bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Somatometric measurements, and clinical chemistry and hematology parameters in Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana)
Authors: Wu D. , Jiang W.Y. , Yang F. , Wei S.Y. , Zhou L. , Yi Y. , Wang H.X. , Zhang Y.A. , Yue F. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundLimited physiological data for Tibetan macaques are available at present. This study will provide more rationale for evaluating this species.MethodsThirty‐seven Tibetan macaques (15 males and 22 females) were used in this study. Somatometric measurements, clinical chemistry and hematology parameters, insulin, and C‐peptide were analyzed.ResultsFemales had higher values of waist and waist hip ratio (WHR) than males in somatometric measurements. There were no significant differences between the two genders in hematology. Significant differences between males and females were only found for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in biochemistry testing. In addition, females had higher fasting insulin and C‐peptide than males. There was a strongly positive correlation between age and some somatometric parameters.ConclusionsThese physiological data will provide veterinarians and researchers with baseline values to evaluate experimental results using Tibetan macaques.
Teachers' Awareness of the Learner–Teacher Interaction: Preliminary Communication of a Study Investigating the Teaching Brain
Authors: Rodriguez Vanessa , Lynneth Solis S. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTA new phase of research on teaching is under way that seeks to understand the teaching brain. In this vein, this study investigated the cognitive processes employed by master teachers. Using an interview protocol influenced by microgenetic techniques, 23 master teachers used the Self‐in‐Relation‐to‐Teaching (SiR2T) tool to answer “What are you focusing your mind on throughout the process of teaching?” A number of emergent themes were identified in participants' responses and one, awareness of interaction, is discussed here. This theme refers to teachers' recognition of the learner–teacher (L‐T) relationship as a separate entity or system. Within interaction, at least three types of awarenesses emerged in teachers' responses: (1) connection, (2) collaboration, and (3) mutual effects. Furthermore, some teachers described a sense of synergy with their students due to this L‐T interaction. The results suggest that a teacher's awareness of interaction plays an important role in the teaching brain, and support the implications of the proposed teaching brain framework.
Teaching as a Cultural and Relationship‐Based Activity
Authors: McConville Alistair G. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThe process of teaching is not selfless, as some suggest. Rather, in its best manifestations it is an ideologically and culturally loaded activity in which teachers and institutions seek to perpetuate a certain integrated view of the world for their own benefit, for that of their learners, and for society more generally. This takes place most effectively when positive teacher–student relationships underpin face‐to‐face educational exchanges in which teachers engagingly make the case for the existential significance of their subject matter.
Mindfulness for Teachers: A Pilot Study to Assess Effects on Stress, Burnout, and Teaching Efficacy
Authors: Flook Lisa , Goldberg Simon B. , Pinger Laura , Bonus Katherine , Davidson Richard J. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTDespite the crucial role of teachers in fostering children's academic learning and social–emotional well‐being, addressing teacher stress in the classroom remains a significant challenge in education. This study reports results from a randomized controlled pilot trial of a modified Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction course (mMBSR) adapted specifically for teachers. Results suggest that the course may be a promising intervention, with participants showing significant reductions in psychological symptoms and burnout, improvements in observer‐rated classroom organization and performance on a computer task of affective attentional bias, and increases in self‐compassion. In contrast, control group participants showed declines in cortisol functioning over time and marginally significant increases in burnout. Furthermore, changes in mindfulness were correlated in the expected direction with changes across several outcomes (psychological symptoms, burnout, and sustained attention) in the intervention group. Implications of these findings for the training and support of teachers are discussed.
Effects of Cyclosporine A in Ex Vivo Reperfused Pig Lungs
Authors: Gennai Stéphane , Souilamas Redha , Maignan Maxime , Brouta Angélique , Pison Christophe , Fontaine Eric , Briot Raphaël 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectiveSeveral works highlight the role of CsA in the prevention of IRI, but none focus on isolated lungs. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of CsA on IRI on ex vivo reperfused pig lungs.MethodsThirty‐two pairs of pig lungs were collected and stored for 30 minutes at 4°C. The study was performed in four groups. First, a control group and then three groups receiving different concentrations of CsA (1, 10, and 30 μM) at two different times: once at the moment of lung procurement and another during the reperfusion procedure. The ex vivo lung preparation was set up using an extracorporeal perfusion circuit. Gas exchange parameters, pulmonary hemodynamics, and biological markers of lung injury were collected for the evaluation.ResultsCsA improved the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, but it also increased PAP, Pcap, and pulmonary vascular resistances with dose‐dependent effects. Lungs treated with high doses of CsA displayed higher capillary‐alveolar permeability to proteins, lower AFC capacities, and elevated concentrations of pro‐inflammatory cytokines.ConclusionsThese data suggest a possible deleterious imbalance between the beneficial cell properties of CsA in IRI and its hemodynamic effects on microvascularization.
III. NIH TOOLBOX COGNITION BATTERY (CB): MEASURING EPISODIC MEMORY
Authors: Bauer Patricia J. , Dikmen Sureyya S. , Heaton Robert K. , Mungas Dan , Slotkin Jerry , Beaumont Jennifer L. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTOne of the most significant domains of cognition is episodic memory, which allows for rapid acquisition and long‐term storage of new information. For purposes of the NIH Toolbox, we devised a new test of episodic memory. The nonverbal NIH Toolbox Picture Sequence Memory Test (TPSMT) requires participants to reproduce the order of an arbitrarily ordered sequence of pictures presented on a computer. To adjust for ability, sequence length varies from 6 to 15 pictures. Multiple trials are administered to increase reliability. Pediatric data from the validation study revealed the TPSMT to be sensitive to age‐related changes. The task also has high test–retest reliability and promising construct validity. Steps to further increase the sensitivity of the instrument to individual and age‐related variability are described.
VI. NIH TOOLBOX COGNITION BATTERY (CB): MEASURING PROCESSING SPEED
Authors: Carlozzi Noelle E. , Tulsky David S. , Kail Robert V. , Beaumont Jennifer L. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThis chapter focuses on the Toolbox Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test, which was developed to assess processing speed within the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (CB). We describe the development of the test, highlighting its utility in children. In addition, we examine descriptive data, test–retest reliability, validity, and preliminary work creating a composite index of processing speed. Results indicated that most children were able to understand the basic concepts of the Toolbox Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test. Further, test–retest reliability was excellent. Analyses examining convergent and discriminant validity provided support for the utility of the test as a measure of processing speed. Finally, analyses comparing and combining scores on the Toolbox Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test with other measures of simple reaction time from the NIH Toolbox CB indicated that a Processing Speed Composite score performed better than any test examined in isolation. Taken together, the Toolbox Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test appears to exhibit a number of strengths: it is child‐friendly and engaging, short and easy to administer, and has good construct validity, especially when used as part of a composite score.
Emerging evidence for tea benefits
Authors: Ruxton C. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryTea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world, after water. Associations between regular tea drinking and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease are well established. The mechanism may relate to bioactive compounds found in tea, which exert anti‐arteriosclerotic, anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory effects. However, evidence for other diverse health benefits is emerging. The aim of this review was to evaluate research on three new areas of interest in relation to tea drinking: (1) weight management (and glycaemic control); (2) oral health; and (3) gut health. Databases were searched for meta‐analytical, human intervention and epidemiological studies published between 1990 and 2013. For weight management, modest, positive effects were found for green tea when ingested by overweight/obese adults, possibly related to thermogenic effects. Epidemiological studies indicate that tea drinking in general may protect against tooth loss, certain oral/digestive cancers and Helicobacter pylori infection, although the studies were few in number with differing methodologies. A growing body of mechanistic studies suggests that tea has anti‐cariogenic, anti‐adhesive, anti‐bacterial and possible pre‐biotic effects – all with the potential to impact positively on the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. Clearly, larger trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans and establish optimal intakes. In the meantime, tea drinking appears to be a simple and beneficial way to support health.
Nutritional approaches to the management of sarcopenia
Authors: Greig C. A. 
Published: August 2013

SummarySarcopenia is defined as a decline in muscle mass and/or function, which is a consequence of ageing. The consequences of a declining muscle mass become serious if functionally important thresholds for physical independence are crossed, and this will occur more readily in the presence of disease. Although sarcopenia is of complex aetiology, contributory factors likely include habitual sedentarism and/or deficits in the responsiveness of muscle protein synthesis to physical activity and nutrition, as well as impaired muscular regenerative capacity. Altered inflammatory, immune and endocrine functions are also associated with sarcopenia, in addition to phenomena such as a reduced response to oxidative stress, metabolic acidosis and nutritional (e.g.vitamin D) deficiencies. Sarcopenia is associated with malnutrition, which may contribute to the poor muscle function observed in many older adults, particularly in frail patient groups. The problem is that as a result of anabolic resistance, simply increasing dietary protein ‘chronically’ in older age may not be effective. When exercise and nutritional interventions are combined in the form of resistance exercise training plus protein/essential amino acid supplementation, there is evidence of some benefit for older adults in terms of improved muscle function, but further research is needed in adults aged over 75 years. In addition, there are as yet relatively under‐researched intervention strategies (timing and distribution of protein supplementation; novel nutriceuticals, vitamin D) bearing potential utility in improving responsiveness to physical activity and nutrition in old age.
Chronic Implantation of Intravascular Cardioverter Defibrillator in a Canine Model: Device Stability, Vascular Patency, and Anchor Histology
Authors: MERKELY BELA , MOLNAR LEVENTE , GELLER LASZLO , NEUZIL PETR , SKODA JAN , BEDNAREK JACEK , BARTUS KRZYSZTOF , REDDY VIVEK Y. , SANDERS WILLIAM E. 
Published: August 2013

IntroductionA percutaneously placed implantable intravascular defibrillator (PICD) has been developed with a right ventricular (RV) single‐coil lead and titanium electrodes in the superior vena cava (SVC) and the inferior vena cava (IVC). This study evaluated implant techniques, device stability, and anchor histology of the PICD over 9 months in a canine model.MethodsTwenty‐four hounds (wt = 30–55 kg) were anesthetized and a custom sheath introduced into the right femoral vein. The PICD was advanced over a wire and positioned with the titanium electrodes (cathodes) in the SVC and the IVC. A nitinol anchor secured the device in the jugular. The RV lead was positioned in the RV apex and screwed into place. The catheters, wires, and sheath were removed with an average implant time of 14 minutes. In one group of animals (n = 13), serial venograms were performed at 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days. In a second group (n = 6) and third group (n = 5), venograms were also performed at 90 days and 270 days, respectively. Six canines were sacrificed and anchor histologic examination done at 90 days.ResultsAll implants were successful with no surgical complications observed. Devices (N = 24) remained appropriately positioned with no anchor migration. Histology at 90 days showed 98% endothelialization of the anchor. Venograms revealed patent IVC and jugular veins in all animals at every time point examined.ConclusionsThe PICD can be rapidly and chronically implanted in animals. Long‐term intravascular defibrillator placement is feasible in a canine model.
The actin cytoskeleton is a suppressor of the endogenous skewing behaviour of Arabidopsis primary roots in microgravity
Authors: Nakashima J. , Liao F. , Sparks J. A. , Tang Y. , Blancaflor E. B. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBefore plants can be effectively utilised as a component of enclosed life‐support systems for space exploration, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms by which they develop in microgravity. Using the Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC) hardware on board the second to the last flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS‐131 mission), we studied how microgravity impacts root growth in Arabidopsis thaliana. Ground‐based studies showed that the actin cytoskeleton negatively regulates root gravity responses on Earth, leading us to hypothesise that actin might also be an important modulator of root growth behaviour in space. We investigated how microgravity impacted root growth of wild type (ecotype Columbia) and a mutant (act2‐3) disrupted in a root‐expressed vegetative actin isoform (ACTIN2). Roots of etiolated wild‐type and act2‐3 seedlings grown in space skewed vigorously toward the left, which was unexpected given the reduced directional cue provided by gravity. The left‐handed directional root growth in space was more pronounced in act2‐3 mutants than wild type. To quantify differences in root orientation of these two genotypes in space, we developed an algorithm where single root images were converted into binary images using computational edge detection methods. Binary images were processed with Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT), and histogram and entropy were used to determine spectral distribution, such that high entropy values corresponded to roots that deviated more strongly from linear orientation whereas low entropy values represented straight roots. We found that act2‐3 roots had a statistically stronger skewing/coiling response than wild‐type roots, but such differences were not apparent on Earth. Ultrastructural studies revealed that newly developed cell walls of space‐grown act2‐3 roots were more severely disrupted compared to space‐grown wild type, and ground control wild‐type and act2‐3 roots. Collectively, our results provide evidence that, like root gravity responses on Earth, endogenous directional growth patterns of roots in microgravity are suppressed by the actin cytoskeleton. Modulation of root growth in space by actin could be facilitated in part through its impact on cell wall architecture.
RIP2/RICK‐Dependent Cytokine Production Upon Yersinia enterocolitica Infection in Macrophages with TLR4 Deficiency
Authors: Jeong Y.‐J. , Kim C.‐H. , Kim J.‐C. , Oh S.‐M. , Lee K.‐B. , Park J.‐H. , Kim D.‐J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractReceptor‐interacting protein 2 (RIP2) is a caspase recruitment domain (CARD)‐containing serine/threonine kinase that is activated by NOD1 or NOD2 recognition of their ligands and essential for the activation of NF‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). RIP2 has been known to play an important role in innate immune responses against certain bacterial infection. However, the role and interplay of RIP2 with TLR signalling on cytokine production in macrophages against Yersinia enterocolitica infection remains poorly understood. In the present study, we examined whether RIP2 is essential for Yersinia‐induced production of cytokines in macrophages. Our results showed that naïve RIP2‐deficient macrophages produced similar level of IL‐6, TNF‐α and IL‐10 upon Y. enterocolitica infection compared with wild‐type macrophages. However, the production of IL‐6, TNF‐α and IL‐10 by Y. enterocolitica was impaired in RIP2‐deficient macrophages after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pretreatment, a TLR4‐tolerant condition. In addition, RIP2 inhibitors, SB203580, PP2, and gefitinib, reduced IL‐6 production in TLR4‐deficient macrophages in response to Y. enterocolitica, whereas they did not affect the cytokines production in WT cells. These results demonstrate that RIP2 may play an important role in proinflammatory cytokine production in macrophages at the absence of TLR signalling.
On the Importance of Time for GIS View Measures and Their Use in Hedonic Property Models: Does Being Temporally Explicit Matter?
Authors: Crawford Thomas W. , Bin Okmyung , Kruse Jamie B. , Landry Craig E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractProgress in GIScience has advanced the ability to represent and analyze view characteristics. GIS‐derived view measures requiring digital elevation surface models are used in hedonic property models to quantify the amenity value of view for parcel sales transactions. Ideally models should represent surface elevations that are temporally synchronized with parcel sale dates. Temporal synchronization for studies spanning multiple years may require significant effort. Few studies have undertaken this effort, leading us to investigate in this research the need to be temporally explicit. We evaluate two competing surface model approaches based on: (1) a single year 2000 LiDAR surface product; and (2) annual‐specific surface products for 1995–2002. Two competing view measures based on the different surface approaches are constructed for 561 parcel transactions during 1995–2002 in a coastal North Carolina county and are input into hedonic regression models. Results showed that being temporally explicit did matter in terms of finding significantly different view measures but did not matter in terms of finding significantly different effects of view on parcel sales prices. Despite mixed results for our case study, we advise that future research involving GIS‐based view measurement should consider the spatial and temporal contexts of study area development patterns when evaluating the need to be temporally explicit.
Application of activity pencil beam algorithm using measured distribution data of positron emitter nuclei for therapeutic SOBP proton beam
Authors: Miyatake Aya , Nishio Teiji 
Published: August 2013

Purpose:Recently, much research on imaging the clinical proton‐irradiated volume using positron emitter nuclei based on target nuclear fragment reaction has been carried out. The purpose of this study is to develop an activity pencil beam (APB) algorithm for a simulation system for proton‐activated positron‐emitting imaging in clinical proton therapy using spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) beams.Methods:The target nuclei of activity distribution calculations are12C nuclei, 16O nuclei, and 40Ca nuclei, which are the main elements in a human body. Depth activity distributions with SOBP beam irradiations were obtained from the material information of ridge filter (RF) and depth activity distributions of compounds of the three target nuclei measured by BOLPs‐RGp (beam ON‐LINE PET system mounted on a rotating gantry port) with mono‐energetic Bragg peak (MONO) beam irradiations. The calculated data of depth activity distributions with SOBP beam irradiations were sorted in terms of kind of nucleus, energy of proton beam, SOBP width, and thickness of fine degrader (FD), which were verified. The calculated depth activity distributions with SOBP beam irradiations were compared with the measured ones. APB kernels were made from the calculated depth activity distributions with SOBP beam irradiations to construct a simulation system using the APB algorithm for SOBP beams.Results:The depth activity distributions were prepared using the material information of RF and the measured depth activity distributions with MONO beam irradiations for clinical therapy using SOBP beams. With the SOBP width widening, the distal fall‐offs of depth activity distributions and the difference from the depth dose distributions were large. The shapes of the calculated depth activity distributions nearly agreed with those of the measured ones upon comparison between the two. The APB kernels of SOBP beams were prepared by making use of the data on depth activity distributions with SOBP beam irradiations that were made from the depth activity distributions with MONO beam irradiations and sorted in terms of energy, SOBP width, and thickness of FD. The data on APB kernels of SOBP beams were determined as installment data for the simulation system using the APB algorithm for SOBP beam irradiations.Conclusions:A method of obtaining the depth activity distributions and the APB algorithm for clinical use of SOBP beams have been developed. It is suggested that the simulation system for imaging the clinical irradiated volume with the APB algorithm can be used in clinical proton therapy using SOBP beams by preparing and investigating the data on APB kernels of SOBP beams.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Virulent Avibacterium paragallinarum Serotype A Strain JF4211 and Identification of Two Toxins
Authors: Aguilar-Bultet Lisandra , Calderon-Copete Sandra P. , Frey Joachim , Falquet Laurent 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

Avibacterium paragallinarum
is an important pathogen of chicken livestock causing infectious coryza. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the virulent
A. paragallinarum
serotype A strain JF4211 (2.8 Mbp and G+C content of 41%) and the two toxin operons discovered from the annotation of the genome.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Virulent Clostridium chauvoei Reference Strain JF4335
Authors: Falquet Laurent , Calderon-Copete Sandra P. , Frey Joachim 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

Clostridium chauvoei
is the etiological agent of blackleg, a disease of cattle and sheep with high mortality rates, causing severe economic losses in livestock production. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the virulent
C. chauvoei
strain JF4335 (2.8 Mbp and 28% G+C content) and the annotation of the genome.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas syringae pv. Syringae Strain SM, Isolated from Wheat
Authors: Dudnik Alexey , Dudler Robert 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas syringae
is one of the most widespread plant pathogens that can cause significant damage to crop plantations. Here, we announce a noncontiguous finished genome sequence of
Pseudomonas syringae
pv. syringae strain SM, isolated from hexaploid wheat. The genome sequence revealed the smallest described complement of type III effectors.