bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat differentiation between sei (Balaenoptera borealis) and Bryde's whales (B. brydei) in the western North Pacific
Authors: Sasaki Hiroko , Murase Hiroto , Kiwada Hiroshi , Matsuoka Koji , Mitani Yoko , Saitoh Sei‐ichi
Published: July 2013

Two closely related baleen whale species, sei and Bryde's whales, in the western North Pacific were studied to identify differences in habitat use. Data were obtained from May to August 2004 and 2005. This study examined the relationship between oceanographic features derived from satellite data and the distribution of sei and Bryde's whales using basic statistics. We investigated oceanographic features including sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface chlorophyll a (Chl‐a), sea surface height anomalies (SSHAs), and depth of the habitat. These two whale species used habitats with different SST, Chl‐a, and SSHA ranges. The 0.25 mg m−3 Chl‐a contour (similar to the definition of the Transition Zone Chlorophyll Front) was a good indicator that separated the habitats of sei and Bryde's whales. Then generalized linear models were used to model the probabilities that the whale species would be present in a habitat and to estimate their habitat distribution throughout the study area as a function of environmental variables. The potential habitats of the two species were clearly divided, and the boundary moved north with seasonal progression. The habitat partitioning results indicated that SST contributed to the patterns of habitat‐use and might reflect differences in prey species between the two whales. This study showed that the habitats of the sei and Bryde's whales were clearly divided and their potential habitat‐use changed seasonally.
Interannual and spatial variation in the population genetic composition of young‐of‐the‐year Pacific ocean perch (Sebastes alutus) in the Gulf of Alaska
Authors: Kamin Lisa M. , Palof Katie J. , Heifetz Jonathan , Gharrett Anthony J.
Published: July 2013

Little is known about the population structure of Alaskan rockfishes, including Pacific ocean perch (POP, Sebastes alutus), and how persistent and variable oceanographic features may influence their structures. Moreover, early life history information is sparse for many species. We used data from 14 microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic structure of young‐of‐the‐year Pacific ocean perch collected during 1998–2003 from the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea. Broad‐scale geographic variation in genetic structure of the young‐of‐the‐year (FST = 0.005, P < 10−4) had similarities to that observed in a previous adult study. The overall correlation between genetic and geographic distance (isolation by distance) was nearly identical to that observed in the adults. Fine‐scale geographic divergence was also observed and may be the result of oceanographic circulation features within the Gulf of Alaska. Interannual variation (between cohorts) at locations sampled in more than one year is consistent with variable oceanography and fine‐scale population structure rather than the influence of a sweepstakes effect. The similarities of the young‐of‐the‐year with the adults and the pattern of genetic divergence confirm that dispersal of Pacific ocean perch is limited in all life stages.
Urban Markets in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ikioda Faith Ossy
Published: July 2013

An emerging body of work on farmers markets and other traditional retail markets has recently come into focus among scholars concerned with the study of contemporary retailing and consumption practices. Marketplaces in Euro‐American contexts are currently promoted as essential elements of urban renaissance, promoting local food movements, tourism and economic regeneration and encouraging face‐to‐face interactions among increasingly diverse ethnic groups in towns and cities. At the same time, the study of marketplaces which has long been of interest to scholars working in the global south is primarily portrayed through a lens of developmentalism as archaic and embroiled in a narrative about the poverty of traders and urban informality, thus limiting the latter's contributions to the critical retailing and consumption literature. This paper explores the case of marketplaces in Lagos, Nigeria, to comments on the challenges and possibilities for making meaningful comparative research that connect marketplaces across the global north–south divide.
Boiling as a mechanism for colour zonations observed at the Byrud emerald deposit, Eidsvoll, Norway: fluid inclusion, stable isotope and Ar–Ar studies
Authors: Loughrey L. , Marshall D. , Ihlen P. , Jones P.
Published: July 2013

The Byrud emerald deposit comprises pegmatite veins hosted within Cambrian black shales and Late Carboniferous quartz syenite sills intruded by a Permo‐Triassic riebeckite granite. The emerald deposit genesis is consistent with a typical granite‐related emerald vein system derived from dominantly magmatic fluids with minor contributions from metamorphic source(s). Muscovite from an emerald‐bearing pegmatite at Byrud yielded an excellent Ar–Ar plateau age of 233.4 ± 2.0 Ma. Emerald display colour zonation alternating between emerald and beryl. Two dominant fluid inclusions types are identified as follows: two‐phase (vapour+liquid) and three‐phase (brine+vapour+halite) fluid inclusions and these are interpreted to represent conjugate fluids of a boiling system. The emerald was precipitated from these saline fluids with approximate overall salinities on the order of 31 mass per cent NaCl equivalent. Raman analyses indicate molar gas fractions for CO2, N2, CH4 and H2S are approximately 0.8974, 0.0261, 0.0354 and 0.0410, respectively. Formational temperatures and pressures of approximately 160–385°C and below 1000 bars were derived from fluid inclusion data and lithostatic pressure estimates from fluid inclusion studies within the Oslo rift. The colour zonation observed in the Byrud emerald crystals is related to alternating emerald and beryl precipitation in the liquid and vapour portions, respectively, of a two‐phase (boiling) system.
Pleiotropic effects of acyltransferases on various virulence‐related phenotypes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Yeom Doo Hwan , Kim Soo‐Kyoung , Lee Mi‐Nan , Lee Joon‐Hee
Published: July 2013

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen causing various infections, expresses various virulence factors under the control of quorum sensing (QS), a cell density–sensing mechanism. Because the major signal molecules of QS are acyl homoserine lactones (acyl‐HSLs), acyltransferases, the enzymes that act upon acyl group transfer could affect the QS signaling and QS‐related virulence phenotypes. In this study, we overexpressed acyltransferases of P. aeruginosa and screened them for the activity influencing the QS and QS‐related virulence phenotypes. Among seven acyltransferases tested in this study, two acyltransferases, PA3984 (apolipoprotein N‐acyltransferase) and PA2537 (putative acyltransferase), significantly affected both growth of P. aeruginosa and the activity of LasR, a major QS regulator, when overexpressed. These acyltransferases also reduced virulence and swarming motility of P. aeruginosa. The other acyltransferase, PA3646 (UDP‐3‐O‐[3‐hydroxylauroyl] glucosamine N‐acyltransferase), reduced the LasR activity, swarming motility, protease production and virulence without any influence on growth. These effects by PA3646 over‐expression were caused by less production of QS signal. PA3644 (UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine acyltransferase) enhanced biofilm formation and swarming motility with no effect on the growth and QS activity. These results suggest that acyltransferases may be an important factor regulating the cellular activity about virulence‐related phenotypes.
Nucleolar scaffold protein, WDR46, determines the granular compartmental localization of nucleolin and DDX21
Authors: Hirai Yuya , Louvet Emilie , Oda Toshiyuki , Kumeta Masahiro , Watanabe Yuzo , Horigome Tsuneyoshi , Takeyasu Kunio
Published: July 2013

The nuclear scaffold is an insoluble nuclear structure that contributes to the inner nuclear organization. In this study, we showed that one of the nuclear scaffold proteins, WDR46, plays a role as a fundamental scaffold component of the nucleolar structure. WDR46 is a highly insoluble nucleolar protein, and its subcellular localization is dependent on neither DNA nor RNA. The N‐ and C‐terminal regions of WDR46 are predicted to be intrinsically disordered, and both regions are critical for the nucleolar localization of WDR46 and the association with its binding partners. When WDR46 was knocked down, two of its binding partners, nucleolin and DDX21 (involved in 18S rRNA processing), were mislocalized from the granular component to the edges of the nucleoli, whereas other binding partners, NOP2 and EBP2 (involved in 28S rRNA processing), were not affected. This is because the proper recruitment of nucleolin and DDX21 to the nucleoli in daughter cells after cell division is ensured by WDR46. These findings suggest a structural role for WDR46 in organizing the 18S ribosomal RNA processing machinery. This role of WDR46 is enabled by its interaction property via intrinsically disordered regions.
The effect of a discrimination task on L2 learners' recall of collocations and compounds
Authors: Boers Frank , Eyckmans June , Lindstromberg Seth
Published: July 2013

This paper reports an experiment in which 24 two‐word phrases (collocations and compounds) were dictated to 38 adultEFLstudents who were then asked to discriminate between ones which manifest consonant repetition across the two words (e.g.privateproperty;importantpoint,) and ones which do not (e.g.private collection;important thing). The students' ability to recall the phrases was subsequently gauged in unannounced tests. Phrases that were judged by the students to meet the criterion (i.e. +consonant repetition) were significantly better recalled in the post‐test regardless of whether their judgement was correct. The finding that a discrimination activity results in superior recall of items that are thought to display a stipulated trait over those that do not is relevant for the experimental study of memory and can be exploited in second language instruction.
Identifying wound prevalence using the Mobile Wound Care program
Authors: Walker Judi , Cullen Marianne , Chambers Helen , Mitchell Eleanor , Steers Nicole , Khalil Hanan
Published: July 2013

Measuring the prevalence of wounds within health care systems is a challenging and complex undertaking. This is often compounded by the clinicians' training, the availability of the required data to collect, incomplete documentation and lack of reporting of this type of data across the various health care settings. To date, there is little published data on wound prevalence across regions or states. This study aims to identify the number and types of wounds treated in the Gippsland area using the Mobile Wound Care (MWC™) program. The MWC program has enabled clinicians in Gippsland to collect data on wounds managed by district nurses from four health services. The main outcomes measured were patient characteristics, wound characteristics and treatment characteristics of wounds in Gippsland. These data create several clinical and research opportunities. The identification of predominant wound aetiologies in Gippsland provides a basis on which to determine a regional wound prospective and the impact of the regional epidemiology. Training that incorporates best practice guidelines can be tailored to the most prevalent wound types. Clinical pathways that encompass the Australian and New Zealand clinical practice guidelines for the management of venous leg ulcers can be introduced and the clinical and economical outcomes can be quantitatively measured. The MWC allows healing times (days) to be benchmarked both regionally and against established literature, for example, venous leg ulcers.
Technology‐based dietary assessment: development of the Synchronised Nutrition and Activity Program (SNAP™)
Authors: Moore H. J. , Hillier F. C. , Batterham A. M. , Ells L. J. , Summerbell C. D.
Published: July 2013

Background

Accurate, reliable and feasible methods of dietary intake and physical activity assessment are required to improve our understanding of the associations between energy balance‐related behaviours and health.

Methods

The Synchronised Nutrition and Activity Program (SNAP™) was developed to enhance recall in children by integrating new and established methods of dietary intake and physical activity recall. A list of commonly consumed foods (n = 40), drinks (n = 9) and physical activities (n = 29) was used in SNAP™. All foods and drinks were analysed by count (i.e. the number of times a particular food was selected), as a proxy indicator of dietary behaviours. All reported physical activities were assigned an intensity code [in metabolic equivalents (METs)] to determine minutes of moderate–vigorous activity (MVPA; ≥3 METs).

Results

Most participants completed a whole day's recall (both dietary intake and physical activities) in less than 25 min. SNAP™ was compared against 24‐h multiple pass questionnaire and accelerometry in 121 children (aged 7–15 years old). For dietary variables, the accuracy of SNAP™ (mean difference) was within ±1 count for the majority of food groups. The proportion of the sample with a between‐method agreement within ±1 count ranged from 0.40 to 0.99. For MVPA, there was no substantial fixed or proportional bias, with a mean difference between methods (SNAP™ – accelerometry) of −9 min of MVPA. Qualitatively, participants have indicated that they find SNAP™ easy and fun to use.

Conclusions

SNAP™ was developed to be a simple, quick and engaging method of assessing energy balance‐related behaviours at a group or population level and succeeded because it can collect a whole day's recall (dietary intake and physical activities) in less than 25 min to a reasonable and acceptable degree of accuracy.
Position of the teeth on the edentulous atrophic maxilla
Authors: LASSILA L. V. J. , KLEMETTI E. , LASSILA V. P.
Published: July 2013

SUMMARY For prosthetic treatment of strongly atrophic alveolar wall, some biometric methods have been developed. The measurements taken from plaster cast models of 230 edentulous, average 29·9 years, and 125 dentulous post‐menopausal women were correlated. In the edentulous maxilla the sagittal position of canine teeth can be determined by the oral edge of incisive papilla. The transverse position of canine teeth was on the outer edge of the alveolar wall because of the extensive loss of buccal alveolar bone. On the incisor area the facial surfaces of the central incisors were determined by the oral edge of incisive papilla and the distance was about twice the length of the papilla. The sagittal position of the first premolars was one‐third and the first molars two‐thirds the length of the palate from the plane of the labial edge of incisive papilla. The transverse position of the premolars and molars was determined by the scarline, which is a cord‐like elevation or track on the alveolar mucosa after extractions of the teeth. According to the comparative method, the position of the scar‐line differed from the lingual gingival margin line and was situated about half breadth of the tooth in a buccal direction from it. The transverse position of premolar and molar in the edentulous maxilla is about the middle of the scar‐line in a facio‐buccal direction. In the setting of the artificial teeth, the facial surfaces of these teeth should be on average 5·0–6·0 mm sideways from the scar‐line, whilst the total bilateral breadth of the alveolar wall in the sulcus area was on average 1·0–2·0 mm larger.
Application of principal component analysis to the elucidation of perioral soft tissue movements during mastication
Authors: SAKAGUCHI K. , KAWASAKI T. , KAWASHIMA T. , TODA M. , NAKAGAWA T. , YAMADA T. , ARAKI O.
Published: July 2013

SUMMARY We considered that elucidation of the movements of perioral soft tissue during mastication would be useful in evaluating masticatory movements. However, the evaluation of these movements is difficult because multivariable analysis is needed. In this study, we considered whether principal component analysis (PCA), a form of the multivariate analysis, can reduce the number of degrees of freedom (d.f.) of perioral skin movements (i.e. the time‐series data with 45 d.f.). The subjects were 15 healthy persons with complete natural dentition. The chosen experimental food for this study was sufficiently softened chewing gum. Over 95% of the perioral soft tissue movements of healthy subjects with complete natural dentition during mastication could be expressed by PCA using the first three principal components (PCs). Therefore, perioral soft tissue movements in these subjects during mastication were considered to be spatially smooth. Moreover, time analysis of these movements was made possible by the application of proportion diagrams. The results of this study showed that the spatiostructural and temporal analyses of the movements of perioral soft tissue during mastication made possible by the application of PCA.
A Two‐Decade Watershed Approach to Stream Restoration Log Jam Design and Stream Recovery Monitoring: Finney Creek, Washington
Authors: Nichols Roger A. , Ketcheson Gary L.
Published: July 2013

A federal, state, and private partnership leveraged resources and employed a long‐term, systematic approach to improve aquatic habitat degraded by decades of intensive forest management in Finney Creek, a tributary to the Skagit River of Northwest Washington State. After more than a decade of work to reduce sediment sources and the risk of landslides within the watershed, log jam installation commenced in 1999 and progressed downstream through 2010. Log jam design was adapted as experience was gained. A total of 181 log jams, including 60 floating log ballasted jams, were constructed along 12 km of channel. The goal was to alter hydraulic processes that affect aquatic habitat formation along 39 km of stream with emphasis on 18.5 km of lower Finney Creek. Aquatic habitat surveys over a five‐year period show an increase in the area of large pools and an accompanying increase in residual and maximum pool depth in the lower river reach. Channel cross sections show a generally deeper channel at the log jams, better channel definition in the gravel deposits at the head of the log jams, and improved riffle and thalweg development below the log jams. Stream temperature in the upper river decreased by 1.0°F in the first three years, and 1.1°F in the lowest treated reach over nine years. There is a trend of less stream heating over the restoration time period. Photo points show that riparian vegetation is recolonizing gravel bars.
Morphology of Far‐Field Electrograms and Antitachycardia Pacing Effectiveness Among Fast Ventricular Tachycardias Occurring in ICD Patients: A Multicenter Study
Authors: JIMÉNEZ‐CANDIL JAVIER , ANGUERA IGNASI , LEDESMA CLAUDIO , FERNÁNDEZ‐PORTALES JAVIER , MORÍÑIGO JOSÉ LUIS , DALLAGLIO PAOLO , MARTÍN ANA , CANO TERESA , HERNÁNDEZ JESÚS , SABATÉ XAVIER , MARTÍN‐LUENGO CÁNDIDO
Published: July 2013

Morphology of Far‐Field Electrograms and ATP Effectiveness

Introduction

Fast ventricular tachycardias (FVT) are less likely to be terminated by antitachycardia pacing (ATP). No information is available regarding the ability of far‐field electrogram (Ff‐EG) morphology (Ff‐EGm) in predicting the result of the subsequent ATP. Our objective is to determine the relationship between Ff‐EGm and ATP efficacy.

Methods and Results

In this multicenter study we analyzed 289 FVT (cycle length [CL]: 250–320 milliseconds) occurring consecutively in 52 ICD patients with Medtronic devices (LVEF: 37 ± 6; pacing site: right ventricular apex). FVT programming was standardized, including a single ATP burst as initial therapy. The configuration of Ff‐EG was HVA versus HVB. FVTs were classified in QFVT or non‐QFVT according to the presence or absence of a negative initial deflection in the Ff‐EG. The mean CL was 291 ± 24 milliseconds. We observed 4 Ff‐EGm: QS (n = 14, 5%), QR (n = 158, 55%), R (n = 93, 32%), and RS (n = 24, 8%). The ATP effectiveness was 80% (86% in QS, 85% in QR, 74% in R, 62% in RS). The frequency of successful ATP was higher in QFVT: 86 versus 71% (P = 0.002). By logistic regression analysis, a QFVT pattern (OR = 2.3; P = 0.015) remained as an independent predictor of effective ATP. ATP was safer in QFVTs, the frequencies of shock (14% vs 29%; P = 0.002), acceleration (5.1 vs 12.3%; P = 0.02), and syncope (4.6 vs 12.3%; P = 0.01) being lower.

Conclusions

Since ATP is less effective in non‐QFVTs, they are less well tolerated. Therefore, the substrate of non‐QFVTs may need a specific treatment.
Cognitive and language skills in adults with autism: a 40‐year follow‐up
Authors: Howlin Patricia , Savage Sarah , Moss Philippa , Tempier Althea , Rutter Michael
Published: July 2013

Background

It is well established that very few individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and an IQ below 70 are able to live independently as adults. However, even amongst children with an IQ in the normal range, outcome is very variable. Childhood factors that predict later stability, improvement or decline in cognitive functioning remain uncertain and, in particular, very little is known about trajectories in later adulthood.

Method

Changes in cognitive and language ability from childhood to adulthood were assessed in 60 individuals with autism, all of whom had an IQ in the average range as children. Mean age in childhood = 6 years (range 2–13 years); mean age in adulthood = 44 years (range 29–64 years). Trajectories of change and factors related to current cognitive abilities were explored.

Results

For the majority of participants (N = 45, 75%), who were testable both as children and adults, IQ remained very stable and language also improved over time. However, 15 individuals could not be assessed on standard tests as adults and their developmental level could be estimated only on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Almost all these adults (apart from one who had suffered a major stroke) showed severe aggressive or self‐injurious behaviours; none had ever developed language above a 3‐year level, and seven had developed epilepsy.

Conclusions

For most individuals with autism who had an IQ in the average range (i.e. ≥70) as children, childhood IQ proved a reliable predictor of cognitive functioning well into mid‐ to‐ later adulthood. However, a significant minority was no longer testable on standard tests as adults. Their current very low levels of functional ability were generally associated with severe behavioural disturbance and persisting and severe language impairment; 50% of these individuals had also developed epilepsy, pointing to the role of organic brain dysfunction. Implications for early intervention are discussed.
Internal working models and adjustment of physically abused children: the mediating role of self‐regulatory abilities
Authors: Hawkins Amy L. , Haskett Mary E.
Published: July 2013

Background

Abused children's internal working models (IWM) of relationships are known to relate to their socioemotional adjustment, but mechanisms through which negative representations increase vulnerability to maladjustment have not been explored. We sought to expand the understanding of individual differences in IWM of abused children and investigate the mediating role of self‐regulation in links between IWM and adjustment.

Methods

Cluster analysis was used to subgroup 74 physically abused children based on their IWM. Internal working models were identified by children's representations, as measured by a narrative story stem task. Self‐regulation was assessed by teacher report and a behavioral task, and adjustment was measured by teacher report.

Results

Cluster analyses indicated two subgroups of abused children with distinct patterns of IWMs. Cluster membership predicted internalizing and externalizing problems. Associations between cluster membership and adjustment were mediated by children's regulation, as measured by teacher reports of many aspects of regulation. There was no support for mediation when regulation was measured by a behavioral task that tapped more narrow facets of regulation.

Conclusions

Abused children exhibit clinically relevant individual differences in their IWMs; these models are linked to adjustment in the school setting, possibly through children's self‐regulation.
Leg ulcers in patients with β‐thalassaemia intermedia: a single centre's experience
Authors: Matta B. N. , Abbas O. , Maakaron J. E. , Koussa S. , Daderian R. H. , Taher A. T.
Published: July 2013

Background

Leg ulcers in β‐thalassaemia intermedia (TI) patients are a relatively common occurrence that have an 8% prevalence. Both the pathophysiology and treatment of this condition have not been well‐elucidated. This is mainly because of the rarity of the disease and the lack of well‐structured studies. The goal of this study was to better explore the risk factors for the development of this condition along with the treatment options available.

Methods

We present 11 such cases that have occurred in 6 β‐TI patients over the course of 19 years who are followed up at the Chronic Care Center of Lebanon.

Results

Our patient population comprised three men and three women aged between 25 and 58, most of whom had iron overload and with an average lifetime haemoglobin ranging between 49 g/L and 77 g/L. Most of the patients were treated with blood transfusions with varying degrees of success. Nonetheless, some received Hydroxyurea, granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) or topical antibiotics.

Conclusion

Our results show that chelation therapy, hydroxyurea use and blood transfusions are beneficial in the treatment of this condition. Whether foetal haemoglobin is directly related to the development of the ulcers is not clear based on our results. Larger studies are needed to better explore the risk factors that predispose patients to this condition.
Hypothalamic Distribution of Somatostatin mRNA Expressing Neurones Relative to Pubertal and Adult Changes in Pulsatile Growth Hormone Secretion in Mice
Authors: Tan H. Y. , Huang L. , Simmons D. , Veldhuis J. D. , Steyn F. J. , Chen C.
Published: July 2013

The age‐associated decline in growth hormone (GH) secretion may be a consequence of the reduction in the number of GH‐releasing hormone (GHRH) positive neurones. However, it remains unclear whether an alteration in the number or distribution of somatostatin (SST) neurones contributes to this change. In the present study, we characterised the role of SST in modulating the change in pulsatile GH secretion in male C57Bl/6J mice throughout puberty and into early adulthood. We assessed pulsatile GH secretion in mice at 4, 8 and 16 weeks of age. These ages correspond to early pubertal, early adulthood and adulthood, respectively. We show an elevation in peak, total and pulsatile GH secretion coinciding with periods of rapid linear growth. Using in situ hybridisation and morphometric methods, we mapped the distribution of Sst mRNA expression within the mouse brain relative to this change in pulsatile GH secretion. The results obtained show that altered pulsatile GH secretion in male mice from 4–16 weeks of age does not coincide with a significant change in the number of Sst mRNA expressing neurones or an abundance of Sst mRNA expression throughout the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and periventricular nucleus (PeV). Rather, we observed a progressive decline in Sst mRNA expressing neurones within subnuclei of the paraventricular nucleus at this time. We conclude that structural changes in Sst expression within the PeV and ARC may not reflect the observed decline in pulsatile GH secretion in mice from puberty into early adulthood.
Enhanced intestinal absorption activity and hepatoprotective effect of herpetrione via preparation of nanosuspensions using pH-dependent dissolving-precipitating/homogenization process
Authors: Shen Baode , Jin Shiying , Lv Qingyuan , Jin Shixiao , Yu Chao , Yue Pengfei , Han Jin , Yuan Hailong
Published: July 2013

Objectives

The main purpose of this study was to enhance the intestinal absorption activity and hepatoprotective effect of herpetrione by drug nanosuspensions.

Methods

Herpetrione nanosuspensions (HNS) were prepared using pH-dependent dissolving-precipitating/homogenization process and then systematically characterized. The intestinal absorption activity of HNS were studied using the recirculating perfusion technique in comparison with herpetrione coarse suspensions (HCS) and pure herpetrione using the recirculating perfusion technique. The protective effect of HNS against acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice was also investigated and compared with that of HCS.

Key findings

The mean particle size of HNS was 269 ± 7 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.187 ± 0.021. The result of X-ray powder diffraction indicated that herpetrione was in amorphous state in both coarse powder and nanosuspensions. The intestinal absorption activity of HNS were superior to the HCS and pure herpetrione. As evidenced by the lowering of serum aminotransferase levels and the improvement of the degree of liver lesion, pretreatment with HNS markedly enhanced the hepatoprotective effect of herpetrione against acute liver injury induced by CCl4 in mice.

Conclusion

HNS prepared using pH-dependent dissolving-precipitating/homogenization technique are able to significantly enhance the intestinal absorption activity and the hepatoprotective effect of herpetrione due to the particle size reduction.
Insulin receptor‐like ectodomain genes and splice variants are found in both arthropods and human brain cDNA
Authors: VÄSTERMARK Åke , RASK‐ANDERSEN Mathias , SAWANT Rahul S. , REITER Jill L. , SCHIÖTH Helgi B. , WILLIAMS Michael J.
Published: July 2013

Truncated receptor ectodomains have been described for several classes of cell surface receptors, including those that bind to growth factors, cytokines, immunoglobulins, and adhesion molecules. Soluble receptor isoforms are typically generated by proteolytic cleavage of the cell surface receptor or by alternative splicing of RNA transcripts arising from the same gene encoding the full‐length receptor. Both the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the insulin receptor (INSR) families produce soluble receptor splice variants in vertebrates and truncated forms of insulin receptor‐like sequences have previously been described in Drosophila. The EGFR and INSR ectodomains share significant sequence homology with each other suggestive of a common evolutionary origin. We discovered novel truncated insulin receptor‐like variants in several arthropod species. We carried out a phylogenetic analysis of the conserved extracellular receptor L1 and L2 subdomains in invertebrate species. Although the segregation of insulin receptor‐like L1 and L2 domains indicated that an internal domain duplication had occurred only once, the generation of truncated insulin receptor‐like sequences has occurred multiple times. The significance of this work is the previously unknown and widespread occurrence of truncated isoforms in arthropods, signifying that these isoforms play an important functional role, potentially related to such isoforms in mammals.
The distribution of a host‐specific canopy parasite is linked with local species diversity in a northern temperate forest
Authors: Patankar Rajit , Fuller Michael M. , Smith Sandy M. , Thomas Sean C.
Published: July 2013

Question

Is the spatial distribution and density of the maple spindle gall miteVasates aceriscrumena(MSGM) positively correlated with the distribution and density of its host? Is the distribution ofMSGMinfluenced by non‐host species and abiotic factors?

Location

Temperate mixed hardwood forest stand,HaliburtonForest andWildlifeReserve,Ontario,Canada.

Methods

We used the mapped locations of host and non‐host trees to investigate the cause of spatial variation in the density ofMSGMwithin an 8.8‐ha forest plot in centralOntario,Canada. Gall densities were determined from fallen leaves, collected at 20‐m intervals. We usedMantel and partialMantel tests to compute the correlation between gall density and several spatially variable biotic and abiotic factors: (1) host density and basal area, (2) density of non‐host stems, (3) overall stem density, (4) stem species diversity and (5) topography.

Results

The density of leaf galls was weakly correlated with host density and basal area. Although the correlation with host density and basal area was statistically significant, leaf gall density was more strongly correlated with overall tree species richness and overall stem density. Gall densities were highest at the boundaries of neighbourhoods containing high and moderate sugar maple (Acer saccharum) densities. PartialMantel tests indicated that the observed spatial correlations held when controlling for the potential influence of topography.

Conclusions

Based on the spatial relationships documented here, we speculate that the mechanism responsible for the correlation between theMSGMand non‐host stems is parasite‐induced host stress. Separate studies have established a strong negative impact of theMSGMparasite on sugar maple stem growth. We suggest that by weakening the competitive ability of its host, the parasite indirectly promotes local species diversity through competitive release. Given the high diversity and prevalence of leaf gall parasites in mixed hardwood stands, depression of host dominance by leaf parasites may represent an unexplored mechanism for the maintenance of species diversity in northern temperate forests.
What do we know about armadillos? An analysis of four centuries of knowledge about a group of South American mammals, with emphasis on their conservation
Authors: Superina Mariella , Pagnutti Noralí , Abba Agustín M.
Published: July 2013

Basic knowledge on the biology and ecology of a species is fundamental for the realistic assessment of its conservation status and for planning effective conservation strategies. The latest assessment of the 21 extant armadillo species (Xenarthra, Dasypodidae) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for its Red List of Threatened Species shows that considerable gaps exist in our knowledge of these Neotropical mammals.

Our goal was to analyse the existing literature on armadillos to define thematic and regional research priorities that will eventually benefit their conservation.

We categorized 3117 publications on extant armadillos published between 1660 and 2011 according to their research topic, species studied, country and publication language.

The number of publications per research topic and the number per species were very variable. The nine best‐studied species are classed as Least Concern by the IUCN, while three of the four least‐studied species are classed as Data Deficient. At least one field study was done in each range country, but over 80% of field research took place in the USA, Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia. Most research was done in the USA on leprosy in Dasypus novemcinctus. Most ecological research has been focused on four species, and data on the ecology of Data Deficient and Vulnerable taxa are virtually absent.

Field research on armadillos should be intensified to broaden conservation‐relevant knowledge. Additional studies in the Guianas, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela and Paraguay are urgently needed to assess the conservation status of armadillos in these regions. Future research should focus on ecology, conservation, population genetics, reproduction and threats. Species priorities should include country endemics, such as Dasypus pilosus (Peru), Tolypeutes tricinctus (Brazil) and Dasypus yepesi and Chlamyphorus truncatus (Argentina), as well as other Data Deficient and Vulnerable species, especially Cabassous centralis and Calyptophractus retusus.
Occurrence and host preferences of Anopheles maculipennis group mosquitoes in England and Wales
Authors: DANABALAN R. , MONAGHAN M. T. , PONSONBY D. J. , LINTON Y.‐M.
Published: July 2013

Mosquitoes of the Anopheles maculipennis Meigen (Diptera: Culicidae) group are of public health concern: five of the 11 morphologically indistinct species have been historically considered as vectors of malaria in Europe. Three members of the An. maculipennis group have been reported in the U.K.: Anopheles atroparvus van Thiel; Anopheles messeae Falleroni, and Anopheles daciae Linton, Nicolescu & Harbach. To study the distribution of the three U.K. species, particularly that of An. daciae, we developed a polymerase chain reaction–Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assay using the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS‐2) gene. Anopheles daciae was found to be widespread, occurring in four of the five counties surveyed in southern England and on the Welsh island of Anglesey, often in sympatry with the closely related species An. messeae. The host preferences of 237 blood‐fed females were determined using either direct sequencing or PCR‐based fragment analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase b gene with DNA from females' abdomens. All three species were found to be opportunistic, having fed on at least three different hosts. Seventeen individuals contained multiple bloodmeals, including two An. daciae that had fed on humans and birds. Our results show that An. daciae is widespread in England and Wales, occurs in sympatry with other members of the An. maculipennis group, and feeds on humans, which suggests it is a potential vector of disease in the U.K.
Resveratrol in metabolic health: an overview of the current evidence and perspectives
Authors: Poulsen Morten Møller , Jørgensen Jens Otto Lunde , Jessen Niels , Richelsen Bjørn , Pedersen Steen Bønløkke
Published: July 2013

In the search for novel preventive and therapeutic modalities in the management of metabolic diseases and obesity, resveratrol has attracted great attention over the past decades. Preclinical trials suggest that resveratrol mimics the metabolic effects of calorie restriction (CR) via activation of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1). In experimental animals, this potential translates into prevention or improvement of glucose metabolism, anti‐inflammation, cancer, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Moreover, and in accordance with CR, supplementation with resveratrol promotes longevity in several primitive species and protects against diet‐induced metabolic abnormalities in rodents. Despite the substantial preclinical evidence, human clinical data are very scarce, and even though the compound is widely distributed as an over‐the‐counter human nutritional supplement, its therapeutic rationale has not been well characterized. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the field and discuss the future scientific directions of resveratrol research.
Resveratrol and its metabolites modulate cytokine‐mediated induction of eotaxin‐1 in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells
Authors: Wu Joseph M. , Hsieh Tze‐chen , Yang Ching‐Jen , Olson Susan C.
Published: July 2013

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of death in many developed countries. Evidence has long implicated endothelial injury and inflammation as apical events in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the primary cause of CHD. Numerous risk factors contribute to a damaged, inflamed endothelium. Conversely, cardioprotective agents targeting the dysfunctional endothelium have also been identified, notably from dietary sources. We have used cultured human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) to test the diet‐mediated cardioprotective hypothesis. In this review, we summarize our recent findings on control of transcription and expression of inflammation biomarker eotaxin‐1 in HPAECs exposed to single or combined proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) and tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF‐α), and attenuation of the observed eotaxin‐1 responses by prior or simultaneous treatment with resveratrol and its metabolites. Control of eotaxin‐1 gene regulation may be considered an in vitro model to evaluate agents linking cardioprotection with endothelial cell damage and inflammation.
Evidence for circulatory benefits of resveratrol in humans
Authors: Wong Rachel H.X. , Coates Alison M. , Buckley Jonathan D. , Howe Peter R.C.
Published: July 2013

Impairments of endothelial function, which can be assessed noninvasively by flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. Associations between FMD and cognition suggest a vascular component in the loss of cognitive function. Certain vasoactive nutrients that have been shown to improve FMD may also have the potential to enhance cerebral perfusion and cognition. Preclinical studies show that trans‐resveratrol can enhance nitric oxide bioavailability, thereby increasing endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. We have now shown that acute administration of resveratrol elicits dose‐dependent increases of FMD with greater potency than other vasoactive nutrients and that this benefit is sustained following regular consumption. We describe the potential implications of this vasodilator benefit of resveratrol and its role in enhancing cerebrovascular and cognitive functions.
What is new for resveratrol? Is a new set of recommendations necessary?
Authors: Vang Ole
Published: July 2013

Numerous scientific papers have suggested health‐promoting effects of resveratrol, including claims in the prevention of diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Therefore, it was proposed that the scientific community needed to express recommendations on the human use of resveratrol. Such recommendations were formulated after the first international resveratrol conference in Denmark, Resveratrol2010. The working group stated that the evidence was “not sufficiently strong to justify recommendation for the chronic administration of resveratrol to human beings, beyond the dose which can be obtained from dietary sources.” It was a disappointing conclusion relative to the positive claims about the therapeutic potential of resveratrol made by the media. However, since 2010, results from the first clinical trials on resveratrol have been made available. Because of these emerging results, it is necessary to formulate updated versions of the recommendations.
RNA polymerase: in search of promoters
Authors: Feklistov Andrey
Published: July 2013

Transcription initiation is a key event in the regulation of gene expression. RNA polymerase (RNAP), the central enzyme of transcription, is able to efficiently locate promoters in the genome, carry out promoter opening, and initiate RNA synthesis. All the substeps of transcription initiation are subject to complex cellular regulation. Understanding the molecular details of each step in the promoter‐opening pathway is essential for a complete mechanistic and quantitative picture of gene expression. In this minireview, primarily using bacterial RNAP as an example, I briefly summarize some of the key recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of promoter search and promoter opening.
Resveratrol in the management of human cancer: how strong is the clinical evidence?
Authors: Gescher Andreas , Steward William P. , Brown Karen
Published: July 2013

Among the plethora of biochemical mechanisms engaged by resveratrol in preclinical systems, its anticarcinogenic effects represent some of the most convincing and intriguing. As outlined in this review, there is considerable interest in developing resveratrol for cancer prevention and treatment. The plasma pharmacokinetics of resveratrol in humans are now reasonably well defined, and studies have shown that repeated daily doses up to 1 g are safe and well tolerated, although gastrointestinal toxicity is observed at higher intakes. However, care is needed regarding underlying conditions in specific patient groups, and there is potential for drug interactions at doses greater than 1 gram. Little is known regarding the pharmacodynamic effects of resveratrol in humans, but the observation that it modulates components of the insulin‐like growth factor system in the plasma of volunteers is encouraging. While the knowledge base that helps determine whether resveratrol may be useful in cancer management has increased substantially in recent years, important questions remain.
Morphological characteristics of frontal sinus and nasal bone focusing on bone resorption and apposition in hypophosphatemic rickets
Authors: Gjørup H. , Kjaer I. , Sonnesen L. , Beck‐Nielsen S. S. , Haubek D.
Published: July 2013

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To characterize the size and the morphology of the frontal sinus (i.e., structure evolved by bone resorption) and the nasal bone (i.e., structure evolved by bone formation) in adults with hypophosphatemic rickets (HR) compared with controls.

Setting and sample population

Thirty‐six patients with HR (12 males and 24 females) aged 21–74 years were included. The control group comprised 49 healthy individuals (23 males and 26 females) aged 20–79 years.

Material and methods

Profile cephalograms were obtained and the following measurements were included: height and width of the frontal sinus; length, width, and area of the nasal bone. The morphology of the nasal bone was assessed. Linear regression analyses were used to compare HR patients with controls.

Results

In HR patients, the size of the frontal sinus was unaffected (p = 0.406 to p = 0.862). The proximal width of the nasal bone, and the ratio between the proximal width and the axial length of the nasal bone were increased in HR patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The size of the frontal sinus was unaffected, indicating a normal ability of bone resorption within the bone. The morphology of the nasal bone was abnormal indicating a disturbance in bone formation during growth. The disturbances in nasal bone modeling were mainly expressed in the proximal part supported by structures of cartilaginous origin.
New fossil hangingflies (Insecta: Mecoptera: Raptipedia: Cimbrophlebiidae) from the Middle Jurassic of Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: YANG XIAOGUANG , SHIH CHUNGKUN , REN DONG
Published: July 2013

Abstract:  Two new genera with six new species of hangingflies (Mecoptera: Raptipedia: Cimbrophlebiidae) are described. They were collected from the Middle Jurassic nonmarine sedimentary strata of the Jiulongshan Formation in Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, north‐eastern China. This report of Cimbrophlebiidae from the Yanliao Biota provides detailed morphological information and evidence of a broad diversity of Cimbrophlebiidae during the Middle Jurassic. A key to the known species of Cimbrophlebiidae is provided.
Species, speciation and palaeontology up to theModernSynthesis: persistent themes and unanswered questions
Authors: Allmon Warren D.
Published: July 2013

Although it has been variously defined and discussed, the ‘species problem’ in evolutionary palaeontology actually consists of at least three separate but closely related questions: (1) What are species in living organisms? (the ‘species nature problem’); (2) To what degree can ‘species’ as recognized in living organisms be recognized in the fossil record? (the ‘species recognition problem’); (3) To the degree that species can be so recognized, to what degree can species be studied as modern species are, that is, what can we learn about the origin and evolution of species from fossils that we could not otherwise learn? This can be called the ‘species study problem’. A critical survey of the history of thinking about the nature and origin of species indicates that answers to at least two of these three questions (the first and third) have been remarkably persistent in both palaeontological and neontological views over the past 250 years, and the range of answers to them has changed remarkably little. The nature ofDarwin's ideas on these issues, which has remained controversial, is an epitome of the persistent complexity and difficulty of the questions involved. This historical survey has a number of implications for modern palaeontological views of the nature and origin of species, including that the nature of species is a substantive (as opposed to a purely semantic) issue, likely to be decided empirically and not just theoretically, and that the roles of selection and isolation in the origin of species are likely diverse and complex.