bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Activation in Adrenocortical Adenomas Is Frequently due to Somatic CTNNB1-Activating Mutations, Which Are Associated with Larger and Nonsecreting Tumors: A Study in Cortisol-Secreting and -Nonsecreting Tumors
Authors: Bonnet Stéphane , Gaujoux Sébastien , Launay Pierre , Baudry Camille , Chokri Ilham , Ragazzon Bruno , Libé Rossella , René-Corail Fernande , Audebourg Anne , Vacher-Lavenu Marie-Cécile , Groussin Lionel , Bertagna Xavier , Dousset Bertrand , Bertherat Jérôme , Tissier Frédérique
Published: January 2014

Background: Abnormal β-catenin immunohistochemistry and mutations of the β-catenin gene (CTNNB1) have been reported in adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs), but the frequencies of these defects and the phenotype of such tumors have not been clearly determined.

Objective: The objective of the study was to describe the Wnt/β-catenin pathway alterations in 100 ACAs and their association with clinicopathological characteristics.

Patients and methods: One hundred consecutive ACAs (excluding Conn’s adenomas) were studied clinically by β-catenin immunohistochemistry and direct sequencing of CTNNB1.

Results: Thirty-five ACAs were nonsecreting adenomas (NSAs), 19 were subclinical cortisol secreting adenomas (SCSAs), and 46 were cortisol secreting adenomas (CSAs). Fifty-one tumors had abnormal cytoplasmic and/or nuclear β-catenin immunohistochemical staining, indicating Wnt/β-catenin pathway alteration. Thirty-six tumors showed CTNNB1 mutations, which all showed abnormal immunohistochemical β-catenin accumulation. Among the 64 nonmutated tumors, only 15 (23%) showed cytoplasmic and/or nuclear β-catenin staining (P < 0.0001). Tumors with CTNNB1 mutations were predominantly nonsecreting (61% NSAs, 22% SCSAs, 16% CSAs) whereas nonmutated tumors were predominantly secreting (20% NSAs, 17% SCSAs, 62% CSAs) (P < 0.0001). Mean tumor size and weight were, respectively, 4.2 cm (±1.2) and 28.4 g (±21.1) for tumors with CTNNB1 mutations vs. 3.4 cm (±0.9) and 18.2 g (±8.1) for nonmutated tumors (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Abnormal cytoplasmic and/or nuclear β-catenin immunohistochemical staining occurs in about half of ACAs. This suggests the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which could be explained by activating mutations of CTNNB1 in 70% of the cases. CTNNB1 mutations are mainly observed in larger and nonsecreting ACAs, suggesting that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation is associated with the development of less differentiated ACAs.
Effect of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 on α- and β-Cell Function in C-Peptide-Negative Type 1 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Kielgast Urd , Asmar Meena , Madsbad Sten , Holst Jens J.
Published: January 2014

Context: The mechanism by which glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) suppresses glucagon secretion is uncertain, and it is not determined whether endogenous insulin is a necessary factor for this effect.

Objective: Our objective was to characterize the α- and β-cell responses to GLP-1 in type 1 diabetic patients without residual β-cell function.

Methods: Nine type 1 diabetic patients, classified as C-peptide negative by a glucagon test, were clamped at plasma glucose of 20 mmol/liter for 90 min with arginine infusion at time 45 min and concomitant infusion of GLP-1 (1.2 pmol/kg · min) or saline.

Results: Infusion with GLP-1 increased C-peptide concentration just above the detection limit of 33 pmol/liter in one patient, but C-peptide remained immeasurable in all other patients. In the eight remaining patients, total area under the curve of glucagon was significantly decreased with GLP-1 compared with saline: 485 ± 72 vs. 760 ± 97 pmol/liter · min (P < 0.001). In addition, GLP-1 decreased the arginine-stimulated glucagon release (incremental AUC of 103 ± 21 and 137 ± 16 pmol/liter · min, with GLP-1 and saline, respectively, P < 0.05).

Conclusions: In type 1 diabetic patients without endogenous insulin secretion, GLP-1 decreases the glucagon secretion as well as the arginine-induced glucagon response during hyperglycemia. GLP-1 induced endogenous insulin secretion in one of nine type 1 diabetic patients previously classified as being without endogenous insulin secretion.
Sterol O-Acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1, ACAT) Is a Novel Target of Steroidogenic Factor-1 (SF-1, NR5A1, Ad4BP) in the Human Adrenal
Authors: Ferraz-de-Souza Bruno , Hudson-Davies Rebecca E. , Lin Lin , Parnaik Rahul , Hubank Mike , Dattani Mehul T. , Achermann John C.
Published: January 2014

Context:

Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1, NR5A1, Ad4BP) is a master regulator of adrenal development and steroidogenesis. Defects in several known targets of SF-1 can cause adrenal disorders in humans.

Objective:

We aimed to identify novel targets of SF-1 in the human adrenal. These factors could be important regulators of adrenal development and steroidogenesis and potential candidates for adrenal dysfunction.

Design:

A gene discovery strategy was developed based on bidirectional manipulation of SF-1. Overexpression or knockdown of SF-1 in NCI-H295R human adrenocortical cells was used to identify a subset of positively-regulated SF-1 targets.

Results:

This approach identified well-established SF-1 target genes (STAR, CYP11A) and several novel genes (VSNL1, ZIM2, PEG3, SOAT1, and MTSS1). Given its role in cholesterol metabolism, sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1, previously referred to as acyl-Coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 1, ACAT) was studied further and found to be expressed in the developing human fetal adrenal cortex. We hypothesized that impaired SOAT1 activity could result in adrenal insufficiency through reduced cholesteryl ester reserves or through toxic destruction of the adrenal cells during development. Therefore, mutational analysis of SOAT1 in a cohort of 43 patients with unexplained adrenal insufficiency was performed but failed to reveal significant coding sequence changes.

Conclusions:

Our reverse discovery approach led to the identification of novel SF-1 targets and defined SOAT1 as an important factor in human adrenal steroidogenesis. SF-1–dependent up-regulation of SOAT1 may be important for maintaining readily-releasable cholesterol reserves needed for active steroidogenesis and during episodes of recurrent stress.
Asymmetric Aldol Reaction of Formaldehyde Catalyzed by Diarylprolinol
Authors: Yasui Yusuke , Benohoud Meryem , Sato Itaru , Hayashi Yujiro
Published: January 2014

The asymmetric cross-aldol reaction of formaldehyde with aldehyde pronucleophiles, catalyzed by trifluoromethyl-substituted diarylprolinol 1, was accomplished to directly afford α-hydroxymethyl-substituted aldehydes in good yield with excellent enantioselectivity.
Warming, soil moisture, and loss of snow increase Bromus tectorum’s population growth rate
Authors: Compagnoni Aldo , Adler Peter B.
Published: January 2014

Climate change threatens to exacerbate the impacts of invasive species. In temperate ecosystems, direct effects of warming may be compounded by dramatic reductions in winter snow cover. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is arguably the most destructive biological invader in basins of the North American Intermountain West, and warming could increase its performance through direct effects on demographic rates or through indirect effects mediated by loss of snow. We conducted a two-year experimental manipulation of temperature and snow pack to test whether 1) warming increases cheatgrass population growth rate and 2) reduced snow cover contributes to cheatgrass’ positive response to warming. We used infrared heaters operating continuously to create the warming treatment, but turned heaters on only during snowfalls for the snowmelt treatment. We monitored cheatgrass population growth rate and the vital rates that determine it: emergence, survival and fecundity. Growth rate increased in both warming and snowmelt treatments. The largest increases occurred in warming plots during the wettest year, indicating that the magnitude of response to warming depends on moisture availability. Warming increased both fecundity and survival, especially in the wet year, while snowmelt contributed to the positive effects of warming by increasing survival. Our results indicate that increasing temperature will exacerbate cheatgrass impacts, especially where warming causes large reductions in the depth and duration of snow cover.
Análisis de los Planes de Dinamización del Producto Turístico. Una propuesta metodológica
Authors: Tirado Ballesteros Juan Gabriel
Published: January 2014

Para conseguir el desarrollo sostenible en un destino, se requiere de un proceso continuado y un seguimiento constante de diversos indicadores que evalúan el grado de implementación del plan ejecutado. Ello permitiría introducir las medidas correctivas que resultasen necesarias. Sin embargo, los destinos emergentes no cuentan con las herramientas, ni la información necesaria para diagnosticar su coyuntura turística. Se propone, a modo de guía, una serie de indicadores turísticos aplicables a zonas rurales, que abarcando aspectos sociales, ambientales y económicos, ayuden a los destinos a redirigir sus políticas estratégicas y les permita conocer las repercusiones de las actuaciones formuladas. Esta propuesta metodológica se aplica, a modo de caso de estudio en la comarca Campo de Montiel. Se pretende con ello, por un lado, analizar las repercusiones que está teniendo el Plan de Dinamización del Producto Turístico Campo de Montiel “Cuna del Quijote” y, por otro, evaluar la aplicabilidad de la propuesta metodológica.
Comparison of Sleep Spindles and Theta Oscillations in the Hippocampus
Authors: Sullivan David , Mizuseki Kenji , Sorgi Anthony , Buzsáki György
Published: January 2014

Several network patterns allow for information exchange between the neocortex and the entorhinal–hippocampal complex, including theta oscillations and sleep spindles. How neurons are organized in these respective patterns is not well understood. We examined the cellular–synaptic generation of sleep spindles and theta oscillations in the waking rat and during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep by simultaneously recording local field and spikes in the regions and layers of the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex (EC). We show the following: (1) current source density analysis reveals that similar anatomical substrates underlie spindles and theta in the hippocampus, although the hippocampal subregions are more synchronized during spindles than theta; (2) the spiking of putative principal cells and interneurons in the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus subregions of the hippocampus, as well as layers 2, 3, and 5 of medial EC, are significantly phase locked to spindles detected in CA1; (3) the relationship between local field potential (LFP) phase and unit spiking differs between spindles and theta; (4) individual hippocampal principal cells generally do not fire in a rhythmic manner during spindles; (5) power in gamma (30–90 Hz) and epsilon (>90 Hz) bands of hippocampal LFP is modulated by the phase of spindle oscillations; and (6) unit firing rates during spindles were not significantly affected by whether spindles occurred during non-REM or transitions between non-REM and REM sleep. Thus, despite the similar current generator inputs and macroscopic appearance of the LFP, the organization of neuronal firing patterns during spindles bears little resemblance to that of theta oscillations.
The Control of Global Brain Dynamics: Opposing Actions of Frontoparietal Control and Default Mode Networks on Attention
Authors: Hellyer Peter J. , Shanahan Murray , Scott Gregory , Wise Richard J. S. , Sharp David J. , Leech Robert
Published: January 2014

Understanding how dynamic changes in brain activity control behavior is a major challenge of cognitive neuroscience. Here, we consider the brain as a complex dynamic system and define two measures of brain dynamics: the synchrony of brain activity, measured by the spatial coherence of the BOLD signal across regions of the brain; and metastability, which we define as the extent to which synchrony varies over time. We investigate the relationship among brain network activity, metastability, and cognitive state in humans, testing the hypothesis that global metastability is “tuned” by network interactions. We study the following two conditions: (1) an attentionally demanding choice reaction time task (CRT); and (2) an unconstrained “rest” state. Functional MRI demonstrated increased synchrony, and decreased metastability was associated with increased activity within the frontoparietal control/dorsal attention network (FPCN/DAN) activity and decreased default mode network (DMN) activity during the CRT compared with rest. Using a computational model of neural dynamics that is constrained by white matter structure to test whether simulated changes in FPCN/DAN and DMN activity produce similar effects, we demonstate that activation of the FPCN/DAN increases global synchrony and decreases metastability. DMN activation had the opposite effects. These results suggest that the balance of activity in the FPCN/DAN and DMN might control global metastability, providing a mechanistic explanation of how attentional state is shifted between an unfocused/exploratory mode characterized by high metastability, and a focused/constrained mode characterized by low metastability.
Diverse Thalamocortical Short-Term Plasticity Elicited by Ongoing Stimulation
Authors: Díaz-Quesada Marta , Martini Francisco J. , Ferrati Giovanni , Bureau Ingrid , Maravall Miguel
Published: January 2014

To produce sensation, neuronal pathways must transmit and process stimulus patterns that unfold over time. This behavior is determined by short-term synaptic plasticity (STP), which shapes the temporal filtering properties of synapses in a pathway. We explored STP variability across thalamocortical (TC) synapses, measuring whole-cell responses to stimulation of TC fibers in layer 4 neurons of mouse barrel cortexin vitro. As expected, STP during stimulation from rest was dominated by depression. However, STP during ongoing stimulation was strikingly diverse across TC connections. Diversity took the form of variable tuning to the latest interstimulus interval: some connections responded weakly to shorter intervals, while other connections were facilitated. These behaviors did not cluster into categories but formed a continuum. Diverse tuning did not require disynaptic inhibition. Hence, monosynaptic excitatory lemniscal TC connections onto layer 4 do not behave uniformly during ongoing stimulation. Each connection responds differentially to particular stimulation intervals, enriching the ability of the pathway to convey complex, temporally fluctuating information.
Neurons in Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex Signal Postdecisional Variables in a Foraging Task
Authors: Blanchard Tommy C. , Hayden Benjamin Y.
Published: January 2014

The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) is a key hub of the brain's executive control system. Although a great deal is known about its role in outcome monitoring and behavioral adjustment, whether and how it contributes to the decision process remain unclear. Some theories suggest that dACC neurons track decision variables (e.g., option values) that feed into choice processes and is thus “predecisional.” Other theories suggest that dACC activity patterns differ qualitatively depending on the choice that is made and is thus “postdecisional.” To compare these hypotheses, we examined responses of 124 dACC neurons in a simple foraging task in which monkeys accepted or rejected offers of delayed rewards. In this task, options that vary in benefit (reward size) and cost (delay) appear for 1 s; accepting the option provides the cued reward after the cued delay. To get at dACC neurons' contributions to decisions, we focused on responses around the time of choice, several seconds before the reward and the end of the trial. We found that dACC neurons signal the foregone value of the rejected option, a postdecisional variable. Neurons also signal the profitability (that is, the relative value) of the offer, but even these signals are qualitatively different on accept and reject decisions, meaning that they are also postdecisional. These results suggest that dACC can be placed late in the decision process and also support models that give it a regulatory role in decision, rather than serving as a site of comparison.
Higher-Order Septin Assembly Is Driven by GTP-Promoted Conformational Changes: Evidence From Unbiased Mutational Analysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Weems Andrew D , Johnson Courtney R , Argueso Juan Lucas , McMurray Michael A
Published: January 2014

Septin proteins bind GTP and heterooligomerize into filaments with conserved functions across a wide range of eukaryotes. Most septins hydrolyze GTP, altering the oligomerization interfaces; yet mutations designed to abolish nucleotide binding or hydrolysis by yeast septins perturb function only at high temperatures. Here, we apply an unbiased mutational approach to this problem. Mutations causing defects at high temperature mapped exclusively to the oligomerization interface encompassing the GTP-binding pocket, or to the pocket itself. Strikingly, cold-sensitive defects arise when certain of these same mutations are coexpressed with a wild-type allele, suggestive of a novel mode of dominance involving incompatibility between mutant and wild-type molecules at the septin–septin interfaces that mediate filament polymerization. A different cold-sensitive mutant harbors a substitution in an unstudied but highly conserved region of the septin Cdc12. A homologous domain in the small GTPase Ran allosterically regulates GTP-binding domain conformations, pointing to a possible new functional domain in some septins. Finally, we identify a mutation in septin Cdc3 that restores the high-temperature assembly competence of a mutant allele of septin Cdc10, likely by adopting a conformation more compatible with nucleotide-free Cdc10. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that GTP binding and hydrolysis promote, but are not required for, one-time events—presumably oligomerization-associated conformational changes—during assembly of the building blocks of septin filaments. Restrictive temperatures impose conformational constraints on mutant septin proteins, preventing new assembly and in certain cases destabilizing existing assemblies. These insights from yeast relate directly to disease-causing mutations in human septins.
Analysis of soil thickness in a hilly region, based on geophysical methods
Authors: Holndonner Péter , Turai Endre , Dobos Endre , Vadnai Péter
Published: January 2014

Dolgozatunk célja a földtani kutatásokban rutinszerűen használt geofizikai eszközök talajtani alkalmazási eredményeinek bemutatása és értékelése.A mintaterület a tokaj-hegyaljai Mádi-patak vízgyűjtője, ahol a dominánsan riolittufa- andezit tömör talajképző kőzet megjelenésének mélységét geoelektromos mérésekkel állapítottuk meg. A fajlagos ellenállás és a gerjesztett polarizációs szelvénymetszetek jól mutatják a felső mállott, talajosodott összlet vastagságát.A geoelektromos mérési eredményeket fúrással ellenőriztük. A validálási pontokon kapott fúrási eredmények alátámasztják a geoelektromos módszerrel mért eredményeket. Az adatok további elemzésével, számítások alapján vizsgáltuk a domborzat — akár minimális értékű — görbültségi fokának és mértékének eróziós folyamatokban betöltött szerepét is. Ezáltal meghatározhatók a lejtőoldal lepusztult térszínei, illetve az akkumulációs területek.Megállapítható, hogy ez a geofizikai módszer lejtőoldali környezetben jól alkalmazható a talajtakaró vastagságának, illetve az erózió mértékének a mérésére.
Desigualdades na autoavaliacao da saude bucal em adultos
Authors: Luchi Carla Antoni , Peres Karen Glazer , Bastos Joao Luiz , Peres Marco Aurelio
Published: January 2014

OBJETIVO Analisar a associação entre autoavaliação da saúde bucal em adultos e desigualdades sociodemográficas. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal com 2.016 adultos de 20 a 59 anos de idade, de Florianópolis, SC, em 2009. A amostra foi obtida por duplo estágio (setores censitários e domicílios). Os dados foram coletados por entrevistas domiciliares face a face. O desfecho foi autoavaliação da saúde bucal. As variáveis exploratórias foram caracterizadas em blocos demográficos, socioeconômicos, de utilização de serviços e de condições bucais autorreferidas. Foi realizada análise de regressão multivariável de Poisson e estimadas as razões de prevalências e respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança. RESULTADOS A prevalência de autoavaliação negativa da saúde bucal foi de 33,2% (IC95% 29,8;36,6). Idade avançada, referir-se como pardo, possuir menor escolaridade, ter consultado o dentista há três anos ou mais, ter realizado a última consulta em consultório público, possuir menos de dez dentes naturais presentes em pelo menos um arco, perceber necessidade de tratamento odontológico, apresentar sensação de boca seca e dificuldade de alimentação em virtude dos dentes foram associados à autoavaliação negativa da saúde bucal na análise ajustada. CONCLUSÕES A autoavaliação da saúde bucal reflete as desigualdades em saúde e está relacionada às piores condições socioeconômicas, menor uso de serviços de saúde e pior condição bucal autorreferida.
Casos autoctones de esquistossomose mansonica em criancas de Recife, PE
Authors: Barbosa Constanca Simoes , Barbosa Veronica Santos , Melo Fabio Lopes de , Melo Mariana Sena Barreto de , Bezerra Lydia , Campos Julyana Viegas , Rodrigues Bruno Ximenes , Nascimento Wheverton Correia do , Gomes Elainne Souza , Leal-Neto Onicio , Domingues Ana Lucia
Published: January 2014

OBJETIVO : Investigar criadouros com moluscos hospedeiros e casos humanos autóctones para esquistossomose. MÉTODOS : Entre julho de 2010 e setembro de 2012 foram realizados: (1) levantamento malacológico para busca ativa de criadouros, coleta e identificação de caramujos Biomphalaria positivos para Schistosoma mansoni em Recife, PE; (2) inquérito de prevalência com 2.718 escolares, de sete a 14 anos, para diagnóstico de casos de esquistossomose; (3) exame clínico e ultrassonografia nos casos positivos para S. mansoni. Os casos foram investigados quanto à sua autoctonia e avaliados clinicamente. Os casos e criadouros foram georreferenciados e espacializados. RESULTADOS : Foram identificados 30 criadouros de B. straminea , quatro deles potenciais focos de transmissão, uma vez que os testes moleculares identificaram DNA de S. mansoni nos caramujos coletados. Foram diagnosticadas 14 crianças com esquistossomose; entre elas, cinco foram consideradas casos autóctones da doença. CONCLUSÕES : Ações emergenciais pela vigilância em saúde são necessárias para evitar que a esquistossomose se endemize em Recife, como acontece em localidades litorâneas do estado de Pernambuco.
Participacao crescente de produtos ultraprocessados na dieta brasileira (1987-2009)
Authors: Martins Ana Paula Bortoletto , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Claro Rafael Moreira , Moubarac Jean Claude , Monteiro Carlos Augusto
Published: January 2014

OBJETIVO Estimar tendências temporais do consumo domiciliar de itens alimentícios no Brasil, levando em conta a extensão e o propósito do seu processamento industrial. MÉTODOS Os dados analisados são provenientes de Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares realizadas no Brasil em 1987-1988, 1995-1996, 2002-2003 e 2008-2009. Foram analisadas amostras probabilísticas dos domicílios das áreas metropolitanas em todos os períodos mencionados e, nas duas amostras mais recentes, a abrangência foi nacional. As unidades de análise foram registros de aquisições de agregados de domicílios. Os itens alimentícios foram divididos segundo extensão e propósito de seu processamento industrial em: alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados, ingredientes culinários processados e produtos alimentícios prontos para consumo, processados ou ultraprocessados. A quantidade adquirida de cada item foi convertida em energia. Estimaram-se a disponibilidade diária total per capita de calorias e a contribuição dos grupos de alimentos em cada pesquisa. Calcularam-se estimativas por quintos de renda para as pesquisas nacionais. Variações temporais foram testadas por teste de diferença de médias e modelos de regressão linear. RESULTADOS Houve aumento significativo da participação de produtos prontos para o consumo (de 23,0% para 27,8% das calorias), graças ao aumento no consumo de produtos ultraprocessados (de 20,8% para 25,4%) entre 2002-2003 e 2008-2009. Houve redução significativa na participação de alimentos e de ingredientes culinários nesse período. O aumento da participação de produtos ultraprocessados ocorreu em todos os estratos de renda. Observou-se aumento uniforme da participação calórica de produtos prontos para o consumo em áreas metropolitanas, novamente à custa de produtos ultraprocessados e acompanhada por reduções na participação de alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados quanto de ingredientes culinários. CONCLUSÕES Produtos ultraprocessados apresentam participação crescente na dieta brasileira, evidenciada desde a década de 1980 nas áreas metropolitanas e confirmada para todo o País na década de 2000.
Glass ceramic coated rebar for high corrosion resistance and enhanced rebar–concrete bond
Authors: Yang Dongfang , Zheng Feng , Wang Hui , Jiang Ziran , Xiao Haibo
Published: January 2014

Low-softening glass ceramic coatings were applied onto the surface of reinforcing steel rebars via slurry dip-coating and sintering. This work investigated the tensile strength properties of coated rebars, the phase compositions and microstructures of these coatings and their corrosion resistance and bond strength at the rebar–concrete interface. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the sintering process led to crystallisation inside the coatings. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated that the growth direction of dendrites was from the substrate onto the coating and the coating was well bonded to the substrate. Samples of mix-coated and duplex-coated rebars showed a much lower corrosion rate than a single-coated sample. Compared with the bare rebar, all the coated samples showed more than 40% higher bond strength at the rebar–concrete interface.
Constraints for solid waste management in Somaliland
Authors: Di Bella Veronica , Vaccari Mentore
Published: January 2014

Knowledge about appropriate technology for solid waste management in low-income countries is usually poor. The solutions proposed are often a mere copy of technical devices adopted in developed countries and they are not selected on the basis of the actual context of where they are going to be used. This leads to unsuccessful projects, whose causes and effects on the population and the environment are seldom discussed in the scientific literature. This paper intends to contribute to filling that gap through detailed analysis of the difficulties and challenges encountered for the improvement of waste collection, recycling and disposal in five of the main cities in Somaliland. Practical constraints identified in the field include lack of machinery and technology, problems in operation of the facilities, lack of knowledge and awareness, difficulties in collaboration with local stakeholders, lack of supervision, issues of land ownership and availability, and lack of specific policies. The causes leading to those constraints were also studied and were classified into five categories – reasons dependent on the local context, technical issues, educational issues, institutional issues and reasons dealing with broader problems in the cooperation sector.
Wood’s anomalies for arrays of dielectric scatterers
Authors: Maurel A. , Félix S. , Mercier J.-F. , Ourir A. , Djeffal Z. E.
Published: January 2014

The Rayleigh Wood anomalies refer to an unexpected repartition of the electromagnetic energy between the several interference orders of the light emerging from a grating. Since Hessel and Oliner (Appl. Opt. 4, 1275-1297 (1965)), several studies have been dedicated to this problem, focusing mainly on the case of metallic gratings. In this paper, we derive explicit expressions of the reflection coefficients in the case of dielectric gratings using a perturbative approach. This is done in a multimodal description of the field combined with the use of the admittance matrix, analog to the so-called electromagnetic impedance. Comparisons with direct numerical calculations show a good agreement with our analytical prediction.
Developing Sub-specialty Education and Societies in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Pradhan Rabindra Lal
Published: January 2014

NOAJ July-December 2013, Vol 3, Issue 2, 1 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/noaj.v3i2.9511
In silico mining of microsatellites in coding sequences of the date palm (Arecaceae) genome, characterization, and transferability
Authors: Aberlenc‐Bertossi Frédérique , Castillo Karina , Tranchant‐Dubreuil Christine , Chérif Emira , Ballardini Marco , Abdoulkader Sabira , Gros‐Balthazard Muriel , Chabrillange Nathalie , Santoni Sylvain , Mercuri Antonio , Pintaud Jean‐Christophe
Published: January 2014

• Premise of the study: To complement existing sets of primarily dinucleotide microsatellite loci from noncoding sequences of date palm, we developed primers for tri‐ and hexanucleotide microsatellite loci identified within genes. Due to their conserved genomic locations, the primers should be useful in other palm taxa, and their utility was tested in seven other Phoenix species and in Chamaerops, Livistona, and Hyphaene.

• Methods and Results: Tandem repeat motifs of 3–6 bp were searched using a simple sequence repeat (SSR)–pipeline package in coding portions of the date palm draft genome sequence. Fifteen loci produced highly consistent amplification, intraspecific polymorphisms, and stepwise mutation patterns.

• Conclusions: These microsatellite loci showed sufficient levels of variability and transferability to make them useful for population genetic, selection signature, and interspecific gene flow studies in Phoenix and other Coryphoideae genera.
Characterization of 13 microsatellite markers for Diuris basaltica (Orchidaceae) and related species
Authors: Ahrens Collin W. , James Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2014

• Premise of the study: Diuris basaltica (Orchidaceae) is an endangered forb on the Victorian grasslands and has many close relatives. Microsatellite markers have been developed to facilitate assessment of population structure within D. basaltica and among related taxa within the species complex.

• Methods and Results: Twenty‐five microsatellite markers (13 polymorphic and 12 monomorphic) were developed from D. basaltica using 454 pyrosequencing, and all primer pairs were amplified in D. gregaria and D. chryseopsis. For the set of polymorphic markers, the number of alleles per locus ranged from one to 10, two to nine, and two to 18 for D. basaltica, D. gregaria, and D. chryseopsis, respectively. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.18 to 0.95 and 0.14 to 0.86, respectively.

• Conclusions: The microsatellite markers developed in this study can be used to analyze the population genetic structure of D. basaltica and other Diuris species.
2matrix: A utility for indel coding and phylogenetic matrix concatenation1
Authors: Salinas Nelson R. , Little Damon P.
Published: January 2014

• Premise of the study: Phylogenetic analysis of DNA and amino acid sequences requires the creation of files formatted specifically for each analysis package. Programs currently available cannot simultaneously code inferred insertion/deletion (indel) events in sequence alignments and concatenate data sets.

• Methods and Results: A novel Perl script, 2matrix, was created to concatenate matrices of non‐molecular characters and/or aligned sequences and to code indels. 2matrix outputs a variety of formats compatible with popular phylogenetic programs.

• Conclusions: 2matrix efficiently codes indels and concatenates matrices of sequences and non‐molecular data. It is available for free download under a GPL (General Public License) open source license (https://github.com/nrsalinas/2matrix/archive/master.zip).
Rezensionen
Authors: Görner Torsten
Published: January 2014

Rezension zu:
J. Borwein, K. Devlin und R. Girgensohn:
Experimentelle Mathematik. Eine beispielorientierte Einführung
. 158 Seiten, sFr 18.90, Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, 2010; ISBN 978-3827426611.
Morphological Varieties of Soft Palate in Normal Individuals, Cleft Palate Patients and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients with Reference to Indian Population: A Preliminary Digital Cephalometric Study
Authors: Deepa V , Ramnarayan BK
Published: January 2014

Objective

To identify the morphological varieties of the soft palate on a digital lateral cephalogram in the median sagittal plane which is presented variously in normal individuals with age and gender and also to assess if there exists any morphological variations in the soft palate among cleft palate and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) groups.

Materials and methods

A total of 120 normal subjects, 15 cleft palate patients and 15 OSA patients, whose ages ranged from 5 years and above were included. The morphology of the soft palate on lateral cephalometry was examined and classified into different types. The dimensional differences of the soft palate between the types and the differences in proportion to different age and gender groups were also studied in normal individuals, cleft palate patients and OSA patients.

Results

The morphology of the soft palate was classified into six types with an additional ungrouped type. There was a significant increase in the length of soft palate with age. In cleft palate patients, the predominant type of soft palate was type 3 with shorter velar length, while the predominant type of soft palate in OSA patients was type 1 with the length of the soft palate longer than that of the normal group. No significant difference was observed between males and females with respect to the mean length in normal group, cleft palate group and OSA group.

Conclusion

Soft palate presents variable radiographic appearances on lateral cephalometry. The classic velar morphology in cleft palate and OSA patients serves as an alternative modality of investigation to identify the etiology at an earlier stage.

How to cite this article

Deepa V, David CM, Ramnarayan BK. Morphological Varieties of Soft Palate in Normal Individuals, Cleft Palate Patients and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients with Reference to Indian Population: A Preliminary Digital Cephalometric Study. World J Dent 2013;4(4):241-249.
Impacts of management practices on soil organic carbon in degraded alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chang X. F. , Wang S. P. , Zhu X. X. , Cui S. J. , Luo C. Y. , Zhang Z. H. , Wilkes A.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Grassland soil organic carbon (SOC) is sensitive to anthropogenic activities. Increased anthropogenic disturbance related to overgrazing has led to widespread alpine grassland degradation on the Tibetan Plateau. The degraded grasslands are considered to have great potential for carbon sequestration after adoption of improved management practices. Here, we calibrated and employed the Century model to investigate the effects of overgrazing and improved managements on the SOC dynamics in alpine meadows. We calibrated Century model against plant productivity at Haibei Research Station. SOC stocks for validation were obtained in 2009–2010 from degraded alpine meadows in two communes. We found that Century model can successfully capture grassland SOC changes. Overall, our simulation suggests that degraded alpine meadow SOC significantly increased with the advent of restoration managements from 2011 to 2030. Carbon sequestration rates ranged between 0.04 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 in lightly degraded winter grasslands and 2.0 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 in moderately degraded summer grasslands. Our modeling work also predicts that improve management in Tibetan degraded grasslands will contribute to an annual carbon sink of 0.022–0.059 Pg C yr−1. These results imply that restoration of degraded grasslands in Tibetan Plateau has great potential for soil carbon sequestration to mitigate greenhouse gases.
Oceanic heat delivery via Kangerdlugssuaq Fjord to the south‐east Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Inall Mark E. , Murray Tavi , Cottier Finlo R. , Scharrer Kilian , Boyd Timothy J. , Heywood Karen J. , Bevan Suzanne L.
Published: January 2014

Acceleration of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) tidewater outlet glaciers has increased the ice sheet's contribution to global sea level rise over the last two decades. Coincident increases in atmospheric temperatures around Greenland explain some of the increased ice loss, but warm Atlantic‐origin water (AW) is increasingly recognized as contributing to the accelerating ice‐mass loss, particularly, via the outlet glaciers of south‐east (SE) Greenland. However, there remains a lack of understanding of the variability in heat content of the water masses found to the east of Greenland and how this heat is communicated to the outlet glaciers of the GrIS. Here a new analysis is presented of ocean/GrIS interaction in which the oceanic heat flux toward the ice sheet in Kangerdlugssuaq Fjord (0.26 TW) is an order‐of‐magnitude greater than that reported for the other major outlet glacier of SE Greenland (Helheim). Heat delivered by AW to the calving front of Kangerdlugssuaq is equivalent to ∼10 m d−1 melt (i.e., 30–60% of the ice flow speed), and thus is highly significant. During the observational campaign in September 2010 warm Polar Surface Water (PSWw) melted a substantial volume of ice within the fjord; equivalent to 25% of the volume melted by AW alone. Satellite‐derived sea surface temperatures show large interannual variability in PSWw over the 20 year period 1991–2011. Anomalously warm PSWw was observed within the fjord prior to the well‐documented major ice front retreats of May 2004 and November 2010.
Impacts of canonical and Modoki El Niño on tropical Atlantic SST
Authors: Amaya Dillon J. , Foltz Gregory R.
Published: January 2014

The impacts of canonical and Modoki El Niño on tropical Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) are quantified using composite analysis. Results show that El Niño Modoki fails to produce significant warming in the tropical Atlantic, in contrast to the well known warming following canonical El Niño events. El Niño Modoki instead induces significant cooling in the northeastern tropical Atlantic and near‐neutral conditions elsewhere in the tropical Atlantic. It is shown that the difference in SST response stems primarily from a much stronger Pacific/North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern and stronger atmospheric Kelvin wave response during canonical events compared to Modoki. The stronger PNA pattern and Kelvin waves during canonical events generate anomalously weak surface winds in the tropical North Atlantic, driving anomalously weak evaporative cooling and warmer SSTs. Past research has shown significant decadal variability in the frequency of noncanonical El Niños relative to canonical events. If such variability continues, it is likely that the impact of El Niño on tropical Atlantic SST will also fluctuate from one decade to the next.
An Epidemiologic Internet Survey of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain in Japan
Authors: Nakamura Ikuro , Nishioka Kenya , Usui Chie , Osada Kenichi , Ichibayashi Hisao , Ishida Mitsuhiro , Turk Dennis C. , Matsumoto Yoshifuji , Nishioka Kusuki
Published: January 2014

Objective

To determine the epidemiologic features and symptom characteristics of fibromyalgia (FM) in Japan, and compare them with those for other chronic pain (CP) diagnoses.

Methods

An internet survey was conducted in June and July 2011. The questionnaire consisted of 111 questions, including assessments of the Japanese version of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology preliminary diagnostic criteria for FM, the Japanese Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and additional questions regarding pain and lifestyle.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 20,407 male and female respondents in all prefectures of Japan. Of the survey population, 2,524 respondents (12.4%) reported symptoms consistent with CP; of these, 425 (2.1%) reported symptoms consistent with FM. Among respondents with FM and CP, 61% and 53%, respectively, were women. Pain severity and Widespread Pain Index scores were significantly higher in respondents meeting the diagnostic criteria for FM than in those meeting the criteria for CP. In terms of symptom severity scores, the proportions of respondents reporting the 3 major symptoms as “highly applicable” and greater numbers of 41 somatic symptoms were higher among respondents with FM than among those with CP. The incidence of FM in the present survey was similar to that reported (1.7%) in a study of FM in Japan in 2003, despite the use of the newer, easier to use 2010 diagnostic criteria.

Conclusion

Because FM usually presents with more severe and more widely distributed pain, as well as more nonpainful symptoms than CP, our results suggest that FM is a different clinical phenotype of CP.
“We're All Looking for Solutions”: A Qualitative Study of the Management of Knee Symptoms
Authors: MacKay Crystal , Badley Elizabeth M. , Jaglal Susan B. , Sale Joanna , Davis Aileen M.
Published: January 2014

Objective

While the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) increases with age, the first signs begin in the fourth or fifth decade. Little is known about how younger adults respond to OA. This study explores how people ages 35–65 years manage knee symptoms.

Methods

Six focus groups were conducted with 41 participants (mean age 50.9 years, 63% women) who self‐reported a diagnosis of OA or reported knee symptoms (i.e., pain, aching, or stiffness) on most days of the past month. Purposive sampling was used, seeking variation in age and sex. The principles of constructivist grounded theory guided data collection and analysis. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative method.

Results

Participants engaged in a process of proactively trying to find ways to control knee symptoms and disease progression. Their approach to management was not linear, but rather a process that moved back and forth between searching for “solutions” and active management (ongoing use of strategies). During the process, participants consulted health care providers, but often perceived that medical care offered limited options and guidance. Management was constructed as a “never‐ending” process that entailed effort and personal resources.

Conclusion

Participants were proactive in seeking ways to manage knee OA symptoms. There is a mismatch between participants' proactive approach and the reactive approach of the health care system that has focused on late‐stage disease. Programs and supports within the formal and informal health care system are required to enable people to successfully manage knee symptoms across their lifespan.
IR‐Nachweis der bei der β‐Pinen‐Ozonolyse gebildeten Criegee‐ Intermediate und ihre Reaktivität gegenüber Schwefeldioxid
Authors: Ahrens Jennifer , Carlsson Philip T. M. , Hertl Nils , Olzmann Matthias , Pfeifle Mark , Wolf J. Lennard , Zeuch Thomas
Published: January 2014

Kinetikexperimente haben vor kurzem ergeben, dass die Oxidation von Schwefeldioxid zu Schwefeltrioxid durch stabilisierte Criegee‐Intermediate (CIs) eine wichtige Quelle für Schwefelsäure in der Atmosphäre ist. Bislang waren nur kleine, durch Photolyse erzeugte CIs direkt nachgewiesen worden. Hier wird gezeigt, dass große, in der Gasphase stabilisierte CIs während der Ozonolyse von β‐Pinen durch FT‐IR‐Spektroskopie detektiert werden können. Ihr Absorptionsmuster zwischen 930 und 830 cm−1 tritt nur zu Beginn der Ozonolyse auf, wenn das Abfangen der stabilisierten CIs durch Reaktionsprodukte langsam ist. Die großen CIs reagieren mit Schwefeldioxid in einer Ausbeute >80 % zu Schwefeltrioxid und Nopinon. Der Reaktantenverbrauch und die Produktbildung bei zeitaufgelösten Experimenten zur Ozonolyse von β‐Pinen in Gegenwart von Schwefeldioxid wurden kinetisch modelliert. Die Ergebnisse sprechen für eine schnelle Reaktion der CIs aus der β‐Pinen‐Ozonolyse mit Schwefeldioxid.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck Reaction of Aryl Sulfonates and Chlorides with Electronically Unbiased Terminal Olefins: High Selectivity for Branched Products
Authors: Tasker Sarah Z. , Gutierrez Alicia C. , Jamison Timothy F.
Published: January 2014

Achieving high selectivity in the Heck reaction of electronically unbiased alkenes has been a longstanding challenge. Using a nickel‐catalyzed cationic Heck reaction, we were able to achieve excellent selectivity for branched products (≥19:1 in all cases) over a wide range of aryl electrophiles and aliphatic olefins. A bidentate ligand with a suitable bite angle and steric profile was key to obtaining high branched/linear selectivity, whereas the appropriate base suppressed alkene isomerization of the product. Although aryl triflates are traditionally used to access the cationic Heck pathway, we have shown that, by using triethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, we can effect a counterion exchange of the catalytic nickel complex, such that cheaper and more stable aryl chlorides, mesylates, tosylates, and sulfamates can be used to yield the same branched products with high selectivity.
Rational Design of Modular Polyketide Synthases: Morphing the Aureothin Pathway into a Luteoreticulin Assembly Line
Authors: Sugimoto Yuki , Ding Ling , Ishida Keishi , Hertweck Christian
Published: January 2014

The unusual nitro‐substituted polyketides aureothin, neoaureothin (spectinabilin), and luteoreticulin, which are produced by diverse Streptomyces species, point to a joint evolution. Through rational genetic recombination and domain exchanges we have successfully reprogrammed the modular (type I) aur polyketide synthase (PKS) into a synthase that generates luteoreticulin. This is the first rational transformation of a modular PKS to produce a complex polyketide that was initially isolated from a different bacterium. A unique aspect of this synthetic biology approach is that we exclusively used genes from a single biosynthesis gene cluster to design the artificial pathway, an avenue that likely emulates natural evolutionary processes. Furthermore, an unexpected, context‐dependent switch in the regiospecificity of a pyrone methyl transferase was observed. We also describe an unprecedented scenario where an AT domain iteratively loads an extender unit onto the cognate ACP and the downstream ACP. This aberrant function is a novel case of non‐colinear behavior of PKS domains.
Template‐Free Preparation of Volvox‐like CdxZn1−xS Nanospheres with Cubic Phase for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Zhou Hangyue , Liu Qingyun , Liu Weimin , Ge Jiechao , Lan Minhuan , Wang Chao , Geng Jianxin , Wang Pengfei
Published: January 2014

Volvox‐like CdxZn1−xS solid solutions with a cubic zinc blend structure were synthesized through a template‐free ethylene glycol process. Cd(Ac)2⋅2 H2O, Zn(Ac)2⋅2 H2O, and thiourea are used as the starting materials and dissolved in ethylene glycol. These reaction precursors and solvent not only contributed to control over the formation of the volvox‐like spherical geometry, but also exerted vigorous domination for existence of cubic‐phase CdxZn1−xS nanostructures. As‐prepared volvox‐like CdxZn1−xS nanospheres have a diameter of around 100 nm with extensional shells. These samples show excellent photocatalytic H2 evolution activity from water splitting under visible‐light irradiation without any cocatalyst or scaffolding, owing to their tunable band gap, cubic zinc blend structure, and unique hierarchical porous structure with a high surface area (as high as 95.2 m2 g−1).