bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
H3K79 methylation directly precedes the histone‐to‐protamine transition in mammalian spermatids and is sensitive to bacterial infections
Authors: Dottermusch‐Heidel C. , Klaus E. S. , Gonzalez N. H. , Bhushan S. , Meinhardt A. , Bergmann M. , Renkawitz‐Pohl R. , Rathke C. , Steger K. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryIn both mammalian and Drosophila spermatids, the completely histone‐based chromatin structure is reorganized to a largely protamine‐based structure. During this histone‐to‐protamine switch, transition proteins are expressed, for example TNP1 and TNP2 in mammals and Tpl94D in Drosophila. Recently, we demonstrated that in Drosophila spermatids, H3K79 methylation accompanies histone H4 hyperacetylation during chromatin reorganization. Preceding the histone‐to‐protamine transition, the H3K79 methyltransferase Grappa is expressed, and the predominant isoform bears a C‐terminal extension. Here, we show that isoforms of the Grappa‐equivalent protein in humans, rats and mice, that is DOT1L, have a C‐terminal extension. In mice, the transcript of this isoform was enriched in the post‐meiotic stages of spermatogenesis. In human and mice spermatids, di‐ and tri‐methylated H3K79 temporally overlapped with hyperacetylated H4 and thus accompanied chromatin reorganization. In rat spermatids, trimethylated H3K79 directly preceded transition protein loading on chromatin. We analysed the impact of bacterial infections on spermatid chromatin using a uropathogenic Escherichia coli‐elicited epididymo‐orchitis rat model and showed that these infections caused aberrant spermatid chromatin. Bacterial infections led to premature emergence of trimethylated H3K79 and hyperacetylated H4. Trimethylated H3K79 and hyperacetylated H4 simultaneously occurred with transition protein TNP1, which was never observed in spermatids of mock‐infected rats. Upon bacterial infection, only histone‐based spermatid chromatin showed abnormalities, whereas protamine‐compacted chromatin seemed to be unaffected. Our results indicated that H3K79 methylation is a histone modification conserved in Drosophila, mouse, rat and human spermatids and may be a prerequisite for proper chromatin reorganization.
Towards a ‘Non‐Ideal’ Non‐Ideal Theory
Authors: Carey Brian 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis article explores the role that considerations about the feasibility of a political proposal should play at the levels of both ideal and non‐ideal theory. Drawing on recent work in the literature on political feasibility, I begin by describing a ‘constraint‐based’ view of ideal and non‐ideal theory, with feasibility considerations serving different functions depending on whether they are operating at the ideal or non‐ideal level. Taking feasibility seriously at either level presents us with at least two important challenges. Firstly, we need principles which enable us to weigh the value of a proposal's feasibility against its other normatively significant properties, and against those of alternative proposals. Secondly, we need the capacity to gauge the nature of the epistemic constraints which apply to our feasibility assessments themselves. In response to these problems, I propose a ‘narrowing‐down’ approach, focused on developing our capacities to make accurate and reliable judgements about the feasibility of political proposals.
Comic Immoralism and Relatively Funny Jokes
Authors: Woodcock Scott 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA widely accepted view in the philosophy of humour is that immoral jokes, like racist, sexist or homophobic jokes, can nevertheless be funny. What remains controversial is whether the moral flaws in these jokes can sometimes increase their humour. Moderate comic immoralism claims that it is possible, in at least some cases, for moral flaws to increase the humour of jokes. Critics of moderate comic immoralism deny that this ever occurs. They recognise that some jokes are both funny and immoral, yet they claim that it is always something other than the moral flaws of jokes that contribute to their humour. In a series of recent papers, Aaron Smuts has pressed this objection to moderate comic immoralism. I argue that Smuts' attempt to narrow the range of cases in which humour can be attributed to immoral features is not sufficient to demonstrate that moderate comic immoralism is false. Specifically, I claim that Smuts cannot rule out a case for moderate comic immoralism grounded in the possibility that humour is normatively relative while the ethical status of jokes is not.
Telocytes in liver regeneration: possible roles
Authors: Wang Fei , Song Yang , Bei Yihua , Zhao Yingying , Xiao Junjie , Yang Changqing 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTelocytes (TCs) are a novel type of interstitial cells which are potentially involved in tissue regeneration and repair (www.telocytes.com). Previously, we documented the presence of TCs in liver. However, the possible roles of TCs in liver regeneration remain unknown. In this study, a murine model of partial hepatectomy (PH) was used to induce liver regeneration. The number of TCs detected by double labelling immunofluorescence methods (CD34/PDGFR‐α, CD34/PDGFR‐ß and CD34/Vimentin) was significantly increased when a high level of hepatic cell proliferation rate (almost doubled) as shown by 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) immunostaining and Western Blot of Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was found at 48 and 72 hrs post‐PH. Meanwhile, the number of CK‐19 positive‐hepatic stem cells peaked at 72 hrs post‐PH, co‐ordinating with the same time‐point, when the number of TCs was most significantly increased. Taken together, the results indicate a close relationship between TCs and the cells essentially involved in liver regeneration: hepatocytes and stem cells. It remains to be determined how TCs affect hepatocytes proliferation and/or hepatic stem cell differentiation in liver regeneration. Besides intercellular junctions, we may speculate a paracrine effect via ectovesicles.
Age‐based demographic and reproductive assessment of orangespine Naso lituratus and bluespine Naso unicornis unicornfishes
Authors: Taylor B. M. , Rhodes K. L. , Marshell A. , McIlwain J. L. 
Published: July 2014

Bluespine unicornfish Naso unicornis and orangespine unicornfish Naso lituratus were sampled in Pohnpei and Guam, Micronesia, over 13 months to identify reproductive and age‐based demographic features necessary for informed management. Age and reproductive information were derived from analysis of sagittal otoliths and gonads. Both species had moderate life spans [maximum ages of 23 (N. unicornis) and 14 years (N. lituratus)] compared with published estimates of conspecifics from other locations (>30 years) and of other Naso species. Length at maturation for N. unicornis was similar between Pohnpei and Guam while females consistently matured at a larger size [c. 30 cm fork length (LF)] than males (c. 27 cm LF). This sex‐specific pattern was reversed in N. lituratus for which estimates of maturation length (females: 15 cm LF; males: 18 cm LF) were only obtained from Guam. Developmental patterns in female gonads of both species suggested that initiation of maturation occurs very early. Growth patterns of N. lituratus displayed rapid asymptotic growth compared with N. unicornis and other congeners as well as slight sex‐specific patterns of length‐at‐age. Results highlight the considerable spatial variation that may occur in the population biology of these species across various scales. Additionally, proper management remains complicated without improved knowledge of fishery trends and reproductive behaviour in unicornfishes, species that are prime fishery targets in Micronesia and elsewhere.
Effect of Light Aging on Silicone‐Resin Bond Strength in Maxillofacial Prostheses
Authors: Polyzois Gregory , Pantopoulos Antonis , Papadopoulos Triantafillos , Hatamleh Muhanad 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of accelerated light aging on bond strength of a silicone elastomer to three types of denture resin.Materials and MethodsA total of 60 single lap joint specimens were fabricated with auto‐, heat‐, and photopolymerized (n = 20) resins. An addition‐type silicone elastomer (Episil‐E) was bonded to resins treated with the same primer (A330‐G). Thirty specimens served as controls and were tested after 24 hours, and the remaining were aged under accelerated exposure to daylight for 546 hours (irradiance 765 W/m2). Lap shear joint tests were performed to evaluate bond strength at 50 mm/min crosshead speed. Two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test were carried out to detect statistical significance (p < 0.05).ResultsANOVA showed that the main effect of light aging was the most important factor determining the shear bond strength. The mean bond strength values ranged from 0.096 to 0.136 MPa. The highest values were recorded for auto‐ (0.131 MPa) and photopolymerized (0.136 MPa) resins after aging.ConclusionsAccelerated light aging for 546 hours affects the bond strength of an addition‐type silicone elastomer to three different denture resins. The bond strength significantly increased after aging for photo‐ and autopolymerized resins. All the bonds failed adhesively.
Effect of the Addition of Antimicrobial Agents on Shore A Hardness and Roughness of Soft Lining Materials
Authors: Urban Vanessa M. , Lima Thiago F. , Bueno Mirian G. , Giannini Marcelo , Arioli Filho João N. , de Almeida Ana Lúcia P. F. , Neppelenbroek Karin H. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeWhile the incorporation of antimicrobial agents into soft denture liners has been suggested as a reliable alternative treatment for denture stomatitis, it may affect the liner's properties. The effect of addition of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of denture stomatitis on the surface roughness and Shore A hardness of soft lining materials was evaluated.Materials and MethodsThe test groups comprised specimens (36 × 7 × 6 mm3) of soft materials (Softone and Trusoft) without (control) or with incorporation of drugs (nystatin, miconazole, ketoconazole, chlorhexidine diacetate, and itraconazole). Hardness (Shore A) and roughness (Ra) were evaluated after immersion of specimens (n = 10) in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours, 7 and 14 days. Data were analyzed by 3‐way ANOVA/Tukey's test (α = 0.05).ResultsAfter 14 days, an increase (p < 0.05) was observed in the hardness of soft materials with time for the modified specimens, except for itraconazole. Addition of drugs increased the Softone roughness only for the addition of miconazole and chlorhexidine (p < 0.05), and did not increase the roughness of Trusoft with time. Only chlorhexidine and itraconazole altered the roughness compared to the control for each material (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe smallest changes of hardness and roughness with time in the modified groups compared to controls were observed for itraconazole groups for both materials.
Identification and functional characterization of a sulfate transporter induced by both sulfur starvation and mycorrhiza formation in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Giovannetti Marco , Tolosano Matteo , Volpe Veronica , Kopriva Stanislav , Bonfante Paola 
Published: July 2014

Summary

Arbuscular mycorrhizas (AMs) are one of the most widespread symbioses in the world. They allow plants to receive mineral nutrients from the symbiotic fungus which in turn gets back up to 20% of plant carbon and completes its life cycle. Especially in low‐nutrient conditions, AM fungi are capable of significantly improving plant phosphate and nitrogen acquisition, but fewer data are available about sulfur (S) nutrition.

We focused on S metabolism in Lotus japonicus upon mycorrhizal colonization under sulfur starvation or repletion. We investigated both tissue sulfate concentrations and S‐related gene expression, at cell‐type or whole‐organ level.

Gene expression and sulfate tissue concentration showed that Rhizophagus irregularis colonization can improve plant S nutritional status under S starvation. A group 1 sulfate transporter, LjSultr1;2, induced by both S starvation and mycorrhiza formation, was identified. Its transcript was localized in arbuscule‐containing cells, which was confirmed with a promoter‐GUS assay, and its function was verified through phenotyping of TILLING mutants in nonmycorrhizal seedlings.

LjSultr1;2 thus appears to encode a key protein involved in plant sulfate uptake. In contrast to phosphate transporters, a single gene, LjSultr1;2, seems to mediate both direct and symbiotic pathways of S uptake in L. japonicus.
Parasitic scabies mites and associated bacteria joining forces against host complement defence
Authors: Swe P. M. , Reynolds S. L. , Fischer K. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryScabies is a ubiquitous and contagious skin disease caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei Epidemiological studies have identified scabies as a causative agent for secondary skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. This is an important notion, as such bacterial infections can lead to serious downstream life‐threatening complications. As the complement system is the first line of host defence that confronts invading pathogens, both the mite and bacteria produce a large array of molecules that inhibit the complement cascades. It is hypothesised that scabies mite complement inhibitors may play an important role in providing a favourable micro‐environment for the establishment of secondary bacterial infections. This review aims to bring together the current literature on complement inhibition by scabies mites and bacteria associated with scabies and to discuss the proposed molecular link between scabies and bacterial co‐infections.
Nationalist Reframing of theFinnish andSwedish Welfare States – The Nexus of Nationalism and Social Policy in Far‐right Populist Parties
Authors: Nordensvard Johan , Ketola Markus 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe rise of right‐wing populist parties in theNordic countries is slowly redefining theNordic social democratic discourse of the universal and egalitarian welfare state. The nexus of nationalism and social policy has been explored in regions and countries such asQuebec,Scotland,Belgium and theUK, but the change of discourse in theNordic countries has received less attention. Taking the case ofSweden andFinland, this article argues thatNordic populism does not question the redistributive welfare state per se as many otherEuropean neo‐liberal far‐right parties have done. Instead, it reframes the welfare state as being linked to a sovereign and exclusiveSwedish andFinnish political community with distinct national boundaries. AlthoughSweden andFinland largely share a common welfare nation state discourse, the article also points to important differences in the way this discourse is able to frame the welfare nation state where access to, and the design of, social services are no longer universal and egalitarian but based around ethnicity. The article aims to demonstrate this through an analysis of the welfare discourses of two populist parties:SwedenDemocrats andTrueFinns.
Associations Between Physical Activity Parenting Practices and Adolescent Girls’ Self-Perceptions and Physical Activity Intentions
Authors: Sebire Simon J. , Haase Anne M. , Montgomery Alan A. , McNeill Jade , Jago Russ 
Published: July 2014

Background:The current study investigated cross-sectional associations between maternal and paternal logistic and modeling physical activity support and the self-efficacy, self-esteem, and physical activity intentions of 11- to 12-year-old girls.Methods:210 girls reported perceptions of maternal and paternal logistic and modeling support and their self-efficacy, self-esteem and intention to be physically active. Data were analyzed using multivariable regression models.Results:Maternal logistic support was positively associated with participants’ self-esteem, physical activity self-efficacy, and intention to be active. Maternal modeling was positively associated with self-efficacy. Paternal modeling was positively associated with self-esteem and selfefficacy but there was no evidence that paternal logistic support was associated with the psychosocial variables.Conclusions:Activity-related parenting practices were associated with psychosocial correlates of physical activity among adolescent girls. Logistic support from mothers, rather than modeling support or paternal support may be a particularly important target when designing interventions aimed at preventing the age-related decline in physical activity among girls.
Associations Between Perceived Health Benefits and Barriers to Strength Training, and Stages of Change for Strength-Training Behavior Among Older Japanese Adults
Authors: Harada Kazuhiro , Shibata Ai , Lee Euna , Oka Koichiro , Nakamura Yoshio 
Published: July 2014

Background:Although several studies have examined associations of perceived benefits and barriers with physical activity, no studies have focused on them corresponding to strength-training recommendations for older adults. This study examined the associations among the perceived health benefits of strength training, perceived barriers to strength straining, and stages of change for strength-training behavior in older Japanese adults.Methods:This cross-sectional survey included a random sample of 1144 adults (60–74 years) from the city of Tokorozawa. Stage of change was the independent variable, with perceived health benefits (eg, strength training can reduce body pain) and perceived barriers (eg, facilities are needed for strength training) as dependent variables. Data were analyzed by analysis of covariance and Bonferroni’s multiple comparison.Results:After adjusting for demographic variables, the perceived health-benefit score for precontemplation was significantly lower than for the other four stages. The perceived barrier scores in the precontemplation and contemplation stages were significantly higher than those in the preparation and maintenance stages.Conclusions:These results suggest that information about the health benefits for older adults and about the recommended type of strength training might be useful for the development of strategies to promote strength training among older adults.
Psychosocial Determinants and Perceived Environmental Barriers as Mediators of the Effectiveness of a Web-Based Tailored Intervention Promoting Physical Activity in Adolescents: The HELENA Activ-O-Meter
Authors: Cook Tina Louisa , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Maes Lea , Haerens Leen , Grammatikaki Evangelia , Widhalm Kurt , Kwak Lydia , Plada Maria , Moreno Luis Alberto , Tountas Yannis , Zampelas Antonis , Manios Yannis , _ _ 
Published: July 2014

Background:The aim was to examine if psychosocial determinants (attitudes, self-efficacy, social support from a sports partner) and perceived environmental barriers (PEB) of physical activity (PA) mediated the effect of a 3-month Internet-based intervention on PA in European adolescents.Methods:A sample of 536 adolescents (51% boys) aged 12–17 years were randomly assigned to intervention or control condition. Questionnaires were used to assess different PA behaviors, psychosocial determinants and PEB at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. Mediating effects were assessed with the bootstrapping method.Results:PEB regarding neighborhood safety mediated the effect of the intervention on all PA indices. PEB regarding sports facilities availability at neighborhood and PEB regarding sport-related facilities availability at school mediated the effect of the intervention on moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and moderate PA (in leisure time and at school, respectively). Social support from a sports partner suppressed the effect of the intervention on vigorous PA and MVPA. No other factor had a mediation effect.Conclusions:All PEB measures appear to mediate PA behaviors of different intensities and in different contexts. Interventions promoting PA in adolescents should also focus on improving the targeted PEB as mediators of engagement in PA to bring the desired effects in actual behaviors.
Validity and Reliability of the Self-Reported Physical Fitness (SRFit) Survey
Authors: Keith NiCole R. , Clark Daniel O. , Stump Timothy E. , Miller Douglas K. , Callahan Christopher M. 
Published: July 2014

Background:An accurate physical fitness survey could be useful in research and clinical care.Purpose:To estimate the validity and reliability of a Self-Reported Fitness (SRFit) survey; an instrument that estimates muscular fitness, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, BMI, and body composition (BC) in adults ≥ 40 years of age.Methods:201 participants completed the SF-36 Physical Function Subscale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Older Adults’ Desire for Physical Competence Scale (Rejeski), the SRFit survey, and the Rikli and Jones Senior Fitness Test. BC, height and weight were measured. SRFit survey items described BC, BMI, and Senior Fitness Test movements. Correlations between the Senior Fitness Test and the SRFit survey assessed concurrent validity. Cronbach’s Alpha measured internal consistency within each SRFit domain. SRFit domain scores were compared with SF-36, IPAQ, and Rejeski survey scores to assess construct validity. Intraclass correlations evaluated test-retest reliability.Results:Correlations between SRFit and the Senior Fitness Test domains ranged from 0.35 to 0.79. Cronbach’s Alpha scores were .75 to .85. Correlations between SRFit and other survey scores were –0.23 to 0.72 and in the expected direction. Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.79 to 0.93. All P-values were 0.001.Conclusion:Initial evaluation supports the SRFit survey’s validity and reliability.
Recent Physical Activity in Relation to DNA Damage and Repair Using the Comet Assay
Authors: Cash Stephanie Whisnant , Beresford Shirley A.A. , Vaughan Thomas L. , Heagerty Patrick J. , Bernstein Leslie , White Emily , Neuhouser Marian L. 
Published: July 2014

Background:Limited evidence suggests that very high-intensity exercise is positively associated with DNA damage but moderate exercise may be associated with DNA repair.Methods:Participants were 220 healthy, Washington State 50- to 76-year-olds in the validity/biomarker substudy of the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) cohort, who provided blood samples and completed questionnaires assessing recent physical activity and demographic and health factors. Measures included nested activity subsets: total activity, moderate- plus high-intensity activity, and high-intensity activity. DNA damage (n = 122) and repair (n = 99) were measured using the comet assay. Multivariate linear regression was used to estimate regression coefficients and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for relationships between MET-hours per week of activity and each DNA outcome (damage, and 15- and 60-minute repair capacities).Results:DNA damage was not associated with any measure of activity. However, 60-minute DNA repair was positively associated with both total activity (β = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.0057–0.412; P = .044) and high-intensity activity (β = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.20–0.60; P = .036), adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and current multivitamin use.Conclusions:This study is the first to assess broad ranges of activity intensity levels related to DNA damage and repair. Physical activity was unrelated to DNA damage but was associated with increased repair.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Manila Sublineage Results in Less Clustering and Better Resolution than Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive-Unit–Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat (MIRU-VNTR) Typing and Spoligotyping
Authors: Jamieson F. B. , Teatero S. , Guthrie J. L. , Neemuchwala A. , Fittipaldi N. , Mehaffy C. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates of the Manila sublineage are genetically homogeneous. In this study, we used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to type a collection of 36
M. tuberculosis
isolates of the Manila family. WGS enabled the subtyping of these 36 isolates into at least 10 distinct clusters. Our results indicate that WGS is a powerful approach to determining the relatedness of Manila family
M. tuberculosis
isolates.