bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing structures' neuronal activity during preparation for action
Authors: Kilavik Bjørg Elisabeth , Riehle Alexa
Published: April 2012

This chapter examines different ways in which timing and probability affect neuronal activity in motor tasks. It describes neuronal data from the motor cortex and analyses the spiking activity of individual neurons during implicit and explicit timing. It investigates the precise spike synchrony and local field potentials of collective activity across multiple neurons and suggests that time is clearly represented in motor cortex, albeit in a context-dependent way.
The neural basis of temporal prediction and the role of dopamine
Authors: Fiorillo Christopher D.
Published: April 2012

This chapter describes the model of how individual neurons may process temporal information. It discusses the results of experiments on dopamine neurons that provide some insight into temporal aspects of predictions at the systems and behavioural levels. It explains how the plastic regulation of a neuron's non-synaptic ion channels could provide a neuron with the ability to learn to make predictions based on prior temporal information and suggests that temporal uncertainty in reward prediction is high at both the neuronal and behavioural levels.
Electrophysiological markers of foreperiod effects
Authors: Praamstra Peter
Published: April 2012

This chapter examines the electroencephalographic (EEG) markers of brain activity used to investigate the brain-based timing mechanisms that presumably underlie temporal preparation as manifested in foreperiod effects. These markers are the contingent negative variation (CNV) and the modulation of sensory-evoked potentials. This chapter discusses the implicit timing effects on the CNV, sensory-evoked potentials, and oscillatory activity and describes the models of timing and the neural representation of timing processes.
Neural bases of rhythm prediction
Authors: Schubotz Ricarda I.
Published: April 2012

This chapter examines the role of the inferior ventral premotor cortex in rhythm prediction. It discusses the results of studies which used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique to understand the neural basis for rhythm prediction. These studies analysed brain activation during the prediction of upcoming stimuli and the moment of sequential deviance. These findings suggest that the characteristic neuronal tuning in the inferior ventral premotor cortex only result from its position in a specific networking that involves the cerebellar cortex and the parietal projection sites.
How can temporal expectations bias perception and action?
Authors: Nobre Anna C.
Published: April 2012

This chapter examines how temporal expectation can bias action and perception. It explains that the brain continuously generates predictions about expected relevant events to guide perception and action. The chapter describes how these predictions incorporate the temporal dimension to anticipate the timing of events. It also describes studies concerning the neural systems and mechanisms by temporal expectations bias perception and action and discusses the notion that temporal expectations are mediated via networks closely associated with spatial and motor control.
Leucocyte recruitment in inflammation and novel endogenous negative regulators thereof
Authors: Chavakis Triantafyllos
Published: April 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (6): 686–691

Background  The process of extravasation of leucocytes from the vasculature into an infected, inflamed or injured tissue, designated the leucocyte adhesion cascade, is a major process in innate and adaptive immunity. In every immune process, both agonists and inhibitors, that is, positive and negative regulators, exist.

Materials and methods  It was only recently that endogenous inhibitors of the leucocyte adhesion cascade were identified, whereas many selectin, integrin and immunoglobulin superfamily adhesion receptors as well as chemokines and chemokine receptors promoting leucocyte recruitment have been described over the last three decades. Endogenous negative regulators include for instance pentraxin‐3 (PTX‐3) that blocks selectin‐dependent leucocyte rolling, or the endothelium‐derived developmental endothelial locus‐1 (Del‐1) that antagonizes beta2‐integrin‐mediated firm adhesion of leucocytes to the endothelium.

Conclusions  As leucocyte infiltration is a major therapeutic target in inflammatory and autoimmune disease, it becomes obvious that such endogenous anti‐adhesive and anti‐inflammatory agents may represent an attractive novel therapeutic platform for inflammatory and immune disorders. This review focuses on these novel endogenous inhibitors of leucocyte recruitment.
A questionnaire study to derive information on the working environment, clinical training, use of ancillary staff and optimization of patient radiation dose within UK dental practice
Authors: Orafi I. , Rushton V. E.
Published: April 2012

Orafi I, Rushton VE. A questionnaire study to derive information on the working environment, clinical training, use of ancillary staff and optimization of patient radiation dose within UK dental practice. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 763–772, 2012.

Aim  To evaluate the working environment of GDPs and Endodontists and the methods used to optimize patient radiation dose.

Methodology  A total of 857 GDPs and 170 specialist Endodontists were contacted. The responders, 603 of the former and 132 of the latter, completed a questionnaire covering practitioner demographics, pattern of practice, the use of radiographic techniques and the optimization of dose. Chi‐squared tests were used to compare groups at the P = 0.05 level of significance. For nonparametric data, the Mann–Whitney U‐test was employed.

Results  A response rate of 73% was achieved. Overall, 79.5% of endodontic specialists used film holders compared with 65.9% of GDPs (P = 0.001). One hundred and thirty (98.5%) endodontists and 581 (96.3%) GDPs reported that they were well prepared or adequately prepared in radiographically assessing the presence of apical pathosis. The study found significant differences (P < 0.001) between the use of digital radiography by specialist endodontists 93 (70.5%) compared with general dental practitioners 167 (27.7%). Significant differences (P = 0.004) were also observed in the use of rectangular collimation between endodontic specialists 55 (42%) and GDPs 223 (37%). With regard to the use of film holders in diagnostic radiography, 105 (79.5%) of endodontic specialists employed these devices compared with 396 (65.7%) GDPs; this finding was significant (P = 0.005). For working length estimation, significant differences (P = 0.001) were noted in the use of a film holder between endodontic specialists 105 (79.5%) and GDPs 386 (64%).

Conclusions  Both Endodontists and GDPs demonstrated compliance with guidelines relating to radiation protection being more significant amongst those clinicians working within specialist clinical practice.
Incorporation of chlorhexidine diacetate in provisional cements: antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and the effect on tensile strength in vitro
Authors: Lewinstein I. , Zenziper E. , Block J. , Kfir A.
Published: April 2012

Lewinstein I, Zenziper E, Block J, Kfir A. Incorporation of chlorhexidine diacetate in provisional cements: antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and the effect on tensile strength in vitro. International Endodontic Journal., 45, 1010–1017, 2012.

Aim  To test the antibacterial capacities and tensile strengths of three commercially available provisional cements to which chlorhexidine diacetate was added and compare them to the same unmodified cements.

Methodology  Sixty cylindrical samples were prepared from either three noneugenol provisional cements or the same cements modified by the addition of chlorhexidine diacetate at 7.5% w/w, with a total of 360 samples. The cements tested included Tempbond NE, Rely X Temp NE and Freegenol. Forty‐eight samples from each cement were aged in saline that was replaced twice a week for up to 96 days. Twelve of these samples were removed at either 1, 15, 30 or 96 days and assessed for antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans with an agar diffusion test. Twelve samples of each cement, with and without chlorhexidine diacetate, were also tested 7 days after the initial setting for their tensile strength using a diametrical tensile strength test applied with an Instron machine. The results were analysed using either one‐way or three‐way anova.

Results  The addition of chlorhexidine diacetate resulted in provisional cements with antibacterial properties that persisted through ageing in saline for up to 96 days. The addition of chlorhexidine did not reduce the diametrical strength of the cements.

Conclusions  The addition of chlorhexidine diacetate to provisional cements rendered all three cements antibacterial against S. mutans and this activity was maintained even after prolonged ageing of the cements, without compromising their tensile strength at 7 days.
A syn‐depositional age for Earth’s deepest δ13C excursion required by isotope conglomerate tests
Authors: Husson Jon M. , Maloof Adam C. , Schoene Blair
Published: April 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 318–325, 2012

The most negative carbon isotope excursion in Earth history is found in carbonate rocks of the Ediacaran Period (635–542 Ma). Workers have interpreted the event as the oxidation of the Ediacaran oceans [Rothman et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA100 (2003) 8124; Fike et al., Nature444 (2006) 744; McFadden et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA105 (2008) 3197], or as diagenetic alteration of the δ13C of carbonates (δ13Ccarb) [Knauth and Kennedy, Nature460 (2009) 728; Derry, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett.294 (2010) 152]. Here, we present chemo‐stratigraphic data from the Ediacaran‐aged Wonoka Formation (Fm.) of South Australia that require a syn‐depositional age for the extraordinary range of δ13Ccarb values (−12 to +4‰) observed in the formation. In some locations, the Wonoka Fm. is 700 metres (m) of mixed shelf limestones and siliclastics that record the full 16‰δ13Ccarb excursion. In other places, the Wonoka Fm. is host to deep (∼1 km) palaeocanyons, which are partly filled by tabular‐clast carbonate breccias that are sourced from eroded Wonoka canyon‐shoulders. By measuring the isotopic values of 485 carbonate clasts (an isotope conglomerate test), we show that canyon‐shoulder carbonates acquired their δ13Ccarb–δ18Ocarb values before brecciation and redeposition in the palaeocanyons.
A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation to improve glycaemia in overweight and obese African Americans
Authors: Harris S. S. , Pittas A. G. , Palermo N. J.
Published: April 2012

Aims: Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk for type 2 diabetes. African Americans tend to have poor vitamin D status and increased risk of diabetes, but effects of vitamin D supplementation on components of diabetes risk have not been tested in this group. This study was conducted to determine whether vitamin D supplementation improves insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity and glycaemia in African Americans with prediabetes or early diabetes.

Methods: In this randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, we examined the effect of 4000 IU/day vitamin D3, on glycaemia and contributing measures including insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity and the disposition index over 12 weeks in 89 overweight or obese African Americans with prediabetes or early diabetes. Outcome measures were derived from oral glucose tolerance testing.

Results: Mean plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D was about 40 nmol/l in the placebo and vitamin D groups at baseline and increased to 81 nmol/l with supplementation. Insulin sensitivity decreased by 4% in the vitamin D group compared with a 12% increase in the placebo group (p = 0.034). Insulin secretion increased by 12% in the vitamin D group compared with a 2% increase in the placebo group (p = 0.024), but changes in the disposition index were similar across groups. There was no effect of supplementation on post‐load glucose or other measures of glycaemia.

Conclusions: Supplementation with 4000 IU/day vitamin D3 successfully corrected vitamin D insufficiency and had divergent effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity with no overall effect on disposition index or glycaemia. In this study, vitamin D supplementation for 3 months did not change the pathophysiology of prediabetes in overweight and obese African Americans.
Mesotherapy using dutasteride‐containing preparation in treatment of female pattern hair loss: photographic, morphometric and ultrustructural evaluation
Authors: Moftah N. , Moftah N. , Abd‐Elaziz G. , Ahmed N. , Hamed Y. , Ghannam B. , Ibrahim M.
Published: April 2012

Background  Treatment of female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is frustrating for both patients and doctors. Mesotherapy is a novel treatment for hair fall and its efficacy in FPHL has not been evaluated.

Objective  Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of mesotherapy using dutasteride‐containing preparation in treatment of FPHL.

Methods  This study included 126 female patients with FPHL. They were classified into two groups; group I (86 patients) injected with dutasteride‐containing preparation and group II (40 control patients) injected with saline. Patients received 12 sessions and were evaluated at the 18th week by: photographic assessment, hair pull test, hair diameter and patient self‐assessment. Ultrastructural evaluation was done for three patients.

Results  After mesotherapy with dutasteride‐containing preparation, photographic improvement occurred in 62.8% of patients compared with 17.5% in control group (P < 0.05), mean number of epilated hairs was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), mean hair diameter was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Patient self‐assessment showed statistically significant improvement compared with the controls (P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between degree of improvement and duration of FPHL (P < 0.05). Side effects were minimal with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Ultrastructural examination of pretreated hairs revealed absent cuticle in one patient and focal destruction of the cuticle in the second patient, which reappeared in both after therapy.

Conclusion  We concluded that mesotherapy with dutasteride‐containing preparation was effective, tolerable and minimally invasive treatment modality in FPHL with better response for shorter duration of the disease.
Delay Discounting, Locus of Control, and Cognitive Impulsiveness Independently Predict Tobacco Dependence Treatment Outcomes in a Highly Dependent, Lower Socioeconomic Group of Smokers
Authors: Sheffer Christine , MacKillop James , McGeary John , Landes Reid , Carter Lawrence , Yi Richard , Jones Bryan , Christensen Darren , Stitzer Maxine , Jackson Lisa , Bickel Warren
Published: April 2012

Tobacco use disproportionately affects lower socioeconomic status (SES) groups. Current explanations as to why lower SES groups respond less robustly to tobacco control efforts and tobacco dependence treatment do not fully account for this disparity. The identification of factors that predict relapse in this population might help to clarify these differences. Good candidates for novel prognostic factors include the constellation of behaviors associated with executive function including self‐control/impulsiveness, the propensity to delay reward, and consideration and planning of future events. This study examined the ability of several measures of executive function and other key clinical, psychological, and cognitive factors to predict abstinence for highly dependent lower SES participants enrolled in intensive cognitive‐behavioral treatment for tobacco dependence. Consistent with predictions, increased discounting and impulsiveness, an external locus of control as well as greater levels of nicotine dependence, stress, and smoking for negative affect reduction predicted relapse. These findings suggest that these novel factors are clinically relevant in predicting treatment outcomes and suggest new targets for therapeutic assessment and treatment approaches.(Am J Addict 2012;21:221–232)
Rapid Temporal Changes in the Expression of a Set of Neuromodulatory Genes During Alcohol Withdrawal in the Dorsal Vagal Complex: Molecular Evidence of Homeostatic Disturbance
Authors: Freeman Kate , Staehle Mary M. , Gümüş Zeynep H. , Vadigepalli Rajanikanth , Gonye Gregory E. , Nichols Carmen N. , Ogunnaike Babatunde A. , Hoek Jan B. , Schwaber James S.
Published: April 2012

Background

Chronic alcohol exposure produces neuroadaptation, which increases the risk of cellular excitotoxicity and autonomic dysfunction during withdrawal. The temporal progression and regulation of the gene expression that contributes to this physiologic and behavioral phenotype is poorly understood early in the withdrawal period. Further, it is unexplored in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC), a brainstem autonomic regulatory structure.

Methods

We use a quantitative polymerase chain reaction platform to precisely and simultaneously measure the expression of 145 neuromodulatory genes in more than 100 rat DVC samples from control, chronically alcohol‐exposed, and withdrawn rats. To gain insight into the dynamic progression and regulation of withdrawal, we focus on the expression of a subset of functionally relevant genes during the first 48 hours, when behavioral symptoms are most severe.

Results

In the DVC, expression of this gene subset is essentially normal in chronically alcohol‐exposed rats. However, withdrawal results in rapid, large‐magnitude expression changes in this group. We observed differential regulation in 86 of the 145 genes measured (59%), some as early as 4 hours into withdrawal. Time series measurements (4, 8, 18, 32, and 48 hours after alcohol removal) revealed dynamic expression responses in immediate early genes, γ‐aminobutyric acid type A, ionotropic glutamate, and G‐protein coupled receptors and the Ras/Raf signaling pathway. Together, these changes elucidate a complex, temporally coordinated response that involves correlated expression of many functionally related groups. In particular, the expression patterns of Gabra1, Grin2a, Grin3a, and Grik3 were tightly correlated. These receptor subunits share overrepresented transcription factor binding sites for Pax‐8 and other transcription factors, suggesting a common regulatory mechanism and a role for these transcription factors in the regulation of neurotransmission within the first 48 hours of alcohol withdrawal.

Conclusions

Expression in this gene set is essentially normal in the alcohol‐adapted DVC, but withdrawal results in immediate, large‐magnitude, and dynamic changes. These data support both increased research focus on the biological ramifications of alcohol withdrawal and enable novel insights into the dynamic withdrawal expression response in this understudied homeostatic control center.
Higher Serum Free Glycerol Levels in a Group of Alcoholics than in Controls
Authors: Maruyama Katsuya , Yokoyama Akira , Matsui Toshifumi , Mizukami Takeshi , Mizukami Yuki , Sogawa Kazuyuki , Yokosuka Osamu , Nomura Fumio , Yokoyama Tetsuji
Published: April 2012

Background

The biomarkers of excessive alcohol intake reported thus far have not always been reliable. We discovered the presence of free glycerol (FG) by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the serum of alcoholic patients but not in healthy persons, and a higher percentage of the alcoholics were positive for serum FG than for gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase, mean corpuscular volume, or carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (%CDT). Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether the same results as with HPLC could be obtained by measuring FG with an easy‐to‐use autoanalyzer and whether the serum FG measured by this method would be useful as a biomarker of excessive alcohol intake.

Methods

First, the measurements of serum FG made by HPLC and by a biochemical method with an autoanalyzer were tested for a correlation, and then fasting serum FG was measured with the autoanalyzer in 3 groups: a group of Japanese male alcoholics who drank until just before admission, a group of Japanese male patients with chronic viral hepatitis, and a group of Japanese healthy male volunteers.

Results

There was a strong positive correlation between the serum FG values measured by HPLC and by the autoanalyzer in the alcoholic group. The values in the alcoholic group were significantly higher than in the viral hepatitis group and healthy control group. We set the cutoff serum FG value for discriminating between the alcoholic group and the other 2 groups in the receiver operating characteristic analysis at 0.9 mg/dl, and that cutoff value provided a sensitivity of 80% for identifying the alcoholic group and a specificity of 84 and 94% in relation to the viral hepatitis group and the healthy volunteer group, respectively. Among various clinical tests in the alcoholic group, serum FG showed the highest rate of abnormally high value.

Conclusions

Measurement of serum FG with an autoanalyzer may be useful as a biomarker of excessive alcohol intake.
Using Food Science Demonstrations to Engage Students of All Ages in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Authors: Schmidt Shelly J. , Bohn Dawn M. , Rasmussen Aaron J. , Sutherland Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  The overarching goal of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Initiative is to foster effective STEM teaching and learning throughout the educational system at the local, state, and national levels, thereby producing science literate citizens and a capable STEM workforce. To contribute to achieving this goal, we have assembled six food science demonstrations for use at all educational levels and have presented these lessons to students at the elementary through higher education levels. The focus of this article is to share these food science demonstrations and our experiences using them so that others can use them for engaging students in STEM disciplines, through food science, at any educational level. Featured demonstrations include: (1) liquid nitrogen ice cream: a matter of changing phases, (2) seeing our senses work together, (3) whipping up the cream, (4) milk versus dark: what is the difference?, (5) counting calories by burning them, and (6) culinary spherification: the wonders of cross‐linking. Overall, our experience with using these demonstrations has been very positive. Students appear engaged in the learning process and love to consume the demonstration end products. Downloadable handouts containing demonstration details for each demonstration are available as supporting information.
Career Preparedness Survey Outcomes of Food Science Graduates—A Follow‐Up Assessment
Authors: Bohlscheid Jeffri , Clark Stephanie
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Fifty‐eight recent graduates (1998–2008) from the joint Washington State University (WSU) and University of Idaho (UI) BiState School of Food Science program and 27 of their employers participated in a survey assessing learning outcomes based on the 2001 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) core competencies for undergraduate food science programs. Parallel web‐based survey instruments for the graduates and employers using the WSU Skylight Matrix Survey System© were employed to assess the attitudes of the respondents to the frequency of usage of IFT defined skills and the adequacy of the graduates’ preparation from the program. Graduates responded that they were generally satisfied with their education; however, they reported lower rates of adequate or better preparation in Success Skill involving group dynamics, processing and engineering skills, and government regulations. Most of these skills were also the least frequently used by graduates in their careers. Success Skills were the most frequently performed competencies, while food microbiology and safety, and some engineering and processing skills were used less frequently by graduates of the Food Science program. Greater than 80% of the employers reported that the graduates’ performance was adequate or better in all skill areas. The assessment suggested program improvement since a similar survey in 2004, but also illuminated areas for improvement in teaching and learning, particularly in light of the revised IFT 2011 Guidelines. Specifically, graduates and employers emphasized the need for more course work that weaves critical thinking skills, group dynamics, and government regulations into the classroom. Graduates also highlighted the importance of internships and extracurricular activities for career preparation.
Clinkering Reactions During Firing of Recyclable Concrete
Authors: Snellings Ruben , De Schepper Mieke , De Buysser Klaartje , Van Driessche Isabel , De Belie Nele
Published: April 2012

Thermal transformations occurring during firing of recyclable concrete and hydrated Portland cement paste were monitored quantitatively by in situ and ex situ X‐ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and clinker microscopy. Reactions below 1150°C were dominated by either the decarbonation of calcium carbonates of the limestone aggregate fraction in the recyclable concrete or the low temperature decomposition of cement hydrates of the cement paste. Continued heating of the cement paste showed a rapid and extensive reaction of the free lime to form intermediate calcium silicate and aluminate phases such as belite, gehlenite, mayenite, and ye'elimite. The combination of free lime was less rapid in the dominantly limestone‐rich recyclable concrete. Similarly, subsequent melt and clinker phase formation (1250°C and higher) occurred more rapidly in the hydrated cement paste, indicating a positive contribution of cement hydrates to raw meal burnability. Reactions below typical cement clinkering temperatures were enhanced (1) by the intimate mixing of lime, silicate, and aluminate components in the hydrated cement and (2) by the elevated sulfate content that acted as flux and belite mineralizer. Lime formed in the thermal decomposition of portlandite (±450°C) was partially carbonated to calcite at temperatures below the onset of calcite decarbonation (±650°C).
Physical exercise through mountain hiking in high‐risk suicide patients. A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Sturm J. , Plöderl M. , Fartacek C. , Kralovec K. , Neunhäuserer D. , Niederseer D. , Hitzl W. , Niebauer J. , Schiepek G. , Fartacek R.
Published: April 2012

Sturm J, Plöderl M, Fartacek C, Kralovec K, Neunhäuserer D, Niederseer D, Hitzl W, Niebauer J, Schiepek G, Fartacek R. Physical exercise through mountain hiking in high‐risk suicide patients. A randomized crossover trial.

Objective:  The following crossover pilot study attempts to prove the effects of endurance training through mountain hiking in high‐risk suicide patients.

Method:  Participants (n = 20) having attempted suicide at least once and clinically diagnosed with hopelessness were randomly distributed among two groups. Group 1 (n = 10) began with a 9‐week hiking phase followed by a 9‐week control phase. Group 2 (n = 10) worked vice versa. Assessments included the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Scale of Suicide Ideation (BSI), and maximum physical endurance.

Results:  Ten participants of Group 1 and seven participants of Group 2 completed the study. A comparison between conditions showed that, in the hiking phase, there was a significant decrease in hopelessness (P < 0.0001, d = −1.4) and depression (P < 0.0001, d = −1.38), and a significant increase in physical endurance (P < 0.0001, d = 1.0), but no significant effect for suicide ideation (P = 0.25, d = −0.29). However, within the hiking phase, there was a significant decrease in suicide ideation (P = 0.005, d = −0.79).

Conclusion:  The results suggest that a group experience of regular monitored mountain hiking, organized as an add‐on therapy to usual care, is associated with an improvement of hopelessness, depression, and suicide ideation in patients suffering from high‐level suicide risk.
Patch testing with constituents of Compositae mixes
Authors: Paulsen Evy , Andersen Klaus E.
Published: April 2012

Background. The development of mixes containing Compositae plant extracts has improved the diagnosis of Compositae contact allergy, but none of them has fulfilled the criteria for an ideal European plant mix.

Objective. To evaluate which constituents of two commercial Compositae mixes were most useful as screening agents.

Patients. These comprised 76 patients testing positive to Compositae mix 6% in petrolatum and 29 patients testing positive to Compositae mix 5% pet., all of whom were tested with constituents of the respective mixes.

Results. The majority of patients tested positive to parthenolide or parthenolide‐containing extracts, followed by German chamomile, yarrow, and arnica. As German chamomile is a weak sensitizer, the results suggest cross‐reactions or reactions to unknown allergens. No one was positive to Roman chamomile.

Conclusions. Even though parthenolide seems to be a suitable supplement to the baseline series, the results emphasize that it is important to patch test with extracts of native or locally grown plants, not only because of the geographical variation, but also because of the potential unknown allergens contained in short ether preparations and the variability in the individual patient's exposure and cross‐reaction patterns.
High genetic diversity of Staphylococcus aureus strains colonizing patients with epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: van der Kooi‐Pol Magdalena M. , Veenstra‐Kyuchukova Yanka K. , Duipmans José C. , Pluister Gerlinde N. , Schouls Leo M. , de Neeling Albert J. , Grundmann Hajo , Jonkman Marcel F. , van Dijl Jan Maarten
Published: April 2012

Patients with the blistering disease, epidermolysis bullosa (EB), frequently suffer from chronic wounds that become colonized by pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. To determine S. aureus colonization rates in patients with EB, swabs were collected from the anterior nares, throats and wounds of 52 Dutch patients with EB. Swabs were also collected from nares and throats of 13 healthcare workers who occasionally meet the sampled patients with EB. All EB patients with chronic wounds and 75% of the patients without chronic wounds were colonized with S. aureus. In contrast, 39% of the sampled healthcare workers were colonized with S. aureus. Typing revealed a high degree of genetic diversity of 184 collected S. aureus isolates. Autoinoculation of S. aureus in individual patients with EB was shown to occur frequently, whereas transmission of S. aureus between patients with EB is apparently rare. There was no evidence for S. aureus transmission between patients with EB and healthcare workers.
Identification of an Alu‐mediated 12.2‐kb deletion of the complete LPAR6 (P2RY5) gene in a Turkish family with hypotrichosis and woolly hair
Authors: Mahmoudi Hassnaa , Tug Esra , Parlak Ali Haydar , Atasoy Halil Ibrahim , Ludwig Michael , Polat Mualla , Pasternack Sandra M. , Betz Regina C.
Published: April 2012

Hypotrichosis is a rare form of progressive hair loss characterized by sparse and occasionally woolly hair that is curly and breaks easily. Disease‐causing mutations in LIPH, LPAR6 and KRT74 have recently been identified. We describe a four‐generation pedigree from Turkey following an autosomal recessive pattern, in which the four affected members had hypotrichosis and woolly hair. By sequencing LPAR6 and the use of SNP arrays, we revealed a homozygous loss of the entire LPAR6 gene in the affected individuals. We hypothesize that the 12‐kb deletion resulted from illegitimate recombination secondary to slip‐replication. The orientation of three Alu repeats around LPAR6 may have provoked the formation of a ‘triple‐barrel’ structure during replication, thereby allowing strand slipping. This first report of complete LPAR6 loss expands the spectrum of known LPAR6 mutations and suggests a novel mechanism for this gene and for the formation of DNA rearrangements in general.
In vitro research on vitiligo: strategies, principles, methodological options and common pitfalls
Authors: Dell'Anna Maria Lucia , Cario‐André Muriel , Bellei Barbara , Taieb Alain , Picardo Mauro
Published: April 2012

Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to melanocyte loss in vitiligo is a mandatory step in improving the overall management of vitiligo patients. Until now, the study of vitiligo was characterised by a fragmented approach, and it is very hard to share and compare the data obtained by the different teams. The scenario mirrors the pathogenic puzzle, but it delays a true productive focus on the disease. The in vitro research is based on different models, ranging from monolayer cell culture of epidermal and dermal cells or 3D reconstructed skin to histological data, gene expression, computer simulation profile. For each model, several different (biochemical, phenotypic, immunological) aspects have been considered, increasing the mass of data difficult to be merged. Our purpose was to provide a practical synopsis of consolidated and advanced possibilities in the study of vitiligo, showing how data have been poorly shared until now. Following a short overview of the background of the disease, the approaches, ranging from basic cell biology to molecular and ‘omics’ studies, are summarised. New fluorescent probes and techniques open new possibilities for functional studies. Next, intracellular and superficial markers of the melanocytes, the main involved cells, are listed. Moving the focus from the epidermal level to the systemic and subcellular ones, this review aims to propose innovative multidisciplinary options for the vitiligo understanding. This paper focuses on the major practical and theoretical questions to be solved. It may be the basis for a more coordinated and productive approach to the biological question.
The DSL1 Complex: The Smallest but Not the Least CATCHR
Authors: Spang Anne
Published: April 2012

The DSL1 complex is a conserved tethering complex at the endoplasmic reticulum that recognizes Golgi‐derived COPI vesicles and hands them over to the fusion machinery. The DSL1 complex is the simplest tethering complex of the complexes associated with tethering containing helical rods (CATCHR) family. CATCHR tethering complexes play a role at compartments along the exocytic and endocytic pathways. In this review, different functions of the DSL1 complex are discussed, some open questions with the seemingly straightforward picture are pointed out and alternative functions of the DSL1 complex members are mentioned.
Congenic dissection of a major QTL for methamphetamine sensitivity implicates epistasis
Authors: Bryant C. D. , Kole L. A. , Guido M. A. , Sokoloff G. , Palmer A. A.
Published: April 2012

We previously used the C57BL/6J (B6) × A/J mouse chromosome substitution strain (CSS) panel to identify a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 11 influencing methamphetamine (MA)‐induced locomotor activity. We then made an F2 cross between CSS‐11 and B6 and narrowed the locus (Bayes credible interval: 79–109 Mb) which was inherited dominantly and accounted for 14% of the phenotypic variance in the CSS panel. In the present study, we created congenic and subcongenic lines possessing heterozygous portions of this QTL to narrow the interval. We identified one line (84–96 Mb) that recapitulated the QTL, thus narrowing the region to 12 Mb. This interval also produced a small decrease in locomotor activity following prior saline treatment. When we generated subcongenic lines spanning the entire 12‐Mb region, the phenotypic difference in MA sensitivity abruptly disappeared, suggesting an epistatic mechanism. We also evaluated the rewarding properties of MA (2 mg/kg, i.p.) in the 84‐ to 96‐Mb congenic line using the conditioned place preference (CPP) test. We replicated the locomotor difference in the MA‐paired CPP chamber yet observed no effect of genotype on MA‐CPP, supporting the specificity of this QTL for MA‐induced locomotor activity under these conditions. Lastly, to aid in prioritizing candidate genes responsible for this QTL, we used the Affymetrix GeneChip® Mouse Gene 1.0ST Array to identify genes containing expression QTLs (eQTL) in the striatum of drug‐naÏve, congenic mice. These findings highlight the difficulty of using congenic lines to fine map QTLs and illustrate how epistasis may thwart such efforts.
Observations and Modeling of Stream Plunging in an Urban Lake1
Authors: Owens Emmet M. , Effler Steven W. , Prestigiacomo Anthony R. , Matthews David A. , O’Donnell Susan M.
Published: April 2012

Owens, Emmet M., Steven W. Effler, Anthony R. Prestigiacomo, David A. Matthews, and Susan M. O’Donnell, 2012. Observations and Modeling of Stream Plunging in an Urban Lake. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(4): 707‐721. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00646.x

Abstract:  The plunging behavior of two tributaries in Onondaga Lake, New York, is quantified based on a program of monitoring, process studies, and modeling. The dynamics of buoyancy of the tributaries are resolved with hourly measurements of temperature (T), specific conductance (SC), and turbidity (Tn) at the mouths, and observations every 6 h in the lake. Negative buoyancy of the tributaries is found to diminish and change rapidly during runoff events compared to dry periods. In‐lake patterns of the transport of plunging inflow are resolved for dry weather conditions using a dye tracer, and following a runoff event through measurements of T, SC, and Tn. The hydrodynamic/transport model ELCOM (Estuary Lake and Coastal Ocean Model) is demonstrated to perform well in simulating these patterns. Analyses conducted with the model establish the importance of diurnal effects and in‐lake mixing mediated by wind, the need for temporally detailed measurements during runoff events, and modifications of the plunging behavior of the urban tributary as it passes through a harbor. The model provides critical information to support rehabilitation programs for the lake by quantifying the transport of the two largest tributaries, particularly the distribution of the loads between the upper waters and stratified layers. The model predicts that 10% of the urban tributary load enters the upper waters of the lake within 24 h for a dry weather period; this portion increases to 30% for a runoff event.
How indeterminism shapes ecologists’ contributions to managing socio‐ecological systems
Authors: Michaels Sarah , Tyre Andrew J.
Published: April 2012

To make a difference in policy making about socio‐ecological systems, ecologists must grasp when decision makers are amenable to acting on ecological expertise and when they are not. To enable them to do so we present a matrix for classifying a socio‐ecological system by the extent of what we don't know about its natural components and the social interactions that affects them. We use four examples, Midcontinent Mallards, Laysan Ducks, Pallid Sturgeon, and Rocky Mountain Grey Wolves to illustrate how the combination of natural and social source of indeterminism matters. Where social indeterminism is high, ecologists can expand the range of possible science‐based options decision makers might consider even while recognizing societal‐based concerns rather than science will dominate decision making. In contrast, where natural indeterminism is low, ecologists can offer reasonably accurate predictions that may well serve as inputs into decision making. Depending on the combination of natural and social indeterminism characterizing a particular circumstance, ecologists have different roles to play in informing socio‐ecological system management.
Dividend Policy at Firms Accused of Accounting Fraud
Authors: Caskey Judson , Hanlon Michelle
Published: April 2012

Recent studies and some policy experts have posited that dividends indicate higher‐quality earnings. In this study, we test this conjecture by comparing the dividend policies of firms accused of accounting fraud to those of firms not accused of accounting fraud. Specifically, we examine whether alleged fraud firms are as likely to be dividend payers as non‐fraud firms, and whether managers of dividend‐paying fraud firms increase dividends at the same rate as managers of non‐fraud firms. Our data reveal that dividend paying status is negatively associated with the probability of committing accounting fraud. In addition, we also find that, during the alleged fraud period, the earnings–dividends relation is weaker for the alleged fraud firms relative to firms not accused of fraud. Finally, using propensity score match tests, the data provide evidence that managers of alleged fraud firms increase dividends less often than managers of firms not accused of fraud, consistent with the alleged fraud firms not being able to match the dividend policies of firms not accused of fraud. Overall, our results suggest that dividends, especially dividend increases, are associated with higher earnings quality.
Business Strategy, Financial Reporting Irregularities, and Audit Effort
Authors: Bentley Kathleen A. , Omer Thomas C. , Sharp Nathan Y.
Published: April 2012

This study examines whether clients' business strategies are a factor in determining the occurrence of financial reporting irregularities and the level of audit effort. We use the organizational strategy theory of Miles and Snow to develop a comprehensive measure of business strategy using publicly available data. We find that Miles and Snow's Prospector strategy is more likely to be involved in financial reporting irregularities and generally requires greater audit effort. The business strategy measure also appears to capture client business risk and provides incremental explanatory power beyond the individual measures of client complexity or risk used in traditional audit fee models. We contribute to the literature by constructing a replicable business strategy measure and identifying organizational business strategy as an important ex ante determinant of financial reporting irregularities and levels of audit effort. Our results suggest that investigating how audits can be improved to reduce financial reporting irregularities among Prospector clients is an important area for audit practice and future research.
Analysis of Viral and Cellular Factors Influencing Herpesvirus-Induced Nuclear Envelope Breakdown
Authors: Grimm Katharina S. , Klupp Barbara G. , Granzow Harald , Müller Frederik M. , Fuchs Walter , Mettenleiter Thomas C.
Published: April 2012

Herpesvirus nucleocapsids are translocated from their assembly site in the nucleus to the cytosol by acquisition of a primary envelope at the inner nuclear membrane which subsequently fuses with the outer nuclear membrane. This transport through the nuclear envelope requires homologs of the conserved herpesviral pUL31 and pUL34 proteins which form the nuclear egress complex (NEC). In its absence, 1,000-fold less virus progeny is produced. We isolated a UL34-negative mutant of the alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PrV), PrV-ΔUL34Pass, which regained replication competence after serial passages in cell culture by inducing nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD) (B. G. Klupp, H. Granzow, and T. C. Mettenleiter, J. Virol. 85:8285–8292, 2011). To test whether this phenotype is unique, passaging experiments were repeated with a UL31 deletion mutant. After 60 passages, the resulting PrV-ΔUL31Pass replicated similarly to wild-type PrV. Ultrastructural analyses confirmed escape from the nucleus via NEBD, indicating an inherent genetic disposition in herpesviruses. To identify the mutated viral genes responsible for this phenotype, the genome of PrV-ΔUL34Pass was sequenced and compared to the genomes of parental PrV-Ka and PrV-ΔUL34. Targeted sequencing of PrV-ΔUL31Pass disclosed congruent mutations comprising genes encoding tegument proteins (pUL49, pUL46, pUL21, pUS2), envelope proteins (gI, pUS9), and protease pUL26. To investigate involvement of cellular pathways, different inhibitors of cellular kinases were tested. While induction of apoptosis or inhibition of caspases had no specific effect on the passaged mutants, roscovitine, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, and U0126, an inhibitor of MEK1/2, specifically impaired replication of the passaged mutants, indicating involvement of mitosis-related processes in herpesvirus-induced NEBD.
The Number of Toll-Like Receptor 9-Agonist Motifs in the Adenovirus Genome Correlates with Induction of Dendritic Cell Maturation by Adenovirus Immune Complexes
Authors: Perreau Matthieu , Welles Hugh C. , Pellaton Celine , Gjoksi Bebeka , Potin Lambert , Martin Ricardo , Harari Alexandre , Bett Andrew , Casimiro Danilo , Gall Jason , Barouch Dan H. , Kremer Eric J. , Pantaleo Giuseppe
Published: April 2012

Adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors and specific neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) generate immune complexes (ICs) which are potent inducers of dendritic cell (DC) maturation. Here we show that ICs generated with rare Ad vector serotypes, such as Ad26 and Ad35, which are lead candidates in HIV vaccine development, are poor inducers of DC maturation and that their potency in inducing DC maturation strongly correlated with the number of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-agonist motifs present in the Ad vector's genome. In addition, we showed that antihexon but not antifiber antibodies are responsible for the induction of Ad IC-mediated DC maturation.
Rescue of a Porcine Anellovirus (Torque Teno Sus Virus 2) from Cloned Genomic DNA in Pigs
Authors: Huang Yao-Wei , Patterson Abby R. , Opriessnig Tanja , Dryman Barbara A. , Gallei Andreas , Harrall Kylie K. , Vaughn Eric M. , Roof Michael B. , Meng Xiang-Jin
Published: April 2012

Anelloviruses are a group of single-stranded circular DNA viruses infecting humans and other animal species. Animal models combined with reverse genetic systems of anellovirus have not been developed. We report here the construction and initial characterization of full-length DNA clones of a porcine anellovirus, torque teno sus virus 2 (TTSuV2),
in vitro
and
in vivo
. We first demonstrated that five cell lines, including PK-15 cells, are free of TTSuV1 or TTSuV2 contamination, as determined by a real-time PCR and an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using anti-TTSuV antibodies. Recombinant plasmids harboring monomeric or tandem-dimerized genomic DNA of TTSuV2 from the United States and Germany were constructed. Circular TTSuV2 genomic DNA with or without introduced genetic markers and tandem-dimerized TTSuV2 plasmids were transfected into PK-15 cells, respectively. Splicing of viral mRNAs was identified in transfected cells. Expression of TTSuV2-specific open reading frame 1 (ORF1) in cell nuclei, especially in nucleoli, was detected by IFA. However, evidence of productive TTSuV2 infection was not observed in 12 different cell lines transfected with the TTSuV2 DNA clones. Transfection with circular DNA from a TTSuV2 deletion mutant did not produce ORF1 protein, suggesting that the observed ORF1 expression is driven by TTSuV2 DNA replication in cells. Pigs inoculated with either the tandem-dimerized clones or circular genomic DNA of U.S. TTSuV2 developed viremia, and the introduced genetic markers were retained in viral DNA recovered from the sera of infected pigs. The availability of an infectious DNA clone of TTSuV2 will facilitate future study of porcine anellovirus pathogenesis and biology.