bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reevaluating the conceptual framework for applied research on host‐plant resistance
Authors: Stout Michael J.
Published: December 2012

Applied research on host‐plant resistance to arthropod pests has been guided over the past 60 years by a framework originally developed by Reginald Painter in his 1951 book, Insect Resistance in Crop Plants. Painter divided the “phenomena” of resistance into three “mechanisms,” nonpreference (later renamed antixenosis), antibiosis, and tolerance. The weaknesses of this framework are discussed. In particular, this trichotomous framework does not encompass all known mechanisms of resistance, and the antixenosis and antibiosis categories are ambiguous and inseparable in practice. These features have perhaps led to a simplistic approach to understanding arthropod resistance in crop plants. A dichotomous scheme is proposed as a replacement, with a major division between resistance (plant traits that limit injury to the plant) and tolerance (plant traits that reduce amount of yield loss per unit injury), and the resistance category subdivided into constitutive/inducible and direct/indirect subcategories. The most important benefits of adopting this dichotomous scheme are to more closely align the basic and applied literatures on plant resistance and to encourage a more mechanistic approach to studying plant resistance in crop plants. A more mechanistic approach will be needed to develop novel approaches for integrating plant resistance into pest management programs.
‘Chained to my work'? Strategies to manage temporal and physical boundaries among self‐employed teleworkers
Authors: Mustafa Mona , Gold Michael
Published: December 2012

It is accepted that teleworkers generally manage the balance between their home and working lives by establishing temporal and physical boundaries between the two along a continuum of role integration–segmentation. What is less understood is the nature of the relationship between temporal and physical boundaries, and how teleworkers control constituent elements of physical boundaries to secure their preferred location along the continuum. Based on 20 interviews with self‐employed teleworkers, this article examines the ways in which successful control of time depends largely on the successful control of space. It investigates in particular how teleworkers attempt to control space by breaking it down into constituent elements involving equipment, activities and ambiance.
HR practices and affective organisational commitment: (when) does HR differentiation pay off?
Authors: Marescaux Elise , De Winne Sophie , Sels Luc
Published: December 2012

We argue that differentiating HR practices across employees leads employees to compare their situation with colleagues to assess the favourability of HR practice outcomes (e.g. money). These perceptions can be negative (i.e. feeling set back), neutral (i.e. feeling treated the same) or positive (i.e. feeling advantaged). Data from 13,639 Belgian employees showed that perceived favourability of HR practice outcomes is positively associated with affective organisational commitment, but the relationship is attenuated at positive levels. Thus, differentiation may be a double‐edged sword as the losses among employees feeling set back may temper, neutralise or even outweigh the benefits among those feeling advantaged. The relationships found were especially salient for work practices (e.g. autonomy) compared with economic practices (e.g. bonuses). Developmental practices were found to be least suited for differentiation across employees. No evidence of a moderating role of employees’ preference for equality (vs. differentiation) was found.
Monitoring of population dynamics of Corynebacterium glutamicum by multiparameter flow cytometry
Authors: Neumeyer Andrea , Hübschmann Thomas , Müller Susann , Frunzke Julia
Published: December 2012

Phenotypic variation of microbial populations is a well‐known phenomenon and may have significant impact on the success of industrial bioprocesses. Flow cytometry (FC) and the large repertoire of fluorescent dyes bring the high‐throughput analysis of multiple parameters in single bacterial cells into reach. In this study, we evaluated a set of different fluorescent dyes for suitability in FC single cell analysis of the biotechnological platform organism Corynebacterium glutamicum. Already simple scattering properties of C. glutamicum cells in the flow cytometer were shown to provide valuable information on the growth activity of analysed cells. Furthermore, we used DAPI staining for a FC‐based determination of the DNA content of C. glutamicum cells grown on standard minimal or complex media. Characteristic DNA patterns were observed mirroring the typical uncoupled DNA synthesis in the logarithmic (log) growth phase and are in agreement with a symmetric type of cell division of C. glutamicum. Application of the fluorescent dyes Syto 9, propidium iodide, and DiOC2(3) allowed the identification of subpopulations with reduced viability and membrane potential within early log and stationary phase populations. The presented data highlight the potential of FC‐based analyses for online monitoring of C. glutamicum bioprocesses and provide a first reference for future applications and protocols.
The potential of hydroxamic acids in tetraploid and hexaploid wheat varieties as resistance factors against the bird‐cherry oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi
Authors: Elek H. , Smart L. , Martin J. , Ahmad S. , Gordon‐Weeks R. , Welham S. , Nádasy M. , Pickett J.A. , Werner C.P.
Published: December 2012

The potential for exploiting natural wheat resistance to control the cereal aphid Rhopalosiphum padi, the most important aphid pest of small grain cereals in the UK, was investigated as an alternative approach to the use of insecticides. The investigation focussed on a group of secondary metabolites, the hydroxamic acids or benzoxazinones, present naturally as glucosides, but which hydrolyse on tissue damage to give biologically active aglycones, e.g. 2,4‐dihydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐one (DIMBOA) which are associated with natural plant defence. These can be important for resistance against insects, fungi, bacteria and nematodes for a range of cultivated monocotyledonous plants and could ultimately be combined with other defence mechanisms to provide a general approach to cereal aphid control. Levels of hydroxamic acids, particularly DIMBOA‐glucoside, were determined in hexaploid (Triticum aestivum) and tetraploid (Triticum durum) wheat varieties and differences were found between species and varieties. The effect of feeding by R. padi on the level of hydroxamic acids in the leaf tissue was also investigated. Thus, after 24 h of aphid feeding, as an apparently localised hydrolytic defence reaction in the leaf, levels of DIMBOA‐glucoside decreased noticeably. When aphids were fed on sucrose solution containing low doses of DIMBOA there was a significant mortality compared to the sucrose control. However, the levels of and variation in hydroxamic acids in the wheat varieties investigated were insufficient for significant differences in aphid behaviour and development.
Resistance of pepper germplasm to Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Gisbert C. , Trujillo‐Moya C. , Sánchez‐Torres P. , Sifres A. , Sánchez‐Castro E. , Nuez F.
Published: December 2012

In this work, we have evaluated the host suitability of 29 pepper genotypes of Capsicum annuum and 9 of the related cultivated species C. chinense (4), C. frutescens (4) and C. pubescens (1) to Meloidogyne incognita in field conditions. The presence/absence of resistance genes in the pepper germplasm were also assessed using PCR‐specific markers linked to the N, Me1‐Mech2, Me3‐Me4 and Me7‐Mech1 genes. Intraspecific variability for M. incognita resistance was found. According to gall index (GI) and reproduction index (RI) the most resistant genotypes, which may contribute to nematode management, include three of C. frutescens (Fru‐2, Fru‐3 and Fru‐4) and seven of C. annuum (Ca‐3, Ca‐4, Ca‐5, Ca‐11, Ca‐15, Ca‐24 and Ca‐25). No egg masses or eggs were found in Fru‐3 and Fru‐4 genotypes as occurred in the resistant controls ‘SCM’, ‘CH’ and ‘Charlot’. The amplification of markers linked to resistance genes in genotypes with a suitable degree of resistance, together with the differences found between genotypes with regard to the gene and/or number of amplified markers, make this germplasm a valuable tool for further characterisation and pepper breeding.
Nest site selection by the endangered black robin increases vulnerability to predation by an invasive bird
Authors: Massaro M. , Stanbury M. , Briskie J. V.
Published: December 2012

Few studies have investigated the impacts of established invasive birds on the native threatened avifauna. However, measuring the levels of mortality in native birds from exotic birds can help with management decisions on whether or not such introduced species need to be controlled. The black robin Petroica traversi is an endangered bird endemic to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand. Black robins build cup‐like nests either within tree cavities (‘cavity’ nests) or in the sub‐canopy vegetation (‘open’ nests). Nest predation, most likely by the invasive European starling Sturnus vulgaris, was the largest cause of nest failure in the main population of the black robin on Rangatira Island. Nest predation rate over five breeding seasons was 20.6% in comparison with 7.74% of nests failing because of severe weather events (the second largest cause for nest failure). Cavity nests experienced a significantly higher rate of predation (36.33%) than open nests (10.82%). The greater frequency of open nests (63.5% out of 244 nests monitored) may be a result of higher selection pressure by starlings on cavity nests. Nest height also influenced predation, with predation risk increasing from 4.88% for nests below 1 m to 31.89% for nests above 3 m. Overall, predation on black robin nests decreased chick production in the population by 15.6% annually. For a population of only 220–240 birds, this loss may be limiting continued population growth and we recommend that efforts be made to reduce predation through either the culling of starlings or the installation of nest boxes at the low heights avoided by starlings.
Cancer in Māori: lessons from prostate, colorectal and gastric cancer and progress in hereditary stomach cancer in New Zealand
Authors: Blair Vanessa , Kahokehr Arman , Sammour Tarik
Published: December 2012

Persisting ethnic disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes exist between Māori and non‐Māori in Aotearoa/New Zealand. It is difficult to disentangle the complex interplay of environmental and genetic factors that contribute to the variation in cancer statistics between these two groups. In Māori, the sites of highest cancer incidence are the prostate in men, breast in women and lung in both – the next most common cancers in Māori are colorectal and stomach cancer. This paper discusses colorectal, prostate and stomach cancer in Māori to illustrate selected issues that impact on cancer care. Colorectal cancer is discussed to illustrate the importance of accurate cancer statistics to focus management strategies. Prostate cancer in Māori is reviewed – an area where cultural factors impact on care delivery. Sporadic stomach cancer in New Zealand is used to show how sub‐classification of different types of cancer can be important and illustrate the breadth of putative causal factors. Then follows an overview of developments in hereditary gastric cancer in New Zealand in the last 15 years, showing how successful clinical and research partnerships can improve patient outcomes. One example is the Kimi Hauora Clinic, which provides support to cancer patients, mutation carriers and their families, helping them navigate the interface with the many health‐care professionals involved in the multidisciplinary care of cancer patients in the 21st century.
Grassland afforestation impact on primary productivity: a remote sensing approach
Authors: Vassallo M. Mercedes , Dieguez Hernán D. , Garbulsky Martín F. , Jobbágy Esteban G. , Paruelo José M.
Published: December 2012

Question

How is the magnitude and seasonality of carbon uptake affected by the replacement of native grasslands by eucalyptus plantations?

Location

Río de la Plata Grasslands in Argentina and Uruguay.

Methods

A total of 115 paired sites of fast‐growingEucalyptus grandisplantations and adjacent grasslands were used to characterize the magnitude and seasonality of (1) radiation interception by canopies and (2) above‐ground net primary productivity based on a time series ofMODIS‐derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The response ofNDVIto precipitation was explored across temporal scales.

Results

NDVIin afforested vs. grassland plots presented higher annual averages (1.3‐fold), lower seasonal ranges (average relative range of 0.11 vs. 0.29) and delayed growing seasons (2‐month shift). Temporally,NDVIwas positively associated with precipitation input, showing a correlation with longer periods of precipitation accumulation in tree plantations compared to grasslands (> 7 vs. 2–3 months). Estimated average annual above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) almost quadrupled as a consequence of replacing grasslands by tree plantations (∼4 vs. ∼17 Mg dry matter. ha−1·yr−1), and this difference was evidenced throughout the whole study period.

Conclusions

Afforested grasslands intercept more radiation and have higher and more stableANPPthroughout the year, probably as a result of major changes in leaf phenology and root distribution patterns, which in turn allowed better access to water. Changes in carbon uptake can influence climate/biosphere feedbacks and should be considered in land‐use planning, especially when grassland afforestation is recommended as a tool to mitigate global warming.
Intestinal morphology assessments of rats fed phytic acid extract from sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and IP6
Authors: Dilworth Lowell , Gardner Michael , Asemota Helen , Omoruyi Felix
Published: December 2012

Background and aim

Zinc deficiency due to low intake or unavailability by bioactive compounds may lead to morphological changes in the intestines resulting in disruptions in gut function. This study aims to assess effects of phytic acid on gut morphology of rats.

Methods

Diets supplemented with sweet potato phytate extract were fed to Wistar rats in zinc‐deficient and zinc‐sufficient states for 4 weeks. Similar test animals also had diets supplemented with the commercially available sodium phytate salt (IP6) for comparison. At the end of the feeding period, body weights, feed intake and markers of intestinal function were assessed.

Results

Acute zinc deficiency adversely affected the glycocalyx, goblet and Paneth cells within the small intestine. This may eventually lead to compromisation of the gut's immune system and further reductions in its metabolic and absorptive capacity. This was further aggravated by sweet potato phytate extract consumption. IP6 supplementation on the other hand, increased surface amplification in the jejunum resulting in increased gut transit time and more efficient absorption of nutrients.

Conclusions

To minimize compromisation of the gut's immune, absorptive and metabolic functions, adequate zinc supplementation is necessary especially if foods rich in phytates are included in the diet. Supplementation of the diet with IP6 seems to offset some of these effects with maximum benefits observed if the diet is properly supplemented with essential minerals.
Primary adrenal Epstein–Barr virus‐positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma of the elderly, mimicking pseudocyst
Authors: Nam Soo Jeong , Choe Ji‐Young , Go Heounjeong , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Paik Jin Ho
Published: December 2012

Primary adrenal lymphoma is rare, but clinically important. We report a unique case of adrenal lymphoma which showed extensive cystic change mimicking a pseudocyst. Seventy‐three‐year‐old man visited our hospital for healthcare check‐up, and was found to have a large adrenal cystic mass. He was received adrenalectomy on the impression of an adrenal pseudocyst. On gross examination, the mass was a unilocular cyst with no solid mass formation. Microscopically, the cyst wall had no epithelial lining, but was infiltrated by some atypical large lymphoid tumor cells. The cystic space was filled with coagulative necrotic material with the tumor cell shadow. The most of the tumor cells expressed leukocyte common antigen, CD20, PAX5, Ki‐67, and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐encoded RNA, which was consistent with EBV‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the elderly. No extra‐adrenal involvement was observed in imaging studies. We concluded that primary adrenal lymphoma should be considered as a rare but important cause of adrenal cysts.
Usefulness of anti‐phosphohistone H3 immunoreactivity to determine mitotic rate in gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Kim Ahrong , Im Dong Han , Kim Kyungbin , Kim Jee Yeon , Sol Mee Young , Lee Jeong Hee , Choi Kyung Un
Published: December 2012

Background and aim

The biologic behavior of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) is a topic of continuing controversy. The assessment of accurate mitotic figures is known to be one of the major indicators for patients with GIST. However, it is not always easy to search for mitotic figures (MFs) and count them accurately on hematoxylin and eosin stained (H&E) slides.

Methods

In this study, phopho‐histone H3 (PHH3), which is a recently described specific mitosis marker, was immunohistochemically examined and compared to the mitotic count on H&E sections (H&E‐MI) and Ki‐67 expression (Ki‐67 PI). A hundred cases of histologically confirmed GISTs were reviewed based on counting MF on H&E slides. PHH3 positive MFs (PHH3‐MI) were counted in the same way, and the Ki‐67 PI was calculated for each case.

Results

A strong correlation was found between PHH3‐MI and H&E‐MI. Recurrence‐free survival was correlated with risk category by National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus criteria (P = 0.017), mucosal invasion (P = 0.005), H&E‐MI (P = 0.002), Ki‐67 PI (P = 0.005), and PHH3‐MI (P = 0.000). None of these factors was an independent prognostic factor.

Conclusions

Among GISTs, PHH3 staining was primarily found to support grading by facilitating mitotic counting, and it might have a prognostic value in GISTs.
A Framework to Link International Clinical Research to the Promotion of Justice in Global Health
Authors: Pratt Bridget , Loff Bebe
Published: December 2012

How international research might contribute to justice in global health has not been substantively addressed by bioethics. Theories of justice from political philosophy establish obligations for parties from high‐income countries owed to parties from low and middle‐income countries. We have developed a new framework that is based on Jennifer Ruger's health capability paradigm to strengthen the link between international clinical research and justice in global health. The ‘research for health justice’ framework provides direction on three aspects of international clinical research: the research target, research capacity strengthening, and post‐trial benefits. It identifies the obligations of justice owed by national governments, research funders, research sponsors, and investigators to trial participants and host communities. These obligations vary from those currently articulated in international research ethics guidelines. Ethical requirements of a different kind are needed if international clinical research is to advance global health equity.
Authenticity and Respect: Leading Creative Teams in the Performing Arts
Authors: Abfalter Dagmar
Published: December 2012

Although leadership continues to play an important role in team effectiveness, how to lead teams of creative experts effectively remains a largely unanswered question. Within a performing arts context, this paper integrates the expert team and leadership literatures with the specific exigencies of the creative environment, particularly institutionalized theatre, and sheds new light on leadership and leadership behaviour in creative expert teams. The content analysis of semi‐structured narrative interviews from two theatre organizations in Austria and Germany reveals five leadership discourses not only on success and leadership, authenticity, respect, autonomy and freedom, but also on the dark side of leadership. The paper concludes by discussing findings and implications on leadership research with respect to the sensitivity of the creative context.
Secretory clusterin contributes to oxaliplatin resistance by activating Akt pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xiu Peng , Dong Xuesong , Dong Xiaofeng , Xu Zongzhen , Zhu Huaqiang , Liu Feng , Wei Zheng , Zhai Bo , Kanwar Jagat R. , Jiang Hongchi , Li Jie , Sun Xueying
Published: December 2012

Secretory clusterin (sCLU) is expressed in numerous cancers and is associated with the resistance to chemotherapy. However, the role of sCLU in the resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to oxaliplatin (OXA), a recently used third‐generation platinum agent, remains unclear. The stable transfectants that are depleted of or overexpress sCLU and OXA‐resistant cells were generated using human HCC cells. Overexpression of sCLU abrogated OXA‐induced inhibition of cell growth and cell apoptosis, but depletion of sCLU synergized with OXA to inhibit cell growth and enhance cell apoptosis, by regulating proteins involved in mitochondrial apoptosis pathways, such as Bcl‐2, Bax, Bcl‐xL and caspase‐9, and affecting phosphorylation of Akt and GSK‐3β. Overexpression of sCLU in either OXA‐resistant cells or stable transfectants that overexpress sCLU significantly increased phosphorylated Akt. However, specific inhibition of Akt enhanced sensitivity of sCLU‐overexpressing cells to OXA, but had no effect on sCLU expression, suggesting that the regulatory effects between sCLU and pAkt may be in a one‐way manner in HCC cells. The expression levels of sCLU affected the therapeutic efficacy of OXA to treat HCC tumors established in immunodeficiency mice. The results have demonstrated that sCLU contributes to OXA resistance by activating Akt pathway, indicating that sCLU may be a novel molecular target for overcoming OXA resistance in HCC.
Longitudinal Relations Among Language Skills, Anger Expression, and Regulatory Strategies in Early Childhood
Authors: Roben Caroline K. P. , Cole Pamela M. , Armstrong Laura Marie
Published: December 2012

Researchers have suggested that as children's language skill develops in early childhood, it comes to help children regulate their emotions (Cole, Armstrong, & Pemberton, 2010; Kopp, 1989), but the pathways by which this occurs have not been studied empirically. In a longitudinal study of 120 children from 18 to 48 months of age, associations among child language skill, observed anger expression, and regulatory strategies during a delay task were examined. Toddlers with better language skill, and whose language skill increased more over time, appeared less angry at 48 months and their anger declined more over time. Two regulatory strategies, support seeking and distraction, explained a portion of the variance in the association between language skill and anger expression after toddlerhood.
Predictors of the effects of 4 years of growth hormone replacement on bone mineral density in patients with adult‐onset growth hormone deficiency – a KIMS database analysis
Authors: Tritos Nicholas A. , Hamrahian Amir H. , King Donna , Greenspan Susan L. , Cook David M. , Jönsson Peter J. , Koltowska‐Häggstrom Maria , Biller Beverly M.K.
Published: December 2012

Objective

Growth hormone (GH) replacement may increase bone mineral density (BMD) in GH‐deficient (GHD) adults. The goal of this study was to identify predictors of BMD response to GH replacement in GH naïve adults.

Design and measurements

This was a retrospective analysis of data extracted from KIMS (Pfizer International Metabolic Database), an international pharmacoepidemiological survey of adult GHD patients from 31 countries.

Patients

A total of 231 GH naive adults were identified (115 women and 116 men) who had BMD measured on the same densitometer in the lumbar spine (LS) and/or femoral neck (FN) both at baseline and after 4 years of GH replacement.

Results

After 4 years, there was a median (10th, 90th percentile) 4·6% (−5·2%, 12·2%) increase in LS BMD over baseline (P = 0·0001). There was a positive correlation between per cent change in LS BMD and age at the onset of pituitary disease (r = 0·25, P = 0·001). There was no change in FN BMD over baseline [0·0% (−7·3%, 8·5%)]. On multivariate analysis, older age at the onset of pituitary disease predicted a greater increase in LS BMD on GH replacement (r = 0·55, P < 0·0001).

Conclusions

In a population of GH naïve adults, GH replacement led to a significant increase in LS BMD over baseline, but no change in FN BMD. The potential for greater BMD improvement on GH replacement therapy in adults with disease of later onset should be considered when making treatment decisions in this patient population.
Prognostic Implications of Relative Hypochromia in Ambulatory Patients With Chronic Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Simbaqueba Cesar , Shrestha Kevin , Patarroyo Maria , Troughton Richard W. , Borowski Allen G. , Klein Allan L. , Wilson Tang W. H.
Published: December 2012

Iron insufficiency has been associated with heart failure, but the impact of a reduction of hemoglobin content in the erythrocytes as estimated by mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) to myocardial structure, performance, and long‐term clinical outcomes has not been well‐established. The authors examined hematologic data and long‐term outcomes of 197 ambulatory patients with chronic systolic and symptomatic heart failure who underwent comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation. The authors observed that relative hypochromia (defined as low MCHC) was associated with higher natriuretic peptide levels (NT‐proBNP, r =−0.40, P<.0001) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; r = 0.45, P <. 0001) and correlated modestly with indices of left and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction (all P<.05), but were not related to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, r=0.17, P=.079). After 5 years of follow‐up, lower MCHC levels were associated with higher risk of death, transplant, or heart failure hospitalization after adjusting for age, LVEF, eGFR, and New York Heart Association class (hazard ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.72; P=.025), particularly in those with above‐median hemoglobin (>13.8 g/dL; hazard ratio, 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.44–2.81, P<.0001). Taken together, the observations imply that physicians should take notice of the presence of relative hypochromia particularly in the absence of anemia in the setting of chronic systolic heart failure.
The effect of opposing structures, natural teeth vs. implants on crestal bone levels surrounding single‐tooth implants
Authors: Urdaneta Rainier A. , Leary Joseph , Panetta Kimberly M. , Chuang Sung‐Kiang
Published: December 2012

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of opposing structures in crestal bone levels around single‐tooth implants.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort study design was conducted. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multifactor mixed‐effects regression models, adjusted for multiple implants in the same patient were utilized to evaluate the effect of opposing structures in crestal bone levels after insertion of single‐tooth replacements.

Results

Eighty‐one subjects who received 320 Bicon implants were included in the present study. Two hundred and thirty‐one implant restorations were opposing natural teeth, 75 implants were opposing implant‐supported restorations, 10 implants had no opposing structure and four implants were opposed by a complete denture. The average change in crestal bone levels overtime (AvBL) on implants opposing natural teeth and implant‐supported restorations was −0.20 and −0.62 mm, respectively. Hydroxyapatite‐coated (HA) mandibular implants opposing natural teeth demonstrated AvBL of +0.01 (indicating bone gain), whereas titanium‐plasma sprayed (TPS)‐coated mandibular implants opposing implants restored with composite abutment bases demonstrated AvBL of −1.95 mm. When the structure opposing an HA‐coated mandibular implant was a natural tooth, it was a predictor of peri‐implant bone gain (P = 0.007). While TPS‐coated mandibular implants, which had been restored with composite abutment bases, were correlated with peri‐implant bone loss when opposed by implant‐supported restorations (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

This study suggests that the type of opposing structure plays a significant role in mandibular crestal bone levels surrounding single‐tooth implants following crown insertion but this effect differ around implants with dissimilar surface coatings and can be exacerbated by local irritating factors.
Warning for unprincipled colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: Accurate diagnosis and reasonable treatment strategy
Authors: Tanaka Shinji , Terasaki Motomi , Hayashi Nana , Oka Shiro , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: December 2012

Piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is generally indicated for laterally spreading tumors (LST) >2 cm in diameter. However, the segmentation of adenomatous parts does not affect the histopathological diagnosis and completeness of cure. Thus, possible indications for piecemeal EMR are both adenomatous homogenous‐type granular‐type LST (LST‐G) and LST‐G as carcinoma in adenoma without segmentalizing the carcinomatous part. Diagnosis of the pit pattern using magnifying endoscopy is essential for determining the correct treatment and setting segmentation borders. In contrast, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is indicated for lesions requiring endoscopic en bloc excision, as it is difficult to use the snare technique for en bloc excisions such as in non‐granular‐type LST (LST‐NG), especially for the pseudodepressed type, tumors with a type VI pit pattern, shallow invasive submucosal carcinoma, largedepressed tumors and large elevated lesions, which are often malignant (e.g. nodular mixed‐type LST‐G). Other lesions, such as intramucosal tumor accompanied by submucosal fibrosis, induced by biopsy or peristalsis of the lesion; sporadic localized tumors that occur due to chronic inflammation, including ulcerative colitis; and local residual early carcinoma after endoscopic treatment, are also indications for ESD. In clinical practice, an efficient endoscopic treatment with segregation of ESD from piecemeal EMR should be carried out after a comprehensive evaluation of the completeness of cure, safety, clinical simplicity, and cost–benefit, based on an accurate preoperative diagnosis.
How studies on the avian embryo have opened new avenues in the understanding of development: A view about the neural and hematopoietic systems
Authors: Le Douarin Nicole M. , Dieterlen‐Lièvre Françoise
Published: December 2012

The chick embryo is as ancient a source of knowledge on animal development as the very beginning of embryology. Already, at the time of Caspar Friedrich Wolff, contemplating the strikingly beautiful scenario of the germ deploying on the yellow background of the yolk inspired and supported the tenants of epigenesis at the expense of the preformation theory. In this article, we shall mention some of the many problems of developmental biology that were successfully clarified by research on chick embryos. Two topics, the development of the neural system and that of blood and blood vessels, familiar to the authors, will be discussed in more detail.
Development of cranial placodes: Insights from studies in chick
Authors: Jidigam Vijay K. , Gunhaga Lena
Published: December 2012

This review focuses on how research, using chick as a model system, has contributed to our knowledge regarding the development of cranial placodes. This review highlights when and how molecular signaling events regulate early specification of placodal progenitor cells, as well as the development of individual placodes including morphological movements. In addition, we briefly describe various techniques used in chick that are important for studies in cell and developmental biology.
Apicobasal polarity and neural tube closure
Authors: Eom Dae Seok , Amarnath Smita , Agarwala Seema
Published: December 2012

During development, a flat neural plate rolls up and closes to form a neural tube. This process, called neural tube closure, is complex and requires morphogenetic events to occur along multiple axes of the neural plate. Recent studies suggest that cell and tissue polarity play a major role in neural tube morphogenesis. While the planar cell polarity pathway is known to be involved in this process, a role for the apicobasal polarity pathway has only recently begun to be elucidated. These studies show that bone morphogenetic proteins can regulate the apicobasal polarity pathway in the neural plate in a cell cycle dependent manner. This dynamically modulates apical junctions in the neural plate, resulting in cell and tissue shape changes that help bend, shape and close the neural tube.
Analysis of microtubule and microfilament distribution in Pinus sylvestris roots following infection by Heterobasidion species
Authors: Zadworny M. , Guzicka M. , Łakomy P. , Samardakiewicz S. , Smoliński D. J. , Mucha J.
Published: December 2012

Cytoskeletal dynamics play a crucial role in pathogen recognition and cell defence during the initial interactions between an invader and plant host. The aim of the work reported here was to characterize how Heterobasidion annosum s.s., Heterobasidion parviporum, and Heterobasidion abietinum affect the microtubules and microfilaments of Pinus sylvestris root cells 12‐, 24‐, 48‐, and 96‐h post‐inoculation. Inoculation of P. sylvestris with H. parviporum or H. abietinum, which have a lower specificity for P. sylvestris than H. annosum s.s, resulted in greater reorganization of host microtubules during the early stages of interaction than inoculation with the more specific H. annosum s.s. In some infected cells, spots of actin aggregates were observed. Disruption of cytoskeletal components by the application of specific cytoskeletal inhibitors facilitated the entry of the H. parviporum and H. abietinum into roots. These results suggest that the P. sylvestris cytoskeleton plays a role in the host response in the initial stages of the host–pathogen interaction.
Site‐specific effects of mental practice combined with transcranial direct current stimulation on motor learning
Authors: Foerster Águida , Rocha Sérgio , Wiesiolek Carine , Chagas Anna Paula , Machado Giselle , Silva Evelyn , Fregni Felipe , Monte‐Silva Katia
Published: December 2012

Mental practice can induce significant neural plasticity and result in motor performance improvement if associated with motor imagery tasks. Given the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on neuroplasticity, the current study tested whether tDCS, using different electrode montages, can increase the neuroplastic effects of mental imagery on motor learning. Eighteen healthy right‐handed adults underwent a randomised sham‐controlled crossover experiment to receive mental training combined with either sham or active anodal tDCS of the right primary motor cortex (M1), right supplementary motor area, right premotor area, right cerebellum or left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Motor performance was assessed by a blinded rater using: non‐dominant handwriting time and legibility, and mentally trained task at baseline (pre) and immediately after (post) mental practice combined with tDCS. Active tDCS significantly enhances the motor‐imagery‐induced improvement in motor function as compared with sham tDCS. There was a specific effect for the site of stimulation such that effects were only observed after M1 and DLPFC stimulation during mental practice. These findings provide new insights into motor imagery training and point out that two cortical targets (M1 and DLPFC) are significantly associated with the neuroplastic effects of mental imagery on motor learning. Further studies should explore a similar paradigm in patients with brain lesions.
Unimodal size scaling of phytoplankton growth and the size dependence of nutrient uptake and use
Authors: Marañón Emilio , Cermeño Pedro , López‐Sandoval Daffne C. , Rodríguez‐Ramos Tamara , Sobrino Cristina , Huete‐Ortega María , Blanco José María , Rodríguez Jaime
Published: December 2012

Phytoplankton size structure is key for the ecology and biogeochemistry of pelagic ecosystems, but the relationship between cell size and maximum growth rate (μmax) is not yet well understood. We used cultures of 22 species of marine phytoplankton from five phyla, ranging from 0.1 to 106 μm3 in cell volume (Vcell), to determine experimentally the size dependence of growth, metabolic rate, elemental stoichiometry and nutrient uptake. We show that both μmax and carbon‐specific photosynthesis peak at intermediate cell sizes. Maximum nitrogen uptake rate (VmaxN) scales isometrically with Vcell, whereas nitrogen minimum quota scales as Vcell0.84. Large cells thus possess high ability to take up nitrogen, relative to their requirements, and large storage capacity, but their growth is limited by the conversion of nutrients into biomass. Small species show similar volume‐specific VmaxN compared to their larger counterparts, but have higher nitrogen requirements. We suggest that the unimodal size scaling of phytoplankton growth arises from taxon‐independent, size‐related constraints in nutrient uptake, requirement and assimilation.
The effects of hemodialysis treatment on the level of DNA strand breaks and oxidative DNA lesions measured by the comet assay
Authors: Ersson Clara , Odar‐Cederlöf Ingegerd , Fehrman‐Ekholm Ingela , Möller Lennart
Published: December 2012

Hemodialysis patients have a higher risk for oxidative stress‐related complications, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. The increased level of oxidative stress is due to several factors, e.g., the hemodialysis treatment itself and the uremic state. In the present study, the effects of dialysis treatment on the level of DNA breaks and oxidative DNA lesions in mononuclear cells were measured with the comet assay. Factors possibly affecting DNA damage (reported as % DNA in tail) such as the duration of dialysis, time since last dialysis session, years of dialysis treatment, nutritional status (measured as protein catabolic rate), age, and diabetes were also investigated. The levels of DNA breaks (13.6 ± 4.7 before dialysis) and oxidative DNA lesions (7.9 ± 4.8 before dialysis) were significantly higher in dialysis patients (n = 31) compared to the levels of DNA breaks (5.8 ± 1.1) and oxidative DNA lesions (3.4 ± 1.7) in 10 healthy controls (P < 0.001). A decrease of DNA breaks was observed after dialysis (P = 0.038), and the level of oxidative DNA lesions was higher when the time between two treatment sessions were 68 hours compared to 44 hours (P < 0.001). Older subjects had a higher level of DNA breaks (P = 0.003), a good nutritional status predicted a lower level of DNA breaks (P < 0.001), and the duration of the dialysis session was inversely correlated with oxidative DNA lesions (P = 0.014). Diabetes or years of dialysis treatment did not affect DNA damage. The observations in the present study suggest that accumulation of uremic toxins induce DNA damage. The hemodialysis treatment seems to change the DNA damage.
Optimisation of ultrasonic‐assisted extraction of polyphenols from apple peel employing cellulase enzymolysis
Authors: Junjian Ran , Mingtao Fan , Yahui Li , Guowei Li , Zhengyang Zhao , Jun Liang
Published: December 2012

Cellulase enzymolysis extraction with ultrasonic‐assisted technology was applied for polyphenols extraction from apple peel, and response surface methodology was used to optimise the conditions of polyphenols extraction. Efficiency of extraction was optimised by measuring total polyphenol content and three individual polyphenols. Three independent variables that were taken into consideration were extraction time (X1), extraction temperature (X2) and enzyme amount (X3). The statistical analysis indicated that extraction time and the quadratic of X1 had significant effects on the yields. The mathematical model had been developed adequately describing the ranges of the experimental parameters studied and provided a statistically accurate prediction of the optimum yield. A high correlation of the quadratic polynomial mathematical model was gained. The optimal extraction conditions of polyphenols were determined as follows: extraction time of 37 min, extraction temperature of 37 °C and enzyme amount of 2500 U g−1, which was agreed closely with the predicted value.
Effect of partial replacement of potassium lactate and sodium diacetate by natural green tea and grape seed extracts and postpackaging thermal treatment on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in hotdog model system
Authors: Perumalla Amara. V. S. , Hettiarachchy Navam. S. , Over Kenneth. , Ricke Steven C. , Slavik Michael F. , Gbur Edward , Davis Brad , Acosta Shane
Published: December 2012

Low‐ (5%) and high‐fat (20%) chicken and turkey hotdogs were formulated in three groups: no antimicrobials (control), chemical preservatives (potassium lactate and sodium diacetate) alone and partial replacement of chemical preservatives by green tea (GTE) and grape seed extracts (GSE), surface inoculated (c. 103 CFU g−1) with Listeria monocytogenes, treated with or without heat treatment (65 °C for 104 s) to determine the growth of L. monocytogenes until spoilage (28 days). Maximum growth inhibitions (c. 2.0 CFU g−1) were observed in the treatments having chemical preservatives and plant extracts regardless of the meat and fat type. Furthermore, plant extracts along with chemical preservatives demonstrated additional inhibitory effect on the growth of L. monocytogenes survivors in chicken hotdog samples followed by postpackaging heat treatment. Results demonstrated that natural GTE and GSE can partially replace the chemical preservatives and further enhance the antilisterial activities when combined with heat treatment.
Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of white mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruits
Authors: Butkhup Luchai , Samappito Wannee , Samappito Supachai
Published: December 2012

Eight major mulberry cultivars [Nakhonratchasima 60 (NS 60), Buriram 60 (BR 60), Chumphon (CP), Wavee (WV), Chaingmai (CM), Pikultong (PT), Kamphaengsaen (KS) and Kamnanchul (KJ)] cultivated in Thailand were assessed for their flavonoid and phenolic acid composition using HPLC and tested for antioxidant potential using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) assay. The total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 104.78 to 213.53 mg GAE/100 g DW, and total flavonoid content (TFC) ranged from 69.58 to 211.01 mg CE/100 g DW. The major flavonoid compounds in mulberry fruit cultivars were (+)‐catechin (309.26–750.01 mg/100 g DW), procyanidin B1 (62.59–224.41 mg/100 g DW), quercetin (5.36–58.42 mg/100 g DW), rutin (18.73–26.90 mg/100 g DW) and (−)‐epicatechin (8.47–29.21 mg/100 g DW). Gallic acid, cinnamic acid and p‐hydroxybenzoic acid were found to be the major phenolic acids in mulberry fruit cultivars. The gallic acid and cinnamic acid contents ranged from 7.33 to 23.90 mg/100 g DW and from 11.64 to 15.05 mg/100 g DW, respectively. p‐Hydroxybenzoic acid content ranged from 1.77 mg/100 g DW (PT) to 7.13 mg/100 g DW (KJ). DPPH‐scavenging ability was excellent for ethanolic extract of NS 60, and EC50 value of NS 60 (241.83 μg mL−1) was significantly lower than those of the others (P < 0.05). TPC and TFC of the mulberry fruit were positively correlated with the DPPH‐scavenging ability.
Polyphenol oxidase activity in white tan‐plant‐type sorghums: An important determinant of the relatively dark colour of their porridges
Authors: Hikeezi Doreen M. , Duodu Kwaku G. , Chisi Medson , Rooney Lloyd W. , Taylor John R.N.
Published: December 2012

The relatively dark colour of food products from white tan‐plant (food‐grade) sorghums can compromise their acceptability. The relationship between white tan‐plant sorghum polyphenol oxidase activity (PPO) and porridge colour was investigated, primarily using lines grown in the same locality over two seasons. Sorghum was intermediate in PPO between wheat and maize. White tan‐plant sorghum and white maize whole grain flours were similar in colour. However, with white tan‐plant sorghum, the transition from flour to porridge caused a much larger reduction in L* value. Further, the correlation between white tan‐plant sorghum PPO activity and porridge L* values was highly significantly negative (P < 0.001), the relationship accounting for 40–50% of variation. PPO in white tan‐plant‐type sorghums is therefore an important determinant of the relatively dark colour of porridges. Breeding to reduce PPO activity could improve consumer appeal. Cultivar Sima (IS 23520) that had low PPO activity and produced light‐coloured porridge could be useful for breeding.
Antibacterial activity of Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) stems–leaves extract produced by subcritical water extraction
Authors: Lee Kyoung Ah , Kim Won Ju , Kim Hyun Jung , Kim Kee‐Tae , Paik Hyun‐Dong
Published: December 2012

Antibacterial activities of ginseng extracts produced from ginseng by‐products, stems and leaves, using subcritical water extraction (SWE) at 110, 165 and 190 °C, were evaluated and compared with those of ginseng extracts prepared by hot water and ethanol extraction. The ginseng stems–leaves extract produced by SWE at 190 °C contained the greatest concentration of phenolics (98.4 mg GAE g−1 of extract). All ginseng extracts inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Among four strains, B. cereus was more sensitive to the ginseng extract by SWE at 190 °C than other bacteria. Cell membranes of bacteria were disrupted by the addition of SWE ginseng extract, observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), with the release of cellular contents. These findings provided evidence about the potential utilisation of ginseng stems and leaves by using an environmental friendly extraction process, SWE, to produce ginseng extract for the inhibition of bacteria growth.
How the immune system talks to itself: the varied role of synapses
Authors: Xie Jianming , Tato Cristina M. , Davis Mark M.
Published: December 2012

Using an elaborately evolved language of cytokines and chemokines as well as cell‐cell interactions, the different components of the immune system communicate with each other and orchestrate a response (or wind one down). Immunological synapses are a key feature of the system in the ways in which they can facilitate and direct these responses. Studies analyzing the structure of an immune synapse as it forms between two cells have provided insight into how the stability and kinetics of this interaction ultimately affect the sensitivity, potency, and magnitude of a given response. Furthermore, we have gained an appreciation of how the immunological synapse provides directionality and contextual cues for downstream signaling and cellular decision‐making. In this review, we discuss how using a variety of techniques, developed over the last decade, have allowed us to visualize and quantify key aspects of the dynamic synaptic interface and have furthered our understanding of their function. We describe some of the many characteristics of the immunological synapse that make it a vital part of intercellular communication and some of the questions that remain to be answered.