bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rewarding Bad Behavior: How Governments Respond to Terrorism in Civil War
Authors: Thomas Jakana
Published: April 2014

Although violent organizations often use terrorism as a means to achieve political aims, recent studies suggest the tactic is ineffective because it fails to help groups gain concessions. While focused exclusively on concessions, these studies overlook other important markers of success, specifically whether groups are invited to participate in negotiations as a result of their use of terrorism. Extant studies also conduct statistical analyses on overly aggregated data, masking any effect terrorism has on important bargaining outcomes. Using new monthly data on the incidence of negotiations and the number of concessions offered to groups involved in African civil wars, this paper demonstrates that rebel groups are both more likely to be granted the opportunity to participate in negotiations and offered more concessions when they execute a greater number of terror attacks during civil wars.
Determination of the net energy content of canola meal from Brassica napus yellow and Brassica juncea yellow fed to growing pigs using indirect calorimetry
Authors: Heo Jung Min , Adewole Deborah , Nyachoti Martin
Published: April 2014

The net energy (NE) content of canola meals (CM; i.e. Brassica napus yellow and Brassica juncea yellow) in growing pigs was determined using an indirect calorimetry chamber or published prediction equations. The study was conducted as a completely randomized design (n = 6), with (i) a basal diet and (ii) 2 diets containing 700 g/kg of the basal diet and 300 g/kg of either of the two varieties of CM. A total of 18 growing barrows were housed in metabolism crates for the determination of digestible (DE) and metabolizable (ME) energy. Thereafter, pigs were transferred to the indirect calorimetry chamber to determine heat production (HP). The NE contents of diets containing Brassica napus yellow and Brassica juncea yellow determined with the direct determination technique and prediction equations were 9.8 versus 10.3 MJ/kg dry matter (DM) and 10.2 versus 10.4 MJ/kg DM, respectively. Retained energy (RE) and fasting heat production (FHP) of diets containing Brassica napus yellow and Brassica juncea yellow were 5.5 versus 5.7 MJ/kg and 4.3 versus 4.5 MJ/kg, respectively, when measured with the direct determination technique and prediction equations. The NE contents of Brassica napus yellow and Brassica juncea yellow were determined to be 8.8 and 9.8 MJ/kg DM, respectively, using the direct determination technique.
Role of oocyte‐derived paracrine factors in follicular development
Authors: Emori Chihiro , Sugiura Koji
Published: April 2014

Mammalian oocytes secrete transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) superfamily proteins, such as growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) and BMP15, and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). These oocyte‐derived paracrine factors (ODPFs) play essential roles in regulating the differentiation and function of somatic granulosa cells as well as the development of ovarian follicles. In addition to the importance of individual ODPFs, emerging evidence suggests that the interaction of ODPF signals with other intra‐follicular signals, such as estrogen, is critical for folliculogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of the role of ODPFs in follicular development with an emphasis on their interaction with estrogen signaling in regulation of the differentiation and function of granulosa cells.
Using Cook's distance in polytomous logistic regression
Authors: Martín Nirian
Published: April 2014

The previously unknown asymptotic distribution of Cook's distance in polytomous logistic regression is established as a linear combination of independent chi‐square random variables with one degree of freedom. An exhaustive approach to the analysis of influential covariates is developed and a new measure for the accuracy of predictions based on such a distribution is provided. Two examples with real data sets (one with continuous covariates and the other with both qualitative and quantitative covariates) are presented to illustrate the approach developed.
Molecular Dynamics of Interactions between Rigid and Flexible Antifolates and Dihydrofolate Reductase from Pyrimethamine‐Sensitive and Pyrimethamine‐Resistant Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Mokmak Wanwimon , Chunsrivirot Surasak , Hannongbua Supa , Yuthavong Yongyuth , Tongsima Sissades , Kamchonwongpaisan Sumalee
Published: April 2014

Currently, the usefulness of antimalarials such as pyrimethamine (PYR) is drastically reduced due to the emergence of resistant Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) caused by its dihydrofolate reductase (PfDHFR) mutations, especially the quadruple N51I/C59R/S108N/I164L mutations. The resistance was due to the steric conflict of PYR with S108N. WR99210 (WR), a dihydrotriazine antifolate with a flexible side chain that can avoid such conflict, can overcome this resistance through tight binding with the mutant. To understand factors contributing to different binding affinities of PYR/WR to the wild type (WT) and quadruple mutant (QM), we performed simulations on WR‐WT, WR‐QM, PYR‐WT, and PYR‐QM complexes and found that Ile14 and Asp54 were crucial for PYR/WR binding to PfDHFR due to strong hydrogen bonds. The quadruple mutations cause PYR to form, on average, fewer hydrogen bonds with Ile14 and Leu164, and to be displaced from its optimal orientation for Asp54 interaction. The predicted binding affinity ranking (WR‐QM ≈ WR‐WT ≈ PYR‐WT >> PYR‐QM) reasonably agrees with the inhibition constant (Ki) ranking. Our results reveal important residues for tight binding of PYR/WR to WT/QM, which may be used to evaluate the inhibition effectiveness of antimalarials and to provide fundamental information for designing new drugs effective against drug‐resistant P. falciparum.
Treatment with lenalidomide induces immunoactivating and counter-regulatory immunosuppressive changes in myeloma patients
Authors: Busch A , Zeh D , Janzen V , Mügge L-O , Wolf D , Fingerhut L , Hahn-Ast C , Maurer O , Brossart P , von Lilienfeld-Toal M
Published: April 2014

Lenalidomide activates the immune system, but the exact immunomodulatory mechanisms of lenalidomide in vivo are poorly defined. In an observational study we assessed the impact of lenalidomide on different populations of immune cells in multiple myeloma patients. Lenalidomide therapy was associated with increased amounts of a CD8+T cell subset, phenotypically staged between classical central memory T cells (TCM) and effector memory T cells (TEM), consequently termed TCM/TEM. The moderate expression of perforin/granzyme and phenotypical profile of these cells identifies them as not yet terminally differentiated, which makes them promising candidates for the anti-tumour response. In addition, lenalidomide-treated patients showed higher abundance of CD14+ myeloid cells co-expressing CD15. This population was able to inhibit both CD4+ and CD8+T cell proliferation in vitro and could thus be defined as a so far undescribed novel myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) subtype. We observed a striking correlation between levels of TCM/TEM, mature regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD14+CD15+MDSCs. In summary, lenalidomide induces both activating and inhibitory components of the immune system, indicating the existence of potential counter-regulatory mechanisms. These findings provide new insights into the immunomodulatory action of lenalidomide.
Transdermal testosterone improves verbal learning and memory in postmenopausal women not on oestrogen therapy
Authors: Davis Susan R. , Jane Fiona , Robinson Penelope J. , Davison Sonia L. , Worsley Roisin , Maruff Paul , Bell Robin J.
Published: April 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of testosterone on verbal learning and memory in postmenopausal women.

Design

Randomized, placebo‐controlled trial in which participants were randomized (1:1) to transdermal testosterone gel 300 mcg/day, or identical placebo, for 26 weeks.

Patients

Ninety‐two postmenopausal women aged 55–65 years, on no systemic sex hormone therapy.

Measurements

The primary outcome was the score for the International Shopping List Task (ISLT) of CogState. Secondary outcomes included other CogState domains, the Psychological General Well‐Being Index (PGWB) and safety variables.

Results

Eighty‐nine women, median age 60 years, were included in the primary analysis. Testosterone treatment resulted in statistically significantly better performance for the ISLT (improved verbal learning and memory) compared with placebo, adjusted for age and baseline score (mean difference 1·57; 95%CI 0·13, 3·01) P = 0·03). There were no significant differences for other CogState domains or the PGWB scores. At 26 weeks, the median total testosterone was 1·7 nm (interquartile range (IQR) 1·1, 2·4) in the testosterone group and 0·4 nm (IQR 0·3, 0·5) in the placebo group.

Conclusions

The small but statistically significant effect of testosterone treatment on verbal learning and memory in postmenopausal women provides the basis for further clinical trials.
De novo WNT5A‐associated autosomal dominant Robinow syndrome suggests specificity of genotype and phenotype
Authors: Roifman M. , Marcelis C.L.M. , Paton T. , Marshall C. , Silver R. , Lohr J.L. , Yntema H.G. , Venselaar H. , Kayserili H. , van Bon B. , Seaward G. ,   FORGE Canada Consortium, Brunner H.G. , Chitayat D.
Published: April 2014

Robinow Syndrome (RS), a rare skeletal dysplasia syndrome, is characterized by dysmorphic features resembling a fetal face, mesomelic limb shortening, hypoplastic external genitalia in males, and renal and vertebral anomalies. Both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive patterns of inheritance have been reported. Since the description of autosomal dominant Robinow Syndrome (ADRS; OMIM 180700) in 1969 by Meinhard Robinow and colleagues, the molecular etiology remained elusive until only recently. WNT5A was proposed to be the candidate gene for ADRS, as mutations were found in two affected families, one of those being the originally described index family. We report three families with RS caused by novel heterozygous WNT5A mutations, which were confirmed in the first family by whole exome sequencing, and in all by Sanger sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the largest number of published families with ADRS in whom a WNT5A mutation was identified. Families 1 and 2 are the first cases showing de novo inheritance in the affected family members and thus strengthen the evidence for WNT5A as the causative gene in ADRS. Finally, we propose WNT5A mutation specificity in ADRS, which may affect interactions with other proteins in the Wnt pathway.
Analysis of proximal contact loss between implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses and adjacent teeth in relation to influential factors and effects. A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Byun Soo‐Jung , Heo Seok‐Mo , Ahn Seung‐Geun , Chang Moontaek
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The aim was to analyze influential factors and effects of proximal contact loss between implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses (FDP) and adjacent teeth.

Material and methods

Ninety‐four subjects treated with 135 FDPs supported by 188 implants were included. Degree of proximal contact tightness, food impaction, and periodontal/peri‐implant tissue conditions were assessed in 191 proximal embrasures between implant‐supported FDPs and adjacent teeth. Potential factors influencing proximal contact loss were estimated with the generalized estimation equation (GEE) procedure.

Results

Thirty‐four percent of the proximal embrasures between implant‐supported FDPs and teeth lost a proximal contact. The proximal contact loss rate continuously increased over the follow‐up periods. A longer follow‐up period, splinted implants, and mesial aspect of proximal contact were significant factors influencing the proximal contact loss in the univariate GEE analysis, whereas a longer follow‐up period was the only significant factor in the multivariate GEE analysis. Food impaction was more frequently reported in the proximal contact loss group than the proximal contact group (odds ratio: 2.2). However, the proximal contact loss did not appear to affect the periodontal/peri‐implant tissue conditions.

Conclusions

Proximal contact loss between implant‐supported FDPs and teeth occurred frequently and increased continuously over the follow‐up period. The proximal contact loss significantly affected food impaction, but not the periodontal/peri‐implant tissue conditions. Proximal contact loss should be carefully monitored during follow‐up examinations in relation to food impaction.
Sequential healing of the elevated sinus floor after applying autologous bone grafting: an experimental study in minipigs
Authors: Scala Alessandro , Lang Niklaus P. , de Carvalho Cardoso Leandro , Pantani Fabio , Schweikert Michael , Botticelli Daniele
Published: April 2014

Aim

To describe the sequential healing after elevation of the maxillary sinus mucosa applying the lateral access technique with the use of autogenous bone grafting without membrane to occlude the osteotomy access.

Material and methods

Immediately after the elevation of the maxillary sinus Schneiderian membrane, applying the lateral access technique in 10 minipigs, autologous bone was harvested from the lateral aspect of the mandibular molar region and ground into particles with a bone mill. The space under the Schneiderian membrane was filled with this graft. No membranes were placed onto the access osteotomy. The healing was evaluated after 15, 30, 90 and 180 days. Paraffin sections were prepared and analyzed histologically.

Results

After 15 days of healing, the elevated area was mainly filled with provisional matrix, newly formed bone and some remnants of bone chips, and appeared reduced in volume compared with that at the time of surgery. After 30 days of healing, further shrinkage of the height of the elevated space was found, with similar percentages of the different tissue components. After 90 and 180 days, the area underneath the Schneiderian membrane appeared reduced in volume and condensed toward the base of the sinus. The bone tissues appeared to be more mature, both for the mineralized and the non‐mineralized portions, while connective tissue occupied 20% of the space, most likely related to the lack of the use of a membrane occluding the access at the time of surgery.

Conclusions

Suboptimal healing outcomes with respect to augmentation of the space under the sinus floor membrane were documented when autologous bone chips were used as a filler and no membrane was applied to cover the access.
WHY IS CASH (STILL) SO ENTRENCHED? INSIGHTS FROM CANADIAN SHOPPING DIARIES
Authors: Arango Carlos A. , Hogg Dylan , Lee Alyssa
Published: April 2014

One similarity among many developed economies is the predominance of cash over electronic payments in terms of payment frequency, especially for the low‐value transactions that are the bulk of retail payments. We use the Bank of Canada's 2009 Methods‐of‐Payment Survey, which collected information on consumers' payment choices through shopping diaries, to estimate a simple model of choice between cash and other payment methods. Results suggest that the main reasons cash is still a popular payment instrument in Canada, especially for low‐value transactions, are its wide acceptance among merchants compared with other alternatives, speed and ease of use, and low marginal cost when on hand. (JEL E41, D12, L81)
Creating and Sustaining Inquiry Spaces For Teacher Learning and System Transformation
Authors: Kaser Linda , Halbert Judy
Published: April 2014

Over a 15‐year period, one Western Canadian province, British Columbia, has been exploring the potential of inquiry learning networks to deepen teacher professional learning and to influence the system as a whole. During this time, we have learned a great deal about shifting practice through inquiry networks. In this article, we provide a description of the key features of the inquiry framework that has evolved through this work, offer suggestions for creating and sustaining influential educator networks and provide some observations about how this approach is shifting practices at the classroom, school, university and policy levels.
Casein kinase 2 phosphorylates GluA1 and regulates its surface expression
Authors: Lussier Marc P. , Gu Xinglong , Lu Wei , Roche Katherine W.
Published: April 2014

Controlling the density of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) at synapses is essential for regulating the strength of excitatory neurotransmission. In particular, the phosphorylation of AMPARs is important for defining both synaptic expression and intracellular routing of receptors. Phosphorylation is a post‐translational modification known to regulate many cellular events and the C‐termini of glutamate receptors are important targets. Recently, the first intracellular loop1 region of the GluA1 subunit of AMPARs was reported to regulate synaptic targeting through phosphorylation of S567 by Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). Intriguingly, the loop1 region of all four AMPAR subunits contains many putative phosphorylation sites (S/T/Y), leaving the possibility that other kinases may regulate AMPAR surface expression via phosphorylation of the loop regions. To explore this hypothesis, we used in vitro phosphorylation assays with a small panel of purified kinases and found that casein kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylates the GluA1 and GluA2 loop1 regions, but not GluA3 or GluA4. Interestingly, when we reduced the endogenous expression of CK2 using a specific short hairpin RNA against the regulatory subunit CK2β, we detected a reduction of GluA1 surface expression, whereas GluA2 was unchanged. Furthermore, we identified S579 of GluA1 as a substrate of CK2, and the expression of GluA1 phosphodeficient mutants in hippocampal neurons displayed reduced surface expression. Therefore, our study identifies CK2 as a regulator of GluA1 surface expression by phosphorylating the intracellular loop1 region.
Heterogeneity and convergence: the synaptic pathophysiology of autism
Authors: Baudouin Stéphane J.
Published: April 2014

Autism is a developmental disorder characterised by a high heterogeneity of clinical diagnoses and genetic associations. This heterogeneity is a challenge for the identification of the pathophysiology of the disease and for the development of new therapeutic strategies. New conceptual approaches are being used to try to challenge this complexity and gene cluster analysis studies suggest that the pathophysiology of autism is associated with a dysregulation of specific cellular mechanisms. This review will present the experimental evidence for a convergence of synaptic pathophysiology between syndromic and non‐syndromic forms of autism, grouped under the generic term of autism spectrum disorders. In particular I will highlight the results from genetic mouse models identifying a convergence of dysregulation of the synaptic type I metabotropic glutamate receptor pathway in mouse models for autism spectrum disorders. These results help to build a new conceptual framework for the study of the synaptic phenotype of autism, which is important for the identification of new therapeutic strategies.
Synaptic basis of social dysfunction: a focus on postsynaptic proteins linking group‐I mGluRs with AMPARs and NMDARs
Authors: O'Connor Eoin C. , Bariselli Sebastiano , Bellone Camilla
Published: April 2014

Most of us engage in social interactions on a daily basis and the repertoire of social behaviors we acquire during development and later in life are incredibly varied. However, in many neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), social behavior is severely compromised and indeed this represents a key diagnostic component for such conditions. From genetic association studies, it is increasingly apparent that genes identified as altered in individuals with ASDs often encode synaptic proteins. Moreover, these synaptic proteins typically serve to scaffold group‐I metabotropic glutamate receptors (group‐I mGluRs) and ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs; AMPARs and NMDARs), or to enable group‐I mGluR to iGluR crosstalk via protein synthesis. Here we aim to explore the possibility of a causal link between altered function of such synaptic proteins and impaired social behaviors that feature in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASDs. We review the known synaptic function and role in social behaviors of selected post‐synaptic structural proteins (Shank, SAPAP and neuroligin) and regulators of protein synthesis (TSC1/2, FMRP and PTEN). While manipulations of proteins involved in group‐I mGluR and iGluR scaffolding or crosstalk frequently lead to profound alterations in synaptic function and one or more components of social behavior, the neuronal circuits responsible for impairments in specific social behaviors are often poorly defined. We argue for an improved understanding of the neuronal circuits underlying specific social behaviors to aid the development of new ASD therapies.
Neurophysiological modification of CA1 pyramidal neurons in a transgenic mouse expressing a truncated form of disrupted‐in‐schizophrenia 1
Authors: Booth Clair A. , Brown Jonathan T. , Randall Andrew D.
Published: April 2014

A t(1;11) balanced chromosomal translocation transects the Disc1 gene in a large Scottish family and produces genome‐wide linkage to schizophrenia and recurrent major depressive disorder. This study describes our in vitro investigations into neurophysiological function in hippocampal area CA1 of a transgenic mouse (DISC1tr) that expresses a truncated version of DISC1 designed to reproduce aspects of the genetic situation in the Scottish t(1;11) pedigree. We employed both patch‐clamp and extracellular recording methods in vitro to compare intrinsic properties and synaptic function and plasticity between DISC1tr animals and wild‐type littermates. Patch‐clamp analysis of CA1 pyramidal neurons (CA1‐PNs) revealed no genotype dependence in multiple subthreshold parameters, including resting potential, input resistance, hyperpolarization‐activated ‘sag’ and resonance properties. Suprathreshold stimuli revealed no alteration to action potential (AP) waveform, although the initial rate of AP production was higher in DISC1tr mice. No difference was observed in afterhyperpolarizing potentials following trains of 5–25 APs at 50 Hz. Patch‐clamp analysis of synaptic responses in the Schaffer collateral commissural (SC) pathway indicated no genotype‐dependence of paired pulse facilitation, excitatory postsynaptic potential summation or AMPA/NMDA ratio. Extracellular recordings also revealed an absence of changes to SC synaptic responses and indicated input–output and short‐term plasticity were also unaltered in the temporoammonic (TA) input. However, in DISC1tr mice theta burst‐induced long‐term potentiation was enhanced in the SC pathway but completely lost in the TA pathway. These data demonstrate that expressing a truncated form of DISC1 affects intrinsic properties of CA1‐PNs and produces pathway‐specific effects on long‐term synaptic plasticity.
Association of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis with severity of white matter hyperintensities
Authors: Park J.‐H. , Kwon H.‐M. , Lee J. , Kim D.‐S. , Ovbiagele B.
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been linked to small‐vessel disease, but the precise pathogenesis underlying WMHs remains unclear. Studies about an association of WMHs with extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ECAS) showed conflicting results and the relationship of WMHs with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is uncertain.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 679 consecutive Korean patients with acute ischaemic stroke (mean age 67.8 ± 12.6; 395 males) who underwent brain MRI/MR angiography was conducted. Severity of deep WMHs (d‐WMHs, n = 560) and periventricular WMHs (p‐WMHs, n = 590) was rated separately and compared across three groups: ICAS (n = 318), ECAS (n = 71) and no cerebral atherosclerotic stenosis (NCAS) (n = 290).

Results

The ICAS group showed a higher d‐WMH/p‐WMH score (1.62 ± 0.85/1.65 ± 0.79) than both the ECAS (1.25 ± 0.87/1.23 ± 0.78) and NCAS (1.19 ± 0.92/1.24 ± 0.81) groups (P < 0.001 for all). Patients with a greater number of ICAS were more likely to have higher scores of d‐WMH/p‐WMH (P < 0.001 for all). Patients with higher scores of d‐WMH/p‐WMH had a higher incidence of ICAS (P < 0.001 for all), but not of ECAS or NCAS. In multivariable analysis, a dose−response relationship was observed between the extent of ICAS versus WMHs. Compared with one ICAS lesion, for d‐WMHs the odds ratio (OR) = 2.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95–7.20] for two ICAS lesions and OR = 3.37 (1.10–10.32) for ≥3 ICAS lesions; whilst for p‐WMHs (score ≥2) OR = 1.70 (95% CI 0.96–2.98) for two ICAS lesions and OR = 2.02 (1.15–3.55) for ≥3 ICAS lesions.

Conclusion

ICAS is independently associated with progressively greater WMH burden. The association of ICAS with WMH severity appears to be stronger than that of ECAS/NCAS in the Korean (Asian) stroke population.
Total drug treatment and comorbidity in myasthenia gravis: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Andersen J. B. , Owe J. F. , Engeland A. , Gilhus N. E.
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

Comorbidity in myasthenia gravis (MG) is important for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Disease complexity was assessed by examining total drug treatment, immune therapy and comorbidity in a complete national MG cohort.

Methods

All recipients of the MG‐specific drug pyridostigmine 2004–2010 registered in the compulsory Norwegian Prescription Database who met the inclusion criteria were included. The pyridostigmine group was compared with the general Norwegian population.

Results

Myasthenia gravis patients received co‐medication more often than the controls for nearly all groups of medication, including insulins (95% confidence interval 2.0–3.7), thyroid therapy (1.7–2.5), antidepressants (1.3–1.7), anti‐infectives (1.2–1.4), lipid‐modifying agents (1.1–1.4) and immunomodulating agents (6.8–8.8).

Conclusions

Myasthenia gravis patients are more often treated with non‐MG prescription drugs than controls, reflecting frequent co‐medication and comorbidity.
Morphometric growth relationships of the immature human mandible and tongue
Authors: Hutchinson Erin F. , Kieser Jules A. , Kramer Beverley
Published: April 2014

The masticatory apparatus is a highly adaptive musculoskeletal complex comprising several relatively independent structural components, which assist in functions including feeding and breathing. We hypothesized that the tongue is elemental in the maintenance of normal ontogeny of the mandible and in its post‐natal growth and development, and tested this using a morphometric approach. We assessed tongue and mandibular measurements in 174 (97 male) human cadavers. Landmark lingual and mandibular data were gathered individuals aged between 20 gestational weeks and 3 yr postnatal. In this analysis, geometric morphometrics assisted in visualizing the morphometrical growth changes in the mandible and tongue. A linear correlation in conjunction with principal component analysis further visualized the growth relationship between these structures. We found that the growth of the tongue and mandible were intrinsically linked in size and shape between 20 gestational weeks and 24 months postnatal. However, the mandible continued to change in shape and size into the 3rd yr of life, whereas the tongue only increased in size over this same period of time. These findings provide valuable insights into the allometric growth relationship between these structures, potentially assisting the clinician in predicting the behaviour of these structures in the assessment of malocclusions.
Anticipating potential biodiversity conflicts for future biofuel crops in South Africa: incorporating spatial filters with species distribution models
Authors: Blanchard Ryan , O'Farrell Patrick J. , Richardson David M.
Published: April 2014

Liquid biofuel production will likely have its greatest impact through the large‐scale changes in land use that will be required to meet the production of this energy source. In this study, we develop a framework which integrates species distribution models, land cover, land capability and various biodiversity conservation data to identify natural areas with (i) a potentially high risk of transformation for biofuel production and (ii) potential impact to biodiversity conservation areas. The framework was tested in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, a region which has been earmarked for the cultivation of biofuels. We expressly highlight the importance of biodiversity conservation data that enhance the protected area network to limit potential losses by comparing the overlap of areas likely to become cultivated with (i) protected areas; (ii) biodiversity hot spots not currently protected; and (iii) ‘ecological corridors’ (areas deemed important for the migration of species and linkages between important biodiversity areas). Results indicate that the introduction of spatial filters reduced available land from 54% to 45%. Including all biodiversity scenarios reduced available land to 15% of the Eastern Cape should avoiding conflict with biodiversity conservation areas be prioritized. The assumption that agriculturally marginal land offers a unique opportunity to be converted to biofuel crops does not consider the biodiversity value attached to these areas. We highlight that decisions relating to large‐scale transformation and changes in land cover need to take account of broader ecological processes. Determining the spatial extent of threats to biodiversity facilitates the analysis of spatial conflict. This article demonstrates a proactive approach for anticipating likely habitat transformation and provides an objective means of mitigating potential conflict with existing land use and biodiversity.
Short‐term harvesting of biomass from conservation grasslands maintains plant diversity
Authors: Jungers Jacob M. , Sheaffer Craig C. , Fargione Joseph , Lehman Clarence
Published: April 2014

High yields are a priority in managing biomass for renewable energy, but the environmental impacts of various feedstocks and production systems should be equally considered. Mixed‐species, perennial grasslands enrolled in conservation programs are being considered as a source of biomass for renewable energy. Conservation grasslands are crucial in sustaining native biodiversity throughout the US Upper Midwest, and the effects of biomass harvest on biodiversity are largely unknown. We measured the effect of late‐season biomass harvest on plant community composition in conservation grasslands in three regions of Minnesota, USA from 2009 to 2012. Temporal trends in plant species composition within harvested grasslands were compared to unharvested grasslands using mixed effects models. A before‐after control‐impact approach using effect sizes was applied to focus on pre‐ and postharvest conditions. Production‐scale biomass harvest did not affect plant species richness, species or functional group diversity, nor change the relative abundance of the main plant functional groups. Differences in the relative abundances of plant functional groups were observed across locations; and at some locations, changed through time. The proportion of non‐native species remained constant, while the proportion of noxious weeds decreased through time in both harvested and unharvested grasslands at the central location. Ordination revealed patterns in species composition due to location, but not due to harvest treatment. Therefore, habitat and bioenergy characteristics related to grassland plant communities are not expected to change due to short‐term or intermittent late‐season biomass harvest.
The Neglected Climatic Hazards of the Caribbean: Overview and Prospects in a Warmer Climate
Authors: Gamble Douglas
Published: April 2014

The Caribbean is a region that experiences a wide range of climatic hazards: tropical waves, tropical cyclones, frontal storms, convective thunderstorms, and meteorological drought. Despite the influence of all of these climatic hazards on the Caribbean region, one climatic hazard, tropical cyclones (including tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes), dominates the hazards research and literature with little attention given to the other climatic hazards (non‐tropical heavy rains, orographic precipitation, and meteorological drought). The purpose of this review article is to address such a bias in the literature by providing an overview of Caribbean climatic hazards not related to tropical cyclones (non‐tropical storms, orographic precipitation, and meteorological drought) and discuss the potential impact of climate change upon these hazards. Because the impact of a future warm climate is not limited to tropical cyclones alone, mitigation and adaption efforts should strive to address the entire spectrum of Caribbean climatic hazards.
From Petro‐States to ‘new realities’: Perspectives on the Geographies of oil
Authors: Kennedy Emilia
Published: April 2014

Recent “oil shocks” in the form of not only price volatility, but also catastrophic oil spills, growing acceptance of climate change, and public contestations over oil wars and major projects, have multiplied in recent years – indications that the spaces and practices of energy intensive social formations are becoming increasingly politicized objects of concern. The paper summarizes the petro‐state thesis and reviews recent contributions on the geographies of oil. While the petro‐state is useful for conceptualizing some aspects of the political dynamics of oil, it fails to capture some of the dynamics of concern in four major areas of work on geographies of oil: petro‐capitalism and economies of oil violence, socially produced scarcity, petro‐state(s) and expanded oil polities, and the “new realities of oil,” such as price volatility, changes in size and location of demand and supply, and the energy dilemmas associated with energy security and climate change. The conclusion discusses recent work that ties the political geographies of oil to geographies everyday life, pointing to a research agenda for integrating the consideration hydrocarbons into wider geographical inquiries.
Influence of skin ageing features on Chinese women's perception of facial age and attractiveness
Authors: Porcheron A. , Latreille J. , Jdid R. , Tschachler E. , Morizot F.
Published: April 2014

Synopsis

Objectives

Ageing leads to characteristic changes in the appearance of facial skin. Among these changes, we can distinguish the skin topographic cues (skin sagging and wrinkles), the dark spots and the dark circles around the eyes. Although skin changes are similar in Caucasian and Chinese faces, the age of occurrence and the severity of age‐related features differ between the two populations. Little is known about how the ageing of skin influences the perception of female faces in Chinese women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the contribution of the different age‐related skin features to the perception of age and attractiveness in Chinese women.

Methods

Facial images of Caucasian women and Chinese women in their 60s were manipulated separately to reduce the following skin features: (i) skin sagging and wrinkles, (ii) dark spots and (iii) dark circles. Finally, all signs were reduced simultaneously (iv). Female Chinese participants were asked to estimate the age difference between the modified and original images and evaluate the attractiveness of modified and original faces.

Results

Chinese women perceived the Chinese faces as younger after the manipulation of dark spots than after the reduction in wrinkles/sagging, whereas they perceived the Caucasian faces as the youngest after the manipulation of wrinkles/sagging. Interestingly, Chinese women evaluated faces with reduced dark spots as being the most attractive whatever the origin of the face. The manipulation of dark circles contributed to making Caucasian and Chinese faces being perceived younger and more attractive than the original faces, although the effect was less pronounced than for the two other types of manipulation.

Conclusion

This is the first study to have examined the influence of various age‐related skin features on the facial age and attractiveness perception of Chinese women. The results highlight different contributions of dark spots, sagging/wrinkles and dark circles to their perception of Chinese and Caucasian faces.
Effects of three nickel titanium instrument systems on root canal geometry assessed by micro‐computed tomography
Authors: Gergi R. , Osta N. , Bourbouze G. , Zgheib C. , Arbab‐Chirani R. , Naaman A.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To compare and evaluate the shaping ability of several nickel titanium instrument systems with different motions: two reciprocating single‐file systems (Reciproc and WaveOne) and one continuous rotation/reciprocation full‐sequence system [Twisted File (TF) Adaptive] using micro‐computed tomography.

Methodology

A total of forty‐eight mesial canals of mandibular molars with two separate root canals and severe angles of curvature were selected. Canals were divided randomly to one of three experimental groups: group 1, reciprocating instrumentation with Reciproc R25, group 2, reciprocating with the Primary WaveOne file and group 3 ‘Adaptive Rotary Motion’ with Twisted Files. Each group consisted of 16 root canals. Canals were scanned before and after root canal preparation, with a resolution of 20 μm using a micro‐computed tomography system. The following parameters were assessed: changes in dentine volume, percentage of unshaped canal walls, degree of canal transportation and centring ability. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests test to explore a significant difference in mean dentine removal, mean percentage of noninstrumented canals, mean degree of canal transportation and centring ratio between groups in the apical third and along the entire root canal. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05.

Results

Preoperatively, there were no differences regarding root canal curvature and volume between experimental groups (P > 0.05). Overall instrumentation led to enlarged canal shapes with no evidence of preparation errors. None of the three groups was able to shape completely the root canal system. Mean dentine removal along the entire canal and in the apical third was significantly higher with Reciproc when compared with TF Adaptive and WaveOne (P = 0.013). Mean degree of canal transportation was significantly lower with TF Adaptive (P < 0.0001) followed by WaveOne and highest with Reciproc in the apical third and along the entire root canal.

Conclusions

None of the NiTi systems was able to instrument completely the entire root canal. Reciprocation and Adaptive Motions were found to cut dentine efficiently to full working length, with no procedural errors. The TF Adaptive system maintained the original canal anatomy with less canal transportation and better centring ability.
Lymph node dissection during cytoreductive nephrectomy: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Feuerstein Michael A , Kent Matthew , Bernstein Melanie , Russo Paul
Published: April 2014

Objective

To assess whether regional lymph node dissection could improve the prognosis of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

We reviewed data on 258 patients who underwent cytoreductive nephrectomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA, some of whom received a concurrent lymph node dissection. The primary outcome measure was overall survival. A Cox proportional hazards regression model included, age, pathological stage, lymphadenopathy, tumor size, modified Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center criteria, site of metastatic disease and lymph node dissection. We created a logistic regression model to evaluate risk factors for node‐positive disease. Survival analyses were carried out for lymph node template (hilar vs other) and number of nodes removed (0–3, 4–7 or ≥8).

Results

Of 258 patients, 177 (69%) underwent lymph node dissection, and positive nodes were found in 59 (33%). The 5‐year overall survival was 21% for patients who underwent lymph node dissection and 31% for patients who did not. No significant difference in survival was found among patients receiving or not receiving lymph node dissection. The 5‐year overall survival was 27% and 9% for negative and positive nodal status, respectively (P < 0.0005). For patients who underwent lymph node dissection, the presence of lymphadenopathy was a significant predictor of node‐positive disease (odds ratio 25.0, 95% confidence interval 9.04–69.4, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Lymph node dissection carried out during cytoreductive nephrectomy is not associated with a survival benefit. Lymph node‐positive disease represents a poor prognostic variable; therefore, lymph node dissection should be considered as a staging procedure for clinical trials.
tTregs, pTregs, and iTregs: similarities and differences
Authors: Shevach Ethan M. , Thornton Angela M.
Published: April 2014

Foxp3+ T‐regulatory cells (Tregs) are primarily generated in the thymus (tTreg), but also may be generated extrathymically at peripheral sites (pTreg), or induced in cell culture (iTreg) in the presence of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). A major unresolved issue is how these different populations of Tregs exert their suppressive function in vivo. We have developed novel systems in which the function of Tregs can be evaluated in vivo in normal mice. Our studies demonstrate that one prominent mechanism of action of polyclonal tTregs is to inhibit T‐effector cell trafficking to the target organ, while antigen‐specific iTregs primarily prevent T‐cell priming by acting on antigen‐presenting dendritic cells (DCs). Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) plays an important role in the suppressive function of antigen‐specific iTregs by controlling the expression of MARCH1 and CD83 on the DC. Activated tTregs may mediate infectious tolerance by delivery of cell surface‐expressed TGFβ to naive responder T cells to generate pTregs. Manipulation of Treg function will require the ability to differentiate tTregs from pTregs and iTregs. The expression of the transcription factor Helios has proven to be a useful marker for the identification of stable tTregs in both mouse and human.
Induction of regulatory cells by helminth parasites: exploitation for the treatment of inflammatory diseases
Authors: Finlay Conor M. , Walsh Kevin P. , Mills Kingston H. G.
Published: April 2014

Helminth parasites are highly successful pathogens, chronically infecting a quarter of the world's population, causing significant morbidity but rarely causing death. Protective immunity and expulsion of helminths is mediated by T‐helper 2 (Th2) cells, type 2 (M2) macrophages, type 2 innate lymphoid cells, and eosinophils. Failure to mount these type 2 immune responses can result in immunopathology mediated by Th1 or Th17 cells. Helminths have evolved a wide variety of approaches for immune suppression, especially the generation of regulatory T cells and anti‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β. This is a very effective strategy for subverting protective immune responses to prolong their survival in the host but has the bystander effect of modulating immune responses to unrelated antigens. Epidemiological studies in humans have shown that infection with helminth parasites is associated with a low incidence of allergy/asthma and autoimmunity in developing countries. Experimental studies in mice have demonstrated that regulatory immune responses induced by helminth can suppress Th2 and Th1/Th17 responses that mediate allergy and autoimmunity, respectively. This has provided a rational explanation of the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ and has also led to the exploitation of helminths or their immunomodulatory products in the development of new immunosuppressive therapies for inflammatory diseases in humans.
Contextual functions of antigen‐presenting cells in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Grainger John R. , Askenase Michael H. , Guimont‐Desrochers Fanny , Fonseca Denise Morais da , Belkaid Yasmine
Published: April 2014

The immune system of the gastrointestinal tract must be tightly regulated to limit pathologic responses toward innocuous antigens while simultaneously allowing for rapid development of effector responses against invading pathogens. Highly specialized antigen‐presenting cell (APC) subsets present in the gut play a dominant role in balancing these seemingly disparate functions. In this review, we discuss new findings associated with the function of gut APCs and particularly the contextual role of these cells in both establishing tolerance to orally acquired antigens in the steady state and regulating acute inflammation during infection.
Functional dynamics of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in mice and humans
Authors: Bin Dhuban Khalid , Kornete Mara , S. Mason Edward , Piccirillo Ciriaco A.
Published: April 2014

Forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3)+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are critical mediators for the establishment of self‐tolerance and immune homeostasis and for the control of pathology in various inflammatory responses. While Foxp3+ Treg cells often control immune responses in secondary lymphoid tissues, they must also traffic to and persist within non‐lymphoid tissues, where they integrate various environmental cues to coordinate and adapt their effector acitvities in these sites. In recent years, our group has made use of several mouse models, including the non‐obese diabetic model of type 1 diabetes, to characterize the factors, which impact the homeostasis, function, and reprogramming potential of Foxp3+ Treg cells in situ. In addition, our recent work shows that Foxp3+ Treg cells possess distinct post‐transcriptional mechanisms of gene regulation, namely mRNA translation, to modulate tissue‐specific inflammatory responses. In humans, there is a pressing need for reliable markers of FOXP3+ Treg cells and their related function in blood and tissue. Experimental progress in our group has enabled us to discover novel markers of FOXP3+ Treg cell (dys)function and unique gene signatures that discriminate effector and Treg cells, as well as functional and dysfunctional FOXP3+ Treg cells.
Regulatory T‐cell homeostasis: steady‐state maintenance and modulation during inflammation
Authors: Smigiel Kate S. , Srivastava Shivani , Stolley J. Michael , Campbell Daniel J.
Published: April 2014

Regulatory T (Treg) cells play a vital role in the prevention of autoimmunity and the maintenance of self‐tolerance, but these cells also have an active role in inhibiting immune responses during viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. Although excessive Treg activity can lead to immunodeficiency, chronic infection, and cancer, too little Treg activity results in autoimmunity and immunopathology and impairs the quality of pathogen‐specific responses. Recent studies have helped define the homeostatic mechanisms that support the diverse pool of peripheral Treg cells under steady‐state conditions and delineate how the abundance and function of Treg cells changes during inflammation. These findings are highly relevant for developing effective strategies to manipulate Treg cell activity to promote allograft tolerance and treat autoimmunity, chronic infection, and cancer.