bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Tube Defects, Folic Acid and Methylation
Authors: Imbard Apolline , Benoist Jean-François , Blom Henk
Published: September 2013

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common complex congenital malformations resulting from failure of the neural tube closure during embryogenesis. It is established that folic acid supplementation decreases the prevalence of NTDs, which has led to national public health policies regarding folic acid. To date, animal studies have not provided sufficient information to establish the metabolic and/or genomic mechanism(s) underlying human folic acid responsiveness in NTDs. However, several lines of evidence suggest that not only folates but also choline, B12 and methylation metabolisms are involved in NTDs. Decreased B12 vitamin and increased total choline or homocysteine in maternal blood have been shown to be associated with increased NTDs risk. Several polymorphisms of genes involved in these pathways have also been implicated in risk of development of NTDs. This raises the question whether supplementation with B12 vitamin, betaine or other methylation donors in addition to folic acid periconceptional supplementation will further reduce NTD risk. The objective of this article is to review the role of methylation metabolism in the onset of neural tube defects.
Single-Chain Fragment Variable Passive Immunotherapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Huang Liang , Su Xiaomin , Federoff Howard
Published: September 2013

Accumulation of misfolded proteins has been implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases including prion diseases, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD). In the past decade, single-chain fragment variable (scFv) -based immunotherapies have been developed to target abnormal proteins or various forms of protein aggregates including Aβ, SNCA, Htt, and PrP proteins. The scFvs are produced by fusing the variable regions of the antibody heavy and light chains, creating a much smaller protein with unaltered specificity. Because of its small size and relative ease of production, scFvs are promising diagnostic and therapeutic reagents for protein misfolded diseases. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of scFvs in preventing amyloid protein aggregation in preclinical models. Herein, we discuss recent developments of these immunotherapeutics. We review efforts of our group and others using scFv in neurodegenerative disease models. We illustrate the advantages of scFvs, including engineering to enhance misfolded conformer specificity and subcellular targeting to optimize therapeutic action.
Small Molecules Present in the Cerebrospinal Fluid Metabolome Influence Superoxide Dismutase 1 Aggregation
Authors: Cristóvão Joana , Leal Sónia , Cardoso Isabel , Gomes Cláudio
Published: September 2013

Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) aggregation is one of the pathological markers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. The underlying molecular grounds of SOD1 pathologic aggregation remains obscure as mutations alone are not exclusively the cause for the formation of protein inclusions. Thus, other components in the cell environment likely play a key role in triggering SOD1 toxic aggregation in ALS. Recently, it was found that ALS patients present a specific altered metabolomic profile in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) where SOD1 is also present and potentially interacts with metabolites. Here we have investigated how some of these small molecules affect apoSOD1 structure and aggregation propensity. Our results show that as co-solvents, the tested small molecules do not affect apoSOD1 thermal stability but do influence its tertiary interactions and dynamics, as evidenced by combined biophysical analysis and proteolytic susceptibility. Moreover, these compounds influence apoSOD1 aggregation, decreasing nucleation time and promoting the formation of larger and less soluble aggregates, and in some cases polymeric assemblies apparently composed by spherical species resembling the soluble native protein. We conclude that some components of the ALS metabolome that shape the chemical environment in the CSF may influence apoSOD1 conformers and aggregation.
A Randomized Steady-State Bioavailability Study of Synthetic versus Natural (Kiwifruit-Derived) Vitamin C
Authors: Carr Anitra , Bozonet Stephanie , Pullar Juliet , Simcock Jeremy , Vissers Margreet
Published: September 2013

Whether vitamin C from wholefoods has equivalent bioavailability to a purified supplement remains unclear. We have previously showed that kiwifruit provided significantly higher serum and tissue ascorbate levels than synthetic vitamin C in a genetically vitamin C-deficient mouse model, suggesting a synergistic activity of the whole fruit. To determine if these results are translatable to humans, we carried out a randomized human study comparing the bioavailability of vitamin C from kiwifruit with that of a vitamin C tablet of equivalent dosage. Thirty-six young non-smoking adult males were randomized to receive either half a gold kiwifruit (Actinidia Chinensis var. Hort 16A) per day or a comparable vitamin C dose (50 mg) in a chewable tablet for six weeks. Ascorbate was monitored weekly in fasting venous blood and in urine, semen, leukocytes, and skeletal muscle (vastus lateralis) pre- and post-intervention. Dietary intake of vitamin C was monitored using seven day food and beverage records. Participant ascorbate levels increased in plasma (P < 0.001), urine (P < 0.05), mononuclear cells (P < 0.01), neutrophils (P < 0.01) and muscle tissue (P < 0.001) post intervention. There were no significant differences in vitamin C bioavailability between the two intervention groups in any of the fluid, cell or tissue samples tested. Overall, our study showed comparable bioavailability of synthetic and kiwifruit-derived vitamin C.
Nanomembranes and Nanofibers from Biodegradable Conducting Polymers
Authors: Llorens Elena , Armelin Elaine , Del Mar Pérez-Madrigal María , Del Valle Luís , Alemán Carlos , Puiggalí Jordi
Published: September 2013

This review provides a current status report of the field concerning preparation of fibrous mats based on biodegradable (e.g., aliphatic polyesters such as polylactide or polycaprolactone) and conducting polymers (e.g., polyaniline, polypirrole or polythiophenes). These materials have potential biomedical applications (e.g., tissue engineering or drug delivery systems) and can be combined to get free-standing nanomembranes and nanofibers that retain the better properties of their corresponding individual components. Systems based on biodegradable and conducting polymers constitute nowadays one of the most promising solutions to develop advanced materials enable to cover aspects like local stimulation of desired tissue, time controlled drug release and stimulation of either the proliferation or differentiation of various cell types. The first sections of the review are focused on a general overview of conducting and biodegradable polymers most usually employed and the explanation of the most suitable techniques for preparing nanofibers and nanomembranes (i.e., electrospinning and spin coating). Following sections are organized according to the base conducting polymer (e.g., Sections 4–6 describe hybrid systems having aniline, pyrrole and thiophene units, respectively). Each one of these sections includes specific subsections dealing with applications in a nanofiber or nanomembrane form. Finally, miscellaneous systems and concluding remarks are given in the two last sections.
Promoting the Everyday: Pro-Sharia Advocacy and Public Relations in Ontario, Canada’s “Sharia Debate”
Authors: Selby Jennifer
Published: September 2013

Why, in the midst of public debates related to religion, are unrepresentative orthodox perspectives often positioned as illustrative of a religious tradition? How can more representative voices be encouraged? Political theorist Anne Phillips (2007) suggests that facilitating multi-voiced individual engagements effectively dismantles the monopolies of the most conservative that tend to privilege maleness. In this paper, with reference to the 2003–2005 faith-based arbitration debate in Ontario, Canada, I show how, in practice, Phillips’ approach is unwieldy and does not work well in a sound-bite-necessitating culture. Instead, I argue that the “Sharia Debate” served as a catalyst for mainstream conservative Muslim groups in Ontario to develop public relations apparatuses that better facilitate the perspectives of everyday religious conservatives in the public sphere.
Corrido, identité, idéologie : chant populaire de tradition orale au Mexique
Authors: Héau de Giménez Catherine
Published: September 2013

Resumen. — El corrido y la « bola suriana » hunden sus raíces en la cultura oral del campesinado mexicano, particularmente en la región centro-sur del país. En la época de la revolución mexicana desempeñaron un papel fundamental como vector ideológico, archivo de la memoria colectiva y signo de identidad regional. La revolución mexicana fue también, en parte, una « guerrilla de corridos » entre las imprentas populares de la capital al servicio del gobierno y los trovadores campesinos que participaron en el movimiento zapatista. La importancia político-ideológica de esta trova popular en la época estudiada se debe sobre todo a la persistencia de una rica cultura oral arraigada en formas tradicionales de sociabilidad, como las « ferias » y los « días de plaza ».
Crescencio ou Don Toba ? Fausses questions et vraies réponses sur le « vallenato »
Authors: Gilard Jacques
Published: September 2013

Resumen. — La música colombiana conocida como « vallenato » es resultado de un proceso original por el que pasó la poesía oral hispánica. Convertida en bandera de una comarca a la que no pertenecía exclusivamente, aparece hoy en día como ejemplo de música popular desviada y puesta el servicio de un grupo dirigente.
Un problème homérique Πολυδίψιον Ἄργος (Iliade, IV, 171)
Authors: Sauzeau Pierre
Published: September 2013

The myths of Argos rest on the polar opposition of dryness and moistness. What part then the iliadic hapax "Πολυδίψιον Ἀργός" may have played in the development of such a mythical system ? The iliadic context leads to reading the phrase as a metaphor, probably not as "much coveted Argos" but rather as an "Argos that will be patched (with grief)". A verbatim interpretation must have acted as a catalyst in the development of the myths related to the city of Argos, myths whose origin must certainly date far back in the past.
La scène d'initiation des Nuées d'Aristophane et Trophonios : nouvelles lumières sur le culte lébadéen
Authors: Bonnechere Pierre
Published: September 2013

Trophonios, bien connu pour son oracle terrifiant de Lébadée en Béotie, aurait été le maître aussi selon quelques auteurs byzantins, de cérémonies à caractère mystérique. Si ce versant initiatique n'est considéré souvent que comme une adjonction tardive destinée à revigorer un culte moribond, de très nombreux rapprochements peuvent cependant être effectués entre la tradition trophoniaque et les Nuées d'Aristophane, dont la grande scène d'initiation se révèle une parodie partielle et non exclusive des rites lébadéens, par ailleurs bien connus à Athènes à l'époque du poète. De nombreuses facettes du sanctuaire et du culte de Trophonios en ressortent éclairées à la lumière d'une ancienneté et d'une profondeur qu'on leur dénie trop souvent sous prétexte qu'on ne les connaît que par l'intermédiaire de témoins tardifs tels Plutarque et Pausanias.
Un miracle de Poséidon : Polybe X, 8-15
Authors: Foulon Éric
Published: September 2013

La tradition, telle qu'elle a été transmise depuis Polybe, prétend que Scipion prend Carthagène en 209, en exploitant un phénomène — la chute du niveau de l'eau de la lagune autour de la cité — qu'il présente à ses troupes comme une intervention de Poséidon, mais qui est en réalité d'origine parfaitement naturelle. Un réexamen de la question permet de conclure que la chute du niveau de l'eau de la lagune résulte non de la seule marée ou du seul vent, mais de la combinaison de l'un et de l'autre.
Récit d'un τελος ἐρωτικον : réflexions sur le statut des jeunes dans le roman de Chariton d'Aphrodisias
Authors: Couraud-Lalanne Sophie
Published: September 2013

L'extrême jeunesse des héros est un trait caractéristique du roman grec. Dans le roman de Chariton, le récit des aventures de Chairéas et Callirhoé suit le modèle d'un rite de passage : les jeunes gens subissent des séquences d'épreuves ordonnées par les dieux, mises en œuvre par des adultes, et sont l'objet d'une transformation qu'accompagne le passage d'une classe d'âge à une autre.
Continuous flow photocyclization of stilbenes – scalable synthesis of functionalized phenanthrenes and helicenes
Authors: Lefebvre Quentin , Jentsch Marc , Rueping Magnus
Published: September 2013

A continuous flow oxidative photocyclization of stilbene derivatives has been developed which allows the scalable synthesis of backbone functionalized phenanthrenes and helicenes of various sizes in good yields.
Lateralized Auditory Symptoms in Central Neuroaudiology Disorder
Authors: Musiek Frank , Guenette Linda , Fitzgerald Krista
Published: September 2013

Many individuals with central auditory nervous system (CANS) pathology/disorder report a variety of auditory symptoms with difficulty hearing in noise being one of the most common complaints (Chermak and Musiek, 1992) Interestingly, there seems to be a paucity of information in the
literature on lateralized hearing loss symptoms in patients with central auditory disorders. Reported here is a case where the patient reported auditory symptoms, specifically hearing loss that was lateralized distinctly to the right ear. This ear was contralateral to a stroke that involved
the left hemisphere with neural compromise limited primarily to the left Heschl's gyrus. Although the patient reported other hearing difficulties, the lateralized symptom of right-sided hearing loss seemed to be the most noticed. While the pure-tone audiogram was totally disassociated from
the right ear auditory symptoms, central auditory tests revealed a marked and consistent right ear deficit, which was consistent with the site of lesion. It is rare that a relatively small lesion in Heschl's gyrus results in the perception of hearing loss so specifically localized to the right
ear. It is also of interest that a patient with definite complaints of hearing loss would yield a normal, highly symmetrical pure-tone audiogram. The triad of patient symptoms, anatomy of the lesion, and central auditory test findings in this case are discussed, and theories as to possible
underlying mechanisms for the patient's auditory deficits are provided.
Évolution de la ségrégation socio-spatiale en milieu urbain. Le cas de l'aire urbaine de Nantes
Authors: Madoré François
Published: September 2013

L’objet de cet article est de proposer une méthode d’analyse de l’évolution de la ségrégation sociospatiale en milieu urbain, à partir du cas de l’aire urbaine de Nantes, entre 1990 et 2008. Cette évolution est rarement mesurée, alors que le discours dominant repose le plus souvent sur l’inéluctabilité d’une aggravation de la ségrégation. Or, l’analyse révèle une déconcentration résidentielle généralisée et un recul des antinomies socio-résidentielles, sous l’effet notamment de la forte progression des cadres là où ils étaient sous-représentés, en particulier dans le périurbain.
L'acceptation de l'élément marin dans la gestion du trait de côte : une nouvelle gouvernance face au risque de submersion ?
Authors: Bawedin Vincent
Published: September 2013

Les politiques de lutte contre les risques d’inondation marine et leur efficacité sont analysées sur quatre territoires : le littoral picard, le bassin d’Arcachon (France), l’Essex et le Lincolnshire (Angleterre). L’analyse de la prise en compte des dynamiques naturelles et du long terme dans les politiques de gestion met en évidence une différence d’approche entre les pays anglo-saxons et la France, cette dernière révélant une gouvernance anthropocentrique jusqu’à il y a encore quelques années. Ainsi, même aux Pays-Bas, qui ont subi les dramatiques inondations de 1953 et dont l’histoire s’inscrit dans la lutte contre la mer, les ingénieurs, conscients des effets à venir du changement climatique, envisagent d’autres solutions de gestion plus souples, intégrant l’élément marin plutôt que le combattant (Gueben-Vernière et al., 2010). En France, les travaux entrepris sur le littoral picard jusqu’à ce jour montrent une lutte continue contre l’élément marin et relèvent de la protection ou de la « réparation » (consolidation) suite à des tempêtes. Le territoire aquitain (bassin d’Arcachon) présente quant à lui un retour « programmé » de l’élément marin, mais non motivé par la lutte contre les effets de la hausse eustatique, contrairement aux cas anglais présentés. Toutefois, un changement sensible semble s’opérer en France, avec l’émergence de solutions jusqu’alors plus fréquentes dans d’autres pays d’Europe, plus douces, paradoxalement audacieuses car suscitant une certaine méfiance de la population, comme nous le verrons sur le littoral picard. Nous nous interrogerons pour savoir ce qui motive cette nouvelle approche, et si celle-ci correspond à ce que nous pourrions appeler un « après Xynthia ».
Pre-existing Tolerance Shapes the Outcome of Mucosal Allergen Sensitization in a Murine Model of Asthma
Authors: Chapman Timothy J. , Emo Jason A. , Knowlden Sara A. , Rezaee Fariba , Georas Steve N.
Published: September 2013

Recent published studies have highlighted the complexity of the immune response to allergens, and the various asthma phenotypes that arise as a result. Although the interplay of regulatory and effector immune cells responding to allergen would seem to dictate the nature of the asthmatic response, little is known regarding how tolerance versus reactivity to allergen occurs in the lung. The vast majority of mouse models study allergen encounter in naive animals, and therefore exclude the possibility that previous encounters with allergen may influence future sensitization. To address this, we studied sensitization to the model allergen OVA in mice in the context of pre-existing tolerance to OVA. Allergen sensitization by either systemic administration of OVA with aluminum hydroxide or mucosal administration of OVA with low-dose LPS was suppressed in tolerized animals. However, higher doses of LPS induced a mixed Th2 and Th17 response to OVA in both naive and tolerized mice. Of interest, tolerized mice had more pronounced Th17-type inflammation than did naive mice receiving the same sensitization, suggesting pre-existing tolerance altered the inflammatory phenotype. These data show that a pre-existing tolerogenic immune response to allergen can affect subsequent sensitization in the lung. These findings have potential significance for understanding late-onset disease in individuals with severe asthma.
Inflammasome-Mediated Secretion of IL-1β in Human Monocytes through TLR2 Activation; Modulation by Dietary Fatty Acids
Authors: Snodgrass Ryan G. , Huang Shurong , Choi Il-Whan , Rutledge John C. , Hwang Daniel H.
Published: September 2013

Many studies have shown that TLR4- and TLR2-deficient mice are protected from high-fat diet–induced inflammation and insulin resistance, suggesting that saturated fatty acids derived from the high-fat diet activate TLR-mediated proinflammatory signaling pathways and induce insulin resistance. However, evidence that palmitic acid, the major dietary saturated fatty acid, can directly activate TLR has not been demonstrated. In this article, we present multiple lines of evidence showing that palmitic acid directly activates TLR2, a major TLR expressed on human monocytes, by inducing heterodimerization with TLR1 in an NADPH oxidase–dependent manner. Dimerization of TLR2 with TLR1 was inhibited by the n-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid. Activation of TLR2 by palmitic acid leads to expression of pro–IL-1β that is cleaved by caspase-1, which is constitutively present in monocytes, to release mature IL-1β. Our results reveal mechanistic insight about how palmitic acid activates TLR2, upregulates NALP3 expression, and induces inflammasome-mediated IL-1β production in human monocytes, which can trigger enhanced inflammation in peripheral tissues, and suggest that these processes are dynamically modulated by the types of dietary fat we consume.
Interruption of Dendritic Cell–Mediated TIM-4 Signaling Induces Regulatory T Cells and Promotes Skin Allograft Survival
Authors: Yeung Melissa Y. , McGrath Martina M. , Nakayama Masafumi , Shimizu Tetsunosuke , Boenisch Olaf , Magee Ciara N. , Abdoli Rozita , Akiba Hisaya , Ueno Takuya , Turka Laurence A. , Najafian Nader
Published: September 2013

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the central architects of the immune response, inducing inflammatory or tolerogenic immunity, dependent on their activation status. As such, DCs are highly attractive therapeutic targets and may hold the potential to control detrimental immune responses. TIM-4, expressed on APCs, has complex functions in vivo, acting both as a costimulatory molecule and a phosphatidylserine receptor. The effect of TIM-4 costimulation on T cell activation remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that Ab blockade of DC-expressed TIM-4 leads to increased induction of induced regulatory T cells (iTregs) from naive CD4+ T cells, both in vitro and in vivo. iTreg induction occurs through suppression of IL-4/STAT6/Gata3–induced Th2 differentiation. In addition, blockade of TIM-4 on previously activated DCs still leads to increased iTreg induction. iTregs induced under TIM-4 blockade have equivalent potency to control and, upon adoptive transfer, significantly prolong skin allograft survival in vivo. In RAG−/− recipients of skin allografts adoptively transferred with CD4+ T cells, we show that TIM-4 blockade in vivo is associated with a 3-fold prolongation in allograft survival. Furthermore, in this mouse model of skin transplantation, increased induction of allospecific iTregs and a reduction in T effector responses were observed, with decreased Th1 and Th2 responses. This enhanced allograft survival and protolerogenic skewing of the alloresponse is critically dependent on conversion of naive CD4+ to Tregs in vivo. Collectively, these studies identify blockade of DC-expressed TIM-4 as a novel strategy that holds the capacity to induce regulatory immunity in vivo.
Cutting Edge: NK Cell Licensing Modulates Adhesion to Target Cells
Authors: Thomas L. Michael , Peterson Mary E. , Long Eric O.
Published: September 2013

Binding of NK cell inhibitory receptors to MHC class I (MHC-I) confers increased responsiveness to NK cells by a process known as NK cell licensing/education. Reduced MHC-I expression or a lack of inhibitory receptors for MHC-I results in diminished NK cell responsiveness. In this study, we evaluated the effect of human and mouse NK cell licensing on early stages of natural cytotoxicity. Unlicensed NK cells did not form as many stable conjugates with target cells. The reduction of NK cell conjugation to target cells was not attributed to altered β2 integrin LFA-1 properties but was instead due to reduced inside-out signaling to LFA-1 by activating receptors. For those unlicensed NK cells that did form conjugates, LFA-1–dependent granule polarization was similar to that in licensed NK cells. Thus, licensing controls signals as proximal as inside-out signaling by activating receptors but not integrin outside-in signaling for granule polarization.
TCF-1 Controls ILC2 and NKp46+RORγt+ Innate Lymphocyte Differentiation and Protection in Intestinal Inflammation
Authors: Mielke Lisa A. , Groom Joanna R. , Rankin Lucille C. , Seillet Cyril , Masson Frederick , Putoczki Tracy , Belz Gabrielle T.
Published: September 2013

Innate lymphocyte populations play a central role in conferring protective immunity at the mucosal frontier. In this study, we demonstrate that T cell factor 1 (TCF-1; encoded by Tcf7), a transcription factor also important for NK and T cell differentiation, is expressed by multiple innate lymphoid cell (ILC) subsets, including GATA3+ nuocytes (ILC2) and NKp46+ ILCs (ILC3), which confer protection against lung and intestinal inflammation. TCF-1 was intrinsically required for the differentiation of both ILC2 and NKp46+ ILC3. Loss of TCF-1 expression impaired the capacity of these ILC subsets to produce IL-5, IL-13, and IL-22 and resulted in crippled responses to intestinal infection with Citrobacter rodentium. Furthermore, a reduction in T-bet expression required for Notch-2–dependent development of NKp46+ ILC3 showed a dose-dependent reduction in TCF-1 expression. Collectively, our findings demonstrate an essential requirement for TCF-1 in ILC2 differentiation and reveal a link among Tcf7, Notch, and Tbx21 in NKp46+ ILC3 development.
Regulation of the Development of the Hepatic B Cell Compartment duringSchistosoma mansoniInfection
Authors: Fairfax Keke C. , Everts Bart , Smith Amber M. , Pearce Edward J.
Published: September 2013

During infection with the helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni, Ab regulates hepatic inflammation, and local production of Ig in the liver appears to play a role in this process. Exploring the development of the B cell response during infection, we found that parasite-specific IgG1-secreting plasma cells appeared first in the hepatic and mesenteric lymph nodes (LNs) and then at later times in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. The LN B cell population peaked between weeks 10 and 12 of infection, and then contracted at a time that coincided with the expansion of the hepatic IgG1+ B cell compartment, suggesting that B cells migrate from LNs to liver. CXCL9 and -16 expression in the liver increased during the time frame of B cell recruitment. Expression of the CXCL16 receptor CXCR6 was increased on B cells within the hepatic LNs, but not the mesenteric LNs. CXCR3, the receptor for CXCL9, was broadly expressed on IgG1+ B cells in LNs and liver during infection. Increased hepatic expression of CXCL9 and -16 failed to occur if the IL-10R was blocked in vivo, an intervention associated with decreased liver B cell infiltration and the development of severe disease. Hepatic LN IgG1+ cells migrated toward CXCL9 and -16 in vitro and to the liver in a pertussis toxin–sensitive fashion. Our data suggest that the coordinated expression of CXCL9 and -16 in the liver and of CXCR6 and CXCR3 on responding B cells within the hepatic LNs underpins establishment of the hepatic B cell infiltrate during chronic schistosomiasis.
A brief history of geological exploration on the Foxe Lowland and adjacent terrains of southern Baffin Island, Nunavut
Authors: McCracken A D
Published: September 2013

Geological study of southern Baffin Island has had a long history and continues to the present. The discovery of what was thought to be gold in rock collected during the 1576 voyage of M. Frobisher prompted mining voyages back to Frobisher Bay in 1577 and 1578.
The next expedition of geological significance was that of C.F. Hall in 1861. Hall discovered and named Silliman's Fossil Mount and returned with several fossil collections. Other explorers in the late 19th century who made geological observations include F. Boas, E.J. Peck, R.W. Porter, and, from
the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), R. Bell. Between 1900 and 1930 there were numerous expeditions into the Foxe Lowland. These included those of A.P. Low, L.T. Burwash, J.D. Soper, L.J. Weeks, and M.H. Haycock for the Canadian Government, and B.A. Hantzsch (Germany), and G.P. Putnam and S.K.
Roy (U.S.A). In the 1940s, another visit was made to Silliman's Fossil Mount, this time by American A.K. Miller. Renewed GSC interest began with mapping in 1949 led by Y.O. Fortier. This work continued through to R.G. Blackadar's Operation Amadjuak in 1965, which completed the reconnaissance mapping
of the geology of southern Baffin Island. Recent GSC parties have concentrated on the Ordovician (G. MacAuley, B.V. Sanford, and others) in the late 1980s, and the Precambrian in 1990s (D. Scott and others). A return to the amateur-led expeditions in the tradition of Hall and Putnam was S. Bart's
1996 American Expedition. Geological interest in the Baffin region continues since the creation of Nunavut in 1999.
Ordovician megafauna, southern Baffin Island, Nunavut
Authors: Bolton T E
Published: September 2013

The sedimentary rocks of southern Baffin Island contain a diverse and abundant fauna and flora. The Frobisher Bay Formation contains a Gonioceras
Application of Local Axial Flaps to Scalp Reconstruction
Authors: Zayakova Yolanda , Stanev Anton , Mihailov Hristo , Pashaliev Nicolai
Published: September 2013

Background Scalp defects may be caused by various etiological factors, and they represent a significant surgical and aesthetic concern. Various surgical techniques can be applied for reconstructive work such as primary closure, skin grafting, pedicled or free flaps. In this article, the authors share their clinical experience with scalp operations using the technique of local flaps and discuss the application of this method from the perspective of not only the size of the defect, but also in relation to the anatomical area, quality of surrounding tissue, and patient's condition.

Methods During the period from December 2007 to December 2012, 13 patients with various scalp defects, aged 11 to 86 years, underwent reconstruction with local pedicle flaps. The indications were based on the patients' condition (age, sex, quality of surrounding tissue, and comorbidities) and wound parameters. Depending on the size of the defects, they were classified into three groups as follows: large, 20 to 50 cm2; very large, 50 to 100 cm2; extremely large, 100 cm2. The location was defined as peripheral (frontal, temporal, occipital), central, or combined (more than one area). We performed reconstruction with 11 single transposition flaps and 1 bipedicle with a skin graft on the donor area, and 2 advancement flaps in 1 patient.

Results In all of the patients, complete tissue coverage was achieved. The recovery was relatively quick, without hematoma, seroma, or infections. The flaps survived entirely.

Conclusions Local flaps are widely used in scalp reconstruction since they provide healthy, stable, hair-bearing tissue and require a short healing time for the patients.
Disturbance‐induced responses of VHF and satellite tagged harbour seals
Authors: Andersen Signe M. , Teilmann Jonas , Dietz Rune , Schmidt Niels M. , Miller Lee A.
Published: September 2013

The response of individual harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) to controlled and sporadic disturbances when hauled out in the Anholt seal reserve, Denmark, was studied. Sporadic disturbances from pedestrians, boats, low‐flying aeroplanes and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) were observed in or near the reserve. VHF and satellite transmitters were attached to eight harbour seals to determine post‐disturbance and undisturbed behaviour during the pre‐breeding period (25 April to 21 May 2008).

Both disturbed and undisturbed seals mostly returned to the haul‐out site from dusk and throughout the night. Only pedestrian disturbances caused significantly longer‐lasting trips at sea than undisturbed trips, while the other types of disturbance did not affect trip duration. The general maximum extent and area‐use of disturbed and undisturbed trips were comparable and almost all at‐sea locations were within 40 km from the haul‐out site. The maximum extent of post‐disturbance trips, however, varied among individuals and disturbance types, and was strongly correlated with the duration of trips.

Disturbed and undisturbed seals used the same areas, suggesting that these areas represent normal foraging areas. This may indicate that harbour seals reduce the cost of being disturbed by foraging after disturbances instead of waiting close to the haul‐out site to resume hauling out.

During the pre‐breeding period the seals showed a very high site fidelity by consistently returning to the same haul‐out site, even when subjected to repeated disturbances.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heat shock protein 32/heme oxygenase‐1 protects mouse Sertoli cells from hyperthermia‐induced apoptosis by CO activation of sGC signalling pathways
Authors: Li Lian , Li Cheng‐Min , Wu Jie , Huang Shuai , Wang Gen‐Lin
Published: September 2013

Heat shock protein 32 (Hsp32)/heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) may be a key enzyme for the protection of cells against stress. Its anti‐apoptotic effect has been attributed to its product, carbon monoxide (CO), in many types of cells. However, whether its anti‐apoptotic mechanism plays a role in Sertoli cells (SCs) is not yet clear. We hypothesise that Hsp32/HO‐1 and CO generated from it provide survival advantages in SCs by preventing apoptosis under heat exposure. After treatment of cultured SCs with hyperthermia and/or Hsp32/HO‐1 activater hemin, apoptosis was measured valuated by annexin V‐FITC and caspase‐3 activation. We have also analysed the Hsp32/HO‐1‐derived CO content of cultured media and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hyperthermia induced SCs apoptosis, while preincubation with hemin suppressed SC hyperthermia‐induced apoptosis. Hyperthermia and/or hemin increase Hsp32/HO‐1 gene expression and the production of CO, which, in turn, stimulates the generation of cGMP. The results suggest that Hsp32/HO‐1 is a protective factor in heat‐stressed SCs, and that CO generated from Hsp32/HO‐1 is involved in the anti‐apoptotic pathway.
Multivariate calibration maintenance and transfer through robust fused LASSO
Authors: Ross Kunz M. , She Yiyuan
Published: September 2013

This article studies calibration maintenance and transfer to build a statistical model that is able to predict analyte concentrations by a set of spectra. Noticing that the wavelength atoms are naturally ordered in a meaningful way, we propose a novel robust fused LASSO (RFL) based on high‐dimensional sparsity techniques and a recent Θ‐IPOD technique for robustification. This new approach can attain simultaneous wavelength selection and grouping as well as outlier identification, without any human intervention. An efficient and scalable algorithm is developed on the basis of the alternating direction method of multipliers. The obtained RFL model is sparse and shows improved prediction performance over the LASSO and ridge regression. Our results reveal that wavelengths can be combined into blocks, in a smart manner, to enhance the interpretability and reliability for super‐resolution spectral analysis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Complete Guide on the Influence of Metal Clusters in the Diels–Alder Regioselectivity of Ih‐C80 Endohedral Metallofullerenes
Authors: Garcia‐Borràs Marc , Osuna Sílvia , Luis Josep M. , Swart Marcel , Solà Miquel
Published: September 2013

The chemical functionalization of endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) has aroused considerable interest due to the possibility of synthesizing new species with potential applications in materials science and medicine. Experimental and theoretical studies on the reactivity of endohedral metallofullerenes are scarce. To improve our understanding of the endohedral metallofullerene reactivity, we have systematically studied with DFT methods the Diels–Alder cycloaddition between s‐cis‐1,3‐butadiene and practically all X@Ih‐C80 EMFs synthesized to date: X=Sc3N, Lu3N, Y3N, La2, Y3, Sc3C2, Sc4C2, Sc3CH, Sc3NC, Sc4O2 and Sc4O3. We have studied both the thermodynamic and kinetic regioselectivity, taking into account the free rotation of the metallic cluster inside the fullerene. This systematic study has been made possible through the use of the frozen cage model (FCM), a computationally cheap approach to accurately predicting the exohedral regioselectivity of cycloaddition reactions in EMFs. Our results show that the EMFs are less reactive than the hollow Ih‐C80 cage. Except for the Y3 cluster, the additions occur predominantly at the [5,6] bond. In many cases, however, a mixture of the two possible regioisomers is predicted. In general, [6,6] addition is favored in EMFs that have a larger charge transfer from the metal cluster to the cage or a voluminous metal cluster inside. The present guide represents the first complete and exhaustive investigation of the reactivity of Ih‐C80‐based EMFs.
Synthesis of gem‐Difluoromethylenated Spiro‐γ‐butyrolactones by Employing PhSCF2Si(CH3)3 as a gem‐Difluoromethylenating Agent
Authors: Chatupheeraphat Adisak , Soorukram Darunee , Kuhakarn Chutima , Tuchinda Patoomratana , Reutrakul Vichai , Pakawatchai Chaveng , Saithong Saowanit , Pohmakotr Manat
Published: September 2013

PhSCF2TMS was utilized as a useful gem‐difluoromethylene building block for the synthesis of gem‐difluoromethylenated spiro‐γ‐butyrolactones. The radical cyclization of γ‐alkenyl‐γ‐gem‐difluoro(phenylsulfanyl)methyl‐γ‐butyrolactones provided gem‐difluoromethylenated spiro‐γ‐butyrolactones.
Genes contributing to subcortical volumes and intellectual ability implicate the thalamus
Authors: Bohlken Marc M. , Brouwer Rachel M. , Mandl René C.W. , van Haren Neeltje E.M. , Brans Rachel G.H. , van Baal G. Caroline M. , de Geus Eco J.C. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Kahn René S. , Hulshoff Pol Hilleke E.
Published: September 2013

It has been shown that brain volume and general intellectual ability are to a significant extent influenced by the same genetic factors. Several cortical regions of the brain also show a genetic correlation with intellectual ability, demonstrating that intellectual functioning is probably represented in a heritable distributed network of cortical regions throughout the brain. This study is the first to investigate a genetic association between subcortical volumes and intellectual ability, taking into account the thalamus, caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, hippocampus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens using an extended twin design. Genetic modeling was performed on a healthy adult twin sample consisting of 106 twin pairs and 30 of their siblings, IQ data was obtained from 132 subjects. Our results demonstrate that of all subcortical volumes measured, only thalamus volume is significantly correlated with intellectual functioning. Importantly, the association found between thalamus volume and intellectual ability is significantly influenced by a common genetic factor. This genetic factor is also implicated in cerebral brain volume. The thalamus, with its widespread cortical connections, may thus play a key role in human intelligence. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2632–2642, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postconcussional disorder and PTSD symptoms of military‐related traumatic brain injury associated with compromised neurocircuitry
Authors: Yeh Ping‐Hong , Wang Binquan , Oakes Terrence R. , French Louis M. , Pan Hai , Graner John , Liu Wei , Riedy Gerard
Published: September 2013

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common combat injury, often through explosive blast, and produces heterogeneous brain changes due to various mechanisms of injury. It is unclear whether the vulnerability of white matter differs between blast and impact injury, and the consequences of microstructural changes on neuropsychological function are poorly understood in military TBI patients. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) techniques were used to assess the neurocircuitry in 37 US service members (29 mild, 7 moderate, 1 severe; 17 blast and 20 nonblast), who sustained a TBI while deployed, compared to 14 nondeployed, military controls. High‐dimensional deformable registration of MRI diffusion tensor data was followed by fiber tracking and tract‐specific analysis along with region‐of‐interest analysis. DTI results were examined in relation to post‐concussion and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The most prominent white matter microstructural injury for both blast and nonblast patients was in the frontal fibers within the fronto‐striatal (corona radiata, internal capsule) and fronto‐limbic circuits (fornix, cingulum), the fronto‐parieto‐occipital association fibers, in brainstem fibers, and in callosal fibers. Subcortical superior‐inferiorly oriented tracts were more vulnerable to blast injury than nonblast injury, while direct impact force had more detrimental effects on anterior‐posteriorly oriented tracts, which tended to cause heterogeneous left and right hemispheric asymmetries of white matter connectivity. The tractography using diffusion anisotropy deficits revealed the cortico‐striatal‐thalamic‐cerebellar‐cortical (CSTCC) networks, where increased post‐concussion and PTSD symptoms were associated with low fractional anisotropy in the major nodes of compromised CSTCC neurocircuitry, and the consequences on cognitive function were explored as well. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2652–2673, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential developmental trajectories of magnetic susceptibility in human brain gray and white matter over the lifespan
Authors: Li Wei , Wu Bing , Batrachenko Anastasia , Bancroft‐Wu Vivian , Morey Rajendra A. , Shashi Vandana , Langkammer Christian , De Bellis Michael D. , Ropele Stefan , Song Allen W. , Liu Chunlei
Published: September 2013

As indicated by several recent studies, magnetic susceptibility of the brain is influenced mainly by myelin in the white matter and by iron deposits in the deep nuclei. Myelination and iron deposition in the brain evolve both spatially and temporally. This evolution reflects an important characteristic of normal brain development and ageing. In this study, we assessed the changes of regional susceptibility in the human brain in vivo by examining the developmental and ageing process from 1 to 83 years of age. The evolution of magnetic susceptibility over this lifespan was found to display differential trajectories between the gray and the white matter. In both cortical and subcortical white matter, an initial decrease followed by a subsequent increase in magnetic susceptibility was observed, which could be fitted by a Poisson curve. In the gray matter, including the cortical gray matter and the iron‐rich deep nuclei, magnetic susceptibility displayed a monotonic increase that can be described by an exponential growth. The rate of change varied according to functional and anatomical regions of the brain. For the brain nuclei, the age‐related changes of susceptibility were in good agreement with the findings from R2* measurement. Our results suggest that magnetic susceptibility may provide valuable information regarding the spatial and temporal patterns of brain myelination and iron deposition during brain maturation and ageing. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2698–2713, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional characterization and differential coactivation patterns of two cytoarchitectonic visual areas on the human posterior fusiform gyrus
Authors: Caspers Julian , Zilles Karl , Amunts Katrin , Laird Angela R. , Fox Peter T. , Eickhoff Simon B.
Published: September 2013

The ventral stream of the human extrastriate visual cortex shows a considerable functional heterogeneity from early visual processing (posterior) to higher, domain‐specific processing (anterior). The fusiform gyrus hosts several of those “high‐level” functional areas. We recently found a subdivision of the posterior fusiform gyrus on the microstructural level, that is, two distinct cytoarchitectonic areas, FG1 and FG2 (Caspers et al., Brain Structure & Function, 2013). To gain a first insight in the function of these two areas, here we studied their behavioral involvement and coactivation patterns by means of meta‐analytic connectivity modeling based on the BrainMap database (www.brainmap.org), using probabilistic maps of these areas as seed regions. The coactivation patterns of the areas support the concept of a common involvement in a core network subserving different cognitive tasks, that is, object recognition, visual language perception, or visual attention. In addition, the analysis supports the previous cytoarchitectonic parcellation, indicating that FG1 appears as a transitional area between early and higher visual cortex and FG2 as a higher‐order one. The latter area is furthermore lateralized, as it shows strong relations to the visual language processing system in the left hemisphere, while its right side is stronger associated with face selective regions. These findings indicate that functional lateralization of area FG2 relies on a different pattern of connectivity rather than side‐specific cytoarchitectonic features. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2754–2767, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of superficial white matter and its structural interplay with cortical gray matter in children and adolescents
Authors: Wu Minjie , Lu Lisa H. , Lowes Allison , Yang Shaolin , Passarotti Alessandra M. , Zhou Xiaohong J. , Pavuluri Mani N.
Published: September 2013

Healthy human brain undergoes significant changes during development. The developmental trajectory of superficial white matter (SWM) is less understood relative to cortical gray matter (GM) and deep white matter. In this study, a multimodal imaging strategy was applied to vertexwise map SWM microstructure and cortical thickness to characterize their developmental pattern and elucidate SWM‐GM associations in children and adolescents. Microscopic changes in SWM were evaluated with water diffusion parameters including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) in 133 healthy subjects aged 10–18 years. Results demonstrated distinct maturational patterns in SWM and GM. SWM showed increasing FA and decreasing MD and RD underneath bilateral motor sensory cortices and superior temporal auditory cortex, suggesting increasing myelination. A second developmental pattern in SWM was increasing FA and AD in bilateral orbitofrontal regions and insula, suggesting improved axonal coherence. These SWM patterns diverge from the more widespread GM maturation, suggesting that cortical thickness changes in adolescence are not explained by the encroachment of SWM myelin into the GM‐WM boundary. Interestingly, age‐independent intrinsic association between SWM and cortical GM seems to follow functional organization of polymodal and unimodal brain regions. Unimodal sensory areas showed positive correlation between GM thickness and FA whereas polymodal regions showed negative correlation. Axonal coherence and differences in interstitial neuron composition between unimodal and polymodal regions may account for these SWM‐GM association patterns. Intrinsic SWM‐GM relationships unveiled by neuroimaging in vivo can be useful for examining psychiatric disorders with known WM/GM disturbances. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2806–2816, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.