bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interpopulation Comparisons of Antipredator Defense Behavior of the Thorn‐Tailed Rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda)
Authors: Ippi Silvina , van Dongen Wouter F. D. , Lazzoni Ilenia , Venegas Cristóbal I. , Vásquez Rodrigo A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe high impact of predators on breeding success has favored the evolution of diverse behavioral strategies that enhance both individual survivorship and reproductive success. Self‐ and nest‐defense against predators are inter‐related behaviors that vary according to life history traits and the risks involved in defense. In addition, interpopulation differences in the composition of predator guilds, and hence predation pressures, may result in geographic variation in antipredator defense strategies. It is generally accepted that the absence of predators could drive the loss of antipredator behavior. However, it is unclear how species respond if one type of predator (e.g., a specialized nest predator) is absent but others are present. The multipredator hypothesis suggests that the absence of only a few predators is not sufficient to drive a change or loss of antipredator behavior in a species. We examined interpopulation variation in defense behavior in the thorn‐tailed rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda), a suboscine bird inhabiting a wide latitudinal range in southern South America. In populations where nest predators were either present or absent, we examined the responses of rayaditos to an adult predator (an owl) and to a nest predator (a marsupial). Owl‐defense behavior involved more intense and longer responses than marsupial‐defense. This suggests that adult rayaditos may allocate more energy to defend themselves than their young. However, because the presence of adult predators near the nest also prevents parents from feeding the nestlings, owl‐defense may simultaneously represent a form of nest‐defense. No differences in marsupial‐defense were found among the three sampled populations, despite the absence of native mammalian nest predators in one population. The lack of variation in nest‐defense behavior provides some support for the multipredator hypothesis, although the high interpopulation gene flow in this species could also contribute to this behavior's maintenance.
Diagnosis, treatment and outcome of spinal lymphoma in a pony
Authors: Finding E. J. T. , Ciasca T. , Pinilla M. J. , Driver C. J. , Johns I. C. , Weller R. , Volk H. A. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThis report describes the diagnostic approach to, and treatment of, a case of severe pelvic limb ataxia in a MiniatureShetland pony. Diagnosis of an intradural‐extramedullary lesion at the level ofT11–12 was made usingCTmyelography. Dorsolateral hemilaminectomy allowed surgical debulking of an intradural mass, diagnosed histopathologically asTcell richBcell lymphoma. Post operative treatment with prednisolone, cytarabine and cyclophosphamide was tolerated well and the degree of ataxia reduced markedly, allowing the pony to return to normal management.
Abortogenic viruses in horses
Authors: Bażanów B. A. , Jackulak N. A. , Frącka A. B. , Staroniewicz Z. M. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryViral causes of abortion include equine viral arteritis (EVA) and infection with equine herpesviruses‐1 and ‐4 (EHV‐1 andEHV‐4). Transmission of equine arteritis virus (EAV) occurs through respiratory, venereal or transplacental routes. Horizontal respiratory transmission ofEAVresults from exposure to infective nasopharyngeal secretions from acutely infected horses. For this transmission to occur, direct and close contact between horses is necessary. Venereal infection is an efficient method of transmission, with seroconversion of 85 to 100% of seronegative mares bred to virus shedding stallions. Asymptomatic carrier stallions are the essential natural reservoir of equine arteritis virus. Equine herpesviruses‐1 and ‐4 infect a susceptible host, replicate and establish a lifelong latent infection without any associated clinical signs. Reactivation of latent infections can result from factors such as stress and intercurrent disease. The control of these diseases is by implementation of appropriate management and hygiene measures, supplemented by vaccination and, in the case ofEVA, by the identification of persistently infected stallions, which can be removed from breeding or continue to be bred to if managed under controlled conditions to prevent the risk of an outbreak of the disease.
Molecular imaging reveals time course of matrix metalloproteinase activity in acute cutaneous vasculitis in vivo
Authors: Steingräber Annika Kathrin , Schelhaas Sonja , Faust Andreas , Jacobs Andreas Hans , Schäfers Michael , Goerge Tobias 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a critical role in various pathological conditions including cutaneous inflammation. Thus far, serial assessment of MMP activity in ongoing inflammation is hampered due to technical limitations. Here, we present an innovative method for longitudinal detection of MMP activity by in vivo imaging. First, we analysed skin sections from patients suffering from leucocytoclastic vasculitis (LcV) and detected a significant MMP signal via immunofluorescence staining. Then, we mimicked LcV in mice in a well‐studied model of immune complex‐mediated vasculitis (ICV). This acute inflammatory process was serially visualized in vivo using the fluorescence‐labelled MMP tracer Cy5.5‐AF443. The deposition of fluorescence‐labelled immune complexes and MMP tracer distribution was visualized repeatedly and non‐invasively by fluorescence reflectance imaging. In correlation with the presence of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in immunofluorescence stainings, Cy5.5‐AF443 accumulated in ICV spots in the skin of C57BL/6 mice. This tracer accumulation could also be observed in mice equipped with a dorsal skinfold chamber, where microscopic observations revealed an increased recruitment of fluorescence‐labelled leucocytes during ICV. The specificity of the MMP tracer was supported by (i) analysis of mice deficient in functional β2‐integrins (CD18−/−) and (ii) subsequent MMP immunofluorescence staining. These findings let us conclude that MMP accumulation in the acute phase of ICV depends on β2‐mediated leucocyte recruitment. In summary, we show that MMPs are involved in ICV as determined by Cy5.5‐AF443, a new optical marker to longitudinally and non‐invasively follow MMP activity in acute skin inflammation in vivo.
Oncogenic BRAF signalling increases Mcl‐1 expression in cutaneous metastatic melanoma
Authors: McKee Christopher S. , Hill David S. , Redfern Christopher P. F. , Armstrong Jane L. , Lovat Penny E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe Bcl‐2 family member Mcl‐1 is essential for melanoma survival; however, the influence of oncogenic BRAF signalling remains elusive. In this study, Mcl‐1 splice variant expression was determined in a panel of melanoma cell lines in relation to BRAF mutational status. Mcl‐1L mRNA expression was increased in melanoma cells compared with primary melanocytes with significantly increased mRNA and protein expression observed in BRAFV600E mutant melanoma cells. Although no change in Mcl‐1S mRNA was observed, Mcl‐1S protein expression also increased in BRAF mutant melanoma cells. Additionally, while over‐expression of mutant BRAFV600E increased both Mcl‐1L and Mcl‐1S expression, inhibition of hyperactive BRAF signalling resulted in decreased Mcl‐1L expression. These studies suggest that the regulation of Mcl‐1 expression by BRAF signalling is increased by oncogenic activation of BRAF, revealing a mechanism of apoptotic resistance which may be overcome by the use of more specifically targeted Mcl‐1 inhibitors.
Deranged epidermal differentiation in kl/kl mouse and the effects of βKlotho siRNA on the differentiation of HaCaT cells
Authors: Nakai Kozo , Yoneda Kozo , Haba Reiji , Kushida Yoshio , Katsuki Naomi , Moriue Tetsuya , Kosaka Hiroaki , Kubota Yasuo , Inoue Shigeaki 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMice deficient in the klotho gene (kl/kl mice) display the phenotypes of human ageing. We found that the expression of epidermal differentiation‐associated factors (keratin 1, keratin 10, filaggrin and loricrin) was lower in the skin of kl/kl mice than that of wild‐type mice. In vitro experiments showed that the expression of βKlotho, a family of klotho gene‐encoded protein, was induced concomitantly with the differentiation of an immortalized human epidermal keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT cells) when they were cultured in an air–liquid interface. βKlotho knockdown by small interfering ribonucleic acid suppressed the expression of the above differentiation‐associated factors in HaCaT cells. βKlotho small interfering ribonucleic acid increased the expression of keratin 14, which is expressed in mitotically active basal layer cells, and activated p44/p42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase in the HaCaT cells grown in the air–liquid interface. These findings suggest that the epidermal differentiation is deranged in kl/kl mice, and βKlotho is required for the differentiation of human epidermal keratinocytes.
The seascape nursery: a novel spatial approach to identify and manage nurseries for coastal marine fauna
Authors: Nagelkerken Ivan , Sheaves Marcus , Baker Ronald , Connolly Rod M 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCoastal marine and estuarine ecosystems are highly productive and serve a nursery function for important fisheries species. They also suffer some of the highest rates of degradation from human impacts of any ecosystems. Identifying and valuing nursery habitats is a critical part of their conservation, but current assessment practices typically take a static approach by considering habitats as individual and homogeneous entities. Here, we review current definitions of nursery habitat and propose a novel approach for assigning nursery areas for mobile fauna that incorporates critical ecological habitat linkages. We introduce the term ‘seascape nurseries’, which conceptualizes a nursery as a spatially explicit seascape consisting of multiple mosaics of habitat patches that are functionally connected. Hotspots of animal abundances/productivity identify the core area of a habitat mosaic, which is spatially constrained by the home ranges of its occupants. Migration pathways connecting such hotspots at larger spatial and temporal scales, through ontogenetic habitat shifts or inshore–offshore migrations, should be identified and incorporated. The proposed approach provides a realistic step forward in the identification and management of critical coastal areas, especially in situations where large habitat units or entire water bodies cannot be protected as a whole due to socio‐economic, practical or other considerations.
Cannabidiol reverses the mCPP‐induced increase in marble‐burying behavior
Authors: Nardo Mirella , Casarotto Plinio C. , Gomes Felipe V. , Guimarães Francisco S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCannabidiol (CBD), one of the main components of Cannabis sp., presents clinical and preclinical anxiolytic properties. Recent results using the marble‐burying test (MBT) suggest that CBD can also induce anticompulsive‐like effects. Meta‐chloro‐phenyl‐piperazine (mCPP) is a nonspecific serotonergic agonist (acting mainly at 5HT1A, 5HT2C and 5HT1D receptors) reported to increase symptoms in OCD patients and block the anticompulsive‐like effect of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) in animal models. The aim of this study was to investigate the interference of CBD on mCPP effects in repetitive burying. Administration of mCPP showed dual effects in the MBT, increasing the number of buried marbles at lower (0.1 mg/kg) while decreasing it at higher doses (1 mg/kg), an effect not related to a general increase in anxiety‐like behavior. As found previously, CBD (30 mg/kg) and the positive control fluoxetine (FLX; 10 mg/kg) decreased burying behavior without changing general exploratory activity. A similar effect was found when subeffective doses of CBD (15 mg/kg) and FLX (3 mg/kg) were administered together. These subeffective doses alone were also able to block mCPP‐induced repetitive burying. The results, in addition to reinforcing a possible anticompulsive effect of CBD, also suggest that mCPP‐induced repetitive burying could be a useful test for the screening of compounds with presumed anticompulsive properties.
Antihepatitis B therapy: a review of current medications and novel small molecule inhibitors
Authors: Qiu Li‐Peng , Chen Liang , Chen Ke‐Ping 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThere are approximately 350 million hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers worldwide. Chronic HBV infection increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. To date, two classes of antiviral drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hepatitis B, immunomodulators (interferon [IFN]‐α and pegylated‐interferon [PEG‐IFN]‐α) and nucleos(t)ide analogs (lamivudine, telbivudine, adefovir, tenofovir [TDF], and entecavir [ETV]). Of these, ETV, TDF, and PEG‐IFN‐α are the most effective and are currently recommended for anti‐HBV therapy. However, these therapies are less than optimal because of their low rate of viral DNA and surface antigen clearance; thus, there exists a significant unmet medical need for safe and efficacious new anti‐HBV drugs. Covering diverse chemical structures and mechanisms of action, non‐nucleos(t)ide compounds offer great promise in the search for new anti‐HBV drugs. This review summarizes the currently approved anti‐HBV drugs and highlights advances in the identification and characterization of novel small molecule HBV inhibitors. We discuss the sources, structures, anti‐HBV effects, mechanisms of action, and potential toxicities of these novel inhibitors.
Erythromycin‐induced genotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in mice pups treated during prenatal and postnatal period
Authors: Singh Preeti , Singh Lubhan , Mondal Sambhu Charan , Kumar Sokindra , Singh Ishwari Narayan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe main aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative stress, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of erythromycin (EMC) in pups of treated dams in gestation as well as the lactation period (LP). The two doses of EMC were compared using intraperitoneal (i.p.) route in two different periods, that is, in gestation period and in the LP. The rationale behind selection of i.p. route is because of the fact that EMC gets degrades in acidic pH of the stomach. The doses of EMC used were clinically equivalent dose (CED; EMC 14.2 mg/kg, i.p.) and a lower dose (EMC 10 mg/kg, i.p.) than CED. EMC toxicities in mice pups were evaluated using various parameters such as micronucleus (MN) test in peripheral blood and bone marrow, malondialdehyde (MDA) assay, glutathione (GSH reduced) assay and histopathological assessment in liver tissue. The CED of EMC led to a significant increase in MDA and decreased in GSH concentration in pups' liver tissue in both gestation and LPs and also to a significant increase in MN frequency in both peripheral blood and bone marrow cells of pups. There were no significant toxicities at a lower dose than CED. There were also some chronic findings with liver histopathological examination at CED. It is thus concluded that EMC accentuates the oxidative stress, cytotoxicity and DNA damage in pups of their postnatal life; hence, EMC should be avoided in the pregnancy and also in the LP.
Expression of a type 2 diacylglycerol acyltransferase from Thalassiosira pseudonana in yeast leads to incorporation of docosahexaenoic acid β‐oxidation intermediates into triacylglycerol
Authors: Xu Jingyu , Kazachkov Michael , Jia Yunhua , Zheng Zhifu , Zou Jitao 
Published: October 2013

Glycerolipids of the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana are enriched particularly with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and also with an appreciable level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The present study describes the functional characterization of a type 2 diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT2, EC 2.3.1.20) from T. pseudonana, designated TpDGAT2, which catalyzes the final step of triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis. Heterologous expression of this gene restored TAG formation in a yeast mutant devoid of TAG biosynthesis. TpDGAT2 was also shown to exert a large impact on the fatty acid profile of TAG. Its expression caused a 10–12% increase of 18:1 and a concomitant decrease of 16:0 relative to that of AtDGAT1(Arabidopsis thaliana). Furthermore, in the presence of the very‐long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLCPUFA) EPA and DHA, TAG formed by TpDGAT2 displayed three‐ to six‐fold increases in the percentage of VLCPUFA relative to that of AtDGAT1 even though TpDGAT2 conferred much lower TAG‐synthetic activities than Arabidopsis DGAT1. Strikingly, when fed DHA, the yeast mutant expressing TpDGAT2 incorporated high levels of EPA and DHA isomers derived from DHA β‐oxidation. In contrast, no such phenomenon occurred in the cells expressing AtDGAT1. These results suggested that, in addition to the role in breaking down storage lipids, yeast peroxisomes also contribute to lipid synthesis by recycling acyl‐CoAs when a fatty acyl assembly system is available to capture and utilize the fatty acyl pools generated via β‐oxidation. Our study hence illustrated a case where the efficiency and substrate preference of an acyltransferase can elicit far reaching metabolic adjustments that affect TAG composition.
Experimental and numerical analysis of low‐velocity impact of plastic laminates
Authors: Ramakrishnan K. R. , Shankar K. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTAcrylic is extensively used in transparent laminate systems with glass, polycarbonate, polyurethane and other polymers. Impact response of laminated structures is a subject of critical interest because of the high probability of impacts occurring during the manufacture, service or maintenance of structures. The impact loading induces a complex interaction between structural and material behaviour. Impact tests have proven inherently difficult to characterize because of the large number of parameters that play a key role in structural behaviour. Evaluation of impact in the case of ballistic tests is usually in terms of the minimum energy required to cause complete penetration or the maximum energy before penetration. So, metrics like V100 ballistic limit and V50 ballistic limit are determined from a series of experiments. However, in low‐velocity impacts, these statistical estimates are not appropriate. Furthermore, they do not indicate the failure mechanisms involved, the understanding of which is necessary to select materials for improved impact resistance. Different parameters are required to indicate the severity of the event and provide an understanding of the low‐velocity impact behaviour. This paper deals with applying a multi‐parameter approach to evaluate the low‐velocity impact on circular plates of acrylic. The work presented herein focuses on developing a numerical model to simulate the impact deformation and failure behaviour of brittle polymeric materials such as acrylic. The numerical model was developed using the commercial finite element analysis software ls‐dyna, and the results of the simulation is compared with the experimental results obtained from drop tower tests. The dynamic force histories and damage patterns obtained from the finite element simulation show good agreement with the experimental data from drop tower impact tests.
Surface cracks in fatigued structural components: a review
Authors: Brighenti Roberto , Carpinteri Andrea 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTSurface cracks are a common occurrence in structural components due to the frequently highest values of the stress at the outer boundary of the body and to the presence of defects. Such flaws can heavily reduce the service life of structural components leading to their premature failure, especially under repeated loading. During last decades, many research works based on theoretical, numerical and experimental techniques have been performed, mainly devoted to the determination of the stress‐intensity factors for recurrent surface crack shapes, different loading types and boundary conditions. Further, fatigue behaviour of surface cracks has been examined through numerical analyses or by simplifying the expected crack growth process. In the present paper, a literature survey is carried out by discussing the main topics related to the safety assessment of structural components with surface cracks under static or fatigue loading.
Development of the positive mean stress diagrams using genetic algorithm approach
Authors: Sekercioglu T. , Canyurt O. E. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTIn this numerical study, a new optimum positive mean stress fatigue failure equation is developed using previous experimental data and genetic algorithm. Two independent curve fitting coefficients are implemented in the equation to supply better correlations with experimental data of the failure strength envelope. In the literature, Gerber, Goodman, Soderberg, Morrow, Bagci, ASME (elliptic line), Clemson, Sekercioglu and so on suggested different equations for estimating fatigue strength envelope under mean stress condition. In these models, the effect of the materials was not considered in details. Some of these mean stress linear expressions are very conservative or have stress area bigger than the yield limit. The yield strength and the effect of materials are considered in the proposed model. The values of the positive mean stress, which correspond to fatigue failure, are obtained, and a minimum average absolute error among the models presented in the literature is remarked. The proposed model, which has less conservative structure, can be effectively used in the mechanical design process.
Genetic analyses of European minnow, Phoxinus phoxinus, in a river system outside its native range indicate multiple invasions from different sources
Authors: Thaulow J. , Borgstrøm R. , Heun M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEuropean minnow Phoxinus phoxinus (L.) from four different water bodies (the lakes Eivindbuvatn and Grungevatn, and the hydroelectric reservoirs Ståvatn and Totak) in the upper part of the Tokke drainage system, outside the native range of this species, and from one possible source population (River Hunnselva), were analysed to identify the origin of a newly established population in Ståvatn Reservoir. Amplified fragment length polymorphism analyses identified three genetically different populations in the Tokke drainage system, well separated from the purported source population. Thus, the River Hunnselva population connected to a brown trout, Salmo trutta L., hatchery from which European minnow theoretically could have ‘hitchhiked’ was not the source. As such, the dispersal of European minnow in Norway, even in a restricted area within one drainage system, appears to occur from multiple sources and possibly involves the illegal use of the species as live bait.