bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of cone‐beam computed tomography to evaluate C‐shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in a Turkish subpopulation: a retrospective study
Authors: Helvacioglu‐Yigit D. , Sinanoglu A.
Published: February 2013

Aim

To use cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical features of C‐shaped canals in permanent mandibular second molars amongst members of a Turkish population.

Methodology

An endodontist and oral radiologist examined CBCT images of 271 Turkish mandibular second molars to determine the presence of C‐shaped canals and their anatomical features. Root canal configurations at five different levels were categorized using the classification of Fan et al. (Journal of Endodontics, 30, 2004a,b, 899–903; 904–8). Bilateral or unilateral occurrence of C‐shaped canals and their relationships with gender, age and tooth position were examined and statistically analysed using the chi‐squared test.

Results

Of the 271 mandibular second molars examined, 24 (8.9%) molars from 17 patients had a C‐shaped root canal system. The prevalence of bilateral C‐shaped canals was 6.3% amongst 111 patients with bilateral mandibular second molars. There were no significant differences in the distribution of C‐shaped canals with respect to gender or age. Only one tooth had the same canal configuration from the orifice to the apex. In the remainder of the teeth, the cross‐sectional canal configuration changed at different levels of the root.

Conclusions

The configuration of C‐shaped canals varied along the length of the root. The prevalence of C‐shaped canals in mandibular second molars in this Turkish population was lower than in other Asian populations.
Pneumonia‐induced sepsis in mice: temporal study of inflammatory and cardiovascular parameters
Authors: Sordi Regina , Menezes‐de‐Lima Octávio , Della‐Justina Ana M. , Rezende Edir , Assreuy Jamil
Published: February 2013

The aim of the present work is to provide a better comprehension of the pneumonia‐induced sepsis model through temporal evaluation of several parameters, and thus identify the main factors that determine mortality in this model. Klebsiella pneumoniae was inoculated intratracheally in anesthetized Swiss male mice. Inflammatory and cardiovascular parameters were evaluated 6, 24 and 48 h after the insult. The results show that severity of infection and the mortality correlated with the amount of bacteria. Six, 24 and 48 h after inoculation, animals presented pathological changes in lungs, increase in cell number in the bronchoalveolar lavage, leukopenia, increase in TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels, hypotension and hyporesponsiveness to vasoconstrictors, the two latter characteristics of severe sepsis and septic shock. Significant numbers of bacteria in spleen and heart homogenates indicated infection spreading. Interestingly, NOS‐2 expression appeared late after bacteria inoculation, whereas levels of NOS‐1 and NOS‐3 were unchanged. The high NOS‐2 expression coincided with an exacerbated NO production in the infection focus and in plasma, as judging by nitrate + nitrite levels. This study shows that K. pneumoniae inoculation induces a systemic inflammatory response and cardiovascular alterations, which endures at least until 48 h. K. pneumoniae‐induced lung infection is a clinically relevant animal model of sepsis and a better understanding of this model may help to increase the knowledge about sepsis pathophysiology.
Damage from periorbital ageing to the multilayered structures and resilience of the skin in Chinese population
Authors: Liao Chuh‐Kai , Tsai Feng‐Chou , Fong Tsorng‐Harn , Hu Chien‐Ming , Wei Po‐Li , Su Ching‐Hua
Published: February 2013

Ageing dynamically disrupts the multilayered supporting components of the skin that are held together by cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Skin specimens from 33 female Chinese patients undergoing lower blepharoplasty were divided into three age groups and examined by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Elastica‐van Gieson (EVG) stains, western blotting, surface electron microscopy (SEM) and biomechanical tension analysis. The SEM density (skin surface topology) showed a negative linear relationship with age. The triangular pattern of the skin surface in the younger group gradually broke down into quadrangular and irregular patterns in the older group. Collagens and elastic fibres in the dermis showed anisotropy and decreased density in the older groups compared with the younger group, especially in the papillary dermis. Anisotropy means that physical properties differ according to the direction of measurement. E‐cadherin and integrin αv (whose functions are to bind epidermal and dermal elements respectively) increased and decreased, respectively, in the oldest group. Skin resilience decreased significantly in this group under repetitive stress. In conclusion, a loss of skin surface textures, integrin αv expressions, epidermal‐dermal connections and dermal compactness led to the multilayered structure of the skin becoming separated. This in turn decreased resilience during ageing. These findings may therefore explain why aged skins cannot tolerate repetitive facial expressions, and why this action produces further dynamic wrinkles.
Paving the Way? Penalty and Atonement in Thomas Aquinas's Soteriology
Authors: Peterson Brandon
Published: February 2013

This article explores the soteriology of Thomas Aquinas. In particular, it considers recent debates over whether Thomas altered Anselm's satisfaction theory in a way which opened the door to the later theory of penal substitution. The article argues that Thomas did indeed alter Anselm's atonement theory in this way insofar as he incorporates punishment within his concept of satisfaction; however, it further contends that his use of ‘placation’ or ‘appeasement’ language does not contribute to such an alteration.
Impact of age, gender and indigenous status on access to diagnostic coronary angiography for patients presenting with non‐ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes in Australia
Authors: Roe Y. L. , Zeitz C. J. , Mittinty M. N. , McDermott R. A. , Chew D. P.
Published: February 2013

Using Australian guidelines for management of acute coronary syndromes, we investigated the proportion of high‐risk patients enrolled in the Acute Coronary Syndromes Prospective Audit registry who received a coronary angiogram. A prospective nationwide multicentre registry involving 39 Australian hospitals was used. The study cohort were patients with high‐risk clinical features without ST segment elevation (n = 1948) admitted from emergency departments between 1 November 2005 and 31 July 2007. Eighty nine per cent of patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and only 53% of eligible patients with high‐risk acute coronary syndromes with no ST elevation received a diagnostic angiogram. Increasing age was associated with lower rates of angiography; a high‐risk patient at the age of ≥70 years was 19% less likely to receive an angiogram than one at the age of <70 years (risk ratio (RR) = 0.81 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76, 0.76). Women were 26% less likely than men to receive an angiogram (RR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.65, 0.83). The adjusted RR from the multivariate analysis suggests that a patient at the age of ≥70 years was 35% less likely to receive an angiogram than one at the age of <70 years (RR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.60, 0.73), and that women were 13% less likely than men to receive an angiogram (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.80, 0.96). Indigenous patients were as likely to access angiography as eligible non‐indigenous patients (RR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.85, 1.25). There is underinvestigation of high‐risk patients without ST segment elevation in Australian hospitals, particularly for women and older patients. Indigenous patients are younger and have poorer risk profiles, and represent a group that would benefit from greater investment in prevention strategies.
Spectral decomposition with f−x−y preconditioning
Authors: Bonar David , Sacchi Mauricio
Published: February 2013

Spectral decomposition, or local time‐frequency analysis, tries to enhance the amount of information one can obtain from a seismic volume by finding the frequency content of the seismic data at each time sample. However, if a small amount of noise is present within the seismic amplitude volume, it has the potential to become more prominent in the spectrally decomposed data especially if high‐resolution or sparsity promoting methods are utilized. To combat this problem post‐processing noise removal has commonly been employed, but these techniques can potentially degrade the resolution of small‐scale geological structures in their attempt to remove this noise. Rather than de‐noising the spectrally decomposed data after they are generated, we propose to incorporate the ideas of f−x−y deconvolution within the spectral decomposition process to create an algorithm that has the ability to de‐noise the time‐frequency representation of the data as they are being generated. By incorporating the spatial prediction error filters that are utilized for f−x−y deconvolution with the spectral decomposition problem, a spatially smooth time‐frequency representation that maintains its sparsity, or high‐resolution characteristics, can be obtained. This spatially smooth high‐resolution time‐frequency representation is less likely to exhibit the random noise that was present in the more conventionally obtained time‐frequency representation. Tests on a real data set demonstrate that by de‐noising while the time‐frequency representation is being constructed, small‐scale geological structures are more likely to maintain their resolution since the de‐noised time‐frequency representation is specifically built to reconstruct the data.
Cascading uncertainty in climate change models and its implications for policy
Authors: Maslin Mark
Published: February 2013

Climate scientists face a serious public image problem because the next round of climate models they are working on are destined to produce awiderrather than asmallerrange of uncertainty. To the public and policymakers, it will look as if the scientific understanding of climate change is becoming less rather than more clear, particularly as there will be a deliberate attempt by lobbyists and parts of the media to portray the science in this way. There is a need to communicate the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of climate modelling as an essential tool to allow us to understand the consequences of our actions and to develop appropriate policy. We need to demonstrate that with greater knowledge comes greater uncertainty but also greater transparency and confidence in our knowledge. New communications strategies that do not solely rely on the ‘weight of evidence’ argument but instead aim to win hearts and minds are required. New policy approaches combining win–win solutions are required if issues of climate change mitigation and adaptation are to be tackled.
In VitroBiomechanical Comparison of a 4.5 mm Narrow Locking Compression Plate Construct Versus a 4.5 mm Limited Contact Dynamic Compression Plate Construct for Arthrodesis of the Equine Proximal Interphalangeal Joint
Authors: Ahern Benjamin J. , Showalter Brent L. , Elliott Dawn M. , Richardson Dean W. , Getman Liberty M.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To compare thein vitrobiomechanical properties of a 4.5 mm narrow locking compression plate (PIP‐LCP) with 2 abaxially located transarticular screws and a 4.5 mm limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC‐DCP) with 2 abaxially located transarticular screws using equine pasterns.

Study Design

Experimental. Pairedin vitrobiomechanical testing of 2 methods for stabilizing adult equine forelimb PIP joints.

Animal

Adult equine forelimbs (n = 8 pairs).

Methods

Each pair of PIP joints were randomly instrumented with either a PIP‐LCP or LC‐DCP plate axially and 2 parasagitally positioned 5.5 mm transarticular screws. The proximal aspect of the proximal phalanx (P1) and the distal aspect of the middle phalanx (P2) were embedded to allow for mounting on a mechanical testing machine. Each construct was tested in both cyclic and subsequently single cycle to failure in 4‐point bending. The displacement required to maintain a target load of 1 kN over 3600 cycles at 1 Hz was recorded. Maximum bending moment at failure and construct stiffness was calculated from the single cycle to failure testing.

Results

In cyclic testing, significantly more displacement occurred in the LC‐DCP (0.46 ± 0.10 mm) than for the PIP‐LCP (0.17 ± 0.11 mm) constructs (P = .016). During single cycle testing there was no significant difference in the bending moment between the LC‐DCP (148.7 ± 19.4 N m) and the PIP‐LCP (164.6 ± 17.6 N m) constructs (P = .553) and the stiffness of the LC‐DCP (183.9 ± 26.9 N mm) was significantly lower than for the PIP‐LCP (279.8 ± 15.9 N/mm) constructs (P = .011). All constructs failed by fracture of the bone associated with the transarticular screws and subsequently bending of the plates at the middle hole.

Conclusions

Use of the PIP‐LCP resulted in a stiffer construct of the same strength as the LC‐DCPin vitrousing this 4‐point bending model.
The mouse transcription factor‐like 5 gene encodes a protein localized in the manchette and centriole of the elongating spermatid
Authors: Shi Y. , Zhang L. , Song S. , Teves M. E. , Li H. , Wang Z. , Hess R. A. , Jiang G. , Zhang Z.
Published: February 2013

Spermiogenesis is the final phase of spermatogenesis. During this process, haploid round spermatids differentiate into spermatozoa, with dramatic morphological changes, including elongation and condensation of the nuclei, and formation of the flagella.Meig1is one of many genes involved in the regulation of this process. Male mice deficient inMEIG1 are sterile with a severe defect in spermiogenesis, associated with dramatic disruption of the spermatid manchette and failure of flagellogenesis. A yeast two‐hybrid screen using full‐lengthMEIG1 as bait identified transcription factor‐like 5 protein (TCFL5) as a putative interacting proteins. Interestingly, this protein was also identified as a potential binding partner ofSPAG16, another protein essential for spermatogenesis, and also a binding partner ofMEIG1. The interaction betweenTCFL5 andMEIG1 was confirmed in cultured cells over‐expressing the two proteins. The mouseTcfl5transcript is present only in the testis, and its expression is significantly increased during spermiogenesis. However, little is known aboutTCFL5 protein and its role in male germ cells. A rabbit polyclonal antibody was generated against the C‐terminal region ofTCFL5. MouseTCFL5 protein was expressed in the testis but not in mature spermatozoa. During the first wave of spermatogenesis,TCFL5 expression was dramatically increased at day 30 after birth. In the testis and a mixture of dispersed testicular cells, the protein co‐localized with α‐tubulin, a manchette marker in early elongating spermatids. The protein also localized in the centrioles of late elongating spermatids. No obvious differences inTCFL5 epitope abundance and localization were observed between wild type and theMeig1‐deficient mice. These findings suggest thatTCFL5 may play a role upstream ofMEIG1 action, and based on putative binding partners and localization is likely to be involved in spermiogenesis and formation of the sperm flagella.
Long‐Term Efficacy and Safety of Two Different Rhythm Control Strategies in Elderly Patients with Symptomatic Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: BLANDINO ALESSANDRO , TOSO ELISABETTA , SCAGLIONE MARCO , ANSELMINO MATTEO , FERRARIS FEDERICO , SARDI DAVIDE , BATTAGLIA ALBERTO , GAITA FIORENZO
Published: February 2013

Ablation versus Drugs in Elderly Persistent AF

Background

We prospectively compared the efficacy, safety, and quality of life (QoL) impact of catheter ablation versus antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) in elderly patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and Results

Four hundred and twelve consecutive patients, aged ≥ 70 years, underwent ablation (Group A, 153 patients) or AAD (Group B, 259 patients). Study endpoints: treatment failure (any AF/AT lasting >30 seconds) and treatment‐related adverse events (acute when ≤1 month of procedure and long term when >1 month). At a follow‐up of 60 ± 17 months, 43% and 46% patients in Group B versus 58% and 76% in Group A were in sinus rhythm (SR), respectively, after one (P = 0.003) and 2 procedures (P < 0.001). Fifteen acute adverse events occurred (6.7% in Group A vs 1% in Group B, P < 0.001), mainly periprocedural cerebral thromboembolism (3.3% in Group A vs 0.7% in Group B, P = 0.058). Previous TIA/stroke resulted the only independent predictor of periprocedural cerebrovascular accidents (OR 1.2, 95%IC 1.1–1.3). At follow‐up, 74 long‐term adverse events occurred (7.7% in Group A vs 23.9% in Group B, P < 0.001) with Group B patients more often experiencing AAD‐related adverse events (12.7% vs 2.6%, P < 0.001). Group A and absence of AF/AT recurrences significantly improved QoL scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In elderly persistent AF patients, catheter ablation is more effective in maintaining SR and in improving QoL than AAD but is affected by a higher risk of embolic complications, particularly in patients with previous TIA/stroke. Over time, Group A patients more likely discontinued AAD with a reduction of long‐term adverse events.
Latest Progress in Microsporidian Genome Research
Authors: Corradi Nicolas , Selman Mohammed
Published: February 2013

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens of medical and ecological importance whose genomes have been studied extensively over the last decade. Such studies have focused on the remarkably reduced gene content that characterizes all known species, and some have unraveled the mechanisms that are involved in their extreme genome compaction. In the last year, a large number of new genome sequences from several divergent members of the group have been finally released and analyzed, and these have revealed the presence of many features that were previously unsuspected to exist within the group. This study aims to shortly review the most recent progress in the field of microsporidian genomics, highlighting the importance of the most recently released genome data for our understanding of the biology and evolution of this important group of parasites.
Peroxiredoxin 5 links mitochondrial redox signalling with calcium dynamics: impact on Parkinson's disease
Authors: Davey Gavin P. , Bolaños Juan P.
Published: February 2013

Read the full article ‘Mitochondrial peroxiredoxin‐5 as potential modulator of mitochondria‐ER crosstalk in MPP+‐induced cell death’
on doi: 10.1111/jnc.12117.
Inhibition of interleukin‐17‐stimulated interleukin‐6 and ‐8 production by cranberry components in human gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells
Authors: Tipton D. A. , Cho S. , Zacharia N. , Dabbous M. K.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objective

Gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts participate in periodontal inflammation and destruction, producing interleukin (IL)‐6, a regulator of osteoclastic bone resorption, and the neutrophil chemoattractant IL‐8. IL‐17, a product of T‐helper 17 cells, may play a role in periodontitis by stimulating cytokine production by gingival cells. The cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is rich in polyphenols, particularly proanthocyanidins, which have antioxidant and other beneficial properties. Cranberry components inhibit pro‐inflammatory activities of lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated human macrophages, gingival fibroblasts, and epithelial cells, but little is known of its effects on IL‐17‐stimulated cytokine production. The objectives were to determine the effects of IL‐17 ± cranberry components on IL‐6 and IL‐8 production by human gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts.

Material and Methods

Cranberry high molecular weight non‐dialyzable material (NDM), which is rich in proanthocyanidins, was derived from cranberry juice. Human gingival epithelial cells and normal human gingival fibroblasts were incubated with NDM (5–50 μg/mL), IL‐17 (0.5–100 ng/mL), or NDM + IL‐17 in serum‐free medium for 6 d. IL‐6 and IL‐8 in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. Membrane damage and viability were assessed by lactate dehydrogenase activity released into cell supernatants and activity of a mitochondrial enzyme, respectively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Scheffe's F procedure for post hoc comparisons.

Results

In both cell lines, IL‐17 (≥ ~5–10 ng/mL) significantly stimulated production of IL‐6 (p < 0.005) and IL‐8 (p < 0.03). Non‐toxic levels of NDM inhibited constitutive IL‐6 and IL‐8 production by epithelial cells (p ≤ 0.01) and fibroblasts (p ≤ 0.03) as well as IL‐17‐stimulated cytokine production by epithelial cells [IL‐6 (maximum ~80% inhibition; p ≤ 0.0001); IL‐8 (maximum ~70% inhibition; p ≤ 0.03)] and fibroblasts [IL‐6 (maximum ~90% inhibition; p ≤ 0.0001); IL‐8 (maximum ~80% inhibition; p ≤ 0.008)].

Conclusion

Cranberry NDM inhibition of constitutive and IL‐17‐stimulated IL‐6 and IL‐8 production by gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells suggests that cranberry components could be useful as a host modulatory therapeutic agent to prevent or treat periodontitis.
Cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase expression in fibroblasts from peri‐implantitis lesions in response to viable Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Irshad M. , Scheres N. , Anssari Moin D. , Crielaard W. , Loos B. G. , Wismeijer D. , Laine M. L.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objective

To assess inflammatory reactions of fibroblasts in the pathophysiology of peri‐implantitis, we compared the pro‐inflammatory and matrix‐degrading responses of gingival and granulation tissue fibroblasts from periodontally healthy controls, peri‐implantitis, and periodontitis lesions to an in vitro challenge with Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Methods

Fibroblasts from periodontally healthy, peri‐implantitis and periodontitis donors were challenged with viable P. gingivalis. The inflammatory reactions of fibroblasts were analyzed before and after 6 h P. gingivalis challenge, and 2.5 and 18 h after removal of the challenge. Gene expression and induction of pro‐inflammatory mediators, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Non‐challenged fibroblasts from peri‐implantitis and periodontitis lesions expressed higher levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1 than fibroblasts from periodontally healthy individuals. The P. gingivalis challenge induced expression of IL‐1β, IL‐8, IL‐6, MCP‐1, and MMP‐1 in periodontitis and peri‐implantitis fibroblasts, but not in fibroblasts from periodontally healthy individuals. MMP‐8 expression was higher in non‐challenged peri‐implantitis fibroblasts than in fibroblasts from periodontally healthy individuals. However, the P. gingivalis challenge downregulated MMP‐8 gene expression in peri‐implantitis fibroblasts. After removal of the P. gingivalis challenge, peri‐implantitis fibroblasts sustained higher induction of IL‐1β, MCP‐1, and MMP‐1 compared to periodontitis fibroblasts.

Conclusions

Fibroblasts from peri‐implantitis and periodontitis lesions gave a more pronounced inflammatory response to the P. gingivalis challenge than fibroblasts from healthy donors. They may therefore be involved in the development of inflammation in peri‐implantitis and periodontitis. Moreover, the sustained upregulation of inflammatory mediators and MMP‐1 in peri‐implantitis fibroblasts may play a role in the pathogenesis of peri‐implantitis.
Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration leads to increased whole‐plant isoprene emission in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × Populus tremuloides)
Authors: Sun Zhihong , Niinemets Ülo , Hüve Katja , Rasulov Bahtijor , Noe Steffen M.
Published: February 2013

Effects of elevated atmospheric [CO2] on plant isoprene emissions are controversial. Relying on leaf‐scale measurements, most models simulating isoprene emissions in future higher [CO2] atmospheres suggest reduced emission fluxes. However, combined effects of elevated [CO2] on leaf area growth, net assimilation and isoprene emission rates have rarely been studied on the canopy scale, but stimulation of leaf area growth may largely compensate for possible [CO2] inhibition reported at the leaf scale. This study tests the hypothesis that stimulated leaf area growth leads to increased canopy isoprene emission rates.

We studied the dynamics of canopy growth, and net assimilation and isoprene emission rates in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × Populus tremuloides) grown under 380 and 780 μmol mol−1 [CO2]. A theoretical framework based on the Chapman–Richards function to model canopy growth and numerically compare the growth dynamics among ambient and elevated atmospheric [CO2]‐grown plants was developed.

Plants grown under elevated [CO2] had higher C : N ratio, and greater total leaf area, and canopy net assimilation and isoprene emission rates. During ontogeny, these key canopy characteristics developed faster and stabilized earlier under elevated [CO2]. However, on a leaf area basis, foliage physiological traits remained in a transient state over the whole experiment.

These results demonstrate that canopy‐scale dynamics importantly complements the leaf‐scale processes, and that isoprene emissions may actually increase under higher [CO2] as a result of enhanced leaf area production.
The limited value of traditional morphometric features in stromatoporoid taxonomy
Authors: Wolniewicz Pawel
Published: February 2013

The morphological variation of stromatoporoids, which are solitary organisms, is partitioned into its presumably genetic and environmental components. Potentially heritable, environmentally mediated and residual components of morphological variability were estimated in a test set containing Devonian stromatoporoids of the genus Gerronostromaria from southern Poland using analysis of variance. The taxonomic importance of traditional morphometric features is limited, because they are dominated by the intra‐skeletal component of variance. Conventional metrics were therefore replaced by stereological and textural quantities. Both stereological and textural features are dominated by the inter‐skeletal and inter‐locality components of variation and thus may be valuable in taxonomic and environmental studies of stromatoporoids. Statistical analyses of these characters (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) were performed. Of 13 characters considered most useful in taxonomic studies, only five have been used previously in conventional species definitions.
Larval performance of the oriental fruit moth across fruits from primary and secondary hosts
Authors: NAJAR‐RODRIGUEZ ADRIANA , BELLUTTI NATHALIE , DORN SILVIA
Published: February 2013

A common characteristic of many invasive herbivorous insects is their ability to utilize a broad range of host plants. By using various hosts in phenological succession, multivoltine herbivores may increase the number of successful annual generations, at the same time as potentially increasing their overall fitness. To achieve such success, herbivores must be able to develop efficiently on the nutritional resources offered by their hosts. The oriental fruit moth Cydia (= Grapholita) molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is one of the most damaging invasive insect species. Peach (Prunus persica) is its primary host, whereas the pome fruits apple (Malus × domestica Borkh) and pear (Pyrus communis) are considered as secondary hosts. In many parts of its geographical range, including southern Europe, populations of the moth switch from peach to apple or pear orchards during the growing season. The present study tests whether this temporal switch is supported by the physiological capability of the larvae with respect to developing efficiently on fruits of these taxonomically‐related host plants. Larvae are reared on peach, apple or pear fruits; several life‐history traits are measured; and correlations between the traits are calculated. The results obtained show that larvae do not have the same physiological capability with respect to using apple or pear fruits as hosts compared with using peach fruit. Pear fruit in particular is a sub‐optimal diet. These findings suggest that, in the case of continuous geographical expansion, concomitantly with global warming, apple orchards might support oriental fruit moth populations better than pear orchards, and that the switch onto novel hosts might be accompanied by restricted population growth.
Effects of diet and host access on fecundity and lifespan in two fruit fly species with different life‐history patterns
Authors: HARWOOD JAMES F. , CHEN KEHUI , MÜLLER HANS‐GEORG , WANG JANE‐LING , VARGAS ROGER I. , CAREY JAMES R.
Published: February 2013

The reproductive ability of female tephritids can be limited and prevented by denying access to host plants and restricting the dietary precursors of vitellogenesis. The mechanisms underlying the delayed egg production in each case are initiated by different physiological processes that are anticipated to have dissimilar effects on lifespan and reproductive ability later in life. The egg‐laying abilities of laboratory‐reared females of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata Wiedmann) and melon fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett) from Hawaii are delayed or suppressed by limiting access to host fruits and dietary protein. In each case, this is expected to prevent the loss of lifespan associated with reproduction until protein or hosts are introduced. Two trends are observed in each species: first, access to protein at eclosion leads to a greater probability of survival and a higher reproductive ability than if it is delayed and, second, delayed host access reduces lifetime reproductive ability without improving life expectancy. When host access and protein availability are delayed, the rate of reproductive senescence is reduced in the medfly, whereas the rate of reproductive senescence is generally increased in the melon fly. Overall, delaying reproduction lowers the fitness of females by constraining their fecundity for the remainder of the lifespan without extending the lifespan. © 2013 The Royal Entomological Society
Inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Direct Sunlight
Authors: Sagripanti Jose‐Luis , Grote Gudrun , Niederwöhrmeier Bärbel , Marschall Hans‐Jürgen
Published: February 2013

We determined the sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to direct sunlight radiation, while maintaining the experimental temperature below levels harmful to the bacterium. The results presented here were similar to previous data on solar sensitivity obtained half a world away on another related bacterial species. The findings presented in this study suggest that related bacteria have a characteristic sensitivity to sunlight with their survival depending mainly on the fluence (photons) received in a dose‐dependent manner that is otherwise relatively independent from latitude, atmospheric ozone and other local conditions. Conditions that inactivated P. aeruginosa did not result in measurable impairment of specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or enzyme‐linked immunoassays (ELISA) tests suggesting that this germ could still be amenable to detection after inactivation by sunlight. The results presented in this study should assist in predicting the survival of P. aeruginosa outdoors and in monitoring the risk posed by this widespread organism in a variety of environmental settings.
Multiplexed, UVC‐Induced, Sequence‐Dependent DNA Damage Detection
Authors: Nair Sindhu G. , Loppnow Glen R.
Published: February 2013

The exposure of DNA to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes sequence‐dependent damage. Thus, there is a need for an analytical technique that can detect damage in large numbers of DNA sequences simultaneously. In this study, we have designed an assay for UVC‐induced DNA damage in multiple oligonucleotides simultaneously by using a 96‐well plate and a novel automated sample mover. The UVC‐induced DNA damage is measured using smart probes, analogs of molecular beacons in which guanosine nucleotides act as the fluorescence quencher. Our results show that the oligonucleotide damage constants obtained with this method are reproducible and similar to those obtained in cuvettes. The calibration curve for poly‐dT shows good linearity (R2 = 0.96), with limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) equal to 55 and 183 nm, respectively. The results show that the damage kinetics upon irradiation is sensitive to the different types of photoproducts formed in the different sequences used; i.e. poly‐A oligonucleotides containing guanine are damaged at a faster rate than poly‐A oligonucleotides containing either thymine or cytosine. Thus, detecting DNA damage in a 96‐well plate and quantifying the damage with smart probes are a simple, fast and inexpensive mix‐and‐read technique for multiplexed, sequence‐specific DNA damage detection.
Three Kinds of Social Kinds
Authors: Khalidi Muhammad Ali
Published: February 2013

Could some social kinds be natural kinds? In this paper, I argue that there are three kinds of social kinds: 1) social kinds whose existence does not depend on human beings having any beliefs or other propositional attitudes towards them (e.g. recession, racism); 2) social kinds whose existence depends in part on specific attitudes that human beings have towards them, though attitudes need not be manifested towards their particular instances (e.g. money, war); 3) social kinds whose existence and that of their instances depend in part on specific attitudes that human beings have towards them (e.g. permanent resident, prime minister). Although all three kinds of social kinds are mind‐dependent, this does not make them ontologically subjective or preclude them from being natural kinds. Rather, what prevents the third kind of social kinds from being natural kinds is that their properties are conventionally rather than causally linked.
Do We Practice What We Preach? Goal Setting for Ecological Restoration
Authors: Hallett Lauren M. , Diver Sibyl , Eitzel Melissa V. , Olson Jessica J. , Ramage Benjamin S. , Sardinas Hillary , Statman‐Weil Zoe , Suding Katharine N.
Published: February 2013

Over the last decade, several research and opinion pieces have challenged the tenets of restoration ecology but a lack of centralized data has impeded assessment of how scientific developments relate to on‐the‐ground restoration. In response, the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) launched the Global Restoration Network (GRN) to catalog worldwide restoration efforts. We reviewed over 200 GRN projects to identify the goals governing restoration and the frequency with which they are measured. We used the SER Primer on Ecological Restoration to frame our analysis, categorizing goals by SER's attributes of restored ecosystems. We developed additional attributes to characterize goals not encompassed by the SER‐defined attributes. Nearly all projects included goals related to ecosystem form, namely similarity to reference conditions and the presence of indigenous species, and these goals were frequently measured. Most projects included goals related to ecosystem function, and many highlighted interactions between abiotic and biotic factors by either modifying abiotic conditions to support focal species or manipulating species to achieve desired ecosystem functions. Few projects had goals related to ecosystem stability, whereas the majority of projects had goals related to social values. Although less frequently measured, social goals were described as important for long‐term project success. In conclusion, science and practice frequently aligned on goals related to ecosystem composition and function, but scientific guidelines on resilience and self‐sustainability appear insufficient to guide practice. In contrast, the common inclusion of goals for human well‐being indicates that, if intended to advise practice, restoration guidelines should give direction on social goals.
Restoration of Zooplankton Communities in Industrially Damaged Lakes: Influences of Residual Metal Contamination and the Recovery of Fish Communities
Authors: Webster Natalie I. , Keller Wendel B. , Ramcharan Charles W.
Published: February 2013

The Sudbury, Ontario, Canada area offers a unique opportunity to develop our understanding of biotic and abiotic lake recovery processes in industrially damaged natural systems. In recent decades, lakes in the Sudbury area have shown improvements in water quality due to decreases in sulfur (S) and metal emissions from area smelters, and reduced acid deposition from more distant sources. However, biological recovery is lagging and mechanisms controlling the lag are not yet clear. Our study examines the roles of two factors, residual metal contamination and altered fish predation, on zooplankton community recovery. Data collected over three decades on six study lakes were analyzed using redundancy analysis (RDA) and partial RDA's to assess historical and present relationships of water chemistry and fish abundance with zooplankton community recovery. Continuing metal toxicity appears to be the primary cause of the absence of some zooplankton species, particularly Daphnia spp. from metal‐contaminated lakes. Conversely, once water quality is suitable and abundant planktivores reestablish, fish planktivory becomes a factor affecting Daphnia spp. establishment. The introduction of piscivores into these lakes may be necessary to facilitate the return of many Daphnia species. Further reductions in metal toxicity will also assist with the complete recovery of zooplankton communities. Studying natural systems over several decades allows us to better understand the intricate steps involved with recovery of industrially damaged lakes, and this knowledge will greatly benefit future restoration efforts in other industrially damaged systems.
A variant of LEAFY reveals its capacity to stimulate meristem development by inducing RAX1
Authors: Chahtane Hicham , Vachon Gilles , Le Masson Marie , Thévenon Emmanuel , Périgon Sophie , Mihajlovic Nela , Kalinina Anna , Michard Robin , Moyroud Edwige , Monniaux Marie , Sayou Camille , Grbic Vojislava , Parcy Francois , Tichtinsky Gabrielle
Published: February 2013

In indeterminate inflorescences, floral meristems develop on the flanks of the shoot apical meristem, at positions determined by auxin maxima. The floral identity of these meristems is conferred by a handful of genes called floral meristem identity genes, among which the LEAFY (LFY) transcription factor plays a prominent role. However, the molecular mechanism controlling the early emergence of floral meristems remains unknown. A body of evidence indicates that LFY may contribute to this developmental shift, but a direct effect of LFY on meristem emergence has not been demonstrated. We have generated a LFY allele with reduced floral function and revealed its ability to stimulate axillary meristem growth. This role is barely detectable in the lfy single mutant but becomes obvious in several double mutant backgrounds and plants ectopically expressing LFY. We show that this role requires the ability of LFY to bind DNA, and is mediated by direct induction of REGULATOR OF AXILLARY MERISTEMS1 (RAX1) by LFY. We propose that this function unifies the diverse roles described for LFY in multiple angiosperm species, ranging from monocot inflorescence identity to legume leaf development, and that it probably pre‐dates the origin of angiosperms.
If the permanent deferral were lifted would men who have sex with men want to donate blood, and if so, who would be eligible?
Authors: Belanger Geoffrey A. , McFarland Willi , Raymond H. Fisher , Custer Brian
Published: February 2013

Background

The deferral of men who have sex with men (MSM) from blood donation is controversial worldwide, with national policies varying from no explicit deferral to permanent deferral. This study assesses whether MSM have donated and would be interested in donating if the US exclusion policy were removed and who would be eligible to donate if the policy were modified to a temporary or lower‐risk deferral criterion.

Study Design and Methods

Questions about previous blood donation and interest in future donation were added to the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance survey questionnaire, which periodically gathers risk behavior information from MSM in San Francisco.

Results

Overall, 77.3% of 475 MSM respondents expressed interest in donating. By lower‐risk criteria, 10.1% had no sexual contact in the past 6 months (2.3% in the past 12 months) and 1.9% had only lower‐risk sexual contact in the past 6 months (1.5% in the past 12 months). Of the 23.4% who answered yes to having donated in the past, at least 25.2% did not comply with the current deferral of no male–male sex since 1977.

Conclusion

The majority of MSM are interested in donating blood. Depending on how the policy would be changed (i.e., either a temporary or a behavior‐based deferral criterion), substantial numbers of MSM would be eligible.
EXACT SOLUTIONS FOR MHD NATURAL CONVECTION FLOW NEAR AN OSCILLATING PLATE EMERGED IN A POROUS MEDIUM
Authors: MOHAMMED ABDULHAMEED , KHAN ILYAS , SHAFIE SHARIDAN
Published: February 2013

Analytical investigation was conducted on the transient natural convection flow past an oscillating infinite vertical plate in present of magnetic field and radiative heat transfer. The classical solution of this problem for impulsively moving plate is given by Seth in [2] and is found to be a special case of the solution to be presented. The governing model equations are solved analytically with the help of Laplace transform technique. The results are expressed in terms of the velocity and temperature profiles as well as the skin-friction and Nusselt number.
CONJUGACY CLASS SIZES FOR SOME 2-GROUPS OF NILPOTENCY CLASS TWO
Authors: ILANGOVAN SHEILA , SARMIN NOR HANIZA
Published: February 2013

Dalam kertas ini, kita menyelidik ciri tak terturunkan dan panjang kelas konjugat bagi kumpulan–2 berpenjana–2 dengan kelas nilpoten 2. Panjang kelas konjugat bagi elemen x dalam kumpulan G adalah peringkat xG di mana xG ialah kelas konjugat yang mengandungi x. Kajian ini adalah berdasarkan pada klasifikasi kumpulan yang diberikan oleh Magidin pada tahun 2006. Kita akan membuktikan bahawa panjang kelas konjugat bagi G ialah 2ρ di mana 0 <= ρ <= γdan |G'| = 2γ.
THE COMPUTATION OF THE NONABELIAN TENSOR PRODUCT OF CYCLIC GROUPS OF ORDER
Authors: MOHAMAD MOHD SHAM , SARMIN NOR HANIZA , MOHD ALI NOR MUHAINIAH , KAPPE LUISE–CHARLOTTE
Published: February 2013

Katalah G dan H dua kumpulan yang bertindak ke atas satu sama lain dan masing-masing bertindak ke atasnya sendiri secara konjugasi, maka tindakan tersebut adalah serasi jika (gh)g' = g(h(g–1 g')) and for and . Keserasian tindakan adalah penting dalam penentuan hasil darab tensor tak abelan. Hasil darab tensor tak abelan, G⊗H telah diperkenalkan oleh Brown dan Loday pada tahun 1984. Hasil darab tensor tak abelan adalah kumpulan yang dijana oleh g⊗h dengan dua hubungan = dan g⊗hh' = (g⊗h)(hg⊗hh') bagi g,g'∈G dan h,h'∈Hdengan G dan H bertindak antara satu sama lain dalam tindakan yang serasi dan bertindak ke atas mereka sendiri dengan konjugasi. Pada tahun 1987, Brown dan rakan-rakan memberikan masalah terbuka dalam menentukan sama ada hasil darab tensor tak abelan dari dua kumpulan kitaran adalah juga kumpulan kitaran. Visscher pada tahun 1998 telah membuktikan bahawa hasil darab tensor tak abelan tidak semestinya kumpulan kitaran, tetapi kajian beliau hanya difokuskan kepada kumpulan kitaran berperingkat kuasa bagi dua dengan tindakannya berperingkat dua. Dalam makalah ini, keserasian dan hasil darab tensor tak abelan berperingkat p2 dengan tindakan berperingkat p ditentukan.(hg)h' = h(g(h–1 h'))g,g'∈Gh,h'∈Hgg'⊗h(gg'⊗gh)(g⊗h)
(LIBS) A PROMISING TECHNIQUE, ITS LIMITATIONS AND A PROPOSED METHOD
Authors: HAIDER ZUHAIB , MUNAJAT YUSOF , KAMARULZAMAN RAJA
Published: February 2013

Laser Induced Breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an extremely potential spectroscopic analytical tool. A highly focused laser bean stiochiometerically ablates the surface of the material in the form of a plasma plume. Excited species in the plasma plume emit their characteristic wavelengths upon de-excitation which are collected, dispersed and analyzed for qualitative and quantitative analyses. Basic LIBS setup includes a laser, target sample, optical fiber and a spectrometer. However it has been used in different configurations like single–pulse and double pulse configurations. LIBS has several advantages over other currently practiced analytical techniques in terms of higher resolution, better limit of detection (LOD), negligible sample preparation etc. Despite of all these advantages it is suffering from poor accuracy and reproducibility of results due to uncontrolled atmosphere around the targeted sample and variations in other experimental parameters. In order to improve reliability of LIBS in terms of accuracy and reproducibility we have designed a methodology for experimentation under controlled environmental conditions inside an especially designed ablation chamber. We will make use of multiple simultaneous laser pulses, which are supposed to play a significant role in improving the analytical accuracy of LIBS particularly for non homogeneous samples. In this article we will briefly review the basics of LIBS, its types, common instrumentations, advantages, limitations applications and at the end our proposed methodology.
MODELS DEVELOPMENT FOR SINGLE–ROW NETWORKS FROM CONNECTED GRAPHS
Authors: LOH SER LEE , SALLEH SHAHARUDDIN , SARMIN NOR HANIZA
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we present a collection of models for connected graphs mapping into single–row networks. The collection involves three specific models for perfect binary trees, trees and partially dense graphs, and three general models for connected graphs. These models are compared in terms of their structures, energy values, congestion and number of doglegs in the single–row transformation. The numerical experiments are run by each respective developed program. The transformation is necessary in applications such as in the assignment of telephone channels to caller–receiver pairs roaming in cells in a cellular network on real–time basis.
GASTRIC PROTECTION ABILITY OF SOME MEDICINAL MALAYSIAN PLANTS AGAINST ETHANOL INDUCTION MODEL IN SPRAGUE DAWLEY–RATS
Authors: WASMAN SUHAILAH , AMEEN MAHMOOD , CHUA LEE SUAN , HAMDAN SALEHHUDDIN
Published: February 2013

Ethanol extracts of different traditional Malaysian plants (Polygonum minus, Andrographis paniculata, Curcuma xanthorrhiza,Momordica charantia and Strobilanthes crispus) were evaluated for their gastroprotective activities. In this experiment several groups of Sprague Dawley rats weighing 200–250gm were used. The first group was pre treated with (0.25% w/v) carboxymethyl cellulose (negative control, 5 ml/kg), the second group was pre treated with 20 mg/kg omeprazole (positive control) and the other groups were pretreated with the selected Malaysian medicinal plants in two different doses 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively. After 60 min all the rats were treated with 95% ethanol for ulcer induction. Rats were sacrificed 1 h after induction and the stomachs were analyzed for gross and histological changes. Negative control group showed extensive lesions of gastric mucosal layer, whereas rats pretreated with omeprazole and Malaysian plants showed significant and dose dependent reduction in gastric lesions. Amongst, the selected plants Polygonum minuspotentially promote better inhibition percentage of ulcer area. So that we can conclude that Polygonum minus could be the selective plant as an antiulcerogenic agent for the treatment of gastric ulcer.