bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of misindexing of EBSD patterns in a ferritic steel
Authors: KARTHIKEYAN T. , DASH M.K. , SAROJA S. , VIJAYALAKSHMI M.
Published: November 2012

The systematic misindexing caused by pseudo‐symmetry Kikuchi diffraction patterns in automated Electron Backscatter Diffraction analysis has been studied in a 9Cr‐1Mo ferritic steel. Grains with its [1 1 1] directed towards detector centre were found to be prone to misindexing, and the solutions exhibit a relative orientation of ±30° and 60° about the common [1 1 1] axis (as compared to the true orientation). Fictitious boundaries were detected within such grains, which satisfy the Σ3 or Σ13b type coincidence site lattice boundary criteria. Misindexing rate was reduced with more than six detected bands, but 30° rotated solution was comparatively more persistent, as the additional bands of (3 1 0)‐type exhibited a nearly good pattern match. Increase in detector collection angle to 0.96 sr or number of detected bands to nine were found to be beneficial in preventing the misindexing problem.
Performance of the Australian Developmental Screening Test in a clinical setting
Authors: Morris Joanne , Perkins Deborah , Sarkozy Vanessa , Moline Adrienne , Zwi Karen , Williams Katrina
Published: November 2012

Aims:  The study aims to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the Australian Developmental Screening Test (ADST) in a clinical setting in detecting developmental concerns that warrant further assessment or treatment.

Methods:  Clients referred to an inner Sydney Community Health Centre with developmental concerns were initially assessed using the ADST, followed within 12 weeks by an assessment using the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales (GMDS) as the gold standard.

Results:  Of the 65 eligible children, 46 (71%) had results indicating further assessment (42) or follow‐up (4) was needed (using the criteria recommended in the ADST manual). However, of these only 21 (46%) had an abnormal GMDS. This gave a sensitivity of 95% but a specificity of only 52%.

New threshold criteria for further assessment were developed and applied to three age groups. If children aged under 2 years are assessed using the standard ADST threshold, and children 2 years or older are assessed using the new ADST cut‐off, then the tool has a sensitivity of 95%, a specificity of 82%, a positive likelihood ratio of 5.24 (95% CI 2.78, 9.88) and negative likelihood ratio of 0.06 (0.01, 0.40).

Conclusions:  Modified criteria for the ADST developed in this study showed good specificity and sensitivity for detection of developmental problems in this population, referred because of developmental concerns. Further testing to see if these new criteria perform well in a different population is now needed.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip: Controversies and current concepts
Authors: Bracken Jennifer , Tran Ton , Ditchfield Michael
Published: November 2012

Developmental dysplasia of the hip is an important but poorly understood disorder as evidenced by the vast amount of literature published to date on this topic. The precise definition of hip dysplasia is controversial and it encompasses a spectrum of abnormalities, rather than a single condition, which at one end overlap with normal hip maturation. We review the risk factors, clinical examination and radiological imaging of the hip in the infant and young child, the controversies of ultrasound screening for hip dysplasia and the current management, both operative and non‐operative, of this condition according to patient age.
Robotic versus laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for tumor in a solitary kidney: A single institution comparative analysis
Authors: Panumatrassamee Kamol , Autorino Riccardo , Laydner Humberto , Hillyer Shahab , Khalifeh Ali , Kassab Ahmad , Stein Robert J , Haber Georges‐Pascal , Kaouk Jihad H
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To compare the outcomes of robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal tumor in patients with a solitary kidney.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data of patients with solitary kidney who underwent laparoscopic (n = 52) and robot‐assisted (n = 15) partial nephrectomy for renal tumor at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, between June 2000 and April 2012. Patient demographic data, perioperative parameters and follow‐up data were compared.

Results

The two groups were similar in terms of patients and tumor characteristics, including preoperative renal function and etiology of solitary kidney. The median operative time (225 vs 171 min, P = 0.02), warm ischemia time (19 vs 15 min, P = 0.04) and hospital stay (4 vs 3 days, P = 0.03) were significantly shorter in the robotic group. No significant differences were found in terms of estimated blood loss, transfusion, complications, pathological results and margin status. The median percentage change of renal function was not significantly different between two groups. Long‐term hemodialysis was required for three patients in the laparoscopic group (6%) and none of the patients in the robotic group. Median follow up was 15.6 and 5.9 months in the laparoscopic and robotic group, respectively.

Conclusions

Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy represents a safe and effective minimally‐invasive treatment option for renal masses in patients with a solitary kidney. Early comparative outcomes suggest that it offers a significant benefit over the laparoscopic approach in terms of operative time, warm ischemia time and hospital stay. Further studies with a longer follow up are required to confirm the likelihood of better long‐term functional and oncological outcomes.
Pathophysiology of urinary incontinence in murine models
Authors: Koike Yusuke , Furuta Akira , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Honda Mariko , Naruoka Takehito , Asano Koji , Egawa Shin , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: November 2012

Urethral closure mechanisms under stress conditions consist of passive urethral closure involving connective tissues, fascia and/or ligaments in the pelvis and active urethral closure mediated by hypogastric, pelvic and pudendal nerves. Furthermore, we have previously reported that the active urethral closure mechanism might be divided into two categories: (i) the central nervous control passing onto Onuf's nucleus under sneezing or coughing; and (ii) the bladder‐to‐urethral spinal reflex under Valsalva‐like stress conditions, such as laughing, exercise or lifting heavy objects. There are over 200 million people worldwide with urinary incontinence, a condition that is associated with a significant social impact and reduced quality of life. Therefore, basic research for urinary continence mechanisms in response to different stress conditions can play an essential role in developing treatments for stress urinary incontinence. It has been clinically shown that the etiology of stress urinary incontinence is divided into urethral hypermobility and intrinsic sphincter deficiency, which could respectively correspond to passive and active urethral closure dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the representative stress urinary incontinence animal models and the methods to measure leak point pressures under stress conditions, and then highlight stress‐induced urinary continence mechanisms mediated by active urethral closure mechanisms, as well as future pharmacological treatments of stress urinary incontinence. In addition, we introduce our previous reports including sex differences in urethral closure mechanisms under stress conditions and urethral compensatory mechanisms to maintain urinary continence after pudendal nerve injury in female rats.
Perioperative outcomes of off‐clamp vs complete hilar control laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: George Arvin K. , Herati Amin S. , Srinivasan Arun K. , Rais‐Bahrami Soroush , Waingankar Nikhil , Sadek Mostafa A. , Schwartz Michael J. , Okhunov Zhamshid , Richstone Lee , Okeke Zeph , Kavoussi Louis R.
Published: November 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Off‐clamp laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is thought to preserve renal function by limiting warm ischaemia time (WIT) and consequently reperfusion injury. To date, studies using the off‐clamp technique represent a heterogeneous group, with limited follow‐up showing feasibility and safety in a restricted number of cases.

We report the largest experience of off‐clamp vs on‐clamp LPN with perioperative outcomes and intermediate follow‐up of renal functional outcomes with stratification by WIT.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate perioperative and 6‐month renal functional outcomes of patients undergoing off‐clamp vs complete hilar control laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 489 patients undergoing LPN was completed.

Preoperative imaging assessed tumour characteristics.

Patient demographics, perioperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were documented.

Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess factors contributing to changes in postoperative renal function between off‐clamp and clamped LPN.

RESULTS

In all, 289 LPNs were performed on‐clamp and 150 were performed off‐clamp.

Tumours in the on‐clamp group were larger than those in the off‐clamp group (mean [range] 3.3 [0.5–13.5] vs 2.7 [0.4–9] cm, P= 0.003).

Univariable analysis comparing off‐clamp to on‐clamp cohorts showed that estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was better preserved in the off‐clamp cohort at 6 months (−5.8% vs –11.4%, P= 0.046). Multivariable analysis of the groups showed that estimate blood loss (P= 0.015) and warm ischaemia time (WIT, P< 0.001) were the only significant predictors of decreased eGFR in the postoperative period.

Difference in eGFR at 6 months was not significant when WIT was limited to 30 min. The complication rate was greater in the clamped cohort (10% vs 20%, P= 0.012).

There was no difference in transfusion rate or positive margin status.

CONCLUSIONS

LPN without hilar clamping is feasible, safe and associated with less renal injury as assessed by postoperative GFR in select patients.

With experience, it can be applied to complex renal lesions.
ANIMATE BEINGS: THEIR NATURE AND IDENTITY
Authors: Rosenkrantz Gary S.
Published: November 2012

Drawing inspiration from Aristotle's biological writings, I attempt to elucidate what it is for something to be alive by providing illuminating logically necessary and sufficient conditions for something's being a living thing in the broadest sense. I then propose a related account of identity conditions for carbon‐based living organisms.
CLASSIFYING PROCESSES: AN ESSAY IN APPLIED ONTOLOGY
Authors: Smith Barry
Published: November 2012

We begin by describing recent developments in the burgeoning discipline of applied ontology, focusing especially on the ways ontologies are providing a means for the consistent representation of scientific data. We then introduce Basic Formal Ontology (BFO), a top‐level ontology that is serving as domain‐neutral framework for the development of lower level ontologies in many specialist disciplines, above all in biology and medicine. BFO is a bicategorial ontology, embracing both three‐dimensionalist (continuant) and four‐dimensionalist (occurrent) perspectives within a single framework. We examine how BFO‐conformant domain ontologies can deal with the consistent representation of scientific data deriving from the measurement of processes of different types, and we outline on this basis the first steps of an approach to the classification of such processes within the BFO framework.1
Anorectal atresia and Variants at Predicted Regulatory Sites in Candidate Genes
Authors: Carter Tonia C. , Kay Denise M. , Browne Marilyn L. , Liu Aiyi , Romitti Paul A. , Kuehn Devon , Conley Mary R. , Caggana Michele , Druschel Charlotte M. , Brody Lawrence C. , Mills James L.
Published: November 2012

Anorectal atresia is a serious birth defect of largely unknown etiology but candidate genes have been identified in animal studies and human syndromes. Because alterations in the activity of these genes might lead to anorectal atresia, we selected 71 common variants predicted to be in transcription factor binding sites, CpG windows, splice sites, and miRNA target sites of 25 candidate genes, and tested for their association with anorectal atresia. The study population comprised 150 anorectal atresia cases and 623 control infants without major malformations. Variants predicted to affect transcription factor binding, splicing, and DNA methylation in WNT3A, PCSK5, TCF4, MKKS, GLI2, HOXD12, and BMP4 were associated with anorectal atresia based on a nominal P value < 0.05. The GLI2 and BMP4 variants are reported to be moderately associated with gene expression changes (Spearman's rank correlation coefficients between −0.260 and 0.226). We did not find evidence for interaction between maternal pre‐pregnancy obesity and variants in MKKS, a gene previously associated with obesity, on the risk of anorectal atresia. Our results for MKKS support previously suggested associations with anorectal malformations. Our findings suggest that more research is needed to determine whether altered GLI2 and BMP4 expression is important in anorectal atresia in humans.
Biogeography of Rutilus species of the southern Balkan Peninsula as inferred by multivariate analysis of morphological data
Authors: Tsoumani M. , Apostolidis A. P. , Leonardos I. D.
Published: November 2012

Morphological patterns among species of the genus Rutilus from the southern Balkan Peninsula were analysed to identify morphological differentiation and its palaeogeographic history. Seven meristic and 65 morphometric characters, based on 20 landmarks, were studied on 711 specimens from 15 Greek lakes. Multivariate analyses demonstrated a well‐supported differentiation of the western and northern from the eastern Rutilus species' populations, separated by the Pindos Mountains. In North‐western Greece, there are three isolated endemic species, in different biogeographical areas (R. prespensis in the Southern Adriatic, R. panosi in the Ionian and R. ylikiensis in the Attico‐Boeotia), while in the Northern Aegean, multiple non‐homogeneous populations of the cosmopolitan R. rutilus can be found. This distribution is clearly in accordance with the biogeographical scenario for the distribution of freshwater fauna of the Balkan Peninsula. This study confirms differentiation of the populations of Lakes Kastoria, Volvi, Vegoritida and Doirani, and emphasizes the likely existence of cryptic species within R. rutilus populations.
Effects of spatial patterns on the pollination success of a less attractive species
Authors: Hanoteaux Sven , Tielbörger Katja , Seifan Merav
Published: November 2012

Plant individuals rely on pollinator services for their reproduction and often have to share these services with co‐occurring neighbours, creating complex indirect plant–plant interactions. Many current theoretical models focus on the effect of floral resources’ density on the net outcome of these indirect plant–plant interactions, often neglecting the identity of plant species in the communities and especially the species’ spatial pattern. To fill this gap, we created a spatially explicit model whose goal was to study the interplay between relative densities and spatial distribution patterns of two plant species differing in their attractiveness for pollinators. Since theory predicts that pollinator behaviour strongly governs the outcome of pollination, we allowed the pollinators to systematically change their plant preferences based on their foraging experience. Thus the interplay between density and spatial patterns of plants was tested over a continuum of behaviours from specialists to generalists. Our most striking finding was that reproductive success of the less attractive species was affected in an opposite way by spatial patterns depending on whether the species had relatively low or high densities. Namely, when the less attractive species was highly abundant, its survival was higher when aggregated in large monospecific patches than when uniformly distributed. On the other hand, when the attractive species was more abundant, the less attractive species survived better when uniformly distributed. These results were consistent as long as the scale of the plant spatial aggregation was similar to or larger than the pollinators’ detection range. Our results suggest that aggregated plant spatial patterns manipulate pollinator behaviour by trapping them within monospecific patches. This effect was sufficiently strong to enhance the survival of a competitively inferior species and hence to act in a way similar to the more familiar niche or temporal separation among plant species.
Unvollendete Lektüren. Reinhard Jirgls Die Unvollendeten und Arno Schmidts Die Umsiedler
Authors: Reidy Julian
Published: November 2012

Reinhard Jirgls Roman Die Unvollendeten (2003) wurde bislang – auch von der Literaturwissenschaft – eher mit Verwirrung rezipiert und kommentiert. Zum einen pflegt Jirgl bekanntlich einen idiosynkratischen Sprachduktus, der bei manchem Interpreten ein gewisses Befremden ausgelöst haben mag. Zum anderen erfuhr der Text schon kurz nach seinem Erscheinen eine eindimensionale literarhistorische Kategorisierung: Man ordnete ihn nämlich ohne zu zögern in den unübersichtlichen und problematischen Diskurs über „Germans as victims“ ein, der gegen Ende der Neunzigerjahre aufgekommen war. Die vorliegende Arbeit versucht, das interpretatorische Befremden ob Jirgls Prosatext nachzuvollziehen und womöglich zu zerstreuen, um sodann eine neue Lesart der Unvollendeten vorzuschlagen: Jirgls Roman, so die Arbeitshypothese, bildet eine Art companion piece zum Kurzroman Die Umsiedler (1953) von Arno Schmidt – einem Vorbild Reinhard Jirgls – und ist womoglich am ehesten über diesen Intertext begreifbar, mit dem er in außerst facettenreicher Manier kommuniziert.
Single administration of lesion‐limited high‐dose (TURBO) ultraviolet B using the excimer laser: clinical clearing in association with apoptosis of epidermal and dermal T cell subsets in psoriasis
Authors: Kagen Mark , Cao Lauren Y. , Oyetakin‐White Patricia , Tacastacas Joselin D. , Yan Chunlin , McCormick Thomas S. , Cooper Kevin D.
Published: November 2012

Background/Purpose

Development of effective therapy for psoriasis is confounded by numerous factors contributing to disease pathogenesis, including pathogenic immunocytes which appear to drive epidermal keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Our objective was to study clinical and biomarker effects of a single dose of TURBO laser UVB (308 nm) applied directly to psoriatic plaques.

Methods

Eighteen patients with chronic plaque psoriasis received a single dose of 10 minimal erythema dose (MED) UVB and were followed for 8 weeks. Keratome and punch biopsies were assessed for T cell depletion and apoptosis following a single 308‐nm dose of UVB.

Results

Patients demonstrated clinical improvement as indicated by decreased global Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores and reduced numbers of pathogenic memory/effector T cells infiltrating lesional epidermis and dermis. Consistent with apoptosis induction, caspase activation increased in lesional T cells after treatment.

Conclusion

We conclude that a single 10 MED dose of TURBO UVB is effective at reducing the severity and extent of psoriatic lesions. We hypothesize that the reason a single treatment is sufficient to clear a psoriatic plaque is that the 10 MED dose is able to deliver sufficient photons to a microanatomic area of the lesion where susceptible pathogenic T cell mechanisms are operative.
Perception of xeroderma pigmentosum support group members of xeroderma pigmentosum lifestyle impact
Authors: Hawkins Danielle M. , Eide Melody J. , Lim Henry W.
Published: November 2012

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a genetic condition, which can cause an extreme sensitivity to sunlight and an increased risk of skin cancer due to errors in DNA repair. An online survey was administered to a convenience sample of participants who were members of an online support group for XP patients and their families to determine common symptoms and quality of life. The Dermatologic Life Quality Index (DLQI) or the Children's Dermatologic Life Quality Index (CDLQI) was used depending on patient age. A total of four patients and two parents of young patients completed our survey. Quality of life as measured through the DLQI and CDLQI was moderately affected.
Modeling Variably Saturated Multispecies Reactive Groundwater Solute Transport with MODFLOW‐UZF and RT3D
Authors: Bailey Ryan T. , Morway Eric D. , Niswonger Richard G. , Gates Timothy K.
Published: November 2012

A numerical model was developed that is capable of simulating multispecies reactive solute transport in variably saturated porous media. This model consists of a modified version of the reactive transport model RT3D (Reactive Transport in 3 Dimensions) that is linked to the Unsaturated‐Zone Flow (UZF1) package and MODFLOW. Referred to as UZF‐RT3D, the model is tested against published analytical benchmarks as well as other published contaminant transport models, including HYDRUS‐1D, VS2DT, and SUTRA, and the coupled flow and transport modeling system of CATHY and TRAN3D. Comparisons in one‐dimensional, two‐dimensional, and three‐dimensional variably saturated systems are explored. While several test cases are included to verify the correct implementation of variably saturated transport in UZF‐RT3D, other cases are included to demonstrate the usefulness of the code in terms of model run‐time and handling the reaction kinetics of multiple interacting species in variably saturated subsurface systems. As UZF1 relies on a kinematic‐wave approximation for unsaturated flow that neglects the diffusive terms in Richards equation, UZF‐RT3D can be used for large‐scale aquifer systems for which the UZF1 formulation is reasonable, that is, capillary‐pressure gradients can be neglected and soil parameters can be treated as homogeneous. Decreased model run‐time and the ability to include site‐specific chemical species and chemical reactions make UZF‐RT3D an attractive model for efficient simulation of multispecies reactive transport in variably saturated large‐scale subsurface systems.
Risk, Resiliency, and Urban Governance: The Case of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games
Authors: Boyle Philip
Published: November 2012

Cet article prend les préparations pour les Jeux olympiques d'hiver de 2010 comme point départ d'un examen de l'idée et de la pratique de la résilience dans les domaines de la sécurité publique et de la gouvernance urbaine. Cet enthousiasme contemporain pour la résilience est généralement relié à des changements plus substantiels dans les logiques sécuritaires en réponse à une prolifération d'événements disruptifs difficiles à anticiper et aux conséquences potentiellement catastrophiques. Cependant, comment est‐il possible de planifier en vue d'un avenir inconnu et inconnaissable? Cet article décrit trois ensembles de pratiques visant à construire une résilience urbaine. Paraissant routinières et ordinaires et associées principalement au domaine de la gestion des urgences, ces pratiques illustrent néanmoins un domaine de l'action gouvernementale qui a prospéré depuis le 11 septembre 2001, mais qui a reçu peu d'attention académique et scientifique.
Policing Social Media
Authors: Trottier Daniel
Published: November 2012

Les investigations policières sur les médias sociaux sont composées de l'activité individuelle et institutionnelle. Au lieu de supplanter les institutions policières, les utilisateurs individuels augmente son champ d'application, et sont souvent impliqués dans ce processus sans même le savoir. Cela produit une visibilité qui combine le mandat et l'impunité de la police avec les optiques uniques sur la vie quotidienne des individus. Après avoir proposé un cadre théorique expliquant la pertinence sociologique des investigations policières sur les médias sociaux, je considère la réponse à l’émeute à Vancouver en 2011 comme un exemple de la manière dont la police adaptent au volume de l'information sur des sites comme Facebook.
Aquaporin‐2 regulation in health and disease
Authors: Judith Radin M. , Yu Ming‐Jiun , Stoedkilde Lene , Lance Miller R. , Hoffert Jason D. , Frokiaer Jorgen , Pisitkun Trairak , Knepper Mark A.
Published: November 2012

Aquaporin‐2 (AQP2), the vasopressin‐regulated water channel of the renal collecting duct, is dysregulated in numerous disorders of water balance in people and animals, including those associated with polyuria (urinary tract obstruction, hypokalemia, inflammation, and lithium toxicity) and with dilutional hyponatremia (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis). Normal regulation ofAQP2by vasopressin involves 2 independent regulatory mechanisms: (1) short‐term regulation ofAQP2trafficking to and from the apical plasma membrane, and (2) long‐term regulation of the total abundance of theAQP2protein in the cells. Most disorders of water balance are the result of dysregulation of processes that regulate the total abundance ofAQP2in collecting duct cells. In general, the level ofAQP2in a collecting duct cell is determined by a balance between production via translation ofAQP2mRNAand removal via degradation or secretion into the urine in exosomes.AQP2abundance increases in response to vasopressin chiefly due to increased translation subsequent to increases inAQP2mRNA. Vasopressin‐mediated regulation ofAQP2gene transcription is poorly understood, although several transcription factor‐binding elements in the 5′ flanking region of theAQP2gene have been identified, and candidate transcription factors corresponding to these elements have been discovered in proteomics studies. Here, we review progress in this area and discuss elements of vasopressin signaling in the collecting duct that may impinge on regulation ofAQP2in health and in the context of examples of polyuric diseases.
Concomitant occurrence of hypohyperdontia in a patient with Marfan syndrome: a review of the literature and report of a case
Authors: Mallineni Sreekanth K. , Jayaraman Jayakumar , Yiu Cynthia K.Y. , King Nigel M.
Published: November 2012

Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder of connective tissue origin that can affect multiple organs. Various oral manifestations have been associated with this syndrome. Hypohyperdontia is a condition of mixed numeric variations that presents a combination of hypodontia with hyperdontia within a single human dentition. The purpose of this paper is to report a case of Marfan syndrome with a concomitant occurrence of hypohyperdontia. A narrative review was also included to describe the other syndromes that had been associated with concomitant hypohyperdontia.
Factors affecting oral malodor in periodontitis and gingivitis patients
Authors: Pham Thuy A.V. , Ueno Masayuki , Shinada Kayoko , Kawaguchi Yoko
Published: November 2012

Aim

To examine the associations between oral health status, the presence of N‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide‐positive bacteria, and oral malodor in periodontal patients.

Methods

A total of 137 periodontitis and 80 gingivitis patients were included in the study. Oral malodor was measured by an organoleptic test and the OralChroma. An oral examination was conducted, including the assessment of decayed teeth, periodontal status, and tongue coating. The presence of N‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide‐positive bacteria in the subgingiva, tongue coating, and saliva was evaluated by the N‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide test.

Results

In the periodontitis group, oral malodor was significantly correlated with decayed teeth, periodontal parameters, and tongue coating. Among the N‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide test parameters, the highest correlation of oral malodor was found with N‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide subgingiva, followed by N‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide tongue coating and N‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide saliva. In the gingivitis group, oral malodor was significantly correlated with the plaque index, bleeding on probing, and tongue coating. Among the N‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide test parameters, the highest correlation of oral malodor was found with N‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide tongue coating, followed by N‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide saliva and N‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide subgingiva.

Conclusion

Dental plaque, bleeding on probing, tongue coating, and N‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide‐positive bacteria contribute to oral malodor, but with different degrees in periodontitis and gingivitis patients.
Genetic variation in Norwegian piscine myocarditis virus in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Wiik‐Nielsen J , Alarcón M , Fineid B , Rode M , Haugland Ø
Published: November 2012

Cardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS) in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., is a severe cardiac disease characterized by a necrotizing myocarditis involving the atrium and the spongious part of the ventricle. The disease is caused by piscine myocarditis virus (PMCV), a double‐stranded RNA virus likely belonging to the family Totiviridae. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic variation in Norwegian PMCV isolates focusing on the putative structural proteins encoded by open reading frames (ORFs) 1 and 3. The virus isolates were sampled from a total of 36 farms along the Norwegian coastline. This study represents the first investigation of PMCV genome variation and shows that Norwegian isolates are highly similar, with the most divergent isolates sharing 98.6% nucleotide identity. Interestingly, amino acid sequence diversity within ORF3 is approximately threefold higher than for ORF1. While phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated nucleotide data covering ORF1 and ORF3 revealed four main clusters, the maximum sequence variation of 1.4% at the nucleotide level suggests that all Norwegian isolates belong to a single genogroup. Substantial sequence variation within farms was also observed, which may complicate future molecular epidemiological investigations. The genetic homogeneity among the Norwegian isolates might facilitate development of both diagnostic tools and an efficient vaccine against CMS in the future.
Viscous Flow Behavior, Microstructure and Physicochemical Characteristics of a Sweet Paste Functional Dessert (Samanu) Made from Germinated Wheat
Authors: Amiryousefi Mohammad Reza , Razavi Seyed M.A.
Published: November 2012

Samanu is a functional dessert made traditionally from germinated wheat and whole wheat flours over minimum heating, and is rich in some important vitamins and minerals. In this study, the chemical compositions, color, microstructure and steady‐shear flow behavior of different Samanu samples were determined. The flow behavior was adequately described by the power law model and all samples behaved as shear‐thinning fluids. The flow behavior index ranged from 0.48 to 0.98, while the consistency index was between 0.006 and 11.46 Pa·sn. Furthermore, the Samanu samples revealed that the thixotropic behavior and the time dependency data fitted well with Weltman model. During the preparation of Samanu, development of brown color and significant reduction in lightness from 46.61 to 20.07 were observed. The morphological differentiations of the Samanu samples were closely related to their rheological properties.

Practical Applications

It is well known that there is still a significant search for new products with excellent functional properties and good price, which could be a potential alternative to some commercial foods. Understanding the physical and chemical properties of semisolid food products like Samanu (as a new functional dessert) is very important in view of industrial applications. Determinations of the rheological parameters, such as flow behavior, yield stress, apparent viscosity at a specific shear rate and thixotropy, are necessary for proper characterization of the product and scaling up of the production. In this study, color changes during Samanu preparation and also the morphology of the final products were evaluated to relate them with the rheological properties, and comparison to trademark and traditional samples was performed.
Mycoflora and Aflatoxin Analysis of Arachis hypogaeaL. and Assessment of Anethum graveolensL. Seed and Leaf Essential Oils against Isolated Fungi, Aflatoxin Production and their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Prakash Bhanu , Singh Priyanka , Kedia Akash , Dwivedy Abhishek Kumar , Singh Anita , Dubey Nawal Kishore
Published: November 2012

The present investigation reports the extent of fungal contamination in stored samples of Arachis hypogaea and efficacy of seed and leaf essential oils (EOs) of Anethum graveolens against isolated fungi, aflatoxin production and their antioxidant efficacy. Twelve fungal species were found associated with A. hypogaea along with toxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus. The minimum concentrations for inhibition of growth of toxigenic strain of A. flavus (LHPFah‐6) and aflatoxin production were found to be 1.25 and 1.0 μL/mL for seed oil and 7.0 and 6.0 μL/mL for leaf oil. The EOs exhibited broad antifungal spectrum. The seed and leaf EOs also exhibited free radical‐scavenging activity having IC50 value 12.4 and 24.3 μL/mL, respectively. In addition, the EOs showed nonphytotoxic nature on radicle growth of A. hypogaea. The study recommends A. graveolens seed EO as a potent antifungal, aflatoxin inhibitor and free radical‐neutralizing agent to enhance shelf life of food items.

Practical Applications

Because of high efficacy as antifungal, aflatoxin inhibitor and antioxidant, as well as due to nonphytotoxic nature, the A. graveolens seed essential oil may attract the food industries related to food safety for its large‐scale trial to recommend its possible application as an eco‐friendly plant‐based alternative of synthetic preservatives during postharvest processing of food items.
An Efficient Rice Mutagenesis System Based on Suspension‐Cultured Cells
Authors: Chen Yuan‐Ling , Liang Hui‐Lin , Ma Xing‐Liang , Lou Su‐Lin , Xie Yong‐Yao , Liu Zhen‐Lan , Chen Le‐Tian , Liu Yao‐Guang
Published: November 2012

Plant mutants are important bio‐resources for crop breeding and gene functional studies. Conventional methods for generating mutant libraries by mutagenesis of seeds with physical or chemical agents are of low efficiency. Here, we developed a highly‐efficient ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis system based on suspension‐cultured cells, with rice (Oryza sativa L.) as an example. We show that treatment of suspension‐cultured tiny cell clusters with 0.4% EMS for 18–22 h followed by differentiation and regeneration produced as high as 29.4% independent mutant lines with visible phenotypic variations, including a number of important agronomic traits such as grain size, panicle size, grain or panicle shape, tiller number and angle, heading date, male sterility, and disease sensitivity. No mosaic mutant was observed in the mutant lines tested. In this mutant library, we obtained a mutant with an abnormally elongated uppermost internode. Sequencing and functional analysis revealed that this is a new allelic mutant of eui (elongated uppermost internode) caused by two point mutations in the first exon of the EUI gene, representing a successful example of this mutagenesis system.
Dynamic Actin Controls Polarity Induction de novo in Protoplasts
Authors: Zaban Beatrix , Maisch Jan , Nick Peter
Published: November 2012

Cell polarity and axes are central for plant morphogenesis. To study how polarity and axes are induced de novo, we investigated protoplasts of tobacco Nicotiana tabacum cv. BY‐2 expressing fluorescently‐tagged cytoskeletal markers. We standardized the system to such a degree that we were able to generate quantitative data on the temporal patterns of regeneration stages. The synthesis of a new cell wall marks the transition to the first stage of regeneration, and proceeds after a long preparatory phase within a few minutes. During this preparatory phase, the nucleus migrates actively, and cytoplasmic strands remodel vigorously. We probed this system for the effect of anti‐cytoskeletal compounds, inducible bundling of actin, RGD‐peptides, and temperature. Suppression of actin dynamics at an early stage leads to aberrant tripolar cells, whereas suppression of microtubule dynamics produces aberrant sausage‐like cells with asymmetric cell walls. We integrated these data into a model, where the microtubular cytoskeleton conveys positional information between the nucleus and the membrane controlling the release or activation of components required for cell wall synthesis. Cell wall formation is followed by the induction of a new cell pole requiring dynamic actin filaments, and the new cell axis is manifested as elongation growth perpendicular to the orientation of the aligned cortical microtubules.
Relationship between anti‐apoptotic proteins survivin and Bcl‐2, and response to treatment in patients undergoing post‐operative RT for laryngeal cancer: a pilot study
Authors: Marioni Gino , Staffieri Alberto , Lionello Marco , Tealdo Giulia , Staffieri Claudia , Giacomelli Luciano , Friso Maria Luisa , Stramare Roberto , Ottaviano Giancarlo , Blandamura Stella
Published: November 2012

Background

Clinicopathological research has focused on identifying molecular and biological prognostic factors for laryngeal carcinoma (LSCC) treated with post‐operative radiotherapy (RT). The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic importance of anti‐apoptotic proteins survivin and B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) in a series of patients with LSCC who had primary surgery followed by RT.

Methods

Thirty‐three consecutive patients who underwent primary surgery followed by RT were considered. Survivin nuclear and cytoplasmic expressions and Bcl‐2 expression were determined immunohistochemically.

Results

The loco‐regional recurrence rate was significantly higher among LSCC patients with a nuclear survivin expression >10.0% (P = 0.029), and their disease‐free survival (DFS) was shorter than in cases whose nuclear survivin expression was ≤10.0% (P = 0.002). DFS was significantly shorter in cases with a Bcl‐2 expression >2.0% than in those whose Bcl‐2 expression was ≤2.0% (P = 0.035).

Conclusions

Nuclear survivin expression and Bcl‐2 expression warrant further investigation as potential predictive biomarkers to enable individualized treatments (e.g. post‐operative chemo‐radiotherapy instead of RT alone for patients whose LSCCs strongly express nuclear survivin or/and Bcl‐2). This preliminary evidence justifies the design of new studies on the association of agents targeting survivin and Bcl‐2 with conventional chemotherapeutic agents and RT for advanced LSCC.
What Do We Know When We Know a PersonAcross Contexts? Examining Self‐Concept Differentiation at the Three Levels of Personality
Authors: Dunlop William L. , Walker Lawrence J. , Wiens Thomas K.
Published: November 2012

Objective

Previous research examining self‐concept differentiation (SCD) has been characterized by (a) a focus on behavioral traits and (b) the conflation of mean‐level and inter‐contextual differentiation. In two studies, we considered non‐conflated measures ofSCDat the three levels of personality description in relation to adjustment.

Method

In Study 1, participants completed measures of adjustment, rated their behavioral tendencies (dispositional traits), produced a list of goals (characteristic adaptations), and recalled a self‐defining memory (life narratives), from within professional and personal domains. In Study 2, the procedure was modified: Participants reporting either low or high levels of adjustment subsequently rated their behavioral traits, provided a list of goals, or produced a self‐defining memory, from five contexts.

Results

In Study 1, adjustment related positively toSCDat the level of characteristic adaptations but negatively toSCDat the level of life narratives. In Study 2, well‐adjusted participants exhibited a greater degree ofSCDat the level of characteristic adaptations but a greater degree of thematic consistency at the level of life narratives, relative to those low in adjustment.

Conclusions

These results highlight the dynamic nature ofSCDacross levels of personality and align with the notion that differentiation represents virtue and vice.
The Role of Personality in Predicting Repeat Participation in Periodic Health Screening
Authors: Armon Galit , Toker Sharon
Published: November 2012

Objective

Drawing on the Five‐Factor Model of personality, the aim of the present study was to find out which personality traits predict health maintenance behaviors, reflected in routine participation in health screenings, over and above objective and subjective health status.

Method

Participants were 2,803 employed individuals (61% men), free of background diseases, who underwent a routine health examination and were subsequently notified whether they were healthy or at risk. These participants were invited to repeat the examination within the next few years, as is medically recommended.

Results

Logistic and negative binomial regressions were used to predict participants' odds of returning for a second examination, within the next 7 years, as well as the number of consecutive visits, while controlling for sociodemographic factors, objective and subjective health, and length of follow‐up. We found that both endpoints were positively predicted by Conscientiousness and negatively predicted by Extraversion and Openness. The association between Neuroticism and these endpoints followed a bell‐shaped curve (i.e., individuals high or low in Neuroticism were less likely to return).

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that personality traits should be taken into consideration in the planning and implementation of health‐promoting interventions.
Multiple modes for gatekeeping at fungal cell‐to‐cell channels
Authors: Jedd Gregory , Pieuchot Laurent
Published: November 2012

Cell‐to‐cell channels appear to be indispensable for successful multicellular organization and arose independently in animals, plants and fungi. Most of the fungi obtain nutrients from the environment by growing in an exploratory and invasive manner, and this ability depends on multicellular filaments known as hyphae. These cells grow by tip extension and can be divided into compartments by cell walls that typically retain a central pore that allows intercellular transport and cooperation. In the major clade of filamentous Ascomycota, integrity of this coenocytic organization is maintained by Woronin body organelles, which function as emergency patches of septal pores. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Bleichrodt and co‐workers show that Woronin bodies can also form tight reversible associations with the pore and further link this to variation in levels of compartmental gene expression. These data define an additional modality of Woronin body‐dependent gatekeeping. This commentary focuses on the implications of this work and the potential role of different modes of pore gating in controlling the growth and development of fungal tissues.
A No‐Arbitrage Structural Vector Autoregressive Model of the UK Yield Curve*
Authors: Kaminska Iryna
Published: November 2012

This article combines a Structural Vector Autoregression with a no‐arbitrage approach to build a multifactor Affine Term Structure Model (ATSM). The resulting No‐Arbitrage Structural Vector Autoregressive (NASVAR) model implies that expected excess returns are driven by structural macroeconomic shocks. This is in contrast with a standard ATSM, in which agents are concerned with non‐structural risks. As a simple application, we study the effects of supply, demand and monetary policy shocks on the UK yield curve. We show that all structural shocks affect the slope of the yield curve, with demand and supply shocks accounting for a large part of the time variation in bond yields.
A Canonical Correlation Approach for Selecting the Number of Dynamic Factors
Authors: Breitung Jörg , Pigorsch Uta
Published: November 2012

In this article, we propose a selection procedure that allows us to consistently estimate the number of dynamic factors in a dynamic factor model. The procedure is based on a canonical correlation analysis of the static factors which has the advantage of being invariant to a rescaling of the factors. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that the proposed selection rule outperforms existing ones, in particular, if the contribution of the common factors to the overall variance is moderate or low. The new selection procedure is applied to the US macroeconomic data panel used in Stock and Watson [NBER working paper 11467 (2005)].
Duloxetine and Pregabalin for Pain Management in Multiple Rheumatic Diseases Associated with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Angeletti Chiara , Guetti Cristiana , Piroli Alba , Angeletti Paolo Matteo , Paladini Antonella , Ciccozzi Alessandra , Marinangeli Franco , Varrassi Giustino
Published: November 2012

The fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by chronic and widespread musculoskeletal pain and soreness accompanied by sleep disorders, chronic fatigue and affective disorders. FMS is often associated with other forms of immuno‐rheumatic diseases. Although FMS pathophysiology is still not fully understood, a number of neuroendocrine, neurotransmission and neurosensitive disorders might generate a mechanism for the elicitation of pain by “central sensitization,” which is common to many other painful conditions. The present case describes the success of a therapeutic scheme, which associates two different pharmacological classes, anticonvulsants and new‐generation antidepressants, when FMS complicates a rare pathology called Cogan's syndrome. The association of two drugs might noticeably affect the molecular mechanisms of difficult pain, thus solving painful conditions of multifactorial origin.
Photoprotection counseling of non‐white ethno‐racial groups: a survey of the practice of expert dermatologists
Authors: Pourciau Crystal Y. , Eide Melody J. , Mahan Meredith , Lim Henry W.
Published: November 2012

The morbidity of skin cancer in non‐white, ethno‐racial populations is well established, yet no specific guidelines exist addressing the manner in which this population should be counseled on photoexposure. We conducted a 20‐item survey to assess the behavior of specialized dermatologists when providing photoprotection recommendations to non‐white, ethno‐racial patients as well as the perceived relevance of counseling for this group. Our study demonstrated that key opinion leaders within the fields of photodermatology and ethnic dermatology believe that photoprotection counseling is beneficial for ethno‐racial minorities. Based on these preliminary data and other recently published reports, the development of photoprotection guidelines specific to non‐white, ethno‐racial groups may be warranted.
Antiphotoaging effect of chitooligosaccharides on human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Kim Jung‐Ae , Ahn Byul‐Nim , Kong Chang‐Suk , Park Sung‐Ha , Park Byoung‐Jun , Kim Se‐Kwon
Published: November 2012

Background/Purpose

In the present study, the effect of 3–5 kDa chitooligosaccharide (COS) on homeostasis between the expression of collagen‐degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and collagen synthesis was investigated using ultraviolet (UV)‐A irradiated dermal fibroblasts.

Methods

UV protection imparted by 3–5 kDa COS was measured by examining the UV absorption spectrum. Collagenase MMP secretion was examined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of collagenases and collagen synthetic markers were determined by employing the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.

Results

The 3–5 kDa COS not only absorbed UV‐A and UV‐B light but also inhibited collagenase (MMP‐1, MMP‐8, and MMP‐13) and gelatinase (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9) MMP expression. The suppression of MMP expression was found to be due to an increase in expression of the tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMP)‐1 and TIMP‐2. Treatment with 3–5 kDa COS enhanced collagen synthetic markers such as procollagen, type I, III, and IV collagens in UV‐A‐irradiated dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, the effects of 3–5 kDa COS on collagen degradation and collagen synthesis in UV‐A irradiated dermal fibroblasts were regulated via the inhibition of activating protein‐1 (AP‐1) signaling.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that 3–5 kDa COS can be used to develop as topical applications for antiphotoaging cosmeceuticals as it enhances collagen synthesis.