bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VGX‐1027 modulates genes involved in lipopolysaccharide‐induced Toll‐like receptor 4 activation and in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Fagone Paolo , Muthumani Karuppiah , Mangano Katia , Magro Gaetano , Meroni Pier Luigi , Kim Joseph J. , Sardesai Niranjan Y. , Weiner David B. , Nicoletti Ferdinando 
Published: February 2014

SummaryVGX‐1027 [(S,R)‐3‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐5‐isoxasole acetic acid] is a small molecule compound with immunomodulatory properties, which favourably influences the development of immuno‐inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in different animal models such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, pleurisy, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. However, the precise mechanism of action of VGX‐1027 remains to be ascertained. With this aim, we have studied the immunomodulatory effects of VGX‐1027 in vitro, using a genome‐wide oligonucleotide microarray approach, and in vivo, using the NZB/NZW F1 model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Microarray data revealed that the administration of VGX‐1027 profoundly affected the immune response to exogenous antigens, by modulating the expression of genes that are primarily involved in antigen processing and presentation as well as genes that regulate immune activation. When administered in vivo VGX‐1027 ameliorated the course of the disease in the NZB/NZW F1 mice, which correlated with higher per cent survival and improved clinical and histopathological signs. The data presented herein support the theory that VGX‐1027 modulates immunity, probably by inhibiting inflammatory antigen presentation and so limiting immune cell expansion.
Embryonic stem cell‐derived haematopoietic progenitor cells down‐regulate the CD3 ξ chain on T cells, abrogating alloreactive T cells
Authors: Kim Eun‐Mi , Miyake Bob , Aggarwal Manish , Voetlause Ruth , Griffith Maia , Zavazava Nicholas 
Published: February 2014

SummaryMurine embryonic stem (ES) cell‐derived haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) engraft and populate lymphoid organs. In vivo, HPCs engraft across MHC barriers protecting donor‐type allografts from rejection. However, the underlying phenomenon remains elusive. Here, we sought to determine the mechanism by which ES cell‐derived HPCs regulate alloreactive T cells. We used the 2C mouse, which expresses a transgenic T‐cell receptor against H2‐Ld to determine whether HPCs are deleted by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Previously, we reported that HPCs express MHC class I antigens poorly and do not express class II antigens. In vitro stimulated 2C CTLs failed to lyse H2‐Ld HPCs in a standard 4‐hr 51chromium release assay. Similarly, when the HPCs were tested in an ELISPOT assay measuring the release of interferon‐γ by CTLs, HPCs failed to induce CTL degranulation. In addition, mice that were injected with HPCs showed a marked decrease in T‐cell responses to alloantigen and CD3 stimulation, but showed a normal response to PMA/ionomycin, suggesting that HPCs impaired T‐cell signalling through the T‐cell receptor/CD3 complex. Here, we show that HPCs secrete arginase, an enzyme that scavenges l‐arginine, leading to metabolites that down‐regulate CD3 ζ chain. Indeed an arginase inhibitor partially restored expression of the CD3 ζ chain, implicating arginase 1 in the down‐regulation of T cells. This previously unrecognized property of ES cell‐derived HPCs could positively enhance the engraftment of ES cell‐derived HPCs across MHC barriers by preventing rejection.
Transfixation Pinning and Casting of a Comminuted Metacarpal Fracture in a 870 kg Bull
Authors: Kofler Johann , Wetchy Gaby , Schöffmann Gudrun 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo report metacarpal fracture repair in a bull.Study DesignClinical report.AnimalsSimmental bull (n = 1; 870 kg).MethodsA comminuted right metacarpal fracture was repaired using 2 transfixation pins (6 mm diameter) through the distal metaphysis and diaphysis of the radius and a full limb synthetic resin cast.ResultsSlight bending of both pins occurred 1 day after surgery. Both pins were loose and removed at 31 days and a full‐limb cast reapplied. The cast was changed at approximately −4 week intervals. On day 50, the right carpus had moderate overextension and a valgus deformity. An exercise program was started on day 62, and on day 110, the cast was replaced with a Robert‐Jones‐bandage. At 130 days there was circumferential callus formation and the bull was discharged. At 6.5 months, overextension of the right carpus had resolved and carpal valgus had improved. The bull returned to at 7.5 months after surgery, and was successfully used for 4 years.ConclusionFor highly valuable cattle like this breeding bull, a surgical treatment of such a fracture should be attempted despite a primarily poor prognosis.
Microstructure, Ferroelectric, Piezoelectric, and Ferromagnetic Properties of Sc‐Modified BiFeO3–BaTiO3 Multiferroic Ceramics with MnO2 Addition
Authors: Wan Yang , Li Ying , Li Qiang , Zhou Wei , Zheng Qiaoji , Wu Xiaochun , Xu Chenggang , Zhu Benpeng , Lin Dunmin 
Published: February 2014

0.725BiFe1−xScxO3–0.275BaTiO3 + y mol% MnO2 multiferroic ceramics were fabricated by a conventional ceramic technique and the effects of Sc doping and sintering temperature on microstructure, multiferroic, and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics were studied. The ceramics can be well sintered at the wide low sintering temperature range 930°C–990°C and possess a pure perovskite structure. The ceramics with x/y = 0.01–0.02/1.0 sintered at 960°C possess high resistivity (~2 × 109 Ω·cm), strong ferroelectricity (Pr = 19.1–20.4 μm/cm2), good piezoelectric properties (d33 = 127–128 pC/N, kp = 36.6%–36.9%), and very high Curie temperature (618°C–636°C). The increase in sintering temperature improves the densification, electric insulation, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics. A small amount of Sc doping (x ≤ 0.04) and the increase in the sintering temperature significantly enhance the ferromagnetic properties of the ceramics. Improved ferromagnetism with remnant magnetization Mr of 0.059 and 0.10 emu/g and coercive field Hc of 2.51 and 2.76 kOe are obtained in the ceramics with x/y = 0.04/1.0 (sintered at 960°C) and 0.02/1.0 (sintered at 1050°C), respectively. Because of the high TC (636°C), the ceramic with x/y = 0.02/1.0 shows good temperature stability of piezoelectric properties. Our results also show that the addition of MnO2 is essential to obtain the ceramics with good electrical properties and electric insulation.
Ink‐jet Printing of Hollow SnO2 Nanospheres for Gas Sensing Applications
Authors: Von Hagen Robin , Sneha Mahima , Mathur Sanjay 
Published: February 2014

Hollow tin‐oxide (SnO2) nanospheres were synthesized by coating, carbon nanospheres (CNs) as hard templates, with a tin(IV) sol obtained by partial hydrolysis of [Sn(OBut)4] under ambient conditions. Formation of crystalline SnO2 spheres upon calcination was confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction data, whereas the hollow interiors of SnO2 particles were verified by scanning and transmission electron microscopy of both intact and broken spheres. The shell of SnO2 nanospheres sintered at 700°C consisted of a single layer of nanocrystallites (~6 nm) self‐assembled in a ball‐like superlattice. Tin‐oxide hollow spheres showed an average diameter of 150 nm and could be homogeneously dispersed in water/ethylene glycol (50:50 vol%) mixture to form stable inorganic inks viable for their use in commercial ink‐jet printers demonstrated by printing porous ceramic structures on an interdigitated sensor chip. The integration of large surface and nanoscopic voids in the final structures imparted higher sensitivity to the as‐printed sensors toward both oxidizing (nitrogen dioxide) and reducing gases (methane and ethanol), which validates the enormous potential of printable inorganics in functional applications.
Nanodomains in KNN‐Based Lead‐Free Piezoelectric ceramics: Origin of Strong Piezoelectric Properties
Authors: Huan Yu , Wang Xiaohui , Shen Zhengbo , Kim Jingyong , Zhou Huihua , Li Longtu 
Published: February 2014

Excellent piezoelectric properties of d33* = 768 pm/V and strain = 0.07% at 1 kV/mm, were obtained by lead‐free in (Na0.52K0.4425Li0.0375)(Nb0.86Ta0.06Sb0.08)O3 ceramics. They displayed good temperature stability up to 200°C. Significantly enhanced piezoelectricity originated from nanodomains of width 20–30 nm, and the result was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The above‐mentioned nanodomains emerged because of low domain wall energy near polymorphic phase transition regions and insignificant differences in cell parameters between orthorhombic and tetragonal phases. The nanodomain configuration easily responded to an external electric field, leading to high electric field‐induced strain.
Gateway to genetic exchange? DNA double‐strand breaks in the bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga submitted to desiccation
Authors: Hespeels B. , Knapen M. , Hanot‐Mambres D. , Heuskin A.‐C. , Pineux F. , Lucas S. , Koszul R. , van Doninck K. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe bdelloid rotifer lineage Adineta vaga inhabits temporary habitats subjected to frequent episodes of drought. The recently published draft sequence of the genome of A. vaga revealed a peculiar genomic structure incompatible with meiosis and suggesting that DNA damage induced by desiccation may have reshaped the genomic structure of these organisms. However, the causative link between DNA damage and desiccation has never been proven to date in rotifers. To test for the hypothesis that desiccation induces DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs), we developed a protocol allowing a high survival rate of desiccated A. vaga. Using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis to monitor genomic integrity, we followed the occurrence of DSBs in dried bdelloids and observed an accumulation of these breaks with time spent in dehydrated state. These DSBs are gradually repaired upon rehydration. Even when the genome was entirely shattered into small DNA fragments by proton radiation, A. vaga individuals were able to efficiently recover from desiccation and repair a large amount of DSBs. Interestingly, when investigating the influence of UV‐A and UV‐B exposure on the genomic integrity of desiccated bdelloids, we observed that these natural radiations also caused important DNA DSBs, suggesting that the genome is not protected during the desiccated stage but that the repair mechanisms are extremely efficient in these intriguing organisms.
Vertically transmitted symbiont reduces host fitness along temperature gradient
Authors: Dusi E. , Krenek S. , Schrallhammer M. , Sachse R. , Rauch G. , Kaltz O. , Berendonk T. U. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractParasites with exclusive vertical transmission from host parent to offspring are an evolutionary puzzle. With parasite fitness entirely linked to host reproduction, any fitness cost for infected hosts risks their selective elimination. Environmental conditions likely influence parasite impact and thereby the success of purely vertical transmission strategies. We tested for temperature‐dependent virulence of Caedibacter taeniospiralis, a vertically transmitted bacterial symbiont of the protozoan Paramecium tetraurelia. We compared growth of infected and cured host populations at five temperatures (16–32 °C). Infection reduced host density at all temperatures, with a peak of −30% at 28 °C. These patterns were largely consistent across five infected Paramecium strains. Similar to Wolbachia symbionts, C. taeniospiralis may compensate fitness costs by conferring to the host a ‘killer trait’, targeting uninfected competitors. Considerable loss of infection at 32 °C suggests that killer efficacy is not universal and that limited heat tolerance restricts the conditions for persistence of C. taeniospiralis.
Parasitic success without sex – the nematode experience
Authors: Castagnone‐Sereno P. , Danchin E. G. J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAsexual reproduction is usually considered as an evolutionary dead end, and difficulties for asexual lineages to adapt to a fluctuating environment are anticipated due to the lack of sufficient genetic plasticity. Yet, unlike their sexual congeners, mitotic parthenogenetic root‐knot nematode species,Meloidogynespp., are remarkably widespread and polyphagous, with the ability to parasitize most flowering plants. Although this may reflect in part the short‐term stability of agricultural environments, the extreme parasitic success of these clonal species points them as an outstanding evolutionary paradox regarding current theories on the benefits of sex. The discovery that most of the genome of the clonal speciesM. incognitais composed of pairs of homologous but divergent segments that have presumably been evolving independently in the absence of sexual recombination has shed new light on this evolutionary paradox. Together with recent studies on other biological systems, including the closely related sexual speciesM. haplaand the ancient asexual bdelloid rotifers, this observation suggests that functional innovation could emerge from such a peculiar genome architecture, which may in turn account for the extreme adaptive capacities of these asexual parasites. Additionally, the higher proportion of transposable elements inM. incognitacompared toM. haplaand other nematodes may also be responsible in part for genome plasticity in the absence of sexual reproduction. We foresee that ongoing sequencing efforts should lead soon to a genomic framework involving genetically diverseMeloidogynespecies with various different reproductive modes. This will undoubtedly promote the entire genus as a unique and valuable model system to help deciphering the evolution of asexual reproduction in eukaryotes.
Effect of Bleaching on Mercury Release from Amalgam Fillings and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities: A Pilot Study
Authors: Yalcin Cakir Filiz , Ergin Esra , Gurgan Sevil , Sabuncuoglu Suna , Sahin Arpa Cigdem , Tokgoz İlknur , Ozgunes Hilal , Kiremitci Arlin 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this pilot clinical study was to determine the mercury release from amalgam fillings and antioxidant enzyme activities (Superoxide Dismutase [SOD] and Catalase[CAT] ) in body fluids after exposure to two different vital tooth bleaching systems.Material and MethodsTwenty eight subjects with an average age of 25.6 years (18–41) having at least two but not more than four Class II amalgam fillings on each quadrant arch in the mouth participated in the study. Baseline concentrations of mercury levels in whole blood, urine, and saliva were measured by a Vapor Generation Accessory connected to an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Erythrocyte enzymes, SOD, and CAT activities in blood were determined kinetically. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of 14 volunteers. Group 1 was treated with an at‐home bleaching system (Opalescence PF 35% Carbamide Peroxide, Ultradent), and Group 2 was treated with a chemically activated office bleaching system (Opalescence Xtra Boost 38% Hydrogen Peroxide, Ultradent) according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Twenty‐four hours after bleaching treatments, concentrations of mercury and enzymes were remeasured.Results There were no significant differences on mercury levels in blood, urine, and saliva before and after bleaching treatments (p > 0.05). No differences were also found in the level of antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT) before and after treatments (p > 0.05). Mercury release did not affect the enzyme activities (p > 0.05).Conclusion Bleaching treatments either office or home did not affect the amount of mercury released from amalgam fillings in blood, urine, and saliva and the antioxidant‐enzyme activities in blood.Clinical SignificanceBleaching treatments with the systems tested in this pilot study have no deleterious effect on the mercury release from amalgam fillings and antioxidant enzymes in body fluids.
Catalytic Infrared and Hot Air Dehydration of Carrot Slices
Authors: Wu Bengang , Ma Haile , Qu Wenjuan , Wang Bei , Zhang Xin , Wang Peilan , Wang Juan , Atungulu Griffiths G. , Pan Zhongli 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis study investigated the drying and quality characteristics of carrot slices under catalytic infrared (CIR) and hot air (HA) heating. Carrot slices with thicknesses of 3, 5 and 7 mm were dried at temperatures of 60, 70 and 80C with both methods. CIR had higher drying rates, shorter drying times and greater effective diffusivities than HA before the moisture contents reached the range of 16–30% on a wet basis (w.b.). The total drying times required by CIR to reach the final moisture content was 60% less than HA. The effective diffusivities were in the range of 2.38–10.30 × 10−9m2s−1 for CIR drying and 1.43–5.50 × 10−9m2s−1 for HA drying. Results revealed that carrot slices dried with CIR, particularly at 60 and 70C, had better rehydration characteristics than the samples dried with HA. Thickness had a significant impact on overall color change of carrot slices. The obtained correlation coefficient (R2) and root mean square error values indicated that the Midilli model was the best for predicting the moisture ratio change kinetics of carrot slices for both drying processes.Practical ApplicationsThese results indicate that CIR drying is an effective method to obtain high‐quality products. This paper was to optimize the CIR and HA process of carrot slices. The significance of this research can improve the drying efficiency of CIR in carrot slices. Throughout the trial, the production‐scale CIR dryer was used, which means that the CIR process can provide technological support to produce dried carrot slices. In addition, it also provides a reference using sequential CIR drying and HA drying for carrot slices.
Gender differences in dietary intakes: what is the contribution of motivational variables?
Authors: Leblanc V. , Bégin C. , Corneau L. , Dodin S. , Lemieux S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundDifferences between men and women with respect to dietary intakes and eating behaviours have been reported and could be explained by gender differences in motivational variables associated with the regulation of food intake. The main objectives of the present study were to identify gender differences in dietary intakes, eating behaviours and motivational variables and to determine how motivational variables were associated with dietary intakes and eating behaviours in men and women.MethodsSixty‐four men and 59 premenopausal women were included in the present study and presented cardiovascular risk factors. The Regulation of Eating Behaviours scale was completed to assess motivational variables. A validated food frequency questionnaire was administered to evaluate dietary intakes and subjects completed the Three‐Factor Eating questionnaire to assess eating behaviours.ResultsMen had higher energy intake, energy density and percentage of energy from lipids and lower percentage of energy from carbohydrates than women (P ≤ 0.04). Men also had a lower emotional susceptibility to disinhibition than women (P = 0.0001). Women reported a higher score for eating‐related self‐determined motivation [i.e. eating‐related self‐determination index (SDI)] than men (P = 0.002). The most notable gender difference in the pattern of associations was that eating‐related SDI was negatively associated with energy density (r = −0.30; P = 0.02), only in women.ConclusionsWomen had a better dietary profile and higher eating‐related SDI than men. However, gender differences in dietary variables might be explained by a potential gender‐specific pattern of association of eating‐related SDI with dietary intakes and eating behaviours.
Patients' preferences for nutrition‐related health outcomes in liver disease: a preliminary study using an electronic questionnaire
Authors: Nowson Gemma K. , Madden Angela M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundPatients with liver disease frequently have nutritional problems but intervening to improve these is challenging. Healthcare interventions that respond to patients' needs are associated with better health outcomes but no studies investigating patients' preferences for nutrition‐related outcomes in liver disease have been published. The present study aimed to identify nutrition‐related health outcomes that are important to patients with liver disease.MethodsAn electronic questionnaire was devised and reviewed by patients and dietitians with relevant experience. It comprised a Likert scale and open questions focussing on six domains considered pertinent to patients with liver disease. An invitation to participate was posted on the website of a national liver charity and sent to liver patient support groups.ResultsFifty‐one patients participated (22 men and 29 women). Responses indicated a wide range of preferred nutrition‐related outcomes, with those identified as very important most frequently focussing on gaining knowledge about which foods to eat more or less of, as well as on understanding why nutrition is important in liver disease. Women tended to score outcomes as more important than did men. Participants who considered themselves overweight scored outcomes on body size and shape as more important than those with other nutritional problems. Additional outcomes were identified and included an increased knowledge of healthy eating, interactions between medication and food, and supplementation.ConclusionsThe present study identified a wide range of nutrition‐related outcomes that were important to this small sample of patients with liver disease and these may be useful to guide the direction of future nutrition‐related management.
Resting metabolic rate and anthropometry in older people: a comparison of measured and calculated values
Authors: Reidlinger D. P. , Willis J. M. , Whelan K. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundAccurate assessment of energy expenditure and anthropometry in older people is important for targeted nutritional support. The present study aimed to compare measured and calculated resting metabolic rate (m‐RMR and c‐RMR) and measured, calculated and estimated weight and height in older people aged ≥70 years.MethodsParticipants were healthy older people aged ≥70 years. Indirect calorimetry using a ventilated hood calorimeter was performed for 30 min on fasted participants, and was compared with c‐RMR, as calculated using six commonly used equations. Measured, calculated and estimated height and weight were compared.ResultsSubjects comprised 14 males and 20 females and mean (SD) m‐RMR was 5243 (845) kJ day−1 [1253 (202) kcal day−1]. The Mifflin St‐Jeor equation was the most consistently accurate, with the smallest mean difference between m‐RMR and c‐RMR of 58 (553) kJ day−1 [14 (132) kcal day−1] and c‐RMR was within 10% of m‐RMR in the greatest number of participants (n = 24; 70%). The Schofield equation was among the least accurate in this age group. In older males, self‐reported height and weight were accurate, whereas, in females or those unable to self‐report height, ulna length was the most accurate alternative to measured height.ConclusionsCurrent equations used to calculate RMR in older people have inaccuracies, although the Mifflin St‐Jeor equation was most accurate. Future studies should investigate the validity, reliability, cost and practicality of using fat free mass as an item in novel equations to calculate RMR in this age group. Self‐reported height and weight in males, and height calculated from ulna length in females, were the most accurate alternatives to measured values in the present study.