bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The facial skeleton of the chimpanzee‐human last common ancestor
Authors: Cobb Samuel N.
Published: April 2008

This review uses the current morphological evidence to evaluate the facial morphology of the hypothetical last common ancestor (LCA) of the chimpanzee/bonobo (panin) and human (hominin) lineages. Some of the problems involved in reconstructing ancestral morphologies so close to the formation of a lineage are discussed. These include the prevalence of homoplasy and poor phylogenetic resolution due to a lack of defining derived features. Consequently the list of hypothetical features expected in the face of the LCA is very limited beyond its hypothesized similarity to extant Pan. It is not possible to determine with any confidence whether the facial morphology of any of the current candidate LCA taxa (Ardipithecus kadabba, Ardipithecus ramidus, Orrorin tugenensis and Sahelanthropus tchadensis) is representative of the LCA, or a stem hominin, or a stem panin or, in some cases, a hominid predating the emergence of the hominin lineage. The major evolutionary trends in the hominin lineage subsequent to the LCA are discussed in relation to the dental arcade and dentition, subnasal morphology and the size, position and prognathism of the facial skeleton.
The hominin fossil record: taxa, grades and clades
Authors: Wood Bernard , Lonergan Nicholas
Published: April 2008

This paper begins by reviewing the fossil evidence for human evolution. It presents summaries of each of the taxa recognized in a relatively speciose hominin taxonomy. These taxa are grouped in grades, namely possible and probable hominins, archaic hominins, megadont archaic hominins, transitional hominins, pre‐modern Homo and anatomically modern Homo. The second part of this contribution considers some of the controversies that surround hominin taxonomy and systematics. The first is the vexed question of how you tell an early hominin from an early panin, or from taxa belonging to an extinct clade closely related to the Pan‐Homo clade. Secondly, we consider how many species should be recognized within the hominin fossil record, and review the philosophies and methods used to identify taxa within the hominin fossil record. Thirdly, we examine how relationships within the hominin clade are investigated, including descriptions of the methods used to break down an integrated structure into tractable analytical units, and then how cladograms are generated and compared. We then review the internal structure of the hominin clade, including the problem of how many subclades should be recognized within the hominin clade, and we examine the reliability of hominin cladistic hypotheses. The last part of the paper reviews the concepts of a genus, including the criteria that should be used for recognizing genera within the hominin clade.
Neuronal pigmented autophagic vacuoles: lipofuscin, neuromelanin, and ceroid as macroautophagic responses during aging and disease
Authors: Sulzer David , Mosharov Eugene , Talloczy Zsolt , Zucca Fabio A. , Simon John D. , Zecca Luigi
Published: April 2008

The most striking morphologic change in neurons during normal aging is the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles filled with lipofuscin or neuromelanin pigments. These organelles are similar to those containing the ceroid pigments associated with neurologic disorders, particularly in diseases caused by lysosomal dysfunction. The pigments arise from incompletely degraded proteins and lipids principally derived from the breakdown of mitochondria or products of oxidized catecholamines. Pigmented autophagic vacuoles may eventually occupy a major portion of the neuronal cell body volume because of resistance of the pigments to lysosomal degradation and/or inadequate fusion of the vacuoles with lysosomes. Although the formation of autophagic vacuoles via macroautophagy protects the neuron from cellular stress, accumulation of pigmented autophagic vacuoles may eventually interfere with normal degradative pathways and endocytic/secretory tasks such as appropriate response to growth factors.
Changes in endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins and aldolase A in cells exposed to dopamine
Authors: Dukes April A. , Van Laar Victor S. , Cascio Michael , Hastings Teresa G.
Published: April 2008

In Parkinson’s disease, oxidative stress is implicated in protein misfolding and aggregation, which may activate the unfolded protein response by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Dopamine (DA) can initiate oxidative stress via H2O2 formation by DA metabolism and by oxidation into DA quinone. We have previously shown that DA quinone induces oxidative protein modification, mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro, and dopaminergic cell toxicity in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we used cysteine‐ and lysine‐reactive fluorescent dyes with 2D difference in‐gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and peptide mass fingerprint analysis to identify proteins in PC12 cell mitochondrial‐enriched fractions that were altered in abundance following DA exposure (150 μM, 16 h). Quantitative changes in proteins labeled with fluorescent dyes indicated increases in a subset of proteins after DA exposure: calreticulin, ERp29, ERp99, Grp58, Grp78, Grp94 and Orp150 (149–260%), and decreased levels of aldolase A (39–42%). Changes in levels of several proteins detected by 2D difference in‐gel electrophoresis were confirmed by western blot. Using this unbiased proteomics approach, our findings demonstrated that in PC12 cells, DA exposure leads to a cellular response indicative of ER stress prior to the onset of cell death, providing a potential link between DA and the unfolded protein response in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.
Multiculturalism's regeneration: celebrating Merdeka (Malaysian independence) in a European Capital of Culture
Authors: Bunnell Tim
Published: April 2008

Celebration of Merdeka (Malaysian independence) in Liverpool in 2004 was bound up with the very kinds of essentialist conceptions and practices for which multiculturalism has received so much criticism. This resulted not only from official modes of framing cultural difference but also from the colonially‐inflected plural society imaginings of Malaysian student sojourners in the city. Nonetheless, examination of two Merdeka events reveals that they also provided an opportunity for people with diverse ethno‐cultural identities, geographical origins and extra‐national connections to come together as a momentary ‘community’. The resultant intercultural moments suggest ways in which transnational histories and geographies can extend multiculturalism beyond national(ist) enframings. These possibilities are cast in the paper as a contribution to multiculturalism's regeneration (rather than just more academic critique of the concept and associated programmes) in the face of resurgent assimilationism in Britain and elsewhere.
Exploratory Analysis of Cerebral Oxygen Reserves During Sleep Onset in Older and Younger Adults
Authors: Carlson Barbara W. , Neelon Virginia J. , Carlson John R. , Hartman Marilyn , Dogra Sunil
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES: To explore differences in cerebral oxygen reserves during sleep in old and young adults.

DESIGN: Descriptive cross‐sectional study.

SETTING: General clinical research center.

PARTICIPANTS: Nine old (aged 65–84) and 10 young (aged 21–39) adults.

MEASUREMENTS: Subjects were monitored during the first nightly sleep cycle using standard polysomnography, including measures of arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2). Changes in regional cerebral oxyhemoglobin saturation (rcSO2) were used to estimate cerebral oxygen reserves. General linear models were used to test group differences in the change in SaO2 and rcSO2 during sleep.

RESULTS: Older subjects had lower SaO2 than young subjects before sleep (baseline) (F(1,18)=5.1, P=.04) and during sleep (F(1,18)=10.7, P=.01). During sleep, half of the older subjects and none of the younger ones had SaO2 values below 95%. In addition, the older subjects had more periods of oxygen desaturation (drops in SaO2≥4%) (chi‐square=24.3, P=.01) and lower SaO2 levels during desaturation (F(1,18)=11.1, P<.01). Although baseline values were similar, rcSO2 decreased during sleep 2.1% in older subjects (F(1,8)=3.8, P=.05) but increased 2.1% during sleep in younger subjects (F(1,9)=4.6, P=.04). When the older subjects awakened from sleep, rcSO2, but not SaO2, returned to baseline; both returned to baseline in younger subjects.

CONCLUSION: This exploratory analysis generated the hypothesis that lower SaO2, combined with declines in regional blood flow, contributes to decline in cerebral oxygen reserves during sleep in older subjects. Further study will assess the effects of factors (e.g., medical conditions, subclinical disorders, and sleep architecture) that might account for these differences.
T‐Lymphocytes Expressing CC Chemokine Receptor‐5 Are Increased in Frail Older Adults
Authors: De Fanis Umberto , Wang George C. , Fedarko Neal S. , Walston Jeremy D. , Casolaro Vincenzo , Leng Sean X.
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequencies of T‐lymphocytes expressing CC chemokine receptor‐5 (CCR5+ T‐cells) and their relationship with frailty in older adults.

DESIGN: Case‐control study with an age‐, race‐, and sex‐matched design.

SETTING: General Clinical Research Center.

PARTICIPANTS: Community‐dwelling adults aged 72 and older from Baltimore, Maryland.

METHODS: Frailty was determined using five validated criteria: weakness, slow walking speed, fatigue, low physical activity, and weight loss. Those meeting three or more of these five criteria were defined as frail and those with none as nonfrail. Complete blood counts were performed to obtain peripheral lymphocyte counts using an automated (Coulter) counter. Peripheral blood was collected for surface immunofluorescent staining of CCR5 and other T‐cell markers.

RESULTS: Twenty‐six frail and matched nonfrail participants (mean age±standard deviation 83.8±5.3, range 72–94) completed the study. Frail participants had higher CCR5+, CCR5+CD8+, and CCR5+CD45RO− T‐cell counts than matched nonfrail controls (349±160/mm3 vs 194±168/mm3, P=.02; 208±98/mm3 vs 105±62/mm3, P=.02; and 189±149/mm3 vs 52±36/mm3, P=.01; respectively). Furthermore, there was a trend toward graded increase in these T‐cell counts across the frailty scores in frail participants (e.g., CCR5+CD8+ counts of 123±52/mm3, 248±115/mm3, and 360±215/mm3 for those with frailty scores of 3, 4, and 5, respectively).

CONCLUSION: These initial results suggest an expansion of the CCR5+ T‐cell subpopulation in frailty. They provide a basis for further characterization of CCR5+ T‐cells and their role in frailty, with potential therapeutic implications.
Carvedilol Versus Controlled‐Release Metoprolol for Elderly Veterans with Heart Failure
Authors: Rector Thomas S. , Anand Inder S. , Nelson David B. , Ensrud Kristine E.
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES: To characterize prescribing of carvedilol and controlled‐release (CR) metoprolol for veterans with heart failure who were predominantly elderly (aged ≥65) and to compare the time to first hospitalization or death.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort.

SETTING: Veterans Health Administration (VHA) nationwide healthcare system.

SUBJECTS: Veterans enrolled in fee‐for‐service Medicare that had a VHA diagnosis of heart failure and a first prescription for carvedilol (n=17,429) or CR metoprolol (n=8,683) between October 1999 and September 2003.

MEASUREMENTS: Prescribed daily doses and CR metoprolol‐to‐carvedilol hazard ratios (HRs) estimated using Cox regression within strata defined according to propensity to prescribe carvedilol.

RESULTS: After several months, the majority of prescribed doses in both cohorts were less than 50% of target doses. The risk‐adjusted HR was 0.99 (95% confidence interval=0.96–1.03) for hospitalization or death and 0.91 (0.85–0.96) for death alone.

CONCLUSION: Doses of beta‐blockers being prescribed to predominantly elderly veterans with heart failure were much lower than proven doses. Whether efforts to increase doses can improve the effectiveness of beta‐blocker therapy warrants further study. At the prescribed doses, CR metoprolol was associated with better survival than carvedilol, although unmeasured confounding variables might explain the observed difference in survival.
Predictors of 6‐Month Mortality in Elderly Patients with Mild Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Discharged from a Medical Ward After Acute Nonacidotic Exacerbation
Authors: Ranieri Piera , Bianchetti Angelo , Margiotta Alessandro , Virgillo Adriana , Clini Enrico M. , Trabucchi Marco
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES: To identify clinical outcomes and variables associated with 6‐month mortality in very elderly patients admitted for nonacidotic acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: General medicine acute care ward.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred forty‐four elderly patients with COPD (mean age±standard deviation 82±7, 55.7% female) admitted to the hospital because of non‐acidotic AECOPD.

MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive and mood status and physiological variables were measured. Self‐reported comorbidities were assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. In‐hospital and long‐term mortality and clinical outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS: At admission, this elderly population with AECOPD had low cognitive performance (mean Mini‐Mental State Examination score 21±5), no presence of significant depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale score 4±3), good nutritional status (body mass index (BMI) 25.1±5.5), moderate comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index 4.0±1.9), high functional disability (Barthel Index (BI) 52±34), and moderate severity of acute exacerbation (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score 9.7±4.2). Two hundred twenty‐five inpatients with AECOPD were successfully discharged, whereas 15 were transferred to the intensive care unit, and four died in the hospital. The 6‐month cumulative mortality rate in discharged patients with AECOPD was 20%. Multivariate Cox analysis shows that lower BMI (β=−0.16; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.73–0.99), higher APACHE II score (β=0,17; 95% CI=1.03–1.36), and lower BI at discharge (β=−0.02; 95% CI=0.96–0.99) were independently associated with 6‐month mortality.

CONCLUSION: Malnutrition, severity of exacerbation and disability status could be identified as risk factors associated with 6‐month mortality of elderly patients admitted for nonacidotic AECOPD.
Incident Physical Disability in People with Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease: The Role of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Brach Jennifer S. , Solomon Cam , Naydeck Barbara L. , Sutton‐Tyrrell Kim , Enright Paul L. , Jenny Nancy Swords , Chaves Paulo M. , Newman Anne B. ,   for the Cardiovascular Health Study Research Group
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the risk of incident physical disability and the decline in gait speed over a 6‐year follow‐up associated with a low ankle‐arm index (AAI) in older adults.

DESIGN: Observational cohort study.

SETTING: Forsyth County, North Carolina; Sacramento County, California; Washington County, Maryland; and Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

PARTICIPANTS: Four thousand seven hundred five older adults, 58% women and 17.6% black, participating in the Cardiovascular Health Study.

MEASUREMENTS: AAI was measured in 1992/93 (baseline). Self‐reported mobility, activity of daily living (ADL), and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) disability and gait speed were recorded at baseline and at 1‐year intervals over 6 years of follow‐up. Mobility disability was defined as any difficulty walking half a mile and ADL and IADL disability was defined as any difficulty with 11 specific ADL and IADL tasks. Individuals with mobility, ADL, or IADL disability at baseline were excluded from the respective incident disability analyses.

RESULTS: Lower baseline AAI values were associated with increased risk of mobility disability and ADL/IADL disability. Clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus, and interim CVD events partially explained these associations for mobility disability and clinical CVD and diabetes mellitus partially explained these associations for ADL and IADL disability. Individuals with an AAI less than 0.9 had on average a mean decrease in gait speed of 0.02 m/s per year, or a decline of 0.12 m/s over the 6‐year follow‐up. Prevalent CVD partly explained this decrease but interim CVD events did not further attenuate it.

CONCLUSION: Low AAI serves as marker of future disability risk. Reduction of disability risk in patients with a low AAI should consider cardiovascular comorbidity and the prevention of additional disabling CVD events.
Underreaction to Dividend Reductions and Omissions?
Authors: LIU YI , SZEWCZYK SAMUEL H. , ZANTOUT ZAHER
Published: April 2008

Using a sample of 2,337 cash dividend reduction or omission announcements over the 1927 to 1999 period, this study reports significant negative post‐announcement long‐term abnormal returns, which last 1 year only. However, this long‐term abnormal performance is driven by the post‐earnings‐announcement drift. After controlling for the earnings performance and the skewness of buy‐and‐hold abnormal returns, there is no compelling evidence of a post‐dividend‐reduction or post‐dividend‐omission price drift.
Preparation of Mesoporous Silica Using Amphoteric Surfactant Potassium and Sodium N‐Dodecyl Glycine Template
Authors: Wei‐Dong Xiang , Yu‐Xiang Yang , Jing Chen , Zhaolun Wang , Xiang‐Nong Liu
Published: April 2008

Mesoporous silica with hexagonal structure and Pm

n cubic structure with an ordered and parallel arranged pore channel has been synthesized using potassium N‐dodecyl glycine and sodium N‐dodecyl glycine as template, respectively. Their ordered mesostructures were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, small X‐ray diffraction patterns, SEM, transmission electron muicroscopy, and nitrogen sorption analysis.
Fabrication of Micrometer‐Scale Anatase‐Phase TiO2 Congeries Assembled with Hollow Spheres
Authors: Zhang Sen , Liu Chunyan , Liu Yun , Zhang Zhiying , Li Guangqin
Published: April 2008

Micrometer‐scale anatase‐phase TiO2 congeries assembled with hollow spheres have been synthesized by a bubble‐template method combined with a facile chemical process. The as‐prepared products were characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Some of the congeries exhibited unique three‐dimensional hierarchical architectures. The bubble‐template strategy used in the synthetic process may represent a general approach to fabricate hollow micro‐ and nanostructures and therefore contribute to the formation mechanisms of hollow micro‐ and nanostructures.
A systematic overview of the first pasteurised VWF/FVIII medicinal product, Haemate®P/ Humate®‐P: History and clinical performance
Authors: Berntorp Erik , Archey William , Auerswald Günter , Federici Augusto B. , Franchini Massimo , Knaub Sigurd , Kreuz Wolfhart , Lethagen Stefan , Mannucci Pier M. , Pollmann Hartmut , Scharrer Inge , Hoots Keith
Published: April 2008

Patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) and haemophilia A (HA) lack, to varying degrees, the von Willebrand factor (VWF) and coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) that are critical for normal haemostasis. These conditions in turn make patients prone to uncontrolled bleeding. Historically, patients with severe forms of VWD or HA were crippled before adulthood and their life expectancy was significantly reduced. Over the past decades, specific coagulation factor replacement therapies including Haemate®P, have been developed to help patients achieve and maintain normal haemostasis. Haemate®P is a human, plasma‐derived VWF/FVIII medicinal product, which was first licensed in Germany in 1981 for the treatment of HA‐associated bleeding. It has since then come to be accepted as the gold standard for both the treatment and prophylaxis of bleeding in VWD, especially in cases where desmopressin [1‐deamino‐8‐D‐arginine vasopressin (DDAVP)] has been ineffective. Haemate®P was the first effectively virus‐inactivated (pasteurisation: 60°C for 10 h in aqueous solution) FVIII product, whereby the risk of potentially threatening infective complications of plasma‐derived products was reduced. Haemate®P was also shown to have a VWF multimer profile remarkably close to that of normal plasma. This bibliographic review presents previously unpublished clinical data of Haemate®P, based upon internal clinical study reports of the proprietor, CSL Behring, in addition to data already presented in other publications. The data demonstrate a predictable and well‐characterised pharmacokinetic profile, and a proven record of short‐ and long‐term safety, while effectively correcting the haemostatic defects in VWD and HA. Recently available data have also shown Haemate®P to be of haemostatic value in exceptional clinical circumstances including surgical interventions. By virtue of its plasma‐derived combination of VWF and FVIII, in addition to its high VWF:FVIII content ratio (2.4:1), Haemate®P is also associated with successful immune tolerance induction in those patients developing inhibitor antibodies. Although the theoretical risk of thromboembolic complications does exist while receiving Haemate®P, as it does with any FVIII replacement therapy, the incidence of such complications has remained notably low. Given the robust data that have accumulated for the use of Haemate®P, dosing recommendations are also described in this review; the recommendations are tailored to patient‐specific contexts including baseline VWF and FVIII levels in plasma and the type of surgical intervention being undertaken. A wide variety of studies have also provided data on paediatric and geriatric populations, all of which have suggested that Haemate®P can be safely and effectively used in a wide variety of clinical circumstances.
A pharmacokinetic study of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite ciprofloxacin after oral and intramuscular dosing of enrofloxacin in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Klein Hilton , Hasselschwert Dana , Handt Larry , Kastello Michael
Published: April 2008

Enrofloxacin is used for treating Shigellosis in non‐human primates; however, there are no reports describing its pharmacokinetics in rhesus monkeys. Pharmacokinetic data in intended target species (rhesus) help to determine the proper dose regimen. Blood levels of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (enrofloxacin’s active metabolite), were determined after either intramuscular or oral dosing of enrofloxacin for 7 days in a cross‐over study. Levels of both antibiotics were determined by solid phase extraction followed by reversed‐phase chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Results indicate enrofloxacin half‐life after intramuscular dosing is estimated to be 2.4 hours. Enrofloxacin given either intramuscular or p.o. rapidly achieves satisfactory therapeutic blood levels of enrofloxacin or ciprofloxacin in rhesus monkeys. Results from these pharmacokinetic study parallel values published for other animal species. Our results show use of enrofloxacin is effective in managingShigellainfections in rhesus monkeys based upon achieving these blood drug levels.
Accuracy of Linear Measurement Provided by Cone Beam Computed Tomography to Assess Bone Quantity in the Posterior Maxilla: A Human Cadaver Study
Authors: Veyre‐Goulet Sophie , Fortin Thomas , Thierry Anthony
Published: April 2008

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess, for implant placement in the posterior maxilla, the accuracy of linear measurements provided by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) using an image intensifier tube and television (TV) chain as an X‐ray detector despite a loss of contrast resolution. The NewTom® 9000 (Quantitative Radiology, Verona, Italy) was used to explore the posterior maxilla.

Materials and Methods: Fourteen measurements were taken in three dry maxillaries. On every anatomical site, three fiducial markers were placed on the bony crest to define a plane. Dry maxillaries were submitted to CBCT imaging examination. The maxillaries were then sawn according to the previously defined planes, and bone height and width were assessed using a caliper. The same measurements were taken on images.

Results: Clinical analysis demonstrated no difference between real measurements and image measurements.

Conclusions: Although cadaver bone density may not correspond to the density of vital bone, this in vitro study indicates that CBCT images provided by technique using image intensifier tube and TV chain as an X‐ray detector are reliable to define the bone volume of the posterior maxilla for the purpose of planning the implant axis.
Rotational Path Removable Partial Denture (RPD): Conservative Esthetic Treatment Option for the Edentulous Mandibular Anterior Region: A Case Report
Authors: SUH JENNIFER S. , BILLY EDWARD J.
Published: April 2008

It can be esthetically and financially daunting for patients to lose teeth in an anterior region of the mouth. For these patients, traditional treatment options presented in the past have included fixed partial denture, implants, and conventional removable partial denture (RPD). For patients faced with financial, anatomical, and/or esthetic limitations, the edentulous region can be restored successfully with a rotational path RPD. Rotational path RPD designs have often been overlooked by the dental profession due to its complex concepts involving the prosthetic design and sensitive laboratory techniques. With better understanding of the concepts and design, the dental clinician can deliver the highest esthetic outcome in compromised areas in which other treatment options may often face limitations. This paper reviews the method used to esthetically design and plan a posterior‐anterior rotational path RPD in an edentulous mandibular anterior region for a patient missing the mandibular incisors.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Due to inadequate understanding of the mechanics of rotational path RPDs, many clinicians have not adapted the application of this advantageous prosthesis. When correctly designed and fabricated, the rotational path RPD provides improved esthetics, cleanliness, and retention for patients who may not be suitable candidates for implants or fixed partial dentures in tooth‐supported edentulous regions.
Direct Dentin Bonding Technique Sensitivity When Using Air/Suction Drying Steps
Authors: MAGNE PASCAL , MAHALLATI RAMIN , BAZOS PANAGHIOTIS , SO WOONG‐SEUP
Published: April 2008

Statement of Problem:  Moisture control before and after application of the primer/adhesive components of etch‐and‐rinse dentin bonding agents is usually achieved using a stream of air delivered by an air syringe. Suction drying with a suction tip is a common alternative for moisture control, but data about the use of suction drying instead of the air syringe is scarce or nonexistent.

Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to compare the dentin microtensile bond strength (MTBS) using either the air syringe or the suction tip to control the amount of moisture.

Materials and Methods:  Fifteen freshly extracted human molars were divided randomly into three groups of five. A three‐step etch‐and‐rinse dentin bonding agent (OptiBond FL) was used. Group 1 was the control group and utilized air drying alone (with an air syringe) during the placement of the dentin adhesive on the ground‐flat occlusal dentin surface. Group 2 also used air drying alone, but teeth were prepared with a standardized MOD cavity. Group 3 utilized suction drying alone in the standardized MOD cavity. All teeth were restored with 1.5‐mm‐thick horizontal increments of composite resin (Filtek Z100). Specimens were stored in water for 24 hours, then prepared for a nontrimming MTBS test. Bond strength data were analyzed with a Kruskal–Wallis test at p < 0.05. Specimens were also evaluated for mode of fracture and interface characterization using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis.

Results:  The mean MTBSs were not statistically different from one another (p = 0.54) at 54.0 MPa (air‐drying, flat dentin), 53.4 MPa (air‐drying, MOD), and 49.2 MPa (suction drying, MOD). Microscopic evaluation of failure modes indicated that most failures were interfacial. Failed interfaces, when analyzed under SEM, appeared typically mixed with areas of failed adhesive resin and areas of cohesively failed dentin.

Conclusions:  There are no differences in MTBS to human dentin using either the air syringe or the suction tip to control the amount of moisture. The conventional three‐step dentin bonding agent used in the present study not only proved insensitive to the moisture‐control method but also to the effect of increased polymerization shrinkage stress (ground‐flat versus MOD preparation).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Although the effect of common errors on the performance of total‐etch adhesives has been investigated, data about the use of suction drying instead of an air syringe is scarce or nonexistent. The present study demonstrated that both the air syringe and the suction tip can be used to control moisture when using etch‐and‐rinse dentin bonding agents. The conventional three‐step dentin bonding agent tested, OptiBond FL, demonstrated low technique sensitivity.
Branched N‐glycans regulate the biological functions of integrins and cadherins
Authors: Zhao Yanyang , Sato Yuya , Isaji Tomoya , Fukuda Tomohiko , Matsumoto Akio , Miyoshi Eiji , Gu Jianguo , Taniguchi Naoyuki
Published: April 2008

Glycosylation is one of the most common post‐translational modifications, and approximately 50% of all proteins are presumed to be glycosylated in eukaryotes. Branched N‐glycans, such as bisecting GlcNAc, β‐1,6‐GlcNAc and core fucose (α‐1,6‐fucose), are enzymatic products of N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase III, N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase V and α‐1,6‐fucosyltransferase, respectively. These branched structures are highly associated with various biological functions of cell adhesion molecules, including cell adhesion and cancer metastasis. E‐cadherin and integrins, bearing N‐glycans, are representative adhesion molecules. Typically, both are glycosylated by N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase III, which inhibits cell migration. In contrast, integrins glycosylated by N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase V promote cell migration. Core fucosylation is essential for integrin‐mediated cell migration and signal transduction. Collectively, N‐glycans on adhesion molecules, especially those on E‐cadherin and integrins, play key roles in cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions, thereby affecting cancer metastasis.
Changes in acetylcholine receptor function induce shifts in muscle fiber type composition
Authors: Jin Tae‐Eun , Wernig Anton , Witzemann Veit
Published: April 2008

AChRε

−/−
mice lack ε‐subunits of the acetylcholine receptor and thus fail to express adult‐type receptors. The expression of fetal‐type receptors throughout postnatal life alters postsynaptic signal transduction and causes a fast‐to‐slow fiber type transition, both in slow‐twitch soleus muscle and in fast‐twitch extensor digitorum longus muscle. In comparison to wild‐type muscle, the proportion of type 1 slow fibers is significantly increased (6%), whereas the proportion of fast fibers is reduced (in soleus, type 2A by 12%, and in extensor digitorum longus, type 2B/2D by 10%). The increased levels of troponin Islow transcripts clearly support a fast‐to‐slow fiber type transition. Shifts of protein and transcript levels are not restricted to ‘myogenic’ genes but also affect ‘synaptogenic’ genes. Clear increases are observed for acetylcholine receptor α‐subunits and the postsynaptically located utrophin. Although the fast‐to‐slow fiber type transition appears to occur in a coordinated manner in both muscle types, muscle‐specific differences are retained. Most prominently, the differential expression level of the synaptic regulator MuSK is significantly lower in extensor digitorum muscle than in soleus muscle. The results show a new quality in muscle plasticity, in that changes in the functional properties of endplate receptors modulate the contractile properties of skeletal muscles. Muscle thus represents a self‐matching system that adjusts contractile properties and synaptic function to variable functional demands.
Calcium chloride enhances the antioxidative system of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) under flooding stress
Authors: Lin K.H. , Chiou Y.K. , Hwang S.Y. , Chen L.F.O. , Lo H.F.
Published: April 2008

Three sweet potato varieties, Taoyuan 2, Simon 1 and Sushu 18, were pretreated with four levels of CaCl2 (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha−1) weekly for 50 days from planting before being subjected to non‐flooding (control) and flooding conditions. The experiment used a randomised complete block design with a split‐split plot arrangement of treatments. Young, fully expanded leaves from each plant were clipped for measuring enzyme activities and antioxidant contents. The three genotypes exhibited unique abilities and specificities through the antioxidative systems in response to flooding stress. The level of activity of the antioxidative system in sweet potato leaves was related to CaCl2 pretreatment during flooding. The ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, reduced ascorbate, total ascorbate, reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde contents of the three sweet potato varieties under flooding stress significantly increased because of pretreatment with 60 and 120 kg ha−1 of CaCl2. Moreover, pretreatment with 60 and 120 kg ha−1 CaCl2 enhanced the flooding tolerance of all three sweet potato varieties and mitigated the effects of flooding stress. However, pretreatment with 180 kg ha−1 CaCl2 markedly decreased some enzyme activities and antioxidant contents under a flooded condition. Calcium most likely played a role in the antioxidative system in the leaves of these three sweet potato varieties under flooding stress, as an optimum amount strengthened their oxidative systems.
Differential Responses of the Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes to Thermal Stresses between Two Invasive Eupatorium Species in China
Authors: Lu Ping , Sang Wei‐Guo , Ma Ke‐Ping
Published: April 2008

The effect of thermal stress on the antioxidant system was investigated in two invasive plants, Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng. and E. odoratum L. The former is sensitive to high temperature, whereas the latter is sensitive to low temperature. Our aim was to explore the relationship between the response of antioxidant enzymes and temperature in the two invasive weeds with different distribution patterns in China. Plants were transferred from glasshouse to growth chambers at a constant 25 °C for 1 week to acclimatize to the environment. For the heat treatments, temperature was increased stepwise to 30, 35, 38 and finally to 42 °C. For the cold treatments, temperature was decreased stepwise to 20, 15, 10 and finally to 5 °C. Plants were kept in the growth chambers for 24 h at each temperature step. In E. adenophorum, the coordinated increase of the activities of antioxidant enzymes was effective in protecting the plant from the accumulation of active oxygen species (AOS) at low temperature, but the activities of catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR) were not accompanied by the increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) during the heat treatments. As a result, the level of lipid peroxidation in E. adenophorum was higher under heat stress than under cold stress. In E. odoratum, however, the lesser degree of membrane damage, as indicated by low monodehydroascorbate content, and the coordinated increase of the oxygen. Detoxifying enzymes were observed in heat‐treated plants, but the antioxidant enzymes were unable to operate in cold stress. This indicates that the plants have a higher capacity for scavenging oxygen radicals in heat stress than in cold stress. The different responses of antioxidant enzymes may be one of the possible mechanisms of the differences in temperature sensitivities of the two plant species.
Genetic Diversity in ex‐situ Conserved Lens culinaris for Botanical Descriptors, Biochemical and Molecular Markers and Identification of Landraces from Indigenous Genetic Resources of Pakistan
Authors: Sultana Tayyaba , Ghafoor Abdul
Published: April 2008

Lentil, one of the oldest legumes was investigated for diversity based on botanical descriptors, total seed proteins, isozymes and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. About one fourth of accessions were heterogeneous for botanical descriptors and a seed protein profile. The germplasm collected from the province of Baluchistan revealed the prevalence of indigenous landraces as high diversity was observed for all of the techniques. Diversity explored through various techniques revealed validity irrespective of the sample size or geographic pattern, RAPD being the best choice for investigating both inter‐ and intra‐accession variation in lentil. Although all of the techniques were able to resolve genetic diversity in lentil, isozymes and seed proteins gave low levels of genetic diversity, suggesting that more investigation into isozymes of specific proteins is required. RAPD is the best option for determining inter‐ and intra‐accession variation, and will be required to extend germplasms and primers to continue the study of botanical descriptors.
Cell‐wall Invertases from Rice are Differentially Expressed in Caryopsis during the Grain Filling Stage
Authors: Wang Yong‐Qin , Wei Xiao‐Li , Xu Hong‐Lin , Chai Cheng‐Lin , Meng Kun , Zhai Hong‐Li , Sun Ai‐Jun , Peng Yong‐Gang , Wu Bin , Xiao Gui‐Fang , Zhu Zhen
Published: April 2008

Cell‐wall invertase plays an important role in sucrose partitioning between source and sink organs in higher plants. To investigate the role of cell‐wall invertases for seed development in rice (Oryza sativa L.), cDNAs of three putative cell‐wall invertase genes OsCIN1, OsCIN2 and OsCIN3 were isolated. Semi‐quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed different expression patterns of the three genes in various rice tissues/organs. In developing caryopses, they exhibited similar temporal expression patterns, expressed highly at the early and middle grain filling stages and gradually declined to low levels afterward. However, the spatial expression patterns of them were very different, with OsCIN1 primarily expressed in the caryopsis coat, OsCIN2 in embryo and endosperm, and OsCIN3 in embryo. Further RNA in situ hybridization analysis revealed that a strong signal of OsCIN2 mRNA was detected in the vascular parenchyma surrounding the xylem of the chalazal vein and the aleurone layer, whereas OsCIN3 transcript was strongly detected in the vascular parenchyma surrounding the phloem of the chalazal vein, cross‐cells, the aleurone layer and the nucellar tissue. These data indicate that the three cell‐wall invertase genes play complementary/synergetic roles in assimilate unloading during the grain filling stage. In addition, the cell type‐specific expression patterns of OsCIN3 in source leaf blades and anthers were also investigated, and its corresponding physiological roles were discussed.
PPF1 May Suppress Plant Senescence via Activating TFL1 in Transgenic Arabidopsis Plants
Authors: Wang Da‐Yong , Li Qing , Cui Ke‐Ming , Zhu Yu‐Xian
Published: April 2008

Senescence, a sequence of biochemical and physiological events, constitutes the final stage of development in higher plants and is modulated by a variety of environmental factors and internal factors. PPF1 possesses an important biological function in plant development by controlling the Ca2+ storage capacity within chloroplasts. Here we show that the expression of PPF1 might play a pivotal role in negatively regulating plant senescence as revealed by the regulation of overexpression and suppression of PPF1 on plant development. Moreover, TFL1, a key regulator in the floral repression pathway, was screened out as one of the downstream targets for PPF1 in the senescence‐signaling pathway. Investigation of the senescence‐related phenotypes in PPF1(−) tfl1‐1 and PPF1(+) tfl1‐1 double mutants confirmed and further highlighted the relation of PPF1 with TFL1 in transgenic plants. The activation of TFL1 expression by PPF1 defines an important pathway possibly essential for the negative regulation of plant senescence in transgenic Arabidopsis.
Discrimination of Repetitive Sequences Polymorphism in Secale cereale by Genomic In Situ Hybridization‐Banding
Authors: Zhou Jian‐Ping , Yang Zu‐Jun , Li Guang‐Rong , Liu Cheng , Ren Zheng‐Long
Published: April 2008

Genomic in situ hybridization banding (GISH‐banding), a technique slightly modified from conventional GISH, was used to probe the Chinese native rye (Secale cereale L.) DNA, and enabled us to visualize the individual rye chromosomes and create a universal reference karyotype of the S. cereale chromosome 1R to 7R. The GISH‐banding approach used in the present study was able to discriminate S. cereale chromosomes or segments in the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) background, including the Triticale, wheat‐rye addition and translocation lines. Moreover, the GISH‐banding pattern of S. cereale subsp. Afghanicum chromosomes was consistent with that of Chinese native rye cv. Jingzhou rye; whereas the GISH‐banding pattern of Secale vavilovii was different from that of S. cereale, indicating that GISH‐banding can be used to study evolutionary polymorphism in species or subspecies of Secale. In addition, the production and application of GISH‐banding to the study of adenine‐thymine‐riched heterochromatin is discussed.
THERMAL HISTORY RECONSTRUCTION IN THE SOROOSH AND NOWROOZ FIELDS, PERSIAN GULF, BASED ON APATITE FISSION TRACK ANALYSIS AND VITRINITE REFLECTANCE DATA
Authors: Bashari A.
Published: April 2008

The thermal history of the sedimentary successions at the Soroosh‐17, Soroosh‐02 and Nowrooz‐16 wells in the northern Persian Gulf have been studied using apatite fission track analysis and vitrinite reflectance data. These data were used to identify and quantify episodes of heating and cooling which have affected the sections penetrated by these wells. This information was synthesised to provide a thermal history framework for the wells, within which the history of hydrocarbon generation, as well as regional structural development, can be understood. Preliminary hydrocarbon generation histories are presented for the Soroosh and Nowrooz oilfields and nearby areas.

Modelling of hydrocarbon generation histories based on the AFTA‐ and VR‐derived thermal histories, assuming a dominant Type III kerogen for possible Albian Kazhdumi Formation source rocks and a dominant Type II kerogen for possible Neocomian Fahliyan (Lower Ratawi) Formation source rock, suggest that local sourcing of oil from the Kazhdumi Formation is unlikely. The most likely source rock for oil in the Burgan Formation reservoir at Soroosh‐17 and Nowrooz‐16 is interpreted to be the Fahliyan Formation based on the available data. On the other hand, speculative modelling of the Hendijan‐I well down‐dip from the Nowrooz field does allow some oil to be generated from the Kazhdumi sequence at that location, and this might be available for migration to the Nowrooz field.
QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATES OF OIL LOSSES DURING MIGRATION, PART II: MEASUREMENT OF THE RESIDUAL OIL SATURATION IN MIGRATION PATHWAYS
Authors: Luo X. R. , Yan J. Z. , Zhou B. , Hou P. , Wang W. , Vasseur G.
Published: April 2008

Recent experimental observations have demonstrated that losses of oil in a secondary migration pathway depend largely on the characteristics of the pathway itself. Accurate assessments of the residual saturation are required to quantify losses during migration. In the present paper, the authors report on experimental procedures designed to evaluate the oil saturation at various stages of the migration/invasion process. The experiments made use of both apparatuses filled with an artificial medium composed of glass beads, and cores composed of reservoir sandstones from oilfields in NE China. The saturation of residual oil in the pathways was measured by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

Experiment results show that mobile oil continues to migrate in a porous medium when the supply of oil has been stopped, but that the migration pathway shrinks and may become disconnected into isolated segments. Once active migration ceases, the residual oil saturation varies significantly from location to location within a pathway, and the average residual oil saturation falls to 30∼60%, depending on grain size and composition. A porous medium composed of large grains commonly contains large pores and pore throats and thus may correlate with low residual oil saturations.
Microbial Community Analysis of Water, Foregut, and Hindgut during Growth of Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, in Closed‐System Aquaculture
Authors: Johnson Crystal N. , Barnes Sue , Ogle John , Grimes D. Jay , Chang Yun‐Juan , Peacock Aaron D. , Kline Liz
Published: April 2008

In closed recirculating systems, a particulate matter consisting of bacteria, algae, fungi, and detritus develops spontaneously. This microbial floc can serve as a high‐protein food source for finfish and shellfish and has the potential to supplement the protein required in shrimp feed. To advance the use of microbial floc as a feed supplement, it is necessary to manipulate its microbial components, which requires thorough characterization of the bacterial components. Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, were raised in a closed recirculating system, and water was compared to the contents of shrimp foreguts and hindguts. Water consistently contained less microbial biomass than did shrimp guts, but 16S rDNA sequences indicated that water was more diverse than shrimp guts. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequences retrieved from water and shrimp foregut grouped these sequences into various unrelated generic clusters. Fatty acid analysis demonstrated that shrimp feed was not a major contributor of microbial fatty acids to shrimp tanks, as the feed mostly contained polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are typically found only in eukaryotes. It is hoped that elucidating more details about the various components of microbial floc will help in understanding its development and will lead to its use as a high‐protein feed supplement.
Effects of Restricted Feeding Regimes on Growth and Feed Utilization of Juvenile Gilthead Sea Bream, Sparus aurata
Authors: Eroldoğan Orhan Tufan , Taşbozan O. , Tabakoğlu S.
Published: April 2008

Abstract.—

The effect of restricted feeding on growth, feed efficiency, and body composition was studied in juveniles of gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata. Juveniles (6.4 g) were stocked into 12 tanks at a density of 16 fish per tank. Four different feeding schedules were tested on triplicate groups of juvenile fish: (1) control fed for 48 d without deprivation, (2) starvation for 1 d and then refed for 2 d (S1), (3) 50% satiation for 2 d and then refed to apparent satiation for 2 d (R2), and (4) 50% satiation for 6 d and then refed to apparent satiation for another 6 d (R6). Results indicated that all fish subjected to cycled restricted feeding regimes were unable to achieve catching up with control group. The specific growth rate of fish in the control was significantly higher than those in S1, R2, and R6, which were not significantly different from each other. Protein efficiency and protein productive value were significantly higher in R2 compared to control, S1, and R6. Fish in R2 had lowest feed conversion ratio (1.12) compared to the control (1.17). Body protein composition in R6 was less than that of the control, S1, and R2, while moisture, lipid, and ash content were not significantly different compared to the control.