bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative navigation assisted placement of percutaneous pedicle screws
Authors: Upadhyaya Cheerag D. , Fewel Matthew E.
Published: July 2013

Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches are gaining popularity in many surgical fields. Potential advantages include reduced blood loss, shorter length of stay, and less soft-tissue trauma. Potential disadvantages include inadequate deformity correction, increased fluoroscopy, longer operative times, and decreased posterolateral fusion surface area exposure.

This video demonstrates the key steps in our mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using an expandable tubular retractor, placement of cannulated pedicle instrumentation, and subsequent deformity correction. The video demonstrates positioning, surgical opening through a midline incision, a bilateral Wiltse plane tubular approach for the TLIF, placement of bilateral cannulated pedicle screws, and deformity correction.

The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/Jj7w4i2DTMQ.
Mini-open lateral retro-pleural thoracic corpectomy for osteomyelitis
Authors: Ahmadian Amir , Uribe Juan S.
Published: July 2013

Thoracic vertebral body corpectomy with associated deformity and neural element compression can be challenging. Multiple approaches have been proposed including trans-pedicular, costotransversectomy and trans-thoracic. Approach related pitfalls, nuances, morbidity and complication profile differ with each technique. A mini-open retro-pleural approach provides great access to bony pathology and neural elements without the need to violate the thoracic cavity or chest-tube placement postoperatively. Here we present a 56-year-old male with progressive back pain and suspected osteomyelitis/discitis at T-9 & T-10 who presented with progressive deformity and failure of empiric antibiotic treatment. He underwent a two-level lateral corpectomy. The technique and operative nuances to a lateral retro-pleural approach to thoracic corpectomy are presented. Important surgical concepts such as patient positioning, appropriate use of intraoperative fluoroscopy, regional anatomy, postoperative care and pitfalls are outlined. Emphasis is made on a true lateral approach, posterior rib resection, wide retro-pleural dissection and preservation of the parietal pleura as you descent on to the vertebral body. Identifying the correct plane of dissection, timely corpectomy, placement of expandable cage and correction of deformity are discussed. Water-tight closure with removal of retro-pleural air utilizing an intra-operative water-seal technique using a red-rubber catheter is shown.

Nuvasive owns the copyright for figures included within the video and has given JNSPG permission to use them.

The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/17Xo_u3WHNg.
Minimally invasive palliative resection of lumbar epidural metastasis
Authors: Yew Andrew , Kimball Jon , Pezeshkian Patrick , Lu Daniel C.
Published: July 2013

Spinal metastatic lesions are the most common tumors encountered by spinal surgeons. As with procedures for degenerative disease, minimally invsive surgery techniques have been applied to minimize muscle and soft tissue destruction in procedures for tumor resection. Here, we present a 23-year-old female with radiculopathy and foot drop secondary to nerve root compression by epidural metastases from Ewing's sarcoma.

This patient had a history of previous resection and instrumentation as well as multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation that failed to control her disease. The patient presented with three weeks of radicular pain and foot drop that was continuing to worsen at the time of her operation. The decision was therefore made to perform a palliative resection and decompression for relief of her progressive symptoms. In this video, we demonstrate a palliative tumor debulking and nerve root decompression utilizing an MIS approach.

The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/tq4kbvKTebI.
Introduction: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery video supplement
Authors: Mummaneni Praveen V.
Published: July 2013

This video supplement of Neurosurgery Focus is devoted to minimally invasive spine surgery. Minimally invasive spine surgery has gained popularity amongst patients and physicians over the past decade because it has been shown in select instances to lower blood loss and reduce length of hospital stay for appropriately selected candidates.

This supplement includes videos from many of the leaders in the field. Pioneers like Frank LaMarca, Paul Park, Cheerag Upadhyaya, Juan Uribe, and Mike Wang have all sent in videos depicting minimally invasive spinal deformity surgery options. The supplement also includes videos from several different countries, demonstrating how widespread and nuanced minimally invasive spinal procedures have become. Drs. Barbagallo, Certo, Sciacca, and Albanese from Italy; Drs. Gragnaniello and Seex from Australia; and Drs. Liao, Wu, Huang, Wang, Chang, Cheng, and Shih from Taiwan have all sent in nuanced surgical videos that will be of interest to many viewers.

I personally enjoyed viewing videos on lumbar degenerative disease surgery depicting unique surgical nuances to treat common problems. Dr. Beejal Amin, Dr. Harel Deutsch, Dr. Daniel Lu, and Dr. Adam Kanter have each submitted videos depicting lumbar decompression and/or fusion for lumbar degenerative stenosis and spondylosis.

This supplement also included videos depicting the minimally invasive treatment of uncommon spinal pathologies as well. Videos from Dr. Fred Geisler, Dr. John O'Toole, and Dr. Noel Perin covered topics as varied as sacroiliac joint dysfunction, spinal arteriovenous malformations, and sympathetic chain surgery.

I hope that you enjoy this issue of Neurosurgical Focus devoted to videos depicting the surgical nuances of minimally invasive spinal surgery. This video supplement has international appeal, and it has been an honor to be a guest editor on this superb supplement.
A Novel Method for Efficient Micropropagation of Radermachera xylocarpa (Roxb.) K. Schum., a Rare Medicinally Important Forest Species
Authors: Sathe Manjary , Vibhute Megha , Jain Monica , Srivastav Pankaj
Published: July 2013

Radermachera xylocarpa (Roxb.) K. Schum. is a rare indigenous forest tree species which is utilized for its wood and medicinal properties. Due to its overexploitation and specific habitat requirements the species is restricted to limited areas. In vitro mass propagation of tree species faces various challenges and no such efforts have yet been taken in propagation of this useful plant using these methods.  In order to overcome the hurdles and understanding an urgent need of its conservation and mass propagation present authors attempt to develop a simple effective tissue culture protocol for regeneration of R. xylocarpa. Nodal explants were cultured on MS supplemented with various concentrations of cytokinins and auxins.  Among different cytokinins, maximum bud induction and proliferation was obtained in media supplemented with Kn along with IBA and for effective root induction which is tough to obtain in tree species, 100% rooting was achieved in cultures with increasing concentrations of IBA. Field survival is a major challenge with regenerated plants of forest tree species. We report here for the first time 100% survival of plants in soil by carefully standardizing the period of hardening and acclimatization procedures. A novel and effective in vitro regeneration protocol of R. xylocarpa has been successfully standardized which can be adopted for large scale propagation, reforestation and conservation of rare Radermachera xylocarpa of medicinal importance.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 23(1): 21?29, 2013 (June)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ptcb.v23i1.15556
Increase in Lipoxygenase Activity in Hairy Roots of Ambrosia maritima after Elicitation with Methyl Jasmonate
Authors: AbouZid Sameh , Orihara Yutaka
Published: July 2013

Hairy roots of Ambrosia maritima L. were cultured in MS in the dark. Time course production was studied for pentayneene and thiarubine A after addition of 40 ?M methyl jasmonate to the 13?day?old hairy roots. The levels of pentayneene and thiarubrine A showed maximum increase after 72 hrs adding methyl jasmonate. Lipoxygenase activity was increased in the hairy roots elicited with 40 ?M methyl jasmonate. The increase in activity was 28?fold higher than control cultures 24 hrs after elicitor addition. The increase in enzyme activity was concomitant with the increase in pentayeneene, the precursor for polyacetylene biosynthesis. N?propyl gallate, a potent in vivo and in vitro lipoxygenase inhibitor, reduced polyacetylene production by the hairy roots at concentration of 100 ?M. It is suggested that lipoxygenase may be at least partially involved in polyacetylene biosynthesis in A. maritima hairy roots.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 23(1): 31?38, 2013 (June)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ptcb.v23i1.15557
In Vitro Mass Propagation of Ornamentally and Medicinally Important Coelogyne flaccida Lindl. through Pseudobulb Segments
Authors: Kaur Saranjeet , Bhutani K.K.
Published: July 2013

Regeneration competence of pseudobulb segments of Coelogyne flaccida, procured from in vitro grown cultures, was assessed in MS and Mitra (M) medium alone and in combinations with BA (4.44 ?M), Kn (5.65 ?M), NAA (5.37 ?M), and coconut water (CW 10%). Juvenility of the tissues, chemical stimulus, and position of the explants (apical/basal) were the key factors in initiating the response. The explants from pseudobulbs (>0.8 cm in length) did not regenerate whereas those from younger ones (<0.8 cm in length) regenerated. The response frequency and time taken for the development of plantlets also varied with the growth stimulus. Maximum number of shoots was obtained from the basal segments (nodal and extra?nodal regions), cultured in MS + NAA/NAA + BA forming 10.25 ± 0.50 and 10.00 shoots, respectively. The apical segments formed shoots only from apical meristem. The shoots rooted in the same nutrient medium and formed plantlets.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 23(1): 39?47, 2013 (June)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ptcb.v23i1.15558
Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Eleven Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Varieties using RAPD Markers
Authors: Tabassum Nadra , Sony Sonia Khan , Bhajan Sujay Kumar , Islam Mohammad Nurul
Published: July 2013

Genetic diversity of 11 tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) varieties was assessed through RAPD analysis. Twenty arbitrary oligonucleotide primers used in the RAPD?PCR produced a total of 584 different marker bands with an average of 29.2 bands per primer. Based on the banding pattern 94.168% polymorphism observed among the tomato varieties. Size range of amplified DNA bands varied from 0.1 ? 10 kb. A total of 15 unique bands were amplified from the genome of the 11 tomato varieties. The values of pair?wise genetic distances ranged from 0.1838 - 0.9049, indicating the presence of wide genetic diversity. The dendogram constructed based on phylogenetic relationship analysis revealed that the highest genetic diversity (0.9049) found between the variety BARI Tomato 8 and RATAN whereas the lowest (0.1838) between the variety BARI Tomato 9 and MADHURI. The dendogram has segregated the 11 tomato varieties into two major clusters. RATAN and SPECIAL?OP formed cluster 1 and rest 9 varieties viz., ROMA?VF, MARGLOBE, MADHURY and BARI Tomato 9, 2, 6, 14, 8 and 3 have constituted the second cluster.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 23(1): 49?57, 2013 (June)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ptcb.v23i1.15559
Evaluation of Genetic Relationship between Trigonella-Melilotus complex Using CCMP Markers
Authors: Hora Amandeep , Malik C.P.
Published: July 2013

To distinguish the taxa at the specific and varietal levels a range of DNA fingerprinting techniques are being employed. The objective of the current study was to establish the genetic correlation between the Trigonella-Melilotus complex i.e. M. indica, M. alba and Trigonella polyceratia using ten Consensus Chloroplast Microsatellite Primers (CCMPs). The polymorphism between the two genera indicated that they are intimately related and symbolize novel incongruity. Owing to less significant level of genetic variation, detected through CCMP, the differences between the two genera could be accredited to gene mutation or inconsequential chromosomal alterations.

Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 23(1): 59-66, 2013 (June)
A Proteomic Analysis of Leaf Proteins Expressed in a Brassica Somatic Hybrid and its two Parental Species
Authors: Hossain M.M. , Li X. , Evans I.H. , Rahman M.A.
Published: July 2013

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) is one of the major vegetable crops in the world. Several somatic hybrids between cabbage and Chinese cabbage have been produced. These show hybrid vigor. To identify differences in protein expression that might be relevant to hybrid characteristics of interest, proteins from leaves of a somatic hybrid and its two parents were subjected to 1D and 2D gel analyses, followed by MALDI?TOF and MS/MS of selected spots. 1D gel analysis of the leaf proteins at 14th day post?germination (14 DPG) showed very similar profiles for all three Brassicas. However, upon 2D gel analysis, several differentially expressed protein spots from leaves were discerned. Of the five differentially expressed leaf proteins examined, all the protein spots were photosynthesis? related , including RbcS (the rubisco small subunit). It is possible that differential expression of these photosynthesis?related proteins may relate to the improved growth of the somatic hybrid.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 23(1): 67?78, 2013 (June)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ptcb.v23i1.15563
In vitro Regeneration of an Endangered Medicinal Plant Withania somnifera using Four Different Explants
Authors: Arumugam A. , Gopinath K.
Published: July 2013

An efficient protocol was developed for highly regenerative capacity from leaf explant of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal ? an endangered medicinal plant. Calli were regenerated from four different explants like leaves, cotyledons, hypocotyls and epicotyls. MS supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4?D, BAP and NAA were used. The calli (94.33 ± 1.20%) were obtained from the leaf explant in 2,4?D 3.0 mg/l. The highest number of multiple shoots (85.67 ± 0.88%) were obtained from the leaf callus at 4.0 mg/l BAP. Shootlets forming calli were transferred to the rooting medium containing 10.0 mg/l NAA to produce multiple roots (89.33 ± 0.88%). The regenerated rooted shootlets were transferred to small polythene bags, which contain a sterilized cow?dung, sand and red soil (1 : 2 : 3) and kept in a mist house. After acclimation in the mist house the regenerated plantlets were hardened in the greenhouse and transferred to soil, which showed 85% survival rate. This new protocol was standardized for easy mass propagation of W. somnifera using leaf explant.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 23(1): 79?85, 2013 (June)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ptcb.v23i1.15564
In vitro Shoot Regeneration in Elephant Foot Yam, Amorphophallus campanulatus Blume
Authors: Paul K.K. , Bari M.A. , Islam S.M.S , Debnath S.C.
Published: July 2013

Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 23(1): 121?126, 2013 (June)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ptcb.v23i1.15569
Evaluating Alternative Methods of Soil Erodibility Mapping in the Mediterranean Island of Crete
Authors: Karydas Christos , Petriolis Marinos , Manakos Ioannis
Published: July 2013

Soil erodibility is among the trickiest erosion factors to estimate. This is especially true for heterogeneous Mediterranean environments, where reliable and dense soil data are rarely available, and interpolation methods give very low accuracies. Towards estimating soil erodibility, research so far has resulted in several alternatives mainly based on empirical formulas, on physics-based equations or on inference with expertise. The aim of this work was to compare erodibility patterns derived by using the empirical United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) formula and by inference from a geological map in a Mediterranean agricultural site. The Kolymvari area, located in the western part of Crete, an area covered by olive groves and citrus orchards, was selected as the study site for this work. Comparison of the spatial patterns of soil erodibility derived from the two alternatives showed significant differences (i.e., a mean normalized difference value of 0.52), while a test of the “inference” alternative indicated very low accuracies (0.1475 RMS error). A comparison, however, of the spatial patterns of erosion values derived from both alternatives indicated that dissimilarities of the two soil erodibility maps faded out. Moreover, the highly risky areas provided by both alternatives were found to be identical for 88% of the whole study site.
Development of Recombinant Flagellar Antigens for Serological Detection of Salmonella enterica Serotypes Enteritidis, Hadar, Heidelberg, and Typhimurium in Poultry
Authors: Minicozzi Joseph , Sanchez Susan , Lee Margie , Holt Peter , Hofacre Charles , Maurer John
Published: July 2013

Accurate and fast detection of harmful Salmonella is a major concern of food safety. Common Salmonella serotypes responsible for human associated foodborne outbreaks are S. Enteritidis, S. Hadar, S. Heidelberg, and S. Typhimurium are also commonly isolated from poultry. Serology is commonly used to monitor disease in poultry, therefore application of Salmonella serotype-specific test will have added value in Salmonella surveillance or monitoring vaccine efficacy. Recombinant flagellins were purified to be used as antigens in an ELISA. In this study, an ELISA was developed for the serological detection of S. Enteritidis. Once optimized, 500 ng of purified recombinant S. Enteritidis flagellin and a 1:64 dilution were determined to be optimal for testing sera. A negative baseline cutoff was calculated to be an optical density (OD) of 0.35. All sera from birds with history of S. Enteritidis exposure tested positive and all sera from chickens with no exposure tested negative to this Salmonella serotype. Current ELISA for serological detection of Salmonella suffers from cross reactivity inherent in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or whole cell antigen based serological tests. This new ELISA eliminates common cross reactivity by focusing specifically on the flagellins of the Salmonella serotypes common in poultry and associated with foodborne outbreaks.
Psychophysical Estimates of Frequency Discrimination: More than Just Limitations of Auditory Processing
Authors: Barry Johanna , Weiss Benjamin , Sabisch Beate
Published: July 2013

Efficient auditory processing is hypothesized to support language and literacy development. However, behavioral tasks used to assess this hypothesis need to be robust to non-auditory specific individual differences. This study compared frequency discrimination abilities in a heterogeneous sample of adults using two different psychoacoustic task designs, referred to here as: 2I_6A_X and 3I_2AFC designs. The role of individual differences in nonverbal IQ (NVIQ), socioeconomic status (SES) and musical experience in predicting frequency discrimination thresholds on each task were assessed using multiple regression analyses. The 2I_6A_X task was more cognitively demanding and hence more susceptible to differences specifically in SES and musical training. Performance on this task did not, however, relate to nonword repetition ability (a measure of language learning capacity). The 3I_2AFC task, by contrast, was only susceptible to musical training. Moreover, thresholds measured using it predicted some variance in nonword repetition performance. This design thus seems suitable for use in studies addressing questions regarding the role of auditory processing in supporting language and literacy development.
HEXIM1, a New Player in the p53 Pathway
Authors: Lew Qiao , Chu Kai , Chia Yi , Cheong Nge , Chao Sheng-Hao
Published: July 2013

Hexamethylene bisacetamide-inducible protein 1 (HEXIM1) is best known as the inhibitor of positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), which controls transcription elongation of RNA polymerase II and Tat transactivation of human immunodeficiency virus. Besides P-TEFb, several proteins have been identified as HEXIM1 binding proteins. It is noteworthy that more than half of the HEXIM1 binding partners are involved in cancers. P53 and two key regulators of the p53 pathway, nucleophosmin (NPM) and human double minute-2 protein (HDM2), are among the factors identified. This review will focus on the functional importance of the interactions between HEXIM1 and p53/NPM/HDM2. NPM and the cytoplasmic mutant of NPM, NPMc+, were found to regulate P-TEFb activity and RNA polymerase II transcription through the interaction with HEXIM1. Importantly, more than one-third of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients carry NPMc+, suggesting the involvement of HEXIM1 in tumorigenesis of AML. HDM2 was found to ubiquitinate HEXIM1. The HDM2-mediated ubiquitination of HEXIM1 did not lead to protein degradation of HEXIM1 but enhanced its inhibitory activity on P-TEFb. Recently, HEXIM1 was identified as a novel positive regulator of p53. HEXIM1 prevented p53 ubiquitination by competing with HDM2 in binding to p53. Taken together, the new evidence suggests a role of HEXIM1 in regulating the p53 pathway and tumorigenesis.
Induction of Chromosomal Instability via Telomere Dysfunction and Epigenetic Alterations in Myeloid Neoplasia
Authors: Vajen Beate , Thomay Kathrin , Schlegelberger Brigitte
Published: July 2013

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a characteristic feature of cancer. In this review, we concentrate on mechanisms leading to CIN in myeloid neoplasia, i.e., myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The pathogenesis of myeloid neoplasia is complex and involves genetic and epigenetic alterations. Chromosome aberrations define specific subgroups and guide clinical decisions. Genomic instability may play an essential role in leukemogenesis by promoting the accumulation of genetic lesions responsible for clonal evolution. Indeed, disease progression is often driven by clonal evolution into complex karyotypes. Earlier studies have shown an association between telomere shortening and advanced MDS and underlined the important role of dysfunctional telomeres in the development of genetic instability and cancer. Several studies link chromosome rearrangements and aberrant DNA and histone methylation. Genes implicated in epigenetic control, like DNMT3A, ASXL1, EZH2 and TET2, have been discovered to be mutated in MDS. Moreover, gene-specific hypermethylation correlates highly significantly with the risk score according to the International Prognostic Scoring System. In AML, methylation profiling also revealed clustering dependent on the genetic status. Clearly, genetic instability and clonal evolution are driving forces for leukemic transformation. Understanding the mechanisms inducing CIN will be important for prevention and for novel approaches towards therapeutic interventions.
Utility of MRI Diffusion Techniques in the Evaluation of Tumors of the Head and Neck
Authors: Martínez Barbero José , Rodríquez Jiménez Inmaculada , Martin Noguerol Teodoro , Luna Alcalá Antonio
Published: July 2013

The use of diffusion-weighted imaging in the head and neck is an increasingly used technique that requires adaptation of the acquisition parameters. Parallel imaging and emerging techniques such as IVIM are playing a new role. The main indications for performing DWI are tissue characterization, nodal staging and therapy monitoring. Lower apparent diffusion coefficients have been reported in this region for malignant lesions such as SCC, lymphoma and metastatic lymph node, as opposed to higher ADC in benign lesions and lymph nodes. Follow-up and early response to treatment are reflected in an ADC increase in both primary tumor and nodal metastasis.
Can Climate Change Trigger Massive Diversity Cascades in Terrestrial Ecosystems?
Authors: Dyer Lee , Letourneau Deborah
Published: July 2013

We summarize research on diversity and trophic interactions under a trophic cascades model that is reframed and expanded from the traditional biomass- or abundance- based indirect effects and discuss the response of such “diversity cascades” to climate change and other global change parameters. The studies we summarize encompass dynamic processes in which species richness or evenness in one trophic level indirectly affects or is affected by changes in a non-adjacent level. The diversity cascade concept explicitly links trophic cascades models to the debates about biodiversity loss, exotic species gain, ecosystem services and biological control. First, we summarize the idea that the trophic cascades model includes different currencies and alternative processes. Second, we question the paradigm that trophic cascades weaken as the complexity of the community increases. Third, we illustrate the mechanisms by which diversity cascades may follow indirect bottom-up and top-down pathways. Fourth, we show how this diversity cascades model has been applied successfully to frame questions in conservation, agriculture and infectious disease. Finally, we examine the implications of diversity cascades for our understanding of how climate change affects biodiversity and call for an increase in the scope of experiments and focused hypotheses on indirect trophic effects and how these processes may lead to very large changes in biodiversity.
Continental Growth and Recycling in Convergent Orogens with Large Turbidite Fans on Oceanic Crust
Authors: Foster David , Goscombe Ben
Published: July 2013

Convergent plate margins where large turbidite fans with slivers of oceanic basement are accreted to continents represent important sites of continental crustal growth and recycling. Crust accreted in these settings is dominated by an upper layer of recycled crustal and arc detritus (turbidites) underlain by a layer of tectonically imbricated upper oceanic crust and/or thinned continental crust. When oceanic crust is converted to lower continental crust it represents a juvenile addition to the continental growth budget. This two-tiered accreted crust is often the same thickness as average continental crustal and is isostatically balanced near sea level. The Paleozoic Lachlan Orogen of eastern Australia is the archetypical example of a tubidite-dominated accretionary orogeny. The Neoproterozoic-Cambrian Damaran Orogen of SW Africa is similar to the Lachlan Orogen except that it was incorporated into Gondwana via a continent-continent collision. The Mesozoic Rangitatan Orogen of New Zealand illustrates the transition of convergent margin from a Lachlan-type to more typical accretionary wedge type orogen. The spatial and temporal variations in deformation, metamorphism, and magmatism across these orogens illustrate how large volumes of turbidite and their relict oceanic basement eventually become stable continental crust. The timing of deformation and metamorphism recorded in these rocks reflects the crustal thickening phase, whereas post-tectonic magmatism constrains the timing of chemical maturation and cratonization. Cratonization of continental crust is fostered because turbidites represent fertile sources for felsic magmatism. Recognition of similar orogens in the Proterozoic and Archean is important for the evaluation of crustal growth models, particularly for those based on detrital zircon age patterns, because crustal growth by accretion of upper oceanic crust or mafic underplating does not readily result in the addition of voluminous zircon-bearing magmas at the time of accretion. This crust only produces significant zircon when and if it partially melts, which may occur long after accretion.
Tales of Two Cities: Architecture, Print and Early Guidebooks to Paris and London
Authors: McKellar Elizabeth
Published: July 2013

This pioneering paper is the first to consider the contribution of a new type of urban literature to perceptions and portrayals of the city in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. It focuses on London and Parisian guidebooks, a genre that has been little studied to date, particularly those of: Germaine Brice, Description nouvelle de ce qui’il ya de plus remarquable dans la Ville de Paris (1684); F. Colsoni, Le Guide de Londres (1693); and Edward Hatton, A New View of London (1708). The article is the first to establish the significance of language primers as source for tourist guidebooks and the prevalence of lexicographers among those producing them. It examines the modern type of non-antiquarian urban guidebook as part of the new urban consumer culture. It also explores the genre’s contribution to a novel form in the writing and understanding of the city in the period focussed on the contemporary and the experiential, rather than the traditional orientation towards the historical and the monumental.
Death Associated Protein Kinases: Molecular Structure and Brain Injury
Authors: Nair Syam , Hagberg Henrik , Krishnamurthy Rajanikant , Thornton Claire , Mallard Carina
Published: July 2013

Perinatal brain damage underlies an important share of motor and neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, cognitive impairment, visual dysfunction and epilepsy. Clinical, epidemiological, and experimental studies have revealed that factors such as inflammation, excitotoxicity and oxidative stress contribute considerably to both white and grey matter injury in the immature brain. A member of the death associated protein kinase (DAPk) family, DAPk1, has been implicated in cerebral ischemic damage, whereby DAPk1 potentiates NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity through interaction with the NR2BR subunit. DAPk1 also mediate a range of activities from autophagy, membrane blebbing and DNA fragmentation ultimately leading to cell death. DAPk mRNA levels are particularly highly expressed in the developing brain and thus, we hypothesize that DAPk1 may play a role in perinatal brain injury. In addition to reviewing current knowledge, we present new aspects of the molecular structure of DAPk domains, and relate these findings to interacting partners of DAPk1, DAPk-regulation in NMDA-induced cerebral injury and novel approaches to blocking the injurious effects of DAPk1.
(Healthy) Ageing: Focus on Iodothyronines
Authors: De Lange Pieter , Cioffi Federica , Silvestri Elena , Moreno Maria , Goglia Fernando , Lanni Antonia
Published: July 2013

The activity of the thyroid gland diminishes during ageing, but a certain tissue reserve of T3 and its metabolites is maintained. This reserve is thought to play a regulatory role in energy homeostasis during ageing. This review critically assesses this notion. T3 was thought to act predominantly through pathways that require transcriptional regulation by thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). However, in recent years, it has emerged that T3 and its metabolites can also act through non-genomic mechanisms, including cytosolic signaling. Interestingly, differences may exist in the non-genomic pathways utilized by thyroid hormone metabolites and T3. For instance, one particular thyroid hormone metabolite, namely 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (T2), increases the activity of the redox-sensitive protein deacetylase SIRT1, which has been associated with improvements in healthy ageing, whereas evidence exists that T3 may have the opposite effect. Findings suggesting that T3, T2, and their signaling pathways, such as those involving SIRT1 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), are associated with improvements in diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance emphasize the potential importance of the thyroid during ageing and in ageing-associated metabolic diseases.
Sarcosine as a Potential Prostate Cancer Biomarker—A Review
Authors: Cernei Natalia , Heger Zbynek , Gumulec Jaromir , Zitka Ondrej , Masarik Michal , Babula Petr , Eckschlager Tomas , Stiborova Marie , Kizek Rene , Adam Vojtech
Published: July 2013

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the most common type of tumour disease in men. Early diagnosis of cancer of the prostate is very important, because the sooner the cancer is detected, the better it is treated. According to that fact, there is great interest in the finding of new markers including amino acids, proteins or nucleic acids. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is commonly used and is the most important biomarker of CaP. This marker can only be detected in blood and its sensitivity is approximately 80%. Moreover, early stages cannot be diagnosed using this protein. Currently, there does not exist a test for diagnosis of early stages of prostate cancer. This fact motivates us to find markers sensitive to the early stages of CaP, which are easily detected in body fluids including urine. A potential is therefore attributed to the non-protein amino acid sarcosine, which is generated by glycine-N-methyltransferase in its biochemical cycle. In this review, we summarize analytical methods for quantification of sarcosine as a CaP marker. Moreover, pathways of the connection of synthesis of sarcosine and CaP development are discussed.
Recent Progress in Pharmaceutical Therapies for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yin Lina , Hu Qingzhong , Hartmann Rolf
Published: July 2013

Since 2010, six drugs have been approved for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer, i.e., CYP17 inhibitor Abiraterone, androgen receptor antagonist Enzalutamide, cytotoxic agent Cabazitaxel, vaccine Sipuleucel-T, antibody Denosumab against receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand and radiopharmaceutical Alpharadin. All these drugs demonstrate improvement on overall survival, expect for Denosumab, which increases the bone mineral density of patients under androgen deprivation therapy and prolongs bone-metastasis-free survival. Besides further CYP17 inhibitors (Orteronel, Galeterone, VT-464 and CFG920), androgen receptor antagonists (ARN-509, ODM-201, AZD-3514 and EZN-4176) and vaccine Prostvac, more drug candidates with various mechanisms or new indications of launched drugs are currently under evaluation in different stages of clinical trials, including various kinase inhibitors and platinum complexes. Some novel strategies have also been proposed aimed at further potentiation of antitumor effects or reduction of side effects and complications related to treatments. Under these flourishing circumstances, more investigations should be performed on the optimal combination or the sequence of treatments needed to delay or reverse possible resistance and thus maximize the clinical benefits for the patients.
Toll-Like Receptors in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Falck-Hansen Mika , Kassiteridi Christina , Monaco Claudia
Published: July 2013

Atherosclerosis, the leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), is driven by inflammation. Increasing evidence suggests that toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key orchestrators of the atherosclerotic disease process. Interestingly, a distinct picture is being revealed for individual receptors in atherosclerosis. TLRs exhibit a complex nature enabling the detection of multiple motifs named danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Activation of these receptors triggers an intracellular signalling cascade mediated through MyD88 or TRIF, leading to the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In this review we explore key novel findings pertaining to TLR signalling in atherosclerosis, including recently described endosomal TLRs and future directions in TLR research.
Lightweight Proofs of Retrievability for Electronic Evidence in Cloud
Authors: Song Xiuli , Deng Hongyao
Published: July 2013

Proofs of Retrievability (PoR) is one of the basic functions of electronic evidence preservation center in cloud. This paper proposes two PoR schemes to execute the workflow of evidence preservation center, which are named Finer Grained Proofs of Retrievability (FG-PoR) and More Lightweight Proofs of Retrievability (ML-PoR). The two PoR schemes do not use multi-replication technology or erasure code technology, but employ the verification tags and signatures to implement provable data possession and data recovery dual functions. When some data blocks have been lost in Archive Storage Area (ASA), FG-PoR can recover each data block of evidence matrix, but ML-PoR can only recover a column of evidence matrix. The analysis results show our two PoR schemes do not only provide the integrity verification guarantee but also have robust recovery guarantee to electronic evidence in cloud. The two schemes can allow for lower computation and storage costs than other similar schemes; moreover, ML-PoR can provide lower costs than FG-PoR.
Eukaryotic Organisms in Extreme Acidic Environments, the Río Tinto Case
Authors: Aguilera Angeles
Published: July 2013

A major issue in microbial ecology is to identify the limits of life for growth and survival, and to understand the molecular mechanisms that define these limits. Thus, interest in the biodiversity and ecology of extreme environments has grown in recent years for several reasons. Some are basic and revolve around the idea that extreme environments are believed to reflect early Earth conditions. Others are related to the biotechnological potential of extremophiles. In this regard, the study of extremely acidic environments has become increasingly important since environmental acidity is often caused by microbial activity. Highly acidic environments are relatively scarce worldwide and are generally associated with volcanic activity or mining operations. For most acidic environments, low pH facilitates metal solubility, and therefore acidic waters tend to have high concentrations of heavy metals. However, highly acidic environments are usually inhabited by acidophilic and acidotolerant eukaryotic microorganisms such as algae, amoebas, ciliates, heliozoan and rotifers, not to mention filamentous fungi and yeasts. Here, we review the general trends concerning the diversity and ecophysiology of eukaryotic acidophilic microorganims, as well as summarize our latest results on this topic in one of the largest extreme acidic rivers, Río Tinto (SW, Spain).
pH-Dependent Solution Structure and Activity of a Reduced Form of the Host-Defense Peptide Myticin C (Myt C) from the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
Authors: Martinez-Lopez Alicia , Encinar Jose , Medina-Gali Regla , Balseiro Pablo , Garcia-Valtanen Pablo , Figueras Antonio , Novoa Beatriz , Estepa Amparo
Published: July 2013

Myticin C (Myt C) is a highly variable host-defense peptide (HDP) associated to the immune response in the mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), which has shown to be active across species due to its strong antiviral activity against a fish rhabdovirus found in fish cells overexpressing this HDP. However, the potential antimicrobial properties of any synthetic analogue of Myt C has not yet been analysed. Thus, in this work we have synthesised the sequence of the mature peptide of Myt C variant c and analysed the structure activity relationships of its reduced (non-oxidized) form (red-MytCc). In contrast to results previously reported for oxidized isoforms of mussel myticins, red-MytCc was not active against bacteria at physiological pH and showed a moderate antiviral activity against the viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) rhabdovirus. However, its chemotactic properties remained active. Structure/function studies in neutral and acid environments by means of infrared spectroscopy indicated that the structure of red-MytCc is pH dependent, with acid media increasing its alpha-helical content. Furthermore, red-MytCc was able to efficiently aggregate artificial phospholipid membranes at low pH, as well as to inhibit the Escherichia coli growth, suggesting that this activity is attributable to its more structured form in an acidic environment. All together, these results highlight the dynamic and environmentally sensitive behavior of red-Myt C in solution, and provide important insights into Myt C structure/activity relationships and the requirements to exert its antimicrobial/immunomodulatory activities. On the other hand, the pH-dependent direct antimicrobial activity of Myt C suggests that this HDP may be a suitable template for the development of antimicrobial agents that would function selectively in specific pH environments, which are sorely needed in this “antibiotic-resistance era”.
Assessment of Chemical and Physico-Chemical Properties of Cyanobacterial Lipids for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Rós Patrícia , Silva Caroline , Silva-Stenico Maria , Fiore Marli , Castro Heizir
Published: July 2013

Five non-toxin producing cyanobacterial isolates from the genera Synechococcus, Trichormus, Microcystis, Leptolyngbya and Chlorogloea were examined in terms of quantity and quality as lipid feedstock for biofuel production. Under the conditions used in this study, the biomass productivity ranged from 3.7 to 52.7 mg·L−1·day−1 in relation to dry biomass, while the lipid productivity varied between 0.8 and 14.2 mg·L−1·day−1. All cyanobacterial strains evaluated yielded lipids with similar fatty acid composition to those present in the seed oils successfully used for biodiesel synthesis. However, by combining biomass and lipid productivity parameters, the greatest potential was found for Synechococcus sp. PCC7942, M. aeruginosa NPCD-1 and Trichormus sp. CENA77. The chosen lipid samples were further characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), viscosity and thermogravimetry and used as lipid feedstock for biodiesel synthesis by heterogeneous catalysis.
RETRACTED: Hashim et al. Cytoprotective Effect of Benzyl N'-(5-Chloro-indol-3-yl-methylidene)-hydrazinecarbodithioate against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats. Molecules 2012, 17, 9306–9320
Authors: Hashim Harita
Published: July 2013

I have been made aware of that fact that substantial parts of our paper published in Molecules [1] duplicate the contents of another paper previously published under our names in African Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry [2] of which existence I was unaware. Although the compounds reported in both papers are different, I was not aware of the same biological data being used in the earlier publication. The article in Molecules was submitted in good faith based on the collective work that was presented to me by our co-author Dr Mughrabi, listed as the corresponding author of the article published in African Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry [2].
CO and NO2 Selective Monitoring by ZnO-Based Sensors
Authors: Hjiri Mokhtar , El Mir Lassaad , Leonardi Salvatore , Donato Nicola , Neri Giovanni
Published: July 2013

ZnO nanomaterials with different shapes were synthesized, characterized and tested in the selective monitoring of low concentration of CO and NO2 in air. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and nanofibers (NFs) were synthesized by a modified sol-gel method in supercritical conditions and electrospinning technique, respectively. CO and NO2 sensing tests have demonstrated that the annealing temperature and shape of zinc oxide nanomaterials are the key factors in modulating the electrical and sensing properties. Specifically, ZnO NPs annealed at high temperature (700 °C) have been found sensitive to CO, while they displayed negligible response to NO2. The opposite behavior has been registered for the one-dimensional ZnO NFs annealed at medium temperature (400 °C). Due to their adaptable sensitivity/selectivity characteristics, the developed sensors show promising applications in dual air quality control systems for closed ambient such as automotive cabin, parking garage and tunnels.
Eye Nutrition in Context: Mechanisms, Implementation, and Future Directions
Authors: Demmig-Adams Barbara , Adams Robert
Published: July 2013

Carotenoid-based visual cues and roles of carotenoids in human vision are reviewed, with an emphasis on protection by zeaxanthin and lutein against vision loss, and dietary sources of zeaxanthin and lutein are summarized. In addition, attention is given to synergistic interactions of zeaxanthin and lutein with other dietary factors affecting human vision (such as antioxidant vitamins, phenolics, and poly-unsaturated fatty acids) and the emerging mechanisms of these interactions. Emphasis is given to lipid oxidation products serving as messengers with functions in gene regulation. Lastly, the photo-physics of light collection and photoprotection in photosynthesis and vision are compared and their common principles identified as possible targets of future research.
Vitamin D and Immune Function
Authors: Prietl Barbara , Treiber Gerlies , Pieber Thomas , Amrein Karin
Published: July 2013

Vitamin D metabolizing enzymes and vitamin D receptors are present in many cell types including various immune cells such as antigen-presenting-cells, T cells, B cells and monocytes. In vitro data show that, in addition to modulating innate immune cells, vitamin D also promotes a more tolerogenic immunological status. In vivo data from animals and from human vitamin D supplementation studies have shown beneficial effects of vitamin D on immune function, in particular in the context of autoimmunity. In this review, currently available data are summarized to give an overview of the effects of vitamin D on the immune system in general and on the regulation of inflammatory responses, as well as regulatory mechanisms connected to autoimmune diseases particularly in type 1 diabetes mellitus.
The Use of Probiotic Strains in Caries Prevention: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cagetti Maria , Mastroberardino Stefano , Milia Egle , Cocco Fabio , Lingström Peter , Campus Guglielmo
Published: July 2013

This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the caries-prevention effect of probiotics in human. The hypothesis was that the administration of probiotic strains might play a role in caries lesion prevention and in the control of caries-related risk factors. The main relevant databases (Medline, Embase) were searched. Quality of the Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) was classified using the “Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials” (CONSORT) checklist and the Impact Factor (IF) value of each journal was recorded. Sixty-six papers were identified, and 23 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Only three studies had caries lesion development as outcome, all the others reported caries risk factors as interim evaluation. Using the CONSORT Score, the papers were coded as 4 excellent, 9 good and 10 poor. The mean IF value recorded was 1.438. Probiotics may play a role as antagonistic agent on mutans streptococci (MS), acidogenic/aciduric bacteria that contributes to the caries process. In two-thirds of the selected papers, probiotics have demonstrated the capacity to reduce MS counts in saliva and/or plaque in short-term. The effect of probiotics on the development of caries lesion seems encouraging, but to date, RCTs on this topic are insufficient to provide scientific clinical evidence.