bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the mapping between numerical approximation and number words: evidence from Williams syndrome and typical development
Authors: Libertus Melissa E. , Feigenson Lisa , Halberda Justin , Landau Barbara 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAll numerate humans have access to two systems of number representation: an exact system that is argued to be based on language and that supports formal mathematics, and an Approximate Number System (ANS) that is present at birth and appears independent of language. Here we examine the interaction between these two systems by comparing the profiles of people with Williams syndrome (WS) with those of typically developing children between ages 4 and 9 years. WS is a rare genetic deficit marked by fluent and well‐structured language together with severe spatial deficits, deficits in formal math, and abnormalities of the parietal cortex, which is thought to subserve the ANS. One of our tasks, requiring approximate number comparison but no number words, revealed that the ANS precision of adolescents with WS was in the range of typically developing 2‐ to 4‐year‐olds. Their precision improved with age but never reached the level of typically developing 6‐ or 9‐year‐olds. The second task, requiring verbal number estimation using number words, revealed that the estimates produced by adolescents with WS were comparable to those of typically developing 6‐ and 9‐year‐olds, i.e. were more advanced than their ANS precision. These results suggest that ANS precision is somewhat separable from the mapping between approximate numerosities and number words, as the former can be severely damaged in a genetic disorder without commensurate impairment in the latter.
Young children ‘solve for x’ using the Approximate Number System
Authors: Kibbe Melissa M. , Feigenson Lisa 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe Approximate Number System (ANS) supports basic arithmetic computation in early childhood, but it is unclear whether the ANS also supports the more complex computations introduced later in formal education. ‘Solving for x’ in addend‐unknown problems is notoriously difficult for children, who often struggle with these types of problems well into high school. Here we asked whether 4–6‐year‐old children could solve for an unknown addend using the ANS. We presented problems either symbolically, using Arabic numerals or verbal number words, or non‐symbolically, using collections of objects while preventing verbal counting. Across five experiments, children failed to identify the value of the unknown addend when problems were presented symbolically, but succeeded when problems were presented non‐symbolically. Our results suggest that, well before formal exposure to unknown‐addend problems, children appear to ‘solve for x’ in an intuitive way, using the ANS.
Visual sensory and perceptive functioning in 5‐year‐old very preterm/very‐low‐birthweight children
Authors: Geldof Christiaan JA , Oosterlaan Jaap , Vuijk Pieter Jelle , de Vries Meindert J , Kok Joke H , van Wassenaer‐Leemhuis Aleid G 
Published: March 2014

AimTo examine visual sensory and perceptive functions, study their interrelations, and explore associations between visual dysfunctions and intelligence in very preterm/very‐low‐birthweight (VP/VLBW) children.MethodOne‐hundred and sixteen VP/VLBW children (57 males, 59 females; mean gestational age 30.1wks, SD 2.3; mean corrected age 5y 6mo, SD 1mo) and 73 term‐born children (40 males, 33 females; mean gestational age 39.9wks, SD 1.3; mean age 5y 6mo, SD 3mo) completed visual sensory (acuity, visual field, contrast‐, color‐, and stereovision), perceptive (visual coherence, and Developmental Test of Visual Perception non‐motor scale), and intelligence assessments.ResultsCompared with term‐born children, VP/VLBW children had reduced acuity (d=0.70, p<0.001), inferior visual field (d=0.67, p<0.001), and stereovision (v=0.19, p=0.008). VP/VBLW children showed weaker static coherence (d=0.49, p=0.001) and Position in Space (d=0.41, p=0.006) performance, independent of visual sensory deficits, and showed lower Verbal IQ (VIQ) and Performance IQ (PIQ; p<0.001). Visual perceptive functioning accounted for 13% of variance in VIQ, and for 35% of variance in PIQ.InterpretationVisual sensory and perceptive dysfunctions are present in VP/VLBW children and occur largely independently of each other. Visual perceptive dysfunctions are moderately associated with PIQ, and weakly with VIQ.
Improved real‐world glycaemic outcomes with liraglutide versus other incretin‐based therapies in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lee W. C. , Dekoven M. , Bouchard J. , Massoudi M. , Langer J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimLiraglutide (LIRA) once‐daily has provided greater A1C reductions than either exenatide (EXEN) twice‐daily or sitagliptin (SITA) once‐daily in head‐to‐head trials. The objective of this analysis is to compare the real‐world clinical effectiveness of these agents in the USA.MethodsUsing the IMS Health (Alexandria, VA, USA) integrated claims database, A1C outcomes in patients aged ≥18 years with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who initiated either LIRA, EXEN or SITA (including SITA/metformin) were retrospectively compared. Patients included in the analysis had ≥1 prescription for LIRA, EXEN or SITA between January and December 2010 (index period) and persisted with their index treatment regimens for 6 months post‐index. Outcomes included changes in A1C from baseline (45 days pre‐index through 7 days post‐index) to follow‐up [6 months post‐index (±45)] and the proportion of patients reaching A1C<7%. Multivariable regression models adjusted for confounding factors (e.g. age, comorbidities, baseline A1C and background antidiabetic therapy).ResultsThe predicted change in A1C from baseline was greater for LIRA patients compared with both SITA (−1.08 vs. −0.68%; treatment difference 0.40%, p < 0.0001) and EXEN (−1.08 vs. −0.75%; treatment difference 0.32%, p < 0.001). Predicted A1C goal achievement, derived from the multivariate logistic regression model, was higher with LIRA compared with both SITA [64.4% (95% confidence interval, CI: 63.5–65.3) vs. 49.4% (95% CI: 48.5–50.4); p < 0.0001] and EXEN [64.4% (95% CI: 63.5–65.3) vs. 53.6% (95% CI: 52.6–54.6); p < 0.0001].ConclusionsIn clinical practice, LIRA was associated with significantly greater reductions in A1C and improved glycaemic goal attainment compared with either EXEN or SITA among adult patients with T2D.
Specific activation of the paralemniscal pathway during nociception
Authors: Frangeul Laura , Porrero Cesar , Garcia‐Amado Maria , Maimone Benedetta , Maniglier Madlyne , Clascá Francisco , Jabaudon Denis 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTwo main neuronal pathways connect facial whiskers to the somatosensory cortex in rodents: (i) the lemniscal pathway, which originates in the brainstem principal trigeminal nucleus and is relayed in the ventroposterior thalamic nucleus and (ii) the paralemniscal pathway, originating in the spinal trigeminal nucleus and relayed in the posterior thalamic nucleus. While lemniscal neurons are readily activated by whisker contacts, the contribution of paralemniscal neurons to perception is less clear. Here, we functionally investigated these pathways by manipulating input from the whisker pad in freely moving mice. We report that while lemniscal neurons readily respond to neonatal infraorbital nerve sectioning or whisker contacts in vivo, paralemniscal neurons do not detectably respond to these environmental changes. However, the paralemniscal pathway is specifically activated upon noxious stimulation of the whisker pad. These findings reveal a nociceptive function for paralemniscal neurons in vivo that may critically inform context‐specific behaviour during environmental exploration.
Conceptual Revision and Synthesis of Proximate Factors Associated with Age‐Related Improvement in Reproduction
Authors: Bradley Rachel J. , Safran Rebecca J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractImprovement in reproductive performance with age, up to the point of senescence, is a predominant pattern among vertebrates. Predictions from life‐history theory provide a powerful framework for understanding the evolutionary basis of these patterns. However, based on the growing number of publications on this topic, there is increased interest in understanding the proximate causes of age‐related improvements in reproductive performance (ARIRP). A formal conceptual framework through which factors related toARIRPcan be examined is lacking. Here, we establish hypotheses with testable predictions for social and ecological factors, including resource quality, mate fidelity, site fidelity, prior breeding experience, and changes in ability to attract mates. We use this conceptual framework to review 55 empirical studies published (between 1900 through 2013) on avian species as birds have the greatest representation in empirical studies ofARIRP. Our synthesis revealed that tests of the breeding experience hypothesis are most prevalent in the literature, whereas tests of the site fidelity hypothesis are least prevalent. Overall, the role of increased mate attraction with age seems to be an important predictor ofARIRP, whereas changes in resource quality with age show the least support among published studies. Because many studies suffered from small sample sizes and did not control for confounding variables, we suggest experimental methodologies for teasing apart hypotheses in empirical investigations and offer statistical approaches for longitudinal datasets. From an ultimate perspective, we also highlight the role of life‐history variation, in shaping within‐individual improvements. Future work should employ a standardized framework to study patterns ofARIRP, as set forward here, to allow for more quantitative comparison of results across studies.
Z‐Ligustilide inhibits benzo(a)pyrene‐induced CYP1A1 upregulation in cultured human keratinocytes via ROS‐dependent Nrf2 activation
Authors: Wu Zhouwei , Uchi Hiroshi , Morino‐Koga Saori , Nakamura‐Satomura Akiko , Kita Kazuyo , Shi Weimin , Furue Masutaka 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBenzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), is an environmental contaminant that can induce cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) upregulation via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation and provoke inflammation. Here, we investigated the effect of Z‐Ligustilide, an active ingredient isolated from the medicinal plants Cnidium officinale and Angelica acutiloba, on BaP‐induced CYP1A1 upregulation in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) as well as its underlying mechanisms. Z‐Ligustilide significantly inhibited BaP‐induced CYP1A1 upregulation in NHEKs. Treatment of NHEKs with Z‐Ligustilide induced Nuclear factor‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation and expression of the Nrf2‐regulated genes for haeme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and NAD(P)H:quinine oxidoreductase‐1 (NQO1). AhR silencing, SB203580 (a p38 inhibitor), SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor), U0126 (a MEK inhibitor) and LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) did not suppress Z‐Ligustilide‐induced Nrf2 activation. Moreover, treatment of NHEKs with Z‐Ligustilide increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and L‐N‐acetylcysteine (L‐NAC, an antioxidant) attenuated Z‐ligustilide‐induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and HO‐1 expression. L‐NAC or knock‐down of Nrf2 significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of Z‐Ligustilide on BaP‐induced CYP1A1 upregulation in NHEKs. Taken together, these findings suggest that Z‐Ligustilide can suppress BaP‐induced CYP1A1 upregulation through ROS‐dependent Nrf2 pathway activation and may be beneficial in preventing or treating BaP‐induced skin damage.
Activation of Toll‐like receptors alters the microRNA expression profile of keratinocytes
Authors: Meisgen Florian , Xu Landén Ning , Bouez Charbel , Zuccolo Michela , Gueniche Audrey , Ståhle Mona , Sonkoly Enikö , Breton Lionel , Pivarcsi Andor 
Published: March 2014

AbstractKeratinocytes recognize invading pathogens by various receptors, among them Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), and provide the first line of defense in skin immunity. The role of microRNAs in this important defense mechanism has not been explored yet. Our aim was to identify microRNAs involved in the innate immune response of keratinocytes. MicroRNA expression profiling revealed that the TLR2 ligand zymosan, the TLR3 ligand poly(I:C) or the TLR5 ligand flagellin significantly altered the microRNA expression in keratinocytes. The regulation of microRNAs was concentration‐dependent and it could be neutralized by siRNAs specific for TLR2, TLR3 and TLR5, respectively, confirming the specificity of the TLR response. Interestingly, one microRNA, miR‐146a, was strongly induced by all studied TLR ligands, while other microRNAs were regulated in a TLR‐ or time point‐specific manner. These findings suggest an important role for microRNAs in the innate immune response of keratinocytes and provide a basis for further investigations.
Signalling protein complexes isolated from primary human skin‐resident T cells can be analysed by Multiplex IP‐FCM
Authors: Smith Stephen E. P. , Neier Steven C. , Davis Tessa R. , Pittelkow Mark R. , Gil Diana , Schrum Adam G. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractStudying signal transduction in skin‐resident T cells (sr‐T cells) can be limited by the small size of clinical biopsies. Here, we isolated sr‐T cells from clinical samples and analysed signalling protein complexes by multiplex immunoprecipitation detected by flow cytometry (mIP‐FCM). In samples from two independent donors, antigenic stimulation induced signalling proteins to join shared complexes that were observed in seven pairwise combinations among five proteins. This demonstrates that sr‐T cells isolated from small clinical samples provide sufficient material for mIP‐FCM‐based analysis of signalling‐induced protein complexes. We propose that this strategy may be useful for gaining improved mechanistic insight of sr‐T cell signal transduction associated with dermatological disease.
Effects of amlodipine and perindoprilate on the structure and function of mitochondria in ventricular cardiomyocytes during ischemia‐reperfusion in the pig
Authors: Mamou Zahida , Chahine Mohamed , Rhondali Ossam , Dehina Leila , Chevalier Philippe , Descotes Jacques , Bui‐Xuan Bernard , Romestaing Caroline , Timour Quadiri 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine whether amlodipine and/or perindoprilate injected intravenously (iv) prior to ischemia exerted protective effects on mitochondria structural and functional alterations induced by ischemia and aggravated by reperfusion. Heart rate, the duration of monophasic action potentials (dMAP), peak of the time derivative of left ventricular pressure (LV dP/dt max), mitochondria structural and functional parameters in the left ventricle ischemic area were measured after 45‐min ischemia and 1‐min reperfusion in domestic pigs either untreated or pretreated with amlodipine, perindoprilate or amlodipine + perindoprilate. Ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) induced tachycardia, reduced dMAP and LV dP/dt max, and causes alterations of mitochondria structural and functional parameters with decreased oxygen consumption, increased reactive oxygen species production and reduced calcium retention capacity (CRC) with opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores. This opening is mainly due to oxidative stress and calcium overload and seems to be the pivotal event in cell death after I/R. No drug treatment changed haemodynamic and electrophysiological parameters, but amlodipine and perindoprilate, either alone or combined, prevented mitochondrial alterations but only partially. The preservation of mitochondrial structure and functions reported in our study probably plays an important role in preventing calcium overload and mPTP opening during myocardial I/R by a specially increased CRC, which can explain their cardioprotective effects.
Cetuximab increases concentrations of irinotecan and of its active metabolite SN‐38 in plasma and tumour of human colorectal carcinoma‐bearing mice
Authors: Chu Céline , Abbara Chadi , Tandia Mahamadou , Polrot Mélanie , Gonin Patrick , Farinotti Robert , Bonhomme‐Faivre Laurence 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn a previous study, we showed that cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody directed towards epidermal growth factor receptor, could inhibit P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), an efflux protein of ATP‐binding cassette family, and lead to an increased P‐gp substrate intracellular concentration. Cetuximab is given with irinotecan to patients with metastasis colorectal cancer who did not respond to irinotecan‐based therapy. The mechanism of this successful clinical reversion remains unknown. As irinotecan is a P‐gp substrate, we tested here whether cetuximab could modify irinotecan concentration in mice. Therefore, concentrations of irinotecan and of its active metabolite SN‐38 were measured by HPLC in plasma and tumour of mice bearing a human colorectal carcinoma xenograft when irinotecan is given orally alone or after a pretreatment with cetuximab. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed no significant modification of irinotecan concentrations but a significant increase (1.7‐fold) in SN‐38 AUCs in plasma and in tumour after a pretreatment with cetuximab. Those results suggest that cetuximab influence irinotecan distribution into tissues probably due to inhibition of P‐gp. As SN‐38 is 200‐fold more potent than irinotecan, cetuximab could reverse irinotecan resistance by an effect on its active metabolite. Inhibiting SN‐38 efflux by P‐gp drug transporters in biliary system and tumour can lead to pharmacokinetic modification and a higher anticancer efficacy.
Dissimilar numerical responses of macroinvertebrates to disturbance from drying and predatory sunfish
Authors: Knorp Natalie E. , Dorn Nathan J. 
Published: March 2014

Summary

Disturbances caused by drying can eliminate fully aquatic organisms and alter wetland communities. However, the net effects of pulsed drying followed by re‐wetting on populations of benthic macroinvertebrates with greater tolerance to drying have been poorly studied.

We quantified the population responses of two large macroinvertebrates, dragonflies (a number of species; Family: Libellulidae) and a crayfish (Procambarus fallax), to variable drying history and predatory sunfish (Family: Centrarchidae) in experimental subtropical wetlands. To simulate naturally occurring combinations of drying and sunfish presence, the experimental treatments included a drying and re‐wetting sequence that either eliminated sunfish or did not, with a third treatment of continuously flooded conditions with sunfish present.

The activity of adult dragonflies was similar over all experimental wetlands, but larval density after 6 months was highest in continuously flooded wetlands (with sunfish) and some species (Erythemis simplicicollis, Celithemis eponina) were absent from wetlands that experienced drying. There was no evidence that sunfish limited larval density.

After 6 months, overall crayfish biomass was greatest in wetlands that had dried and lacked sunfish. Crayfish density was similar in all wetlands, but individual crayfish body mass (g) was greatest in wetlands that lacked sunfish. Because of sunfish predation, few crayfish survived to full juvenile size. In the presence of sunfish, drying did not affect crayfish biomass or individual body mass.

The abundance of libellulid dragonfly larvae was indirectly reduced by the drying. In wetlands where submerged vegetation was reduced by drying, we suggest that libellulid populations were limited by a small‐bodied fish (Gambusia holbrooki). In contrast, survival of juvenile crayfish was directly limited by sunfish, and therefore, crayfish (but not libellulid) populations could be temporarily enhanced by drying events when and where sunfish populations are reduced.
Mechanisms of soil carbon accrual and storage in bioenergy cropping systems
Authors: Tiemann Lisa K. , Grandy A. Stuart 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAnnual row cropping systems converted to perennial bioenergy crops tend to accrue soil C, likely a function of increased root production and decreased frequency of tillage; however, very little is known about the mechanisms governing the accrual and stability of this additional soil C. To address this uncertainty, we assessed the formation and stability of aggregates and soil organic C (SOC) pools under switchgrass, giantmiscanthus, a native perennial grass mix and continuous corn treatments in Michigan and Wisconsin soils differing in both texture and mineralogy. We isolated different aggregate size fractions, >2 mm, 0.5–2 mm, and <0.5 mm, using a procedure intended to minimize alterations to aggregate biological and chemical properties. We determinedSOC, permanganate oxidizable C (POXC), and microbial activities (i.e. enzyme activities and soil respiration rates) associated with these aggregates. Soil type strongly influenced the trajectory of aggregate formation and stabilization with differences between sites in mean aggregate size, stability,SOCand microbial activity under perennial vs. corn cropping systems. At the Michigan site, soil microbial activities were highest in the >2 mm aggregates, and higher under the perennial grasses compared to corn. Contrastingly, in Wisconsin soils, microbial activities were highest in the <0.5 mm aggregates and evidence for soil C accrual under perennial grasses was observed only in a fast turnover pool in the <0.5 mm aggregate class. Our results help explain cross‐site variability in soil C accrual under perennial bioenergy crops by demonstrating how interactions between belowground productivity, soil type, aggregation processes and microbial communities influence the rates and extent ofSOCstabilization. Bioenergy cropping systems have the potential to be low‐C energy sources but first we must understand the complex interactions controlling the formation and stabilization ofSOCif we are to maximize soil C accrual.
The Spatial Dimension of Trade‐ andFDI‐driven Productivity Growth inChinese Provinces: A Global Cointegration Approach
Authors: Mitze Timo , Özyurt Selin 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper analyses the major determinants of long‐ and short‐run labour productivity evolution forChinese provinces between 1978 and 2010. The role played by openness to trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) constitutes the main focus of this analysis. From a methodological perspective, our main contribution is the inclusion of spatial effects into a dynamic error correction modelling framework. The results show that, in addition to domestic factors such as investment intensity and infrastructure use, trade openness and inwardFDIalso exert a direct impact on labour productivity. Furthermore, the geographical environment has a strong indirect influence on productivity: The more a region is surrounded by high‐productive regions with good infrastructure and linkages to the world economy, the higher are its productivity level and growth rate. The magnitude of these impacts varies by spatial regime (coastal, interior provinces) and time period in focus. Especially in the recent past, trade andFDIactivity appear to be increasingly important drivers of regional productivity evolution, both for coastal and interior regions. These findings have important policy implications: In order to fully exploit the benefits from such spillovers, coordinated industrial policies which foster regional complementarities and support the free movement of production factors across regional borders are crucial.