bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valores morales, empatía e identificación con los personajes de ficción. El universo representativo de “Cuéntame cómo pasó” (TVE)
Authors: Sánchez-Castillo Sebastián
Published: May 2014

En la presente investigación se muestran los resultados de un estudio de base experimental sobre el análisis de los valores morales presentes en la serie emitida por Televisión Española “Cuéntame cómo pasó”. La discusión se centra en los valores morales como el aspecto nuclear de este constructo audiovisual, en especial en su posible correlación con la identificación de los personajes y la empatía ficcional del formato. En el estudio participaron 47 estudiantes universitarios y 36 personas de más edad, quienes fueron sometidos a unos cuestionarios analíticos anteriores y posteriores al visionado de dos capítulos de la serie televisiva. Tras la aplicación pre-test y post-test de la Escala de Comportamientos Morales Controvertidos, y las escalas EDI (Identificación con los personajes de relatos audiovisuales de ficción) e IRI (Interpersonal Reactivity Index), se revela que aunque el sexo y la edad no son factores explicativos, el visionado del capítulo de ficción es capaz de provocar un cambio en la escala moral en los sujetos.
Ernst Mally’s Anticipation of Encoding
Authors: Linsky Bernard
Published: May 2014

Ernst Mally’s Gegenstandstheoretische Grundlagen der Logik und Logistik (1912) proposes that the abstract object “the circle” does not satisfy the properties of circles, but instead “determines” the class of circles. In this he anticipates the notion of “encoding” that Edward Zalta proposes for his theory of Abstract Objects. It is argued that Mally did anticipate the notion of “encoding”, but sees it as a way of taking the concept as the subject of a proposition, rather than as a primitive notion in the theory of a new ontological category of abstract objects, as Zalta does.
José L. Zalabardo (ed.), Wittgenstein’s Early Philosophy
Authors: Gustafsson Martin
Published: May 2014

Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012. 264pp. £ 40.00 (hardcover). ISBN 978–0–19–969152–4
Early Russell on Types and Plurals
Authors: Klement Kevin
Published: May 2014

In 1903, in The Principles of Mathematics (PoM), Russell endorsed an account of classes whereupon a class fundamentally is to be considered many things, and not one, and used this thesis to explicate his first version of a theory of types, adding that it formed the logical justification for the grammatical distinction between singular and plural. The view, however, was shortlived— rejected before PoM even appeared in print. However, aside from mentions of a few misgivings, there is little evidence about why he abandoned this view. In this paper, I attempt to clarify Russell’s early views about plurality, arguing that they did not involve countenancing special kinds of plural things distinct from individuals. I also clarify what his misgivings about these views were, making it clear that while the plural understanding of classes helped solve certain forms of Russell’s paradox, certain other Cantorian paradoxes remained. Finally, I aim to show that Russell’s abandonment of something like plural logic is understandable given his own conception of logic and philosophical aims when compared to the views and approaches taken by contemporary advocates of plural logic.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Activation in the Nucleus Accumbens Core Suppresses Feeding by Increasing Glutamatergic AMPA/Kainate Signaling
Authors: Mietlicki-Baase Elizabeth G. , Ortinski Pavel I. , Reiner David J. , Sinon Christopher G. , McCutcheon James E. , Pierce R. Christopher , Roitman Mitchell F. , Hayes Matthew R.
Published: May 2014

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activation in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core is pharmacologically and physiologically relevant for regulating palatable food intake. Here, we assess whether GLP-1R signaling in the NAc core of rats modulates GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSNs) through presynaptic-glutamatergic and/or presynaptic-dopaminergic signaling to control feeding. First,ex vivofast-scan cyclic voltammetry showed that the GLP-1R agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4) does not alter dopamine release in the NAc core. Instead, support for a glutamatergic mechanism was provided byex vivoelectrophysiological analyses showing that Ex-4 activates presynaptic GLP-1Rs in the NAc core to increase the activity of MSNs via a glutamatergic, AMPA/kainate receptor-mediated mechanism, indicated by increased mEPSC frequency and decreased paired pulse ratio in core MSNs. Only a small, direct excitatory effect on MSNs by Ex-4 was observed, suggesting that the contribution of postsynaptic GLP-1R to MSN activity is minimal. The behavioral relevance of the electrophysiological data was confirmed by the finding that intracore injection of the AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist CNQX attenuated the ability of NAc core GLP-1R activation by Ex-4 microinjection to suppress food intake and body weight gain; in contrast, intracore NMDA receptor blockade by AP-5 did not inhibit the energy balance effects of NAc core Ex-4. Together, these data provide evidence for a novel glutamatergic, but not dopaminergic, mechanism by which NAc core GLP-1Rs promote negative energy balance.
Hyperlipidemic Diet Causes Loss of Olfactory Sensory Neurons, Reduces Olfactory Discrimination, and Disrupts Odor-Reversal Learning
Authors: Thiebaud Nicolas , Johnson Melissa C. , Butler Jessica L. , Bell Genevieve A. , Ferguson Kassandra L. , Fadool Andrew R. , Fadool James C. , Gale Alana M. , Gale David S. , Fadool Debra A.
Published: May 2014

Currently, 65% of Americans are overweight, which leads to well-supported cardiovascular and cognitive declines. Little, however, is known concerning obesity's impact on sensory systems. Because olfaction is linked with ingestive behavior to guide food choice, its potential dysfunction during obesity could evoke a positive feedback loop to perpetuate poor ingestive behaviors. To determine the effect of chronic energy imbalance and reveal any structural or functional changes associated with obesity, we induced long-term, diet-induced obesity by challenging mice to high-fat diets: (1) in an obesity-prone (C57BL/6J) and obesity-resistant (Kv1.3−/−) line of mice, and compared this with (2) late-onset, genetic-induced obesity inMC4R−/−mice in which diabetes secondarily precipitates after disruption of the hypothalamic axis. We report marked loss of olfactory sensory neurons and their axonal projections after exposure to a fatty diet, with a concomitant reduction in electro-olfactogram amplitude. Loss of olfactory neurons and associated circuitry is linked to changes in neuronal proliferation and normal apoptotic cycles. Using a computer-controlled, liquid-based olfactometer, mice maintained on fatty diets learn reward-reinforced behaviors more slowly, have deficits in reversal learning demonstrating behavioral inflexibility, and exhibit reduced olfactory discrimination. When obese mice are removed from their high-fat diet to regain normal body weight and fasting glucose, olfactory dysfunctions are retained. We conclude that chronic energy imbalance therefore presents long-lasting structural and functional changes in the operation of the sensory system designed to encode external and internal chemical information and leads to altered olfactory- and reward-driven behaviors.
Neural Progenitor Cell Implants in the Lesioned Medial Longitudinal Fascicle of Adult Cats Regulate Synaptic Composition and Firing Properties of Abducens Internuclear Neurons
Authors: Morado-Díaz Camilo J. , Matarredona Esperanza R. , Morcuende Sara , Talaverón Rocío , Davis-López de Carrizosa María A. , de la Cruz Rosa R. , Pastor Angel M.
Published: May 2014

Transplants of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) into the injured CNS have been proposed as a powerful tool for brain repair, but, to date, few studies on the physiological response of host neurons have been reported. Therefore, we explored the effects of NPC implants on the discharge characteristics and synaptology of axotomized abducens internuclear neurons, which mediate gaze conjugacy for horizontal eye movements. NPCs were isolated from the subventricular zone of neonatal cats and implanted at the site of transection in the medial longitudinal fascicle of adult cats. Abducens internuclear neurons of host animals showed a complete restoration of axotomy-induced alterations in eye position sensitivity, but eye velocity sensitivity was only partially regained. Analysis of the inhibitory and excitatory components of the discharge revealed a normal re-establishment of inhibitory inputs, but only partial re-establishment of excitatory inputs. Moreover, their inhibitory terminal coverage was similar to that in controls, indicating that there was ultimately no loss of inhibitory synaptic inputs. Somatic coverage by synaptophysin-positive contacts, however, showed intermediate values between control animals and animals that had undergone axotomy, likely due to partial loss of excitatory inputs. We also demonstrated that severed axons synaptically contacted NPCs, most of which were VEGF immunopositive, and that abducens internuclear neurons expressed the VEGF receptor Flk1. Together, our results suggest that VEGF neurotrophic support might underlie the increased inhibitory-to-excitatory balance observed in the postimplant cells. The noteworthy improvement of firing properties of injured neurons following NPC implants indicates that these cells might provide a promising therapeutic strategy after neuronal lesions.
Thinking Outside the Box: Rectilinear Shapes Selectively Activate Scene-Selective Cortex
Authors: Nasr Shahin , Echavarria Cesar E. , Tootell Roger B.H.
Published: May 2014

Fifteen years ago, an intriguing area was found in human visual cortex. This area (the parahippocampal place area [PPA]) was initially interpreted as responding selectively to images of places. However, subsequent studies reported that PPA also responds strongly to a much wider range of image categories, including inanimate objects, tools, spatial context, landmarks, objectively large objects, indoor scenes, and/or isolated buildings. Here, we hypothesized that PPA responds selectively to a lower-level stimulus property (rectilinear features), which are common to many of the above higher-order categories. Using a novel wavelet image filter, we first demonstrated that rectangular features are common in these diverse stimulus categories. Then we tested whether PPA is selectively activated by rectangular features in six independent fMRI experiments using progressively simplified stimuli, from complex real-world images, through 3D/2D computer-generated shapes, through simple line stimuli. We found that PPA was consistently activated by rectilinear features, compared with curved and nonrectangular features. This rectilinear preference was (1) comparable in amplitude and selectivity, relative to the preference for category (scenes vs faces), (2) independent of known biases for specific orientations and spatial frequency, and (3) not predictable from V1 activity. Two additional scene-responsive areas were sensitive to a subset of rectilinear features. Thus, rectilinear selectivity may serve as a crucial building block for category-selective responses in PPA and functionally related areas.
Functional Fractionation of the Stimulus-Driven Attention Network
Authors: Han Suk Won , Marois René
Published: May 2014

A novel, salient event in the environment powerfully captures attention. This stimulus-driven attentional capture not only includes orienting of attention toward the event, but also an evaluative process to determine the behavioral significance and appropriate response to the event. Whereas a network of human brain regions composed of prefrontal and temporoparietal regions have been associated with stimulus-driven attention, the neural substrates of orienting have never been teased apart from those of evaluative processes. Here we used fMRI to measure the human brain's response to the temporally extended presentations of salient, task-irrelevant stimuli, and found a clear functional dissociation in the stimulus-driven attention network; the anterior insula and cingulate cortex showed transient orienting responses to the onsets and offsets of the stimuli, whereas the temporoparietal cortex exhibited sustained activity throughout event evaluation. The lateral prefrontal cortex was implicated in both attentional and evaluative processes, pointing to its central, integrative role in stimulus-driven attention.
Dose-Dependent Effects of Theta Burst rTMS on Cortical Excitability and Resting-State Connectivity of the Human Motor System
Authors: Nettekoven Charlotte , Volz Lukas J. , Kutscha Martha , Pool Eva-Maria , Rehme Anne K. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Fink Gereon R. , Grefkes Christian
Published: May 2014

Theta burst stimulation (TBS), a specific protocol of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), induces changes in cortical excitability that last beyond stimulation. TBS-induced aftereffects, however, vary between subjects, and the mechanisms underlying these aftereffects to date remain poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether increasing the number of pulses of intermittent TBS (iTBS) (1) increases cortical excitability as measured by motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and (2) alters functional connectivity measured using resting-state fMRI, in a dose-dependent manner. Sixteen healthy, human subjects received three serially applied iTBS blocks of 600 pulses over the primary motor cortex (M1 stimulation) and the parieto-occipital vertex (sham stimulation) to test for dose-dependent iTBS effects on cortical excitability and functional connectivity (four sessions in total). iTBS over M1 increased MEP amplitudes compared with sham stimulation after each stimulation block. Although the increase in MEP amplitudes did not differ between the first and second block of M1 stimulation, we observed a significant increase after three blocks (1800 pulses). Furthermore, iTBS enhanced resting-state functional connectivity between the stimulated M1 and premotor regions in both hemispheres. Functional connectivity between M1 and ipsilateral dorsal premotor cortex further increased dose-dependently after 1800 pulses of iTBS over M1. However, no correlation between changes in MEP amplitudes and functional connectivity was detected. In summary, our data show that increasing the number of iTBS stimulation blocks results in dose-dependent effects at the local level (cortical excitability) as well as at a systems level (functional connectivity) with a dose-dependent enhancement of dorsal premotor cortex-M1 connectivity.
Effects of Being Imitated on Motor Responses Evoked by Pain Observation: Exerting Control Determines Action Tendencies When Perceiving Pain in Others
Authors: De Coster Lize , Andres Michael , Brass Marcel
Published: May 2014

Brain-imaging research has shown that experiencing pain oneself and perceiving pain in others lead to a similar pattern of activation, suggesting that the latter is based on internal simulation of the observed pain. Further evidence for this idea stems from transcranial magnetic stimulation measuring corticospinal excitability (CSE). It has been demonstrated that our motor cortex is involved whenever we observe another person receiving painful stimulation to the hand (Avenanti et al., 2005). However, both decreases and increases of CSE have been described during pain observation, so the exact nature of these CSE changes has remained unclear so far. In the present study, we hypothesized that CSE changes are determined by the control that the observer has over the hand that receives painful stimulation. To test this hypothesis, we manipulated the control over the observed hand using a paradigm in which participants' movements are being imitated by a hand on screen—giving them full control over the hand—or not. Consistent with previous results, we evidenced a decrease in CSE when participants experienced no control over the hand that received painful stimulation. In contrast, inducing control resulted in an increase in CSE. We conclude that exerting control over the observed hand leads to a completely altered action tendency. Whereas an anesthetic response is typically observed in the absence of control, increasing control induces motor facilitation reminiscent of preparation of an avoidance response.
Complementary Roles of Human Hippocampal Subregions during Retrieval of Spatiotemporal Context
Authors: Copara Milagros S. , Hassan Abdul S. , Kyle Colin T. , Libby Laura A. , Ranganath Charan , Ekstrom Arne D.
Published: May 2014

Current evidence strongly supports the central involvement of the human medial temporal lobes (MTL) in storing and retrieving memories for recently experienced events. However, a critical remaining question regards exactly how the hippocampus and surrounding cortex represents spatiotemporal context defining an event in memory. Competing accounts suggest that this process may be accomplished by the following: (1) an overall increase in neural similarity of representations underlying spatial and temporal context, (2) a differentiation of competing spatiotemporal representations, or (3) a combination of the two processes, with different subregions performing these two functions within the MTL. To address these competing proposals, we used high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging targeting the MTL along with a multivariate pattern similarity approach with 19 participants. While undergoing imaging, participants performed a task in which they retrieved spatial and temporal contextual representations from a recently learned experience. Results showed that successfully retrieving spatiotemporal context defining an episode involved a decrease in pattern similarity between putative spatial and temporal contextual representations in hippocampal subfields CA2/CA3/DG, whereas the parahippocampal cortex (PHC) showed the opposite pattern. These findings could not be accounted for by differences in univariate activations for complete versus partial retrieval nor differences in correlations for correct or incorrect retrieval. Together, these data suggest that the CA2/CA3/DG serves to differentiate competing contextual representations, whereas the PHC stores a comparatively integrated trace of scene-specific context, both of which likely play important roles in successful episodic memory retrieval.
Optogenetic Manipulation of Activity and Temporally Controlled Cell-Specific Ablation Reveal a Role for MCH Neurons in Sleep/Wake Regulation
Authors: Tsunematsu Tomomi , Ueno Takafumi , Tabuchi Sawako , Inutsuka Ayumu , Tanaka Kenji F. , Hasuwa Hidetoshi , Kilduff Thomas S. , Terao Akira , Yamanaka Akihiro
Published: May 2014

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a neuropeptide produced in neurons sparsely distributed in the lateral hypothalamic area. Recent studies have reported that MCH neurons are active during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but their physiological role in the regulation of sleep/wakefulness is not fully understood. To determine the physiological role of MCH neurons, newly developed transgenic mouse strains that enable manipulation of the activity and fate of MCH neuronsin vivowere generated using the recently developed knockin-mediated enhanced gene expression by improved tetracycline-controlled gene induction system. The activity of these cells was controlled by optogenetics by expressing channelrhodopsin2 (E123T/T159C) or archaerhodopsin-T in MCH neurons. Acute optogenetic activation of MCH neurons at 10 Hz induced transitions from non-REM (NREM) to REM sleep and increased REM sleep time in conjunction with decreased NREM sleep. Activation of MCH neurons while mice were in NREM sleep induced REM sleep, but activation during wakefulness was ineffective. Acute optogenetic silencing of MCH neurons using archaerhodopsin-T had no effect on any vigilance states. Temporally controlled ablation of MCH neurons by cell-specific expression of diphtheria toxin A increased wakefulness and decreased NREM sleep duration without affecting REM sleep. Together, these results indicate that acute activation of MCH neurons is sufficient, but not necessary, to trigger the transition from NREM to REM sleep and that MCH neurons also play a role in the initiation and maintenance of NREM sleep.
Suppression of InsP3Receptor-Mediated Ca2+Signaling Alleviates Mutant Presenilin-Linked Familial Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Shilling Dustin , Müller Marioly , Takano Hajime , Daniel Mak Don-On , Abel Ted , Coulter Douglas A. , Foskett J. Kevin
Published: May 2014

Exaggerated intracellular Ca2+signaling is a robust proximal phenotype observed in cells expressing familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD)-causing mutant presenilins (PSs). The mechanisms that underlie this phenotype are controversial and theirin vivorelevance for AD pathogenesis is unknown. Here, we used a genetic approach to identify the mechanisms involved and to evaluate their role in the etiology of AD in two FAD mouse models. Genetic reduction of the type 1 inositol trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R1) by 50% normalized exaggerated Ca2+signaling observed in cortical and hippocampal neurons in both animal models. In PS1M146V knock-in mice, reduced InsP3R1 expression restored normal ryanodine receptor and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-dependent gene expression and rescued aberrant hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). In 3xTg mice, reduced InsP3R1 expression profoundly attenuated amyloid β accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation and rescued hippocampal LTP and memory deficits. These results indicate that exaggerated Ca2+signaling, which is associated with FAD PS, is mediated by InsP3R and contributes to disease pathogenesisin vivo. Targeting the InsP3signaling pathway could be considered a potential therapeutic strategy for patients harboring mutations in PS linked to AD.
SIRT2 induces the checkpoint kinase BubR1 to increase lifespan
Authors: North Brian J , Rosenberg Michael A , Jeganathan Karthik B , Hafner Angela V , Michan Shaday , Dai Jing , Baker Darren J , Cen Yana , Wu Lindsay E , Sauve Anthony A , van Deursen Jan M , Rosenzweig Anthony , Sinclair David A
Published: May 2014

Mice overexpressing the mitotic checkpoint kinase gene BubR1 live longer, whereas mice hypomorphic for BubR1 (BubR1H/H) live shorter and show signs of accelerated aging. As wild‐type mice age, BubR1 levels decline in many tissues, a process that is proposed to underlie normal aging and age‐related diseases. Understanding why BubR1 declines with age and how to slow this process is therefore of considerable interest. The sirtuins (SIRT1‐7) are a family of NAD+‐dependent deacetylases that can delay age‐related diseases. Here, we show that the loss of BubR1 levels with age is due to a decline in NAD+ and the ability of SIRT2 to maintain lysine‐668 of BubR1 in a deacetylated state, which is counteracted by the acetyltransferase CBP. Overexpression of SIRT2 or treatment of mice with the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) increases BubR1 abundance in vivo. Overexpression of SIRT2 in BubR1H/H animals increases median lifespan, with a greater effect in male mice. Together, these data indicate that further exploration of the potential of SIRT2 and NAD+ to delay diseases of aging in mammals is warranted.
Playing TETris with DNA modifications
Authors: Delatte Benjamin , Deplus Rachel , Fuks François
Published: May 2014

Methylation of the fifth carbon of cytosine was the first epigenetic modification to be discovered in DNA. Recently, three new DNA modifications have come to light: hydroxymethylcytosine, formylcytosine, and carboxylcytosine, all generated by oxidation of methylcytosine by Ten Eleven Translocation (TET) enzymes. These modifications can initiate full DNA demethylation, but they are also likely to participate, like methylcytosine, in epigenetic signalling per se. A scenario is emerging in which coordinated regulation at multiple levels governs the participation of TETs in a wide range of physiological functions, sometimes via a mechanism unrelated to their enzymatic activity. Although still under construction, a sophisticated picture is rapidly forming where, according to the function to be performed, TETs ensure epigenetic marking to create specific landscapes, and whose improper build‐up can lead to diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Wnt signaling directs a metabolic program of glycolysis and angiogenesis in colon cancer
Authors: Pate Kira T , Stringari Chiara , Sprowl‐Tanio Stephanie , Wang Kehui , TeSlaa Tara , Hoverter Nate P , McQuade Miriam M , Garner Chad , Digman Michelle A , Teitell Michael A , Edwards Robert A , Gratton Enrico , Waterman Marian L
Published: May 2014

Much of the mechanism by which Wnt signaling drives proliferation during oncogenesis is attributed to its regulation of the cell cycle. Here, we show how Wnt/β‐catenin signaling directs another hallmark of tumorigenesis, namely Warburg metabolism. Using biochemical assays and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to probe metabolism in vitro and in living tumors, we observe that interference with Wnt signaling in colon cancer cells reduces glycolytic metabolism and results in small, poorly perfused tumors. We identify pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) as an important direct target within a larger gene program for metabolism. PDK1 inhibits pyruvate flux to mitochondrial respiration and a rescue of its expression in Wnt‐inhibited cancer cells rescues glycolysis as well as vessel growth in the tumor microenvironment. Thus, we identify an important mechanism by which Wnt‐driven Warburg metabolism directs the use of glucose for cancer cell proliferation and links it to vessel delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
GnRH agonists and the rapidly increasing use of combined androgen blockade in prostate cancer
Authors: Labrie Fernand
Published: May 2014

The discovery of medical castration with GnRH agonists in 1979 rapidly replaced surgical castration and high doses of estrogens for the treatment of prostate cancer. Soon afterwards, it was discovered that androgens were made locally in the prostate from the inactive precursor DHEA of adrenal origin, a mechanism called intracrinology. Taking into account these novel facts, combined androgen blockade (CAB) using a pure antiandrogen combined with castration in order to block the two sources of androgens was first published in 1982. CAB was the first treatment shown in randomized and placebo-controlled trials to prolong life in prostate cancer, even at the metastatic stage. Most importantly, the results recently obtained with the novel pure antiandrogen enzalutamide as well as with abiraterone, an inhibitor of 17α-hydroxylase in castration-resistant prostate cancer, has revitalized the CAB concept. The effects of CAB observed on survival of heavily pretreated patients further demonstrates the importance of the androgens made locally in the prostate and are a strong motivation to apply CAB to efficiently block all sources of androgens earlier at start of treatment and, even better, before metastasis occurs. The future of research in this field thus seems to be centered on the development of more potent blockers of androgens formation and action in order to obtain better results at the metastatic stage and, for the localized stage, reduce the duration of treatment required to achieve complete apoptosis and control of prostate cancer proliferation before it reaches the metastatic or noncurable stage.
Lymphocytes and thyroid cancer: more to it than meets the eye?
Authors: Weber Frank
Published: May 2014

Immune responses by innate and adaptive immune cells are crucial for the suppression of carcinogenesis and tumor spread. Effector T cells such as, cytotoxic CD8+ T (CTL), natural killer (NK), and NK T cells (NKT cells) prevent tumor growth by their ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. To circumvent anti-tumor immunity, tumors commonly attract regulatory T cells (Treg), which suppress the function of CTL and NKT cells in a contact- and cytokine-dependent manner. Recent findings in patients with thyroid cancer have suggested that an imbalance between immune suppressive and anti-tumor cells occurs during thyroid carcinogenesis. However, the composition and regulation of immune responses in thyroid cancer are still elusive and a comprehensive immune profile of thyroid cancer is missing. In this issue of Endocrine-Related Cancer, Imam et al. compare immune profiles between patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and autoimmune thyroiditis. Their data suggest that an imbalance between immunosuppressive Treg cells and effector T cells occurs during papillary thyroid carcinogenesis. Their study identified double-negative T cells as a novel key factor involved in this process. Future research is required to recapitulate these findings, to elucidate the mechanisms by which the immune response is regulated and to evaluate if this process might be used for the therapeutical management of thyroid cancer.
Possible involvement of food texture in insulin resistance and energy metabolism in male rats
Authors: Bae Cho-Rong , Hasegawa Kazuya , Akieda-Asai Sayaka , Kawasaki Yurie , Senba Kazuyo , Cha Youn-Soo , Date Yukari
Published: May 2014

Food texture is known to affect energy metabolism. Although feeding with soft pellets (SP) or via a tube is known to cause increases in body weight, it is unclear how different food textures influence energy metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effects of two different food textures on energy balance and glucose and lipid metabolism in male Wistar rats. The rats were fed SP or control pellets (CP) on a 3-h restricted feeding schedule for 14 weeks and their energy intake, body weight, and energy expenditure were examined. The levels of gastrointestinal hormones, glucose and insulin, were investigated at pre-, mid, and post-feeding. Glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests were conducted, and the expressions of molecules involved in the insulin signaling system or lipogenesis in the liver were examined. Histological investigation of pancreatic islets was carried out using anti-insulin and anti-Ki-67 antibodies. Furthermore, the expression in the liver and circulating blood of microRNA-33 (miR-33), which regulates insulin receptor substance 2, was examined. There were no significant differences in energy intake, body weight, or gastrointestinal hormone levels between the SP and CP rats; however, the SP rats showed glucose intolerance and insulin resistance with disruption of insulin signaling. Increases in lipogenic factors and miR-33 expression were also found in the SP rats. The numbers of insulin-positive areas and Ki-67-positive cells of SP rats were significantly increased. This study shows that a soft food texture causes diabetes without obesity, so differences in food texture may be an important factor in type 2 diabetes.
Balanced levels of nerve growth factor are required for normal pregnancy progression
Authors: Frank Pierre , Barrientos Gabriela , Tirado-González Irene , Cohen Marie , Moschansky Petra , Peters Eva M , Klapp Burghard F , Rose Matthias , Tometten Mareike , Blois Sandra M
Published: May 2014

Nerve growth factor (NGF), the first identified member of the family of neurotrophins, is thought to play a critical role in the initiation of the decidual response in stress-challenged pregnant mice. However, the contribution of this pathway to physiological events during the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy remains largely elusive. Using NGF depletion and supplementation strategies alternatively, in this study, we demonstrated that a successful pregnancy is sensitive to disturbances in NGF levels in mice. Treatment with NGF further boosted fetal loss rates in the high-abortion rate CBA/J x DBA/2J mouse model by amplifying a local inflammatory response through recruitment of NGF-expressing immune cells, increased decidual innervation with substance P+ nerve fibres and a Th1 cytokine shift. Similarly, treatment with a NGF-neutralising antibody in BALB/c-mated CBA/J mice, a normal-pregnancy model, also induced abortions associated with increased infiltration of tropomyosin kinase receptor A-expressing NK cells to the decidua. Importantly, in neither of the models, pregnancy loss was associated with defective ovarian function, angiogenesis or placental development. We further demonstrated that spontaneous abortion in humans is associated with up-regulated synthesis and an aberrant distribution of NGF in placental tissue. Thus, a local threshold of NGF expression seems to be necessary to ensure maternal tolerance in healthy pregnancies, but when surpassed may result in fetal rejection due to exacerbated inflammation.
Cadmium Chloride Assisted Re-Crystallization of CdTe: The Effect of Varying the Annealing Time
Authors: Abbas A. , West G. D. , Bowers J.W. , Kaminski P. M. , Maniscalco B. , Walls J.M. , Barth Kurt L. , Sampath W.S.
Published: May 2014

Although the cadmium chloride treatment is an essential process for high efficiency thin film cadmium telluride photovoltaic devices, the precise mechanisms involved that improve the cadmium telluride layer are not well understood. In this investigation we apply advanced micro-structural characterization techniques to study the effect of varying the time of the cadmium chloride annealing treatment on the micro-structure of cadmium telluride solar cells deposited by close spaced sublimation (CSS) and relate this to cell performance. A range of techniques has been used to observe the morphological changes to the micro-structure as well as the chemical and crystallographic changes as a function of treatment parameters. Electrical tests that link the device performance with the micro-structural properties of the cells have also been undertaken. Techniques used include Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for sub-grain analysis and XPS for composition-depth profiling. The study provides a new insight in to the mechanisms involved in the initiation and the subsequent complete re-crystallization of the cadmium telluride layer.
Sexual Isolation between Two Known Intraspecific Populations ofHartigiola(Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) That Induce Leaf Galls on Upper and Lower Surfaces ofFagus crenata(Fagales: Fagaceae), Indicating Possible Diversification into Sibling Species
Authors: Mishima Misako , Sato Shinsuke , Tsuda Kiyoshi , Yukawa Junichi
Published: May 2014

Hartigiola faggalli (Monzen), a cecidomyiid species that induces leaf galls on Fagus crenata Blume (Fagales: Fagaceae), was studied to assess the degree of sexual isolation between known intraspecific populations derived from two different gall types. “Upper-type galls” form on the lateral veins of upper leaf surfaces, whereas “lower-type galls” develop between the lateral veins of lower leaf surfaces. The two populations were distinguished based on slight differences in theirDNAsequences. They coexisted in F. crenata forests. Emergence, swarming, mating, and oviposition occurred sequentially each day and almost simultaneously in both populations. Thus, they were not isolated from each other in time or space. However, 85% of 134 swarming males flew to females of the same population when responding to female sex pheromone. About 92% of 251 mating pairs were homogenic, and IPSI indicated a significantly homogenic mating. The female sex pheromone and male sensitivity to the pheromone seemed to differ between the two populations. After mating, females of each population oviposited their eggs only on either the upper or lower surfaces of fresh leaves. The strongly assortative mating combined with differences in pheromones and gall morphology indicates that the two populations are almost completely reproductively isolated and that they have diversified into the stage of sibling species.
Evaluation of an in situ early life stage test with cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarki, for environmental monitoring – a case study using mine effluent
Authors: Chalmers B. , Elphick J. , Gilron G. , Bailey H.
Published: May 2014

This study evaluated an in situ early life stage test using cutthroat trout for potential use in Canada's Metal Mines Effluent Regulations' Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) program. Current field monitoring approaches focus on either adult fish surveys or mesocosm studies, but both of these have inherent limitations that may affect their suitability on a site-specific basis. This study evaluated an alternative approach, namely an in situ toxicity test, as part of an EEM program for a zinc, copper and gold mine. Hatchboxes containing cutthroat trout embryos were placed in a creek that receives treated effluent from the mine, and monitored through the swim-up stage to evaluate hatching success, survival, normal development and growth. Advantages of the method include: no feeding requirement during exposure, fixed exposure locations, relevant endpoints and high statistical sensitivity. In addition, the extended exposure period integrated long-term exposure variables, including low-flow and freshet events. This approach also has application to other salmonid species and types of discharges.
Evaluation of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay for monitoring effluent quality and disinfection performance
Authors: Linklater Natalie , Örmeci Banu
Published: May 2014

This study investigated the use of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay as a tool for monitoring water and wastewater quality and disinfection performance subsequent to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and chlorine disinfection. Two different commercially available ATP assays were used in the study and controlled experiments were carried out using a pure Escherichia coli culture to determine how the ATP content of samples change after they are exposed to UV and chlorine. Finally, a selected assay was used with samples collected from drinking water and wastewater treatment plants to assess its potential use by treatment plants for process and effluent monitoring. The ATP assay could detect the chlorine damage to cells but the detection limit of the assay was not sensitive enough to determine the level of chlorine disinfection performance. No clear trend was observed between UV irradiation and ATP content of the cells. Samples were also collected from water and wastewater treatment plants and a good correlation was observed between the culture-based methods and the ATP assay results, which indicate the potential use of the ATP assay as a process and effluent quality monitoring tool at treatment plants.
Impact of salinity on coagulation and dissolved air flotation treatment for oil and gas produced water
Authors: Younker Jessica M. , Walsh Margaret E.
Published: May 2014

Produced water is a major wastewater stream in the oil and gas industry which typically consists of dispersed and dissolved oils, and high levels of salinity. Despite concerns that dissolved aromatics in produced water may be detrimental to marine life, discharge regulations and treatment technologies for produced water largely focus on dispersed oil and grease removal. The purpose of this research project was to investigate coagulation with ferric chloride (FeCl3) and dissolved air flotation (DAF) at bench-scale for the removal of both dispersed and dissolved oils from synthetic and offshore produced water samples, with a specific focus on the impact of salinity on the coagulation process. Coagulation and DAF treatment of the produced water samples achieved high removals of dispersed oil and grease, but had limited impact on dissolved aromatics. The coagulation process in the saline produced water samples reduced dispersed oil and grease concentrations from 100 mg/L to below North American discharge limits (i.e. 30 mg/L in Canada, 29 mg/L in the USA) under all conditions tested, while the effectiveness of coagulation treatment in the fresh water synthetic samples was highly dependent on coagulation pH.
Factors Associated With Weight Gain in People With Type 2 Diabetes Starting on Insulin
Authors: Balkau Beverley , Home Philip D. , Vincent Maya , Marre Michel , Freemantle Nick
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE

Moderate weight gain is usual after starting insulin therapy. The identification and quantification of factors associated with weight gain may help target strategies for avoidance of weight gain.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The noninterventional CREDIT (Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation in people with type 2 Diabetes on Insulin Therapy) study included data from people with type 2 diabetes starting any insulin in 314 centers, in 12 countries. From a number of predefined candidate explanatory variables, analyses identified factors associated with weight gain 1 year after starting insulin treatment, after adjusting for investigational site as a random factor. A multivariable backward regression analysis selected a subset of these factors associated with weight gain.

RESULTS

We studied the 2,179 people with data for body weight change at 1 year and for potential predictive factors. The mean weight gain was 1.78 kg, and 24% gained ≥5.0 kg. Baseline factors associated with weight gain were BMI, A1C, insulin regimen, insulin dose, other glucose-lowering therapies, and hypertension; at 1 year, additional factors were A1C, insulin regimen, insulin dose, and use of other glucose-lowering therapies. In multivariable analysis, weight gain at 1 year was associated with a higher A1C at baseline, a higher insulin dose at baseline and at 1 year, and a lower baseline BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

By the time insulin was started, a high baseline A1C and insulin dose requirements were independently associated with greater weight gain, as was lower baseline BMI. Insulin regimen per se was not a predictive factor.
Penetration of Hydrogen Peroxide and Degradation Rate of Different Bleaching Products
Authors: Marson FC , Gonçalves RS , Silva CO , Cintra LTÂ , Pascotto RC , Santos PH dos , Briso ALF
Published: May 2014

This study's aim was to evaluate the degradation rate of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and to quantify its penetration in tooth structure, considering the residence time of bleaching products on the dental enamel. For this study, bovine teeth were randomly divided according to the bleaching product received: Opalescence Xtra Boost 38%, White Gold Office 35%, Whiteness HP Blue 35%, Whiteness HP Maxx 35%, and Lase Peroxide Sensy 35%. To analyze the degradation of H2O2, the titration of bleaching agents with potassium permanganate was used, while the penetration of H2O2 was measured via spectrophotometric analysis of the acetate buffer solution, collected from the artificial pulp chamber. The analyses were performed immediately as well as 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 45 minutes after product application. The data of degradation rate of H2O2 were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests, while ANOVA and Fisher tests were used for the quantification of H2O2, at the 5% level. The results showed that all products significantly reduced the concentration of H2O2 activates at the end of 45 minutes. It was also verified that the penetration of H2O2 was enhanced by increasing the residence time of the product on the tooth surface. It was concluded that the bleaching gels retained substantial concentrations of H2O2 after 45 minutes of application, and penetration of H2O2 in the dental structure is time-dependent.
Exertional Responses to Sprint Interval Training: A Comparison of 30-sec. and 60-sec. Conditions
Authors: Kilpatrick Marcus W. , Greeley Samuel J.
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of sprint interval training on rating of perceived exertion. 20 healthy participants (11 men, 9 women; M age = 23 yr.) completed a maximal cycle ergometer test and two high-intensity interval training cycling sessions. Each session utilized the same work-to-rest ratio (1:1), work intensity (90% max), recovery intensity (10% work intensity), and session duration (16 min.). Trials differed on duration of the interval segment, with a 30-sec. trial and a 60-sec. trial. Sessions required the same amount of total work over the duration of the trial. Rating of perceived exertion assessed before, during, and after exercise were higher for the 60-sec. trial than the 30-sec. trial despite no difference in total work. High intensity interval training trials utilizing the same total external work but differing in interval length produced different ratings of perceived exertion. Perceived exertion is significantly higher for sessions of exercise that utilize longer work intervals. These findings suggest that shorter intervals may produce more favorable exertional responses that could positively affect future behavior.
Rating of Perceived Exertion and Affective Responses during Tai Chi Chuan
Authors: Chao Cheng H. N. , Costa Eduardo C. , Okano Alexandre H. , Farias Thiago de Brito , Farias Luiz Fernando , Elsangedy Hassan M. , Krinski Kleverton
Published: May 2014

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and affective responses were assessed during Tai Chi Chuan. A total of 16 women ( M age = 61.2 yr., SD = 8.8) participated in this study. Individuals practiced Tai Chi Chuan three times / week during seven weeks, and were assessed session-by-session (21 Wu Tai Chi Chuan sessions) in three moments (15, 30, and 45 min.) using Borg's scale (CR 0–10) and the Feeling Scale (+5/–5). With regard to RPE, there was a difference between 15 and 30 min. and between 15 and 45 min. The same pattern of differences was observed for the affective response. The RPE during the seven weeks ranged from “fairly light” to “moderate” and the affective response from “good” to “very good.” Thus, Tai Chi Chuan was perceived as a low-moderate intensity and pleasurable (positive affect) exercise by middle-aged and elderly women.
Heart Rate Variability Differs between Right- and Left-Handed Individuals
Authors: Yüksel Ramazan , Arslan Muzeyyen , Dane Şenol
Published: May 2014

Previous studies reported reduced longevity in left-handers with the suggestion that it may be associated with different heart diseases. Therefore, differences in heart rate variability (HRV), an index of autonomic cardiac activity, were examined for right- and left-handed individuals. 120 healthy young university students (75 women, 45 men; M age = 20.4 yr., SD = 1.5) volunteered. Handedness was assessed with the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory and HRV was measured via electrocardiography. The results suggest that the left-handers' HRV was significantly different from that of right-handers on several parameters. The atypical cerebral organization of left-handers may be related to an imbalanced autonomic system that results in higher frequencies of heart irregularities.
Anthropometrics Related to the Performance of a Sample of Male Swimmers
Authors: Perciavalle Valentina , di Corrado Donatella , Scuto Claudia , Perciavalle Vincenzo , Coco Marinella
Published: May 2014

The main purpose of the present investigation of 21 elite male swimmers was to assess whether the Ape Index (the ratio between the individual's arm span and height) and/or the second-to-fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D), i.e., the ratio between the length of the second and the fourth fingers of the right hand, are associated with the performance of high-level swimmers, when mood and / or executive function are covaried. The results showed no statistically significant correlation between the Ape Index and 2D:4D ratio, performance, executive function, or mood. In contrast, statistically significant correlations were found between 2D:4D ratio and performance, executive function, and mood. Regressions indicated that 2D:4D ratio and not Ape Index is related to the performances of a sample of male swimmers.