bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNAbarcoding reveals 24 distinct lineages as cryptic bird species candidates in and around theJapaneseArchipelago
Authors: Saitoh Takema , Sugita Norimasa , Someya Sayaka , Iwami Yasuko , Kobayashi Sayaka , Kamigaichi Hiromi , Higuchi Aki , Asai Shigeki , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Nishiumi Isao
Published: May 2014

DNAbarcoding using a partial region (648 bp) of the cytochromecoxidaseI(COI) gene is a powerful tool for species identification and has revealed many cryptic species in various animal taxa. In birds, cryptic species are likely to occur in insular regions like the Japanese Archipelago due to the prevention of gene flow by sea barriers. UsingCOIsequences of 234 of the 251 Japanese‐breeding bird species, we established aDNAbarcoding library for species identification and estimated the number of cryptic species candidates. A total of 226 species (96.6%) had uniqueCOIsequences with large genetic divergence among the closest species based on neighbour‐joining clusters, genetic distance criterion and diagnostic substitutions. Eleven cryptic species candidates were detected, with distinct intraspecific deep genetic divergences, nine lineages of which were geographically separated by islands and straits within the Japanese Archipelago. To identify Japan‐specific cryptic species from trans‐Paleartic birds, we investigated the genetic structure of 142 shared species over an extended region covering Japan and Eurasia; 19 of these species formed two or more clades with high bootstrap values. Excluding six duplicated species from the total of 11 species within the Japanese Archipelago and 19 trans‐Paleartic species, we identified 24 species that were cryptic species candidates within and surrounding the Japanese Archipelago. Repeated sea level changes during the glacial and interglacial periods may be responsible for the deep genetic divergences of Japanese birds in this insular region, which has led to inconsistencies in traditional taxonomies based on morphology.
The timing of elective caesarean deliveries and early neonatal outcomes in singleton infants born 37–41 weeks' gestation
Authors: Doan Emily , Gibbons Kristen , Tudehope David
Published: May 2014

Background

Births by elective caesarean section (CS) are rising, particularly before 39 weeks' gestation, which may be associated with unacceptably high risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. The optimal timing of these deliveries needs to be determined with recent recommendations to delay births by elective CS until 39 weeks.

Aims

To evaluate the association between gestational age (GA) at delivery and neonatal outcomes after elective CS between 37 and 41 weeks.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective cohort study of viable singleton neonates delivered by elective CS at Mater Mothers' Hospitals (1998–2009). Neonates were stratified into two GA groups with early term (ET, 37–38 weeks) compared with the reference group of full and late term (FLT, 39–41 weeks). The primary outcome examined was serious respiratory morbidity; secondary outcomes included depression at birth, nursery admission and assisted ventilation.

Results

Fourteen thousand and four hundred and forty‐seven mother–baby pairs were included (59.9% delivered before 39 weeks). There was a significantly decreasing risk of adverse neonatal outcomes with increasing GA. Compared to FLT, delivery at ET almost tripled the risk of the primary outcome (AOR 2.74; 95% CI 1.79–4.21). Rates of most secondary outcomes were at least doubled.

Conclusion

Elective CS performed at 37–38 weeks is associated with poorer neonatal outcomes compared to those delivered at 39–41 weeks. This study supports recent recommendations to delay delivery by elective CS until week 39 if possible.
Epigenetics as the mediator of fetal programming of adult onset disease: what is the evidence?
Authors: Saffery Richard , Novakovic Boris
Published: May 2014

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis describes how early life environmental factors influence development in a way that impacts later health and disease risk. The hypothesis is supported by a large number of animal studies and a smaller number of observational studies in humans. Epigenetic variation induced in early life has emerged as a prime candidate to be the mediator of such effects, but little direct evidence of this relation exists in humans, primarily due to the inherent problems associated with unraveling the relative contributions of genetic and environmental variables to phenotypic diversity. There are several prerequisites for establishing a causal link that include demonstrating interindividual epigenetic variability in early life in response to specific environmental exposures. Further, compelling evidence linking epigenetic change to disease, prior to onset is required. Finally, the functional relevance of specific epigenetic change must be demonstrated. Evidence is emerging in all of these areas but, ultimately, only large longitudinal life‐course studies, commencing prior to birth, can provide direct evidence in support of a role of epigenetic processes as a driver of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease in humans.
Severity‐dependent association between ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness and macular mean sensitivity in open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Kim Ko Eun , Park Ki Ho , Jeoung Jin Wook , Kim Seok Hwan , Kim Dong Myung
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the structure–function relationship between macular mean sensitivity (mMS) and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness (GCIPLT) according to glaucoma severity and to compare it with that between mMS and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (pRNFLT), using spectral‐domain (Cirrus) optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

Three hundred and sixty‐two eyes of 362 patients with open‐angle glaucoma of differing severity (preperimetric, early, moderate, and advanced) together with 130 eyes of 130 healthy controls, all of whom underwent Cirrus OCT imaging and 30‐2 standard automated perimetry (SAP), were included in the study. The mMS was assessed by calculating the average of sensitivities at 12 central SAP points. The relationships between mMS and the various GCIPLT (average, minimum, superior, and inferior) parameters obtained by Cirrus OCT were evaluated according to disease severity using a linear regression model and were then compared with those between pRNFLT parameters and mMS.

Results

The mMS and GCIPLT showed stronger relationships with the increase in glaucoma severity, but this was not the case with the pRNFLT parameters. In preperimetric glaucoma, the associations between mMS and both GCIPLT and pRNFLT were not significant. In moderate and advanced glaucoma, all GCIPLT parameters showed a statistically significant relationship with mMS. However, pRNFLT showed a moderate association in early and moderate glaucoma and none at all in advanced glaucoma.

Conclusions

GCIPLT showed a stronger structure–function relationship with mMS in more advanced stages of glaucoma compared to pRNFLT. GCIPLT reflected macular functional damage better than pRNFLT in advanced glaucoma.
Riccardin D, a Macrocyclic Bisbibenzy, Inhibits Human Breast Cancer Growth through the Suppression of Telomerase Activity
Authors: Sun Cui‐Cui , Xu Hui‐Min , Yuan Yi , Gao Zu‐Hua , Lou Hong‐Xiang , Qu Xian‐Jun
Published: May 2014

Riccardin D, a liverwort‐derived naturally occurring macrocyclic bisbibenzyl, has been found to exert anticancer effects in multiple cancer cell types. In this study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of Riccardin D on human breast cancer. Experiments were performed on human breast cancer MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells. The antitumour effects of Riccardin D were assessed by the 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and human breast cancer xenografts mice model. TRAPeze® XL Telomerase Detection assay was used for the detection of telomerase activity. γ‐H2AX foci formation was tested for the induction of DNA damage response. Cell cycle distribution was analysed by flow cytometry, and cell apoptosis was determined by annexin V‐FITC/PI staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay and Western blotting. Riccardin D effectively inhibited the growth of MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells in vitro. And Riccardin D also effectively delayed the growth of MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231‐luc‐D3H2LN xenografts without significant loss of body‐weight. Further analysis suggested that Riccardin D's effects may arise from its suppression of telomerase activity, which led to telomere dysfunction. Telomerase inhibition and telomere dysfunction could activate the canonical ataxia telangiectasia‐mutated (ATM) kinase‐mediated DNA damage response, as shown by elevated expression of γ‐H2AX, p‐ATM and p‐Chk2. This is finally followed by the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as shown by the increase of TUNEL‐stained cells, caspase activation, PARP cleavage and the increase of bax/bcl‐2 ratio. Moreover, Riccardin D induced p53‐proficient MCF‐7 cells to arrest in G1 phase and p53‐deficient MDA‐MB‐231 cells to arrest in G2/M phase. Overall, these results demonstrate that Riccardin D may inhibit human breast cancer growth through suppression of telomerase activity.
Saquinavir‐NO Inhibits IL‐6 Production in Macrophages
Authors: Momčilović Miljana , Mangano Katia , Jevtić Bojan , Mammana Santa , Stošić‐Grujičić Stanislava , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Miljković Djordje
Published: May 2014

Covalent attachment of the nitric oxide (NO) moiety to the HIV protease inhibitor Saquinavir (Saq) produced a new chemical entity, named Saquinavir‐NO, (Saq‐NO) with reduced toxicity and potent immunoregulatory influence on T lymphocytes. In this study, we have compared head‐to‐head the effects of Saq‐NO and Saq on mouse and rat peritoneal macrophage cytokine secretion and NO production upon in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo conditions. The results demonstrate that Saq‐NO, but not Saq, potently decreased interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐6 and nitrite accumulation and increased the levels of IL‐1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in supernatants of mouse and rat macrophage cultures in vitro. Treatment of mice with Saq‐NO, but not Saq, inhibited ex vivo secretion of IL‐6 from macrophages. Consistent with these findings, Saq‐NO also reduced blood levels of IL‐6 in lipopolysaccharide‐treated mice. The observed inhibitory influence of Saq‐NO on IL‐6 generation in macrophages may be involved in the observed antitumour and immunomodulatory effects of the drug.
Sexual function and health‐related quality of life in women with classic bladder exstrophy
Authors: Deans Rebecca , Liao Lih‐Mei , Wood Dan , Woodhouse Christopher , Creighton Sarah M.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To investigate sexual function and quality of life in adolescent and adult women with classic bladder exstrophy (BE).

Materials and Methods

A two‐part observational cross‐sectional study with a questionnaire arm and a retrospective case review arm was performed. The study was undertaken in a centre providing a tertiary referral gynaecology and urology service. Outcomes were sexual function and quality‐of‐life scores.

Results

A total of 44 patients with BE were identified from departmental databases and included in the study, of whom 28 (64%) completed postal questionnaires. Sexual function scores and quality‐of‐life visual analogue scales were significantly poorer compared with normative data.

Conclusions

Bladder exstrophy has a detrimental psychological impact on women. In future, methodical multidisciplinary paediatric follow‐up research will help to identify predictors of better and worse adolescent and adult outcomes. Development and evaluation of cost‐effective psychological interventions to target specific problems is also warranted.
Robot‐assisted laparoscopic ureteric reimplantation: extravesical technique
Authors: Dangle Pankaj P. , Shah Anup , Gundeti Mohan S.
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To describe our standardised approach to performing robot‐assisted extravesical ureteric reimplantation.

Patients and Methods

A total of 29 children, with high grade (III–V) vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR) underwent robot‐assisted extravesical ureteric reimplantation between September 2010 and September 2013. Follow‐up renal ultrasonography was performed at 1 month and 3 months and a voiding cysto‐urethrogram (VCUG) was obtained at 4 months to assess VUR resolution.

Results

The mean (range) patient age at the time of surgery was 5.38 (3.0–10.0) years. Postoperative VCUG showed complete resolution of VUR in 32/40 ureters (80%). Of the remaining refluxing ureters, downgrading of VUR on VCUG was shown in 7/8 ureters (87.5%). The mean (range) length of hospital stay was 1.8 (1–3) days.

Conclusions

In conclusion, robot‐assisted extravesical ureteric reimplantation is technically feasible with acceptable resolution of VUR.
Lymphatic drainage in renal cell carcinoma: back to the basics
Authors: Karmali Riaz J. , Suami Hiroo , Wood Christopher G. , Karam Jose A.
Published: May 2014

Lymphatic drainage in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is unpredictable, however, basic patterns can be observed in cadaveric and sentinel lymph node mapping studies in patients with RCC. The existence of peripheral lymphovenous communications at the level of the renal vein has been shown in mammals but remains unknown in humans. The sentinel lymph node biopsy technique can be safely applied to map lymphatic drainage patterns in patients with RCC. Further standardisation of sentinel node biopsy techniques is required to improve the clinical significance of mapping studies. Understanding lymphatic drainage in RCC may lead to an evidence‐based consensus on the surgical management of retroperitoneal lymph nodes.
Determination of optimal drug dose and light dose index to achieve minimally invasive focal ablation of localised prostate cancer using WST11‐vascular‐targeted photodynamic (VTP) therapy
Authors: Moore Caroline M. , Azzouzi Abel‐Rahmene , Barret Eric , Villers Arnauld , Muir Gordon H. , Barber Neil J. , Bott Simon , Trachtenberg John , Arumainayagam Nimalan , Gaillac Bertrand , Allen Clare , Schertz Avigdor , Emberton Mark
Published: May 2014

Objective

To determine the optimal drug and light dose for prostate ablation using WST11 (TOOKAD® Soluble) for vascular‐targeted photodynamic (VTP) therapy in men with low‐risk prostate cancer.

Patients and Methods

In all, 42 men with low‐risk prostate cancer were enrolled in the study but two who underwent anaesthesia for the procedure did not receive the drug or light dose. Thus, 40 men received a single dose of 2, 4 or 6 mg/kg WST11 activated by 200 J/cm light at 753 nm. WST11 was given as a 10‐min intravenous infusion. The light dose was delivered using cylindrical diffusing fibres within hollow plastic needles positioned in the prostate using transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) guidance and a brachytherapy template. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess treatment effect at 7 days, with assessment of urinary function (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS]), sexual function (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]) and adverse events at 7 days, 1, 3 and 6 months after VTP. TRUS‐guided biopsies were taken at 6 months.

Results

In all, 39 of the 40 treated men completed the follow‐up. The Day‐7 MRI showed maximal treatment effect (95% of the planned treatment volume) in men who had a WST11 dose of 4 mg/kg, light dose of 200 J/cm and light density index (LDI) of >1. In the 12 men treated with these parameters, the negative biopsy rate was 10/12 (83%) at 6 months, compared with 10/26 (45%) for the men who had either a different drug dose (10 men) or an LDI of <1 (16). Transient urinary symptoms were seen in most of the men, with no significant difference in IPSS score between baseline and 6 months after VTP. IIEF scores were not significantly different between baseline and 6 months after VTP.

Conclusion

Treatment with 4 mg/kg TOOKAD Soluble activated by 753 nm light at a dose of 200 J/cm and an LDI of >1 resulted in treatment effect in 95% of the planned treatment volume and a negative biopsy rate at 6 months of 10/12 men (83%).
Of mice and men: modelling post‐stroke depression experimentally
Authors: Kronenberg G , Gertz K , Heinz A , Endres M
Published: May 2014

At least one‐third of stroke survivors suffer from depression. The development of comorbid depression after stroke is clinically highly significant because post‐stroke depression is associated with increased mortality, slows recovery and leads to worse functional outcomes. Here, we review the evidence that post‐stroke depression can be effectively modelled in experimental rodents via a variety of approaches. This opens an exciting new window onto the neurobiology of depression and permits probing potential underlying mechanisms such as disturbed cellular plasticity, neuroendocrine dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration in a novel context. From the point of view of translational stroke research, extending the scope of experimental investigations beyond the study of short‐term end points and, in particular, acute lesion size, may help improve the relevance of preclinical results to human disease. Furthermore, accumulating evidence from both clinical and experimental studies offers the tantalizing prospect of 5‐hydroxytryptaminergic antidepressants as the first pharmacological therapy for stroke that would be available during the subacute and chronic phases of recovery. Interdisciplinary neuropsychiatric research will be called on to dissect the mechanisms underpinning the beneficial effects of antidepressants on stroke recovery.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Animal Models in Psychiatry Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-20
Overexpression of oxytocin receptors in the hypothalamic PVN increases baroreceptor reflex sensitivity and buffers BP variability in conscious rats
Authors: Lozić Maja , Greenwood Michael , Šarenac Olivera , Martin Andrew , Hindmarch Charles , Tasić Tatjana , Paton Julian , Murphy David , Japundžić‐Žigon Nina
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose

The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus is an important integrative site for neuroendocrine control of the circulation. We investigated the role of oxytocin receptors (OT receptors) in PVN in cardiovascular homeostasis.

Experimental Approach

Experiments were performed in conscious male Wistar rats equipped with a radiotelemetric device. The PVN was unilaterally co‐transfected with an adenoviral vector (Ad), engineered to overexpress OT receptors, and an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) tag. Control groups: PVN was transfected with an Ad expressing eGFP alone or untransfected, sham rats (Wt). Recordings were obtained without and with selective blockade of OT receptors (OTX), during both baseline and stressful conditions. Baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) and cardiovascular short‐term variability were evaluated using the sequence method and spectral methodology respectively.

Key Results

Under baseline conditions, rats overexpressing OT receptors (OTR) exhibited enhanced BRS and reduced BP variability compared to control groups. Exposure to stress increased BP, BP variability and HR in all rats. In control groups, but not in OTR rats, BRS decreased during stress. Pretreatment of OTR rats with OTX reduced BRS and enhanced BP and HR variability under baseline and stressful conditions. Pretreatment of Wt rats with OTX, reduced BRS and increased BP variability under baseline and stressful conditions, but only increased HR variability during stress.

Conclusions and Implications

OT receptors in PVN are involved in tonic neural control of BRS and cardiovascular short‐term variability. The failure of this mechanism could critically contribute to the loss of autonomic control in cardiovascular disease.
Calorie restriction and Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass have opposing effects on circulating FGF21 in morbidly obese subjects
Authors: Lips Mirjam A. , de Groot Gerrit H. , Berends Frits J. , Wiezer Renee , van Wagensveld Bart A. , Swank Dingeman J. , Luijten Arijan , van Dijk Ko Willems , Pijl Hanno , Jansen Peter L.M. , Schaap Frank G.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To study the effect of different weight loss strategies on levels of the metabolic regulator FGF21 in morbidly obese females with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Design

Observational intervention trial.

Patients and measurements

Weight reduction was achieved by Gastric Banding (GB, n = 11) or Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB, n = 16) in subjects with NGT, and by RYGB (n = 15) or a very‐low‐calorie diet (VLCD, n = 12) in type 2 diabetics. Fasted and/or postprandial levels of FGF21, FGF19 (an FGF21‐related postprandial hormone) and bile salts (implicated in regulation of FGF21 and FGF19 expression) were measured before, and 3 and 12 weeks after intervention.

Results

Fasted FGF21 levels were elevated in T2DM subjects. Calorie restriction by either GB or VLCD lowered bile salt and FGF21 levels. In contrast, RYGB surgery was associated with elevated bile salt and FGF21 levels.

Conclusions

Calorie restriction and RYGB have opposite effects on serum bile salt and FGF21 levels. Calorie restriction results in FGF21 approaching nonobese control levels, suggesting that this intervention is effective in reducing the “nutritional crisis” that appears to underly FGF21 elevation in obesity. FGF21 elevation after RYGB may contribute to the beneficial effect of this procedure.
Evaluation of a confocal Raman probe for pathological diagnosis during colonoscopy
Authors: Wood J. J. , Kendall C. , Hutchings J. , Lloyd G. R. , Stone N. , Shepherd N. , Day J. , Cook T. A.
Published: May 2014

Aim

Raman spectroscopy of human tissue can provide a unique biochemical ‘fingerprint’ that alters with disease progression. Light incident on tissue is scattered and may be altered in wavelength, which can be represented as a Raman spectrum. A confocal fibreoptic Raman probe designed to fit down the accessory channel of a colonoscope has been constructed. This in‐vitro study evaluated the accuracy of pathological diagnosis in the colon using probe‐based Raman spectroscopy.

Method

Biopsy samples were collected at colonoscopy, snap frozen and stored at −80°C. Raman spectra with 10‐s and 1‐s acquisition periods were measured with the probe tip in contact with the mucosal surface of thawed specimens. Mathematical modelling using principal component analysis followed by linear discriminant analysis was used to correlate Raman spectra with histopathological diagnoses.

Results

Three‐hundred and seventy‐five Raman spectra were measured from a total of 356 colon biopsies (81 of normal colon mucosa, 79 of hyperplastic polyps, 92 of adenomatous polyps, 64 of adenocarcinoma and 40 of ulcerative colitis) from 177 patients. Spectral classification accuracies comparing pathology pairs ranged from 72.1 to 95.9% for 10‐s acquisitions and from 61.5 to 95.1% for 1‐s acquisitions. For a three‐group model of normal, adenomatous and adenocarcinoma tissue, accuracies were 74.1% for 10‐s acquisitions and 63.5% for 1‐s acquisitions.

Conclusion

The confocal Raman probe system can distinguish between different colorectal pathologies. The probe has potential to establish Raman spectroscopy as a clinical tool for instant diagnosis at colonoscopy.
Women with pre‐gestational diabetes have a higher risk of stillbirth at all gestations after 32 weeks
Authors: Holman N. , Bell R. , Murphy H. , Maresh M.
Published: May 2014

Aim

To explore the additional risk of stillbirths and to quantify that risk according to gestational age among women with diabetes.

Methods

Data on pregnancies ending in 2007 and 2008 in women with pre‐gestational diabetes in three English regional audits were identified. A prospective audit collected data on all pregnancies delivering between June 2010 and May 2011 in one region and in 13 other units across England. The data on all singleton pregnancies from these two cohorts were combined. Comparisons were made to all births in England and Wales for the same time period using data from the Office for National Statistics.

Results

In the cohort of women with pre‐gestational diabetes there were a total of 2085 singleton pregnancies, of which 29 resulted in a stillbirth (overall stillbirth rate 13.9 per 1000, 95% CI 9.7–19.9, relative risk compared with all pregnancies in England and Wales 2.73, 95% CI 2.61–2.84). The relative risk of stillbirth between 32 and 34 weeks' gestation was 4.95 (95% CI 4.24–5.78), 3.77 (95% CI 3.42–4.16) at 35 to 36 weeks, 5.75 (95% CI 5.43–6.09) for deliveries at 37 or 38 weeks and 7.34 (95% CI 6.52–8.25) for those born at 39 weeks or more.

Conclusion

Women with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of stillbirth at all gestations after 32 weeks and this additional risk is not just confined to pregnancies at 37 weeks or more.
Urbanisation tolerance and the loss of avian diversity
Authors: Sol Daniel , González‐Lagos Cesar , Moreira Darío , Maspons Joan , Lapiedra Oriol
Published: May 2014

Urbanisation is considered an important driver of current biodiversity loss, but the underlying causes are not fully understood. It is generally assumed that this loss reflects the fact that most organisms do not tolerate well the environmental alterations associated with urbanisation. Nevertheless, current evidence is inconclusive and the alternative that the biodiversity loss is the result of random mechanisms has never been evaluated. Analysing changes in abundance between urbanised environments and their non‐urbanised surroundings of > 800 avian species from five continents, we show here that although random processes account for part of the species loss associated with urbanisation, much of the loss is associated with a lack of appropriate adaptations of most species for exploiting resources and avoiding risks of the urban environments. These findings have important conservation implications because the extinction of species with particular features should have higher impact on biodiversity and ecosystem function than a random loss.
DaTscan and Parkinson's disease: DAT binding should not lead to binding decisions in clinical practice
Authors: de la Fuente‐Fernández R. , Lövblad K.‐O.
Published: May 2014

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Visual Discrimination Learning in the Small Octopus Octopus ocellatus
Authors: Tomita Mitsuru , Aoki Setsuyuki
Published: May 2014

Octopus ocellatus is a small benthic species of octopus that is easy to rear and spawns large eggs during a short life cycle. These and other features of O. ocellatus may make it an advantageous subject for a broad range of behavioral studies, including those involving various types of learning. However, no type of learning has been studied in O. ocellatus. In a successive visual discrimination task, in which a ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ stimulus (white or black rectangle) was presented to a subject octopus and appropriate rewards or punishments were given to the subject, the rate of ‘correct’ responses (i.e., touches to the positive stimulus or refraining from the negative stimulus) gradually increased. Moreover, ‘observer’ octopuses that observed another octopus performing a visual discrimination task in which reward was also given to the ‘incorrect’ responses (touches to the negative stimulus) showed a higher ratio of incorrect responses in their test sessions. These results, coupled with the physical characteristics of O. ocellatus, indicate that this species is potentially suitable for neurogenetic and neuroembryological studies of learning.
Biological considerations in the management of traumatic dental injuries
Authors: Bakland Leif K. , Andreasen Jens Ove
Published: May 2014

The management of traumatic dental injuries has been enhanced in recent years by the availability of published guidelines. However, the complexities of many traumatic situations can make the application of specific recommendations difficult. In such situations, the underlying biological principles related to wound healing may provide guidance in charting various treatment approaches. In this article we look at how the principles of injury stabilization, bacterial complications, healing potentials, and alveolar ridge preservation can provide treatment planning guidance that may improve treatment outcomes.
Molecular diagnostics in endodontics
Authors: Rechenberg Dan‐Krister , Zehnder Matthias
Published: May 2014

Recent systematic reviews have substantiated the fact that current testing methods to assess the inflammatory state of the pulp and the periapical tissues are of limited value. Consequently, it may be time to search for alternative routes in endodontic diagnostics. Molecular assessment methods could be the future. However, in the field of endodontics, the research in that direction is only about to evolve. Because pulpal and periradicular diseases are related to opportunistic infections, diagnostics can either target microorganisms or the host reaction. This communication discusses clinical situations in which a molecular assessment of infection or host reaction could be of interest. The methods, collection sites, current state of research, and unresolved problems are evaluated.
Defining dermal adipose tissue
Authors: Driskell Ryan R. , Jahoda Colin A. B. , Chuong Cheng‐Ming , Watt Fiona M. , Horsley Valerie
Published: May 2014

Here, we explore the evolution and development of skin‐associated adipose tissue with the goal of establishing nomenclature for this tissue. Underlying the reticular dermis, a thick layer of adipocytes exists that encases mature hair follicles in rodents and humans. The association of lipid‐filled cells with the skin is found in many invertebrate and vertebrate species. Historically, this layer of adipocytes has been termed subcutaneous adipose, hypodermis and subcutis. Recent data have revealed a common precursor for dermal fibroblasts and intradermal adipocytes during development. Furthermore, the development of adipocytes in the skin is independent from that of subcutaneous adipose tissue development. Finally, the role of adipocytes has been shown to be relevant for epidermal homoeostasis during hair follicle regeneration and wound healing. Thus, we propose a refined nomenclature for the cells and adipose tissue underlying the reticular dermis as intradermal adipocytes and dermal white adipose tissue, respectively.
Selective targeting of the conserved active site cysteine of Mycobacterium tuberculosis methionine aminopeptidase with electrophilic reagents
Authors: Reddi Ravikumar , Arya Tarun , Kishor Chandan , Gumpena Rajesh , Ganji Roopa J. , Bhukya Supriya , Addlagatta Anthony
Published: May 2014

Methionine aminopeptidases (MetAPs) cleave initiator methionine from ~ 70% of the newly synthesized proteins in every living cell, and specific inhibition or knockdown of this function is detrimental. MetAPs are metalloenzymes, and are broadly classified into two subtypes, type I and type II. Bacteria contain only type I MetAPs, and the active site of these enzymes contains a conserved cysteine. By contrast, in type II enzymes the analogous position is occupied by a conserved glycine. Here, we report the reactivity of the active site cysteine in a type I MetAP, MetAP1c, of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtMetAP1c) towards highly selective cysteine‐specific reagents. The authenticity of selective modification of Cys105 of MtMetAP1c was established by using site‐directed mutagenesis and crystal structure determination of covalent and noncovalent complexes. On the basis of these observations, we propose that metal ions in the active site assist in the covalent modification of Cys105 by orienting the reagents appropriately for a successful reaction. These studies establish, for the first time, that the conserved cysteine of type I MetAPs can be targeted for selective inhibition, and we believe that this chemistry can be exploited for further drug discovery efforts regarding microbial MetAPs.
Activity of the upstream TATA‐less promoter of the p21Waf1/Cip1 gene depends on transcription factor IIA (TFIIA) in addition to TFIIA‐reactive TBP‐like protein
Authors: Suzuki Hidefumi , Maeda Ryo , Nakadai Tomoyoshi , Tamura Taka‐aki
Published: May 2014

TATA‐binding protein‐like protein (TLP) binds to transcription factor IIA (TFIIA) with high affinity, although the significance of this binding is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of TFIIA in transcriptional regulation of the p21Waf1/Cip1 (p21) gene. It has been shown that TLP is indispensable for p53‐activated transcription from an upstream TATA‐less promoter of the p21 gene. We found that mutant TLPs having decreased TFIIA‐binding ability exhibited weakened transcriptional activation function for the upstream promoter. Activity of the upstream promoter was enhanced considerably by an increased amount of TFIIA in a p53‐dependent manner, whereas activity of the TATA‐containing downstream promoter was enhanced only slightly. TFIIA potentiated the upstream promoter additively with TLP. Although TFIIA is recruited to both promoters, activity of the upstream promoter was much more dependent on TFIIA. Recruitment of TFIIA and TLP to the upstream promoter was augmented in etoposide‐treated cells, in which the amount of TFIIA–TLP complex is increased, and TFIIA‐reactive TLP was required for the recruitment of both factors. It was confirmed that etoposide‐stimulated transcription depends on TLP. We also found that TFIIA‐reactive TLP acts to decrease cell growth rate, which can be explained by interaction of the p21 promoter with the transcription factors that we examined. The results of the present study suggest that the upstream TATA‐less promoter of p21 needs TFIIA and TFIIA‐reactive TLP for p53‐dependent transcriptional enhancement.

Structured digital abstract

TLP physically interacts with TFIIA beta and TFIIA alpha by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

TFIIA alpha/beta physically interacts with TLP by anti bait coip (View interaction)
A computational tool for estimating stress fields along a surface crack front
Authors: Chernyatin A. S. , Matvienko Y. G. , Razumovsky I. A.
Published: May 2014

A combined experimental and computational method for determination of the singular and non‐singular stress terms along the front of the 3D surface crack is proposed. It is suggested to evaluate the terms by means of comprehensive comparison between deformation responses on the structure surface in the vicinity of the crack obtained experimentally and from numerical solutions of the corresponding boundary problem of solid mechanics. As the deformation response, a local displacement field caused by the formation of a small hole at the tip of the crack recorded by digital speckle pattern interferometry may be considered. The proposed approach allows defining such real parameters of the structure as the active load conditions in the crack region and crack sizes. These parameters are used to solve the direct problem and to determine the stress intensity factor KI and Txx‐, Tzz‐stresses along the surface crack front by means of an improved technique of their calculation.

The approach accuracy and stability at different conditions have been proved by means of numerical simulation that examined half‐space with planar semi‐elliptical surface crack under biaxial loading. So, the potential applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated. The biaxiality effect on KI and Txx, Tzz is discussed.
Horizon scanning for invasive alien species with the potential to threaten biodiversity in Great Britain
Authors: Roy Helen E. , Peyton Jodey , Aldridge David C. , Bantock Tristan , Blackburn Tim M. , Britton Robert , Clark Paul , Cook Elizabeth , Dehnen‐Schmutz Katharina , Dines Trevor , Dobson Michael , Edwards François , Harrower Colin , Harvey Martin C. , Minchin Dan , Noble David G. , Parrott Dave , Pocock Michael J. O. , Preston Chris D. , Roy Sugoto , Salisbury Andrew , Schönrogge Karsten , Sewell Jack , Shaw Richard H. , Stebbing Paul , Stewart Alan J. A. , Walker Kevin J.
Published: May 2014

Invasive alien species (IAS) are considered one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, particularly through their interactions with other drivers of change. Horizon scanning, the systematic examination of future potential threats and opportunities, leading to prioritization of IAS threats is seen as an essential component of IAS management. Our aim was to consider IAS that were likely to impact on native biodiversity but were not yet established in the wild in Great Britain. To achieve this, we developed an approach which coupled consensus methods (which have previously been used for collaboratively identifying priorities in other contexts) with rapid risk assessment. The process involved two distinct phases:

Preliminary consultation with experts within five groups (plants, terrestrial invertebrates, freshwater invertebrates, vertebrates and marine species) to derive ranked lists of potential IAS.

Consensus‐building across expert groups to compile and rank the entire list of potential IAS.

Five hundred and ninety‐one species not native to Great Britain were considered. Ninety‐three of these species were agreed to constitute at least a medium risk (based on score and consensus) with respect to them arriving, establishing and posing a threat to native biodiversity. The quagga mussel, Dreissena rostriformis bugensis, received maximum scores for risk of arrival, establishment and impact; following discussions the unanimous consensus was to rank it in the top position. A further 29 species were considered to constitute a high risk and were grouped according to their ranked risk. The remaining 63 species were considered as medium risk, and included in an unranked long list. The information collated through this novel extension of the consensus method for horizon scanning provides evidence for underpinning and prioritizing management both for the species and, perhaps more importantly, their pathways of arrival. Although our study focused on Great Britain, we suggest that the methods adopted are applicable globally.
Patterns of drought tolerance in major European temperate forest trees: climatic drivers and levels of variability
Authors: Zang Christian , Hartl‐Meier Claudia , Dittmar Christoph , Rothe Andreas , Menzel Annette
Published: May 2014

The future performance of native tree species under climate change conditions is frequently discussed, since increasingly severe and more frequent drought events are expected to become a major risk for forest ecosystems. To improve our understanding of the drought tolerance of the three common European temperate forest tree species Norway spruce, silver fir and common beech, we tested the influence of climate and tree‐specific traits on the inter and intrasite variability in drought responses of these species. Basal area increment data from a large tree‐ring network in Southern Germany and Alpine Austria along a climatic cline from warm‐dry to cool‐wet conditions were used to calculate indices of tolerance to drought events and their variability at the level of individual trees and populations. General patterns of tolerance indicated a high vulnerability of Norway spruce in comparison to fir and beech and a strong influence of bioclimatic conditions on drought response for all species. On the level of individual trees, low‐growth rates prior to drought events, high competitive status and low age favored resilience in growth response to drought. Consequently, drought events led to heterogeneous and variable response patterns in forests stands. These findings may support the idea of deliberately using spontaneous selection and adaption effects as a passive strategy of forest management under climate change conditions, especially a strong directional selection for more tolerant individuals when frequency and intensity of summer droughts will increase in the course of global climate change.
Predicting Aquifer Response Time for Application in Catchment Modeling
Authors: Walker Glen R. , Gilfedder Mat , Dawes Warrick R. , Rassam David W.
Published: May 2014

It is well established that changes in catchment land use can lead to significant impacts on water resources. Where land‐use changes increase evapotranspiration there is a resultant decrease in groundwater recharge, which in turn decreases groundwater discharge to streams. The response time of changes in groundwater discharge to a change in recharge is a key aspect of predicting impacts of land‐use change on catchment water yield. Predicting these impacts across the large catchments relevant to water resource planning can require the estimation of groundwater response times from hundreds of aquifers. At this scale, detailed site‐specific measured data are often absent, and available spatial data are limited. While numerical models can be applied, there is little advantage if there are no detailed data to parameterize them. Simple analytical methods are useful in this situation, as they allow the variability in groundwater response to be incorporated into catchment hydrological models, with minimal modeling overhead. This paper describes an analytical model which has been developed to capture some of the features of real, sloping aquifer systems. The derived groundwater response timescale can be used to parameterize a groundwater discharge function, allowing groundwater response to be predicted in relation to different broad catchment characteristics at a level of complexity which matches the available data. The results from the analytical model are compared to published field data and numerical model results, and provide an approach with broad application to inform water resource planning in other large, data‐scarce catchments.
Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity Models Based on Truncated Lognormal Pore‐Size Distributions
Authors: Malama Bwalya , Kuhlman Kristopher L.
Published: May 2014

We develop a closed‐form three‐parameter model for unsaturated hydraulic conductivity associated with the Kosugi three‐parameter lognormal moisture retention model. The model derivation uses a slight modification to Mualem's theory, which is nearly exact for nonclay soils. Kosugi's three‐parameter lognormal moisture retention model uses physically meaningful parameters, but a corresponding closed‐form relative hydraulic conductivity model has never been developed. The model is further extended to a four‐parameter model by truncating the underlying pore‐size distribution at physically permissible minimum and maximum pore radii. The proposed closed‐form models are fitted to well‐known experimental data to illustrate their utility. They have the same physical basis as Kosugi's two‐parameter model, but are more general.
Lonergan and Bhaskar: The Intelligibility of Experiment
Authors: Friel Christopher
Published: May 2014

The aim of this paper is to note the convergence between two critical realist philosophies of science, namely, that of Roy Bhaskar and Bernard Lonergan with regard to the intelligibility of experimental activity. Bhaskar very explicitly argues that ‘differentiation implies stratification.’ The idea is that because the situations produced in laboratories are special instances of closure (like the solar system in the open universe, they do not represent the general case) the significance of experimental activity is that it brings about regularities with a view to understanding scientific laws at a deeper level. This is to say, when experiment is properly understood, the weaknesses of empiricism are exposed. Although he is not as explicit, Lonergan also has recourse to this argument. The parallels between Bhaskar and Lonergan are not surprising given the Aristotelian heritage that is manifest in their common concern for a realist ontology. Nevertheless, some differences between the two emerge, for example, in Lonergan's concern with the development of statistical science, and as well, a firm commitment to substance (rather than to powers, simply). Some attention to the significance of experimental activity for the debate surrounding realism is explored; it is suggested that Lonergan has something to offer in the subsequent conversation associated with Maxwell, van Fraassen, Hacking and Cartwright.
Arthroscopically Assisted Treatment of Injury to the Lateral Glenohumeral Ligament in Dogs
Authors: Ridge Patrick A. , Cook James L. , Cook Cristi R.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To report short and medium term outcomes, and complications, in dogs treated for rupture of the lateral glenohumeral ligament (LGHL) with a novel, arthroscopically assisted technique.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 10) with LGHL injury.

Methods

Dogs were included after arthroscopic confirmation of rupture of the LGHL and treatment using an arthroscopically assisted suture anchor technique with informed owner consent. Outcomes were assessed by the authors and owners and complications arising from treatment recorded.

Results

After 6 months, 7 dogs were assessed as having full function, 2 as having acceptable function, and 1 had poor function. There was 1 minor intra‐operative and 1 minor post‐operative complication. There were no major complications encountered 6 months after treatment.

Conclusions

Dogs with LGHL injury can be treated using this novel technique with low complication rates and good outcomes after 6 months.
A Short Overview of Measures for Securing Water Resources for Irrigated Crop Production
Authors: Jensen C. R. , Ørum J. E. , Pedersen S. M. , Andersen M. N. , Plauborg F. , Liu F. , Jacobsen S.‐E.
Published: May 2014

Agriculture is the main user of limited fresh water resources in the world. Optimisation of agricultural water resources and their use can be obtained by both agronomical and political incentives. Important options are: reduction of the loss of irrigation water in conveyance before it reaches the farm; selection of water‐efficient irrigation methods such as drip and micro‐irrigation saving 30–40 % water compared to furrow irrigation; improvement of irrigation scheduling using plant and soil sensors and remote sensing‐based models; deficit irrigation (DI) raising the water productivity in the range of 10–50 %; use of saline and wastewater for which modelling tools lately have been developed; introduction of drought and salt‐tolerant crops eases the use of DI and use of saline water; improvement of cropping systems with development of conservation agriculture. Further options are: use of the ‘virtual water’ principles so that water‐rich regions secure food supply to dry regions; reduction in waste of food, feed and biofuel from post‐harvest to the end consumer; changing of food composition to less water‐consuming products; regulating amount of irrigation water by rationing, subsidies or water pricing to support water‐saving measures such as use of drip, irrigation scheduling and DI. The potential for water saving for different measures is discussed and estimated. Reduction in waste of food and loss of irrigation water from conveyance source to farm both has a great potential for water saving compared to other measures. How to choose the measures will depend on the local situation, which is ultimately a political choice.
Commentary: Integrating callous and unemotional traits into the definition of antisocial behaviour – a commentary on Frick et al. (2014)
Authors: Rowe Richard
Published: May 2014

Heterogeneity in the presentation, antecedents, prognosis and treatment response of antisocial behaviour has long provided a challenge to developmental psychopathology researchers. As illustrated in the incisive Frick and colleagues' Annual Research Review, there is growing evidence that the presence of high callous‐unemotional (CU) traits identifies a subgroup of antisocial young people with a particularly aggressive and pervasive form of disorder. Frick and colleagues extend their developmental psychopathology approach to CU traits by linking in theories of conscience development and considering evidence on the stability of CU traits. This commentary addresses these themes and the area more generally, considering (1) comparison of a CU specifier to alternative approaches to antisocial heterogeneity (2) high CU traits in the absence of antisocial behaviour and (3) aspects of the measurement of CU traits.