bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternate current biosusceptometry for the assessment of gastric motility after proximal gastrectomy in rats: a feasibility study
Authors: Calabresi M. F. F. , Quini C. C. , Matos J. F. , Moretto G. M. , Americo M. F. , Graça J. R. V. , Santos A. A. , Oliveira R. B. , Pina D. R. , Miranda J. R. A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundThis study proposes an experimental model to assess the consequences of gastric surgeries on gastric motility. We investigated the effects of proximal gastrectomy (PG) using a non‐invasive technique (alternate current biosusceptometry [ACB]) on gastric contractility (GC), gastric emptying (GE), and orocecal transit (OCT) after the ingestion of liquids and solids in rats.MethodsTwenty‐four male rats were subjected to gastric motility assessment before and after the PG procedure. The GE and OCT results are expressed as the mean time of gastric emptying (MGET) and cecum arrival (MCAT). The GC recordings are presented as the frequency and amplitude of contractions.Key ResultsMean time of gastric emptying after solid meals were significantly different (p < 0.001) between control and PG (113 ± 5 to 99 ± 6 min). Mean time of cecum arrival ranged from 265 ± 9 to 223 ± 11 min (p < 0.001) and 164 ± 9 to 136 ± 17 min (p < 0.050) for solid and liquid meals, respectively. The assessment of GC showed that surgery decreased the phasic frequency (4.4 ± 0.4 to 3.0 ± 1.1 cpm, p < 0.050) and increased the amplitude of contractions (3.6 ± 2.7 to 7.2 ± 3.0 V/s, p < 0.050). No significant difference was found in tonic frequency.Conclusions & InferencesThe ACB system was able to assess GE, OCT, and GC in gastrectomized rats. Overall, PG accelerated GE and gastrointestinal transit, likely due to the increase in both intragastric pressure and amplitude contraction. Our data presented an efficient model to investigate functional consequences from gastric surgeries that will allow further studies involving different procedures.
Esophageal morphometric and biomechanical changes during aging in rats
Authors: Zhao J. , Gregersen H. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundHuman studies have demonstrated aging‐related changes in esophagus which may contribute to the increased rate of gastro‐esophageal reflux in elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate esophageal morphometric and biomechanical remodeling in aging rats to obtain detailed information about aging‐related changes.MethodsTwenty‐four male Wistar rats, aged from 6 to 22 months, were studied. Morphometric data were obtained by measuring the wall thickness and cross‐sectional area. The esophageal diameter and length were obtained from digitized images of the segments at preselected luminal pressure levels and at no‐load and zero‐stress states. Circumferential and longitudinal stresses (force per area) and strains (deformation) were computed from the length, diameter and pressure data, and from the zero‐stress state geometry.Key ResultsThe esophageal parameters such as the weight per unit length, the wall thickness and the wall cross‐sectional area increased slightly from 6 to 22 months (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The opening angle gradually decreased during aging (p < 0.05). The interface between the mucosa–submucosa and muscle layers slightly moved outwards and the neutral axis moved inwards during aging. The stress–strain data showed that the esophageal wall became stiffer circumferentially and longitudinally during aging (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). However, the circumferential wall stiffness showed no further change after 12 months.Conclusions & InferencesA pronounced morphometric and biomechanical remodeling occurred in the rat esophagus during aging.
Accumulative effect of food residues on intestinal gas production
Authors: Mego M. , Accarino A. , Malagelada J.‐R. , Guarner F. , Azpiroz F. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundAs mean transit time in the colon is longer than the interval between meals, several consecutive meal loads accumulate, and contribute to colonic biomass. Our aim was to determine the summation effect of fermentable food residues on intestinal gas production.MethodsIn eight healthy subjects, the volume of endogenous intestinal gas produced in the intestine over a 4‐h period was measured by means of a wash‐out technique, using an exogenous gas infusion into the jejunum (24 mL/min) and collection of the effluent via a rectal Foley catheter. The exogenous gas infused was labeled (5% SF6) to calculate the proportion of endogenous intestinal gas evacuated. In each subject, four experiments were performed ≥1 week apart combining a 1‐day high‐ or low‐flatulogenic diet with a test meal or fast.Key ResultsBasal conditions: on the low‐flatulogenic diet, intestinal gas production during fasting over the 4‐h study period was 609 ± 63 mL. Effect of diet: during fasting, intestinal gas production on the high‐flatulogenic diet was 370 ± 146 mL greater than on the low‐flatulogenic diet (p = 0.040). Effect of test meal: on the low‐flatulogenic diet, intestinal gas production after the test meal was 681 ± 114 mL greater than during fasting (p = 0.001); a similar effect was observed on the high‐flatulogenic diet (599 ± 174 mL more intestinal gas production after the test meal than during fasting; p = 0.021).Conclusions & InferencesOur data demonstrate temporal summation effects of food residues on intestinal gas production. Hence, intestinal gas production depends on pre‐existing and on recent colonic loads of fermentable foodstuffs.
The map‐based genome sequence of Spirodela polyrhiza aligned with its chromosomes, a reference for karyotype evolution
Authors: Cao Hieu Xuan , Vu Giang Thi Ha , Wang Wenqin , Appenroth Klaus J. , Messing Joachim , Schubert Ingo 
Published: August 2015

Summary

Duckweeds are aquatic monocotyledonous plants of potential economic interest with fast vegetative propagation, comprising 37 species with variable genome sizes (0.158–1.88 Gbp). The genomic sequence of Spirodela polyrhiza, the smallest and the most ancient duckweed genome, needs to be aligned to its chromosomes as a reference and prerequisite to study the genome and karyotype evolution of other duckweed species.

We selected physically mapped bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) containing Spirodela DNA inserts with little or no repetitive elements as probes for multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mcFISH), using an optimized BAC pooling strategy, to validate its physical map and correlate it with its chromosome complement.

By consecutive mcFISH analyses, we assigned the originally assembled 32 pseudomolecules (supercontigs) of the genomic sequences to the 20 chromosomes of S. polyrhiza. A Spirodela cytogenetic map containing 96 BAC markers with an average distance of 0.89 Mbp was constructed. Using a cocktail of 41 BACs in three colors, all chromosome pairs could be individualized simultaneously.

Seven ancestral blocks emerged from duplicated chromosome segments of 19 Spirodela chromosomes. The chromosomally integrated genome of S. polyrhiza and the established prerequisites for comparative chromosome painting enable future studies on the chromosome homoeology and karyotype evolution of duckweed species.
A PREDICTIVE MODEL TO INFORM ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT OF DOUBLE‐CRESTED CORMORANTS AND FISHERIES IN MICHIGAN
Authors: TSEHAYE IYOB , JONES MICHAEL L. , IRWIN BRIAN J. , FIELDER DAVID G. , BRECK JAMES E. , LUUKKONEN DAVID R. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTThe proliferation of double‐crested cormorants (DCCOs;Phalacrocorax auritus) in North America has raised concerns over their potential negative impacts on game, cultured and forage fishes, island and terrestrial resources, and other colonial water birds, leading to increased public demands to reduce their abundance. By combining fish surplus production and bird functional feeding response models, we developed a deterministic predictive model representing bird–fish interactions to inform an adaptive management process for the control of DCCOs in multiple colonies in Michigan. Comparisons of model predictions with observations of changes in DCCO numbers under management measures implemented from 2004 to 2012 suggested that our relatively simple model was able to accurately reconstruct past DCCO population dynamics. These comparisons helped discriminate among alternative parameterizations of demographic processes that were poorly known, especially site fidelity. Using sensitivity analysis, we also identified remaining critical uncertainties (mainly in the spatial distributions of fish vs. DCCO feeding areas) that can be used to prioritize future research and monitoring needs. Model forecasts suggested that continuation of existing control efforts would be sufficient to achieve long‐term DCCO control targets in Michigan and that DCCO control may be necessary to achieve management goals for some DCCO‐impacted fisheries in the state. Finally, our model can be extended by accounting for parametric or ecological uncertainty and including more complex assumptions on DCCO–fish interactions as part of the adaptive management process.
Development and validation of a new Chinese reading chart for children
Authors: Cheung Josephine P. Y. , Liu Dilys S. K. , Lam Catherine C. C. , Cheong Allen M. Y. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to develop and validate a new Chinese reading chart for children. The characteristics of reading profiles among Hong Kong children were also investigated.MethodsA new reading chart was developed using the design principles of the MNREAD chart. Children (N = 169) aged seven to 11 years with normal vision and no developmental or reading difficulties were recruited from four local Hong Kong primary schools located in four different districts. Reading performance was measured using three versions of the new Chinese reading chart for children as well as six short passages. Repeated reading measures were conducted for 79 participants 4–8 weeks later. A linear mixed‐model analysis was performed for the reading measures to identify the contribution of each source of variation (individual participant, among‐charts within‐session and between‐sessions, and error) to the total variance.ResultsThree reading parameters were derived from the Chinese reading chart for children – maximum reading speed (MRS), critical print size (CPS) and reading acuity (RA). Results from the linear mixed‐model and Bland and Altman analyses revealed that all three versions of the chart were reproducible, with little variability among‐charts and between‐sessions (p < 0.001). The coefficient of repeatability for the MRS, CPS and RA was 0.08 logWPM, 0.16 logMAR and 0.14 logMAR respectively. The strong correlation between reading speed measured by the chart and ordinary children's reading passages confirmed the usefulness of the chart for assessing children's reading performance (Rc = 0.67, 95% CI of 0.60–0.73).ConclusionsWe developed and validated a new Chinese reading chart for children for quantifying reading performance in Chinese children with normal reading ability. This standardised clinical test can be reliably used to measure the MRS, CPS and RA in Chinese‐speaking children. Further research is needed to evaluate the validity of this chart for assessing reading performance in Chinese children with reading difficulties, dyslexia or low vision.
Association of refractive error with optic nerve hypoplasia
Authors: Pang Yi , Frantz Kelly A. , Roberts Daniel K. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the association of refractive error with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH).MethodsA total of 30 ONH subjects were recruited and underwent comprehensive eye exams. Refractive error data from this group was compared to data from a group of 3232 non‐ONH subjects from the same facility. Spherical equivalent was calculated to assess refractive error. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between ONH and refractive error while controlling for age, race, and gender.ResultsThe prevalence of hyperopia (≥+1.00 D), myopia (<−0.75 D), and anisometropia (≥1.00 D) was higher in ONH subjects than in controls. ONH subjects were 9.1 times more likely to be hyperopic than emmetropic (OR = 9.1, 95% CI = 2.9–28.4, p < 0.001) and 3.8 times more likely to be myopic than emmetropic (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.2–11.5, p = 0.02). Unilateral ONH subjects were 10.0 times more likely to have anisometropia than controls (OR = 10.0, 95% CI = 3.9–25.6, p < 0.0001). Bilateral ONH subjects were 3.8 times more likely to have anisometropia than controls (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.1–12.7, p = 0.03).ConclusionsOptic nerve hypoplasia subjects were more likely than control subjects to exhibit significant refractive errors, particularly hyperopia. Anisometropia tended to be more likely to occur in subjects with unilateral ONH than in bilateral ONH. Based on our findings, we recommend that clinicians perform a comprehensive eye examination on all patients with ONH and prescribe for existing refractive error when visual acuity or general visual function can realistically be improved.
Effectiveness of suicide prevention gatekeeper‐training for university administrative staff in Japan
Authors: Hashimoto Naoki , Suzuki Yuriko , Kato Takahiro A. , Fujisawa Daisuke , Sato Ryoko , Aoyama‐Uehara Kumi , Fukasawa Maiko , Asakura Satoshi , Kusumi Ichiro , Otsuka Kotaro 
Published: August 2015

AimsSuicide is a leading cause of death among Japanese college and university students. Gatekeeper‐training programs have been shown to improve detection and referral of individuals who are at risk of suicide by training non‐mental‐health professional persons. However, no studies have investigated the effectiveness of such programs in university settings in Japan. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the gatekeeper‐training program for administrative staff in Japanese universities.MethodsWe developed a 2.5‐h gatekeeper‐training program based on the Mental Health First Aid program, which was originally developed for the general public. Seventy‐six administrative staff at Hokkaido University participated in the program. Competence and confidence in managing suicide intervention, behavioral intention as a gatekeeper and attitude while handling suicidal students were measured by a self‐reported questionnaire before, immediately after and a month after the program.ResultsWe found a significant improvement in competence in the management of suicidal students. We also found improvements in confidence in management of suicidal students and behavioral intention as a gatekeeper after training, though questionnaires for those secondary outcomes were not validated. These improvements continued for a month. About 95% of the participants rated the program as useful or very useful and one‐third of the participants had one or more chances to utilize their skills within a month.ConclusionsThe current results suggest the positive effects of the training program in university settings in Japan. Future evaluation that includes comparison with standard didactic trainings and an assessment of long‐term effectiveness are warranted.
Rules Trump Desires in Preschoolers’ Predictions of Group Behavior
Authors: Bernard Stéphane , Clément Fabrice , Kaufmann Laurence 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe objective of this article is to investigate the way children weigh conventional rules against desires when considering how a group will behave. To do so, two experiments involving a prediction task in which desires were pitted against conventional rules were presented to three‐ to five‐year‐old children. In Experiment 1, four scenarios were established as classroom scenes in which either one protagonist or three protagonists had a desire that went against an explicit conventional rule. In the individual control condition, the choices linked to the rules were at chance whereas, in the group condition, the participants predicted that all the protagonists would end up following the rule. Given that both conditions in Experiment 1 implied four rule followers in the design, Experiment 2 staged not three but seven potential rule transgressors to see whether the desire of the majority might undermine the rule. Results showed no majority effect: participants expected protagonists to act counter to their desire and to follow the rule. Such results suggest that children as young as three‐year‐old favor rules over desires when they have to predict the behavior of a group, whether it be the majority or not. Possible implications of these intriguing findings are discussed.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*40 allele, HLA‐B*40:229, in a Chinese individual
Authors: Yang J. H. , Jiang Y. Q. , Sun Y. , Zheng J. W. , Tang Q. J. , Xie J. H. , Xiang D. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe novel HLA‐B*40:229 allele shows one nucleotide difference from B*40:02:01 in exon 2 at nucleotide position 97 (C → T).
Identification of a novel HLA‐C*15 allele, HLA‐C*15:96Q
Authors: Huo M.‐R. , Xi B. , Yu Y. , Li D. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractHLA‐C*15:96Q differs from C*15:02:01:01 by a single‐nucleotide substitution at position 164 of exon 3.
Agricultural Policies and Trade Paths in Turkey
Authors: Larson Donald , Martin Will , Sahin Sebnem , Tsigas Marinos 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn 1959, shortly after the European Economic Community was founded under the 1957 Treaty of Rome, Turkey applied for Associate Membership of the then six‐member common market. By 1963, a path for integrating the economies of Turkey and the eventual European Union had been mapped. As with many trade agreements, agriculture posed difficult political hurdles, which were never fully cleared, even as trade barriers to other sectors were eventually removed and a Customs Union formed. In this paper, we trace the influences the Turkey‐EU economic institutions have had on agricultural policies and the agricultural sector. Using an applied general equilibrium framework we provide estimates of what including agriculture under the Customs Union would mean for the sector and the economy. We also discuss the implications of fully aligning Turkey's agricultural policies with the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, as would be required under full membership.
Hyperelliptic modular curves and isogenies of elliptic curves over quadratic fields
Authors: Bruin Peter , Najman Filip 
Published: August 2015

We study elliptic curves over quadratic fields with isogenies of certain degrees. Let $n$ be a positive integer such that the modular curve $X_{0}(n)$ is hyperelliptic of genus ${\geqslant}2$ and such that its Jacobian has rank $0$ over $\mathbb{Q}$. We determine all points of $X_{0}(n)$ defined over quadratic fields, and we give a moduli interpretation of these points. We show that, with a finite number of exceptions up to $\overline{\mathbb{Q}}$-isomorphism, every elliptic curve over a quadratic field $K$ admitting an $n$-isogeny is $d$-isogenous, for some $d\mid n$, to the twist of its Galois conjugate by a quadratic extension $L$ of $K$. We determine $d$ and $L$ explicitly, and we list all exceptions. As a consequence, again with a finite number of exceptions up to $\overline{\mathbb{Q}}$-isomorphism, all elliptic curves with $n$-isogenies over quadratic fields are in fact $\mathbb{Q}$-curves.
Low Cardiorespiratory Fitness Is Partially Linked to Ventilatory Factors in Obese Adolescents
Authors: Mendelson Monique , Michallet Anne-Sophie , Tonini Julia , Favre-Juvin Anne , Guinot Michel , Wuyam Bernard , Flore Patrice 
Published: August 2015

Aim:To examine the role of ventilatory constraint on cardiorespiratory fitness in obese adolescents.Methods:Thirty obese adolescents performed a maximal incremental cycling exercise and were divided into 2 groups based on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak): those presenting low (L; n = 15; VO2peak: 72.9 ± 8.6% predicted) or normal (N; n = 15; VO2peak: 113.6 ± 19.2% predicted) cardiorespiratory fitness. Both were compared with a group of healthy controls (C; n = 20; VO2peak: 103.1 ± 11.2% predicted). Ventilatory responses were explored using the flow volume loop method.Results:Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak, in % predicted) was lower in L compared with C and N and was moderately associated with the percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = .52; p < .05) in L. At peak exercise, end inspiratory point was lower in L compared with N and C (77.4 ± 8.1, 86.4 ± 7.7, and 89.9 ± 7.6% FVC in L, N, and C, respectively; p < .05), suggesting an increased risk of ventilatory constraint in L, although at peak exercise this difference could be attributed to the lower maximal ventilation in L.Conclusion:Forced vital capacity and ventilatory strategy to incremental exercise slightly differed between N and L. These results suggest a modest participation of ventilatory factors to exercise intolerance.
Sensititre MycoTB Plate Compared to Bactec MGIT 960 for First- and Second-Line Antituberculosis Drug Susceptibility Testing in Tanzania: a Call To Operationalize MICs
Authors: Heysell Scott K. , Pholwat Suporn , Mpagama Stellah G. , Pazia Saumu J. , Kumburu Happy , Ndusilo Norah , Gratz Jean , Houpt Eric R. , Kibiki Gibson S. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

MIC testing for
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is now commercially available. Drug susceptibility testing by the MycoTB MIC plate has not been directly compared to that by the Bactec MGIT 960. We describe a case of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) in Tanzania where initial MIC testing may have prevented acquired resistance. From testing on archived isolates, the accuracy with the MycoTB plate was >90% for important first- and second-line drugs compared to that with the MGIT 960, and clinically useful quantitative interpretation was also provided.
Mutation of
Rv2887
, a
marR
-Like Gene, Confers Mycobacterium tuberculosis Resistance to an Imidazopyridine-Based Agent
Authors: Winglee Kathryn , Lun Shichun , Pieroni Marco , Kozikowski Alan , Bishai William 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Drug resistance is a major problem in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
control, and it is critical to identify novel drug targets and new antimycobacterial compounds. We have previously identified an imidazo[1,2-
a
]pyridine-4-carbonitrile-based agent, MP-III-71, with strong activity against
M. tuberculosis
. In this study, we evaluated mechanisms of resistance to MP-III-71. We derived three independent
M. tuberculosis
mutants resistant to MP-III-71 and conducted whole-genome sequencing of these mutants. Loss-of-function mutations in
Rv2887
were common to all three MP-III-71-resistant mutants, and we confirmed the role of
Rv2887
as a gene required for MP-III-71 susceptibility using complementation. The Rv2887 protein was previously unannotated, but domain and homology analyses suggested it to be a transcriptional regulator in the MarR (multiple antibiotic resistance repressor) family, a group of proteins first identified in
Escherichia coli
to negatively regulate efflux pumps and other mechanisms of multidrug resistance. We found that two efflux pump inhibitors, verapamil and chlorpromazine, potentiate the action of MP-III-71 and that mutation of
Rv2887
abrogates their activity. We also used transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify genes which are differentially expressed in the presence and absence of a functional Rv2887 protein. We found that genes involved in benzoquinone and menaquinone biosynthesis were repressed by functional Rv2887. Thus, inactivating mutations of
Rv2887
, encoding a putative MarR-like transcriptional regulator, confer resistance to MP-III-71, an effective antimycobacterial compound that shows no cross-resistance to existing antituberculosis drugs. The mechanism of resistance of
M. tuberculosis
Rv2887
mutants may involve efflux pump upregulation and also drug methylation.