bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energetic electron and ion generation from interactions of intense laser pulses with laser machined conical targets
Authors: Matsuoka T. , Reed S. , McGuffey C. , Bulanov S.S. , Dollar F. , Willingale L. , Chvykov V. , Kalinchenko G. , Brantov A. , Bychenkov V. Yu. , Rousseau P. , Yanovsky V. , Litzenberg D.W. , Krushelnick K. , Maksimchuk A.
Published: May 2010

The generation of energetic electron and proton beams was studied from the interaction of high intensity laser pulses with pre-drilled conical targets. These conical targets are laser machined onto flat targets using 7–180 µJ pulses whose axis of propagation is identical to that of the main high intensity pulse. This method significantly relaxes requirements for alignment of conical targets in systematic experimental investigations and also reduces the cost of target fabrication. These experiments showed that conical targets increase the electron beam charge by up to 44 ± 18% compared with flat targets. We also found greater electron beam divergence for conical targets than for flat targets, which was due to escaping electrons from the surface of the cone wall into the surrounding solid target region. In addition, the experiments showed similar maximum proton energies for both targets since the larger electron beam divergence balances the increase in electron beam charge for conical targets. 2D particle in cell simulations were consistent with the experimental results. Simulations for conical target without preplasma showed higher energy gain for heavy ions due to ‘directed coulomb explosion’. This may be useful for medical applications or for ion beam fast ignition fusion.
Post-Golgi Sec Proteins Are Required for Autophagy in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Geng Jiefei , Nair Usha , Yasumura-Yorimitsu Kyoko , Klionsky Daniel J.
Published: May 2010

In eukaryotic cells, autophagy mediates the degradation of cytosolic contents in response to environmental change. Genetic analyses in fungi have identified over 30 autophagy-related (ATG) genes and provide substantial insight into the molecular mechanism of this process. However, one essential issue that has not been resolved is the origin of the lipids that form the autophagosome, the sequestering vesicle that is critical for autophagy. Here, we report that two post-Golgi proteins, Sec2 and Sec4, are required for autophagy. Sec4 is a Rab family GTPase, and Sec2 is its guanine nucleotide exchange factor. In sec2 and sec4 conditional mutant yeast, the anterograde movement of Atg9, a proposed membrane carrier, is impaired during starvation conditions. Similarly, in the sec2 mutant, Atg8 is inefficiently recruited to the phagophore assembly site, which is involved in autophagosome biogenesis, resulting in the generation of fewer autophagosomes. We propose that following autophagy induction the function of Sec2 and Sec4 are diverted to direct membrane flow to autophagosome formation.
Pathologic Lower Extremity Fractures in Children With Alagille Syndrome
Authors: Bales Christina B , Kamath Binita M , Munoz Pedro S , Nguyen Alexander , Piccoli David A , Spinner Nancy B , Horn David , Shults Justine , Leonard Mary B , Grimberg Adda , Loomes Kathleen M
Published: May 2010

Objectives:

In this retrospective study, we aimed to determine the incidence and distribution of fractures in patients with Alagille syndrome, 1 of the leading inherited causes of pediatric cholestatic liver disease.

Materials and Methods:

Surveys regarding growth, nutrition, and organ involvement were distributed to patient families in the Alagille Syndrome Alliance of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia research database. Patients with a history of fracture were identified by their response to 1 question, and details characterizing each patient's medical, growth, and fracture history were obtained through chart review and telephone contact.

Results:

Twelve of 42 patients (28%) reported a total of 27 fractures. Patients experienced fractures at a mean age of 5 years, which contrasts with healthy children, in whom fracture incidence peaks in adolescence. Fractures occurred primarily in the lower extremity long bones (70%) and with little or no trauma (84%). Estimated incidence rate calculations yielded 399.6 total fractures per 10,000 person‐years (95% confidence interval 206.5, 698.0) and 127.6 femur fractures per 10,000 person‐years (95% confidence interval 42.4, 297.7). There were no differences in sex, age distribution, or organ system involvement between the fracture and no‐fracture groups.

Conclusions:

Children with Alagille syndrome may be at risk for pathologic fractures, which manifest at an early age and in a unique distribution favoring the lower extremity long bones. Although this preliminary study is limited by small sample size and potential ascertainment bias, the data suggest that larger studies are warranted to further characterize fracture risk and explore factors contributing to bone fragility in these children.
Relevance of oral experimental challenge with classical scrapie in sheep
Authors: Tabouret Guillaume , Lacroux Caroline , Lugan Séverine , Costes Pierrette , Corbière Fabien , Weisbecker Jean Louis , Schelcher François , Andréoletti Olivier
Published: May 2010

Oral inoculation is currently considered as the best approach to mimic natural TSE contamination in ruminants. In this study, we compared the timing of abnormal prion protein (PrPSc) dissemination and accumulation in the organism of susceptible sheep either orally inoculated or naturally infected with classical scrapie. Both animal groups shared a similar PrPSc dissemination scheme and accumulation dynamics in lymphoid tissues. However, orally challenged animals displayed an earlier neuro-invasion and a dramatically shorter incubation period than naturally exposed sheep. No differences were observed between the groups with regards to the neuro-invasion route. These results unambiguously indicate that oral inoculation can have an impact on both the earliness of neuro-invasion and the incubation period. They also support the statement that oral inoculation is a relevant model for investigating transmissible spongiform encephalopathy pathogenesis. Nevertheless, data obtained under such experimental conditions should be used with some caution.
Quantifying the Labeling and the Levels of Plant Cell Wall Precursors Using Ion Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Alonso Ana P. , Piasecki Rebecca J. , Wang Yan , LaClair Russell W. , Shachar-Hill Yair
Published: May 2010

The biosynthesis of cell wall polymers involves enormous fluxes through central metabolism that are not fully delineated and whose regulation is poorly understood. We have established and validated a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method using multiple reaction monitoring mode to separate and quantify the levels of plant cell wall precursors. Target analytes were identified by their parent/daughter ions and retention times. The method allows the quantification of precursors at low picomole quantities with linear responses up to the nanomole quantity range. When applying the technique to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) T87 cell cultures, 16 hexose-phosphates (hexose-Ps) and nucleotide-sugars (NDP-sugars) involved in cell wall biosynthesis were separately quantified. Using hexose-P and NDP-sugar standards, we have shown that hot water extraction allows good recovery of the target metabolites (over 86%). This method is applicable to quantifying the levels of hexose-Ps and NDP-sugars in different plant tissues, such as Arabidopsis T87 cells in culture and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) endosperm tissue, showing higher levels of galacto-mannan precursors in fenugreek endosperm. In Arabidopsis cells incubated with [U-13CFru]sucrose, the method was used to track the labeling pattern in cell wall precursors. As the fragmentation of hexose-Ps and NDP-sugars results in high yields of [PO3]−/or [H2PO4]− ions, mass isotopomers can be quantified directly from the intensity of selected tandem mass spectrometry transitions. The ability to directly measure 13C labeling in cell wall precursors makes possible metabolic flux analysis of cell wall biosynthesis based on dynamic labeling experiments.
Overexpression of Arabidopsis Acyl-CoA Binding Protein ACBP3 Promotes Starvation-Induced and Age-Dependent Leaf Senescence
Authors: Xiao Shi , Gao Wei , Chen Qin-Fang , Chan Suk-Wah , Zheng Shu-Xiao , Ma Jinyu , Wang Mingfu , Welti Ruth , Chye Mee-Len
Published: May 2010

In Arabidopsis thaliana, a family of six genes (ACBP1 to ACBP6) encodes acyl-CoA binding proteins (ACBPs). Investigations on ACBP3 reported here show its upregulation upon dark treatment and in senescing rosettes. Transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing ACBP3 (ACBP3-OEs) displayed accelerated leaf senescence, whereas an acbp3 T-DNA insertional mutant and ACBP3 RNA interference transgenic Arabidopsis lines were delayed in dark-induced leaf senescence. Acyl-CoA and lipid profiling revealed that the overexpression of ACBP3 led to an increase in acyl-CoA and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) levels, whereas ACBP3 downregulation reduced PE content. Moreover, significant losses in phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylinositol, and gains in phosphatidic acid (PA), lysophospholipids, and oxylipin-containing galactolipids (arabidopsides) were evident in 3-week-old dark-treated and 6-week-old premature senescing ACBP3-OEs. Such accumulation of PA and arabidopsides (A, B, D, E, and G) resulting from lipid peroxidation in ACBP3-OEs likely promoted leaf senescence. The N-terminal signal sequence/transmembrane domain in ACBP3 was shown to be essential in ACBP3-green fluorescent protein targeting and in promoting senescence. Observations that recombinant ACBP3 binds PC, PE, and unsaturated acyl-CoAs in vitro and that ACBP3 overexpression enhances degradation of the autophagy (ATG)-related protein ATG8 and disrupts autophagosome formation suggest a role for ACBP3 as a phospholipid binding protein involved in the regulation of leaf senescence by modulating membrane phospholipid metabolism and ATG8 stability in Arabidopsis. Accelerated senescence in ACBP3-OEs is dependent on salicylic acid but not jasmonic acid signaling.
The lines-of-force landscape of interactions between molecules in crystals; cohesive versus tolerant and `collateral damage' contact
Authors: Gavezzotti Angelo
Published: May 2010

A quantitative analysis of relative stabilities in organic crystal structures is possible by means of reliable calculations of interaction energies between pairs of molecules. Such calculations have been performed by the PIXEL method for 1108 non-ionic and 98 ionic organic crystals, yielding total energies and separate Coulombic polarization and dispersive contributions. A classification of molecule–molecule interactions emerges based on pair energy and its first derivative, the interaction force, which is estimated here explicitly along an approximate stretching path. When molecular separation is not at the minimum-energy value, as frequently happens, forces may be attractive or repulsive. This information provides a fine structural fingerprint and may be relevant to the mechanical properties of materials. The calculations show that the first coordination shell includes destabilizing contacts in ∼ 9% of crystal structures for compounds with highly polar chemical groups (e.g. CN, NO2, SO2). Calculations also show many pair contacts with weakly stabilizing (neutral) energies; such fine modulation is presumably what makes crystal structure prediction so difficult. Ionic organic salts or zwitterions, including small peptides, show a Madelung-mode pairing of opposite ions where the total lattice energy is stabilized from sums of strongly repulsive and strongly attractive interactions. No obvious relationships between atom–atom distances and interaction energies emerge, so analyses of crystal packing in terms of geometrical parameters alone should be conducted with due care.
Review article: rifaximin, a minimally absorbed oral antibacterial, for the treatment of travellers’ diarrhoea
Authors: LAYER P. , ANDRESEN V.
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1155–1164

Background  Travellers’ diarrhoea, a common problem worldwide with significant medical impact, is generally treated with anti‐diarrhoeal agents and fluid replacement. Systemic antibiotics are also used in selected cases, but these may be associated with adverse effects, bacterial resistance and drug–drug interactions.

Aim  To review the clinical evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of the minimally absorbed oral antibiotic rifaximin in travellers' diarrhoea.

Methods  PubMed and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Clinical Trials (to January 2010) and International Society of Travel Medicine congress abstracts (2003–2009) were searched to identify relevant publications.

Results  A total of 10 publications were included in the analysis. When administered three times daily for 3 days, rifaximin is superior to placebo or loperamide; it is at least as effective as ciprofloxacin in reducing duration of illness and restoring wellbeing in patients with travellers' diarrhoea, both with and without identification of a pathogen, as well as in diarrhoea caused by Escherichia coli infection. Rifaximin demonstrates only minimal potential for development of bacterial resistance and for cytochrome P450‐mediated drug–drug interactions, and its tolerability profile is similar to that of placebo.

Conclusion  When antibiotic therapy is warranted in uncomplicated travellers' diarrhoea, rifaximin may be considered as a first‐line treatment option because of its favourable efficacy, tolerability and safety profiles.
Quantitative trait loci for organ weights and adipose fat composition in Jersey and Limousin back‐cross cattle finished on pasture or feedlot
Authors: Morris C. A. , Bottema C. D. K. , Cullen N. G. , Hickey S. M. , Esmailizadeh A. K. , Siebert B. D. , Pitchford W. S.
Published: May 2010

A QTL study of live animal and carcass traits in beef cattle was carried out in New Zealand and Australia. Back‐cross calves (385 heifers and 398 steers) were generated, with Jersey and Limousin backgrounds. This paper reports on weights of eight organs (heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen, gastro‐intestinal tract, fat, and rumen contents) and 12 fat composition traits (fatty acid (FA) percentages, saturated and monounsaturated FA subtotals, and fat melting point). The New Zealand cattle were reared and finished on pasture, whilst Australian cattle were reared on grass and finished on grain for at least 180 days. For organ weights and fat composition traits, 10 and 12 significant QTL locations (P < 0.05), respectively, were detected on a genome‐wide basis, in combined‐sire or within‐sire analyses. Seven QTL significant for organ weights were found at the proximal end of chromosome 2. This chromosome carries a variant myostatin allele (F94L), segregating from the Limousin ancestry, and this is a positional candidate for the QTL. Ten significant QTL for fat composition were found on chromosomes 19 and 26. Fatty acid synthase and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD1), respectively, are positional candidate genes for these QTL. Two FA QTL found to be common to sire groups in both populations were for percentages of C14:0 and C14:1 (relative to all FAs) on chromosome 26, near the SCD1 candidate gene.
Association of CT60 cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 gene polymorphism with thyroid autoantibody production in patients with Hashimoto's and postpartum thyroiditis
Authors: Zaletel K , Krhin B , Gaberšček S , Biček A , Pajič T , Hojker S
Published: May 2010

Strong genetic contribution has been demonstrated to influence the development of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) as well as thyroid autoantibody production. In order to assess the relation between CT60 cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene polymorphism and thyroid autoantibody production, we investigated 180 consecutive newly diagnosed patients with two forms of AITD, 105 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and 75 with postpartum thyroiditis (PPT). We evaluated thyroid function, measured antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (Tg), and determined CT60 CTLA-4 gene polymorphism. In HT, TPO antibody median value was significantly lower in the AA compared to the AG and GG genotypes (65, 122 and 319 U/ml, P < 0.005), while the Tg antibody median value was lower in the AA compared to the AG genotype (91 and 189 U/ml, P < 0.02). In PPT, the frequency of thyroid autoantibody-positive patients was higher among G-allele-carrying genotypes (P < 0.04). Similar to HT, the TPO antibody median value was lower in the AA compared to the AG and GG genotypes (12, 130 and 423 U/ml, P < 0.006). Hypothyroid PPT patients were more often thyroid autoantibody-positive (P < 0.005) and the TPO antibody median value was higher compared to hyperthyroid PPT patients (500 and 32 U/ml, P < 0.0001). The frequency of the G-allele was significantly higher among hypothyroid patients (P < 0.05). Our data suggest that in both HT and PPT, the CT60 CTLA-4 gene polymorphism contributes importantly to thyroid autoantibody production. In PPT, the genotype also seems to influence thyroid function, as patients with the polymorphous allele are more prone to develop hypothyroid form of PPT.
Geochemical characterization of placic horizons in subtropical montane forest soils, northeastern Taiwan
Authors: Jien S.‐H. , Hseu Z.‐Y. , Iizuka Y. , Chen T.‐H. , Chiu C.‐Y.
Published: May 2010

Well‐developed placic horizons have been found in subalpine forest soils with large clay contents in Taiwan. We investigated their formation processes in five profiles in a subalpine ecosystem of northeastern Taiwan, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectrometry (EDS), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), differential X‐ray diffraction (DXRD) and chemical extractions. The placic horizons, ranging from 3‐ to 17‐mm thick, always occurred above argillic horizons with abrupt changes in pH and texture between the two horizons. When fully developed, the placic horizons were clearly differentiated between upper and lower sub‐horizons. EDS and chemical extractions revealed that the cementing materials in both were predominantly inorganic Fe oxides. However, contents of aluminosilicates and organically complexed Fe and Al were greater in the lower than in the upper placic sub‐horizon. Results of EPMA indicated that interstitial fine materials in the upper placic sub‐horizon were composed mainly of Fe oxides, whereas Fe oxides were codominant with illuvial clay in the lower sub‐horizon. These analyses identified the migration of Fe and clay as major formation processes in both sub‐horizons. We hypothesize that there is a pedogenic sequence that starts with clay illuviation, followed by podzolization. The resultant textural and permeability differentiation reinforces the tendency to profile episaturation that is already inherent from the heavy rainfall and clayey surface soils. Topsoil Fe is therefore reduced and mobilized, and then illuviated with clay and organically complexed Fe/Al to initiate the lower placic sub‐horizon. The poor permeability of this layer reinforces the moisture conditions in the surface soils, and the further reduction, illuviation and deposition of inorganic Fe to form the upper placic sub‐horizon.
Analysis of changes in organic carbon in mineral soils across England and Wales using a simple single‐pool model
Authors: Kirk G. J. D. , Bellamy P. H.
Published: May 2010

We use a simple single‐pool model of soil carbon turnover to evaluate possible explanations for the widespread changes in the organic carbon contents of mineral soils across England and Wales, measured in the National Soil Inventory between 1978 and 2003. We provide a means of quantifying the changes in rates of soil organic carbon decomposition in relation to inputs from vegetation required to explain the results. We find that neither changes in decomposition resulting from the effects of climate change on soil temperature and moisture, nor changes in input, could by themselves account for the overall trends. Past changes in land use and management were more likely explanations. Any climate‐change signal is masked by these other changes.
The effects of fertilization with anaerobic, composted and pelletized sewage sludge on soil, tree growth, pasture production and biodiversity in a silvopastoral system under ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.)
Authors: Rigueiro‐Rodríguez A. A. , Ferreiro‐Domínguez N. , Mosquera‐Losada M. R.
Published: May 2010

In silvopastoral systems, tree growth and the composition and productivity of pasture can be modified by management practices such as initial fertilization when tree seedlings are more sensitive to understorey competition. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of fertilization with different types of sewage sludge (anaerobic sludge, composted sludge and pelletized sludge), using different rates of incorporation and mineralization with traditional treatments (with and without mineral fertilizers) on the growth of newly established ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) and on pasture development, to obtain sustainable management practices that enhance the growth of both components. Soil characteristics, tree growth, sward composition and pasture development were modified differently according to the type of sewage sludge used, and for similar total nitrogen inputs. Anaerobic sludge had a higher initial effect on both tree and pasture productivity. Pelletized sludge sustained better tree and pasture production. Composted sludge was found to be the most appropriate treatment for improving soil characteristics over the long term on sandy soils. It was concluded that pelletized sludge should be promoted because it enhances productivity, allows for better nutrient recovery and is less costly to store and apply compared with anaerobic sludge and composted sludge. No toxic concentrations of Zn or Cu were found in plants or in the soil despite higher concentrations being present in the applied sludge than in soil.
Beta‐arrestin 2 negatively regulates sepsis‐induced inflammation
Authors: Fan Hongkuan , Bitto Alessandra , Zingarelli Basilia , Luttrell Louis M. , Borg Keith , Halushka Perry V. , Cook James A.
Published: May 2010

β‐arrestins 1 and 2 are ubiquitously expressed proteins that alter signalling by G‐protein‐coupled receptors. β‐arrestin 2 plays an important role as a signalling adaptor and scaffold in regulating cellular inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that β‐arrestin 2 is a critical modulator of inflammatory response in experimental sepsis. β‐arrestin 2(−/−) and wild‐type (WT) mice were subjected to caecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The survival rate was significantly decreased (P < 0·05) in β‐arrestin 2(−/−) mice (13% survival) compared with WT mice (53% survival). A second group of mice were killed 18 hr after CLP for blood, peritoneal lavage and tissue sample collection. CLP‐induced plasma interleukin (IL)‐6 was significantly increased 25 ± 12 fold and caecal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was increased 2·4 ± 0·3 fold in β‐arrestin 2(−/−) compared with WT mice. β‐arrestin 2(−/−) mice exhibited more severe lung damage and higher bacterial loads compared with WT mice post CLP challenge as measured by histopathology and colony‐forming unit count. In subsequent experiments, splenocytes, peritoneal macrophages and bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated and cultured from β‐arrestin 2(−/−) and WT mice and stimulated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐10 production induced by LPS was significantly augmented (2·2 ± 0·2 fold, 1·8 ± 0·1 fold, and 2·2 ± 0·4 fold, respectively; P < 0·05) in splenocytes from β‐arrestin 2(−/−) mice compared with WT mice. The splenocyte response was different from that of peritoneal macrophages or BMDMs, which exhibited no difference in TNF‐α and IL‐6 production upon LPS stimulation between WT and β‐arrestin 2(−/−) mice. Our data demonstrate that β‐arrestin 2 functions to negatively regulate the inflammatory response in polymicrobial sepsis.
Three‐dimensional analysis of the root morphology of mandibular first molars with distolingual roots
Authors: Huang R.‐Y. , Cheng W.‐C. , Chen C.‐J. , Lin C.‐D. , Lai T.‐M. , Shen E.‐C. , Chiang C.‐Y. , Chiu H.‐C. , Fu E.
Published: May 2010

Huang R‐Y, Cheng W‐C, Chen C‐J, Lin C‐D, Lai T‐M, Shen E‐C, Chiang C‐Y, Chiu H‐C, Fu E. Three‐dimensional analysis of the root morphology of mandibular first molars with distolingual roots. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 478–484, 2010.

Aim  To determine the prevalence of distolingual roots in mandibular first molar teeth in Taiwanese Han Chinese, and its impact on root morphology.

Methodology  The presence of distolingual roots in 375 subjects (521 molars) were assessed from 624 patients attending the dental clinics of medical centres around Taiwan island from August 2004 to April 2007 using computed tomography. The following observations were made: (i) numbers of roots and canals, (ii) mesial and distal root types and (iii) levels of furca in the molars presence or absence of distolingual root.

Results  The mean age of the subject was 45; 43% were women. Among all the examined molars, 56%, 27% and 18% were two‐, three‐ and four‐rooted, respectively. Two per cent, 72% and 26% of molars had two, three and four canals, respectively. All of the four‐rooted molars had four canals, but all of the molars with four canals varied in the number of roots. All molars with distolingual roots had two mesial canals. Bilateral consistency in terms of distolingual root, root canal number, root number and root type was observed in subjects with bilateral molars. In molars with distolingual roots, a higher prevalence of two mesial roots and a shorter mesial root trunk were observed than in teeth without distolingual roots.

Conclusions  A distolingual root was found in 22% of molars and in 24% of the subjects examined. Most subjects with a distolingual root had them bilaterally. The presence of a distolingual root was associated with variation in the root morphology, including the furcation level, the root type and the number of roots and canals.
A differential scanning calorimetry study of the setting reaction of MTA
Authors: Chedella S. C. V. , Berzins D. W.
Published: May 2010

Chedella SCV, Berzins DW. A differential scanning calorimetry study of the setting reaction of MTA. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 509–518, 2010.

Aim  To evaluate the setting of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) at various time intervals using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Methodology  Hydrated MTA and Portland cement were examined with DSC at the following intervals: immediate (0 h), 2 h, 4 h, 12 h, 24 h, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 1 year. DSC analysis consisted of a temperature scan from 37 to 640 °C, resulting in thermograms with reaction product decomposition endotherms. The thermogram peak attributed to calcium hydroxide product formation was identified and quantified to serve as an indicator of reaction product formation over time. Unmixed powders of both cements and individual components of MTA were also studied using DSC. The results were analysed with repeated measures anova between time intervals and a t‐test between cements.

Results  A low temperature endotherm attributed to various calcium silicate hydrates showed continual maturation of MTA up to 1 year. The rate of calcium hydroxide formation was greatest between 4 and 24 h after mixing with maximum amounts present at 7 days. Specimens aged greater than 1 month showed a decrease in calcium hydroxide content, presumably because of carbonation reactions. Portland cement had similar thermogram peaks, although the amount of calcium hydroxide formed was generally smaller compared to MTA. The endothermic peaks from the various powders and components were helpful in corroborating the peaks formed in the hydrated cements.

Conclusions  Hydration reactions and structure maturation in MTA continue well beyond clinically observed setting times.
Non‐surgical management of a large periapical lesion using a simple aspiration technique: a case report
Authors: Fernandes M. , De Ataide I.
Published: May 2010

Fernandes M, De Ataide I. Non‐surgical management of a large periapical lesion using a simple aspiration technique: a case report. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 536–542, 2010.

Aim  To report the non‐surgical management of a large periapical lesion.

Summary  Surgical treatment of large periapical lesions is often subject to various complications. Hence, a non‐surgical approach should be considered for the management of these lesions. The traditional aspiration technique involves creation of buccal and palatal wounds that can cause considerable discomfort for the patient. This case report describes a simple aspiration technique achieved through the root canal space, which might hasten osseous regeneration, whilst eliminating the need for periapical surgery.

Key learning points 

 Non‐surgical techniques can aid in healing of periapical lesions.

 Non‐surgical approaches should be considered before resorting to surgery.
3D visualization of subcellular structures of Schizosaccharomyces pombe by hard X‐ray tomography
Authors: YANG Y. , LI W. , LIU G. , ZHANG X. , CHEN J. , WU W. , GUAN Y. , XIONG Y. , TIAN* Y. , WU* Z.
Published: May 2010

Cellular structures of the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, were examined by using hard X‐ray tomography. Since cells are nearly transparent to hard X‐rays, Zernike phase contrast and heavy metal staining were introduced to improve image contrast. Through using such methods, images taken at 8 keV displayed sufficient contrast for observing cellular structures. The cell wall, the intracellular organelles and the entire structural organization of the whole cells were visualized in three‐dimensional at a resolution better than 100 nm. Comparison between phase contrast and absorption contrast was also made, indicating the obvious advantage of phase contrast for cellular imaging at this energy. Our results demonstrate that hard X‐ray tomography with Zernike phase contrast is suitable for cellular imaging. Its unique abilities make it have potential to become a useful tool for revealing structural information from cells, especially thick eukaryotic cells.
Development of a new bimodal imaging methodology: a combination of fluorescence microscopy and high‐resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: LAU K.H. , CHRISTLIEB M. , SCHRÖDER M. , SHELDON H. , HARRIS A.L. , GROVENOR C.R.M.
Published: May 2010

In this paper, we present a new experimental methodology to combine mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) with fluorescence microscopy to provide subcellular information on the location of small molecules in cultured cells. We demonstrate this by comparing the distribution of 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine in the same cells given by both NanoSIMS analysis and by fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Fiducial markers in the substrates ensured that the images formed by SIMS mapping of bromine ions could be co‐registered exactly with images from fluorescence microscopy. The NanoSIMS was shown to faithfully reproduce the information from fluorescence microscopy, but at a much higher spatial resolution. We then show preliminary SIMS images on the distribution of ATN‐224, a therapeutic copper chelator for which there is no fluorescent marker, co‐registered with conventional Lysotracker and Hoechst stains on the same cells.
Changes in Expression of the Genes for the Leptin Receptor and the Growth Hormone‐Releasing Peptide/Ghrelin Receptor in the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus with Long‐Term Manipulation of Adiposity by Dietary Means
Authors: Kurose Y. , Iqbal J. , Rao A. , Murata Y. , Hasegawa Y. , Terashima Y. , Kojima M. , Kangawa K. , Clarke I. J.
Published: May 2010

Changes in leptin and ghrelin levels occur with alterations in adiposity, but signalling may be affected by levels of the relevant receptors. We measured expression of the leptin receptor (Ob‐Rb) and the ghrelin/growth hormone releasing peptide receptor (GHS‐R) in the arcuate nucleus of sheep held at either high or low levels of adiposity. Plasma growth hormone (GH) levels were lower in Fat animals and higher in Lean animals. Plasma insulin and leptin levels were higher in Fat animals and lower in Lean animals. Frozen hypothalamic sections of arcuate nucleus were extracted and mRNA levels measured for mRNA for Ob‐Rb and GHS‐R. Gene expression for both Ob‐Rb and GHS‐R was higher in Lean animals than in Fat animals, with no difference in expression between Fat and Normal animals. A second group of animals (n = 4 per group) was used for double‐labelling immunohistochemistry to determine whether the increase in Ob‐Rb gene expression was translated into Ob‐Rb protein and to ascertain whether this effect is localised to the cells of the arcuate nucleus that produce either neuropeptide Y (NPY) and/or pro‐opiomelanocortin‐derived peptides. Lean animals displayed a 255% increase in immunoreactive NPY cells (P < 0.005), a 167% increase in cells with Ob‐Rb (P < 0.037) protein and a 344% increase in cells that were staining for both NPY and Ob‐Rb (P < 0.02). There was no difference between the Normal and Lean animals in the number of cells that were detected with an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) antibody or the number of ACTH‐immunoreactive cells that also stained for Ob‐Rb. Finally, we measured plasma ghrelin levels in Normal, Fat and Lean ewes (n = 4/group); levels were higher (P < 0.05) in Fat animals than in Lean animals. We conclude that lowering body weight leads to increased expression of Ob‐Rb, ghrelin/GHS‐R expression and proportion of NPY cells that express Ob‐Rb in the arcuate nucleus. This may be an adaptive mechanism to increase responsivity to both leptin and ghrelin.
New Approaches for the Study of Orexin Function
Authors: Yamanaka A. , Tsunematsu T.
Published: May 2010

Orexin is a neuropeptide produced by a specific subset of neurones located in the lateral hypothalamic area. Mice lacking either prepro‐orexin or orexin receptor 2, as well as those in which orexin‐producing neurones (orexin neurones) are deleted, share a common phenotype: altered sleep–wake regulation and the sudden onset of muscle atonia. These symptoms are similar to the human sleep disorder narcolepsy. In this review, we describe recent advances in the study of orexin function with a particular emphasis on microscopic techniques that better characterise the neuronal networks involving orexin neurones, as well as recent optogenetic approaches that allow for the activation or inhibition of specific neurones by expressing different light‐activated proteins. In particular, the use of orexin/halorhodopsin and orexin/channelrhodopsin‐2 transgenic mice has demonstrated an important role for orexin neurones in regulating the sleep–wake cycle and state of arousal in vivo. Further refinement of these in vitro and in vivo techniques will allow for a more detailed understanding of the interaction of orexin with other neurotransmitter pathways in the brain.
Clinical and immunological heterogeneity of canine subepidermal blistering dermatoses with anti‐laminin‐332 (laminin‐5) auto‐antibodies
Authors: Olivry Thierry , Bizikova Petra , Dunston Stanley M. , Bond Ross , Halliwell Richard , Loeffler Anette , Pucheu‐Haston Cherie M. , Chen Mei , Peter Marinkovich M.
Published: May 2010

Laminin‐332 (laminin‐5) is a basement membrane heterotrimeric protein composed of alpha‐3, beta‐3 and gamma‐2 laminin chains. Laminin‐332 polypeptides are targeted by auto‐antibodies in human patients with mucous membrane (cicatricial) pemphigoid or, more rarely, subepidermal vesicular diseases that resemble epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) or bullous pemphigoid (BP). The objectives of this report were to characterize the clinical, histopathological and immunological characteristics of nine dogs with auto‐antibodies targeting laminin‐332. Immunological investigations consisted of direct immunofluorescence (IF), indirect IF with intact and salt‐split canine gingival, and salt‐split normal or laminin‐332‐deficient human skin, immunoblotting with purified human laminin‐332 and immunoblotting with recombinant NC1 domain of human collagen VII. All dogs exhibited varying degrees of skin blistering and ulceration associated with microscopic subepidermal vesiculation with or without inflammatory cells. Indirect IF established that circulating IgG auto‐antibodies bound the dermal side of salt‐split canine lip and human skin. In five dogs, IgG variably recognized the basement membrane of laminin‐332‐deficient human skin (three dogs negative, two dogs positive). In all nine dogs, IgG auto‐antibodies detected purified human laminin‐332 by immunoblotting. In two dogs, additional targeting of collagen VII‐NC1 was present. These observations establish laminin‐332 as a novel basement membrane antigen in dogs with autoimmune blistering diseases with variable clinical phenotypes. The names ‘acquired junctional epidermolysis bullosa’, ‘anti‐laminin‐332 mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP)’ and ‘mixed auto‐immune subepidermal blistering dermatosis’ are proposed for dogs with clinical signs reminiscent of EBA, MMP or BP respectively.
Limited phenotypic plasticity in range‐edge populations: a comparison of co‐occurring populations of two Agrimonia species with different geographical distributions
Authors: Mägi Maris , Semchenko Marina , Kalamees Reïn , Zobel Kristjan
Published: May 2010

Increased importance of genetic drift and selection for stress resistance have been predicted to lead to a reduction in the degree of phenotypic plasticity in populations at margins of a species’ geographical range, relative to those in the centre. We examined the effect of population positioning within the species range on degree of active morphological plasticity to vegetation shade. Importantly, we discriminated between active, size‐independent morphological adjustments in response to shade and passive changes in morphology caused by the dependence of morphological traits on plant size, as only the former are considered to be adaptive. Two closely related and ecologically similar Agrimonia species were examined in the same geographical location, where one species reaches the edge of its distribution (Agrimonia pilosa) and the other does not (A. eupatoria). Plasticity to light availability is likely to be advantageous for both species as they occupy habitats with variable light conditions. However, we hypothesised that high levels of environmental stress should lead to reduced active plasticity in marginal compared with more central populations. Agrimonia eupatoria exhibited active adjustments in leaf morphology in response to tree shade, and in elongation of stems and inflorescences in response to herbaceous shade. In contrast, A. pilosa exhibited very limited active plasticity. High active plasticity allowed A. eupatoria to retain constant shoot growth in a wide range of light conditions, while the lack of active plasticity in A. pilosa resulted in a strong dependence of shoot growth on light availability. We propose that high levels of environmental stress in marginal areas of a species’ range may lead to a significant reduction in the degree of active plasticity. Our results clearly indicate that discrimination between active and passive plasticity is crucial for reaching valid conclusions about differences in adaptive plasticity between marginal and non‐marginal populations.
Interaction between Cucumber mosaic virus and Turnip crinkle virus in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yang Hui , Wang Shaodong , Xi Dehui , Yuan Shu , Wang Jianhui , Xu Moyun , Lin Honghui
Published: May 2010

The interaction between Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) in Arabidopsis thaliana is reported. Although TCV coat protein accumulates to a similar level in singly or doubly infected plants, CMV coat protein is significantly decreased in doubly infected plants, which develop symptoms similar to those of TCV infection alone. TCV thus strongly interfers with infection by CMV. A significant reduction in CMV 2b gene expression also occurs in co‐infected plants. A defence signalling initiator, salicylic acid (SA), further inhibits CMV accumulation during CMV–TCV co‐infection. This interference is correlated with both enhanced virus gene silencing and defence signalling.
Poroma with sebaceous differentiation: Report of three cases
Authors: Kurashige Yuta , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Okubo Yukari , Tsuboi Ryoji
Published: May 2010

We herein report three cases of poroma, which showed sebaceous differentiation. The patients were two men and one woman, and the involved sites were the thigh, head and back. In all three cases, histopathological examination revealed anastomosing nests consisting of poroid cells proliferating into the dermis. Tubular structures lined by eosinophilic cuticular cells were scattered in the tumour nests. Furthermore, aggregations of mature sebocytes with vacuolated cytoplasm were also observed forming clusters, or intermingled with the poroma cells. Focal calcification was found within the nests in two cases. Sebaceous component were recognized in the presented three cases among the 62 cases (4.8%) examined in our department within the past 10 years. We also include a review of the 31 reported cases of poroma with sebaceous differentiation. None of them occurred in acral regions, where typical eccrine poromas predominate. The majority of cases were benign. This review indicates that some poromas may show sebaceous differentiation and be of apocrine lineage.
Riding a bicycle: Do we need more than a helmet?
Authors: Abu‐Kishk Ibrahim , Vaiman Michael , Rosenfeld‐Yehoshua Noa , Kozer Eran , Lotan Gad , Eshel Gideon
Published: May 2010

Background:  To assess pediatric bicycle‐related traumatization in view of types of injuries, incidence and modes of prevention.

Methods:  Retrospective study of pediatric cases admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit of a university‐affiliated level II trauma hospital in Israel over 12 consecutive years.

Results:  Forty‐six patients (three girls, 43 boys) with bicycle‐related injuries formed 1% of the total pediatric intensive care unit admissions during the study period. The number of patients with bicycle‐related injuries increased significantly during recent years (1996–2001 vs 2002–07: P= 0.003). Most of the cases presented abdominal injuries (54.4%) followed by head (32.6%) and chest (13%) injuries. The median age of patients with abdominal trauma was significantly lower in comparison to patients with other types of injuries (P= 0.002). Abdominal cases required longer hospitalization compared with other patients (P= 0.003). Falling from a bicycle was the main mechanism of injury in abdominal cases (88%) (P= 0.003). Motor vehicle impacts were the main mechanism of injury in patients with head (60%) and chest (66.6%) trauma.

Conclusion:  The incidence of severe bicycle‐related injuries requiring intensive care hospitalization is increasing and abdominal trauma forms the main portion of those injuries. We suggest introducing a trunk‐protective measure for young bicyclists. Exact information on the mechanism of the injury is important for evaluating the injured patient more accurately.
Numerical and experimental investigation of mixed‐mode fracture parameters on silicon nitride using the Brazilian disc test
Authors: LEVESQUE G. , ARAKERE N. K. , MECHOLSKY J. J. , GOPALAKRISHNAN K.
Published: May 2010

Engineering applications of ceramics can often involve mixed‐mode conditions involving both tensile and shear loading. Mixed‐mode fracture toughness parameters are evaluated for applicability to ceramics using the Brazilian disc test on silicon nitride. Semi‐elliptical centrally located surface flaws are induced on the disc specimens using Vickers indentation and compression loaded to fracture with varying levels of mode mixity. The disc specimens are modelled via 3D finite element analysis and all three modes of stress intensity factors computed along the crack front, at failure load. We present a numerical and experimental investigation of four widely used mixed‐mode fracture criteria and conclude that the critical strain energy release rate criterion is simple to implement and effective for silicon nitride under mixed‐mode conditions.
The effect of prostate‐specific antigen screening during the last decade: development of clinicopathological variables independently of the biopsy core number
Authors: Ploussard Guillaume , Azancot Vidal , Nicolaiew Nathalie , Xylinas Evanguelos , Salomon Laurent , Allory Yves , Vordos Dimitri , Hoznek Andras , Abbou Claude‐Clément , De La Taille Alexandre
Published: May 2010

Study Type – Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To study the development of stage migration in prostate cancer after controlling for the number of biopsy cores.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 1826 patients had a first set of 21‐core biopsies taken between 2001 and 2008. Among the 801 patients with prostate cancer, 443 had a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RP). Patients were divided into three subsets according to the date of biopsy, i.e. period 1 (2001–2003), period 2 (2004–2005), and period 3 (2006–2008). Study end points were the development over time of: (i) clinico‐biological characteristics; (ii) biopsy variables; (iii) pathological RP features; and (iv) the biochemical recurrence‐free (RFS) rate after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean age decreased significantly over time (P= 0.004). The proportion of men with a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of 4–10 ng/mL increased significantly over time at the expense of the proportion of men with a PSA level of ≥10 ng/mL (P= 0.004). A biopsy Gleason score of ≥7 was reported in 53.9% of period 1, compared to 39.6% in period 3 (P= 0.001). RP specimens had a significantly lower proportion of extraprostatic disease (P= 0.013), of high Gleason scores (P= 0.049), and positive margins (P= 0.011) over time. The RFS curves did not vary over time (P= 897).

CONCLUSION

Current candidates for prostate biopsy are younger and have lower PSA levels than those who had biopsies taken at the beginning of the decade. Cancers are less aggressive in terms of Gleason score, extent of the disease on biopsy cores and rate of extraprostatic disease on RP specimens than those diagnosed at the beginning of the decade.
ERROR VARIANCE ESTIMATION FOR THE SINGLE‐INDEX MODEL
Authors: Kulasekera K. B. , Lin Wei
Published: May 2010

Single‐index models provide one way of reducing the dimension in regression analysis. The statistical literature has focused mainly on estimating the index coefficients, the mean function, and their asymptotic properties. For accurate statistical inference it is equally important to estimate the error variance of these models. We examine two estimators of the error variance in a single‐index model and compare them with a few competing estimators with respect to their corresponding asymptotic properties. Using a simulation study, we evaluate the finite‐sample performance of our estimators against their competitors.
Belarus, Ukraine and Russia: East or West?
Authors: White Stephen , McAllister Ian , Feklyunina Valentina
Published: May 2010

Belarus and Ukraine are ‘lands in between’, pulled by their language, religion and history towards the west but also towards the former Soviet republics in the east with which they were for so long associated. The evidence of national representative surveys between 2000 and 2010 suggests that feelings of ‘Europeanness’ have been declining, as is also the case in Russia; so has the wish to join the European Union (although it remains a popular option) or NATO. ‘Soviet nostalgia’ has been declining in parallel, more so in Belarus and Ukraine than in Russia; but there is a strong wish in all three countries to associate more closely within the Commonwealth of Independent States. Cross-tabulating, the evidence suggests that Ukraine is the most sharply polarised between these two foreign policy orientations, and the one in which popular attitudes are most likely to constrain the actions of its governing authorities; more generally, it suggests that a constructivist analysis is particularly appropriate in cases in which rival national security complexes are rooted in domestic cultural divisions and expressed through competing political elites.