bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extension of geographic range, notes on taxonomy and roosting of Histiotus montanus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Carvalho William Douglas , Martins Mayara Almeida , Dias Daniela , Esbérard Carlos Eduardo Lustosa
Published: January 2013

Here we report the first records of the vespertilionid bat Histiotus montanus in southeastern Brazil. A male was found sheltering under a rock and collected by hand in the Serra do Papagaio State Park, Aiuruoca municipality, state of Minas Gerais. The taxonomic aspects of this species are discussed, and measurements of the sample are provided.
Methotrexate-induced oral mucositis in rheumatoid arthritis disease: Therapeutic strategy in a case report/Methotrexat-induzierte orale Mukositis bei rheumatoider Arthritis: Therapeutische Strategie in einem Fallbericht
Authors: Gobbo Margherita , Ottaviani Giulia , Bussani Rossana , Pozzato Gabriele , Biasotto Matteo
Published: January 2013

The aim of this case report is to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of oral mucositis induced by methotrexate (MTX).

A 52-year-old male patient, affected by rheumatoid arthritis and treated with corticosteroids and MTX, complained about severe oral pain and lesions for two months. He had been treated with topical and systemic corticosteroid therapy and chlorhexidine rinses with no significant improvement. He was not able to eat solid food or to wear his dental prosthesis. Examination of the oral cavity revealed retro-commissural and labial bilateral ulcerations and erythema and a 2-cm wide fibrous white lesion on the lower anterior vestibular ridge. Blood tests showed mild pancytopenia, and oral biopsies evidenced a “non-specific inflammatory condition” excluding any precancerous or paraneoplastic lesion or autoimmune diseases of the oral cavity. Previous medical records revealed that MTX had been discontinued many times due to mucositis since 2006, when the therapy had been started. This suggested a correlation between the onset of oral mucositis and MTX accumulation. LLLT was carried out for 4 consecutive days and three once-a-week follow-ups were performed.

Lesions had completely healed during the second follow-up and the patient referred no pain at all from the 4th laser session on, therefore, the discontinuation of MTX had not been necessary.

LLLT could represent an innovative technique to relieve pain related to MTX side effects thus avoiding dangerous discontinuation of therapy.
Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Reduces Plasticity and Alters NMDA Receptor Subunit Composition in the Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Brady Megan L. , Diaz Marvin R. , Iuso Anthony , Everett Julie C. , Valenzuela C. Fernando , Caldwell Kevin K.
Published: January 2013

Although it is well documented that heavy consumption of alcohol during pregnancy impairs brain development, it remains controversial whether moderate consumption causes significant damage. Using a limited access, voluntary consumption paradigm, we recently demonstrated that moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (MPAE) is associated with dentate gyrus-dependent learning and memory deficits that are manifested in adulthood. Here, we identified a novel mechanism that may underlie this effect of MPAE. We found that MPAE mice exhibit deficits in NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) in the dentate gyrus. Further, using semiquantitative immunoblotting techniques, we found that the levels of GluN2B subunits were decreased in the synaptic membrane, while levels of C2′-containing GluN1 and GluN3A subunits were increased, in the dentate gyrus of MPAE mice. These data suggest that MPAE alters the subunit composition of synaptic NMDARs, leading to impaired NMDAR-dependent LTP in the dentate gyrus.
Stage-Specific Functions of the Small Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1 for Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis
Authors: Vadodaria Krishna C. , Brakebusch Cord , Suter Ueli , Jessberger Sebastian
Published: January 2013

The molecular mechanisms underlying the generation, maturation, and integration of new granule cells generated throughout life in the mammalian hippocampus remain poorly understood. Small Rho GTPases, such as Cdc42 and Rac1, have been implicated previously in neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) proliferation and neuronal maturation during embryonic development. Here we used conditional genetic deletion and virus-based loss-of-function approaches to identify temporally distinct functions for Cdc42 and Rac1 in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. We found that Cdc42 is involved in mouse NSPC proliferation, initial dendritic development, and dendritic spine maturation. In contrast, Rac1 is dispensable for early steps of neuronal development but is important for late steps of dendritic growth and spine maturation. These results establish cell-autonomous and stage-specific functions for the small Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1 in the course of adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Glucocorticoids Exacerbate Cognitive Deficits in TDP-25 Transgenic Mice via a Glutathione-Mediated Mechanism: Implications for Aging, Stress and TDP-43 Proteinopathies
Authors: Caccamo Antonella , Medina David X. , Oddo Salvatore
Published: January 2013

The accumulation of TDP-43 (transactive response DNA-binding protein 43) and its 25 kDa C-terminal fragment (TDP-25) is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders, including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The majority of FTLD-TDP cases are due to loss of function mutations in the gene encoding progranulin, a secreted growth factor. In ALS, specific mutations in the gene encoding TDP-43 have been linked to the disease pathogenesis. In both cases, however, the penetrance of the mutations greatly increases during aging, suggesting that other genetic or environmental factors may facilitate the development of the disease. Using transgenic mice that overexpress the 25 kDa C-terminal fragment of TDP-43, here we show that glucocorticoids, stress hormones known to increase the brain susceptibility to neurotoxic insults, increase the levels of soluble TDP-25 and exacerbate cognitive deficits, without altering full-length TDP-43 levels. Additionally, we show that the mechanism underlying the glucocorticoid-mediated increase in TDP-25 levels is coupled to changes in the glutathione redox state. Glutathione is an antioxidant involved in protecting cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species; notably, alterations in the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione, which is the primary determinant of the cellular redox state, are associated with aging and neurodegeneration. We show that restoring the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione blocks the glucocorticoid effects on TDP-25. These data show that glucocorticoids potentiate the neurotoxic action of TDP-25 by increasing its levels and clearly indicate the role of cellular oxidative damage in this process.
Getting through Ethics: The Fit between Research Ethics Board Assessments and Qualitative Research
Authors: McCormack Dianne , Carr Tracy , McCloskey Rose , Keeping-Burke Lisa , Furlong Karen E. , Doucet Shelley
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we draw on the authors' collective experiences as qualitative researchers undergoing research ethics reviews. We highlight specific areas within our standard national guidelines that support qualitative research. Using case examples, we illustrate how diverse interpretations of these guidelines can be inconsistent and problematic for qualitative researchers. We outline recommendations for transparency, reciprocity, and streamlining of the review process. It is our hope that adoption of these recommendations will lead to a more collegial evaluative process, thereby contributing to the advancement of knowledge.
The Relationship Between Executive Functions and Capacity to Consent to Treatment in Acute Psychiatric Hospitalization
Authors: Mandarelli Gabriele , Parmigiani Giovanna , Tarsitani Lorenzo , Frati Paola , Biondi Massimo , Ferracuti Stefano
Published: January 2013

Despite the acknowledged influence of cognition on patients' capacity to consent to treatment, the specific neuropsychological domains involved remain elusive, as does the role of executive functions. We investigated possible associations between executive functions and decisional capacity in a sample of acute psychiatric inpatients. Patients were recruited and evaluated through the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment (MacCAT-T), the 24-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Patients with poor executive functioning performed worse in MacCAT understanding, appreciation, and expression of a choice, compared with good performers. These findings point to the importance of cognition in decisional capacity processes. In addition, the strong association found between learning abilities and informed consent decision-making provide empirical evidence indicating possible cognitive enhancement strategies that may improve psychiatric patients' competency.
Long-term re-evaluation of primary aldosteronism after medical treatment reveals high proportion of normal mineralocorticoid secretion
Authors: Lucatello Barbara , Benso Andrea , Tabaro Isabella , Capello Elena , Caprino Mirko Parasiliti , Marafetti Lisa , Rossato Denis , Oleandri Salvatore E , Ghigo Ezio , Maccario Mauro
Published: January 2013

Objective

In most cases of primary aldosteronism (PA), an adrenal aldosterone-secreting tumor cannot be reasonably proven, so these patients undergo medical treatment. Controversial data exist about the evolution of PA after medical therapy: long-term treatment with mineralocorticoid antagonists has been reported to normalize aldosterone levels but other authors failed to find remission of mineralocorticoid hypersecretion. Thus, we planned to retest aldosterone secretion in patients with medically treated PA diagnosed at least 3 years before.

Design

Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Methods

The same workup for PA as at diagnosis (basal aldosterone to renin activity ratio (ARR) and aldosterone suppression test) was performed after stopping interfering drugs and low-salt diet, in 34 subjects with PA diagnosed between 3 and 15 years earlier, by case finding from subgroups of hypertensive patients at high risk for PA. Criteria for persistence of PA were the same as at diagnosis (ARR (pg/ml per ng per ml per h) >400, aldosterone >150 pg/ml basally, and >100 pg/ml after saline infusion) or less restrictive.

Results

PA was not confirmed in 26 (76%) of the patients and also not in 20 (59%) using the least restrictive criteria suggested by international guidelines. Unconfirmed PA was positively associated with female sex, higher potassium levels, longer duration of hypertension, and follow-up, but not with adrenal mass, aldosterone levels at diagnosis, and treatment with mineralocorticoid antagonists.

Conclusions

This study suggests that mineralocorticoid hyperfunction in patients with PA after medical treatment may decline spontaneously. Higher potassium concentration and duration of treatment seem to increase the probability of this event.
Epigenetic silencing of BLU through interfering apoptosis results in chemoresistance and poor prognosis of ovarian serous carcinoma patients
Authors: Chiang Ying-Cheng , Chang Ming-Cheng , Chen Pao-Jen , Wu Meei-Maan , Hsieh Chang-Yao , Cheng Wen-Fang , Chen Chi-An
Published: January 2013

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma is usually present at the advanced stage, during which the patients generally have poor prognosis. Our study aimed to evaluate the correlation of gene methylation and the clinical outcome of patients with advanced-stage, high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma. The methylation status of eight candidate genes was first evaluated by methylation-specific PCR and capillary electrophoresis to select three potential genes includingDAPK,CDH1, andBLU(ZMYND10) from the exercise group of 40 patients. The methylation status of these three genes was further investigated in the validation group consisting of 136 patients. Patients with methylatedBLUhad significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS; hazard ratio (HR) 1.48, 95% CI 1.01–2.56,P=0.013) and overall survival (OS; HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.07–3.11,P=0.027) in the multivariate analysis. Methylation ofBLUwas also an independent risk factor for 58 patients undergoing optimal debulking surgery for PFS (HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.03–5.42,P=0.043) and OS (HR 3.96, 95% CI 1.45–10.81,P=0.007) in the multivariate analysis. A possible mechanism ofBLUin chemoresistance was investigated in ovarian cancer cell lines byin vitroapoptotic assays.In vitrostudies have shown thatBLUcould upregulate the expression of BAX and enhance the effect of paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. Our study suggested that methylation ofBLUcould be a potential prognostic biomarker for advanced ovarian serous carcinoma.
p42/p44 MAPK-mediated Stat3Ser727 phosphorylation is required for progestin-induced full activation of Stat3 and breast cancer growth
Authors: Tkach Mercedes , Rosemblit Cinthia , Rivas Martín A , Proietti Cecilia J , Díaz Flaqué María Celeste , Mercogliano María Florencia , Beguelin Wendy , Maronna Esteban , Guzmán Pablo , Gercovich Felipe G , Deza Ernesto Gil , Elizalde Patricia V , Schillaci Roxana
Published: January 2013

Stat3 is a signaling node for multiple oncogenic pathways and is therefore frequently active in breast cancer. As experimental and clinical evidence reveals that progestins are key players in controlling mammary gland tumorigenesis, we studied Stat3 participation in this event. We have previously shown that progestins induce Stat3Tyr705 phosphorylation and its transcriptional activation in breast cancer cells. In this study, we demonstrate that progestins also induce Stat3 phosphorylation at Ser727 residue, which occurs via activation of c-Src/p42/p44 MAPK pathways in murine progestin-dependent C4HD cells and in T-47D cells. Expression of a Stat3S727A vector, which carries a serine-to-alanine substitution at codon 727, shows that Stat3Ser727 phosphorylation is required for full transcriptional activation of cyclin D1 gene expression by progestins and for in vivo Stat3 recruitment on cyclin D1 promoter. Transfection of Stat3S727A in murine and human breast cancer cells abolished progestin-induced in vitro and in vivo growth. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between progesterone receptor expression and nuclear localization of Stat3Ser727 phosphorylation in breast cancer biopsies. These data highlight Stat3 phosphorylation in Ser727 residue as a nongenomic action by progestins, necessary to promote breast cancer growth.
The transcriptomic architecture of mouse Sertoli cell clone embryos reveals temporal–spatial-specific reprogramming
Authors: Cao Feng , Fukuda Atsushi , Watanabe Hiroshi , Kono Tomohiro
Published: January 2013

Somatic cell nuclear transfer, a technique used to generate clone embryos by transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell into an enucleated oocyte, is an excellent approach to study the reprogramming of the nuclei of differentiated cells. Here, we conducted a transcriptomic study by performing microarray analysis on single Sertoli cell nuclear transfer (SeCNT) embryos throughout preimplantation development. The extensive data collected from the oocyte to the blastocyst stage helped to identify specific genes that were incorrectly reprogrammed at each stage, thereby providing a novel perspective for understanding reprogramming progression in SeCNT embryos. This attempt provided an opportunity to discuss the possibility that ectopic gene expression could be involved in the developmental failure of SeCNT embryos. Network analysis at each stage suggested that in total, 127 networks were involved in developmental and functional disorders in SeCNT embryos. Furthermore, chromosome mapping using our time-lapse expression data highlighted temporal–spatial changes of the abnormal expression, showing the characteristic distribution of the genes on each chromosome. Thus, the present study revealed that the preimplantation development of SeCNT embryos appears normal; however, the progression of incorrect reprogramming is concealed throughout development.
Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide Poisoning during a Pallet Cleaning Demonstration
Authors: Park Seung‐Hyun , Park Jungsun , You Ki‐Ho , Shin Hae‐Chul , Kim Hyun‐Ock
Published: January 2013

Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide Poisoning during a Pallet Cleaning Demonstration: Seung‐Hyun PARK, et al. Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Republic of Korea—

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the cause of an accidental death from acute poisoning resulting from exposure to a cleaner containing tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and to consider measures to prevent future cases.

Methods

The authors examined the details and the reason for the accidental death from acute poisoning based on the autopsy report.

Results

The victim was a 39‐year‐old male researcher with 7 years of work experience employed by a surfactant production company. The accident occurred when he was conducting a field test of a newly developed cleaner, containing 8.75% TMAH solution. The researcher spilled the cleaner on his work clothes in the area of both the hands/arms and legs. He was unconscious when discovered. An autopsy found no damage or injury that could have resulted in death other than burns to 12% of his body, and the cause of death was found to be acute poisoning by TMAH.

Discussion

TMAH is widely used in the electronics industry as a developer or cleaner. It is a dangerous material, causing neurotoxicity leading to respiratory failure by ganglion block that occurs through skin absorption, and no antidote has been developed yet. For this reason, it is best to completely prevent exposure by wearing proper personal protective equipment. Despite this fatal toxicity of TMAH, it is not classified in Korea as a “chemical requiring legal control”. For this reason, it is urgent to raise awareness of the toxic properties of TMAH to prevent additional cases of TMAH poisoning.
Blendas PHB/copoliésteres biodegradáveis : biodegradação em solo
Authors: Casarin Suzan A. , Agnelli José A. M. , Malmonge Sônia M. , Rosário Francisco
Published: January 2013

Este trabalho apresenta os resultados do comportamento de blendas do polímero biodegradável PHB poli(hidroxibutirato) com os copoliésteres também biodegradáveis EastarBio® e Ecoflex®, na composição de 75% de PHB e 25% dos copoliésteres, em contato com solo composto simulado. Foi também avaliada a influência da adição de pó de serra ou farinha de madeira, na proporção de 70% da blenda e 30% de pó de serra (p.d.s.). A biodegradação foi avaliada para amostras após 30, 60 e 90 dias em contato com solo, através de análises gravimétricas, morfológicas e mecânicas. A preparação inicial dos grânulos dos compostos poliméricos foi feita por extrusão, utilizando uma extrusora dupla-rosca e a moldagem dos corpos de prova foi realizada através da moldagem por injeção. Os materiais estudados biodegradam nas condições testadas. A blenda PHB/EastarBio® (75/25) + 30% p.d.s. apresentou maior redução de massa, 29% após 90 dias. Notou-se que a biodegradação se inicia pela superfície do material e que 90 dias são insuficientes para observar alterações internas.
Estudo da reprodutibilidade e compreensão da classificação de Judet e Letournel
Authors: Polesello Giancarlo Cavalli , Nunes Marcus Aurelius Araujo , Azuaga Thiago Leonardi , Queiroz Marcelo Cavalheiro de , Honda Emerson Kyoshi , Ono Nelson Keiske
Published: January 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do método de interpretação radiográfica das fraturas de acetábulo, segundo a classificação de Judet e Letournel, por um grupo de médicos residentes de Ortopedia de um hospital universitário. MÉTODO: Foram selecionados aleatoriamente 10 residentes de ortopedia e divididos em dois grupos, um deles recebeu treinamento de uma metodologia para a classificação de fraturas do acetábulo, que consiste em transpor as imagens radiográficas para uma representação gráfica em duas dimensões. Foram classificados 50 casos de fratura acetábulo em dois momentos distintos e verificada a concordância intra e interobservador. RESULTADO: O índice de acerto médio no grupo treinado foi de 16,2% (10-26%), no grupo não treinado foi de 22,8% (10-36%). O coeficiente kappa médio intraobservador e interobservador do grupo treinado foi respectivamente de 0,08 e 0,12, e o do grupo não treinado foi de 0,14 e 0,29. CONCLUSÃO: O treinamento do método de interpretação radiográfica das fraturas do acetábulo não foi efetivo para auxiliar na classificação das fraturas do acetábulo. Nível de evidência II, Teste de critérios diagnósticos desenvolvimento anteriormente em pacientes consecutivos (com padrão de referência "ouro" aplicado).
Tradução e adaptação transcultural do instrumento de avaliação do quadril MHOT
Authors: Polesello Giancarlo Cavalli , Godoy Guilherme Finardi , Trindade Christiano Augusto de Castro , Queiroz Marcelo Cavalheiro de , Honda Emerson , Ono Nelson Keiske
Published: January 2013

OBJETIVO: O MHOT14/33 é um instrumento de avaliação específico para pacientes jovens com problemas no quadril. O objetivo deste trabalho é traduzir e adaptar culturalmente este questionário para a língua portuguesa. MÉTODO: Foram realizadas tradução e adaptação transcultural conforme metodologia descrita por Guillemin: tradução inicial, retro tradução, versão pré-final, aplicação em pacientes e confecção da versão final. RESULTADOS: A versão de consenso foi aplicada em 30 pacientes jovens com problemas no quadril, sendo verificadas dificuldades no entendimento de algumas palavras e expressões, as quais foram substituídas por termos de mais fácil entendimento. Na reaplicação do questionário com a nova versão houve entendimento pela totalidade dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: A confecção da versão brasileira do MAHORN Hip Outcome Tool 14/33 permitiu a disponibilização nacional deste questionário para avaliação de pacientes jovens com problema no quadril, tendo boa aceitação e compreendimento pelos pacientes testados. Nível de evidência II, Desenvolvimento de critérios diagnósticos em pacientes consecutivos (com padrão de referência "ouro" aplicado).
Motivação para mudança: análise fatorial da URICA para hábitos alimentares
Authors: Bittencourt Simone Armentano , Santos Paola Lucena dos , Oliveira Margareth da Silva
Published: January 2013

O presente estudo objetivou realizar a adaptação da URICA para avaliação da motivação para a mudança de hábitos alimentares e posterior redução da versão de 32 para a de 24 itens, mediante análise fatorial exploratória e de índices de fidedignidade. Trata-se de um estudo de cunho instrumental, realizado com 175 participantes de programas de redução de peso do sul do Brasil. A análise fatorial apontou uma solução de 4 fatores, referentes aos 4 estágios de motivação para a mudança e apresentou um alpha de Cronbach total de 0,842, que variou de 0,813 a 0,940 entre os 4 domínios.
London Underground: unravelling 150 years of structural secrets
Authors: Bessant Graham , McKoy Richard
Published: January 2013

The London Underground railway system has a massive civil engineering asset portfolio, with around 8000 bridges and 12 000 structures. Built since the mid-1860s by various private operating companies, less than 40% of record drawings were kept, let alone material specifications, design calculations or loading information. This made asset management and upgrades increasingly difficult, so it was decided in the mid-1980s to embark on a major project to determine the extent, condition and load-carrying capacity of all bridges and structures. This paper describes how the project has progressed over the past 30 years, including the development of ground-breaking inspection and assessment standards, innovative surveying and investigation methods, and a unique risk-assessment system. The results have enabled maintenance and improvement works to be cost-effectively prioritised, resulting in dramatic improvements in both safety and operation.
Graphene functionalization and its application to polymer composite materials
Authors: Song Mo
Published: January 2013

The progress of graphene research is growing very fast after the discovery of graphene in 2004. This is no doubt that commercialization of graphene will center in the future of graphene. The key challenge is the scale-up production of graphene or graphene-based materials. The hope has been lightened by several breakthrough results introduced above. However, the reproducibility is still concerned, as it is difficult to control the uniformity of individual graphene sheets from “top down” method. It also may be affected by the irregular edge of graphene and randomly dispersed functionalities on graphene sheets. The state-of-the-art techniques are also needed to achieve well-controlled microstructure of functionalized graphene and its derivatives. The article reviewed graphene functionalization and its application to polymer composite materials.
A social–ecological approach to conservation planning: embedding social considerations
Authors: Ban Natalie C , Mills Morena , Tam Jordan , Hicks Christina C , Klain Sarah , Stoeckl Natalie , Bottrill Madeleine C , Levine Jordan , Pressey Robert L , Satterfield Terre , Chan Kai MA
Published: January 2013

Many conservation plans remain unimplemented, in part because of insufficient consideration of the social processes that influence conservation decisions. Complementing social considerations with an integrated understanding of the ecology of a region can result in a more complete conservation approach. We suggest that linking conservation planning to a social–ecological systems (SES) framework can lead to a more thorough understanding of human–environment interactions and more effective integration of social considerations. By characterizing SES as a set of subsystems, and their interactions with each other and with external factors, the SES framework can improve our understanding of the linkages between social and ecological influences on the environment. Using this framework can help to identify socially and ecologically focused conservation actions that will benefit ecosystems and human communities, and assist in the development of more consistent evidence for evaluating conservation actions by comparing conservation case studies.
Sustained carbon uptake and storage following moderate disturbance in a Great Lakes forest
Authors: Gough Christopher M. , Hardiman Brady S. , Nave Lucas E. , Bohrer Gil , Maurer Kyle D. , Vogel Christoph S. , Nadelhoffer Knute J. , Curtis Peter S.
Published: January 2013

Carbon (C) uptake rates in many forests are sustained, or decline only briefly, following disturbances that partially defoliate the canopy. The mechanisms supporting such functional resistance to moderate forest disturbance are largely unknown. We used a large‐scale experiment, in which >6700Populus(aspen) andBetula(birch) trees were stem‐girdled within a 39‐ha area, to identify mechanisms sustaining C uptake through partial canopy defoliation. The Forest Accelerated Succession Experiment in northern Michigan, USA, employs a suite of C‐cycling measurements within paired treatment and control meteorological flux tower footprints. We found that enhancement of canopy light‐use efficiency and maintenance of light absorption maintained net ecosystem production (NEP) and aboveground wood net primary production (NPP) when leaf‐area index (LAI) of the treatment forest temporarily declined by nearly half its maximum value. In the year following peak defoliation, redistribution of nitrogen (N) in the treatment forest from senescent early successional aspen and birch to non‐girdled later successional species facilitated the recovery of total LAI to pre‐disturbance levels. Sustained canopy physiological competency following disturbance coincided with a downward shift in maximum canopy height, indicating that compensatory photosynthetic C uptake by undisturbed, later successional subdominant and subcanopy vegetation supported C‐uptake resistance to disturbance. These findings have implications for ecosystem management and modeling, demonstrating that forests may tolerate considerable leaf‐area losses without diminishing rates of C uptake. We conclude that the resistance of C uptake to moderate disturbance depends not only on replacement of lost leaf area, but also on rapid compensatory photosynthetic C uptake during defoliation by emerging later successional species.
Water controls on nitrogen transformations and stocks in an arid ecosystem
Authors: Reichmann Lara G. , Sala Osvaldo E. , Peters Debra P. C.
Published: January 2013

Following water, nitrogen (N) is the most frequent limiting factor to aboveground net primary production in arid ecosystems. Increased water availability can stimulate both plant nitrogen uptake and microbial nitrogen mineralization, but may also stimulate losses from the ecosystem. Here, we assess the effect of water availability on nitrogen stocks and transformations in an arid ecosystem. We conducted a field experiment with five levels of precipitation input (−80%, −50%, ambient, +50%, +80%) and two levels of N fertilization (ambient or 10 g·m−2·yr−1NH4NO3) in a desert grassland of the Chihuahuan Desert. We measured in situ net N mineralization, plant N uptake, foliar N, N leaching under grass‐rooting zone, and soil N availability during two years.

Our results showed that increased water availability did not affect net N mineralization, but there was higher plant N uptake than with drought. Soil inorganic N pools were 2–4 times lower with increased water availability compared to drought conditions. N leaching below grass‐rooting zone was higher in dry than wet conditions because of higher available N. Increased water availability differentially affected N species significantly reducing the NO3:NH4ratio. The accumulation of inorganic N during drought was the result of a decoupling between microbial and plant activity, and suggests that the cycling of N is more open in dry years than in wet years.
Quantitative Trait Loci for Ruminal Degradability in opaque endosperm2 (o2) Maize
Authors: Lebaka Ntjapa G. , Coors James G. , Shaver Randy D. , Bertics Sandy , Gutiérrez‐Rojas Andrés , Menz Mónica , Betrán Javier
Published: January 2013

Although opaque endosperm2 (o2) gene that alters protein composition of maize (Zea mays L.) endosperm improves dry matter degradability (DMD) in ruminants it is also associated with soft endosperm texture, low yield, and susceptibility to diseases and insects. To circumvent the undesirable traits, breeders developed high lysine modified endosperm genotypes called quality protein maize (QPM). The objectives of this study were to determine whether DMD is maintained in modified endosperm and to map major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with ruminal in situ DMD (RDMD). Composited 1.5‐g ground grain samples of 140 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross between o2 (B73o2) and QPM (CML161) lines were assayed for 14‐h RDMD in three rumen‐cannulated, mid‐lactation Holstein cows (Bos taurus) and 0‐h rapidly soluble dry matter (RSDM) in tepid water. The RILs were grown in Texas and were evaluated for RDMD at Madison, WI. Slowly degradable dry matter (SDDM = RDMD – RSDM) was estimated. Kernel opacity was positively correlated to 14‐h RDMD (r = 0.68 and 0.71 in 2005 and 2006, respectively; P < 0.05). Quantitative trait loci for 14‐h RDMD were detected on chromosomes 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10; QTLs for RSDM were detected on chromosomes 3, 5, 7, and 10; and QTLs for SDDM were detected on chromosomes 5, 6, and 9. Quantitative trait loci for 14‐h RDMD and RSDM colocated on chromosomes 5, 7, and 10 might be genomic regions influencing 14‐h RDMD mainly through kernel modification. Quantitative trait loci for 14‐h RDMD and/or SDDM, on chromosomes 6 (SDDM) and 9 (colocated) where 14‐h RDMD appears to be mediated through SDDM and most likely enzymatic RDMD, may be good candidates for improvement of RDMD.
Genome‐wide Association Study for Beta‐glucan Concentration in Elite North American Oat
Authors: Asoro Franco G. , Newell Mark A. , Scott M. Paul , Beavis William D. , Jannink Jean‐Luc
Published: January 2013

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) can be a useful approach to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling complex traits in crop plants. Oat (Avena sativaL.) β‐glucan is a soluble dietary fiber and has been shown to have positive health benefits. We report a GWAS involving 446 elite oat breeding lines from North America genotyped with 1005 diversity arrays technology (DArT) markers and with phenotypic data from both historical and balanced 2‐yr data. Association analyses accounting for pair‐wise relationships and population structure were conducted using single‐marker tests and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Single‐marker tests yielded six and 15 significant markers for the historical and balanced data sets, respectively. The LASSO method selected 24 and 37 markers as the most important in explaining β‐glucan concentration for the historical and balanced data sets, respectively. Comparisons of genetic location showed that 15 of the markers in our study were found on the same linkage groups as QTL identified in previous studies. Four of the markers colocalized to within 4 cM of three previously detected QTL, suggesting concordance between QTL detected in our study and previous studies. Two of the significant markers were also adjacent to a β‐glucan candidate gene in the rice (Oryza sativaL.) genome. Our findings suggest that GWAS can be used for QTL detection for the purpose of gene discovery and for marker‐assisted selection to improve β‐glucan concentration in elite oat.
Rooting Depth, Soil Type, and Application Rate Effects on Creeping Bentgrass Injury with Amicarbazone and Methiozolin
Authors: Brosnan J. T. , Calvache S. , Breeden G. K. , Sorochan J. C.
Published: January 2013

Amicarbazone and methiozolin are herbicides with efficacy for annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) control in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.). Research was conducted to determine the effects of rooting depth and soil type on creeping bentgrass injury following amicarbazone and methiozolin applications. ‘Penncross’ creeping bentgrass was established in sand‐ and soil‐based rootzones using mini‐rhizotrons. Plants were treated with amicarbazone (49, 98, 196 g ha−1) or methiozolin (500, 1000, 2000 g ha−1) once root growth reached depths of 5, 10, or 15 cm. Amicarbazone was more injurious than methiozolin in both rootzones. Creeping bentgrass injury with amicarbazone measured 38% in the sand‐based rootzone compared with 62% in soil. This injury was accompanied by 54 to 69% reductions in root‐length density in the sand‐based rootzone and 42 to 81% reductions in soil. Methiozolin resulted in ≤12% creeping bentgrass injury, regardless of rootzone type or application rate, and reduced root‐length density 0 to 25%. Amicarbazone applications to plants rooted to 15 cm were less injurious than those rooted to 5‐ and 10‐cm depths. Responses indicate that methiozolin is less injurious to creeping bentgrass than amicarbazone and that rooting depth and soil type affect creeping bentgrass injury with amicarbazone.
Feasibility of a Braided Composite for Orthopedic Bone Cast
Authors: Evans Katherine R , Carey Jason P
Published: January 2013

A tubular braided composite bone cast for improving the efficiency and quality of bone fracture treatment is investigated. Finite element analysis was used to evaluate stress concentrations in fracture sites supported with plate and tubular casts. The stress in a plated bone is 768 % of that in a whole bone at the same location, while it is only 47 % in a bone with a tubular cast. Three unbroken synthetic humeri were mechanically tested using an in-vitro long bone testing procedure developed in-house to find their stiffness at 20° and 60° abduction; these were found to be 116.8 ± 1.5 N/mm and 20.63 ± 0.02 N/mm, respectively. A 2 cm gap osteotomy was cut through the diaphysis in each bone. The bones were casted with a Kevlar/Cold cure composite, with calculated braid angles and thicknesses that Closely matched bone propoerties. The stiffness tests were repeated, and the results were within 10 % of the unbroken bone. This novel method of bone casting is promising if other clinical challenges can be minimized.
Accounting Faculty Experiences with Practice-Oriented Fellowships
Authors: Krische Susan D. , Martin Roger D. , Wilks T. Jeffrey
Published: January 2013

SYNOPSIS

We describe our experiences with practice-oriented fellowships along with survey data gathered from other full-time accounting faculty who participated in similar fellowships between 2000 and 2010 across a broad set of sponsoring organizations (including the Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC], the Financial Accounting Standards Board [FASB], public accounting firms, and other organizations). Our survey results identify commonalities in (1) faculty members' backgrounds, (2) fellowship administration and logistical issues surrounding the transition into fellowships, (3) the nature of the work experience during the fellowship, (4) transitions back to academia following the fellowships, and (5) faculty members' evaluations of their fellowship experience. By reporting on the issues, costs, and benefits from participating in practice-oriented fellowships, we hope faculty will understand more about these opportunities and be more likely to participate in practice-oriented fellowships. We also hope that this paper helps universities and sponsoring organizations understand better the needs and concerns of faculty members who are considering whether to participate in these fellowships.
Neprilysin Deficiency Protects Against Fat-Induced Insulin Secretory Dysfunction by Maintaining Calcium Influx
Authors: Zraika Sakeneh , Koh Duk-Su , Barrow Breanne M. , Lu Bao , Kahn Steven E. , Andrikopoulos Sofianos
Published: January 2013

Neprilysin contributes to free fatty acid (FFA)-induced cellular dysfunction in nonislet tissues in type 2 diabetes. Here, we show for the first time that with prolonged FFA exposure, islet neprilysin is upregulated and this is associated with reduced insulin pre-mRNA and ATP levels, oxidative/nitrative stress, impaired potassium and calcium channel activities, and decreased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Genetic ablation of neprilysin specifically protects against FFA-induced impairment of calcium influx and GSIS in vitro and in vivo but does not ameliorate other FFA-induced defects. Importantly, adenoviral overexpression of neprilysin in islets cultured without FFA reproduces the defects in both calcium influx and GSIS, suggesting that upregulation of neprilysin per se mediates insulin secretory dysfunction and that the mechanism for protection conferred by neprilysin deletion involves prevention of reduced calcium influx. Our findings highlight the critical nature of calcium signaling for normal insulin secretion and suggest that interventions to inhibit neprilysin may improve β-cell function in obese humans with type 2 diabetes.
Mitochondrial Function in Diabetes: Novel Methodology and New Insight
Authors: Yu Liping , Fink Brian D. , Herlein Judith A. , Sivitz William I.
Published: January 2013

Interpreting mitochondrial function as affected by comparative physiologic conditions is confounding because individual functional parameters are interdependent. Here, we studied muscle mitochondrial function in insulin-deficient diabetes using a novel, highly sensitive, and specific method to quantify ATP production simultaneously with reactive oxygen species (ROS) at clamped levels of inner mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ), enabling more detailed study. We used a 2-deoxyglucose (2DOG) energy clamp to set ΔΨ at fixed levels and to quantify ATP production as 2DOG conversion to 2DOG-phosphate measured by one-dimensional 1H and two-dimensional 1H/13C heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These techniques proved far more sensitive than conventional 31P nuclear magnetic resonance and allowed high-throughput study of small mitochondrial isolates. Over conditions ranging from state 4 to state 3 respiration, ATP production was lower and ROS per unit of ATP generated was greater in mitochondria isolated from diabetic muscle. Moreover, ROS began to increase at a lower threshold for inner membrane potential in diabetic mitochondria. Further, ATP production in diabetic mitochondria is limited not only by respiration but also by limited capacity to use ΔΨ for ATP synthesis. In summary, we describe novel methodology for measuring ATP and provide new mechanistic insight into the dysregulation of ATP production and ROS in mitochondria of insulin-deficient rodents.
A Formula for Popp’s Volume in Sub-Riemannian
Geometry
Authors: Barilari Davide , Rizzi Luca
Published: January 2013

For an equiregular sub-Riemannian manifold M, Popp’s volume
is a smooth volume which is canonically associated with
the sub-Riemannian structure, and it is a natural generalization
of the Riemannian one. In this paper we prove a general
formula for Popp’s volume, written in terms of a frame adapted
to the sub-Riemannian distribution. As a first application of
this result, we prove an explicit formula for the canonical sub-
Laplacian, namely the one associated with Popp’s volume.
Finally, we discuss sub-Riemannian isometries, and we prove
that they preserve Popp’s volume. We also show that, under
some hypotheses on the action of the isometry group of M,
Popp’s volume is essentially the unique volume with such a
property.
High-order fractional partial differential equation
transform for molecular surface construction
Authors: Hu Langhua , Chen Duan , Wei Guo-Wei
Published: January 2013

Fractional derivative or fractional calculus plays a significant
role in theoretical modeling of scientific and engineering problems.
However, only relatively low order fractional derivatives
are used at present. In general, it is not obvious what role
a high fractional derivative can play and how to make use of
arbitrarily high-order fractional derivatives. This work introduces
arbitrarily high-order fractional partial differential equations
(PDEs) to describe fractional hyperdiffusions. The fractional
PDEs are constructed via fractional variational principle.
A fast fractional Fourier transform (FFFT) is proposed to
numerically integrate the high-order fractional PDEs so as to
avoid stringent stability constraints in solving high-order evolution
PDEs. The proposed high-order fractional PDEs are
applied to the surface generation of proteins. We first validate
the proposed method with a variety of test examples in
two and three-dimensional settings. The impact of high-order
fractional derivatives to surface analysis is examined. We
also construct fractional PDE transform based on arbitrarily
high-order fractional PDEs. We demonstrate that the use of
arbitrarily high-order derivatives gives rise to time-frequency
localization, the control of the spectral distribution, and the
regulation of the spatial resolution in the fractional PDE transform.
Consequently, the fractional PDE transform enables the
mode decomposition of images, signals, and surfaces. The
effect of the propagation time on the quality of resulting molecular
surfaces is also studied. Computational efficiency of
the present surface generation method is compared with the
MSMS approach in Cartesian representation. We further validate
the present method by examining some benchmark indicators
of macromolecular surfaces, i.e., surface area, surface
enclosed volume, surface electrostatic potential and solvation
free energy. Extensive numerical experiments and comparison
with an established surface model indicate that the proposed
high-order fractional PDEs are robust, stable and efficient
for biomolecular surface generation.
Felodipine β-cyclodextrin complex as an active core for time delayed chronotherapeutic treatment of hypertension
Authors: Pagar Kunal P. , Vavia Pradeep R.
Published: January 2013

The present research work deals with the development of a time delayed chronotherapeutic formulation of felodipine (FD) aimed at rapid drug release after a desired lag time in the management of hypertension. The developed system comprises a drug core embedded within a swellable layer and coated with an insoluble, water permeable polymeric system. FD cyclodextrin complex was used as an active core while ethyl cellulose was used as an effective coating layer. Dissolution studies of the complex revealed that there was a 3-fold increase in dissolution of the complex compared to plain FD. This dissolution enhancement and rapid drug release resulted from FD amorphisation, as confirmed by XRD, DSC and SEM studies. FTIR and 1H NMR studies confirmed the complex formation between FD and cyclodextrin based on the observed hydrogen bond interactions. FD release was adequately adjusted by using a pH independent polymer, i.e., ethyl cellulose, along with dibutyl phthalate as plasticizer. Influence of formulation variables like polymer viscosity, plasticizer concentration, super disintegrant concentration in the swellable layer and percent coating weight gain was investigated to characterize the lag time. Upon permeation of water, the core tablet swelled, resulting in the rupture of the coating layer, followed by rapid drug release. The developed formulation of FD showed a lag time of 5-7 h, which is desirable for chronotherapeutic application.
Semicarbazone – a versatile therapeutic pharmacophore for fragment based anticonvulsant drug design
Authors: Nath Pandeya Surendra
Published: January 2013

During the last fifteen years, semicarbazones have been extensively investigated for their anticonvulsant properties. 4-(4-Flurophenoxy) benzaldehyde semicarbazone (C0102862, V102862) was discovered as a lead molecule and is being developed as a potent antiepileptic drug, with maximal electroshock (MES) ED50 of i.p. 12.9 mg kg-1. In MES (oral screen), this compound has a protective index (PI = TD50/ED50 > 315) higher than carbamazepine (PI 101), phenytoin (PI > 21.6) and valproate (PI 2.17). The compound is a potent sodium channel blocker. Other semicarbazones have demonstrated activity in various chemoshock screens, like subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole, subcutaneous strychnine, subcutaneous picrotoxin and subcutaneous bicculine. Semicarbazones are also GABA-transaminase inhibitors. Extensive structure- -activity relationship has demonstrated that F, Cl, Br and NO2 substituents in the arylhydrophobic pocket and a hydrogen bonding domain (HBD) are generally found in active anticonvulsant agents.