bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase in late nerve regeneration monitored by in vivo imaging of thy1‐yellow fluorescent protein transgenic mice
Authors: Tu Nguyen H. , Katano Tayo , Matsumura Shinji , Pham Vuong Minh , Muratani Tadatoshi , Minami Toshiaki , Ito Seiji 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe restoration of function to injured peripheral nerves separated by a gap requires regeneration across it and reinnervation to target organs. To elucidate these processes, we have established an in vivo monitoring system of nerve regeneration in thy1‐yellow fluorescent protein transgenic mice expressing a fluorescent protein in their nervous system. Here we demonstrated that motor and sensory nerves were regenerated in a coordinated fashion across the gap and that the functional recovery of the response to mechanical stimuli correlated well with sensory innervation to the foot. Among the mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitors examined, only the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors delayed functional recovery. Although it did not affect the reinnervation of the muscle, the JNK inhibitor delayed sensory nerve innervation to the skin for over 8 weeks and increased the expression of activatng transcription factor 3 (ATF3), a neuronal injury marker, in the dorsal root ganglion over the same time period. Antibodies against nerve growth factor, glia‐derived neurotrophic factor, and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor applied to the transection site delayed the functional recovery in this order of potency. These neurotrophic factors enhanced neurite outgrowth from cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons, and the JNK inhibitor reversed their stimulatory effects. These results suggest that JNK played roles in nerve regeneration at both early and late phases. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that neurotrophic factors released from the distal nerve may accelerate motor and sensory nerve regeneration across the gap in a coordinated fashion and reinnervation of the target organs independently. The model characterized here has the advantage of in vivo monitoring of the evaluation of morphological and functional recovery in the same mice for a long period of time.
Male competition fitness landscapes predict both forward and reverse speciation
Authors: Keagy Jason , Lettieri Liliana , Boughman Janette W. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSpeciation is facilitated when selection generates a rugged fitness landscape such that populations occupy different peaks separated by valleys. Competition for food resources is a strong ecological force that can generate such divergent selection. However, it is unclear whether intrasexual competition over resources that provide mating opportunities can generate rugged fitness landscapes that foster speciation. Here we use highly variable male F2 hybrids of benthic and limnetic threespine sticklebacks,Gasterosteus aculeatusLinnaeus, 1758, to quantify the male competition fitness landscape. We find that disruptive sexual selection generates two fitness peaks corresponding closely to the male phenotypes of the two parental species, favouring divergence. Most surprisingly, an additional region of high fitness favours novel hybrid phenotypes that correspond to those observed in a recent case of reverse speciation after anthropogenic disturbance. Our results reveal that sexual selection through male competition plays an integral role in both forward and reverse speciation.
Covariance modulates the effect of joint temperature and food variance on ectotherm life‐history traits
Authors: Koussoroplis Apostolos‐Manuel , Wacker Alexander 
Published: November 2015

AbstractUnderstanding animal performance in heterogeneous or variable environments is a central question in ecology. We combine modelling and experiments to test how temperature and food availability variance jointly affect life‐history traits of ectotherms. The model predicts that as mean temperatures move away from the ectotherm's thermal optimum, the effect size of joint thermal and food variance should become increasingly sensitive to their covariance. Below the thermal optimum, performance should be positively correlated with food–temperature covariance and the opposite is predicted above it. At lower temperatures, covariance should determine whether food and temperature variance increases or decreases performance compared to constant conditions. Somewhat stronger than predicted, the covariance effect below the thermal optimum was confirmed experimentally on an aquatic ectotherm (Daphnia magna) exposed to diurnal food and temperature variance with different amounts of covariance. Our findings have important implications for understanding ectotherm responses to climate‐driven alterations of thermal mean and variance.
Spatial abundance patterns and recruitment of a virus‐affected commercial mollusc fishery
Authors: Jalali M. A. , Ierodiaconou D. , Gorfine H. , Christiansen F. , Young M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractInfectious pathogens figure prominently among those factors threatening marine wildlife. Mass mortality events caused by pathogens can fundamentally alter the structure of wild fish stocks and depress recruitment rates and yield. In the most severe instances, this can precipitate stock collapses resulting in dramatic economic losses to once valuable commercial fisheries. An outbreak of a herpes‐like virus among commercially fished abalone populations in the south‐west fishery of Victoria, Australia, during 2006–2007, has been associated with high mortality rates among all cohorts. Long‐term records from fishery‐independent surveys of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra (Leach) enabled abundance from pre‐ and post‐viral periods to be analysed to estimate stock density and biomass. The spatial distribution of abundance in relation to physical habitat variables derived from high‐resolution bathymetric LiDAR data was investigated. Significant differences were observed in both measures between pre‐ and post‐viral periods. Although there was some limited evidence of gradual stock improvement in recent years, disease‐affected reefs have remained below productivity rates prior to the disease outbreak suggesting a reduction in larval availability or settlement success. This was corroborated by trends in sublegal sized blacklip abalone abundance that has yet to show substantial recovery post‐disease. Abundance data were modelled as a function of habitat variables using a generalised additive model (GAM) and indicated that high abundance was associated with complex reef structures of coastal waters (<15 m). This study highlights the importance of long‐term surveys to understand abalone recovery following mass mortality and the links between stock abundance and seafloor variability.
Transit Systems and Ridership under Extreme Weather and Climate Change Stress: An Urban Transportation Agenda for Hazards Geography
Authors: Barnes Mark 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis review examines studies that detail the effects of weather and climate on urban transit systems and ridership. The aim is to help revitalize a hazards geography research agenda to support stakeholder decision‐making on hazard risk and disaster vulnerability for US transit systems and ridership. Largely representative of the literature are field perspectives outside of hazards geography whose predispositions to positivism neglect equity concerns of vital importance to hazard risk mitigation, vulnerability reduction, adaptation, and resilience research and practitioner communities. The article argues for hazards geography's perspectival insight to fill this void. Themes discussed in the article include hazards geography value, transit system vulnerability to meteorological and non‐meteorological factors, place‐based climate change vulnerability assessments, policymaker and managerial perceptions of climate change, and transit ridership choice. The article concludes with a call to hazards geographers to conduct critical assessments of structural and non‐structural adaptation measures, investigate mobility decision‐making and coping strategies, and develop theoretical understandings on adaptation policymaking and practice in relation to hazard risk and disaster vulnerability.
The Presence of Phage Orthologous Genes inHelicobacter pyloriCorrelates with the Presence of the Virulence FactorsCagAandVacA
Authors: Kyrillos Alexandra , Arora Gaurav , Murray Bradley , Rosenwald Anne G. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe bacteriumHelicobacter pyloriis associated with ulcers and the development of gastric cancer. Several genes, including cytotoxin‐associated gene A (CagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA), are associated with increased gastric cancer risk. Some strains ofH. pylorialso contain sequences related to bacteriophage phiHP33; however, the significance of these phage‐related sequences remains unknown.Materials and MethodsWe assessed the extent to which phiHP33‐related sequences are present in 335H. pyloristrains using homology searches then mapped shared genes between phiHP33 andH. pyloristrains onto an existing phylogeny.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐oneH. pyloristrains contain phage orthologous sequences, and the presence of the phage‐related sequences correlates with the presence of CagA and VacA. Mapping of the phage orthologs onto a phylogeny ofH. pyloriis consistent with the hypothesis that these genes were acquired by horizontal gene transfer.ConclusionsphiHP33 phage orthologous sequences might be of significance in understanding virulence of differentH. pyloristrains.
Asia's ‘Boom’ of Difficult Memories: Remembering World War Two Across East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Schumacher Daniel 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis article takes a cue from the tremendous increase in the creation of public sites of memory in Asia over the last few decades that are dedicated to the devastating events that took place in the Asian theatre of World War Two. The dissonant representations of these events still evoke strong emotions in the region and reveal many unresolved conflicts that stem from this war. This paper will survey the current research on the public remembrance of the Second World War in East and Southeast Asia. It will first delineate the most critical turning points in publicly recalling and framing the war by examining Asia's selective ‘memory boom’ in the 1980s and 1990s and the spread of victimhood narratives across the region. It will go on to assess the repercussions of these processes for reconciliation efforts that seek to tackle and resolve the quarrels fought over differing representations of the war in Asia – a topic, which has begun to attract considerable scholarly attention. The conclusion will suggest that furthering research on non‐state actors, transnational forces, and on local religious characteristics in the processes of memory‐making might help us to arrive at a more nuanced understanding of what has been labelled Asia's ‘Memory Problem’ and perhaps even forge new routes to reconciliation.
The Ibadan Origins of Modern African Literature: African Writers Series, Mbari Club & the Social Character of Ibadan
Authors: Ibironke Olabode 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis paper carries forward and develops the theme of the character of African writing as a product of a specific discipline of the imagination within the postcolonial city itself by evoking the genealogy of African literature. The emergence of the postcolonial city represented a moment of intense cultural outreach and the internationalization of African literary production. The production of African literature was as much a function of global regimes of political and economic activities of itinerant publishers and of the icon of postcolonial modernity, the educational system, as it was the direct reflection of the transformations of the city. Importantly, the imperative of the literary function of cultural unification in modern Africa coincided with the simultaneous emergence of cosmopolitan centers of artistic production in a number of African cities, especially, Ibadan.
Host and disease factors are associated with cognitive function in European HIV‐infected adults prior to initiation of antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Winston A , Stöhr W , Antinori A , Arenas‐Pinto A , Llibre JM , Amieva H , Cabié A , Williams I , Di Perri G , Tellez MJ , Rockstroh J , Babiker A , Pozniak A , Raffi F , Richert L ,   the NEAT 001/Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA (ANRS) 143 Study Group
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesDeficits in cognitive function remain prevalent in HIV‐infected individuals. The aim of this European multicentre study was to assess factors associated with cognitive function in antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve HIV‐infected subjects at the time of enrolment in the NEAT 001/Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA (ANRS) 143 study.MethodsPrior to starting ART, seven cognitive tests exploring domains including episodic memory, verbal fluency, executive function and psychomotor speed were administered with scores standardized to z‐score using the study population sample mean and standard deviation. The primary measure was overall z‐score average (NPZ). We assessed associations between baseline factors and test results using multivariable regression models.ResultsOf 283 subjects with baseline cognitive assessments, 90% were male and 12% of black ethnicity. Median (interquartile range) age, years of education, years of known HIV infection, baseline CD4 count and baseline HIV RNA were 39 (31, 47) years, 13 (11, 17) years, 1 (0, 4) years, 344 (279, 410) cells/μL and 4.74 (4.28, 5.14) log10 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL, respectively. Forty per cent were current smokers. Factors significantly associated with poorer overall cognitive performance in multivariable models included older age, shorter duration of education, black ethnicity, lower height, and lower plasma HIV RNA.ConclusionsIn this large, European‐wide, ART‐naïve population with relatively preserved immunity and early HIV infection, cognitive function scores at the time of ART initiation were associated with demographic and HIV‐disease factors.
A study of the suppression of body odour in elderly subjects by anti‐fungal agents
Authors: Ozeki C. , Moro O. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe suppression of body odour following the use of shampoos or soaps containing the anti‐fungal agent miconazole nitrate (MCZ) has been recognized anecdotally. To determine whether MCZ could play a role in the suppression of body odour through inhibiting squalene oxidation.MethodsA prospective study recruited 54 elderly subjects residing in a nursing facility who needed bathing assistance. Subjects bathed with three types of body soap over a 6‐week study period (regular soap, sample soap (soap containing MCZ), control soap; 2 weeks per type of soap). Body odour was evaluated based on olfactory assessment of the subjects and their clothing. The subjects and the examiners were blinded to the type of soap (sample or control) being used during the study. An analysis using GC/MS was also carried out to identify the volatile compounds associated with body odour.ResultsSuppression of unpleasant body odour of the neck and axilla was reported in subjects who used the sample soap. Three common volatile compounds were detected from the T‐shirts worn by the subjects: 2‐ethylbutanal, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, and geranylacetone. The occurrence of these compounds was reduced using the sample soap.ConclusionOur findings suggest that MCZ could play a role in the suppression of body odour.
UV‐blocking potential of oils and juices
Authors: Gause S. , Chauhan A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractObjectiveSunscreens are commonly used to protect the body from damage caused by UV light. Some components of organic sunscreens have been shown to pass through the skin during wear which could raise toxicity concerns for these compounds. This study explores the potential for oils and fruit and vegetable juices to be substitutes for these compounds.MethodsThe absorptivity of various oils (canola oil, citronella oil, coconut oil, olive oil, soya bean oil, vitamin E, as well as aloe vera) and fruit and vegetable juices (acerola, beet, grape, orange carrot, purple carrot and raspberry) was measured in vitro. The mean absorptivity was compared with FDA‐approved UV absorbers to gauge the potential of the natural products. The most promising candidates were incorporated into formulations, and the UV transmittance of a 20‐μm‐thick film of the formulation was measured. The formulations were also imaged by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.ResultsThe absorptivity of oils was at least two orders of magnitude lower compared to the commercial UV blockers. The fruit juice powders were more effective at UV blocking but still showed an order of magnitude lower absorptivity compared to commercial UV blockers.ConclusionThe UV blocking from most natural oils is insufficient to obtain a significant UV protection. Formulations containing 50wt% purple carrot showed good UV‐blocking capabilities and represent a promising ingredient for sunscreen and cosmetic applications.
miR‐124 interacts with the Notch1 signalling pathway and has therapeutic potential against gastric cancer
Authors: Jiang Lei , Lin Tiesu , Xu Chaochao , Hu Sunkuan , Pan Yangyang , Jin Rong 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAberrant Notch signalling plays an important role in cancer progression. However, little is known about the interaction between miRNA and the Notch signalling pathway and its role in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we found that miR‐124 was down‐regulated in GC compared with adjacent normal tissue. Forced expression of miR‐124 inhibited GC cell growth, migration and invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest. miR‐124 negatively regulated Notch1 signalling by targeting JAG1. miR‐124 levels were also shown to be inversely correlated with JAG1 expression in GC. Furthermore, we found that the overexpression of the intracellular domain of Notch1 repressed miR‐124 expression, promoted GC cell growth, migration and invasion. Conversely, blocking Notch1 using a γ‐secretase inhibitor up‐regulated miR‐124 expression, inhibited GC cell growth, migration and invasion. In conclusion, our data demonstrates a regulatory feedback loop between miR‐124 and Notch1 signalling in GC cells, suggesting that the miR‐124/Notch axis may be a potential therapeutic target against GC.
Aesthetic crown lengthening: periodontal and patient‐centred outcomes
Authors: Silva Cléverson O. , Soumaille Jéssica M. S. , Marson Fabiano C. , Progiante Patrícia S. , Tatakis Dimitris N. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimThe objective of this prospective study was to assess clinical and patient‐centred outcomes of aesthetic crown lengthening surgery for the treatment of altered passive eruption.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐two patients were treated and followed up for 6 months. The evaluated clinical parameters included, among others, probing depth, clinical attachment level, clinical crown length (CLc), cemento‐enamel junction to alveolar bone crest distance, gingival width (GW) and gingival display (GD). Subjects completed surveys to evaluate satisfaction with smile, gingiva and tooth features and experience with the procedure.ResultsAverage CLc was 8.5 ± 0.5 mm at baseline and significantly increased (9.9 ± 0.5 mm; p < 0.0001) at 6 months. Concomitantly, GW significantly decreased from baseline (5.8 ± 1.2 mm) to 6 months (4.9 ± 1.1 mm; p < 0.008), as did GD (from 2.6 ± 2.0 mm to 1.1 ± 1.9 mm; p < 0.0001). In contrast to their pre‐operative satisfaction level, the majority (≥73%) of patients were very satisfied post‐operatively with gingival and tooth display, when smiling or talking, and with maxillary anterior tooth size and shape. All patients would undergo the procedure again and would recommend it to someone with a similar problem.ConclusionAesthetic crown lengthening surgery results in high levels of patient satisfaction and predictable and stable outcomes in the short term.
Serum vitamin B12 is inversely associated with periodontal progression and risk of tooth loss: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zong Geng , Holtfreter Birte , Scott Ann E. , Völzke Henry , Petersmann Astrid , Dietrich Thomas , Newson Rachel S. , Kocher Thomas 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate the association of serum vitamin B12 with the progression of periodontitis and risk of tooth loss in a prospective cohort study.Materials and MethodsIn the Study of Health in Pomerania, 1648 participants were followed from 2002–2006 to 2008–2012 (mean duration 5.9 years). Serum vitamin B12 was measured by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. Probing pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were measured to reflect periodontal status on a half‐mouth basis at each survey cycle. Tooth numbers are based upon a full‐mouth tooth count.Results and ConclusionsIn multivariate regression models, baseline vitamin B12 was inversely associated with changes in mean PD (Ptrend = 0.06) and mean CAL (Ptrend = 0.01), and risk ratios of tooth loss (TL;Ptrend = 0.006) over time. Compared to participants in the highest vitamin B12 quartile, those in the lowest quartile had 0.10 mm (95%CI: 0.03, 0.17;Pdifference = 0.007) greater increase in mean PD, 0.23 mm (95%CI: 0.09, 0.36;Pdifference = 0.001) greater increase in mean CAL and a relative risk of 1.57 (95%CI: 1.22, 2.03;Pdifference < 0.001) for TL. Stratified analyses showed stronger associations between vitamin B12 and changes in mean CAL among never smokers (Pinteraction = 0.058). Further studies are needed to understand the potential mechanisms of these findings.
A Direct Neurokinin B Projection from the Arcuate Nucleus Regulates Magnocellular Vasopressin Cells of the Supraoptic Nucleus
Authors: Pineda R. , Sabatier N. , Ludwig M. , Millar R. P. , Leng G. 
Published: November 2015

Central administration of neurokinin B (NKB) agonists stimulates immediate early gene expression in the hypothalamus and increases the secretion of vasopressin from the posterior pituitary through a mechanism that depends on the activation of neurokinin receptor 3 receptors (NK3R). The present study reports that, in the rat, immunoreactivity for NK3R is expressed in magnocellular vasopressin and oxytocin neurones in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, and that NKB immunoreactivity is expressed in fibres in close juxtaposition with vasopressin neurones at both of these sites. Retrograde tracing in the rat shows that some NKB‐expressing neurones in the arcuate nucleus project to the SON and, in mice, using an anterograde tracing approach, it is found that kisspeptin‐expressing neurones of the arcuate nucleus, which are known to co‐express NKB, project to the SON and PVN. Finally, i.c.v. injection of the NK3R agonist senktide is shown to potently increase the electrical activity of vasopressin neurones in the SON in vivo with no significant effect detected on oxytocin neurones. The results suggest that NKB‐containing neurones in the arcuate nucleus regulate the secretion of vasopressin from magnocellular neurones in rodents, and the possible significance of this is discussed.