bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of poly(acrylic acid) on apatite formation studied byin situX-ray diffraction using an X-ray scattering reaction cell with high-precision temperature control
Authors: Ibsen Casper Jon Steenberg , Birkedal Henrik
Published: September 2012

Organic additives influence crystallization processes in a multitude of ways. In biomineralization,e.g.bone or shell, such additives play a crucial role in morphology, and in polymorph and size control. However, the specific interactions between the additives and the growing mineral are in general unknown. Here, a model of bone mineralization, namely the formation of apatite nanocrystals under the influence of poly(acrylic acid), is studied usingin situX-ray diffraction. Since the kinetics of these reactions are very temperature dependent, a new X-ray scattering reaction cell has been developed that allows very high temperature precision, with an r.m.s. variation during operation of ∼0.05 K. The performance of the cell and its use in studying the apatite/poly(acrylic acid) system are discussed. The apatite formation process proceedsviathe formation of an amorphous precursor which then crystallizes. It is found that poly(acrylic acid) retards crystallization and reduces the growth rate of the forming crystallites.
The effect of hydrogen bonding on the conformations of 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxoacetamide and 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-oxoacetamide
Authors: Sonar Vijayakumar N. , Parkin Sean , Crooks Peter A.
Published: September 2012

In the title compounds, C10H8N2O2, (I), and C12H12N2O2, (II), the two carbonyl groups are oriented with torsion angles of −149.3 (3) and −88.55 (15)°, respectively. The single-bond distances linking the two carbonyl groups are 1.528 (4) and 1.5298 (17) Å, respectively. In (I), the molecules are linked by an elaborate system of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, which form adjacentR22(8) andR42(8) ring motifs to generate a ladder-like construct. Adjacent ladders are further linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds to build a three-dimensional network. The hydrogen bonding in (II) is far simpler, consisting of helical chains of N—H...O-linked molecules that follow the 21screw of thebaxis. It is the presence of an elaborate hydrogen-bonding system in the crystal structure of (I) that leads to the different torsion angle for the orientation of the two adjacent carbonyl groups from that in (II).
Structure of twisted BNC nanotubes with polygonal cross-section
Authors: Blank Vladimir , Ivanov Leonid , Kulnitskiy Boris , Perezhogin Igor , Polyakov Evgene , Semenov Alexander
Published: September 2012

BNC nanotubes and nanofibers have been synthesized in the high isostatic pressure apparatus in Ar at 1923 K and 1.5 MPa in the presence of yttrium aluminium garnet. Some of the nanotubes obtained were filled with Al2O3. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies have shown that the nanotubes and nanofibers have a polygonal cross-section (prismatic shape), and most often they are twisted, which is due to the transversal instability of the nanotubes originating under the growth conditions, including temperature treatment. Twisting also revealed itself in the appearance of the moiré fringes during the TEM observation of some of the nanotubes and nanofibers. Analysis of these fringes has shown that the facets of these nanotubes represent the slightly misoriented hexagonal BN and/or C plates. An Al2O3 filling of the nanotube makes it harder to twist when subjected to torque, which conforms to the tube deformation theory.
An improved algorithm for the detection of genomic variation using short oligonucleotide expression microarrays
Authors: Settles Matthew L. , Coram Tristan , Soule Terence , Robison Barrie D.
Published: September 2012

High‐throughput microarray experiments often generate far more biological information than is required to test the experimental hypotheses. Many microarray analyses are considered finished after differential expression and additional analyses are typically not performed, leaving untapped biological information left undiscovered. This is especially true if the microarray experiment is from an ecological study of multiple populations. Comparisons across populations may also contain important genomic polymorphisms, and a subset of these polymorphisms may be identified with microarrays using techniques for the detection of single feature polymorphisms (SFP).SFPs are differences in microarray probe level intensities caused by genetic polymorphisms such as single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and small insertions/deletions and not expression differences. In this study, we provide a new algorithm for the detection ofSFPs, evaluate the algorithm using existing data from two publicly availableAffymetrixBarley (Hordeum vulgare) microarray data sets and compare them to two previously publishedSFPdetection algorithms. Results show that our algorithm provides more consistent and sensitive calling ofSFPs with a lower false discovery rate. Simultaneous analysis ofSFPs and differential expression is a low‐cost method for the enhanced analysis of microarray data, enabling additional biological inferences to be made.
Bacterial Modulation of Human Fetal Membrane Toll‐like Receptor Expression
Authors: Abrahams Vikki M. , Potter Julie A. , Bhat Geeta , Peltier Morgan R. , Saade George , Menon Ramkumar
Published: September 2012

Problem

Preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (pPROM) occurs in 30–40% of spontaneous preterm births (PTB) and is associated with intra‐amniotic infection and inflammation. The membranes may sense and respond to microbes via Toll‐like receptors (TLRs); however, little is known about their expression and regulation in this tissue. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of TLRs 1–10 in fetal membranes after exposure to pathogens associated with intra‐amniotic infection and PTB.

Method of study

Normal human term fetal membrane explants were exposed to various bacteria. After 24 hrs, RNA was extracted and quantitative RT‐PCR performed for TLRs1–10.

Results

Treatment of fetal membranes with Mycoplasma hominis increased expression of TLR4, TLR6, and TLR8 mRNA. Ureaplasma parvum upregulated TLR8 mRNA, and Porphyromonas gingivalis significantly increased fetal membrane TLR7 expression. In contrast, treatment with Gram‐negative Escherichia coli (and its cell wall component lipopolysaccharide) downregulated TLR10 mRNA. No effect was detected for Ureaplasma urealyticum, Gardnerella vaginalis, or Group B Streptococcus.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that different types of bacteria have distinct effects on fetal membrane TLR expression patterns. Moreover, these findings highlight the disparity of fetal membrane responses to infection and thus suggest heterogeneity in the mechanisms by which infection‐associated pregnancy complications, such as pPROM and PTB, arise.
Review article: the reversibility of cirrhosis
Authors: Sohrabpour A. A. , Mohamadnejad M. , Malekzadeh R.
Published: September 2012

Background

Cirrhosis is the end result of many types of chronic liver diseases. Recent developments in the understanding of the process of hepatic fibrogenesis have revealed that the process is a dynamic one and a capacity for recovery from any degree of fibrosis including those associated with cirrhosis is plausible.

Aim

To review current evidence of histopathological reversibility following drug therapy of more common aetiologies of cirrhosis.

Methods

A PubMed search was performed and the evidence for histopathological regression of advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis following drug therapy was reviewed as of the end of February 2012.

Results

There is abundant clinical evidence in support of the idea of the reversibility of cirrhosis in patients with different aetiologies of advanced hepatic disease including viral, autoimmune and metabolic/infiltrative liver disease.

Conclusions

The concept of cirrhosis has changed from being a form of static and irreversible entity to a dynamic and reversible diseases stage. Novel therapeutic strategies are under investigation to target specific steps in the process of fibrogenesis with the aim of reversing advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis.
Long‐term outcomes after high dose therapy and autologous haematopoietic cell rescue for refractory/relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Minn Ann Y. , Riedel Elyn , Halpern Jerry , Johnston Laura J. , Horning Sandra J. , Hoppe Richard T. , Goodman Karyn A.
Published: September 2012

The standard treatment for patients with refractory or relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is high‐dose chemotherapy and/or radiation with autologous haematopoietic cell rescue (AHCR). In this study, we assessed quality of life and evaluated the risk of late morbidity and mortality for HL patients who underwent AHCR. One hundred and fifty‐four patients who underwent AHCR at Stanford University from 1988 to 2002 and survived ≥2 years were evaluated. Median follow‐up was 10·2 years. There were 54 deaths, 34 from HL, 20 from other causes. The 10‐year cumulative incidence of death from HL or other causes was 21·7% and 12·7%, respectively. Thirteen deaths were from second malignancies. The risk ratio of second malignancies was 8·0 [95% confidence interval (CI), 4·7–12·6] compared with the general population, and 3·0 (95% CI, 1·8–4·8) compared with HL patients not undergoing AHCR. The risk ratio of second malignancies was 1·5 (95% CI, 0·9–2·4) compared with HL patients receiving non‐AHCR therapy. Overall quality of life did not differ from the general population, but AHCR survivors did note reduced functioning and some worse symptoms. AHCR survivors may be at increased risk of death from HL and other causes compared with the general population, but not compared with the HL population as a whole.
Prospective study of histomorphometry, biochemical bone markers and bone densitometric response to pamidronate in β‐thalassaemia presenting with osteopenia‐osteoporosis syndrome
Authors: Chatterjee Ratna , Shah Farrukh T. , Davis Bernard A. , Byers Margaret , Sooranna Dev , Bajoria Rekha , Pringle Jean , Porter John B.
Published: September 2012

This study aimed to evaluate bone remodelling disorders in thalassaemia by using pamidronate (PD) infusion with or without hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a diagnostic‐therapeutic tool. In this prospective study, 24 adult thalassaemia major (TM) and 10 thalassaemia intermedia (TI) patients received either PD and HRT or HRT only (controls) for 3 years. Eugonadal patients with TI had PD only. Bone remodelling was assessed by dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA scan), type 1‐collagen biochemical bone markers (BBM) and histomorphometry of iliac crest biopsy before and after PD. As a group, thalassaemics had a significant improvement in spinal and femoral bone mineral density Z scores following PD (P < 0·01) compared to the controls. Although BBM were comparable pre‐therapy, they were significantly lower in the PD cohort (P < 0·001) compared to the control group. All patients had osteopenia, diminished osteoid formation and bone volume on histomorphometry pre‐therapy with high turnover bone disease (HTO) in TM and low‐turnover disease (LTO) in TI. In TM, bone volume improved significantly, whereas TI patients showed little or no response to PD. In conclusion, histomorphometry data suggest that TM patients have a distinct pathology of high turnover bone disease compared to TI patients, who have low‐turnover disease.
Three‐dimensional power Doppler transanal ultrasonography, to monitor haemorrhoidal blood flow after Doppler‐guided ALTA sclerosing therapy
Authors: Miyamoto H. , Asanoma M. , Miyamoto H. , Takasu C. , Shimada M.
Published: September 2012

Aim  The study aimed to use power Doppler imaging (PDI) transanal ultrasonography to produce three‐dimensional power Doppler angiography images of haemorrhoidal tissue and to monitor the effects of Doppler‐guided aluminium potassium sulfate and tannic acid (DGALTA) sclerotherapy.

Method  Ninety‐six haemorrhoids in 43 patients were examined using PDI transanal ultrasonography, and DGALTA sclerotherapy was performed from April 2011 to April 2012. DGALTA sclerotherapy was conducted using a four‐step injection process with pulse wave Doppler ultrasound under perianal local anaesthesia.

Results  A three‐dimensional power Doppler angiography image of the blood flow in haemorrhoidal tissue was produced using PDI transanal ultrasonography. The cross‐sectional area of blood flow in the haemorrhoidal tissue (PDI area) significantly decreased after DGALTA sclerotherapy. The PDI areas in the preoperative state and 1 and 3 months after treatment were 0.35 ± 0.27, 0.03 ± 0.05 and 0.04 ± 0.05 cm2 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion  A three‐dimensional power Doppler angiography image of the haemorrhoidal tissue was technically possible and showed blood flow in the haemorrhoidal tissue to be significantly decreased after DGALTA sclerotherapy.
Incontinence in full‐thickness rectal prolapse: low level of improvement after laparoscopic rectopexy
Authors: Cunin D. , Siproudhis L. , Desfourneaux V. , Bouteloup P.‐Y. , Meunier B. , Ropert A. , Berkelmans I. , Bretagne J.‐F. , Boudjema K. , Bouguen G.
Published: September 2012

Aim  The study aimed to quantify incontinence before and after laparoscopic rectopexy in patients suffering from rectal prolapse.

Method  Eighty‐five patients underwent laparoscopic rectopexy to treat rectal prolapse between 2003 and 2009. Symptomatic and functional data were collected prospectively before and after surgery by self‐administered questionnaires including the Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence Score (CCIS) and constipation, gastrointestinal quality of life and urinary incontinence questionnaires. Incontinence was considered to be present when the CCIS remained at ≥ 5 after surgery.

Results  After a mean follow‐up period of 36 months after surgery, 83% of the patients reported good to excellent results. Continence was improved in 58 (68%), with a significant decrease in the continence score (−3.4 ± 5.8, P = 0.001). However, 50 (58.9%) patients remained incontinent: 47 (55%) reported urge incontinence and 27 (32%) had passive leakage. Incontinence for liquid stool, incontinence for solid stool and the need for protection was seen in 43 (51%), 35 (41%) and 43 (51%) patients. Manometry, defaecography and ultrasonography were not associated with any improvement. In contrast, the patients’ average age (60.2 ± 15.8 vs 46.9 ± 15.5 years; P = 0.003), symptom duration before surgery (58.1 ± 70.1 vs 29.5 ± 33.3 months; P = 0.011), preoperative urinary incontinence score (10.7 ± 10.8 vs 4.2 ± 5.7; P = 0.0131) and faecal incontinence score (12.9 ± 4.9 vs 7.1 ± 6; P < 0.0001) were significantly higher in patients suffering from postoperative incontinence.

Conclusion  Despite some continence improvement in two‐thirds of patients who underwent surgery for rectal prolapse, the level of improvement remained low in more than half of the patients.
Contrasts between dystrophic and clearwater lakes in the long‐term effects of acidification on cladoceran assemblages
Authors: KOROSI JENNIFER B. , SMOL JOHN P.
Published: September 2012

1. Most studies on zooplankton responses to acidification have focused on clearwater lakes with a dramatic acidification history. The role of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in moderating zooplankton responses to acidification in naturally acidic, dystrophic lakes is less well understood and is partially impeded by a lack of baseline data.

2. Cladocera leave identifiable remains preserved in lake sediments that can be used to provide information on pre‐industrial species assemblages and their responses to environmental stressors such as acidification. Therefore, we used palaeolimnological approaches to track cladoceran assemblage responses to acidification since c.1850 (inferred from sedimentary diatom assemblages) in three acidified lakes in Kejimkujik National Park (Nova Scotia, Canada) that differ markedly in DOC content. These include two highly dystrophic lakes (Kejimkujik and Pebbleogittch lakes), and one clearwater lake (Beaverskin Lake).

3. In dystrophic Pebbleogittch Lake, an increase in the acid‐tolerant, jelly‐clad, pelagic taxon Holopedium glacialis occurred coincident with diatom‐inferred pH (DI‐pH) declines, but no other notable cladoceran assemblage shifts occurred. Similarly, Cladocera assemblages did not appear to respond to lakewater acidification in dystrophic Kejimkujik Lake.

4. In contrast, in the clearwater Beaverskin Lake, several observed shifts in cladoceran assemblage corresponded to DI‐pH declines, including an increase in the proportion of littoral taxa and an increase in Hill’s N2 species diversity. This may indicate increased water clarity as a result of acidification‐related decreases in DOC, which may have enhanced growth of emergent aquatic macrophytes and improved visibility for planktivorous fish, leading to increased predation on pelagic taxa. Species shifts within the littoral assemblage of Beaverskin Lake may reflect the differing tolerances of littoral taxa to low pH and aluminium toxicity.

5. Overall, our results suggest that cladoceran assemblages in naturally acidic, dystrophic lakes may be resilient against additional pH declines related to industrial emissions of acidifying agents, as dystrophic lakes are less vulnerable to increased aluminium toxicity and acidification‐induced increases in water clarity and often have a pre‐industrial cladoceran assemblage already adapted to acidic conditions.
Antimicrobial effects of root canal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Atila‐Pektaş B. , Yurdakul P. , Gülmez D. , Görduysus Ö.
Published: September 2012

Aim

To compare the antimicrobial activities of Activ Point (Roeko, Langenau, Germany), Calcium Hydroxide Plus Point (Roeko, Langenau, Germany), calcium hydroxide, 1% chlorhexidine gel and bioactive glass (S53P4) against Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans.

Methodology

One hundred and twenty extracted single‐rooted human teeth were used. After removing the crowns, root canals were prepared by using the Protaper rotary system. Following autoclave sterilization, root canals were incubated at 37 °C with E. faecalis ATCC 29212 and S. mutans RSHM 676 for 1 week. The specimens, which were divided into five treatment groups for each microorganism according to the intracanal medicament used, were tested in 10 experimental runs. In each experimental run, 10 roots were included as treatment, one root as positive control and one root as sterility control. Sterile paper points were utilized to take samples from root canals after the incubation of teeth in thioglycollate medium at 37 °C for 1 week. Samples taken from teeth by sterile paper points were inoculated onto sheep blood agar, and following an overnight incubation, the colonies grown on sheep blood agar were counted and interpreted as colony‐forming units. Results were tested statistically by using Kruskal–Wallis and Conover's nonparametric multiple comparison tests.

Results

CHX gel (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), Activ Point (P = 0.003 and P = 0.002) and Ca(OH)2 (P = 0.010 and P = 0.005) were significantly more effective against E. faecalis than that of Ca(OH)2 Plus Point and bioactive glass, respectively. On the other hand, compared with Ca(OH)2, CHX gel (P < 0.001), and Activ Point (P < 0.001), bioactive glass (P = 0.014) produced significantly lower colony counts of S. mutans. When compared with the positive control, treatment with Ca(OH)2 Plus Point (P = 0.085 and P = 0.066) did not produce significantly lower colony counts of E. faecalis and S. mutans, respectively.

Conclusions

Compared with the medicaments having an antimicrobial effect because of their alkaline pH, the medicaments containing chlorhexidine were effective against both E. faecalis and S. mutans.
The effect of different taper preparations on the ability of sonic and passive ultrasonic irrigation to reach the working length in curved canals
Authors: Merino A. , Estevez R. , de Gregorio C. , Cohenca N.
Published: September 2012

Aim

To evaluate the penetration of irrigants up to working length using two different activation systems in curved canals instrumented with 0.04 and 0.08 taper instruments.

Methodology

Sixty‐eight mesiobuccal canals from mandibular first molars with curvatures between 30° and 40° were used. The samples were divided into group 1, canals instrumented to size 30, 0.04 taper, and group 2, instrumented to size 30, 0.08 taper. Both groups were irrigated with a contrast solution and divided in 2 subgroups of 15 samples each: Groups 1A and 2A were activated with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), whilst groups 1B and 2B were activated with sonic irrigation (SI). Radiographs were taken to evaluate the penetration of the contrast solution up to working length. This evaluation was performed using Adobe Photoshop CS5. Results were analysed with the chi‐square test and a logistic regression model.

Results

Only groups with 0.04 taper demonstrated significant differences where the activation with PUI was superior at reaching working length than SI (P = 0.010). The logistic regression model showed that the only correlation in reaching working length was the activation system used (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

The results suggest that variation of canal taper does not affect the ability of PUI to reach the working length in curved canals whilst SI obtained inferior results with 0.04 taper canal preparations.
Modelling of dough formation process and structure evolution during farinograph test
Authors: Migliori Massimo , Correra Sebastiano
Published: September 2012

Dough formation process is a relevant step in cereal goods manufacturing, as in this stage the material develops its mechanical properties. Dough structure formation is promoted by mechanical energy transfer from the mixer blades to the sample, affecting flour hydration and gluten network formation kinetics. This paper reports a model of dough formation process during a farinograph test, accounting for all relevant physical phenomena: wheat particles hydration, gluten network formation, evolution and (eventually) disruption as effect of mixing energy. Results of the model are in terms of network strength and connectivity evolution, and a qualitative agreement was found with typical farinograph results. This allowed to employ the model to study the effect of the flour's physical properties on the empirically defined (but employed as industrial standards) farinograph outputs. Therefore, simulation results allowed to gain a physical insight of the technological parameters from a farinograph test.
Antioxidant activity, phenolic and anthocyanin contents of various rhubarb (Rheum spp.) varieties
Authors: Takeoka Gary R. , Dao Lan , Harden Leslie , Pantoja Alberto , Kuhl Joseph C.
Published: September 2012

Antioxidant activity (ABTS assay), total phenolics and total anthocyanins were determined in the petioles of twenty‐nine rhubarb (Rheum spp.) varieties. Antioxidant activity ranged from 463 ± 50 (Rheum officinale) to 1242 ± 2 μmol Trolox per g DW (Valentine). The phenolic content varied from 673 ± 41 (Loher Blut) to 4173 ± 23 mg GAE/100 g DW (Plum Hutt) and had a low correlation (r = 0.663) with antioxidant results. Seven of the varieties (Plum Hutt, Valentine, Minnesota No. 8, Cherry Red, Cawood Delight, Coulter McDonald and OR 23) had higher total phenolics than kale, a vegetable rich in phenolics. The concentration of anthocyanins ranged from 19.8 ± 1.5 (Crimson Red) to 341.1 ± 41.6 mg/100 g DW (Valentine). The percentages of two main anthocyanins in rhubarb, cyanidin 3‐glucoside and cyanidin 3‐rutinoside varied from 66.07:33.93, respectively, in Valentine to 9.36:90.64, respectively, in R. officinale.
Mathematical approach to assessing spelt cultivars (Triticum aestivum subsp. spelt) for pasta making
Authors: Filipović Jelena , Pezo Lato , Filipović Nada , Filipović Vladimir , Bodroža‐Solarov Marija , Plančak Miroslav
Published: September 2012

This study investigates dough rheology of three wholemeal spelt flours cultivars and influence of egg quantity (0–248 g kg−1) on the technological and sensory quality of wholemeal pasta. Standard scores (SS), based on assigning equal weight to applied parameters (rheological, chemical, technological and colour), has been calculated and the obtained values compared. Correlation coefficients of SS with alveograph data for P, L, G and W are 0.99, 0.98, 0.99 and 0.91, respectively, and warm pasta stability and retrogradation of starch correlated to SS at level 0.99. For PCA modelling, two 9 × 15 data matrices were divided into different rheological or integrated chemical, technological quality and colour evaluation methods data sets. Standard scores analysis points out that owing to its good rheology, pasta made by cultivar Austria has the best technological quality in relation to the technological quality of the other two cultivars (Nirvana and Eko).
Study of virulence in field isolates of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus obtained from the northern part of Norway
Authors: Julin K , Mennen S , Sommer A‐I
Published: September 2012

In order to study the variety of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) strains involved in outbreaks of infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) in Atlantic salmon fish farms, samples were collected from 19 different outbreaks of IPN in the northern part of Norway. The main objective of this study was to examine whether IPNV isolates of different virulence were involved in the outbreaks and could explain the variable IPN protection observed in vaccinated post‐smolts in the field. Both the molecular basis of virulence of all field isolates and virulence expressed by mortality after bath challenge of unvaccinated post‐smolts with eight of the isolates were studied. Very little variation among the field isolates was detected when the 578‐bp variable region encoding the VP2 protein known to be involved in virulence was sequenced. The cumulative mortality after experimental challenge with field isolates genetically characterized as highly virulent was always high (40–56%), while the cumulative mortality of the same strains in vaccinated post‐smolts during the field outbreaks varied from 1 to 50%. Although the tested samples came from fish vaccinated with the same vaccine product, the protection against IPN varied. These results demonstrate that differences in virulence of the isolates were not the main reason for the variation in mortality in the field outbreaks. Most of the field isolates were of high virulence, which is shown in experimental challenges to be important for mortality, but clearly other factors that might affect the susceptibility of IPN also play an important role in the outcome of an IPNV infection.
Role of Oestrogen Receptors on the Modulation of NADPH‐Diaphorase‐Positive Cell Number in Supraoptic and Paraventricular Nuclei of Ovariectomised Female Rats
Authors: Grassi D. , Lagunas N. , Amorim M. , Pinos H. , Panzica G. , Garcia‐Segura L. M. , Collado P.
Published: September 2012

Modulation of the nitric oxide producing system (demonstrated via the NADPH‐diaphorase histochemical reaction) by oestradiol has been established in several structures of the rat brain. The present study aimed to explore the possible regulation of NADPH‐diaphorase activity by oestradiol in neurones of the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei and the role of oestrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) in this regulation. Adult ovariectomised rats were divided into six groups and injected either with vehicle or a single dose of oestradiol, a selective ERα agonist‐PPT [4,4′,4″‐(4‐propyl‐[1H]‐pyrazole‐1,3,5‐triyl)trisphenol], a selective ERβ agonist‐DPN [2,3‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐propionitrile], a selective ERα antagonist‐MPP [1,3‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4‐methyl‐5‐[4‐(2‐piperidinylethoxy)phenol]‐1H‐pyrazole dihydrochloride] or a selective ERβ antagonist‐PHTPP (4‐[2‐phenyl‐5,7‐bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidin‐3‐yl]phenol). The number of NADPH‐diaphorase positive elements in the SON and the PVN was modulated by both ERs but, depending on the nucleus, ERα and ERβ ligands induced different effects. These results suggest that the regulation of nitrergic system by ERs may play a role in the control of oestrogen‐dependent physiological mechanisms regulated by the SON and the PVN.
Rice domestication: histories and mysteries
Authors: GROSS BRIANA L.
Published: September 2012

Domesticated rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the world’s most important food crops, culturally, nutritionally and economically (Khush 1997). Thus, it is no surprise that there is intense curiosity about its genetic and geographical origins, its response to selection under domestication, and the genetic structure of its wild relative, Oryza rufipogon. Studies of Oryza attempting to answer these questions have accompanied each stage of the development of molecular markers, starting with allozymes and continuing to genome sequencing. While many of these studies have been restricted to small sample sizes, in terms of either the number of markers used or the number and distribution of the accessions, costs are now low enough that researchers are including large numbers of molecular markers and accessions. How will these studies relate to previous findings and long‐held assumptions about rice domestication and evolution? If the paper in this issue of Molecular Ecology (Huang et al. 2012) is any indication, there will be some considerable surprises in store. In this study, a geographically and genomically thorough sampling of O. rufipogon and O. sativa revealed two genetically distinct groups of wild rice and also indicated that only one of these groups appears to be related to domesticated rice. While this fits well with previous studies indicating that there are genetic subdivisions within O. rufipogon, it stands in contrast to previous findings that the two major varieties of O. sativa (indica and japonica) were domesticated from two (or more) subpopulations of wild rice.
Systematics and biogeography of the dobsonfly genusNevromusRambur (Megaloptera: Corydalidae: Corydalinae) from the Oriental realm
Authors: LIU XINGYUE , HAYASHI FUMIO , VIRAKTAMATH CHANDRA A. , YANG DING
Published: September 2012

The Asian endemic dobsonfly genusNevromusRambur is revised. Six species ofNevromusare described or re‐described, and illustrated.Nevromus aspoeckLiu, Hayashi & Yangsp.n.,Nevromus austroindicusLiu & Viraktamathsp.n.andNevromus gloriosoiLiu, Hayashi & Yangsp.n.are described from southernmost Yunnan of China and northern Thailand, southern India, and Borneo, respectively. A new combinationNevromus intimus(McLachlan)comb.n.is also identified. An interspecific phylogeny ofNevromusis reconstructed based on the adult morphological data, resulting in identification/recognition of two main clades, i.e. the mainland clade and the insular clade. Combining this phylogeny and the updated geographical distribution, an Indian origin and a historically widespread distribution in southern Eurasia is proposed forNevromus. The deep divergence between the mainland and insular clades withinNevromusmight have happened during the separation of Sundaland from Eurasia. The Tertiary orogenic events after the collision between the Indian subcontinent and Eurasia probably affected the speciation within the mainland clade ofNevromus, whereas the island formation of Borneo, Java and Sumatra shaped the fauna within the insular clade of this genus. The biogeographical pattern ofNevromusrevealed in this study appears to have more general significance for understanding the faunal origin and diversification of the habitat‐specific or poorly dispersing insects from the Oriental realm.
Daily associations of alcohol use with sexual behaviour and condom use during Spring Break
Authors: Patrick Megan E.
Published: September 2012

Introduction and Aims

Spring Break is associated with high levels of alcohol use and related consequences, and with risky sexual behaviour, among North American college students. However, the extent to which Spring Break drinking and sexual behaviours are related has not been well documented.

Design and Methods

Undergraduate students (n = 263) were surveyed prior to and immediately after Spring Break, including retrospective reports of daily behaviour for each day of Spring Break.

Results

Hierarchical linear modelling was used to predict penetrative sex and condom use. Binge drinking on a day was associated with a greater likelihood of penetrative sex and of condom use, moderated by relationship status. Binge drinking led to a greater increase in penetrative sex among single students. Single students were more likely to use condoms after drinking; those in a relationship were less likely to use condoms after drinking.

Discussion and Conclusions

Single college students are more likely to have sex after binge drinking on Spring Break, but also more likely to use condoms after drinking, compared to students in a relationship. Intervention efforts may need to acknowledge relationship status.
Overexpression of hydroperoxide lyase, peroxygenase and epoxide hydrolase in tobacco for the biotechnological production of flavours and polymer precursors
Authors: Huang Fong‐Chin , Schwab Wilfried
Published: September 2012

Plants produce short‐chain aldehydes and hydroxy fatty acids, which are important industrial materials, through the lipoxygenase pathway. Based on the information that lipoxygenase activity is up‐regulated in tobacco leaves upon infection with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), we introduced a melon hydroperoxide lyase (CmHPL) gene, a tomato peroxygenase (SlPXG) gene and a potato epoxide hydrolase (StEH) into tobacco leaves using a TMV‐based viral vector system to afford aldehyde and hydroxy fatty acid production. Ten days after infiltration, tobacco leaves infiltrated with CmHPL displayed high enzyme activities of 9‐LOX and 9‐HPL, which could efficiently transform linoleic acid into C9 aldehydes. Protein extracts prepared from 1 g of CmHPL‐infiltrated tobacco leaves (fresh weight) in combination with protein extracts prepared from 1 g of control vector‐infiltrated tobacco leaves (as an additional 9‐LOX source) produced 758 ± 75 μg total C9 aldehydes in 30 min. The yield of C9 aldehydes from linoleic acid was 60%. Besides, leaves infiltrated with SlPXG and StEH showed considerable enzyme activities of 9‐LOX/PXG and 9‐LOX/EH, respectively, enabling the production of 9,12,13‐trihydroxy‐10(E)‐octadecenoic acid from linoleic acid. Protein extracts prepared from 1 g of SlPXG‐infiltrated tobacco leaves (fresh weight) in combination with protein extracts prepared from 1 g of StEH‐infiltrated tobacco leaves produced 1738 ± 27 μg total 9,12,13‐trihydroxy‐10(E)‐octadecenoic acid isomers in 30 min. The yield of trihydroxyoctadecenoic acids from linoleic acid was 58%. C9 aldehydes and trihydroxy fatty acids could likely be produced on a larger scale using this expression system with many advantages including easy handling, time‐saving and low production cost.
Tridimensional Acculturation and Adaptation Among Jamaican Adolescent–Mother Dyads in the United States
Authors: Ferguson Gail M. , Bornstein Marc H. , Pottinger Audrey M.
Published: September 2012

A bidimensional acculturation framework cannot account for multiple destination cultures within contemporary settlement societies. A tridimensional model is proposed and tested among Jamaican adolescent–mother dyads in the United States compared to Jamaican Islander, European American, African American, and other Black and non‐Black U.S. immigrant dyads (473 dyads, M adolescent age = 14 years). Jamaican immigrants evidence tridimensional acculturation, orienting toward Jamaican, African American, and European American cultures. Integration is favored (70%), particularly tricultural integration; moreover, Jamaican and other Black U.S. immigrants are more oriented toward African American than European American culture. Jamaican immigrant youth adapt at least as well as nonimmigrant peers in Jamaica and the United States. However, assimilated adolescents, particularly first generation immigrants, have worse sociocultural adaptation than integrated and separated adolescents.
Educational Achievement of Immigrant Adolescents in Spain: Do Gender and Region of Origin Matter?
Authors: Vaquera Elizabeth , Kao Grace
Published: September 2012

This study explores the educational achievement of immigrant youth in Spain employing data from 3 waves of the Longitudinal Study of Families and Childhood (Pànel de Famílies i Infància), a representative sample of children in Catalonia first interviewed at ages 13–16 in 2006 (N = 2,710). Results suggest consistent disadvantage in achievement among first‐generation students. Differences in achievement between the second and third generations are apparent in bivariate analyses, but are explained by observable characteristics in multivariate analyses. Gender‐specific analyses uncover a large achievement gap between first‐generation girls and their third‐generation counterparts, but no equivalent gap for boys. Region‐of‐origin differences are modest, with the exception of Latin American adolescents who exhibit the lowest educational outcomes. The significance of perceptions about school on achievement are discussed.
Distinct Trajectories in the Transition to Adulthood: Are Children of Immigrants Advantaged?
Authors: Hao Lingxin , Woo Han S.
Published: September 2012

Studies on children of immigrants have generally ignored distinct developmental trajectories during adolescence and their role in the transition to adulthood. This study identifies distinct trajectories in cognitive, sociobehavioral, and psychological domains and estimates their consequences for young adults. Drawing data from a nationally representative sample of 10,795 adolescents aged 13–17 who were followed up to ages 25–32, the study uses growth mixture modeling to test advantages for children of immigrants. The analysis shows a 1.5‐generation advantage in academic achievement and school engagement, as well as a weaker second‐generation advantage in academic achievement, but no disadvantage in depression for children of immigrants. In addition, these results hold for children of Hispanic origin. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
Immigrant–Native Differences in Child Health: Does Maternal Education Narrow or Widen the Gap?
Authors: Jackson Margot I. , Kiernan Kathleen , McLanahan Sara
Published: September 2012

Abundant U.S. research documents an “immigrant advantage” in children’s physical health. This article extends consideration to the United Kingdom, permitting examination of a broader group of immigrants from disparate regions of the world and different socioeconomic backgrounds. Drawing on birth cohort data (ages 0–5) from both countries (n = 4,139 and n = 13,381), the analysis considers whether the children of immigrants have a physical and mental health advantage around the beginning of elementary school, and whether advantage is more pronounced among low‐educated populations. Findings indicate that the children of immigrants are not uniformly healthier than those in native‐born families. Rather, there is heterogeneity in the immigrant advantage across outcomes, and evidence of both greater advantage and disadvantage among children in low‐educated immigrant families.
DESIGNING PROTOCOLS FOR ABDUCTIVE HYPOTHESIS REFINEMENT IN DYNAMIC MULTIAGENT ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Bourgne Gauvain , Maudet Nicolas
Published: September 2012

This paper studies multiagent systems where each agent has access to local observations of a dynamic environment and needs to build from this partial information an hypothesis on the state of the system. Each agent ensures that its hypothesis is consistent with its observations, and communicates with other agents to refine this hypothesis by confronting them to their own views. However, these communications are restricted by temporal and topological constraints, and can only be bilateral. We first study in this paper an abstract model of this problem, identifying conditions under which satisfying states can (or will) be reached. We rely in particular on a compositional consistency relation. We then detail a case study involving agents able to reason abductively (with Theorist), and study how demanding are the conditions required in this context. Different bilateral protocols are finally introduced and formally studied, to account for both compositional and noncompositional settings.
Interactive Character Animation Using Simulated Physics: A State‐of‐the‐Art Review
Authors: Geijtenbeek T. , Pronost N.
Published: September 2012

Physics simulation offers the possibility of truly responsive and realistic animation. Despite wide adoption of physics simulation for the animation of passive phenomena, such as fluids, cloths and rag‐doll characters, commercial applications still resort to kinematics‐based approaches for the animation of actively controlled characters. However, following a renewed interest in the use of physics simulation for interactive character animation, many recent publications demonstrate tremendous improvements in robustness, visual quality and usability. We present a structured review of over two decades of research on physics‐based character animation, as well as point out various open research areas and possible future directions.
The Division of Labour in Crime Prevention: Crime Science, Criminology and Criminal Justice
Authors: Kautt Paula , Pease Ken
Published: September 2012

Durkheim outlines how workforces become increasingly specialised as society expands, resulting not only in mutual dependence but also in strong social and cultural distinctions between different professional specialisations. Modern studies of crime prevention exemplify this phenomenon. Crime scientists, criminologists and criminal justice practitioners frequently disagree over the differences and utility of their respective disciplines, almost to the point of neglecting their common goal of crime prevention. This article outlines the important distinctions between these three disciplines and seeks to demonstrate how they might work together to yield more effective crime prevention than any one of them accomplishes alone.
Automated diagnosis of epilepsy using EEG power spectrum
Authors: Kerr Wesley T. , Anderson Ariana , Lau Edward P. , Cho Andrew Y. , Xia Hongjing , Bramen Jennifer , Douglas Pamela K. , Braun Eric S. , Stern John M. , Cohen Mark S.
Published: September 2012

Interictal electroencephalography (EEG) has clinically meaningful limitations in its sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of epilepsy because of its dependence on the occurrence of epileptiform discharges. We have developed a computer‐aided diagnostic (CAD) tool that operates on the absolute spectral energy of the routine EEG and has both substantially higher sensitivity and negative predictive value than the identification of interictal epileptiform discharges. Our approach used a multilayer perceptron to classify 156 patients admitted for video‐EEG monitoring. The patient population was diagnostically diverse; 87 were diagnosed with either generalized or focal seizures. The remainder of the patients were diagnosed with nonepileptic seizures. The sensitivity was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI] 85–97%) and the negative predictive value was 82% (95% CI 67–92%). We discuss how these findings suggest that this CAD can be used to supplement event‐based analysis by trained epileptologists.
Growth and Thallus Morphogenesis of Ulva mutabilis (Chlorophyta) Depends on A Combination of Two Bacterial Species Excreting Regulatory Factors
Authors: Spoerner Michael , Wichard Thomas , Bachhuber Tanja , Stratmann Johannes , Oertel Wolfgang
Published: September 2012

Axenic Ulva mutabilis gametes develop parthenogenetically into callus‐like colonies consisting of undifferentiated cells without normal cell walls. From the accompanying microbial flora of established laboratory strains of U. mutabilis with normal morphology, a Roseobacter, a Sulfitobacter, and a Halomonas species were isolated. Each of these microbe species alone induced the development of the Ulva gametes into thalli composed of differentiated cells with characteristic deficiencies. Typical traits of these thalli were: an enhanced rate of cell division not followed by cell expansion, the presence of unusual cell wall protrusions, and the absence of differentiated rhizoid cells. The addition of a Cytophaga species, also derived from the same microbial flora, to either one of the three other strains resulted in the development of normal fast growing thalli with the typical morphology of the algal strain used. These effects are mediated by specific regulatory factors that are excreted into the environment by the bacteria and could be also isolated from the bacterial cell extracts. In contrast with the Cytophaga‐factor, the regulatory factor of the three other bacterial species was also found intracellularly in other bacterial strains not associated with Ulva, but in this case it was not excreted. Functionally, the Roseobacter‐, Sulfitobacter‐, and Halomonas‐factors resemble a cytokinin, while the Cytophaga‐factor acts similar to auxin. Neither factor could be replaced by known phytohormones. The Roseobacter species exhibits a specific chemotactic affinity to the rhizoid cells of U. mutabilis and seems to cooperate with the Cytophaga strain and the alga by chemical communication forming a symbiotic tripartite community.
Two‐Piece Nasal Septum Prosthesis for a Large Nasal Septum Perforation: A Clinical Report
Authors: Sashi Purna C.R. , Annapurna P.D. , Ahmed Syed Basheer , Vurla Samyuktha , Nalla Sandeep , Abhishek S.M.
Published: September 2012

Nasal septum perforation presents with the symptoms of epistaxis and crusting. Obturation of the defect will decrease the symptoms and increase patient comfort. Prosthetic closure is more predictable and thus the treatment of choice in larger defects. This article describes a procedure for construction of a magnet‐retained, heat‐processed acrylic nasal septum prosthesis. The two‐piece nasal septum prosthesis was processed and joined together in situ by magnets. Each piece of the septum prosthesis conforms to the remaining medial wall of each nostril and forms the missing half of the nasal septum. The prosthesis not only alleviates symptoms, but also provides structural support to the saddle‐shaped nose and improves esthetics.
Transversus Abdominis Block: Clinical Uses, Side Effects, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Taylor Robert , Pergolizzi Joseph V. , Sinclair Alexander , Raffa Robert B. , Aldington Dominic , Plavin Stanford , Apfel Christian C.
Published: September 2012

Poorly controlled acute pain during the postoperative setting after abdominal surgery can be detrimental to the patient. Current pain management practices for the postoperative abdominal surgery patient rely heavily on opioids, which are associated with many unwanted side effects. Recently, interest surrounding regional anesthesia has been growing owing to its demonstrated efficacy and safety outcomes. More specifically, the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block procedure has attracted attention owing to its ability to successfully block peripheral pain signaling in the abdomen, its ease of use, few complications, and its greater acceptability. A majority of the studies published has demonstrated the successful reduction in pain in many abdominal surgical procedures using local anesthetics during the TAP block. However, the short duration of the pain block causes the patient to still rely on other analgesics throughout the additional postoperative days. Preliminary studies using continuous infusion catheters placed in the TAP has been one of the ways to prolong the nerve block in the abdomen; however, technical and operational issues currently limit the widespread adoption of this method. In this review, current studies will be presented and summarized to update the field on the potential benefits of the TAP block procedure, in addition to providing insight into the future direction of the drugs that could be used for TAP block.