bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Locating Land Use at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey: The Implications of 87Sr/86Sr Signatures in Plants and Sheep Tooth Sequences
Authors: Bogaard A. , Henton E. , Evans J. A. , Twiss K. C. , Charles M. P. , Vaiglova P. , Russell N.
Published: July 2013

We evaluate local versus distant land‐use models at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, central Anatolia, using strontium isotope analysis of sheep tooth enamel and charred plant remains. Interpretation of strontium in sheep tooth sequences is constrained by previous oxygen isotope work, which largely excludes summer movement to the mountains but cannot distinguish between herding on the plain and the closest upland‐zone, Neogene limestone terraces. We establish a baseline contrast in modern plant strontium values between the plain and terraces and infer predominant herding on the plain from seven sheep tooth sequences. Archaeobotanical plant strontium values exclude the use of the terraces for cultivation and foraging. Relatively local crop and sheep management, plausibly intensive and integrated to some degree, given limited dry ground, appears likely on the basis of this pilot study.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in fibroblast growth factor 23 gene, FGF23, are associated with prostate cancer risk
Authors: Kim Hae Jong , Kim Kyeoung‐Hwa , Lee Jaehyouk , Oh Jong Jin , Cheong Hyun Sub , Wong Ee Lin , Yang Beom‐Seok , Byun Seok Soo , Myung Soon Chul
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine whether sequence variants within the FGF23 gene are associated with the risk of developing prostate cancer in a Korean population.

Patients and Methods

Five common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FGF23 gene were assessed in 272 patients with prostate cancer and 173 control subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Single‐locus analyses were conducted using conditional logistic regression.

In addition, we performed a haplotype analysis for the five FGF23 SNPs tested.

Results

Three SNPs in the FGF23 gene (rs11063118, rs13312789 and rs7955866) were associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in our study population.

Odds ratios for homozygous variants vs wild‐type variants ranged from 1.68 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–2.46) to 1.79 (95% CI: 1.16–2.75).

Conclusion

This is the first study showing that genetic variations in FGF23 increase prostate cancer susceptibility.
The role of fathers in child feeding: perceived responsibility and predictors of participation
Authors: Mallan K. M. , Nothard M. , Thorpe K. , Nicholson J. M. , Wilson A. , Scuffham P. A. , Daniels L. A.
Published: July 2013

Background

The role of fathers in shaping their child's eating behaviour and weight status through their involvement in child feeding has rarely been studied. This study aims to describe fathers' perceived responsibility for child feeding, and to identify predictors of how frequently fathers eat meals with their child.

Methods

Four hundred and thirty‐six Australian fathers (M age = 37 years, SD = 6 years; 34% university educated) of a 2–5‐year‐old child (M age = 3.5 years, SD = 0.9 years; 53% boys) were recruited via contact with mothers enrolled in existing research projects or a university staff and student email list. Data were collected from fathers via a self‐report questionnaire. Descriptive and hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted.

Results

The majority of fathers reported that the family often/mostly ate meals together (79%). Many fathers perceived that they were responsible at least half of the time for feeding their child in terms of organizing meals (42%); amount offered (50%) and deciding if their child eats the ‘right kind of foods’ (60%). Time spent in paid employment was inversely associated with how frequently fathers ate meals with their child (β = −0.23, P < 0.001); however, both higher perceived responsibility for child feeding (β = 0.16, P < 0.004) and a more involved and positive attitude toward their role as a father (β = 0.20, P < 0.001) were positively related to how often they ate meals with their child, adjusting for a range of paternal and child covariates, including time spent in paid employment.

Conclusions

Fathers from a broad range of educational backgrounds appear willing to participate in research studies on child feeding. Most fathers were engaged and involved in family meals and child feeding. This suggests that fathers, like mothers, should be viewed as potential agents for the implementation of positive feeding practices within the family.
Within‐Subject Comparison of Maxillary Implant‐Supported Overdentures with and without Palatal Coverage
Authors: Zembic Anja , Tahmaseb Ali , Wismeijer Daniel
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare patient‐reported outcomes for maxillary implant‐supported overdentures with and without palatal coverage.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐one maxillary edentulous patients (six women, 15 men) were included. In total, 42 implants were inserted in the anterior maxilla. All patients received implant‐supported overdentures on two retentive anchors with palatal coverage for 2 months. Thereafter, patient satisfaction was assessed by means of questionnaires capturing the oral health impact profile (OHIP) on functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical, psychological and social disability, and handicap. Additionally, cleaning ability, general satisfaction, speech, comfort, esthetics, stability, and chewing ability were rated. Subsequently, palatal coverage was reduced, and the patients wore the overdentures for another 2 months. Patient satisfaction was obtained in the same way as above, and the evaluated parameters were compared for the two overdenture designs.

Results

There were no significant differences between implant‐supported overdentures with and without palatal coverage for any of the OHIP domains. The evaluation of additional parameters revealed significantly higher patient satisfaction for esthetics (mean difference 8.8 mm ± 24.6) and taste (mean difference 28.4 mm ± 29.9) without palatal coverage, p < .01.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this study, maxillary overdentures supported by two implants were equally satisfactory with and without palatal coverage.
Fatherhood reduces the survival of adult‐generated cells and affects various types of behavior in the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster )
Authors: Lieberwirth Claudia , Wang Yue , Jia Xixi , Liu Yan , Wang Zuoxin
Published: July 2013

Motherhood has profound effects on physiology, neuronal plasticity, and behavior. We conducted a series of experiments to test the hypothesis that fatherhood, similarly to motherhood, affects brain plasticity (such as cell proliferation and survival) and various behaviors in the highly social prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). In Experiment 1, adult males were housed with their same‐sex cage mate (control), single‐housed (isolation), or housed with a receptive female to mate and produce offspring (father) for 6 weeks. Fatherhood significantly reduced cell survival (assessed by bromodeoxyuridine labeling), but not cell proliferation (assessed by Ki67‐labeling), in the amygdala, dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, and ventromedial hypothalamus, suggesting that fatherhood affects brain plasticity. In Experiment 2, neither acute (20 min) nor chronic (20 min daily for 10 consecutive days) pup exposure altered cell proliferation or survival in the brain, but chronic pup exposure increased circulating corticosterone levels. These data suggest that reduced cell survival in the brain of prairie vole fathers was unlikely to be due to the level of pup exposure and display of paternal behavior, and may not be mediated by circulating corticosterone. The effects of fatherhood on various behaviors (including anxiety‐like, depression‐like, and social behaviors) were examined in Experiment 3. The data indicated that fatherhood increased anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors as well as altered aggression and social recognition memory in male prairie voles. These results warrant further investigation of a possible link between brain plasticity and behavioral changes observed due to fatherhood.
Predicting current and future global distributions of whale sharks
Authors: Sequeira Ana M. M. , Mellin Camille , Fordham Damien A. , Meekan Mark G. , Bradshaw Corey J. A.
Published: July 2013

The Vulnerable (IUCN) whale shark spans warm and temperate waters around the globe. However, their present‐day and possible future global distribution has never been predicted. Using 30 years (1980–2010) of whale shark observations recorded by tuna purse‐seiners fishing in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, we applied generalized linear mixed‐effects models to test the hypothesis that similar environmental covariates predict whale shark occurrence in all major ocean basins. We derived global predictors from satellite images for chlorophyll a and sea surface temperature, and bathymetric charts for depth, bottom slope and distance to shore. We randomly generated pseudo‐absences within the area covered by the fisheries, and included fishing effort as an offset to account for potential sampling bias. We predicted sea surface temperatures for 2070 using an ensemble of five global circulation models under a no climate‐policy reference scenario, and used these to predict changes in distribution. The full model (excluding standard deviation of sea surface temperature) had the highest relative statistical support (wAICc = 0.99) and explained ca. 60% of the deviance. Habitat suitability was mainly driven by spatial variation in bathymetry and sea surface temperature among oceans, although these effects differed slightly among oceans. Predicted changes in sea surface temperature resulted in a slight shift of suitable habitat towards the poles in both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans (ca. 5°N and 3–8°S, respectively) accompanied by an overall range contraction (2.5–7.4% and 1.1–6.3%, respectively). Predicted changes in the Pacific Ocean were small. Assuming that whale shark environmental requirements and human disturbances (i.e. no stabilization of greenhouse gas emissions) remain similar, we show that warming sea surface temperatures might promote a net retreat from current aggregation areas and an overall redistribution of the species.
Tracking C and N dynamics and stabilization in soil amended with wheat residue and its corresponding bioethanol by‐product: a 13C/15N study
Authors: Cayuela Maria Luz , Kuikman Peter , Bakker Robert , van Groenigen Jan Willem
Published: July 2013

Removing agricultural cellulosic residues from fields for the production of ‘second generation biofuels'has the potential to profoundly alter C and N cycling in soil, increasing the risk of soil organic matter depletion and favoring soil–atmosphere gaseous exchanges. However, these negative impacts could potentially be offset by amending the soil with the solid by‐product which is generated during bioethanol production. In a 100 days laboratory study, we investigated the fate of C and N after soil amendment with doubly labeled (13C, 15N) wheat residue (WR) and the corresponding bioethanol by‐product (i.e. nonfermentable wheat residue NFWR) with and without extra N addition. Substituting WR with the corresponding amount of recovered bioethanol by‐product partially compensated the C losses of full crop residue removal. When the equivalent amount of C was added as WR and NFWR, NFWR‐derived C was found in significantly higher proportion in macroaggregates in soil (17.0 vs. 8.9%) after 100 days. Addition of both WR and NFWR reduced soil organic C (SOC) mineralization, i.e. it caused a negative priming effect in soil. However, this pattern was reversed when extra N was added. Both WR and NFWR increased the proportion of soil water‐stable macroaggregates from 16% (in control) to 20–24% (in the different treatments). The results suggest that the more recalcitrant compounds derived from bioethanol production may stabilize more strongly and persist within the protected fractions of SOM pools. Our study demonstrates that NFWR, compared with WR application, neither increased N2O emissions nor had a negative impact on aggregate formation in the midterm. This demonstrates that NFWR has potential for replenishing SOC stocks.
Save life and improve quality: Report from the 5th Congress of International Society for Hemodialysis
Authors: Chen Hung‐Chun , Lim Lee‐Moay , Chang Jer‐Ming , Misra Madhukar
Published: July 2013

The 5th congress of International Society for Hemodialysis took place last August 3–5, 2012 at the Grand Hotel in Taipei and focused on “Save Life and Improve Quality.” It attracted a total of 927 participants from 18 countries. The full spectrum of hemodialysis was covered with plenary lectures and symposiums delivered by experts from different subspecialties in nephrology starting from the history of hemodialysis, mineral bone disease, microinflammation and advanced techniques in hemodialysis. It was followed by critical care in nephrology, anemia, and nutrition in dialysis. Last but not the least, natural disasters and medical economics in hemodialysis were also discussed extensively. This special article will highlight the authentic contributions and innovative clinical presentations from the meeting.
Efficient sweat reduction of three different antiperspirant application forms during stress‐induced sweating
Authors: Schmidt‐Rose T. , Lehmbeck F. , Bürger A. , Windisch B. , Keyhani R. , Max H.
Published: July 2013

Synopsis

Objectives

Stress sweating can occur in everyday situations independently of thermally‐induced perspiration. It is triggered by emotionally challenging situations and leads to underarm wetness and a characteristic unpleasant malodor. In this study, we aimed to determine the long‐term efficacy of three unperfumed antiperspirant (AP) formulas for different application forms (roll‐on, stick, aerosol) against stress‐induced sweating and malodor formation.

Methods

We utilized the widely accepted Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) to induce psychosocial stress in female and male volunteers (18 – 40 years) and determined physiological stress parameters. To additionally assess the efficacy of the test AP roll‐on against thermally‐induced sweating, a hot room study was performed.

Results

Increasing heart rates and an augmentation of saliva cortisol levels during the TSST indicated a substantial stress reaction which was paralleled by a pronounced sweat production in the untreated axillae of both males and females. Forty‐eight hours after application, all three test APs significantly decreased the amount of sweat in the treated axillae independent of gender. With respect to AP effects on malodor production, trained sniffers assessed sweat samples collected during the TSST from the untreated axillae as significantly more malodorous than comparable samples from the AP‐treated axillae. Also, independent of gender the test AP roll‐on significantly decreased the thermally‐induced sweat in the AP‐treated axilla.

Conclusion

We show for the first time a highly effective reduction of emotionally‐induced axillary sweating and malodor production for three different application forms 48 h after the last product use. The specially developed roll‐on, stick, and aerosol AP provide long‐term protection against stress‐induced sweat which is of high relevance in everyday life.
Exchanging Views: Knowledge Transfer Through Literary Translation
Authors: Wilson Rita
Published: July 2013

Translation supports cultural interaction by fostering mutual understanding and enabling people to access foreign cultures. Logically, translation also furthers knowledge transfer in a broad sense. Drawing on recent scholarship that focuses on the migration and mobility of literary products (Damrosch, 2003; Casanova, 2004), this article seeks to show that the knowledge generated by both the practice of translation and the interdisciplinary area of Translation Studies is a key factor in shaping the image of a national culture.
“Checkerboard” versus culture: a comparison between two methods for identification of subgingival microbiota
Authors: Papapanou Panos N. , Madianos Phoebus N. , Dahlén Gunnar , Sandros Jens
Published: July 2013

The present study compared the “checkerboard” DNA‐DNA hybridization methodology with culture techniques for the analysis of the composition of the subgingival microbiota. 70 subjects, presenting with a variety of periodontal conditions, contributed with a total of 283 subgingival plaque samples analyzed with respect to the following species: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia/Prevotella nigrescens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Campylobacter rectus, Eikenella corrodens, Bacteroides forsythus, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mutans. Species identification and quantification was performed by (i) the checkerboard method, using whole genomic, digoxigenin labeled DNA probes; and (ii) culture, including non‐selective and selective media in combination with routine biochemical testing using commercial test panels. We found that the checkerboard technology resulted in higher prevalence figures for half of the species tested when compared to culture data. If the latter were used as the reference, checkerboard detection sensitivities ranged from 0.17 to 0.86, specificities from 0.17 to 1.0, and diagnostic accuracies from 0.51 to 0.81, depending on bacterial species. The use of the checkerboard data as the reference resulted in detection sensitivities for the culture procedures between 0.24 and 1.0 and specificities between 0.21 and 0.87. The checkerboard methodology resulted in statistically significant higher bacterial counts for the majority of the species. It was further observed that, for most species, the higher the total number colony‐forming units in the sample, the higher the discrepancy between the results obtained by the two techniques.
Closing of dentinal tubules by Gluma desensitizer
Authors: Schupbach P. , Lutz F. , Finger W. J.
Published: July 2013

Gluma Dentin Bond is an adhesive system, where the primer contains 5% glutaraldehyde and 35% hydroxyethyl methacrylate. Practitioners have reported a strong desensitizing effect of the Gluma system on dentin. This study, thus, sought to evaluate the effect of this system on dentin using various microscopic techniques. 12 non‐restored human molars extracted for prosthodontic reasons were used. Prior to extraction the buccal cusps were removed such that a 2 mm × 2 mm wide dentin surface was exposed. The surfaces were treated in 6 ways: (1) application of Gluma 2 cleanser, Gluma 3 primer to which 0.1% w/v fluorescein was added, and Gluma 4 sealer; (2) as in (1) but treatment with H2O/0.1% w/v fluorescein instead of the Gluma 3; (3) as in (1) but without Gluma 2; (4) as in (1) but with application of 5% glutaraldehyde instead of Gluma 3; (5) as in (1) but without Gluma 4; (6) as in (1) but with application of 35% HEMA/0.1% w/v fluorescein instead of Gluma 3. Following extraction, 1 tooth per procedure was prepared for confocal laser scanning microscopy. The remaining teeth were fixed and prepared for SEM and TEM evaluation. In specimens of procedures (1) and (5), tubular occlusions could be seen to a depth of 200/μm. In specimens of procedure (4) tubular occlusions were found only to a depth of 50 μm. Such occlusions were not seen in control specimens (2), in specimens where the smear‐layer had not been removed (3), or following application of HEMA alone (6). It is concluded that glutaraldehyde can intrinsically block dentinal tubules. The septa in the tubules may counteract the hydrodynamic mechanism for dentinal sensitivity.
Insulin and IGF1 enhance IL‐17‐induced chemokine expression through a GSK3B‐dependent mechanism: a new target for melatonin's anti‐inflammatory action
Authors: Ge Dongxia , Dauchy Robert T. , Liu Sen , Zhang Qiuyang , Mao Lulu , Dauchy Erin M. , Blask David E. , Hill Steven M. , Rowan Brian G. , Brainard George C. , Hanifin John P. , Cecil Kate S. , Xiong Zhenggang , Myers Leann , You Zongbing
Published: July 2013

Obesity is a chronic inflammation with increased serum levels of insulin, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17). The objective of this study was to test a hypothesis that insulin and IGF1 enhance IL‐17‐induced expression of inflammatory chemokines/cytokines through a glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3B)‐dependent mechanism, which can be inhibited by melatonin. We found that insulin/IGF1 and lithium chloride enhanced IL‐17‐induced expression of C‐X‐C motif ligand 1 (Cxcl1) and C‐C motif ligand 20 (Ccl20) in the Gsk3b+/+, but not in Gsk3b−/− mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells. IL‐17 induced higher levels of Cxcl1 and Ccl20 in the Gsk3b−/− MEF cells, compared with the Gsk3b+/+ MEF cells. Insulin and IGF1 activated Akt to phosphorylate GSK3B at serine 9, thus inhibiting GSK3B activity. Melatonin inhibited Akt activation, thus decreasing P‐GSK3B at serine 9 (i.e., increasing GSK3B activity) and subsequently inhibiting expression of Cxcl1 and Ccl20 that was induced either by IL‐17 alone or by a combination of insulin and IL‐17. Melatonin's inhibitory effects were only observed in the Gsk3b+/+, but in not Gsk3b−/− MEF cells. Melatonin also inhibited expression of Cxcl1, Ccl20, and Il‐6 that was induced by a combination of insulin and IL‐17 in the mouse prostatic tissues. Further, nighttime human blood, which contained high physiologic levels of melatonin, decreased expression of Cxcl1, Ccl20, and Il‐6 in the PC3 human prostate cancer xenograft tumors. Our data support our hypothesis and suggest that melatonin may be used to dampen IL‐17‐mediated inflammation that is enhanced by the increased levels of insulin and IGF1 in obesity.
Dopamine‐induced bradycardia in two dogs under isoflurane anaesthesia
Authors: Tsompanidou P. P. , Kazakos G. M. , Anagnostou T. L.
Published: July 2013

Dopamine is a commonly used positive inotropic agent for the treatment of hypotension in small animals. Two dogs that had undergone surgery, under isoflurane anaesthesia, developed a sudden and profound bradycardia when a dopamine infusion was administered. Bradycardia was attributed to the activation of the Bezold‐Jarisch reflex, an inhibitory reflex, characterised by bradycardia and hypotension.
MicroRNA‐130a inhibits HCV replication by restoring the innate immune response
Authors: Li S. , Duan X. , Li Y. , Liu B. , McGilvray I. , Chen L.
Published: July 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently pegylated interferon (IFN) combined with ribavirin remains the best therapeutic approach, although patients infected with HCV genotype I may benefit from adding protease inhibitors as ‘triple therapy’. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have recently been shown to play an important role in human innate immune response and as an antiviral in chimpanzees. We studied the effect of miR‐130a on the HCV replication. We found that miR‐130a significantly inhibits HCV replication in both HCV replicon and J6‐/JFH1‐infected cells. Over expression of miR‐130a upregulated the expression of type I IFN (IFN‐α/IFN ‐β), ISG15, USP18 and MxA, which are involved in innate immune response and decreased expression of miR‐122, a well‐defined miRNA promoting HCV production. In conclusion, miR‐130a inhibits HCV replication/production by restoring host innate immune responses and/or downregulating pro‐HCV miR‐122. miR‐130a might be a potential drug target by modulating host innate immune responses to combat HCV infection.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yokoyama S. , Takahashi S. , Kawakami Y. , Hayes C. N. , Kohno H. , Kohno H. , Tsuji K. , Aisaka Y. , Kira S. , Yamashina K. , Nonaka M. , Moriya T. , Kitamoto M. , Aimitsu S. , Nakanishi T. , Kawakami H. , Chayama K.
Published: July 2013

Chronic HCV–infected patients tend to have vitamin D deficiency, suggesting that vitamin D supplementation may enhance the efficacy of treatment with pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV). We therefore assessed the effects of vitamin D supplementation on viral response to PEG‐IFN/RBV. Eighty‐four patients with HCV genotype 1b were randomized, 42 to oral vitamin D supplementation (1000 IU/day) and 42 to nonsupplementation (control), from week 8 to the end of PEG‐IFN/RBV therapy. The primary end point was undetectable HCV RNA at week 24 (viral response [VR]). VR rate at week 24 was significantly higher in the vitamin D than in the control group (78.6% vs 54.8% P = 0.037). Adverse events were similar in both groups. When patients were subdivided by IL28B SNP rs8099917 genotype, those with the TT genotype group showed a significantly higher VR rate at week 24 with than without vitamin D supplementation (86.2% vs 63.3% vs P = 0.044). Although patients with the TG/GG genotype, who were relatively resistant to PEG‐IFN treatment, had similar VR rates at week 24 with and without vitamin D supplementation, the decline in viral load from week 8 to week 24 was significantly greater with than without vitamin D supplementation. Multivariate analysis showed that rs8099917 genotype and vitamin D supplementation contributed significantly to VR at week 24. SVR rates were similar in the vitamin D and control groups [64.3% (27/42) vs 50% (21/42), P = 0.19]. Vitamin D supplementation may enhance the effects of PEG‐IFN/RBV in HCV genotype 1b–infected patients.
Taurine‐induced insulin signalling improvement of obese malnourished mice is associated with redox balance and protein phosphatases activity modulation
Authors: Cappelli Ana P. , Zoppi Claudio C. , Barbosa‐Sampaio Helena C. , Costa José M. , Protzek André O. , Morato Priscila N. , Boschero Antonio C. , Carneiro Everardo M.
Published: July 2013

Background & Aims

Obese protein malnourished mice display liver insulin resistance and taurine (TAU) seems to attenuate this effect. The association between early‐life malnutrition and hepatic redox balance in diet‐induced insulin resistance is unknown. We investigated TAU supplementation effects upon liver redox state and insulin signalling in obese protein malnourished mice.

Methods

Weaned male C57BL‐6 mice were fed a control (14% protein – C) or a protein‐restricted diet (6% protein – R) for 6 weeks. Afterwards, mice received a high‐fat diet (34% fat – HFD) for 8 weeks (CH – RH). Half of the HFD‐mice were supplemented with TAU (5%) throughout the treatment (CHT – RHT). Body and tissues' weight, respiratory quotient (RQ), glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, hepatic oxidant and antioxidant markers and insulin cascade proteins were assessed.

Results

Protein restriction leads to typical features whereas HFD was able to induce a catch‐up growth in RH. HFD‐groups showed higher energy intake and adiposity, lower energy expenditure and altered RQ. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were impaired in HFD‐groups and TAU attenuated these effects. H2O2 content was increased in CHT and RHT despite no differences in antioxidant enzymes and GSH concentration. AKT and PTEN phosphorylation were significantly increased in CHT but not in RHT.

Conclusion

Our data provide evidence for an association between TAU‐induced improved glycaemic control because of PTEN inactivation and higher AKT phosphorylation. These effects seem to be related with altered hepatic redox balance in obese mice, and this effect is impaired by protein malnutrition.
Cellular sources of cyclooxygenase‐1 and ‐2 up‐regulation in the spinal dorsal horn after spinal nerve ligation
Authors: Lau Yee Man , Wong Shing Chau , Tsang Sin Wah , Lau Wai Kit , Lu Ai Ping , Zhang HongQi
Published: July 2013

Aims

Recent studies suggested that the development of neuropathic pain associated with neural injury may be partly due to up‐regulation of cyclooxygenase (COX) in the central nervous system. However, the cellular sources of COX‐1 and COX‐2 up‐regulation following nerve injury are unclear.

Methods

We investigated the spinal cellular sources of COX‐1 and COX‐2 in association with allodynia following L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL).

Results

Post‐SNL pain‐related behaviour was shown by increased sensitivity to mechanical stimulation. There was a significant increase in both COX‐1 and COX‐2 immunoreactivity (P < 0.01) on the ipsilateral side of spinal dorsal horn. Double immunofluorescence labelling demonstrated that COX‐1 immunoreactive cells colocalized chiefly with dorsal horn neuronal nuclei and microglia, whereas COX‐2 was expressed in neuronal cytoplasm.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that while spinal dorsal horn neurones are important source of COX‐1 and COX‐2 after nerve injury, microglia also contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain, partly by producing additional COX‐1.
Environmental and physiological determinants of carbon isotope discrimination in terrestrial plants
Authors: Cernusak Lucas A. , Ubierna Nerea , Winter Klaus , Holtum Joseph A. M. , Marshall John D. , Farquhar Graham D.
Published: July 2013

Stable carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) of terrestrial plants are employed across a diverse range of applications in environmental and plant sciences; however, the kind of information that is desired from the δ13C signal often differs. At the extremes, it ranges between purely environmental and purely biological. Here, we review environmental drivers of variation in carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) in terrestrial plants, and the biological processes that can either damp or amplify the response. For C3 plants, where Δ is primarily controlled by the ratio of intercellular to ambient CO2 concentrations (ci/ca), coordination between stomatal conductance and photosynthesis and leaf area adjustment tends to constrain the potential environmentally driven range of Δ. For C4 plants, variation in bundle‐sheath leakiness to CO2 can either damp or amplify the effects of ci/ca on Δ. For plants with crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), Δ varies over a relatively large range as a function of the proportion of daytime to night‐time CO2 fixation. This range can be substantially broadened by environmental effects on Δ when carbon uptake takes place primarily during the day. The effective use of Δ across its full range of applications will require a holistic view of the interplay between environmental control and physiological modulation of the environmental signal.

Contents

Summary
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I.
Introduction
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II.
Carbon isotope discrimination
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III.
The C3 photosynthetic pathway
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IV.
The C4 photosynthetic pathway
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V.
Crassulacean acid metabolism
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VI.
Conclusion
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Acknowledgements
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Reference
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Can we predict severe reactions during peanut challenges in children?
Authors: van Erp Francine C. , Knulst André C. , Kentie Petra A. , Pasmans Suzanne. G. M. , van der Ent Cornelis K. , Meijer Yolanda
Published: July 2013

Background

Limited and contrasting data are available about risk factors for severe reactions during double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). Knowing these risk factors would help to improve safety precautions and choosing the best setting for challenge. We assessed whether we could determine predictors for positive and severe food challenge outcome (FCO) with regular available patient data in children suspected for peanut allergy.

Methods

A retrospective study in children referred for DBPCFC with peanut was performed during a 3‐year period. Reactions during challenge were classified as mild/moderate (Sampson's grade 1–3) and severe (Sampson's grade 4–5). We performed uni‐ and multivariable logistic regression to determine predictors for positive and severe FCO.

Results

A group of 225 children with a median age of 6.7 (IQR 5.0–9.5) years were studied. In 109 (48%) children, food challenge outcome was positive and 24 (11%) children developed a severe reaction. The level of sIgE for peanut OR 1.14 (1.08–1.20), male gender OR 0.40 (0.20–0.81), having another food allergy OR 0.43 (0.20–0.88), were independently related to positive FCO. No significant differences were found between children with severe and non‐severe FCO with respect to age, gender, asthma, sIgE, or previous reaction to peanut.

Conclusions

Although predictors of positive FCO could be identified, none of the studied risk factors could predict a severe reaction during peanut challenge. When challenging a child sensitized to peanut, clinicians should be prepared and equipped to handle any reaction in all cases.
A Tobacco etch virus NW isolate that overcomes pvr1 and pvr12 resistance in Capsicum sp.
Authors: Velasquez N. , Murphy J. F.
Published: July 2013

Two important sources of Capsicum annuum (bell pepper) resistance were evaluated for their response to inoculation with two isolates of Tobacco etch virus strain NW (TEV‐NW, genus Potyvirus). The resistant cultivars were CA4 and Dempsey, which contain the pvr1 and pvr12 resistance genes, respectively. TEV‐NW was maintained by mechanical passage in the susceptible pepper cultivar Early Calwonder and Nicotiana tabacum cv. Kentucky 14. In initial experiments, the TEV‐NW isolate maintained in Early Calwonder infected two of seven CA4 plants; however, none of the CA4 plants inoculated with the TEV‐NW isolate maintained in Kentucky 14 were infected. The infected CA4 plants had low virus titres in non‐inoculated leaves and did not develop visible symptoms. When the infected CA4 plants were used as inoculum of additional CA4 plants, all newly inoculated plants became infected, developed systemic symptoms and accumulated virus in non‐inoculated leaves more quickly than the originally infected CA4 plants. This new NW isolate, referred to as NW‐CA4, was shown to overcome the resistances expressed by both CA4 (pvr1) and Dempsey (pvr12). The potyviral VPg is believed to be the determinant for pvr1 and pvr12 resistance genes, both of which are eIF4E‐encoding genes. The VPg amino acid sequence for NW‐CA4 was determined and compared with that of NW isolates and different TEV strains. No amino acid variation was identified that explained the infectivity of NW‐CA4 in CA4 and Dempsey plants.
Crop damage caused by powdery mildew on hop and its relationship to late season management
Authors: Gent D. H. , Grove G. G. , Nelson M. E. , Wolfenbarger S. N. , Woods J. L.
Published: July 2013

Powdery mildew of hop (Podosphaera macularis) may cause economic loss due to reductions in cone yield and quality. Quantitative estimates of crop damage from powdery mildew remain poorly characterized, especially the effect of late season disease management on crop yield and quality. Field studies in Washington State evaluated cone yield, bittering acid content and quality factors when fungicide applications were ceased at different stages of cone development. The incidence of cones with powdery mildew was linearly correlated with yield of cones, bittering acids and accelerated cone maturation. In cultivar Galena, the cumulative effect of every 1% increase in cones powdery mildew incidence was to reduce alpha‐acid yield by 0·33%, which was due to direct effects on cone yield but also indirect effects mediated by dry matter. In the more susceptible cultivar Zeus, alpha‐acid yield was increased 20% by controlling powdery mildew through the transition of bloom to early cone development compared to ceasing fungicide applications at bloom: additional applications provided only modest improvements in alpha‐acid yield. In both cultivars, the impact of powdery mildew on aroma characteristics and bittering acid content were less substantial than cone yield. The damage caused by powdery mildew to cone colour and alpha‐acid yield, as well as the effectiveness of fungicide applications made to manage the disease, appears inseparably linked to dry matter content of cones at harvest. Realising achievable yield potential in these cultivars requires control of the disease through early stages of cone development and harvest before maturity exceeds c. 25% dry matter.
The Law of the European Union on Nanotechnologies: Comments on a Paradox
Authors: Brosset Estelle
Published: July 2013

European Union (EU) law and policy on nanotechnologies reveals what might seem like a paradox. Even if the EU acts as a leading investor in this area, there is no regulation specifically targeting nanotechnologies. While a great number of European regulations could be applicable to nanomaterials, these still require further examination. However, the adaptation of current provisions has not been successful so far due to terminological inconsistencies, which have not been completely resolved by the adoption of the recommendation of the European Commission on a definition for nanomaterials.
Regulating in Thin Air: Nanotechnology Regulation in the European Union
Authors: Mielke Sebastian K.
Published: July 2013

This article analyzes the challenges faced by regulators in the European Union when dealing with nanotechnology. By examining the status quo of nanospecific regulation as well as current proposals for future legislation, the article shows the difficulty of adapting the main regulatory tool – the precautionary principle – to challenges in areas such as chemicals, novel food, cosmetics, medical devices or biocides. Designed to work in areas in which there is only a very limited knowledge base, regulators are forced to apply the precautionary principle in a way that achieves a balance between the protection of human health and the environment, on the one hand, and the promotion of wealth and technological progress, on the other.
Artificial Neural Network–Based System Identification for a Single-Shaft Gas Turbine
Authors: Asgari Hamid , Chen XiaoQi , Menhaj Mohammad B. , Sainudiin Raazesh
Published: July 2013

During recent decades, artificial intelligence has been employed as a powerful tool for identification of complex industrial systems with nonlinear dynamics, such as gas turbines (GT). In this study, a methodology based on artificial neural network (ANN) techniques was developed for offline system identification of a low-power gas turbine. The processed data was obtained from a SIMULINK model of a gas turbine in matlab environment. A comprehensive computer program code was generated and run in matlab for creating and training different ANN models with feed-forward multilayer perceptron (MLP) structure. The code consisted of various training functions, different number of neurons as well as a variety of transfer (activation) functions for hidden and output layers of the network. It was shown that the optimal model for a two-layer network with MLP structure consisted of 20 neurons in its hidden layer and used trainlm as its training function, as well as tansig and logsid as its transfer functions for the hidden and output layers. It was also observed that trainlm has a superior performance in terms of minimum mean squared error (MSE) compared with each of the other training functions. The resulting model could predict performance of the system with high accuracy. The methodology provides a comprehensive view of the performance of over 18,720 ANN models for system identification of the single-shaft gas turbine. One can use the optimal ANN model from this study when training from real data obtained from this type of GT. This is particularly useful when real data is only available over a limited operational range.
Rotorcraft Engine Cycle Optimization at Mission Level
Authors: Goulos Ioannis , Hempert Fabian , Sethi Vishal , Pachidis Vassilios , d'Ippolito Roberto , d'Auria Massimo
Published: July 2013

This work investigates the potential to reduce fuel consumption associated with civil rotorcraft operations at mission level, through optimization of the engine design point cycle parameters. An integrated simulation framework, comprising models applicable to rotorcraft flight dynamics, rotor blade aeroelasticity, and gas turbine performance, has been deployed. A comprehensive and computationally efficient optimization strategy, utilizing a novel particle-swarm method, has been structured. The developed methodology has been applied on a twin-engine light and a twin-engine medium rotorcraft configuration. The potential reduction in fuel consumption has been evaluated in the context of designated missions, representative of modern rotorcraft operations. Optimal engine design point cycle parameters, in terms of total mission fuel consumption, have been obtained. Pareto front models have been structured, describing the optimum interrelationship between maximum shaft power and mission fuel consumption. The acquired results suggest that, with respect to technological limitations, mission fuel economy can be improved with the deployment of design specifications leading to increased thermal efficiency, while simultaneously catering for sufficient performance to satisfy airworthiness certification requirements. The developed methodology enables the identification of optimum engine design specifications using a single design criterion; the respective trade-off between fuel economy and payload–range capacity, through maximum contingency shaft power, that the designer is prepared to accept.
Development of Load Multipliers (Z-Factors) in Elastic-Plastic Fracture Mechanics Evaluation in Rules on Fitness-for-Service for Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Asada Seiji , Itatani Masao , Miura Naoki , Machida Hideo
Published: July 2013

Not only nonmandatory Appendix C, “Evaluation of Flaws in Piping,” in ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section XI but also Appendix E-9, “Elastic-Plastic Fracture Mechanics Evaluation,” in the JSME Rules on Fitness-for-Service for Nuclear Power Plants use the load multiplier Z-factor that is applied to elastic-plastic fracture mechanics evaluation for a circumferential flaw of austenitic stainless steel piping and ferritic steel piping. The Z-factor is defined as the ratio of the limit load to the load at fracture load. Basically, the Z-factor equations were conservatively formulated by using the Z-factors for circumferential through-wall flaws. However, the Codes require flaw evaluation for circumferential surface flaws. Accordingly, Z-factors for circumferential surface flaws should be developed to have the consistency. Therefore Z-factor equations of austenitic stainless steel piping and ferritic steel piping have been developed for circumferential surface flaws.
Re-Evaluation of Fatigue Crack Growth Curve for Austenitic Stainless Steels in BWR Environment
Authors: Itatani Masao , Ogawa Takuya , Narazaki Chihiro , Saito Toshiyuki
Published: July 2013

The Rules on Fitness-for-Service for Nuclear Power Plants of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME Code) has the reference fatigue crack growth curve for austenitic stainless steels in BWR environment. This reference curve was determined as the upper bound of crack growth data excluding the outlier data. However, the other reference curves for fatigue crack growth rate such as austenitic stainless steels and ferritic steels in air environment and ferritic steels in water environment in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section XI and the JSME Code, austenitic stainless steels in PWR environment in the JSME Code and Ni-base alloys in PWR environment in the JSME Code Case are determined based on the 95% upper confidential limit by statistic data treatment. In the present study, the fatigue crack growth data of austenitic stainless steels in BWR environment were re-evaluated statistically. It was found that the current reference curve almost coincides with 95% upper confidential limit of fatigue crack growth data in the Paris region. Consequently, the current reference fatigue crack growth curve for austenitic stainless steels in BWR environment in the JSME Code can be regarded to stand on the same technical bases with other reference fatigue crack growth curves. Furthermore, the authors proposed to extend applicable upper bound of load rising time tr from 1000 s to 32000 s.
Presentation of New Edition of RCC M Code in 2012
Authors: Malouines Philippe
Published: July 2013

The paper covers the general approach followed by AFCEN, the French Society for Design, Construction and In-Service Inspection Rules for Nuclear Island Components, in codes and standards, from the technical and organizational points of views. The RCC-M code is the major reference code in existence since the creation of AFCEN.

The presentation highlights how the industrial experience is currently integrated into the industrial codes, and how codes evolve taking into account the enlargement of AFCEN, new AFCEN organization rules, international environment, and international best practices. Processes for updates, interpretations and inquiries are addressed.

New 2012 Edition of the Code integrates addenda 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 of 2007 Edition. Modification sheets of Addenda 2011 are detailed, in particular because this addendum will not be published, and will be directly integrated in 2012 Edition. Future evolutions are also addressed, giving the frame for the objective of new RCC-M addenda in 2013.
COG Risk-Informed In-Service Inspection (RI-ISI) Project
Authors: O’Regan Patrick J. , Rezaie-Manesh Mehdi , Chesworth Scott T.
Published: July 2013

In 2009, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) prepared “Guidelines for Risk-Informed In-service Inspection for Piping,” which provided guidance and acceptance criteria for licensees to develop an RI-ISI program as an alternate to the current CSA N285.4 and augmented programs for piping inspection. A project was initiated by the CANDU Owners Group (COG) to develop a best-fit RI-ISI methodology for the CANDU design and evaluate plant risk levels between current and RI-ISI inspection programs. The traditional EPRI RI-ISI methodology was selected as a starting point, and four plant systems were evaluated. Both failure potential and consequence of failure were used to establish the risk significance for all in-scope piping components. Once the risk associated with each component was established, elements were selected for inspection based upon the sampling percentages of the EPRI RI-ISI methodology, and as a final check a comparison was made between plant risk under the current CSA N285.4 (and augmented) inspection program and under RI-ISI. The project was successfully concluded in 2011, and results confirmed that the EPRI RI-ISI methodology can be adapted to the CANDU design and the degradation mechanisms evaluated under RI-ISI are consistent with CANDU operating experience. The original CSA N285.4 basis for the CANDU Periodic Inspection Program (PIP) was validated, and potential improvements to the station inspection programs were identified.
NSF/ANSI 14: Third Party Certification for High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipe
Authors: Ciechanowski Ata
Published: July 2013

NSF/ANSI Standard 14 (NSF 14) was developed in 1965 to establish a standard for the testing and certification of plastic materials for both toxicological health effects as well as performance. At the time of introduction, NSF 14 covered pipe and fittings for only potable water applications and a small number of plastic materials, i.e. polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-Styrene (ABS) and polyethylene (PE). Over the 46 years since its development and introduction, NSF 14 has evolved into a plastic standard that is no longer restricted to potable water. It now covers a wide variety of applications such as DWV (drain, waste and vent), sewer, natural gas, industrial applications and reclaimed water. In addition, it covers a wide variety of materials such as polypropylene (PP), HDPE, Polyamide (PA), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) and polysulfone (PPSU). This paper will specifically cover third party certification for HDPE pipe. It will address material, performance and quality control requirements.