Markers and Glutathione-Dependent Antioxidants: Relations with Lens Variables

Oxidative stress is implicated in senile cataract (SC) genesis, although the impact of SC maturity on blood oxidative stress markers is unclear. Total hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were measured in the blood and lens samples of patients having either immature (n=31) or mature SC (n=50), and in 22 blood samples from noncataract controls. Compared to controls, SC patients had higher plasma MDA and serum GST, and decreased plasma GR and GSH levels. Plasma GPx as well as hydroperoxides differed from control values only in patients with mature SC. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the fall of plasma GR activity (OR 5.14; CI 1.82-14.51;p=0.0020), as well as serum GST activity (OR 3.84; CI 1.36-10.83;p=0.0108) were independently associated with the maturity of SC. Lens hydroperoxides, MDA and GST, showed no correlation with correspondent blood values, in contrast to GPx (r=0.715; p<0.001) and GR (r=0.703; p<0.001). This study showed that the severity of SC is associated with increased systemic oxidative stress, which could be due to the fall of GSH-dependent antioxidant enzymes activities.
Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Brief Overview
Authors: Vlad Adrian , Timar Romulus
Published: May 2012

Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Brief Overview

Before the discovery of insulin, type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) was a disease with acute evolution, leading to death shortly after diagnosis. During the first years of insulin therapy, the medical world was optimistic, even enthusiastic, considering that the therapeutic solution for the malady was found. Unfortunately this was only an illusion, because the patients started to develop chronic complications that shortened their lifespan and impaired their quality of life. In other words, insulin therapy transformed type 1 DM into a chronic disease. The prevention or the delay of the onset of hyperglycemia emerged as a new solution for the patients and, consequently, the understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease (a prerequisite for developing efficient preventive methods) became a priority for all the diabetologists involved in research. Almost 40 years have passed since the autoimmune theory regarding the pathogenesis of type 1 DM was imagined but, despite the tremendous research performed in this field since then, the prevention could not be obtained. The aim of this paper is to present the most important theoretic notions regarding the mechanisms that underlie the development of type 1 DM, in the way they are understood today.
Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes: A Short Review of the Literature
Authors: Rusu Adriana , Nita Cristina , Hancu Nicolae
Published: May 2012

Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes: A Short Review of the Literature

The prevalence of diabetes and obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Even if today it is an accepted fact that diet and reduced physical activity are causes of obesity epidemic, sleep disturbances are seen as risk factors for obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Regardless of the nature of the relation between sleep apnea and diabetes, the observed association have important clinical, epidemiological and public health implications. Clinical studies have shown that the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is high, both in diabetes and sleep apnea, overcoming the prevalence observed in general population. Thus, understanding the implications of sleep apnea in alteration of glucose metabolism and cardiovascular risk could contribute to the prevention of both micro- and macrovascular complications.
Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral Bone Disorder in Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Vladu Iulia-Daniela , Cana Daniela , Vaduva Cristina , Grauntanu Corina , Zaharie Sorin , Dina Raluca , Dina Ciprian , Mustafa Roxana , Mota Eugen
Published: May 2012

Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral Bone Disorder in Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are two diseases with increasing prevalence and adverse outcomes that represent an international health problem. Chronic kidney disease- mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is defined as a systemic disorder of mineral and bone metabolism due to CKD manifested by either one or a combination of the following: abnormalities of calcium, phosphorus, PTH, or vitamin D metabolism; abnormalities in bone turnover, mineralization, volume, linear growth, or strength and vascular or other soft-tissue calcification. Disturbances in mineral and bone metabolism are prevalent in CKD and are an important cause of decreased quality of life, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; these disturbances settle in earlier and have a more severe evolution in DM patients.
Pancreatic Insulinoma Presenting with Postprandial Hypoglicemias
Authors: Florentiu A. , Barbu R. , Mitrache M. , Militaru R. , Georgescu N. , Catrina E. , Patrascu T. , Degeratu D. , Lichiardopol R.
Published: May 2012

Pancreatic Insulinoma Presenting with Postprandial Hypoglicemias

We report the case of an obese 58 years old patient evaluated for hypoglycemia. The response to a prolonged fasting test was normal, but symptomatic hypoglycemia ensued after mixed meals and with oral glucose loading. A magnetic resonance scan of the abdomen revealed a pancreatic tail tumor, histologically diagnosed as benign insulinoma after successful laparotomy. "Glucose-responsive" insulinomas, although rare, have been previously described in the literature. Therefore, the diagnosis of insulinoma should also be considered in patients that exhibit postprandial rather than fasting hypoglycemia.
Multi-Objective Approach for Production Line Equipment Selection
Authors: Chehade H. , Dolgui A. , Dugardin F. , Makdessian L. , Yalaoui F.
Published: May 2012

Multi-Objective Approach for Production Line Equipment Selection

A novel problem dealing with design of reconfigurable automated machining lines is considered. Such lines are composed of workstations disposed sequentially. Each workstation needs the most suitable equipment. Each available piece of equipment is characterized by its cost, can perform a set of operations and requires skills of a given level for its maintenance. A multi-objective approach is proposed to assign tasks, choose and allocate pieces of equipment to workstations taking into account all the problem parameters and constraints. The techniques developed are based on a genetic algorithm of type NSGA-II. The NSGA-II suggested is also combined with a local search. These two genetic algorithms (with and without local search) are tested for several line examples and for two versions of the considered problem: bi-objective and four-objective cases. The results of numerical tests are reported. What is the most interesting is that the assessment of these algorithms is accomplished by using three measuring criteria: the direct measures of gaps, the measures proposed by Zitzler and Thiele in 1999 and the distances suggested by Riise in 2002.
Transformational Leadership in Operational Competitiveness Improvement: A Case Study in Malaysian Automotive Industry
Authors: Wu Qian , Shamsuddin Alina , Tasmin Rosmaini , Takala Josu , Liu Yang
Published: May 2012

Transformational Leadership in Operational Competitiveness Improvement: A Case Study in Malaysian Automotive Industry

The purpose of this paper is to analyze operational competitiveness by two core factors, i.e. manufacturing strategy and transformational leadership with technology level. In additional, CFI models in sense and respond (S&R) method are introduced to optimize strategic adjustments, which give supports in fast strategic decision-making process. The analysis results of case study show that leaders in automobile companies in Malaysia should deeply develop their leadership by inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and building trust and confidence etc. to improve operational competitiveness. Agile operations strategy should be utilized towards automobile enterprises in Malaysia in order to be competitive under dynamic and tightrope business situations.
The EPC II Theory. Accounting in Enterprise Business Process Control Systems
Authors: Zaborowski Mirosław
Published: May 2012

The EPC II Theory. Accounting in Enterprise Business Process Control Systems

The 1 to 1 relationships of charts of accounts, accounting journals and tables of accounting records with corresponding tables of accounts, business transactions and transactional records in the framework EPC II system have been presented in the paper. These tables are the main information kinds, that is tables in which one can write down all information needed for management and business process control in any enterprise, or they are composed of them. In this way it has been shown that the Theory of Enterprise Process Control is compatible with generally accepted accounting principles. This analysis is an example of demonstrating conformity of the EPC II theory with real management and process control systems. The main information kinds with their key attributes were taken from the complete list of them, which is included in the paper. What is more, the tight relationships between resource flow in business processes and turnover on the accounts of the framework EPC II system have been discussed. Owing to these relationships one can determine the impact of any decision variable on the accounting records in a given enterprise.