bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased expression of TACI on NOD B cells results in germinal centre reaction anomalies, enhanced plasma cell differentiation and immunoglobulin production
Authors: Banday Viqar S. , Thyagarajan Radha , Sundström Mia , Lejon Kristina 
Published: July 2016

SummaryB cells have an important pathogenic role in the development of type 1 diabetes in the non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mouse. We have previously reported that NOD mice display an increased percentage of TACIhigh‐expressing B cells compared with C57BL/6 mice and this trait is linked to chromosomes 1 and 8. In this paper the genetic association of the transmembrane activator, calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) trait was confirmed using double congenic NOD.B6C1/Idd22 mice. TACI ligation by a proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL) has been shown to influence plasma cell differentiation, immunoglobulin production and isotype switch. Hence, the functional consequence of the up‐regulation of TACI on NOD B cells was analysed both in vitro and in vivo. NOD B cells stimulated with APRIL showed an enhanced plasma cell differentiation and class switch to IgG and IgA compared with B cells from C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, flow cytometry analyses revealed that germinal centre B cells in NOD failed to down‐regulate TACI. Availability of the TACI ligand B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) has been shown to be a limiting factor in the germinal centre reaction. In line with this, upon immunization with 4‐hydroxy‐3‐nitrophenylacetyl hapten‐conjugated hen egg lysozyme, NOD mice produced higher titres of low‐affinity antibodies compared with C57BL/6 mice. This observation was supported by the detection of increased levels of BAFF in NOD germinal centres after immunization compared with C57BL/6 by immunofluorescence. Our results support the hypothesis that increased TACI expression on NOD B cells contributes to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes in the NOD mouse.
Statistical Scale Space Methods
Authors: Holmström Lasse , Pasanen Leena 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThe goal of statistical scale space analysis is to extract scale‐dependent features from noisy data. The data could be for example an observed time series or digital image in which case features in either different temporal or spatial scales would be sought. Since the 1990s, a number of statistical approaches to scale space analysis have been developed, most of them using smoothing to capture scales in the data, but other interpretations of scale have also been proposed. We review the various statistical scale space methods proposed and mention some of their applications.
Increased Susceptibility to Atrial Fibrillation Secondary to Atrial Fibrosis in Transgenic Goats Expressing Transforming Growth Factor‐β1
Authors: POLEJAEVA IRINA A. , RANJAN RAVI , DAVIES CHRISTOPHER J. , REGOUSKI MISHA , HALL JUSTIN , OLSEN AARON L. , MENG QINGGANG , RUTIGLIANO HELOISA M. , DOSDALL DEREK J. , ANGEL NATHAN A. , SACHSE FRANK B. , SEIDEL THOMAS , THOMAS AARON J. , STOTT RUSTY , PANTER KIP E. , LEE PAMELA M. , VAN WETTERE ARNAUD J. , STEVENS JOHN R. , WANG ZHONGDE , MACLEOD ROB S. , MARROUCHE NASSIR F. , WHITE KENNETH L. 
Published: July 2016

AF Susceptibility in TGF‐β1 Transgenic GoatsIntroductionLarge animal models of progressive atrial fibrosis would provide an attractive platform to study relationship between structural and electrical remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF). Here we established a new transgenic goat model of AF with cardiac specific overexpression of TGF‐β1 and investigated the changes in the cardiac structure and function leading to AF.Methods and ResultsTransgenic goats with cardiac specific overexpression of constitutively active TGF‐β1 were generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer. We examined myocardial tissue, ECGs, echocardiographic data, and AF susceptibility in transgenic and wild‐type control goats. Transgenic goats exhibited significant increase in fibrosis and myocyte diameters in the atria compared to controls, but not in the ventricles. P‐wave duration was significantly greater in transgenic animals starting at 12 months of age, but no significant chamber enlargement was detected, suggesting conduction slowing in the atria. Furthermore, this transgenic goat model exhibited a significant increase in AF vulnerability. Six of 8 transgenic goats (75%) were susceptible to AF induction and exhibited sustained AF (>2 minutes), whereas none of 6 controls displayed sustained AF (P < 0.01). Length of induced AF episodes was also significantly greater in the transgenic group compared to controls (687 ± 212.02 seconds vs. 2.50 ± 0.88 seconds, P < 0.0001), but no persistent or permanent AF was observed.ConclusionA novel transgenic goat model with a substrate for AF was generated. In this model, cardiac overexpression of TGF‐β1 led to an increase in fibrosis and myocyte size in the atria, and to progressive P‐wave prolongation. We suggest that these factors underlie increased AF susceptibility.
Practitioner Review: School‐based interventions in child mental health
Authors: Paulus Frank W. , Ohmann Susanne , Popow Christian 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundSchool‐based interventions (SBIs) are well‐established and effective treatments for improving child mental health. Specific school‐based topics include prevention (Tier I–III) and interventions (e.g. cognitive–behavioural programmes and daily report cards).MethodsWe performed a systematic literature search in five commonly used online databases (ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO and PSYNDEX) for English‐language articles published between 1993 and 2015. Additional sources included reference lists of relevant articles and book chapters.ResultsWe identified a number of successful behavioural or cognitive–behavioural programmes yielding moderate to strong effects for a range of emotional and behavioural problems. The implementation of these programmes and the collaboration of the involved settings (school and home) and persons are important factors for their effectiveness under real‐life conditions.ConclusionsEffective SBIs are valuable tools for students with mental health problems if evidence‐based cognitive–behavioural interventions are applied and rules of translational algorithms and implementation science are respected.
Effect of an extra layer of hydrophobic resin on the microleakage of Cl V composite resin restorations with a universal adhesive system
Authors: Bahari Mahmoud , Mohammadi Narmin , Alizadeh Oskoee Parnian , Savadi Oskoee Siavash , Davoodi Farnaz 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the application of a hydrophobic resin on the microleakage of Cl V composite resin restorations using a universal adhesive system applied in the self‐etch (SE) and etch‐and‐rinse (ER) modes.MethodCl V cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of 64 human premolar teeth and divided into four groups (n = 16): ER, ER with hydrophobic resin (ERH), SE, and SE with hydrophobic resin (SEH). Microleakage at occlusal and gingival margins was evaluated using 0.5% methylene blue dye penetration technique under stereomicroscope at 40 × magnification. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‐tests (P < 0.05).ResultsAt the enamel margins, the ER group had significantly less microleakage than the SE and SEH groups (P < 0.001), but had no significant difference compared with the ERH group (P > 0.05). There was also no statistically‐significant difference between the SE and SEH groups (P > 0.05). At the dentinal margins, the SE group had significantly less microleakage compared with the ER (P < 0.001) and ERH groups (P = 0.005). Furthermore, microleakage of the SEH group was significantly less than the SE group (P < 0.001).ConclusionApplying an extra layer of hydrophobic resin significantly decreased microleakage in the SE mode at the dentinal margin, but had no significant effect in the ER mode.
Overweight and obesity among children at risk of intellectual disability in 20 low and middle income countries
Authors: Savage A. , Emerson E. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundChildren with intellectual disability (ID) in high income countries are at significantly greater risk of obesity than their non‐disabled peers. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 3 to 4‐year‐old children who are/are not at risk of ID in low and middle income countries.MethodSecondary analysis of Round 4 and 5 UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) from 20 low and middle income countries that included a total of 83 597 3 to 4‐year‐old children.ResultsFew differences in risk of overweight or obesity were apparent between 3 and 4‐year‐old children identified as being at risk/not at risk of ID in 20 low and middle income countries. In the two countries where statistically significant differences were observed, prevalence of overweight/obesity was lower among children at risk of ID.ConclusionsThese results stand in stark contrast to evidence from high income countries which suggest that children with ID are at significantly increased risk of obesity when compared to their non‐intellectually disabled peers.
Complex patterns of tooth replacement revealed in the fruit bat (Eidolon helvum)
Authors: Popa Elena M. , Anthwal Neal , Tucker Abigail S. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractHow teeth are replaced during normal growth and development has long been an important question for comparative and developmental anatomy. Non‐standard model animals have become increasingly popular in this field due to the fact that the canonical model laboratory mammal, the mouse, develops only one generation of teeth (monophyodonty), whereas the majority of mammals possess two generations of teeth (diphyodonty). Here we used the straw‐coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum), an Old World megabat, which has two generations of teeth, in order to observe the development and replacement of tooth germs from initiation up to mineralization stages. Our morphological study uses 3D reconstruction of histological sections to uncover differing arrangements of the first and second‐generation tooth germs during the process of tooth replacement. We show that both tooth germ generations develop as part of the dental lamina, with the first generation detaching from the lamina, leaving the free edge to give rise to a second generation. This separation was particularly marked at the third premolar locus, where the primary and replacement teeth become positioned side by side, unconnected by a lamina. The position of the replacement tooth, with respect to the primary tooth, varied within the mouth, with replacements forming posterior to or directly lingual to the primary tooth. Development of replacement teeth was arrested at some tooth positions and this appeared to be linked to the timing of tooth initiation and the subsequent rate of development. This study adds an additional species to the growing body of non‐model species used in the study of tooth replacement, and offers a new insight into the development of the diphyodont condition.
Social Network Typologies of Black and White Married Couples in Midlife
Authors: Fiori Katherine L. , Rauer Amy J. , Birditt Kira S. , Brown Edna , Jager Justin , Orbuch Terri L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAlthough research shows that conjoint social networks are associated with well‐being among newlyweds, little is known about how these network types are linked to marital quality and psychological well‐being for long‐term married couples and about potential race differences in their configurations and associations. Using a pattern‐centered approach to examine the social networks of 91 White and 62 Black couples in their 16th year of marriage, this study revealed four couple network types (friend‐focused, wife family‐focused, bilateral family‐focused, and diverse). Results suggested that spouses in the wife family‐focused network type (characterized by above‐average contact with the wife's family and below average contact with the husband's family and with nonkin) reported the lowest positive marital quality and highest negative marital quality. The association of network type with negative marital quality was also moderated by gender and race. The findings highlight the importance of considering the meaningful complexity within couples' shared networks.
The Neoclassical Approach to Induced Technical Change: From Hicks to Acemoglu
Authors: Brugger Florian , Gehrke Christian 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis survey article provides a critical overview of the development of the neoclassical theory of induced technical change. From Hicks's introduction of the concept in his Theory of Wages up to the recent literature the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed models and the contexts in which they have been developed are outlined. It is shown that induced technical change has been invoked to explain various long‐run distribution conundrums which could not be explained with standard neoclassical growth theory. The importance of induced technical change for the long‐run distribution of income cannot be doubted. Nevertheless, we show that neoclassical models of induced technical change are still unsatisfactory in a number of respects.
The Staphylococcus aureus group II biotin protein ligase BirA is an effective regulator of biotin operon transcription and requires the DNA binding domain for full enzymatic activity
Authors: Henke Sarah K. , Cronan John E. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryGroup II biotin protein ligases (BPLs) are characterized by the presence of an N‐terminal DNA binding domain that functions in transcriptional regulation of the genes of biotin biosynthesis and transport. The Staphylococcus aureus Group II BPL which is called BirA has been reported to bind an imperfect inverted repeat located upstream of the biotin synthesis operon. DNA binding by other Group II BPLs requires dimerization of the protein which is triggered by synthesis of biotinoyl‐AMP (biotinoyl‐adenylate), the intermediate in the ligation of biotin to its cognate target proteins. However, the S. aureus BirA was reported to dimerize and bind DNA in the absence of biotin or biotinoyl‐AMP (Soares da Costa et al. (2014) Mol Microbiol 91: 110–120). These in vitro results argued that the protein would be unable to respond to the levels of biotin or acceptor proteins and thus would lack the regulatory properties of the other characterized BirA proteins. We tested the regulatory function of the protein using an in vivo model system and examined its DNA binding properties in vitro using electrophoretic mobility shift and fluorescence anisotropy analyses. We report that the S. aureus BirA is an effective regulator of biotin operon transcription and that the prior data can be attributed to artifacts of mobility shift analyses. We also report that deletion of the DNA binding domain of the S. aureus BirA results in loss of virtually all of its ligation activity.
Posaconazole: an emerging therapeutic option for invasive rhino‐orbito‐cerebral mucormycosis
Authors: Manesh Abi , John Ajoy O. , Mathew Binu , Varghese Lalee , Rupa Vedantam , Zachariah Anand , Varghese George M. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryPosaconazole has significant activity against the Mucormycetes. However, data are limited on the clinical efficacy of posaconazole for treating rhino‐orbito‐cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of posaconazole in patients with ROCM. We included 12 consecutive adult patients admitted with ROCM and treated with posaconazole between January 2010 and February 2015. The main outcome of the study was the overall success rate (i.e. either complete or partial response) at the end of treatment. We also assessed serum posaconazole concentrations in a subgroup of patients. Of the 12 patients who received posaconazole, eight patients (66.6%) had complete resolution with median follow‐up of 6.5 months (range 2–24 months). Two patients (16.6%) had significant reduction of disease and two (16.6%) had marked residual disease on follow‐up. Uncontrolled diabetes was the predisposing factor in all except one patient. One patient developed diarrhoea on posaconazole, which settled without discontinuation of the drug. Posaconazole appears to be a safe and effective antifungal agent in diabetic patients with ROCM, especially in those who have toxicity with polyene therapy.
Status of cardiopulmonary resuscitation curricula for nursing students: A questionnaire study
Authors: Kim So Sun , Roh Young Sook 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn this study, we explored the status of curricula for nursing students and identified the priorities for curricula improvement using importance–performance analysis. A cross‐sectional, descriptive survey was conducted, which included 62 instructors in charge of resuscitation training. The participants completed the self‐administered, 32‐item Resuscitation Curricula Attributes Importance–Performance Scale. With Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, an importance–performance analysis matrix was created. There was a significant overall mean difference between importance and performance in all 32 items, with “recognition of arrest rhythms” showing the largest difference. Importance–performance analysis suggests that the priorities for improvement are “nursing record documentation” and “recognition of arrest rhythms”. The development of cardiopulmonary resuscitation curricula should focus on attributes that are expected of practitioners and are relevant to current healthcare environment needs.
Toilet Instruments: Symbols of Dissent?
Authors: Crummy Nina 
Published: July 2016

SummaryA set of mid‐first‐century AD toilet instruments from Silchester includes tweezers in the form of a sheathed sword and a lanceolate nail‐cleaner with iron core. Other tweezers from the same site confirm the set was made by an innovative local smith. Linking the set to the general sword‐ and spear‐shaped forms and indigenous use of nail‐cleaners, the question is raised of how far these small personal items reflected British disaffection immediately after the conquest, and particularly with the disarmament of the Atrebates and other tribes.
Supraventricular and Ventricular Arrhythmias Are Related to the Type of Myotonic Dystrophy but Not to Disease Duration or Neurological Status
Authors: BIENIAS PIOTR , ŁUSAKOWSKA ANNA , CIURZYŃSKI MICHAŁ , RYMARCZYK ZUZANNA , IRZYK KATARZYNA , KURNICKA KATARZYNA , KAMIŃSKA ANNA , PRUSZCZYK PIOTR 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundPatients with myotonic muscular dystrophy (dystrophia myotonica, DM) are at risk of sudden cardiac death due to diverse arrhythmias, especially progressive atrioventricular (AV) conduction abnormalities. However, there are limited data on supraventricular and potentially life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias, especially according to type 1 and type 2 DM.MethodsA group of 94 unselected consecutive patients with genetically confirmed DM and 45 healthy controls underwent electrocardiography, echocardiography, and 24‐hour Holter monitoring. DM1 was diagnosed in 51, while DM2 in 43 patients (with mean age of 37.3 ± 12.5 and 48.3 ± 13.3 years, respectively).ResultsDM1 subjects presented more frequently intraventricular conduction defects (29.4% vs 6.6%, P = 0.0003) and first‐degree AV block (25.0% vs 4.6%, P = 0.008) than DM2 patients. Nonsustained supraventricular tachycardia (37.2% vs 3.8%, P = 0.001) and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia and/or R‐on‐T ventricular beats (23.2% vs 7.8%, P = 0.04) were more frequently observed in DM2 than in DM1. No relationship between disease duration and neurological status and occurrence of arrhythmias was observed. Multivariate analysis showed that independent predictor for bradyarrhythmias occurrence was DM1 only (odds ratio [OR] 6.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0–20.8, P = 0.002), while for supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias occurrence it was DM2 (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.5–11.4, P = 0.007) and increased age (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05–1.15, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsIn the relatively large groups of DM1 and DM2 patients, we observed frequent various arrhythmias, which warrant their close cardiac monitoring. DM1 subjects when compared to DM2 presented more frequently intraventricular and AV conduction defects. However, all types of tachyarrhythmias (except atrial fibrillation) were more frequently observed in DM2 patients.
Debunking Morality: Lessons from the EAAN Literature
Authors: Moon Andrew 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis article explores evolutionary debunking arguments as they arise in metaethics against moral realism and in philosophy of religion against naturalism. Both literatures have independently grappled with the question of which beliefs one may use to respond to a potential defeater. In this article, I show how the literature on the argument against naturalism can help clarify and bring progress to the literature on moral realism with respect to this question. Of note, it will become clear that the objection that the moral realist begs the question, when appealing to the truth of some of her moral beliefs, is unsuccessful.
Monitoring the reproductive physiology of six‐banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus, Linnaeus, 1758) through different techniques
Authors: Campos LB , Peixoto GCX , Lima GL , Castelo TS , Silva AM , Freitas CIA , Silva AR 
Published: July 2016

ContentsThe aim of this study was to monitor the oestrous cycle using vaginal cytology, ultrasound and measurement of hormone levels associated with the modification of external genitalia in female Euphractus sexcinctus. Five adult female six‐banded armadillos were used for the study. Every three days, we chemically restrained the animals with a combined dose of ketamine and xylazine for 90 days. On each occasion, we conducted vaginal cytology and monitored the alterations in the vulval appearance. In addition, we obtained blood samples for serum estradiol and progesterone analysis and evaluated the ovaries by ultrasonography (8 MHz). As results, at least two entire cycles were monitored per female as based on external oestrous signs. We determined that six‐banded armadillos' oestrous cycle lasts 23.5 ± 3.12 days, comprising 8.8 ± 1.4 days for oestrogen phase, in which we verified vaginal bloody discharge, vulvar oedema, presence of mucus and ease of introduction of the swab. During oestrus, females presented an oestrogen peak of 240.66 ± 12.69 pg ml−1, on average, with a positive visualization of ovary follicles by ultrasound. The progesterone phase lasts 15.62 ± 2.1 days, characterized by the absence of bloody secretion and difficulty in introducing the swab; there was verification of a progesterone plateau of 10.83 ± 1.86 ng ml−1, on average, with identification of corpora lutea in 60% of the ovaries. This is apparently the first description of the six‐banded armadillos' oestrous cycle, which proves the efficiency of a multiparametric analysis to monitor it.
Restricted most powerful Bayesian tests for linear models
Authors: Goddard Scott D. , Johnson Valen E. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractUniformly most powerful Bayesian tests (UMPBTs) are a new class of Bayesian tests in which null hypotheses are rejected if their Bayes factor exceeds a specified threshold. The alternative hypotheses in UMPBTs are defined to maximize the probability that the null hypothesis is rejected. Here, we generalize the notion of UMPBTs by restricting the class of alternative hypotheses over which this maximization is performed, resulting in restricted most powerful Bayesian tests (RMPBTs). We then derive RMPBTs for linear models by restricting alternative hypotheses to g priors. For linear models, the rejection regions of RMPBTs coincide with those of usual frequentist F‐tests, provided that the evidence thresholds for the RMPBTs are appropriately matched to the size of the classical tests. This correspondence supplies default Bayes factors for many common tests of linear hypotheses. We illustrate the use of RMPBTs for ANOVA tests and t‐tests and compare their performance in numerical studies.