bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between the Motility and Morphology of Spermatozoa in Human Semen
Authors: MORALES P. , KATZ D. F. , OVERSTREET J. W. , SAMUELS S. J. , CHANG R. J.
Published: December 2015

High‐speed videomicrography was used to assess simultaneously the morphology and motility of seminal spermatozoa from 10 fertile donors and 10 patients being evaluated for infertility. In both donors and patients, morphologically normal spermatozoa were more likely to be motile and had significantly higher straight line velocity, greater rolling frequency and flagellar beat frequency than abnormally shaped cells. For donors and patients there were highly significant, linear correlations (R = 0.7 to R = 0.98) between the movement characteristics of morphologically normal and abnormal spermatozoa within an ejaculate. A greater percentage of normal donor spermatozoa were motile than were the normal spermatozoa from patients (56% vs. 28%, respectively, P < 0.005) and normal donor spermatozoa also swam faster than normal patient spermatozoa (49.1 ± 3.2 μm/sec vs. 37.4 ± 4.3 μm/sec, mean ± sem, respectively, P < 0.05). Overall, a multivariate analysis of variance, including straight line velocity, rolling frequency, beat frequency, and flagellar beat amplitude, demonstrated that these movement characteristics were significantly greater for the normal cells from donors than for the normal spermatozoa from patients. These biologic distinctions notwithstanding, the discrimination between semen from donors and patients was not improved when only morphologically normal cells were analyzed for motility.
The Regulation of the Proliferation and Differentiation of Rat Leydig Cell Precursor Cells After EDS Administration or Daily HCG Treatment
Authors: TEERDS KATJA J. , de ROOIJ DIRK G. , ROMMERTS FOCKO F. G. , WENSING CEES J. G.
Published: December 2015

The proliferation and differentiation of possible Leydig cell precursors in adult rats were studied after destruction of the existing Leydig cells with EDS or after daily treatment with hCG. After 2 days with either treatment, a 12‐ to 16‐fold increase in the number of [3H]thymidine‐incorporating interstitial cells was found. In the case of hCG treatment, this was probably due to the high plasma hCG levels. However, after EDS treatment, LH levels start to rise between days 1 and 3, suggesting a paracrine stimulation of the proliferation of interstitial cells.

After hCG treatment, a substantial increase in the numbers of Leydig cells was already found at day 2. It was concluded that hCG induced a rapid differentiation, without cell division, of existing precursor cells into recognizable Leydig cells. In rats treated with both EDS and hCG, new Leydig cells were not formed during the first 10 days. This indicates that EDS destroys not only mature Leydig cells but also those Leydig cell precursors that are able to differentiate rapidly into recognizable Leydig cells.
Ultrastructural Studies on the Development of the Blood‐Epididymis Barrier in Immature Rats
Authors: AGARWAL ASHOK , HOFFER ANITA P.
Published: December 2015

The development of the blood‐epididymis barrier in immature rats (8, 11, 14, 18, and 21 days old) was examined with an electron microscope using lanthanum nitrate as an electron dense tracer. A gradual increase in the development of the blood‐epididymis barrier was noted with age. On Day 8, lanthanum was frequently detected in both the intercellular spaces and the lumen. On day 14, no lanthanum penetration into the lumen was observed in 75% of the junctions in the caput, 40.3% in corpus, and 30% in cauda epididymidis. On Day 18, only 7.5%, 9%, and 15%, of the junctions in the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymidis, respectively, remained permeable to lanthanum. No lanthanum was observed in the lumen of any tubules in the 21‐day‐old rat epididymis. These findings indicate that the postnatal development of the blood‐epididymis barrier is gradual, and that its formation is virtually completed by Day 21. As with adult rats, the zonula occludens is the ultimate structural component of the blood‐epididymis barrier in immature rats (Agarwal and Hoffer, 1985).
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Analysis of Sex‐Chromosome Mosaicism in Azoospermic Men
Authors: OKADA HIROSHI , DOBASHI MASAKI , YAMAZAKI TAKAFUMI , FUJISAWA MASATO , ARAKAWA SOICHI , KAMIDONO SADAO
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: A retrospective study was carried out to determine the prevalence of sex‐chromosome mosaicism among azoospermic men and to evaluate the feasibility of using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique to assess mosaicism and the origin of marker chromosomes. Nine hundred eighty patients with azoospermia who were referred to a male infertility clinic at a university hospital were karyotyped by G‐banding using peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) metaphase spreads. When sex chromosome mosaic karyotype was detected, FISH analyses using sex chromosome‐specific probes were performed. Seventeen of 980 patients showed evidence of sex chromosomal mosaic karyotype or mosaicism with marker chromosomes by G‐banding studies of PBLs. Ten patients showed mosaicism in the number of sex chromosomes and 7 showed mosaicism with marker chromosomes. All 17 patients agreed to undergo FISH analysis. FISH confirmed mosaicism in 88.2% of these patients (15 of 17). Low‐frequency mosaicism showing a frequency of less than 10% by G‐banding was proved to be nonmosaicism by FISH. Marker chromosomes detected in 7 patients were proved to be derived from the Y chromosome by FISH analyses. From these data the prevalence of sex chromosome mosaicism confirmed by FISH analysis is 1.5% (15 of 980 patients). FISH analysis should be applied when mosaicism shows a frequency of less than 10% by the G‐banding technique. Also, FISH analysis is indicated when a marker chromosome is detected by G‐banding.
The Human Sperm Head: A Key for Successful Fertilization
Authors: El‐Ghobashy Alaa A. , West Christopher R.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: In order to examine the predictive value of determining the sperm head shape, the acrosomal size, the presence of acrosomal vacuoles, and the challenged acrosome reaction (AR) on the outcome of a standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) program, a prospective study was conducted that included 75 couples undergoing IVF treatment. An assessment of sperm morphology was performed using the Hobson Sperm Tracker (Hobson Tracker Limited, Sheffield, United Kingdom). The assessment of the AR was performed before and after adding pooled undiluted human follicular fluid (FF). The outcome measure was an IVF rate of inseminated oocytes. A positive correlation was found between the fertilization rate (FR%) and the proportion of the sperm with a normal (oval) head shape (P < .001), the sperm exhibiting acrosomal vacuoles (P < .003), the sperm with a normal acrosomal size (40%–70% of total head area, P < .025), and the sperm undergoing AR after adding FF (P < .001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that by incorporating the above 4 parameters, the sensitivity of prediction of IVF FR% values was 79%, and the specificity was 93%, with a positive predictive value of 96%. This study shows that the multiparametric assessment of the sperm head is useful in predicting the FR% values of a standard IVF treatment. The automated analysis used in this study is shown to maintain a level of precision and accuracy acceptable for application in a routine semen analysis situation.
Rapid Proliferation of Prostatic Epithelial Cells in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: A Model of Spontaneous Hypertension and Prostate Hyperplasia
Authors: Matityahou Ariella , Rosenzweig Nurit , Golomb Eliahu
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT:Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), a commonly used model of genetic hypertension, exhibit features of glandular hyperplasia of the ventral prostate, including the narrowing of acini with epithelial protrusions into the lumen and the piling up of epithelial cells. These rats also have frequent urinary voiding. In order to define the fundamental processes that lead to prostatic hyperplasia in SHRs, we compared the proliferation rate of their prostatic epithelial cells (PECs) in primary culture and in vivo to that of Wistar‐Kyoto rats (WKYs), their normotensive controls. In vitro, primary cultures of SHR PECs had a shorter doubling time than those of WKY (3.3 vs 8.0 days) and showed higher levels of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into DNA. In vivo, the BrdU incorporation seen 48 hours following injection was observed primarily in areas of epithelial piling up, which are seen in SHRs but not in WKYs. We concluded that prostate hyperplasia in SHRs results from a genuine increase in the proliferation rate of PECs and that this rapid proliferation is a fundamental feature of SHR PECs, maintained both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, SHRs can serve as a model for glandular hyperplasia of the prostate, resulting from a genetic tendency for an increased rate of cell proliferation.
Spinal Cord Contusion Impairs Sperm Motility in the Rat Without Disrupting Spermatogenesis
Authors: Huang Hosea F. S. , Li Ming‐Tang , Wang Shulun , Wang Guichun , Ottenweller John E.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Our previous studies demonstrated various abnormalities in spermatogenesis after spinal cord injury (SCI) in cord‐transected rats. In this study, we examined whether abnormalities in spermatogenesis in SCI rats were related to the degree of SCI. We used spinal cordcontused (SCC) rats as a model. Adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to various degrees of cord contusion caused by the weight of a rod dropped from different heights (12.5, 25, 50, and 75 mm) using a New York University IMPACTOR. Testicular histology revealed persistent complete spermatogenesis in all SCC rats 4, 8, or 14 weeks after cord contusion regardless of the extent of SCI. Northern blot complementary DNA (cDNA) hybridization revealed transient but significant decreases in the levels of Sertoli cell—specific transcripts in SCC rats. In addition, levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts for germ cell—specific transition protein‐2 and protamine‐1 were consistently decreased in these rats. Such effects were related to the height of the weight drop and were associated with reduced levels of mRNA for cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) responsive element modulator (CREM). These results demonstrated specific effects of SCI on spermiogenesis and were consistent with altered cAMP signaling in testicular cells after SCI. Sperm motility was also significantly decreased in SCC rats and was related to the height of weight drop. Normal sperm motility recovered only in those rats injured by weight drop from 12.5‐ and 25‐mm heights. In summary, current results demonstrate persistent abnormalities in spermiogenesis and sperm motility in rats that suffered spinal cord contusion by weight drop. Such effects were related to the height of the weight drop and thus to the extent of SCI.
Reactive Oxygen Species and Cryopreservation Promote DNA Fragmentation in Equine Spermatozoa
Authors: Baumber Julie , Ball Barry A. , Linfor Jennifer J. , Meyers Stuart A.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT:The objective of this study was to examine the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cryopreservation on DNA fragmentation of equine spermatozoa. In experiment 1, equine spermatozoa were incubated (1 hour, 38°C) according to the following treatments: 1) sperm alone; 2) sperm + xanthine (X, 0.3 mM)‐xanthine oxidase (XO, 0.025 U/mL); 3) sperm + × (0.6 mM)‐XO (0.05 U/mL); and 4) sperm + × (1 mM)‐XO (0.1 U/mL). In experiment 2, spermatozoa were incubated (1 hour, 38°C) with × (1 mM)‐XO (0.1 U/mL) and either catalase (200 U/mL), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 200 U/mL), or reduced glutathione (GSH, 10 mM). Following incubation, DNA fragmentation was determined by the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay. In experiment 3, equine spermatozoa were cryopreserved, and DNA fragmentation was determined in fresh, processed, and postthaw sperm samples. In experiment 1, incubation of equine spermatozoa in the presence of ROS, generated by the X‐XO system, increased DNA fragmentation (P < .005). In Experiment 2, the increase in DNA fragmentation associated with X‐XO treatment was counteracted by the addition of catalase and GSH but not by SOD, suggesting that hydrogen peroxide and not superoxide appears to be the ROS responsible for such damage. In experiment 3, cryopreservation of equine spermatozoa was associated with an increase (P < .01) in DNA fragmentation when compared with fresh or processed samples. This study indicates that ROS and cryopreservation promote DNA fragmentation in equine spermatozoa; the involvement of ROS in cryopreservation‐induced DNA damage remains to be determined.
5‐Aza‐2′‐Deoxycytidine Induces Alterations in Murine Spermatogenesis and Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Kelly Tamara L. J. , Li En , Trasler Jacquetta M.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Because of the ability of cytidine analogues, such as 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine, to incorporate into DNA and lead to decreases in DNA methylation, there has recently been renewed interest in using these drugs in anticancer therapy. To determine the effects of paternal 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine treatment on spermatogenesis and progeny outcome in the mouse and whether effects are modulated by decreased levels of the predominant DNA methyltransferase, DNMT1, adult Dnmt1+/+ and Dnmt1‐deficient (Dnmt1c/+) male mice were treated with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine for 7 weeks, which resulted in dose‐dependent decreases in testicular weight, an increase in histological abnormalities, and a decline in sperm counts, with no apparent effect on androgen status. Testes of Dnmt1c/+ mice, however, were less severely affected by 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine than were those of wild‐type mice. The exposure of Dnmt1+/+ male mice to even low doses of 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine followed by mating elicited significantly reduced pregnancy rates and elevated preimplantation loss in females. Dnmt1 deficiency, however, protected against such drug‐induced decreases in pregnancy rate but not preimplantation loss. Altered DNA methylation or DNMT1 activity may explain such adverse effects, because treatment resulted in dose‐dependent decreases in the global methylation of sperm DNA. Thus, in the mouse, paternal administration of 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine interferes with normal male germ cell development and results in reduced fertility, whereas lowering DNMT1 levels appears to partially protect the seminiferous epithelium from deleterious drug effects.
Chronic Administration of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Reduces Testosterone Production of Testes in Mice
Authors: Lee Tony‐Ty , Cheng Bi‐Hua , Tsai Eing‐Mei , Yang Cheng‐Hui , Chang Yu , Li Shierley , Lee Jau‐Nan
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of the long‐term administration of human atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on testosterone production in male mice. Twenty‐five mice received ANP (20 ng/hour/g body weight) for 7 days via mini‐osmotic pump, and the other group (n = 25) received twice‐daily intraperitoneal injections. After death, levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone in plasma, pituitary gland, and testis were measured by radioimmunoassay. Five mice from each group were examined histologically. In the minipump group, pituitary and plasma levels were significantly higher than those in the control group (771.2 ± 43.6 vs 644.8 ± 24.9 ng/mg and 6.7 ± 0.6 ng/mg vs 2.5 ± 0.6 ng/mL, respectively). In the intraperitoneal group, plasma LH levels were significantly higher in the ANP‐treated group than that in control mice (9.6 ± 0.3 ng/mg vs 3.8 ± 0.5 ng/mL), whereas pituitary levels did not differ significantly. In both studies, testicular and plasma testosterone levels were significantly lower than those in control mice (P < .02). Histological features of the testes in ANP‐treated mice revealed structural disorganization and inhibition of spermatogenesis. We conclude that the chronic administration of ANP may result in reduced testosterone production due to testicular damage.
Increased Expression of Estrogen Receptor β in Pachytene Spermatocytes After Short‐Term Methoxyacetic Acid Administration
Authors: Tirado Oscar M. , Selva David M. , Toràn Núria , Suárez‐Quian Carlos A. , Jansen Michelle , McDonnell Donald P. , Reventós Jaume , Munell Francina
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Degeneration of primary spermatocytes by apoptosis occurs during normal spermatogenesis, as well as in several pathological conditions, including exposure to specific testicular toxicants. The mechanisms that regulate the death and survival of primary spermatocytes, however, are still not well understood. The recent localization of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and P450 aromatase in pachytene spermatocytes suggests a role for estrogens in this step of spermatogenesis. Using a well‐known model of pachytene spermatocyte apoptosis in adult rats consisting of the administration of methoxyacetic acid (MAA), we investigated the participation of ERβ during the initial phase of apoptosis, prior to germ cell loss. Adult rats were treated with a single intraperitoneal dose of MAA, and DNA laddering analysis confirmed apoptotic cell death in the testis. In enriched germ cell fractions and testis from MAA‐treated animals, ERβ mRNA increased significantly at 3 and 6 hours, respectively. Next, stage‐specific induction of ERβ mRNA was demonstrated by use of laser capture microdissection of seminiferous tubules in combination with semiquantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The ERβ protein also increased significantly after 6 hours and was mainly immunolocalized in the cytoplasm of pachytene spermatocytes of afflicted tubules. The cytoplasmic localization was confirmed by Western blot analysis of isolated cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of testicular extracts. Finally, the MAA activation of ERβ was tested in vitro in HepG2 cells cotransfected with ERβ and a reporter construct that contained a consensus estrogen responsive element. Addition of MAA at similar doses used in vivo elicited a similar estrogenic activation as did estradiol at 1 nmol/L concentration. The present results raise the possibility that cytoplasmic ERβ participates in the apoptotic process of pachytene spermatocytes induced by MAA. Whether MAA interacts with ERβ in the cytoplasm of primary spermatocytes, preventing the progression of the first meiotic division, however, remains to be determined.
Effects of Putative Epididymal Osmolytes on Sperm Volume Regulation of Fertile and Infertile c‐ros Transgenic Mice
Authors: Yeung Ching‐Hei , Anapolski Michael , Setiawan Iwan , Lang Florian , Cooper Trevor G.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Volume regulation by spermatozoa has been demonstrated to be crucial in both mice and men for transport in the female tract. In order to determine the nature of osmolytes used by spermatozoa, they were released from the cauda epididymis of fertile c‐ros heterozygous mice into incubation medium of uterine osmolality (representing an osmotic challenge), containing increasing concentrations of compounds that are major epididymal fluid components and known osmolytes in somatic cells. This should nullify the concentration gradients for osmolytes that mediate volume regulation, prevent osmolyte efflux, and lead to swelling. Of the osmolytes tested, K+ caused the most rapid and extensive volume increases; glutamate, taurine, l‐carnitine, and myo‐inositol also were effective, but glycerophosphocholine was not. Such effects were not observed in cauda sperm from the infertile knockout mice, demonstrating a defect in normal volume regulation. K+ concentrations in cauda epididymal fluid were 21 mM higher in the knockout than the heterozygous mice, but no differences were found in caudal fluid glutamate, carnitine, or myo‐inositol. The carnitine content of cauda sperm from knockout males was not different from that of fertile males, but lower amounts of glutamate and inositol were found that could explain the poor volume regulation. In heterozygous mice, cauda but not caput sperm responded to the K+ channel blocker quinine by swelling, demonstrating development of volume regulation during epididymal transit, whereas knockout cauda sperm showed no response, as with the osmolytes. Major epididymal secretions could serve as osmolytes in murine spermatozoa for volume regulation in response to physiological osmotic challenge in the normal fertile mice; the reduced sperm content of inositol and glutamate in the c‐ros knockout mice might reflect maturational abnormalities in volume regulation.
Cryopreservation of Sperm From Adolescents and Adults With Malignancies
Authors: Kamischke Axel , Jürgens Herbert , Hertle Lothar , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Nieschlag Eberhard
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Although cryopreservation of sperm is performed routinely in adults, only a small amount of information is available on its feasibility in adolescent patients with malignancies. Of 936 patients who were candidates for sperm cryopreservation, 851 (111 adolescents and 740 adults) were eligible for this retrospective analysis after excluding patients with relapses of the original or secondary cancers, known bitesticular lesions, or an unknown diagnosis. In general, patients were seen before initiation of treatment for malignancies. However, unilateral ablation of the testis was performed in 61% of patients with testicular cancer before cryopreservation of samples. Patients were grouped according to primary diagnosis and age. Measurements included testicular volume, semen analysis, and serum hormones (luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle‐stimulating hormone [FSH], and testosterone). The youngest patient with an ejaculate containing sperm was 13.5 years old. No significant differences in any investigated parameter could be detected for any diagnosis among the 111 adolescents (age, <20 years). In contrast, adult patients with testicular cancer showed higher FSH values and lower sperm concentrations than adult patients with lymphomas, leukemias, and bone cancers. Patients younger than 16 years had lower ejaculate volumes than men older than 25 years, and testosterone levels were higher in patients aged 20–29 years than in the youngest patient group. Cryopreservation of sperm can be performed in adolescent patients with overall success rates (defined as the observation of at least a single motile sperm after the thawing procedure) similar to those observed in adults and should be recommended even to oncological patients younger than 15 years, provided that these patients can produce a semen sample.
Gene Expression in Prostate Cancer Cells Treated With the Dual 5 Alpha‐Reductase Inhibitor Dutasteride
Authors: Schmidt Lucy J. , Murillo Horacio , Tindall Donald J.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: We sought preclinical data on the cellular and molecular effects of dutasteride in androgen‐responsive, human prostate cancer (PCa) cells to better understand the mechanisms of action of 5 alpha‐reductase inhibition in these cells. We used the human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP, which exhibits most features of PCa cells including androgen responsiveness. Our findings show that dutasteride kills PCa cells in vitro; it dramatically reduced viability and proliferation and disrupted genes and cellular pathways involved in metabolic, cell cycle, and apoptotic responses besides those expected in androgen‐signaling pathways. Microchip gene array expression analysis revealed activation of genes in the FasL/tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) apoptotic and cell‐survival pathways, correlating with the growth and survival effects in the LNCaP cells. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction confirmed expression level changes seen by microarray analysis of candidate genes such as PLA2G2A, CDK8, CASP7, MDK, and NKX3.1. Collectively, our findings delineate the cellular and molecular effects of dutasteride in androgen‐responsive PCa cells in vitro and may lead to its better therapeutic and chemopreventive use in PCa.
Construction of Prostate‐Specific Expressed Recombinant Plasmids With High Transcriptional Activity of Prostate‐Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) Promoter/Enhancer
Authors: Zeng Hao , Wu Qi , Li Hong , Wei Qiang , Lu Yiping , Li Xiang , Wang Fang , Zhao Fujun , Ding Zhengyu , Yang Yuru
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: To screen different combinations of prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) promoter/enhancer with the strongest transcriptional activity in prostate‐specific cells, we used PSMA regulatory elements to control specific expression of the target gene in gene therapy of prostate adenocarcinoma. PSMA promoter and enhancer DNA sequences were amplified from the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line by polymerase chain reaction, then recombinant plasmids of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP: pEGFP‐PSMAPro, pEGFP‐PSMAE‐P, pEGFP‐PSMAE(r)‐P, pEGFP‐PSMAE(d)‐P, and pEGFP‐PSMAE(t)‐P) were constructed with molecular clonal techniques. At the same time, all experimental cell lines were analyzed for the expression of PSMA with the use of PSMA monoclonal antibody and the ABC immunohistochemical assay kit. After plasmids were transfected via liposome, we observed the expression of the reporter gene (EGFP) under a fluorescent microscope and compared the different levels of EGFP expression with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry so that we could choose the one with the highest transcriptional activity. Only the LNCaP cell line expressed PSMA positively with immunohistochemical stain. The PSMA promoter/enhancer had transcriptional activity in PSMA(+) cell lines and no activity in PSMA(‐) cell lines. PSMAE‐P achieved the strongest activity in different PSMA promoter/enhancer combinations. We confirmed the specific expression of PSMA in prostate cells again. Similarly, transcriptional activity of the PSMA promoter/enhancer was prostate specific. PSMAE‐P achieved the strongest transcriptional activity among PSMA promoter/enhancer combinations, which could be used in advanced research for tissue‐specific treatment.
Parentification and Alcohol Use: Conditional Effects of Religious Service Attendance
Authors: Jankowski Peter J. , Hooper Lisa M.
Published: December 2015

This study tested a model of the relation between parentification and alcohol use through differentiation of self (DoS), with religious service attendance as a moderator. Results provided mixed support for the model. Perceived unfair parentification was associated with decreased DoS, and lowered DoS corresponded to increased alcohol use. Religious service attendance moderated the association between increased perceived unfairness and increased alcohol use. Implications for practice focused on assessing perceived unfairness and integrating clients’ religiousness.
Counselor Preparation and the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling Competencies: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Reiner Summer M. , Dobmeier Robert A.
Published: December 2015

A national study of American Counseling Association members (N = 230) examined perceptions of the importance of the 14 Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC) Spiritual Competencies and perceived ability to practice those competencies. Learning pathways to achieve knowledge of the ASERVIC Competencies were explored. Participants viewed the competencies as important but felt less able to consistently practice them. Prior exposure to the content of the competencies through spiritual topics covered in graduate school was positively correlated to perceived ability to practice the competencies. Recommendations were made for strengthening teaching of spirituality in counselor education.
Clearing Up Client Confusion Regarding the Meaning of Forgiveness: An Aristotelian/Thomistic Analysis With Counseling Implications
Authors: Enright Robert D.
Published: December 2015

Although the construct of forgiveness is popular in research and counseling, there remains considerable confusion surrounding this topic. This article examines the likely errors clients may bring to counseling regarding the meaning of forgiveness. The author uses an Aristotelian/Thomistic perspective to analyze error in understanding forgiveness and concludes that client misunderstanding and the resultant fear of attempting to forgive are oftentimes rooted not in understanding forgiveness itself, but instead in focusing on 1 of 2 vices surrounding that construct. The author recommends bringing this misunderstanding to clients so that they can better decide for themselves whether or not to forgive others.
GE “The House That Jack Built” Becomes Immelt's “Global Industrial Fortress”
Authors: Le Guyader Louis P.
Published: December 2015

Industrial GE has built a fortress balance sheet. Legacy businesses were jettisoned if they were too mature, and declining. The massive finance business's dominance that threatened to overshadow the balance sheet has been reduced, and the associated regulatory burden is being minimized. New industrial businesses have been acquired to deepen the industrial commitment and diversify within it, with major positions in Europe and China. New manageable uncertainties including foreign currency risk have been accepted as part of the “going global” bargain. An internal hedge against a pure “brick‐and‐mortar” strategy has been created in the form of a newly announced “digital” marketing approach. The purer GE return on equity (ROE) signal should be easier for the market to interpret. The “upgraded” ROE is engineered to generate a new style of “GE premium” in the stock price. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent Enforcement Actions and PCAOB Auditing Standards
Authors: Daniels Roger , DeLaurell Roxane , Hogan Robert
Published: December 2015

In this article, the authors provide an update on recent activities and actions by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). In an effort to keep corporate accountants and auditors informed the authors discuss the relation between enforcement actions and recent PCAOB changes to the auditing standards. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autoantibody Profile of Adult Patients With Childhood Onset Type 2 Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Woynarowski Marek , Woźniak Małgorzata , Cukrowska Bożena , Wierzbicka Aldona , Lytton Simon D.
Published: December 2015

Background

Anti‐liver kidney microsome (anti‐LKM) autoantibodies are a distinguishing feature of type II autoimmune hepatitis (AIH‐2). However, the levels of anti‐LKM‐1 in adult AIH‐2 patients and their role in liver immunopathology remain equivocal. The aim of the study was to survey the autoantibody profile and the activity of liver disease in adult patients diagnosed with AIH‐2 at childhood.

Methods

The autoantibody profile of adults was compared with the autoantibodies of the pediatric period. Liver function test, Immunoglobulin G (IgG), and gamma globulins were evaluated at the AIH presentation, at the age of 18 years, and at the current adult visit.

Results

All ten patients tested positive for LKM‐1 at least once during the pediatric period. At the adult visit, four patients lost autoantibody positivity. LKM‐1 was positive in four, liver cytosol antigen 1 (LC‐1) in two, soluble liver antigen in one, and antinuclear antigen in one patient. Additionally three patients with LKM‐1 and one patient without LKM‐1 were positive for AMA‐M2 (where AMA is antimitochondrial antibodies) Immunoglobulin M (IgM). Liver function markedly improved at 18 years and adult visit compared with initial diagnosis of AIH with only a mild decrease of IgG. The six adult patients positive for at least one autoantibody had statistically lower aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma‐glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP) than the four patients autoantibody negative (AST: 52 vs. 88 IU/l, P < 0.05; GGTP 19 vs. 163 IU/l, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

LKM‐1 positivity is not a stable condition in all patients with AIH‐2. Patients who remained autoantibody positive had better liver function tests than those who lost their positivity. The presence of AMA‐M2 autoantibodies suggest that development of AIH/Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) overlap syndrome should be considered.
When good pigeons make bad decisions: Choice with probabilistic delays and outcomes
Authors: Pisklak Jeffrey M. , McDevitt Margaret A. , Dunn Roger M. , Spetch Marcia L.
Published: December 2015

Pigeons chose between an (optimal) alternative that sometimes provided food after a 10‐s delay and other times after a 40‐s delay and another (suboptimal) alternative that sometimes provided food after 10 s but other times no food after 40 s. When outcomes were not signaled during the delays, pigeons strongly preferred the optimal alternative. When outcomes were signaled, choices of the suboptimal alternative increased and most pigeons preferred the alternative that provided no food after the long delay despite the cost in terms of obtained food. The pattern of results was similar whether the short delays occurred on 25% or 50% of the trials. Shortening the 40‐s delay to food sharply reduced suboptimal choices, but shortening the delay to no food had little effect. The results suggest that a signaled delay to no food does not punish responding in probabilistic choice procedures. The findings are discussed in terms of conditioned reinforcement by signals for good news.
Location and functional characterization of the right atrioventricular pacemaker ring in the adult avian heart
Authors: Prosheva Valentina I. , Kaseva Natalya N.
Published: December 2015

Previous histological studies showed that in addition to a sinus node, an atrioventricular (AV) node, an AV bundle, left and right bundle branches, birds also possess a right AV‐Purkinje ring that is located in the atrial sheet of the right muscular AV‐valve along all its base length. The functionality of the AV‐Purkinje ring is unknown. In this work, we studied the topology of pacemaker myocytes in the atrial side of the isolated chicken spontaneously contracting right muscular AV‐valve using the method of microelectrode mapping of action potentials. We show that AV‐cells having the ability to show pacemaking reside in the right muscular AV‐valve. Pacemaker action potentials were exclusively recorded close to the base of the valve along its whole length from dorsal to the ventral attachment to the interventricular septum. These action potentials have much slower rate of depolarization, lower amplitude, and higher diastolic depolarization than action potentials of Purkinje (conducting) cells. We conclude the right AV‐valve has a ring bundle of pacemaker cells (but not Purkinje cells) in the adult chicken heart. J. Morphol. 277:363–369, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Goodness of fit tools for dose–response meta‐analysis of binary outcomes
Authors: Discacciati Andrea , Crippa Alessio , Orsini Nicola
Published: December 2015

Goodness of fit evaluation should be a natural step in assessing and reporting dose–response meta‐analyses from aggregated data of binary outcomes. However, little attention has been given to this topic in the epidemiological literature, and goodness of fit is rarely, if ever, assessed in practice. We briefly review the two‐stage and one‐stage methods used to carry out dose–response meta‐analyses. We then illustrate and discuss three tools specifically aimed at testing, quantifying, and graphically evaluating the goodness of fit of dose–response meta‐analyses. These tools are the deviance, the coefficient of determination, and the decorrelated residuals‐versus‐exposure plot. Data from two published meta‐analyses are used to show how these three tools can improve the practice of quantitative synthesis of aggregated dose–response data. In fact, evaluating the degree of agreement between model predictions and empirical data can help the identification of dose–response patterns, the investigation of sources of heterogeneity, and the assessment of whether the pooled dose–response relation adequately summarizes the published results. © 2015 The Authors. Research Synthesis Methods published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum metabolomics analysis of rat after intragastric infusion of Pu‐erh theabrownin
Authors: Liu Jian , Peng Chun‐xiu , Gao Bin , Gong Jia‐shun
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

The aim was to study the effects of Pu‐erh theabrownin (TB) (Mw > 50 kDa) on the metabolism of rat serum by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based metabolomics and identify candidate marker metabolites associated with Pu‐erh TB, and thus provide fundamental information for a better understanding of the metabolism of Pu‐erh tea in animals.

RESULTS

TB infusion induced different changes in endogenous serum metabolites depending on the type of diet. Compared with the control group, the TB infusion group showed significantly reduced serum glycine and choline levels, as well as significantly increased taurine, carnitine and high‐density lipoprotein (all P < 0.05). Compared with the high‐lipid group, the high‐lipid TB infusion group exhibited significantly reduced low‐density lipoprotein and acetate levels, as well as significantly increased inositol, carnitine and glycine levels (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Examination of the variations of these differential expressed metabolites and their individual functions revealed that the TB extract accelerated lipid catabolism in rats and might affect glucose metabolism. Of these, carnitine level significantly increased after intragastric infusion of TB regardless of the type of diet, and activities of carnitine palmitoyltransferases I and II changed significantly, suggesting carnitine may be a candidate serum marker for tracking the metabolism of TB in rats. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel method for monitoring troponin T fragment from rabbit skeletal muscle during aging using quartz crystal microbalance
Authors: Iwasaki Tomohito , Taniguchi Hironobu , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Maeda Naoyuki , Yamamoto Katsuhiro
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Troponin T (TnT) is degraded during aging of meat. The proteolytic fragment of TnT, especially the 30 kDa fragment, is used as one of indices for estimating aging of meat. We have tried to use quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), which is widely used to analyze interaction among macromolecules, to detect proteolytic fragments of TnT during aging of meat.

RESULT

The frequency of the QCM sensor with immobilized anti‐TnT antibody in high‐salt solution extracts of both myofibrils and whole meat decreased with time of aging. The staining intensity of the bands, including a 30 kDa fragment bound to anti‐TnT antibody, also increased with time of aging in western blotting. These results confirm that TnT is degraded during aging and released from thin filaments, and QCM analysis is sufficiently sensitive to detect the TnT fragments.

CONCLUSION

The QCM analysis of muscle and myofibrillar extracts using anti‐TnT antibody‐immobilized sensor can be used as a convenient tool for monitoring the extent of aging of meat. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Occurrence, prevention and remediation of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in silage: a review
Authors: Wambacq Eva , Vanhoutte Ilse , Audenaert Kris , De Gelder Leen , Haesaert Geert
Published: December 2015

Ruminants are considered to be less sensitive towards mycotoxins than monogastric animals because rumen microbiota have mycotoxin‐detoxifying capacities. Therefore the effect of mycotoxins towards ruminants has been studied to a lesser extent compared with monogastric animals. Worldwide, a high proportion of the ruminant diet consists of silages made of forage crops (i.e. all parts of the crop above the stubble are harvested). In practice, silages are often contaminated with multiple mycotoxins. Exposure to a cocktail of mycotoxins can hamper animal production and have severe health consequences. In this article the different aspects associated with mycotoxin contamination of silage are reviewed ‘from seed to feed’. An overview is given on the occurrence of toxigenic fungal species and their concomitant mycotoxins in forage crops before and after ensiling. The mycotoxin load of visually non‐mouldy samples and mouldy hot spots within the same silo is also compared. Subsequently, this review delves into different problem‐solving strategies. A logical first step is prevention of mould growth and mycotoxin production in the field, during harvest and during ensiling. If prevention should fail, several remediation strategies are available. These are listed, mainly focusing on the possibilities of microbial degradation of mycotoxinsin vivoin silage. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
On the Lubrication Mechanism of Surfaces Covered with Surface‐Attached Hydrogels
Authors: Li Ke , Pandiyarajan Chinnayan Kanna , Prucker Oswald , Rühe* Jürgen
Published: December 2015

The compressive and tribological behavior of chemically crosslinked, surface‐attached hydrogel layers has been investigated by indentation and friction tests using an atomic force microscope provided with a colloidal probe, where the probe is covered with a chemically identical hydrogel layer. The hydrogel layers are composed of a polydimethyl acrylamide copoly­mer containing methacryloyl benzophenone units which is photochemically crosslinked and bound to substrates carrying self‐assembled monolayers of a benzophenone group containing silane. The compression and friction behavior of the thus generated surface‐attached hydrogel samples, which due to the surface attachment can only swell in one dimension, are studied as a function of film thickness and crosslink density. It is found that the pressure‐induced deswelling in the contact region dominates the friction between two surfaces coated with surface‐attached hydrogels and that the rate of loading and the film thickness determine the tribological properties, especially when the layer thicknesses are lower than 1 μm.

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Fish oil regulates blood fatty acid composition and oxylipin levels in healthy humans: A comparison of young and older men
Authors: Zulyniak Michael A. , Roke Kaitlin , Gerling Christopher , Logan Samantha L. , Spriet Lawrence L. , Mutch David M.
Published: December 2015

Scope

Increased consumption of fish oils rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is associated with improved cardiometabolic health and inflammatory status; however, age‐related responses remain poorly described.

Methods and results

In a placebo‐controlled study, healthy young and older men consumed five fish oil capsules daily, providing 2.0 g/d EPA and 1.0g/d DHA, for three months. Both young and older men experienced a ∼30% reduction in blood triglycerides with fish oil supplementation. A significant group × time interaction was observed for DHA, with young men experiencing a ∼twofold increase in DHA in serum and RBCs, while older men showed negligible increases. Other fatty acids were differentially regulated between young and older men, most notably osbond acid and several saturates. Small changes were observed in serum oxylipins, with both groups of men responding similarly: 5‐HETE was reduced, while PGF2α and 17‐HDoHE were increased. Changes in oxylipins occurred independent of changes in whole blood expression of key genes regulating oxylipin production.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that both young and older men experience the triglyceride‐lowering benefits associated with fish oil supplements, but show differential responses in blood fatty acids. Additionally, fish oil promotes an improved oxylipin profile in both groups of men.
Topography Profiling
Authors: Frey Katharina , Hage Holger , Gerlach Mario , Brunner Robert
Published: December 2015

A confocal microscope, including sample handling, was used and adapted to measure the topography of fragile ophthalmological components, such as soft contact lenses and intra‐ocular lenses, in their physiological wet condition. Local micro‐structures, such as diffractive profiles, were investigated, and the enveloping global macro‐to‐pography was determined with high accuracy.
Geometrical Optics Reloaded
Authors: Wyrowski Frank , Hellmann Christian
Published: December 2015

Ray optics has constituted the fundament of optical modeling and design for more than 2000 years. In recent decades, the introduction of ray tracing software has brought a powerful optical design technology to everybody dealing with optics and photonics. However, with the development and availability of advanced light sources, the capability to produce micro and nano structures, and a boost in the variety of applications and related demands on optical functions, the limitations of ray optics become obvious more often. Optical modeling based on physical optics is required and is the logical next step in the development of optical design. This requires a generalization of ray tracing and its connection with diffractive modeling techniques.
DEFINING THE UNDEFINABLE: OPERATIONALIZATION OF METHODS TO IDENTIFY SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES AMONG PRACTICING SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Authors: Cottrell Joseph M. , Barrett Courtenay A.
Published: December 2015

Accurate and consistent identification of students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs) is crucial; however, state and district guidelines regarding identification methods lack operationalization and are inconsistent throughout the United States. In the current study, the authors surveyed 471 school psychologists about school SLD identification guidelines and the identification methods actually used (e.g., ability‐achievement discrepancy, response‐to‐intervention, and the evaluation of students’ pattern of strengths and weaknesses). Results indicated that nearly half the participants were allowed or required to choose the method of identification that ensured students received services, if the school‐based team determined services were warranted. Variations in SLD identification methods were also found between schools with different characteristics (e.g., location, school level, and student composition). Implications for practice are discussed.
Improved de novo structure prediction in CASP11 by incorporating coevolution information into Rosetta
Authors: Ovchinnikov Sergey , Kim David E. , Wang Ray Yu‐Ruei , Liu Yuan , DiMaio Frank , Baker David
Published: December 2015

We describe CASP11 de novo blind structure predictions made using the Rosetta structure prediction methodology with both automatic and human assisted protocols. Model accuracy was generally improved using coevolution derived residue–residue contact information as restraints during Rosetta conformational sampling and refinement, particularly when the number of sequences in the family was more than three times the length of the protein. The highlight was the human assisted prediction of T0806, a large and topologically complex target with no homologs of known structure, which had unprecedented accuracy—<3.0 Å root‐mean‐square deviation (RMSD) from the crystal structure over 223 residues. For this target, we increased the amount of conformational sampling over our fully automated method by employing an iterative hybridization protocol. Our results clearly demonstrate, in a blind prediction scenario, that coevolution derived contacts can considerably increase the accuracy of template‐free structure modeling. Proteins 2016; 84(Suppl 1):67–75. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.