bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(E)-N′-(4-Chlorobenzylidene)-, (E)-N′-(4-bromobenzylidene)- and (E)-N′-[4-(diethylamino)benzylidene]- derivatives of 4-hydroxybenzohydrazide
Authors: Subashini Ashokkumar , Ramamurthi Kandasamy , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: September 2012

The 4-chloro- [C14H11ClN2O2, (I)], 4-bromo- [C14H10BrN2O2, (II)] and 4-diethylamino- [C18H21N3O2, (III)] derivatives of benzylidene-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide, all crystallize in the same space group (P21/c), (I) and (II) also being isomorphous. In all three compounds, the conformation about the C=N bond isE. The molecules of (I) and (II) are relatively planar, with dihedral angles between the two benzene rings of 5.75 (12) and 9.81 (17)°, respectively. In (III), however, the same angle is 77.27 (9)°. In the crystal structures of (I) and (II), two-dimensional slab-like networks extending in theaandcdirections are formedviaN—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds. The molecules stack head-to-tailviaπ–π interactions involving the aromatic rings [centroid–centroid distance = 3.7622 (14) Å in (I) and 3.8021 (19) Å in (II)]. In (III), undulating two-dimensional networks extending in thebandcdirections are formedviaN—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds. The molecules stack head-to-headviaπ–π interactions involving inversion-related benzene rings [centroid–centroid distances = 3.6977 (12) and 3.8368 (11) Å].
Cl–OH ion-exchanging process in chlorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3Clx(OH)1 − x) – a deep insight
Authors: García-Tuñón Esther , Dacuña Bruno , Zaragoza Guillermo , Franco Jaime , Guitián Francisco
Published: September 2012

We have synthesized large chlorapatite [ClAp, Ca5(PO4)3Clx(OH)1 − x, wherex= 1] single crystals using the molten salt method. We have corroborated that the hexagonal symmetryP63/mdescribes the crystal structure best, even though the crystals are synthetic and stoichiometric. Moreover, we have performed several thermal treatments on these ClAp crystals, generating new single crystals in the apatite system [Ca5(PO4)3Clx(OH)1 − x, wherex≤ 1], where the chloride anions (Cl−) were systematically substituted by hydroxyl anions (OH−). These new single crystals were methodically characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform–IR spectroscopy (FT–IR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). We have discovered a previously unreported OH−inclusion site substituting the Cl−anion during the ion-exchanging process. Finally, we evaluated the atomic rearrangements of the other species involved in the structure. These movements are associated with ionic exchange, which can be justified from an energetic point of view. We also found a novel phase transformation at high temperature. When the crystals are heated over 1753 K the apatite system evolves to a less ordered monoclinic structure, in which the complete loss of the species in the anionic channel (Cl−, OH−) has been confirmed.
Acute diverticulitis: demographic, clinical and laboratory features associated with computed tomography findings in 741 patients
Authors: Longstreth G. F. , Iyer R. L. , Chu L.‐H. X. , Chen W. , Yen L. S. , Hodgkins P. , Kawatkar A. A.
Published: September 2012

Background

Computed tomography (CT) demonstrates diverticulitis severity.

Aim

To assess demographic, clinical and leucocyte features in association with severity.

Methods

We reviewed medical records of 741 emergency department cases and in‐patients with diverticulitis. CT findings were: (i) nondiagnostic; (ii) moderate (peri‐colic inflammation); and (iii) severe (abscess and/or extra‐luminal gas and/or contrast).

Results

Patients with severe vs. nondiagnostic/moderate findings had fewer females (42.4% vs. 58.2%, P = .004), less lower abdominal pain only (74.7% vs. 83.7%, P = .042) and more constipation (24.4% vs. 12.5%, P = .002), fever (52.2% vs. 27.0%, P < .0001), leucocytosis (81.5% vs. 55.2%, P < .0001), neutrophilia (86.2% vs. 59.0%, P < .0001), ‘bandemia’ (18.5% vs. 5.5%, P < .0001) and the triad of abdominal pain, fever and leucocytosis (46.7% vs. 19.9%, P < .0001) respectively. Severe vs. nondiagnostic/moderate findings occurred in 4.8% vs. 95.2% without fever or leucocytosis, 7.0% vs. 93.0% with fever, 12.3% vs. 87.7% with leucocytosis and 25.1% vs. 74.9% with fever and leucocytosis respectively (P < .0001). The former group (odds ratio [95% CI]) included females less often (0.45 [0.26–0.76]) and had less lower abdominal pain only (0.54 [0.29–0.99]) and more constipation (2.32 [1.27–4.23]), fever (2.13 [1.27–3.57]) and leucocytosis (2.67 [1.43–4.99]).

Conclusions

Less than 50% of severe cases have the clinical/laboratory triad of abdominal pain, fever and leucocytosis, but only 1 of 20 with pain who lack fever and leucocytosis have severe diverticulitis. Male gender, pain not limited to the lower abdomen, constipation, fever and leucocytosis are independently associated with severe diverticulitis.
Childhood acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Inaba Hiroto
Published: September 2012

Although acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) has long been recognized for its morphological and cytogenetic heterogeneity, recent high‐resolution genomic profiling has demonstrated a complexity even greater than previously imagined. This complexity can be seen in the number and diversity of genetic alterations, epigenetic modifications, and characteristics of the leukaemic stem cells. The broad range of abnormalities across different AML subtypes suggests that improvements in clinical outcome will require the development of targeted therapies for each subtype of disease and the design of novel clinical trials to test these strategies. It is highly unlikely that further gains in long‐term survival rates will be possible by mere intensification of conventional chemotherapy. In this review, we summarize recent studies that provide new insight into the genetics and biology of AML, discuss risk stratification and therapy for this disease, and profile some of the therapeutic agents currently under investigation.
Peri‐Implantitis versus Periodontitis: Functional Differences Indicated by Transcriptome Profiling
Authors: Becker Stephan T. , Beck‐Broichsitter Benedicta E. , Graetz Christian , Dörfer Christof E. , Wiltfang Jörg , Häsler Robert
Published: September 2012

Background

Periodontitis and Periimplantitis are oftentimes discussed as one entity, which is reflected by therapeutical as well as by scientific approaches. It is unclear, to which extent the similarity of the clinical characteristics is attributed to similarities in the underlying disease mechanisms.

Purpose

The main objective of the study is to display if or how different periimplantitis and periodontitis are on the mRNA level, representing a high‐resolution map of disease‐associated events.

Materials and Methods

Aiming to describe the pathophysiological mechanisms in vivo, primary gingival tissue from 7 periimplantitis patients, 7 periodontitis patients and 8 healthy controls was employed in order to generate genome wide transcriptome profiles.

Results

On the basis of quantitative transcriptome analysis, we could show that periimplantitis and periodontitis exhibit significantly different mRNA signatures. Additionally we present a disease associated mRNA profile, which displays potential periimplantitis disease mechanisms. A gene ontology analysis revealed various pathways, supporting the hypothesis of periimplantitis being a complex inflammatory disorder with a unique pathophysiology. While in periimplantitis tissue the regulation of transcripts related to innate immune responses and defense responses were dominating, in periodontitis tissues bacterial response systems prevailed.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results suggest considering periimplantitis and periodontitis as disease entities with shared as well as with distinct features, which should be reflected on the therapeutical as well as on the scientific level.
Whole‐body vibration for functional constipation: a single‐centre, single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu T.‐J. , Wei T.‐S. , Chou Y.‐H. , Yang C.‐P. , Wu C.‐L. , Chen Y.‐C. , Liu S.‐Y.
Published: September 2012

Aim  The aim of this trial was to determine whether whole‐body vibration (WBV) induced via a noninvasive oscillation platform could improve symptoms and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic functional constipation.

Method  A single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial was performed in a single hospital in Taiwan. Patients diagnosed with chronic functional constipation, as per the Rome III diagnostic criteria, were included and randomized to either the WBV treatment or no treatment (control) group. The treatment group received six 15‐min sessions of WBV therapy over a 2‐week period. Patients received vibrations of 2 mm in amplitude at a frequency of 12 Hz. The primary outcome was whether constipation symptoms improved, assessed by the constipation severity instrument (CSI) and the secondary outcome measure was whether there was an improvement in HRQOL.

Results  Whole‐body vibration therapy over a 2‐week period in patients with chronic functional constipation (n = 14) significantly reduced the total CSI and obstructive defaecation subscale scores compared with control (n = 13). However, WBV did not improve the pain and chronic inertia subscale scores of the CSI or HRQOL.

Conclusion  These findings suggest that low‐intensity WBV induced via a noninvasive oscillation platform may be an effective therapy for reducing symptom severity in patients with chronic functional constipation.
Learning to Choose Among Social Foraging Strategies in Adult House Sparrows (Passer domesticus)
Authors: Belmaker Amos , Motro Uzi , Feldman Marcus W. , Lotem Arnon
Published: September 2012

Social foragers may be regarded as being engaged in a producer–scrounger game in which they can search for food independently or join others who have discovered food. Research on the producer–scrounger game has focused mainly on the different factors influencing its evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) solution, but very little is known about the actual mechanisms that shape players' decisions. Recent work has shown that early experience can affect producer–scrounger foraging tendencies in young house sparrows and that in nutmeg mannikins learning is involved in reaching theESS. Here, we show that direct manipulation of the success rate experienced by adult sparrows when following others can change their strategy choice on the following day. We presented to live sparrows an experimental regime, where stuffed adult house sparrows in a feeding position were positioned on a foraging grid that included two reward regimes: a positive one, in which the stuffed models were placed near food, and a negative one, in which the models were placed away from food. There was a significant increase in joining behavior after the positive treatment (exhibited by 84% of the birds), but no change after the negative treatment. Further analysis demonstrated that sparrows more frequently used the strategy with which they were more successful (usually joining) and that differences in strategy use were correlated with differences in success. These results suggest that adult birds can monitor their success and learn to choose among social foraging strategies in the producer–scrounger game.
Deficiency in the nuclear‐related factor erythroid 2 transcription factor (Nrf1) leads to genetic instability
Authors: Oh Diane H. , Rigas Diamanda , Cho Ara , Chan Jefferson Y.
Published: September 2012

Nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐related factor 1 (Nrf1) regulates cellular stress response genes, and has also been suggested to play a role in other cellular processes. We previously demonstrated that hepatocyte‐specific deletion of Nrf1 in mice resulted in spontaneous apoptosis, inflammation, and development of liver tumors. Here, we showed that both fibroblasts derived from Nrf1 null mouse embryos and fibroblasts expressing a conditional Nrf1 allele showed increased micronuclei and formation of abnormal nuclei. Lentiviral shRNA‐mediated knockdown of Nrf1 in SAOS–2 cells also resulted in increased micronuclei, abnormal mitosis and multi‐nucleated cells. Metaphase analyses showed increased aneuploidy in Nrf1−/− embryonic fibroblasts. Nuclear defects in Nrf1‐deficient cells were associated with decreased expression of various genes encoding kinetochore and mitotic checkpoint proteins. Our findings suggest that Nrf1 may play a role in maintaining genomic integrity, and that Nrf1 dysregulation may induce tumorigenesis.
The climate velocity of the contiguous United States during the 20th century
Authors: Dobrowski Solomon Z. , Abatzoglou John , Swanson Alan K. , Greenberg Jonathan A. , Mynsberge Alison R. , Holden Zachary A. , Schwartz Michael K.
Published: September 2012

Rapid climate change has the potential to affect economic, social, and biological systems. A concern for species conservation is whether or not the rate of on‐going climate change will exceed the rate at which species can adapt or move to suitable environments. Here we assess the climate velocity (both climate displacement rate and direction) for minimum temperature, actual evapotranspiration, and climatic water deficit (deficit) over the contiguous US during the 20th century (1916–2005). Vectors for these variables demonstrate a complex mosaic of patterns that vary spatially and temporally and are dependent on the spatial resolution of input climate data. Velocities for variables that characterize the climatic water balance were similar in magnitude to that derived from temperature, but frequently differed in direction resulting in the divergence of climate vectors through time. Our results strain expectations of poleward and upslope migration over the past century due to warming. Instead, they suggest that a more full understanding of changes in multiple climatic factors, in addition to temperature, may help explain unexpected or conflicting observational evidence of climate‐driven species range shifts during the 20th century.
The psychosocial influence to habit using make‐up of women aged 40 to 59 years menopausal Japanese women
Authors: Oi N. , Ohi K.
Published: September 2012

Synopsis

We conducted a survey to elucidate the psychosocial influence of menopausal symptoms on the habit of using make‐up. This study included 420 Japanese women (age, 40–59 years) who were examined for the first time in a specialized women's outpatient clinic of our institution from June 2010 to September 2011. Using the Menopause‐Specific Quality of Life questionnaire (MENQOL), we analysed the scores in relation to menopausal symptoms and whether and how frequently the subject used make‐up (including foundation, lip rouge and eyebrow brushing). JMP version 9.0 software was used to statistically analyse the data. Significant results were observed for psychosocial symptoms (P = 0.0002) but not for vasomotor symptoms. Psychosocial symptoms tended to be more severe in women with climacteric <5 years previously. Furthermore, the frequency of make‐up use was positively correlated with menopausal symptoms (P = 0.0251). There were strong relationships between psychological symptoms and make‐up use in menopausal women. Psychological condition and the frequency of make‐up use were inversely correlated, especially in women with climacteric <5 years previously.
The effect of single‐file reciprocating systems on Substance P and Calcitonin gene‐related peptide expression in human periodontal ligament
Authors: Caviedes‐Bucheli J. , Moreno J. O. , Carreño C. P. , Delgado R. , Garcia D. J. , Solano J. , Diaz E. , Munoz H. R.
Published: September 2012

Aim

To quantify the effect of two single‐file reciprocating root canal preparation systems on Substance P (SP) and Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) expression in healthy human periodontal ligament (PDL).

Methodology

Forty PDL samples were obtained from healthy premolars where extraction was indicated for orthodontic reasons. Prior to extraction, 20 of these premolars were divided equally in two groups, and then, root canals were prepared using one of two different single‐file systems: WaveOne and Reciproc. Ten premolars were prepared with hand files and served as a positive control group. The remaining 10 premolars where extracted without treatment and served as a negative control group. All PDL samples were processed, and SP and CGRP were measured by radioimmunoassay.

Results

Greater SP and CGRP expression were found in the hand instrumentation group (1.220 pmol SP and 0.084 pmol CGRP per mg of PDL), followed by the WaveOne group (0.908 pmol SP and 0.046 pmol CGRP per mg of PDL) and the Reciproc group (0.511 pmol SP and 0.022 pmol CGRP per mg of PDL). The lower SP and CGRP values were associated with the intact control group (0.453 pmol SP and 0.018 pmol CGRP per mg of PDL). The Kruskal–Wallis test revealed significant differences between groups (P < 0.001). Post hoc Tukey HSD tests revealed significant differences in SP and CGRP expression between intact teeth in the control group and all the other groups (P < 0.001) except with the Reciproc group (P = 0.165 and P = 0.42 for SP and CGRP, respectively). Hand instrumentation was associated with significant differences with all the other groups (P < 0.001). Differences between the WaveOne and Reciproc groups were also significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Substance P and CGRP expression in PDL cells increased when teeth were prepared with WaveOne as well as with hand instrumentation. Reciproc maintained SP and CGRP levels in line with the negative control group.
Antioxidant capacity and total reducing power of balsamic and traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena and Reggio Emilia by conventional chemical assays
Authors: Greco Emanuela , Cervellati Rinaldo , Litterio Maria Luisa
Published: September 2012

Antioxidant capacity of a number of balsamic vinegar (BV) and traditional balsamic (TBV) vinegars from the districts of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy) have been assessed using two chemical assays, the Briggs–Rauscher oscillating reaction method and the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) method. The total reducing power was also evaluated using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. The results show that the antioxidant parameters of TBV are significantly better than those of the BV, in agreement with the different manufacturing procedures and product ageing. A good correlation was found between the methods used. Suggestion for an approximate evaluation of ageing based on antioxidant parameters values is also given.
Efficacy of Acorus calamus L. essential oil as a safe plant‐based antioxidant, Aflatoxin B1 suppressor and broad spectrum antimicrobial against food‐infesting fungi
Authors: Shukla Ravindra , Singh Priyanka , Prakash Bhanu , Dubey Nawal K.
Published: September 2012

The study explores the efficacy of Acorus calamus L. essential oil (EO) as a safe plant‐based broad spectrum antifungal, antiaflatoxin, antioxidant food additive. The oil completely inhibited the growth and toxin production of the toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus at 0.4 and 0.25 μL mL−1, respectively. EO exhibited pronounced antifungal activity against sixteen food‐infesting fungal species at 0.5 μL mL−1. The EO showed strong antioxidant efficacy (IC50 1.06 μL mL−1) and nonphytotoxic nature on germination of chickpea seeds. The EO was found nonmammalian toxic showing high LD50 (4877.4 μL kg−1) for mice (oral, acute). The chemical profile of EO was determined through GC and GC–MS analysis. The findings strengthen the possibility of A. calamus EO as a plant‐based food additive in view of its favourable safety profile, antioxidant and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy and broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against food‐infesting fungi.
Effect of drying temperature on key odourants in kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix D.C., Rutaceae) leaves
Authors: Jirapakkul Wannee , Tinchan Patcharaporn , Chaiseri Siree
Published: September 2012

Volatile compounds of fresh and dried kaffir lime leaves were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Fifty‐four volatile compounds were identified in fresh kaffir lime leaf with citronellal being the most abundant, followed by l‐linalool, hexanal, sabinene and β‐citronellol. Aroma active compounds were determined by gas chromatography–olfactory (GC–O). Thirty‐seven aroma active compounds were reported along with their odour descriptions and Log3 FD. On the basis of high values of their Log3 FD and odour characteristics together with odour activity value (OAV), the concentrations of selected eleven key odourants were compared between fresh and dried samples. Three drying temperatures at 50, 60 and 70 °C for 6 h were applied for hot air‐drying. The concentrations of most compounds in 50 °C dried samples were not much different from those in fresh samples. Drying at 60 and 70 °C brought substantial losses of some key odourants. However, concentrations of citronellal and l‐linalool, as key aroma compounds of kaffir lime leaves, in 60 and 70 °C dried kaffir lime leaves were not significantly different.
Sensory evaluation of organic and conventional fruits and vegetables available to Irish consumers
Authors: Tobin Rachel , Moane Siobhan , Larkin Tracey
Published: September 2012

Many Irish consumers believe organic foods taste better; however, scientific data to support this are scarce, inconclusive and limited in scope. Quantitative descriptive analysis was used to compare the sensory properties of nine organic and conventional fruits and vegetables. A panel of nine was trained according to ISO international standards (8586‐1, 1993). Independent t‐tests of individual descriptor data and a two‐way repeated measures anova of the entire data set were carried out via SPSS 19. Statistical analysis of panel scores failed to show any significant differences between the organic and conventional samples for any of the descriptors assessed (P < 0.05 and less) or between the overall organic and conventional data sets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the study found no statistically significant differences between the sensory attributes of a range of organic and conventional fruits and vegetables available to the Irish consumer.
Chemical and colour changes related to the use of sorbates and ascorbic acid in pickled cucumbers and caperberries during long‐term storage
Authors: Sánchez Antonio Higinio , Casado Francisco Javier , Beato Víctor Manuel , de Castro Antonio , Montaño Alfredo
Published: September 2012

The evolution of two additives, potassium sorbate and ascorbic acid, during long‐term storage of pickled vegetables, as well as the impact of these additives on product colour, was investigated. For this investigation, cucumbers and caperberries packed in both glass bottles and plastic pouches were used. In general, the added sorbate level remained unchanged during long‐term storage irrespective of the packaging material. However, the ascorbic acid gradually disappeared at a significantly higher rate in plastic than in glass containers, and its level was higher in caperberries than in cucumbers. In the latter, the presence of sorbate caused a higher degradation rate of ascorbic acid compared to the absence of sorbate. Ascorbic acid had a protective effect against surface colour degradation in cucumbers packed in plastic pouches, whereas sorbate enhanced such degradation. However, in both pickled vegetables, ascorbic acid degradation had a significant impact on brine browning, particularly in plastic pouches.
Effect of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) muscle hydrolysates and fish skin hydrolysates on the quality of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) during 4 °C storage
Authors: Hu Sumei , Luo Yongkang , Cui Jianyun , Lu Wei , Wang Hang , You Juan , Shen Huixing
Published: September 2012

Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) skin and muscle were hydrolysed, respectively, and then used as part of an edible coating to preserve fish. The effects of muscle and skin hydrolysates as edible coatings for shelf life extension of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were evaluated over 18 days at 4 °C, by comparing these two treatments, a chitosan coating with muscle hydrolysate, chitosan alone, and an untreated control. All coatings were made up with 5% glycerol. The quality of the carp was assessed by using total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), total viable counts (TVC), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and K value. Compared with the control group, the rate of increase in TVB‐N, TVC, TBA and K value of carp coated with fish skin hydrolysates, fish muscle hydrolysates and chitosan added to fish muscle hydrolysates were lower. According to the total viable counts, the storage life of fish with fish skin hydrolysates coatings and chitosan added fish muscle hydrolysates coatings were 16 days, 2 days longer than those with the chitosan coatings and twice as long as the control group.
Effect of processing treatments (frozen, frying) on contents of minerals in tissues of ‘frutti di mare’
Authors: Anna Czech , Kamila Stachyra
Published: September 2012

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of thermal treatment (frying) of frozen seafood on the content of minerals and heavy metals. An analysis was conducted to compare concentration of sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, as well as lead, cadmium and mercury in the analysed tissues of invertebrates (shellfish – blue mussel, Japanese squid, white shrimp and octopus). Thermal processing (in this case, frying) applied to the frozen invertebrates was found to affect significantly the content of macro‐ and microelements as well as the content of heavy metals, except for potassium and manganese content in mussels and shrimps, respectively. Frozen and thermally treated (frying) mussels are characterised by significantly higher concentrations of the analysed minerals (except Na+, Ca+2, Cu+2), as well as higher concentrations of cadmium and mercury. In turn, shrimps and squids are invertebrates with lower content of both macro‐ and microelements.
Using c‐Fos/c‐Jun as hetero‐dimer interaction model to optimize donor to acceptor concentration ratio range for three‐filter fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurement
Authors: WANG S. , LI K.‐J. , LIN X.‐W. , JIANG C.‐Z. , CHEN D.‐H. , WU Q. , HUA Z.‐C.
Published: September 2012

Sensitized emission FRET detection method based on three‐filter fluorescence microscopy is widely used and more suitable for live cell FRET imaging and dynamic protein–protein interaction analysis. But when it is applied to detect two proteins interaction in living cells, this intensity‐based detection method is complicated by many experimental factors such as spectral crosstalk and spectral bleed‐through and variable donor to acceptor concentration ratio. There are several FRET algorithms developed recently to correct those factors in order to quantitatively gauge and compare FRET signals between different experimental groups. But the algorithms are often difficult to choose when they are applied to certain experiments. In this research, we use c‐Fos/c‐Jun as a simple hetero‐dimer interaction model to quantitatively detect and compare the FRET signals based on the following widely used sensitized emission FRET algorithms: NFRET, FRETN, FR, FRETR, Eapp and EEFF. We optimized the donor to acceptor concentration ratio range for the above FRET algorithms and facilitate their use in accurate FRET signal determination based on the three‐filter FRET microscopy.
Generalization of the polar representation in time domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for biological applications: practical implementation
Authors: LERAY A. , SPRIET C. , TRINEL D. , USSON Y. , HÉLIOT L.
Published: September 2012

The polar representation or phasor, which provides a fast and visual indication on the number of exponentials present in the intensity decay of the fluorescence lifetime images is increasingly used in time domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy experiments. The calculations of the polar coordinates in time domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy experiments involve several experimental parameters (e.g. instrumental response function, background, angular frequency, number of temporal channels) whose role has not been exhaustively investigated. Here, we study theoretically, computationally and experimentally the influence of each parameter on the polar calculations and suggest parameter optimization for minimizing errors. We identify several sources of mistakes that may occur in the calculations of the polar coordinates and propose adapted corrections to compensate for them. For instance, we demonstrate that the numerical integration method employed for integrals calculations may induce errors when the number of temporal channels is low. We report theoretical generalized expressions to compensate for these deviations and conserve the semicircle integrity, facilitating the comparison between fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy images acquired with distinct channels number. These theoretical generalized expressions were finally corroborated with both Monte Carlo simulations and experiments.
Photoperiod‐Dependent Regulation of Carboxypeptidase E Affects the Selective Processing of Neuropeptides in the Seasonal Siberian Hamster (Phodopus sungorus)
Authors: Helwig M. , Herwig A. , Heldmaier G. , Barrett P. , Mercer J. G. , Klingenspor M.
Published: September 2012

The production of bioactive peptides from biologically inactive precursors involves extensive post‐translational processing, including enzymatic cleavage by proteolytic peptidases. Endoproteolytic prohormone‐convertases initially cleave the precursors of many neuropeptides at specific amino acid sequences to generate intermediates with basic amino acid extensions on their C‐termini. Subsequently, the related exopeptidases, carboxypeptidases D and E (CPD and CPE), are responsible for removing these amino acids before the peptides achieve biological activity. We investigated the effect of photoperiod on the processing of the neuropeptide precursor pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) and its derived neuropeptides, α‐ melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (MSH) and β‐endorphin (END), within the hypothalamus of the seasonal Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus). We thus compared hypothalamic distribution of CPD, CPE, α‐MSH and β‐END using immunohistochemistry and measured the enzyme activity of CPE and concentrations of C‐terminally cleaved α‐MSH in short‐day (SD; 8 : 16 h light/dark) and long‐day (LD; 16 : 8 h light/dark) acclimatised hamsters. Increased immunoreactivity (‐IR) of CPE, as well as higher CPE activity, was observed in SD. This increase was accompanied by more β‐END‐IR cells and substantially higher levels of C‐ terminally cleaved α‐MSH, as determined by radioimmunoassay. Our results suggest that exoproteolytic cleavage of POMC‐derived neuropeptides is tightly regulated by photoperiod in the Siberian hamster. Higher levels of biological active α‐MSH‐ and β‐END in SD are consistent with the hypothesis that post‐translational processing is a key event in the regulation of seasonal energy balance.
Phylogeny of ensign scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Ortheziidae) based on the morphology of Recent and fossil females
Authors: VEA ISABELLE M. , GRIMALDI DAVID A.
Published: September 2012

The Ortheziidae (ensign scale insects) is a morphologically well‐defined family. The morphology and occurrence in the fossil record suggests a probable early origin of the family in scale insect evolution. The present phylogenetic analysis – based on 69 morphological characters of female ortheziids, using 39 exemplar Recent species – provides the first analytical assessment of relationships among living genera of the family, as well as the relationships of eight fossil species, based on complete, well‐preserved specimens in amber. Monophyly of the subfamilies Newsteadiinae, Ortheziinae and Ortheziolinae is supported, but Nipponortheziinae is found to be paraphyletic by inclusion of the Ortheziolinae. Thus, the subfamily Ortheziolinae is reduced in rank to tribe Ortheziolini stat.n., which now includes Matileortheziola Kozár & Foldi, Ortheziolacoccus Kozár, Ortheziolamameti Kozár and OrtheziolaŠulc. Consequently, the tribes Matileortheziolini, Ortheziolacoccini and Ortheziolamametini are synonymized (syn.n.) here under Ortheziolini. Five new species and one new genus of fossil ensign scales are described from three amber deposits: Burmortheziagen.n. with type species Burmorthezia kotejaisp.n. and also B. insolitasp.n., both in mid‐Cretaceous Burmese amber (98 Ma) and Arctorthezia balticasp.n. in Eocene Baltic amber (c. 43 Ma) based on second‐instar nymphs; Mixorthezia kozarisp.n. and M. dominicanasp.n. in Miocene Dominican amber (c. 17 Ma) based on adult females. Fossil placements are unambiguous, with Burmorthezia forming a stem to crown‐group (Recent and Tertiary) Ortheziidae. A summary of described fossil ortheziids is provided.
Prediction of difficult intubation
Authors: Randell T.
Published: September 2012

The incidence of a difficult laryngoscopy or intubation varies from 1.5% to 13%, and failed intubation has been identified as one of the anaesthesia‐related causes of death or permanent brain damage. Problems in the airway management can be predicted based on previous anaesthesia records, the medical history of the patient and a physical examination. Several radiological measurements have been reported to be associated with a difficult intubation. The sensitivities of the commonly used bedside tests i.e. the Mallampati classification and the thyromental distance have been reported to be from 42% to 81%, and from 62% to 91%, respectively. The figures for the specificity have varied from 66% to 84% and from 25% to 82%, respectively. The other subjective assessments and objective measurements employed for the prediction of a difficult intubation reach comparable sensitivities and specificities. Evidently, the positive predictive value is improved, if combinations of tests are used.
Acculturation or Development? Autonomy Expectations Among Ethnic German Immigrant Adolescents and Their Native German Age‐Mates
Authors: Titzmann Peter F. , Silbereisen Rainer K.
Published: September 2012

This longitudinal study compared immigrant and native adolescents’ expectations concerning the timing of conventional socially acceptable and oppositional less socially acceptable forms of autonomy. Based on normative development and a collectivist background among immigrants, both developmental and acculturative change was expected. The sample consisted of 523 ethnic German immigrants from the former Soviet Union and 475 native German adolescents, both groups divided into an early (age 12.5 years) and a late (age 16 years) adolescent group. Results revealed more developmental than acculturative change, as immigrants and natives mostly showed a similar rate of change in autonomy expectations. Acculturative change was found only for oppositional autonomy among late adolescent immigrants, whose later expectations approached those of their native age‐mates over time.
Internal methane transport through Juncus effusus: experimental manipulation of morphological barriers to test above‐ and below‐ground diffusion limitation
Authors: Henneberg Anders , Sorrell Brian K. , Brix Hans
Published: September 2012

Aerenchymatous plants can transport methane (CH4) from the root zone to the atmosphere, bypassing the surface‐oxidizing layers of the soil, yet morphological and anatomical factors that govern the transport of methane have rarely been critically tested in manipulative experiments.

Here, we investigated the methane transport capacity of hydroponically grown Juncus effusus, in experiments with roots submerged in nutrient solutions sparged with methane (1.16 mmol CH4 l−1). Through a range of manipulations of the above‐ and below‐ground plant parts, we tested the contradictory claims in the literature regarding which sites provide the greatest resistance to gas transport.

Root manipulations had the greatest effect on methane transport. Removing root material reduced methane transport significantly, and especially the lateral roots and the root tips were important. Cutting of the shoots, with or without subsequent sealing, did not alter methane transport significantly.

We confirm modelling predictions that the limiting factor for methane transport in the tussock forming wetland graminoid, J. effusus, is the amount of permeable root surface, estimated using the proxy measurement of root length. The aerial tissues do not provide any significant resistance to methane transport, and the methane is emitted from the lower 50 mm of the shoots.
Common N1 and mismatch negativity neural evoked components are revealed by independent component model‐based clustering analysis
Authors: Lozano‐Soldevilla Diego , Marco‐Pallarés Josep , Fuentemilla Lluís , Grau Carles
Published: September 2012

Mismatch negativity (MMN) is an event‐related brain potential that appears when an auditory regularity is violated. Two main hypotheses have been proposed to explain it: the adaptation hypothesis and the memory‐based hypothesis. Critically, they differ in whether the MMN can be distinguished from the N1. In this study, we assessed the differential contribution of the N1 and the MMN using independent component analysis (ICA) combined with model‐based clustering. Our results show that the neural responses associated with the standard and deviant tones are explained by three clusters of reliable ICs with frontocentral scalp distribution. Two of these clusters exhibited a common N1 for both the standard and deviant tones and one cluster showed an enhancement of the anterior N1 at the MMN time range. These results support the adaptation hypothesis, which proposes that MMN is generated by neural mechanisms similar to those associated with auditory N1.
Someone to talk to: young mothers’ experiences of participating in a young parents support programme
Authors: Mills Annie , Schmied Virginia , Taylor Christine , Dahlen Hannah , Shuiringa Wies , Hudson Margaret E.
Published: September 2012

Aims:  To identify young parents’ perceptions and experiences of a parenting support programme, run by a non‐government organisation, which provided both community group‐based, and one‐on‐one home visiting, support.

Study Design:  A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in one of the most socio‐economically disadvantaged areas of Sydney, NSW; this is also an area with one of the highest percentage of births among young parents. Young parents were eligible to participate whether they attended one of the parenting groups and/or received professional home visiting through the young parents programme. Eighteen young women were interviewed, and a further ten participated in a focus group. Thematic analysis of the focus groups and interviews was undertaken.

Findings:  Four themes were identified in the analysis: ‘someone I know and trust’, ‘we just talk about anything and everything’, ‘doing the personal’ and ‘getting out and relaxing’. These themes were linked through the common thread of relationships; the relationships between themselves and other young mothers, and with the workers on the programme. The characteristics of the person with whom they had a relationship, the type of relationship, the content of their interactions and the benefits of these relationships were all important.

Conclusions:  This study is limited by the small sample size and the ‘low risk’ status of the young parents who engaged in the programme. This study demonstrated not only the importance for young parents of all forms of interaction, whether it is one‐on‐one, in a group or social networking; but most importantly, the benefits of having someone to talk to.
Climate change and standing freshwaters: informing adaptation strategies for conservation at multiple scales
Authors: Muir Martin C A , Spray Christopher J , Rowan John S
Published: September 2012

Climate change will have a major impact on freshwater environments globally. The management of these ecosystems is one of the key challenges currently facing environmental policymakers and producing well‐informed climate change adaptation strategies is a priority. Links between climate, hydrology and ecology are poorly understood, and relatively little study has taken place on conservation of standing freshwaters, particularly with respect to landscape context and connectivity in a changing environment. Scotland's lakes (termed lochs in Scotland) contain more than 90% of Great Britain's total freshwater resource. They are distributed across the country, occurring in a wide variety of types and sizes, together providing habitats of international importance for numerous species. There is a pressing need across all geographic scales to conserve these environments in the face of changing water body, catchment and global pressures, including climate change in particular. Here, we introduce a new conceptual framework (ESVRA), designed to inform climate change adaptation strategies for standing freshwaters at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Adaptation actions will be contingent on the nature and scale of the climate changes, the sensitivity of different lake types to change and the resilience of the specific conservation interests involved. As such, potential adaptation actions are situated within current debates in conservation management surrounding priority species and habitats, threats from multiple stressors, invasive non‐native species and the potential benefits of catchment‐scale management. Following the ESVRA framework, we present an analysis of climate projections for Scotland; discuss potential climate impacts on the physico‐chemical, hydromorphological and ecological processes within lakes; offer a spatial risk assessment for the conservation of Scottish lakes; and advance the adaptation discussion, moving from broad adaptation principles to specific adaptation actions protecting the conservation interests of individual lakes.
Interest Rate Pass‐Through and the Asymmetric Relationship between the Cash Rate and the Mortgage Rate*
Authors: VALADKHANI ABBAS , ANWAR SAJID
Published: September 2012

There is an ongoing controversy over whether banks’ mortgage rates rise more rapidly than they fall due to their asymmetric responses to changes in the cash rate. This paper examines the dynamic interplay between the cash rate and the standard‐variable mortgage rate using monthly data in the post‐1989 era. Unlike previous Australian studies, our proposed threshold and asymmetric error‐correction models account for both the amount and adjustment asymmetries. We found that the Reserve Bank of Australia’s rate rises have a much larger and more instantaneous impact on the mortgage rate than rate cuts.
Creating geographies of hope through film: performing space in Palestine‐Israel
Authors: Mavroudi Elizabeth
Published: September 2012

This paper explores the value and role of critical notions of space in the current impasse in Palestine‐Israel through a case study on two films and their creative use of space. The main aim of the paper is to illustrate that it is useful for geographers to use analyses of performance in order to theorise space in more hopeful ways, particularly in areas of conflict, by stressing the importance of space as open‐ended and performative. Through a discussion of two films, one by Elia Suleiman and the other by Michel Khleifi and Eyal Sivan, the paper argues that space, if imagined as dynamic, in‐between and potentially connecting Palestinians and Israelis, can be transformative and have a positive role to play in interrogating us/them relationships, power inequalities and Othering in the region. The paper highlights the value of using third space and performance to help create a spatial politics of affect, which may in turn lead to changing perceptions of the Other in conflict regions. Therefore, the paper makes a contribution, not only to the geographical literature on how space is appropriated and constructed in Palestine‐Israel, but also to geographical work on hope, film and performance.
Cannabidivarin is anticonvulsant in mouse and rat
Authors: Hill AJ , Mercier MS , Hill TDM , Glyn SE , Jones NA , Yamasaki Y , Futamura T , Duncan M , Stott CG , Stephens GJ , Williams CM , Whalley BJ
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose

Phytocannabinoids in Cannabis sativa have diverse pharmacological targets extending beyond cannabinoid receptors and several exert notable anticonvulsant effects. For the first time, we investigated the anticonvulsant profile of the phytocannabinoid cannabidivarin (CBDV) in vitro and in in vivo seizure models.

Experimental Approach

The effect of CBDV (1–100 μM) on epileptiform local field potentials (LFPs) induced in rat hippocampal brain slices by 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) application or Mg2+‐free conditions was assessed by in vitro multi‐electrode array recordings. Additionally, the anticonvulsant profile of CBDV (50–200 mg·kg−1) in vivo was investigated in four rodent seizure models: maximal electroshock (mES) and audiogenic seizures in mice, and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and pilocarpine‐induced seizures in rats. The effects of CBDV in combination with commonly used antiepileptic drugs on rat seizures were investigated. Finally, the motor side effect profile of CBDV was investigated using static beam and grip strength assays.

Key Results

CBDV significantly attenuated status epilepticus‐like epileptiform LFPs induced by 4‐AP and Mg2+‐free conditions. CBDV had significant anticonvulsant effects on the mES (≥100 mg·kg−1), audiogenic (≥50 mg·kg−1) and PTZ‐induced seizures (≥100 mg·kg−1). CBDV (200 mg·kg−1) alone had no effect against pilocarpine‐induced seizures, but significantly attenuated these seizures when administered with valproate or phenobarbital at this dose. CBDV had no effect on motor function.

Conclusions and Implications

These results indicate that CBDV is an effective anticonvulsant in a broad range of seizure models. Also it did not significantly affect normal motor function and, therefore, merits further investigation as a novel anti‐epileptic in chronic epilepsy models.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.167.issue‐8
Effect of Macroalgal Expansion and Marine Protected Areas on Coral Recovery Following a Climatic Disturbance
Authors: Wilson Shaun K. , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Fisher Rebecca , Robinson Jan , Nash Kirsty , Chong‐Seng Karen , Polunin Nicholas V. C. , Aumeeruddy Riaz , Quatre Rodney
Published: September 2012

Disturbance plays an important role in structuring marine ecosystems, and there is a need to understand how conservation practices, such as the designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), facilitate postdisturbance recovery. We evaluated the association of MPAs, herbivorous fish biomass, substrate type, postdisturbance coral cover, and change in macroalgal cover with coral recovery on the fringing reefs of the inner Seychelle islands, where coral mortality after a 1998 bleaching event was extensive. We visually estimated benthic cover and fish biomass at 9 sites in MPAs where fishing is banned and at 12 sites where fishing is permitted in 1994, 2005, 2008, and 2011. We used analysis of variance to examine spatial and temporal variations in coral cover and generalized additive models to identify relations between coral recovery and the aforementioned factors that may promote recovery. Coral recovery occurred on all substrate types, but it was highly variable among sites and times. Between 2005 and 2011 the increase in coral cover averaged 1%/year across 21 sites, and the maximum increase was 4%/year. However, mean coral cover across the study area (14%) remained at half of 1994 levels (28%). Sites within MPAs had faster rates of coral recovery than sites in fished areas only where cover of macroalgae was low and had not increased over time. In MPAs where macroalgae cover expanded since 1998 there was no recovery. Where coral was recovering on granite reefs there was a shift in relative prevalence of colony life‐form from branching to encrusting species. This simplification of reef structure may affect associated reef fauna even if predisturbance levels of coral cover are attained.

Efecto de la Expansión de Macroalgas y Áreas Marinas Protegidas sobre la Recuperación de Coral Después de una Perturbación Climática