bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergy Potential of Indole Alkaloids and Its Derivative against Drug‐resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Dwivedi Gaurav Raj , Gupta Shikha , Maurya Anupam , Tripathi Shubhandra , Sharma Ashok , Darokar Mahendra P. , Srivastava Santosh K.
Published: July 2015

Antibacterial and synergy potential of naturally occurring indole alkaloids (IA): 10‐methoxy tetrahydroalstonine (1), isoreserpiline (2), 10 and 11 demethoxyreserpiline (3), reserpiline (4), serpentine (5), ajmaline (6), ajmalicine (7), yohimbine (8), and α‐yohimbine (9) was evaluated using microbroth dilution assay. Further, α‐yohimbine (9) was chemically transformed into six semisynthetic derivatives (9A‐9F), and their antibacterial and synergy potential in combination with nalidixic acid (NAL) against E. coli strains CA8000 and DH5α were also evaluated. The IA 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 and the derivative 9F showed eightfold reduction in the MIC of NAL against the DH5α and four‐ to eightfold reduction against CA8000. These alkaloids also reduced MIC of another antibiotic, tetracycline up to 8folds, against the MDREC‐KG4, a multidrug‐resistant clinical isolate of E. coli. Mode of action study of these alkaloids showed efflux pumps inhibitory potential, which was supported by their in silico binding affinity and downregulation of efflux pump genes. These results may be of great help in the development of cost‐effective antibacterial combinations for treating patients infected with multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative infections.
Effects of light on retinal pigment epithelial cells, neurosensory retinal cells and Müller cells treated with Brilliant Blue G
Authors: Mansoor Saffar , Sharma Ashish , Cáceres‐del‐Carpio Javier , Zacharias Leandro C , Patil A Jayaprakash , Gupta Navin , Limb G Astrid , Kenney M Cristina , Kuppermann Baruch D
Published: July 2015

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety profile of Brilliant Blue G (BBG) with and without exposure to light (L) on three different retinal cell lines.

Method

ARPE‐19, R28 and MIO‐M1 cells were treated with BBG: 0.125 mg/mL (0.5x clinical concentration), 0.25 mg/mL (1x) or 0.5 mg/mL (2x) with or without surgical illumination of halogen light exposure for 10 min, 15 min or 30 min. Cells were further cultured after 24 h and then analysed for cell viability, late stages of apoptosis and mitochondrial damage associated with early apoptosis using assays that measure trypan blue dye exclusion, increases in caspase‐3/7 activity or changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), respectively.

Result

All three cell lines that were exposed to BBG in the presence or absence of light exposure for 30 min were found to have cell viability and caspase‐3/7 activity levels similar to the untreated cultures. The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was decreased significantly at the 2x + L dose and 2x dose in all three retinal cell lines compared to their respective untreated control cells. At the lower doses of BBG, with or without exposure to light, the ΔΨm values were similar to the untreated control cultures.

Conclusion

Exposure to BBG dye concentrations that are used clinically (0.125 mg/mL and 0.25 mg/mL) in the presence up to 30 min of surgically equivalent light intensity is safe for retinal cells.
A novel microdeletion affecting the CETP gene raises HDL‐associated cholesterol levels
Authors: Hitchcock E. , Patankar J.V. , Tyson C. , Hrynchak M. , Hayden M.R. , Gibson W.T.
Published: July 2015

We describe a novel, inherited 16q13 microdeletion that removes cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and several nearby genes. The proband was originally referred for severe childhood‐onset obesity and moderate developmental delay, but his fasting lipid profile revealed relatively high levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and relatively low levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) for age, despite his obesity. Testing of first‐degree relatives identified two other microdeletion carriers. Functional assays in affected individuals showed decreased CETP mRNA expression and enzymatic activity. This microdeletion may or may not be pathogenic for obesity and developmental delay, but based on the lipid profile, the functional studies, and the phenotype of other patients with loss‐of‐function mutations of CETP, we believe this microdeletion to be antipathogenic for cardiovascular disease.
The Effects of Alveolar Ridge Preservation: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Willenbacher Maximillian , Al‐Nawas Bilal , Berres Manfred , Kämmerer Peer W , Schiegnitz Eik
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The aim of this article was to analyze the horizontal, vertical, and histological effects of alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) versus the ones of unassisted socket healing, in the format of an up‐to‐date review and meta‐analysis.

Materials and Methods

An extensive electronic search in the electronic databases of the National Library of Medicine was conducted for articles published up to June 2014 to identify literature presenting data on the topic of ARP. Only randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, and prospective trials were included for meta‐analysis.

Results

After screening 903 abstracts from the electronic database, we included 64 studies in qualitative and 18 in quantitative synthesis. Quality assessment characterized a medium risk of bias for the included literature. The meta‐analysis showed a mean difference between test and control groups of approximately 1.31 to 1.54 mm in bucco‐oral bone width and 0.91 to 1.12 mm in bone height. Additionally, the intergroup difference in percentage of vital bone was assessed to be inconclusive across the included studies. Implants could be inserted into the determined position without further augmentation in 90.1% of the experimental sites, while this was the case in only 79.2% of the control sockets.

Conclusions

Resorption of the alveolar ridge cannot be totally stopped by ARP, while it still can be prevented compared with unassisted healing. No reliable predictions on the histological effects could be made due to limited data. Further on, no recommendation for a specific technique of ARP could be made. In conclusion, there is still need for ongoing research on the topic, even though the lower percentage of implant sites that needed additional augmentation in test sockets seemed to bring a patient benefit.
Short implants compared to implants in vertically augmented bone: a systematic review
Authors: Nisand D. , Picard N. , Rocchietta I.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To assess relevant data comparing short implants or implants associated with vertical ridge augmentation derived from RCT's and CCT's.

Material and methods

A PubMed and hand search was performed to identify all RCT's and CCT's published in English language comparing short implants to implants associated with vertical ridge augmentation.

Results

The initial search resulted in 3387 articles. A total of 17 articles were eligible for full‐text analysis and four were finally included. This review tends to demonstrate similar implant survival rates between implants placed in vertically augmented bone and short implants (95.09% vs. 96.24%, respectively) with a follow‐up ranging from 1 to 5 years. In terms of prosthetic survival rates, there were no differences between the treatments. More surgical complications were reported when using implants placed in vertically augmented bone compared to short implants (56 patients with surgical complications compared to 18 patients, respectively).

Conclusions

This evidence should, however, be interpreted with caution as it is derived from four RCT's with limited sample size (ranging from 15 to 30 per group), limited follow‐up and performed by the same research group.
One‐year swallowing outcomes following transoral laser microsurgery +/− adjuvant therapy versus primary chemoradiotherapy for advanced stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: O'Hara J. , Goff D. , Cocks H. , Moor J. , Hartley C. , Muirhead C. , Patterson J.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To assess the between‐group change in swallowing function from baseline to 12 months following treatment, for patients treated for resectable stage III and IVA oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. To assess the within‐group change in swallowing function between 3 and 12 months following treatment.

Design

Non‐randomised cohort study.

Setting

A single head and neck cancer unit with oncology services held at the nearby regional treatment centre.

Participants

Twenty‐five patients treated with Transoral Laser Microsurgery +/‐ adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy (Transoral Laser Microsurgery) observed alongside an historic cohort of 33 patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy.

Main Outcome Measures

The patient reported MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), an objective timed Water Swallow Test, and the clinician rated normalcy of diet subsection of the Performance of Swallowing Scale .

Results

Between baseline and 12 months, patients treated with primary (chemo)radiotherapy demonstrated greater deterioration in swallowing function compared to Transoral Laser Microsurgery for all 3 swallowing measures. Between 3 and 12 months, the only significant change was an improvement in Performance of Swallowing Scale scores in the (chemo)radiotherapy group.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report the results of a complimentary set of swallowing measures for patients treated with Transoral Laser Microsurgery, observed alongside a cohort of (chemo)radiotherapy patients. The preliminary results suggest a benefit in swallowing function for Transoral Laser Microsurgery over (chemo)radiotherapy during the year following treatment.
Are we burying our heads in the sand? Preventing small bowel obstruction from the V‐loc® suture in laparoscopic ventral rectopexy
Authors: Sakata S. , Kabir S. , Petersen D. , Doudle M. , Stevenson A. R. L.
Published: July 2015

Aim

There have been increasing reports in the literature highlighting the complication of V‐loc® associated small bowel obstruction in patients after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy.

Methods and Results

Using clinical and experimental evidence, we demonstrate that bowel obstruction from the V‐loc® following laparoscopic ventral rectopexy will still occur despite the technical recommendations to bury or cut its barbed end flush.

Conclusion

The risk of bowel obstruction from the V‐loc® following laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is not negated by burying or cutting its barbed end flush. We have proposed its pathogenesis to refute commonly held assumptions about its prevention.
FLAMSA reduced‐intensity conditioning is equally effective in AML patients with primary induction failure as well as in first or second complete remission
Authors: Holtick Udo , Shimabukuro‐Vornhagen Alexander , Chakupurakal Geothy , Theurich Sebastian , Leitzke Silke , Burst Anke , Hallek Michael , von Bergwelt‐Baildon Michael , Scheid Christof , Chemnitz Jens M.
Published: July 2015

Reduced‐intensity conditioning regimens have demonstrated lower toxicity but increased relapse rates in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aSCT) for patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). The FLAMSA‐ reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen, combining a cytoreductive and a transplant‐conditioning part, has been described to be efficacious in patients with refractory disease. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 130 patients with AML after aSCT following FLAMSA RIC at our center. The median follow‐up was 37 (10–125) months. The 4‐yr overall and disease‐free survival rates of the whole cohort were 45% and 40%. Cumulative incidence of relapse was 29%, 35%, and 40% at 1, 2, and 4 yr. There were no significant differences regarding overall and disease‐free survival for patients transplanted in CR1, CR2, or primary induction failure (PIF). Patients with refractory disease after salvage therapy had significantly lower disease‐free and overall survival (OS). Disease‐free and OS rates were also significantly decreased in patients with 10% or more BLASTS at transplant. non‐relapse mortality was 15%, 19%, and 20% at 1, 2, and 4 yr and similar in all cohorts. These data underscore the potency of the FLAMSA RIC regimen for patients with AML especially with PIF. The decision for re‐induction therapy prior to aSCT in relapsed patients has to be weighed against the potential toxicity of this approach and might be influenced by the amount of leukemic BLASTS present. Only randomised trials will answer this important question.
Bede, Irish computistica and Annus Mundi
Authors: Mac Carron Máirín
Published: July 2015

Bede's decision to diverge from the mainstream chronological tradition, based on the Septuagint, in favour of the Vulgate for chronology has generally been explained by his concerns about contemporary apocalypticism. This essay will argue that Bede's choice of Annus Mundi was also greatly influenced by Irish computistica. These texts incorporate a chronological framework – influenced by Victorius of Aquitaine's Easter Table – that was implicitly and explicitly apocalyptic and provided a date for the Passion that Bede objected to. Bede was greatly indebted to Irish computistica but adopting the Vulgate Annus Mundi allowed him to assert his own views on chronology.
The politics of being Norman in the reign of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy (r. 942–996)
Authors: McNair Fraser
Published: July 2015

In 966, by the end of the reign of its third duke, Richard I, Normandy had overcome the crises that had beset it in the middle of the century. Much of this success came from the coherence of its ruling group, which expressed itself partly in terms of ‘Norman’ identity. This article uses Dudo's history of the dukes and Richard's charters to argue that ‘Norman’ as a political identity was a deliberate creation of the court of Richard I in the 960s, following the perceived failure of his and his father's policies of assimilation into Frankish culture.
Landscape and warfare in Anglo‐Saxon England and the Viking campaign of 1006
Authors: Williams Thomas J.T.
Published: July 2015

This paper outlines the state of research into early medieval conflict landscapes in England and sets out a theoretical and methodological basis for the sustained and systematic investigation of battlefield toponymy and topography. The hypothesis is advanced that certain types of place were considered particularly appropriate for the performance of violent conflict throughout the period and that the social ideas that determined the choice of locale are, to some degree, recoverable through in‐depth, interdisciplinary analysis of landscapes, place names and texts. The events of 1006 and the landscape of the upper Kennet are introduced as a case study that reveals the complex interplay of royal ideology, superstition and place that were invoked in the practice of violence in late Anglo‐Saxon England. In the course of the discussion, this paper seeks to demonstrate the value of applying a similar approach to the full range of evidence for conflict landscapes in early medieval England and beyond.
The cortical contrast accumulation from brain computed tomography after endovascular treatment predicts symptomatic hemorrhage
Authors: Kim J.‐M. , Park K.‐Y. , Lee W. J. , Byun J. S. , Kim J. K. , Park M.‐S. , Ahn S.‐W. , Shin H.‐W.
Published: July 2015

Background and purpose

The prognostic value of contrast accumulation from non‐contrast brain computed tomography taken immediately after endovascular reperfusion treatment in acute ischaemic stroke patients to predict symptomatic hemorrhage was studied.

Methods

Between July 2007 and August 2014, acute anterior circulation ischaemic stroke patients who were treated by intra‐arterial thrombolysis or thrombectomy were included. Contrast accumulation was defined as a high attenuation area from non‐contrast brain computed tomography immediately taken after endovascular reperfusion treatment, and patients were categorized into three groups according to the presence and location of contrast: (i) negative, (ii) cortical involvement and (iii) non‐cortical involvement. The rates of symptomatic hemorrhage after 24 h and functional outcome at discharge were compared between patients with and without cortical involvement.

Results

Of 64 patients who were treated by endovascular intervention, contrast accumulation was detected in 56, including 33 patients with cortical involvement and 23 patients without cortical involvement. The cortical involvement pattern was more frequently associated with symptomatic hemorrhage (13 vs. 1 patient, P = 0.003) and with grave outcome at discharge with modified Rankin Scale 5 or 6 (14 vs. 4, P = 0.048) than the non‐cortical involvement group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis including initial collateral status and occlusion site disclosed that cortical involvement pattern independently predicted symptomatic hemorrhage after endovascular treatment (odds ratio 19.0, confidence interval 1.6–227.6, P = 0.020).

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence that the cortical involvement of contrast accumulation is associated with symptomatic hemorrhage after endovascular reperfusion treatment.
Identification and characterization of the adipokinetic hormone/corazonin‐related peptide signaling system in Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Zandawala Meet , Haddad Amir S. , Hamoudi Zina , Orchard Ian
Published: July 2015

The mammalian gonadotropin‐releasing hormone is evolutionarily related to the arthropod adipokinetic hormone and the recently discovered adipokinetic hormone/corazonin‐related peptide (ACP). The function of the ACP signaling system in arthropods is currently unknown. In the present study, we identify and characterize the ACP signaling system in the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus. We isolated the complete cDNA sequence encoding R. prolixus ACP (Rhopr‐ACP) and examined its expression pattern. Rhopr‐ACP is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system. In particular, it is found in both the brain and corpus cardiacum (CC)/corpora allata (CA) complex. To gain an insight into its role in R. prolixus, we also isolated and functionally characterized cDNA sequences of three splice variants (Rhopr‐ACPR‐A, B and C) encoding R. prolixus ACP G protein‐coupled receptor (Rhopr‐ACPR). Rhopr‐ACPR‐A has only five transmembrane domains, whereas Rhopr‐ACPR‐B and C have all seven domains. Interestingly, Rhopr‐ACPR‐A, B and C were all activated by Rhopr‐ACP, albeit at different sensitivities, when expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing the human G‐protein G16 (CHO/G16). To our knowledge, this is the first study to isolate a truncated receptor cDNA in invertebrates that is functional in a heterologous expression system. Moreover, Rhopr‐ACPR‐B and C but not Rhopr‐ACPR‐A can be coupled with Gq α subunits. Expression profiling indicates that Rhopr‐ACPR is highly expressed in the central nervous system, as well as the CC/CA complex, suggesting that it may control the release of other hormones found in the CC in a manner analogous to gonadotropin‐releasing hormone. Temporal expression profiling shows that both Rhopr‐ACP and Rhopr‐ACPR are upregulated after ecdysis, suggesting that this neuropeptide may be involved in processes associated with post‐ecdysis.
Updates in the approach to intrathoracic sarcomas
Authors: Thway Khin , Jordan Simon , Fisher Cyril , Nicholson Andrew G
Published: July 2015

Primary intrathoracic sarcomas constitute a rare, heterogeneous group of neoplasms that occur in the lung parenchyma, pleura, and mediastinum. Although pathologically diverse, they frequently show similar clinical and radiological features, and accurate histopathological diagnosis is therefore crucial for correct management and prognostication. The characterization of sarcomas can be difficult, as there is frequent overlap between the histological patterns of benign and malignant lesions, and between different malignant tumours and with non‐mesenchymal neoplasms. This is particularly critical within the thorax, where many spindle cell neoplasms represent tumours of epithelial origin or metastatic disease. Immunohistochemistry and molecular genetic techniques are important ancillary contributors to histological interpretation, but several groups of tumours still lack reliable immunohistochemical markers or reproducible genetic changes. We review the pathology of the major types of intrathoracic sarcoma with reference to clinical factors, morphology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular genetics.
Evolution processes of Ordovician–Devonian arc system in the South‐Kitakami Massif and its relevance to the Ordovician ophiolite pulse
Authors: Ozawa Kazuhito , Maekawa Hirokazu , Shibata Ken , Asahara Yoshihiro , Yoshikawa Masako
Published: July 2015

The South Kitakami Massif is one of the oldest geological domains in Japan having Silurian strata with acidic pyroclastic rocks and Ordovician–Silurian granodiorite–tonalite basement, suggesting that it was matured enough to develop acidic volcanisms in the Silurian period. On the northern and western margin of the South Kitakami Massif, an Ordovician arc ophiolite (Hayachine–Miyamori Ophiolite) and high‐pressure and low‐temperature metamorphic rocks (Motai metamorphic rocks) exhumed sometime in the Ordovician–Devonian periods are distributed. Chronological, geological, and petrochemical studies on the Hayachine–Miyamori Ophiolite, Motai metamorphic rocks, and other early Paleozoic geological units of the South Kitakami Massif are reviewed for reconstruction of the South Kitakami arc system during Ordovician to Devonian times with supplementary new data. The reconstruction suggests a change in the convergence polarity from eastward‐ to westward‐dipping subduction sometime before the Late Devonian period. The Hayachine–Miyamori Ophiolite was developed above the eastward‐dipping subduction through three distinctive stages. Two separate stages of overriding plate extension inducing decompressional melting with minor involvement of slab‐derived fluid occurred before and after a stage of melting under strong influence of slab‐derived fluids. The first overriding plate extension took place in the back‐arc side forming a back‐arc basin. The second one took place immediately before the ophiolite exhumation and near the fore‐arc region. We postulate that the second decompressional melting was triggered by slab breakoff, which was preceded by slab rollback inducing trench‐parallel wedge mantle flow and non‐steady fluid and heat transport leaving exceptionally hydrous residual mantle. The formation history of the Hayachine–Miyamori Ophiolite implies that weaker plate coupling may provide preferential conditions for exhumation of very hydrous mantle. Very hydrous peridotites involved in arc magmatism have not yet been discovered except for in the Cambrian–Ordovician periods, suggesting its implications for global geodynamics, such as the thermal state and water circulation in the mantle.
Petrology and geochemistry of ultrahigh‐temperature granulites from the South Altay orogenic belt, northwestern China: Implications for metamorphic evolution and protolith composition
Authors: Yang Xiaoqiang , Li Zilong , Wang Huihui , Chen Hanlin , Li Yinqi , Xiao Wenjiao
Published: July 2015

Ultrahigh‐temperature (UHT) granulites in the South Altay orogenic belt of Northwestern China provide important clues for the lower crustal components and tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt during the Paleozoic. In this paper, we studied whole‐rock geochemistry and mineral characteristics to understand the protolith and metamorphic evolution of the Altay UHT granulite. The Altay granulite shows negative discriminant function values (DF) of −9.27 to −3.95, indicating a sedimentary origin, probably an argillaceous rock. The peak metamorphic temperature–pressure conditions of 920–1010 °C and > 9 kbar were estimated from the geothermobarometry, together with the stability of spinel (low ZnO) + quartz and orthopyroxene (Al2O3 up to 9.2 wt.%) + sillimanite + quartz in the Altay UHT rock, indicate a UHT metamorphic condition has been achieved. Two stages of retrograde conditions are recognized in these rocks; the first is an isothermal decompression to approx. 750 °C at 5.2–5.8 kbar at the early stage, and the second is the cooling down to 520–550 °C at 4.8–5.2 kbar. Combined with previous study, the formation of the Altay UHT pelitic granulite with a clockwise retrograde P–T path is inferred to be related with collisional and accretional orogenic process between the Siberian and Kazakhstan–Junggar plates.
Petrogenesis of diabase from accretionary prism in the southern Qiangtang terrane, central Tibet: Evidence from U–Pb geochronology, petrochemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotope characteristics
Authors: Li Jin‐Xiang , Qin Ke‐Zhang , Li Guang‐Ming , Zhao Jun‐Xing , Cao Ming‐Jian
Published: July 2015

The Bangong–Nujiang suture (BNS) between the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes is an important boundary and its petrogenesis is controversial. Diabase from the accretionary prism in the southern Qiangtang terrane yields a zircon U–Pb age of 181.3 ± 1.4 Ma. All the diabases show tholeiitic basalt compositions, gentle enrichment patters of light rare earth elements (REE), variable enrichment in incompatible element concentrations (e.g. Th and Rb), and no anomaly in high field strength elements (e.g. Nb and Ta), similar to that of enriched mid‐ocean ridge basalt (E‐MORB). They have relatively homogeneous whole rock Nd (εNd(t) = 7.3–9.1) and zircon Hf–O isotopic compositions (εHf(t) = 14.8–16.1, and δ18O = 4.57–6.12‰), possibly indicating melting of the depleted mantle and no significant crustal contamination during the petrogenesis. The element variations suggest that the diabases were formed by plume–ridge interaction at a mid‐ocean ridge within the Bangong–Nujiang ocean.
Effects of La/Ce Ratio on Coloring and Crystallization of MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐TiO2‐CeO2‐La2O3 Glasses
Authors: Wang Hui‐Juan , Li Bo‐Tao , Lin Hui‐Xing , Chen Wei , Luo Lan
Published: July 2015

1.0MgO‐1.2Al2O3‐2.8SiO2‐1.2TiO2‐(0.6‐2x)CeO2‐xLa2O3(x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) glasses are prepared, and the La/Ce ratio‐dependent coloring and crystallization are investigated by optical transmission spectrum, the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and network analyzer. The results show that the coloring of the parent glasses varies markedly with La/Ce ratio, while the crystallization of the glasses shows no significant difference. With the increase in x, the color of the glass ranges from red‐brown to yellow and the transmittance increases markedly in visible region. The deepest color when x = 0 is related with the predominant presence of Ti4+ and Ce3+, while the lightest color when x = 0.3 is attributed to Ti4+. Perrierite, rutile, cordierite, and magnesium aluminotitanate (MAT) are found for all the glass–ceramic samples, and the relative content of these phases is almost unchanged at the same crystallization temperature. However, the chemical composition of perrierite changes greatly with La/Ce ratio. As La2O3 replaces CeO2 gradually, the dielectric constant εr maintains at about 11 and the quality factor Q×f fluctuates within a narrow range from 20,000 GHz to 22 000 GHz, while the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τf varies between 38 and 52 ppm/°C.
Materials, Techniques, and Conservation of Historic Stained Glass “Grisailles”
Authors: Pradell Trinitat , Molina Gloria , Murcia Sonia , Ibáñez Rafael , Liu Chaoren , Molera Judit , Shortland Andrew J.
Published: July 2015

A grisaille is a brown‐blackish paint applied onto the inner surface of stained glass to draw the contours and details of the figures and to produce the effect of shades and volumes. Grisailles were traditionally made of finely ground oxides of iron but also of copper, zinc, lead, or manganese mixed with a flux such as lead ground glass and a binder and fixed onto the flat glass by firing. The grisailles have typical layer thickness varying between 10 and 100 μm and are formed by a complex mixture of pigment particles, crystalline, and amorphous reaction compounds, aging, and weathering compounds. The high brilliance, collimation, energy selection, and monochromacity of the SR beam are ideal to obtain micro‐XRD patterns from thin cross sections of the grisailles. The analyses are complemented with SEM‐EDX and LA‐ICPMS. A selection of grisailles from several cathedrals and buildings in Spain, Avila, Burgos, Alcalá de Henares, and in particular from Segovia, dating from early 16th to the 20th century and belonging to several master glaziers are studied. Changes in the methods of production and materials in the different historical periods are obtained and also related to the conservation state of the materials.
Daytime sleep duration and the development of childhood overweight: the KOALA Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Bolijn R. , Gubbels J. S. , Sleddens E. F. C. , Kremers S. P. J. , Thijs C.
Published: July 2015

Reduced nighttime sleep is a risk factor for childhood overweight, but the association between daytime sleep and overweight is unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate daytime sleep duration as an independent risk factor for childhood overweight. Data from the KOALA Birth Cohort Study on daytime and nighttime sleep at 2 years (N = 2322), and body mass index (BMI) around 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 years were used. Multivariable general estimating equation regression analyses were performed to examine the associations of sleep duration with BMI (linear) and overweight (logistic). No associations between daytime sleep and BMI or overweight were found, whereas longer nighttime sleep was associated with lower BMI and lower risk of overweight persisting up to age 9. Daytime sleep duration is probably less relevant for prevention of childhood overweight.
On‐Site Identification of Early Böttger Red Stoneware Using Portable XRF/Raman Instruments: 2, Glaze & Gilding Analysis
Authors: Simsek Gulsu , Colomban Philippe , Casadio Francesca , Bellot‐Gurlet Ludovic , Zelleke Ghenete , Faber Katherine T. , Milande Véronique , Tilliard Laurence
Published: July 2015

Twenty‐one glazed red stoneware objects, with gilded or gold‐painted decor from different collections (Cité de la Céramique, Sèvres, France; Art Institute of Chicago, USA; a private collection) attributed to 18th century Böttger, Meissen (Saxony) have been analyzed with a portable X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) and portable or fixed Raman micro‐spectrometer in laboratory/museum/collector rooms. Analysis was aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the technology of production of the gilding and black glaze, to augment what is known from the limited literature. Three different techniques to obtain a golden décor emerged as a result of this study: (i) a true gilding with gold, (ii) gold with mercury, and (iii) an alloy of copper and zinc.
The B subunit of Escherichia coli heat‐labile toxin alters the development and antigen‐presenting capacity of dendritic cells
Authors: Ji Jing , Griffiths Kristin L , Milburn Peter J , Hirst Timothy R , O'Neill Helen C
Published: July 2015

Escherichia coli's heat‐labile enterotoxin (Etx) and its non‐toxic B subunit (EtxB) have been characterized as adjuvants capable of enhancing T cell responses to co‐administered antigen. Here, we investigate the direct effect of intravenously administered EtxB on the size of the dendritic and myeloid cell populations in spleen. EtxB treatment appears to enhance the development and turnover of dendritic and myeloid cells from precursors within the spleen. EtxB treatment also gives a dendritic cell (DC) population with higher viability and lower activation status based on the reduced expression of MHC‐II, CD80 and CD86. In this respect, the in vivo effect of EtxB differs from that of the highly inflammatory mediator lipopolysaccharide. In in vitro bone marrow cultures, EtxB treatment was also found to enhance the development of DC from precursors dependent on Flt3L. In terms of the in vivo effect of EtxB on CD4 and CD8 T cell responses in mice, the interaction of EtxB directly with DC was demonstrated following conditional depletion of CD11c+ DC. In summary, all results are consistent with EtxB displaying adjuvant ability by enhancing the turnover of DC in spleen, leading to newly mature myeloid and DC in spleen, thereby increasing DC capacity to perform as antigen‐presenting cells on encounter with T cells.
A novel quality scoring system for the evaluation of individual colonoscopy: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Zhan Qiang , Xiang Li , Zhao Xinhua , An Shengli , Wang Yadong , Xu Yangzhi , Li Aimin , Gong Wei , Bai Yang , Zhang Yali , Liu Side
Published: July 2015

Background and Aim:

It is essential to develop a novel evaluation system for the quality of individual colonoscopy and provide guidelines on whether and when to follow up the patient after the initial colonoscopy. This study aimed to establish and validate a scoring system for the quality of individual colonoscopy in terms of the adenoma miss rate (AMR).

Methods:

Patients undergoing two consecutive colonoscopies within 90 days between 2009 and 2011 from different levels of hospitals in China were enrolled into this study. Potential risk factors for adenoma miss at the individual colonoscopy in a cohort of patients were evaluated in univariate and multivariate analyses. Corresponding scores for the procedure‐related factors were generated based on their weights, and a scoring system was established and then validated by correlating the system with AMR.

Results:

A total of 2093 patients were enrolled. Procedure‐related factors at the individual colonoscopy (including bowel preparation and imaging methods), doctor experience, retroflexion, and withdrawal time were identified to be independent risk factors, and each of these factors was scored from 0 to 3. Then, a novel scoring system for the quality of individual colonoscopy (ranging from 0 to 9) was established, which was closely correlated with the AMRs in the establishment (adjusted R2 = 0.845) and validation databases (adjusted R2 = 0.733).

Conclusions:

The developed and validated evaluation system, consisting of procedure‐related independent factors, successfully assesses the quality of individual colonoscopy in terms of AMRs.
Monazite as a monitor of melting, garnet growth and feldspar recrystallization in continental lower crust
Authors: Dumond G. , Goncalves P. , Williams M. L. , Jercinovic M. J.
Published: July 2015

Monazite is a common accessory phase in felsic granulite ribbon mylonites exposed in the Upper Deck domain of the Athabasca granulite terrane, western Canadian Shield. Field relationships, bulk rock geochemistry and phase equilibria modelling in the Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–Fe2O3 system are consistent with the garnet‐rich rocks representing the residual products of ultrahigh temperature melting of biotite‐bearing paragneisses driven by intraplating of mafic magma in continental lower crust. The c. 2.64–2.61 Ga Y‐rich resorbed monazite cores included in garnet are interpreted as relicts of detrital grains deposited on the Earth's surface after c. 2.61 Ga. Yttrium‐poor monazite domains in garnet are depleted in Sm and Gd and linked to fluid‐absent melting of biotite + plagioclase + quartz ± sillimanite during a prograde loading path from ≤0.8 to ≥1.4 GPa. The c. 2.61–2.55 Ga Y‐depleted, Th‐rich monazite domains crystallized in the presence of garnet + ternary feldspar ± orthopyroxene + peraluminous melt. The c. 2.58–2.52 Ga monazite rims depleted in Th + Ca and enriched in Eu are linked to localized melt extraction synchronous with growth of high‐pressure (HP) grossular‐rich garnet at the expense of plagioclase during crustal thickening, culminating at >950 °C. Re‐heating and dextral transpressive lower crustal reactivation at c. 1.9 Ga resulted in syn‐kinematic growth of (La + Ce)‐enriched monazite and a second generation of garnet, concurrent with recrystallization of feldspar and orthopyroxene at 1.0–1.2 GPa and 600–700 °C. Monazite grains in this study are marked by positive Eu‐anomalies relative to chondrite. A direct link is implied between Y, Sm, Eu and Gd in monazite and two major phases in continental lower crust: garnet and plagioclase. Positive Eu‐anomalies in lower crustal monazite associated with modally abundant garnet appear to be directly related to Eu‐enrichment and depletions of Y, Sm and Gd that are consequences of garnet growth and plagioclase breakdown during HP melting of peraluminous bulk compositions.
Extended conformation of the proline‐rich domain of human aryl hydrocarbon receptor‐interacting protein‐like 1: implications for retina disease
Authors: Yadav Ravi P , Majumder Anurima , Gakhar Lokesh , Artemyev Nikolai O.
Published: July 2015

Mutations in the primate‐specific proline‐rich domain (PRD) of aryl hydrocarbon receptor‐interacting protein‐like 1 (AIPL1) are thought to cause Leber congenital amaurosis or dominant cone‐rod dystrophy. The role of PRD and the mechanisms of PRD mutations are poorly understood. Here, we have examined properties of hAIPL1 and effects of the PRD mutations on protein structure and function. Solution structures of hAIPL1, hAIPL11‐316 with PRD truncation, and the P351Δ12 and P376S mutants were examined by small angle X‐ray scattering. Our analysis suggests that PRD assumes an extended conformation and does not interact with the FK506‐binding and tetratricopeptide domains. The PRD truncation, but not PRD mutations, reduced the molecule's radius of gyration and maximum dimension. We demonstrate that hAIPL1 is a monomeric protein, and its secondary structure and stability are not affected by the PRD mutations. PRD itself is an extended monomeric random coil. The PRD mutations caused little or no changes in hAIPL1 binding to known partners, phosphodiesterase‐6A and HSP90. We also identified the γ‐subunit of phosphodiesterase‐6 as a novel partner of hAIPL1 and hypothesize that this interaction is altered by P351Δ12. Our results highlight the complexity of mechanisms of PRD mutations in disease and the possibility that certain mutations are benign variants.

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Mutations in the proline‐rich domain (PRD) of human AIPL1 cause severe retinal diseases, yet the role of PRD and the mechanisms of PRD mutations are unknown. Here, we describe a SAXS‐derived solution structure of AIPL1 and functional properties of disease‐linked AIPL1‐PRD mutants. This structure and functional analyses provide a framework for understanding the mechanisms of PRD in disease.
Could transient hypoxia be associated with rhythmic masticatory muscle activity in sleep bruxism in the absence of sleep‐disordered breathing? A preliminary report
Authors: Dumais I. E. , Lavigne G. J. , Carra M. C. , Rompré P. H. , Huynh N. T.
Published: July 2015

Sleep bruxism (SB) is a repetitive jaw‐muscle activity characterised by clenching or grinding of the teeth during sleep. Sleep bruxism activity is characterised by rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA). Many but not all RMMA episodes are associated with sleep arousal. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether transient oxygen saturation level change can be temporally associated with genesis of RMMA/SB. Sleep laboratory or home recordings data from 22 SB (tooth grinding history in the absence of reported sleep‐disordered breathing) and healthy subjects were analysed. A total of 143 RMMA/SB episodes were classified in four categories: (i) no arousal + no body movement; (ii) arousal + no body movement; (iii) no arousal + body movement; (iv) arousal + body movement. Blood oxygen levels (SaO2) were assessed from finger oximetry signal at the baseline (before RMMA), and during RMMA. Significant variation in SaO2 over time (P = 0·001) was found after RMMA onset (+7 to +9 s). No difference between categories (P = 0·91) and no interaction between categories and SaO2 variation over time (P = 0·10) were observed. SaO2 of six of 22 subjects (27%) remained equal or slight increase after the RMMA/SB onset (+8 s) compared to baseline; 10 subjects (45%) slightly decreased (drop 0·01–1%) and the remaining (27%) decreased between 1% and 2%. These preliminary findings suggest that a subgroup of SB subjects had (i) a minor transient hypoxia potentially associated with the onset of RMMA episodes, and this (ii) independently of concomitant sleep arousal or body movements.
Nonporphyritic chondrules and chondrule fragments in enstatite chondrites: Insights into their origin and secondary processing
Authors: Varela M. E. , Sylvester P. , Brandstätter F. , Engler A.
Published: July 2015

Sixteen nonporphyritic chondrules and chondrule fragments were studied in polished thin and thick sections in two enstatite chondrites (ECs): twelve objects from unequilibratedEH3 Sahara 97158 and four objects from equilibratedEH4 Indarch. Bulk major element analyses, obtained with electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and analytical scanning electron microscopy (ASEM), as well as bulk lithophile trace element analyses, determined by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS), show that volatile components (K2O + Na2O versus Al2O3) scatter roughly around theCIline, indicating equilibration with the chondritic reservoir. All lithophile trace element abundances in the chondrules from Sahara 97158 and Indarch are within the range of previous analyses of nonporphyritic chondrules in unequilibrated ordinary chondrites (UOCs). The unfractionated (solar‐like) Yb/Ce ratio of the studied objects and the mostly unfractionated refractory lithophile trace element (RLTE) abundance patterns indicate an origin by direct condensation. However, the objects possess subchondritic CaO/Al2O3ratios; superchondritic (Sahara 97158) and subchondritic (Indarch) Yb/Sc ratios; and chondritic‐normalized deficits in Nb, Ti, V, and Mn relative toRLTEs. This suggests a unique nebular process for the origin of theseECs, involving elemental fractionation of the solar gas by the removal of oldhamite, niningerite, and/or another phase prior to chondrule condensation. A layered chondrule in Sahara 97158 is strongly depleted in Nb in the core compared to the rim, suggesting that the solar gas was heterogeneous on the time scales of chondrule formation. Late stage metasomatic events produced the compositional diversity of the studied objects by addition of moderately volatile and volatile elements. In the equilibrated Indarch chondrules, this late process has been further disturbed, possibly by a postaccretional process (diffusion?) that preferentially mobilized Rb with respect to Cs in the studied objects.
Pristine stratospheric collection of interplanetary dust on an oil‐free polyurethane foam substrate
Authors: Messenger Scott , Nakamura‐Messenger Keiko , Keller Lindsay P. , Clemett Simon J.
Published: July 2015

We performed chemical, mineralogical, and isotopic studies of the first interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) collected in the stratosphere without the use of silicone oil. The collection substrate, polyurethane foam, effectively traps impacting particles, but the lack of an embedding medium results in significant particle fragmentation. Two dust particles found on the collector exhibit the typical compositional and mineralogical properties of chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles (CP‐IDPs). Hydrogen and nitrogen isotopic imaging revealed isotopic anomalies of typical magnitude and spatial variability observed in previous CP‐IDP studies. Oxygen isotopic imaging shows that individual mineral grains and glass with embedded metal and sulfide (GEMS) grains are dominated by solar system materials. No systematic differences are observed in element abundance patterns of GEMS grains from the dry collection versus silicone oil‐collected IDPs. This initial study establishes the validity of a new IDP collection substrate that avoids the use of silicone oil as a collection medium, removing the need for this problematic contaminant and the organic solvents necessary to remove it. Additional silicone oil‐free collections of this type are needed to determine more accurate bulk element abundances of IDPs and to examine the indigenous soluble organic components of IDPs.
Seeking signatures of reinforcement at the genetic level: a hitchhiking mapping and candidate gene approach in the house mouse
Authors: Smadja Carole M. , Loire Etienne , Caminade Pierre , Thoma Marios , Latour Yasmin , Roux Camille , Thoss Michaela , Penn Dustin J. , Ganem Guila , Boursot Pierre
Published: July 2015

Reinforcement is the process by which prezygotic isolation is strengthened as a response to selection against hybridization. Most empirical support for reinforcement comes from the observation of its possible phenotypic signature: an accentuated degree of prezygotic isolation in the hybrid zone as compared to allopatry. Here, we implemented a novel approach to this question by seeking for the signature of reinforcement at the genetic level. In the house mouse, selection against hybrids and enhanced olfactory‐based assortative mate preferences are observed in a hybrid zone between the two European subspeciesMus musculus musculusandM. m. domesticus, suggesting a possible recent reinforcement event. To test for the genetic signature of reinforcing selection and identify genes involved in sexual isolation, we adopted a hitchhiking mapping approach targeting genomic regions containing candidate genes for assortative mating in mice. We densely scanned these genomic regions in hybrid zone and allopatric samples using a large number of fast evolving microsatellite loci that allow the detection of recent selection events. We found a handful of loci showing the expected pattern of significant reduction in variability in populations close to the hybrid zone, showing assortative odour preference in mate choice experiments as compared to populations further away and displaying no such preference. These loci lie close to genes that we pinpoint as testable candidates for further investigation.
Why Have U.S. Prices Become Independent of Business Cycles?
Authors: Gu Gyun Cheol
Published: July 2015

This article analyzes the issue of price cyclicality from a Post Keynesian perspective. It shows that there are two key factors at the center of the mechanism for the sudden U.S. transition from counter‐cyclical to a‐cyclical price movement in the early 1980s. First, the cost pass‐through policy has been changed to ensure that the cyclical changes of input prices and/or labor productivity are absorbed more thoroughly and are thus reflected more frequently in profit markups than occurred prior to 1984. This relatively increased adaptability of the profit markups in the aggregate sense between the pricing periods cushions the direct effect of cyclical changes in the cost base on price cyclicality. Second, a structural change in the U.S. labor productivity's cyclical property has generated cost‐base stability during the post‐1984 period. Declines in hiring and firing costs and cutbacks in social security benefits have led the labor discipline effect to dominate the labor hoarding effect. This has allowed labor productivity to increase as the unemployment rate rises; thus, the cost base cyclicality has weakened, and prices have become less cyclical since 1984.
Experimental Multimarket Contact Inhibits Cooperation
Authors: Yang Junho , Kawamura Tetsuya , Ogawa Kazuhito
Published: July 2015

We experimentally examine the effect of multimarket contact utilizing 2 × 2 Prisoner's Dilemma games and a strict discount factor control. We find that cooperation rates when participants play both games simultaneously are lower than or equal to when they play each game separately. This finding suggests that experimental multimarket contact may inhibit cooperation.