bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β and phosphorylated GSK3β (Ser 9) expression in experimentally induced periapical lesions
Authors: Sun Z. , Wang L. , Peng B.
Published: February 2014

Aim

To investigate the kinetics of GSK3β and p‐GSK3β (Ser 9) expression in experimentally induced rat periapical lesions and to explore their possible functions in the pathogenesis of periapical lesions.

Methodology

Periapical lesions were established in Wistar rats by occlusal pulp exposure in mandibular first molar teeth. The animals were killed on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Micro‐computed tomographic, histological and enzyme histochemical analyses were performed to detect the progression of periapical lesions. Immunohistochemistry, double‐dye immunofluorescence and Western blot were performed to determine the expression of GSK3β and p‐GSK3β (Ser 9) in periapical tissues.

Results

From day 0 to day 28, the lesion volume and area gradually expanded, and the GSK3β‐positive cells gradually ascended. A few p‐GSK3β (Ser 9)‐positive cells and osteoclasts appeared on day 7 and then climaxed on day 14. The numbers then simultaneously decreased from day 21 to day 28. Western blot analysis revealed that p‐GSK3β (Ser 9) and GSK3β proteins were expressed at all time‐points. The positive cells and protein expression ratio of p‐GSK3β (Ser 9) against GSK3β increased from day 0 to day 14 and then decreased from day 14 to day 28. Finally, double‐dye immunofluorescence assay revealed that p‐GSK3β (Ser 9)‐positive and RANKL‐positive cells were co‐localized around periapical lesions on days 14 and 28.

Conclusions

GSK3β and p‐GSK3β (Ser 9) can be observed and may be involved in alveolar bone resorption and inflammatory response in periapical lesions, as well as associated with periapical lesion pathogenesis.
Oestrogen up‐regulates interleukin‐21 production by CD4+T lymphocytes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lee Jennifer , Shin Eun‐Kyoung , Lee Seon‐Yeong , Her Yang‐Mi , Park Mi‐Kyung , Kwok Seung‐Ki , Ju Ji Hyeon , Park Kyung‐Su , Kim Ho‐Youn , Cho Mi‐La , Park Sung‐Hwan
Published: February 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which abnormal immune responses are mediated by tissue‐binding autoantibodies and immune complex deposition. Because most SLE patients are women of child‐bearing age, oestrogen has been suggested to play an important role in SLE pathogenesis. One proposed role is to induce B‐cell activation, culminating in increased autoantibody production. Interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) has been shown to be crucial in the differentiation of activated B cells into plasma cells. We therefore hypothesized that oestrogen up‐regulates IL‐21 production and induces subsequent B‐cell activation in SLE patients. Peripheral blood was obtained from 22 SLE patients and 16 healthy controls. Expression levels of IL‐21 and its receptor in serum, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and CD4+ T cells were higher in SLE patients than in healthy controls. Exposure of CD4+ T cells from SLE patients to 17β‐oestradiol led to a dose‐ and time‐dependent increase in IL‐21 expression, which was abolished in the presence of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) (MAPK kinase, p38, Jun N‐terminal kinase) inhibitors. B cells from healthy controls showed increased antibody production when they were co‐cultured with oestrogen‐treated CD4+ T cells from SLE patients. Treatment with IL‐21 antibody abrogated the increased antibody production of the co‐culture systems. This study revealed the association between oestrogen and IL‐21 in SLE patients. Oestrogen up‐regulates IL‐21 expression of CD4+ T cells via MAPK‐dependent pathways in SLE patients, which in turn induces increased antibody production by B cells.
Effectiveness of the 2010 and 2011 Southern Hemisphere trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines against hospitalization with influenza‐associated acute respiratory infection among Thai adults aged ≥50 years
Authors: Dawood Fatimah S. , Prapasiri Prabda , Areerat Peera , Ruayajin Asadang , Chittaganpitch Malinee , Muangchana Charung , Baggett Henry C. , Olsen Sonja J.
Published: February 2014

Background

Inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) effectiveness has been evaluated among older adults in high‐income countries, but data on IIV effectiveness in low‐ and middle‐income countries remain sparse. We conducted a test‐negative case–control analysis to estimate 2010 and 2011 trivalent IIV effectiveness against hospitalization with influenza‐associated acute respiratory infection (ARI) among persons aged ≥50 years in rural Thailand.

Methods

During 2010–2011, active surveillance for ARI hospitalization was conducted in two provinces; patients were tested for influenza viruses by real‐time RT‐PCR. Vaccination status was obtained from vaccine registries. Case and control patients were patients with nasopharyngeal swabs positive and negative for influenza viruses, respectively. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was estimated for the 6 months after vaccination began. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between case status and vaccination while adjusting for age, province, medical conditions, and time.

Results

During 2010–2011, there were 1545 patients with ARI, of whom 279 (18%) were influenza‐positive case patients and 1266 (82%) were influenza‐negative control patients. Of the 279 case patients, 247 (89%) had influenza A and 32 (11%) had influenza B. Fourteen of 279 (5%) case patients and 108 of 1266 (9%) control patients were vaccinated against influenza. The unadjusted IIV effectiveness against hospitalization with influenza‐associated ARI was 43% (95% CI: 0–68%); adjusted VE was 47% (95% CI: 5–71%).

Conclusion

The 2010 and 2011 IIVs were moderately effective against hospitalization with influenza‐associated ARI among Thais aged ≥50 years, but IIV coverage was low. Additional efforts are warranted in Thailand to improve IIV uptake in this target group.
Respiratory viral infections among hospitalized adults: experience of a single tertiary healthcare hospital
Authors: Walker Ellie , Ison Michael G.
Published: February 2014

Background

Following the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, there have been a large number of studies focusing on the epidemiology and outcomes of influenza A infection; however, there have been fewer studies focused on other respiratory viral infections.

Objectives

To define the epidemiology and outcomes of non‐influenza respiratory viral infections in hospitalized adults.

Patients/Methods

Data on all patients ≥18 years of age with a positive molecular respiratory viral assay who were hospitalized at a single tertiary healthcare system in Chicago, IL, from retrospectively collected and analyzed.

Results

Over the study period, 503 of 46 024 (1·1%) admitted patients had a positive RVP result. Human rhinovirus was the most commonly detected virus followed by influenza A, human metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and influenza B, respectively. Infection in immunocompromised patients was associated with a higher rate of progression to pneumonia and death.

Conclusions

Non‐influenza respiratory viral infections are commonly detected among adults admitted to the hospital and can cause serious illness. The data can inform the prioritization of research into novel antiviral therapies for these infections.
Korruption und Kleinstaat. Elemente einer Theorie
Authors: Wolf Sebastian
Published: February 2014

Abstract:  Der Aufsatz beschäftigt sich vorwiegend aus einer theoretischen Perspektive mit Korruption als einer bestimmten Form von Devianz in Kleinstaaten, insbesondere Mikrostaaten: Weisen sie Besonderheiten im Hinblick auf Korruptionsanfälligkeit, das Kosten‐Nutzen‐Verhältnis von Korruption sowie die Korruptionsbekämpfung auf? Zunächst wird eine grobe Kosten‐Nutzen‐Analyse für Kleinstaaten im Hinblick auf Korruption skizziert. Es folgt ein Versuch, darüber hinausgehend strukturelle korruptionserhöhende oder korruptionsreduzierende Einflussfaktoren für das Korruptionsniveau in kleinen politischen Systemen zu benennen. Daraufhin wird anhand eines Stufenmodells diskutiert, wann und gegebenenfalls in welcher Weise Kleinstaaten aktiv Korruptionsbekämpfung betreiben. Einige der in den verschiedenen Abschnitten entwickelten Überlegungen werden am Beispiel Liechtensteins punktuell veranschaulicht. Der Beitrag versteht sich als theoretische Vorstudie für weiterführende empirische Analysen.
Political Trust and Distrust in Switzerland: A Normative Analysis
Authors: Scheidegger Régis , Staerklé Christian
Published: February 2014

Abstract:  Based on data from a Swiss survey study (N = 769), this research investigated individual‐level determinants of trust in political authorities from a social psychological perspective. The study demonstrates that individuals with a low level of education who feel materially at risk and politically powerlessness expressed the lowest levels of political trust. This relationship was explained with differential endorsement of normative beliefs. A mediation analysis reveals that normative perceptions of Swiss society as being threatened by immorality and growing social inequalities accounted for the effect of perceived material risk on political distrust. The rejection of a duty‐based citizenship norm (voting), in turn, mediated the impact of political powerlessness on distrust. Political orientation was unrelated to political trust. These findings illustrate the cognitive underpinnings of political alienation and suggest that perceived lack of political agency and perceived risk of social declassification are key factors in understanding political distrust.
The Fairness of Media Coverage in Question: An Analysis of Referendum Campaigns on Welfare State Issues in Switzerland
Authors: Marquis Lionel , Schaub Hans‐Peter , Gerber Marlène
Published: February 2014

Abstract: The mass media are assigned an important role in political campaigns on popular votes. This article asks how the press communicates political issues to citizens during referendum campaigns, and whether some minimal criteria for successful public deliberation are met. The press coverage of all 24 ballot votes on welfare state issues from 1995 to 2004 in Switzerland is examined, distinguishing seven criteria to judge how news coverage compares to idealized notions of the media’s role in the democratic process: coverage intensity, time for public deliberation, balance in media coverage, source independence and inclusiveness, substantive coverage, and spatial homogeneity. The results of our quantitative analysis suggest that the press does fulfil these normative requirements to a reasonable extent and that fears about biased or deceitful media treatment of ballot issues are not well‐founded. However, some potential for optimizing the coverage of referendum campaigns by the Swiss press does exist.
Dielectric Relaxations and Phase Transition in Laser Crystals Gd2SiO5 and Yb‐Doped Gd2SiO5
Authors: Liu Lina , Wang Chunchang , Zhang Deming , Zhang Qinling , Ning Kaijie , Wang Jing , Sun Xiaohong
Published: February 2014

The crystals Gd2SiO5 and Yb‐doped Gd2SiO5 were grown by Czochralski method successfully. Dielectric properties of the two crystals were investigated in the temperature range from 100 to 1100 K and the frequency range from 20 Hz to 10 MHz. Our results revealed that these crystals show intrinsic dielectric behavior in the temperature below room temperature, whereas in above room temperature, a relaxor‐like dielectric anomaly and a metal–insulator transition were observed. It was found that the relaxor‐like anomaly contains two dielectric relaxations. Impedance analysis showed that the low‐ and high‐temperature relaxations are dipolar‐ and Maxwell–Wagner‐type relaxation, respectively. The transition was found to be strongly related to oxygen vacancies, which leads to positive temperature coefficient of resistance and an abnormal dielectric behavior contrary to the conventional thermally activated behavior at temperatures near the transition temperature.
Plasticity‐Controlled Friction and Wear in Nanocrystalline SiC
Authors: Mishra Maneesh , Tangpatjaroen Chaiyapat , Szlufarska Izabela
Published: February 2014

Wear resistance of ceramics can be improved by suppressing fracture, which can be accomplished either by decreasing the grain size or by reducing the size of the deformation zone. We have combined these two strategies with the goal of understanding the atomistic mechanisms underlying the plasticity‐controlled friction and wear in nanocrystalline (nc) silicon carbide (SiC). We have performed molecular dynamics simulations of nanoscale wear on nc‐SiC with 5 nm grain diameter with a nanoscale cutting tool. We find that grain‐boundary (GB) sliding is the primary deformation mechanism during wear and that it is accommodated by heterogeneous nucleation of partial dislocations, formation of voids at the triple junctions, and grain pull‐out. We estimate the stresses required for heterogeneous nucleation of partial dislocations at triple junctions and shear strength of GBs. Pile up in nc‐SiC consists of grains that were pulled out during deformation. We compare the wear response of nc‐SiC to single‐crystal (sc) SiC and show that scratch hardness of nc‐SiC is lower than that of sc‐SiC. Our results demonstrate that the higher scratch hardness in sc‐SiC originates from nucleation and motion of dislocations, whereas nc‐SiC is more pliable due to additional mechanism of deformation via GB sliding.
Theoretical Study on the Mechanism of Anisotropic Thermal Properties ofTi2AlCandCr2AlC
Authors: Wang Jiemin , Wang Jingyang , Li Aijun , Li Jingjing , Zhou Yanchun
Published: February 2014

Temperature dependences of thermal and elastic properties, such as the Grüneisen parameters, thermal expansion, bulk modulus, and heat capacity ofTi2AlCandCr2AlC, are studied by combining first‐principles method and lattice dynamic calculation based on the quasi‐harmonic model. Experimental thermal expansion coefficient is also measured for comparison. Thermal expansion coefficients ofTi2AlCandCr2AlCshow different trends:Ti2AlCexhibits anisotropic thermal expansion whileCr2AlCshows generally isotropic character. The mechanism is explored by investigating the isotropy or anisotropy of Grüneisen parameters (phonon anharmonicity and thermal pressure) and elastic stiffness (response to thermal pressure) ofTi2AlCandCr2AlC. In addition, the calculated bulk modulus ofCr2AlCis higher at ambient temperature but decreases faster than the value ofTi2AlCas temperature increasing.
Advantages of Low Partial Pressure of Oxygen Processing of Alkali Niobate: NaNbO3
Authors: Shimizu Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Keisuke , Mizuno Youichi , Randall Clive A.
Published: February 2014

This work focused on the processing of low oxygen partial pressure (low‐pO2) calcination and sintering with respect to NaNbO3 (NN) of one key member in ferroelectric (Na,K)NbO3. The high‐density NN ceramics were successfully prepared without any sintering additives using the low‐pO2 process. Comparing conventional air process, the low‐pO2 calcined NN powders showed lower defect concentration and higher densification. The low‐pO2 sintered NN ceramics had dielectric constant and dielectric loss performance at high temperatures. Furthermore, the low‐pO2 sintered NN ceramics indicated ferroelectric behavior, and both maximum polarization and strain improved to two to three times that of conventional air‐sintered NN ceramics. From this relatively simple compound, NN, the advantage of low‐pO2 is unambiguously demonstrated and points to its consideration. It is hypotheses as a kinetically controlled process that limits the volatility under low‐pO2 condition.
Microwave Dielectric Ceramics Li2MO4−TiO2 (M = Mo, W) with Low Sintering Temperatures
Authors: Guo Jing , Zhou Di , Zou Shen‐Li , Wang Hong , Pang Li‐Xia , Yao Xi
Published: February 2014

In this work, novel series of (1 − x)Li2MO4–xTiO2 (M = Mo, W; x = 0.3, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.6) ceramics were developed for microwave dielectric application. They were prepared via the mixed‐oxide process and the phase composition, microstructures, sintering behaviors, and microwave dielectric properties were investigated. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and scanning electron microscope analysis indicated that the Li2MO4 (M = Mo, W) did not react with rutile TiO2 and a stable two‐phase composite system Li2MO4–TiO2 (M = Mo, W) was formed. The XRD pattern of cofired ceramics revealed that some parts of Li2MoO4 phase and very small part of Li2WO4 phase react with Ag to form Ag2MoO4 phase and Ag2WO4 phase, respectively. At x = 0.45–0.5, temperature stable microwave dielectric materials with low sintering temperature (700°C–730°C) were obtained: εr = 10.6–11.0, Qf = 30 060–32 800 GHz, and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency ~0 ppm/°C.
A Novel Multifunctional Upconversion Phosphor: Yb3+/Er3+ Codoped La2S3
Authors: Yang Yanmin , Mi Chao , Jiao Fuyun , Su Xianyuan , Li Xiaodong , Liu Linlin , Zhang Jiao , Yu Fang , Liu Yanzhou , Mai Yaohua
Published: February 2014

Yb3+/Er3+ codoped La2S3 upconversion (UC) phosphors have been synthesized using high‐temperature solid‐state method. Under 971‐nm excitation, the maximum luminescence power can reach 0.64 mW at the excitation power density of 16 W/cm2 and an absolute power yield of 0.36% was determined by an absolute method at the excitation power density of 3 W/cm2, and the quantum yield of La2S3:Yb3+, Er3+ (green ~0.18%, red ~0.03%, integration ~0.21) was comparable to that of NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ nanocrystals (integration ~0.005–0.30). Frequency upconverted emissions from two thermally coupled excited states of Er3+ were recorded in the temperature range 100–900 K. The maximum sensitivity of temperature sensing is 0.0075 K−1. As the excitation power density increases, the temperature of host materials rapidly rises and the top temperature can reach to 600 K. Given the intense UC emission, high sensitivity, as well as good photothermal stability, La2S3:Yb3+/Er3+ phosphor can become a promising composite material for photothermal ablation of cancer cells possessing the functions of temperature sensing and in vivo imaging.
Direct Coagulation Casting of Alumina Suspension from Calcium Citrate Assisted by pH Shift
Authors: Xu Jie , Zhang Yanxue , Qu Yanan , Qi Fei , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yang Jinlong
Published: February 2014

Direct coagulation casting of alumina suspension via controlled release of high valence counter ions (DCC–HVCI) using calcium citrate as coagulating agent was reported. Hydrolysis of glycerol diacetate shifts the pH of suspension to weakly acidic region which helps to decompose calcium citrate and release calcium ions. The effect of concentration of glycerol diacetate and calcium citrate on the pH and viscosity of alumina suspension was investigated at 25°C and 60°C, respectively. The pH of suspensions with glycerol diacetate and calcium citrate decreases to 8.6 and 7.5 treated at 25°C and 60°C, respectively. It is indicated that high viscosity is achieved by adding 2 vol% glycerol diacetate and 0.5 wt% calcium citrate which is enough to coagulate the suspension. Green body with compressive strength of 1.0 MPa is obtained by treating the alumina suspension with 2 vol% glycerol diacetate and 0.5 wt% calcium citrate at 60°C for 1 h. The alumina ceramics sintered at 1550°C have homogeneous microstructure with relative density above 99.0%.
Topographical and Microstructural Property Evolution of Air Plasma‐Sprayed Zirconia Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Sesso Mitchell L. , Berndt Christopher C. , Wong Yat C.
Published: February 2014

The effects of process parameters on thermal barrier coating (TBC) formation and microstructural properties have been studied. Further understanding of the evolution of properties such as porosity and hardness is an important aspect in the design of efficient TBCs. Plasma‐sprayed yttria‐stabilized zirconia was coated onto mild steel substrates. The torch was held perpendicular to the substrate to form cone‐shaped deposits. Standoff distance (SOD) (80, 90, and 120 mm) and time (15, 30, and 60 s) were altered to investigate the microstructural property relationships of the coatings. Shape characteristics of the coatings were measured via a coordinate measuring machine, and surface roughness measurements were acquired using a 3D optical profiler. The deposition efficiency and coating roughness were affected by SOD and the evolving contour of the underlying surface. Hardness and porosity profiles were mapped to display the effect of process parameters. Dynamic parameters such as particle trajectory, evolving impact angle and dwell time affected changes in porosity, hardness, and density for each coating profile.
Historical biogeography of Aganope, Brachypterum and Derris (Fabaceae, tribe Millettieae): insights into the origins of Palaeotropical intercontinental disjunctions and general biogeographical patterns in Southeast Asia
Authors: Sirichamorn Yotsawate , Thomas Daniel C. , Adema Frits A. C. B. , van Welzen Peter C.
Published: February 2014

Aim

The historical biogeography of three Palaeotropical legume genera, Aganope, Brachypterum and Derris, was investigated with the aim of (1) evaluating competing hypotheses on the origins of Palaeotropical intercontinental disjunctions (PIDs), and (2) inferring spatio‐temporal diversification patterns in tropical Southeast Asia.

Location

Palaeotropics.

Methods

Plastid (trnL–F IGS, psbA–trnH IGS and trnK–matK ORF) and nuclear ribosomal (ITS/5.8S) DNA sequence data, covering the geographical distribution of all three genera, were analysed using an uncorrelated‐rates relaxed molecular clock model. Ancestral areas were reconstructed using a likelihood approach implementing the dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis model (Lagrange) and a Bayesian approach to dispersal–vicariance analysis (S‐DIVA).

Results

A wide ancestral distribution in Africa and Asia was inferred for the Aganope stem and crown groups, with a vicariance event between Africa and Asia in the early Miocene. The Southeast Asian mainland was inferred as the ancestral area for both the Brachypterum and the Derris crown groups. The reconstructions indicated numerous dispersal events westwards to India, and eastwards across Wallace's Line to New Guinea from the middle Miocene onwards. Two dispersal events from Asia to Africa, in the Miocene–Pliocene in Brachypterum and in the Pliocene–Pleistocene in Derris, were deduced.

Main conclusions

The PID in Aganope is likely to be the result of vicariance, caused by climatic deterioration subsequent to the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum. The inferred PIDs in Brachypterum and Derris in the middle Miocene to Pliocene–Pleistocene are consistent with long‐distance dispersal. The biogeographical patterns of Brachypterum and Derris are similar to patterns identified in other Southeast Asian plant taxa, and highly congruent with geological events in Southeast Asia facilitating dispersal from the early Miocene onwards. Preadaptation to several environmental conditions and habitats including mangrove swamps, and high dispersal capabilities by hydrochory may explain the wide distributions of some species and frequent dispersal across oceanic water bodies separating western and eastern Malesia.
Eplerenone‐Mediated Regression of Electrical Activation Delays and Myocardial Fibrosis in Heart Failure
Authors: TANAKA‐ESPOSITO CHRISTINE , VARAHAN SUBHA , JEYARAJ DARWIN , LU YUAN , STAMBLER BRUCE S.
Published: February 2014

Eplerenone Reverses Electrical Delays and Fibrosis

Introduction

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonism reduces sudden cardiac death in heart failure, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Concurrent treatment with an MR antagonist during rapid ventricular pacing (RVP) prevents development of adverse ventricular electrophysiological remodeling, interstitial fibrosis, inflammatory cytokine gene activation, and ventricular tachyarrhythmia inducibility without diminishing the extent of systolic dysfunction. We hypothesized that attenuating preexistent inflammatory pathways and myocardial fibrosis with eplerenone after systolic heart failure is established by rapid pacing can reduce electrical activation delays and arrhythmia vulnerability.

Methods and Results

Dogs subjected to RVP for 8 weeks in the absence or presence of eplerenone treatment during the final 4 weeks of pacing were assessed by echocardiography, electrophysiology study, ventricular fibrosis measurements, and inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression analysis. Eplerenone reversed preexistent ventricular activation delays, interstitial fibrosis, inflammatory cytokine (interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α) gene overexpression, and arrhythmia vulnerability in ventricular paced dogs with heart failure. Eplerenone failed to improve left ventricular systolic dysfunction or chamber enlargement. A correlation between severity of fibrosis and ventricular arrhythmia inducibility was found.

Conclusions

MR antagonism regresses rapid pacing‐induced electrical delays, inflammatory cytokine gene activation, and fibrosis in heart failure. Ventricular arrhythmia vulnerability in heart failure is correlated with extent of fibrosis and electrical activation delays during premature excitation.
The roles of αV integrins in lens EMT and posterior capsular opacification
Authors: Mamuya Fahmy A. , Wang Yan , Roop Victoria H. , Scheiblin David A. , Zajac Jocelyn C. , Duncan Melinda K.
Published: February 2014

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the major complication arising after cataract treatment. PCO occurs when the lens epithelial cells remaining following surgery (LCs) undergo a wound healing response producing a mixture of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA)‐expressing myofibroblasts and lens fibre cells, which impair vision. Prior investigations have proposed that integrins play a central role in PCO and we found that, in a mouse fibre cell removal model of cataract surgery, expression of αV integrin and its interacting β‐subunits β1, β5, β6, β8 are up‐regulated concomitant with α‐SMA in LCs following surgery. To test the hypothesis that αV integrins are functionally important in PCO pathogenesis, we created mice lacking the αV integrin subunit in all lens cells. Adult lenses lacking αV integrins are transparent and show no apparent morphological abnormalities when compared with control lenses. However, following surgical fibre cell removal, the LCs in control eyes increased cell proliferation, and up‐regulated the expression of α‐SMA, β1‐integrin, fibronectin, tenascin‐C and transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β)–induced protein within 48 hrs, while LCs lacking αV integrins exhibited much less cell proliferation and little to no up‐regulation of any of the fibrotic markers tested. This effect appears to result from the known roles of αV integrins in latent TGF‐β activation as αV integrin null lenses do not exhibit detectable SMAD‐3 phosphorylation after surgery, while this occurs robustly in control lenses, consistent with the known roles for TGF‐β in fibrotic PCO. These data suggest that therapeutics antagonizing αV integrin function could be used to prevent fibrotic PCO following cataract surgery.
Male mealworm beetles increase resting metabolic rate under terminal investment
Authors: Krams I. A. , Krama T. , Moore F. R. , Kivleniece I. , Kuusik A. , Freeberg T. M. , Mänd R. , Rantala M. J. , Daukšte J. , Mänd M.
Published: February 2014

Harmful parasite infestation can cause energetically costly behavioural and immunological responses, with the potential to reduce host fitness and survival. It has been hypothesized that the energetic costs of infection cause resting metabolic rate (RMR) to increase. Furthermore, under terminal investment theory, individuals exposed to pathogens should allocate resources to current reproduction when life expectancy is reduced, instead of concentrating resources on an immune defence. In this study, we activated the immune system of Tenebrio molitor males via insertion of nylon monofilament, conducted female preference tests to estimate attractiveness of male odours and assessed RMR and mortality. We found that attractiveness of males coincided with significant down‐regulation of their encapsulation response against a parasite‐like intruder. Activation of the immune system increased RMR only in males with heightened odour attractiveness and that later suffered higher mortality rates. The results suggest a link between high RMR and mortality and support terminal investment theory in T. molitor.
Developmental thermal plasticity among Drosophila melanogaster populations
Authors: Fallis L. C. , Fanara J. J. , Morgan T. J.
Published: February 2014

Many biotic and abiotic variables influence the dispersal and distribution of organisms. Temperature has a major role in determining these patterns because it changes daily, seasonally and spatially, and these fluctuations have a significant impact on an organism's behaviour and fitness. Most ecologically relevant phenotypes that are adaptive are also complex and thus they are influenced by many underlying loci that interact with the environment. In this study, we quantified the degree of thermal phenotypic plasticity within and among populations by measuring chill‐coma recovery times of lines reared from egg to adult at two different environmental temperatures. We used sixty genotypes from six natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster sampled along a latitudinal gradient in South America. We found significant variation in thermal plasticity both within and among populations. All populations exhibit a cold acclimation response, with flies reared at lower temperatures having increased resistance to cold. We tested a series of environmental parameters against the variation in population mean thermal plasticity and discovered the mean thermal plasticity was significantly correlated with altitude of origin of the population. Pairing our data with previous experiments on viability fitness assays in the same populations in fixed and variable environments suggests an adaptive role of this thermal plasticity in variable laboratory environments. Altogether, these data demonstrate abundant variation in adaptive thermal plasticity within and among populations.
Giving Consumers a Fair Chance: The Ideological Battle over Mandatory Grading in the 1930s and 1940s
Authors: STOLE INGER L.
Published: February 2014

This article explores the more than decade‐long fight to establish quality standards for consumer products. Drawing on archival collections, trade publications, congressional hearings, and relevant secondary literature, it traces the ongoing debates over grading standards for consumer commodities in the 1930s and 1940s. It explores the arguments behind the creation of a mandatory grading system that would have aided citizens in their role as consumers, helped fight monopolistic tendencies during a severe economic depression, and supported government economic policies during a time of national crisis. While consumer advocates and a majority of the American public applauded the idea, advertisers, believing that the system would undermine their advertising claims, fought the proposals tooth and nail.
Individual Lithium Disilicate Crowns in a Full‐Arch, Implant‐Supported Rehabilitation: A Clinical Report
Authors: Maló Paulo , de Sousa Sérgio Tavares , De Araújo Nobre Miguel , Moura Guedes Carlos , Almeida Ricardo , Roma Torres António , Legatheaux João , Silva António
Published: February 2014

This clinical report presents the clinical outcome of a maxillary full‐arch implant‐supported fixed rehabilitation with lithium disilicate reinforced glass ceramic monolithic crowns opposing a mandibular metal‐acrylic implant‐supported fixed rehabilitation in a 62‐year‐old woman. Eight implants were successfully placed (four maxillary, four mandibular), and no complications occurred in the postoperative or maintenance periods. Six months after delivery, the maxillary and mandibular prostheses were found to be clinically, biologically, and mechanically stable, and the patient was satisfied with the esthetics and her ability to function. Although the present indications for the use of lithium disilicate are still restricted to tooth‐borne restorations, it is possible to successfully rehabilitate edentulous patients through implant‐supported fixed prostheses using lithium disilicate reinforced glass ceramic monolithic crowns.
Inhibitory effects of sword bean extract on alveolar bone resorption induced in rats by Porphyromonas gingivalis infection
Authors: Nakatsuka Y. , Nagasawa T. , Yumoto Y. , Nakazawa F. , Furuichi Y.
Published: February 2014

Background

The domesticated legume, Canavalia gladiata (commonly called the sword bean), is known to contain canavanine. The fruit is used in Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine for treating the discharge of pus, but its pharmacological mechanisms are still unclear.

Objectives

This study examined the effect of sword bean extract (SBE) on (i) oral bacteria and human oral epithelial cells in vitro, and (ii) the initiation and progression of experimental Porphyromonas gingivalis‐induced alveolar bone resorption in rats.

Material and Methods

A high‐performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet method was applied to quantitate canavanine in SBE. By assessing oral bacterial growth, we estimated the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of SBE, canavanine, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) solution. The cytotoxicity of SBE, canavanine, CHX, leupeptin and cystatin for KB cells was determined using a trypan blue assay. The effects of SBE, canavanine, leupeptin and cystatin on Arg‐gingipain (Rgp) and Lys‐gingipain (Kgp) were evaluated by colorimetric assay using synthetic substrates. To examine its effects on P. gingivalis‐associated periodontal tissue breakdown, SBE was orally administered to P. gingivalis‐infected rats.

Result

Sword bean extract contained 6.4% canavanine. SBE and canavanine inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. The cytotoxicity of SBE, canavanine and cystatin on KB cells was significantly lower than that of CHX. Inhibition of Rgp with SBE was comparable to that with leupeptin, a known Rgp inhibitor, and inhibition of Kgp with SBE was significantly higher than that with leupeptin at 500 μg/mL ( p < 0.05). P. gingivalis‐induced alveolar bone resorption was significantly suppressed by administration of SBE, with bone levels remaining comparable to non‐infected animals ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study suggests that SBE might be effective against P. gingivalis‐associated alveolar bone resorption.
Long‐Term Survival of Dogs with Adrenal‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism: A Comparison between Mitotane and Twice Daily Trilostane Treatment
Authors: Arenas C. , Melián C. , Pérez‐Alenza M.D.
Published: February 2014

Background

Treatment of adrenal‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADH) involves either surgical resection of the adrenal tumor or medical therapy. For many years, mitotane has been considered the medical treatment of choice for dogs withADH.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine survival and prognostic factors for dogs withADHtreated with mitotane and trilostane.

Animals

Twenty‐six dogs withADHwere included in the study.

Methods

Fourteen dogs were treated with mitotane and 12 dogs were treated with trilostane. Medical records were reviewed. Epidemiologic factors, signalment, clinicopathologic abnormalities, endocrine test results, and treatment protocols were evaluated to identify potential predictive factors of overall survival time.

Results

Survival times of dogs treated with mitotane (median, 15.6 months) or trilostane (median, 14.0 months) were not significantly different. Using univariate analysis, age and postadrenocorticotropic hormone cortisol concentrations were inversely correlated with survival time. The multivariate model also identified weakness at presentation as a negative prognostic indicator.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The type of medical treatment (mitotane versus trilostane) does not influence survival time in dogs withADH; therefore, trilostane, a drug with less frequent and milder adverse effects, might be used as the primary medical treatment when adrenalectomy cannot be performed.
Investigation of a Commercial ELISA for the Detection of Canine Procalcitonin
Authors: Floras A.N.K. , Holowaychuk M.K. , Hodgins D.C. , Marr H.S. , Birkenheuer A. , Sharif S. , Bersenas A.M.E. , Bienzle D.
Published: February 2014

Background

Rapid identification of sepsis enables prompt administration of antibiotics and is essential to improve patient survival. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker used to diagnose sepsis in people. Commercial assays to measure canine PCT peptide have not been validated.

Objective

To investigate the validity of a commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) marketed for the measurement of canine PCT.

Animals

Three dogs with sepsis, 1 healthy dog, 1 dog with thyroid carcinoma.

Methods

Experimental study. The ELISA's ability to detect recombinant and native canine PCT was investigated and intra‐assay and interassay coefficients of variability were calculated. Assay validation including mass spectrometry of the kit standard solution was performed.

Results

The ELISA did not consistently detect recombinant canine PCT. Thyroid lysate yielded a positive ELISA signal. Intra‐assay variability ranged from 18.9 to 77.4%, while interassay variability ranged from 56.1 to 79.5%. Mass spectrometry of the standard solution provided with the evaluated ELISA kit did not indicate presence of PCT.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The results of this investigation do not support the use of this ELISA for the detection of PCT in dogs.
Breed Differences in Natriuretic Peptides in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Sjöstrand K. , Wess G. , Ljungvall I. , Häggström J. , Merveille A‐C. , Wiberg M. , Gouni V. , Lundgren Willesen J. , Hanås S. , Lequarré A‐S. , Mejer Sørensen L. , Wolf J. , Tiret L. , Kierczak M. , Forsberg S. , McEntee K. , Battaille G. , Seppälä E. , Lindblad‐Toh K. , Georges M. , Lohi Hannes , Chetboul V. , Fredholm M. , Höglund K.
Published: February 2014

Background

Measurement of plasma concentration of natriuretic peptides (NPs) is suggested to be of value in diagnosis of cardiac disease in dogs, but many factors other than cardiac status may influence their concentrations. Dog breed potentially is 1 such factor.

Objective

To investigate breed variation in plasma concentrations of pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide 31‐67 (proANP 31‐67) and N‐terminal B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in healthy dogs.

Animals

535 healthy, privately owned dogs of 9 breeds were examined at 5 centers as part of the European Union (EU) LUPA project.

Methods

Absence of cardiovascular disease or other clinically relevant organ‐related or systemic disease was ensured by thorough clinical investigation. Plasma concentrations of proANP 31‐67 and NT‐proBNP were measured by commercially available ELISA assays.

Results

Overall significant breed differences were found in proANP 31‐67 (P < .0001) and NT‐proBNP (P < .0001) concentrations. Pair‐wise comparisons between breeds differed in approximately 50% of comparisons for proANP 31‐67 as well as NT‐proBNP concentrations, both when including all centers and within each center. Interquartile range was large for many breeds, especially for NT‐proBNP. Among included breeds, Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands had highest median NT‐proBNP concentrations with concentrations 3 times as high as those of Dachshunds. German Shepherds and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels had the highest median proANP 31‐67 concentrations, twice the median concentration in Doberman Pinschers.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Considerable interbreed variation in plasma NP concentrations was found in healthy dogs. Intrabreed variation was large in several breeds, especially for NT‐proBNP. Additional studies are needed to establish breed‐specific reference ranges.
Roles of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis in Angiotensin II‐Enhanced Microvascular Thrombosis
Authors: Senchenkova Elena Y. , Russell Janice , Esmon Charles T. , Granger D. Neil
Published: February 2014

Objective

AngII‐induced HTN is associated with accelerated thrombus development in arterioles. This study assessed the contributions of different components of the coagulation cascade and fibrinolysis to AngII‐mediated microvascular thrombosis.

Methods

Light/dye‐induced thrombus formation (the time of onset and flow cessation) was quantified in cremaster muscle arterioles of AngII infused (two weeks) WT/AngII mice, EPCR‐TgN, and mice deficient in PAI‐1. WT/AngII mice were also treated with either tissue factor antibody, antithrombin III, heparin, hirudin, or murine APC.

Results

TF immunoblockade or hirudin treatment did not prevent the AngII‐induced acceleration of thrombosis. While antithrombin III treatment prevented the acceleration in both thrombus onset and flow cessation, heparin only improved the time for blood flow cessation. Neither WT mice treated with murine APC nor EPCR‐TgN were protected against AngII‐induced thrombus development. A similar lack of protection was noted in PAI‐1deficient mice.

Conclusion

These findings implicate a role for thrombin generation pathway in the accelerated thrombosis induced by AngII and suggest that an impaired protein C pathway and increased PAI‐1 do not make a significant contribution to this model of microvascular thrombosis.
New Psychological Paradigm for Conditionals and General de Finetti Tables
Authors: BARATGIN J. , OVER D. , POLITZER G.
Published: February 2014

The new Bayesian paradigm in the psychology of reasoning aims to integrate the study of human reasoning, decision making, and rationality. It is supported by two findings. One, most people judge the probability of the indicative conditional, P(if A then B), to be the conditional probability, P(B|A), as implied by the Ramsey test. Two, they judge if A then B to be void when A is false. Their three‐valued response table used to be called ‘defective’, but should be termed the de Finetti table. We show how to study general de Finetti truth tables for negations, conjunctions, disjunctions, and conditionals.
Shore‐based observations of seasonality, movements, and group behavior of southern right whales in a nonnursery area on the South African west coast
Authors: Barendse Jaco , Best Peter B.
Published: February 2014

The southern right whale's (Eubalaena australis) demography, occurrence, habitat use, and behavior off South Africa are known predominantly from an ongoing aerial survey data set that started in 1971. The fixed timeframes of these surveys and their geographical bias towards south coast nursery areas have constrained our knowledge about the right whale's seasonal distribution elsewhere. We present shore‐based observations and tracking of right whales at Saldanha Bay on the west coast (2001–2003) that reveal a near year‐round presence and strongly nearshore distribution. With seasonal progression from winter to summer we observed a gradual increase in sighting rate, reduction in swimming speed, less directionality of movement, an increase in group size, and more surface active groups. The area appears to be important for feeding and socializing but not as a calving or nursery area. Individual transits between the south and west coasts, bidirectional alongshore movements, and extended seasonal presence may all be indicative of reoccupation of their former range along the west coast. This is important given the increasing ship traffic at Saldanha Bay, the rapid expansion of the region's oil and gas industry, and the known vulnerability of the closely related North Atlantic right whale (E. glacialis) to ship strikes.
Stable isotope cellular imaging reveals that both live and degenerating fungal pelotons transfer carbon and nitrogen to orchid protocorms
Authors: Kuga Yukari , Sakamoto Naoya , Yurimoto Hisayoshi
Published: February 2014

The objective of this study was to elucidate the transfer of nutrient elements in orchid symbiotic protocorms at the cellular level by imaging of stable isotope tracers. We address the long‐standing question of whether nutrients move by transport across the symbiotic interface or solely by lysis of fungal pelotons.

[U‐13C]glucose and 15NH415NO3 were added to Ceratobasidium sp. hyphae extending from symbiotic protocorms of Spiranthes sinensis. Isotope images were taken from resin‐embedded sections of protocorms using ultra‐high spatial resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Analyses of regions of interest were conducted on isotope ratio images for fungal and host structures.

Amyloplasts adjacent to young pelotons showed elevated 13C/12C, which indicated that fungal carbon (C) was transferred from live hyphae. Senescent pelotons and their surrounding host cytoplasm showed significantly higher isotope ratios than young pelotons and surrounding host cytoplasm. These results indicate an inflow of C to senescent hyphae, which was then transferred to the host.

The findings of this study provide some support for each of the two contradictory hypotheses concerning nutrient exchange in the symbiotic protocorm: the interface between the symbionts is involved before fungal senescence, and peloton degradation also releases a significant amount of C and nitrogen to host cells.
Similar in vitro effects and pulp regeneration in ectopic tooth transplantation by basic fibroblast growth factor and granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor
Authors: Takeuchi N , Hayashi Y , Murakami M , Alvarez FJ , Horibe H , Iohara K , Nakata K , Nakamura H , Nakashima M
Published: February 2014

Objectives

Granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) has been shown to have combinatorial trophic effects with dental pulp stem cells for pulp regeneration. The aim of this investigation is to examine the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in vitro and in vivo compared with those of G‐CSF and to assess the potential utility of bFGF as an alternative to G‐CSF for pulp regeneration.

Materials and methods

Five different types of cells were examined in the in vitro effects of bFGF on cell migration, proliferation, anti‐apoptosis, neurite outgrowth, angiogenesis, and odontogenesis compared with those of G‐CSF. The in vivo regenerative potential of pulp tissue including vasculogenesis and odontoblastic differentiation was also compared using an ectopic tooth transplantation model.

Results

Basic fibroblast growth factor was similar to G‐CSF in high migration, proliferation and anti‐apoptotic effects and angiogenic and neurite outgrowth stimulatory activities in vitro. There was no significant difference between bFGF and G‐CSF in the regenerative potential in vivo.

Conclusions

The potential utility of bFGF for pulp regeneration is demonstrated as a homing/migration factor similar to the influence of G‐CSF.
Signatures of malaria vaccine efficacy in ageing murine immune memory
Authors: Haussig J. M. , Burgold J. , Hafalla J. C. R. , Matuschewski K. , Kooij T. W. A.
Published: February 2014

Malaria transmission occurs by mosquito bite. Thereafter, Plasmodium sporozoites specifically invade the liver, where they develop into thousands of merozoites that initiate blood‐stage infection and clinical malaria. The pre‐erythrocytic phase of a Plasmodium infection is the target of experimental whole‐parasite vaccines against malaria. Repeated immunizations with high doses of live, metabolically active sporozoites can induce protracted protection against Plasmodium reinfection. Parasites lacking a Plasmodium‐specific apicoplast protein, termed PALM, arrest very late during intrahepatic development just prior to liver merozoite release and can elicit sterile protection with two immunization doses only. In this report, we show in the robust Plasmodium berghei‐C57BL/6 model that partial protection extends beyond 1 year after the last immunization. In ageing mice, intracellular cytokine staining of Plasmodium peptide‐stimulated intrahepatic CD8+ T cells revealed elevated levels of interferon gamma in vaccinated mice. We conclude that antigen‐specific T cells persist in the target organ and are critical signatures of lasting protection. Our data also support the notions that memory T‐cell responses generated early in life remain largely intact well into old age and that murine Plasmodium vaccination and infection models are suitable to study the mechanisms of maintenance and efficiency of adaptive immunity during immunosenescence.