bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Variation in Tolerance in 23 Muslim‐Majority and Western Countries
Authors: Milligan Scott , Andersen Robert , Brym Robert
Published: July 2014

Scholars disagree over whether Islam hinders the development of liberal democracy in Muslim‐majority countries. We contribute to this debate by assessing the influence of Islam at the individual and national levels on ethnic, racial, and religious tolerance in 23 countries. Our analyses are based on a set of multilevel models fitted to World Values Survey data and national‐level contextual information from various sources. Our findings suggest that people living in Muslim‐majority countries tend to be less tolerant than are those living in Western countries. Although a significant part of this difference is attributable to variation in level of economic development and income inequality, Muslim countries remain less tolerant even after controlling for these factors. On the other hand, controlling for other individual‐level factors, nonpracticing Muslims in Western countries are more tolerant than are all others in both Muslim‐majority and Western countries. This finding challenges common claims about the effects of Islam as a religion on tolerance, suggesting that it is Islamic political regimes—not Islam itself—that pose problems for social tolerance.

Les chercheurs ont des opinions divergentes à savoir si l'islam freine le développement d'une démocratie libérale dans les pays à majorité musulmane. Nous contribuons à ce débat en évaluant l'influence de l'islam aux niveaux individuel et national sur la tolérance ethnique, raciale et religieuse dans 23 pays. Nos analyses sont basées sur un ensemble de modèles à plusieurs niveaux ajustés en fonction des données du World Values Survey et de l'information contextuelle au niveau national ayant été obtenue auprès de diverses sources. Nos constatations suggèrent que les personnes vivant dans des pays à majorité musulmane ont tendance à être moins tolérantes que celles vivant dans les pays occidentaux. Bien qu'une grande partie de cette différence soit attribuable à la variation du niveau de développement économique et à l'inégalité de revenu, les pays musulmans demeurent moins tolérants, même après le contrôle de ces facteurs. En revanche, en contrôlant d'autres facteurs au niveau individuel, les musulmans non pratiquants des pays occidentaux sont plus tolérants que tous les autres des pays à majorité musulmane et des pays occidentaux. Cette constatation s'élève contre les allégations communes au sujet des effets de l'islam comme religion sur la tolérance, suggérant que ce sont les régimes politiques islamiques, et non pas l'islam en soi, qui posent des problèmes en ce qui a trait à la tolérance sociale.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Antidepressant‐like Activity of Some 4‐Substituted 1‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)Piperazine Derivatives
Authors: Waszkielewicz Anna M. , Pytka Karolina , Rapacz Anna , Wełna Elżbieta , Jarzyna Monika , Satała Grzegorz , Bojarski Andrzej , Sapa Jacek , Żmudzki Paweł , Filipek Barbara , Marona Henryk
Published: July 2014

A series of new derivatives of N‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazine have been synthesized for their affinity toward serotonergic receptors and for their potential antidepressant‐like activity. They have been evaluated toward receptors 5‐HT1A, 5‐HT6, and 5‐HT7, as well as in vivo in the tail suspension, locomotor activity, and motor co‐ordination tests. All the tested compounds proved very good affinities toward 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT7 receptors. The most promising compound was 1‐[(2‐chloro‐6‐methylphenoxy)ethoxyethyl]‐4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride, exhibiting affinity toward receptors Ki <1 nm (5‐HT1A) and Ki = 34 nm (5‐HT7). Antidepressant‐like activity (tail suspension test) was observed at 2.5 mg/kg b.w. (mice, i.p.), and the effect was stronger than that observed for imipramine (5 mg/kg b.w.). Sedative activity was observed at ED50 (locomotor test, mice, i.p.) = 17.5 mg/kg b.w. and neurotoxicity was observed at TD50 (rotarod, mice, i.p.) = 53.2 mg/kg b.w.
Highly Stable, Fluorescence‐Labeled Heptapeptides Substituted with a D‐Amino Acid for the Specific Detection of Oxidized Low‐Density Lipoprotein in Plasma
Authors: Sato Akira , Yamanaka Hikaru , Oe Keitaro , Yokoyama Izumi , Yamazaki Yoji , Ebina Keiichi
Published: July 2014

Probes that can detect oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) in plasma and in atherosclerotic plaques can be useful for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of atherosclerosis. Recently, we have reported that two heptapeptides (Lys‐Trp‐Tyr‐Lys‐Asp‐Gly‐Asp, KP6) coupled to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) through the ε‐amino group of N‐terminus Lys in the absence/presence of 6‐amino‐n‐caproic acid (AC) linker to FITC—(FITC)KP6 and (FITC‐AC)KP6—can be useful as fluorescent probes for the specific detection of ox‐LDL. In this study, to develop the fluorescent peptides with high plasma stability for the specific detection of ox‐LDL, we investigated the interaction of (FITC)KP6 and (FITC‐AC)KP6 substituted with D‐Lys at the N‐terminus—(FITC)dKP6 and (FITC‐AC)dKP6—with ox‐LDL, and the in vitro stability of these peptides in mouse plasma. (FITC)dKP6 and (FITC‐AC)dKP6 bound with high specificity to ox‐LDL in a dose‐dependent manner, and also to ox‐LDL in the mouse plasma. Furthermore, (FITC)dKP6 was more stable than (FITC)KP6 in mouse plasma (102.1% versus 69.0% remained after 1 h). These findings strongly suggest that (FITC)dKP6 and (FITC‐AC)dKP6 may be effective fluorescent probes with higher plasma stability than (FITC)KP6 and (FITC‐AC)KP6 for the specific detection of ox‐LDL.
Challenges in recruiting parents to participate in child welfare research: implications for study design and research practice
Authors: Mirick Rebecca G.
Published: July 2014

Although research with hard‐to‐reach populations is necessary to deepen the social work knowledge base and improve services to these groups, recruiting members of hard‐to‐reach populations for research projects is often a challenging process. Frequently, non‐probability sampling is used to obtain participants. However, the difficulties and limitations associated with this process in quantitative research are rarely discussed in depth in the literature. Sampling issues can significantly impact a research project, delaying it, extending it or even causing the premature termination of a project. Challenges to recruitment can limit the type of research that is completed, impact the knowledge base or introduce threats to validity through sampling bias. Using a preliminary quantitative study on parental engagement with child protective services as an illustration for the discussion, the challenges of non‐probability sampling with a hard‐to‐reach population and the implications for research practice are explored and discussed. Implications for future research practice are considered.
An Exploratory Case‐Control Study on the Impact of IL‐1 Gene Polymorphisms on Early Implant Failure
Authors: Cosyn Jan , Christiaens Véronique , Koningsveld Vincent , Coucke Paul J. , De Coster Peter , De Paepe Anne , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: July 2014

Background

The association between IL‐1 gene polymorphisms and peri‐implantitis has been well documented. However, data on the association with early implant failure are scarce.

Purpose

The objective of this case‐control study was to explore the impact of IL‐1A (−889), IL‐1B (−511), and IL‐1B (+3,954) gene polymorphisms on early implant failure in Caucasians.

Materials and Methods

Between September 2004 and August 2007, 461 patients were treated with dental implants at the University Hospital in Ghent, Belgium. Fourteen subjects of this patient group who had experienced one or more early implant failures (within 6 months from implant installation) were recruited as “cases.” Fourteen “controls,” matched in terms of age, gender, and smoking habits, with only surviving implants, were selected from the same patient group. Allele and genotype analysis was performed on the basis of a blood sample by Sanger sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products containing the IL‐1A (−889), IL‐1B (−511), and IL‐1B (+3,954) gene polymorphisms.

Results

A significant impact of the IL‐1A (−889) T allele (p = .039) and the IL‐1B (+3,954) T allele (p = .003) on early implant failure was demonstrated (odds ratios = 3.9 and 15.0, respectively). In addition, the genotypic distribution differed significantly between cases and controls for IL‐1B (+3,954) (p = .015).

Conclusions

The IL‐1B (+3,954) gene polymorphism seems to affect osseointegration. Additional case‐control studies in larger patient groups are needed to confirm this observation.
The Role of Nicotine in the Corrosive Behavior of a Ti‐6Al‐4V Dental Implant
Authors: Royhman Dmitry , Dominguez‐Benetton Xochitl , Yuan Judy Chia‐Chun , Shokuhfar Tolou , Takoudis Christos , Mathew Mathew T. , Sukotjo Cortino
Published: July 2014

Background

Metals react chemically/electrochemically in electrolytic solutions, such as that present in the oral cavity, which leads to corrosion of metal dental implants. Corrosion can increase the failure rate of dental implants.

Purpose

This study evaluated the corrosion behavior of nicotine on Ti‐6Al‐4V under physiological conditions. It was hypothesized that nicotine in artificial saliva would have an adverse effect on the corrosion of Ti‐6Al‐4V.

Methods

Ti‐6Al‐4V discs were electrochemically analyzed using a three‐electrode electrochemical cell. The disks were immersed in an electrolytic artificial saliva with varying pH (3.0 and 6.5) and nicotine concentration (control, 1 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, and 20 mg/mL). Open circuit potential, cyclic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests were conducted.

Results

Electrochemical parameters indicated that the presence of nicotine significantly reduced (p < .05) the corrosion rate. For example, there was a decrease in corrosion current density from 2.94 × 10−3 μA/cm2 to 1.43 × 10−3 μA/cm2 in control compared with 20 mg/mL nicotine at pH 6.5. EIS results exhibited an unexpected trend in that the presence of nicotine decreased polarization resistance. This suggested a decrease in passive film growth.

Conclusions

At certain concentrations, nicotine inhibits local corrosion; however, it also prevents the formation of a protective oxide film.
The Effect of Decortication for Periosteal Expansion Osteogenesis Using Shape Memory Alloy Mesh Device
Authors: Yamauchi Kensuke , Nogami Shinnosuke , Tanaka Kenko , Yokota Sou , Shimizu Yoshinaka , Kanetaka Hiroyasu , Takahashi Tetsu
Published: July 2014

Background

In conventional bone grafting technique, decortication procedure enhances the healing process and bone regeneration to reach the grafted site more readily.

Purpose

This study evaluates to improve periosteal expansion osteogenesis (PEO) using a shape memory alloy mesh (SMA) device with decortication in a rabbit model.

Materials and Methods

The SMA device was inserted under the periosteum at the forehead and pushed, bent, and attached to the bone surface and fixed with a titanium screw. Twelve rabbits were divided into two groups: PEO without decortication (P group) and with decortication (D group). After 2 weeks, the screw was removed, and the mesh was activated by its own elasticity. Rabbits were sacrificed 5 (P1/D1) and 8 (P2/D2) weeks after operation and histologically and radiographically evaluated.

Results

The mean activation height was 2.9 ± 0.5 mm. The ratio of new bone volume in the elevated volume was 17.6% in P1, 59.8% in D1 33.4% in P2, and 65.1% in D2. D group had a statistically higher volume of new bone than P group during each period (p < .05).

Conclusion

PEO with decortication appears to be a promising clinical alternative for bone augmentation and introduces the new concept of “dynamic graft and guided bone regeneration (GBR).”
Differential Behavior of Fibroblasts and Epithelial Cells on Structured Implant Abutment Materials: A Comparison of Materials and Surface Topographies
Authors: Nothdurft Frank P. , Fontana Dorothee , Ruppenthal Sandra , May Alexander , Aktas Cenk , Mehraein Yasmin , Lipp Peter , Kaestner Lars
Published: July 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the proliferation and attachment behavior of fibroblasts and epithelial cells on differently structured abutment materials.

Materials and Methods

Three different surface topographies were prepared on zirconia and titanium alloy specimens and defined as follows: machined (as delivered without further surface modification), smooth (polished), and rough (sandblasted). Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, topographical analysis, and water contact angle measurements were used to analyze the surface properties. Fibroblasts (HGF1) and epithelial cells (HNEpC) grown on the specimens were investigated 24 hours and 72 hours after seeding and counted using fluorescence imaging. To investigate adhesion, the abundance and arrangement of the focal adhesion protein vinculin were evaluated by immunocytochemistry.

Results

Similar surface topographies were created on both materials. Fibroblasts exhibited significant higher proliferation rates on comparable surface topographies of zirconia compared with the titanium alloy. The proliferation of fibroblasts and epithelial cells was optimal on different substrate/topography combinations. Cell spreading was generally higher on polished and machined surfaces than on sandblasted surfaces. Rough surfaces provided favorable properties in terms of cellular adhesion of fibroblasts but not of epithelial cells.

Conclusions

Our data support complex soft tissue cell‐substrate interactions: the fibroblast and epithelial cell response is influenced by both the material and surface topography.
Setting Practical Conservation Priorities for Birds in the Western Andes of Colombia
Authors: OCAMPO‐PEÑUELA NATALIA , PIMM STUART L.
Published: July 2014

We aspired to set conservation priorities in ways that lead to direct conservation actions. Very large‐scale strategic mapping leads to familiar conservation priorities exemplified by biodiversity hotspots. In contrast, tactical conservation actions unfold on much smaller geographical extents and they need to reflect the habitat loss and fragmentation that have sharply restricted where species now live. Our aspirations for direct, practical actions were demanding. First, we identified the global, strategic conservation priorities and then downscaled to practical local actions within the selected priorities. In doing this, we recognized the limitations of incomplete information. We started such a process in Colombia and used the results presented here to implement reforestation of degraded land to prevent the isolation of a large area of cloud forest. We used existing range maps of 171 bird species to identify priority conservation areas that would conserve the greatest number of species at risk in Colombia. By at risk species, we mean those that are endemic and have small ranges. The Western Andes had the highest concentrations of such species—100 in total—but the lowest densities of national parks. We then adjusted the priorities for this region by refining these species ranges by selecting only areas of suitable elevation and remaining habitat. The estimated ranges of these species shrank by 18–100% after accounting for habitat and suitable elevation. Setting conservation priorities on the basis of currently available range maps excluded priority areas in the Western Andes and, by extension, likely elsewhere and for other taxa. By incorporating detailed maps of remaining natural habitats, we made practical recommendations for conservation actions. One recommendation was to restore forest connections to a patch of cloud forest about to become isolated from the main Andes.

Establecimiento de Prioridades Prácticas para la Conservación de Aves en los Andes Occidentales de Colombia
Biogeographical and Taxonomic Biases in Tropical Forest Fragmentation Research
Authors: DEIKUMAH JUSTUS P. , MCALPINE CLIVE A. , MARON MARTINE
Published: July 2014

Despite several decades of research on the effects of fragmentation and habitat change on biodiversity, there remain strong biases in the geographical regions and taxonomic species studied. The knowledge gaps resulting from these biases are of particular concern if the forests most threatened with modification are also those for which the effects of such change are most poorly understood. To quantify the nature and magnitude of such biases, we conducted a systematic review of the published literature on forest fragmentation in the tropics for the period 1980–2012. Studies included focused on any type of response of single species, communities, or assemblages of any taxonomic group to tropical forest fragmentation and on fragmentation‐related changes to forests. Of the 853 studies we found in the SCOPUS database, 64% were conducted in the Neotropics, 13% in Asia, 10% in the Afrotropics, and 5% in Australasia. Thus, although the Afrotropics is subject to the highest rates of deforestation globally, it was the most disproportionately poorly studied biome. Significant taxonomic biases were identified. Of the taxonomic groups considered, herpetofauna was the least studied in the tropics, particularly in Africa. Research examining patterns of species distribution was by far the most common type (72%), and work focused on ecological processes (28%) was rare in all biomes, but particularly in the Afrotropics and for fauna. We suggest research efforts be directed toward less‐studied biogeographic regions, particularly where the threat of forest fragmentation continues to be high. Increased research investment in the Afrotropics will be important to build knowledge of threats and inform responses in a region where almost no efforts to restore its fragmented landscapes have yet begun and forest protection is arguably most tenuous.

Sesgos Biogeográficos y Taxonómicos en la Investigación de la Fragmentación de Bosques Tropicales
Inferring the nature of anthropogenic threats from long‐term abundance records
Authors: Shoemaker Kevin T. , Akçakaya H. Resit
Published: July 2014

Diagnosing the processes that threaten species persistence is critical for recovery planning and risk forecasting. Dominant threats are typically inferred by experts on the basis of a patchwork of informal methods. Transparent, quantitative diagnostic tools would contribute much‐needed consistency, objectivity, and rigor to the process of diagnosing anthropogenic threats. Long‐term census records, available for an increasingly large and diverse set of taxa, may exhibit characteristic signatures of specific threatening processes and thereby provide information for threat diagnosis. We developed a flexible Bayesian framework for diagnosing threats on the basis of long‐term census records and diverse ancillary sources of information. We tested this framework with simulated data from artificial populations subjected to varying degrees of exploitation and habitat loss and several real‐world abundance time series for which threatening processes are relatively well understood: bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) (exploitation) and Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica) and Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis) (habitat loss). Our method correctly identified the process driving population decline for over 90% of time series simulated under moderate to severe threat scenarios. Successful identification of threats approached 100% for severe exploitation and habitat loss scenarios. Our method identified threats less successfully when threatening processes were weak and when populations were simultaneously affected by multiple threats. Our method selected the presumed true threat model for all real‐world case studies, although results were somewhat ambiguous in the case of the Eurasian Skylark. In the latter case, incorporation of an ancillary source of information (records of land‐use change) increased the weight assigned to the presumed true model from 70% to 92%, illustrating the value of the proposed framework in bringing diverse sources of information into a common rigorous framework. Ultimately, our framework may greatly assist conservation organizations in documenting threatening processes and planning species recovery.

Inferencia la Naturaleza de las Amenazas Antropogénicas para los Registros de Abundancia a Largo Plazo
Word Meanings Evolve to Selectively Preserve Distinctions on Salient Dimensions
Authors: Silvey Catriona , Kirby Simon , Smith Kenny
Published: July 2014

Words refer to objects in the world, but this correspondence is not one‐to‐one: Each word has a range of referents that share features on some dimensions but differ on others. This property of language is called underspecification. Parts of the lexicon have characteristic patterns of underspecification; for example, artifact nouns tend to specify shape, but not color, whereas substance nouns specify material but not shape. These regularities in the lexicon enable learners to generalize new words appropriately. How does the lexicon come to have these helpful regularities? We test the hypothesis that systematic backgrounding of some dimensions during learning and use causes language to gradually change, over repeated episodes of transmission, to produce a lexicon with strong patterns of underspecification across these less salient dimensions. This offers a cultural evolutionary mechanism linking individual word learning and generalization to the origin of regularities in the lexicon that help learners generalize words appropriately.
Nonlinear Effects of Stand Age on Fire Severity
Authors: Taylor Chris , McCarthy Michael A. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: July 2014

We quantify the relationship between forest stand age and fire severity using a detailed case study of Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans Muell) forest burned in south‐eastern Australia in 2009. We focused on two important areas of Mountain Ash forest that feature a range of growth stages and disturbance histories. Using probit regression analysis, we identified a strong relationship between the age of a Mountain Ash forest and the severity of damage that the forest sustained from the fires under extreme weather conditions. Stands of Mountain Ash trees between the ages of 7 to 36 years mostly sustained canopy consumption and scorching, which are impacts resulting from high‐severity fire. High‐severity fire leading to canopy consumption almost never occurred in young stands (<7 years) and also was infrequent in older (>40 years) stands of Mountain Ash. We discuss the significant forest conservation and management implications of these results for Mountain Ash forests as well as other similar biomes, where high‐severity fire is a common form of disturbance.
Obtaining the Patient's Voice from within Three Patient‐Centered Medical Homes
Authors: Kennedy Betty M. , Cerise Frederick , Horswell Ronald , Griffin Willene P. , Willis Kathleen H. , Moody‐Thomas Sarah , Besse Jay A. , Katzmarzyk Peter T.
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this qualitative program was to determine if a trend exists across three LSU medical homes according to patient feedback concerning their experiences within the medical home for ongoing disease management and quality healthcare; and to obtain recommendations for the most effective way to involve patients in shaping system policies, procedures, and practices consistent with patient and family‐centered care principles. A total of 94 adult patients participated in either cognitive interviews (n = 45) or structured focus groups (n = 49) using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT). Exit surveys collected demographic information and feedback from patients about opportunities for their involvement in shaping medical homes. Cognitive interviews and NGT sessions both revealed some patient‐perceived gratifications (i.e., friendliness and helpfulness of the clinic staff), and deficiencies (i.e., improving scheduling of appointments and reducing wait time in the clinic) within these medical homes. However, the perceived gratifications far exceeded the deficiencies found within each of three LSU medical homes.
Characterization of Investigators' Approach to Translational Research: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Rubio Doris M. , Robinson Georgeanna F.W.B. , Gilliam Victoria A. , Primack Brian A. , Switzer Galen E. , Seltzer Deborah L. , Kapoor Wishwa N.
Published: July 2014

Background

Little is known about how investigators approach their research programs along the translational research continuum. Many consider the translational continuum to be linear, with research beginning at the bench and concluding with research at the bedside or in the community. We aimed to understand if translational investigators approach and view their research in this fashion.

Methods

We conducted semistructured individual interviews with 16 graduates of the University of Pittsburgh's Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Scholars Program (KL2) in 2012.

Results

Our research revealed three characteristic models. The first model we called “linear” and represented the traditional approach. The second we called “holistic”; these investigators began with central research questions and sought to explore them in every direction of translation, not necessarily taking linear steps. The third model we called “technical”; in this model, investigators focused on a unique technology or methodology and applied it across multiple research contexts.

Conclusion

This study found that there are multiple ways that translational investigators approach their research program. Better understanding of these models can help educators and mentors guide investigators so that they can be more productive in their clinical or translational research career.
Children use salience to solve coordination problems
Authors: Grueneisen Sebastian , Wyman Emily , Tomasello Michael
Published: July 2014

Humans are routinely required to coordinate with others. When communication is not possible, adults often achieve this by using salient cues in the environment (e.g. going to the Eiffel Tower, as an obvious meeting point). To explore the development of this capacity, we presented dyads of 3‐, 5‐, and 8‐year‐olds (N = 144) with a coordination problem: Two balls had to be inserted into the same of four boxes to obtain a reward. Identical pictures were attached to three boxes whereas a unique – and thus salient – picture was attached to the fourth. Children either received one ball each, and so had to choose the same box (experimental condition), or they received both balls and could get the reward independently (control condition). In all cases, children could neither communicate nor see each other's choices. Children were significantly more likely to choose the salient option in the experimental condition than in the control condition. However, only the two older age groups chose the salient box above chance levels. This study is the first to show that children from at least age 5 can solve coordination problems by converging on a salient solution.
The dystonias: a heterogeneous collection
Authors: Hallett M.
Published: July 2014

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Elucidation of kinetic mechanisms of human translesionDNApolymerase κ using tryptophan mutants
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Pence Matthew G. , Eoff Robert L. , Yuan Shuai , Fercu Catinca A. , Guengerich F. Peter
Published: July 2014

To investigate the conformational dynamics of humanDNApolymerase κ (hpol κ), we generated two mutants, Y50W (N‐clasp region) and Y408W (linker between the thumb and little finger domains), using a Trp‐null mutant (W214Y/W392H) of the hpol κ catalytic core enzyme. These mutants retained catalytic activity and similar patterns of selectivity for bypassing the DNA adduct 7,8‐dihydro‐8‐oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine, as indicated by the results of steady‐state and pre‐steady‐state kinetic experiments. Stopped‐flow kinetic assays with hpol κ Y50W and T408W revealed a decrease in Trp fluorescence with the template G:dCTPpair but not for any mispairs. This decrease in fluorescence was not rate‐limiting and is considered to be related to a conformational change necessary for correct nucleotidyl transfer. When a free 3′‐hydroxyl was present on the primer, the Trp fluorescence returned to the baseline level at a rate similar to the observedkcat, suggesting that this change occurs during or after nucleotidyl transfer. However, polymerization rates (kpol) of extended‐product formation were fast, indicating that the slow fluorescence step follows phosphodiester bond formation and is rate‐limiting. Pyrophosphate formation and release were fast and are likely to precede the slower relaxation step. The available kinetic data were used to fit a simplified minimal model. The extracted rate constants confirmed that the conformational change after phosphodiester bond formation was rate‐limiting for hpol κ catalysis with the template G:dCTPpair.
Activation of T‐LAK‐cell‐originated protein kinase‐mediated antioxidation protects against focal cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhao Haiping , Wang Rongliang , Tao Zhen , Yan Feng , Gao Li , Liu Xiangrong , Wang Ningqun , Min Lianqiu , Jia Yujie , Zhao Yongmei , Ji Xunming , Luo Yumin
Published: July 2014

T‐LAK‐cell‐originated protein kinase (TOPK), a MAPKK‐like kinase, is crucial for neural progenitor cell proliferation; however, the function of TOPK and the molecular mechanism underlying cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of TOPK in experimental stroke. Sprague–Dawley rats underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and reperfusion, and TOPK small interfering RNA (siRNA) was delivered by intracerebroventricular injection at the beginning of MCAO. After TOPK overexpression and H2O2 stimulation in PC12 neuronal cells, antioxidative proteins, apoptosis‐related proteins and signal pathways were detected by western blot analysis, the levels of the peroxidation products (malondialdehyde and 3–nitrotyrosine) were measured with ELISA. Phosphorylation of TOPK was increased in rat cortical neurons following tMCAO. TOPK overexpression in PC12 cells augmented levels of antioxidative proteins (peroxiredoxin 1 and 2, heme oxygenase 1 and manganese superoxide dismutase), as well as total superoxide dismutase activity, along with inhibition of malondialdehyde and 3–nitrotyrosine upon H2O2 stimulation. TOPK overexpression increased cell viability and reduced expression of caspase 3 and caspase 12 in PC12 cells in response to H2O2. The p–ERK level was increased by TOPK overexpression, and antioxidative protection afforded by TOPK was abolished by blocking the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway in PC12 cells. TOPK siRNA increased the infarct volume and reduced total superoxide dismutase activity in the cortex in vivo after MCAO. These data reveal that activating TOPK confers neuroprotection against focal cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury by antioxidative function, in part through activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway.
Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary: evaluation of prognostic parameters based on a clinicopathological analysis of 100 cases
Authors: Bennett Jennifer A , Dong Fei , Young Robert H , Oliva Esther
Published: July 2014

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features of ovarian clear cell carcinomas in order to identify which, if any, are prognostically significant, and to determine whether there is value in grading these tumours.

Methods and results

One hundred tumours with clinical follow‐up were reviewed. Features evaluated included age, preoperative/intraoperative rupture, size, architectural pattern(s), presence of oxyphilic cells, degree of cytological atypia, nucleolar grade, mitoses, background precursor and stage. Survival differences were analysed using the log–rank test and Kaplan–Meier estimator. Stage and lymph node status were the only parameters that were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Patients with stage I disease (71%) had a 92% 5‐year survival compared to a 31% 5‐year survival in advanced stage disease (29%). Those with negative lymph nodes (92%) had an 80% 5‐year survival compared to a 22% 5‐year survival for those with positive nodes (8%).

Conclusions

This study shows that stage and lymph node status are the only prognostically significant parameters in patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma. It also confirms that most patients with clear cell carcinoma present with disease confined to the ovary, and have an excellent prognosis. Grading ovarian clear cell carcinomas based on morphological features is not recommended, as none are of prognostic significance.
Multifocal synchronous mucinous adenocarcinomas arising in congenital pulmonary airway malformation: a case report with molecular study
Authors: Kim Moon‐Young , Kang Chang Hyun , Park Sung‐Hye
Published: July 2014

Aims

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is a rare developmental anomaly of the lung. Here, we report a case of mucinous adenocarcinoma arising in CPAM. A 23‐month‐old boy underwent a thoracoscopic lobectomy of the left upper lobe of the lung based on a presumptive diagnosis of asymptomatic CPAM, found in antenatal sonogram.

Methods and results

Histologically, the lesion was consistent with CPAM, Stocker type I. In addition, multiple foci ranging from mucinous epithelial hyperplasia to mucinous adenocarcinoma were detected. All lesions shared the same immunoprofile with the expression of cytokeratin (CK) 20, MUC5AC, and human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (HER2), but were negative for CK7, transcription factor 1 (TTF‐1), MUC1, CDX2, BRAF (VE1) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). K‐RAS point mutation (G12V) was also detected in all micro‐dissected mucinous lesions but EGFR mutation was not found. All lesions were consistent with mucinous adenocarcinoma. The patient's clinical course has been uneventful during the 12‐months follow‐up period.

Conclusions

This interesting case demonstrated that multiple foci in CPAM can synchronously transform into malignancies.
Myoepithelioma of bone with a novelFUS‐POU5F1fusion gene
Authors: Puls Florian , Arbajian Elsa , Magnusson Linda , Douis Hassan , Kindblom Lars‐Gunnar , Mertens Fredrik
Published: July 2014

Aims

Myoepithelial tumours of soft tissue are rare lesions with a broad morphological and clinical spectrum. Previous studies have foundEWSR1rearrangements in approximately half of all cases andPBX1,ZNF44andPOU5F1have been identified as recurrent fusion partners. In bone, only a small number of myoepithelial tumours have been described. We investigated an intraosseous myoepithelioma of the sacrum in a 54‐year‐old man withoutEWSR1rearrangement for the presence of other fusion genes.

Methods and results

G‐banding analysis, SNP‐array and fluorescencein situhybridisation suggested rearrangement of theFUSandPOU5F1genes. RT‐PCR confirmed a chimeric in‐frame transcript fusingFUSexon 5 toPOU5F1exon 2. The clinical course afteren blocresection was without recurrence or metastasis over a period of 87 months.

Conclusion

We report a novelFUS‐POU5F1fusion gene in an intraosseous myoepithelioma of the sacrum. This case highlights thatFUScan replaceEWSR1as the N‐terminal transactivator in oncogenic fusion genes in myoepithelial tumours, similar to that which has previously been demonstrated in other tumour entities. Thus, in addition toEWSR1,alsoFUSneeds to be considered as a potential fusion partner in the molecular work up of myoepithelial tumours.
The anti‐inflammatory effect of cherry blossom extract (Prunus yedoensis) used in soothing skincare product
Authors: Zhang Y. Q. , Guan L. , Zhong Z. Y. , Chang M. , Zhang D. K. , Li H. , Lai W.
Published: July 2014

Synopsis

Objective

Previous investigations suggested that cherry blossoms could provide valuable bioactive materials. However, few observations regarding the anti‐inflammatory effect of cherry blossoms were reported. This study was to explore the anti‐inflammatory effect of cherry blossom extract (CBE), which was used as a soothing ingredient in skincare product.

Methods

In vitro study, the anti‐inflammatory effect of CBE on the nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assay in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated RAW 264.7 cells was investigated. In vivo study, 40 volunteers were included in a randomized, single‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial. 24‐hour‐occlusive test chambers were applied on the flexor side of the forearm with 3% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Subsequently, the test areas were treated on 9 subsequent days with a cream containing 3% CBE or a placebo. Evaluation included a visual score and determination of erythema value (E value).

Results

In vitro study, 2% CBE reduced NO production by 31.83% compared to the placebo. In the SLS irritant patch test, the visual score and erythema value of CBE were lower than that of the placebo on D5 and D9.

Conclusion

Cherry blossom extract shows good anti‐inflammatory effect in vitro and in vivo and represents a promising functional ingredient in soothing skincare product by reducing skin inflammation.
Characterization of a human epidermis model reconstructed from hair follicle keratinocytes and comparison with two commercially models and native skin
Authors: Guiraud B. , Hernandez‐Pigeon H. , Ceruti I. , Mas S. , Palvadeau Y. , Saint‐Martory C. , Castex‐Rizzi N. , Duplan H. , Bessou‐Touya S.
Published: July 2014

Synopsis

Objective

Outer root sheath (ORS) cells of human hair follicles are a readily available, non‐invasive source of keratinocytes for epidermis reconstruction. The aim of this study was to characterize a model of epidermis reconstructed from ORS cells (ORS‐derived model) and to evaluate its reproducibility, in comparison with native human skin and two marketed reconstructed skin models (model A, Episkin® and model B, Skinethic®).

Methods

Cell morphology and tissue architecture of the three models were analysed histologically and proliferation and differentiation marker expression by immunohistochemistry and mRNA quantification.

Results

All models displayed the same general epidermal architecture as native epidermis, but with a thicker stratum corneum in models A and B. Compared with native epidermis, Ki67 was correctly localized in epidermal basal cells in all models, as K10 in suprabasal layers. In all skin models, transglutaminase 1 (TGM1) was prematurely expressed in suprabasal layers. However, this expression was only observed from the upper stratum spinosum in the ORS‐derived model. In this model, filaggrin and loricrin were correctly located in the stratum granulosum. Filaggrin, involucrin, loricrin and TGM1 mRNAs (markers of keratinocyte terminal differentiation) were transcriptionally expressed in all models. In the ORS‐derived model, transcriptional expression level was similar to that of native skin.

Conclusion

ORS cell‐based reconstructed epidermis is a valid and reproducible model for human epidermis and it may be used to evaluate the effects of active substances and cosmetic formulations.
Factors affecting formulation characteristics and stability of ascorbic acid in water‐in‐oil creams
Authors: Sheraz M. A. , Khan M. F. , Ahmed S. , Kazi S. H. , Khattak S. Rehman , Ahmad I.
Published: July 2014

Synopsis

Objective

The present investigation is based on the formulation of water‐in‐oil (w/o) cream preparations of ascorbic acid (AA) at pH 4–6 using different emollients and humectants.

Methods

The preparations were stored in the dark at 30°C for a period of 3 months and were studied for their chemical and physical stability.

Results

The pH of the creams appeared to influence the stability of AA as the degradation was found to increase with an increase in pH. The degradation of AA in w/o creams followed an apparent first‐order kinetics. Among all the preparations, the creams containing castor oil as emollient and glycerine as humectant showed highest viscosity and minimum degradation as compared with the creams containing other excipients. This indicated that higher the viscosity of the medium lower will be the degradation of AA. Citric acid (CT) was found to decrease the rates of degradation of AA in all the cream preparations.

Conclusion

The physical mixtures of AA and CT showed no interaction between the two compounds by FTIR spectrometry indicating that the reduction in rates of degradation is due to the antioxidant activity of CT which protected AA to some extent from the atmospheric oxygen.
Effects of InNbO4 Fabrication on Perovskite PIN‐PMN‐PT
Authors: Wang Linghang , Zhao Shan , Jin Li , Li Fei , Xu Zhuo
Published: July 2014

Effects of InNbO4 (IN) fabrication on phase purity of the perovskite 23Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3‐45Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐32PbTiO3 (PIN‐PMN‐PT) were studied. Excess In2O3 and annealing process on the phase of the synthesized IN were investigated. In addition, the precalcined IN and mixed IN powders on the phases of PIN‐PMN‐PT were discussed. The experimental results indicated that excess In2O3 have has minimal influence on the phase of IN due to the higher chemical activity of In2O3, IN powder with 3% In2O3 excess was in gray color because of the reaction, In2O3→In2O, which can be changed to white color by annealing at 850°C in air. It was apparent that the mixed IN would benefit the pyrochlore‐free PIN‐PMN‐PT rather than precalcined IN powders. An optimized way for preparing PIN‐PMN‐PT materials was also proposed in this article.
Tunable Color of Eu2+/Mn2+ Coactivated Na5Ca2Al(PO4)4 via Energy Transfer
Authors: Fen Zhang , Wanjun Tang
Published: July 2014

Eu2+ and Eu2+/Mn2+‐activated Na5Ca2Al(PO4)4 phosphors have been synthesized by the combustion method. X‐ray powder diffraction profiles, luminescence spectra, chromaticity variation, and energy transfer of Na5Ca2Al(PO4)4:Eu2+, Mn2+ were investigated as a function of the Eu2+ and Mn2+ concentrations in Na5Ca2Al(PO4)4. The Na5Ca2Al(PO4)4:Eu2+,Mn2+ phosphors can be effectively excited at wavelength ranging from 300 to 430 nm, which matches well with that for near‐ultraviolet (UV) light‐emitting diode (LED) chips. Under excitation at 354 nm, Na5Ca2Al(PO4)4:Eu2+,Mn2+ not only exhibits blue‐green emission band attributed to 4f65d1→4f7 of Eu2+ but also gives an orange emission band attributed to 4T1→6A1 of Mn2+. The emission color of the phosphor can be systematically tuned from blue‐green through white and eventually to orange by adjusting the relative content of Eu2+ and Mn2+ through the principle of energy transfer. The results indicated that Na5Ca2Al(PO4)4:Eu2+, Mn2+ may serve as a potential color‐tunable phosphor for near UV white‐light LED.
Changes in oral microflora after full‐mouth tooth extraction: a prospective cohort study
Authors: de Waal Yvonne C.M. , Winkel Edwin G. , Raangs Gerwin C. , van der Vusse Marleen L. , Rossen John W.A. , van Winkelhoff Arie Jan
Published: July 2014

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of full‐mouth tooth extraction on the oral microflora, with emphasis on the presence and load of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Material and methods

Adult patients (n = 30), with moderate to advanced periodontitis and scheduled for full‐mouth tooth extraction, were consecutively selected. Prior to and 1 and 3 months after full‐mouth tooth extraction saliva, tongue, buccal and gingival mucosa and subgingival plaque/prosthesis samples were obtained. Aerobic and anaerobic culture techniques and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were employed for the detection of oral pathogens.

Results

Full‐mouth tooth extraction resulted in reduction below detection level of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis in 15 of 16 and 8 of 16 previously positive patients using culture techniques and qPCR, respectively. Those patients remaining qPCR positive showed a significant reduction in load of these bacteria.

Conclusion

Full‐mouth tooth extraction significantly changes the oral microflora. These changes include reduction of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis, frequently to levels below detection threshold. In some patients, A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis can persist in the edentulous oral cavity up to 3 months after full‐mouth tooth extraction.
Use of a Novel Cell Adhesion Method and Digital Measurement to Show Stimulus‐dependent Variation in Somatic and Oral Ciliary Beat Frequency in Paramecium
Authors: Bell Wade E. , Hallworth Richard , Wyatt Todd A. , Sisson Joseph H.
Published: July 2014

When Paramecium encounters positive stimuli, the membrane hyperpolarizes and ciliary beat frequency increases. We adapted an established immobilization protocol using a biological adhesive and a novel digital analysis system to quantify beat frequency in immobilized Paramecium. Cells showed low mortality and demonstrated beat frequencies consistent with previous studies. Chemoattractant molecules, reduction in external potassium, and posterior stimulation all increased somatic beat frequency. In all cases, the oral groove cilia maintained a higher beat frequency than mid‐body cilia, but only oral cilia from cells stimulated with chemoattactants showed an increase from basal levels.
Morphology and Phylogeny of Three Trachelocercid Ciliates, with Description of a New Species, Trachelocerca orientalis spec. nov. (Ciliophora, Karyorelictea)
Authors: Yan Ying , Gao Feng , Xu Yuan , Al‐Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Song Weibo
Published: July 2014

Three trachelocercid ciliates, Trachelocerca orientalis spec. nov., Prototrachelocerca fasciolata (Sauerbrey, 1928) Foissner, 1996 and Tracheloraphis huangi Xu et al., 2011, isolated from marine coastal habitats at Qingdao, China, were taxonomically studied using observation in vivo and silver staining methods. The new species T. orientalis spec. nov. can be recognized by the combination of its size (600–1,200 μm in vivo), 15–21 somatic kineties and about 13 groups of macronuclear nodules forming a strand and the colorless globular cortical granules. Together with the sequence data of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, the information of a new isolate of P. fasciolata and three populations of T. huangi is also documented based on the present work. According to the molecular data, the phylogeny of three species is estimated and the analyses show that they are all found within the trachelocercid assemblage though T. huangi does not cluster with its congeners but with Trachelocerca species. Nonetheless, the monophyly of Trachelocerca is not rejected by the approximately unbiased test (p = 0.345 > 0.05), while that of Tracheloraphis is not confirmed (p = 0.0002 < 0.05).
Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium Infecting White‐tailed Deer
Authors: Santin Monica , Fayer Ronald
Published: July 2014

Despite a white‐tailed deer (WTD) population in the United States of approximately 32 million animals extremely little is known of the prevalence and species of the protists that infect these animals. This study was undertaken to determine the presence of potential human protist pathogens in culled WTD in central Maryland. Feces from fawns to adults were examined by molecular methods. The prevalence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia was determined by PCR. All PCR‐positive specimens were sequenced to determine the species and genotype(s). Of specimens from 80 WTD, 26 (32.5%) contained 17 genotypes of E. bieneusi. Four genotypes were previously reported (I, J, WL4, LW1) and 13 novel genotypes were identified and named DeerEb1‐DeerEb13. Genotypes I, J, and LW1 are known to infect humans. Ten (12.5%) specimens contained the Cryptosporidium deer genotype, and one (1.25%) contained Giardia duodenalis Assemblage A. The identification zoonotic G. duodenalis Assemblage A as well as four E. bieneusi genotypes previously identified in humans suggest that WTD could play a role in the transmission of those parasites to humans.