bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Stem Cells on Dentistry – A Review
Authors: Singla Marry , Dua Vinay , Reddy A ,   Ashutosh
Published: October 2018

Recent studies suggest that Stem Cells being used for a number of regenerative diseases. Stem cells can self-renew and produce different cell types, thus providing new strategies to regenerate missing tissues and treat diseases. In the field of dentistry, adult mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been identified in several oral tissues, which suggests that the oral tissues are a rich source of stem cells, and oral stem and mucosal cells are expected to provide an ideal source for genetically reprogrammed cells such as induced pluripotent stem (IPS) cells. Furthermore, oral tissues are expected to be not only a source but also a therapeutic target for stem cells, as stem cell and tissue engineering therapies in dentistry continue to attract increasing clinical interest. With appropriate biochemical signals stem cells can be transformed into desirable cells. The idea behind this article is to shortly review the obtained literature on stem cell with respect to their properties, types and advantages of dental stem cells. Emphasis has been given to the possibilities of stem cell therapy including regeneration of tooth and craniofacial defects.
Musculoskeletal Disorders In Dentistry
Authors: Singla Ruby , Gupta Hemant , Kaur Inderpreet , Singla Kapil , Singh Jatinder , Aggarwal Sangeeta
Published: October 2018

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) represent an important occupational health issue in dentistry. Prolonged static postures, repetitive movements, excessive contraction of short muscles could cause musculoskeletal disorders. Even when the sitting posture is the one recommended by ISO, there is a high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Each member of the dental team is predisposed to pain or injury in different areas of the body, depending on their tasks and position in relation to the patient. MSD is prevalent world over and is one of the commonest causes of long-term pain and disability affecting hundreds of millions of people. This article shows the causes and the mechanisms that lead to musculoskeletal disorders and some methods for prevention.
Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular Premolars in North Indian Population Using Tooth Clearing Technique – An In Vitro Study
Authors: Grewal Gurkirat , Chhabra Ajay , Jindal Varun , Bindra Simran , Chhabra Vandana ,   Damanpreet
Published: October 2018

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the root canal morphology of mandibular premolars in Northern region of India using adecalcification and clearing technique. Method: Three hundred extracted human mandibular premolars, collected from dental clinics within North India were selected for this study. Following pulp tissue removal, India ink was injected into the root canals and the teeth were decalcified with 5% nitric acid, dehydrated with ascending concentrations of alcohol and rendered clear by immersion in methyl salicylate. Cleared teeth were examined under 5X magnification and the following features were evaluated: (i) number and type of root canals; (ii) presence and location of lateral canals and; (iii) location of apical foramina. Results: 84.2% of the specimens exhibited Type I canal pattern. Type VIII was not observed in any of the specimens. The lateral canals were in the apical third in 78.7% of the specimens followed by middle third in 16.5% and the cervical third in 4.7%. 82.7%of the specimens showed lateral position of the apical foramen. Conclusion: Mandibular premolar teeth present a wide variety of radicular features, with one root and one canal being found in majority of the cases. An accurate knowlegde of the morphology of the root canal is essential for proper diagnosis and successful treatment of endodontic cases.
Effectiveness of Three Rotary Niti Instruments and Hand Instrumentation in Removing Gutta Percha from Root Canals: an in vitro Study
Authors: Jindal Varun , Chhabra Ajay ,   Neelkamal,   Damanpreet
Published: October 2018

Objectives: The study aimed to assess variation in the remaining filling material by radiographic analysis and the time taken for retreatment system, with H-files; the ProTaper Universal Retreatment System; Mtwo retreatment system and the SybronEndo K3. Methods: 120 human mandibular premolars with single straight root canals were prepared with rotary twisted files (up to size 40/0.04) using the crown down technique and filled by cold lateral condensation and the radiographs were taken. After one week, teeth were divided into four groups (n = 30). Gutta-percha was removed using H-files, the ProTaper Universal Retreatment System, Mtwo system and the K3 System. After retreatment radiographs were taken for each sample and the remaining material was calculated for each canal third. Results: Rotary NiTi instruments were significantly faster than the hand instrumentation technique in performing the retreatment. In radiographic analysis there was significant difference in between the groups for coronal third in ProTaper group and for apical third in H-file group. Conclusions: In the radiographic analysis the ProTaper Universal System left less filling material in the coronal third and the H-files left less filling material in apical third as compared to other groups. Rotary instruments worked faster than H files.
Knowledge of Dental Practitioners Towards Emergency Management of Avulsed Tooth in Punjab
Authors: Bindra Simran , Sharma Sunila , Chhabra Ajay , Jindal Varun , Nabhi Kamal ,   Damanpreet
Published: October 2018

Dental avulsion is characterized by the complete displacement of the tooth from its socket, with damage to the periodontal ligament, cementum, alveolar bone, gingival and pulp tissues. The ideal treatment for an avulsed permanent tooth is its immediate replantation into the socket. However, in spite of itsrecognized therapeutic value, clinical experience has shown that immediatereplantation rarely occurs due to factors associated to the accident itself, complex damage to the recipient site, or simply lack of knowledgeor confidence of the general population and even professionals about Replantation procedures. The present study was carried out with an aim to assess the level of knowledge of emergency management of avulsed teeth among 209 Dental practitioners in the state of Punjab. The received questionnaires were analysed for the responses. The data showed that the knowledge of dental practitioners in the state was not up to date and efforts should be made to carry out various education programs for the same.
Comparative Evaluation of protective Potential of Toothmin and Novamin Containing Toothpastes on Enamel Surface Under Confocal Microscope: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Aggarwal Anurag , Gupta Shalu , Singh Kanwarpreet , Bindra Simran
Published: October 2018

Aim: To evaluate the protective potential of calcium sucrose phosphate and novamin containing toothpaste on enamel surface. Settings and Design: In vitro-study. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of 30 samples embedded in orthodontic resin with either buccal or lingual surface exposed. The samples were assigned to either calcium sucrose phosphate containing paste; novamine toothpaste; or control group. The groups were then subjected to cycling in a demineralizing solution and a remineralizing solution. Groups II and III received prior application of calcium sucrose phosphate paste and novamine toothpaste respectively followed by cycling in a demineralizing solution and a remineralizing solution. Following 14 days of cycling, the samples were sectioned and examined using confocal microscopy. The depths of lesions were evaluated. Statistical Analysis: Image Proplus software was used to analyze the images. The values were statistically evaluated using one – way ANOVA and Scheffe's Test. Results and Conclusion: Within the limitations of study it was concluded that enamel surfaces treated with calcium sucrose phosphate paste exhibited the least lesion depths followed by enamel surfaces treated with the novamin tooth paste and control group respectively.
Assessment of the Prevalence of Oral Habits in 3-6 Year Old School Going Children in Chandigarh Area
Authors: Verma Leena , Gupta Jyoti , Passi Sidhi
Published: October 2018

Aim: This study was designed to assessthe prevalence of various oral habits among 3-6 years old school childrenin Chandigarh Method: Fifteen different public schools were randomly selected among 45 public schools in Chandigarh area from where 938 children (3-6 yr) were randomly selected (511 boys and 427 girls) with the objectives of recording the prevalence of oral habits. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 10.0 software and the statistical significance of oral habits as related to age groups and sex were calculated by using ANOVA test. Results: The overall prevalence of oral habits in children was 11.7%. Nail biting was the commonest habit (5.5%) followed by thumb sucking (4.05%), tongue thrusting (1.8%), mouth breathing(0.3%) and lip biting(0%). Also, there were no significant differences between boys and girls with respect to prevalence of oral habits. However, a significant difference was observed between different age groups with respect to the prevalence of oral habits. Conclusions: The data revealed that a significant percentage of the children had deleterious oral habits which can contribute towards the development of malocclusion. This helps in identifying children who are in need to intercept the oral habits at earliest to avoid future occurrence of malocclusion.
NSAIDS (Non- Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs)- Their Effects and Side Effects in Orthodontic Therapy- A Review
Authors: Gargya Isha , Singh Baljeet , Talnia Sanjay
Published: October 2018

Orthodontic tooth movement(OTM) is a complex process involving physiologic processes resulting in remodelling changes in the paradental tissues which are essential in orthodontic correction of tooth position. Medications have an influence on tooth movement and information on their consumption is essential to discuss treatment planning with patients. Various drugs either prescribed by the clinician or consumed by the patients enter the circulation and may be inhibitory, additive or synergise with the movement of teeth. Tooth movement through the remeodelling of bone is regulated by prostaglandins(PG) which play a direct role in bone resorption and is adversely affected by the use of NSAIDs(Non- Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) with research and clinical experience suggesting that their use slows down tooth movement due to a reduction in the number of osteoclastic cells. Since tooth movement is the key principle behind orthodontic treatment, any factor affecting the biologic response towards applied mechanical force is deemed to affect orthodontic treatment duration as well as efficacy. The purpose of this review article is to update the clinician on the roleof most commonly used pharmaceutical drugs capable of affecting bone metabolism and rate of orthodontic tooth movement so that best therapeutic strategy can be formulated for an individual.
Triticum Aestivum(Wheat Grass); A Power House Plant - A Review
Authors: Hattarki Sanjeevini , Bogar Chetna.
Published: October 2018

Wheat Grass refers to the young grass of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum that is freshly juiced or dried into powder for animal and human consumption. Both provide chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. Wheat grass is a humble weed known as the powerhouse of nutrients and vitamins for the human body. In the form of fresh juice, it has high concentrations of chlorophyll, active enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients. The present review article focuses onto the use of wheatgrass in various disease conditions. It has shown potential anti inflammatory, anti oxidant and anti ageing property Since very few clinical studies have been done on this very promising herbal drug, efforts are needed to conduct extensive studies on the wheat grass both in experimental models and human subjects to develop wheat grass therapy with no side effects in prevention, cure and management of chronic diseases for which our modern systems have lost their hopes.
Increasing Age Is Not Independently Associated with Increased 30-Day Morbidity after Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Boddapati Venkat , Confino Jamie , Fu Michael , Duchman Kyle , Westermann Robert , Lynch T.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the 30-day postoperative complications after hip arthroscopy as a function of patient age. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005 to 2016 was used to identify all patients undergoing hip arthroscopy using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Disease codes. Patient characteristics and postoperative complications were compared in a retrospective cohort study with a level of evidence 3 across patient age cohorts using bivariate and multivariate analysis that corrected for differences in baseline patient characteristics. In total, 2,427 patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were identified. Of all identified patients, 667 (27.5%) were under 30 years of age, 596 (24.5%) were between 31 and 40, 599 (24.6%) were between 41 and 50, and 566 (23.3%) were older than 50. Chondroplasty, abrasion arthroplasty, and/or resection of the labrum were the most commonly performed procedures in all age groups. As age increased, patients were more likely to be female and have a higher body mass index, more medical comorbidities, a shorter operative duration, and a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class. The rate of any 30-day postoperative complication was 1.35% in patients under 30 years of age, 1.68% in patients between 31 and 40, 2.67% in patients between 41 and 50, and 5.12% in patients older than 50 (p < 0.001). Older patients also had a higher rate of deep surgical site infections and blood transfusions (p ≤ 0.001). However, no differences were identified with multivariate analysis. While older patients had higher short-term complications following hip arthroscopy, age alone was not an independent predictor of adverse outcomes. Further investigation is necessary to determine the risk factors associated with significant postoperative morbidity in older patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.
Effects of Repeated Bouts of Exercise on the Hemostatic System
Authors: van der Vorm Lisa , Huskens Dana , Kicken Cécile , Remijn Jasper , Roest Mark , de Laat Bas , Miszta Adam
Published: October 2018

Physical activity is beneficial for health, for example, by lowering the risk of cardiovascular events. However, vigorous exercise is associated with the occurrence of thromboembolic events and sudden cardiac death, in particular in untrained individuals. Whereas acute exercise is known to cause a hypercoagulable state, repeated exposure to (strenuous) exercise by means of training may actually condition the hemostatic response to exercise. To date, the effects of exercise training on blood coagulability and the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully discerned. In this review, the authors provide an overview of existing literature on how training programs and training status influence hemostasis in healthy individuals. Furthermore, they present data of a pilot study in which we studied the effects of repetitive submaximal intensity cycling on procoagulant and anticoagulant processes. It is known that factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) increase after exercise, but we found that this increase in FVIII and VWF (antigen, propeptide, and VWF in active conformation) was smaller on each of three subsequent days, suggesting either adaptation of endothelial activation or exhaustion of endothelial VWF supplies. With respect to thrombin generation, elevated FVIII significantly increased the thrombin generation peak but not the endogenous thrombin potential. In contrast, platelet activation in terms of P-selectin expression after stimulation with protease-activated receptor-1 and glycoprotein VI agonists decreased after exercise and did not recover, indicating exhaustion of the platelet response to repetitive exercise.
Synthetic diagnostic for electron cyclotron emission imaging
Authors: Chen M. , Zhu Y. , Luo C. , Shi L. , Tobias B. J. , Luhmann N. C.
Published: October 2018

Synthetic diagnostics are aimed at simulating the response of diagnostic systems under actual experimental scenarios and are the key to drawing quantitative inferences from experimental data. The synthetic Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) diagnostic is suitable for evaluation of the improvement arising from the application of Field Curvature Adjustment (FCA) lenses in the design of the upgraded Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) tokamak ECEI system. In previous ECEI systems, a curved image plane is inevitable in optics systems comprising only convex lenses, which leads to significant crosstalk between vertically adjacent channels and strongly limits the vertical channel resolution of the imaging system. The synthetic ECEI diagnostic results show that, with FCA lenses applied, the upgraded ECEI system has significant advantages to focus on high poloidal wavenumber structures with the aberrations from the spherical surfaces corrected and the various artifacts related to the field curvature suppressed. Also, the synthetic ECEI diagnostic is used for some quantitative calculations to partially decouple the effect of density fluctuations and temperature fluctuations for a given plasma.
Perspective: A review on memristive hardware for neuromorphic computation
Authors: Sung Changhyuck , Hwang Hyunsang , Yoo In Kyeong
Published: October 2018

Neuromorphic computation is one of the axes of parallel distributed processing, and memristor-based synaptic weight is considered as a key component of this type of computation. However, the material properties of memristors, including material related physics, are not yet matured. In parallel with memristors, CMOS based Graphics Processing Unit, Field Programmable Gate Array, and Application Specific Integrated Circuit are also being developed as dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) chips for fast computation. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the competitiveness of the memristor-based neuromorphic device in order to position the memristor in the appropriate position of the future AI ecosystem. In this article, the status of memristor-based neuromorphic computation was analyzed on the basis of papers and patents to identify the competitiveness of the memristor properties by reviewing industrial trends and academic pursuits. In addition, material issues and challenges are discussed for implementing the memristor-based neural processor.
Development of a time-of-flight low-energy neutral particle analyzer for EAST tokamak
Authors: Mu L. , Ding R. , Zhu Y. B. , Chen J. L. , Li S.
Published: October 2018

To understand the erosion effect of neutral particles on the first wall, a low energy neutral particle analyzer (LENPA), based on the time-of-flight method, has been developed for the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). The LENPA to be installed in the EAST mid-plane mainly consists of a chopper sub-system, a 3 m long flight tube, two sets of detector assemblies, and data acquisition and processing, vacuum, power supply, and control sub-systems. The neutral outflux is gated in bunches of 1 μs time scale by a slotted rotating disc which is driven by a vacuum compatible motor modified from a turbomolecular pump. A He–Ne laser beam is projected through the disc slit to record the instants of chopper slits opening with an avalanche photodiode module. An on-axis electron multiplier detects chopped neutrals, and a central perforated Cu–Be plate is employed to channel the emitted secondary electrons into an off-axis electron multiplier. The radiation peaks of on-axis electron multiplier caused by UV photons projected through the central hole of the Cu–Be plate provide an alternative way to record the chopper slits’ opening time. With an additional 4 TB fast memory card, 1 GS/s sampling rate has been realized by using a GaGe acquisition card continuously. The LENPA data from the EAST together with neutral particle material erosion experiments will be used to benchmark the simulation results for better predictions on future fusion reactors, such as ITER and China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR).
Research on discharge effect of solar array with power supply subjected to hypervelocity impact
Authors: Tang Enling , Zhao Liangliang , Liu Mei , Han Yafei
Published: October 2018

Plasma-induced discharge is an important effect on the solar array of orbiting space vehicles subjected to hypervelocity impact, which will pose a serious threat to the power supply system of spacecraft. The paper investigates experimentally the process that the projectile in various impact velocities and incidence angles impact on solar array with sandwich structure comprising of a coverglass, a silica gel and a 2A12 aluminum liner at the different positions. The electron temperature and density of the plasma were diagnosed by applying in independent-constructed Triple Langmuir Probe diagnostic system, meanwhile, the charging and discharge test system were also constructed by ourselves. Three sets of experiments have been performed by two-stage light gas gun loading system and related measurement system. Especially, residual velocity was measured when projectile pierced through the solar array with composite structure. Experimental results revealed the discharge causes based on stress wave theory, and the discharge current characteristics of a primary and a secondary discharge of solar array induced by hypervelocity impact were given through hypervelocity impact experiments. Finally, it will provide a valuable benchmark for the construction of solar array against space debris.
Impedance spectroscopy dependent water content detection in dynamic oil-water emulsions
Authors: Qing Meiyi , Liang Huaqing , Zhang Jinjun , Zhan Honglei
Published: October 2018

The water content in static crude emulsions has been extensively studied. However, the dynamic emulsions under shear conditions have a higher stability of the water content, primarily affecting the characteristics of the oil–water two-phase flow in the gathering lines. In this study, a dynamic apparatus was fabricated to investigate the impedance characteristics of water content in oil–water emulsions under the influence of the shear force. The characteristic frequency was proposed to describe the water content in a cubic function. The equivalent circuit model of emulsion has provided an explanation for the variation of the characteristic frequency is mainly caused by the capacitance with the increasing water content. The dynamic conditions have an effect on the electrical properties, which is related to the measurement of water content of the emulsion system. The characteristic function of water content can contribute to a quantitative characterization of the water content of dynamic crude oil, and promote the efficiency and safety of crude oil exploitation.
Investigation of LaAlO3-SrTiO3 field-effect transistors under hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Kuerten Lukas , Zabaleta Jone , Parks Sarah C. , Mannhart Jochen , Boschker Hans
Published: October 2018

We have manufactured oxide field-effect transistors using the electron system at the LaAlO3-SrTiO3 interface as a drain-source channel and measured the devices under a hydrostatic pressure of up to 1.8 GPa. These studies of oxide transistors in the high-pressure regime demonstrate remarkable stability of the devices against gate leakage and resilience to mechanical strain. They show that oxide transistors can be operated in a wide range of pressures and temperatures and open the road for future studies of oxide materials and their possible applications in electronics.
Lithium and gallium vacancies in LiGaO2 crystals
Authors: Lenyk C. A. , Holston M. S. , Kananen B. E. , Halliburton L. E. , Giles N. C.
Published: October 2018

Lithium gallate (LiGaO2) is a wide-band-gap semiconductor with an optical gap greater than 5.3 eV. When alloyed with ZnO, this material offers broad functionality for optical devices that generate, detect, and process light across much of the ultraviolet spectral region. In the present paper, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is used to identify and characterize neutral lithium vacancies (VLi0) and doubly ionized gallium vacancies (VGa2−) in LiGaO2 crystals. These S = 1/2 native defects are examples of acceptor-bound small polarons, where the unpaired spin (i.e., the hole) is localized on one oxygen ion adjacent to the vacancy. Singly ionized lithium vacancies (VLi−) are present in as-grown crystals and are converted to their paramagnetic state by above-band-gap photons (x rays are used in this study). Because there are very few gallium vacancies in as-grown crystals, a post-growth irradiation with high-energy electrons is used to produce the doubly ionized gallium vacancies (VGa2−). The EPR spectra allow us to establish detailed models for the two paramagnetic vacancies. Anisotropy in their g matrices is used to identify which of the oxygen ions adjacent to the vacancy has trapped the hole. Both spectra also have resolved structure due to hyperfine interactions with 69Ga and 71Ga nuclei. The VLi0 acceptor has nearly equal interactions with Ga nuclei at two Ga sites adjacent to the trapped hole, whereas the VGa2− acceptor has an interaction with Ga nuclei at only one adjacent Ga site.
Enhancement of Durability and Electrocatalytic Activity of Pt/C via CTAB-Modified Ultrathin Mesoporous Silica Coating for Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Xu Guodong , Huang Bing
Published: October 2018

An ultrathin mesoporous silica layer was directly coated onto Pt/C (Pt/C@mSiO2) using a cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)-modified Stöber method without introducing an intermediate layer. The stability of the synthesised Pt/C@mSiO2 was evaluated by the accelerated potential cycling test (APCT). The electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of the Pt/C@mSiO2 remained at 90 % while the ECSA of the Pt/C decreased to 51 % after APCT. Transmission electron microscopy images of the Pt/C and the Pt/C@mSiO2 before and after APCT suggest the silica coating effectively suppressed Pt aggregation. Furthermore, the Pt/C@mSiO2 exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation reaction than Pt/C.
Quantitative and functional posttranslational modification proteomics reveals that TREPH1 plays a role in plant touch-delayed bolting
Authors: Wang Kai , Yang Zhu , Qing Dongjin , Ren Feng , Liu Shichang , Zheng Qingsong , Liu Jun , Zhang Weiping , Dai Chen , Wu Madeline , Chehab E. Wassim , Braam Janet , Li Ning
Published: October 2018

Significance

Plants respond to a delicate force signal, such as a light touch, similar to animal neural systems, as demonstrated by thigmotropism, thigmonastic movement, and thigmomorphogenesis. To understand the force-signaling networks, we applied stable isotope labeling inArabidopsis(SILIA)-based quantitative posttranslational modification proteomics to assess protein phosphorylation changes inArabidopsissubjected to 40-second cotton-swab touch, identified 4,895 nonredundant phosphopeptides, 579 of which are previously unreported phosphosites derived from 509 phosphoprotein groups, and identified 24 TOUCH-REGULATED PHOSPHOPROTEIN (TREPH) groups. Molecular biological, genetic, and bioinformatic analyses revealed that the previously uncharacterized TREPH1 protein is required for the bolting-delay aspect of theArabidopsistouch response. These studies suggest that protein phosphorylation and the TREPH1 protein are critical for the mechanotransduction pathway leading to an aspect of plant thigmomorphogenesis.
Cubics in 10 variables vs. cubics in 1000 variables: Uniformity phenomena for bounded degree polynomials
Authors: Erman Daniel , Sam Steven , Snowden Andrew
Published: October 2018

Hilbert famously showed that polynomials in

n
n

variables are not too complicated, in various senses. For example, the Hilbert Syzygy Theorem shows that the process of resolving a module by free modules terminates in finitely many (in fact, at most

n
n

) steps, while the Hilbert Basis Theorem shows that the process of finding generators for an ideal also terminates in finitely many steps. These results laid the foundations for the modern algebraic study of polynomials.

Hilbert’s results are not uniform in

n
n

: unsurprisingly, polynomials in

n
n

variables will exhibit greater complexity as

n
n

increases. However, an array of recent work has shown that in a certain regime—namely, that where the number of polynomials and their degrees are fixed—the complexity of polynomials (in various senses) remains bounded even as the number of variables goes to infinity. We refer to this as Stillman uniformity, since Stillman’s conjecture provided the motivating example. The purpose of this paper is to give an exposition of Stillman uniformity, including the circle of ideas initiated by Ananyan and Hochster in their proof of Stillman’s conjecture, the followup results that clarified and expanded on those ideas, and the implications for understanding polynomials in many variables.
Phenotypic plasticity of floral volatiles in response to increasing drought stress
Authors: Campbell Diane R , Sosenski Paula , Raguso Robert A
Published: October 2018

Background and Aims

Flowers emit a wide range of volatile compounds which can be critically important to interactions with pollinators or herbivores. Yet most studies of how the environment influences plant volatiles focus on leaf emissions, with little known about abiotic sources of variation in floral volatiles. Understanding phenotypic plasticity in floral volatile emissions has become increasingly important with globally increasing temperatures and changes in drought frequency and severity. Here quantitative relationships of floral volatile emissions to soil water content were analysed.

Methods

Plants of the sub-alpine herb Ipomopsis aggregata and hybrids with its closest congener were subjected to a progressive dry down, mimicking the range of soil moistures experienced in the field. Floral volatiles and leaf gas exchange were measured at four time points during the drought.

Key Results

As the soil dried, floral volatile emissions increased overall and changed in composition, from more 1,3-octadiene and benzyl alcohol to higher representation of some terpenes. Emissions of individual compounds were not linearly related to volumetric water content in the soil. The dominant compound, the monoterpene α-pinene, made up the highest percentage of the scent mixture when soil moisture was intermediate. In contrast, emission of the sesquiterpene (E,E)-α-farnesene accelerated as the drought became more intense. Changes in floral volatiles did not track the time course of changes in photosynthetic rate or stomatal conductance.

Conclusions

This study shows responses of specific floral volatile organic compounds to soil moisture. The non-linear responses furthermore suggest that extreme droughts may have impacts that are not predictable from milder droughts. Floral volatiles are likely to change seasonally with early summer droughts in the Rocky Mountains, as well as over years as snowmelt becomes progressively earlier. Changes in water availability may have impacts on plant–animal interactions that are mediated through non-linear changes in floral volatiles.
Root system size response of bzh semi-dwarf oilseed rape hybrids to different nitrogen levels in the field
Authors: Schierholt Antje , Tietz Tina , Bienert Gerd Patrick , Gertz Andreas , Miersch Sebastian , Becker Heiko C
Published: October 2018

Background and Aims

In oilseed rape (Brassica napus) semi-dwarf hybrid varieties from crosses between bzh dwarf and normal-type lines are of increasing interest. They have improved nitrogen (N) uptake, N-utilization and N-use efficiency compared to normal types. This study aimed to elucidate whether these N-related effects can be explained by the bzh shoot growth-type alone or also by differences in root traits.

Methods

Root system size was measured using root electrical capacitance (EC) in field trials with two N levels in two sets of genotypes segregating for the bzh-locus: (1) 108 doubled haploid (DH) test hybrids in two seasons, 2010–2012, and (2) 16 near-isogenic hybrids in the 2016–17 season. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for root EC were estimated in DH test hybrids. Seedling root architecture parameters were monitored in vitro.

Key Results

In vitro root growth showed a higher root: shoot ratio in bzh semi-dwarf hybrids. Root EC in field trials was higher at high N supply than at zero N fertilization. In most trials semi-dwarf hybrids had higher EC than normal-type hybrids, but they reduced root EC in response to N limitation more than normal types. Root EC was more heritable at the end of flowering (h2 = 0.73) than at the beginning of flowering (h2 = 0.36) in near-isogenic hybrids and had a lower heritability in trials of DH test hybrids (h2 = 0.27). A QTL for root EC in the genomic region of the bzh-locus on linkage group A06 was significant at zero N fertilization.

Conclusions

Root EC proved to be a meaningful method in oilseed rape breeding programmes targeting root system size. The greater reduction of semi-dwarf root EC compared to the normal type under low N supply with simultaneous increase in N efficiency implies that in roots it is not a question of ‘the more the merrier’ and that the bzh root system reacts highly economically when N is scarce.
Size and contrast increase the divertive effect of eyespots
Authors: Kjernsmo Karin , Grönholm Miranda , Merilaita Sami
Published: October 2018

Recent studies have shown that some eyespots of prey divert the strikes of predators, increasing the likelihood of prey escape. However, little is known about what makes eyespots effective divertive (deflective) prey marks. The size of eyespots varies much both between and even within taxa. Yet, whether size is important for the divertive function of eyespots is unknown. Furthermore, eyespots have often been described as highly contrasting, but the effects of contrast on the divertive function of eyespots has never been tested experimentally. Using artificial prey and the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) as a model for predator cognition and behavior, we tested the importance of size as well as internal contrast for the divertive effect of eyespots. We independently increased the internal contrast and size of eyespots and found that both increased the divertive effect. The effect of size was significant over all 4 subsequent prey presentations, whereas the effect of contrast decreased after the initial presentations. These results suggest that the size and contrast of divertive marks are probably shaped by selection imposed by predation. We also discuss the involvement of predation in the seasonal and ontogenic plasticity of eyespots found in some taxa.
Short lifetime structures appearing in RNA and DNA
Authors: Nishigaki Koichi
Published: October 2018

The structure and function of unstable single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) have not been widely examined. While numerous studies have investigated DNA as an information molecule, the different potentials of DNA, particularly those of ssDNA, remain unclear. For polypeptides, the significance of denatured structures has been established in the past two decades. Polynucleotides have chemically distinct properties from polypeptides, but their behaviours have not been thoroughly studied. In this review, three different phenomena related to unstable ssDNA are discussed: i) ssDNA cleavage of restriction enzymes; ii) single-stranded conformation polymorphism, which can be theoretically explained by single-stranded conformation dynamics; and iii) random PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). These features can be utilized for scientific or technical applications. Previous studies showed that the phenomena exhibited by ssDNA were correctly understood only when unstable and transient structures were taken into account. Transient structures of ssDNA may have undiscovered functions governed by very rapid processes and/or multi-diversity states because of their intrinsic natures.
Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America: 2018 Update on Diagnosis, Treatment, Chemoprophylaxis, and Institutional Outbreak Management of Seasonal Influenzaa
Authors: Uyeki Timothy M , Bernstein Henry H , Bradley John S , Englund Janet A , File Thomas M , Fry Alicia M , Gravenstein Stefan , Hayden Frederick G , Harper Scott A , Hirshon Jon Mark , Ison Michael G , Johnston B Lynn , Knight Shandra L , McGeer Allison , Riley Laura E , Wolfe Cameron R , Alexander Paul E , Pavia Andrew T
Published: October 2018

These clinical practice guidelines are an update of the guidelines published by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) in 2009, prior to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. This document addresses new information regarding diagnostic testing, treatment and chemoprophylaxis with antiviral medications, and issues related to institutional outbreak management for seasonal influenza. It is intended for use by primary care clinicians, obstetricians, emergency medicine providers, hospitalists, laboratorians, and infectious disease specialists, as well as other clinicians managing patients with suspected or laboratory-confirmed influenza. The guidelines consider the care of children and adults, including special populations such as pregnant and postpartum women and immunocompromised patients.
Towards an Effective Syntax and a Generator for Deterministic Standard Regular Expressions
Authors: Xu Zhiwu , Lu Ping , Chen Haiming
Published: October 2018

Deterministic regular expressions are a core part of XML Schema and used in other applications. But unlike regular expressions, deterministic regular expressions do not have a simple syntax, instead they are defined in a semantic manner. Moreover, not every regular expression can be rewritten to an equivalent deterministic regular expression. These properties of deterministic regular expressions put a burden on the user to develop XML Schema Definitions and to use deterministic regular expressions. In this paper, we propose a syntax for deterministic standard regular expressions (DREGs), and prove that the syntax of DREGs is context-free. Based on the context-free grammars for DREGs, we further design a generator for DREGs, which can generate DREGs randomly, and be used in applications associated with DREGs, e.g. benchmarking a validator for DTD or XML Schema, and inclusion checking of DTD and XML Schema. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency and usefulness of the generator.
The Revd George Lewis: his life and collection
Authors: Ansorge Catherine
Published: October 2018

In 1727 the Revd George Lewis (c. 1663–1729) donated a wooden cabinet containing a diverse collection of items, including many manuscripts, to Cambridge University Library. Lewis was chaplain to the East India Company at Fort St George, Madras, 1692–1714 when the contents of the cabinet were collected. The cabinet and its contents are described, as are the interests and activities of Lewis, while in Fort St George. The manuscript collection is described in further detail and the ways in which it reflects Lewis’s own interests are assessed. This investigation throws new light on the Lewis collection, the man, his interests and his life.
“Normal Enough”: Paula Patton, Intellectually Disabled Immigrant Children, and the 1924 Immigration Act
Authors: Golden Janet , T. Duffy John
Published: October 2018

Focusing on immigration in the 1920s, we trace the history of efforts made on behalf of intellectually disabled children who entered the United States on bond during World War I and were subsequently given orders of deportation. Thanks to the activism of community members and ethnic organizations who brought federal lawsuits on their behalf and reached out to Congress and to Presidents Harding and Coolidge, the Immigration Act of 1924 permitted the secretary of labor to allow these young people to remain in the United States. We suggest the need to reconsider the chronology of activism on behalf of the disabled and argue that community skepticism about deportation deserves greater exploration. Finally, we note the challenges to medical authority posed by supporters of the intellectually disabled. Our analysis focuses on the example of Paula Patton, an intellectually disabled girl, and on Clara Kinley, the community activist who supported Paula’s effort to avoid deportation.
Adoption of Evidence-Based Medicine in Clinical Laboratory Science: A Survey of the Prevalence of Systematic and Narrative Reviews
Authors: Pearson Lauren N , Schmidt Robert L
Published: October 2018

Background

Systematic reviews (SRs) play a critical role in evidence-based medicine.

Objective

To determine the publication trends of SRs in clinical laboratory science (CLS).

Methods

We searched Scopus to identify all reviews published in the top 20 CLS journals during the past 10 years (2008–2017). We determined year of publication, review type (systematic vs narrative), citations, and whether the review was accompanied by a meta-analysis (MA).

Results

We identified 2934 reviews. Of these, 2833 (96.6%) were narrative reviews, and 98 (3.3%) were SRs. A total of 67 (66.3%) of the SRs were accompanied by a MA. Three journals accounted for 68 of 98 (69.4%) SRs. The percentage of SRs (relative to all reviews) has increased during the past decade (P = .01). SRs were more frequently published in high-impact journals (P <.001).

Conclusion

The publication rate of SRs in CLS journals has increased during the past decade.
Case-based review: atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor
Authors: Nesvick Cody L , Nageswara Rao Amulya A , Raghunathan Aditya , Biegel Jaclyn A , Daniels David J
Published: October 2018

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a rare CNS cancer that typically occurs in children younger than 3 years of age. Histologically, AT/RTs are embryonal tumors that contain a rhabdoid component as well as areas with primitive neuroectodermal, mesenchymal, and epithelial features. Compared to other CNS tumors of childhood, AT/RTs are characterized by their rapid growth, short symptomatic prodrome, and large size upon presentation, often leading to brain compression and intracranial hypertension requiring urgent intervention. For decades, the mainstay of care has been a combination of maximal safe surgical resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite advances in each of these modalities, the relative paucity of data on these tumors, their inherently aggressive course, and a lack of molecular data have limited advances in treatment over the past 3 decades. Recent large-scale, multicenter interdisciplinary studies, however, have significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these tumors. Multiple clinical trials testing molecularly targeted therapies are underway, offering hope for patients with AT/RT and their families.
Preliminary Validation of a Two-Point Estimation Task for the Measurement of Sensory Dissociation in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Adamczyk Wacław M , Sługocka Anna , Mehlich Krzysztof , Saulicz Edward , Luedtke Kerstin
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Sensory dissociation (SEDI), the discrepancy between perception and actual size or shape of a painful body part, is a frequently observed finding in patients with chronic low back pain. However, the current methods of evaluating SEDI have several limitations, such as a qualitative nature and weak evidence supporting their reliability. In the current study, the reliability of two versions (manual and verbal) of a novel test, a two-point estimation task (TPE), was investigated.

Methods

To perform the manual version of the task, patients estimated the distance between two tactile stimuli delivered to their back using callipers, whereas in the verbal version they verbally reported the estimated distance.

Results

The manual version of TPE showed greater interexaminer reliability than the verbal version, and the mean of the two repeated measurements was sufficient for reaching excellent reliability for the pain-free (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77–0.97) and painful (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.65–0.94) sides. Intra-examiner reliability was moderate to excellent (ICC = 0.66–0.96) for the manual version performed at the pain-free and painful sides. Distribution, duration, and intensity of pain significantly predicted SEDI and accounted for 42% of the total variance (corrected R2 = 0.42, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

TPE showed higher reliability coefficients compared with tools previously suggested in the literature and can therefore be used clinically and experimentally by one or more examiners. Further research is required to investigate the validity of this new test.
What is a Right Distal Fusion Level for Prevention of Sagittal Imbalance in Multilevel Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery: C7 or T1?
Authors: Choi Seung-Jin , Suk Kyung-Soo , Yang Jae-Ho , Kim Hak-Sun , Lee Hwan-Mo , Moon Seong-Hwan , Lee Byung-Ho , Park Sang-Jun
Published: October 2018

Study Design:

This was a retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To evaluate the sagittal alignment and T1 slope after multilevel posterior cervical fusion surgery depending on the distal fusion level; C7 or T1, and find out the appropriate distal fusion level.

Summary of Background Data:

The sagittal balance of the cervical spine is known to be affected by cervical lordosis and T1 slope. However, T1 slope is not a constant parameter that can be frequently changed after the surgery. Furthermore, useful studies to help guide surgeons in decision-making as to the most appropriate distal level of fusion for cervical sagittal balance are very limited.

Materials and Methods:

From 2014 to 2015, 50 patients who underwent multilevel posterior cervical fusion surgery were evaluated and followed up for >2 years. Group 1 was composed of 29 patients whose distal fusion level was C7. Group 2 was composed of 21 patients whose distal fusion level was T1. C1–C2 lordosis, C2–C7 lordosis, C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and T1 slope were measured on preoperative and the last follow-up.

Results:

In group 1, C2–C7 SVA (23.1→30.4 mm, P=0.043) was worsened, and T1 slope (22.3→32.9 degrees, P=0.001) was increased after the surgery. In group 2, no significant change occurred in C2–C7 SVA after the surgery (25.3 →23.6 mm, P=0.648). The last follow-up T1 slope was similar with preoperative T1 slope (22.7→21.8 degrees, P=0.04) in group 2.

Conclusions:

This study showed that sagittal alignment became worse after the multilevel posterior cervical surgery when distal fusion level was stopped at C7, which was associated with increase of T1 slope. However, when we extended the distal fusion level to T1, T1 slope was not changed after the surgery. Therefore, sagittal alignment was maintained after the surgery. On the basis of the results of this study, we recommend distal fusion extends to T1.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.