bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microstructural and densiometric analysis of extra oral bone block grafts for maxillary horizontal bone augmentation: a comparison between calvarial bone and iliac crest
Authors: Monje Alberto , Monje Florencio , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Montanero‐Fernandez Jesus , Suarez Fernando , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPurposeThe main purpose of the present clinical study was to compare architectural metric parameters using micro‐computed tomography (μ‐CT) between sites grafted with blocks harvested from the intramembranous origin calvarium and endochondral origin iliac crest for horizontal bone augmentation in the maxilla. The second aim was to compare primary stability of implants placed in both types of block grafts.Material and MethodsNine consecutive healthy partially edentulous patients requiring extensive horizontal bone reconstruction in the maxilla were included in this study from July 2011 to March 2012. A total of 14 block grafts (seven each from the calvarium and iliac crest) were studied. After 6–7 months of the bone regeneration surgery, 43 implants were placed. Twenty‐four implants (55.2%) were placed on calvaria (group 1) and 19 (44.8%) on iliac crest (group 2). All implants were clinically stable. A resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and μ‐CT analysis were performed. Furthermore, two randomly biopsies were selected for histomorphometric analysis.ResultsMicro‐CT analyses evidenced completely different parametric values between intramembranous and endochondral extra oral bone block grafts, being the group 1 higher in density and in % of bone volume. However, these parametric values cannot be considered statistically different due to the sample size, excepting the trabecular thickness, which is statistically higher for group 1 (P = 0.06).ConclusionCalvarial bone blocks for horizontal maxillary augmentation provided a higher degree of bone volume and density than the iliac crest bone grafts. Nonetheless, both grafts provide implant with the same primary stability, as assessed by RFA.
Effects of mountaintop mining on fish distributions in central Appalachia
Authors: Hopkins Robert L. , Roush Jordan C. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMountaintop mining with valley fills (MTM/VF) is the main source of landscape change in central Appalachia. While our knowledge of the local‐scale effects of MTM/VF on stream chemistry and biotic assemblages has recently improved, the effects at the landscape scale are less well known. In this study, we explore the effects of MTM/VF on the distributions of six fish species with contrasting ecologies in the upper Kentucky River basin, an area heavily affected by MTM/VF. Using a museum‐based data set of 239 occurrence records, land use/land cover data and boosted regression tree modelling, we were able to create robust predictive models for the focal species (AUCs = 0.82–0.93). Models explained from 41.2 to 71.9% of the variation in species distributions. We detected a marked negative influence of MTM/VF in four of the six species distribution models – with relative influences ranging from 5.9–12.7%. Species typically inhabiting faster‐flowing riffle and run mesohabitats appeared to respond more strongly to MTM/VF. Interestingly, the mean patch size of MTM/VF was more influential than the overall proportion of the watershed affected by MTM/VF in our models. Thus, our data suggest the spatial pattern of mining disturbance is very important in determining the cumulative impact of MTM/VF. Considering the central Appalachian region is a continental hot spot for freshwater biodiversity, establishing a firm understanding of the effects of MTM/VF at the landscape scale is essential if we wish to protect these natural resources.
First report of Bursaphelenchus hellenicus Skarmoutsos, Braasch, Michalopoulou (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) from Turkey
Authors: Akbulut S. , Braasch H. , Cebeci H. H. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryA survey was conducted in forest sites of the Muğla Regional Forest Directorates for the presence of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Wood samples were collected from declining pine and cedar trees. A total of 207 samples were taken, and nematodes were extracted, observed and identified. The pinewood nematode was not detected, but another Bursaphelenchus species was recovered from the wood of a Pinus brutia tree in Eşen‐Karadere location in Fethiye, which strongly resembled the original description of B. hellenicus. It was identified as this species by morphology and ITS‐RFLP. Measurements and diagnostic features are presented. This is the first report of B. hellenicus from Turkey.
Prolongation of QTc intervals and risk of death among patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Upadhya Bharathi , Ntim William , Brandon Stacey Richard , Henderson Rick , Leedy David , O'Brien Francis X. , Knovich Mary Ann 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundUnexplained sudden death is common among patients with sickle cell diseases (SCD). QTc prolongation is a risk factor for fatal arrhythmias among adults. This study sought to identify the predictors for QTc prolongation and determine whether QTc prolongation is associated with increased mortality in patients with SCD.MethodsWe reviewed the electrocardiograms (EKG) and the transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) of 140 consecutive adults (>18 years) with SCD from October 1996 to January of 2012. QTc prolongation was categorized into three gender‐specific categories based on previous publications. Stepwise regression was performed to evaluate QTc interval and mortality as dependent variables. Hemolytic burden as reflected in laboratory evaluation, diastolic, and systolic TTE variables were included in this model.ResultsIn a stepwise regression analysis, only increased tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRV) (r = 0.483, P = 0.015) had a significant association with QTc interval. Among 49 (35%) patients, the QTc interval was persistently prolonged (PP) (>450 ms in men, >470 ms in women). Twenty‐one patients (15%) died over 9 years of follow‐up. PP QTc was associated with increased mortality (HR; 8.3 with 95% CI: 2.8–24.6, P < 0.001) compared with normal QTc. In stepwise regression analysis, along with increased TRV (P = 0.005) and acute chest syndrome (P < 0.001), prolonged QTc (P = 0.004) was independently associated with increased mortality.ConclusionProlonged QTc among the patients with SCD is an independent risk factor for increased mortality.
Locomotor Performance Varies With Adult Phenotype in Ornamented/Non‐Ornamented Wolf Spiders
Authors: Fowler‐Finn Kasey D. , Rosenthal Malcolm F. , Hebets Eileen A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLocomotor performance constitutes a major component of whole‐animal performance and is involved in several fitness‐related behaviors. Locomotor capabilities may also correspond positively or negatively to sexually selected traits (e.g., male ornamentation and/or courtship displays). Negative correlations are predicted if secondary sexual traits take the form of morphological modifications that impose physical or energetic limitations. We tested this cost of secondary sexual traits by comparing locomotor performance in male Schizocosa wolf spiders that exhibit two distinct phenotypes. These phenotypes vary in the presence/absence of a morphological feature assumed to function as sexual ornamentation—foreleg brushes. Given the conspicuously large brushes of hair on the brush‐legged phenotype, we expected these males to suffer in locomotor performance. We tested this cost by comparing locomotor performance among male phenotypes (brush‐legged and non‐ornamented) and females at immature and adult life stages. We did not find strong support for costs of brushes on locomotion. First, brush‐legged males showed similar average speeds and endurance as both non‐ornamented males and females. Second, while brush‐legged males were slower at maximum speeds than non‐ornamented males as matures (but not as immatures), they were no slower than mature females. Further, we found no variation in endurance among phenotypes or life stages. Finally, brush size did not correspond to speed. Patterns of morphological variation in traits other than ornamentation may explain these patterns: when morphological variation in leg lengths was accounted for, differences in maximum speed among groups disappeared. We suggest that the faster speeds achieved by non‐ornamented males arise as a by‐product of selection on morphology and musculature potentially necessary for vigorous courtship.
Beyond Kyoto: The EU's Contribution to a More Sustainable World Economy
Authors: Pérez de las Heras Beatriz 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe EU has been leading the world fight against climate change since the late 1990s. This activism on the international scene has served as a stimulus for a common action against global warming that has, in the last 10 years, become a world referent and the central issue in the EU environmental policy. The most relevant initiative is the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions trading scheme (ETS), adopted in fulfilment of the Kyoto Protocol. In 2008, the EU adopted a new set of measures on climate and energy for the post‐Kyoto period (2013–2020). This new legal framework, coupled with the provisions introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon and the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy, represents the EU's commitment to promote a more sustainable European and world economic model.
Structural basis for protein trans‐splicing by a bacterial intein‐like domain – protein ligation without nucleophilic side chains
Authors: Aranko A. Sesilja , Oeemig Jesper S. , Iwaï Hideo 
Published: April 2013

Protein splicing in trans by split inteins has become a useful tool for protein engineering in vivo and in vitro. Inteins require Cys, Ser or Thr at the first residue of the C‐terminal flanking sequence because a thiol or hydroxyl group in the side chains is a nucleophile indispensable for the trans‐esterification step during protein splicing. Newly‐identified distinct sequences with homology to the hedgehog/intein superfamily, called bacterial intein‐like (BIL) domains, often do not have Cys, Ser, or Thr as the obligatory nucleophilic residue found in inteins. We demonstrated that BIL domains from Clostridium thermocellum (Cth) are proficient at protein splicing without any sequence changes. We determined the first solution NMR structure of a BIL domain, CthBIL4, to guide engineering of split BIL domains for protein ligation. The newly‐engineered split BIL domain could catalyze protein ligation by trans‐splicing. Protein ligation without any nucleophilic residues of Cys, Ser and Thr could alleviate junction sequence requirements for protein trans‐splicing imposed by split inteins and could broaden applications of protein ligation by protein trans‐splicing.DatabaseThe resonance assignments and structure coordinates have been deposited in BMRB (18653) and RCSB (2LWY)
Endosomal trafficking of the receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK proceeds via clathrin‐dependent pathways, Arf6 and actin
Authors: Luiskandl Susan , Woller Barbara , Schlauf Marlies , Schmid Johannes A. , Herbst Ruth 
Published: April 2013

Muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK), a receptor tyrosine kinase, is the key player during the formation of the neuromuscular junction. Signal transduction events downstream of MuSK activation induce both pre‐ and postsynaptic differentiation, which, most prominently, includes the clustering of acetylcholine receptors at synaptic sites. More recently, regulated MuSK endocytosis and degradation have been implicated as crucial events for MuSK signalling activity, implicating a cross‐talk between signalling and endocytosis. In the present study, we use a live imaging approach to study MuSK endocytosis. We find that MuSK is internalized via a clathrin‐, dynamin‐dependent pathway. MuSK is transported to Rab7‐positive endosomes for degradation and recycled via Rab4‐ and Rab11‐positive vesicles. MuSK activation by Dok7 mildly affects the localization of MuSK on the cell surface but has no effect on the rate of MuSK internalization. Interestingly, MuSK colocalizes with actin and Arf6 at the cell surface and during endosomal trafficking. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton or the proper function of Arf6 concentrates MuSK in cell protrusions. Moreover, inhibition of Arf6 or cytoskeletal rearrangements impairs acetylcholine receptor clustering and phosphorylation. These results suggest that MuSK uses both classical and nonclassical endosomal pathways that involve a variety of different components of the endosomal machinery.Structured digital abstract

MuSK and Arf6 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View Interaction: 1, 2)

MuSK and Rab4 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)

MuSK and Rab11 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)

MuSK and Rab7 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)
Probing determinants of cyclopiazonic acid sensitivity of bacterial Ca2+‐ATPases
Authors: Kotšubei Aljona , Gorgel Manuela , Morth Jens P. , Nissen Poul , Andersen Jacob L. 
Published: April 2013

Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is a specific and potent inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase 1a (SERCA1a). Despite high sequence similarity to SERCA1a, Listeria monocytogenes Ca2+‐ATPase 1 (LMCA1) is not inhibited by CPA. To test whether a CPA binding site could be created while maintaining the functionality of the ATPase we targeted four amino acid positions in LMCA1 for mutational studies based on a multiple sequence alignment of SERCA‐like Ca2+‐ATPases and structural analysis of the CPA site. The identification of CPA‐sensitive gain‐of‐function mutants pinpointed key determinants of the CPA binding site. The importance of these determinants was further underscored by the characterization of the CPA sensitivity of two additional bacterial Ca2+‐ATPases from Lactococcus lactis and Bacillus cereus. The CPA sensitivity was predicted from their sequence compared with the LMCA1 results, and this was experimentally confirmed. Interestingly, a cluster of Lactococcus bacteria applied in the production of fermented cheese display Ca2+‐ATPases that are predictably CPA insensitive and may originate from their coexistence with CPA‐producing Penicillum and Aspergillus fungi in the cheese. The differences between bacterial and mammalian binding pockets encompassing the CPA site suggest that CPA derivatives that are specific for bacteria or other pathogens can be developed.DatabaseLMCA1 (EC: 3.6.3.8), SERCA1a (EC: 3.6.3.8)
OxyR acts as a transcriptional repressor of hydrogen peroxide‐inducible antioxidant genes in Corynebacterium glutamicum R
Authors: Teramoto Haruhiko , Inui Masayuki , Yukawa Hideaki 
Published: April 2013

OxyR, a LysR‐type transcriptional regulator, has been established as a redox‐responsive activator of antioxidant genes in bacteria. This study shows that OxyR acts as a transcriptional repressor of katA, dps, ftn and cydA in Corynebacterium glutamicum R. katA encodes H2O2‐detoxifing enzyme catalase, dps and ftn are implicated in iron homeostasis and cydA encodes a subunit of cytochrome bd oxidase. Quantitative RT‐PCR analyses revealed that expression of katA and dps, but not of ftn and cydA, was induced by H2O2. Disruption of the oxyR gene encoding OxyR resulted in a marked increase in katA and dps mRNAs to a level higher than that induced by H2O2, and the oxyR‐deficient mutant showed a H2O2‐resistant phenotype. This is in contrast to the conventional OxyR‐dependent regulatory model. ftn and cydA were also upregulated by oxyR disruption but to a smaller extent. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that the OxyR protein specifically binds to all four upstream regions of the respective genes under reducing conditions. We observed that the oxidized form of OxyR similarly bound to not only the target promoter regions, but also nonspecific DNA fragments. Based on these findings, we propose that the transcriptional repression by OxyR is alleviated under oxidative stress conditions in a titration mechanism due to the decreased specificity of its DNA‐binding activity. DNase I footprinting analyses revealed that the OxyR‐binding site in the four target promoters is ~ 50 bp in length and has multiple T‐N11‐A motifs, a feature of LysR‐type transcriptional regulators, but no significant overall sequence conservation.
Does Beginning Foreign Language in Kindergarten Make a Difference? Results of One District's Study
Authors: Boyson Beverly A. , Semmer Martha , Thompson Lynn E. , Rosenbusch Marcia H. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractEducators have generally believed that foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten or earlier to promote optimum oral language development (e.g., Abbott, ; Curtain & Dahlberg, 2010; Rhodes & Pufahl, ; Rosenbusch, ; Swender & Duncan, ). This article describes two Spanish programs in the Westport (Connecticut) Public Schools district: their new, long‐sequence K–8 program and the short‐sequence Grade 5–8 program it replaced. A five‐year study examined students' oral and listening comprehension proficiency levels in each program at the end of Grades 5 and 8. Results at these grade levels were compared to determine program effectiveness. Students who began in kindergarten attained statistically higher proficiency levels than those who began in Grade 5. This longitudinal study strongly supports school‐based language instruction beginning in kindergarten.
The use of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Fanconi anaemia patients: a survey of decision making among families in the US and Canada
Authors: Hutson Sadie P. , Han Paul K. J. , Hamilton Jada G. , Rife Sean C. , Al‐Rahawan Mohamad M. , Moser Richard P. , Duty Seth P. , Anand Sheeba , Alter Blanche P. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundFanconi anaemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder associated with bone marrow failure (BMF), congenital anomalies and cancer susceptibility. Stem cell transplantation (SCT) offers a potential cure for BMF or leukaemia, but incurs substantial risks. Little is known about factors influencing SCT decision making.ObjectiveThe study objective was to explore factors influencing patients' with FA and family members' decision making about SCT.DesignUsing a mixed‐methods exploratory design, we surveyed US and Canadian patients with FA and family members who were offered SCT.Main variables studiedClosed‐ended survey items measured respondents' beliefs about the necessity, risks and concerns regarding SCT; multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between these factors and the decision to undergo SCT. Open‐ended survey items measured respondents' perceptions of factors important to the SCT decision; qualitative analysis was used to identify emergent themes.ResultsThe decision to undergo SCT was significantly associated with greater perceived necessity (OR = 2.81, P = 0.004) and lower concern about harms of SCT (OR = 0.31, P = 0.03). Qualitative analysis revealed a perceived lack of choice among respondents regarding the use of SCT, which was related to physician influence and respondent concerns about patients' quality of life.ConclusionsOverall, study results emphasize the importance of the delicate interplay between provider recommendation of a medical procedure and patient/parental perceptions and decision making. Findings can help providers understand the need to acknowledge family members' perceptions of SCT decision making and offer a comprehensive discussion of the necessity, risks, benefits and potential outcomes.
FADD expression is associated with regional and distant metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Pattje W J , Melchers L J , Slagter‐Menkema L , Mastik M F , Schrijvers M L , Gibcus J H , Kluin P M , Hoegen‐Chouvalova O , van der Laan B F A M , Roodenburg J L N , van der Wal J E , Schuuring E , Langendijk J A 
Published: April 2013

AimsThe Fas‐associated death domain gene (FADD) is often overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC), and is considered to be a driver gene in amplification of the chromosomal 11q13.3 region. Amplification of 11q13.3 is associated with increased metastasis in HNSCC and breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between FADD protein expression in advanced‐stage HNSCC and clinicopathological features and outcome.Methods and resultsTumour tissues of 177 HNSCC patients uniformly treated with primary surgery and postoperative radiotherapy were collected. FADD expression was assessed on pretreatment tumour biopsies using immunohistochemistry. High FADD expression was detected in 44% of the HNSCC patients. High expression was associated with an increased rate of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001) and with a shorter distant metastasis‐free interval (DMFI) (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0–6.7, P = 0.046) when lymph node metastases were present.ConclusionsOur data show that an increase in FADD expression is associated with a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis at presentation, and with shorter DMFI when lymph node metastases are present. High FADD expression in the primary tumour could be a useful marker to select patients for systemic treatment strategies that reduce the risk of distant metastases.
Analysis of electrical property changes of skin by oil‐in‐water emulsion components
Authors: Jeong C. B. , Han J. Y. , Cho J. C. , Suh K. D. , Nam G. W. 
Published: April 2013

SynopsisObjectivesAs the ‘Dry Skin Cycle’ produces continuous deterioration, cosmetic xerosis (flaky, dry skin) is one of the major concerns to most consumers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the moisturizing effect of oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion components. There are numerous types of oils, waxes, polyols and surfactants used as ingredients in skincare products. However, the moisturizing effect of each ingredient and understanding each use to make an effective moisturizing products are still not well understood.MethodsTo provide answers to these questions, we investigated the moisturizing effect of widely used 41 components (four different classes) in a simple O/W emulsion using capacitance methods. 106 different single oils, and combinations of oil with oil, wax, humectants, and surfactant were formulated and tested.ResultsIn this study, we found that most of the O/W emulsion components had hydration effects on the skin. (i) The average relative water content increase (RWCI) rate of a single oil‐based emulsion was 11.8 ± 5.2% (SE) and 7.9 ± 6.0% (SE) at 3 and 6 h, respectively. (ii) An oil combination emulsion showed an average RWCI rate similar to that of a single oil‐based emulsion, 12.6 ± 6.0% (SE) and 12.1 ± 6.4% (SE) at 3 and 6 h, respectively (iii) A combination of waxes with oil showed an average RWCI rate of 16 ± 5.6% (SE) and 12.4 ± 4.5% (SE) at 3 and 6 h, respectively. (iv) Humectant combinations showed the highest average RWCI rate 28 ± 7.3% (SE) and 22.2 ± 7.5% (SE) at 3 and 6 h, respectively (v) Surfactant combinations had an average RWCI of 10.8 ± 4.5% (SE) and 6.0 ± 4.0% (SE) at 3 and 6 h, respectively.ConclusionInterestingly, it was difficult to find moisturizing power differences among samples in the same group. Only the humectants group showed significant differences among samples. Glycerine and urea showed significant skin hydration effects compared with other humectants. We also found a significant moisturizing effect by analysing the chemical functional groups; amide class had a higher hydration effect than betaines and disaccharides in humectants combination.