bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased bone loss and amount of osteoclasts in kinin B1 receptor knockout mice
Authors: Gonçalves‐Zillo Thais Oliveira , Pugliese Lívia Souza , Sales Vicência Micheline Toledo , da Silva Mori Marcelo Alves , Squaiella‐Baptistão Carla Cristina , Longo‐Maugéri Ieda Maria , Lopes José Daniel , de Oliveira Suzana Macedo , Monteiro Ana Carolina , Pesquero João Bosco
Published: February 2013

Aim

The pathophysiology of periodontal diseases involves aspects of immunity and bone remodelling. Considering the role of the kinin B1 receptor (Bdkrb1) in inflammation and healing, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of Bdkrb1 to the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Material and Methods

We used a model of ligature‐induced experimental periodontitis (LIEP) in mice lacking Bdkrb1 (Bdkrb1−/−) to test the role of this receptor in bone loss and cytokine secretion by lymph nodes cells. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) was used as a pharmacological strategy to support the genetic model. Also, autonomous effect of Bdkrb1 deletion was evaluated in osteoclasts precursors from bone marrow.

Results

Bdkrb1−/− mice exhibit increased bone loss and IL‐17 secretion in response to LIEP when compared to wild type. LIEP does not modify TNF‐α, IFN‐γ and IL‐10 levels in Bdkrb1−/− mice after 21 days. Bone marrow cells from Bdkrb1−/− displayed increased differentiation into functional osteoclasts with consistent artificial calcium phosphate degradation. Furthermore, treatment of mice with ACEi prevented bone destruction.

Conclusion

Bdkrb1 participates in the pathogenesis of LIEP bone loss possibly through mechanisms that involve modulation of the TH17 response, thereby demonstrating its role in the development of periodontitis.
Testican‐3: a brain‐specific proteoglycan member of the BM‐40/SPARC/osteonectin family
Authors: Hartmann Ursula , Hülsmann Hanni , Seul Judith , Röll Sandra , Midani Heven , Breloy Isabelle , Hechler Daniel , Müller Regina , Paulsson Mats
Published: February 2013

The testicans are a three‐member family of secreted proteoglycans structurally related to the BM‐40/secreted protein acidic and rich in cystein (SPARC) osteonectin family of extracellular calcium‐binding proteins. In vitro studies have indicated that testicans are involved in the regulation of extracellular protease cascades and in neuronal function. Here, we describe the biochemical characterization and tissue distribution of mouse testican‐3 as well as the inactivation of the corresponding gene. The expression of testican‐3 in adult mice is restricted to the brain, where it is located diffusely within the extracellular matrix, as well as associated with cells. Brain‐derived testican‐3 is a heparan sulphate proteoglycan. In cell culture, the core protein is detected in the supernatant and the extracellular matrix, whereas the proteoglycan form is restricted to the supernatant. This indicates possible interactions of the testican‐3 core protein with components of the extracellular matrix which are blocked by addition of the glycosaminoglycan chains. Mice deficient in testican‐3 are viable and fertile and do not show an obvious phenotype. This points to a functional redundancy among the different members of the testican family or between testican‐3 and other brain heparan sulphate proteoglycans.
Inter‐relation between Interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6 and Body Fat Regulating Circuits of the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus
Authors: Schéle E. , Benrick A. , Grahnemo L. , Egecioglu E. , Anesten F. , Pálsdóttir V. , Jansson J.‐O.
Published: February 2013

Interleukin (IL)‐1 and IL‐6 are immune modulating cytokines that also affect metabolic function because both IL‐1 receptor I deficient (IL‐1RI−/−) and IL‐6 deficient (IL‐6−/−) mice develop late‐onset obesity and leptin resistance. Both IL‐1 and IL‐6 appear to target the central nervous system (CNS) to increase energy expenditure. The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) is a major relay between the periphery and CNS in body fat regulation (e.g. by being a target of leptin). The present study aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms responsible for the effects exerted by endogenous IL‐1 and IL‐6 on body fat at the level of the ARC, as well as possible interactions between IL‐1 and IL‐6. Therefore, we measured the gene expression of neuropeptides of the ARC involved in energy balance in IL‐1RI−/− and IL‐6−/− mice. We also investigated the interactions between expression of IL‐1 and IL‐6 in these mice, and mapped IL‐6 receptor α (IL‐6Rα) in the ARC. The expression of the obesity promoting peptide neuropeptide Y (NPY), found in the ARC, was increased in IL‐1RI−/− mice. The expression of NPY and agouti‐related peptide (AgRP), known to be co‐expressed with NPY in ARC neurones, was increased in cold exposed IL‐6−/− mice. IL‐6Rα immunoreactivity was densely localised in the ARC, especially in the medial part, and was partly found in NPY positive cell bodies and also α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone positive cell bodies. The expression of hypothalamic IL‐6 was decreased in IL‐1RI−/− mice, whereas IL‐1ß expression was increased in IL‐6−/− mice. The results of the present study indicate that depletion of the activity of the fat suppressing cytokines IL‐1 and IL‐6 in knockout mice can increase the expression of the obesity promoting neuropeptide NPY in the ARC. Depletion of IL‐1 activity suppresses IL‐6 expression, and IL‐6Rα‐like immunoreactivity is present in neurones in the medial ARC, including neurones containing NPY. Therefore, IL‐6, IL‐1 and NPY/AgRP could interact at the level of the hypothalamic ARC in the regulation of body fat.
Voxel‐Wise Co‐analysis of Macro‐ and Microstructural Brain Alteration in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease Using Anatomical and Diffusion MRI
Authors: Cardenas Valerie A. , Tosun Duygu , Chao Linda L. , Fletcher P. Thomas , Joshi Sarang , Weiner Michael W. , Schuff Norbert
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To determine if a voxel‐wise “co‐analysis” of structural and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) together reveals additional brain regions affected in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) than voxel‐wise analysis of the individual MRI modalities alone.

METHODS

Twenty‐one patients with MCI, 21 patients with AD, and 21 cognitively normal healthy elderly were studied with MRI. Maps of deformation and fractional anisotropy (FA) were computed and used as dependent variables in univariate and multivariate statistical models.

RESULTS

Univariate voxel‐wise analysis of macrostructural changes in MCI showed atrophy in the right anterior temporal lobe, left posterior parietal/precuneus region, WM adjacent to the cingulate gyrus, and dorsolateral prefrontal regions, consistent with prior research. Univariate voxel‐wise analysis of microstructural changes in MCI showed reduced FA in the left posterior parietal region extending into the corpus callosum, consistent with previous work. The multivariate analysis, which provides more information than univariate tests when structural and FA measures are correlated, revealed additional MCI‐related changes in corpus callosum and temporal lobe.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that in corpus callosum and temporal regions macro‐ and microstructural variations in MCI can be congruent, providing potentially new insight into the mechanisms of brain tissue degeneration.
Public Good Provision Under Monopolistic Competition
Authors: MONDAL DEBASIS
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a model of voluntary private provision of public good under monopolistic competition following Pecorino. Consumers prefer product varieties and a public good. Marginal utility of income depends inversely upon the aggregate consumption of private goods in this model. As population size increases, aggregate consumption of private goods goes up and marginal utility of income falls. This explains the positive relationship between population size and public good provision. Any technological changes in the production of private goods are shown to be neutral to the aggregate provision of public good. These results are in contrast to Pecorino.
Hotelling–Downs Competition with Free Entry When Voters Have an Option to Contest
Authors: DZIUBIŃSKI MARCIN
Published: February 2013

Osborne shows that for almost all distributions of voters’ preferences, a pure strategy Nash equilibrium does not exist in the classical Hotelling–Downs model of electoral competition with free entry. We show that equilibrium is generically possible if in addition one allows voters an option to announce their candidacy to compete side‐by‐side with office‐seeking players. The model studied in this paper renders Osborne and the celebrated citizen‐candidate model à la Osborne and Slivinski as two extreme cases. We characterize the equilibrium set with two central questions: (i) can there be equilibria where only voters contest? and (ii) are equilibria with contesting office‐seeking players possible? We also show that in our general setting, extremists are typically voter‐candidates so that in every two‐party contest, office‐seeking politicians stay out of competition.
A systematic review of nurse physical healthcare for consumers utilizing mental health services
Authors: Happell B. , Platania‐Phung C. , Scott D.
Published: February 2013

Accessible summary

The poor physical health of people with serious mental illness presents a long‐term public health issue that mental healthcare services, and their most representative group (nurses), can help address.

For purposes of long‐term planning in increasing the role of nurses in physical healthcare within mental healthcare services a systematic review was conducted of services and programmes where nurses conduct physical healthcare (such as physical health checks and health education).

The most common types of physical healthcare represented in the literature were health education, screening, lifestyle programme delivery and co‐ordination of care.

Although evaluation of the programmes reviewed were all at a preliminary stage, they consistently demonstrated health benefits for consumers.

People with serious mental illness have higher rates of physical illness and are more likely to experience premature death than the general population. Nurse‐led strategies to improve physical healthcare in mental healthcare services could potentially reduce these inequalities. However the extent of nurse involvement in physical healthcare (such as physical risk screening, health education and care co‐ordination) in mental health settings is not known. A systematic review was conducted on nurse‐led physical healthcare reported for consumers with serious mental illness (SMI) in mental health services, and their benefits. Electronic literature bases (CINAHL, Proquest, PsychINFO and Web of Science) were systematically searched, in conjunction with a manual search of literature reviews on physical healthcare in mental health services. Articles were included if they: (a) were published in the last 10 years; (b) were English language; (c) involved physical healthcare of adult consumers receiving mental healthcare services; and (d) reported nurse involvement in physical healthcare. Forty articles were included in the review. The distribution of types of care were: health education (47%), screening and/or monitoring (33.3%), care co‐ordination and management (33.3%), lifestyle programme delivery (30.5%), follow‐up actions to screening results (25%) and registers and data administration (5.5%). Overall, the evaluation of nurse‐based physical healthcare is in early stages. Thus far, they appear to have positive implications for consumers with SMI.
Growth performance, carcass quality, biochemical and haematological traits and immune response of growing rabbits as affected by different growth promoters
Authors: Attia Y. A. , El‐Hanoun A. M. , Bovera F. , Monastra G. , El‐Tahawy W. S. , Habiba H. I.
Published: February 2013

The aim of the article was to study the effect of different growth promoters on growth performance, carcass quality, biochemical and haematological traits and immune response of growing rabbits. A total number of 105 male growing NZW rabbits during 35–91 days of age were randomly distributed among 7 groups fed the same basal diet and submitted to different dietary treatments: the first group was unsupplemented and used as control; the other groups were supplemented respectively with bee pollen and/or propolis at 200 mg/kg BW of each and inulin and/or mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) at 35 mg/kg BW of each. Body weight gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), biochemical and haematological blood parameters, carcass characteristics, histological studies of ileum and spleen and economical efficiency were measured. Bee pollen administered alone or with propolis significantly (p < 0.01) the body weight gain and improved FCR in respect of the control group. Inulin with MOS significantly improved just FCR than the control group. Bee pollen with propolis and MOS supplemented‐groups resulted in significantly higher (7.96 and 8.41% respectively) white blood cells compared to the control group. Plasma total cholesterol was significantly higher for the MOS group in respect of the control, bee pollen, inulin and inulin with MOS supplemented‐groups. Propolis resulted in significantly higher dressed carcass percentage than the control group and higher carcass index than only bee pollen with propolis supplemented‐group. Bee pollen, in particular if in combination with propolis, could be used as a supplement in the growing rabbits during days 35–91 of age with positive effects on growth rate and feed conversion ratio.
Assessment and Documentation of Sexual Health Issues of Recent Combat Veterans Seeking VHA Care
Authors: Helmer Drew A. , Beaulieu Gregory R. , Houlette Cheryl , Latini David , Goltz Heather H. , Etienne Samuel , Kauth Michael
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Sexual health is an important aspect of human existence associated with disease and overall health. Despite these associations and the existence of medical treatments to improve sexual function, sexual health is often overlooked in health care. Recent combat veterans may be particularly vulnerable to sexual health issues due to their deployment-related health issues such as mental health conditions, prescription medications use, and psychosocial challenges.

Aim

This study assesses the sexual health issues of recent combat veterans seeking care at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) documented in the primary care and mental health notes from the first 6 months of care.

Main Outcome Measures

Documentation of sexual health issues in the progress notes (coded into categories), primary care vs. mental health care visit note, initial vs. follow-up visit notes, and templated vs. non-templated text.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of the first 158 consecutive patients seen for an initial assessment in the VAMC post-deployment clinic. Medical records were reviewed and text of sexual health issues and relevant patient and care characteristics were abstracted and coded into variables.

Results

Almost 25% of patients had documented sexual health issues in the first 6 months of care. We coded 52 separate sexual health issues into 13 distinct categories. Overall, most sexual health issues were documented in mental health care notes, in non-templated text, and at follow-up visits. The use of templated text appeared to drive the documentation of low libido (the most common sexual health issue) in mental health care notes.

Conclusions

Sexual health issues are prevalent in recent combat veterans seeking care at a VAMC, but patterns of documentation suggest that they may be under-reported or incompletely addressed. A more systematic and provider-initiated approach to assessment of sexual health may promote fuller discussion of sexual health issues and optimize management.
Radical Prostatectomy, Sparing of the Seminal Vesicles, and Painful Orgasm
Authors: Mogorovich Andrea , Nilsson Andreas E. , Tyritzis Stavros I. , Carlsson Stefan , Jonsson Martin , Haendler Leif , Nyberg Tommy , Steineck Gunnar , Wiklund N. Peter
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction has been widely investigated as the major factor responsible for sexual bother in patients after radical prostatectomy (RP); painful orgasm (PO) is one element of this bother, but little is known about its prevalence and its effects on sexual health.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of PO and to identify potential risk factors.

Main Outcome Measures

A total of 1,411 consecutive patients underwent open (radical retropubic prostatectomy) or robot-assisted laparoscopic RP between 2002 and 2006. The patients were asked to complete a study-specific questionnaire.

Methods

Of a total of 145 questions, 5 dealt with the orgasmic characteristics. The questionnaire was also administered to a comparison group of 442 persons, matched for age and area of residency.

Results

The response rate was 91% (1,288 patients). A total of 143 (11%) patients reported PO. Among the 834 men being able to have an orgasm, the prevalence was 18% vs. 6% in the comparison group (relative risk [RR] 2.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–4.5). When analyzed as independent variables, bilateral seminal vesicle (SV)-sparing approach (RR 2.33, 95% CI 1.0–5.3, P = 0.045) and age <60 years were significantly related to the presence of PO (95% CI 0.5–0.9, P = 0.019). After adjustment for age, bilateral SV-sparing still remained a significant predictor for occurrence of PO.

Conclusions

We found that PO occurs significantly more often in patients undergoing bilateral SV-sparing RP when compared with age-matched comparison population.
Sequential therapy with entecavir and PEG‐INF in patients affected by chronic hepatitis B and high levels of HBV‐DNA with non‐D genotypes
Authors: Boglione L. , D'Avolio A. , Cariti G. , Milia M. G. , Simiele M. , De Nicolò A. , Ghisetti V. , Di Perri G.
Published: February 2013

Complete eradication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is rarely achieved. Treatment options include currently available nucleos(t)ide analogues and pegylated interferon. The aim of our exploratory study was to assess the effectiveness of sequential therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) vs the current standard of care. We evaluated an association with entecavir and pegylated interferon alfa‐2a (PEG‐IFN) in 20 patients with hepatitis B, high HBV viremia and genotypes A, B, C and E. Patients received entecavir alone for 12 weeks, then entecavir and PEG‐IFN for 12 weeks, lastly PEG‐IFN alone for 36 weeks. The results were compared with 20 patients (control group) treated in the past with 48 weeks of PEG‐IFN monotherapy. Our results show that complete sustained virological response (SVR) and partial SVR were, respectively, 60% and 80% in the study group and 10% and 30% in the control group; anti‐HBe seroconversion rate were 76.9% vs 15%, and anti‐HBs seroconversion were 20% vs 0%, respectively. We found a correlation among different genotypes and virological and serological outcomes – genotype C has a better virological response, while genotype A had a better serological response, and E genotype had a poor response. These results show that a sequential approach is a promising strategy of treatment in patients with CHB and high viremia in comparison with PEG‐IFN monotherapy. The E genotype seems to have the worse rate of response and requires other treatment strategies.
Habitat‐specific shape variation in the carapace of the crab Cyrtograpsus angulatus
Authors: Idaszkin Y. L. , Márquez F. , Nocera A. C.
Published: February 2013

Different environmental and sex conditions induce phenotypic responses (behavioural, morphological and physiological) in many species. The crab Cyrtograpsus angulatus inhabits contrasting intertidal habitats, such as rocky shores and salt marshes, where they are exposed to a wide diversity of predators. However, their anti‐predator responses differ substantially between these two habitats: while crabs in the salt marshes use or built burrows or they simply hide by burying in the sediment into the tidal channels, on rocky shores they find shelter below rocks, inside crevices or under seaweeds in tidal pools. Considering that refuges in salt marshes can be adjusted by the crabs according to their size and the morphology, while in rocky shores they have to fit in the available refuges, we expect that the body shape differs between individuals from each intertidal habitat. In order to test this hypothesis, we collected male and female crabs from a salt marsh and a rocky shore, separated by 3 km, in San José Gulf, Patagonia, and compared the carapace shapes using geometric morphometric methods. The results showed that carapace shape variation is explained by the interaction between sex and habitats. In both sexes, the mean carapace shape on the rocky shore is more slender and more lengthened than in the salt marsh individuals. Furthermore, the posterior margin of the female carapaces was wider than that of male carapaces, which were slender and more rounded posterolaterally, independent of the intertidal habitat.
Transient Paralysis Shortly after Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion
Authors: Zhang Ji‐dong , Xia Qun , Ji Ning , Liu Yan‐cheng , Han Yue , Ning Shang‐long
Published: February 2013

Objective

To report three cases of transient paralysis shortly after (within 4 hours) anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF), and investigate the possible causes.

Methods

Clinical and radiological data of three cases (two men and one woman, aged 41–61 years) were analyzed retrospectively. All three patients underwent ACCF for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The decompressed segments were located in C5, C6 and C5 + C6–7 discs, respectively. Paralysis occurred from 30 minutes to 4 hours after surgery. In two cases the paralysis was complete; it was incomplete in the third. All patients received immediate dehydration, neurotrophic drugs and high‐dose methylprednisolone therapy upon recognition of their paralysis. Meanwhile, cervical MRIs were performed and showed no significant hematomas compressing the cervical spinal cord; spinal cord edema was clearly evident in all cases.

Results

In two cases the paralysis resolved within 2 hours of diagnosis and immediate medication. In the third case, because the neurological symptoms were incompletely resolved 24 hours after beginning medication, a second laminoplasty was performed. During decompression, tremendous pressure was released from the cervical spinal cord. The neurological symptoms had resolved completely by 1 week after decompression.

Conclusion

The precise cause for transient paralysis after these anterior cervical surgeries is not yet clear. Spinal cord ischemia‐reperfusion injury is generally regarded as the most likely cause. Therefore, a combination of cervical spinal cord edema and limited anterior decompression space may have been the main contributing factors to the paralysis reported here. Early diagnosis and early intervention to relieve the paralysis can restore spinal cord function and result in a satisfactory prognosis.
Intermittent Cyclic Mechanical Tension‐induced Down‐regulation of Ectonucleotide Pyrophosphatase Phosphodiesterase 1 Gene Expression is Mainly Dependent on TGF‐β1 in End‐plate Chondrocytes
Authors: Xu Hong‐guang , Li Zi‐rui , Wang Hong , Liu Ping , Xiang Sheng‐nan , Wang Chuang‐dong , Zhang Xiao‐ling
Published: February 2013

Objective

To investigate the relationship between ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase‐1(ENPP‐1) expression and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) of end‐plate chondrocytes after stimulation with intermittent cyclic mechanical tension (ICMT) by using an FX‐4000T Flexercell Tension Plus unit.

Methods

Rat end‐plate chondrocytes were cultured and ICMT (strain at 0.5 Hz sinusoidal curve at 10% elongation) applied for 7 days for 4 h/day and cultured for a further 2 days. End‐plate chondrocytes were also exposed to 10 ng/mL of TGF‐β1. Then, using small interfering RNA technology, small interfering TGF‐β1 (siTGF‐β1) was transfected. Expression of ENPP‐1 and TGF‐β1 was measured by real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and western blotting.

Results

Expression of both ENPP‐1 and TGF‐β1 was up‐regulated after ICMT. Both RT‐PCR and western blot showed that ENPP‐1 expression decreases with siRNA TGF‐β1 after 3% elongation 40 min, and cultured for an additional 2 days.

Conclusion

It was found that down‐regulation of ENPP‐1 gene expression induced by ICMT is likely dependent on TGF‐β1 in end‐plate chondrocytes.
Photoaging of human retinal pigment epithelium is accompanied by oxidative modifications of its eumelanin
Authors: Ito Shosuke , Pilat Anna , Gerwat Wolfram , Skumatz Christine M. B. , Ito Miho , Kiyono Atsumi , Zadlo Andrzej , Nakanishi Yukiko , Kolbe Ludger , Burke Janice M. , Sarna Tadeusz , Wakamatsu Kazumasa
Published: February 2013

Although photodegradation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) melanin may contribute to the etiology of age‐related macular degeneration, the molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon and the structural changes of the modified melanin remain unknown. Recently, we found that the ratio of pyrrole‐2,3,4,5‐tetracarboxylic acid (PTeCA) to pyrrole‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (PTCA) is a marker for the heat‐induced cross‐linking of eumelanin. In this study, we examined UVA‐induced changes in synthetic eumelanins to confirm the usefulness of the PTeCA/PTCA ratio as an indicator of photo‐oxidation and compared changes in various melanin markers and their ratios in human melanocytes exposed to UVA, in isolated bovine RPE melanosomes exposed to strong blue light and in human RPE cells from donors of various ages. The results indicate that the PTeCA/PTCA ratio is a sensitive marker for the oxidation of eumelanin exposed to UVA or blue light and that eumelanin and pheomelanin in human RPE cells undergo extensive structural modifications due to the life‐long exposure to blue light.
“It's Only Other People Who Make Me Feel Black”: Acculturation, Identity, and Agency in a Multicultural Community
Authors: Howarth Caroline , Wagner Wolfgang , Magnusson Nicola , Sammut Gordon
Published: February 2013

This article explores identity work and acculturation work in the lives of British mixed‐heritage children and adults. Children, teenagers, and parents with mixed heritage participated in a community arts project that invited them to deliberate, construct, and reconstruct their cultural identities and cultural relations. We found that acculturation, cultural and raced identities, are constructed through a series of oppositional themes: cultural maintenance versus cultural contact; identity as inclusion versus identity as exclusion; institutionalized ideologies versus agency. The findings point towards an understanding of acculturation as a dynamic, situated, and multifaceted process:acculturation in movement. To investigate this, we argue that acculturation research needs to develop a more dynamic and situated approach to the study of identity, representation, and culture. The article concludes with a discussion on the need for political psychologists to develop methods attuned to the tensions and politics of acculturation that are capable of highlighting the possibilities for resistance and social change.
The effect of carbohydrates and osmoticum on storage reserve accumulation and germination of Norway spruce somatic embryos
Authors: Businge Edward , Bygdell Joakim , Wingsle Gunnar , Moritz Thomas , Egertsdotter Ulrika
Published: February 2013

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) represents a useful experimental system for studying the regulatory mechanisms of embryo development. In this study, the effect of carbohydrates and osmoticum on storage reserve accumulation and germination of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst] somatic embryos were investigated. Using time lapse photography, we monitored development from proliferation of proembryogenic masses (PEMs) to maturation of somatic embryos in two P. abies cell lines cultured on two maturation treatments. A combination of sugar assays, metabolic and proteomic analyses were used to quantify storage reserves in the mature somatic embryos. The maturation treatment containing a nonpermeating osmoticum, polyethylene glycol (PEG, 7.5%) and maltose (3%) as the carbohydrate gave significantly high maturation and low germination frequencies of somatic embryos compared to the treatment with only 3% sucrose. Somatic embryos treated with 3% sucrose contained high levels of sucrose, raffinose and late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins. These compounds are known to be involved in the acquisition of desiccation tolerance during seed development and maturation. In addition the sucrose treatment significantly increased the content of starch in the somatic embryos while the maltose and PEG treatment resulted in somatic embryos with a high content of storage proteins. The high levels of sucrose, raffinose and LEA proteins in the embryos treated with 3% sucrose suggest that sucrose may improve the germination of somatic embryos by promoting the acquisition of desiccation tolerance.
The Invisible Presidential Appointments: An Examination of Appointments to the Department ofLabor, 2001‐11
Authors: Lewis David E. , Waterman Richard W.
Published: February 2013

In this article we examine what we call the president's invisible appointments. We designateSeniorExecutiveService andScheduleCappointees as invisible because, in lieu of a scandal, these appointees serve in the bureaucracy, generally with significantly less direct attention from the press or scholars. In addressing the invisible appointees, we use new data from an ongoing research project that collects and codes data from the résumés of political appointees in theGeorgeW.Bush andBarackObama administrations. In this article we examine data from the résumés of appointees serving in the Department ofLabor during these two administrations. We describe the characteristics presidents consider when making appointments, explain which factors are most important for which positions, and compare the results to existing expectations about the factors presidents consider when making appointments.
The Historical Presidency: The Development of Unilateral Power and the Problem of the Power to Warn:Washington throughMcKinley
Authors: Bailey Jeremy D. , Rottinghaus Brandon
Published: February 2013

The scholarly turn to the unilateral presidency has expanded our understanding of the presidency and executive power, but, to date, this body of work has focused on presidents since theNewDeal. This is somewhat surprising, given that many of the most well‐known unilateral orders were issued before 1900. Rather than being isolated events, they are part of a longer list of unilateral presidential orders among early presidents that, as a group, have received little scholarly attention. This article seeks, first, to introduce “settle down” proclamations (which are issued as warnings to the public) issued by presidents before Theodore Roosevelt as a way to further understand the development of executive power in the early presidency. Second, it uses these proclamations to test whether the findings of the unilateral presidency scholarship hold with respect to unilateral power before the twentieth century. The article concludes by comparing unilateral power to prerogative power and proposing a path for future research.
Attentional capture during visual search is attenuated by target predictability: Evidence from the N2pc, Pd, and topographic segmentation
Authors: Burra Nicolas , Kerzel Dirk
Published: February 2013

Attentional capture by salient distractors has been confirmed by the occurrence of an N2pc to the salient distractor. To clarify some failures to replicate this finding, we varied target predictability to induce different search modes. In the unpredictable target condition, the target shape varied randomly from trial to trial, favoring singleton detection mode. In the predictable target condition, the target shape remained the same in a block of trials, favoring feature search mode. With unpredictable targets, we observed an N2pc toward the salient color distractor, confirming attentional capture in singleton search mode. With predictable targets, there was no N2pc to the salient distractor, but a distractor positivity (Pd), suggesting distractor suppression. Also, differences emerged in the topographic segmentation of N2pc and Pd. Further, the amplitude of the N2pc toward the target was larger with predictable than with unpredictable targets.
Wave Breaking and Measure of Momentum Support for an Integrable Camassa‐Holm System with Two Components
Authors: Guo Zhengguang , Zhu Mingxuan
Published: February 2013

We discuss a new integrable two‐component Camassa‐Holm equation which describes the motion of fluid. This paper is concerned with the wave breaking mechanism for the Cauchy problem with periodic condition where two special classes of initial data are involved. Moreover, the estimate of momentum support is also shown.
Skin Tolerance is Supported by the Spleen
Authors: Buettner M. , Bornemann M. , Bode U.
Published: February 2013

The repeated application of antigens results in the induction of tolerance. Lymph nodes are responsible for this reaction by producing suppressor cells. Using an in vivo transplantation model, we showed recently that stromal cells from different lymph nodes induce different cell populations for suppression, which all produce a tolerogenic phenotype. In this study, we were interested in the role of the spleen in these tolerance reactions. Therefore, tolerance was induced via feeding or injecting ovalbumin several times in control and splenectomized mice. The delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) was measured as well as the cell subset composition of the spleen. The spleen of peripherally tolerized mice showed higher proliferation activity and a specific antibody production compared with orally tolerized mice, where regulatory T cells were predominantly found. Tolerance induction after removal of the spleen resulted in a reduced DTH response in antigen fed animals, whereas skin tolerance induction failed. In conclusion, the results illustrate that lymph nodes from different areas employ their individual pathways for similar immune reactions, and the spleen is part of this reaction initiated at the peripheral site.
Increased Bronchial Density of CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells in Occupational Asthma: Relationship to Current Smoking
Authors: Sjåheim T. B. , Bjørtuft Ø. , Drabløs P. A. , Kongerud J. , Halstensen T. S.
Published: February 2013

To identify activated T cell subset in the asthmatic bronchia, we developed a triple‐colour immunohistofluorescence labelling technique on cryo‐section to discriminate activated CD4+CD25+ T cells, (effector T cells) from Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). Additional coexpression of activation and proliferation markers was also examined in situ. Bronchial biopsies were taken from 20 aluminium potroom workers (12 smokers) with asthma (>12% reversibility), 15 non‐asthmatic potroom workers (7 smokers) and 10 non‐smoking, non‐exposed controls. Non‐smoking asthmatics had significantly higher subepithelial density of both Tregs, effector T cells, activated (HLA‐DR+) CD8+ and activated CD4+ T cells. Moreover, both Tregs, effector T cells and CD8+ T cells proliferated in the non‐smoking asthmatics, only. Although smoking asthmatics had no asthma‐associated increase in bronchial T cell, both had a significantly increase in effector T cell to Treg ratios. The significantly increased bronchial density of Tregs, effector T cells, proliferative T cells and activated CD8+ T cells in non‐smoking asthmatics clearly showed that both the effector T cells and the inhibitory Treg system were activated in asthma.
Application of a Multi‐Camera Stereo DIC Set‐up to Assess Strain Fields in an Erichsen Test: Methodology and Validation
Authors: Wang Y. , Lava P. , Coppieters S. , Houtte P. V. , Debruyne D.
Published: February 2013

Abstract:  A multi‐camera stereo digital image correlation (MC‐DIC) set‐up is presented to obtain full displacement and strain fields of a sheet‐metal specimen subjected to an Erichsen test. The set‐up is composed of several conventional stereo DIC systems (two camera set‐up), each of which tracks the deformation of an aspect of the specimen. The individual measurements, including the geometries and the displacements, are then converted to the same reference frame to integrate into a global view. Afterwards, the strain is calculated based on the composed displacement field. It is found that the geometry and the displacement fields of the bulged specimen are ideally stitched, and smooth strain fields are obtained. The influences of the reference frame transformation and the stitching procedure on the MC‐DIC measurement are investigated. A rigid motion test is performed to validate the displacement measurement. It is discussed that the global field is more reliable than the individual measurements for this test set‐up.
Flotillins Regulate Membrane Mobility of the Dopamine Transporter but Are Not Required for Its Protein Kinase C Dependent Endocytosis
Authors: Sorkina Tatiana , Caltagarone John , Sorkin Alexander
Published: February 2013

Flotillins were proposed to mediate clathrin‐independent endocytosis, and recently, flotillin‐1 was implicated in the protein kinase C (PKC)‐triggered endocytosis of the dopamine transporter (DAT). Since endocytosis of DAT was previously shown to be clathrin‐mediated, we re‐examined the role of clathrin coat proteins and flotillin in DAT endocytosis using DAT tagged with the hemagglutinin epitope (HA) in the extracellular loop and a quantitative HA antibody uptake assay. Depletion of flotillin‐1, flotillin‐2 or both flotillins together by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) did not inhibit PKC‐dependent internalization and degradation of HA‐DAT. In contrast, siRNAs to clathrin heavy chain and μ2 subunit of clathrin adaptor complex AP‐2 as well as a dynamin inhibitor Dyngo‐4A significantly decreased PKC‐dependent endocytosis of HA‐DAT. Similarly, endocytosis and degradation of DAT that is not epitope‐tagged were highly sensitive to the clathrin siRNAs and dynamin inhibition but were not affected by flotillin knockdown. Very little co‐localization of DAT with flotillins was observed in cells ectopically expressing DAT and in cultured mouse dopaminergic neurons. Depletion of flotillins increased diffusion rates of HA‐DAT in the plasma membrane, suggesting that flotillin‐organized microdomains may regulate the lateral mobility of DAT. We propose that clathrin‐mediated endocytosis is the major pathway of PKC‐dependent internalization of DAT, and that flotillins may modulate functional association of DAT with plasma membrane rafts rather than mediate DAT endocytosis.
PCR amplification and DNA sequencing of Demodex injai from otic secretions of a dog
Authors: Milosevic Milivoj A. , Frank Linda A. , Brahmbhatt Rupal A. , Kania Stephen A.
Published: February 2013

Background

The identification of Demodex mites from dogs is usually based on morphology and location. Mites with uncharacteristic features or from unusual locations, hosts or disease manifestations could represent new species not previously described; however, this is difficult to determine based on morphology alone.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The goal of this study was to identify and confirm Demodex injai in association with otitis externa in a dog using PCR amplification and DNA sequencing.

Methods

Otic samples were obtained from a beagle in which a long‐bodied Demodex mite was identified. For comparison, Demodex mite samples were collected from a swab and scraping of the dorsal skin of a wire‐haired fox terrier and an otic sample from a dog with generalized and otic demodicosis. To identify the Demodex mite, DNA was extracted, and 16S rRNA was amplified by PCR, sequenced and compared with Demodex sequences available in public databases and from separate samples morphologically diagnosed as D. injai and Demodex canis.

Results

PCR amplification of the long‐bodied mite rRNA DNA obtained from otic samples was approximately 330 bp and was identical to that from the mite morphologically identified as D. injai obtained from the dorsal skin of a dog. Furthermore, the examined mite did not have any significant homology to any of the reported genes from Demodex spp.

Conclusions

These results confirmed that the demodex mites in this case were D. injai.
Sarcolemmal localisation of Na+/H+ exchange and Na+–HCO3− co‐transport influences the spatial regulation of intracellular pH in rat ventricular myocytes
Authors: Garciarena Carolina D. , Ma Yu‐ling , Swietach Pawel , Huc Laurence , Vaughan‐Jones Richard D.
Published: February 2013

Key points

Acid extrusion from ventricular myocytes typically occurs via Na+/H+ exchange (NHE1) and Na+–HCO3− co‐transporters (NBC). This maintains intracellular pH at ∼7.2: The membrane distribution of these transporters is uncertain.

Immunofluorescence indicates that: NBC isoforms are located in lateral sarcolemma, intercalated discs and transverse tubules, whereas NHE1 is densely expressed at intercalated discs.

Functional experiments with detubulated myocytes indicate reduced acid extrusion on NBC but no effect on NHE1 activity, confirming exclusion of NHE1 function from transverse tubules.

Stimulating NHE1 activity induces sub‐sarcolemmal [H+]i depletion (forming local pHi microdomains), particularly at intercalated discs, while stimulating NBC activity induces no pHi microdomains.

Our results provide the first demonstration that pHi in ventricular myocytes is locally controlled through selective trafficking of membrane ion transporters. NHE1 preferentially controls pHi at intercalated discs, where cell‐to‐cell gap‐junctional channels are located, while NBC influences pHi adjacent to transverse tubules, where key proteins for excitation–contraction coupling are located.

Abstract  Membrane acid extrusion by Na+/H+ exchange (NHE1) and Na+–HCO3− co‐transport (NBC) is essential for maintaining a low cytoplasmic [H+] (∼60 nm, equivalent to an intracellular pH (pHi) of 7.2). This protects myocardial function from the high chemical reactivity of H+ ions, universal end‐products of metabolism. We show here that, in rat ventricular myocytes, fluorescent antibodies map the NBC isoforms NBCe1 and NBCn1 to lateral sarcolemma, intercalated discs and transverse tubules (t‐tubules), while NHE1 is absent from t‐tubules. This unexpected difference matches functional measurements of pHi regulation (using AM‐loaded SNARF‐1, a pH fluorophore). Thus, myocyte detubulation (by transient exposure to 1.5 m formamide) reduces global acid extrusion on NBC by 40%, without affecting NHE1. Similarly, confocal pHi imaging reveals that NBC stimulation induces spatially uniform pHi recovery from acidosis, whereas NHE1 stimulation induces pHi non‐uniformity during recovery (of ∼0.1 units, for 2–3 min), particularly at the ends of the cell where intercalated discs are commonly located, and where NHE1 immunostaining is prominent. Mathematical modelling shows that this induction of local pHi microdomains is favoured by low cytoplasmic H+ mobility and long H+ diffusion distances, particularly to surface NHE1 transporters mediating high membrane flux. Our results provide the first evidence for a spatial localisation of [H+]i regulation in ventricular myocytes, suggesting that, by guarding pHi, NHE1 preferentially protects gap junctional communication at intercalated discs, while NBC locally protects t‐tubular excitation–contraction coupling.
Regulation of connexin36 gap junction channels by n‐alkanols and arachidonic acid
Authors: Marandykina Alina , Palacios‐Prado Nicolás , Rimkutė Lina , Skeberdis Vytenis A. , Bukauskas Feliksas F.
Published: February 2013

Key points

Under control conditions only one of ∼128 connexin (Cx)36 gap junction channels assembled in junctional plaques are open at a given time. This ratio was increased several times by short carbon chain n‐alkanols and BSA, and reduced by long carbon chain n‐alkanols.

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) increased junctional conductance (gj) by removal of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) including arachidonic acid (AA) from the plasma membrane of HeLaCx36‐EGFP cells. BSA modified with 1,2‐cyclohexanedione, which does not bind PUFAs, did not affect gj.

A primary culture of pancreatic β‐cells, expressing solely Cx36, shows similar properties as HeLa transfectants, i.e. gj increases under an exposure to BSA and hexanol, while decanol and nonanol caused full uncoupling.

Methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP) and thapsigargin, inhibitor and activator of AA synthesis, increased and reduced gj, respectively.

The gj‐enhancing effect of hexanol did not change during combined application with MAFP and BSA, whereas AA and thapsigargin reduced the potentiating effect of hexanol.

Abstract  We examined junctional conductance (gj) and its dependence on transjunctional voltage in gap junction (GJ) channels formed of wild‐type connexin36 (Cx36) or its fusion form with green fluorescent protein (Cx36‐EGFP) transfected in HeLa cells or endogenously expressed in primary culture of pancreatic β‐cells. Only a very small fraction (∼0.8%) of Cx36‐EGFP channels assembled into junctional plaques of GJs were open under control conditions. We found that short carbon chain n‐alkanols (SCCAs) increased gj, while long carbon chain n‐alkanols resulted in full uncoupling; cutoff is between heptanol and octanol. The fraction of functional channels and gj increased several fold under an exposure to SCCAs, or during reduction of endogenous levels of arachidonic acid (AA) by exposure to fatty acid‐free BSA or cytosolic phospholipase A2 inhibitors. Moreover, uncoupling caused by exogenously applied AA can be rescued by BSA, which binds AA and other polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), but not by BSA modified with 1,2‐cyclohexanedione, which does not bind AA and other PUFAs. We propose that under control conditions, Cx36 GJ channels in HeLa transfectants and β‐cells are inhibited by endogenous AA, which stabilizes a closed conformational state of the channel that leads to extremely low fraction of functional channels. In addition, SCCAs increase gj by interfering with endogenous AA‐dependent inhibition, increasing open probability and the fraction of functional channels.
Nanoscale topographic pattern formation on Kr+-bombarded germanium surfaces
Authors: Perkinson Joy C. , Madi Charbel S. , Aziz Michael J.
Published: February 2013

The nanoscale pattern formation of Ge surfaces uniformly irradiated by Kr+ ions was studied in a low-contamination environment at ion energies of 250 and 500 eV and at angles of 0° through 80°. The authors present a phase diagram of domains of pattern formation occurring as these two control parameters are varied. The results are insensitive to ion energy over the range covered by the experiments. Flat surfaces are stable from normal incidence up to an incidence angle of θ = 55° from normal. At higher angles, the surface is linearly unstable to the formation of parallel-mode ripples, in which the wave vector is parallel to the projection of the ion beam on the surface. For θ ≥ 75° the authors observe perpendicular-mode ripples, in which the wave vector is perpendicular to the ion beam. This behavior is qualitatively similar to those of Madi et al. for Ar+-irradiated Si but is inconsistent with those of Ziberi et al. for Kr+-irradiated Ge. The existence of a window of stability is qualitatively inconsistent with a theory based on sputter erosion [R. M. Bradley and J. M. Harper, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 6, 2390 (1988)] and qualitatively consistent with a model of ion impact-induced mass redistribution [G. Carter and V. Vishnyakov, Phys. Rev. B 54, 17647 (1996)] as well as a crater function theory incorporating both effects [S. A. Norris et al., Nat. Commun. 2, 276 (2011)]. The critical transition angle between stable and rippled surfaces occurs 10°–15° above the value of 45° predicted by the mass redistribution model.