bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural killer T cells in multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Van Kaer Luc , Wu Lan , Parekh Vrajesh V. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes demyelination of neurons in the central nervous system. Traditional therapies for MS have involved anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs with significant side effects that often only provide short‐term relief. A more desirable outcome of immunotherapy would be to protect against disease before its clinical manifestation or to halt disease after its initiation. One attractive approach to accomplish this goal would be to restore tolerance by targeting immunoregulatory cell networks. Although much of the work in this area has focused on CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, other studies have investigated natural killer T (NKT) cells, a subset of T cells that recognizes glycolipid antigens in the context of the CD1d glycoprotein. Studies with human MS patients have revealed alterations in the numbers and functions of NKT cells, which have been partially supported by studies with the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of MS. Additional studies have shown that activation of NKT cells with synthetic lipid antigens can, at least under certain experimental conditions, protect mice against the development of MS‐like disease. Although mechanisms of this protection remain to be fully investigated, current evidence suggests that it involves interactions with other immunoregulatory cell types such as regulatory T cells and immunosuppressive myeloid cells. These studies have provided a strong foundation for the rational design of NKT‐cell‐based immunotherapies for MS that induce tolerance while sparing overall immune function. Nevertheless, additional pre‐clinical and clinical studies will be required to bring this goal to fruition.
Interleukin‐10 plays a key role in the modulation of neutrophils recruitment and lung inflammation during infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Peñaloza Hernán F. , Nieto Pamela A. , Muñoz‐Durango Natalia , Salazar‐Echegarai Francisco J. , Torres Javiera , Parga María J. , Alvarez‐Lobos Manuel , Riedel Claudia A. , Kalergis Alexis M. , Bueno Susan M. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryStreptococcus pneumoniae is a major aetiological agent of pneumonia worldwide, as well as otitis media, sinusitis, meningitis and sepsis. Recent reports have suggested that inflammation of lungs due to S. pneumoniae infection promotes bacterial dissemination and severe disease. However, the contribution of anti‐inflammatory molecules to the pathogenesis of S. pneumoniae remains unknown. To elucidate whether the production of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) is beneficial or detrimental for the host during pneumococcal pneumonia, we performed S. pneumoniae infections in mice lacking IL‐10 (IL‐10−/− mice). The IL‐10−/− mice showed increased mortality, higher expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and an exacerbated recruitment of neutrophils into the lungs after S. pneumoniae infection. However, IL‐10−/− mice showed significantly lower bacterial loads in lungs, spleen, brain and blood, when compared with mice that produced this cytokine. Our results support the notion that production of IL‐10 during S. pneumoniae infection modulates the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and the infiltration of neutrophils into the lungs. This feature of IL‐10 is important to avoid excessive inflammation of tissues and to improve host survival, even though bacterial dissemination is less efficient in the absence of this cytokine.
Political Philosophy and the Real World of the Welfare State
Authors: Wolff Jonathan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWhat contribution can political philosophers make to policy questions, such as the best configuration of the welfare state? On one view, political philosophers set out abstract theories of justice that can guide policy makers in their attempt to transform existing institutions. Yet it rarely seems the case that such a model is used in practice, and it therefore becomes unclear how political philosophy can contribute to policy debates. Following a suggestion from Margaret MacDonald, I consider the view that political philosophers can contribute by drawing attention to relatively neglected values. I develop this view to add the possibility that political philosophers can try to correct a situation in which a particular value, though important, can come to be too highly emphasised. I illustrate the account by considering the rise of the value of ‘responsibility’ in the welfare state, and ultimately the damage that has been done to society to disadvantaged groups by the over‐insistence on the importance of responsibility.
How (Not) to Criticise Property‐Owning Democracy: A Response to Schemmel
Authors: Williamson Thad 
Published: June 2015

AbstractChristian Schemmel makes a strong case that John Rawls underplayed the capacity of robust ‘universal welfare states’ to realise in practice liberal egalitarian principles of justice, and that improvements upon the best existing welfare states will more plausibly take the form of movement in the direction of democratic socialism rather than the more individualist regime that Rawls called a property‐owning democracy. Nonetheless, I do not believe it follows from these arguments (even if accepted) that highly unjust, deeply flawed welfare states such as the United States should first focus on developing a universal welfare state and leave thoughts of property‐owning democracy to the side for the foreseeable future.
Eroding Capitalism: A Comment on Stuart White's ‘Basic Capital in the Egalitarian Toolkit’
Authors: Wright Erik Olin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractStuart White argues that egalitarians need a diverse toolkit of policy proposals in order to move closer to a just economic system. In particular he argues that a policy of Basic Capital grants should be included in this toolkit along with a variety of other more familiar instruments such as unconditional Basic Income, welfare state services and income supports, and support for worker cooperatives. The various policies in the egalitarian toolkit, however, have implications for issues other than contributing to a more just economic system. In particular, they have implications for the long term stability, transformation, or even transcendence, of capitalism as an economic system. In this article I will argue that unconditional Basic Income has a greater potential to erode capitalism than does Basic Capital. While both of these policies in the egalitarian toolkit may make the economic system statically more just, over time Basic Capital grants are likely to strengthen capitalism as the core structure of the economic system, whereas unconditional Basic Income has the potential to erode the dominance of capitalism. As part of a long‐term project of human emancipation, therefore, unconditional Basic Income should have priority over Basic Capital.
Basic Capital in the Egalitarian Toolkit?
Authors: White Stuart 
Published: June 2015

AbstractUnder a basic capital grant policy (BC), every citizen receives a large capital grant as a right, typically in their early adulthood. Is BC part of the institutional framework of a just economy? Starting from John Rawls's discussion of just economic systems, this article clarifies Rawls's reasons for thinking we need to complement welfare state policies with property‐owning democracy and/or liberal socialist policies. It then seeks to clarify the grounds specifically for BC as a particular policy of the property‐owning democracy type, and considers in depth what it adds to a policy of basic income (a uniform, universal and unconditional income grant paid to all, possibly in some part as a share of the return on publicly‐owned wealth).
How (Not) to Criticise the Welfare State
Authors: Schemmel Christian 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis article assesses John Rawls's case against the welfare state as a means for implementing socio‐economic justice, and for a ‘property‐owning democracy’, from both a normative and a methodological point of view. It points out several flaws of Rawls's critique of the welfare state, through a focus on an existing variety of it — a Swedish‐style universal welfare state — which can be said to be relatively successful, both in terms of normative merits (assessed on the basis of liberal egalitarian principles of social justice) and in terms of institutional stability and capacity for self‐perpetuation. On this basis, the article argues that a universal welfare state should constitute the institutional bedrock of Rawlsian social justice, even though it cannot completely fulfil all its requirements. It also develops some reasons to think that, in order to adequately and stably implement those requirements of Rawlsian justice that cannot be fulfilled even by a universal welfare state, the latter should be supplemented by democratic socialism, not by a ‘property‐owning democracy’.
Is Corporal Punishment Torturous?
Authors: Lenta Patrick 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe aim of this article is to determine whether fixed courses of judicial corporal punishment (JCP) and non‐abusive corporal punishment of children (CPC) amount to torture. I assess the reasons that have been offered for distinguishing fixed courses of JCP from torture and argue that none is successful. I argue that non‐consensual JCP that inflicts severe pain is appropriately classifiable as torture, but that JCP that inflicts mild pain and entirely consensual JCP are not torturous. I consider whether any of the reasons offered for distinguishing JCP from torture can distinguish non‐abusive CPC from torture given certain important differences between CPC and JCP. I submit that none of these reasons is successful. I consider other possible reasons for distinguishing non‐abusive CPC that inflicts severe pain from torture and argue that none is successful. I conclude that fixed courses of non‐consensual JCP which inflict severe pain and non‐abusive CPC that inflicts severe pain are correctly classifiable as torture.
An experimental investigation into judgment and behavioral implications of disability‐based stereotypes in simulated work decisions: Evidence of shifting standards
Authors: Lynch Joel E. , Finkelstein Lisa M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe investigated the explanatory relevance of the shifting standards model to the role of employee disability in two simulated organizational processes: (a) job performance appraisal and (b) resource allocation. Two experimental studies found evidence of the shifting standards effect—employees with and without a disability received similar ratings when subjective judgment standards were employed, but those without a disability received significantly higher performance ratings than their counterparts with a disability when rated with objective standards. Furthermore, the analysis of the ranking process on the dimension of deservingness of limited resources yielded evidence that disability‐related stereotypes can differentially affect perceptions of deservingness through the allocation of organizational resources.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Watch‐PAT 200 Is Independently Associated With an Increase in Morning Blood Pressure Surge in Never‐Treated Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Cho Jung Sun , Ihm Sang‐Hyun , Kim Chan Joon , Park Mahn‐Won , Her Sung‐Ho , Park Gyung‐Min , Kim Tae‐Seok 
Published: June 2015

This study aimed to examine the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and morning blood pressure surge in never‐treated patients with essential hypertension. This prospective study included a total of 58 patients (mean age, 51.7 years; 55.2% men) with never‐treated essential hypertension. The patients were divided into non‐OSA (n=23, 49.3±12.7 years) and OSA (n=35, 53.2±9.8 years) groups. The OSA group was defined as having an apnea‐hypopnea index level >5 as measured by the Watch‐PAT 200. The authors collected 24‐hour ambulatory BP, plasma aldosterone concentration, and plasma renin activity data from all of the patients. The measured sleep‐trough morning systolic blood pressure (SBP) increases were higher in the OSA group than in the non‐OSA group (28.7±11.8 mm Hg vs 19.6±12.8 mm Hg, P=.008). The sleep‐trough morning SBP increase was inversely correlated with the lowest oxygen saturation (r=−0.272, P=.039). OSA known to be associated with increased daytime and nocturnal sympathetic activity was associated with significantly higher sleep‐trough morning SBP levels in this study.
Pulse Pressure and Cognitive Decline in Stroke Patients With White Matter Changes
Authors: Wang Zhaolu , Wong Adrian , Liu Wenyan , Yang Jie , Chu Winnie C.W. , Au Lisa , Lau Alexander , Xiong Yunyun , Mok Vincent C.T. 
Published: June 2015

The authors hypothesized that both high and low pulse pressure (PP) may predict cognitive decline in stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients with white matter changes (WMCs). The authors prospectively followed up 406 ischemic stroke/TIA patients with confluent WMCs over 18 months. PP was measured at 3 to 6 months after stroke/TIA and categorized into four groups by quartile. Cognition was assessed 3 to 6 months and 15 to 18 months after stroke/TIA using the Clinical Dementia Rating and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Logistic regression showed that patients in the first quartile of PP had a 5.9‐fold higher risk for developing cognitive decline than patients in the third quartile (odds ratio, 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–20.6), while patients in the fourth quartile had a 3.5‐fold higher risk for cognitive decline than those in the third quartile (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–12.4). This U‐shaped relationship was also evident between PP and cognitive decline in MMSE, underlining the role of arterial stiffness and hypoperfusion in cognitive decline related to small vessel disease.
Shade‐Matching Performance Using a New Light‐Correcting Device
Authors: Gasparik Cristina , Grecu Alexandru Graţian , Culic Bogdan , Badea Mîndra Eugenia , Dudea Diana 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the shade‐matching performance of dental students when using a new light‐correcting device with polarization filter.Materials and MethodsA total of 21 observers assessed the shade of the upper frontal teeth in one patient under three lighting conditions: daylight (A), daylight and a light‐correcting device (Smile Lite, Switzerland) (B), daylight and a light‐correcting device with a polarization filter attached (C) by using two shade guides: VITA Classical and 3D Master. Matching scores were calculated as a sum of the color differences between the reference shades and the selected shades (ΔEab*). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (α = 0.05).ResultsA significant difference was found between the shade‐matching scores under the three lighting conditions (p < 0.001). However, pairwise comparisons showed that between A (ΔEab*A = 1,873.6) and C (ΔEab*C = 2,019.1), there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). The best matching scores were calculated for B (ΔEab*B = 1,652.5). Significant differences were found in respect to the observer's gender (p < 0.05) and color competency (p < 0.05), as well as with the shade guide used (p < 0.05).ConclusionsDental students' shade‐matching ability was better when the light‐correcting device was used, but the addition of the filter to it did not prove beneficial. The shade guides used, the observer's gender, and color competency influenced the shade matching.Clinical SignificanceThe light‐correcting device influenced the shade‐matching performance; however, the attached polarization filter did not improve the results of the shade matching.
Direct‐Indirect Class V Restorations: A Novel Approach for Treating Noncarious Cervical Lesions
Authors: Fahl Newton 
Published: June 2015

AbstractNoncarious cervical lesions are highly prevalent and may have different etiologies. Regardless of their origin, be it acid erosion, abrasion, or abfraction, restoring these lesions can pose clinical challenges, including access to the lesion, field control, material placement and handling, marginal finishing, patient discomfort, and chair time. This paper describes a novel technique for minimizing these challenges and optimizing the restoration of noncarious cervical lesions using a technique the author describes as the class V direct‐indirect restoration. With this technique, clinicians can create precise extraoral margin finishing and polishing, while maintaining periodontal health and controlling polymerization shrinkage stress.Clinical SignificanceThe clinical technique described in this article has the potential for being used routinely in treating noncarious cervical lesions, especially in cases without easy access and limited field control. Precise margin finishing and polishing is one of the greatest benefits of the class V direct‐indirect approach, as the author has seen it work successfully in his practice over the past five years.
Gloss and Stain Resistance of Ceramic‐Polymer CAD/CAM Restorative Blocks
Authors: Lawson Nathaniel C. , Burgess John O. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the gloss and stain resistance of several new ceramic‐polymer CAD/CAM blocksMaterials and MethodsSpecimens (4 mm) were sectioned from: Enamic (polymer‐infused ceramic), LAVA Ultimate (nano‐ceramic reinforced polymer), e.max (lithium disilicate), Paradigm C (porcelain), and Paradigm MZ100 (composite). Specimens were wet polished on a polishing wheel to either 320 grit silicon paper (un‐polished, N = 8) or 2000 grit silicon carbide papers followed by a 0.05 μm alumina slurry (polished, N = 8). Initial gloss and color (L*a*b*) values were measured. Specimens were stored in a staining solution at 37°C in darkness for 12 days (simulating 1 year). After storage, L*a*b* values re‐measured. Change in color was reported as ΔE00 based on the CIEDE2000 formula. Gloss and ΔE00 were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (alpha = .05). Separate one‐way ANOVA and Tukey post‐hoc analyses were performed for both polish conditions and all materials.ResultsTwo‐way ANOVA showed that factors material, polish and their interaction were significant for both gloss and ΔE00 (p < .01). Post‐hoc analysis reveals that polished specimens had significantly less color change than un‐polished specimens for Paradigm C and LAVA Ultimate. E.max had significantly higher gloss and less color change than all other materials.ConclusionThe composition and polish of CAD/CAM materials affects gloss and stain resistance.Clinical SignificanceCeramic‐polymer hybrid materials can achieve the high gloss required for esthetic restorations. These materials should be polished in order to minimize staining. If polished, all of the tested materials exhibited clinically acceptable color changes at 1 year of simulated staining. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:S40–S45, 2016)
Physical Stability and Antimicrobial Activity of Encapsulated Cinnamaldehyde by Self‐Emulsifying Nanoemulsion
Authors: Tian Wei‐Lu , Lei Ling‐Ling , Zhang Qi , Li Yan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn the present study, natural cinnamaldehyde was encapsulated in self‐emulsifying emulsion systems. After optimization, the stability of encapsulated cinnamaldehyde was evaluated by dynamic light‐scattering and electronic nose. The antimicrobial activity of cinnamaldehyde was investigated by minimum inhibition concentration and time‐kill assay. The results showed that pure cinnamaldehyde as oil phase could not form stable emulsion under different oil‐to‐surfactant ratio. Stable cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsions were achieved with the addition of medium‐chain triglyceride. With the exception of temperature, the obtained nanoemulsions were stable against pH and NaCl. Phase separation was observed after 12 days of storage under 37C. Encapsulation efficiency of cinnamaldehyde in nanoemulsions was maintained around 80% within 1 week. Radar plots from electronic nose indicated that encapsulation could slow the release of cinnamaldehyde from nanoemulsion. Hence, the antimicrobial activity of cinnamaldehyde encapsulated in nanoemulsion could provide a long‐term inhibition on the bacterial growth of Escherichia coli compared with pure cinnamaldehyde.Practical ApplicationsThe applications of natural essential oils with their excellent antibacterial activities, such as cinnamon essential oils, as a food additive and green preservative are limited in the food systems, due to their highly instability against environmental conditions including temperature, light, air and others. The emulsification technique has been successfully utilized to overcome this drawback. However, it is known that emulsions with essential oils as oil phase will be highly unstable due to Ostwald ripening. Although the evaluation of the stability and bioactivities of encapsulated essential oil is an important and critical issue during the practical application, hence, studies of the physical properties such as environmental stability, volatility and antibacterial activity can explore the ideal formulation and applications of natural essential oils.
Rapid Identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Yilmaz Ayse Gamze , Temiz Havva Tumay , Acar Soykut Esra , Halkman Kadir , Boyaci Ismail Hakki 
Published: June 2015

AbstractRapid and accurate identification of Pseudomonas species, especially in drinking water, is of great importance for human health. In the present study, we aim to develop a fast and reliable verification method, which does not require intensive microbiological procedures. In this method, specific Raman spectra of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Burkholderia pseudomallei were collected directly from the medium and principal component analysis was used for the data mining process of collected Raman spectra. Application of Raman spectroscopy accompanied with principal component analysis enabled us to differentiate the two most dominant accompanying flora among pathogen Pseudomonas species. Based on Raman spectroscopy, an alternative cultivation‐free verification method with 15 min analysis time was developed. It is envisioned that using this method will also contribute to prevent the unnecessary closure of water wells.Practical ApplicationsIt is well known that Pseudomonas sp. is commonly found in water and their detection is significant in terms of human health. In the present study, a rapid and cultivation‐free verification method has been developed for the identification and differentiation of Pseudomonas sp. namely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Burkholderia pseudomallei. The results of the study offer that Raman spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis seems to be a simple alternative verification method with a shortened analysis time as low as 15 min.