bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EPA‐coated titanium implants promote osteoconduction in white New Zealand rabbits
Authors: Mustafa Ammar , Lung Christie Y. K. , Mustafa Nazih S. , Mustafa Besma A. , Kashmoola Muhannad A , Zwahlen Roger A. , Matinlinna Jukka P. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)‐coated Ti implants on osteoconduction in white New Zealand rabbit mandibles.Material and methodsSandblasted and cleansed planar titanium specimens with a size of 5 × 5 × 1 mm were coated on one side with 0.25 vol% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The other side of the specimens was kept highly polished (the control side). These specimens were inserted in rabbit mandibles. Twelve rabbits were randomly assigned into three study groups (n = 4). The rabbits were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The harvested specimens with the implants were assessed for new bone formation on both sides of the implant using CBCT, conventional radiographs, and the biaxial pullout test. The results were statistically analyzed by a nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test and Friedman's test as multiple comparisons and by Brunner–Langer nonparametric mixed model approach (R Software).ResultsA significant osteoconductive bone formation was found on the EPA‐coated Ti implant surface (P < 0.05) at 8 weeks when compared to the polished surface (control). Biaxial pullout test results showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) after 8 and 12 weeks with a maximum force of 243.8 N, compared to 143.25 N after 4 week.ConclusionEPA implant coating promoted osteoconduction on the Ti implant surfaces, enhancing the anchorage of the implant to the surrounding bone in white New Zealand rabbits.
Effect of scale on trait predictors of species responses to agriculture
Authors: Gilroy James J. , Medina Uribe Claudia A. , Haugaasen Torbjørn , Edwards David P. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSpecies persistence in human‐altered landscapes can depend on factors operating at multiple spatial scales. To understand anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity, it is useful to examine relationships between species traits and their responses to land‐use change. A key knowledge gap concerns whether these relationships vary depending on the scale of response under consideration. We examined how local‐ and large‐scale habitat variables influence the occupancy dynamics of a bird community in cloud forest zones in the Colombian Chocó‐Andes. Using data collected across a continuum of forest and agriculture, we examined which traits best predict species responses to local variation in farmland and which traits best predict species responses to isolation from contiguous forest. Global range size was a strong predictor of species responses to agriculture at both scales; widespread species were less likely to decline as local habitat cover decreased and as distance from forest increased. Habitat specialization was a strong predictor of species responses only at the local scale. Open‐habitat species were particularly likely to increase as pasture increased, but they were relatively insensitive to variation in distance to forest. Foraging plasticity and flocking behavior were strong predictors of species responses to distance from forest, but not their responses to local habitat. Species with lower plasticity in foraging behaviors and obligate flock‐following species were more likely to decline as distance from contiguous forest increased. For species exhibiting these latter traits, persistence in tropical landscapes may depend on the protection of larger contiguous blocks of forest, rather than the integration of smaller‐scale woodland areas within farmland. Species listed as threatened or near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List were also more likely to decline in response to both local habitat quality and isolation from forest relative to least‐concern species, underlining the importance of contiguous forests for threatened taxa.
Dual‐Modality Input in Repeated Reading for Foreign Language Learners With Different Learning Styles
Authors: Liu Yeu‐Ting , Todd Andrew Graeme 
Published: November 2014

AbstractResearch into dual‐modality theory has long rested on the assumption that presenting input in two modalities leads to better learning outcomes. However, this may not always hold true. This study explored the possible advantages of using dual modality in repeated reading—a pedagogy often used to enhance reading development—for two literacy purposes, second language (L2) reading comprehension and vocabulary development. Furthermore, the study probed whether the efficacy of repeated reading implemented using both dual and single modalities varies according to a learner's preferred learning style (visual, auditory, and balanced). The study found that the participants—foreign language learners of Japanese—did not always exhibit greater reading comprehension and vocabulary gains when repeated reading was implemented using dual‐modality input. Indeed, it seems that the efficacy of dual‐modality input in repeated reading is contingent on the attentional investment required by the particular form of phonological support; the modality (visual or auditory) learners favor; and, most important, the instructional purpose (comprehension or acquisition). Based on these findings, the article discusses how repeated reading practice should be best implemented vis‐à‐vis the purposes of L2 reading and vocabulary development.
Zn in Athenian Black Gloss Ceramic Slips: A Trace Element Marker for Fabrication Technology
Authors: Walton Marc , Trentelman Karen , Cianchetta Ilaria , Maish Jeffrey , Saunders David , Foran Brendan , Mehta Apurva 
Published: November 2014

The black‐colored pottery slips produced in Athens from the 6th to 4th centuries B.C., had a consistent composition achieved through processing and refinement of raw clay. Little direct evidence has been established as to what were these refinement methods. To better understand how the slip material was prepared, the major and trace elemental compositions of 19 slips from different ceramic vessels and their corresponding bodies of Athenian red‐figure and black‐figure vases were determined using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICPMS). Notably higher Zn concentrations were found in the slips (271–1959 ppm) than in their corresponding body ceramics (<361 ppm). The Zn concentrations in the slips were also found to be above the natural background for typical clay (between 10 and 300 ppm) suggesting an unintentional anthropogenic enrichment of this metal. Based on the abnormally high Zn content of the slip, it is speculated that the clay was treated using vitriol (concentrated acid mine runoff which is rich in Zn), to induce flocculation and remove carbonate mineral phases from the raw material that, if present, would prevent the slip from vitrifying. This same signature of elevated levels of Zn with a corresponding Ce anomaly is also observed for black glosses produced in Corinthian and Etrurian (Italy) workshops indicating that these trace element signatures were imparted to the material by means of shared methods of manufacturing instead of being indicative of a single unique source for this material.
Higher Weight, Lower Education: A Longitudinal Association Between Adolescents' Body Mass Index and Their Subsequent Educational Achievement Level?
Authors: Larsen Junilla K. , Kleinjan Marloes , Engels Rutger C. M. E. , Fisher Jennifer O. , Hermans Roel C.J. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe purpose of this study was to examine the association between adolescents' body mass index (BMI) z‐scores and their subsequent level of schooling, extending previous longitudinal research by using objectively measured weight and height data.METHODSA longitudinal study with 3 study waves (1‐year intervals) involving 1248 Dutch adolescents (49% girls; mean age = 13.7 years) at schools providing different educational levels was used to determine adolescents who moved and did not move to a lower educational level in the first year, or in the second year, and to examine whether this movement could be predicted by BMI z‐scores (zBMI), after controlling for a large range of potential confounding factors.RESULTSA total of 1164 Dutch adolescents continued in the same level of education, whereas 84 adolescents moved to a lower educational level (43 moved in the first and 41 in the second year). A higher zBMI significantly increased the risk of a general transition to a lower educational level, and of a transition in the first year, but not in the second year, after controlling for potential demographic, behavioral, and psychological confounds.CONCLUSIONSFindings suggest that a higher zBMI during adolescence immediately lowers educational achievement level during general secondary education.
Mechanisms of fibrosis in acute liver failure
Authors: He Yingli , Jin Li , Wang Jing , Yan Zhi , Chen Tianyan , Zhao Yingren 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsAcute liver failure (ALF) is a condition with high mortality and morbidity. Fibrosis in chronic liver disease was extensively researched, whereas fibrosis and underlying mechanism in acute liver failure remains unclear.MethodsHepatitis B virus related ALF patients were recruited to investigate if there was ongoing fibrosis by liver histology and liver stiffness measurement(LSM) analysis as well as fibrosis markers assay. Sera HMGB1 were kinetically detected in progression and remission stage of ALF. Hepatic stellate cell(HSC) activation by HMGB1 was explored by testing mRNA and protein level of α‐SMA and collagen 1a1 by using qPCR and western blot. Autophagy induction by HMGB1 was explored by LC3‐II conversion, autophagy flux and fluorescence.ResultsFirstly, ongoing fibrosis in progression stage of ALF was confirmed by histological analysis, LS measurement as well as fibrosis markers detection. HSC activation and autophagy induction in explanted liver tissue also revealed. Next, kinetic monitoring sera HMGB1 revealed elevated HMGB1 in progression stage of ALF vs HBsAg carrier, and drop back to base level in remission stage. Thirdly, rHMGB1 dose dependently activated HSCs, as indicated by increased mRNA and proteins level in α‐SMA and collagen 1a1. Moreover, autophagy was induced in HSC treated with rHMGB1, as illustrated by increased LC3 lipidation, elevated autophagy flux and GFP‐LC3 puncta.ConclusionsAcute liver failure is accompanied by ongoing fibrosis, HSC activation and autophagy induction. Increased HMGB1 activates HSC via autophagy induction. Those findings integrate HMGB1, HSCs activation, autophagy into a common framework that underlies the fibrosis in ALF.
In vivo properties of cerebellar interneurons in the macaque caudal vestibular vermis
Authors: Meng Hui , Laurens Jean , Blázquez Pablo M. , Angelaki Dora E. 
Published: November 2014

Key points
We quantify both spontaneous and stimulus‐driven responses of interneurons in lobules X (nodulus) and IXc,d (ventral uvula) of the caudal vermis during vestibular stimulation.
Based on baseline firing, at least three types of neuronal populations could be distinguished.
First, there was a group of very regular firing neurons with high mean discharge rates.
Second, there was a group of low firing neurons with a range of discharge regularity.
Third, we also encountered putative interneurons with discharge regularity and mean firing rates that were indistinguishable from those of physiologically identified Purkinje cells.
The vestibular responses of putative interneurons were generally similar to those of Purkinje cells, thus encoding tilt, translation or mixtures of these signals.
Mossy fibres showed unprocessed, otolith afferent‐like properties.
AbstractThe cerebellar cortex is among the brain's most well‐studied circuits and includes distinct classes of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons. Several studies have attempted to characterize the in vivo properties of cerebellar interneurons, yet little is currently known about their stimulus‐driven properties. Here we quantify both spontaneous and stimulus‐driven responses of interneurons in lobules X (nodulus) and IXc,d (ventral uvula) of the macaque caudal vermis during vestibular stimulation. Interneurons were identified as cells located >100 μm from the Purkinje cell layer that did not exhibit complex spikes. Based on baseline firing, three types of interneurons could be distinguished. First, there was a group of very regular firing interneurons with high mean discharge rates, which consistently encoded tilt, rather than translational head movements. Second, there was a group of low firing interneurons with a range of discharge regularity. This group had more diverse vestibular properties, where most were translation‐selective and a few tilt‐ or gravitoinertial acceleration‐selective. Third, we also encountered interneurons that were similar to Purkinje cells in terms of discharge regularity and mean firing rate. This group also encoded mixtures of tilt and translation signals. A few mossy fibres showed unprocessed, otolith afferent‐like properties, encoding the gravitoinertial acceleration. We conclude that tilt‐ and translation‐selective signals, which reflect neural computations transforming vestibular afferent information, are not only encountered in Purkinje cell responses. Instead, upstream interneurons within the cerebellar cortex are also characterized by similar properties, thus implying a widespread network computation.
The determinants of transverse tubular volume in resting skeletal muscle
Authors: Sim Jingwei , Fraser James A. 
Published: November 2014

Key points
The surface membrane of skeletal muscle infolds to form a system of transverse (t)‐tubules, which propagate electrical activity deep into the fibre to activate muscle contraction.
Ionic currents flowing into and out of the t‐tubules can cause osmotic fluxes and tubular volume changes, such as those seen in muscle fatigue and trauma, but the mechanisms driving these are unclear.
We used a computer model to determine that resting t‐tubule volume is maintained by active ion cycling between the extracellular fluid, muscle cell and t‐tubules.
By considering how these ion cycles are influenced by the extracellular fluid composition, we can reliably predict the resultant changes in t‐tubule volume.
These findings explain and reconcile previous experimental data, providing a framework for understanding the role of the t‐system in muscle physiology and pathology.
AbstractThe transverse tubular (t)‐system of skeletal muscle couples sarcolemmal electrical excitation with contraction deep within the fibre. Exercise, pathology and the composition of the extracellular fluid (ECF) can alter t‐system volume (t‐volume). T‐volume changes are thought to contribute to fatigue, rhabdomyolysis and disruption of excitation–contraction coupling. However, mechanisms that underlie t‐volume changes are poorly understood. A multicompartment, history‐independent computer model of rat skeletal muscle was developed to define the minimum conditions for t‐volume stability. It was found that the t‐system tends to swell due to net ionic fluxes from the ECF across the access resistance. However, a stable t‐volume is possible when this is offset by a net efflux from the t‐system to the cell and thence to the ECF, forming a net ion cycle ECF→t‐system→sarcoplasm→ECF that ultimately depends on Na+/K+‐ATPase activity. Membrane properties that maximize this circuit flux decrease t‐volume, including PNa(t) > PNa(s), PK(t) < PK(s) and N(t) < N(s) [P, permeability; N, Na+/K+‐ATPase density; (t), t‐system membrane; (s), sarcolemma]. Hydrostatic pressures, fixed charges and/or osmoles in the t‐system can influence the magnitude of t‐volume changes that result from alterations in this circuit flux. Using a parameter set derived from literature values where possible, this novel theory of t‐volume was tested against data from previous experiments where t‐volume was measured during manipulations of ECF composition. Predicted t‐volume changes correlated satisfactorily. The present work provides a robust, unifying theoretical framework for understanding the determinants of t‐volume.
The effects of dexamethasone on post‐asphyxial cerebral oxygenation in the preterm fetal sheep
Authors: Lear Christopher A. , Koome Miriam E. , Davidson Joanne O. , Drury Paul P. , Quaedackers Josine S. , Galinsky Robert , Gunn Alistair J. , Bennet Laura 
Published: November 2014

Key points
Mothers at risk of preterm delivery are routinely given synthetic glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone to help mature fetal lungs and improve survival after birth.
We have previously shown that dexamethasone given after an acute episode of asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep is associated with greater brain injury.
In this study we found that fetal exposure to dexamethasone after asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep was associated with reduced intracerebral oxygenation during the critical latent phase of recovery.
In the secondary phase, maternal dexamethasone was associated with increased epileptiform transient activity and evidence of greater mitochondrial oxidation.
These findings suggest that fetal exposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone is associated with a critical mismatch between the brain's demand for oxygenation and the supply of oxygen that may contribute to greater brain injury.
AbstractExposure to clinical doses of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone increases brain activity and causes seizures in normoxic preterm fetal sheep without causing brain injury. In contrast, the same treatment after asphyxia increased brain injury. We hypothesised that increased injury was in part mediated by a mismatch between oxygen demand and oxygen supply. In preterm fetal sheep at 0.7 gestation we measured cerebral oxygenation using near‐infrared spectroscopy, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, and carotid blood flow (CaBF) from 24 h before until 72 h after asphyxia induced by 25 min of umbilical cord occlusion. Ewes received dexamethasone intramuscularly (12 mg 3 ml–1) or saline 15 min after the end of asphyxia. Fetuses were studied for 3 days after occlusion. During the first 6 h of recovery after asphyxia, dexamethasone treatment was associated with a significantly greater fall in CaBF (P < 0.05), increased carotid vascular resistance (P < 0.001) and a greater fall in cerebral oxygenation as measured by the difference between oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin (delta haemoglobin; P < 0.05). EEG activity was similarly suppressed in both groups. From 6 to 10 h onward, dexamethasone treatment was associated with a return of CaBF to saline control levels, increased EEG power (P < 0.005), greater epileptiform transient activity (P < 0.001), increased oxidised cytochrome oxidase (P < 0.05) and an attenuated increase in [delta haemoglobin] (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dexamethasone treatment after asphyxia is associated with greater hypoperfusion in the critical latent phase, leading to impaired intracerebral oxygenation that may exacerbate neural injury after asphyxia.
Zagreb Regimen, an Abbreviated Intramuscular Schedule for Rabies Vaccination
Authors: Ren Jiangping , Yao Linong , Sun Jimin , Gong Zhenyu 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThe Zagreb regimen, an abbreviated intramuscular schedule for rabies vaccination, was developed by I. Vodopija and colleagues of the Zagreb Institute of Public Health in Croatia in the 1980s. It was recommended by WHO as one of the intramuscular (IM) schedules for rabies vaccination in 2010. We reviewed the literature on the immunogenicity, safety, economic burden, and compliance of the Zagreb 2-1-1 regimen. Compared to Essen, another IM schedule recommended by WHO, Zagreb has higher compliance, lower medical cost, and better immunogenicity at an early stage.
Abrogation of the Interferon Response Promotes More Efficient Human Cytomegalovirus Replication
Authors: McSharry Brian P. , Forbes Simone K. , Avdic Selmir , Randall Richard E. , Wilkinson Gavin W. G. , Abendroth Allison , Slobedman Barry 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT
The effect of abrogating the interferon (IFN) response on human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication was investigated using primary human cells engineered to block either the production of or the response to type I IFNs. In IFN-deficient cells, HCMV produced larger plaques and spread and replicated more rapidly than in parental cells. These cells demonstrate the vital role of IFNs in controlling HCMV replication and provide useful tools to investigate the IFN response to HCMV.
Metastable Intermediates as Stepping Stones on the Maturation Pathways of Viral Capsids
Authors: Cardone Giovanni , Duda Robert L. , Cheng Naiqian , You Lili , Conway James F. , Hendrix Roger W. , Steven Alasdair C. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT
As they mature, many capsids undergo massive conformational changes that transform their stability, reactivity, and capacity for DNA. In some cases, maturation proceeds via one or more intermediate states. These structures represent local minima in a rich energy landscape that combines contributions from subunit folding, association of subunits into capsomers, and intercapsomer interactions. We have used scanning calorimetry and cryo-electron microscopy to explore the range of capsid conformations accessible to bacteriophage HK97. To separate conformational effects from those associated with covalent cross-linking (a stabilization mechanism of HK97), a cross-link-incompetent mutant was used. The mature capsid Head I undergoes an endothermic phase transition at 60°C in which it shrinks by 7%, primarily through changes in its hexamer conformation. The transition is reversible, with a half-life of ~3 min; however, >50% of reverted capsids are severely distorted or ruptured. This observation implies that such damage is a potential hazard of large-scale structural changes such as those involved in maturation. Assuming that the risk is lower for smaller changes, this suggests a rationalization for the existence of metastable intermediates: that they serve as stepping stones that preserve capsid integrity as it switches between the radically different conformations of its precursor and mature states.

IMPORTANCE
Large-scale conformational changes are widespread in virus maturation and infection processes. These changes are accompanied by the release of conformational free energy as the virion (or fusogenic glycoprotein) switches from a precursor state to its mature state. Each state corresponds to a local minimum in an energy landscape. The conformational changes in capsid maturation are so radical that the question arises of how maturing capsids avoid being torn apart. Offering proof of principle, severe damage is inflicted when a bacteriophage HK97 capsid reverts from the (nonphysiological) state that it enters when heated past 60°C. We suggest that capsid proteins have been selected in part by the criterion of being able to avoid sustaining collateral damage as they mature. One way of achieving this—as with the HK97 capsid—involves breaking the overall transition down into several smaller steps in which the risk of damage is reduced.