bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
School‐Wide Programs Aimed at Obesity Among Latino Youth in the United States: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Holub Christina K. , Lobelo Felipe , Mehta Setoo M. , Sánchez Romero Luz M. , Arredondo Elva M. , Elder John P. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDIn the past 30 years, childhood obesity rates have tripled, disproportionately affecting Latino children. From 2003 to 2006, 43.0% of Mexican‐American children were classified as overweight compared with 36.9% of non‐Hispanic Whites. Obesity interventions targeting children can have a significant impact in the school setting.METHODSWe conducted a systematic review of evidence‐based, obesity‐related interventions in the school setting. Inclusion criteria included: having 50% or more Latino children in the study, and usage of obesity‐related outcomes (eg, body mass index [BMI] z‐score, weight, and waist circumference, and body fat).RESULTSThe majority of identified studies included interventions that targeted both nutrition and physical activity. The most successful interventions were randomized, controlled trials or quasi‐experimental controlled studies and had few limitations in execution in the study; however, overall results were mixed. There are promising results for interventions targeting Latino children who are already overweight or obese, but evidence of effectiveness is sparse.CONCLUSIONSThis review is the first to gather evidence‐based research systematically aimed at obesity‐related interventions in the school setting that are specifically focused on Latino children. Results of the review are promising and timely, given the exigency of the needed evidence, and the current state of childhood obesity in the United States.
Effects of correcting for prematurity on cognitive test scores in childhood
Authors: Wilson‐Ching Michelle , Pascoe Leona , Doyle Lex W , Anderson Peter J 
Published: March 2014

AimsThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that test scores should be corrected for prematurity up to 3 years of age, but this practice varies greatly in both clinical and research settings. The aim of this study was to contrast the effects of using chronological age and those of using corrected age on measures of cognitive outcome across childhood.MethodsA theoretical model was constructed using norms from the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition; the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Third Edition Australian; and the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children, Fourth Edition Australian. Baseline scores representing different levels of functioning (70, below average; 85, borderline; and 100, average) were recalculated using the normative data for ages 6 months to 16 years to account for 1, 2, 3 and 4 months of prematurity. The model created depicted the difference in standardised scores between chronological and corrected age.ResultsCompared with scores corrected for prematurity, the absolute reduction in scores using chronological age was greater for increasing degree of prematurity, younger ages at assessment and higher baseline scores and was substantial even beyond 3 years of age. However, the pattern was erratic, with considerable fluctuation evident across different ages and baseline scores.ConclusionsChronological age results in a lowering of scores at all ages for preterm‐born subjects that is greater in the first few years and in those born at earlier gestational ages. Whether or not to correct for prematurity depends upon the context of the assessment.
Phylogeography of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau endemic alpine herb Pomatosace filicula (Primulaceae)
Authors: WANG Gai‐Ni , HE Xin‐Yu , MIEHE Georg , MAO Kang‐Shan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn order to trace the response of alpine plants on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) to the Quaternary climate oscillations, the phylogeographic history of Pomatosace filicula Maxim. was investigated in the present study. Based on sequence variations of two maternally inherited plastid markers, matK and trnH‐psbA, and the biparentally inherited nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), we estimated the population genetic structure, lineage divergence timescale, and population dynamics of P. filicula. Seven plastid haplotypes and two nrITS genotypes were identified across the range‐wide sampling of 200 individuals from 24 populations. Although AMOVA revealed a high level of differentiation among populations (FST = 0.560), no significant phylogeographic structure was detected (NST = 0.503, GST = 0.518, P > 0.05). Molecular dating suggested that the divergences between major plastid lineages and nrITS genotypes occurred during the early and middle Pleistocene, and the middle Pleistocene, respectively. This species most likely survived at multiple unglaciated sites on the QTP during the Last Glacial Maximum, with most of these sites located above 4000 m a.s.l. The species probably experienced range expansion at its distribution fringe, but demographic tests did not suggest significant population size changes. We proposed that pronounced effective gene flow (Nem = 0.393) and short generation time may have obscured the phylogeographic and demographic patterns of this species. Our findings will shed new light on the Quaternary evolutionary history of the alpine flora of the QTP.
Accelerated evolution of early angiosperms: Evidence from ranunculalean phylogeny by integrating living and fossil data
Authors: Wang Wei , Dilcher David L. , Sun Ge , Wang Hong‐Shan , Chen Zhi‐Duan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe new discovery of angiosperm remains in the Jehol Biota of northeastern China contributes to our understanding of the origin and early evolution of flowering plants. The earliest eudicot genus with reproductive organs,Leefructus, was recently documented from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation at 125.8–123.0 Ma, and was reconsidered to be close to the extant family Ranunculaceae based on gross morphology. However, this hypothesis has not been tested using a cladistic approach. To determine the possible allies ofLeefructuswithin extant eudicots, we constructed a 66 morphological data matrix. Molecular and morphological analyses of extant Ranunculales combined with the fossil suggest that it has an affinity with the Ranunculaceae. The earliest fossil record of the eudicots is 127–125 Ma based on tricolpate pollen grains. Thus, we suggest a hypothesis that the basal eudicots might have experienced an accelerated evolution and diversification during the latest Barremian and earliest Aptian, leading to the stem groups of at least six extant families or lineages, 10–15 Myr earlier than currently documented. Angiosperms have undergone multiple uneven pulses of radiation since their origin. Many key character innovations occurred in different stages that could have triggered those radiations in concert with various biotic and abiotic factors.
Early predictors of antiviral treatment response in liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis C genotype 1
Authors: Campos‐Varela I. , Esteban J. I. , Bes M. , Caralt M. , Allende H. , Rodríguez‐Frías F. , Salcedo M. T. , Sauleda S. , Charco R. , Guardia J. , Esteban R. , Castells L. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe success of current antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence in liver transplant (LT) recipients remains limited. We aimed at evaluating the value of IL28B genotype and early viral kinetics to predict response to standard treatment in the transplant setting. We retrospectively evaluated 104 LT recipients treated for HCV genotype 1 recurrence between 2001 and 2010. Baseline variables, including IL28B genotype, and early viral kinetics were compared among patients who did or did not achieve a sustained virological response (SVR). Logistic regression analyses of candidate variables were conducted to generate a reliable predictive model based on the minimum set of variables. Twenty‐nine (28%) achieved an SVR. On multivariate analysis, the magnitude of HCV RNA decline at 4 weeks (OR: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.64–9.39; P = 0.003) and treatment compliance (OR: 35.27, 95% CI: 3.35–365.54; P = 0.003) were the only independent predictors of SVR. Favourable recipient IL28B genotype significantly correlates with virological response at week 4 (OR 3.23; 95% CI, 1.12–9.15; P = 0.03). By logistic regression analysis, a model including donor age, recipient rs12979860 genotype and viral load at 4 weeks showed the best predictive value for SVR with an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.861. Favourable recipient IL28B genotype strongly correlates with the viral response at week 4 which is the strongest predictor of response. The combination of recipient IL28B genotype and donor age with the week 4 response reliably estimates the probability of SVR early on‐treatment and may facilitate therapeutic strategies incorporating new antiviral agents.
Are oxidative stress mechanisms the common denominator in the progression from hepatic steatosis towards non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)?
Authors: Tariq Zoon , Green Charlotte J. , Hodson Leanne 
Published: March 2014

AbstractNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not a single disease entity, rather it describes a spectrum of liver conditions that range from fatty liver (steatosis) to more severe steatosis coupled with marked inflammation and fibrosis [non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)] to severe liver disease such as cirrhosis and possibly hepatocellular carcinoma. Obesity, notably abdominal obesity, is a common risk factor for NAFLD. The pathogenesis from steatosis to NASH is poorly understood, and the ‘two hit’ model, as suggested nearly two decades ago, provides a feasible starting point for characterization of underlying mechanisms. This review will examine the oxidative stress factors (‘triggers’) which have been implicated as a ‘second hit’ in the development of primary NASH. It would be reasonable to assume that multiple, rather than single, pro‐oxidative intracellular and extracellular triggers act in conjunction promoting oxidative stress that drives the development of NASH. It is likely that the common denominator of these pro‐oxidative triggers is mitochondrial dysfunction. Understanding the contribution of each of these ‘triggers’ is an essential step in starting to understand and elucidate the mechanisms responsible for progression from steatosis to NASH, thus enabling the development of therapeutic targeting to prevent NASH development and progression.
Autotomy in porcelain crabs is an effective escape mechanism from rockfish predation
Authors: Knope Matthew L. , Larson Ralph J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPorcelain crabs possess a ‘hair‐trigger’ propensity to autotomize their chelipeds (claws), and laboratory studies have demonstrated that this ability is highly effective in avoiding predation from other crabs. However, porcelain crabs are also subject to predation from fishes, which use a very different means of capture. In this study, we investigated whether autotomy in porcelain crabs is also effective against predation by fishes. To do this, we examined stomach‐contents data from four common species of kelp‐forest rockfishes and determined the frequency of disassociated chelipeds (those with no associated bodies) in porcelain crabs and in brachyuran crabs, which do not readily autotomize their chelipeds. We found that disassociated chelipeds of porcelain crabs were six times as common as those of brachyuran crabs (35% of the remains of all porcelain crabs versus 6% of the remains of all brachyuran crabs). We interpret this difference to be evidence that, through autotomy, porcelain crabs escaped ingestion of their entire bodies, and thus certain mortality, at a higher rate than did brachyuran crabs. We conclude that autotomy constituted an effective escape strategy from rockfish predation. This evidence, in conjunction with previous studies, suggests that autotomy of chelipeds in porcelain crabs is an effective anti‐predatory strategy against phylogenetically disparate predatory groups.
Fine‐scale diet of the Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) using DNA‐based analysis of faeces
Authors: Peters Kristian J. , Ophelkeller Kathy , Bott Nathan J. , Deagle Bruce E. , Jarman Simon N. , Goldsworthy Simon D. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe applied DNA‐based faecal analysis to determine the diet of female Australian sea lions (n = 12) from two breeding colonies in South Australia. DNA dietary components of fish and cephalopods were amplified using the polymerase chain reaction and mitochondrial DNA primers targeting the short (~100 base pair) section of the 16S gene region. Prey diversity was determined by sequencing ~50 amplicons generated from clone libraries developed for each individual. Faecal DNA was also combined and cloned from multiple individuals at each colony and fish diversity determined. Diets varied between individuals and sites. Overall, DNA analysis identified a broad diversity of prey comprising 23 fish and five cephalopod taxa, including many species not previously described as prey of the Australian sea lion. Labridae (wrasse), Monacanthidae (leatherjackets) and Mullidae (goat fish) were important fish prey taxa. Commonly identified cephalopods were Octopodidae (octopus), Loliginidae (calamary squid) and Sepiidae (cuttlefish). Comparisons of fish prey diversity determined by pooling faecal DNA from several samples provided a reasonable but incomplete resemblance (55–71%) to the total fish diversity identified across individual diets at each site. Interpretation of diet based on the recovery of prey hard‐parts identified one cephalopod beak (Octopus sp.) and one fish otolith (Parapriacanthus elongatus). The present study highlights the value of DNA‐based analyses and their capabilities to enhance information of trophic interactions.
A test of the metabolic theory of ecology with two longevity data sets reveals no common cause of scaling in biological times
Authors: Lemaître Jean‐François , Müller Dennis W. H. , Clauss Marcus 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) predicts that biological times should universally scale to body mass M as M0.25. However, support for this prediction came principally from non‐phylogenetically controlled studies, whereas more recent analyses, which take the degree of shared ancestry between species into account, have revealed that both length of the gestation period and time to first reproduction do not follow this rule.
In the present study, we test this prediction of MTE on maximum longevity using two commonly accessible sources of information in zoology and ecology (AnAge and PanTHERIA data bases) that allow us to assess the scaling relation of longevity in more than 1200 mammalian species. We performed our analyses using both ordinary least square (OLS) and phylogenetic generalized least square (PGLS) regressions to assess the importance of controlling for phylogeny in such analyses.
Our results revealed clear discrepancies between analyses using the AnAge and PanTHERIA data bases. The scaling of longevity was consistently higher with the PanTHERIA than with the AnAge data base. However, we found that with both data sets, PGLS models performed better than OLS models, and the scaling exponent of longevity is, in nearly all cases, lower than the exponent of 0.25 predicted by the MTE. In addition, we provided evidence that gestation length and longevity do not scale isometrically (i.e. with a scaling exponent of 1.0) with each other as we would expect if these two life history traits had – perhaps due to the same biological principle – the same scaling exponent.
Our findings contradict the MTE and suggest that more complex processes than simple relationships with metabolism or body size control the evolution of longevity. Moreover, they reveal differences in relationships of gestation length and longevity that are probably tightly dependent on phylogeny.
Vigorous Exercise Training Improves Reactivity of Cerebral Arterioles and Reduces Brain Injury Following Transient Focal Ischemia
Authors: Arrick Denise M. , Yang Shu , Li Chun , Cananzi Sergio , Mayhan William G. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveOur objective was to examine whether vigorous exercise training (VExT) could influence nitric oxide synthase (NOS)‐dependent vasodilation and transient focal ischemia‐induced brain injury. Rats were divided into sedentary (SED) or VExT groups.Materials and MethodsExercise was carried out 5 days/week for a period of 8–10 weeks. First, we measured responses of pial arterioles to an eNOS‐dependent (ADP), an nNOS‐dependent (NMDA) and a NOS‐independent (nitroglycerin) agonist in SED and VExT rats. Second, we measured infarct volume in SED and VExT rats following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Third, we measured superoxide levels in brain tissue of SED and VExT rats under basal and stimulated conditions.ResultsWe found that eNOS‐ and nNOS‐dependent, but not NOS‐independent vasodilation, was increased in VExT compared to SED rats, and this could be inhibited with L‐NMMA in both groups. In addition, we found that VExT reduced infarct volume following MCAO when compared to SED rats. Further, superoxide levels were similar in brain tissue from SED and VExT rats under basal and stimulated conditions.ConclusionsWe suggest that VExT potentiates NOS‐dependent vascular reactivity and reduces infarct volume following MCAO via a mechanism that appears to be independent of oxidative stress, but presumably related to an increase in the contribution of nitric oxide.
On the Probabilistic and Physical Consistency of Traffic Random Variables and Models
Authors: Castillo Enrique , Calviño Aida , Nogal María , Lo Hong K. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this article we deal with the probabilistic and physical consistency of traffic‐related random variables and models. We analyze and discuss the conditions for a model to be consistent from two different points of view: probabilistic and physical (dimensional analysis). The first, leads us to the concept of stability in general and reproductivity in particular because, for example, origin–destination (OD) and link flows are the sum of route flows and route travel times are the sum of link travel times. This implies stability with respect to sums (reproductivity). Normal models are justified because when the number of summands increases the averages approach the normal distribution. Similarly, stability with respect to minimum or maximum operations arises in practice. From the dimensional analysis point of view, some models are demonstrated not to be convenient. In particular, it is shown that some families of distributions are valid only for dimensionless variables. All these and other problems are discussed and some proposed models in the literature are analyzed from these two points of view. When some families fail to satisfy the desired properties, alternative models are provided via extension of the original families. Finally, some simple examples and conclusions are given to summarize the analysis.
Water Distribution System Computer‐Aided Design by Agent Swarm Optimization
Authors: Montalvo I. , Izquierdo J. , Pérez‐García R. , Herrera M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractOptimal design of water distribution systems (WDSs), including the sizing of components, quality control, reliability, renewal, and rehabilitation strategies, etc., is a complex problem in water engineering that requires robust methods of optimization. Classical methods of optimization are not well suited for analyzing highly dimensional, multimodal, nonlinear problems, especially given inaccurate, noisy, discrete, and complex data. Agent Swarm Optimization (ASO) is a novel paradigm that exploits swarm intelligence and borrows some ideas from multiagent‐based systems. It is aimed at supporting decision‐making processes by solving multiobjective optimization problems. ASO offers robustness through a framework where various population‐based algorithms coexist. The ASO framework is described and used to solve the optimal design of WDS. The approach allows engineers to work in parallel with the computational algorithms to force the recruitment of new searching elements, thus contributing to the solution process with expert‐based proposals.
The PAS domain‐containing histidine kinase RpfS is a second sensor for the diffusible signal factor of Xanthomonas campestris
Authors: An Shi‐Qi , Allan John H. , McCarthy Yvonne , Febrer Melanie , Dow J. Maxwell , Ryan Robert P. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryA cell–cell signalling system mediated by the fatty acid signal DSF controls the virulence of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) to plants. The synthesis and recognition of the DSF signal depends upon different Rpf proteins. DSF signal generation requires RpfF whereas signal perception and transduction depends upon the sensor RpfC and regulator RpfG. Detailed analyses of the regulatory roles of different Rpf proteins have suggested the occurrence of further sensors for DSF. Here we have used a mutagenesis approach coupled with high‐resolution transcriptional analysis to identify XC_2579 (RpfS) as a second sensor for DSF in Xcc. RpfS is a complex sensor kinase predicted to have multiple Per/Arnt/Sim (PAS) domains, a histidine kinase domain and a C‐terminal receiver (REC) domain. Isothermal calorimetry showed that DSF bound to the isolated N‐terminal PAS domain with a Kd of 1.4 μM. RpfS controlled expression of a sub‐set of genes distinct from those controlled by RpfC to include genes involved in type IV secretion and chemotaxis. Mutation of XC_2579 was associated with a reduction in virulence of Xcc to Chinese Radish when assayed by leaf spraying but not by leaf inoculation, suggesting a role for RpfS‐controlled factors in the epiphytic phase of the disease cycle.
Polymorphisms in the ITS rDNA regions for differentiating strains of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex in Sfax‐Tunisia
Authors: Drira I. , Neji S. , Hadrich I. , Trabelsi H. , Sellami H. , Cheikhrouhou F. , Guidara R. , Makni F. , Ayadi A. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex is the main cause of superficial mycoses in humans and animals. Molecular research has provided useful insights into the taxonomy of this complex to overcome the challenges with conventional diagnostics. The aim of this study was to identify, type and differentiate anthropophilic and zoophilic species of the T. mentagrophytes complex. Sixty clinical samples identified as T. mentagrophytes by morphological characteristics were isolated using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. The identification of our strains by conventional methods was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing in 93.34% of the cases. The strains under investigation were recategorised as T. rubrum (Tr2711). In addition, PCR products were independently digested with the restriction endonucleases, MvaI and HinfI, to produce a single dominant profile for T. interdigitale. ITS sequence analysis revealed a polymorphism in the ITS1 and 5.8S regions. Analysis of the consensus sequences distinguished four types of genotypes among our T. interdigitale species. Moreover, ITS type I was the dominant genotype characterising the anthropophilic variant of T. interdigitale. The phylogenetic study showed that only 5% of our strains were zoophilic. PCR sequencing was useful for distinguishing anthropophilic and zoophilic species of T. interdigitale, in which the differentiation is relevant because it helps to prescribe the correct treatment and to identify the surrounding source of infection.