bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of Limonomyces roseipellis Causing Pink Patch on Bermudagrass in South China
Authors: Zhang W. , Nan Z. B. , Liu G. D.
Published: December 2012

Hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy) is widely used on golf course putting greens in southern China. In September 2011, circular pink patches ranging from 10 to 20 cm in diameter were observed on putting greens established with cv. ‘Tifgreen’ on a golf course in Haikou, Hainan Province. There were approximately 50 pink patches on a putting green. Infected leaves were covered with pink, gelatinous fungal mycelium, which resulted in the production of chlorotic lesions. Lesions expanded, became water-soaked, and leaves died basipetally. A pink fungus, characterized by the presence of clamp connections, was consistently isolated from leaves of infected plants on a potato dextrose agar amended with 0.01% gentamicin sulfate. Based on morphological characteristics, the fungus was preliminary identified as Limonomyces roseipellis Stalpers & Loerakker, the causal agent of pink patch of turfgrass (2,3). To verify the identity, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of rDNA was amplified and sequenced using primers ITS1 and ITS4. Comparison with sequences in the GenBank database revealed that the ITS sequence (Accession No. KC193592) showed 98% homology with the sequence of L. roseipellis (EU622846). For pathogenicity tests, inoculum was prepared by culturing the fungus on an autoclaved mixture of 100 g of rye grain and 20 ml water for 3 weeks at 25°C. Six-week-old C. dactylon plants in 10-cm pots were inoculated by placing 2 g of infested grain in the center of the turf canopy, or 2 g sterilized, uninfested grain as a control, with four replications of each treatment. After inoculation, pots were covered with translucent plastic bags and placed in a greenhouse at 24 ± 2°C with a 12-h photoperiod (1). After 3 weeks, more than 70% of leaves in the infested pots showed symptoms identical to those observed under natural conditions while control plants remained asymptomatic. The fungus was reisolated from symptomatic plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of L. roseipellis causing pink patch on hybrid bermudagrass in China.

References: (1) L. L. Burpee and L. G. Goulty. Phytopathology 74:692, 1986. (2) J. D. Kaplan and N. Jackson. Plant Dis. 67:159, 1983. (3) J. A. Stalpers and W. M. Loerakker. Can. J. Bot. 60:529, 1982.
Modeling the Effect of Temperature and Wetness on Guignardia Pseudothecium Maturation and Ascospore Release in Citrus Orchards
Authors: Fourie Paul , Schutte Tian , Serfontein Suzel , Swart Fanus
Published: December 2012

Ascospores are the most important inoculum source of citrus black spot (CBS), caused by Guignardia citricarpa, but pseudothecium maturation and ascospore release are inadequately studied. Guignardia ascospore trapping and concomitant weather data were obtained for three localities over three seasons (July to March 2006 to 2009) in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Degree-days accumulated until first seasonal ascospore discharge (>10°C with 1 July as biofix) (DDtemp), and DDtemp accumulated on rainy (rainfall >0.1 mm) (DDrain) and moist days (vapor pressure deficit <5 hPa) (DDvpd) were used in two Gompertz models to predict onset of ascospore release: a temperature model [Event = exp(–exp(–(–2.725 + 0.004 × DDtemp)))] and a temperature/moisture model [Event = exp(–exp(– (–3.238 + 0.008 × DDvpd + 0.004 × DDtemp – 0.009 × DDrain)))] (R2 = 0.608 and 0.658, respectively). Both models predicted a delay in pseudothecium maturation in climates with colder winters and springs. A Gompertz equation was also used to predict the proportion of Guignardia ascospores trapped (PAT) per season from DDtemp data accumulated on wet or moist days (DDwet2) from the first seasonal ascospore discharge [PAT = exp(–4.096 × exp(–0.005 × DDwet2); R2 = 0.908]. The PAT model predicted lag phases and 7-day peaks in ascospore release patterns with reasonable accuracy. These models can be used to predict the onset and dynamics of ascospore release in climatically diverse regions.
Homosexual behaviour increases male attractiveness to females
Authors: Bierbach David , Jung Christian T. , Hornung Simon , Streit Bruno , Plath Martin
Published: December 2012

Male homosexual behaviour—although found in most extant clades across the Animal Kingdom—remains a conundrum, as same-sex mating should decrease male reproductive fitness. In most species, however, males that engage in same-sex sexual behaviour also mate with females, and in theory, same-sex mating could even increase male reproductive fitness if males improve their chances of future heterosexual mating. Females regularly use social information to choose a mate; e.g. male attractiveness increases after a male has interacted sexually with a female (mate choice copying). Here, we demonstrate that males of the tropical freshwater fish
Poecilia mexicana
increase their attractiveness to females not only by opposite-sex, but likewise, through same-sex interactions. Hence, direct benefits for males of exhibiting homosexual behaviour may help explain its occurrence and persistence in species in which females rely on mate choice copying as one component of mate quality assessment.
Odour-based kin discrimination in the cooperatively breeding meerkat
Authors: Leclaire Sarah , Nielsen Johanna F. , Thavarajah Nathan K. , Manser Marta , Clutton-Brock Tim H.
Published: December 2012

Kin recognition is a useful ability for animals, facilitating cooperation among relatives and avoidance of excessive kin competition or inbreeding. In meerkats,
Suricata suricatta,
encounters between unfamiliar kin are relatively frequent, and kin recognition by phenotype matching is expected to avoid inbreeding with close relatives. Here, we investigate whether female meerkats are able to discriminate the scent of unfamiliar kin from unfamiliar non-kin. Dominant females were presented with anal gland secretion from unfamiliar individuals that varied in their relatedness. Our result indicates that females spent more time investigating the scent of related than unrelated unfamiliar individuals, suggesting that females may use a phenotype matching mechanism (or recognition alleles) to discriminate the odour of their kin from the odour of their non-kin. Our study provides a key starting point for further investigations into the use of kin recognition for inbreeding avoidance in the widely studied meerkat.
On the binding affinity of macromolecular interactions: daring to ask why proteins interact
Authors: Kastritis Panagiotis L. , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J.
Published: December 2012

Interactions between proteins are orchestrated in a precise and time-dependent manner, underlying cellular function. The binding affinity, defined as the strength of these interactions, is translated into physico-chemical terms in the dissociation constant (Kd), the latter being an experimental measure that determines whether an interaction will be formed in solution or not. Predicting binding affinity from structural models has been a matter of active research for more than 40 years because of its fundamental role in drug development. However, all available approaches are incapable of predicting the binding affinity of protein–protein complexes from coordinates alone. Here, we examine both theoretical and experimental limitations that complicate the derivation of structure–affinity relationships. Most work so far has concentrated on binary interactions. Systems of increased complexity are far from being understood. The main physico-chemical measure that relates to binding affinity is the buried surface area, but it does not hold for flexible complexes. For the latter, there must be a significant entropic contribution that will have to be approximated in the future. We foresee that any theoretical modelling of these interactions will have to follow an integrative approach considering the biology, chemistry and physics that underlie protein–protein recognition.
The genetic rescue of two bottlenecked South Island robin populations using translocations of inbred donors
Authors: Heber S. , Varsani A. , Kuhn S. , Girg A. , Kempenaers B. , Briskie J.
Published: December 2012

Populations forced through bottlenecks typically lose genetic variation and exhibit inbreeding depression. ‘Genetic rescue’ techniques that introduce individuals from outbred populations can be highly effective in reversing the deleterious effects of inbreeding, but have limited application for the majority of endangered species, which survive only in a few bottlenecked populations. We tested the effectiveness of using highly inbred populations as donors to rescue two isolated and bottlenecked populations of the South Island robin (Petroica australis). Reciprocal translocations significantly increased heterozygosity and allelic diversity. Increased genetic diversity was accompanied by increased juvenile survival and recruitment, sperm quality, and immunocompetence of hybrid individuals (crosses between the two populations) compared with inbred control individuals (crosses within each population). Our results confirm that the implementation of ‘genetic rescue’ using bottlenecked populations as donors provides a way of preserving endangered species and restoring their viability when outbred donor populations no longer exist.
Experimental demonstration of the growth rate–lifespan trade-off
Authors: Lee Who-Seung , Monaghan Pat , Metcalfe Neil B.
Published: December 2012

The hypothesized negative relationship between growth rate and lifespan has proved very difficult to test robustly because of potentially confounding variables, particularly nutrient availability and final size. Here we provide, to our knowledge, the first rigorous experimental test of this hypothesis, and find dramatic changes in lifespan in the predicted direction in response to both upward and downward manipulations of growth rates. We used brief (less than 4% of median lifespan) exposure to relatively cold or warm temperatures early in life to deflect juvenile three-spined sticklebacks
Gasterosteus aculeatus
from their normal growth trajectories; this induced catch-up or slowed-down growth when ambient temperatures were restored, and all groups attained the same average adult size. Catch-up growth led to a reduction in median lifespan of 14.5 per cent, while slowed-down growth extended lifespan by 30.6 per cent. These lifespan effects were independent of eventual size attained or reproductive investment in adult life. Photoperiod manipulations showed that the effects of compensatory growth on lifespan were also influenced by time available for growth prior to breeding, being more extreme when less time was available. These results demonstrate the growth–lifespan trade-off. While growing more slowly can increase longevity, the optimal resolution of the growth–lifespan trade-off is influenced by time constraints in a seasonal environment.
Brochosomal coats turn leafhopper (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) integument to superhydrophobic state
Authors: Rakitov Roman , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: December 2012

Leafhoppers (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) actively coat their integuments with brochosomes, hollow proteinaceous spheres of usually 200–700 nm in diameter, with honeycombed walls. The coats have been previously suggested to act as a water-repellent and anti-adhesive protective barrier against the insect's own exudates. We estimated their wettability through contact angle (CA) measurements of water, diiodomethane, ethylene glycol and ethanol on detached wings of the leafhoppersAlnetoidia alneti,Athysanus argentariusandCicadella viridis. Intact brochosome-coated integuments were repellent to all test liquids, except ethanol, and exhibited superhydrophobicity, with the average water CAs of 165–172°, and the apparent surface free energy (SFE) estimates not exceeding 0.74 mN m−1. By contrast, the integuments from which brochosomes were removed with a peeling technique using fluid polyvinylsiloxane displayed water CAs of only 103–129° and SFEs above 20 mN m−1. Observations of water-sprayed wings in a cryo-scanning electron microscope confirmed that brochosomal coats prevented water from contacting the integument. Their superhydrophobic properties appear to result from fractal roughness, which dramatically reduces the area of contact with high-surface-tension liquids, including, presumably, leafhopper exudates.
Embryonic exposure to predator odour modulates visual lateralization in cuttlefish
Authors: Jozet-Alves Christelle , Hébert Marie
Published: December 2012

Predation pressure acts on the behaviour and morphology of prey species. In fish, the degree of lateralization varies between high- and low-predation populations. While lateralization appears to be widespread in invertebrates, we do not know whether heredity and early experience interact during development as in vertebrates. Here we show, for the first time, that an exposure to predator odour prior to hatching modulates visual lateralization in newly hatched cuttlefish. Only cuttlefish that have been exposed to predator odour display a left-turning bias when tested with blank seawater in a T-shaped apparatus. Exposure to predator odour all the incubation long could appear as an acute predictor of a high-predation surrounding environment. In addition, cuttlefish of all groups display a left-turning preference when tested with predator odour in the apparatus. This suggests the ability of cuttlefish to innately recognize predator odour. To our knowledge, this is the first clear demonstration that lateralization is vulnerable to ecological challenges encountered during embryonic life, and that environmental stimulation of the embryo through the olfactory system could influence the development of subsequent visual lateralization.
Genotype imputation via matrix completion
Authors: Chi Eric C. , Zhou Hua , Chen Gary K. , Del Vecchyo Diego Ortega , Lange Kenneth
Published: December 2012

Most current genotype imputation methods are model-based and computationally intensive, taking days to impute one chromosome pair on 1000 people. We describe an efficient genotype imputation method based on matrix completion. Our matrix completion method is implemented in MATLAB and tested on real data from HapMap3, simulated pedigree data, and simulated low-coverage sequencing data derived from the 1000 Genomes Project. Compared with leading imputation programs, the matrix completion algorithm embodied in our program MENDEL-IMPUTE achieves comparable imputation accuracy while reducing run times significantly. Implementation in a lower-level language such as Fortran or C is apt to further improve computational efficiency.
Hydrogen bonding due to regioisomerism and its effect on the supramolecular architecture of diethyl 2-[(2/4-hydroxyanilino)methylidene]malonates
Authors: Ilangovan Andivelu , Venkatesan Perumal , Ganesh Kumar Rajendran
Published: December 2012

Diethyl 2-[(2-hydroxyanilino)methylidene]malonate, (I), and diethyl 2-[(4-hydroxyanilino)methylidene]malonate, (II), both C14H17NO5, crystallize in centrosymmetric orthorhombic and monoclinic crystal systems, respectively. Compound (I) resides on a crystallographic mirror plane and displays bifurcated intramolecular hydrogen bonding, as well as intermolecular hydrogen bonding due to the position of the hydroxy group. Compound (II) has a single intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond. Infinite one-dimensional head-to-tail chains formed by O—H...O hydrogen bonding are present in both structures. The molecular packing is mainly influenced by the intermolecular O—H...O interactions. Additionally, C—H...O interactions crosslinking the chains are found in (II).
(Z)-5-[4-(Dimethylamino)benzylidene]-2-(piperidin-1-yl)-1,3-thiazolidin-4(5H)-one
Authors: Insuasty Alberto , Insuasty Braulio , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: December 2012

The molecules of the title compound, C17H21N3OS, are characterized by a wide C—C—C angle at the methine C atom linking the aryl and thiazolidine rings, associated with a short repulsive intramolecular S...H contact between atoms in these two rings. A single piperidine–arene C—H...π hydrogen bond links pairs of molecules into centrosymmetric dimers.
A novel LaIII-based metal–organic framework (MOF) with a new topology: poly[diaquabis(μ5-2,5-dioxopiperazine-1,4-diacetato)(μ2-oxalato)dilanthanum(III)]
Authors: Chen Wen-Xian , Liu Qiu-Ping , Zhuang Gui-Lin , Zhou Sheng-Jun
Published: December 2012

In the title metal–organic framework (MOF), [La(C8H8N2O6)(C2O4)0.5(H2O)]n, the LaIIIcation is coordinated by eight O atoms in a square antiprismatic configuration. Each LaIIIcation is connected to adjacent LaIIIcations by bridging 2,5-dioxopiperazine-1,4-diacetate (PODC2−) and oxalate (lying about an inversion centre) ligands, generating two-dimensional grid layers. The layers are further linkedviathe carboxylate groups of the PODC2−ligands insyn–synandsyn–antimodes, resulting in a three-dimensional framework with a short Schläfli vertex notation of {47.63}{47.67.8}.
Energetic analysis of the molecular packing of 5,5′-dibromo-2,2′-bis[4-(methylsulfanyl)phenyl]-4,4′-bipyridine: the role of π–π and halogen interactions
Authors: Abboud Mohamed , Mamane Victor , Aubert Emmanuel
Published: December 2012

The crystal packing of the title compound, C24H18Br2N2S2, is rationalized using the PIXEL method, which allows a separation of the intermolecular interaction energy into Coulombic, polarization, dispersion and repulsion contributions. Infinite (\overline{1}01) molecular planes are formed through π–π stacking and other minor interactions, including a Br...S contact, with the σ hole of the Br atom pointing towards the S-atom lone pair. The title compound has crystallographically imposed twofold symmetry, with the twofold axis at the mid-point of the central C—C bond.
Geometric changes around an N atom due to a urethane-type bis(tert-butoxycarbonyl) substituent
Authors: Wojewska Dominika , Kluczyk Alicja , Ślepokura Katarzyna
Published: December 2012

Two crystal structures of urethane-protected derivatives of aspartic acid dimethyl ester are presented, namely dimethyl (2S)-2-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino]butanedioate, C11H19NO6, and dimethyl (2S)-2-{bis[(tert-butoxycarbonyl]amino}butanedioate, C16H27NO8. The geometry at the N atom is discussed and compared with similar structures. The analysis of singly and doubly N-substituted derivatives reveals an elongation of all bonds involving the N atom and conformational changes of the amino acid side chain due to steric interactions with two bulky substituents on the amino group.
(±)-Asarinin
Authors: Negi Devendra Singh , Negi Nisha , Kumar Ashok , Matsunami Katsuyoshi , Schulz Stefan , Jones Peter G.
Published: December 2012

Asarinin, C20H18O6, was isolated as a racemate from the shrubZanthoxylum alatum. Both forms of the enantiomerically pure substance, (+)- and (−)-asarinin, have been the subject of a total of five previous structure determinations that are essentially identical except for the absolute stereochemistry. However, there seems to be some confusion in the literature concerning these structure determinations of asarinin and also those of its stereoisomer sesamin. The molecular structure of racemic asarinin differs from that of the pure enantiomers in the orientation of one ring system. In the packing of the racemate, molecules are linked by C—H...O interactions to form ribbons parallel to [101].
Hydrogen-bonded sheet structures in methyl 4-(4-chloroanilino)-3-nitrobenzoate and methyl 1-benzyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate
Authors: Cortés Edwar , Abonía Rodrigo , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: December 2012

In methyl 4-(4-chloroanilino)-3-nitrobenzoate, C14H11ClN2O4, (I), there is an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond and the intramolecular distances provide evidence for electronic polarization of theo-quinonoid type. The molecules are linked into sheets built from N—H...O, C—H...O and C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds, together with an aromatic π–π stacking interaction. The molecules of methyl 1-benzyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate, C22H17ClN2O2, (II), are also linked into sheets, this time by a combination of C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds and aromatic π–π stacking interactions.
Potassium, rubidium and ammonium salts of μ-(formato-κ2O:O′)-μ-oxido-bis[oxidobis(peroxido-κ2O,O′)molybdate(VI)]
Authors: Takehara Masaki , Hashimoto Masato
Published: December 2012

The unit-cell parameters of the three title salts, namely, tripotassium, K3[Mo2(CHO2)O3(O2)4], trirubidium, Rb3[Mo2(CHO2)O3(O2)4], and triammonium μ-(formato-κ2O:O′)-μ-oxido-bis[oxidobis(peroxido-κ2O,O′)molybdate(VI)], (NH4)3[Mo2(CHO2)O3(O2)4], which were all crystallized at pH 3, are quite similar, but the potassium and rubidium salt structures are noncentrosymmetric, whereas that of the ammonium salt is centrosymmetric. Formate acts as anO:O′-bridging ligand in the complex anion and is bound to a μ-oxido-bis(oxidodiperoxidomolybdate) unit.
catena-Poly[[[diaquazinc]-bis{μ-N2,N6-bis[(pyridin-3-yl)methyl]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide}] dinitrate]
Authors: Li Fa-Zhan , Li Guo-Ting
Published: December 2012

In the title compound, {[Zn(C19H17N5O2)2(H2O)2](NO3)2}n, the ZnIIcation is located at an inversion centre within a slightly distorted octahedron, ligated by four N atoms from fourN2,N6-bis[(pyridin-3-yl)methyl]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide (L) ligands occupying a plane about the ZnIIatom with the two water O atoms perpendicular to that. In the complex molecule, the bidentate bridgingLligands display helicalRandSconformers, and link the ZnIIcations into a one-dimensional centrosymmetric double-chain structure containing 32-membered rings. The nitrate anions reside in these rings and are involved in multiple N—H...O hydrogen-bond interactions. On excitation at 390 nm, the title compound displays a strong blue emission centred at 449 nm. Investigation of the thermal stability shows that the network structure is stable up to 420 K.
Self‐suppression of biofilm formation in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus
Authors: Schatz Daniella , Nagar Elad , Sendersky Eleonora , Parnasa Rami , Zilberman Shaul , Carmeli Shmuel , Mastai Yitzhak , Shimoni Eyal , Klein Eugenia , Yeger Orna , Reich Ziv , Schwarz Rakefet
Published: December 2012

Biofilms are consortia of bacteria that are held together by an extracellular matrix. Cyanobacterial biofilms, which are highly ubiquitous and inhabit diverse niches, are often associated with biological fouling and cause severe economic loss. Information on the molecular mechanisms underlying biofilm formation in cyanobacteria is scarce. We identified a mutant of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus, which unlike the wild type, developed biofilms. This biofilm‐forming phenotype is caused by inactivation of homologues of type II secretion /type IV pilus assembly systems and is associated with impairment of protein secretion. The conditioned medium from a wild‐type culture represses biofilm formation by the secretion‐mutants. This suggested that the planktonic nature of the wild‐type strain is a result of a self‐suppression mechanism, which depends on the deposition of a factor to the extracellular milieu. We also identified two genes that are essential for biofilm formation. Transcript levels of these genes are elevated in the mutant compared with the wild type, and are initially decreased in mutant cells cultured in conditioned medium of wild‐type cells. The particular niche conditions will determine whether the inhibitor will accumulate to effective levels and thus the described mechanism allows switching to a sessile mode of existence.
Dissociable brain signatures of choice conflict and immediate reward preferences in alcohol use disorders
Authors: Amlung Michael , Sweet Lawrence H. , Acker John , Brown Courtney L. , MacKillop James
Published: December 2012

Impulsive delayed reward discounting (DRD) is an important behavioral process in alcohol use disorders (AUDs), reflecting incapacity to delay gratification. Recent work in neuroeconomics has begun to unravel the neural mechanisms supporting DRD, but applications of neuroeconomics in relation to AUDs have been limited. This study examined the neural mechanisms of DRD preferences in AUDs, with emphasis on dissociating activation patterns based on DRD choice type and level of cognitive conflict. Heavy drinking adult men with (n = 13) and without (n = 12) a diagnosis of an AUD completed a monetary DRD task during a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Participant responses were coded based on choice type (impulsive versus restrained) and level of cognitive conflict (easy versus hard). AUD+ participants exhibited significantly more impulsive DRD decision‐making. Significant activation during DRD was found in several decision‐making regions, including dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), insula, posterior parietal cortex (PPC), and posterior cingulate. An axis of cognitive conflict was also observed, with hard choices associated with anterior cingulate cortex and easy choices associated with activation in supplementary motor area. AUD+ individuals exhibited significant hyperactivity in regions associated with cognitive control (DLPFC) and prospective thought (PPC) and exhibited less task‐related deactivation of areas associated with the brain's default network during DRD decisions. This study provides further clarification of the brain systems supporting DRD in general and in relation to AUDs.
Comparison of ProTaper and Mtwo retreatment systems in the removal of resin‐based root canal obturation materials during retreatment
Authors: İriboz Emre , Sazak Öveçoğlu Hesna
Published: December 2012

To evaluate the effectiveness of the ProTaper and Mtwo retreatment systems for removal of resin‐based obturation techniques during retreatment. A total of 160 maxillary anterior teeth were enlarged to size 30 using ProTaper and Mtwo rotary instruments. Teeth were randomly divided into eight groups. Resilon + Epiphany, gutta‐percha + Epiphany, gutta‐percha + AH Plus and gutta‐percha + Kerr Pulp Canal Sealer (PCS) combinations were used for obturation. ProTaper and Mtwo retreatment files were used for removal of root canal treatments. After clearing the roots, the teeth were split vertically into halves, and the cleanliness of the canal walls was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Specimens obturated with gutta‐percha and Kerr PCS displayed significantly more remnant obturation material than did specimens filled with resin‐based obturation materials. Teeth prepared with Mtwo instruments contained significantly more remnant filling material than did teeth prepared with ProTaper. ProTaper files were significantly faster than Mtwo instruments in terms of the mean time of retreatment and time required to reach working length. The Resilon + Epiphany and AH Plus + gutta‐percha obturation materials were removed more easily than were the Epiphany + gutta‐percha and Kerr PCS + gutta‐percha obturation materials. Although ProTaper retreatment files worked faster than did Mtwo retreatment files in terms of removing root canal obturation materials, both retreatment systems are effective, reliable and fast.
Effect of myopia on ganglion cell complex and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer measurements: a Fourier‐domain optical coherence tomography study of young Chinese persons
Authors: Zhao Zhennan , Jiang Chunhui
Published: December 2012

Background

To investigate the change of the ganglion cell complex and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer under different refractive conditions, as measured by optical coherence tomography.

Design

Cross‐sectional observational study.

Participants

A total of 107 eyes from 107 subjects were studied.

Methods

Ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fibre layer were studied by a spectral‐domain system. Their relationship against spherical equivalents and axial length was studied.

Main Outcome Measures

The thickness of ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fibre layer at different area and under different refractive conditions as measurements by optical coherence tomography.

Results

The average, superior and inferior macular ganglion cell complex thickness was significantly associated with both spherical equivalents (all P < 0.05) and axial length (all P < 0.05). Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thicknesses from the superior, inferior and temporal quadrants were associated with both spherical equivalents (all P < 0.01), axial length (all P < 0.05) and ganglion cell complex thickness (all P < 0.001), except for the nasal part. However, if the retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was studied in sections, then some parts of the upper and lower temporal part showed no correlation with either spherical equivalents or axial length (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The thicknesses of the ganglion cell complex and most of the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer were correlated with refraction and axial length. Therefore, when using these for clinical purposes, attention must be paid to the refractive state of the patient.
Neocortical neurogenesis is not really “neo”: A new evolutionary model derived from a comparative study of chick pallial development
Authors: Suzuki Ikuo K. , Hirata Tatsumi
Published: December 2012

The neocortex facilitates mammalian adaptive radiation by conferring highly sophisticated cognitive and motor abilities. A unique feature of the mammalian neocortex is its laminar structure in which similar neuronal subtypes are arranged in tangential layers and construct columnar circuits via interlaminar connections. The neocortical layer structure is completely conserved among all mammalian species, including monotremes and marsupials. However, this structure is missing in non‐mammalian sister groups, such as birds and reptiles. The evolutionary origins of neocortical layers and cytoarchitectural borders have been the subject of debate over the past century. Using the chicken embryos as a model of evolutionary developmental biology (evo‐devo model), we recently provided evidence suggesting that the evolutionary origin of layer‐specific neuron subtypes predates the emergence of laminar structures. Based on this finding, we review the evolutionary conservation and divergence of neocortical development between mammals and non‐mammals and discuss how the layered cytoarchitecture of the mammalian neocortex originated during evolution.
How is digit identity determined during limb development?
Authors: Suzuki Takayuki
Published: December 2012

Digit identity has been studied using the chick embryo as a model system for more than 40 years. Using this model system, several milestone findings have been reported, such as the apical ectodermal ridge (AER), the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA), the Shh gene, and the theory of morphogen and positional information. These experimental results and models provided context for understanding pattern formation in developmental biology. The focus of this review is on the determination of digit identity during limb development. First, the history of studies on digit identity determination is described, followed by descriptions of the molecular mechanisms and current models for determination of digit identity. Finally, future questions and remarkable points will be discussed.
The Diagnostic Accuracy of Doppler Echocardiography in Assessment of Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Taleb Mohammed , Khuder Sadik , Tinkel Jodi , Khouri Samer J.
Published: December 2012

Background: Transthoracic echocardiography is commonly used to estimate pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) and to diagnose pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, some recent studies have questioned the accuracy of Doppler echocardiography (DE) in the assessment of PASP. The present meta‐analysis was performed to estimate the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of DE in the assessment of PASP. Methods: A literature search and data extraction of English and non‐English articles reported from May 1984 to January 2009 was performed independently by 2 investigators using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Articles were included if they compared DE with right heart catheterization (RHC) in the assessment of PASP. Nine articles met our criteria and were included in our meta‐analysis. We conducted a meta‐analysis of the results of these articles using fixed‐ and random‐effect models to estimate the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of DE in the assessment of PASP. Results: The correlation between PASP estimated by DE and RHC ranged from (r = 0.65, P < 0.001) to (r = 0.97, P < 0.001). The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DE for the diagnosis of PH were 88% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84–92%), 56% (95% CI, 46–66%), and 63% (95% CI, 53–73%), respectively. Conclusion: DE is a useful noninvasive modality to screen for PH and can reliably determine whether PASP is normal, mildly elevated, or markedly elevated. However, abnormal results from DE need to be confirmed by RHC.
Prognostic Stratification by Conventional Echocardiography of Patients with Aortic Stenosis: The “CAIMAN‐ECHO Score”
Authors: Cioffi Giovanni , Mazzone Carmine , Faggiano Pompilio , Tarantini Luigi , Di Lenarda Andrea , Russo Tiziano Edoardo , Selmi Alessandro , Stefenelli Carlo , Furlanello Francesco
Published: December 2012

Background and Aim: Surgery is not recommended in asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis (AS). However, prognosis of these patients is worse than retained. We built a simple score (named by the acronym “CAIMAN”) for stratifying asymptomatic patients with AS according to the different risk for cardiovascular events. Material and Methods: Data from 141 patients with moderate‐to‐severe AS followed up for 36 months were analyzed. The end point “outcome” was defined as death of all causes or aortic valve replacement imposed by symptoms or hospital admission for myocardial infarction and/or heart failure. The score was validated in 143 patients prospectively recruited in 2 different centers. Results: The 40 events occurred in the original cohort were associated with higher aortic transvalvular peak jet velocity, calcium score, and observed/predicted left ventricular (LV) mass ratio. Based on the hazard ratios of Cox analysis, the score was calculated as follows: calcium score 1–3 = 1 point, 4 = 6 points; transvalvular peak jet velocity ≤3.6 m/sec = 1 point, 3.6 m/sec = 3 points, observed/predicted LV mass ratio ≤110% = 1 point, >110% = 3 points. After a mean period of 28 ± 18 months, event‐free survival was 18%, 42%, 91%, and 96% in the 4 quartiles of echo score. The accuracy of the score in predicting events was 84% and 77% (P = 0.09) in the original and validation cohort, respectively. Conclusions: The CAIMAN‐ECHO score is a simple and feasible tool useful for an accurate prognostic stratification of patients with asymptomatic moderate‐to‐severe AS.
Endotoxins and inflammation in hemodialysis patients
Authors: El‐Koraie Ahmed F. , Naga Yasmine S. , Saaran Amina M. , Farahat Nahla G. , Hazzah Walaa A.
Published: December 2012

Long‐term endotoxin challenge may promote frequent complications in dialysis patients, namely malnutrition, chronic inflammation, and atherosclerosis, which are recognized as the so‐called MIA syndrome. Circulating soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) levels may be used to determine the stage of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to assess endotoxin level in hemodialysis (HD) patients and its role in inducing inflammation. The study was conducted on 50 HD patients, chosen from four dialysis centers in Alexandria. Serum blood samples were collected for the determination of albumin and C‐reactive protein (CRP), and whole blood samples were used for the measurement of hemoglobin level. A heparinized whole blood sample was taken postdialysis for endotoxin assay by limulus amebocyte lysate test, and in addition to sVCAM‐1 was estimated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The mean endotoxin level was 76.30 pg/mL;80% exhibited values higher than 60 pg/mL. Half the studied patients had CRP values that exceeded the upper limit of the laboratory reference range (<6.0 mg/L). A statistically significant correlation was found between endotoxin and CRP levels (r = 0.47, P = 0.001). The mean pre‐HD level of VCAM was 1851.00 ng/mL, while the mean post‐HD level was 2829.00 ng/mL with statistically significant correlation (r = 0.354, P = 0.012) and it also correlated significantly with endotoxin as well as CRP levels. Endotoxemia may play an important role in the aggravation of endothelial dysfunction in HD patients as indicated by the post‐HD rise in sVCAM‐1.
Chymase inhibitor ameliorates hepatic steatosis and fibrosis on established non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in hamsters fed a methionine‐ and choline‐deficient diet
Authors: Masubuchi Shinsuke , Takai Shinji , Jin Denan , Tashiro Keitaro , Komeda Koji , Li Zhong‐Lian , Otsuki Yoshinori , Okamura Haruki , Hayashi Michihiro , Uchiyama Kazuhisa
Published: December 2012

Aim

Chymase plays a role in the augmentation of angiotensin II formation, which is involved in liver fibrosis. The therapeutic effects of a chymase inhibitor, TY‐51469, on established hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were investigated in a model of developed non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Methods

Hamsters were fed a normal diet or methionine‐ and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet for 12 weeks. Then, treatment with TY‐51469 (1 mg/kg per day) or placebo was initiated, and the treatment was continued concurrently with the MCD diet for an additional 12 weeks.

Results

At 12 weeks after initiating the MCD diet, marked hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were observed in MCD diet‐fed hamsters. Malondialdehyde and gene expression levels of collagen I, collagen III, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and Rac‐1 in liver extracts were also increased in the MCD‐diet‐fed hamsters at 12 weeks. At 24 weeks, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were more prominent in the placebo‐treated hamsters that were fed the MCD‐diet for 24 weeks versus 12 weeks. Hamsters treated with TY‐51469 for 12 weeks after being on a 12‐week MCD diet had significant ameliorations in both hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, and there were no significant differences compared to normal diet‐fed hamsters. There were significant augmentations in angiotensin II and malondialdehyde, and gene expressions of collagen I, collagen III, α‐SMA and Rac‐1 in the placebo‐treated hamsters at 24 weeks; however, these levels were reduced to normal levels in the TY‐51469‐treated hamsters.

Conclusion

TY‐51469 not only prevented the progression of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, but also ameliorated hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.
Interaction between chlorhexidine‐impregnated gutta‐percha points and several chlorine‐containing endodontic irrigating solutions
Authors: Rossi‐Fedele G. , Doğramacı E. J. , Steier L. , de Figueiredo J. A. P.
Published: December 2012

Aim

To evaluate if the immersion of chlorhexidine‐impregnated gutta‐percha points in chlorine‐containing endodontic irrigants causes colour changes and precipitate formation.

Methodology

Eighty‐one size 25 chlorhexidine medicated (Activ Points, Roeko, Langenau, Germany) and 27 size 25 standard gutta‐percha points (Roeko) were immersed in microtubes, containing the following solutions: 0.5 and 5.25% NaOCl or Aquatine (Optident, Ilkley, UK). The samples were visually assessed, by two independent observers, at regular intervals over 3 weeks, to detect colour changes and precipitate formation. A score system was used to grade the precipitate intensity. To compare the number of days required for a precipitate to form mean and standard differences were calculated; the means between the groups were compared using a one‐way analysis of variance test. Mean intensity scores were calculated and compared between groups using Kruskal–Wallis procedure followed by the Mann–Whitney test.

Results

The groups containing 5.25% NaOCl started to produce a visible precipitate after fourteen days (16.48 ± 0.98) for the Activ points; this process was first noticed with the standard gutta‐percha group on day 17 (18.33 ± 1.22 days), with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.002). When looking at the intensity scores from day 17 onwards, these two groups differed statistically, with a greater amount for the AP group (P < 0.001). No other test group presented with changes.

Conclusion

The placement of impregnated gutta‐percha points, in 5.25% NaOCl for a 2‐week period, caused the formation of a precipitate in the experimental conditions of this study.
Concordance of Shape Risk Scale, a new pressure ulcer risk tool, with Braden Scale
Authors: Soppi Esa T. , Iivanainen Ansa K. , Korhonen Pasi A.
Published: December 2012

The occurrence of pressure ulcers was examined in a cross‐sectional study in 23 health care facilities and in home care involving 548 patients. The screening of pressure ulcer risk was assessed simultaneously using the Braden Scale and the new Shape Risk Scale (SRS), and the results were compared. The overall prevalence of pressure ulcers in the study population was 15·5% (85/548). The Braden Scale was performed as described in the literature. The direct concordance of the Braden and SRS scales was 46%. In more than 90% of cases, the SRS classified patients as well as or better than the Braden Scale. The SRS allocates patients significantly different from the Braden Scale into the risk categories, especially the difference is significant between the low and medium‐risk categories. The greatest advantage of SRS to Braden Scale is that it correctly identifies patients with low risk of pressure ulcers. It is interesting that the two risk scores, taking into consideration the basically different pathophysiological factors, can still give rather similar results. The users considered that both scales are easy to use.
Introduction: Crisis, policy responses and widening inequalities in the EU
Authors: LESCHKE Janine , JEPSEN Maria
Published: December 2012

Introducing the contributions to this special issue of the International Labour Review, this article reviews the broad phases of the economic crisis in the EU since 2008 and highlights the critical role of social policy in mitigating its initial impact on Europeans. However, the crisis and governments' policy responses have also been widening labour market inequalities between different groups within countries, the authors argue, as illustrated by the disproportionate growth of youth employment and their specific focus on gender inequality. Cross‐national variations in the content and structure of stimulus and austerity countermeasures are also found to be exacerbating divergence between EU countries.
Financing social security in the EU: Business as usual?
Authors: WAGNER Norman
Published: December 2012

This article assesses how well welfare models with different financing mechanisms cope with a major financial crisis. It focuses on five EU countries, which represent different welfare models. It also analyses how the crisis and the associated stimulus or austerity measures changed financing, revealing a regressive impact. It demonstrates that, in the short‐ or medium‐term, contribution‐based social systems have more stable public finances during a recession than tax‐based systems. That said, the corporatist/continental welfare model seems most likely to remain stable in the long run, in so far as it focuses on keeping employment – the system's main source of revenue – stable.
La crisis y la política social: el papel de los convenios colectivos
Authors: GLASSNER Vera , KEUNE Maarten
Published: December 2012

Los autores analizan los convenios colectivos concluidos en la Unión Europea de 2008 a 2011 y su contribución a la política social (desempleo parcial, formación, moderación y flexibilización salarial y organización flexible del trabajo). En el sector público, el clima de déficit creciente y austeridad ha cerrado el espacio de la negociación colectiva; en el privado, esta ha logrado (inicialmente) compaginar las exigencias de la competitividad con la protección del empleo y de los salarios en países con sistemas de negociación múltiple y coordinada, los únicos aptos, según los autores, para defender objetivos de política social. Sin ellos, las perspectivas parecen poco halagüeñas.
Smallholder Irrigation Schemes, Agrarian Reform and ‘Accumulation from Above and from Below’ inSouthAfrica
Authors: Cousins Ben
Published: December 2012

A key issue in debates on agrarian reform inSouthAfrica is the potential for small‐scale farming, in conjunction with redistributive land reform, to make a significant contribution to employment creation and poverty reduction. Two problems hinder these debates – the paucity of reliable data on small‐scale agriculture, and lack of clarity on the meaning of terms such as ‘smallholder’ and ‘small‐scale farmer’. This paper applies class‐analytic perspectives on social differentiation to critically examine these terms, and explores the prospects for ‘accumulation from above and from below’ through agrarian reform, drawing on wider debates within theSouthernAfrican region. It focuses in particular on smallholder irrigation schemes, potentially a key focus of policy, and presents research findings on production and marketing of fresh produce in one such scheme inTugelaFerry,KwaZulu‐Natal. Survey data show that farming households combine agriculture and various forms of off‐farm labour, as is often the case throughout the region, and that accumulation in small‐scale agriculture is constrained by a number of factors, including the inherited and largely untransformed agrarian class structure ofSouthAfrica. In this context, expanded access to land and water is a necessary but not sufficient condition for such accumulation; wider structural change is also required.