bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
51 STRESS PRECONDITIONING OF SPERMATOZOA WITH SUBLETHAL CONCENTRATIONS OF ETHANOL IMPROVE POST-THAW SPERM QUALITY IN BULL
Authors: Vaseghi-Dodaran H. , Zhandi M. , Sharafi M. , Nejati-Amiri E. , Nejati-Javaremi A. , Mohammadi-Sangcheshmeh A.
Published: December 2014

A variety of controlled mild stressors have been applied for activation of temporary response in oocytes, embryos, and somatic cells. So far, several stressors have been used to induce mild stress, including that of hydrostatic pressure, osmotic stress, mechanical stress, and oxidative challenges. Based on these evidences, we hypothesised that the ethanol in sublethal concentration would be capable of generating mild stress that may ultimately leads to an adaptive response in spermatozoa. To evaluate this hypothesis, semen samples (n = 24, 6 ejaculates/bull) from 4 Holstein bulls were collected and pooled for each replicate. Pooled samples were divided into 5 equal parts and each part diluted with tris-glycerol-based (Optidyl®) extender containing 0 (O-E0), 0.03 (O-E3), 0.09 (O-E9), and 0.15 (O-E15) % (vol/vol) ethanol and frozen. After thawing, sperm motility and velocity parameters (sperm class analysis), apoptosis status (Phospatidylserin Translocation Detection commercial kit), plasma membrane integrity (eosin-Nigrosin staining), malondialdehyde concentration (thiobarbituric acid reaction), and mitochondrial activity (rhodamine-123 and propidium iodide) were evaluated. The data were analysed using Proc Mixed of SAS 9.1 (version 9.1; SAS Institute Inc., 2002, Cary, NC, USA). Tukey's test was used to compare least squares means. As a result, the O-E9 group showed higher (85.2%) percentage of total motility compared with O-E0 (73.6%), O-E3 (51.9%), and O-E15 (67.5%) groups (P < 0.05). A highest (P < 0.05) percentage of live spermatozoa were observed in the O-E9 (62.9%) group as compared with O-E0 (49.4%), O-E3 (50.3%), and O-E15 (49.6%) groups, and also the proportion of apoptotic spermatozoa in the O-E9 (10.6%) group tended to be lowest as compared with those of O-E0 (15.6%), O-E3 (17.2%), O-E15 (14.1%) groups (P > 0.05). The plasma membrane integrity was higher (P < 0.05) in O-E9 (90.8%) compared with O-E3 (75%) and O-E15 (77.2%) groups; however, the difference was not significant when the O-E9 group was compared with the O-E0 group (83.2%; P > 0.05). Obtained results revealed that malondialdehyde level was lower in O-E3 (1.03%), O-E9 (0.63%), and O-E15 (0.89%) groups compared with the O-E0 (1.94%) group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the percentage of live spermatozoa with active mitochondria was higher in O-E9 (57.7%) and O-E15 (57.5%) groups compared with O-E0 (49.1%) and O-E3 (38.2%) groups (P < 0.05). These results strongly suggest that supplementation of Optidyl® extender with sublethal concentration of ethanol influences post-thawed bull sperm quality in a dose-dependent manner. However, further studies are needed to empirically determine the effect of supplementation on fertilization and pregnancy outcome.
61 THE EFFECTS OF COLLECTION SEASON AND STORAGE DURATION IN LIQUID NITROGEN ON POST-WARMING SURVIVAL AND NUCLEAR MATURATION OF IMMATURE PORCINE OOCYTES PRESERVED BY SOLID SURFACE VITRIFICATION
Authors: Nagai T. , Somfai T. , Men N. T. , Kabeko H. , Noguchi J. , Kikuchi K.
Published: December 2014

We investigated the effects of collection season and storage duration of vitrified porcine oocytes in liquid nitrogen (LN2) on their survival and maturation ability after warming. A total of 3338 cumulus-enclosed oocytes were vitrified using solid surface vitrification, preserved, and warmed according to previous report (Somfai et al. 2014 PLoS One 9, e97731) in 26 occasions between October 2012 and March 2014. Vitrified oocytes were stored in LN2 for various durations from 0 (vitrified but without storage) to 243 days. The date of preservation and length of storage (days) of vitrified oocytes in LN2 were recorded. Warming of vitrified oocytes was conducted on a hotplate set at 42°C. After warming, oocytes were subjected to in vitro maturation according to Kikuchi et al. (2002 Biol. Reprod. 66, 1033–1041). Then oocytes were denuded and their live/dead status and nuclear maturation were assessed under stereo microscope based on their morphology and the presence of the first polar body. After linear regression analysis, it was found that there was no correlation between the duration of storage of vitrified oocytes in LN2 for up to 243 days and their survival rate after warming (R = 0.254; P = 0.210) or the maturation rate of surviving oocytes (R = 0.147; P = 0.471). Vitrification during spring (March 1–May 31) resulted in significantly higher rates of survived oocytes compared with vitrification during winter (December 1–February 28; 86.9 and 73.1%, respectively; P < 0.05), whereas the mean survival rates of oocytes vitrified during summer (June 1–August 31; 79.0%) and autumn (September 1–November 31; 81.9%) did not differ significantly from those of other seasons (ANOVA). After in vitro maturation, nuclear maturation of surviving oocytes did not differ significantly among oocytes vitrified at different seasons (ranging between 59.1 and 67.8%). The results indicate that the oocyte collection season affects survival of vitrified oocytes, whereas storage duration in LN2 does not affect this parameter. Furthermore, nuclear maturation of oocytes that survive after vitrification and warming is not affected by their collection season and storage length.This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 26870839.
72 COMPARISON OF CRYOPRESERVATION METHODS: SLOW COOLING VERSUS RAPID COOLING BASED ON SPERM VIABILITY OF SPERMATOZOA OBTAINED FROM THE CAUDA EPIDIDYMIS OF ALPACA (VICUGNA PACOS)
Authors: Mellisho E. , Moina M.
Published: December 2014

In alpacas, the male has a low reproductive performance due to the small size of the testes, extended period of ejaculation, and low quality of semen. This work had an objective to evaluate 2 methods of cryopreservation on sperm viability of spermatozoa obtained from the cauda epididymis of male alpacas. Testes from 19 male alpacas (>3 years old) were obtained from the slaughterhouse of Huancavelica and transported to the laboratory in isothermal conditions within 3 h of slaughter. The spermatozoa were obtained by slicing the head of the epididymis, diluting in tris-yolk-glycerol at environment temperature, and then refrigerating for 2.5 h at 5°C. The freezing process was carried out by 2 methods, slow cooling and rapid cooling, the results for percentage of progressive motility, vital staining (eosin nigrosin staining), and hypoosmotic swelling test for each method were evaluated. Cryopreservation of spermatozoa by slow cooling was using 0.25-mL straws immediately after the addition of the extenders and sealed with polyvinyl alcohol. The freezing procedure consisted of placing a metallic rack in a polystyrene foam box of 25 × 20 × 15 cm (length × width × height) and pouring LN (–196°C) within the box, keeping the level of LN below the surface of the metallic rack by 6 cm. The straws were placed onto the metallic rack exposing them to the vapors of the LN and closing the box hermetically by 10 min to freeze and then store by immersion in LN. The cryopreservation of spermatozoa by rapid cooling was carried out in pellets of 0.25 mL immediately finishing the addition of the extenders a final concentration of 60 × 106 sperm mL–1. The freezing process consisted of placing the suspension of spermatozoa in holes made on the surface of a block of solid carbon dioxide (dry ice, –79°C) with a micropipette placing aliquots of 0.25 cc quickly and successively, trying to not let the time between the first pellet formed and the last exceed a minute, and then stored by immersion in LN. Semen was thawed at 37°C in hot bath for 1 to 2 min for pellets and 30 s for straws. Percentage of progressive motility, vital staining, and hypoosmotic swelling test were analysed statistically using ANOVA at a significance level of P < 0.05 using the statistical program SAS® 8.0 (Statistic Analysis System, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). There were statistical differences between the 2 methods slow cooling and rapid cooling for percentage of progressive motility (21.7%a v. 36.2%b), vital staining (30.4%a v. 39.7%b), and hypoosmotic swelling test (21.6a v. 19.0a) for the epididymis spermatozoa. We conclude according to the viability parameters for frozen-thawed spermatozoa that the method of rapid cooling (pellets) is a good alternative for cryopreserved spermatozoa from male alpaca epididymis.
84 PAIRS OF BLASTOMERES FROM BOVINE DAY 5 MORULAE ARE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO INNER CELL MASS AND TROPHECTODERM IN CHIMERIC EMBRYOS GENERATED BY AGGREGATION WITH TWO DAY 4 MORULAE
Authors: Simmet K. , Reichenbach M. , Jung S. , Fries R. , Grupp T. , Gschöderer C. , Scherzer J. , Reichenbach H. D. , Wolf E.
Published: December 2014

The multiplication of high-value embryos by chimera formation using asynchronic aggregation is a promising alternative to embryonic cell nuclear transfer. Single blastomeres from a donor embryo are aggregated with 2 host embryos, thus several chimeras can be constructed per donor embryo. Due to the advanced developmental stage, the donor blastomeres are likely to contribute to the inner cell mass (ICM) and later give rise to the embryo proper, whereas the host embryos form extra-embryonic tissues. To test if pairs of blastomeres from Day 5 morulae are able to form the ICM when aggregated with 2 Day 4 host embryos, we produced transgenic donor embryos carrying a fluorescent reporter gene (enhanced green fluorescent protein, eGFP) by using semen from an eGFP transgenic bull (Reichenbach et al. 2010 Transgenic Res. 19, 549–556) for in vitro fertilization and in vitro host embryos produced by a standard procedure. The zona pellucida of all embryos was removed by treatment with 1 mg mL–1 pronase. Donor embryos were assessed for eGFP expression by fluorescence microscopy and disaggregated by gentle pipetting after incubation in Mg2+- and Ca2+-free medium. Pairs of blastomeres were then placed between 2 host embryos and cultured individually in a well-of-the-well culture dish. On Day 6 after aggregation, fully developed blastocysts were assessed for eGFP fluorescence. In 3 replicates, n = 30 chimeras were produced by aggregation; 13 (43%) developed to blastocysts, of which 2 (15%) showed local eGFP expression in the ICM and 7 (54%) showed a generalized expression. From the results of this study we conclude that Day 5 morulae may be multiplied in an efficient manner by using the chimera formation technique, which makes this approach applicable to ex vivo-derived embryos. In future investigations we will study the effect of using donor blastomeres from either the inside or outside of the donor morula and test the use of tetraploid host embryos to increase the rate of blastocysts with the desired genotype in the ICM. Finally, we aim to introduce this multiplication approach to the production of genotyped embryos with a genomic estimated breeding value (gEBV) and intend to produce calves with identical gEBV.Funded by the Bavarian Research Foundation (AZ-1031–1).
90 DESTABILIZATION OF COHESIN REC8 CAUSES ANEUPLOIDY AFTER THE SECOND MEIOSIS IN MURINE POST-OVULATORY AGED OOCYTES
Authors: Shimoi G. , Kudoh K. , Kameyama Y. , Hashizume R.
Published: December 2014

We have previously reported that the early embryos derived from post-ovulatory aged oocytes frequently exhibit aneuploidy, resulting from abnormalities in the cleavage apparatus of MII oocytes. Other studies have also described a potential mechanism that results in aneuploidy, which is attributed to the failure of a cell cycle checkpoint. The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), which acts during metaphase, is a monitoring system that equally distributes sister chromatids by correctly attaching spindle fibres to the appropriate centromere. Cohesin, a functional protein complex of the SAC, includes the REC8 subunit, and acts as an adhesion factor for sister chromatids. Segregation of sister chromatids occurs following the degradation of the cohesin complex by the separase enzyme. The segregation process can be mediated by meiosis-specific REC8, which contains a recognition site for separase. In this study, we examined the expression of meiosis-specific REC8 protein in murine post-ovulatory aged oocytes, and verified the association with aneuploidy induced during second meiosis. Superovulated oocytes from the ICR mouse strain were aged by culture for 3 to 24 h in vitro. To eliminate the male genome factor, chromosomal analysis was performed using oocytes activated by SrCl2, without fertilization. The expression level of REC8 in oocytes, before and after activation, was analysed by Western blot, using a rabbit anti-REC8 antibody (primary) and horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-rabbit antibody (secondary). In the 6- and 12-h aged groups, 23.8% and 40.3% of oocytes, respectively, exhibited aneuploidy after the second meiosis. The rate of aneuploidy in the 12-h aged group was significantly higher than that in the fresh oocyte group (10.3%; P < 0.05). It could be speculated from our previous data that this fact contributed to the occurrence of aneuploidy in early embryos derived from the aged oocytes. In 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-h aged groups, the results of semiquantitative analysis of REC8 levels in MII oocytes (non-activated) were 1.32 ± 0.38, 1.30 ± 0.58, 1.15 ± 0.21, and 0.98 ± 0.14, respectively. REC8 levels in the 24-h aged group were significantly lower than in the fresh group (1.86 ± 0.56, P < 0.05). The expression levels of REC8 in activated oocytes at 3 and 6 h were 0.53 ± 0.01 and 0.55 ± 0.04, respectively. REC8 levels in the 12-h (1.00 ± 0.03) and 24-h (0.95 ± 0.04) groups were significantly higher than in the fresh group (0.49 ± 0.09; P < 0.05). The significant reduction of REC8 levels at anaphase, after oocyte activation, was not observed in oocytes aged 12 h or more. In MII oocytes, REC8 levels tend to decrease gradually with post-ovulatory age. Destabilisation of the cohesin REC8 subunit may contribute to the nondisjunction of sister chromatids during second meiosis in post-ovulatory aged oocytes, ultimately resulting in aneuploidy.
Functionally compromised
CHD7
alleles in patients with isolated GnRH deficiency
Authors: Balasubramanian Ravikumar , Choi Jin-Ho , Francescatto Ludmila , Willer Jason , Horton Edward R. , Asimacopoulos Eleni P. , Stankovic Konstantina M. , Plummer Lacey , Buck Cassandra L. , Quinton Richard , Nebesio Todd D. , Mericq Veronica , Merino Paulina M. , Meyer Brian F. , Monies Dorota , Gusella James F. , Al Tassan Nada , Katsanis Nicholas , Crowley William F.
Published: December 2014

Significance

Inactivating mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 (
CHD7
) gene causes a severe developmental disorder known as CHARGE syndrome. Recently, several missense mutations in
CHD7
have been reported in isolated gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) -deficiency (IGD) patients who lack full CHARGE features. However, the precise functional consequence of these IGD-associated missense mutations on the activity of CHD7 protein is not known. This study confirms the predominance of missense
CHD7
alleles in 5% of IGD patients and provides, to our knowledge, first experimental evidence that functionally compromised
CHD7
missense alleles contribute to the pathogenesis of both the anosmic and normosmic forms of IGD. These results imply a preferential sensitivity for
CHD7
dysfunction in the developmental ontogeny as well as neuroendocrine regulation of GnRH neurons in humans.
Defective Ca2+ binding in a conserved binding site causes incomplete N-glycan processing and endoplasmic reticulum trapping of discoidin domain receptors
Authors: Phan Trong-Nhat , Wong Ee Lin , Park Sun Young , Kim Hae Jong , Yang Beom-Seok
Published: December 2014

An X-ray crystallographic study has suggested that vertebrate discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) have a conserved Ca2+ binding site. DDR1 and DDR2 transfected in HEK293 cells were expressed mainly as 120 and 130 kDa forms, respectively, as they are sufficiently N-glycosylated. However, both of them showed the molecular weight of 110 kDa predominantly in the cells cultured with Ca2+-depleted media. DDR2-carrying D234A mutation at the conserved Ca2+-binding site expressed the 110 kDa form dominantly even in normal culture condition. DDR2 becomes 100 kDa form in glucose-depleted culture condition and its molecular weight increases up to 130 kDa with re-feeding glucose. However, in the mutant DDR2, the increase came to a halt at 110 kDa. The 110 kDa form had premature N-glycosyl carbohydrates and located predominantly within the endoplasmic reticulum. These results suggest that DDRs require Ca2+-binding to complete their N-glycan processing and generate the form targeted to cell membrane.
Generalized dimension estimates for images of porous sets under monotone Sobolev mappings
Authors: Koskela Pekka , Zapadinskaya Aleksandra
Published: December 2014

We give an essentially sharp estimate in terms of generalized Hausdorff measures for images of porous sets under monotone Sobolev mappings, satisfying suitable Orlicz-Sobolev conditions.
Towards a quantitative understanding of period-doubling wrinkling patterns occurring in film/substrate bilayer systems
Authors: Zhao Yan , Cao Yanping , Hong Wei , Wadee M. Khurram , Feng Xi-Qiao
Published: December 2014

Compression of a stiff film on a soft substrate may lead to surface wrinkling when the compressive strain reaches a critical value. Further compression may cause a wrinkling–folding transition, and the sinusoidal wrinkling mode can then give way to a period-doubling bifurcation. The onset of the primary bifurcation has been well understood, but a quantitative understanding of the secondary bifurcation remains elusive. Our theoretical analysis of the branching of surface patterns reveals that the wrinkling–folding transition depends on the wrinkling strain and the prestrain in the substrate. A characteristic strain in the substrate is adopted to determine the correlation among the critical strain of the period-doubling mode, the wrinkling strain and the prestrain in an explicit form. A careful examination of the total potential energy of the system reveals that beyond the critical strain of period-doubling, the sinusoidal wrinkling mode has a higher potential energy in comparison with the period-doubling mode. The critical strain of the period-doubling mode strongly depends on the deformation state of the hyperelastic solid, indicating that the nonlinear deformation behaviour of the substrate plays a key role here. The results reported here on the one hand provide a quantitative understanding of the wrinkling–folding transition observed in natural and synthetic material systems and on the other hand pave the way to control the wrinkling mode transition by regulating the strain state in the substrate.
Assessing introduction risk using species’ rank-abundance distributions
Authors: Chan Farrah T. , Bradie Johanna , Briski Elizabeta , Bailey Sarah A. , Simard Nathalie , MacIsaac Hugh J.
Published: December 2014

Mixed-species assemblages are often unintentionally introduced into new ecosystems. Analysing how assemblage structure varies during transport may provide insights into how introduction risk changes before propagules are released. Characterization of introduction risk is typically based on assessments of colonization pressure (CP, the number of species transported) and total propagule pressure (total PP, the total abundance of propagules released) associated with an invasion vector. Generally, invasion potential following introduction increases with greater CP or total PP. Here, we extend these assessments using rank-abundance distributions to examine how CP : total PP relationships change temporally in ballast water of ocean-going ships. Rank-abundance distributions and CP : total PP patterns varied widely between trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific voyages, with the latter appearing to pose a much lower risk than the former. Responses also differed by taxonomic group, with invertebrates experiencing losses mainly in total PP, while diatoms and dinoflagellates sustained losses mainly in CP. In certain cases, open-ocean ballast water exchange appeared to increase introduction risk by uptake of new species or supplementation of existing ones. Our study demonstrates that rank-abundance distributions provide new insights into the utility of CP and PP in characterizing introduction risk.
Explicit modeling of ancestry improves polygenic risk scores and BLUP prediction
Authors: Chen Chia-Yen , Han Jiali , Hunter David J. , Kraft Peter , Price Alkes L.
Published: December 2014

Polygenic prediction using genome-wide SNPs can provide high prediction accuracy for complex traits. Here, we investigate the question of how to account for genetic ancestry when conducting polygenic prediction. We show that the accuracy of polygenic prediction in structured populations may be partly due to genetic ancestry. However, we hypothesized that explicitly modeling ancestry could improve polygenic prediction accuracy. We analyzed three GWAS of hair color, tanning ability and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in European Americans (sample size from 7,440 to 9,822) and considered two widely used polygenic prediction approaches: polygenic risk scores (PRS) and Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP). We compared polygenic prediction without correction for ancestry to polygenic prediction with ancestry as a separate component in the model. In 10-fold cross-validation using the PRS approach, the R2for hair color increased by 66% (0.0456 to 0.0755; p<10−16), the R2for tanning ability increased by % (0.0154 to 0.0344; p<10−16) and the liability-scale R2for BCC increased by 68% (0.0138 to 0.0232; p<10−16) when explicitly modeling ancestry, which prevents ancestry effects from entering into each SNP effect and being over-weighted. Surprisingly, explicitly modeling ancestry produces a similar improvement when using the BLUP approach, which fits all SNPs simultaneously in a single variance component and causes ancestry to be under-weighted. We validate our findings via simulations, which show that the differences in prediction accuracy will increase in magnitude as sample sizes increase. In summary, our results show that explicitly modeling ancestry can be important in both PRS and BLUP prediction.
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment for people with Parkinson's: audit of outcomes in a routine clinic
Authors: Wight Sheila , Miller Nick
Published: December 2014

Background

Speaking louder/more intensely represents a longstanding technique employed to manage voice and intelligibility changes in people with Parkinson's. This technique has been formalized into a treatment approach and marketed as the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT®) programme. Evidence for its efficacy has been published. Studies to date are dominated by research facility reports from the original LSVT® group or closely associated groups. Evidence for the efficacy of LSVT® in routine clinical settings is lacking.

Methods & Procedures

We conducted an audit of outcomes for consecutive people with Parkinson's who were offered and completed LSVT® in a routine hospital outpatient setting. In‐ and exclusion criteria, assessment and treatment protocols followed precisely the methods stipulated by LSVT® Global. Additionally, participants completed the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and 23 carers completed a visual analogue scale (VAS) for items relating to functional outcomes.

Outcomes & Results

Group data (n = 33) revealed statistically significant increases in all objective and subjective measures at the end of treatment, though outcomes on the different measures revealed variable individual responses. Mean intensity increases on prolonged vowel were 9.3 dB post‐treatment. Significant gains of mean 7.5 and 6.8 dB were maintained at 12 (n = 25) and 24 months (n = 15) respectively for those available for follow‐up. Significant intensity gains occurred for reading post‐therapy (mean = 8.5 dB), but changes reverted to statistically non‐significant at 12 and 24 months. Intensity increase (mean = 8.5 dB) was significant for monologues post‐therapy, but not at 12 and 24 months. Median VHI improvement was statistically significant post‐therapy and at 12 months, but not at 24 months. Carer VAS ratings all improved significantly post‐therapy; at 12 months only perceived loudness, strain, mumbling and intelligibility remained statistically significantly above baseline. No significant gains persisted to 24 months.

Conclusions & Implications

LSVT® was successful for most individuals in this study. Not all patients attained significant changes by the end of treatment. Few patients who achieved significant gain at the end of treatment maintained this at 12 or 24 months. Implications for maintenance, interpretation of results in a degenerative condition and implications for further research are discussed.
Serving the army as secretaries: intersectionality, multi‐level contract and subjective experience of citizenship
Authors: Lomsky‐Feder Edna , Sasson‐Levy Orna
Published: December 2014

With the growing elusiveness of the state apparatus in late modernity, military service is one of the last institutions to be clearly identified with the state, its ideologies and its policies. Therefore, negotiations between the military and its recruits produce acting subjects of citizenship with long‐lasting consequences. Arguing that these negotiations are regulated by multi‐level (civic, group, and individual) contracts, we explore the various meanings that these contracts obtain at the intersectionality of gender, class, and ethnicity; and examine how they shape the subjective experience of soldierhood and citizenship. More particularly, we analyse the meaning of military service in the retrospective life stories of Israeli Jewish women from various ethno‐class backgrounds who served as army secretaries – a low‐status, feminine gender‐typed occupation within a hyper‐masculine organization. Findings reveal that for women of the lower class, the organizing cultural schema of the multi‐level contract is that of achieving respectability through military service, which means being included in the national collective. Conversely, for middle‐class women, it is the sense of entitlement that shapes their contract with the military, which they expect to signify and maintain their privileged status. Thus, while for the lower class, the multi‐level contract is about inclusion within the boundaries of the national collective, for the dominant groups, this contract is about reproducing social class hierarchies within national boundaries.
Effects of Rigor Status during High‐Pressure Processing on the Physical Qualities of Farm‐Raised Abalone (Haliotis rufescens)
Authors: Hughes Brianna H. , Greenberg Neil J. , Yang Tom C. , Skonberg Denise I.
Published: December 2014

High‐pressure processing (HPP) is used to increase meat safety and shelf‐life, with conflicting quality effects depending on rigor status during HPP. In the seafood industry, HPP is used to shuck and pasteurize oysters, but its use on abalones has only been minimally evaluated and the effect of rigor status during HPP on abalone quality has not been reported. Farm‐raised abalones (Haliotis rufescens) were divided into 12 HPP treatments and 1 unprocessed control treatment. Treatments were processed pre‐rigor or post‐rigor at 2 pressures (100 and 300 MPa) and 3 processing times (1, 3, and 5 min). The control was analyzed post‐rigor. Uniform plugs were cut from adductor and foot meat for texture profile analysis, shear force, and color analysis. Subsamples were used for scanning electron microscopy of muscle ultrastructure. Texture profile analysis revealed that post‐rigor processed abalone was significantly (P < 0.05) less firm and chewy than pre‐rigor processed irrespective of muscle type, processing time, or pressure. L values increased with pressure to 68.9 at 300 MPa for pre‐rigor processed foot, 73.8 for post‐rigor processed foot, 90.9 for pre‐rigor processed adductor, and 89.0 for post‐rigor processed adductor. Scanning electron microscopy images showed fraying of collagen fibers in processed adductor, but did not show pressure‐induced compaction of the foot myofibrils. Post‐rigor processed abalone meat was more tender than pre‐rigor processed meat, and post‐rigor processed foot meat was lighter in color than pre‐rigor processed foot meat, suggesting that waiting for rigor to resolve prior to processing abalones may improve consumer perceptions of quality and market value.
Application of the Reporting Entity Concept in Australia
Authors: Carey Peter , Potter Brad , Tanewski George
Published: December 2014

For decades, the reporting entity concept has been the foundation of differential reporting in Australia. Those entities classified as ‘reporting entities’ are, prima facie, required to produce full GAAP‐based financial reports while other (non‐reporting) entities are generally able to produce less complex and shorter ‘special purpose’ financial reports. In recent years, the application of the concept, as originally set out in the Statement of Accounting Concepts (SAC) 1 Definition of the Reporting Entity, has been criticized on several grounds—particularly, that it does not yield the reporting outcomes originally intended by regulators. Our analysis of 1,546 companies lodging financial statements with the corporate regulator in Australia (ASIC) shows the principles‐based criteria in SAC 1, designed to indicate the existence of a reporting entity, do not systematically explain its application by entities. Our findings are relevant for policy makers, researchers, and regulators concerned with how these choices might be more effectively regulated in future and whether this is best done through principles‐based or rules‐based approaches.
Building health assessed through environmental parameters after the OTS in the city centre of Oxford, UK
Authors: Thornbush Mary J
Published: December 2014

The Oxford Transport Strategy (OTS) implemented in the Oxford city centre in June 1999 had an environmental impact associated with reduced car traffic and improved air quality, particularly of SO2 and CO. The effect on reductions in atmospheric pollutants and improved air quality is examined in this paper. By examining records of change associated with specific traffic records and mean annual measures of pollutants, including NO2, NOX, SO2, CO, O3 and PM10, it is possible to relate trends over 15 years (between 1997 and 2012) and evaluate the impacts on buildings. Specifically, this study reveals that soiling was reduced following the OTS and that building decay features stabilised. This occurred when there were reduced levels of traffic on some streets and improved air quality (at Oxford Centre, High Street and generally at St Ebbes) in the Oxford city centre. Reduced concentrations of all measured pollutants (except O3 at the urban background site; with the least reductions in NO2 and PM10 and greatest reductions in NOX, SO2 and CO) indicate a cleaner urban atmosphere since the OTS. Since O3 was the only traffic pollutant that slightly increased in the post‐OTS atmosphere, its impact on building stone merits more research.
Benefits and drawbacks of computer‐based assessment and feedback systems: Student and educator perspectives
Authors: Debuse Justin C. W. , Lawley Meredith
Published: December 2014

Providing students with high quality feedback is important and can be achieved using computer‐based systems. While student and educator perspectives of such systems have been investigated, a comprehensive multidisciplinary study has not yet been undertaken. This study examines student and educator perspectives of a computer‐based assessment and feedback system at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across a range of disciplines, course sizes and educator experience levels. The results suggest that students and educators may enjoy quality, efficiency and quantity benefits from such an approach, without the drawbacks of low personalisation and specificity identified within the literature. Time and effort are, however, required by educators for training and installation. Thus, workload and training allowances are recommended for practitioners, particularly for large courses where group assignments require highly personalised feedback.
Obstructive Membrane at the Base of the Left Atrial Appendage, a Multi‐Imaging Approach
Authors: Chejtman Demián , Failo Matías , Richarte Rueda Valeria , Logarzo Emilio , Barja Luis , Benticuaga Alejandro , Ayerdi Maria Laura , Turri Domingo , Baratta Sergio , Aguirre Pablo , Hita Alejandro
Published: December 2014

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a small muscular extension that grows from the anterolateral wall of the left atrium, in the proximity of the left pulmonary veins. The presence of a membrane in the LAA is a rare clinical entity whose origin is not known. Its clinical implication in the genesis of atrial arrhythmias and thromboembolic risk remains unknown. We report a case of an obstructive membrane located at the base of the LAA, found incidentally in a young patient who was initially undergoing a transesophageal echocardiogram prior to an invasive treatment for atrial fibrillation.
FRAGMENTA BRITANNICA IV. NAUKRATIS, CYRENAICA AND LYDIA
Authors: JOHNSTON ALAN
Published: December 2014

I present here some further pottery sherds in the British Museum, from Cyrenaica and, it is argued, Naukratis. Two are stamped amphora handles of a type that points to a Cyrenaic origin and a stamp which I interpret as being of the polis of Barke. A few other pieces are known from Lissus, Antikythera and Alexandria. Other sherds from Naukratis contribute to the discussion of Lydian presence or influence at the port; two joining sherds of a kernos are of particular note in being very probably a dedication by a person who calls himself, in Greek, a Lydian.
Bleeding on Probing as it relates to smoking status in patients enrolled in supportive periodontal therapy for at least 5 years
Authors: Ramseier Christoph A. , Mirra Damiano , Schütz Christian , Sculean Anton , Lang Niklaus P. , Walter Clemens , Salvi Giovanni E.
Published: December 2014

Aim

To relate the mean percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP) to smoking status in patients enrolled in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).

Materials and Methods

Retrospective data on BOP from 8′741 SPT visits were related to smoking status among categories of both periodontal disease severity and progression (instability) in patients undergoing dental hygiene treatment at the Medi School of Dental Hygiene (MSDH), Bern, Switzerland 1985–2011.

Results

A total of 445 patients were identified with 27.2% (n = 121) being smokers, 27.6% (n = 123) former smokers and 45.2% (n = 201) non‐smokers. Mean BOP statistically significantly increased with disease severity (p = 0.0001) and periodontal instability (p = 0.0115) irrespective of the smoking status. Periodontally stable smokers (n = 30) categorized with advanced periodontal disease demonstrated a mean BOP of 16.2% compared to unstable smokers (n = 15) with a mean BOP of 22.4% (p = 0.0291). Assessments of BOP in relation to the percentage of sites with periodontal probing depths (PPD) ≥4 mm at patient‐level yielded a statistically significantly decreased proportion of BOP in smokers compared to non‐smokers and former smokers (p = 0.0137).

Conclusions

Irrespective of the smoking status, increased mean BOP in SPT patients relates to disease severity and periodontal instability while smokers demonstrate lower mean BOP concomitantly with an increased prevalence of residual PPDs.
Sexual Dysfunction Among Reproductive-Aged Chinese Married Women in Hong Kong: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Associated Consequences
Authors: Zhang Huiping , Fan Susan , Yip Paul S.F.
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Although female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a serious public health issue endangering women's well-being, systematic research on FSD among reproductive-aged Chinese women in Hong Kong is quite scarce.

Aim

This study aims to estimate the prevalence, risk factors, and associated consequences of FSD among reproductive-aged Chinese married women in Hong Kong.

Methods

This study was based on a community-based survey across Hong Kong conducted by the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong in 2012 with 1,518 married women aged 21–49 years.

Main Outcome Measure

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition classification was adopted to assess FSD.

Results

It was found that 25.6% of the married women surveyed reported at least one form of sexual dysfunction and that the prevalence of six domains of sexual dysfunction was as follows: 10.6% for lack of interest in sex, 10.5% for not finding sex pleasurable, 9.3% for lubrication difficulties, 8.8% for inability to achieve orgasm, 8.8% for orgasm delay, and 8.4% for physical pain during sex. Multivariate analyses showed that low education and income, average or poor health, lower frequency of sex, abortion history, traditional attitudes toward sex, and marital dissatisfaction are all significant risk factors for different components of FSD. It was also been found that four domains of FSD (the exceptions being orgasm delay and physical pain during sex) have severe consequences for married women's life satisfaction and sexual satisfaction.

Conclusion

The prevalence of FSD is lower among reproductive-aged Chinese married women in Hong Kong than among women in the United States and some Asian countries. The risk factors associated with FSD include sociodemographic factors, physical health, sexual experience and attitudes, and relationship factors. FSD has significant consequences for married women's life quality. These findings have great implications for FSD prevention and relevant service delivery.
Detection of root‐end dentinal cracks in apical surgery using different dyes in conjunction with endoscopy: an experimental study
Authors: von Arx T. , Meijer J. , Borio V. , Bürgin W. , Lussi A.
Published: December 2014

Aim

The goal of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of different dyes in detecting root‐end dentinal cracks in conjunction with apical surgery.

Material and methods

Sixty‐five extracted human molars were root canal treated, root‐end resected and then allocated to four dye groups (methylene blue, fluoresceine, indocyanine green and trypan blue). Root‐end surfaces were inspected with endoscopy, and location and type of cracks were noted. Following root duplication, the procedure was repeated with scanning electron microscopy. Accuracies of crack detection were determined per dye group and statistically compared.

Results

Scanning electron microscopy revealed a total of 291 dentinal cracks of which 78.3% were correctly identified with endoscopy. The highest rate of correct crack identification (true positives) was observed in the methylene blue group (83.0%). However, no statistically significant differences were observed when comparing the proportions of the different dye groups. With regard to false positives, fluoresceine (35.9%) showed significantly (P < 0.01) more false cracks compared with methylene blue (8.6%) and trypan blue (18.2%), respectively. Relating true to false positives, methylene blue (90.7%) demonstrated a significantly (P < 0.01) higher accuracy rate than fluoresceine (58.8%) and indocyanine green (69.4%), respectively. The highest rate of missed cracks was found in the trypan blue group (20.3%), whereas no cracks were missed in the indocyanine green group. The latter proved significantly different (P < 0.01) compared with all other tested dyes.

Conclusions

Methylene blue appeared to be superior to the other evaluated dyes relating true positives to false positives.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the gingival mucosa with three recurrences over a 27 year period
Authors: Gkouveris I. , Tosios K.I. , Nikitakis N. , Sklavounou A.
Published: December 2014

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a group of rare and enigmatic disorders of the reticuloendothelial system characterised by abnormal, possibly neoplastic, proliferation of Langerhans cells. Oral lesions, in particular osteolytic lesions of the jaws, may be the primary or the sole manifestation of the disease. A 44 year old woman with a history of eosinophilic granuloma on the lower left canine region excised 25 years ago presented with an asymptomatic, ulcerated gingival lesion, extending lingual and distal to the right mandibular second premolar tooth, which was noticed approximately 6 months ago. The underlying bone was not involved. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination showed an LCH, consistent with eosinophilic granuloma. Radiotherapy was given, and 10 months later she developed three small painful ulcers located on the palatal gingivae around the right canine, between the second premolar and first molar, and around the right third molar, also diagnosed as eosinophilic granuloma. Eosinophilic granuloma may present in the gingival mucosa, in the absence of bone involvement, and may run a protracted course with remissions, reactivation and progression from single system to multi‐system involvement. Therefore, long‐term periodical follow‐up and restaging is mandatory. The presence of a high proportion of plasma cells expressing lambda‐light chains may cause a diagnostic dilemma with plasma cell malignancy would be interesting to be evaluated in additional cases.
Anatomical Mapping for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: A Head‐to‐Head Comparison of Ultrasound‐Assisted Reconstruction versus Fast Anatomical Mapping
Authors: RORDORF ROBERTO , CHIEFFO ENRICO , SAVASTANO SIMONE , VICENTINI ALESSANDRO , PETRACCI BARBARA , DE REGIBUS VALENTINA , VALENTINI ADELE , KLERSY CATHERINE , DORE ROBERTO , LANDOLINA MAURIZIO
Published: December 2014

Background

Accuracy in left atrial (LA) anatomical reconstruction is crucial to the safe and effective performance of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of LA reconstruction performed with intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) as compared to fast anatomical mapping (FAM) both integrated in the CARTO mapping system (Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA).

Methods

A multislice computed tomography (MSCT) was preacquired from 29 patients with AF who underwent catheter ablation and 3D‐LA geometry was reconstructed using both ICE and FAM separately. The accuracy of the LA anatomical definition was evaluated by comparing LA volumes, LA and pulmonary vein (PV) diameters obtained using ICE and FAM versus MSCT (gold standard).

Results

Anterior‐posterior and superior‐inferior LA diameters were shorter in ICE versus MSCT (32 ± 10 vs 46 ± 9 mm and 48 ± 7 vs 53 ± 7 mm, P < 0.01) but similar in FAM versus MSCT (45 ± 9 vs 46 ± 9 mm and 52 ± 10 vs 53 ± 7 mm). Latero‐septal LA diameter was similar in ICE versus MSCT (63 ± 11 vs 63 ± 9 mm) but larger in FAM versus MSCT (69 ± 9 vs 63 ± 9 mm, P < 0.001). LA volume was lower in ICE versus MSCT (73 ± 30 mL vs 116 ± 45 mL, P < 0.0001) and slightly larger in FAM versus MSCT (132 ± 45 vs 116 ± 45 mL, P = 0.06). PV diameters were similar in FAM versus MSCT but significantly underestimated with ICE.

Conclusions

Overall accuracy in the LA and PV anatomical reconstruction was found to be superior with FAM compared to ICE‐guided approach. ICE resulted in a significant underestimate of both LA and PV dimensions, while FAM slightly overestimated LA geometry.
Demand for Benefit Taxation: Evidence From Public Opinion on Road Financing
Authors: Duncan Denvil , Graham John , Nadella Venkata , Bowers Ashley , Giroux Stacey
Published: December 2014

Rising fuel economy standards for motor vehicles and higher road construction costs, coupled with infrequent adjustments to fuel taxes, have eroded the revenue base for road construction and repairs. We use survey data to determine whether the revenue‐enhancement measures being used by policy makers to address the revenue shortfall reflect the public's preferences regarding the distribution of road financing costs. In particular, we explore whether there is public support for the idea that road financing costs should be distributed in proportion to benefits received from roads; that is, the benefit principle. We find that public support for the benefit‐principle ranges from a low of 5 percent to a high of 34 percent, depending on the definition used. We also find evidence that people who support benefit‐principle financing are more likely to agree that the road mileage user‐fee is fair and also more likely to support revenue sources that satisfy the benefit principle. These findings suggest that a mix of revenue sources that vary in the extent to which they satisfy the benefit principle is a responsive political strategy. They also suggest that the low level of support for benefit‐principle financing is partly responsible for the unpopularity of mileage user‐fees. Policy makers who wish to pursue mileage user‐fees as a replacement for fuel taxes should make an effort to educate voters on the advantages of benefit‐based revenue sources.
When Budgeting Was Easier: Eisenhower and the 1960 Budget
Authors: Penner Rudolph G.
Published: December 2014

The paper looks back to time when budgeting was easier and budget outcomes were superior. Although it is impossible to replicate the past exactly, there are certain characteristics of past budgets that might be emulated. The paper focuses on Eisenhower's battles to balance the 1960 budget. The task was not easy and the result had to be bipartisan since Democrats had significant majorities in the House and Senate. But budgeting was less difficult than it is today, because almost all spending was controlled by annual appropriations, and popular, rapidly growing entitlements for the elderly were very much less important. The president's budget was also much more prestigious and influential. Approaches to gaining more control over entitlements are explored as is the more difficult task of restoring the influence of the president's budget.
VAT in a Federal System: Lessons from Canada
Authors: Bird Richard M. , Smart Michael
Published: December 2014

For many years it has been argued that the value‐added tax (VAT) is neither desirable nor feasible as a subnational tax. At the same time, the existence of state retail sales taxes (RSTs) has been seen by some to be a major obstacle to introducing a federal VAT in the United States. Canada has demonstrated that both these barriers can be overcome. A federal VAT can work well regardless how (or if) states tax sales. In addition, a federal VAT may make it more feasible for states, if they wish, to introduce their own VATs.
Microrelief suppresses large wrinkling appearance: an in silico study
Authors: Shiihara Y. , Sato M. , Hara Y. , Iwai I. , Yoshikawa N.
Published: December 2014

Background and purpose

Extensive skin wrinkling during facial expressions is one of the considerable problems in aesthetic dermatology. Although a few in silico studies have been performed with the aim of revealing the mechanism of a wrinkled appearance, there have been few studies that take into account the influence of skin roughness (i.e. microrelief), which exists on human skin in vivo. In this study, finite element simulations were performed using multilayer skin models with microrelief to investigate how extensive wrinkling appears on human skin, especially focusing on the role of surface roughness in the wrinkling mechanism.

Methods

Linear and post‐buckling analyses were performed on soft elastic laminate models using the finite element method. A simplified multilayer model of human skin was employed to examine the contribution of skin's multilayer structure to the large‐wrinkle mechanism. Microrelief was included in the model to assess its effect on the mechanism.

Results

A large wrinkle was observed as dermal buckling following a number of buckling events on the stratum corneum. The existence of microrelief had an effect on the suppression of dermal buckling.

Conclusion

Skin's multilayer structure should play a major role in the appearance of large wrinkles on human skin via its post‐buckling behavior. This study suggested that fine microrelief on the skin surface hampers large wrinkles. These findings should be valuable for the development of cosmetic or medical treatments to prevent unfavorable skin deformations.