bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age proximity influences herd composition in wild giraffe
Authors: Bercovitch F. B. , Berry P. S. M. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIn many mammalian species, animals form subunits within larger groups that are often associated with kinship and/or age proximity. Kinship mediates fission/fusion social dynamics of giraffe herds, but the role of age proximity has been unexamined. Here, we analyze 34 years of data from a population of Thornicroft's giraffe,Giraffa camelopardalis thornicroftii, living inZambia in order to assess the extent to which age proximity influences herd composition. We show for the first time that calves born into the same cohort have stronger social associations than calves born into different age cohorts, and that the strength of their association is independent of the strength of maternal associations. Duration of time co‐resident in the population did not influence the strength of social associations. Mothers and adult daughters have significantly stronger social associations than do unrelated adult females. We suggest that giraffe have evolved mechanisms for fostering the formation of social associations with similar aged non‐kin. Giraffes live in a complex society incorporating both kinship and age proximity as factors modulating the formation of social associations that underlie the fission/fusion dynamics of their flexible herd structure.
Traffic Responsive Control of Intersections with Predicted Arrival Times: A Markovian Approach
Authors: Haijema René , Hendrix Eligius M. T. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe dynamic adaptive control of traffic lights can be formulated as a Markov decision problem (MDP). This framework is hardly used, as solving an MDP can be very time‐consuming and is only possible for simple infrastructures with a small number of traffic flows. Nevertheless, we show that the MDP framework can be used to construct control policies that approximately minimize the long‐run average waiting time at intersections. The MDP‐based approach is fast and thus allows real‐time use of actual information on traffic conditions, like queue lengths and the arrival times of near‐future arrivals. Simulation of an isolated intersection as well as a small network shows that the new policies with arrival information improve pretimed as well as exhaustive control. The new control policies and underlying algorithms scale up well to control networks.
Sensorial differences according to sex and ages
Authors: da Silva LA , Lin SM , Teixeira MJ , de Siqueira JTT , Jacob Filho W , de Siqueira SRDT 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate age and sex differences in orofacial sensory detection.MethodsOne hundred and twenty‐six (126) healthy subjects were divided into five groups according to their ages. They were assessed with a quantitative sensory testing protocol for gustative, olfactory, thermal (cold/warm), mechanical (tactile/vibration/electric), and pain (deep/superficial) detection thresholds. The corneal reflex was also evaluated. Data were analyzed with the one‐way ANOVA, chi‐squared, Fisher's exact, Mann–Whitney, and Kruskal–Wallis tests.ResultsThe groups of subjects over 61 years old had higher olfactory (P < 0.001), gustative (sweet P = 0.004, salty P = 0.007, sour P = 0.006), thermal (warm P < 0.001, cold P < 0.001), and tactile (P < 0.001) detection thresholds than the others. The vibration detection threshold was high only for subjects over 75 years old (P < 0.001). The electric and deep pain detection thresholds were different for the 61–75 years old group (P ≤ 0.001). Women in all age groups had lower gustative (sweet P = 0.020, salty P = 0.002, sour P < 0.001, and bitter P = 0.002), olfactory (P = 0.010), warm (P < 0.001) and deep (P < 0.001), and superficial pain (P = 0.008) detection thresholds than men, and men from all age groups had lower vibratory detection thresholds (P = 0.006) than women.ConclusionHigh sensory detection thresholds were observed in subjects over the 6th decade of life, and women had a more accurate sensory perception than men.
Modifying theLibyan fiscal regime to optimise its oil reserves and attract more foreign capital part 1:LEPSA Iproposal
Authors: Balhasan Saad A. , Towler Brian F. , Miskimins Jennifer L. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe currentExploration andProductionSharingAgreementIV(EPSA IV) has deficiencies that militate against increased capital investment inLibya's petroleum industry. This paper proposes an improved technique for determining the equity split called the ‘share equation’. The proposed share equation would simplify the Libyan fiscal regime and will provide an incentive for foreign oil companies to invest more during the contract period by raising their percentage share of production when they increase their capital expenditure. More capital expenditure will lead to increasing the recoverable reserves and will subsequently improve the oil recovery for individual fields and for the entire country. The share equation will change the percentage share of production automatically with any change in the oil price. It will increase the percentage share of production of theLibyanNationalOilCorporation when the price goes up, and increase the percentage share of production of the foreign oil companies when the oil price goes down. Furthermore, the share equation takes into consideration the probability of success in each of theLibyan basins. The foreign oil companies will get an increased reward when deciding to take more risks by exploration in unknown basins such as theKufra basin andCyrenaica platform. But, the share equation will eliminate the restrictive parameters likeAandBfactors, base factor andRratio in the currentEPSA IVmodel. This proposal for modifying theLibyan fiscal oil regime aims to increaseLibyan oil reserves and attract more foreign capital. By giving more flexibility to the foreign oil companies, theLibyan oil sector will get more contributions of foreign capital and technology. This will improveLibyan oil production and increase the remaining oil reserves. We call this new agreement theLibyanExploration andProductionSharingAgreementI.
Ectopic expression of cytosolic superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase leads to salt stress tolerance in transgenic plums
Authors: Diaz‐Vivancos Pedro , Faize Mohamed , Barba‐Espin Gregorio , Faize Lydia , Petri Cesar , Hernández José Antonio , Burgos Lorenzo 
Published: June 2013

SummaryTo fortify the antioxidant capacity of plum plants, genes encoding cytosolic antioxidants ascorbate peroxidase (cytapx) and Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase (cytsod) were genetically engineered in these plants. Transgenic plum plants expressing the cytsod and/or cytapx genes in cytosol have been generated under the control of the CaMV35S promoter. High levels of cytsod and cytapx gene transcripts suggested that the transgenes were constitutively and functionally expressed. We examined the potential functions of cytSOD and cytAPX in in vitro plum plants against salt stress (100 mm NaCl). Several transgenic plantlets expressing cytsod and/or cytapx showed an enhanced tolerance to salt stress, mainly lines C5‐5 and J8‐1 (expressing several copies of sod and apx, respectively). Transformation as well as NaCl treatments influenced the antioxidative metabolism of plum plantlets, including enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. Transgenic plantlets exhibited higher contents of nonenzymatic antioxidants glutathione and ascorbate than nontransformed control, which correlated with lower accumulation of hydrogen peroxide. Overall, our results suggest that transformation of plum plants with genes encoding antioxidant enzymes enhances the tolerance to salinity.
Identification of anaplastic lymphoma kinase break points and oncogenic mutation profiles in acral/mucosal melanomas
Authors: Niu Hai‐Tao , Zhou Qi‐Ming , Wang Fang , Shao Qiong , Guan Yuan‐Xiang , Wen Xi‐Zhi , Chen Li‐Zhen , Feng Qi‐Sheng , Li Wei , Zeng Yi‐Xin , Zhang Xiao‐Shi 
Published: June 2013

SummaryAcral and mucosal melanomas, the two most common subtypes of melanoma in China, exhibit different genetic alterations and biologic behavior compared with other subtypes of melanomas. The purpose of this study was to identify the genetic alterations in patients with acral or mucosal melanomas in southern China. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT‐PCR) were used to assess the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) break points. Furthermore, a mass spectrometry–based genotyping platform was used to analyze 30 acral melanomas and 28 mucosal melanomas to profile 238 known somatic mutations in 19 oncogenes. ALK break points were identified in four acral cases (6.9%). Eight (13.8%) cases harbored BRAF mutations, six (10.3%) had NRAS mutations, four (6.9%) had KIT mutations, two (3.5%) had EGFR mutations, two (3.5%) had KRAS mutations, two (3.5%) had MET mutations, one (1.7%) had an HRAS mutation, and one (1.7%) had a PIK3CA mutation. Two cases exhibited co‐occurring mutations, and one case with a BRAF mutation had a translocation in ALK. This study represents a comprehensive and concurrent analysis of the major recurrent oncogenic mutations involved in melanoma cases from southern China. These data have implications for both clinical trial designs and therapeutic strategies.
Evaluation of PAX3 genetic variants and nevus number
Authors: Ogbah Zighereda , Badenas Celia , Harland Mark , Puig‐Butille Joan A. , Elliot Fay , Bonifaci Nuria , Guino Elisabet , Randerson‐Moor Julie , Chan May , Iles Mark M. , Glass Daniel , Brown Andrew A. , Carrera Cristina , Kolm Isabel , Bataille Veronique , Spector Timothy D. , Malvehy Josep , Newton‐Bishop Julia , Pujana Miquel A. , Bishop Tim , Puig Susana 
Published: June 2013

SummaryThe presence of a high nevus number is the strongest phenotypic predictor of melanoma risk. Here, we describe the results of a three‐stage study directed at identifying risk variants for the high nevus phenotype. At the first stage, 263 melanoma cases from Barcelona were genotyped for 223 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 39 candidate genes. Seven SNPs in the PAX3 gene were found to be significantly associated with nevus number under the additive model. Next, the associations for seven PAX3 variants were evaluated in 1217 melanoma cases and 475 controls from Leeds; and in 3054 healthy twins from TwinsUK. Associations with high nevus number were detected for rs6754024 (P values < 0.01) in the Barcelona and Leeds datasets and for rs2855268 (P values < 0.01) in the Barcelona and the TwinsUK sets. Associations (P values < 0.001) in the opposite direction were detected for rs7600206 and rs12995399 in the Barcelona and TwinsUK sets. This study suggests that SNPs in PAX3 are associated with nevus number, providing support for PAX3 as a candidate nevus gene. Further studies are needed to examine the role of PAX3 in melanoma susceptibility.
Cilostazol improves cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Taguchi Akihiko , Takata Yu , Ihara Masafumi , Kasahara Yukiko , Tsuji Masahiro , Nishino Madoka , Stern David , Okada Masahiro 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and purposeCerebral ischemia and accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) are major risk factors for the development of dementia, including vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Cilostazol, an antiplatelet drug, has been shown to improve cerebral circulation and reduce accumulation of Aβ. In this study, the long‐term effect of cilostazol on cognitive function was investigated retrospectively.MethodsMedical records at Sumotoitsuki Hospital were surveyed to find all patients treated with cilostazol and evaluated by the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) during at least two visits separated by an interval of more than 6 months. Patients receiving anti‐dementia drugs were excluded. Temporal changes in MMSE scores were compared between patients treated with cilostazol (n = 70) and those who ceased administration of this drug (n = 22). The mean follow‐up period was 691 days.ResultsDecrease in MMSE score was significantly ameliorated by administration of cilostazol. Subgroup analysis revealed that cilostazol significantly improved MMSE score in patients with mild cognitive impairment, though no significant effect was observed in patients with normal cognitive function or dementia.ConclusionsAlthough there are limitations to such a retrospective study, these results significantly encourage undertaking a prospective cohort study to determine the effect of cilostazol on mild cognitive impairment where no treatments currently exist.
Bringing Data to Life into an Introductory Statistics Course with Gapminder
Authors: Le Dai‐Trang 
Published: June 2013

SummaryGapminder is a free and easy to use software for visualising real‐world data in multiple dimensions. The simple format of the Cartesian coordinate system is used in a dynamic and interactive way to convey a great deal of information. This tool can be readily used to arouse students' natural curiosity regarding world events and to increase the motivation to understand statistics.
The Adaptive Nature of Eye Movements in Linguistic Tasks: How Payoff and Architecture Shape Speed‐Accuracy Trade‐Offs
Authors: Lewis Richard L. , Shvartsman Michael , Singh Satinder 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe explore the idea that eye‐movement strategies in reading are precisely adapted to the joint constraints of task structure, task payoff, and processing architecture. We present a model of saccadic control that separates a parametric control policy space from a parametric machine architecture, the latter based on a small set of assumptions derived from research on eye movements in reading (Engbert, Nuthmann, Richter, & Kliegl, 2005; Reichle, Warren, & McConnell, 2009). The eye‐control model is embedded in a decision architecture (a machine and policy space) that is capable of performing a simple linguistic task integrating information across saccades. Model predictions are derived by jointly optimizing the control of eye movements and task decisions under payoffs that quantitatively express different desired speed‐accuracy trade‐offs. The model yields distinct eye‐movement predictions for the same task under different payoffs, including single‐fixation durations, frequency effects, accuracy effects, and list position effects, and their modulation by task payoff. The predictions are compared to—and found to accord with—eye‐movement data obtained from human participants performing the same task under the same payoffs, but they are found not to accord as well when the assumptions concerning payoff optimization and processing architecture are varied. These results extend work on rational analysis of oculomotor control and adaptation of reading strategy (Bicknell & Levy, ; McConkie, Rayner, & Wilson, 1973; Norris, 2009; Wotschack, 2009) by providing evidence for adaptation at low levels of saccadic control that is shaped by quantitatively varying task demands and the dynamics of processing architecture.
Canine ocular neoplasia: a review
Authors: Labelle Amber L. , Labelle Philippe 
Published: June 2013

AbstractOcular neoplasia is relatively rare in dogs but can have significant impact on vision, comfort, and longevity. Prognosis for life and for the globe varies with tumor type. In this review, the clinicopathologic features of the most common canine ocular neoplasms are detailed, with emphasis on histologic and immunohistochemical characteristics.
A comparative study of corneal sensitivity in birds of prey
Authors: Lacerda Rodrigo P. , Obón Elena , Peña Maria T. , Costa Daniel , Ríos Jose , Leiva Marta 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine and compare the corneal sensitivity in healthy wild diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey (BP) indigenous to Catalonia (Spain), and to establish if age is a determining factor in corneal sensitivity in those species.MethodsOphthalmic examination was performed in 105 BP. Only birds with no ocular abnormalities were included in the study (n = 81): 21 diurnal BP (Falco tinnunculus: 16 fledglings, 5 adults) and 60 nocturnal BP (20 Athene noctua [9 fledglings, 11 adults], 20 Strix aluco [15 fledglings, 5 adults], and 20 Otus scops [6 fledglings and 14 adults]). Corneal touch threshold (CTT) was determined for each eye in five different corneal regions. Five attempts to cause a blink reflex were made in each region, and when three or more reflexes were positive, the pressure was deemed the CTT. Statistical analysis was performed using a Student's t‐test for independent data or an anova model. The results between species and age groups were compared using the Generalized Estimated Equations model.ResultsThere were no significant differences between any of the corneal regions (P = 0.25), or between the right (CTT = 4.9 ± 1.7 cm) and left (CTT = 4.8 ± 1.7 cm) eye in any of the species (P = 0.692). No difference was found between diurnal and nocturnal species (P = 0.913). Considering all the species, a significant difference was found between the mean CTT of fledglings (5.4 ± 1.2 cm) and adults (4.1 ± 2 cm), P < 0.001. A significant difference was found between fledglings and adults of A. noctua (P < 0.001) and S. aluco (P = 0.002).ConclusionsThere is no significant difference in CTT between the different corneal regions in all the species studied. Corneal sensitivity is similar between diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey. Age is a determining factor in the CTT of A. noctua and S. aluco, with fledglings having a significantly higher CTT.
A systematic review of the psychometric properties of self‐reported scales assessing burn contractures reveals the need for a new tool to measure contracture outcomes
Authors: Ehanire Tosan , Vissoci Joao Ricardo Nickenig , Slaughter Keimun , Coêlho Rafael , Bond Jennifer , Rodrigues Clarissa , Pietrobon Ricardo , Levinson Howard 
Published: June 2013

AbstractApproximately 40% of burn patients develop scar contractures. It is unknown which scar contracture therapy best optimizes activities of daily living (ADL).The appropriateness of self‐reported outcome tools in measuring anti‐scar contracture therapies has not been assessed. We conducted a systematic review to determine the quality of existing self‐reported scales in measuring ADL among burn patients by analyzing and comparing psychometric properties—factor analysis, validity, reliability, and responsiveness. EMBASE, LILACS, American Psychological Association PsycNET databases were searched for relevant articles. Forty‐one articles discussing 10 burn and non‐burn–specific scales met eligibility criteria of ADL assessment, and available psychometric analyses. A common strength in most scales was good overall reliability. Common weaknesses were insufficient data on factor analyses, content validity specific to ADL assessment, and responsiveness. The psychometric analyses studies on these scales had poor sample variability. There is insufficient data on the dimensionality and responsiveness of existing scales to support their use for measuring ADL in burn patients. Existing scales do not comprehensively measure ADLs as an isolated parameter. A psychometrically valid, comprehensive self‐reported burn contracture scale that measures ADLs among a diverse group of burn patients needs to be developed to optimize burn contracture treatments and develop new therapies.
Direct contact of fibroblasts with neuronal processes promotes differentiation to myofibroblasts and induces contraction of collagen matrix in vitro
Authors: Fujiwara Toshihiro , Kubo Tateki , Kanazawa Shigeyuki , Shingaki Kenta , Taniguchi Manabu , Matsuzaki Shinsuke , Gurtner Geoffrey C. , Tohyama Masaya , Hosokawa Ko 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWound healing is often delayed in the patients whose sensory and autonomic innervation is impaired. We hypothesized that existence of neurites in the skin may promote wound healing by inducing differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts with consequent wound contraction. In the current study, we examined the effect of neurons on differentiation of fibroblasts and contraction of collagen matrix in vitro using a new co‐culture model. Neuronal cell line, PC12 cells, of which the neurite outgrowth can be controlled by adding nerve growth factor, was used. Rat dermal fibroblasts were co‐cultured with PC12 cells extending neurites or with PC12 cells lacking neurites. Then, differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and contraction of the collagen matrix was evaluated. Finally, we examined whether direct or indirect contact with neurites of PC12 cells promoted the differentiation of fibroblasts. Our results showed that fibroblasts co‐cultured with PC12 extending neurites differentiated into myofibroblasts more effectively and contracted the collagen matrix stronger than those with PC12 lacking neurites. Direct contact of fibroblasts with neurites promoted more differentiation than indirect contact. In conclusion, direct contact of fibroblasts with neuronal processes is important for differentiation into myofibroblasts and induction of collagen gel contraction, leading to promotion of wound healing.
Toll‐like receptor 4 signaling regulates the acute local inflammatory response to injury and the fibrosis/neovascularization of sterile wounds
Authors: Brancato Samielle K. , Thomay Alan A. , Daley Jean M. , Crane Meredith J. , Reichner Jonathan S. , Sabo Edmond , Albina Jorge E. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe role of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the regulation of inflammation and fibrosis in sterile wounds was investigated in TLR4 signal‐deficient (C3H/HeJ or TLR4−/−) and control mice using the subcutaneously implanted polyvinyl alcohol sponge wound model. Total and differential wound cell counts 1, 3, and 7 days after injury did not differ between C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeOuJ animals. Blood monocytes from both strains expressed CCR2 equally. Day one wounds in C3H/HeJ mice contained fewer Gr‐1high wound macrophages, CCL3, and CCL5, and more CCL17 than those in controls. The accumulation of CCL2, CX3CL1, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, and interferon‐γ in wound fluids was not TLR4 dependent. Wound macrophages from C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeOuJ mice expressed CCR4 and CCR5, but not CCR1 or CCR3. Wound macrophage recruitment was not altered in CCR5−/− mice or in C3H/HeOuJ animals injected with neutralizing anti‐CCL3 and anti‐CCL5 antibodies. Neutralization of the CCR4 ligand CCL17 in C3H/HeJ mice did not alter wound macrophage populations. There was a twofold increase in collagen content and number of neovessels in 21‐day‐old wounds in C3H/HeJ vs. C3H/HeOuJ mice. There were no differences between strains in the number of myofibroblasts in the wounds 7 or 21 days postwounding. The increased fibrosis and angiogenesis in wounds from /HeJ mice correlated with higher concentrations of transforming growth factor‐β and fibroblast growth factor 2 in wound fluids from these animals. Wound fluids did not contain detectable lipopolysaccharide and did not induce IκBα degradation in J774.A1 macrophages. Results support a role for endogenous ligands of TLR4 in the regulation of inflammation and repair in sterile wounds.