bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation of motor control in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome during imagined and executed movements
Authors: Zapparoli Laura , Porta Mauro , Gandola Martina , Invernizzi Paola , Colajanni Valeria , Servello Domenico , Zerbi Alberto , Banfi Giuseppe , Paulesu Eraldo
Published: November 2015

The current study investigated the neural correlates of voluntary motor control in 24 adult Gilles de la Tourette (GTS) patients. We examined whether imagination and the execution of the same voluntary movement – finger oppositions with either hand – were associated with specific patterns of activation. We also explored whether these patterns correlated with the severity of the syndrome, as measured by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) for motor tics. The presence of brain morphometric abnormalities was also assessed using voxel‐based morphometry. Crucial to our experiment was the manipulation of the presence of an explicit motor outflow in the tasks. We anticipated a reduction in the ticking manifestation during the explicit motor task and brain activation differences between GTS patients and 24 age/gender‐matched normal controls. The anticipated differences were all evident in the form of hyperactivations in the GTS patients in the premotor and prefrontal areas for both motor tasks for both hands; however, the motor imagery hyperactivations also involved rostral pre‐frontal and temporo‐parietal regions of the right hemisphere. The blood oxygen level‐dependent responses of the premotor cortices during the motor imagery task were significantly correlated with the YGTSS scores. In contrast, no significant brain morphometric differences were found. This study provides evidence of a different neurofunctional organisation of motor control between adult patients with GTS and healthy controls that is independent from the actual execution of motor acts. The presence of an explicit motor outflow in GTS mitigates the manifestation of tics and the need for compensatory brain activity in the brain regions showing task‐dependent hyperactivations.
Opposite roles of bradykinin B1 and B2 receptors during cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion injury in experimental diabetic rats
Authors: Sang Hongfei , Liu Ling , Wang Liumin , Qiu Zhongming , Li Min , Yu Linjie , Zhang Hao , Shi Ruifeng , Yu Shuhong , Guo Ruibing , Ye Ruidong , Liu Xinfeng , Zhang Renliang
Published: November 2015

Bradykinin receptors play important roles in cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury of non‐diabetics. Their functions in diabetics, however, have not been studied. In this study, we hypothesized that bradykinin 1 receptor (B1R) and bradykinin 2 receptor (B2R) would be upregulated and participate in the regulation of diabetic ischaemic stroke. To investigate this, we first evaluated B1R and B2R expression at different time points after I/R in non‐diabetic and diabetic rats (Sprague–Dawley) by using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Then, pharmacological inhibitors were separately administered via the tail vein to analyse their effects on cerebral ischaemia in diabetics. Both receptors were significantly upregulated after cerebral I/R in non‐diabetic and diabetic rats. B1R expression in diabetic rats increased in a sharper manner than in non‐diabetic rats, whereas B2R expression increased to the same level during the early stage of reperfusion but later became lower. Interestingly, the upregulated B1R was expressed in astrocytes, whereas B2R was mainly located in neurons in the ischaemic penumbra. Functional studies showed that inhibition of B1R significantly reduced infarct volume, neurological deficits, cell apoptosis, and neuron degeneration, probably by attenuating blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and post‐ischaemic inflammation, at 24 h after reperfusion. In contrast, B2R antagonist had opposite effects, and exacerbated BBB penetrability and tissue inflammation. These findings suggest that B1R and B2R have detrimental and beneficial effects, respectively in diabetic cerebral ischaemia, which might open new avenues for the treatment of ischaemic stroke in diabetic patients through selective pharmacological blockade or activation.
Phylogenetic structural equation modelling reveals no need for an ‘origin’ of the leaf economics spectrum
Authors: Mason Chase M. , Goolsby Eric W. , Humphreys Devon P. , Donovan Lisa A.
Published: November 2015

The leaf economics spectrum (LES) is a prominent ecophysiological paradigm that describes global variation in leaf physiology across plant ecological strategies using a handful of key traits. Nearly a decade ago, Shipley et al. (2006) used structural equation modelling to explore the causal functional relationships among LES traits that give rise to their strong global covariation. They concluded that an unmeasured trait drives LES covariation, sparking efforts to identify the latent physiological trait underlying the ‘origin’ of the LES. Here, we use newly developed phylogenetic structural equation modelling approaches to reassess these conclusions using both global LES data as well as data collected across scales in the genus Helianthus. For global LES data, accounting for phylogenetic non‐independence indicates that no additional unmeasured traits are required to explain LES covariation. Across datasets in Helianthus, trait relationships are highly variable, indicating that global‐scale models may poorly describe LES covariation at non‐global scales.
Radiological imaging in acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Kurz K. D. , Ringstad G. , Odland A. , Advani R. , Farbu E. , Kurz M. W.
Published: November 2015

Patients who suffer acute ischaemic stroke can be treated with thrombolysis if therapy is initiated early. Radiological evaluation of the intracranial tissue before such therapy can be given is mandatory. In this review current radiological diagnostic strategies are discussed for this patient group. Beyond non‐enhanced computed tomography (CT), the standard imaging method for many years, more sophisticated CT stroke protocols including CT angiography and CT perfusion have been developed, and additionally an increasing number of patients are examined with magnetic resonance imaging as the first imaging method used. Advantages and challenges of the different methods are discussed.
Anti‐NMDA receptor encephalitis: clinical characteristics, predictors of outcome and the knowledge gap in southwest China
Authors: Wang W. , Li J.‐M. , Hu F.‐Y. , Wang R. , Hong Z. , He L. , Zhou D.
Published: November 2015

Background and purpose

The aim was to analyse the clinical profiles and outcomes of patients with anti‐ N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (anti‐NMDAR) encephalitis in China.

Methods

A retrospective study of anti‐NMDAR encephalitis in China was performed between June 2011 and June 2014. The clinical characteristics and predictors of poor outcome were determined.

Results

A total of 51 patients with a definitive diagnosis of anti‐NMDAR encephalitis were included in this study. Four of them were surgically confirmed to have a neoplasm. Thirty‐two patients, amongst whom 24 were female, presented with psychiatric disorder as the initial symptom, whereas 14 patients, of whom nine were male, presented with seizure as the initial symptom (P = 0.011). Twenty‐nine patients (56.86%) were initially misdiagnosed with psychosis, viral encephalitis or other diseases, and 58.8% of the patients experienced at least one type of complication. It typically took 3 weeks before these patients were admitted to our hospital and another 2 weeks before the correct diagnosis was made. Forty‐one patients (80%) reached a good outcome; 10 patients (20%) had a poor outcome. Older age, extended hospital stay, memory deficits, decreased consciousness, central hypoventilation, complications and abnormal cerebrospinal fluid results were associated with poor outcome (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Female patients more frequently initially present with psychiatric disorder but male patients more frequently initially present with seizure. Patients with anti‐NMDAR encephalitis in China have a lower incidence of neoplasm. Nevertheless, this study reveals several challenges in treating anti‐NMDAR encephalitis in China that may contribute to poor outcome.
Not all droughts are created equal: the impacts of interannual drought pattern and magnitude on grassland carbon cycling
Authors: Hoover David L. , Rogers Brendan M.
Published: November 2015

Climate extremes, such as drought, may have immediate and potentially prolonged effects on carbon cycling. Grasslands store approximately one‐third of all terrestrial carbon and may become carbon sources during droughts. However, the magnitude and duration of drought‐induced disruptions to the carbon cycle, as well as the mechanisms responsible, remain poorly understood. Over the next century, global climate models predict an increase in two types of drought: chronic but subtle ‘press‐droughts’, and shorter term but extreme ‘pulse‐droughts’. Much of our current understanding of the ecological impacts of drought comes from experimental rainfall manipulations. These studies have been highly valuable, but are often short term and rarely quantify carbon feedbacks. To address this knowledge gap, we used the Community Land Model 4.0 to examine the individual and interactive effects of pulse‐ and press‐droughts on carbon cycling in a mesic grassland of theUS GreatPlains. A series of modeling experiments were imposed by varying drought magnitude (precipitation amount) and interannual pattern (press‐ vs. pulse‐droughts) to examine the effects on carbon storage and cycling at annual to century timescales. We present three main findings. First, a single‐year pulse‐drought had immediate and prolonged effects on carbon storage due to differential sensitivities of ecosystem respiration and gross primary production. Second, short‐term pulse‐droughts caused greater carbon loss than chronic press‐droughts when total precipitation reductions over a 20‐year period were equivalent. Third, combining pulse‐ and press‐droughts had intermediate effects on carbon loss compared to the independent drought types, except at high drought levels. Overall, these results suggest that interannual drought pattern may be as important for carbon dynamics as drought magnitude and that extreme droughts may have long‐lasting carbon feedbacks in grassland ecosystems.
Diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma: major genetic alterations and prognostic implications
Authors: Joung Ji Y , Kim Tae H , Jeong Dae J , Park Sun‐Mi , Cho Yoon Y , Jang Hye W , Jung Yoon Y , Oh Young L , Yim Hyun S , Kim Yoo‐Li , Chung Jae H , Ki Chang‐Seok , Kim Sun W
Published: November 2015

Aim

Diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (DSV‐PTC) is an uncommon variant of PTC, and its prognostic significance remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the major genetic alterations of DSV‐PTC and their prognostic implications.

Methods and results

We included 37 patients with DSV‐PTC who underwent thyroid surgery and had formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples. We tested for a panel of genetic alterations, including BRAFV600E, NRAS codon 61, HRAS codon 12/13/61 and KRAS codon 12/13 point mutations as well as RET/PTC1, RET/PTC3 and PAX8/PPARγ rearrangements using reverse transcription real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All genetic alterations found on PCR were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Associations between the identified genetic alterations and clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated. Among 37 cases of DSV‐PTC, 17 were positive for RET/PTC1 (46%), six for RET/PTC3 (16%) and nine for BRAFV600E (24%). All mutations/rearrangements were mutually exclusive. The remaining five cases had none of the above genetic alterations. DSV‐PTC with RET/PTC3 rearrangement was associated with advanced‐stage disease, including T4 and distant metastasis (P < 0.05). Patients with RET/PTC3 showed a higher frequency of persistent disease (P < 0.01). In contrast, DSV‐PTC with RET/PTC1 was associated with a higher prevalence of disease remission (P < 0.05) and coexistent Hashimoto's thyroiditis (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Taken together, RET/PTC rearrangement was the major genetic alteration seen in patients with DSV‐PTC, and the RET/PTC3 rearrangement was associated with advanced stage at diagnosis and poor clinical outcome.
Borosilicate Glass‐Induced Fiber Degradation of SiC/BN/SiC Composites Exposed in Combustion Environments
Authors: Opila Elizabeth J. , Robinson R. Craig , Verrilli Michael J.
Published: November 2015

Three SiC/BN/SiC composite specimens reinforced with different SiC fibers (Sylramic, Sylramic‐iBN, and Hi‐Nicalon Type S) were exposed in a combustion environment. Exposures were carried out for 151 h in a fuel‐lean high pressure burner rig at 0.9 MPa total pressure, sample temperatures near 1573 K, and a gas velocity of 15 m/s. Weight loss of all three composites was observed. Extensive oxidation of SiC fibers was observed in cracked locations. A mechanism based on borosilicate enhanced oxidation coupled with volatilization of boria is described. Ramifications of this degradation mechanism are discussed for long‐term applications of SiC/BN/SiC composites in combustion environments.
Going cosmopolitan, staying national: Identity construction in popular discourses on English as a lingua franca
Authors: Saito Akihiro
Published: November 2015

Language policy often dictates a nation's collective identity. The aim of the study is to understand the ways in which people perform the nationhood ideology in identity construction as regards language policy. The article explores the construction of attitudes and identity amidst the local and global flows of English. The data were produced as expository essays by Japanese university students. Discursive psychology was used to analyse the data. The finding suggests the policy and popular discourses on English do interact with each other, while people actively exercising agency in constructing their identity. The article closes, noting that the popular discourse evinces the sign of emergent post‐national consciousness within a nation‐state society.
Oral therapy for nonmelanoma skin cancer in patients with advanced disease and large tumor burden: a review of the literature with focus on a new generation of targeted therapies
Authors: Rudnick Eric W. , Thareja Sumeet , Cherpelis Basil
Published: November 2015

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer in patients and includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Treatments useful for SCC and BCC include surgical, topical, and in advanced cases systemic chemo‐radiation. This review of the literature aims to describe previous and current treatment options for oral therapy in locally advanced and metastatic NMSC otherwise unamenable to standard treatment. Oral Smoothened (Smo) inhibitors Vismodegib, Sonidegib, and Taladegib have shown to be effective in several trials. Oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors Erlotinib and Gefitinib, which target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), have early supporting data and are currently undergoing large multicenter trials. Other less studied oral therapies which have shown at least partial efficacy include 5‐Fluorouracil, capecitabine, and picropodophyllin. In vitro studies have elucidated new targets for dual combination oral therapy targeting both EGFR and insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‐1R). It is important to stratify treatment options based on patient risk of advanced disease, failure of conservative treatment, and ill‐tolerated intravenous chemotherapy adverse events. Oral therapy in NMSC is useful in high risk patients with recurrent and aggressive disease who may not tolerate other systemic therapies.
Epithelial antigenic specificities of circulating autoantibodies in mucosal lichen planus
Authors: Herrero‐González Josep E. , Parera Amer Elisabet , Segura Sonia , Mas Bosch Virgínia , Pujol Ramon Maria , Martínez Escala Maria E.
Published: November 2015

Background

Mucosal lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membranes of unknown origin. The antigen‐specific autoantibodies or T cells responsible for this disease have not yet been established.

Objectives

This study was designed to study the antigenic specificities of circulating antibodies in patients with mucosal LP and to review previous findings on this topic.

Methods

We tested a series of consecutive cases of mucosal LP in our clinic by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) and BP180 fusion proteins.

Results

Three of 22 patients were positive for anti‐NC16A antibodies. Interestingly, we found a middle‐aged woman with severe disease with circulating anti‐Dsg3 antibodies at high levels, typical of pemphigus vulgaris. Levels of these antibodies positively correlated with the severity of clinical manifestations. We failed to detect anti‐desmoglein antibodies in any other patient in our series and in the literature review.

Conclusions

Some patients with mucosal LP may present with circulating anti‐BP180 antibodies at low levels. We also report the first case with positive anti‐Dsg3 antibodies. The pathogenic relevance of these autoantibodies remains unknown.
Critical assessment of antioxidant‐related parameters of honey
Authors: Sancho M. Teresa , Pascual‐Maté Ana , Rodríguez‐Morales Elena G. , Osés Sandra M. , Escriche Isabel , Periche Ángela , Fernández‐Muiño Miguel A.
Published: November 2015

In this study, several antioxidant‐related parameters were researched on 56 Spanish honeys, setting up and optimising some assays. Melissopalynology and colour (L*, a*, b*) were determined. Solid‐phase extraction (SPE) was used to obtain honeys’ phenolic extracts. Total phenolics, total flavonoids and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) were determined in both honeys and extracts. It was verified that total flavonoids determination in neutral media must be carried out on extracts instead of on honeys, because of sugars’ interferences; likewise, extracts’ colours must be corrected in this assay. The endpoint for honeys’ trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) was researched. Significant linear relationships were found between TEAC values of honeys and honeys’ phenolic extracts, as well as between the results of TEAC measured at different times. Therefore, it would be possible to reliably calculate TEAC at 60 min (endpoint), measuring the absorbance at 6 min, thus saving analysis time and reducing costs.
Effects of pulsed electric fields on the survival behaviour of Saccharomyces cerevisiae suspended in single solutions of low concentration
Authors: Wang Man‐Sheng , Zeng Xin‐An , Brennan Charles S. , Brennan Margaret A. , Han Zhong
Published: November 2015

This paper investigates the survival behaviour of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells suspended in NaCl solutions with various low concentrations after exposure to pulsed electric field (PEF) treatments. The input and heat‐generation pulse power during each PEF treatment experiment were measured directly. In addition, detailed information on sublethally PEF‐injured S. cerevisiae cells was obtained by the use of image analysis. Results showed that both the field intensity and the total treatment time had significantly affected the survival behaviour of S. cerevisiae cells, whereas the concentration of NaCl solution had less effect. When the S. cerevisiae cells were suspended in the solution with conductivity of 300 μS cm−1, a high ratio of surviving cells was observed. Image analysis indicated a large number of sublethally injured cells (SICs) after the PEF treatment with low field intensity. Results indicate that the survival behaviour of cells suspended in solutions of low concentration was influenced by PEF intensity.
Salvage autologous fascial sling after failed synthetic midurethral sling: Greater than 3‐year outcomes
Authors: Petrou Steven P , Davidiuk Andrew J , Rawal Bhupendra , Arnold Michelle , Thiel David D
Published: November 2015

Objective

To determine long‐term surgical outcomes of salvage autologous fascial sling placement after a failed synthetic midurethral sling.

Methods

Women who had undergone autologous fascial sling placement without concomitant pelvic surgery for a failed synthetic midurethral sling utilizing mesh with a minimum follow up of 36 months were identified. Charts were reviewed, and patients were contacted by telephone. Success was determined by the Patient Global Impression of Improvement. Secondary measures included the Incontinence Severity Index questionnaire, patient recommendation of the autologous fascial sling and need for further incontinence surgery.

Results

A total of 35 patients met the criteria, and 21 were successfully contacted. Of those contacted, the median age at surgery was 67 years (range 53–81 years) and at the time of the survey was 75 years (range 63–84 years) with median follow up of 74 months (range 36–127 years). Preoperatively, 12 patients (57.1%) had urethral hypermobility and 13 patients (61.9%) had mixed urinary incontinence. Eight patients (38.1%) had concomitant sling excision with five of those combined with urethrolysis at the time of the salvage operation. Patient Global Impression of Improvement success was noted in 16 patients (76.2%). A total of 11 patients (52.4%) were dry or had slight incontinence by the Incontinence Severity Index. One patient required additional anti‐incontinence surgery (4.8%). A total of 18 patients (85.7%) recommended the autologous fascial sling. No statistical impact was noted with sling excision (P = 0.62), mixed urinary incontinence (P = 0.61), age at surgery (P = 0.23), age at follow up (P = 0.15), length of follow up (P = 0.71) or first surgery type (transobturator tape vs retropubic; P = 1.00).

Conclusions

Autologous fascial sling provides reasonable long‐term success as a salvage operation for failed midurethral slings.
Clinicopathological characteristics of Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma in adolescents and adults: Diagnosis using immunostaining of transcription factor E3 and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis
Authors: Hirobe Megumi , Masumori Naoya , Tanaka Toshiaki , Kitamura Hiroshi , Tonooka Akiko , Hasegawa Tadashi , Tsukamoto Taiji
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To determine the rate and clinicopathological features of Xp11.2 translocation carcinoma using immunostaining of transcription factor E3 and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis.

Methods

We evaluated 638 patients with renal cell carcinoma treated at Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan, from 1990 to 2009 by reviewing all hematoxylin–eosin‐stained sections and carrying out immunostaining of transcription factor E3 for all cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis was carried out for patients with positive immunostaining or with findings suspicious for Xp11.2 translocation carcinoma on hematoxylin–eosin‐stained sections. In this analysis, we set a cut‐off level for split signals of at least 10% of nuclei.

Results

Of the 631 patients, 20 (3.2%) were positive for immunostaining. Finally, five patients were diagnosed with Xp11.2 translocation carcinoma (0.8%). Four of these patients were female and aged less than 50 years, and three cases were diagnosed as stage IV with multiple regional lymph nodal or visceral metastases. The positive predictive value of immunostaining was 25%.

Conclusion

Patients with Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinoma tend to be younger, more frequently female and diagnosed at a more advanced stage. Immunostaining followed by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis is an accurate and cost‐effective approach for diagnosis of Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinoma.
3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase: an essential actor in the biosynthesis of cantharidin in the blister beetle Epicauta chinensisLaporte
Authors: Lü S. , Jiang M. , Huo T. , Li X. , Zhang Y.
Published: November 2015

Cantharidin (C10H12O4) is a monoterpene defensive toxin in insects involved in chemical defence as well as in courtship and mating behaviours. It is relatively well known in the medical literature because of its high anticancer activity and as an effective therapy for molluscum contagiosum. However, little is known about its biosynthesis pathway in vivo, and no enzyme involved in cantharidin biosynthesis has been identified. The purpose of this study was to identify the crucial enzyme that is involved in the biosynthesis of cantharidin. Using the homology cloning method, a 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) gene, the rate‐limiting enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, was cloned from the blister beetle Epicauta chinensis. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and gas chromatography methods revealed that the HMGR transcripts had a positive correlation with cantharidin production in the beetles (R = 0.891). RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of HMGR mRNA expression was achieved by microinjection of a specific double‐stranded RNA with more than 90% RNAi efficiency, and an apparent decrease of cantharidin production was observed. Furthermore, the HMGR mRNA was greatly upregulated by exogenous juvenile hormone III (JH III), and cantharidin production was also raised in males; however, when injecting the JH III with RNAi of HMGR mRNA at the same time, cantharidin production did not rise. These results demonstrate that HMGR is an essential enzyme in cantharidin biosynthesis in the blister beetle E. chinensis, which further verifies previous research results demonstrating that cantharidin is synthesized de novo by the mevalonate pathway in blister beetles.
Labor Force Participation of Immigrant Women in the Netherlands: Do Traditional Partners Hold Them Back?
Authors: Khoudja Yassine , Fleischmann Fenella
Published: November 2015

Female labor force participation (FLFP) rates often vary across ethnic groups. This study examined the role of the partner's labor market resources and gender role attitudes for FLFP in different ethnic groups. Cross-sectional data of women in partnerships from the four biggest immigrant groups in the Netherlands and from a native Dutch control group were analyzed. Traditional gender role attitudes of partners were negatively related to FLFP and partly explained ethnic differences therein. Moreover, across all groups, the relation between partners’ labor market resources and FLFP was more negative for traditional women and rather absent for egalitarian women.
A study on the survival of primary molars with intact and with defective restorations
Authors: Hilgert Leandro Augusto , Frencken Jo E. , de Amorim Rodrigo Guedes , Mulder Jan , Leal Soraya Coelho
Published: November 2015

Background

Failed restorations in primary teeth are not always re‐restored. Is re‐restoration not required anymore?

Objective

To compare survival rates of primary molars with intact and defective amalgam andARTrestorations.

Methods

A total of 649 restored primary molars, of which 162 were assessed with defective restorations for mechanical reasons, from a cluster‐randomised controlled clinical trial, were followed up over a period of 3.5 years. Restored primary molars, extracted because of dental sepsis or toothache, were considered a failure. Primary molars with defective restorations were followed up from the time they were assessed defective. Data were analysed usingPHREGmodel with frailty correction, Wald test, t‐test, and jackknife procedure.

Results

The survival rate of primary molars with intact restorations (96.3%) was statistically significantly higher than that of primary molars with defective restorations (75.9%) over a 3‐year period (P< 0.0001). Neither the effect of treatment protocol (amalgam orART) (P= 0.05) nor the type of surface (single or multiple) (P= 0.73) was observed with respect to the survival rate of restored primary molars.

Conclusions

Survival rates for primary molars with intact and defective amalgam andARTrestorations were high. The 3‐year survival rate of primary molars with intact restorations was significantly higher than that of primary molars with defective restorations.
SIZE FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTIONS OF FLUID DROP CHONDRULES IN ORDINARY CHONDRITES
Authors: King Trude V.V. , King Elbert A.
Published: November 2015

The size frequency distributions of fluid drop chondrules in 11 ordinary chondrites (five H3, one H4, four L3, one LL3) have been determined by optical measurements in petrographic thin sections. The extreme range of median size of the fluid drop chondrules in individual meteorites is only slightly greater than lφ unit, and the grain size frequency distributions are approximately log normal. Chondrule size frequency distributions generally are fine skewed, platykurtic, and indicate moderate sorting. The size frequency distributions of fluid drop chondrules in ordinary chondrites are distinctly coarser than similar chondrules measured previously in CM2 and C03 carbonaceous chondrites.
KIRIN METEORITE: TEMPERATURE GRADIENT PRODUCED DURING ATMOSPHERIC PASSAGE
Authors: Melcher C.L.
Published: November 2015

Thermoluminescence (TL) is used to determine the temperature gradient produced in the Kirin, China meteorite by heating during atmospheric passage. The experimentally determined gradient of ∼51 °C/mm is more than twice as large as previously published values for other meteorites and agrees more closely with the theoretical predictions of a steady‐state continuous ablation model. The normalized TL measured in the interior of the fragment is nearly constant over a distance of two centimeters.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, PETROGRAPHY AND MINERALOGY OF THE SHIBAYAMA CHONDRITE FOUND IN SHIBAYAMA‐MACHI, SANBU‐GUN, CHIBA‐KEN, JAPAN
Authors: Shima Masako , Murayama Sadao , Okada Akihiko
Published: November 2015

In April 1969, the chondrite was accidentally found in the side wall of the vegetable storage excavated at Shibayama‐machi, Sanbu‐gun, Chiba‐ken, Japan, by Mr. A. Ishii and his grandson, Mr. S. Ito.

The chondrite named Shibayama has been weathered thoroughly for a long period of burial underground.

The bulk chemical composition, especially total Fe (21.41%) and ratios of Fetotal/SiO2(0.557), SiO2/MgO (1.59) and molar composition of olivine (Fa23) and pyroxene (Fs22) as well as mineral composition, indicate that Shibayama is a typical olivine‐hypersthene chondrite. If the oxidized Fe is assumed only from metallic Fe, the original metallic Fe (7.75%) and Femetal/Fetotal(0.361) also support the above conclusion.

From the well‐recrystallized texture, indistinct and obliterated chondrule‐matrix boundary, homogeneous composition of olivine and pyroxene, absence of igneous glass, and interstitial and well‐developed plagioclase, this chondrite could be classified in petrologic type 6.

Mosaic texture, kink bands, undulatory extinction of silicate grains and maskelynitization of plagioclase indicate that Shibayama suffered from a heavy shock effect, as is seen in other L‐6 group chondrites.
Nest as an extended phenotype signal of female quality in the great reed warbler
Authors: Jelínek Václav , Požgayová Milica , Honza Marcel , Procházka Petr
Published: November 2015

Extended phenotypes with signalling function are mostly restricted to animal taxa that use construction behaviour during courtship displays. However, they can be used also as post‐mating signals of mate quality, allowing individuals to obtain reliable information about their partners. Nest size may have such a signalling function and a lot of indirect evidence supports this view. However, direct evidence based on an experimental approach is still widely missing. Here we test the role of nest size in post‐mating signalling of mate quality in the great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus, a passerine with female‐restricted nest‐building behaviour. Based on observational data, clutch size, nestling weight, brood size and fledglings’ propensity to return to their natal site positively correlated with nest size. Moreover, we experimentally enlarged great reed warbler nests to investigate whether this manipulation affects male investment in feeding. We found that males fed their nestlings significantly more intensively on enlarged nests than those on control nests. This suggests that nest size in this species serves as a signal of female quality or willingness to invest in reproduction and that it pays males to enhance their feeding effort according to this signal. Thus, we provide convincing evidence that animal communication takes place through the extended phenotypes and that post‐mating signalling of quality is not restricted only to males, but may function equally well in females.
Repair of segmental mandibular bone defects in sheep using bone marrow stromal cells and autologous serum scaffold: a pilot study
Authors: Gallego Lorena , Pérez‐Basterrechea Marcos , García‐Consuegra Luis , Álvarez‐Viejo María , Megías Joaquim , Novoa Alba , Costilla Serafín , Meana Álvaro , Junquera Luis
Published: November 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate effective bone regeneration using an autologous serum scaffold (alone or seeded with autologous bone marrow‐mesenchymal stem cells, BM‐MSCs), when implanted in a 30 mm length segmental mandibular defect in sheep.

Materials and Methods

The bone defect was filled either with serum scaffold alone (control group; n = 5) or combined with BM‐MSCs (experimental group; n = 10). Bone regeneration was determined at 12 (T12; 2 control sheep and 4 experimental sheep) and 32 weeks (T32; 3 control and 6 experimental sheep), as measured by computed and microcomputed tomography and histological examination.

Results

Two sheep of the Experimental group died after surgery. While complete bone union in the control group was only observed at T32, it was observed both at T12 (1/4 sheep) and T32 (3/4 sheep) in the experimental group. When properties/characteristics of new bone where compared, a better bone quality, similar to native bone, was observed in the scaffold combined with BM‐MSCs.

Conclusions

Based on these results, we conclude that the serum scaffold can promote efficient repair of large bone defects, but the combination with BM‐MSCs accelerates this process, increasing significantly the amount and quality of bone formed.
Increased temperature tolerance of the air‐breathing Asian swamp eel Monopterus albus after high‐temperature acclimation is not explained by improved cardiorespiratory performance
Authors: Lefevre S. , Findorf I. , Bayley M. , Huong D. T. T. , Wang T.
Published: November 2015

This study investigated the hypothesis that in the Asian swamp eel Monopterus albus, an air‐breathing fish from south‐east Asia that uses the buccopharyngeal cavity for oxygen uptake, the upper critical temperature (TU) is increased by acclimation to higher temperature, and that the increased TU is associated with improved cardiovascular and respiratory function. Monopterus albus were therefore acclimated to 27° C (current average) and 32° C (current maximum temperature as well as projected average within 100–200 years), and both the effect of acclimation and acute temperature increments on cardiovascular and respiratory functions were investigated. Two weeks of heat acclimation increased upper tolerated temperature (TU) by 2° C from 36·9 ± 0·1° C to 38·9 ± 0·1° C (mean ± s.e.). Oxygen uptake (O2) increased with acclimation temperature, accommodated by increases in both aerial and aquatic respiration. Overall, O2 from air (O2a) was predominant, representing 85% in 27° C acclimated fish and 80% in 32° C acclimated fish. O2 increased with acute increments in temperature and this increase was entirely accommodated by an increase in air‐breathing frequency and O2a. Monopterus albus failed to upregulate stroke volume; rather, cardiac output was maintained through increased heart rate with rising temperature. Overall, acclimation of M. albus to 32° C did not improve its cardiovascular and respiratory performance at higher temperatures, and cardiovascular adaptations, therefore, do not appear to contribute to the observed increase in TU.
Consecutive parthenogenetic births in a spotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari
Authors: Harmon T. S. , Kamerman T. Y. , Corwin A. L. , Sellas A. B.
Published: November 2015

Genetic evidence is given to support consecutive parthenogenesis in a spotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari using nuclear microsatellite genotyping. To date, only a handful of births involving the parthenogenesis process in chondrichthyans have been verified using microsatellite markers and even fewer verified as recurring births. This appears to be the first documented case of this process occurring in a myliobatid species.
The Prognostic Importance of Frailty in Cancer Survivors
Authors: Brown Justin C. , Harhay Michael O. , Harhay Meera N.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To quantify the prognostic importance of prefrailty and frailty in a population‐based sample of cancer survivors.

Design

The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey mortality‐linked prospective cohort study.

Setting

Eighty‐nine survey locations across the United States.

Participants

Population‐based sample of older adults (average age 72.2) with a self‐reported diagnosis of non‐skin‐related cancer (N = 416).

Measurements

The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. Frailty components included low weight for height, slow walking, weakness, exhaustion, and low physical activity. Participants with none of the five criteria were classified as nonfrail, those with one or two as prefrail, and those with three or more as frail.

Results

The prevalence of prefrailty was 37.3% and of frailty was 9.1%. During a median follow‐up of 11.2 years, 319 (76.7%) participants died. Median survival was 13.9 years for participants classified as nonfrail, 9.5 years for those classified as prefrail, and 2.5 years for those classified as frail. Cancer survivors classified as prefrail (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.28–2.65, P = .001) or frail (HR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.34–5.81, P = .006) had a higher risk of premature mortality than those classified as nonfrail.

Conclusion

Prefrailty and frailty are prevalent clinical syndromes that may confer greater risk of premature mortality in older adult cancer survivors. Identifying frail cancer survivors and targeting interventions for them may be a strategy to improve survival after cancer.
Methylomic Aging as a Window onto the Influence of Lifestyle: Tobacco and Alcohol Use Alter the Rate of Biological Aging
Authors: Beach Steven R. H. , Dogan Meeshanthini V. , Lei Man‐Kit , Cutrona Carolyn E. , Gerrard Meg , Gibbons Frederick X. , Simons Ronald L. , Brody Gene H. , Philibert Robert A.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To examine the effect of the relationship between alcohol and cigarette consumption on biological aging using deoxyribonucleic acid methylation‐based indices.

Design

Hierarchical linear regression modeling followed by fitting of higher‐order effects.

Setting

Longitudinal studies of aging and the effect of psychosocial stress.

Participants

Participants in two ethnically informative cohorts (n = 656 white, n = 180 black).

Measurements

Deviation of biological age from chronological age as a result of smoking and alcohol consumption.

Results

Greater cigarette consumption was associated with accelerated biological aging, with strong effects evident at even low levels of exposure. In contrast, alcohol consumption was associated with a mixed effect on biological aging and pronounced nonlinear effects. At low and heavy levels of alcohol consumption, there was accelerated biological aging, whereas at intermediate levels of consumption there was a relative decelerating effect. The decelerating effects of alcohol were particularly notable at loci for which methylation increased with age.

Conclusion

These data support prior epidemiological studies indicating that moderate alcohol use is associated with healthy aging, but we urge caution in interpreting these results. Conversely, smoking has strong negative effects at all levels of consumption. These results also support the use of methylomic indices as a tool for assessing the impact of lifestyle on aging.
The ArabidopsisCROWDED NUCLEI genes regulate seed germination by modulating degradation of ABI5 protein
Authors: Zhao Wenming , Guan Chunmei , Feng Jian , Liang Yan , Zhan Ni , Zuo Jianru , Ren Bo
Published: November 2015

In Arabidopsis, the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays a vital role in inhibiting seed germination and in post‐germination seedling establishment. In the ABA signaling pathway, ABI5, a basic Leu zipper transcription factor, has important functions in the regulation of seed germination. ABI5 protein localizes in nuclear bodies, along with AFP, COP1, and SIZ1, and was degraded through the 26S proteasome pathway. However, the mechanisms of ABI5 nuclear body formation and ABI5 protein degradation remain obscure. In this study, we found that the Arabidopsis CROWDED NUCLEI (CRWN) proteins, predicted nuclear matrix proteins essential for maintenance of nuclear morphology, also participate in ABA‐controlled seed germination by regulating the degradation of ABI5 protein. During seed germination, the crwn mutants are hypersensitive to ABA and have higher levels of ABI5 protein compared to wild type. Genetic analysis suggested that CRWNs act upstream of ABI5. The observation that CRWN3 colocalizes with ABI5 in nuclear bodies indicates that CRWNs might participate in ABI5 protein degradation in nuclear bodies. Moreover, we revealed that the extreme C‐terminal of CRWN3 protein is necessary for its function in the response to ABA in germination. Our results suggested important roles of CRWNs in ABI5 nuclear body organization and ABI5 protein degradation during seed germination.
Super‐aperture metrology: overcoming a fundamental limit in imaging smooth highly curved surfaces
Authors: LIU J. , LIU C. , TAN J. , YANG B. , WILSON T.
Published: November 2015

The imaging of smooth, highly curved or tilted surfaces is widely recognized as one of the most challenging and unsolved problems in optical imaging and metrology today. The reason is that even when such surfaces are imaged using high aperture microscope objectives the steepness of the features causes the light to be reflected in such a way that it is not captured by the lens. This is true even in the limiting case of unity numerical aperture since the illuminating light may also be reflected in the forward direction. In order to overcome this fundamental problem we have developed a method whereby such specimens are covered with a readily removable organic fluorescent film thereby creating an isotropic scattering surface. We show that we are readily able to detect slopes with angles close 90° using a 0.75 NA objective – an 82% improvement over the theoretical aperture limit. Issues of variation in film thickness deposition are shown to be readily accommodated. This approach may be used with other fluorophore materials, organic or inorganic, since there is no need for biocompatibility in this application.
Extraversion modulates functional connectivity hubs of resting‐state brain networks
Authors: Pang Yajing , Cui Qian , Duan Xujun , Chen Heng , Zeng Ling , Zhang Zhiqiang , Lu Guangming , Chen Huafu
Published: November 2015

Personality dimension extraversion describes individual differences in social behaviour and socio‐emotional functioning. The intrinsic functional connectivity patterns of the brain are reportedly associated with extraversion. However, whether or not extraversion is associated with functional hubs warrants clarification. Functional hubs are involved in the rapid integration of neural processing, and their dysfunction contributes to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we employed the functional connectivity density (FCD) method for the first time to distinguish the energy‐efficient hubs associated with extraversion. The resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 71 healthy subjects were used in the analysis. Short‐range FCD was positively correlated with extraversion in the left cuneus, revealing a link between the local functional activity of this region and extraversion in risk‐taking. Long‐range FCD was negatively correlated with extraversion in the right superior frontal gyrus and the inferior frontal gyrus. Seed‐based resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) analyses revealed that a decreased long‐range FCD in individuals with high extraversion scores showed a low long‐range functional connectivity pattern between the medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, middle temporal gyrus, and anterior cingulate cortex. This result suggests that decreased RSFC patterns are responsible for self‐esteem, self‐evaluation, and inhibitory behaviour system that account for the modulation and shaping of extraversion. Overall, our results emphasize specific brain hubs, and reveal long‐range functional connections in relation to extraversion, thereby providing a neurobiological basis of extraversion.
Parent–Child Relationships in Stepfather Families and Adolescent Adjustment: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Amato Paul R. , King Valarie , Thorsen Maggie L.
Published: November 2015

In the current study the authors drew on Waves I and III from Add Health to examine the closeness of parent–adolescent relationships in married mother–stepfather families (N = 1,934). They used latent class analysis to identify family constellations defined by adolescents' relationships with all of their parents: mothers, stepfathers, and biological nonresident fathers. In particular, the authors (a) identified the most common underlying patterns of adolescent–parent relationships in stepfamilies; (b) determined the background characteristics that predict membership in these groups; and (c) examined how adolescents in these groups fare with respect to depressive symptoms, delinquency, and substance use. The results indicate that adolescents' relationships can be represented with 4 latent classes. Adolescents in these classes differ on measures of adjustment, and many of these differences persist into the early adult years.
Morphology of splenocaval congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats
Authors: White R. N. , Parry A. T.
Published: November 2015

OBJECTIVE

To describe the anatomy of congenital portosystemic shunts involving the splenic vein communicating with the caudal vena cava at the level of the epiploic foramen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of a consecutive series of dogs and cats managed for congenital portosystemic shunts.

RESULTS

Ninety‐eight dogs and eight cats met the inclusion criteria of a congenital portosystemic shunt involving the splenic vein communicating with the prehepatic caudal vena cava plus recorded intra‐operative mesenteric portovenography or computed tomography angiography and gross observations at surgery. All cases (both dogs and cats) had a highly consistent shunt that involved a distended gastrosplenic vein that communicated with the caudal vena cava at the level of the epiploic foramen via an anomalous left gastric vein.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The morphology of the shunt type described appeared to be a result of an abnormal communication between the left gastric vein and the caudal vena cava and the subsequent development of preferential blood flow through an essentially normal portal venous system. The abnormal communication (shunt) was through the left gastric vein and not the splenic vein, as might have been expected. This information may help with surgical planning in cases undergoing shunt closure surgery.