bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of freezing, hot tumble drying and washing with eucalyptus oil on house dust mites in soft toys
Authors: Chang Chin‐Fu , Wu Francis Fu‐Sheng , Chen Chi‐Ying , Crane Julian , Siebers Rob
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Chang C‐F, Wu FF‐S, Chen C‐Y, Crane J, Siebers R. Effect of freezing, hot tumble drying and washing with eucalyptus oil on house dust mites in soft toys. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 638–641.

Soft toys are a major source of house dust mites (HDM) and HDM allergens, and sleeping with soft toys is a significant risk factor for HDM sensitization. We studied three techniques to eliminate HDM from soft toys, namely freezing, hot tumble drying and washing with eucalyptus oil. Thirty‐six toys (12 in each treatment group) were enumerated for live HDM by the heat escape method before and after freezing overnight, hot tumble drying for 1 h and washing in 0.2% to 0.4% eucalyptus oil. Freezing, hot tumble drying and washing with eucalyptus oil resulted in significant reductions in live HDM, an average reduction of 95.1%, 89.1% and 95.1%, respectively. Additionally, washing with eucalyptus oil resulted in a significant reduction in HDM allergens as well from a geometric mean of 9.12 μg/g to 0.37 μg/g (p = 0.033). These three HDM elimination techniques give parents of infants effective and acceptable methods of limiting HDM exposure.
Auxin and ethylene are involved in the responses of root system architecture to low boron supply in Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Martín‐Rejano Esperanza M. , Camacho‐Cristóbal Juan J. , Herrera‐Rodríguez María Begoña , Rexach Jesús , Navarro‐Gochicoa María Teresa , González‐Fontes Agustín
Published: February 2011

Changes in root architecture are one of the adaptive strategies used by plants to compensate for nutrient deficiencies in soils. In this work, the temporal responses of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root system architecture to low boron (B) supply were investigated. Arabidopsis Col‐0 seedlings were grown in 10 µM B for 5 days and then transferred to a low B medium (0.4 µM) or control medium (10 µM) for a 4‐day period. Low B supply caused an inhibition of primary root (PR) growth without altering either the growth or number of lateral roots (LRs). In addition, low B supply induced root hair formation and elongation in positions close to the PR meristem not observed under control conditions. The possible role of auxin and ethylene in the alteration of root system architecture elicited by low B supply was also studied by using two Arabidopsis reporter lines (DR5:GUS and EBS:GUS) and two Arabidopsis mutants with impaired auxin and ethylene signaling (aux1‐22 and ein2‐1). Low B supply increased auxin reporter DR5:GUS activity in PR tip, suggesting that low B alters the pattern of auxin distribution in PR tip. Moreover, PR elongation in aux1‐22 mutant was less sensitive to low B treatment than in wild‐type plants, which suggests that auxin resistant 1 (AUX1) participates in the inhibition of PR elongation under low B supply. From all these results, a hypothetical model to explain the effect of low B treatment on PR growth is proposed. We also show that ethylene, via ethylene‐insensitive 2 (EIN2) protein, is involved in the induction of root hair formation and elongation under low B treatment.
Effect of nitrogen on root release of phytosiderophores and root uptake of Fe(III)‐phytosiderophore in Fe‐deficient wheat plants
Authors: Aciksoz Seher Bahar , Ozturk Levent , Gokmen Ozay Ozgur , Römheld Volker , Cakmak Ismail
Published: February 2011

Root release of phytosiderophores (PSs) is an important step in iron (Fe) acquisition of grasses, and this adaptive reaction of plants is affected by various plant and environmental factors. The objectives of this study were to study the effects of varied nitrogen (N) supply on (1) root and leaf concentrations of methionine, a precursor in the PS biosynthesis, (2) PS release from roots, (3) mobilization and uptake of Fe from 59Fe‐labeled Fe(III)‐hydroxide [59Fe(OH)3] and (4) root uptake of 59Fe‐labeled Fe(III)–deoxymugineic acid (DMA) by durum wheat (Triticum durum, cv. Balcali2000) plants grown in a nutrient solution. Enhanced N supply from 0.5 to 6 mM in a nutrient solution significantly increased the root release of PS under Fe deficiency. High N supply was also highly effective in increasing mobilization and root uptake of Fe from 59Fe‐hydroxide under low Fe supply. With adequate Fe, N nutrition did not affect mobilization and uptake of Fe from 59Fe(OH)3. Root uptake and shoot translocation of Fe supplied as 59Fe(III)–DMA were also stimulated by increasing N supply. Leaf concentration of methionine was reduced by low Fe supply, and this decline was pronounced in high N plants. The results show that the root release of PS, mobilization of Fe from 59Fe(OH)3 and root uptake and shoot translocation of Fe(III)–PS by durum wheat are markedly affected by N nutritional status of plants. These positive N effects may have important implications for Fe nutrition of human populations and should be considered in biofortification of food crops with Fe.
Metabolic analysis revealed altered amino acid profiles in Lupinus albus organs as a result of boron deficiency
Authors: Alves Marta , Chicau Paula , Matias Helena , Passarinho José , Pinheiro Carla , Ricardo Cândido Pinto
Published: February 2011

We analysed the changes in the metabolites of Lupinus albus organs (leaf‐blades, petioles, apexes, hypocotyls and roots) as a consequence of B deficiency. The deficiency did not affect malate concentration and induced only minor changes in the sugar content, suggesting that the carbohydrate metabolism is little affected by the deficiency. Contrarily, marked changes in the content of free amino acids were observed, with some specific variations associated with the different organs. These changes indicate that various aspects of metabolism implicated in the amino acid accumulation were affected by B deficiency. Most of the detected changes appear to have implications with some stress responses or signalling processes. Asparagine and proline that increase in many stresses also accumulated in petioles, apexes and hypocotyls. Accumulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid shunt amino acids, indicative of production of reactive oxygen species, occurs in the same three organs and also the roots. The increase in the branched‐chain amino acids, observed in all organs, suggests the involvement of B with the cytoskeleton, whereas glycine decrease in leaf‐blades and active growing organs (apexes and roots) could be associated with the proposed role of this amino acids in plant signalling in processes that might be associated with the decreased growth rates observed in B deficiency. Despite the admitted importance of free amino acids in plant metabolism, the available information on this matter is scarce. So our results bring new information concerning the effects of B deficiency in the metabolism of the several L. albus organs.
Costs and benefits of defences induced by predators differing in dangerousness
Authors: HETTYEY A. , VINCZE K. , ZSARNÓCZAI S. , HOI H. , LAURILA A.
Published: February 2011

While theoretical studies predict that inducible defences should be fine‐tuned according to the qualities of the predator, very few studies have investigated how dangerousness of predators, i.e. the rate at which predators kill prey individuals, affects the strength of phenotypic responses and resulting benefits and costs of induced defences. We performed a comprehensive study on fitness consequences of predator‐induced responses by involving four predators (leech, water scorpion, dragonfly larva and newt), evaluating costs and benefits of responses, testing differences in dangerousness between predators and measuring responses in several life history traits of prey. We raised Rana dalmatina tadpoles in the presence of free‐ranging predators, in the presence of caged predators, and exposed naive and experienced tadpoles to free‐ranging predators. Tadpoles adjusted the intensities of their behavioural and morphological defences to predator dangerousness. Survival was lower in the nonlethal presence of the most dangerous predator, while we could not detect costs of induced defences at or after metamorphosis. When exposed to free‐ranging predators, small, but not large, tadpoles benefited from exhibiting an induced phenotype in terms of elevated survival when compared to naive tadpoles, but we did not observe higher survival either in tadpoles exhibiting more extreme phenotypes or in tadpoles exposed to the type of predator they were raised with. These results indicate that while predator‐induced defences can mirror dangerousness of predators, costs and benefits do not necessarily scale to the magnitude of plastic responses.
The Corpus Luteum of the Dog: Source and Target of Steroid Hormones?
Authors: Papa PC , Hoffmann B
Published: February 2011

Contents

Aim of this paper is to review our present understanding on the endocrine control of luteal function in the bitch and to add some new data generated in our laboratories in support of the hypothesis of a paracrine/autocrine role of corpus luteum (CL) derived steroid hormones. Luteal lifespan in non‐pregnant dogs often exceeds that of pregnant dogs, where luteal regression terminates in a rapid luteolysis, immediately prior to parturition. In non‐pregnant dogs, luteal regression occurs independently of a uterine luteolysin and in spite of increased gonadotropic support during the last third of dioestrus. The CL is the only source of progesterone (P4) maintaining pregnancy, and they have the capacity to synthesize oestrogens as substantiated by expression of the CYP19 (aromatase) gene observed in this study. Our data demonstrated that lutein and non‐lutein cells of the canine CL express in a rather constant manner the progesterone receptor (PR) and the oestrogen receptor, classifying them as targets for an autocrine/paracrine activity of CL‐derived steroids. Therefore, a functional role of P4 within a positive loop feedback system, including StAR and 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, has been postulated.
Phenotypic selection on flowering phenology and size in two dioecious plant species with different pollen vectors
Authors: MUNGUIA‐ROSAS MIGUEL A. , OLLERTON JEFF , PARRA‐TABLA VICTOR
Published: February 2011

Dioecious plants may be pollinated biotically by animals or abiotically via wind or water currents. It has been hypothesized that these two types of pollen vectors might impose contrasting selective pressures on plant flowering phenology. In the present study we describe the flowering phenology of two sympatric dioecious species with contrasting pollination modes:Mercurialis perennis(wind‐pollinated) andTamus communis(insect‐pollinated). We estimated selection differentials and gradients for flowering time and flowering synchrony. As flowering time might depend on the accumulation of enough internal resources, we also estimated direct and indirect selection on plant size. Both species have male‐biased sexual ratios, and males are bigger and produce larger flower displays than females, but only inT. communisdo males bloom earlier and for longer than females. Selection gradients suggest that selection tends to favor early‐flowering females ofT. communis. There is no evidence of direct current selection on the flowering phenology ofM. perennis. Intersexual differences in phenology fit with sex allocation and sexual selection theories. As we hypothesized, phenology of the animal‐pollinated species is under stronger selection than that of the wind‐pollinated species and we discuss the potential role of pollen vectors in shaping the flowering phenologies of the study species.
Industry‐based retrospective cohort study of the risk of prostate cancer among rotating‐shift workers
Authors: Kubo Tatsuhiko , Oyama Ichiro , Nakamura Takehiro , Kunimoto Masamizu , Kadowaki Koji , Otomo Hajime , Fujino Yoshihisa , Fujimoto Naohiro , Matsumoto Tetsuro , Matsuda Shinya
Published: February 2011

Objectives:  The risk of prostate cancer among shift workers was examined in the present industry‐based retrospective cohort study.

Methods:  The study was established based on a health‐care database from a Japanese manufacturing corporation. Work schedules of 4995 male workers (mean age = 55.5 years) were followed up retrospectively; mean follow‐up period = 25.0 years. Of the subjects, 4168 had previously undertaken only daytime work (daytime workers), whereas 827 had undertaken rotating three‐shift work for >80% of their career (shift workers). All subjects had undergone prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing. Prostate cancer incidence data were obtained from the health insurance records of 13 daytime and four shift workers. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the relative risk of prostate cancer for the two groups with adjustments for age, body mass index, alcohol intake, smoking, exercise and marital status.

Results:  Compared with daytime workers, shift workers showed a non‐significant increase in the risk of prostate cancer (odds ratio = 1.79; 95% confidence interval = 0.57, 5.68; P‐value = 0.32).

Conclusions:  Some increase in the risk of prostate cancer for shift workers was observed, although the result was not statistically significant as a result of the small number of cases. To identify the prostate cancer risk among shift workers, longer‐term follow up, including the period after retirement, is required.
Perioperative management of pediatric patients on mechanical cardiac support
Authors: Mossad Emad B. , Motta Pablo , Rossano Joseph , Hale Brittani , Morales David L.
Published: February 2011

The population of children with end‐stage heart failure requiring mechanical circulatory support is growing. These children present for diagnostic imaging studies, various interventions and noncardiac surgical procedures that require anesthetic care. This article is a review of the population demographics of children on mechanical cardiac support, the alternative devices available, and the important concepts for safe perioperative management of these patients. The discussion will be limited to devices for short‐ and long‐term cardiac support, excluding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for respiratory support.
Lessons in modelling and management of marine ecosystems: the Atlantis experience
Authors: Fulton Elizabeth A , Link Jason S , Kaplan Isaac C , Savina‐Rolland Marie , Johnson Penelope , Ainsworth Cameron , Horne Peter , Gorton Rebecca , Gamble Robert J , Smith Anthony D M , Smith David C
Published: February 2011

Models are key tools for integrating a wide range of system information in a common framework. Attempts to model exploited marine ecosystems can increase understanding of system dynamics; identify major processes, drivers and responses; highlight major gaps in knowledge; and provide a mechanism to ‘road test’ management strategies before implementing them in reality. The Atlantis modelling framework has been used in these roles for a decade and is regularly being modified and applied to new questions (e.g. it is being coupled to climate, biophysical and economic models to help consider climate change impacts, monitoring schemes and multiple use management). This study describes some common lessons learned from its implementation, particularly in regard to when these tools are most effective and the likely form of best practices for ecosystem‐based management (EBM). Most importantly, it highlighted that no single management lever is sufficient to address the many trade‐offs associated with EBM and that the mix of measures needed to successfully implement EBM will differ between systems and will change through time. Although it is doubtful that any single management action will be based solely on Atlantis, this modelling approach continues to provide important insights for managers when making natural resource management decisions.
The influence of an online auction’s product price and e‐retailer reputation on consumers’ perception, attitude, and behavioral intention
Authors: WU WANN‐YIH , HUANG PO‐CHING , FU CHEN‐SU
Published: February 2011

Wu, W.‐Y. Huang, P.‐C. & Fu, C.‐S. (2011). The influence of an online auction’s product price and e‐retailer reputation on consumers’ perception, attitude, and behavioral intention. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology52, 290–302.

Online auctions combine the conventional auction model with information technology. However, information asymmetry within such auctions causes risks and uncertainties that influence consumer purchase intentions. In this study, a 2 (product price: high vs. low) × 2 (e‐retailer reputation: high vs. low) experimental design was used to understand whether the product price and e‐retailer reputation will influence consumers’ perceived risk, attitude toward the website and purchase intention. The results of this study indicate that perceived risk negatively influences consumer attitude toward the website and online purchase intention, while consumer attitude toward the website positively influences purchase intention. Moreover, involvement moderates the influence of product price and e‐retailer reputation only on social risk but does not have a significant effect on consumer attitude toward the website. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of online auction users’ behavior. Finally, the managerial implications, limitations and future research directions are also provided.
Ubiquity and Legitimacy: Disentangling Diffusion and Institutionalization
Authors: Colyvas Jeannette A. , Jonsson Stefan
Published: February 2011

Diffusion and institutionalization are of prime sociological importance, as both processes unfold at the intersections of relations and structures, as well as persistence and change. Yet they are often confounded, leading to theoretical and methodological biases that hinder the development of generalizable arguments. We look at diffusion and institutionalization distinctively, each as both a process and an outcome in terms of three dimensions: the objects that flow or stick; the subjects who adopt or influence; and the social settings through which an innovation travels. We offer examples to flesh out these dimensions, and formulate testable propositions from our analytic framework that could lead to further theoretical refinement and progress.
Smoke in the (Tariff) Water
Authors: Foletti Liliana , Fugazza Marco , Nicita Alessandro , Olarreaga Marcelo
Published: February 2011

As the economic crisis deepened and widened, fears of a return to the protectionist spiral of the 1930s become more common. However, an important difference between the 1930s and today is the existence of the World Trade Organization and the legal limits it imposes on the protectionist responses members can pursue. The first objective of this paper is to assess the extent to which applied tariffs can be legally raised without violating bound tariff obligations and compare it with what is economically feasible. The second objective is the examination of whether individual countries have taken advantage of these legal tariff hikes as protectionist responses during economic crises, after the creation of the WTO. Results suggest that the policy space left when looking at what is economically possible is indeed quite large. However, in the recent past little of the available policy space has been used by countries suffering from an economic crisis.
Appreciating the Renminbi
Authors: Tyers Rod , Zhang Ying
Published: February 2011

International pressure to revalue China’s currency stems in part from the expectation that rapid economic growth should be associated with an underlying real exchange rate appreciation. This hinges on the Balassa–Samuelson hypothesis, which sees growth as stemming from improvements in traded sector productivity and associated rises in wages and non‐traded prices. Yet, despite extraordinary growth after the mid‐1990s China’s real exchange rate showed no tendency to appreciate until after 2004. We use a dynamic general equilibrium model to simulate the economy and show that, during this period, trade reforms and a rising national saving rate were offsetting forces in the presence of elastic labour supply. We then examine the possible determinants of the striking transition to real appreciation thereafter, noting mounting evidence that an improved rural term of trade has tightened China’s labour market. We show that should the Chinese government bow to international pressure by appreciating the renminbi either via an extraordinary monetary contraction or via export disincentives, the consequences would be harmful for both Chinese and global interests.
Language disadvantage in Malaysian litigation and arbitration
Authors: POWELL RICHARD , HASHIM AZIRAH
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT:  Based on extensive observations of courtroom proceedings and more limited observations of arbitration practice, this study compares how each system approaches language disadvantage. In Malaysian common law the usual constraints on courtroom discourse, institutionalised by de jure rules of speaking and reinforced by professional practice, are supplemented by a language policy, enshrined in the constitution, statutes and judicial directives, which requires the use of Malay while also allowing English where deemed in the interests of justice. The result is a bilingual system, with all other languages admissible only through interpretation. In the fast‐growing alternative dispute sector, however, there are few hard and fast rules governing either code choice or discourse. With most Malaysian arbitrations involving commercial disputes, English is the dominant medium, but as in the courts, English‐Malay code‐switching is common. Ways of speaking are generally more relaxed than in the courts, but with a majority of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) advocates coming from common law, many discursive practices are carried over. While the more relaxed atmosphere of ADR seems to encourage freer discourse than in the courts, there are some indications that current practice may be underestimating the needs of participants who are less proficient in English. The stricter rules imposed on courtroom discourse may inhibit free discussion but they do reveal a high awareness of the problems of language disadvantage.
Arbitration recontextualized
Authors: CORONA ISABEL
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT:  One of the cornerstones of international commercial arbitration has been its private character and implied duty of confidentiality in the proceedings. Although arbitration hearings are certainly closed and private, it is considered more questionable that the process is confidential. The increasing demand for more open communication is paving the way for a growing tendency for the parties to disclose to the media not only the facts of arbitration but also, and more importantly, their arguments. This study investigates the nature and function of publicity of arbitral proceedings through the analysis of corporate claimed performance and the media perception of that performance in a commercial dispute which had a great impact in the public sphere. The data gathered comes from the companies’ web pages and online media reports, commentaries and blogs, as well as insights from arbitration practitioners. The main argument rests on the claim that arbitration cases are publicized by the parties as part of their corporate communication strategies more with a view to protect their interests and reputation than to benefit from the presumed duty of confidentiality.
Examining teachers' beliefs about and implementation of a balanced literacy framework
Authors: Bingham Gary E. , Hall‐Kenyon Kendra M.
Published: February 2011

While many embrace balanced literacy as a framework for quality literacy instruction, the way in which teachers operationalise the tenets of balanced literacy can vary greatly. In the present study, 581 teachers in the United States completed questionnaires concerning: (a) their beliefs about literacy skills and literacy instructional strategies that are most essential to reading success; and (b) their implementation of balanced literacy instruction in their classrooms. Results reveal that teachers varied in their implementation of reading and writing routines, with teachers reporting participating less frequently in writing activities. Teachers' implementation of balanced literacy routines varied as a function of the grade level they taught, but not additional certifications or years of experience. In addition, teachers' participation in reading and writing routines was related to their literacy beliefs, particularly their belief in the importance of code‐based literacy skills.
Relationship between clinical features of facial dry skin and biophysical parameters in Asians
Authors: Baek J. H. , Lee M. Y. , Koh J. S.
Published: February 2011

Synopsis

There have been few reports classifying the biophysical characteristics of Korean women with healthy skin. Consequently, the aim of this study was to find the most useful parameters for categorizing skin types based on a clinical assessment. One hundred and three female volunteers, aged 20–59, participated in this study. We conducted a self‐evaluation questionnaire, a clinical assessment of the facial skin, and non‐invasive measurements on the cheek under controlled environmental conditions. The questionnaire survey indicated that 72% of respondents had dry skin. However, results of the clinical assessment focusing on skin roughness and scaling of the cheek showed that 6 subjects had very dry skin (6%), 29 had dry skin (28%) and 68 had normal skin with sufficient moisture (66%). We analysed the correlation between the clinical assessment and biophysical parameters. As a result, we obtained six biophysical parameters that had relatively higher correlations with clinical assessment than other parameters. Our study provided general information about the physiological characteristics of normal skin in Korean women and suggested useful parameters for characterizing dry skin.
Mammalian forebrain ketimine reductase identified as μ‐crystallin; potential regulation by thyroid hormones
Authors: Hallen André , Cooper Arthur J. L. , Jamie Joanne F. , Haynes Paul A. , Willows Robert D.
Published: February 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 379–387.

Ketimine reductase (E.C. 1.5.1.25) was purified to apparent homogeneity from lamb forebrain by means of a rapid multi‐step chromatography protocol. The purified enzyme was identified by MS/MS (mass spectrometry) as μ‐crystallin. The identity was confirmed by heterologously expressing human μ‐crystallin in Escherichia coli and subsequent chromatographic purification of the protein. The purified human μ‐crystallin was confirmed to have ketimine reductase activity with a maximum specific activity similar to that of native ovine ketimine reductase, and was found to catalyse a sequential reaction. The enzyme substrates are putative neuromodulator/transmitters. The thyroid hormone 3,5,3′‐l‐triiodothyronine (T3) was found to be a strong reversible competitive inhibitor, and may have a novel role in regulating their concentrations. μ‐Crystallin is also involved in intracellular T3 storage and transport. This research is the first to demonstrate an enzyme function for μ‐crystallin. This newly demonstrated enzymatic activity identifies a new role for thyroid hormones in regulating mammalian amino acid metabolism, and a possible reciprocal role of enzyme activity regulating bioavailability of intracellular T3.
Importance of Anti‐angiogenic Factors in the Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Angiogenesis
Authors: OLFERT I. MARK , BIROT OLIVIER
Published: February 2011

Please cite this paper as: Olfert and Birot (2011). Importance of Anti‐angiogenic Factors in the Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Angiogenesis. Microcirculation 18(4), 316–330.

The microcirculation is essential for delivery of oxygen and nutrients to maintain skeletal muscle health and function. The network of microvessels surrounding skeletal myocytes has a remarkable plasticity that ensures a good match between muscle perfusion capacities and myofiber metabolic needs. Depending on physiologic conditions, this vascular plasticity can either involve growth (e.g., exercise‐induced angiogenesis) or regression (e.g., physical deconditioning) of capillaries. This angio‐adaptative response is thought to be controlled by a balance between pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic factors and their receptors. While changes in the expression or activity for pro‐angiogenic factors have been well studied in response to acute and chronic exercise during the past two decades, little attention thus far has been devoted to endogenous negative regulators that are also likely to be important in regulating capillary growth/regression. Indeed, the importance and contribution of anti‐angiogenic factors in controlling skeletal muscle angiogenesis remains poorly understood. Here, we highlight the emerging research related to skeletal muscle expression of several negative angiogenic factors and discuss their potential importance in controlling skeletal muscle angio‐adaptation, particularly in physiologic response to physical activity.
Habitat selection and the scale of ghostly coexistence among Arctic rodents
Authors: Ale Som B. , Morris Douglas W. , Dupuch Angélique , Moore Debra E.
Published: February 2011

Competition between coexisting species existing near their stable equilibrium can be obscured if they occupy separate habitats. Theories of habitat selection promise an ability to reveal the underlying ghost of competition by using isodars to infer the behavioural map of habitat selection. We tested the theory with two years of data on abundance and habitat preference by three Arctic rodent species living at low density along a gradient of wet to dry tundra on Herschel Island in Canada's western Arctic. Generalist brown lemmings exhibited a constant partial preference toward wet tundra whereas specialist collared lemmings and voles occupied the driest and wettest zones respectively. Although both lemming species compete for habitats elsewhere in the Canadian Arctic, isodar analyses suggest that the three species occupy wet and dry habitats independently of one another on Herschel Island. Competition at this large scale may be hidden at low densities, however, if the wet‐dry dichotomy is too coarse. Analyses at a finer subdivision of habitat revealed that these species coexist by using different microhabitats. Collared lemmings shifted their niche towards even drier habitat as the abundance of brown lemmings increased. We were thus able to reveal the ghost of competition lurking at large scales through a more refined analysis at smaller scales of density‐dependent habitat use.
Quantitative evaluation of patch test reactions: a comparison between visual grading and erythema index image analysis
Authors: Ohshima Hiroshi , Takiwaki Hirotsugu , Washizaki Kumiko , Ishiko Akira , Itoh Masatoshi , Kanto Hiromi
Published: February 2011

Background/aims: The interpretation of patch test reactions may vary between examiners. As test results are graded, an issue also arises when differing degrees of erythema are placed in the same grade. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the degree of erythema in patch tests using image analysis and to study the usefulness of this method by comparing it with visual grading.

Methods: A total of 121 Japanese patients were patch tested with various materials. At 48 h, digital photographs of the patch test areas were taken, in addition to a visual evaluation by dermatologists. Digital images of the areas were converted to erythema index (EI) images using image processing and both EI and ΔEI (the difference between the patch test site and adjacent normal skin) values of the patch test sites were compared with the corresponding visual grades.

Results: An excellent linear correlation (r=0.95) was found between ΔEI and visual grades, although EI also significantly correlated with visual grades. There were significant differences (P<0.0001–0.05) between the mean ΔEI values of any two adjacent visual grades.

Conclusion: ΔEI values derived from image processing appear to be suitable for the quantitative evaluation of erythema in patch tests. This method may be helpful in overcoming the subjectiveness of visual evaluation and for training non‐experts in patch testing.
Relationship between the echogenicity of subcutaneous tissue and the depth of eye corner wrinkles
Authors: Tsukahara Kazue , Osanai Osamu , Hotta Mitsuyuki , Sano Tomohiko , Kitahara Takashi , Takema Yoshinori , Tsujimoto Fumio
Published: February 2011

Background/purpose: A close relationship was found between the internal structure of subcutaneous tissue and wrinkle depth in our previous study of human forehead. The present study examined the relationship in the eye corner.

Methods: One hundred and seventy‐three Japanese subjects were divided into four age groups (21–28 years, 35–41 years, 47–59 years and 65–75 years). The maximum wrinkle depth (Rmax) of an eye corner wrinkle was obtained. On an ultrasound image, which was captured by scanning perpendicular to the wrinkle, we set a 12.5‐mm‐wide region of interest (ROI) by aligning the deepest point of the wrinkle at its center and then obtained the ratio of the area exceeding an echogenicity threshold to the total area as the echogenicity.

Results: No correlation was found between the Rmax and echogenicity. The relationship was further analyzed by dividing the ROI into two: one above and the other below the deepest point of the wrinkle. A negative correlation was detected in the lower ROI of the oldest group. The difference in echogenicity between the upper and the lower ROIs of the oldest group showed a positive correlation with the Rmax.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the subcutaneous tissue structure is related to wrinkle depth.
Using human hair follicle‐derived keratinocytes and melanocytes for constructing pigmented tissue‐engineered skin
Authors: Liu Fei , Luo Xu‐Song , Shen Hai‐Yan , Dong Jia‐Sheng , Yang Jun
Published: February 2011

Background: Traditional tissue‐engineered skin does not produce a satisfactory long‐term result because it lacks natural skin pigmentation and leads to discolored cosmetically unpleasing skin that only functions to cover the body of patients. Additionally, the cell sources for tissue‐engineered skin are generally derived from normal skin, which is often limited in patients with skin defects.

Methods: In this study, hair follicle melanocytes and keratinocytes were isolated from human scalp. The melanocytes were co‐cultured with keratinocytes until the second passage and then purified. Purified melanocytes and keratinocytes were seeded onto the chitosan–gelatin membrane for 1 week to construct pigmented tissue‐engineered skin. The pigmented skin equivalent was used to resurface the skin defect in nude mice. Four weeks after grafting, skin biopsies were harvested to take hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry staining of Melan‐A and HLA‐ABC.

Results: Large quantities of purified melanocytes can be obtained with co‐culture method. The hematoxylin and eosin staining of repaired skin biopsy demonstrated that the tissue‐engineered skin can repair skin defects successfully. Engineered skin contained pigmentation and stained positive for Melan‐A and HLA‐ABC, which confirmed the presence of melanocytes and its sources were of human origin.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the possibility of constructing pigmented tissue‐engineered skin with human hair follicle‐derived keratinocytes and melanocytes, which brings a promising method to make up for the deficiency of traditional tissue‐engineered skin and provides an alternative treatment for depigmentation diseases.
Mandibular and femoral growth alteration after sex hormone disruption in growing mice
Authors: Márquez Hernández RA , Ohtani J , Fujita T , Sunagawa H , Ishikawa E , Tsubamoto N , Kawata T , Kaku M , Motokawa M , Tanne K
Published: February 2011

To cite this article:
 Márquez Hernández RA, Ohtani J, Fujita T, Sunagawa H, Ishikawa E, Tsubamoto N, Kawata T, Kaku M, Motokawa M, Tanne K:  Mandibular and femoral growth alteration after sex hormone disruption in growing mice  Orthod Craniofac Res 2011;14:63–69

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Márquez Hernández RA, Ohtani J, Fujita T, Sunagawa H, Ishikawa E, Tsubamoto N, Kawata T, Kaku M, Motokawa M, Tanne K

Objectives –  To investigate how mandibular and femoral growth is affected when sex hormone– specific receptor antagonist is administered in growing mice.

Materials and methods –  Forty C57BL/6J mice were used in this experiment. At 5 days of age, the mice received daily injection of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ), or androgen receptor (AR) antagonists, and their body weight was assessed every 4 days. One, four and eight weeks after the initial injection, radiographs of the mandible and femur were taken and measured. Analyses of variance and pairwise comparisons (Fisher) were performed to examine the differences in values measured among the groups.

Results –  Mandibular growth was affected by ERβ antagonist injection in male mice at 4 and 8 weeks. In female mice, the growth was affected during all the experimental period, when ERβ was administered. Moreover, at 8 weeks, mandibular growth was also affected in male and female mice injected with ERα antagonist and in male mice injected with AR antagonist. Femoral growth was affected during all the experimental period in male and female mice injected with ERβ antagonist. Moreover, at 8 weeks, the growth was affected in male and female mice injected with ERα antagonist and in male mice injected with AR antagonist.

Conclusions –  Growth of the mandible and femur in mice, in part, is induced in response to the stimulation of ERβ in chondrocytes before and during early puberty. In late and after puberty, the growth is induced by the stimulation of ERα in male and female mice and that of AR in male mice.
Cotton GhMPK2 is involved in multiple signaling pathways and mediates defense responses to pathogen infection and oxidative stress
Authors: Zhang Liang , Xi Dongmei , Luo Lu , Meng Fei , Li Yuzhen , Wu Chang‐ai , Guo Xingqi
Published: February 2011

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play important roles in mediating pathogen responses and reactive oxygen species signaling. In plants, MAPKs are classified into four major groups (A–D). Previous studies have mainly focused on groups A and B, but little is known about group C. In this study, we functionally characterized a stress‐responsive group C MAPK gene (GhMPK2) from cotton. Northern blot analysis indicated that GhMPK2 was induced not only by signaling molecules, such as ethylene and methyl jasmonate, but also by methyl viologen‐mediated oxidative stress. Transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants that overexpress GhMPK2 displayed enhanced resistance to fungal and viral pathogens, and the expression of the pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes, including PR1, PR2, PR4, and PR5, was significantly increased. Interestingly, the transcription of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid synthase (ACS) and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO) was significantly upregulated in transgenic plants, suggesting that GhMPK2 positively regulates ethylene synthesis. Moreover, overexpression of GhMPK2 elevated the expression of several antioxidant enzymes, conferring on transgenic plants enhanced reactive oxygen species scavenging capability and oxidative stress tolerance. These results increased our understanding of the role of the group C GhMPK2 gene in multiple defense‐signaling pathways, including those that are involved in responses to pathogen infection and oxidative stress.
Characterization of three transcripts encoding small heat shock proteins expressed in the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Garczynski Stephen F. , Unruh Thomas R. , Guédot Christelle , Neven Lisa G.
Published: February 2011

Abstract  Codling moth is a major pest of apples and pears worldwide. Increasing knowledge of how this insect responds to environmental stress will improve field and post‐harvest control measures used against it. The small heat shock proteins (sHsps) play a major role in cellular responses to environmental stressors. A degenerate oligonucleotide primer, designed against the conserved α‐crystallin domain, was used in 3′ rapid amplification of complementary DNA (cDNA) ends reactions to amplify transcripts encoding sHsps expressed in the codling moth cell line, Cp169, subjected to heat shock. Three full‐length cDNAs were cloned from Cp169 cells that contained open reading frames encoding sHsps. The cDNA for CpHsp19.8 was 795 bp encoding 177 amino acids. The cDNA for CpHsp19.9 was 749 bp encoding 175 amino acids. The cDNA for CpHsp22.2 was 737 bp encoding 192 amino acids. Analysis of the protein sequences of the three CpHsps indicated the presence of 83 amino acids with homology to the α‐crystallin domain. For each of the CpHsps, the α‐crystallin domain was surrounded by divergent N‐ and C‐terminal regions, consistent with the conserved structural features of sHsps. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction, used to determine the expression patterns of each of the sHsps in different developmental stages of codling moth revealed the presence of transcripts in all stages tested. Consistent with characteristics of other sHsps, expression of CpHsp transcripts were greatly enhanced when insects were subjected to heat shock. The results of this research can be used as a guide to study the roles of sHsps in codling moth control using various post‐harvest treatments.
Incidence of canal systems in the mesio‐buccal roots of maxillary first and second molars in Saudi Arabian population
Authors: Al‐Fouzan Khalid S. , Ounis Hani F. , Merdad Khalid , Al‐Hezaimi Khalid
Published: February 2011

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the number of canals treated in the mesio‐buccal roots of the maxillary first and second molars teeth of a Saudi Arabian population during a 1‐year period in a postgraduate endodontic program. The attending endodontic faculty member supervising the case verified the number of canals in the teeth clinically and radiographically. In total, 308 maxillary first molars and 162 maxillary second molars, of which 158 (51.3%) and 32 (19.7%) met the criterion of having two canals detected and treated in the mesio‐buccal root of the maxillary first and second molars, respectively. It was concluded that the occurrence of mesio‐palatal canal in the mesio‐buccal root of the maxillary first and second molars of a Saudi Arabian population was high. The fact that almost more than half the mesio‐buccal roots of the maxillary first molars bear two canals is enough reason to always assume that two canals exist until careful examination proves otherwise.
Evaluation of cyclic flexural fatigue resistance of 25/0.04 and 25/0.06 twisted file rotary nickel‐titanium endodontic instruments
Authors: Al‐Hadlaq Solaiman M.
Published: February 2011

Twisted files (TFs) are rotary nickel‐titanium (NiTi) instruments that are produced with a newly developed manufacturing process that is supposed to improve their properties, especially flexibility and resistance to cyclic flexural fatigue failure. The aim of this study was to study the cyclic flexural fatigue failure resistance of tip size International Standards Organization 25 TFs with two tapers 0.04 and 0.06 and to compare them with the Profile (PF) rotary NiTi files of similar tip size and taper. Four groups of fifteen files were used in this study. TF (25/0.04), TF (25/0.06), PF (25/0.04) and PF (25/0.06) were tested using the cyclic flexural fatigue testing device. The time to failure during cyclic flexural fatigue testing was recorded. The mean time required for the instrument to fail under cyclic flexural fatigue testing was 235.5 ± 68 s for 25/0.04 TF, 188.5 ± 75 s for 25/0.06 TF, 180.3 ± 102 s for 25/0.04 PF and 156.3 ± 17 s for 25/0.06 PF. The difference between the time to failure of 25/0.04 TF and 25/0.06 TF was not statistically significant. The difference between the time to failure of TF and PF of similar tip size and taper was not statistically significant. The findings of this study indicate that size 25/0.04 and 25/0.06 TFs had similar resistance to cyclic flexural fatigue failure. In addition, TFs were not superior, in terms of resistance to cyclic flexural fatigue failure, to PF of similar tip size and taper.
The Neuroscience of Art: A Research Program for the Next Decade?
Authors: Changeux Jean Pierre
Published: February 2011

Works of art can be viewed as elements of a human‐specific nonverbal communication system, distinct from language. First, the cognitive abilities and skills required for art creation and perception are built from a cascade of events driven by a “genetic envelope”. Essential for the understanding of artistic creation is its epigenetic variability. Second, artistic contemplation and creation may be tentatively viewed as a discrete and singular conscious synthesis taking place within the personal global neuronal workspace of external perceptions, internal memories and stored emotions. Third, there is a need for rules that constrain and restrict in a top‐down manner the selection of representations generated by the artist's brain. Finally, artistic creation is a part of the personal history of the artist and stems from an anterior historical evolution.
Translating Facts Into Knowledge
Authors: Umewaka Soraya
Published: February 2011

Many education systems have a tendency to be limiting and rigid. These systems teach children to value facts over knowledge and routine and repetition over playfulness and curiosity to seek knowledge. How can we unleash our children's imagination and permit them to use play and other creative tools as a means of learning? This article proposes new ways to tackle this old problem.
The Arts as Part of Our Everyday Lives: Making Visible the Value of the Arts in Learning for Families
Authors: Magsamen Susan H.
Published: February 2011

Family engagement, in many forms, has been shown to be an essential component to successful learning for children. A child's first exposure to the arts is often through family rituals and traditions. New research suggests these activities can form the basis for personal exploration and skill development and reinforce in‐school learning. Because public schools continue to reduce art programs due to budgetary contraction, families and communities need to enhance and increase their commitment to informal arts and learning opportunities. These experiences can occur at home, in youth and arts museums, and in libraries and family‐based organizations as evidenced by a range of events already underway throughout the country. Communication and outreach about the relevance and the science of arts and learning for families needs to be expanded. By recognizing the important role families hold it is possible to enhance learning through the arts at home and in the community. More targeted research is required to better understand how families can use the rich array of arts‐integrated experiences in age‐appropriate ways to enhance literacy, numeracy, social‐emotional skills, and more.