bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of sublethal doses of imidacloprid in malpighian tubules of africanized Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apidae)
Authors: de Almeida Rossi Caroline , Roat Thaisa Cristina , Tavares Daiana Antonia , Cintra‐Socolowski Priscila , Malaspina Osmar 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTIn Brazil, imidacloprid is a widely used insecticide on agriculture and can harm bees, which are important pollinators. The active ingredient imidacloprid has action on the nervous system of the insects. However, little has been studied about the actions of the insecticide on nontarget organs of insects, such as the Malpighian tubules that make up the excretory and osmoregulatory system. Hence, in this study, we evaluated the effects of chronic exposure to sublethal doses of imidacloprid in Malpighian tubules of Africanized Apis mellifera. In the tubules of treated bees, we found an increase in the number of cells with picnotic nuclei, the lost of part of the cell into the lumen, and a homogenization of coloring cytoplasm. Furthermore, we observed the presence of cytoplasmic vacuolization. We confirmed the increased occurrence of picnotic nuclei by using the Feulgan reaction, which showed the chromatin compaction was more intense in the tubules of bees exposed to the insecticide. We observed an intensification of the staining of the nucleus with Xylidine Ponceau, further verifying the cytoplasmic negative regions that may indicate autophagic activity. Additionally, immunocytochemistry experiments showed TUNEL positive nuclei in exposed bees, implicating increased cell apoptosis after chronic imidacloprid exposure. In conclusion, our results indicate that very low concentrations of imidacloprid lead to cytotoxic activity in the Malpighian tubules of exposed bees at all tested times for exposure and imply that this insecticide can alter honey bee physiology. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:552–558, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurogenesis in an Early Protostome Relative: Progenitor Cells in the Ventral Nerve Center of Chaetognath Hatchlings Are Arranged in a Highly Organized Geometrical Pattern
Authors: PEREZ YVAN , RIEGER VERENA , MARTIN ELISE , MÜLLER CARSTEN H.G. , HARZSCH STEFFEN 
Published: March 2013

AbstractEmerging evidence suggests that Chaetognatha represent an evolutionary lineage that is the sister group to all other Protostomia thus promoting these animals as a pivotal model for our understanding of bilaterian evolutionary history. We have analyzed the proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells in the developing ventral nerve center (VNC) of Spadella cephaloptera hatchlings. To that end, for the first time in Chaetognatha, we performed in vivo incorporation experiments with the S‐phase specific mitosis marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Our experiments provide evidence for a high level of mitotic activity in the VNC for ca. 3 days after hatching. Neurogenesis is carried by presumptive neuronal progenitor cells that cycle rapidly and most likely divide asymmetrically. These progenitors are arranged in a distinct grid‐like geometrical pattern including about 35 transverse rows. Considering Chaetognaths to be an early offshoot of the protostome lineage we conclude that the presence of neuronal progenitor cells with asymmetric division seems to be a feature that is rooted deeply in the Metazoa. In the light of previous evidence indicating the presence of serially iterated peptidergic neurons with individual identities in the chaetognath VNC, we discuss if these neuronal progenitor cells give rise to distinct lineages. Furthermore, we evaluate the serially iterated arrangement of the progenitor cells in the light of evolution of segmentation. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 320B: 179–193, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Corticosteroids in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Major variations in practice
Authors: Griggs Robert C. , Herr Barbara E. , Reha Allen , Elfring Gary , Atkinson Leone , Cwik Valerie , Mccoll Elaine , Tawil Rabi , Pandya Shree , McDermott Michael P. , Bushby Kate 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: In 2004, a Cochrane Review and AAN practice parameter concluded that prednisone 0.75 mg/kg/day is of short‐term efficacy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Subsequent efforts to standardize care for DMD indicated wide variation in corticosteroid use. Methods: We surveyed physicians who follow patients with DMD, including: (1) clinics in the TREAT‐NMD (Translational Research in Europe—Assessment and Treatment of Neuromuscular Diseases) network (predominantly Europe) and (2) U.S. MDA clinic directors. We also documented the co‐administered corticosteroids in a trial of a putative treatment (ataluren) for DMD. Results: Of 105 Treat‐NMD clinicians, corticosteroids were not used in 10 clinics, and 29 different regimens were used—the most frequent 0.75 mg/kg/day prednisone (61 centers); 10 days on/10 days off (36 centers); 0.9 mg/kg/day deflazacort (32 centers); and 5 mg/kg/day on weekends (10 centers). Similar diversity was identified in MDA clinics and in the ataluren trial. Conclusions: Variability in corticosteroid use suggests uncertainty about risks/benefits of corticosteroid regimens for DMD. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Identification of Three Movement Phases of the Hand during Lateral and Pulp Pinches Using Video Motion Capture
Authors: Jahn Johanna , Janes William E. , Saheb-Al-Zamani Maryam , Burbank Caitlin M. , Brown Justin M. , Engsberg Jack R. 
Published: March 2013

Background Hand injuries affect a person's ability to engage successfully in activities of daily living (ADLs). Video motion capture (VMC) facilitates measurement of dynamic movement. No study to date has used VMC as a means of quantifying the simultaneous movement patterns of all joints of all digits of the hand during active purposeful movement. Method The purpose of this study was to analyze all joints of all five digits during active completion of the lateral and pulp pinches. VMC data were collected from four participants during completion of two pinches. Joint angles were plotted to facilitate identification of movement patterns. Results Range of motion recorded in all joints with VMC, excluding flexion of the thumb carpometacarpal of both pinches, coincided with the normative goniometric data. Three phases were observed: initiation, preshaping, and pinch phases. Patterns of movement in all digits were identified for the two pinches. Conclusion VMC is a feasible and valid method for objectively quantifying dynamic movement of multiple joints simultaneously. The results provide new insight to the dynamics of hand movement as well as a basis for subsequent evaluations of movement patterns performed in ADLs and instrumental ADLs.
The impact of Regulation (EC) 767/2009 on the practice of feed advertising in Europe
Authors: Kavanagh G. , Pentieva K. , Kennedy J. , Moran C. A. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryA drive to promote European feed market competitiveness saw the introduction of Regulation (EC) 767/2009 which addresses the placing on the market and use of feed within the European Community. The aim of this study was to determine if the feed industry has changed their advertising practice since the introduction of the Regulation, particularly in reference to Article 13 which sets out the requirements for the use of claims on animal feed. A content analysis of feed material advertisements in nine major EU based feed industry journals, representing all major animal production species, was conducted (n = 822). Relevant advertisements incorporating a time period of one year before and after the enforcement of the Regulation were included. Advertisements were assessed for the level of information provided and the use of claims. The study indicated that there has been a decrease in the provision of information cues on feed advertisements since the Regulation came into being (from 2.5 cues to 1.7 (SEM = 0.56, p < 0.001)). Furthermore, the appearance of certain claims also showed reductions in frequency (reduction in claims relating to improvements in the environmental (χ2 = 4.7, p < 0.05), the nutritional needs of the animal (χ2 = 9.7, p < 0.01) and the effect on the performance of the animal (χ2 = 4.2, p < 0.05)). It is possible that despite the intention to inspire innovation in the food industry, the Regulation may be motivating a more cautious approach to the advertising of feedingstuffs in Europe.
GSC 4019 3345: An A-Type Twin Binary
Authors: Bakış V. , Bakış H. , Eker Z. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPhysical dimensions and evolutionary status of the A-type twin binary GSC 4019 3345 are presented. Located at a distance of ~1.1 kpc from the Sun, the system was found to have two components with identical masses (M1,2= 1.92 M⊙), radii (R1,2= 1.76 R⊙), and luminosities (logL1,2= 1.1 L⊙) revolving in a circular orbit. Modeling the components with theoretical evolutionary tracks and isochrones implies a young age (t= 280 Myr) for the system, which is bigger than the synchronization time scale but smaller than the circularization time scale. Nevertheless, synthetic spectrum models revealed components’ rotation velocity ofVrot12= 70 km s−1, that is about three times higher than their synchronization velocity. No evidence is found for an age difference between the components.
The Supershell–Molecular Cloud Connection: Large-Scale Stellar Feedback and the Formation of the Molecular ISM
Authors: Dawson J. R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe accumulation, compression, and cooling of the ambient interstellar medium (ISM) in large-scale flows powered by OB cluster feedback can drive the production of dense molecular clouds. We review the current state of the field, with a strong focus on the explicit modelling and observation of the neutral ISM. Magnetohydrodynamic simulations of colliding ISM flows provide a strong theoretical framework in which to view feedback-driven cloud formation, as do models of the gravitational fragmentation of expanding shells. Rapid theoretical developments are accompanied by a growing body of observational work that provides good evidence for the formation of molecular gas via stellar feedback—both in the Milky Way and the Large Magellanic Cloud. The importance of stellar feedback compared with other major astrophysical drivers of dense gas formation remains to be investigated further, and will be an important target for future work.
A modified method for assessment of the morphological stage of development as a predictor of alfalfa herbage chemical composition and nutritive value
Authors: BOŽIČKOVIĆ A. , GRUBIĆ G. , VERBIČ J. , ŽNIDARŠIČ T. , DJORDJEVIĆ N. , STOJANOVIĆ B. 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYThe aim of the current work was to investigate the possibility of modifying the existing mean stage by weight (MSW) system for evaluating the average development stage in alfalfa. The modification was performed with the aim of providing a simplified system that may be used to evaluate the alfalfa development stage and to predict its nutritive value for ruminants. The suggested modification consists of designating an MSW value on the basis of the fresh weight of all morphological stages in a fresh green plant, as opposed to the original method which is based on weighing all morphological stages dried at 65 °C. The investigation was done on 141 samples of one alfalfa cultivar, collected from the same location during the first three growth cycles: spring growth, the first and the second regrowth. On all collected samples the following characteristics were determined: MSW, modified MSW (mean stage by fresh weight (MSFW)), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), crude ash (CA) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). For these characteristics of chemical composition (apart from CA) and nutritive value the regressions were calculated for their prediction based on MSW and MSFW. The regressions were derived for individual growth cycles and all cycles combined. A trend for an increase in the coefficient of determination (R2) was identified as well as a decrease in root-mean-square error (RMSE) for all equations derived for all investigated characteristics from the spring growth to the second regrowth. A deviation from this trend was observed only in equations derived for IVOMD. A very high correlation was observed between MSW and MSFW (r=0·999). The determined R2 and RMSE were very similar within the same growth cycle in all regressions for prediction of chemical composition and nutritive value derived for MSW and MSFW. Based on the results of this investigation the MSFW appears to be a quick and accurate method for determining the average development stage in alfalfa which can therefore be recommended for both scientific research and practical field use, as well as for prediction of its chemical composition and nutritive value.
KNOWLEDGE OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOURS AMONG MALAYSIAN MALE YOUTHS
Authors: AWANG HALIMAH , WONG LI PING , JANI ROHANA , LOW WAH YUN 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThis study examines the knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among male youths in Malaysia. A self-administered survey was carried out on a sample of 952 never-married males aged 15–24 years. The respondents were asked about their knowledge of STDs, how these diseases get transmitted and their sexual behaviours. The data showed that 92% of the respondents knew of at least one STD (syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes, genital warts, yeast infection, trichomoniasis or HIV/AIDS). About 95% of them knew of at least one method of STD transmission. Urban and tertiary-educated male youths showed a substantially higher proportion of awareness of STDs and transmission methods compared with their rural and less-educated counterparts. The data also indicated that 10% of the study sample admitted to having had sexual experiences. There were still a large proportion of the respondents who were not aware of STDs other than syphilis and HIV/AIDS and the means of transmission, such as multiple sex partners, including those who claimed to be sexually active. Thus there is a need for more concerted efforts to disseminate information on STDs and transmission methods to a wider audience in Malaysia, especially youths in rural areas.
Sacrificing Local Interests: Water control policies of the Ming and Qing governments and the local economy of Huaibei, 1495–1949
Authors: JUNYA MA , WRIGHT TIM 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFrom the end of the fifteenth century, the Ming state redirected the entire flow of the Yellow River into the course of the Huai River in order the facilitate the transport of tribute grain. This shifted the major problems of water control from the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River to the Huaibei region. Huaibei was viewed as ‘a local interest’, as opposed to the ‘general interests’ represented by the central government, and was sacrificed for those general interests. These policies, which were continued under the Qing dynasty, created widespread and frequent flooding in the region, causing short-term famine and destruction and leading to long-term economic decline.
Moral Progress in Early Christian Stories of the Soul
Authors: Dunderberg Ismo 
Published: March 2013

This article explores the ways the story of the soul's present plight and its return to the divine realm is narrated in different Nag Hammadi treatises, and to what effect. The soul's condition is a central concern in two types of stories: there are (1) demiurgical myths, in which the soul's origin is ascribed to an inferior creator-god, and (2) plainer stories of the soul, which are solely focused on the soul, without a creation narrative. The main sources for the latter type are theExegesis on the Soul(NHC II, 6) andAuthoritative Teaching(Authentikos Logos, NHC VI, 3). In addition to these texts, three demiurgical myths from Nag Hammadi Codex II, are drawn into the discussion:The Secret Book of John,The Nature of the Rulers, andOn the Origin of the World.The soul pestered by emotions is one of the themes that connects these stories with the long-standing philosophical tradition, starting from Plato's dialogues. The portrayals of this theme become increasingly ‘demonic’, but even the soul's battle against demons is first and foremost a battle against emotions. A new element in these stories is the emphasis placed upon repentance as bringing about transformation in the soul. Although strong sexual imagery is used in these texts to describe both the mythic past and the soul's present plight, the analysis suggests that sexual lust is not the only moral concern in them. Some texts discussed in this article show far greater concern with wine, luxury, good looks, pride, and arrogance than with illicit sex.
Simulation of the probable vector density that caused the Nagasaki dengue outbreak vectored byAedes albopictusin 1942
Authors: OKI M. , YAMAMOTO T. 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYJapan experienced dengue outbreaks vectored byAedes albopictusduring the Second World War. The probable vector density that caused the largest dengue outbreak in Nagasaki in 1942 was estimated using a mathematical simulation model. The estimated vector density was 15·0–558·0 per person when various assumptions of uncertain parameters were applied, such as proportion of symptomatic cases, vector mortality, and human biting rate ofA. albopictus. When the most favourable disease spread conditions, such as a combination of the exclusive human biting rate and the longest vector survival were assumed, the vector density was 15–25 mosquitoes per person. Unusually high vector density due to wartime practices, and the traditional Japanese lifestyle were presumably responsible for the earlier dengue outbreak. If an outbreak occurs in present-day Japan, it is unlikely to spread as much as the previous one, as environmental conditions and human behaviour have changed in a protective manner.
Legionnaires' disease in France: sensitivity of the mandatory notification has improved over the last decade
Authors: CAMPESE C. , JARRAUD S. , SOMMEN C. , MAINE C. , CHE D. 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYThe notification rate of Legionnaires' disease (LD) in France was 2·4/100 000 population in 2010, varying across regions with an increasing rate from west to east. Two sources [mandatory notifications (MN) and a survey of hospital laboratories] were used in a capture–recapture study to estimate the number of LD cases and the sensitivity of the MN system at national and regional levels in 2010. The number of missed cases was estimated using Chapman's method. The estimated sensitivity of MN was 88·5% (95% CI 88·0–89·0) and ranged from 70% to 100% by region. The estimated incidence was 2·7/100 000 population. Sensitivity of the MN system improved since the previous capture–recapture estimates (10% in 1995, 33% in 1998). This study confirmed that the observed west–east gradient is not related to regional notification disparities. Ecological studies should be conducted to better understand the observed spatial variations in LD incidence.
Spread of multidrug-resistant clonal complex 271 of serotype 19FStreptococcus pneumoniaein Beijing, China: characterization of serotype 19F
Authors: LI Q. H. , YAO K. H. , YU S. J. , MA X. , HE M. M. , SHI W. , YANG Y. H. 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYWe investigated the genetic structure of 120 isolates of serotype 19FStreptococcus pneumoniaefrom Chinese children with acute respiratory infections collected from 1997 to 2006, and 2010. All strains were susceptible to vancomycin and levofloxacin, and only five strains were not susceptible to penicillin. The non-susceptibility rate to cephalosporins increased from 1997 to 2010. Of 119 erythromycin-resistant strains, 60 carried bothermBandmefAgenes. The percentage of clonal complex 271 (CC271) increased from 14·3% in 1997–1998 to 92% in 2010, whereas that of CC983 decreased from 64·3% to 0%. CC271 had a higher non-susceptibility rate toβ-lactam antibiotics than CC983 and other CCs. The increased non-susceptibility rate toβ-lactam antibiotics in serotype 19F pneumococci was found to be associated with the spread of the international resistant clone CC271 presumably caused by antibiotic pressure. Long-term surveys of serotype 19FS. pneumoniaeare required to monitor CC prevalence and trends in antimicrobial resistance.
Hepatitis B and C co-infection in HIV/AIDS population in the state of Michigan
Authors: BUTT Z. A. , WILKINS M. J. , HAMILTON E. , TODEM D. , GARDINER J. C. , SAEED M. 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYA retrospective cohort study was conducted from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2009 in Michigan to estimate the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis co-infection and identify associated factors. The prevalence of co-infection was 4·1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3·8–4·5]. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between co-infection and being male and: of Black race [odds ratio (OR) 2·0, 95% CI 1·2–3·6] and of Other race (OR 3·5, 95% CI 1·7–7·0) compared to Hispanic race. A significant association was found between co-infection and risk categories of blood products (OR 11·1, 95% CI 6·2–20·2), injecting drug user (IDU) (OR 3·6, 95% CI 2·7–4·8) and men who have sex with men/IDU (OR 3·4, 95% CI 2·4–4·9) in addition to two interactions; one between sex and current HIV status and the other between current HIV status and age at HIV diagnosis. Our results document the changing epidemiology of HIV–hepatitis co-infection which can guide preventive measures and interventions to reduce the prevalence of hepatitis co-infection.
AL-SHĪRĀZĪ AND THE EMPIRICAL ORIGIN OF PTOLEMY'S EQUANT IN HIS MODEL OF THE SUPERIOR PLANETS
Authors: Gamini Amir Mohammad , Hamedani Hossein Masoumi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPtolemy presents only one argument for the eccentricity in his models of the superior planets, while each one of them has two eccentricities: one for center of the uniform motion, the other for the center of the constant distance. To take into account the first eccentricity, he introduces the equant point, but he provides no argument for the eccentricity of the center of the deferent. Why is the second eccentricity different from the first one? The 13th century astronomer Quṭb al-Dīn al-Shīrāzī, a member of the famous school of Marāgha, who was interested in this problem, suggests the “retrograde arcs” as the empirical origin of the second eccentricity and develops an argument to justify this conjecture. Although his argument is not without difficulty, his suggestion is in line with the suggestions made by some historians of astronomy in recent decades.
AL-FĀRĀBĪ'S LOST COMMENTARY ON THE ETHICS: NEW TEXTUAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Neria Chaim Meir 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAl-Fārābī's lost commentary on Aristotle'sEthica Nicomacheais without doubt one of the most sorely missed lost works of the Islamicfalāsifa. In part, this is because the commentary was in some respects a scandal, and scholars accordingly believe it may hold the key to resolving present-day disagreements on how to interpret al-Fārābī's views as expressed in his independent treatises. Perhaps al-Fārābī's most shocking or scandalous statement is that preserved by the Hispano-Muslim philosophers Ibn Bājja, Ibn Ṭufayl, and Ibn Rushd. According to them al-Fārābī says in his commentary on Aristotle'sEthica Nicomacheathat happiness is to be achieved only in this life, not in the afterlife; that there is no happiness but political happiness; and that union with the active intellect – generally considered the highest goal of human existence by the philosophers – is impossible. This paper addresses the following questions: What exactly is the debate about? Why is the question of immortality or conjunction related to Aristotle'sEthica Nicomachea? And why was it so controversial to say, in the context of theEthica Nicomachea, that there is no happiness but political happiness? Although the bulk of al-Fārābī's commentary is still lost, I have discovered two quotations of it in Hebrew manuscripts. As I will argue in this paper, these newly-discovered quotations – which are included with an English translation in the appendix – can shed light on the mysteries concerning al-Fārābī's commentary.