bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of fibroblast growth factor and enamel matrix derivative treatment on root resorption after delayed replantation
Authors: Tuna Elif Bahar , Arai Kiyoshi , Tekkesin Merva Soluk , Seymen Figen , Gencay Koray , Kuboyama Noboru , Maeda Takahide
Published: October 2014

Background

Periodontal ligament (PDL) healing and long term prognosis of replanted avulsed teeth should rely on several factors including length of extra‐oral dry time and type of the storage medium. The status of periodontal ligament is critical for the healing of replanted teeth. Different substances have been used for root surface treatment to promote formation of PDL and increase the survival of avulsed teeth submitted to replantation.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (bFGF) and enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on root resorption after delayed replantation.

Design

18 freshly extracted single‐rooted incisor and premolar teeth were extracted from the beagle dogs and immersed in whole bovine milk for 45 and 60 min (n = 3 each). Following storage period, sockets washed and teeth were treated with bFGF and EMD and replanted into the sockets. After 8 weeks, dogs were sacrificed, specimens processed to 4‐μm thick serial sections for histopathologic examination and morphometric assessments. Thus, the proportions of the roots that exhibited signs of surface resorption, inflammatory resorption, and replacement resorption, that is, ankylosis and normal PDL were noted.

Results

The percentage of root resorption was in the following order: EMD>milk>bFGF for 45 min and milk>EMD>bFGF for 60 min. For all groups, teeth stored 60 min showed significantly higher incidence of PDL resorption than those stored for 45 min (P < 0.01). The highest incidence of replacement resorption was observed in teeth treated with EMD for 60 min. After 8 weeks, the least resorption was found in bFGF‐treated group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that use of bFGF favored the formation of new periodontal ligament; prevent ankylosis and resorption process following delayed replantation of teeth while EMD shows replacement resorption, which may turn to ankylosis.
Weekly rituximab consolidation following four cycles of R‐CHOP induction chemotherapy in very elderly patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: Consortium for improving survival of lymphoma study (CISL)
Authors: Jung Sung‐Hoon , Lee Je‐Jung , Kim Won Seog , Lee Won‐Sik , Do Young Rok , Oh Sung Yong , Kim Min Kyoung , Mun Yeung‐Chul , Shin Ho‐Jin , Kwak Jae‐Yong , Kang Hye Jin , Won Jong Ho , Kwon Jung Hye , Park Eunkyung , Suh Cheolwon , Yang Deok‐Hwan
Published: October 2014

This study aimed to determine the objective response, toxicity, and clinical outcome of weekly rituximab consolidation after four cycles of R‐CHOP21 in very elderly patients with DLBCL. A prospective, multi‐institutional phase II trial was conducted on patients with previously untreated CD20+ DLBCL who were older than 70 yr. Patients were treated with four cycles of R‐CHOP21 followed by weekly consolidation with rituximab (375mg/m2, four times infusion) (NCT01181999). We also compared the clinical outcomes with an historical case‐matched control group treated conventionally with six cycles of R‐CHOP21. A total of 51 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL were enrolled at 15 institutes between June 2010 and September 2013. The median age was 76 yr (range: 70–89). Forty‐one of the 51 patients completed the planned rituximab consolidation (R‐consolidation). The overall response rate was 78.4%, comprising 74.5% with a complete response and 3.9% with a partial response. After a median follow‐up of 20.3 months, 2‐yr progression‐free survival and overall survival were 63.9% and 68.7%, respectively. No serious toxicities were reported during rituximab consolidation. Weekly rituximab consolidation following four cycles of R‐CHOP21 resulted in an acceptable response with high tolerability and could be a good compromise between efficacy and safety for elderly patients with DLBCL.
Pathophysiology and principles of management of the many faces of the acute vaso‐occlusive crisis in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Ballas Samir K.
Published: October 2014

Effective management of sickle cell pain entails a thorough understanding of its pathophysiology and the pharmacogenomics of the opioids used to manage it. In recent years, there has been significant progress along these two lines. At the pathophysiologic level, there is evidence that the severity and frequency of painful stimuli modulate their transmission at the level of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. This modulation is achieved via two channels: the α‐Amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and NMDA receptors. Initially, the AMPA channel controls the transmission of stimuli of mild–moderate severity. Once the AMPA channel reaches its limit of membrane depolarization, the NMDA channel is activated and facilitates the transmission of painful stimuli in a progressive fashion leading to central sensitization and glial activation. At the level of pharmacogenomics, the metabolism of each opioid is patient‐specific. Glucuronidation is unique for the metabolism of morphine, hydromorphone, and oxymorphone. The metabolism of all other opioids requires specific Cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes. The activity of each isoenzyme and the activity of the metabolites of each opioid vary among patients depending on their genetic makeup and coexistent environmental factors such as the use of other medications that may enhance or inhibit the CYP isoenzyme activity.
Fundamental population–productivity relationships can be modified through density‐dependent feedbacks of life‐history evolution
Authors: Kuparinen Anna , Stenseth Nils Christian , Hutchings Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2014

The evolution of life histories over contemporary time scales will almost certainly affect population demography. One important pathway for such eco‐evolutionary interactions is the density‐dependent regulation of population dynamics. Here, we investigate how fisheries‐induced evolution (FIE) might alter density‐dependent population–productivity relationships. To this end, we simulate the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of an Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) population under fishing, followed by a period of recovery in the absence of fishing.FIEis associated with increases in juvenile production, the ratio of juveniles to mature population biomass, and the ratio of the mature population biomass relative to the total population biomass. In contrast, net reproductive rate (R0) and per capita population growth rate (r) decline concomitantly with evolution. Our findings suggest thatFIEcan substantially modify the fundamental population–productivity relationships that underlie density‐dependent population regulation and that form the primary population‐dynamical basis for fisheries stock‐assessment projections. From a conservation and fisheries‐rebuilding perspective, we find thatFIEreducesR0andr, the two fundamental correlates of population recovery ability and inversely extinction probability.
Exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage impairs racing performance inThoroughbred racehorses
Authors: Morley P. S. , Bromberek J. L. , Saulez M. N. , Hinchcliff K. W. , Guthrie A. J.
Published: October 2014

Reasons for performing study

Exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) occurs commonly inThoroughbred racehorses worldwide. WhileEIPHis believed to be an important cause of impaired performance in these horses, there is limited evidence from sufficiently powered studies to evaluate this association.

Objectives

To evaluate whetherEIPHis associated with finishing position, distance finished behind race winners and differences in race earning amongThoroughbred horses racing inSouthAfrica.

Study design

Prospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods

One thousand Thoroughbred horses racing inSouthAfrica were enrolled prior to a single race and underwent tracheobronchoscopic examination within 2 h of racing. Three observers, blinded to the horses' identity and race performance, independently evaluatedEIPHoccurrence and severity using video recordings of the examination. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic and linear regression while controlling for important horse and race factors as potential confounding variables.

Results

Overall, 68% of horses had evidence ofEIPH(grade≥1). Horses without evidence ofEIPH(severitygrade 0), when compared with horses with any evidence ofEIPH(grade≥1), were >2 times more likely to win races (odds ratio = 2.3; 95% confidence interval 1.4–3.7; P = 0.001), finished an average of one length ahead of horses withEIPH(P = 0.03), and were 2.5 times more likely to be in the highest decile in race earnings (odds ratio = 2.5, 95% CI 1.5–4.1, P<0.001). However, no association was identified regarding finishing in the top 3 positions or earning money when analysed as a continuous variable or analysed as any winnings vs. none.

Conclusions

Exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage was associated with impaired performance inThoroughbred racehorses not medicated with furosemide and not using nasal dilator strips. These findings provide strong corroboration of previous research indicating that the occurrence ofEIPHhas a major impact on the ability ofThoroughbred racehorses to compete successfully as elite athletes.
A commercially available immunoglobulinE‐based test for food allergy gives inconsistent results in healthy ponies
Authors: Dupont S. , De Spiegeleer A. , Liu D. J. X. , Lefère L. , van Doorn D. A. , Hesta M.
Published: October 2014

Reasons for performing study

Commercial immunoglobulinE(IgE)‐based tests are available for diagnosis of food allergies and are commonly used in equine practice. However, these tests have been proven unreliable as a screening method in man and other species, but not critically evaluated in equids. Therefore, a commercially availableIgE‐based test for horses was evaluated.

Objectives

To evaluate the consistency of the results obtained with a commercially availableIgE‐based test for food allergy diagnosis in ponies (PhaseI) and to subject ponies to a provocation trial with the presumed allergens (PhaseII).

Study design

Allergen screening followed by experimental food provocation trials in healthy ponies.

Methods

Blood samples of 17 healthy Shetland ponies were taken at 2 different time points, sent blinded to a commercial laboratory for screening of common food allergens and the results were evaluated for consistency (PhaseI). Ponies that were positive for food allergens were consecutively challenged orally with each allergen separately for 14 days (PhaseII). A washout period of one week was applied in ponies with multiple positive results. Clinical parameters and serum amyloid A were monitored during the provocation trial.

Results

Only 7/17 ponies were negative on theIgE‐based test at the 2 time points, 3 had positive results twice but only one tested positive twice for the same food allergen. No abnormalities were noted during the provocation trials.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that thisIgE‐based test is not a reliable screening tool for food allergy in healthy equids.
Osteopontin expression in healing wounds of horses and in human keloids
Authors: Miragliotta V. , Pirone A. , Donadio E. , Abramo F. , Ricciardi M. P. , Theoret C. L.
Published: October 2014

Reasons for performing study

Convincing evidence shows that persistent or excessive expression of osteopontin (OPN) is linked to fibroproliferation of various organs in laboratory animals and in man, such that its downregulation is a logical therapeutic objective.

Objectives

To investigate OPN expression in an equine model of wound healing and in clinical specimens of equine exuberant granulation tissue and human keloids in an effort to better understand the contribution of this protein to inflammation‐associated skin fibrosis.

Study design

Description of gene and protein expression in an experimental equine model of wound healing and clinical specimens in horse and man.

Methods

Osteopontin gene expression was evaluated by quantitative PCR, while protein expression was investigated by means of immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Quantitative PCR showed that the OPN gene is expressed in normal intact skin of horses and continues to be expressed during the wound‐healing process. An increase in gene expression was observed throughout the phases of wound healing, with a final decrease at wound closure. The protein was not detected in normal skin. Keratinocytes in wound‐edge samples did not express the protein, whereas dermal immunoreactivity was confined to inflammatory cells. Healed wounds were devoid of staining. Equine exuberant granulation tissue showed immunoreactivity of the surrounding epidermis, infiltrating neutrophils, mononuclear cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Human keloids showed OPN immunoreactivity throughout the epidermis as well as in mononuclear cells and scattered fibroblasts.

Conclusions

Immunohistochemical data show a different pattern of expression between normally healing and fibrotic wounds (exuberant granulation tissue and keloids), thus suggesting a role in fibroproliferation in horses and man.
Crystal structures and kinetics of Type III 3‐phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase reveal catalysis by lysine
Authors: Singh Rohit K. , Raj Isha , Pujari Rajesh , Gourinath Samudrala
Published: October 2014

d‐Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PGDH) catalyzes the first committed step of the phosphorylated serine biosynthesis pathway. Here, we report for the first time, the crystal structures of Type IIIK PGDH from Entamoeba histolytica in the apo form, as well as in complexes with substrate (3‐phosphoglyceric acid) and cofactor (NAD+) to 2.45, 1.8 and 2.2 Å resolution, respectively. Comparison of the apo structure with the substrate‐bound structure shows that the substrate‐binding domain is rotated by ~ 20° to close the active‐site cleft. The cofactor‐bound structure also shows a closed‐cleft conformation, in which NAD+ is bound to the nucleotide‐binding domain and a formate ion occupies the substrate‐binding site. Superposition of the substrate‐ and cofactor‐bound structures represents a snapshot of the enzyme in the active form, where C2 of the substrate and C4N of the cofactor are 2.2 Å apart, and the amino group of Lys263 is close enough to the substrate to remove the proton from the hydroxyl group of PGA, indicating the role of Lys in the catalysis. Mutation of Lys263 to Ala yields just 0.8% of the specific activity of the wild‐type enzyme, revealing that Lys263 indeed plays an integral role in the catalytic activity. The detectable activity of the mutant, however, indicates that after 20° rotation of the substrate‐binding domain, the resulting positions of the substrate and cofactor are sufficiently close to make a productive reaction.

Database

The atomic coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank, www.pdb.org (PDB ID code 4NFY, 4NJM and 4NJO)

Structured digital abstract

EhPGDH and EhPGDH bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)

EhPGDH and EhPGDH bind by molecular sieving (View interaction)
Structural and functional analysis of the fibronectin‐binding protein FNE from Streptococcus equi spp. equi
Authors: Tiouajni Mounira , Durand Dominique , Blondeau Karine , Graille Marc , Urvoas Agathe , Valerio‐Lepiniec Marielle , Guellouz Asma , Aumont‐Nicaise Magali , Minard Philippe , van Tilbeurgh Herman
Published: October 2014

Streptococcus equi is a horse pathogen belonging to Lancefield group C. Infection by S. equi ssp. equi causes strangles, a serious and highly contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract. S. equi ssp. equi secretes a fibronectin (Fn)‐binding protein, FNE, that does not contain cell wall‐anchoring motifs. FNE binds to the gelatin‐binding domain (GBD) of Fn, composed of the motifs 6FI12FII789FI. FNE lacks the canonical Fn‐binding peptide repeats observed in many microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules. We found that the interaction between FNE and the human GBD is mediated by the binding of the disordered C‐terminal region (residues 208–262) of FNE to the 789FI GBD subfragment. The crystal structure of FNE showed that it is similar to the minor pilus protein Spy0125 of Streptococcus pyogenes, found at the end of pilus polymers and responsible for adhesion. FNE and Spy0125 both have a superimposable internal thioester bond between highly conserved Cys and Gln residues. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering of the FNE–789FI complex provided a model that aligns the C‐terminal peptide of FNE with the E‐strands of the FI domains, adopting the β‐zipper extension model observed in previous structures of microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecule adhesion peptides bound to FI domains.

Database

The coordinates of the FNE–αREP3 complex have been deposited at the Protein Data Bank under the code 4PFG.

Structured digital abstract

GBD and FNE bind by isothermal titration calorimetry (View interaction)

GBD 789FI and FNE bind by isothermal titration calorimetry (View interaction)

FNE-CT and GBD 789FI bind by isothermal titration calorimetry (View interaction)

GBD and FNE-CT bind by isothermal titration calorimetry (View interaction)

FNE and GBD 789FI bind by molecular sieving (View interaction)

FNE-CT binds to GBD 789FI by pull down (View interaction)

FNE and GBD 789FI bind by x ray scattering (View interaction)

GBD and FNE physically interact by fluorescence polarization spectroscopy (View interaction)

collagen and GBD bind by fluorescence polarization spectroscopy (View interaction)
Heparan sulfate in the regulation of neural differentiation and glioma development
Authors: Xiong Anqi , Kundu Soumi , Forsberg‐Nilsson Karin
Published: October 2014

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are the main components of the extracellular matrix, where they interact with a large number of physiologically important macromolecules. The sulfation pattern of heparan sulfate (HS) chains determines the interaction potential of the proteoglycans. Enzymes of the biosynthetic and degradation pathways for HS chains are thus important regulators in processes ranging from embryonic development to tissue homeostasis, but also for tumor development. Formation of the nervous system is also critically dependent on intact HSPGs, and several studies have outlined the role of HS in neural induction from embryonic stem cells. High‐grade glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor among adults, and the outcome is poor. Neural stem cells and glioma stem cells have several common traits, such as sustained proliferation and a highly efficient migratory capacity in the brain. There are also similarities between the neurogenic niche where adult neural stem cells reside, and the tumorigenic niche. These include interactions with the extracellular matrix, and many of the matrix components are deregulated in glioma, e.g. HSPGs and enzymes implementing the biosynthesis and modification of HS. In this article, we will present how HS‐regulated pathways are involved in neural differentiation, and discuss their impact on brain development. We will also review and critically discuss the important role of structural modifications of HS in glioma growth and invasion. We propose that targeting invasive mechanisms of glioma cells through modulation of HS structure and HS‐mediated pathways may be an attractive alternative to other therapeutic attempts, which so far have only marginally increased survival for glioma patients.
Identifying functionally important cis‐peptide containing segments in proteins and their utility in molecular function annotation
Authors: Das Sreetama , Ramakumar Suryanarayanarao , Pal Debnath
Published: October 2014

Cis‐peptide embedded segments are rare in proteins but often highlight their important role in molecular function when they do occur. The high evolutionary conservation of these segments illustrates this observation almost universally, although no attempt has been made to systematically use this information for the purpose of function annotation. In the present study, we demonstrate how geometric clustering and level‐specific Gene Ontology molecular‐function terms (also known as annotations) can be used in a statistically significant manner to identify cis‐embedded segments in a protein linked to its molecular function. The present study identifies novel cis‐peptide fragments, which are subsequently used for fragment‐based function annotation. Annotation recall benchmarks interpreted using the receiver‐operator characteristic plot returned an area‐under‐curve > 0.9, corroborating the utility of the annotation method. In addition, we identified cis‐peptide fragments occurring in conjunction with functionally important trans‐peptide fragments, providing additional insights into molecular function. We further illustrate the applicability of our method in function annotation where homology‐based annotation transfer is not possible. The findings of the present study add to the repertoire of function annotation approaches and also facilitate engineering, design and allied studies around the cis‐peptide neighborhood of proteins.
Prefrontal neuronal circuits of contextual fear conditioning
Authors: Rozeske R. R. , Valerio S. , Chaudun F. , Herry C.
Published: October 2014

Over the past years, numerous studies have provided a clear understanding of the neuronal circuits and mechanisms involved in the formation, expression and extinction phases of conditioned cued fear memories. Yet, despite a strong clinical interest, a detailed understanding of these memory phases for contextual fear memories is still missing. Besides the well‐known role of the hippocampus in encoding contextual fear behavior, growing evidence indicates that specific regions of the medial prefrontal cortex differentially regulate contextual fear acquisition and storage in both animals and humans that ultimately leads to expression of contextual fear memories. In this review, we provide a detailed description of the recent literature on the role of distinct prefrontal subregions in contextual fear behavior and provide a working model of the neuronal circuits involved in the acquisition, expression and generalization of contextual fear memories.
Uncertainties in predicting rice yield by current crop models under a wide range of climatic conditions
Authors: Li Tao , Hasegawa Toshihiro , Yin Xinyou , Zhu Yan , Boote Kenneth , Adam Myriam , Bregaglio Simone , Buis Samuel , Confalonieri Roberto , Fumoto Tamon , Gaydon Donald , Marcaida Manuel , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Oriol Philippe , Ruane Alex C. , Ruget Françoise , Singh Balwinder‐ , Singh Upendra , Tang Liang , Tao Fulu , Wilkens Paul , Yoshida Hiroe , Zhang Zhao , Bouman Bas
Published: October 2014

Predicting rice (Oryza sativa) productivity under future climates is important for global food security. Ecophysiological crop models in combination with climate model outputs are commonly used in yield prediction, but uncertainties associated with crop models remain largely unquantified. We evaluated 13 rice models against multi‐year experimental yield data at four sites with diverse climatic conditions in Asia and examined whether different modeling approaches on major physiological processes attribute to the uncertainties of prediction to field measured yields and to the uncertainties of sensitivity to changes in temperature and CO2 concentration [CO2]. We also examined whether a use of an ensemble of crop models can reduce the uncertainties. Individual models did not consistently reproduce both experimental and regional yields well, and uncertainty was larger at the warmest and coolest sites. The variation in yield projections was larger among crop models than variation resulting from 16 global climate model‐based scenarios. However, the mean of predictions of all crop models reproduced experimental data, with an uncertainty of less than 10% of measured yields. Using an ensemble of eight models calibrated only for phenology or five models calibrated in detail resulted in the uncertainty equivalent to that of the measured yield in well‐controlled agronomic field experiments. Sensitivity analysis indicates the necessity to improve the accuracy in predicting both biomass and harvest index in response to increasing [CO2] and temperature.
Purification and characterisation of antioxidant and nitric oxide inhibitory peptides from Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) protein hydrolysate
Authors: Kangsanant Sureeporn , Thongraung Chakree , Jansakul Chaweewan , Murkovic Michael , Seechamnanturakit Vatcharee
Published: October 2014

Nitric oxide (NO)‐inhibitory and antioxidative activities of tilapia hydrolysates were prepared using ultrasound pretreatment at 70 W for 30 and 45 min, respectively, followed by Flavourzyme hydrolysis for 1 h. Both hydrolysates were fractionated using size exclusion chromatography on Sephadex G‐25 column and purified by RP‐HPLC. The amino acid sequence of the most potent and purified fractions was determined using LC/MS/MS. The antioxidant peptide (KAFAVIDQDKSGFIEEDELKLFLQNFSAGARAGDSDGDGKIGVDEFAALVK, MW: 6334.49 KDa) and NO‐inhibitory peptide (AFAVIDQDKSGFIEEDELKLFLQNFSAGARAGDSDGDGKIGVDEFAALVK, MW: 6309.49 Da) produced no cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 macrophage cell lines at the concentration of 100 mg mL−1. The purified peptides at the concentration 100 μg mL−1 possessed antioxidative and NO‐inhibitory activities 83.0 ± 1.1% and 40.9 ± 0.2%, respectively, which were about 100 times those of their counterpart crude hydrolysates.
Between Control and Support. The Protection of Unaccompanied Minor Asylum Seekers at Risk: The Dutch Case
Authors: Galloway Moira , Smit Monika , Kromhout Mariska
Published: October 2014

Drawing on research by the Research and Documentation Centre (WODC) of the Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice (Kromhout et al., 2010), this article describes how the Dutch government tried to protect Unaccompanied Minor Asylum Seekers (UMAs) who were (at risk of becoming) victims of human trafficking by implementing “Protected Reception”. It was concluded that the three objectives of this pilot programme were met to some extent: the influx of risk groups and the number of disappearances decreased, yet there was no (immediate) increase in return migration to the country of origin, after leaving Protected Reception. An important question that was raised was how far a state can go in protecting these vulnerable young people, by (partially) limiting their freedom of movement. It was concluded that placement and stay in Protected Reception had to be qualified as a deprivation of liberty for which Dutch legislation did not offer any ground.
Endoscopic, Transoral, Reduction of Epiglottic Entrapment Via Wire Snare Technique
Authors: Coleridge Matthew O.D. , DiGiovanni Daria L. , Rodgerson Dwayne H. , Spirito Michael A.
Published: October 2014

Objective

To describe the use of a wire snare technique for epiglottic entrapment.

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Eight adult horses.

Methods

Under general anesthesia, a modified mouth gag was placed in the oropharynx. An endoscope was passed through the gag until there was adequate visualization of the entrapped epiglottis. The entrapping mucosa was grasped with bronchoesophageal forceps and pulled rostrally, releasing the epiglottis. A custom snare was passed down the bronchoesophageal forceps to encircle the redundant subepiglottic mucosa. Tension was applied to the entrapping mucosa via the forceps as the obstetric wire was tightened at the base and the redundant mucosa (aryepiglottic fold) was excised.

Results

The procedure was performed on 8 adult thoroughbred horses. Re‐evaluation by endoscopy did not show entrapment in any horse and no horse developed complications or has had problems with performance.

Conclusions

This technique is a minimally invasive, competitively priced and straightforward method for resection of entrapping subepiglottic mucosa in adult horses.
The Potassium‐Argon Laser Experiment (KArLE):In SituGeochronology for Planetary Robotic Missions
Authors: Cohen Barbara A. , Miller J. Scott , Li Zheng‐Hua , Swindle Timothy D. , French Renee A.
Published: October 2014

Geochronology is a fundamental measurement for planetary samples, providing global and solar system context for the conditions prevailing on the planet at the time of major geological events. The potassium (K)‐Argon (Ar) laser experiment (KArLE) will makein situnoble gas geochronology measurements aboard planetary robotic missions such as rovers and landers. Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is used to measure the K abundance in a sample and to release its noble gases; the evolved Ar is measured by mass spectrometry, and relative K content is related to absolute Ar abundance by sample mass, determined by optical measurement of the ablated volume. This approach allows K and Ar to be measured on identical volumes multiple times to create an isochron, which improves the age determination and reveals irregularities in the rock if they exist. TheKArLEtechnique measures a whole‐rock K‐Ar age with 10% uncertainty or better for rocks 2 Ga or older, sufficient to resolve the absolute age of many planetary samples. TheLIBS–mass spectrometry approach is attractive because the analytical components have been flight‐proven, do not require further technical development and provide essential measurements (complete elemental abundance, evolved volatile analysis, micro‐imaging) as well asin situgeochronology.
The Federalist Perspective in Elections to the European Parliament
Authors: Clark Nicholas
Published: October 2014

The literature on elections to the European Parliament establishes that both national and EU‐relevant considerations influence the decision to participate in EP elections as well as the likelihood that EP voters will switch their support between different parties. However, there have been relatively few efforts to identify the conditions that prompt individuals to consider the EU when deciding to participate or when casting a ballot. This article theorizes that individuals from decentralized political systems are more keenly aware of the distribution of functional responsibilities within the EU and are thus more likely to vote on EU‐relevant concerns in EP elections. The results from analyses of survey data from the 2009 European Election Study, together with contextual measures of decentralization, suggest that individuals from decentralized systems are more likely to participate in EP elections and that vote‐switchers are more likely to be motivated by evaluations of the EU's performance.
Female mate choice predicts paternity success in the absence of additive genetic variance for other female paternity bias mechanisms in Drosophila serrata
Authors: Collet J. M. , Blows M. W.
Published: October 2014

After choosing a first mate, polyandrous females have access to a range of opportunities to bias paternity, such as repeating matings with the preferred male, facilitating fertilization from the best sperm or differentially investing in offspring according to their sire. Female ability to bias paternity after a first mating has been demonstrated in a few species, but unambiguous evidence remains limited by the access to complex behaviours, sperm storage organs and fertilization processes within females. Even when found at the phenotypic level, the potential evolution of any mechanism allowing females to bias paternity other than mate choice remains little explored. Using a large population of pedigreed females, we developed a simple test to determine whether there is additive genetic variation in female ability to bias paternity after a first, chosen, mating. We applied this method in the highly polyandrous Drosophila serrata, giving females the opportunity to successively mate with two males ad libitum. We found that despite high levels of polyandry (females mated more than once per day), the first mate choice was a significant predictor of male total reproductive success. Importantly, there was no detectable genetic variance in female ability to bias paternity beyond mate choice. Therefore, whether or not females can bias paternity before or after copulation, their role on the evolution of sexual male traits is likely to be limited to their first mate choice in D. serrata.
Do aggressive signals evolve towards higher reliability or lower costs of assessment?
Authors: Ręk P.
Published: October 2014

It has been suggested that the evolution of signals must be a wasteful process for the signaller, aimed at the maximization of signal honesty. However, the reliability of communication depends not only on the costs paid by signallers but also on the costs paid by receivers during assessment, and less attention has been given to the interaction between these two types of costs during the evolution of signalling systems. A signaller and receiver may accept some level of signal dishonesty by choosing signals that are cheaper in terms of assessment but that are stabilized with less reliable mechanisms. I studied the potential trade‐off between signal reliability and the costs of signal assessment in the corncrake (Crex crex). I found that the birds prefer signals that are less costly regarding assessment rather than more reliable. Despite the fact that the fundamental frequency of calls was a strong predictor of male size, it was ignored by receivers unless they could directly compare signal variants. My data revealed a response advantage of costly signals when comparison between calls differing with fundamental frequencies is fast and straightforward, whereas cheap signalling is preferred in natural conditions. These data might improve our understanding of the influence of receivers on signal design because they support the hypothesis that fully honest signalling systems may be prone to dishonesty based on the effects of receiver costs and be replaced by signals that are cheaper in production and reception but more susceptible to cheating.
Evaluation of Probiotic Characteristics of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Artisan Cheese
Authors: Hermanns Gislaine , Funck Graciele Daiana , Schmidt Jéssica Tamiozzo , Pereira Jamile Queiroz , Brandelli Adriano , Richards Neila Silvia Pereira dos Santos
Published: October 2014

The objective of this study was to identify and to evaluate probiotic characteristics and possible virulence factors of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from artisan cheeses from the northwestern region of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state, south of Brazil. Among the isolated LAB, six strains showing broader antimicrobial activity were identified by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of 16S rDNA and ribosomal 16S‐23S intergenic spacer region. The results showed most isolates were Enterococcus faecium (n = 4) and the other strains were Enterococcus faecalis and Lactobacillus plantarum. These isolates showed tolerance to acidic conditions and bile salts, and to simulated gastrointestinal juices. Isolates were also evaluated for susceptibility to antimicrobials and production of β‐hemolysin as indicators of virulence. Hemolysin was negative for all isolates, but only E. faecium strains were susceptible to all antibiotics tested.

Practical Applications

Artisan cheeses can be an interesting source for autochthonous bacteria for food use. The selected lactic acid bacteria showing antimicrobial activity on pathogenic bacteria have potential health benefits to the dairy industry. Some Enterococcus species isolated in this study showed desirable properties as potential probiotic strains, which can contribute for their use in food and feed industry.
Predictive Models Based on Support Vector Machines: Whole‐Brain versus Regional Analysis of Structural MRI in the Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Retico Alessandra , Bosco Paolo , Cerello Piergiorgio , Fiorina Elisa , Chincarini Andrea , Fantacci Maria Evelina
Published: October 2014

Decision‐making systems trained on structural magnetic resonance imaging data of subjects affected by the Alzheimer's disease (AD) and healthy controls (CTRL) are becoming widespread prognostic tools for subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study compares the performances of three classification methods based on support vector machines (SVMs), using as initial sets of brain voxels (ie, features): (1) the segmented grey matter (GM); (2) regions of interest (ROIs) by voxel‐wise t‐test filtering; (3) parceled ROIs, according to prior knowledge. The recursive feature elimination (RFE) is applied in all cases to investigate whether feature reduction improves the classification accuracy. We analyzed more than 600 AD Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) subjects, training the SVMs on the AD/CTRL dataset, and evaluating them on a trial MCI dataset. The classification performance, evaluated as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), reaches AUC = (88.9 ± .5)% in 20‐fold cross‐validation on the AD/CTRL dataset, when the GM is classified as a whole. The highest discrimination accuracy between MCI converters and nonconverters is achieved when the SVM‐RFE is applied to the whole GM: with AUC reaching (70.7 ± .9)%, it outperforms both ROI‐based approaches in predicting the AD conversion.
Anomalous Origin of Left Vertebral Artery from Carotid Bulb Seen as “Trifurcation” of Left Common Carotid Artery with Acute Infarct in Ipsilateral Thalamus: A Case Report
Authors: Patil Parag V. , Patil Abhijit M. , Apte Abhang V. , Attarde Vinod Y.
Published: October 2014

Anomalous origin of vertebral arteries is not common and usually seen as an incidental finding on imaging. We report a case of anomalous origin of left vertebral artery from left carotid bulb (“trifurcation” of left common carotid artery) on magnetic resonance angiography in a 64‐year old male who also had ipsilateral thalamic acute infarct.
Effect of length post and remaining root tissue on fracture resistance of fibre posts relined with resin composite
Authors: Farina A. P. , Weber A. L. , Severo B. de P. , Souza M. A. , Cecchin D.
Published: October 2014

To investigate the influence of post length and amount of remaining root tissue on the fracture resistance of roots restored with fibre posts relined with resin composite. Ninety upper canine teeth were divided into nine groups (n = 10). The post spaces were prepared resulting in different lengths, as follows: group 2/3, preparations with lengths of 10 mm; group 1/2, preparations with lengths of 7·5 mm; and group 1/3, preparations with lengths of 5 mm. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups according to amount of remaining root tooth tissue (2, 1 mm or 0·5 mm of thick root). Fibre posts relined with resin composite were cemented, and all teeth were restored with metal crowns. The samples were submitted to the fracture resistance test in a universal testing machine, at an angle of 135° and speed of 0·5 mm min−1. Failure modes were observed and the data of fracture resistance were submitted to the anova and Tukey's (α = 0·05). No statistically significant difference in fracture resistance was found among different post lengths (P > 0·05). Remaining dentin thickness of 2 and 1 mm did not differ statistically in fracture resistance (P > 0·05), which was higher than of 0·5 mm dentin thickness (P < 0·05). A prevalence of repairable failure was observed in all groups. It can be concluded that the length of fibre post relined with resin composite did not influence fracture resistance, but thickness was an important factor for the restoration of endodontically treated teeth.
The Second Welfare Theorem in Economies with Non‐Walrasian Markets
Authors: KOUTSOUGERAS LEONIDAS C. , ZIROS NICHOLAS
Published: October 2014

The standard version of the second welfare theorem assumes that market operations produce Walrasian outcomes. Therefore, if there are individuals who can manipulate prices, the conclusion of the second welfare theorem is questionable. In this paper, we address the decentralization of a Pareto‐optimal allocation, when markets are non‐Walrasian. Our objective in this paper is to develop a game which can implement Pareto‐optimal allocations as Nash equilibria of strategic exchange in markets. In this way, we develop a version of the second welfare theorem for economies where markets are strategic.
Computed tomographic findings in 44 dogs and 10 cats with grass seed foreign bodies
Authors: Vansteenkiste D. P. , Lee K. C. L. , Lamb C. R.
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE

To supplement recent reports of computed tomographic (CT) findings in dogs and cats with grass seed foreign bodies.

METHODS

Retrospective review of cases that had CT scan and subsequent retrieval of a grass seed during the same period of hospitalisation from a site included in the scan.

RESULTS

Records of 44 dogs and 10 cats were reviewed. Most were presented in the months July to December. Median duration of clinical signs was 4 weeks (range 2 days to 2 years). The most frequent clinical signs were soft tissue swelling (30% cases), coughing (28%), sneezing (28%) and discharge (26%). Grass seeds were retrieved from the thorax (35% cases), nasal cavity (31%), ear (7%), other sites in the head and neck (22%), sublumbar muscles (2%) and pelvic limb (2%). The grass seed was visible in CT images in 10 (19%) cases. Secondary lesions were visible in CT images of 52 (96%) cases, including collection of exudate (37%), abscess (24%), enlarged lymph nodes (22%) and pulmonary consolidation (20%). CT images appeared normal in 4% animals.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Grass seeds within the respiratory tract are frequently visible in CT images, but in general CT appears to be more useful for localisation of secondary lesions than as a method of definite diagnosis.
HYPOTHESIS TESTING FOR ARCH MODELS: A MULTIPLE QUANTILE REGRESSIONS APPROACH
Authors: Kim Seonjin
Published: October 2014

We propose a quantile regression‐based test to detect the presence of autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity by combining distributional information across multiple quantiles. A chi‐square‐type test statistic based on the weighted average of distinct regression quantile estimators is formed. Unlike the widely used likelihood‐based tests, the proposed test does not make any distributional assumptions on the underlying errors. Monte Carlo simulation studies show that the proposed test outperforms the likelihood‐based tests in several aspects.
HCVtreatment rates and sustained viral response among people who inject drugs in sevenUKsites: real world results and modelling of treatment impact
Authors: Martin N. K. , Foster G. R. , Vilar J. , Ryder S. , E. Cramp M. , Gordon F. , Dillon J. F. , Craine N. , Busse H. , Clements A. , Hutchinson S. J. , Ustianowski A. , Ramsay M. , Goldberg D. J. , Irving W. , Hope V. , De Angelis D. , Lyons M. , Vickerman P. , Hickman M.
Published: October 2014

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antiviral treatment for people who inject drugs (PWID) could prevent onwards transmission and reduce chronic prevalence. We assessed currentPWIDtreatment rates in sevenUKsettings and projected the potential impact of current and scaled‐up treatment onHCVchronic prevalence. Data on number ofPWIDtreated and sustained viral response rates (SVR) were collected from sevenUKsettings: Bristol (37–48%HCVchronic prevalence amongPWID), East London (37–48%), Manchester (48–56%), Nottingham (37–44%), Plymouth (30–37%), Dundee (20–27%) and North Wales (27–33%). A model ofHCVtransmission amongPWIDprojected the 10‐year impact of (i) current treatment rates andSVR(ii) scale‐up with interferon‐free direct acting antivirals (IFN‐freeDAAs) with 90%SVR. Treatment rates varied from <5 to over 25 per 1000PWID. Pooled intention‐to‐treatSVRforPWIDwere 45% genotypes 1/4 [95%CI33–57%] and 61% genotypes 2/3 [95%CI47–76%]. Projections of chronicHCVprevalence amongPWIDafter 10 years of current levels of treatment overlapped substantially with currentHCVprevalence estimates. Scaling‐up treatment to 26/1000PWIDannually (achieved already in two sites) withIFN‐freeDAAs could achieve an observable absolute reduction inHCVchronic prevalence of at least 15% amongPWIDin all sites and greater than a halving in chronicHCVin Plymouth, Dundee and North Wales within a decade. Current treatment rates amongPWIDare unlikely to achieve observable reductions inHCVchronic prevalence over the next 10 years. Achievable scale‐up, however, could lead to substantial reductions inHCVchronic prevalence.
Orally administered phenylbutazone causes oxidative stress in the equine gastric mucosa
Authors: Martínez Aranzales J. R. , Cândido de Andrade B. S. , Silveira Alves G. E.
Published: October 2014

Phenylbutazone (PBZ) is widely used in equine medicine, and its side effects on the gastrointestinal tract are well known. The inhibition of prostaglandins and the oxidative stress induced by nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are described as mechanisms of gastric mucosal injury in humans. In horses, only the secondary effect of changes in cyclooxygenases is related to gastric mucosal injury. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect ofPBZon certain antioxidative/oxidative parameters of the gastric mucosa. The concentrations of antioxidants and oxidants (superoxide dismutase,SOD; catalase,CAT; nitric oxide,NO; total glutathione,GSH; myeloperoxidase,MPO; and malondialdehyde,MDA),PGE2levels, and the ulcerative lesions score were assessed. The results demonstrated decreased levels of antioxidant variables, increased levels of oxidant variables, and alterations in the prostaglandin E2(PGE2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glutathione (GSH) levels. In conclusion,PBZinduces oxidative stress in the gastric glandular mucosa of horses by changing the antioxidant–oxidant balance of this surface, which might be regarded as another mechanism of injury in the horse stomach.
Dietary Multispecies Probiotic Supplementation Enhances the Immunohematological Responses and Reduces Mortality by Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita Fingerlings
Authors: Mohapatra Sipra , Chakraborty Tapas , Prusty Ashisa Kumar , Prasad Kurucheti Pani , Mohanta Kedar Nath
Published: October 2014

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the immunomodulatory effect of probiotic mixture on the nonspecific immune response and disease resistance of Labeo rohita. Fish were fed with six different test diets with or without probiotics, namely, T1 (basal feed [BF] without probiotics), T2 (BF + Bacillus subtilis [BS] + Lactococcus lactis [LL]), T3 (BF + LL + Saccharomyces cerevisiae [SC]), T4 (BF + BS + SC), T5 (BF + BS + LL + SC), and T6 (BF + heat‐killed bacteria of BS + LL + SC). During the prechallenge period, significantly higher (P < 0.01) nitroblue tetrazolium assay (NBT), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), globulin, and albumin content were recorded in the probiotic‐supplemented diet group. Feeding all the three probiotics significantly decreased (P < 0.01) the serum aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and increased the myeloperoxidase (MPO) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) value. Significant difference in the NBT, Hb, serum albumin, and MPO was noticed in both prechallenged and postchallenged fish. Lowest survivability was recorded in the nonprobiotic fed group, followed by the group fed with heat‐killed probiotics, whereas the highest survivability was noticed in the group fed with all the three probiotics in live form. Thus, a probiotic mixture diet constituting of three probiotics in viable form is found to be optimum to enhance the immunity and postinfection survivability in L. rohita fingerlings.