bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining 3D Hydraulic Tomography with Tracer Tests for Improved Transport Characterization
Authors: Sanchez‐León E. , Leven C. , Haslauer C.P. , Cirpka O.A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractHydraulic tomography (HT) is a method for resolving the spatial distribution of hydraulic parameters to some extent, but many details important for solute transport usually remain unresolved. We present a methodology to improve solute transport predictions by combining data from HT with the breakthrough curve (BTC) of a single forced‐gradient tracer test. We estimated the three dimensional (3D) hydraulic‐conductivity field in an alluvial aquifer by inverting tomographic pumping tests performed at the Hydrogeological Research Site Lauswiesen close to Tübingen, Germany, using a regularized pilot‐point method. We compared the estimated parameter field to available profiles of hydraulic‐conductivity variations from direct‐push injection logging (DPIL), and validated the hydraulic‐conductivity field with hydraulic‐head measurements of tests not used in the inversion. After validation, spatially uniform parameters for dual‐domain transport were estimated by fitting tracer data collected during a forced‐gradient tracer test. The dual‐domain assumption was used to parameterize effects of the unresolved heterogeneity of the aquifer and deemed necessary to fit the shape of the BTC using reasonable parameter values. The estimated hydraulic‐conductivity field and transport parameters were subsequently used to successfully predict a second independent tracer test. Our work provides an efficient and practical approach to predict solute transport in heterogeneous aquifers without performing elaborate field tracer tests with a tomographic layout.
Epidemiology of tinea capitis in northeast Iran: a retrospective analysis from 1998 to 2012
Authors: Afshar Parvaneh , Vahedi Lale , Ghasemi Maryam , Mardanshahi Alireza 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundTinea capitis is a common disease of the pediatric population. This disease typically follows one of several clinical patterns, i.e., scaling, hair loss, and/or inflammatory lesions, which are usually caused predominantly by two dermatophytic genera:MicrosporumandTrichophyton. The aim of this study was to investigate tinea capitis and its etiological agents in Sari city of Mazandaran province, Iran.MethodsWe studied the spectrum of tinea capitis by means of a retrospective analysis involving 1745 patients referred to both the Reference Laboratory of Medical Mycology (RLMM) and Bo Ali Sina Hospital at Sari, Iran (1998–2012). Specimens were assessed by standard mycological techniques based on macroscopic and microscopic morphology.ResultsAmong the patients, 480 (27.5%; 61 males and 39% females) were confirmed through a mycological examination. The peak incidence was in the 5–14 years age group. Endothrix (263 cases; 54.8%) was the most frequent clinical feature by direct exam. The predominant causative agents of tinea capitis wereT. tonsurans(186 cases; 38.8%) andT. violaceum(119 cases; 24.8%), followed byT. mentagrophytes(46 cases; 9.6%),T. schoenleinii(28; 5.8%),T. rubrum(20 cases; 4.2%),M. gypseum(15 cases; 3.1%),T. verrucosum(14 cases; 2.9%), and Epidermophyton floccosum (1 cases; 0.2%).ConclusionThe present study showed that tinea capitis is mainly due to the anthropophilic species, and the most common species wereT. tonsuransandT. violaceum. Owing to the high frequency of anthropophilic species, future studies may be useful in the development of preventive and educational strategies to reduce healthcare expenditure.
Physical Activity Engagement in Young People with Down Syndrome: Investigating Parental Beliefs
Authors: Alesi Marianna , Pepi Annamaria 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundDespite the wide documentation of the physical/psychological benefits derived from regular physical activity (PA), high levels of inactivity are reported among people with Down syndrome.This study aims to explore parental beliefs concerning involvement, facilitators/barriers and benefits of PA in young people.MethodSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 parents of young people with Down syndrome.ResultsThree facilitation themes were identified: (i) the support derived from family; (ii) the availability of APA (Adapted Physical Activity) expert instructors and coaches; (iii) the challenging nature of sport activities. Three barrier themes were identified: (i) the lack of APA expert coaches and specialized gyms; (ii) the characteristics of Down syndrome; and (iii) the parental beliefs and worries.ConclusionsFamily plays a key role, as facilitator and barrier, to the participation of their children with Down syndrome in PA. Crucial is the implementation of evidence‐based exercise programmes involving people with Down syndrome and their families.
Stable eusociality via maternal manipulation when resistance is costless
Authors: González‐Forero M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn many eusocial species, queens use pheromones to influence offspring to express worker phenotypes. Although evidence suggests that queen pheromones are honest signals of the queen's reproductive health, here I show that queen's honest signalling can result from ancestral maternal manipulation. I develop a mathematical model to study the coevolution of maternal manipulation, offspring resistance to manipulation and maternal resource allocation. I assume that (i) maternal manipulation causes offspring to be workers against offspring's interests; (ii) offspring can resist at no direct cost, as is thought to be the case with pheromonal manipulation; and (iii) the mother chooses how much resource to allocate to fertility and maternal care. In the coevolution of these traits, I find that maternal care decreases, thereby increasing the benefit that offspring obtain from help, which in the long run eliminates selection for resistance. Consequently, ancestral maternal manipulation yields stable eusociality despite costless resistance. Additionally, ancestral manipulation in the long run becomes honest signalling that induces offspring to help. These results indicate that both eusociality and its commonly associated queen honest signalling can be likely to originate from ancestral manipulation.
Headache attributed to masticatory myofascial pain: impact on facial pain and pressure pain threshold
Authors: Costa Y. M. , Porporatti A. L. , Stuginski‐Barbosa J. , Bonjardim L. R. , Speciali J. G. , Conti P. C. R. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThere is no clear evidence on how a headache attributed to temporomandibular disorder (TMD) can hinder the improvement of facial pain and masticatory muscle pain. The aim of this study was to measure the impact of a TMD‐attributed headache on masticatory myofascial (MMF) pain management. The sample was comprised of adults with MMF pain measured according to the revised research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) and additionally diagnosed with (Group 1, n = 17) or without (Group 2, n = 20) a TMD‐attributed headache. Both groups received instructions on how to implement behavioural changes and use a stabilisation appliance for 5 months. The reported facial pain intensity (visual analogue scale – VAS) and pressure pain threshold (PPT – kgf cm−2) of the anterior temporalis, masseter and right forearm were measured at three assessment time points. Two‐way anova was applied to the data, considering a 5% significance level. All groups had a reduction in their reported facial pain intensity (P < 0·001). Mean and standard deviation (SD) PPT values, from 1·33 (0·54) to 1·96 (1·06) kgf cm−2 for the anterior temporalis in Group 1 (P = 0·016), and from 1·27 (0·35) to 1·72 (0·60) kgf cm−2 for the masseter in Group 2 (P = 0·013), had significant improvement considering baseline versus the 5th‐month assessment. However, no differences between the groups were found (P > 0·100). A TMD‐attributed headache in patients with MMF pain does not negatively impact pain management, but does change the pattern for muscle pain improvement.
Copy number increase of oncoprotein CIP2A is associated with poor patient survival in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Routila Johannes , Bilgen Türker , Saramäki Outi , Grénman Reidar , Visakorpi Tapio , Westermarck Jukka , Ventelä Sami 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundCIP2A, an inhibitor of PP2A tumour suppressor function, is a widely overexpressed biomarker of aggressive disease and poor therapy response in multiple human cancer types.MethodsCIP2A and DPPA4 copy number alterations and expression were analysed by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in different cell lines and a tissue microarray of 52 HNSCC patients. Results were correlated with patient survival and other clinicopathological data.ResultsCIP2A and DPPA4 copy number increase occurred at a relatively high frequency in human HNSCC patient samples. CIP2A but not DPPA4 FISH status was significantly associated with patient survival. CIP2A detection by combining IHC with FISH yielded superior resolution in the prognostication of HNSCC.ConclusionsCIP2A copy number increase is associated with poor patient survival in human HNSCC. We suggest that the reliability and prognostic value of CIP2A detection can be improved by performing FISH analysis to CIP2A IHC positive tumours.
Analysis of the Interobserver Variability in Penile Length Assessment
Authors: Habous M. , Muir G. , Tealab A. , Williamson B. , Elkhouly M. , Elhadek W. , Mahmoud S. , Laban O. , Binsaleh S. , Abdelwahab O. , Mulhall J. P. , Veale D. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Many men seek penile augmentation treatments—a standard tool for their counseling is to inform them of what is “normal.” Although some studies suggest good correlation between stretched and erect penile length, those that have measured stretched and erect length simultaneously have shown significant variability.

Aim
To assess the accuracy of differing penile measurements with multiple observers.

Methods
We recruited 201 adult men (mean age 49.6 years) who achieved full erection using intracavernosal injection.

Main Outcome Measures
Penile measurements were taken by one of seven andrology specialists in a private, temperature-controlled (21°C, 72°F) environment. Stretched flaccid and erect length and circumference were measured. We analyzed the accuracy of each flaccid measurement using the erect measurements as a reference, for the overall patient population and for each observer.

Results
The mean underestimate of length from stretched flaccid to erect was 2.64 cm (21.4%) and girth 2.27 cm (19.5%). Interobserver variability ranged from a mean underestimate of 16–27% (length) and 15–27% (girth).

Conclusions
In this large, multicenter, multi-observer study of penis size, flaccid measurements underestimated erect size. It also seems likely that there is significant interobserver variability. We believe erect penis measurements should be used for men being considered for treatment of small penis anxiety.
Estimating the Sensitivity and Specificity of Real‐Time Quantitative PCR of Fecal Samples for Diagnosis of Rhodococcus equi Pneumonia in Foals
Authors: Shaw S.D. , Cohen N.D. , Chaffin M.K. , Blodgett G.P. , Syndergaard M. , Hurych D. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundReal‐time, quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods for detecting Rhodococcus equi in feces have been developed as a noninvasive, rapid diagnostic test for R. equi pneumonia, but have not been evaluated in a large population of foals.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of fecal PCR as a diagnostic test for R. equi pneumonia in foals using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) methods.Animals186 foals born in 2011 at an R. equi‐endemic ranch in Texas.MethodsFecal samples were collected at the time of onset of clinical signs for pneumonic foals (n = 31). Foals with pneumonia were matched by age and birth date to healthy (n = 31) and subclinical (n = 124) control foals; fecal samples were collected from these controls. DNA was extracted from feces using commercial kits and concentration of virulent R. equi in feces was determined by qPCR.ResultsConcentration of R. equi in feces differed significantly (P < .05) among groups. The area under the ROC curve for fecal qPCR for diagnosis of R. equi pneumonia was 89% (95% CI, 83–99), with a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 72%.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceqPCR of feces can be useful as an alternative to tracheobronchial aspiration for the diagnosis of R. equi in foals with clinical signs of pneumonia. Caution should be used in extrapolating results of this study to other populations because fecal concentration of R. equi might vary by geographic location or management practices.
Anatomical and physiological basis for the allometric scaling of cisplatin clearance in dogs
Authors: Achanta S. , Sewell A. , Ritchey J. W. , Broaddus K. , Bourne D. W. A. , Clarke C. R. , Maxwell L. K. 
Published: October 2015

Cisplatin is a platinum‐containing cytotoxic drug indicated for the treatment of solid tumors in veterinary and human patients. Several of the algorithms used to standardize the doses of cytotoxic drugs utilize allometry, or the nonproportional relationships between anatomical and physiological variables, but the underlying basis for these relationships is poorly understood. The objective of this proof of concept study was to determine whether allometric equations explain the relationships between body weight, kidney weight, renal physiology, and clearance of a model, renally cleared anticancer agent in dogs. Postmortem body, kidney, and heart weights were collected from 364 dogs (127 juveniles and 237 adults, including 51 dogs ≥ 8 years of age). Renal physiological and cisplatin pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in ten intact male dogs including two juvenile and eight adult dogs (4–55 kg). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow, effective renal blood flow, renal cisplatin clearance, and total cisplatin clearance were allometrically related to body weight with powers of 0.75, 0.59, 0.61, 0.71, and 0.70, respectively. The similar values of these diverse mass exponents suggest a common underlying basis for the allometry of kidney size, renal physiology, and renal drug handling.
Natural antioxidants for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: molecular targets and clinical perspectives
Authors: Salomone Federico , Godos Justyna , Zelber‐Sagi Shira 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNon‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the progressive form of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is emerging as a main health problem in industrialized countries. Lifestyle modifications are effective in the treatment of NAFLD; however, the long‐term compliance is low. Therefore, several pharmacological treatments have been proposed but none has shown significant efficacy or long‐term safety. Natural polyphenols are a heterogeneous class of polyphenolic compounds contained in vegetables, which are being proposed for the treatment of different metabolic disorders. Although the beneficial effect of these compounds has traditionally related to their antioxidant properties, they also exert several beneficial effects on hepatic and extra‐hepatic glucose and lipid homeostasis. Furthermore, natural polyphenols exert antifibrogenic and antitumoural effects in animal models, which appear relevant from a clinical point of view because of the association of NASH with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several polyphenols, such anthocyanins, curcumin and resveratrol and those present in coffee, tea, soy are available in the diet and their consumption can be proposed as part of a healthy diet for the treatment of NAFLD. Other phenolic compounds, such as silymarin, are commonly consumed worldwide as nutraceuticals or food supplements. Natural antioxidants are reported to have beneficial effects in preclinical models of NAFLD and in pilot clinical trials, and thus need clinical evaluation. In this review, we summarize the existing evidence regarding the potential role of natural antioxidants in the treatment of NAFLD and examine possible future clinical applications.
Early phylogeny of crinoids within the pelmatozoan clade
Authors: Ausich William I. , Kammer Thomas W. , Rhenberg Elizabeth C. , Wright David F. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPhylogenetic relationships among early crinoids are evaluated by maximizing parsimonious‐informative characters that are unordered and unweighted. Primarily Tremadocian–Darriwilian (Early–Middle Ordovician) taxa are analysed. Stratigraphic congruence metrics support the best phylogenetic hypothesis derived using parsimony methods. This study confirms the traditionally recognized lineages of Palaeozoic crinoids and provides new information on the branching order of evolving lineages. Camerates are basal crinoids with progressively more tipward groups (from an Ordovician perspective) being protocrinoids, cladids (paraphyletic), hybocrinids and disparids. The Protocrinoida should be maintained, but the Aethocrinida should be placed within the Cladida. The results of this study identify phylogenetic structure amongst the major early crinoid lineages and delineate the relative positions of crinoid higher taxa along a tree. Each valid higher taxon discussed herein requires a comprehensive treatment to delimit within‐lineage phylogenetic relationships.
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus differentially influences plant defence responses to a vector and a non‐vector herbivore
Authors: Su Qi , Mescher Mark C. , Wang Shaoli , Chen Gong , Xie Wen , Wu Qingjun , Wang Wenkai , Zhang Youjun 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPlants frequently engage in simultaneous interactions with diverse classes of biotic antagonists. Differential induction of plant defence pathways by these antagonists, and interactions between pathways, can have important ecological implications; however, these effects are currently not well understood. We explored how Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) influenced the performance of its vector (Bemisia tabaci) and a non‐vector herbivore (Tetranychus urticae) occurring separately or together on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). TYLCV enhanced the performance of B. tabaci, although this effect was statistically significant only in the absence of T. urticae, which adversely affected B. tabaci performance regardless of infection status. In contrast, the performance of T. urticae was enhanced (only) by the combined presence of TYLCV and B. tabaci. Analyses of phytohormone levels and defence gene expression in wild‐type tomatoes and various plant‐defence mutants indicate that the enhancement of herbivore performance (for each species) entails the disruption of downstream defences in the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway. For T. urticae, this disruption appears to involve antagonistic effects of salicylic acid (SA), which is cumulatively induced to high levels by B. tabaci and TYLCV. In contrast, TYLCV was found to suppress JA‐mediated responses to B. tabaci via mechanisms independent of SA.
Charge Separation and Catalytic Activity of Fe3O4@Ag “Nanospheres”
Authors: Hemmateenejad Bahram , Shamsipur Mojtaba , Jalili–Jahani Naser 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNanospheres of Ag‐coated Fe3O4 were successfully synthesized and characterized. Photocatalytic properties of Fe3O4@Ag composites have been investigated using steady‐state studies and laser pulse excitations. Accumulation of the electrons in the Ag shell was detected from the shift in the surface plasmon band from 430 to 405 nm, which was discharged when an electron acceptor such as O2, Thionine (TH) or C60 was introduced into the system. Charge equilibration with redox couple such as C60●–/C60 indicated the ability of these core–shell structures to carry out photocatalytic reduction reactions. As well, outer Ag layer could boost charge separation in magnetic core through dual effects of Schottky junction and localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR)‐powered band gap breaking effect under sunlight irradiation; resulted in higher photocatalytic degradation of diphenylamine (DPA). The maximum photocatalytic degradation rate was achieved at optimum amount of Ag‐NP loading to products. Adsorption studies confirmed that degradation of DPA dominantly occurred in solution. Moderately renewability of the nanocatalysts under sunlight was due to oxidation and dissolution of the outer Ag layer.
Brugia malayisoluble and excretory‐secretory proteins attenuate development of streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetes in mice
Authors: Amdare N. , Khatri V. , Yadav R. S. P. , Tarnekar A. , Goswami K. , Reddy M. V. R. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryUnderstanding the modulation of the host‐immune system by pathogens‐like filarial parasites offers an alternate approach to prevent autoimmune diseases. In this study, we have shown that treatment with filarial proteins prior to or after the clinical onset of streptozotocin‐induced type‐1 diabetes (T1D) can ameliorate the severity of disease inBALB/c mice. Pre‐treatment withBrugia malayiadult soluble (Bm A S) or microfilarial excretory‐secretory (Bmmf ES) or microfilarial soluble (Bmmf S) antigens followed by induction of diabetes led to lowering of fasting blood glucose levels with as many as 57·5–62·5% of mice remaining nondiabetic. These proteins were more effective when they were used to treat the mice with established T1D as 62·5–71·5% of the mice turned to be nondiabetic. Histopathological examination of pancreas of treated mice showed minor inflammatory changes in pancreatic islet cell architecture. The therapeutic effect was found to be associated with the decreased production of cytokinesTNF‐α &IFN‐γ and increased production ofIL‐10 in the culture supernatants of splenocytes of treated mice. A switch in the production of anti‐insulin antibodies from IgG2a to IgG1 isotype was also seen. Together these results provide a proof towards utilizing the filarial derived proteins as novel anti‐diabetic therapeutics.
Child Gender, Intergenerational Kinship and Parental Labor Market Outcomes
Authors: Wang Qing 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper provides new evidence of the effects of child gender on parental labor market outcomes. Using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, I document a son premium on the intensive margin of parental labor supply in two‐parent families with one child. Parents with a newborn to a 6‐year‐old son have higher labor supply than parents with a daughter in the same age group. A further examination indicates that boys are likely to have better access to grandparent‐provided childcare than girls owing to grandson preference, and this allows parents with a preschool‐aged son to work more. The intensification of market work associated with having a son may affect economic outcomes over the lifecycle of parents through labor market attachment. This paper thus sheds light on the important distributional effects of family ties and culture on economic outcomes.
Rural–Urban Migration, Substitutability of Human Capital and City Productivity: Evidence from China
Authors: Yu Jixiang , Shen Kunrong , Liu Desu 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAmong the studies on the productivity effect of migration, the role of the substitutability of human capital between migrant workers and local workers has not received much attention. The elasticity of substitution is important for rural–urban migration in China, because there is a substantial difference in schooling quality between rural and urban regions and because there is imperfect competition in city labor markets. Using aggregate city‐level data from the 2010 China Population Census, we find that the positive effect of human capital on city productivity improves as the substitutability increases. Moreover, a grid‐search shows that the “best” estimate of the substitutability in China is between 2.1 and 2.5, far from being complete.