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About 15% of couples wishing to have children are infertile; approximately half these cases involve a male factor. Polo-like kinase 4 ( PLK-4) is a member of the polo protein family and a key regulator of centriole duplication. Male mice with a point mutation in the Plk4 gene show azoospermia associated with germ cell loss. Mutational analysis of 81 patients with azoospermia and Sertoli cell-only syndrome ( SCOS) identified one man with a heterozygous 13-bp deletion in the Ser/Thr kinase domain of PLK4. Division of centrioles occurred in wild-type PLK4-transfected cells, but was hampered in PLK-4-mutant transfectants, which also showed abnormal nuclei. Thus, this PLK4 mutation might be a cause of human SCOS and nonobstructive azoospermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the perspectives of dental students towards their career choice and dental education in Japan and Sweden. One hundred and fourteen dental students from the Nippon Dental University, Japan and 43 dental students from the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden participated in this study. Information was derived from a self-answered questionnaire consisting of five items for career choice and six items for dental education. Chi-square test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for comparison. Significant differences were detected for 10 questionnaire items between the two countries. Regarding motivation towards the career choice, 44% of Swedish students indicated interpersonal motives related to helping other people, whereas 32% of Japanese students indicated expectations of their family in the dental profession. As future career options, 64% of Japanese and 47% of Swedish students planned to work as general dentists. More Swedish students (37%) preferred specialisation than Japanese students (17%). Nearly three-quarters of the Swedish students were satisfied with the teaching faculty of their school, whilst only 32% of the Japanese students indicated content. The perspectives of dental students were different in Japan and Sweden. This study provides a description of the perspectives of Japanese and Swedish dental students and enables better understanding of career decision and dental curriculum issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogeography of Oecophylla smaragdina was studied using the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (Cytb), cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), and nuclear long-wavelength opsin gene (LW Rh). Weaver ants were collected from 35 localities and from one to nine colonies per locality. Neighbor-joining trees inferred from 647 bp of Cytb and 1,026 bp of COI using Oecophylla longinoda as an outgroup indicated that the haplotypes of O. smaragdina were clearly separated into seven groups: group 1 of India excluding West Bengal; group 2 of Bengal, Indochinese Peninsula, Malay Peninsula and Greater Sunda Islands, including Lombok and Sumbawa; group 3 of the Philippines; group 4 of Flores; group 5 of Sulawesi; group 6 of Halmahera; and group 7 of New Guinea and Australia. This grouping was also supported by a strict consensus tree derived from maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood trees. In addition, two haplotypes of LW Rh were found in O. smaragdina: one in group 2 and another in all the other groups. Comparison to haplotypes in other hymenopteran species suggests that group 2 is younger than other groups of O. smaragdina. The clustering of the seven groups was coincident with geological evidence of the distribution of continents, islands, and seas during glacial periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

summary The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between clenching strength and occlusal force distribution in primary dentition. Twenty healthy children with normal occlusions: 11 boys and 9 girls, ages 3·2–5·8 years (avg. 4·5 years) were selected. Setting the bilateral masseter muscular activity at maximum clenching in full intercuspation as 100%, the occluding forces at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% clenching were recorded with pressure-sensitive sheets (Dental Prescale 50H, type R, Fuji Photo Film Co.), and the force of each primary tooth was analysed by computer (Occluzer FPD703). Occlusal force distribution was expressed as a percentage of the total occlusal force of each tooth and was compared between each clenching. There were no significant differences between various clenching strengths in the occlusal force distribution in primary dentition [one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (anova)]. Thus, the results of the present study suggest that the distribution of occluding forces on a primary dental arch had its own pattern and that the clenching strength had no effect on that pattern. These patterns may be useful in determining occlusal function in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debate exists over whether CD7 expression indicates an unfavourable prognosis in de novo acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Meanwhile, the type of cytogenetics is a strong prognostic factor in AML. We analysed 256 de novo adult AML cases and found that the proportion of CD7+ cases increased stepwise from the cases with favourable cytogenetics to the cases with intermediate and unfavourable cytogenetics (3 out of 69 cases, 51 out of 140 cases and 25 out of 47 cases respectively, P < 0·0001). CD7-positivity adversely affected the survival only in the cases with unfavourable cytogenetics (P < 0·03). We recommend that CD7 expression in AML be interpreted in association with the cytogenetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the centre and magnitude of a vertical component of occlusal forces In complete denture wearers during several activities using a newly developed method. A lower complete denture was divided into upper and lower parts parallel to the occlusal plane. They were connected by four force transducers which were embedded In the first premolar and the second molar portions on both sides of the denture base. Forces were recorded during tapping, chewing peanuts and raisins, and clenching. The centre and the magnitude of the forces were calculated from forces recorded by the four transducers. The maximum error of the centre was 1 mm, and the maximum error of the magnitude was 4%. The centre was observed between a first molar and the middle of the edentulous dental arch. Maximal mean value of the forces during chewing was 65· 110N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine longitudinal changes of the occlusal force distribution in lower distal-extension removable partial dentures with the conus crown telescopic system. Occlusal force applied to the denture and forces transmitted to the retainers were measured on several separate occasions from the insertion of new dentures to about 3 months after. The occlusal force distribution ratio to the retainers was calculated when a load of 20 N was applied to the denture. The results are summarized as follows: (i) The more posterior the loading point of occlusal force, the smaller was the ratio. When the occlusal force was applied to the most anterior artificial tooth, the ratio was 65-100% of the occlusal force. (ii) As the denture wearing time proceeded, the ratio was decreased. The smaller the ratio, the greater was the rate of its decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to make a longitudinal analysis of torque transmitted to a direct abutment tooth of a lower distal-extension removable partial dentures constructed with the conus crown telescopic system. Torque around the vertical and lateral axes of the tooth were measured during chewing of food at the time of insertion of the new dentures to about three months after. The maximal mean value of torque (Max.MT) was calculated from the peak level of all chewing strokes at the minimum of the interocclusal distance. The integration values of torque (I) and time (T) from initiation of chewing to swallowing were obtained, then the average value of torque (Ave.T) was calculated (Ave.T = I/T). The results are summarized as follows: (a) There were no remarkable changes of Max.MT around the both axes; (b) Max.MT around the lateral axis was 7-47 × 10-3 kgm (mean: 25 × 10-3 kgm) (1 kgm = 9.8 Nm) in the downward direction and Ave.T around the lateral axis was 6-14 × 10-3 kgm ss-1 (mean: 10 × 10-3 kgm ss-1) in the downward direction; (c) There were marked differences of Max.MT and Ave.T around the vertical axis between subjects. Max.MT around the vertical axis was less than 24 × 10-3 kgm and Ave.T around the vertical axis was less than 6 × 10-3 kgm ss-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal changes of torque around the sagittal axis in lower distal-extension removable partial dentures. The torque transmitted from the denture base to retainers was measured on several separate occasions from the insertion of new dentures to about 2 months after it. The maximal mean value of torque (Max.MT) was calculated from the magnitude of all chewing strokes of the minimum of the interocclusal distance. The integration values of torque (I) and time (T) from initiation of chewing to swallowing were obtained and then the average value of torque (Ave.T) was calculated (Ave.T = l/T). Subjects could be divided into two groups. Max.MT and Ave.T were almost constant in one group while they were remarkably decreased in another. After 1 month of insertion of new dentures the value of both groups was within the range of less than 3 × 10-3 kgm (1 kgm = 9.8 Nm) of Max.MT and less than 1 × 10-3 kgm ss-1 of Ave.T. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to perform longitudinal measurement of forces transmitted from the denture base to retainers of lower distal-extension removable partial dentures with a conus crown telescopic system. The experimental denture was embedded with a force-detecting unit which could detect a change in lateral and vertical forces transmitted from denture base to retainers at the same time. Forces were measured during chewing of food on several separate occasions from the insertion of new dentures to about 3 months after. Max.ver (maximal mean value of vertical force) and Max.lat (maximal mean value of lateral force) were calculated from the peak level of all strokes of chewing of food at the minimum of the interocclusal distance. The results are summarized as follows: (i) There were no significant changes of Max.ver and Max.lat; (ii) There were no significant differences of Max.ver between subjects the value of which was about 20 N; (iii) There were significant differences of Max.lat between subjects the value of which was less than 15 N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, longitudinal changes of the occlusal force distribution ratio were examined in lower distal extension removable partial dentures with cast circumferential clasps. Occlusal force applied to the denture base and forces transmitted to the retainers were measured on several separate occasions from the insertion of new dentures to about 4 months after. Two rates of loading were chosen. One was simulated mastication (fast loading rate) and the other was 10 Ns-1 (slow loading rate). Location of the loading points were first premolar (P1), second premolar (P2) and first molar (P3) of the denture. The occlusal force distribution ratio to the retainers was calculated when a load of 20N was applied to the loading point. The results are summarized as follows: (1) The occlusal force distribution ratio at fast loading rate on P1 and P2 was changed until 1 or 1 1/2 months after the insertion of the new dentures, and then became constant. This constant value was 30% on P1, 20% on P2 and 10% on P3. (2) Slow loading rate produced a greater ratio than the fast loading rate on P2 and P3 while there were no remarkable differences in the ratio between both loading rates on P1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not only forces but also torque exerted on abutment teeth are important factors for planning the construction of distal extension removable partial dentures. The purpose of this study was to make longitudinal analysis of torque transmitted from denture base to a direct abutment tooth of these dentures with circumferential clasps. The results are summarized as follows: (i) Vertical Max MT (maximal mean value of torque) was decreased and became constant after one or one and half months of the insertion of new dentures. (ii) Lateral Max. MT in one subject was changed from the lingual direction to the buccal direction while in another subject it was constant. (iii) In the vertical direction, there were no remarkable differences of Max. MT and Ave. T (average value of torque) between subjects. Max. MT was 5-10 × 10-3 kgm-1 in the downward. Ave. T was 2-3 × 10-3 kgm ss-1 in the downward and 0.3 × 10-3 kgm ss-1 in the upward. (iv) In the lateral direction, there were considerable differences of Max. MT and Ave. T between subjects. Max. MT was less than 20 × 10-3 kgm. Ave. MT was 2-8 × 10-3 kgm ss-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to make a longitudinal analysis of the forces transmitted from denture base to retainers of lower free-end saddle dentures with Aker's clasps using a newly developed transducer. The experimental apparatus consisted of two components, a metal framework and a denture base embedded with a force-detecting unit. This device was the transducer, which could detect changes in lateral and vertical forces transmitted from denture base to retainers at the same time. Forces were measured on several separate occasions from the insertion of new dentures to about 4 months afterwards. The result are summarized as follows: (i) the maximal mean value of vertical forces transmitted from denture base to retainers was decreased after 1 week of insertion of new dentures, then increased and reached a constant level (about 10N) 4-6 weeks after the insertion of new dentures; (ii) there were large differences in the maximal mean value of lateral forces between subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A space between the denture base and a root cap can effectively control the distribution ratio of occlusal force to abutment teeth and an alveolar ridge. The purpose of this study on abutments was to analyse the effect of variation in space (0 mm (no space), 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm) on the above ratio. Six subjects, 38-65 years of age, each with an edentulous maxilla and several teeth remaining in the mandible, were selected for this experiment. The lower experimental denture had embedded a transducer which could detect a change in the vertical force applied to the experimental tooth. This transducer was capable of changing the vertical space between a denture base and an experimental tooth. Each subject was asked to increase the occlusal force applied to the denture from zero to the maximum loading rate of 5 kgf s-1. The occlusal force and the force exerted on the experimental tooth were recorded in each space 1 month after insertion of new dentures. The following results were obtained: (i) when the occlusal force was applied to the artificial tooth just above the abutment tooth, the mean ratio in the 0 mm space was 60% of the force applied to the denture, the ratio in the 0.3 mm space was 50%, and the ratio in the 0.6 mm space was 30%; (ii) if the occlusal force was applied to the point 10 mm distant from the point just above the experimental tooth, the magnitude of the ratio was decreased by 60-80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The avoidance of lateral forces on overdenture retainers is essential to prevent pathological change in the supporting tissues of the root abutment. In this study, the influence of spacer thickness on the vertical and lateral forces exerted on overdenture abutments was examined clinically. Two subjects with an edentulous maxilla, two canines and a left first premolar remaining in the mandible were selected for the experiment. The anchor type attachment was embedded in the left canine portion of the denture base. The transducer used for the previous study (Ogata et al., 1990), was embedded in this left canine portion. The transducer could detect the magnitude and direction of lateral forces exerted on an abutment tooth parallel to the Camper's plane. The other transducer was embedded in the left first mandibular premolar area, and could detect vertical forces exerted on the abutment tooth perpendicular to the Camper's plane. Furthermore, the transducer could change the space between a denture base and an abutment tooth to 1.5 mm, 0.6 mm or 0.3 mm. Therefore measurements could be made in the same way as if three experimental dentures had been used with a different thickness spacer. Recordings of forces were taken during food chewing, using each spacer on the day of denture insertion and twice at intervals of 1-2 weeks thereafter. The results demonstrated that as spacer thickness decreased, the magnitude of the lateral forces decreased, while the magnitude of the vertical forces increased. These findings suggest that a large part of the lateral component of forces exerted on an abutment tooth could be converted into a vertical component by using a thinner spacer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyse the magnitude and direction of lateral forces exerted on the abutment tooth of a complete mandibular overdenture A newly developed transducer was used for measuring forces It was small enough to be embedded in the lower denture base, and could detect the magnitude and direction of forces. Five subjects. 38 to 77 years of age, with an edentulous maxilla and one of two canines remaining in the mandible were selected fot this experiment. An upper complete denture and a lower complete overdenture with only one abutment tooth were fabricated for each subject. Forces excited on tile abutment tooth were measured during tapping and chewing of kamaboko (a Japanese cooked fish paste with soft consistency) and also peanuts, a few days and about 20 days alter the denture insertion. The following results were obtained (i) the average magnitude ot lateral forces ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 kgf, and there were significant differences of the mean value between subjects. (ii) lateral forces were mainly observed on an imaginary line drawn through the experimental tooth (lower canine) and the opposite retromolar pad. There were no significant differences between the first and the second measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duct-ligated submandibular and sublingual glands of rats were evaluated immunohistochemically for changes in keratin (MoAb 1164), actin, S-100 protein and rat-EGF (rEGF). Normal salivary glands were reactive for keratin, S-100 protein and rEGF in the granular convoluted tubule (GCT) and duct cells, and for actin in the myoepithelium. Submandibular glands showed a marked reduction of S-100 protein and rEGF staining following duct ligation, and no increased staining of proliferating epithelial cells of the late stage in duct ligated glands. Sublingual glands revealed no marked changes for actin staining in myoepithelial cells, irrespective of atrophic changes occurring in acinar and duct cells after duct ligation. Immunohistochemical patterns differed for each type of gland; changes associated with the obstructive lesion were more prominent in the submandibular gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have made a detailed investigation to determine which of the B-cell subsets could be stimulated by Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1 bacterium (SpA CoI). B-cell subsets were separated from peripheral blood and tonsil lymphocytes by means of rosette formation with E, EAIgG, anti-immunoglobulin (Ig) conjugated ox erythrocytes (OE-anti-Ig), and Protein A conjugated OE (OE-Pro A) or by separation on a bovine serum albumin (BSA) discontinuous density gradient. The cells responding to SpA Col included E receptor negative (E-), C3 receptor positive (C3R+), and surface Ig positive (SIg+) B-cell subsets. Among these B-cell subsets, FcR- cells were more responsive than FcR+ cells. These B-cell subsets responded alone to SpA CoI and significantly proliferated, although they failed to respond alone to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) and Protein A of S. aureus (Protein A). Among the SIg+ B-cell subsets stimulated with SpA CoI, IgM+ and IgG+ B cells showed a marked response and IgA+, and IgD+ B cells showed much less response. Both Protein A receptor positive (Pro A · R+) and negative (Pro A · R-) cells responded well to SpA CoI. Fractionation of B cells on a BSA gradient revealed that comparatively small sized and denser B-cell subsets responded well to SpA CoI. From these criteria, it is suggested that B cells responding to SpA Col are capable of stimulating not only mature B cells, but can also stimulate immature B cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra in soft X-ray region were utilized for the characterization of Zn1- xMg x O films. Zn L -edge XANES spectra of Zn1- xMg x O films changed as increasing Mg composition x, suggesting that local structure of the Zn atom in ZnO was influenced by the alloying with MgO. Mg K -edge XANES spectra of Zn1- xMg x O films did not show any dependence on growth methods, but was different from that of MgO bulk, showing 4-fold symmetry of Mg atoms. Similarly, O- K edge XANES spectrum in Zn1- xMg x O film showed 4-fold symmetry of O atoms, and depicted a slight difference from that of ZnO, probably due to the contribution of 6-fold Mg-O bond formation. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO nanorods were grown on paper substrates using aqueous solution at 95 °C by microwave heating. Although no direct growth on paper substrates was observed, surface coating with ZnMgO and Au layers enabled ZnO nanorod growth on paper substrates with rough surface structures of cellulose. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements showed a weak diffraction peak from c-axis oriented ZnO nanorods associated with tilted ones, which is related with not only rough surface structure of cellulose but also the poor properties of coated layers. In cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra, stronger bandedge emission was observed in ZnO nanorods on ZnMgO/paper in comparison of that on Au/paper substrates. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel causative variant (c. 464T>C, p.Leu155Pro) in the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (HNRNPK) gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teleconnections between lower and higher latitude regions are widely known in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. To broaden our view of these teleconnections, we searched a reanalysis data set for evidence of a teleconnection between the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO), two widely separated circumpolar phenomena. Statistical analysis of the Japanese 55‐year reanalysis data set showed significant in‐phase synchronization between the AO and AAO, particularly in October and February, with a vertical structure extending from the troposphere to the stratosphere. This vertical structure may suggest a stratospheric control, and we did not find a significant signature indicating a tropical ocean control. We also observed decadal‐scale modulation of the synchronicity. Observational evidence implies that the stratospheric meridional circulation may be responsible for AO‐AAO synchronization. Plain Language Summary: The Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) are dominant atmospheric variability patterns in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, respectively. Each is a pressure seesaw between the pole and the midlatitudes that remotely affects weather, climate, and environment around the world. We showed interhemispheric in‐phase synchronization between the AO and AAO in October and February, and we also found decadal‐scale variation of the synchronicity. Because the vertical structure of the AO‐AAO synchronization extends from the troposphere to the stratosphere, stratospheric variations may be responsible for the synchronization. This finding of AO‐AAO synchronization points the way to a better understanding of past, present, and future pole‐to‐pole climatic relationships and improvements in long‐term weather forecasts. Key Points: In‐phase synchronicity between the Arctic and Antarctic Oscillations was found in February and OctoberTropical ocean variations such as El Niño‐Southern Oscillation seem to be of little or no importance to this synchronicityThe stratospheric meridional circulation may be a key factor leading to synchronization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of severe alcoholic hepatitis is poor, and there is no established method for a cure. METHODS: A 34-year-old man was admitted to Kurume University Hospital because of severe liver dysfunction due to excess alcohol intake. He was treated with prednisolone and two sessions of granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis (GCAP) using an Adacolumn, which removes leukocytes--especially granulocytes and monocytes--from the peripheral blood. We evaluated the changes in the serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, as well as the conventional liver tests and peripheral white blood cell count. RESULTS: Prednisolone was effective in the short term but resulted in an increase in C-reactive protein (CRP), peripheral leukocytes, and serum total bilirubin. GCAP performed on the 34th and 41st hospital days produced decreases in the white blood cell count, total bilirubin, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. The patient survived, despite the expected poor prognosis on admission. CONCLUSIONS: GCAP is recommended as a potential therapeutic option for severe alcoholic hepatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]