bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis with autoimmune diseases: the experience of two Italian integrated Dermatology/Rheumatology outpatient clinics
Authors: Carubbi F. , Chimenti M.S. , Blasetti G. , Cipriani P. , Musto A. , Fargnoli M.C. , Perricone R. , Giacomelli R. , Peris K. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe systemic nature of psoriasis and its association with arthropathy, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease is well established. In contrast, the association between psoriatic disease and other autoimmune disorders is still a matter of debate and data available in the literature are scarce.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the association of common autoimmune diseases (ADs), specified a priori, in an Italian cohort of patients affected by psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA), referred to two integrated Dermatology/Rheumatology outpatient clinics, over a 3‐year period.MethodsFive hundred and two patients, affected by plaque psoriasis, PsA ‘sine psoriasis’ or a combination of psoriasis and PsA and with a diagnosis of at least one AD, were retrospectively evaluated. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression was employed to identify possible association between psoriasis, PsA, psoriasis‐PsA and ADs, by calculating corresponding odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsPatients with psoriasis or PsA may develop one or more autoimmune diseases during their lifetime, with a higher prevalence of most ADs in psoriasis subgroup. We demonstrated for the first time that the combination of psoriasis‐PsA appears to be protective towards some autoimmune diseases. However, a gender effect should always be considered due to the different distribution of autoimmune disorders between males and females.ConclusionThe new concept of psoriatic disease, focusing on genetic and molecular aspects which are at the basis of the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its related manifestations, extended the traditional idea of a disease confined to skin and joints. In this context, the multidisciplinary assessment of patients in the combined Dermatology/Rheumatology outpatient clinics would allow to identify early clinical and laboratory abnormalities not limited to skin and joint.
The evolution of respect for property
Authors: Sherratt T. N. , Mesterton‐Gibbons M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAlthough possession is ‘nine‐tenths of the law’, respect for ownership is widespread in the animal kingdom even without third‐party enforcement. Thus, the first individuals to find objects are frequently left unchallenged by potential competitors and tend to win contests when disputes arise. Game theory has shown that respect for ownership (‘Bourgeois’ behaviour) can arise as an arbitrary convention to avoid costly disputes. However, the same theory predicts that a paradoxical respect for lack of ownership (‘anti‐Bourgeois’ behaviour) can evolve under the same conditions and in some cases is the only stable outcome. Despite these predictions, anti‐Bourgeois behaviour is rare in nature, whereas respect for ownership is frequently not absolute. Here, we review extensions of the classic models involving repeated interactions, confusion over roles, strategic coordination of behaviour (‘secret handshakes’), owner–intruder asymmetries and continuous control of fighting investment. Confusion over roles and owner–intruder asymmetries in fighting ability may explain why respect for ownership is often partial. Moreover, although most model extensions facilitate the evolution of Bourgeois‐like behaviour, secret handshakes and continuous control of fighting investment render the alternative anti‐Bourgeois convention unstable. We develop these insights to highlight several key areas for future investigation.
Quantitative trait locus mapping with background control in genetic populations of clonal F1 and double cross
Authors: Zhang Luyan , Li Huihui , Ding Junqiang , Wu Jianyu , Wang Jiankang 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this study, we considered five categories of molecular markers in clonal F1 and double cross populations, based on the number of distinguishable alleles and the number of distinguishable genotypes at the marker locus. Using the completed linkage maps, incomplete and missing markers were imputed as fully informative markers in order to simplify the linkage mapping approaches of quantitative trait genes. Under the condition of fully informative markers, we demonstrated that dominance effect between the female and male parents in clonal F1 and double cross populations can cause the interactions between markers. We then developed an inclusive linear model that includes marker variables and marker interactions so as to completely control additive effects of the female and male parents, as well as the dominance effect between the female and male parents. The linear model was finally used for background control in inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) of quantitative trait locus (QTL). The efficiency of ICIM was demonstrated by extensive simulations and by comparisons with simple interval mapping, multiple‐QTL models and composite interval mapping. Finally, ICIM was applied in one actual double cross population to identify QTL on days to silking in maize.
Dental status and self‐assessed chewing ability in 70‐ and 80‐year‐old subjects in Sweden
Authors: Unell L. , Johansson A. , Ekbäck G. , Ordell S. , Carlsson G. E. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe objective was to compare two cohorts of elderly people, 70 and 80 years old, with respect to dental status and self‐assessed chewing ability. The hypotheses were as follows: (i) dental status is associated with self‐assessed chewing ability; (ii) chewing ability is poorer among the 80‐ than the 70‐year‐old subjects. Identical questionnaires were in 2012 sent to all subjects born in 1942 and 1932, living in two Swedish counties. The response rate was 70·1% resulting in samples of 5697 70‐ and 2922 80‐year‐old subjects. Answers to questions on self‐assessed chewing ability, dental status and some other factors have been analysed. Dental status varied but was in general good; 72% of the 70‐ and 60% of the 80‐year‐old subjects reported that they had all or only few missing teeth. Rate of edentulism was 3% and 7%, respectively. Removable partial dentures were reported by 6% and 10%, respectively, implant treatment by 13% in both cohorts. Self‐assessed chewing ability was mostly good and correlated with the number of teeth (Spearman rho = 0·46). A majority of the edentulous subjects assessed their chewing ability as very or fairly good. Logistic regression showed that self‐assessed chewing ability was significantly associated with a number of dental variables but also with general health. In conclusion, dental status was relatively good at both ages but somewhat poorer in the older cohort. Dental status, some other dental variables and being healthy were in both age groups significantly associated with self‐assessed chewing ability.
Association between waking‐state oral parafunctional behaviours and bio‐psychosocial characteristics
Authors: Khawaja S. N. , Nickel J. C. , Iwasaki L. R. , Crow H. C. , Gonzalez Y. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe term ‘oral parafunctional behaviours’ encompasses behaviours that are different from those required for, or associated with, physiological functional needs such as mastication, communication, swallowing or breathing. Previous reports have associated waking‐state oral parafunctional behaviours with biopsychosocial characteristics such as female gender, presence of psychological symptoms, intensity of pain and pain‐related temporomandibular disorders (TMD) diagnosis. However, the findings have been inconsistent, possibly due to methodological limitations and differences. In the present investigation, we aim to determine whether any association is present between waking‐state oral parafunctional behaviours and biopsychosocial characteristics. All participants were investigated using a set of standardised and validated self‐reporting questionnaires and diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) examination protocol for clinical characterisation. Univariate analysis found that self‐reported waking‐state oral parafunctional behaviours were statistically significantly associated with presence of anxiety, depression and physical symptoms, pain intensity and TMD diagnosis. However, forward model multiple linear regression analysis indicated that only self‐reported presence of physical and depression symptoms could explain statistically significant portions of the variance in self‐reported waking‐state oral parafunctional behaviours.
Widespread primary, but geographically restricted secondary, human introductions of wall lizards, Podarcis muralis
Authors: Michaelides Sozos N. , While Geoffrey M. , Zajac Natalia , Uller Tobias 
Published: April 2015

AbstractEstablishing the introduction pathways of alien species is a fundamental task in invasion biology. The common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, has been widely introduced outside of its native range in both Europe and North America, primarily through escaped pets or deliberate release of animals from captive or wild populations. Here, we use Bayesian clustering, approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) methods and network analyses to reconstruct the origin and colonization history of 23 non‐native populations of wall lizards in England. Our analyses show that established populations in southern England originate from at least nine separate sources of animals from native populations in France and Italy. Secondary introductions from previously established non‐native populations were supported for eleven (47%) populations. In contrast to the primary introductions, secondary introductions were highly restricted geographically and appear to have occurred within a limited time frame rather than being increasingly common. Together, these data suggest that extant wall lizard populations in England are the result of isolated accidental and deliberate releases of imported animals since the 1970s, with only local translocation of animals from established non‐native populations. Given that populations introduced as recently as 25 years ago show evidence of having adapted to cool climate, discouraging further translocations may be important to prevent more extensive establishment on the south coast of England.
Hidden founder effects: small‐scale spatial genetic structure in recently established populations of the grassland specialist plant Anthyllis vulneraria
Authors: Helsen Kenny , Jacquemyn Hans , Honnay Olivier 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe long‐term establishment success of founder plant populations has been commonly assessed based on the measures of population genetic diversity and among population genetic differentiation, with founder populations expected to carry sufficient genetic diversity when population establishment is the result of many colonists from multiple source populations (the ‘migrant pool’ colonization model). Theory, however, predicts that, after initial colonization, rapid population expansion may result in a fast increase in the extent of spatial genetic structure (SGS), independent of extant genetic diversity. This SGS can reduce long‐term population viability by increasing inbreeding. Using 12 microsatellite markers, we inferred colonization patterns in four recent populations of the grassland specialist plant Anthyllis vulneraria and compared the extent of SGS between recently established and old populations. Assignment analyses of the individuals of recent population based on the genetic composition of nine adjacent putative source populations suggested the occurrence of the ‘migrant pool’ colonization model, further confirmed by high genetic diversity within and low genetic differentiation among recent populations. Population establishment, however, resulted in the build‐up of strong SGS, most likely as a result of spatially restricted recruitment of the progeny of initial colonists. Although reduced, significant SGS was nonetheless observed to persist in old populations. The presence of SGS was in all populations associated with elevated inbreeding coefficients, potentially affecting the long‐term viability of these populations. In conclusion, this study illustrates the importance of studying SGS next to population genetic diversity and differentiation to adequately infer colonization patterns and long‐term establishment success of plant species.
Mast cell involvement in the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure
Authors: Kazama Itsuro , Baba Asuka , Endo Yasuhiro , Toyama Hiroaki , Ejima Yutaka , Matsubara Mitsunobu , Tachi Masahiro 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimPeritoneal fibrosis is a serious complication in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), especially those undergoing long‐term peritoneal dialysis therapy. Since the peritoneum is a major site of mast cell accumulation, and since mast cells are known to facilitate the progression of organ fibrosis, they would also contribute to the pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis. The aim of this study was to reveal the involvement of mast cells in the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in chronic renal failure.MethodsUsing a rat model with chronic renal failure (CRF) resulting from 5/6 nephrectomy, we examined the histopathological features of the rat peritoneum and compared them to those of age‐matched sham‐operated rat peritoneum. By treating the CRF rats with a potent mast cell stabilizer, tranilast, we also examined the involvement of mast cells in the progression of peritoneal fibrosis.ResultsThe CRF rat peritoneum was characterized by the wide staining of collagen III and an increased number of myofibroblasts, indicating the progression of fibrosis. Compared to sham‐operated rat peritoneum, the number of toluidine blue‐stained mast cells was significantly higher in the fibrotic peritoneum of CRF rats. The mRNA expression of fibroblast‐activating factors and stem cell factor was significantly higher in peritoneal mast cells obtained from CRF rats than in those obtained from sham‐operated rats. Treatment with tranilast significantly suppressed the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in CRF rats.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated for the first time that the number of mast cells was significantly increased in the fibrotic peritoneum of CRF rats. The proliferation of mast cells and their increased activity in the peritoneum were thought to be responsible for the progression of peritoneal fibrosis.
Live‐cell and super‐resolution imaging reveal that the distribution of wall‐associated protein A is correlated with the cell chain integrity of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Li Y. , Liu Z. , Zhang Y. , Su Q.P. , Xue B. , Shao S. , Zhu Y. , Xu X. , Wei S. , Sun Y. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryStreptococcus mutans is a primary pathogen responsible for dental caries. It has an outstanding ability to form biofilm, which is vital for virulence. Previous studies have shown that knockout of Wall‐associated protein A (WapA) affects cell chain and biofilm formation of S. mutans. As a surface protein, the distribution of WapA remains unknown, but it is important to understand the mechanism underlying the function of WapA. This study applied the fluorescence protein mCherry as a reporter gene to characterize the dynamic distribution of WapA in S. mutans via time‐lapse and super‐resolution fluorescence imaging. The results revealed interesting subcellular distribution patterns of WapA in single, dividing and long chains of S. mutans cells. It appears at the middle of the cell and moves to the poles as the cell grows and divides. In a cell chain, after each round of cell division, such dynamic relocation results in WapA distribution at the previous cell division sites, resulting in a pattern where WapA is located at the boundary of two adjacent cell pairs. This WapA distribution pattern corresponds to the breaking segmentation of wapA deletion cell chains. The dynamic relocation of WapA through the cell cycle increases our understanding of the mechanism of WapA in maintaining cell chain integrity and biofilm formation.
Tumor Stage Mycosis Fungoides in a Child
Authors: Dulmage Brittany O'Neill , Villaseñor‐Park Jennifer , Ho Jonhan , Geskin Larisa J. , Grandinetti Lisa M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractMycosis fungoides is uncommon in children and most often presents as stage IA/IB. We present a case of stage IIB mycosis fungoides in a 13‐year‐old boy and discuss diagnostic examination and treatment considerations.
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among healthy blood donors in south‐east of Iran
Authors: Mahmoudvand H. , Saedi Dezaki E. , Soleimani S. , Baneshi M.R. , Kheirandish F. , Ezatpour B. , Zia‐ali N. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThis prospective cross‐sectional study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of IgM and IgG anti‐T. gondii antibodies and the associated risk factors among healthy blood donors in Kerman province, south‐eastern Iran. Structured questionnaires (before the donors gave blood) were used to obtain information on risk factors for infection. Totally, 500 serum samples from healthy blood donors of Kerman Blood Transfusion Organization (KBTO) at Kerman, Iran, were screened for IgG and IgM anti‐T. gondii antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Roche Elecsys Toxo IgM assay. Real‐time PCR was used to detect DNA of T. gondii in the IgM‐positive samples. Seroprevalence of IgG and IgM anti‐T. gondii antibodies was 28·8% and 3·2%, respectively. In the multiple logistic regression, it could be observed that living in rural regions, having B blood type, being in contact with cats, consuming raw vegetables and raw milk/egg and doing agricultural activities were independent risk factors for Toxoplasma seropositivity. T. gondii DNA was also found in one (9·0%) of IgM‐positive samples. In this study, it was found that T. gondii infection was present among healthy blood donors in south‐east of Iran. Therefore, it is suggested to design screening programmes for preventing transfusion‐transmitted toxoplasmosis.
Biased odds for heads or tails: Outcome‐evoked P3 depends on frequencies of guesses
Authors: Verleger Rolf , Asanowicz Dariusz , Werner Lucas , Śmigasiewicz Kamila 
Published: April 2015

AbstractEvents that had to be predicted evoke large P3 components of the event‐related EEG potential. There is conflicting evidence whether these P3s are moderated by participants’ preceding guesses. In the present study, participants made one prediction frequently and the other rarely because one stimulus was presented frequently and the other rarely. Thereby, effects on stimulus‐evoked P3s of both guess frequency and stimulus frequency could be tested. Indeed, P3s were not only larger with rare than frequent stimuli but also larger after rare than frequent guesses. This result pattern may have additionally been affected by expectancies for payoff. In any case, the modification of outcome‐evoked P3 by what had been guessed may reflect that each of the four guess‐stimulus combinations is encoded as a separate event category. In terms of the stimulus‐response link hypothesis of P3b, it is suggested that P3s are evoked by these events because internal responses (right or wrong) are associated to each of these event categories and need to be reactivated with rare guess‐stimulus combinations.
Realism about the Nature of Law
Authors: Spaak Torben 
Published: April 2015

AbstractLegal realism comes in two main versions, namelyAmerican legal realism and Scandinavian legal realism. In this article, I shall be concerned with the Scandinavian realists, who were naturalists and non‐cognitivists, and who maintained that conceptual analysis (in a fairly broad sense) is a central task of legal philosophers, and that such analysis must proceed in a naturalist, anti‐metaphysical spirit. Specifically, I want to consider the commitment to ontological naturalism and non‐cognitivism on the part of the Scandinavians and its implications for their view of the nature of law. I argue (i) that the Scandinavians differ from legal positivists in that they reject the idea that there are legal relations, that is, legal entities and properties, and to varying degrees defend the view that law is a matter of human behavior rather than legal norms, and (ii) that they do not and cannot accept the idea that there is a ‘world of the ought’ in Kelsen's sense. I also argue, more specifically, (iii) that the objection to non‐naturalist theories raised by the Scandinavians—that there is and can be no connection between the higher realm of norms and values (the ‘world of the ought’) and the world of time and space—is convincing, and (iv) that Kelsen's introduction of a so‐called modally indifferent substrate does nothing to undermine this objection. In addition, I argue (v) that the Scandinavians can account for the existence of legal relations that do not presuppose the existence of morally binding legal norms by embracing conventionalism about the existence of the sources of law, while pointing out that in doing so they would also be abandoning their legal realism for legal positivism. Finally, I argue (vi) that the implications for legal scholarship of the realist emphasis on human behavior instead of legal norms is not well explained by the realists and appear to amount to little more than a preference for teleological interpretation of legal norms.
Activation of the Albino Sterlet Acipenser ruthenus Eggs by UV‐Irradiated Bester Hybrid Spermatozoa to Provide Gynogenetic Progeny
Authors: Fopp‐Bayat D , Ocalewicz K 
Published: April 2015

ContentsMeiotic gynogenesis was induced in the albino form of sterlet Acipenser ruthenus by activation of eggs with UV‐irradiated bester (Huso huso x Acipenser ruthenus) spermatozoa followed by inhibition of the second meiotic division performed by a heat shock. Obtained putative gynogenetic progeny were all albinos. The genetic verification based on three microsatellite DNA markers confirmed the only maternal inheritance of the progeny from the gynogenetic experimental groups. Cytogenetic analysis proved the gynogenetic sterlets were diploids. Application of the albino phenotype together with the molecular and the cytogenetic diagnostic approaches enabled to evaluate the efficiency of the spermatozoa irradiation and application of the heat shock to restore diploid state in the gynogenetic zygotes.
Credit Chains and Mortgage Crises
Authors: Hernandez‐Verme Paula Lourdes 
Published: April 2015

AbstractHere I examine a production economy with a financial sector that contains multiple layers of credit. The latter constitute credit chains that include a simple mortgage market. The focus is on the nature and contagion properties of credit chains in an economy where the financial sector plays a real allocating role, and agents have a serious choice of whether to default on mortgages or not. Multiple equilibria with different rates of default are observed, due to the presence of strategic complementarities. A liquidity crunch is associated with higher rates of default that can trigger a financial crisis as well as constrain the purchase of production factors, leading to reductions in welfare, together with potentially serious effects on real economic activity with the potential of causing deep and widespread recessions.