bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The origin of pterygotid eurypterids (Chelicerata: Eurypterida)
Authors: TETLIE O. ERIK , BRIGGS DEREK E. G.
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  The Silurian and Lower Devonian pterygotid eurypterids were the largest of all arthropods, but their origin and early evolution are poorly understood. Pterygotus? ventricosus from Kokomo, Indiana, is shown to be the most basal of the pterygotids and constitutes the sister taxon to the rest of the clade. P.? ventricosus has walking appendages similar to those of Slimonia, which is the sister taxon of pterygotids. There is no evidence in P.? ventricosus of the dorsal median pretelson carina characteristic of other pterygotids, but the taxon does have the typical pterygotid undivided genital appendage. The status of the iconic pterygotid character (and presumed synapomorphy), the enlargement of the chelicerae, is uncertain in the Kokomo pterygotid. All the diagnostic characters of pterygotids did not develop simultaneously. A new genus Ciurcopterus is erected to accommodate the Kokomo pterygotid and Pterygotus? sarlei Ciurca and Tetlie.
A 12.5‐kyr history of vegetation dynamics and mire development with evidence of Younger Dryas larch presence in the Verkhoyansk Mountains, East Siberia, Russia
Authors: WERNER KIRSTIN , TARASOV PAVEL E. , ANDREEV ANDREI A. , MÜLLER STEFANIE , KIENAST FRANK , ZECH MICHAEL , ZECH WOLFGANG , DIEKMANN BERNHARD
Published: September 2009

Werner, K., Tarasov, P. E., Andreev, A. A., Müller, S., Kienast, F., Zech, M., Zech, W. & Diekmann, B. 2009: A 12.5‐kyr history of vegetation dynamics and mire development with evidence of Younger Dryas larch presence in the Verkhoyansk Mountains, East Siberia, Russia. Boreas, 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2009.00116.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.

A 415 cm thick permafrost peat section from the Verkhoyansk Mountains was radiocarbon‐dated and studied using palaeobotanical and sedimentological approaches. Accumulation of organic‐rich sediment commenced in a former oxbow lake, detached from a Dyanushka River meander during the Younger Dryas stadial, at ∼12.5 kyr BP. Pollen data indicate that larch trees, shrub alder and dwarf birch were abundant in the vegetation at that time. Local presence of larch during the Younger Dryas is documented by well‐preserved and radiocarbon‐dated needles and cones. The early Holocene pollen assemblages reveal high percentages of Artemisia pollen, suggesting the presence of steppe‐like communities around the site, possibly in response to a relatively warm and dry climate ∼11.4–11.2 kyr BP. Both pollen and plant macrofossil data demonstrate that larch woods were common in the river valley. Remains of charcoal and pollen of Epilobium indicate fire events and mark a hiatus ∼11.0–8.7 kyr BP. Changes in peat properties, C31/C27 alkane ratios and radiocarbon dates suggest that two other hiatuses occurred ∼8.2–6.9 and ∼6.7–0.6 kyr BP. Prior to 0.6 kyr BP, a major fire destroyed the mire surface. The upper 60 cm of the studied section is composed of aeolian sands modified in the uppermost part by the modern soil formation. For the first time, local growth of larch during the Younger Dryas has been verified in the western foreland of the Verkhoyansk Mountains (∼170 km south of the Arctic Circle), thus increasing our understanding of the quick reforestation of northern Eurasia by the early Holocene.
The Importance of dQ/dt on the Flow Field in a Turbodynamic Pump With Pulsatile Flow
Authors: Shu Fangjun , Vandenberghe Stijn , Antaki James F.
Published: September 2009

Fluid dynamic analysis of turbodynamic blood pumps (TBPs) is often conducted under steady flow conditions. However, the preponderance of clinical applications for ventricular assistance involves unsteady, pulsatile flow—due to the residual contractility of the native heart. This study was undertaken to demonstrate the importance of pulsatility and the associated time derivative of the flow rate (dQ/dt) on hemodynamics within a clinical‐scale TBP. This was accomplished by performing flow visualization studies on a transparent model of a centrifugal TBP interposed within a cardiovascular simulator with controllable heart rate and stroke volume. Particle image velocimetry triggered to both the rotation angle of the impeller and phase of the cardiac cycle was used to quantify the velocity field in the outlet volute and in between the impeller blades for 16 phases of the cardiac cycle. Comparison of the unsteady flow fields to corresponding steady conditions at the same (instantaneous) flow rates revealed marked differences. In particular, deceleration of flow was found to promote separation within the outlet diffuser, while acceleration served to stabilize the velocity field. The notable differences between the acceleration and deceleration phases illustrated the prominence of inertial fluid forces. These studies emphasize the importance of dQ/dt as an independent variable for thorough preclinical validation of TBPs intended for use as a ventricular assist device.
Baroreflex Sensitivity of an Arterial Wall During Rotary Blood Pump Assistance
Authors: Yambe Tomoyuki , Imachi Kou , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Yamaguchi Tasuku , Shibata Mune‐ichi , Kameyama Takeshi , Yoshizawa Makoto , Sugita Norihiro
Published: September 2009

It is well known that the baroreflex system is one of the most important indicators of the pathophysiology in hypertensive patients. We can check the sensitivity of the baroreflex by observing heart rate (HR) responses; however, there is no simple diagnostic method to measure the arterial behavior in the baroreflex system. Presently, we report the development of a method and associated hardware that enables the diagnosis of baroreflex sensitivity by measuring the responses of both the heart and the artery. In this system, the measurements are obtained by monitoring an electrocardiogram and a pulse wave recorded from the radial artery or fingertip. The arterial responses were measured in terms of the pulse wave velocity (PWV) calculated from the pulse wave transmission time (PTT) from the heart to the artery. In this system, the HR change corresponding to the blood pressure change in time series sequence was observed. Slope of the changes in blood pressure and HR indicated the sensitivity of the baroreflex system of the heart. This system could also measure the sensitivity of the baroreflex system of an artery. Changes in the PWV in response to the blood pressure changes were observed. Significant correlation was observed in the time sequence between blood pressure change and PWV change after calculating the delay time by cross‐correlation. The slope of these parameter changes was easily obtained and it demonstrated the sensitivity of the baroreflex system of an artery. We evaluated this method in animal experiments using rotary blood pump (RBP) with undulation pump ventricular assist device, and PTT elongation was observed in response to increased blood pressure with RBP assistance. Furthermore, when tested clinically, decreased sensitivity of the baroreflex system in hypertensive patients was observed. This system may be useful when we consider the ideal treatment and follow‐up of patients with hypertension.
Glucose Depletion Enhances Sensitivity to Shear Stress‐induced Mechanical Damage in Red Blood Cells by Rotary Blood Pumps
Authors: Sakota Daisuke , Sakamoto Ryuki , Yokoyama Naoyuki , Kobayashi Mariko , Takatani Setsuo
Published: September 2009

The metabolic process in red blood cells (RBCs) is anaerobic. The life‐dependent adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for survival of cells is produced through glycolytic process. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the glucose level on the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and hemolysis rate during hemolysis study by rotary blood pumps. The shear stress generated by rotary blood pumps may enhance glucose utilization by RBCs with depletion of glucose affecting ATP production and, consequently, cell size, shape, and morphology. The shear stress increases metabolism of RBCs consuming more energy ATP which is produced anaerobically from glycolytic process. Hence, in the closed circuit testing of rotary blood pumps, depletion of glucose might occur after prolonged pumping, which in turn affects metabolic process of RBCs by changing their size, shape, and morphology. It is thus suggested to monitor and control the glucose level of the fluid that suspends RBCs depending on the study duration.
Relationship Between Avifaunal Occupancy and Riparian Vegetation in the Central Great Basin (Nevada, U.S.A.)
Authors: Dickson Brett G. , Fleishman Erica , Dobkin David S. , Hurteau Sarah R.
Published: September 2009

In western North America, riparian vegetation is being lost in response to changes in land use and climate. We examined the relationship between obligate riparian species of songbirds and environmental and riparian habitat factors in three mountain ranges in the central Great Basin (Nevada, U.S.A.). We estimated patterns of occupancy, colonization, and local extinction for three species detected during the breeding seasons of 2001–2006: MacGillivray's Warbler (Oporornis tolmiei), Broad‐tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus), and Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia). We used model selection and multimodel inference to identify functional relationships between the occupancy of each species and multiple habitat variables, including the structure and composition of riparian vegetation. Among all years and species, we observed considerable variation in estimates of detection probability. For MacGillivray's Warbler, annual occupancy rates were relatively constant. Occupancy rates for Broad‐tailed Hummingbird and Song Sparrow increased during the first 3–4 years of our study and then decreased. Each species experienced its highest rate of local extinction during 2005. Different components of riparian vegetation were good predictors of occupancy, colonization, and local extinction for each species. Typically, elevation and latitude also were strong predictors. Establishing functional relationships between avifauna and vegetation is essential to predicting how land‐cover change may affect the occupancy of riparian areas and other habitats for birds. The conservation of breeding birds in riparian areas in the central Great Basin is more likely to succeed if the quality of their understory habitat as well as the canopy is maintained and restored.
Effects of Ethanol on Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Arzumanyan Alla , Anni Helen , Rubin Raphael , Rubin Emanuel
Published: September 2009

Background:  Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) reflects a constellation of congenital abnormalities caused by excess maternal consumption of alcohol. It is likely that interference with embryonic development plays a role in the pathogenesis of the disorder. Ethanol‐induced apoptosis has been suggested as a causal factor in the genesis of FAS. Mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells are pluripotent cells that differentiate in vitro to cell aggregates termed embryoid bodies (EBs), wherein differentiation capacity and gene expression profile are similar to those of the early embryo.

Methods:  To investigate the effects of ethanol during differentiation, mES cells were cultured on a gelatin surface in the presence of leukemia inhibitory factor which maintains adherent undifferentiated cells or in suspension to promote formation of EBs. All cells were treated (1–6 days) with 80 mM ethanol. The pluripotency and differentiation of mES cells were evaluated by western blotting of stage‐specific embryonic antigen (SSEA‐1), transcription factors Oct‐3/4, Sox‐2, and Nanog, using alkaline phosphatase staining. Apoptosis (early to late stages) was assessed by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting using TdT‐mediated biotin–dUTP nick‐end labelling assay and fluorescein isothiocyanate‐Annexin V/propidium iodide staining.

Results:  Ethanol increased apoptosis during in vitro differentiation of mES cells to EBs, whereas undifferentiated cells were not affected. Ethanol exposure also interfered with pluripotency marker patterns causing an upregulation of SSEA‐1 under self‐renewal conditions. In EBs, ethanol delayed the downregulation of SSEA‐1 and affected the regulation of transcription factors during differentiation.

Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that ethanol may contribute to the pathogenesis of FAS by triggering apoptotic pathways during differentiation of embryonic stem cells and deregulating early stages of embryogenesis.
Identification of New Keynesian Phillips Curves from a Global Perspective
Authors: DEES STEPHANE , PESARAN M. HASHEM , SMITH L. VANESSA , SMITH RON P.
Published: September 2009

This paper is concerned with the estimation of New Keynesian Phillips Curves (NKPC) and focuses on two issues: the weak instrument problem and the characterization of the steady states. It proposes some solutions from a global perspective. Using a global vector autoregressive (GVAR) model steady states are estimated as long‐horizon expectations and valid instruments are constructed from the global variables as weighted averages. The proposed estimation strategy is illustrated using estimates of the NKPC for eight developed industrial countries. The GVAR generates global factors that are valid instruments and help alleviate the weak instrument problem. The steady states also reflect global influences and any long‐run theoretical relationships that might prevail within and across countries in the global economy. The GVAR measure of the steady state performed better than the HP measure, and the use of foreign instruments substantially increased the precision of the estimates of the output coefficient.
Jihad and Just War Theory: Dissonance and Truth
Authors: Amjad‐Ali Charles W.
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  The Christian tradition of just war does not have a New Testament foundation but is a tradition that developed after the conversion of Constantine and Christianity's emergence as the state religion of the empire. In Islam, however, just war has been an issue since its foundational period, because while Christianity did not get involved in statecraft until Constantine, Islam dates its calendar literally from the establishment of the first statecraft in Medina. However, distortion of this tradition has occurred in both religions: we have a distorted justification of just war tradition in Christianity, and a distorted understanding of jihad as simply a holy war in Islam. This paper tries to deconstruct both these traditions and create a new hermeneutics for contemporary times.
Resurrection Debates: Qur’anic Discourse and Arabic Christian Apology
Authors: Swanson Mark N.
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  That God will raise the dead is a conviction of Christians and Muslims alike. The Qur’an proclaims and defends the reality of the general resurrection; Christian theologians who lived in the Islamic world attempted to make an apology for the career of Jesus by narrating it as a divine demonstration of that reality. This article provides an exegesis of the resurrection‐discourse of one surah of the Qur’an; summarizes a Christian‐Muslim discussion about the death and resurrection of Jesus from the ninth century; and offers suggestions for how Christians and Muslims might learn from one another in the 21st century.
Renal dysfunction due to leukemic infiltration of kidneys in a case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: FERREIRA Ana Carina , BRUM Sandra , CARVALHO Dulce , PATACA Isabel , CARVALHO Fernanda , SANTOS Maria Céu , SANTOS João Ribeiro
Published: September 2009

Renal failure due to leukemic infiltration of kidney in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is an extremely rare condition. The authors report a case of a 59‐year‐old white female, with a past medical history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with 2 years of evolution without medical therapy, admitted with nonoliguric acute renal failure needing dialysis. Renal biopsy showed extensive small lymphocytes' infiltration in the cortical interstitium by CLL cells. Cyclophosphamide and prednisolone were started and 1 month later changed to fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide with improvement of renal function. Although renal failure due to leukemic infiltration has been described in many cases of acute leukemia, only 11 cases of renal failure due to CLL cells' infiltration have been described in the literature. Renal histology is an extremely important tool to confirm diagnosis.
Hemodialysis access at initiation in the United States, 2005 to 2007: Still “Catheter First”
Authors: FOLEY Robert N. , CHEN Shu‐Cheng , COLLINS Allan J.
Published: September 2009

Despite the broad consensus that native arteriovenous fistula is the access of choice for hemodialysis, national‐level information about vascular access at dialysis initiation has been unavailable in the United States. For incident hemodialysis patients, June 2005 to October 2007 (n=220,157), vascular access type was determined from the new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medical Evidence Report (form CMS‐2728). Proportions with each type at first dialysis, demographic and clinical associations of each type, and associations between initial access type and survival were assessed. The mean patient age was 63.6 years; 29.4% of patients were African American, and for 44.5%, end‐stage renal disease was due to diabetes. Vascular access proportions were: fistula, 13.2% of patients; graft, 4.3%; catheter/maturing fistula, 16.0%; catheter/maturing graft, 3.3%; and catheter alone, 63.2%. Adjusted odds ratios (vs. fistula) of catheter use alone were ≥1.50 for lack of insurance (1.62 [95% confidence interval 1.62–1.68]), nephrologist care for 0 to 12 months (2.75 [2.69–2.81]), other (2.19 [2.09–2.29]), or unknown (1.53 [1.44–1.63]) cause of renal disease, institutional residence (1.51 [1.45–1.57]), and 7 of 18 end‐stage renal disease networks. Over a mean follow‐up of 1 year, 26.0% of the study population died. Compared with fistula, adjusted mortality hazards ratios were 1.39 (1.32–1.47) for grafts, 1.49 (1.44–1.55) for catheters/maturing fistulas, 1.74 (1.65–1.84) for catheters/maturing grafts, and 2.18 (2.11–2.26) for catheters alone. While geographic variability is pronounced, vascular access at dialysis inception is typically suboptimal; suboptimal access exhibits a graded association with mortality. Lack of timely access to specialty care appears to limit optimal access.
Streptococcus bovis bacteremia related to colon adenoma in a chronic hemodialysis patient
Authors: KAHVECI Arzu , ARI Elif , ARIKAN Hakki , KOC Mehmet , TUGLULAR Serhan , OZENER Cetin
Published: September 2009

We report the case of a 54‐year‐old hemodialysis patient who presented with recurrent fever due to Streptococcus bovis bacteremia related to colonic tubulovillous adenoma. Following polypectomy and broad‐spectrum antibiotic therapy, the patient totally recovered. In this paper, we discussed the relation between S. bovis bacteremia, colonic adenomas, and hemodialysis. Awareness of this association is critical for early diagnosis and management.
Atypical apocrine proliferation involving anogenital mammary‐like glands of the perianal region
Authors: Charfi Slim , Sevestre Henri , Dumont Frederic , Regimbeau Jean‐Marc , Chatelain Denis
Published: September 2009

Anogenital mammary‐like glands (MLGs) are a normal constituent of the anogenital area showing similarities to breast glands. MLGs are recognized to be the possible origin for various neoplastic and reactive conditions that show homology to their mammary counterparts. We report the case of an 85‐year‐old woman presenting with 10 cm polypoid mass of the perianal region. Histopathological examination of the excised lesion showed atypical apocrine proliferation arising in a complex lesion with features of fibroadenoma, adenosis and hyperplastic and cystic change. Normal MLGs were observed at the tumor periphery. There was no recurrence after 3 years of follow up. This report represents an illustration of the complexity of lesions developed from MLG.
Serum levels of IL‐18 and sIL‐2R in patients with alopecia areata receiving combined therapy with oral cyclosporine and steroids
Authors: Lee Deborah , Hong Soon‐Kwon , Park Sung‐Wook , Hur Dae‐Young , Shon Ji‐Hong , Shin Jae‐Gook , Hwang Seon‐Wook , Sung Ho‐Suk
Published: September 2009

Please cite this paper as: Serum levels of IL‐18 and sIL‐2R in patients with alopecia areata receiving combined therapy with oral cyclosporine and steroids. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 145–147.

Abstract:  This study was to determine which immunologic factors contribute to the prognosis of patients with alopecia areata (AA) who were receiving oral cyclosporine A and methylprednisolone. Patients with >25% hair regrowth were defined as responders, and patients exhibiting ≤25% regrowth were poor‐responders. The serum levels of IL‐18 and soluble IL‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R) were measured at baseline in 21 patients with AA and 22 control subjects. The mean serum level of IL‐18 in the patients with extensive AA was significantly higher than that in the control subjects. The mean serum concentration of sIL‐2R in the AA patients significantly decreased after 1 month of treatment. The mean basal serum level of IL‐18 was highest in the responder, whereas the baseline level of sIL‐2R was significantly higher in the poor‐responder group than other groups. In conclusion, increased serum sIL‐2R level and lower IL‐18 level at baseline was associated with a poor prognosis in patients with AA.
Application of stereology to dermatological research
Authors: Kamp Søren , Jemec Gregor Borut Ernst , Kemp Kåre , Kjeldsen Cecilia Rosada , Stenderup Karin , Pakkenberg Bente , Dam Tomas Norman
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  Stereology is a set of mathematical and statistical tools to estimate three‐dimensional (3‐D) characteristics of objects from regular two‐dimensional (2‐D) sections. In medicine and biology, it can be used to estimate features such as cell volume, cell membrane surface area, total length of blood vessels per volume tissue and total number of cells. The unbiased quantification of these 3‐D features allows for a better understanding of morphology in vivo compared with 2‐D methods. This review provides an introduction to the field of stereology with specific emphasis on the application of stereology to dermatological research by supplying a short insight into the theoretical basis behind the technique and presenting previous dermatological studies in which stereology was an integral part. Both the theory supporting stereology and a practical approach in a dermatological setting are reviewed with the aim to provide the reader with the capability to better assess papers employing stereological estimators and to design stereological studies independently.
Large scale study of epidermal recovery after stratum corneum removal: dynamics of genomic response
Authors: Sextius Peggy , Marionnet Claire , Bon Francois‐Xavier , Chapelle Albane Lamy de La , Tacheau Charlotte , Lahfa Morad , Mauviel Alain , Bernard Bruno A. , Leclaire Jacques , Bernerd Francoise , Dubertret Louis
Published: September 2009

Please cite this paper as: Large scale study of epidermal recovery after stratum corneum removal: dynamics of genomic response. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 259–268.

Abstract:  The stratum corneum (SC) is a superficial skin compartment that protects the body from the outside environment. Any disturbance of this function induces cascading steps of molecular and cellular repair in the whole epidermis. The aim of this study was to investigate epidermal gene expression following SC removal by tape stripping. Twenty‐nine healthy male volunteers were included (27 ± 4 years old). Tape stripping was processed on one inner forearm, the other unstripped forearm served as a control. Epidermis samples were collected at 2, 6, 19, 30 and 72 h after tape stripping. Trans‐epidermal water loss measurements were performed at each step to monitor barrier restoration. Total RNA was extracted from collected epidermis samples and analysed by using DermArray® cDNA microarrays. Among 4000 genes under investigation, we found that the expression of 370 genes varied significantly at least once during the time following stripping. Using an original clustering method, the modulated genes were gathered into eight groups. A functional characterization of the clusters enabled us to get a dynamic and global view of the main molecular processes taking place during epidermal recovery.
Fetuin‐A promotes primary keratinocyte migration: independent of epidermal growth factor receptor signalling
Authors: Wang Xue‐Qing , Hung Betsy S. , Kempf Margit , Liu Pei‐Yun , Dalley Andrew J. , Saunders Nicholas A. , Kimble Roy M.
Published: September 2009

Please cite this paper as: Fetuin‐A promotes primary keratinocyte migration: independent of epidermal growth factor receptor signalling. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e289–e292.

Abstract:  Previously, we reported that fetuin‐A is a major component of ovine foetal skin and significantly enhances ‘wound closure’ in primary keratinocyte cultures. In this study, we found that in human newborn foreskin, a high level of fetuin‐A protein is detected throughout the dermis. However, in adult skin a low level of fetuin‐A is observed throughout the epidermal and dermal layers, except at regions surrounding hair follicles and at the epidermal‐dermal junction where the level of fetuin‐A is relatively high. Fetuin‐A significantly induces actin‐rich protrusions in human primary keratinocytes. Interestingly, blockade of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor signalling has a limited effect on fetuin‐A promoted ‘wound closure’ on primary human keratinocytes, but significantly inhibits fetuin‐A’s effect on HaCaT cells. These results indicate that high levels of fetuin‐A may partially contribute to less scar formation in newborn foreskin and that the effect of fetuin‐A on primary keratinocyte migration is independent of EGF receptor signalling.
Does endodontic post space irrigation affect smear layer removal and bonding effectiveness?
Authors: Gu Xin‐Hua , Mao Cai‐Yun , Liang Cong , Wang Hui‐Ming , Kern Matthias
Published: September 2009

The effect of different post space irrigants on smear layer removal and dentin bond strength was evaluated. Sixty‐six extracted sound maxillary central incisors were endodontically treated. After post space preparation, the teeth were assigned to three groups of 22 teeth each. The teeth of these three groups were irrigated for 1 min with 17% ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) (group 1), 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (group 2), or 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) (group 3). In each group, eight specimens were split longitudinally for smear layer evaluation, and the other fourteen specimens were filled with a self‐etching adhesive system (Panavia F). Four of 14 specimens of each group were prepared for evaluation of the resin–dentin interdiffusion zone (RDIZ) and resin tags, and the other 10 specimens were serially sectioned for push‐out test analysis. Smear layer removal and bond strength were affected by different post space irrigants. EDTA removed the smear layer extremely effectively and, as a result, improved the bond strength at each region (apical, middle, and coronal) of the roots. Resin tag formation and the RDIZ were also affected by different irrigants and in accordance with bond strength. Therefore, removal of the smear layer use a self‐etching luting system plays an important role in bonding effectiveness.
Influence of chlorhexidine digluconate concentration and application time on resin–dentin bond strength durability
Authors: Loguercio Alessandro D. , Stanislawczuk Rodrigo , Polli Luceli G. , Costa Jully A. , Michel Milton D. , Reis Alessandra
Published: September 2009

Although it is known that chlorhexidine application may preserve resin–dentin bonds from degradation, the lowest optimal concentration and application time have yet to be established. This study evaluated the effects of different concentrations of chlorhexidine digluconate and different application times on the preservation of resin–dentin bonds formed using two etch‐and‐rinse adhesives. In experiment 1, after acid etching, the occlusal demineralized dentin was rewetted either with water or with 0.002, 0.02, 0.2, 2, or 4% chlorhexidine for 60 s. In experiment 2, the surfaces were rewetted with water, or with 0.002% or 2% chlorhexidine for 15 or 60 s. After this, both adhesives and composite resin were applied and light‐cured. Bonded sticks (0.8 mm2) were tested under tension (0.5 mm min−1) immediately or after 6 months of storage in water. Two bonded sticks from each tooth were immersed in silver nitrate and analyzed quantitatively using scanning electron microscopy. Reductions in microtensile bond strengths and higher silver nitrate uptake were observed for both adhesives when the rewetting procedure was performed with water. Stable bonds were maintained for up to 6 months under all chlorhexidine conditions tested, irrespective of the chlorhexidine concentration and application time. The use of 0.002% chlorhexidine for 15 s seems to be sufficient to preserve resin–dentin interfaces over a 6‐month period.
Consequences for enamel development and mineralization resulting from loss of function of ameloblastin or enamelin
Authors: Smith Charles E. , Wazen Rima , Hu Yuanyuan , Zalzal Sylvia F. , Nanci Antonio , Simmer James P. , Hu Jan C‐C.
Published: September 2009

Although the nonamelogenin proteins, ameloblastin and enamelin, are both low‐abundance and rapidly degrading components of forming enamel, they seem to serve essential developmental functions, as suggested by findings that an enamel layer fails to appear on teeth of mice genetically engineered to produce either a truncated form of ameloblastin (exons 5 and 6 deleted) or no enamelin at all (null). The purpose of this study was to characterize, by direct micro weighing, changes in enamel mineralization occurring on maxillary and mandibular incisors of mice bred for these alterations in nonamelogenin function (Ambn+/+,+/−5,6,−5,6/−5,6,Enam+/+,+/−,−/−). The results indicated similar changes to enamel‐mineralization patterns within the altered genotypes, including significant decreases by as much as 50% in the mineral content of maturing enamel from heterozygous mice and the formation of a thin, crusty, and disorganized mineralized layer, rather than true enamel, on the labial (occlusal) surfaces of incisors and molars along with ectopic calcifications within enamel organ cells inAmbn−5,6/−5,6andEnam−/−homozygous mice. These findings confirm that both ameloblastin and enamelin are required by ameloblasts to create an enamel layer by appositional growth as well as to assist in achieving its unique high level of mineralization.
Effectiveness of bonding fiber posts to root canals and composite core build‐ups
Authors: Rathke Andreas , Haj‐Omer Dima , Muche Rainer , Haller Bernd
Published: September 2009

This study investigated the effects of fiber posts, silanization, and luting agents on the interfacial strength to root dentin and composite cores. Root canals of 120 crownless human teeth were instrumented. Three different posts (opaque and translucent), with and without silane treatment, were bonded using etch‐and‐rinse, self‐etch, and self‐adhesive luting agents. The restored roots were built up with dual‐curing composite. After storage in water for 24 h at 37°C, 2‐mm‐thick slices were cut from each sample: one from the composite core and one from the restored root. Interfacial push‐out bond strengths of the posts were determined in a universal testing machine. Failure modes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The post type and the luting agent had significant effects on both the post‐to‐dentin and post‐to‐core strengths. Silanization did not significantly influence post‐to‐dentin strengths, but enhanced post‐to‐core strengths. With etch‐and‐rinse luting agents, debonding occurred predominantly between the post and the cement, while the self‐etch and self‐adhesive luting agents showed more failures on root dentin. No failures occurred between the composite core and the cement. The combination of translucent posts and etch‐and‐rinse dual‐curing luting agents can positively influence the retention of fiber posts in root canals. Silanization seems to be less relevant for intra‐root canal bonding, but may have beneficial effects on post‐to‐core strengths.
Arrestin‐Mediated Endocytosis of Yeast Plasma Membrane Transporters
Authors: Nikko Elina , Pelham Hugh R. B.
Published: September 2009

Many plasma membrane transporters in yeast are endocytosed in response to excess substrate or certain stresses and degraded in the vacuole. Endocytosis invariably requires ubiquitination by the HECT domain ligase Rsp5. In the cases of the manganese transporter Smf1 and the amino acid transporters Can1, Lyp1 and Mup1 it has been shown that ubiquitination is mediated by arrestin‐like adaptor proteins that bind to Rsp5 and recognize specific transporters. As yeast contains a large family of arrestins, this has been suggested as a general model for transporter regulation; however, analysis is complicated by redundancy amongst the arrestins. We have tested this model by removing all the arrestins and examining the requirements for endocytosis of four more transporters, Itr1 (inositol), Hxt6 (glucose), Fur4 (uracil) and Tat2 (tryptophan). This reveals functions for the arrestins Art5/Ygr068c and Art4/Rod1, and additional roles for Art1/Ldb19, Art2/Ecm21 and Art8/Csr2. It also reveals functional redundancy between arrestins and the arrestin‐like adaptors Bul1 and Bul2. In addition, we show that delivery to the vacuole often requires multiple additional ubiquitin ligases or adaptors, including the RING domain ligase Pib1, and the adaptors Bsd2, Ear1 and Ssh4, some acting redundantly. We discuss the similarities and differences in the requirements for regulation of different transporters.
Scintigraphic evaluation of metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in clinically sound horses
Authors: Weekes Jo S. , Murray Rachel C. , Dyson Sue J.
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of radiopharmaceutical uptake in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) (fetlock) joints in clinically sound horses. Scintigraphic images from 29 clinically normal horses were evaluated. All the images were assessed subjectively. The lateral views were assessed quantitatively using vertical line profiles through the center of the joint, and mean ratios of radiopharmaceutical uptake were calculated from regions of interest around the third metacarpal or metatarsal bones, and the proximal phalanx and proximal sesamoid bones. From the vertical line profiles, in the majority of forelimbs (65%) the peak activity of radiopharmaceutical distribution was at the proximal region of the proximal phalanx, with a significantly lower activity within the condyles of the third metacarpal bone. However, in 84% of hindlimbs there was a broader profile peak incorporating the condyles of the third metatarsal bone and the proximal aspect of the proximal phalanx, indicating a more generalized even uptake of radiopharmaceutical across the MTP joint. When the regions of interest were compared between front and hindlimbs, there was no significant difference between proximal phalanx and proximal sesamoid bones, but the distal condyles of the third metacarpal bone of the forelimb had significantly lower radiopharmaceutical activity than hindlimbs (P<0.04). In lateral images, the mean forelimb ratios tended to be higher in the left MCP joint compared with the right (P=0.069). In hindlimbs, the mean ratios tended to be higher in the right MTP joint than the left (P=0.052). There was no significant effect of age.
Development of a Japanese Version of the Care Planning Assessment Tool
Authors: Kanegae Sumiko , Koizumi Shunzo , Fleming Richard , Ichimaru Norimi , Nagashio Tomoko
Published: September 2009

Aim:  To develop a Japanese version of the Care Planning Assessment Tool (J‐CPAT), originally developed in Australia as a comprehensive assessment of people with dementia.

Methods:  The process of adapting the CPAT into Japanese included translation into Japanese, assessment of item comprehension, and a validity and reliability study. The J‐CPAT is composed of eight domains: Communication, physical problems, self‐help skills, confusion, behaviour, social interaction, psychiatric observations and carer dependency. The participants were 199 aged care clients. Measures were the J‐CPAT, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Care Levels used in the Long‐term Care Insurance scheme.

Results:  Cronbach's alpha values in each J‐CPAT domain were 0.74–0.95. The correlation coefficient between the score of Confusion and MMSE was −0.90, and those between physical problems, self‐help skills, carer dependency in the J‐CPAT, and care level were 0.70, 0.75 and 0.67.

Conclusions:  The J‐CPAT appears to be a reliable and valid tool for care planning in Japan.
Mechanisms of obesity and related pathology: linking immune responses to metabolic stress
Authors: Karalis Katia P. , Giannogonas Panagiotis , Kodela Elisavet , Koutmani Yassemi , Zoumakis Manolis , Teli Thalia
Published: September 2009

There is a tightly regulated interaction, which is well‐conserved in evolution, between the metabolic and immune systems that is deranged in states of over‐ or under‐nutrition. Obesity, an energy‐rich condition, is characterized by the activation of an inflammatory process in metabolically active sites such as adipose tissue, liver and immune cells. The consequence of this response is a sharp increase in circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines, adipokines and other inflammatory markers. Activation of the immune response in obesity is mediated by specific signaling pathways, with Jun N‐terminal kinase and IκB kinase β/nuclear factor κ‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells being the most well studied. It is known that the above events modify insulin signaling and result in the development of insulin resistance. The nutrient overload characterizing obesity is a metabolic stressor associated with intracellular organelle (e.g. the endoplasmic reticulum) stress. The exact characterization of the series of events and the mechanisms that integrate the inflammatory response with metabolic homeostasis at the cellular and systemic level is a very active research field. In this minireview, we discuss the signaling pathways and molecules associated with the development of obesity‐induced inflammation, as well as the evidence that supports a critical role for the stress response in this process.
Patient and Partner Satisfaction after AMS Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Implant
Authors: Bettocchi Carlo , Palumbo Fabrizio , Spilotros Marco , Lucarelli Giuseppe , Palazzo Silvano , Battaglia Michele , Selvaggi Francesco Paolo , Ditonno Pasquale
Published: September 2009

Introduction

The implantation of penile prostheses is an effective option for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), and nowadays it is used to treat those cases where pharmacological agents have not provided a useful result.

Aims

The primary aim of the present study was to verify the patient and their partner’s satisfaction, in 80 patients who underwent AMS CX 700 prostheses implant in a single center, by the same surgeon, in the period between 2004 and 2008.

Methods

In the period between March 2004 and May 2008, 80 penile prostheses implantations have been performed. Any information regarding patients has been retrospectively collected consulting their case histories stored in our archive. Each patient was followed postoperatively, and surgical complications were recorded.

Main Outcome Measure

All the patients entered in this study were contacted by phone by a single operator who asked for their consent to collect information regarding their operation, the use of the prostheses, and the couple satisfaction. Once the consent was obtained, a nine-point questionnaire was administered.

Results

Seventy-six patients (97%) affirmed to use penile prostheses frequently. Fifty-four patients (69%) and 70 partners (90%) affirmed that they never had problems with the use of the prosthesis and they considered themselves satisfied. Sixty-two patients (79%) answered that this therapeutic method has led to evident improvements in their sexual life. Sixty-two patients (79%) gave a score equal or major than seven and sixty-four partners (82%) gave a score equal or major than seven. All but two patients (97%) reported they would suggest this treatment to other people.

Conclusions

Penile prosthetic surgery constitutes a valid therapeutic alternative, capable of modifying the prognosis and the course of ED. This consideration is emphasized by the high rate of patients and partner’s satisfaction emerged in our series and in literature.
Large‐Scale Mapping of Hard‐Rock Aquifer Properties Applied to Burkina Faso
Authors: Courtois Nathalie , Lachassagne Patrick , Wyns Robert , Blanchin Raymonde , Bougaïré Francis D. , Somé Sylvain , Tapsoba Aïssata
Published: September 2009

A country‐scale (1:1,000,000) methodology has been developed for hydrogeologic mapping of hard‐rock aquifers (granitic and metamorphic rocks) of the type that underlie a large part of the African continent. The method is based on quantifying the “useful thickness” and hydrodynamic properties of such aquifers and uses a recent conceptual model developed for this hydrogeologic context. This model links hydrodynamic parameters (transmissivity, storativity) to lithology and the geometry of the various layers constituting a weathering profile. The country‐scale hydrogeological mapping was implemented in Burkina Faso, where a recent 1:1,000,000‐scale digital geological map and a database of some 16,000 water wells were used to evaluate the methodology.
Anthropo‐entomophagy: Cultures, evolution and sustainability
Authors: RAMOS‐ELORDUY Julieta
Published: September 2009

Environmental cycles and human factors have altered ecosystems throughout the world. Natural resources have acquired high value because they are important to life and the survival of human beings. Among these resources are edible insects. They have many important features and, to date, up to 2086 species are consumed by 3071 ethnic groups. Rural people, who primarily search, gather, fix, commercialize and store this important natural resource, do not exterminate them. This is because rural people exploit only the central part of the insects' population curves. Nonetheless, some species are overexploited. Anthropo‐entomophagy (eating of insects by humans) constitutes a major source of nutrition and these foods are eaten in 130 countries, with the African and American continents being the most entomophagous until now. It exists in protocultures (care is given to the edible insect species) and formal cultures, such as in Mexico, which date back to prehisphanic times. According to anthropologists the “saving gene theory” is based on insect ingestion, which, since the Paleolithic era, has given human beings reproductive success. The evolution of anthropo‐entomophagy has been achieved in many ways, from the point of view of collection, fixing, marketing and consumption, and for the insects' organoleptical qualities. The sustainability of these species is fundamental; therefore, it is necessary to take certain measures for species conservation. In Mexico, more than 100 species of edible insects have been tested for their sustainability over 500 years, from the Spanish conquest to the present.
Cephalanthera exiguarediscovered: new insights in the taxonomy, habitat requirements and breeding system of a rare mycoheterotrophic orchid
Authors: Pedersen Henrik Æ. , Watthana Santi , Roy Mélanie , Suddee Somran , Selosse Marc‐André
Published: September 2009

Five mycoheterotrophic species ofCephalantherahave been proposed from tropical Asia. Until recently, all of them were only known from the type specimens, for which reason it has been difficult to judge if some of them were actually conspecific. The recent discovery of two large populations ofC. exiguain Thailand made it possible to describe the range of variation of this species in much more detail, and we then found it to be well distinguished from the others. A phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear rDNA ITS sequences corroborated the systematic position ofC. exiguaat the generic level. Examination of the previously neglected type ofC. pusillafrom Myanmar lead to the conclusion that this taxon of disputed generic affinity likewise belongs toCephalanthera, and that it is a clearly distinct species. Finally, we accept that alsoC. ericiflorafrom Laos as well asC. gracilisandC. calcaratafrom Yunnan are probably distinct species.Cephalanthera exiguagrows in hill evergreen forest, but we found little floristic similarity between its two localities in Thailand (ISS=22.5%). Ectomycorrhizal trees of the families Fagaceae and Ulmaceae are probably the ultimate carbon source forC. exiguaat both sites, as the mycorrhizal partners of this orchid (basidiomycetes of the family Thelephoraceae) obtain their carbon nutrition through ectomycorrhizal association with forest trees. Pollination experiments demonstrated that the nectarless flowers ofC. exiguaare not spontaneously autogamous. Based on the pollination syndrome and previously published observations on other species of the genus, we suggest thatC. exiguahas an insect‐operated breeding system acting by deceit, and that the pollinators are probably solitary bees.
Vesicular release mode shapes the postsynaptic response at hippocampal synapses
Authors: Richards David A.
Published: September 2009

Release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles is a central event in synaptic transmission. Recent evidence suggests that synaptic vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane by multiple routes during exocytosis, but the regulation and physiological implications of this choice are unclear. At hippocampal synapses, two modes of synaptic vesicle exocytosis can be distinguished by virtue of the rate and extent of loss of a fluorescent lipid marker (FM1‐43). Here these two modes of exocytosis were investigated with a combination of electrophysiological recording and fluorescence imaging. It is shown that these exocytic modes result in distinct postsynaptic consequences, such that so‐called ‘kiss‐and‐run’ exocytosis results in negligible activation of AMPA receptors, compared to the robust postsynaptic responses elicited by apparent full fusion. In contrast NMDA receptors are robustly activated by this form of glutamate delivery. Addition of cyclothiazide, which blocks AMPA receptor desensitization, reveals that the relatively slow rate of release of glutamate during kiss‐and‐run exocytosis shifts the population of AMPA receptors into a desensitized state, rather than simply being insufficient for receptor activation. These findings provide further support for the existence of a fusion pore mediated mode of exocytosis, and demonstrate that these two exocytic modes directly affect the throughput of synaptic transmission.
Bistable Buckled Beam: Modeling of Actuating Force and Experimental Validations
Authors: Cazottes Paul , Fernandes Amâncio , Pouget Joël , Hafez Moustapha
Published: September 2009

Compliant bistable mechanisms are a class of mechanical systems that benefit from both compliance, allowing easy manufacturing on a small scale, and bistability, which provides two passive and stable positions. These properties make them first-class candidates not only for microswitches but also several other robotic appliances. This paper investigates the actuation of a simple bistable mechanism, the bistable buckled beam. It is pointed out that the position of the actuation has a significant impact on the behavior of the system. A new model is proposed and discussed, with experimental validations to compare central and offset loading, highlighting the strengths of each.