bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A chemo-mechanical free-energy-based approach to model durotaxis and extracellular stiffness-dependent contraction and polarization of cells
Authors: Shenoy Vivek B. , Wang Hailong , Wang Xiao
Published: December 2015

We propose a chemo-mechanical model based on stress-dependent recruitment of myosin motors to describe how the contractility, polarization and strain in cells vary with the stiffness of their surroundings and their shape. A contractility tensor, which depends on the distribution of myosin motors, is introduced to describe the chemical free energy of the cell due to myosin recruitment. We explicitly include the contributions to the free energy that arise from mechanosensitive signalling pathways (such as the SFX, Rho-Rock and MLCK pathways) through chemo-mechanical coupling parameters. Taking the variations of the total free energy, which consists of the chemical and mechanical components, in accordance with the second law of thermodynamics provides equations for the temporal evolution of the active stress and the contractility tensor. Following this approach, we are able to recover the well-known Hill relation for active stresses, based on the fundamental principles of irreversible thermodynamics rather than phenomenology. We have numerically implemented our free energy-based approach to model spatial distribution of strain and contractility in (i) cells supported by flexible microposts, (ii) cells on two-dimensional substrates, and (iii) cells in three-dimensional matrices. We demonstrate how the polarization of the cells and the orientation of stress fibres can be deduced from the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the contractility tensor. Our calculations suggest that the chemical free energy of the cell decreases with the stiffness of the extracellular environment as the cytoskeleton polarizes in response to stress-dependent recruitment of molecular motors. The mechanical energy, which includes the strain energy and motor potential energy, however, increases with stiffness, but the overall energy is lower for cells in stiffer environments. This provides a thermodynamic basis for durotaxis, whereby cells preferentially migrate towards stiffer regions of the extracellular environment. Our models also explain, from an energetic perspective, why the shape of the cells can change in response to stiffness of the surroundings. The effect of the stiffness of the nucleus on its shape and the orientation of the stress fibres is also studied for all the above geometries. Along with making testable predictions, we have estimated the magnitudes of the chemo-mechanical coupling parameters for myofibroblasts based on data reported in the literature.
Characterization of subglacial Lake Vostok as seen from physical and isotope properties of accreted ice
Authors: Lipenkov Vladimir Ya. , Ekaykin Alexey A. , Polyakova Ekaterina V. , Raynaud Dominique
Published: December 2015

Deep drilling at the Vostok Station has reached the surface of subglacial Lake Vostok (LV) twice—in February 2012 and January 2015. As a result, three replicate cores from boreholes 5G-1, 5G-2 and 5G-3 became available for detailed and revalidation analyses of the 230 m thickness of the accreted ice, down to its contact with water at 3769 m below the surface. The study reveals that the concentration of gases in the lake water beneath Vostok is unexpectedly low. A clear signature of the melt water in the surface layer of the lake, which is subject to refreezing on the icy ceiling of LV, has been discerned in the three different properties of the accreted ice: the ice texture, the isotopic and the gas content of the ice. These sets of data indicate in concert that poor mixing of the melt (and hydrothermal) water with the resident lake water and pronounced spatial and/or temporal variability of local hydrological conditions are likely to be the characteristics of the southern end of the lake. The latter implies that the surface water may be not representative enough to study LV's behaviour, and that direct sampling of the lake at different depths is needed in order to move ahead with our understanding of the lake's hydrological regime.
Technologies for retrieving sediment cores in Antarctic subglacial settings
Authors: Hodgson Dominic A. , Bentley Michael J. , Smith James A. , Klepacki Julian , Makinson Keith , Smith Andrew M. , Saw Kevin , Scherer Reed , Powell Ross , Tulaczyk Slawek , Rose Mike , Pearce David , Mowlem Matt , Keen Peter , Siegert Martin J.
Published: December 2015

Accumulations of sediment beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet contain a range of physical and chemical proxies with the potential to document changes in ice sheet history and to identify and characterize life in subglacial settings. Retrieving subglacial sediments and sediment cores presents several unique challenges to existing technologies. This paper briefly reviews the history of sediment sampling in subglacial environments. It then outlines some of the technological challenges and constraints in developing the corers being used in sub-ice shelf settings (e.g. George VI Ice Shelf and Larsen Ice Shelf), under ice streams (e.g. Rutford Ice Stream), at or close to the grounding line (e.g. Whillans Ice Stream) and in subglacial lakes deep under the ice sheet (e.g. Lake Ellsworth). The key features of the corers designed to operate in each of these subglacial settings are described and illustrated together with comments on their deployment procedures.
Imperfection and radiation damage in protein crystals studied with coherent radiation
Authors: Nave Colin , Sutton Geoff , Evans Gwyndaf , Owen Robin , Rau Christoph , Robinson Ian , Stuart David Ian
Published: December 2015

Fringes and speckles occur within diffraction spots when a crystal is illuminated with coherent radiation during X-ray diffraction. The additional information in these features provides insight into the imperfections in the crystal at the sub-micrometre scale. In addition, these features can provide more accurate intensity measurements (e.g.by model-based profile fitting), detwinning (by distinguishing the various components), phasing (by exploiting sampling of the molecular transform) and refinement (by distinguishing regions with different unit-cell parameters). In order to exploit these potential benefits, the features due to coherent diffraction have to be recorded and any change due to radiation damage properly modelled. Initial results from recording coherent diffraction at cryotemperatures from polyhedrin crystals of approximately 2 µm in size are described. These measurements allowed information about the type of crystal imperfections to be obtained at the sub-micrometre level, together with the changes due to radiation damage.
A novel approach in the free-electron laser diagnosis based on a pixelated phosphor detector
Authors: Matruglio Alessia , Dal Zilio Simone , Sergo Rudi , Mincigrucci Riccardo , Svetina Cristian , Principi Emiliano , Mahne Nicola , Raimondi Lorenzo , Turchet Alessio , Masciovecchio Claudio , Lazzarino Marco , Cautero Giuseppe , Zangrando Marco
Published: December 2015

A new high-performance method for the free-electron laser (FEL) focused beam diagnosis has been successfully tested at the FERMI FEL in Trieste, Italy. The novel pixelated phosphor detector (PPD) consists of micrometric pixels produced by classical UV lithography and dry etching technique, fabricated on a silicon substrate, arranged in a hexagonal geometry and filled with suitable phosphors. It has been demonstrated that the overall resolution of the system has increased by reducing the diffusion of the light in the phosphors. Various types of PPD have been produced and tested, demonstrating a high resolution in the beam profile and the ability to measure the actual spot size shot-to-shot with an unprecedented resolution. For these reasons, the proposed detector could become a reference technique in the FEL diagnosis field.
Hartmann wavefront sensors and their application at FLASH
Authors: Keitel Barbara , Plönjes Elke , Kreis Svea , Kuhlmann Marion , Tiedtke Kai , Mey Tobias , Schäfer Bernd , Mann Klaus
Published: December 2015

Different types of Hartmann wavefront sensors are presented which are usable for a variety of applications in the soft X-ray spectral region at FLASH, the free-electron laser (FEL) in Hamburg. As a typical application, online measurements of photon beam parameters during mirror alignment are reported on. A compact Hartmann sensor, operating in the wavelength range from 4 to 38 nm, was used to determine the wavefront quality as well as aberrations of individual FEL pulses during the alignment procedure. Beam characterization and alignment of the focusing optics of the FLASH beamline BL3 were performed with λ13.5 nm/116 accuracy for wavefront r.m.s. (wrms) repeatability, resulting in a reduction ofwrmsby 33% during alignment.
Similar molecular constitutions but different conformations and different supramolecular assemblies in two related fused tetracyclic benzo[b]pyrimido[5,4-f]azepine derivatives
Authors: Acosta Quintero Lina M. , Burgos Isidro , Palma Alirio , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: December 2015

A simple and effective two-step approach to tricyclic pyrimidine-fused benzazepines has been adapted to give the tetracyclic analogues. In (RS)-8-chloro-6-methyl-1,2,6,7-tetrahydropyrimido[5′,4′:6,7]azepino[3,2,1-hi]indole, C15H14ClN3, (I), the five-membered ring adopts an envelope conformation, as does the reduced pyridine ring in (RS)-9-chloro-7-methyl-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-pyrimido[5′,4′:6,7]azepino[3,2,1-ij]quinoline, C16H16ClN3, (II). However, the seven-membered rings in (I) and (II) adopt very different conformations, with the result that the methyl substituent occupies a quasi-axial site in (I) but a quasi-equatorial site in (II). The molecules of (I) are linked by C—H...N hydrogen bonds to formC(5) chains and inversion-related pairs of chains are linked by a π–π stacking interaction. A combination of a C—H...π hydrogen bond and two C—Cl...π interactions links the molecules of (II) into complex sheets. Comparisons are made with some similar fused heterocyclic compounds.
Crystal structure of tris(dimethylamido-κN)bis(dimethylamine-κN)zirconium(IV) iodide
Authors: Clark Wesley D. , Akurathi Gopalakrishna , Valle Henry U. , Hollis T. Keith
Published: December 2015

Zirconium amides have become increasingly popular and useful due to their widespread use as precursors to other zirconium complexes and their use in the production of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Herein we report the molecular structure of tris(dimethylamido)bis(dimethylamine)zirconium(IV) iodide, [Zr(C2H6N)3(C2H7N)2]I. The bond lengths and bond angles are consistent with a slightly distorted trigonal–bipyramidal coordination geometry around the metal atom. N...I contacts of 3.6153 (15) and 3.5922 (14) Å are consistent with the presence of N—H...I interactions. These N—H...I interactions link the complex cations and iodide anions into extended chains that propagate parallel to theaaxis.
Crystal structure of a mixed-ligand terbium(III) coordination polymer containing oxalate and formate ligands, having a three-dimensional fcu topology
Authors: Kittipong Chainok , Khemthong Phailyn , Kielar Filip , Zhou Yan
Published: December 2015

The title compound, poly[(μ3-formato)(μ4-oxalato)terbium(III)], [Tb(CHO2)(C2O4)]n, is a three-dimensional coordination polymer, and is isotypic with the LaIII, CeIIIand SmIIIanalogues. The asymmetric unit contains one TbIIIion, one formate anion (CHO2−) and half of an oxalate anion (C2O42−), the latter being completed by application of inversion symmetry. The TbIIIion is nine-coordinated in a distorted tricapped trigonal–prismatic manner by two chelating carboxylate groups from two C2O42−ligands, two carboxylate oxygen atoms from another two C2O42−ligands and three oxygen atoms from three CHO2−ligands, with the Tb—O bond lengths and the O—Tb—O bond angles ranging from 2.4165 (19) to 2.478 (3) Å and 64.53 (6) to 144.49 (4)°, respectively. The CHO2−and C2O42−anions adoptμ3-bridging andμ4-chelating-bridging coordination modes, respectively, linking adjacent TbIIIions into a three-dimensional 12-connected fcu topology with point symbol (324.436.56). The title compound exhibits thermal stability up to 623 K, and also displays strong green photoluminescence in the solid state at room temperature.
A 2:1 co-crystal ofp-nitrobenzoic acid andN,N′-bis(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)ethanediamide: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Syed Sabrina , Halim Siti Nadiah Abdul , Jotani Mukesh M. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: December 2015

The title 2:1 co-crystal, 2C7H5NO4·C14H14N4O2, in which the complete diamide molecule is generated by crystallographic inversion symmetry, features a three-molecule aggregate sustained by hydroxyl-O—H...N(pyridyl) hydrogen bonds. Thep-nitrobenzoic acid molecule is non-planar, exhibiting twists of both the carboxylic acid and nitro groups, which form dihedral angles of 10.16 (9) and 4.24 (4)°, respectively, with the benzene ring. The diamide molecule has a conformation approximating to a Z shape, with the pyridyl rings lying to either side of the central, almost planar diamide residue (r.m.s. deviation of the eight atoms being 0.025 Å), and forming dihedral angles of 77.22 (6)° with it. In the crystal, three-molecule aggregates are linked into a linear supramolecular ladder sustained by amide-N—H...O(nitro) hydrogen bonds and orientated along [10-4]. The ladders are connected into a double layerviapyridyl- and benzene-C—H...O(amide) interactions, which, in turn, are connected into a three-dimensional architectureviaπ–π stacking interactions between pyridyl and benzene rings [inter-centroid distance = 3.6947 (8) Å]. An evaluation of the Hirshfeld surfaces confirm the importance of intermolecular interactions involving oxygen atoms as well as the π–π interactions.
Molecular architecture of the nucleoprotein C-terminal domain from the Ebola and Marburg viruses
Authors: Baker Laura E. , Ellena Jeffrey F. , Handing Katarzyna B. , Derewenda Urszula , Utepbergenov Darkhan , Engel Daniel A. , Derewenda Zygmunt S.
Published: December 2015

TheFiloviridaefamily of negative-sense, single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses is comprised of two species ofMarburgvirus(MARV and RAVV) and five species ofEbolavirus,i.e.Zaire (EBOV), Reston (RESTV), Sudan (SUDV), Taï Forest (TAFV) and Bundibugyo (BDBV). In each of these viruses the ssRNA encodes seven distinct proteins. One of them, the nucleoprotein (NP), is the most abundant viral protein in the infected cell and within the viral nucleocapsid. It is tightly associated with the viral RNA in the nucleocapsid, and during the lifecycle of the virus is essential for transcription, RNA replication, genome packaging and nucleocapsid assembly prior to membrane encapsulation. The structure of the unique C-terminal globular domain of the NP from EBOV has recently been determined and shown to be structurally unrelated to any other known protein [Dziubańskaet al.(2014),Acta Cryst. D70, 2420–2429]. In this paper, a study of the C-terminal domains from the NP from the remaining four species ofEbolavirus, as well as from the MARV strain ofMarburgvirus, is reported. As expected, the crystal structures of the BDBV and TAFV proteins show high structural similarity to that from EBOV, while the MARV protein behaves like a molten globule with a core residual structure that is significantly different from that of the EBOV protein.
Atomic resolution experimental phase information reveals extensive disorder and bound 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol in Ca2+-calmodulin
Authors: Lin Jiusheng , van den Bedem Henry , Brunger Axel T. , Wilson Mark A.
Published: December 2015

Calmodulin (CaM) is the primary calcium signaling protein in eukaryotes and has been extensively studied using various biophysical techniques. Prior crystal structures have noted the presence of ambiguous electron density in both hydrophobic binding pockets of Ca2+-CaM, but no assignment of these features has been made. In addition, Ca2+-CaM samples many conformational substates in the crystal and accurately modeling the full range of this functionally important disorder is challenging. In order to characterize these features in a minimally biased manner, a 1.0 Å resolution single-wavelength anomalous diffraction data set was measured for selenomethionine-substituted Ca2+-CaM. Density-modified electron-density maps enabled the accurate assignment of Ca2+-CaM main-chain and side-chain disorder. These experimental maps also substantiate complex disorder models that were automatically built using low-contour features of model-phased electron density. Furthermore, experimental electron-density maps reveal that 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD) is present in the C-terminal domain, mediates a lattice contact between N-terminal domains and may occupy the N-terminal binding pocket. The majority of the crystal structures of target-free Ca2+-CaM have been derived from crystals grown using MPD as a precipitant, and thus MPD is likely to be bound in functionally critical regions of Ca2+-CaM in most of these structures. The adventitious binding of MPD helps to explain differences between the Ca2+-CaM crystal and solution structures and is likely to favor more open conformations of the EF-hands in the crystal.
Crystal structures of the components of theStaphylococcus aureusleukotoxin ED
Authors: Nocadello S. , Minasov G. , Shuvalova L. , Dubrovska I. , Sabini E. , Bagnoli F. , Grandi G. , Anderson W. F.
Published: December 2015

Staphylococcal leukotoxins are a family of β-barrel, bicomponent, pore-forming toxins with membrane-damaging functions. These bacterial exotoxins share sequence and structural homology and target several host-cell types. Leukotoxin ED (LukED) is one of these bicomponent pore-forming toxins thatStaphylococcus aureusproduces in order to suppress the ability of the host to contain the infection. The recent delineation of the important role that LukED plays inS. aureuspathogenesis and the identification of its protein receptors, combined with its presence inS. aureusmethicillin-resistant epidemic strains, establish this leukocidin as a possible target for the development of novel therapeutics. Here, the crystal structures of the water-soluble LukE and LukD components of LukED have been determined. The two structures illustrate the tertiary-structural variability with respect to the other leukotoxins while retaining the conservation of the residues involved in the interaction of the protomers in the bipartite leukotoxin in the pore complex.
Identifying and treating unobserved heterogeneity with FIMIX-PLS: part I – method
Authors: Hair, Jr. Joe F. , Sarstedt Marko , Matthews Lucy M , Ringle Christian M
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of unobserved heterogeneity in the context of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), its prevalence and challenges for social science researchers. Part II – in the next issue (European Business Review, Vol. 28 No. 2) – presents a case study, which illustrates how to identify and treat unobserved heterogeneity in PLS-SEM using the finite mixture PLS (FIMIX-PLS) module in the SmartPLS 3 software.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper merges literatures from various disciplines, such as management information systems, marketing and statistics, to present a state-of-the-art review of FIMIX-PLS. Based on this review, the paper offers guidelines on how to apply the technique to specific research problems.

Findings

– FIMIX-PLS offers a means to identify and treat unobserved heterogeneity in PLS-SEM and is particularly useful for determining the number of segments to extract from the data. In the latter respect, prior applications of FIMIX-PLS restricted their focus to a very limited set of criteria, but future studies should broaden the scope by considering information criteria, theory and logic.

Research limitations/implications

– Since the introduction of FIMIX-PLS, a range of alternative latent class techniques have emerged to address some of the limitations of the approach relating, for example, to the technique’s inability to handle heterogeneity in the measurement models and its distributional assumptions. The second part of this article (Part II) discusses alternative latent class techniques in greater detail and calls for the joint use of FIMIX-PLS and PLS prediction-oriented segmentation.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to offer researchers who have not been exposed to the method an introduction to FIMIX-PLS. Based on a state-of-the-art review of the technique in Part I, Part II follows up by offering a step-by-step tutorial on how to use FIMIX-PLS in SmartPLS 3.
Social learning for management development
Authors: LeNir Philip
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce social learning for management development.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper introduces perspectives on how managers learn to be managers in organizations. And introduces Mintzberg’s approach to management education and discusses how it is being applied to management development directly in the workplace.

Findings

– Mintzbergs approach to management education, when used in the context of management development directly in the workplace, leads to an approach which allows for self-directed learning in small groups.

Research limitations/implications

– None.

Practical implications

– L
&
D practitioners need to experiment and pilot truly novel pedagogical approaches to management development in their organizations.

Originality/value

– This paper introduces the thinking that led to a novel pedagogical approach to management development under the theme of social learning.
Ecological relevance of energy metabolism: transcriptional responses in energy sensing and expenditure to thermal and osmotic stresses in an intertidal limpet
Authors: Dong Yun‐wei , Zhang Shu
Published: December 2015

For rocky intertidal species that experience changes in a number of potential stressors seasonally and during the tidal cycle, sensing cellular energy status and modulating it adaptively may be crucial for responding to stressor effects. However, the responses of energy metabolism of intertidal species to multiple sublethal stressors are still unclear.

Here, we examined gene expression profiles of biomarkers related to sensing of cellular energy status and regulation of catabolism and energy expenditure in a mid‐intertidal limpetCellana toreumafor elucidating the species’ cellular energy responses stresses from high temperature, desiccation and rainfall.

Expression levels of genes encoding metabolic regulators [two subunits ofAMP‐activated protein kinase,ampkα,ampkβ;Fugene inhibition axis formation,axin; two sirtuins, NAD‐dependent deacetylase sirtuin‐1 (sirt1); NAD‐dependent deacetylase sirtuin‐5 (sirt5)], metabolic enzymes (hexokinase,hk; pyruvate kinase,pk; isocitrate dehydrogenase,idh) and heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) were quantified in specimens exposed to different temperatures and aerial/freshwater spray conditions.

Based on the gene expression patterns, all individuals could be divided into three groups with divergent cellular energy status, indicating that the selected target genes are appropriate indicators of cellular metabolism. The divergent gene expression patterns indicated a sequence in which individuals from group 1, group 2 and group 3 were faced with increasing energy stress.

The frequency distributions of individuals in the three groups were different among different time points and treatments, indicating that high temperature, desiccation, and rainfall, singly or in combination, could cause energy stress.

Compared to the high percentage (100%) of individuals placed in the highest‐stress group (group 3), after 2 h of freshwater spray at 18 °C, the lower percentage (77·8%) of individuals in group 3 after 2 h of freshwater spray at 30 °C indicated the existence of interactive effects of high temperature and rain; high temperature resulted in a lower response of cellular energy metabolism to rainfall.

Sublethal environmental stresses from single stressors such as temperature or osmotic challenges can lead to cellular energy stress. Interactions among stressors may lead to a complex overall effect on cellular energy status in intertidal species.
Microform‐scale variations in peatland permeability and their ecohydrological implications
Authors: Baird Andy J. , Milner Alice M. , Blundell Antony , Swindles Graeme T. , Morris Paul J.
Published: December 2015

The acrotelm–catotelm model of peatland hydrological and biogeochemical processes posits that the permeability of raised bogs is largely homogenous laterally but varies strongly with depth through the soil profile; uppermost peat layers are highly permeable while deeper layers are, effectively, impermeable.

We measured down‐core changes in peat permeability, plant macrofossil assemblages, dry bulk density and degree of humification beneath two types of characteristic peatland microform – ridges and hollows – at a raised bog in Wales. Six 14C dates were also collected for one hollow and an adjacent ridge.

Contrary to the acrotelm–catotelm model, we found that deeper peat can be as highly permeable as near‐surface peat and that its permeability can vary by more than an order of magnitude between microforms over horizontal distances of 1–5 m.

Our palaeoecological data paint a complicated picture of microform persistence. Some microforms can remain in the same position on a bog for millennia, growing vertically upwards as the bog grows. However, adjacent areas on the bog (< 10 m distant) show switches between microform type over time, indicating a lack of persistence.

Synthesis. We suggest that the acrotelm–catotelm model should be used cautiously; spatial variations in peatland permeability do not fit the simple patterns suggested by the model. To understand how peatlands as a whole function both hydrologically and ecologically, it is necessary to understand how patterns of peat physical properties and peatland vegetation develop and persist.
Interactive Impact of Armed Conflicts on Foreign Direct Investments in Africa
Authors: Ezeoha Abel Ebeh , Ugwu John Okereke
Published: December 2015

This study examined the interactive impact of armed conflicts on FDI flows into Africa. A dataset involving 41 African countries and a dynamic system GMM model were adopted. The findings showed that conflict had a significant negative effect on FDIs; and that infrastructural development significantly moderated the impact of conflicts. The study also revealed that the impact of conflict was higher for natural resource‐rich countries than for non‐resource‐rich countries, and that the impact was both regional and seasonal sensitive. The findings suggest that rebuilding conflict‐induced infrastructure destructions can play significant role in attracting FDIs even in conflict‐prone countries of Africa.
Potential Roles of Humanin on Apoptosis in the Heart
Authors: Charununtakorn Savitree T. , Shinlapawittayatorn Krekwit , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: December 2015

The process of programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is known as a key player in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. The proposed mechanism for apoptosis is the activation of two main apoptotic signaling pathways (the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways), which lead to cell death. As the rate and amount of cardiomyocyte loss is the most important determinant of patient morbidity and mortality, novel treatment strategies targeting apoptosis are crucial. Recently, Humanin has been shown to exert protective effects against cellular apoptosis in both experimental and clinical studies. The potential cardioprotective mechanisms of Humanin have been shown to involve both the extracellular and intracellular signaling pathways. In this review, the current knowledge and the mechanisms inhibiting cellular apoptosis by Humanin during cardiac injury are comprehensively summarized. In addition, both research and clinical findings regarding the effects of Humanin on the heart and vasculature are also presented and discussed. Currently available information suggests that Humanin may exert cardioprotective benefits and could potentially be used as a novel pharmacological intervention against cellular apoptosis during myocardial injury.
An unusual ocular complication following dental anaesthesia: case report
Authors: Kempster C , Ghabriel M , Kaidonis G , Townsend G
Published: December 2015

Used routinely by dental practitioners, local anaesthetics are generally a safe and effective means of achieving pain control during invasive dental procedures. Delivery, however, is technique sensitive and the potential for patient complication exists. Although reasonably rare, ocular complications have occurred, often leaving the patient and the clinician in distress. Such reported events have almost always involved tissue responses ipsilateral to the injection site. The current case report presents an unusual event involving involuntary fasciculation or hemifacial spasm and eventual eyelid closure on the contralateral side following a routine inferior alveolar nerve block. Aspects including the patient's history, the observed response, a pathophysiological hypothesis and patient management are discussed.
Serum protein profiles of patients with lung cancer of different histological types
Authors: Yang Rui Hong , Tian Rui Fen , Ren Qiao Li , Chui Hong Ying , Guo Su Tang , Zhang Xu Dong , Song Xia
Published: December 2015

Aims

To compare serum protein expression profiles between lung cancer patients and healthy individuals, and to examine whether there are differences in serum protein expression profiles among patients with lung cancers of different histological types and whether the characteristic expression of serum proteins may assist in differential diagnosis of various subtypes of lung cancers.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 123 lung cancer patients before commencement of treatment who attended Shanxi Cancer Hospital, China, between 2008 and 2013. Blood samples from 60 healthy individuals were also collected in the same period. Serum protein expression profiles were analyzed using surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The differences in the serum protein spectrums of lung cancer patients with different histological subtypes were analyzed by one‐way Analysis of Variance and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

A cluster of 48 protein mass‐to‐change ratio (M/Z) peaks was differentially expressed between sera of lung cancer patients and healthy individuals. The M/Z 1205, 4673, 1429 and 4279 peaks were differentially expressed among patients with lung squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas and small‐cell lung carcinomas.

Conclusion

These results reinforce the notion that profiling of serum proteins may be of diagnostic value in lung cancer, and suggest that the differences in serum protein profiles may be useful in differential diagnosis of lung cancers of varying histological subtypes.
Armed Struggle, Peace Process and Parliamentarism: James Connolly and the Changing Politics of Provisional Republicanism
Authors: Chilton Phil
Published: December 2015

Since 1998 Sinn Féin has moved from supporting an armed campaign to full participation in the electoral politics of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In so doing they have had to moderate much of their rhetoric in regard to revolution and armed struggle. They have not, however, jettisoned the attachment to one of their key iconic figures, James Connolly. The retention of Connolly as a central figure in the Provisionals’ political discourse presents an opportunity to use him to examine both continuity and change in the doctrine of Ireland's most prominent republican faction.
Outmanoeuvring Defence: The Australian Debates over Gay and Lesbian Military Service, 1992
Authors: Riseman Noah
Published: December 2015

On 24 November 1992, Australia overturned its longstanding ban on gay and lesbian service in the Australian Defence Force. The ban was on the political agenda throughout 1992, though it was never a government priority or subject to mass protest. The debates over gay and lesbian military service have subsequently received scant attention from historians. The arguments against gay and lesbian service centred on troop morale, security concerns, fears of predatory homosexuals and the spread of HIV/AIDS. The arguments to permit gay and lesbian service hinged to an extent on principles of non‐discrimination, but even more so on international law. This article examines the debates in 1992 leading up to the repeal of the ban, focusing in particular on the Labor Party divisions and the ways international law influenced the decision‐making process.
Management and outcomes of children with severe burns in New South Wales: 1995–2013
Authors: Hyland Ela J. , Lawrence Torey , Harvey John G. , Holland Andrew J. A.
Published: December 2015

Background

As a result of improvements in injury prevention, severe burns appear increasingly uncommon in Australian children. Such injuries continue to have devastating impacts, with major consequences for the patient, their family, treating clinicians and the caring institution.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of Australian children who presented to our institution between 1995 and 2013 with burn injuries ≥30% total body surface area (TBSA).

Results

Ninety children were identified. Their median age was 3.9 years and 57% (n = 52) were male. Most injuries occurred at home (n = 63) due to fires (n = 49). The majority received inadequate first aid (n = 56) and 40 became hypothermic during initial resuscitation. A total of 79% were transferred from other institutions. The median TBSA burnt was 40% and the majority of burns were full thickness (n = 51). All but nine were managed in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit with a mean initial hospital admission of 43.5 days. Two thirds of children were intubated, over half of those prior to transfer, with 26 having an inhalational injury and 33 escharotomies. Compared with estimated fluid requirements, most children were over‐resuscitated by a median of 26.9 mL/kg. There were seven mortalities. Wound infections were common (n = 65) and 36 suffered sepsis. The median number of dressing changes was 13 (range 0–100), operations were six and packed cells transfused was 95.7 mL/kg. Overall, 54 developed hypertrophic scarring and 45 scar contractures that have required subsequent reconstructive surgery.

Conclusion

Severe burn injuries in children have significant morbidity and mortality. They would appear expensive to manage and impact substantially on health care resources.
Territory, bodies and borders
Authors: Smith Sara , Swanson Nathan W , Gökarıksel Banu
Published: December 2015

This special section builds on recent scholarship on territory and borders to call for attention to the ways that bodies are central in their constitution. Through a wide range of case studies from the delivery room to Tahrir Square, the six contributors find territory and borders in unlikely places, and reveal new lines of inquiry through their explorations of the ways that bodies both are marked by territory and borders and take an active role in their making. The contributors bring together recent work on territory with literatures from a divergent set of literatures, including feminist geopolitics, queer theory and actor network theory, to build a case for an embodied and material understanding of the intersections of bodies, territory and borders. We argue that territory is made, in part, through bodies – an intimate geopolitics. Bodies challenge and subvert state control of territory, become vulnerable to violence due to state bordering practices, and experience and produce smaller‐scale forms of territory in the refugee camp or hospital. Borders can limit our epistemological vision or expand it. Seeking to expand embodied nationalism and build on scholarship on globalisation that cuts across scale, we approach the body as an active, territorial agent in processes of border and territory‐making. Here, territory becomes a versatile, but grounded and material, focal point, allowing for the embodied experiences of border‐crossers, but also for other racialised, gendered and sexualised bodies as they give birth or seek to build neighbourhoods.
Effect of interactions of polymorphisms in the Melanocortin‐4 receptor gene with dietary factors on the risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Koochakpoor G. , Hosseini‐Esfahani F. , Daneshpour M. S. , Hosseini S. A. , Mirmiran P.
Published: December 2015

Aim

To perform a systematic review of the effect of interaction between Melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) single nucleotide polymorphisms and diet on the development of obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

Background

Environmental factors, such as nutrient intakes or feeding behaviours, can modulate the association of polymorphism in the MC4R gene with obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, with a combination of the following keywords: Diet*, nutr*, melanocortin receptor, melanocortin 4 receptor and MC4R. To assess the quality of observational studies, we used a 12‐item quality checklist, derived from the STREGA statement.

Results

A total of 14 articles were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Consumption of highly salty foods and adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern can modulate the association between MC4R polymorphisms and the risk of obesity or Type 2 diabetes. Despite the highly contradictory results of intervention studies, after short‐term lifestyle interventions, children with variant alleles of MC4R single nucleotide polymorphisms can lose more body weight, compared with non‐carriers, although they may have difficulty in maintaining this weight loss in the long‐term. To interpret the results of studies on adults, we need further studies.

Conclusions

The interaction between MC4R genes with dietary factors plays a significant role in the development of obesity or Type 2 diabetes phenotypes. Early detection of MC4R risk alleles in individuals and modification of their diet based on these results could be an efficient strategy to prevent obesity or diabetes in these subgroups.
Association of diabetic foot ulcer and death in a population‐based cohort from the United Kingdom
Authors: Walsh J. W. , Hoffstad O. J. , Sullivan M. O. , Margolis D. J.
Published: December 2015

Aims

The presence of diabetic foot ulcers is strongly associated with an increased risk of death. In this study, we investigate whether the effects of diabetes‐associated complications can explain the apparent relationship between diabetic foot ulcers and death.

Methods

We analysed data from 414 523 people with diabetes enrolled in practices associated with The Health Improvement Network in the United Kingdom. Our methods were designed to control for potential confounders in order to isolate the relationship between diabetic foot ulcers and death. Using proportional hazards models and the area under the receiver operator curve, we evaluated the effects of diabetic foot ulcers and the covariates on death.

Results

Among the patients, 20 737 developed diabetic foot ulcers; 5.0% of people with new ulcers died within 12 months of their first foot ulcer visit and 42.2% of people with foot ulcers died within 5 years. After controlling for major known complications of diabetes that might influence mortality, the correlation between diabetic foot ulcers and death remained strong with a fully adjusted hazard ratio of 2.48 (95% confidence interval: 2.43, 2.54). Geographic variance existed but was not spatially associated.

Conclusions

Diabetic foot ulcers are linked to an increased risk of death. This cannot be explained by other common risk factors. These results suggest that either there are major unknown risk factors associated with both diabetic foot ulcers and death, or that diabetic foot ulceration itself is a serious threat, which seems unlikely. A diabetic foot ulcer should be seen as a major warning sign for mortality, necessitating closer medical follow‐up.
Circumflex Origin from Right Coronary Artery—The Anomaly That Should Not Be Omitted during Echocardiography—”Crossed Aorta” and “Bleb Sign” Presentation after Stents Implantation
Authors: Wierzbowska‐Drabik Karina , Kasprzak Jarosław D. , Mrozowska‐Peruga Ewa , Peruga Jan Z.
Published: December 2015

Mini‐Abstract

Simultaneously with the development of echocardiography its potential in the assessment of coronary arteries increases. We reported previously that the anomalous circumflex (Cx) originating from right coronary artery (RCA) with retroaortic course may be observed in transesophageal examination (TEE) as vessel cross section in the mitroaortic angle—”bleb sign” or visualized in modified apical four‐chamber view behind left atrium during transthoracic study (TTE). In present case, we propose novel finding indicating on this anomaly in apical five‐chamber view in TTE forming “crossed aorta” sign. Additionally, the presence of stents in Cx enhanced echocardiographic presentation of anomalous artery course.
Projected impacts of climate change on stream salmonids with implications for resilience‐based management
Authors: Carlson Andrew K. , Taylor William W. , Schlee Kelsey M. , Zorn Troy G. , Infante Dana M.
Published: December 2015

The sustainability of freshwater fisheries is increasingly affected by climate warming, habitat alteration, invasive species and other drivers of global change. The State of Michigan, USA, contains ecologically, socioeconomically valuable coldwater stream salmonid fisheries that are highly susceptible to these ecological alterations. Thus, there is a need for future management approaches that promote resilient stream ecosystems that absorb change amidst disturbances. Fisheries professionals in Michigan are responding to this need by designing a comprehensive management plan for stream brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis), brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) populations. To assist in developing such a plan, we used stream‐specific regression models to forecast thermal habitat suitability in streams throughout Michigan from 2006 to 2056 under different predicted climate change scenarios. As baseflow index (i.e., relative groundwater input) increased, stream thermal sensitivity (i.e., relative susceptibility to temperature change) decreased. Thus, the magnitude of temperature warming and frequency of thermal habitat degradation were lowest in streams with the highest baseflow indices. Thermal habitats were most suitable in rainbow trout streams as this species has a wider temperature range for growth (12.0–22.5 °C) compared to brook charr (11.0–20.5 °C) and brown trout (12.0–20.0 °C). Our study promotes resilience‐based salmonid management by providing a methodology for stream temperature and thermal habitat suitability prediction. Fisheries professionals can use this approach to protect coldwater habitats and drivers of stream cooling and ultimately conserve resilient salmonid populations amidst global change.
Familiarity modulates motor activation while other species' actions are observed: a magnetic stimulation study
Authors: Amoruso Lucia , Urgesi Cosimo
Published: December 2015

Observing other people's actions facilitates the observer's motor system as compared with observing the same individuals at rest. This motor activation is thought to result from mirror‐like activity in fronto‐parietal areas, which enhances the excitability of the primary motor cortex via cortico‐cortical pathways. Although covert motor activation in response to observed actions has been widely investigated between conspecifics, how humans cope with other species' actions has received less attention. For example, it remains unclear whether the human motor system is activated by observing other species' actions, and whether prior familiarity with the non‐conspecific agent modulates this activation. Here, we combined single‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation and motor‐evoked potential recording to explore the impact of familiarity on motor activation during the observation of non‐conspecific actions. Videos displaying actions performed either by a conspecific (human) or by a non‐conspecific (dog) were shown to individuals who had prior familiarity or no familiarity at all with the non‐conspecific agent. We found that, whereas individuals with long‐lasting familiarity showed similar levels of motor activation for human and canine actions, individuals who had no familiarity showed higher motor activation for human than for canine actions. These findings suggest that the human motor system is flexible enough to resonate with other species, and that familiarity plays a key role in tuning this ability.
Transport properties and pore‐network structure in variably‐saturated Sphagnum peat soil
Authors: Hamamoto S. , Dissanayaka S. H. , Kawamoto K. , Nagata O. , Komtatsu T. , Moldrup P.
Published: December 2015

Gas and water transport in peat soil are of increasing interest because of their potentially large environmental and climatic effects under different types of land use. In this research, the water retention curve (WRC), gas diffusion coefficient (Dg) and air and water permeabilities (ka and kw) of layers in peat soil from two profiles were measured under different moisture conditions. A two‐region Archie's Law (2RAL)‐type model was applied successfully to the four properties; the reference point was taken at −9.8 kPa of soil‐water matric potential where volume shrinkage typically started to occur. For WRC in the very decomposed peat soil, the 2RAL saturation exponents (n) obtained for both the wetter (nw) and drier regions (nd) were smaller than those for the less decomposed peat. For Dg, the saturation exponent in the wetter region was larger than that in the drier one for all layers, which indicated enhanced blocking effects of water on gas diffusion in the wetter region. For the peat layers within each soil, there was a linear relation between saturation exponents in the drier region for ka and Dg. The larger saturation exponent of the wetter region for kw in peat than in sand suggests a need for specific hydraulic functions for peat soil. The 2RAL model for Dg agreed well with measured data, and performed better than existing unimodal models. To facilitate use of the 2RAL for Dg, we developed a simple predictive expression for Dg at the reference point. The pore‐network tortuosity factor and equivalent pore diameter for gas transport confirmed very different pore structure and mass transport behaviour for peat soil and uniform sand.