bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Contact Hypersensitivity Reaction and Reduced Production of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Gene‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Shibata Mari , Sueki Hirohiko , Suzuki Hirotake , Watanabe Hideaki , Ohtaki Hirokazu , Shioda Seiji , Nakanishi‐Ueda Takako , Yasuhara Hajime , Sekikawa Kenji , Iijima Masafumi
Published: July 2014

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α is an important proinflammatory cytokine in contact hypersensitivity (CHS) reactions. Previous efforts to assay CHS in TNF‐α gene‐deficient (‐/‐) mice have demonstrated a significant reduction in ear skin weight at 24 h following challenge by oxazolone, although the mechanisms of this suppression have not been examined. To further characterize the impaired CHS during evolution of the elicitation phase in TNF‐α ‐/‐ mice and to clarify its mechanisms, focusing on the roles of TNF‐α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), we used an established method of CHS assay‐sensitization and challenge by trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)‐ in TNF‐α ‐/‐ and wild‐type mice. We compared the histopathology of the sequential evolution of CHS between the two groups of mice and assessed both the extent of inflammatory cell infiltration and the degree of dilatation in dermal vessels labeled with CD31. We quantified the production of VEGF in the epidermis at specific time points by using a murine VEGF ELISA kit. The CHS reaction was markedly suppressed in TNF‐α ‐/‐ mice at all time points of the elicitation phase. Histologically, in TNF‐α ‐/‐ mice we observed diminished vascular permeability, reduced numbers of infiltrating inflammatory cells, neutrophils at 12 h, mononuclear cells and eosinophils at 24 h, and a decreased area of dilatation of vessels labeled with CD31. The level of epidermal VEGF in wild type mice increased rapidly after challenge and peaked at 24 h, paralleling the peak of ear swelling. In contrast, the peak level of epidermal VEGF in TNF‐α ‐/‐ mice was significantly reduced. These results suggest that TNF‐α plays an enhancing role in the elicitation phase of the CHS reaction. Diminished degrees of vascular permeability, dilatation of CD31+ vessels, and inflammatory cell infiltration in TNF‐α ‐/‐ mice are likely to be the result of a lack of TNF‐α and reduced production of epidermal VEGF.
The Attachment and Entry of Leishmania (Leishmania) Major into Macrophages: Observation by Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Uezato Hiroshi , Kato Hirotomo , Kayo Susumu , Hagiwara Keisuke , Bhutto Abdul Manan , Katakura Ken , Nonaka Shigeo , Hashiguchi Yoshihisa
Published: July 2014

Leishmaniasis, a zoonotic protozoan disease, starts with the inoculation of the Leishmania promastigotes into the skin at the time of blood ingestion by a female sandfly. The infection of leishmaniasis is established when the Leishmania organisms start their own intracellular multiplication after having been phagocytized by the host's macrophages. In the earliest stage of the infection, therefore, the attachment of the promastigates to the macrophages is essential. We incubated a mixed culture of macrophages (JM774‐1A) and Leishmania (Leishmania) major for 6 hours in vitro and observed the process of the attachment between the parasite and host cell by scanning electron microscope. We found for the first time that the attachment between the two occurred at the site of the parasite body, in addition to the previously reported sites of the flagellar tip, flagellar base, and aflagellar tip (posterior pole).
Neurocutaneous Melanosis: An Atypical Presentation
Authors: Khera Siddharth , Sarkar Rashmi , Jain Rakesh Kumar , Saxena Ashok Kumar
Published: July 2014

An eleven‐year‐old male child presented with multiple small melanocytic nevi in a generalized distribution and a giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) over the lumbosacral area since birth. He had had difficulty in walking since the age of two and a half years. Histopathological examination revealed intradermal melanocytic nevi. Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans showed brainstem atrophy with central nervous system abnormality suggestive of neuromelanosis. Clinically and histologically, the diagnosis was suggestive of neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM). The present case is reported due to its clinical presentation of quadriparesis, which has been rarely reported as a manifestation of neurocutaneous melanosis.
Wall mechanics of the rat bladder. II. Hydrodynamic studies in the frequency domain
Authors: ANDERSSON S. , KRONSTRÖM A. , HENTSCHEL J.
Published: July 2014

The hydrodynamic properties of the urinary bladder in rat were examined by means of very small periodic changes in volume at different frequencies. The elastance increased with increasing frequency of volume changes, indicating the presence of viscoelastic elements. When the bladder was only moderately distended the influence of viscosity was minor. We consider that the rat bladder examined by this technique is an ideal experimental model for assessment of in vivo effects of pharamacological agents on bladder wall tonus. For example, cholinergic treatment showed a 100% increase in elastance and atropine inhibited this effect completely within 3 min.
Central haemodynamics during morphine abstinence in anaesthetized rats
Authors: DELLE M. , THORÉN P. , RICKSTEN S.‐E.
Published: July 2014

Central haemodynamics were studied in one group of morphine‐dependent rats, and in a non‐dependent control group, before and after administration of repeated bolus doses of naloxone. Dependence was induced by s.c. morphine pellet implantations. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO) and mean transit time (MTT) were measured in the conscious state, after induction of chloralose anaesthesia and after the administration of naloxone (0.005, 0.05> 0.5 and 5 mg kg−1 i.v.). Total peripheral resistance (TPR), stroke volume (SV) and central blood volume (CBV) were subsequently calculated. The haemodynamic variables did not differ significantly in the conscious state, except for a lower SV, when compared with the non‐dependent control group. However, in response to anaesthesia the dependent rats exhibited a greater fall in MAP, mainly due to a TPR decrease. Naloxone elicited a marked increase in MAP in the morphine‐dependent group, which was mainly caused by an increase in TPR. Naloxone induced no significant change compared with the control group in CO and CBV, while SV increased concomitantly with a lowered HR after naloxone in the morphine‐dependent group. These results suggest that the withdrawal hypertension during morphine abstinence was mainly explained by an increase in TPR, reflecting an augmented tone of the resistance vessels. The minor changes in CBV indicate that the tone of the venous capacitance vessels was largely unaffected by naloxone‐induced morphine abstinence.
Motor responses elicited by local electrical stimulation of the distal colon in the anaesthetized rat
Authors: NIKLASSON L.‐G. , GUSTAFSSON B. I. , NORDGREN S. , FASTH S. , HULTÉN L. , DELBRO D.
Published: July 2014

A method to study electrically induced distal colonic motility in the rat in vivo is reported. The animals were anaesthetized with methohexital and chloralose and were artificially ventilated. Motility of a segment (2 cm) of the distal colon was monitored as volume changes of an intraluminal balloon, introduced via the anus. Local electrical stimulation of the wall of the segment was achieved by means of a bipolar electrode folded around the gut. Stimulations produced reproducible contractile responses in a frequency dependent fashion. Stimulation characteristics resembled those of other autonomic neuro‐effector systems. The adrenergic neuron‐blocker, guanethidine, significantly lowered colonic tone, but had no other effects on spontaneous or electrically induced motility. Atropine significantly lowered colonic tone. After the administration of this compound the electrically induced contractions were significantly smaller with a shorter duration and, furthermore, appeared upon the cessation of stimulation (‘off’ or ‘rebound’ contraction). Following the administration of tetrodotoxin (TTX, given close i.a. via a cannula with its tip in distal aorta) basal colonic tone and the number of spontaneously occurring contractions increased. The amplitude and duration of the electrically induced responses were significantly attenuated and, furthermore, appeared as ‘rebound’ contractions which were preceded by a relaxation. Such TTX‐resistant responses may be myogenic, but a neurogenic origin cannot be excluded. The present study showed that local electrical stimulation of the distal colon elicits cholinergic contractions, but also atropine‐ and TTX‐resistant motor responses.
Determining the Dynamics of Agricultural Water Use: Cases from Asia and Africa
Authors: Rebelo Lisa‐Maria , Johnston Robyn , Karimi Poolad , McCornick Peter G.
Published: July 2014

Across Africa and Asia water resources are being affected by a complex mixture of social, economic, and environmental factors. These include climate change and population growth, food prices, oil prices, financial disruptions, and political fluctuations. The need to produce more food will have one of the largest impacts on water and will continue to re‐shape the patterns of agricultural water use in major food‐growing regions.

With this increasing demand on water for agriculture, from large‐scale irrigation to intensification of rainfed systems, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that water resources decision‐making has access to information that captures the spectrum of water uses, across seasons, and over time. Furthermore, the major sectors that place demands on water and otherwise affect the resource need water‐related information to inform their decisions. In this paper we consider two cases where the range of agricultural water management uses have been examined. We examine the methodologies and approaches used, the utility of this information to decision‐making in the water and agricultural sectors, and the limitations of the information gathered.
Freshwater Mussel Population Status and Habitat Quality in the Clinch River, Virginia and Tennessee, USA: A Featured Collection
Authors: Zipper Carl E. , Beaty Braven , Johnson Gregory C. , Jones Jess W. , Krstolic Jennifer Lynn , Ostby Brett J.K. , Wolfe William J. , Donovan Patricia
Published: July 2014

The Clinch River of southwestern Virginia and northeastern Tennessee is arguably the most important river for freshwater mussel conservation in the United States. This featured collection presents investigations of mussel population status and habitat quality in the Clinch River. Analyses of historic water‐ and sediment‐quality data suggest that water column ammonia and water column and sediment metals, including Cu and Zn, may have contributed historically to declining densities and extirpations of mussels in the river's Virginia sections. These studies also reveal increasing temporal trends for dissolved solids concentrations throughout much of the river's extent. Current mussel abundance patterns do not correspond spatially with physical habitat quality, but they do correspond with specific conductance, dissolved major ions, and water column metals, suggesting these and/or associated constituents as factors contributing to mussel declines. Mussels are sensitive to metals. Native mussels and hatchery‐raised mussels held in cages in situ accumulated metals in their body tissues in river sections where mussels are declining. Organic compound and bed‐sediment contaminant analyses did not reveal spatial correspondences with mussel status metrics, although potentially toxic levels were found. Collectively, these studies identify major ions and metals as water‐ and sediment‐quality concerns for mussel conservation in the Clinch River.
Characterizing a Major Urban Stream Restoration Project: Nine Mile Run (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA)
Authors: Bain Daniel J. , Copeland Erin M. , Divers Marion T. , Hecht Marijke , Hopkins Kristina G. , Hynicka Justin , Koryak Michael , Kostalos Mary , Brown Lisa , Elliott Emily M. , Fedor Joseph , Gregorich Michele , Porter Brady , Smith Brenda , Tracey Christopher , Zak Margaret
Published: July 2014

Urban stream restoration continues to be used as an ecological management tool, despite uncertainty about the long‐term sustainability and resilience of restored systems. Evaluations of restoration success often focus on specific instream indicators, with limited attention to the wider basin or parallel hydrologic and geomorphic process. A comprehensive understanding of urban stream restoration progress is particularly important for comparisons with nonurban sites as urban streams can provide substantial secondary benefits to urban residents. Here, we utilize a wide range of indicators to retrospectively examine the restoration of Nine Mile Run, a multi‐million dollar stream restoration project in eastern Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania, USA). Examination of available continuous hydrological data illustrates the high cost of failures to incorporate the data into planning and adaptive management. For example, persistent extreme flows drive geomorphic degradation threatening to reverse hydrologic connections created by the restoration and impact the improved instream biotic communities. In addition, human activities associated with restoration efforts suggest a positive feedback as the stream restoration has focused effort on the basin beyond the reach. Ultimately, urban stream restoration remains a potentially useful management tool, but continued improvements in post‐project assessment should include examination of a wider range of indicators.
Investigations on the pattern of linkage disequilibrium and selection signatures in the genomes of German Piétrain pigs
Authors: Stratz P. , Wimmers K. , Meuwissen T.H.E. , Bennewitz J.
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to study the population structure, to characterize theLDstructure and to define core regions based on low recombination rates amongSNPpairs in the genome of Piétrain pigs using data from the PorcineSNP60 BeadChip. This breed is a European sire line and was strongly selected for lean meat content during the last decades. The data were used to map signatures of selection using theREHHtest. In the first step, selection signatures were searched genome‐wide using only core haplotypes having a frequency above 0.25. In the second step, the results from the selection signature analysis were matched with the results from the recently conducted genome‐wide association study for economical relevant traits to investigate putative overlaps of chromosomal regions. A small subdivision of the population with regard to the geographical origin of the individuals was observed. The extent ofLDwas determined genome‐wide using r2values forSNPpairs with a distance ≤5 Mb and was on average 0.34. This comparable low r2value indicates a high genetic diversity in the Piétrain population. SixREHHvalues having a p‐value < 0.001 were genome‐wide detected. These were located onSSC1, 2, 6 and 17. Three positional candidate genes with potential biological roles were suggested, calledLOC100626459,LOC100626014 andMIR1. The results imply that for genome‐wide analysis especially in this population, a higher marker density and higher sample sizes are required. For a number of nineSNPs, which were successfully annotated to core regions, theREHHtest was applied. However, no selection signatures were found for those regions (p‐value < 0.1).
Effects of Spironolactone on Dialysis Patients With Refractory Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Ni Xiaoying , Zhang Jisheng , Zhang Ping , Wu Fuquan , Xia Min , Ying Guanghui , Chen Jianghua
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of spironolactone on dialysis patients with refractory hypertension and possible adverse effects. This was a 12‐week prospective, randomized, double‐blind trial of 82 patients randomly assigned to 12‐week treatment with 25 mg/d spironolactone or placebo as add‐on therapy. Visits were scheduled at the start of treatment and after 12 weeks. Measurements of 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring and morning BP were performed. After 12 weeks, spironolactone significantly improved refractory hypertension. Average placebo‐corrected morning BP was reduced by 16.7/7.6 mm Hg. Mean 24‐hour ambulatory BP was reduced by 10.9/5.8 mm Hg. In contrast, serum aldosterone levels in the spironolactone group slightly increased and serum potassium levels insignificantly increased. This study has demonstrated that spironolactone (50 mg) safely and effectively reduces BP in patients with refractory hypertension undergoing dialysis.
Relationship between calcified carotid atheromas in digital panoramic radiographs and underlying systemic diseases in implant patients
Authors: Ngamsom Supak , Arayasantiparb Raweewan , Pornprasertsuk‐Damrongsri Suchaya , Sureephong Boonchoo
Published: July 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between calcified carotid atheromas (CCA) detected on digital panoramic radiographs and underlying systemic diseases.

Methods

Panoramic radiographs and underlying systemic diseases of retained mandibular denture implants in 265 patients (56 males, 209 females) aged over 50 years were retrospectively evaluated at the Dental Unit of Prasat Neurological Institute, Bangkok, Thailand.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 71 ± 7.1 years. The prevalence of CCA was 38.49%. The major underlying systemic diseases were hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), respectively. No relationship was found among these four systemic diseases in detecting CCA on panoramic radiographs. Similar findings were also observed in patients with only one systemic disease versus in combination with other diseases.

Conclusions

The presence of CCA on dental panoramic radiographs was not found to be related to the presence of underlying systemic diseases, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and CVD.
Additive effect of autologous platelet concentrates in treatment of intrabony defects: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Panda Saurav , Doraiswamy Jayakumar , Malaiappan Sankari , Varghese Sheeja Saji , Del Fabbro Massimo
Published: July 2014

The aim of the present review is to systematically evaluate the additive effect of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) in treatment of intrabony defects when used along with other regenerative procedures and when used alone in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes. A search was performed in electronic databases (i.e., MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) in order to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the additive efficacy of APCs for healing and regeneration of hard and soft tissues in patients undergoing regenerative surgical procedures for the treatment of intrabony defects, having a follow‐up of at least 9 months. Included studies underwent risk of bias assessment and data extraction. The main variables evaluated for efficacy were: pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), radiographic bone filling, and postoperative pain. The effect of APCs adjunct was evaluated for the following procedures: open flap debridement (OFD) alone, OFD plus grafting of the defect with autogenous bone or bone substitutes, and grafting in combination with a covering membrane for guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) has a significant additive effect when used along with OFD. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has a significant additive effect when used along with bone grafts. Conversely, PRP was found to be ineffective when used in combination with GTR procedures. No study evaluated the effect of APCs on postoperative pain. Platelet‐rich plasma may be used advantageously as an adjunct to grafting materials, but not in combination with GTR, for treatment of intrabony defects. Moreover, PRF can be effective as a sole regenerative material, in combination with OFD. There is still a lack of evidence regarding the effect of PRF in combination with grafting materials and GTR, the effect of other types of APCs such as plasma rich in growth factors, and the effect of APCs on postoperative pain.
Significant association of deficiencies of hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid and high homocysteine level with recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Sun Andy , Chen Hsin‐Ming , Cheng Shih‐Jung , Wang Yi‐Ping , Chang Julia Yu‐Fong , Wu Yang‐Che , Chiang Chun‐Pin
Published: July 2014

Background

A portion of patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) may have nutritional deficiency. This study evaluated whether there was an intimate association of the deficiencies of hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid and high blood homocysteine level with RAS.

Methods

The blood hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine concentrations in 273 RAS patients were measured and compared with the corresponding levels in 273 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects.

Results

We found that 57 (20.9%), 55 (20.1%), 13 (4.8%), and 7 (2.6%) RAS patients had deficiencies of hemoglobin (Men < 13 g/dl, Women < 12 g/dl), iron (<60 μg/dl), vitamin B12 (<200 pg/ml), and folic acid (<4 ng/ml), respectively. Moreover, 21 (7.7%) RAS patients had abnormally high blood homocysteine level. RAS patients had a significantly higher frequency of hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid deficiency and of abnormally elevated blood homocysteine level than healthy control subjects (all P‐values = 0.000 except for folic acid P = 0.022). If 273 RAS patients were further divided into 32 patients with major‐typed RAS (MjRAS) and 241 patients with minor‐typed RAS (MiRAS), we found that male MjRAS patients had a significantly lower mean hemoglobin concentration than MiRAS patients (P = 0.021), but MjRAS patients had a significantly higher mean homocysteine level than MiRAS patients (P = 0.000).

Conclusion

We conclude that there is a significant association of deficiencies of hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid and abnormally high blood homocysteine level with RAS.
Emmanuel Levinas, Radical Orthodoxy, and an Ontology of Originary Peace
Authors: Bahler Brock
Published: July 2014

Radical Orthodoxy, a growing movement among contemporary Christian theologians, argues that the prominent philosophical paradigms of modern and postmodern thought lack transcendence, are ultimately nihilistic, and are guided by an ontology of violence. Among the thinkers Radical Orthodoxy criticizes are Hegel, Nietzsche, and Hobbes, but surprisingly also the Jewish philosopher Emmanuel Levinas, whom they claim offers an ethics for nihilists. In this essay, I analyze the claims of two prominent thinkers in Radical Orthodoxy, John Milbank and Catherine Pickstock, and argue that their account of Levinas is not only unfounded but point out the ways in which Levinas himself is also just as critical of the prevailing ontology of violence that figures in modern accounts of intersubjectivity and politics. Indeed, in his own way, Levinas also offers an ontology of peace, making him an important dialogue partner for Radical Orthodoxy's construction of an alternative ethics and politics.
Unclaimed Health Care Benefits: A Mixed‐Method Analysis of Rural Veterans
Authors: Wittrock Stacy , Ono Sarah , Stewart Kenda , Reisinger Heather Schacht , Charlton Mary
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Rural areas contribute a disproportionate number of US military recruits compared to urban areas. However, few studies have examined why many rural veterans do not enroll in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for health care. Our objective was to elicit reasons rural veterans chose not to use VHA.

Methods

This mixed‐methods study included quantitative survey and qualitative interview data. Surveys were mailed to 4,176 households with a registered voter in a rural Midwestern county to reach the estimated 1,100 veterans, of whom 600 were not enrolled in VHA. Surveys were designed to assess demographics and basic eligibility requirements for VHA. Themes were derived deductively from survey responses and inductively as they emerged through analysis of interview transcripts.

Findings

A total of 180 veterans completed the survey and 165 were eligible based on an approximation of enrollment criteria. Of those, 74 (45%) were current VHA users, and 91 (55%) were nonusers of VHA but appeared to be eligible. The most common reason selected by these potentially eligible veterans for not using VHA was they did not think they were eligible (41%). Interviews revealed the issue of distance was superseded by the perception that enrollees must be poor and have experienced combat, injury, or disability during service. Most reported they had never been told about VHA health care benefits.

Conclusions

Results suggest that lack of awareness of VHA health care benefits may be the biggest barrier identified by rural veterans. Targeted outreach and education efforts related to eligibility for rural veterans are warranted.
Effects of dietary interventions on pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gresham Ellie , Bisquera Alessandra , Byles Julie E. , Hure Alexis J.
Published: July 2014

Dietary intake during pregnancy influences maternal health. Poor dietary practices during pregnancy have been linked to maternal complications. The objective was to determine the effect of dietary intervention before or during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes. A systematic review was conducted without date restrictions. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating whole diet or dietary components and pregnancy outcomes were included. Two authors independently identified papers for inclusion and assessed methodological quality. Meta‐analysis was conducted separately for each outcome using random effects models. Results were reported by type of dietary intervention: (1) counselling; (2) food and fortified food products; or (3) combination (counselling + food); and collectively for all dietary interventions. Results were further grouped by trimester when the intervention commenced, nutrient of interest, country income and body mass index. Of 2326 screened abstracts, a total of 28 RCTs were included in this review. Dietary counselling during pregnancy was effective in reducing systolic [standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.45 to −0.07; P < 0.001] and diastolic blood pressure (SMD −0.57, 95% CI −0.75 to −0.38; P < 0.001). Macronutrient dietary interventions were effective in reducing the incidence of preterm delivery (SMD −0.19, 95% CI −0.34 to −0.04; P = 0.01). No effects were seen for other outcomes. Dietary interventions showed some small, but significant differences in pregnancy outcomes including a reduction in the incidence of preterm birth. Further high‐quality RCTs, investigating micronutrient provision from food, and combination dietary intervention, are required to identify maternal diet intakes that optimise pregnancy outcomes.
Bioinformatic investigation of the cost management strategies of five oral microbes
Authors: Cross K.J. , Huq N.L. , Park S.H. , Park J.S. , Pham P. , Quah M. , Ranjan M. , Reynolds E.C.
Published: July 2014

Some amino acids are more energetically costly to synthesize de novo, therefore many microbes have evolved to regulate the metabolic expenditure of the cell and reduce the energy burden of extracellular unrecyclable proteins. Several oral bacterial species take up amino acids and peptides obtained from proteolysis of host proteins and hence do not rely only on de novo synthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate if five oral bacterial species implement cost management strategies to reduce the energy burden of extracellular unrecyclable proteins. Since the relative de novo amino acid synthesis costs are proportional to the masses of the amino acids, the energy costs of producing proteins were assessed by calculating the mean amino acid mass for each protein. For Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia and Streptococcus sanguinis, the outer membrane/extracellular proteins are made up of a much larger percentage of lower average mass amino acids whereas cytoplasmic proteins are made up of a larger proportion of higher average mass amino acid residues. These results are consistent with the five oral bacterial species employing energy‐saving mechanisms in the production of extracellular unrecyclable proteins. Interestingly, the P. gingivalis and S. sanguinis genomes exhibited significantly lower predicted mean amino acid masses compared with those of the genomes of the other three species, suggesting that this may provide them with an energy advantage with respect to protein biosynthetic cost.
Are you really just friends? Predicting the audience challenge in cross‐sex friendships
Authors: SCHOONOVER KATIE , McEWAN BREE
Published: July 2014

Cross‐sex friends experience a variety of challenges including the audience challenge: when cross‐sex friends are mistaken for a romantic couple by other members of their social network. This research sought to explore the various factors that might influence cross‐sex friends' experience of the audience challenge. Cross‐sex friends who were strictly platonic were less likely to experience the audience challenge and less likely to be concerned about the audience challenge than individuals in mutual romance, desires romance, or reject romance friendships. Regression analyses indicated cross‐sex friends tend to experience the audience challenge the least when their friendship network is supportive of cross‐sex friends. The relation between network support and the audience challenge is moderated by romantic desire and sexual activity.
Coronary triglyceride deposition in contemporary advanced diabetics
Authors: Ikeda Yoshihiko , Zaima Nobuhiro , Hirano Ken‐ichi , Mano Masayuki , Kobayashi Kunihisa , Yamada Sohsuke , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Suzuki Akira , Kanzaki Hideaki , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Kotani Jun‐ichi , Kato Seiya , Nagasaka Hironori , Setou Mitsutoshi , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue
Published: July 2014

It is of importance to clarify pathophysiology of diabetic heart diseases such as heart failure and coronary artery disease. We reported a novel clinical phenotype called triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy (TGCV), showing aberrant TG accumulation in both coronary arteries and myocardium, in a cardiac transplant recipient. Here, we examined autopsied diabetics for TG deposition in cardiovasculature. Consecutive series of hearts from advanced diabetes mellitus (DM) subjects (DM group: DMG, n = 20) and those from age‐ and sex‐matched non‐diabetic controls (non DM group: NDMG, n = 20) were examined. The diagnostic criteria of ‘advanced DM’ was made based on 2014 Clinical Practice Recommendations proposed by the American Diabetes Association. The mean duration of DM was 15.8 years. All DMG suffered from heart diseases including coronary artery diseases and 14 subjects had multi‐vessel disease. Tissue TG contents were measured biochemically. Coronary arterial TG contents was significantly higher in DMG compared with NDMG. Spatial distribution of TG in transverse sections of coronary arteries showed TG deposition mainly in smooth muscle cells by Imaging Mass Spectrometry. Abundant TG deposition in coronary artery might be associated with advanced DM.
Ar ions and oxygen plasma interactions of amine terminated organosilicate glass: A combined experimental and ab initio simulations study
Authors: Kazi Haseeb , Rimsza Jessica , Du Jincheng , Kelber Jeffry
Published: July 2014

Ar+ ion bombardment (900 eV) of organosilicate glass (OSG) in the presence of NH3 (1 × 10−6 Torr) yields an overlayer containing Si-NHx bonds. The NHx layer decreases the rate of carbon loss from the remaining film upon subsequent oxygen plasma exposure, due to preferential removal of N from the surface region. Ab initio density functional theory calculations have been performed to investigate the stability of the bonds present in low-k dielectrics utilizing a trimethyltrisiloxane model system. Calculated bond energies are 6.30 eV (Si-NH2), 6.27 eV (Si-OH), 5.69 eV (Si-CH3), and 5.54 eV (Si-H). The slightly higher calculated Si-NH2 bond energy is consistent with experiment and indicates that the nitrided OSG surface layer inhibits carbon loss in part by inhibition of O2 diffusion into the bulk.
Monitoring cardiac motion in CT using a continuous wave radar embedded in the patient table
Authors: Pfanner Florian , Allmendinger Thomas , Bohn Birgit , Flohr Thomas , Kachelrieß Marc
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To avoid motion artifacts, medical imaging devices are often synchronized with the patient's cardiac motion. Today, the ECG is used to determine the heartbeat and therewith trigger the imaging device. However, the ECG requires additional effort to prepare the patient, e.g., mount and wire electrodes and it is not able to determine the motion of the heart. An interesting alternative to assess the cardiac motion is continuous wave radar. The aim of this work is to evaluate such a radar system focusing on measuring the cardiac motion.

Methods:

A radar system operating in the 860 MHz band is used. In the intended application of the radar system, the antennas are located close to the patient's body, for example, inside the table of a CT system. The radar waves propagate into the patient's body and are reflected at tissue boundaries, for example, at the borderline between muscle and adipose tissue, or at the boundaries of organs. Here, the authors focus on the detection of cardiac motion. The radar system consists of hardware as well as of dedicated signal processing software to extract the desired information from the radar signals. The radar system hardware and the signal processing algorithms were tested with data from ten volunteers. As a reference, the ECG was recorded simultaneously with the radar measurements. Additionally, ultrasound measurements are performed and compared with the motion information from the radar data.

Results:

According to the authors’ measurements on volunteers (test persons), the heartbeat and heart rate can be detected well using the proposed radar system. The authors were further able to extract the amplitude and phase of the heart motion itself from the radar data. This was confirmed by the ultrasound measurements. However, this motion assessment is dependent on the antenna position and it remains unclear which antenna sees the motion that is the most relevant to CT imaging.

Conclusions:

A continuous wave radar operating in the near field of the antennas can be used to determine the heartbeat and the cardiac motion of humans without special patient preparation. The authors’ radar system is very close to the patient because it is embedded in the patient table, but it has no direct contact to the patient or to the patient skin (as it would be necessary to acquire the ECG of the patient). Therefore, radar motion monitoring does not require special patient preparation. In contrast to other methods used today, this is a significant improvement. The authors’ radar system may allow to trigger a CT scan in dependency of the cardiac phase, without requiring an ECG, and it allows to determine quiet, and thus favorable, heart phases prior to the scan start.
Drug Target Identification Using a Trypanosome Overexpression Library
Authors: Begolo Daniela , Erben Esteban , Clayton Christine
Published: July 2014

Elucidation of molecular targets is very important for lead optimization during the drug development process. We describe a direct method to find targets of antitrypanosomal compounds against
Trypanosoma brucei
using a trypanosome overexpression library. As proof of concept, we treated the library with difluoromethylornithine and DDD85646 and identified their respective targets, ornithine decarboxylase and
N
-myristoyltransferase. The overexpression library could be a useful tool to study the modes of action of novel antitrypanosomal drug candidates.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide Weakly Activates M1 and M2 Polarized Mouse Macrophages but Induces Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Holden James A. , Attard Troy J. , Laughton Katrina M. , Mansell Ashley , O'Brien-Simpson Neil M. , Reynolds Eric C.
Published: July 2014

Porphyromonas gingivalis
is associated with chronic periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the tooth's supporting tissues. Macrophages are important in chronic inflammatory conditions, infiltrating tissue and becoming polarized to an M1 or M2 phenotype. As responses to stimuli differ between these phenotypes, we investigated the effect of
P. gingivalis
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on M1 and M2 macrophages. M1 and M2 polarized macrophages were produced from murine bone marrow macrophages (BMMϕ) primed with gamma interferon (IFN-γ) or interleukin-4 (IL-4), respectively, and incubated with a low or high dose of
P. gingivalis
LPS or control TLR2 and TLR4 ligands. In M1-Mϕ, the high dose of
P. gingivalis
LPS (10 μg/ml) significantly increased the expression of CD40, CD86, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nitric oxide secretion. The low dose of
P. gingivalis
LPS (10 ng/ml) did not induce costimulatory or antibacterial molecules but did increase the secretion of IL-1α, IL-6, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α).
P. gingivalis
LPS marginally increased the expression of CD206 and YM-1, but it did enhance arginase expression by M2-Mϕ. Furthermore, the secretion of the chemokines KC, RANTES, eotaxin, and MCP-1 from M1, M2, and nonpolarized Mϕ was enhanced by
P. gingivalis
LPS. TLR2/4 knockout macrophages combined with the TLR activation assays indicated that TLR2 is the main activating receptor for
P. gingivalis
LPS and whole cells. In conclusion, although
P. gingivalis
LPS weakly activated M1-Mϕ or M2-Mϕ compared to control TLR ligands, it induced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, particularly TNF-α from M1-Mϕ and IL-10 from M2-Mϕ, as well as chemotactic chemokines from polarized macrophages.
Easily missed, potentially fatal complication in an extremely preterm infant
Authors: Geoghegan Sarah F , Vavasseur Claudine , Donoghue Veronica , Molloy Eleanor J
Published: July 2014

A baby girl was delivered by emergency caesarean section at 23+6 weeks gestation weighing 440 g. Apgar scores were 1, 3 and 4 at 1, 5 and 10 min, respectively. She was intubated and transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit. Umbilical arterial and venous lines and an orogastric tube (OGT) were inserted. On day 4 of life the OGT appeared to be outside of the gastrointestinal tract on X-ray. Feeds were held and contrast oesophagography confirmed suspicion of an oesophageal perforation. She was treated with intravenous metronidazole, gentamycin and amoxicillin and placed nil by mouth for 10 days. Resolution of the perforation was confirmed on repeat contrast study (day 10) and feeds were restarted with no further complications.
sIL7R concentrations in the serum reflect disease activity in the lupus kidney
Authors: Lauwerys B R , Husson S Nieuwland , Maudoux A L , Badot V , Houssiau F A
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Evaluation of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) nephritis is a challenge, and repeated renal biopsies are usually needed in order to confirm a suspicion of flare. In a previous cross-sectional study, we reported that serum soluble form of the interleukin-7 receptor (sIL7R) levels is strongly associated with nephritis in SLE patients. In the present study, we wanted to confirm the association between changes in serum sIL7R concentrations and renal disease activity in a large longitudinal cohort of SLE nephritis patients.

Methods

Sera were harvested longitudinally in 105 SLE nephritis patients. Serum sIL7R cut-off value for the detection of SLE nephritis activity was determined as the mean sIL7R concentration in non-nephritis SLE patients + 2 SDs using data collected in our previous study. Patients with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2(n=17) were excluded from the study due to persistently elevated serum sIL7R values.

Results

Serum sIL7R concentrations above the renal cut-off value were observed in 25 (out of 88) patients with a normal GFR. These patients had significantly higher serum double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) Ab and urinary protein to creatinine (UPC) ratio. Strikingly, 12 of them developed a renal British Isles Lupus Assessment Group index (BILAG) A within the next 3 months, while this was only the case in four out of the 63 other patients (p<0.0001). The test had 75.0% sensitivity and 81.9% specificity for the detection of a renal BILAG A. Combination of serum sIL7R with any of the classical tests (anti-dsDNA Ab titres, UPC ratio, serum C3) resulted in an increased specificity for the detection of a renal flare. Administration of immunosuppressive therapy resulted in a significant decrease in serum sIL7R concentrations.

Conclusions

Serum sIL7R is a sensitive and specific marker of renal disease activity in SLE. Elevated serum sIL7R values in SLE patients are associated with or predict the occurrence of an SLE nephritis flare.
Laboratory investigation on the mechanical behaviour of Tournemire argillite
Authors: Abdi H. , Labrie D. , Nguyen T.S. , Barnichon J.D. , Su G. , Evgin E. , Simon R. , Fall M.
Published: July 2014

This paper presents the results of a laboratory testing program that was designed to investigate the mechanical behaviour of the Tournemire argillite. Eighty rock samples were obtained from boreholes drilled at different angles in the walls and floor of an existing gallery at the Tournemire Underground Research Laboratory (URL), France. The experimental program consists of the measurement of the physical properties of the argillite and its mechanical response to loading during uniaxial tests, triaxial tests with various confining pressures, unconfined and confined cyclic tests, and Brazilian tests. Since the Tournemire argillite is characterized by the presence of closely spaced bedding planes, the rock specimens were loaded in different directions to bedding planes (i.e., loading orientation angle, θ = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°). Acoustic emission data were also recorded to detect the initiation and propagation of micro-cracks during the uniaxial tests. Most of the tests were performed at the natural moisture content of the rock specimens as delivered to CANMET Laboratories in Ottawa, Canada, where the experiments were conducted. The main objective of the testing program is to identify the mechanical properties of the Tournemire argillite. This paper mainly focuses on the description and interpretation of the test results. The development of an elastoplastic-damage model to describe the mechanical behaviour of the Tournemire argillite is the subject of another paper.
Even and odd truncated coherent states and their nonclassical properties
Authors: Chung Won Sang
Published: July 2014

In this paper, the even and odd truncated coherent states are considered. In this process, the incomplete hyperbolic cosine and sine function are proposed. For the even and odd truncated coherent states, nonclassical properties are investigated.
Spectroscopic information of 6Li from elastic scattering of deuterons, 3He and 4He by 6Li
Authors: Amar A.
Published: July 2014

The elastic scattering of deuterons, 3 He and 4 He on 6 Li at different incident energies have been analyzed in the framework of the optical model (OM) using ECIS88 as well as SPI GENOA codes. The optical potential parameters were extracted in the phenomenological treatment. A good agreement between theoretical and experimental differential cross-sections was obtained in whole angular range. Parameters for real part of potential have been also calculated microscopically with double-folding model for the d, 3 He and 4 He scattering, respectively, using DFPOT code. The elastic transfer mechanism has been studied by coupled reaction channel (CRC) method using FRESCO code. Spectroscopic amplitudes of 6 Li ≡ t + 3 He and 6 Li ≡ α + d configurations have been extracted from d, 3 He and 4 He scattering on 6 Li at wide energy range. A comparison between spectroscopic amplitudes obtained from deuteron and α elastically scattering from 6 Li has been made. The extracted spectroscopic amplitudes of 6 Li ≡ 4 He + d( SF = SA 2) from 6 Li (d, 6 Li )d and 6 Li (α, 6 Li )α are not the same as expected theoretically.
Conditioned Responses towards Measures Relating to the Capital Cost of Short Sellers: Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Chang Chih-Hsiang , Chiang Wen-Shan
Published: July 2014

This study draws on classical conditioning to explain how investors react to short sale-related measures. Our results reveal that measures related to the capital cost of short sellers cause a conditioned response among investors. This explains how investors actually perceive and relate to short sale-related measures and shows that many measures fail to achieve the expected results. Additionally, the conditioned response to measures related to the capital cost of short sellers reveals investor sentiment about the adjustment of short sale margin requirements.
Proxy development: a new facet of morphological diversity in the marine diatom Eucampia antarctica (Castracane) Mangin
Authors: Allen Claire S.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The varied aspect ratios observed in the Antarctic marine diatom Eucampia antarctica are described and quantified. Data are compiled from detailed measurements of the gross morphology of winter stage specimens found in samples of modern marine sediments. Surface sediment samples come from a range of oceanographic settings spanning almost 20° of latitude from north of the Polar Front in the SW Atlantic to close to continental Antarctica in the southern Amundsen Sea. Results are compared with previously recorded morphological data ascribed to the polar and sub-polar varieties of E. antarctica (E. antarctica var recta and E. antarctica var antarctica) and reveal that the aspect ratio of both varieties responds independently of symmetry and colony structure. The discussion considers the likely basis of the observed aspect ratio distribution and whether the morphological diversity offers any potential for use as proxy evidence in Antarctic palaeoceanographic reconstructions. Although it requires further study, valve symmetry offers promising potential as a quantitative proxy for austral summer sea surface temperatures.
The sub-Recent Bradleytriebella lineata (Ostracoda, Crustacea) in Israel
Authors: Mischke Steffen
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Sub-Recent ostracod valves of Bradleytriebella lineata (Victor & Fernando, 1981) were recorded in Nahal Bokek only in 2008 but not during subsequent surveys in 2010 and 2013. Nahal Bokek, a stream entering the Dead Sea from its western escarpment, represents the species’ single record in Israel, far away from its main Afrotropical and South to East Asia distribution. The temporary colonization of Nahal Bokek by B. lineata probably resulted from the suitability of the thermal stream waters for occupation and the subsequent termination of the population only six days after the collection of the sub-Recent valves during a flood on 24 October 2008. The preceding flood on 30 February 2008 restricts the period of possible stream inhabitation by B. lineata to a duration of eight months. Thus, the record of sub-Recent valves of B. lineata in Nahal Bokek represents an exceptional example of short-term occupation of a hydrologically dynamic flood-controlled water body by a species far away from its main geographical distribution. The recognition of Nahal Bokek as a stream fed mainly by thermal waters shows that the documentation of the abiotic habitat characteristics is a prerequisite for the understanding of the occurrence of a species outside its proper range of distribution.