bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐perceived work preparedness of the graduating dental students
Authors: Manakil J. , George R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe primary goal of dental education is to prepare students to work independently in a dental practice setting following graduation. Whilst academicians assess students' work preparedness through examinations and evaluations, it is equally important to understand the work preparedness as perceived by students.MethodsAll students in their final year of the graduate programme in dentistry were selected for this study. The questionnaire assessed the self‐perceived confidence in skills and awareness needed to integrate into a general dental practice. Personal data such as gender, age and income status were optionally recorded. The questionnaire included open‐ended questions relevant to the educational experiences and suggestions for improvement from student perspective.ResultsSixty‐three students (81.9%) responded to the questionnaire. The majority of the respondents (85.7%) perceived that their education had prepared them well for a career in dentistry, and 52.4% of the students considered that the combination of community placement and in‐house training helped them to enhance clinical skills. Students' suggestion for improvements indicated that a large number would wish for more clinical sessions (71.4%), whilst only 28.6% preferred an equal distribution between general clinical placements, speciality clinical placement and didactic teaching as the essential factors in attaining competency.ConclusionsAnalysing and understanding the student's self‐perspective on their dental education and work preparedness contribute towards the quality management of the dental curriculum philosophies: in holistic patient health care, lifelong learning, integration knowledge and skills, leading to the ultimate goal of clinical proficiency.
Axonal growth towards Xenopus skin in vitro is mediated by matrix metalloproteinase activity
Authors: Tonge David , Zhu Ning , Lynham Steven , Leclere Pascal , Snape Alison , Brewer Alison , Schlomann Uwe , Ferdous Taheera , Tennyson Charlene , Bartsch Jörg W. , Ward Malcolm , Pizzey John 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe have previously demonstrated that the growth of peripheral nervous system axons is strongly attracted towards limb buds and skin explants in vitro. Here, we show that directed axonal growth towards skin explants of Xenopus laevis in matrigel is associated with expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐18 and also other MMPs, and that this long‐range neurotropic activity is inhibited by the broad‐spectrum MMP inhibitors BB‐94 and GM6001. We also show that forced expression of MMP‐18 in COS‐7 cell aggregates enhances axonal growth from Xenopus dorsal root ganglia explants. Nidogen is the target of MMPs released by cultured skin in matrigel, whereas other components remain intact. Our results suggest a novel link between MMP activity and extracellular matrix breakdown in the control of axonal growth.
Purinergic transmission and transglial signaling between neuron somata in the dorsal root ganglion
Authors: Rozanski Gabriela M. , Li Qi , Kim Hyunhee , Stanley Elise F. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMost dorsal root ganglion neuronal somata (NS) are isolated from their neighbours by a satellite glial cell (SGC) sheath. However, some NS are associated in pairs, separated solely by the membrane septum of a common SGC to form a neuron–glial cell–neuron (NGlN) trimer. We reported that stimulation of one NS evokes a delayed, noisy and long‐duration inward current in both itself and its passive partner that was blocked by suramin, a general purinergic antagonist. Here we test the hypothesis that NGlN transmission involves purinergic activation of the SGC. Stimulation of the NS triggered a sustained current noise in the SGC. Block of transmission through the NGlN by reactive blue 2 or thapsigargin, a Ca2+ store‐depletion agent, implicated a Ca2+ store discharge‐linked P2Y receptor. P2Y2 was identified by simulation of the NGlN‐like transmission by puffing UTP onto the SGC and by immunocytochemical localization to the SGC membrane septum. Block of the UTP effect by BAPTA, an intracellular Ca2+ scavenger, supported the involvement of SGC Ca2+ stores in the signaling pathway. We infer that transmission through the NGlN trimer involves secretion of ATP from the NS and triggering of SGC Ca2+ store discharge via P2Y2 receptors. Presumably, cytoplasmic Ca2+ elevation leads to the release of an as‐yet unidentified second transmitter from the glial cell to complete transmission. Thus, the two NS of the NGlN trimer communicate via a ‘sandwich synapse’ transglial pathway, a novel signaling mechanism that may contribute to information transfer in other regions of the nervous system.
The dark side of the alpha rhythm: fMRI evidence for induced alpha modulation during complete darkness
Authors: Ben‐Simon Eti , Podlipsky Ilana , Okon‐Singer Hadas , Gruberger Michal , Cvetkovic Dean , Intrator Nathan , Hendler Talma 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe unique role of the EEG alpha rhythm in different states of cortical activity is still debated. The main theories regarding alpha function posit either sensory processing or attention allocation as the main processes governing its modulation. Closing and opening eyes, a well‐known manipulation of the alpha rhythm, could be regarded as attention allocation from inward to outward focus though during light is also accompanied by visual change. To disentangle the effects of attention allocation and sensory visual input on alpha modulation, 14 healthy subjects were asked to open and close their eyes during conditions of light and of complete darkness while simultaneous recordings of EEG and fMRI were acquired. Thus, during complete darkness the eyes‐open condition is not related to visual input but only to attention allocation, allowing direct examination of its role in alpha modulation. A data‐driven ridge regression classifier was applied to the EEG data in order to ascertain the contribution of the alpha rhythm to eyes‐open/eyes‐closed inference in both lighting conditions. Classifier results revealed significant alpha contribution during both light and dark conditions, suggesting that alpha rhythm modulation is closely linked to the change in the direction of attention regardless of the presence of visual sensory input. Furthermore, fMRI activation maps derived from an alpha modulation time‐course during the complete darkness condition exhibited a right frontal cortical network associated with attention allocation. These findings support the importance of top‐down processes such as attention allocation to alpha rhythm modulation, possibly as a prerequisite to its known bottom‐up processing of sensory input.
Truncating mutations in FUS/TLS give rise to a more aggressive ALS‐phenotype than missense mutations: a clinico‐genetic study in Germany
Authors: Waibel S. , Neumann M. , Rosenbohm A. , Birve A. , Volk A. E. , Weishaupt J. H. , Meyer T. , Müller U. , Andersen P. M. , Ludolph A. C. 
Published: December 2012

Background and purposeMutations in the FUS/TLS have been associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a few percent of patients.MethodsWe screened 184 familial (FALS) and 200 sporadic German patients with ALS for FUS/TLS mutations by sequence analysis of exons 5, 6 and 13–15. We compared the phenotypes of patients with different FUS/TLS mutations.ResultsWe identified three missense mutations p.K510R, p.R514G, p.R521H, and the two truncating mutations p.R495X and p.G478LfsX23 in samples from eight pedigrees. Both truncating mutations were associated with young onset and very aggressive disease courses, whereas the p.R521H, p.R514G and in particular the p.K510R mutation showed a milder phenotype with disease durations ranging from 3 years to more than 26 years, the longest reported for a patient with a FUS/TLS mutation. Also, in a pair of monozygous twins with the p.K510R mutation, a remarkable similar disease course was observed.ConclusionsMutations in FUS/TLS account for 8.7% (16 of 184) of FALS in Germany. This is a higher prevalence than reported from other countries. Truncating FUS/TLS mutations result in a more severe phenotype than most missense mutations. The wide phenotypic differences have implications for genetic counselling.
Function of the Hemolymph Nuptial Gift in the Ground Cricket, Allonemobius socius
Authors: DiRienzo Nicholas , Marshall Jeremy L. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractNuptial feeding, although common in the insect world, varies greatly in its form and function. Here, we test the function of the hemolymph nuptial gift in the southern ground cricket, Allonemobius socius, and attempt to determine if it functions as parental investment or mating effort. We manipulated the number of gifts a female received during courtship (one vs. none). We also recorded other aspect of courtship, such as feeding duration and spermatophore attachment duration. Female fecundity was measured for 7 d post‐mating. Our results indicate that female egg laying is significantly higher when a gift is provided, but the increase in egg laying is not related to gift size. In addition, the lack of a gift does not affect the male's ability to transfer a spermatophore. Together, these data suggest that the nuptial gift acts as parental investment and not as mating effort.
Cues from Introduced Fish Alter Shelter Use and Feeding Behaviour in Adult Alpine Newts
Authors: Winandy Laurane , Denoël Mathieu 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAmphibians are particularly affected by alien fish introductions and are declining worldwide. However, the behavioural mechanisms behind the observed cases of coexistence and exclusion patterns between adult amphibians and fish are poorly understood. In the present study, we aimed at testing the hypothesis that adult newts display different feeding and space use behaviour in the presence of fish cues (i.e. access less food resources and use more shelters than when fish cues are absent). To achieve this we measured behavioural patterns in 100 adult Alpine newts (Mesotriton alpestris) in a replicated laboratory design (20 tanks × 7 replicates across time). Half of trials involved individuals in indirect (visual and olfactory) contact with goldfish (Carassius auratus), a non‐predatory species for adult newts. In the presence of fish, significantly more newts hid under shelters than in their absence, but this difference decreased over time. A lower number of newts fed in comparison with controls. These results show that newts responded to fish presence even in the absence of direct contact, but the differences were small. Newts decreased vital activities such as exploration of open areas and feeding. They also adjusted shelter use over time, suggesting a process of habituation or a risk assessment in the absence of direct risk. These results reveal that exploring behavioural patterns can aid in understanding the causes of exclusion and coexistence patterns between fish and amphibians.
Predictive models for stable tearing crack growth due to overloading in fatigue
Authors: Ab RAHMAN M. F. , CLARK G. , WANG C. H. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTStable tearing is a recurring process in which fatigue crack growth is interspersed by substantial jumps of crack growth, commonly at the central cross‐section of the component while the crack front nearer the surface lags behind. These tearing bands have been observed to start very early during fatigue life and can make up the majority of the fatigue fracture surface. This paper presents the development of predictive models, in which the tongue‐shaped stable tearing band is first idealised as trapezoidal shape, and then two alternative fracture criteria are formulated with the aid of the finite element (FE) method and the Forsyth stable tearing concept. Parametric solutions of the stress intensity factor at the front of the trapezoidal crack front are obtained using the FE method. Comparisons between the model predictions and experimental results indicate that both models produce satisfactory prediction of the stable tearing crack jump length in aluminium alloy coupons of varying cross‐sectional thickness.
Candida albicans adhesion on reinforced polymethylmethacrylate denture resin: effect of fibre architecture and exposure to saliva
Authors: Akalın‐Evren Buket , Kulak‐Özkan Yasemin , Özcan Mutlu , Kadir Tanju 
Published: December 2012

Background and objectivesFiber‐reinforced composites (FRC) are used to reinforce the prosthetic and restorative appliances. This may result in the exposure of the FRCs which may affect the adherence of microorganisms. This study evaluated the adhesion of Candida albicans to a denture base resin (N = 48), reinforced with E‐glass FRCs with different architectures [unidirectional (n = 16) and woven (n = 16)], when exposed to either saliva or distilled water.Materials and methodsSpecimens without FRC reinforcement served as control (n = 16). After fiber surfaces were exposed, half of the specimens (n = 8/per group) were treated with saliva, the other half was stored in distilled water prior to C. albicans adhesion. The adhered microorganisms were counted under an optical microscope and the data were analyzed.ResultsWhen exposed to distilled water or saliva, specimens with unidirectional (5403.4 cells/cm2 and 5013.4 cells/cm2, respectively) (p = 0.202), woven fibers (4053.5 cells/cm2 and 3726.6 cells/cm2, respectively) (p = 0.283) and specimens without fibers (2250 cells/cm2 and 2006.8 cells/cm2, respectively) (p = 0.423) showed C. albicans adhesion, being not significant. In general, all the specimens exposed to saliva showed 3582.2 cells/cm2 C. albicans adhesion, while specimens exposed to distilled water showed 3902 cells/cm2 C. albicans adhesion, yet being not significant (p = 0.436). Regarding fiber type, C. albicans adhesion was significantly affected by the exposed FRC architecture with more favorable results for woven fibers (p < 0.001).ConclusionPolymethylmethacrylate without FRCs collected less C. albicans. The presence of saliva seems to reduce the adhesion.
Evaluation of theGrazeIn model of grass dry‐matter intake and milk production prediction for dairy cows in temperate grass‐based production systems. 1–Sward characteristics and grazing management factors
Authors: O'Neill B. F. , Lewis E. , O'Donovan M. , Shalloo L. , Mulligan F. J. , Boland T. M. , Delagarde R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis study evaluated the prediction accuracy of grass dry‐matter intake (GDMI) and milk yield predicted by the modelGrazeIn using a database representing 522 grazing herds. TheGrazeIn input variables under consideration were fill value (FV), grass energy content [UnitéFourragèreLait (UFL)], grass protein value [true protein absorbable in the small intestine when rumen fermen energy is limiting microbial protein synthesis in the rumen (PDIE)], pre‐grazing herbage mass (PGHM), daily herbage allowance (DHA) and concentrate supplementation. GrazeIn was evaluated using the relative prediction error (RPE). The mean actualGDMIand milk yields of grazing herds in the database ranged from 9·9–22·0 kgDMper cow d−1and 8·9–41·8 kg per cow d−1, respectively. The accuracy of predictions for the total database estimated byRPEwas 12·2 and 12·8% forGDMIand milk yield, respectively. The mean bias (predicted minus actual) forGDMIwas −0·3 kgDMper cow d−1and for milk yield was +0·9 kg per cow d−1. GrazeIn predictedGDMIwith a level of error <13·4%RPEfor spring, summer and autumn. GrazeIn predicted milk yield in autumn (RPE = 17·6%) with a larger error in comparison with spring (RPE = 10·4%) and summer (RPE = 11·0%). Future studies should focus on the adaptation ofGrazeIn to correct and improve the prediction of milk yield in autumn.
Trends of gender gaps in life expectancy in Japan, 1947–2010: Associations with gender mortality ratio and a social development index
Authors: Liu Yan , Arai Asuna , Obayashi Yoshihide , Kanda Koji , Boostrom Eugene , Lee Romeo B. , Tamashiro Hiko 
Published: December 2012

AimThis study analyzed the trend of gender gaps in life expectancy (GGLE) in Japan between 1947 and 2010, and explored the correlations of GGLE with gender mortality ratio and social development indices.MethodsUsing GGLE and social indices data collected from the official websites, we carried out trends analysis of GGLE by calculating segmented average growth rates for different periods. We explored the association between GGLE and all‐cause mortality; and between GGLE and Human Development Index (HDI) while controlling for time trend, by computing the generalized additive models based on the software R (version 2.15).ResultsJapan's GGLE increased in a fluctuating fashion. Across 53 years, the average growth rates varied widely: 0.14% (1947–1956), 1.43% (1956–1974), 1.06% (1974–2004) and −0.60% (2004–2010) (overall average 0.87%). The value of GGLE peaked to 7.00 years in 2004, and then has slowly declined (6.75 years in 2010). Age‐adjusted all‐cause gender mortality ratio had a statistically positive association with GGLE (P < 0.01), whereas HDI was found to have no such association.ConclusionThe increased trend of GGLE in Japan could be partly explained by increased disease‐specific mortality ratios (male/female), especially those involving chronic bronchitis and emphysema, diseases of the liver, suicide and cancer. The recent decline of GGLE might imply that Japanese women have been catching up with the lifestyle of men, resulting in similar mortality patterns. This calls for gender‐sensitive approaches to developing policies and programs that will help sustain healthy lifestyles to combat smoking and alcohol intake, and social support to prevent suicide. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 792–797.
Dynamics of natural vegetation on the Tibetan Plateau from past to future using a comprehensive and sequential classification system and remote sensing data
Authors: Liang Tiangang , Feng Qisheng , Yu Hui , Huang Xiaodong , Lin Huilong , An Shazhou , Ren Jizhou 
Published: December 2012

AbstractLong‐term series of vegetation change is one of the key study contents for evaluating terrestrial ecosystems and plays an important role in global change study. The CSCS (Comprehensive and Sequential Classification System) model was used in the paper to analyze the change of Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV) types during the period 1951–2000 and for the three future years 2020, 2050 and 2080. The growth conditions for each PNV type were analyzed based on MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) datasets on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) from 2001 to 2010. The results showed that: (i) The mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual temperature (MAT) had increasing trends (1.72 mm year−1 and 0.025°C year−1, respectively) over the past 50 years from 1951 to 2000. (ii) Based on the three general circulation models (CCCMA, CSRIO and HadCM3), the MAT and MAP on TP would increase in the future, with magnitudes 3.54 to 6.08°C and 28.71 mm to 126.84 mm from 2000 to 2080, respectively; it is also predicted that two new vegetation categories: warm desert and savanna would appear in the future and that the area of forest would increase significantly, while the area of grassland would have an obvious decreasing trend. And (iii) Overall, the ecological environment of vegetation in the recent 10 years has been improved in most of the areas in central and southern regions of Qinghai Province, but degraded in some areas of Sichuan Province, and the southwest and south of Tibet.
Su(fu) switches Rdx functions to fine‐tune hedgehog signaling in the Drosophila wing disk
Authors: Seong Ki‐Hyeon , Ishii Shunsuke 
Published: December 2012

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a central role in pattern formation by regulating transcription factor Cubitus interruptus (Ci). Previously, Roadkill (Rdx, also called HIB) was shown to inhibit Ci activity by two distinct mechanisms, depending on the Hh signal strength (Seong et al. 2010, PLoS One 5, e15365). In the anterior region abutting the anterior/posterior (A/P) boundary of the wing disk, where cells receive a strong Hh signal, Rdx blocks the nuclear entry of Ci‐155. In contrast, in the region farther from the A/P boundary, where cells receive moderate levels of Hh, Rdx induces Ci‐155 degradation in the nucleus. Here, we report that Suppressor of fused, Su(fu), causes the Rdx switch between mechanisms. A strong Hh signal induces rdx expression and suppresses su(fu) expression, whereas moderate levels of Hh induce moderate levels of rdx expression and high levels of su(fu) expression. Rdx blocks entry of Ci‐155 into the nucleus in the absence of Su(fu) and Rdx induces the degradation of Ci‐155 in the nucleus in the presence of a threshold level of Su(fu). Thus, the Su(fu)‐induced switch between the dual actions of Rdx in response to the Hh signal strength plays a role in fine‐tuning Hh signaling.
Adapting Higher Education through Changes in Academic Work
Authors: Courtney Kathy 
Published: December 2012

AbstractInternationally, changes to academic work are a response to the massification of higher education and a changed and changing higher education context. The majority of these adjustments involve a casualisation of academic work, widely characterised as being of a de‐skilling nature, alongside the emergence of new, as well as changing, roles that typically function across traditional boundaries and frequently involve elements of up‐skilling. The paper points to the value of the latter group of adaptations, characterising them as ‘direct‐response’ changes to new environmental conditions. In contrast, de‐skilling adaptations, classed as ‘indirect‐response’ changes, are viewed as impacting negatively on key aspects of higher education. Inter‐professional teaching practices are advocated as an alternative to the casualisation strategy, based on the belief that it would empower large numbers of existing groups of higher education workers to make a fuller and richer contribution to student learning and help prepare them for an uncertain future.