bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Assessment in Pediatric Mice: Strain Analysis as a Diagnostic Measurement
Authors: Andrews Thomas G. , Lindsey Merry L. , Lange Richard A. , Aune Gregory J. 
Published: October 2013

Echocardiography is a robust tool for assessing cardiac function in both humans and laboratory animals. Conventional echocardiographic measurements, including chamber dimensions, wall thickness, and ejection fraction are routinely obtained to assess cardiac function in mice. Recently, myocardial strain and strain rate measurements have been added to functional assessments to provide additional details on regional abnormalities that are not evident using conventional measurements. To date, all studies of strain and strain rate in mice or rats have involved adult animals. This study serves to outline methods for acquiring echocardiographic images in pediatric mice and to provide myocardial strain and strain rate values for healthy C57BL/6J mice between 3 and 11 weeks old. Between weeks 3 and 11, left ventricular radial strain ranged from 32 to 43% and longitudinal strain ranged from −15 to −19%, with analysis over time showing no significant changes with aging (radial strain, P = 0.192 and longitudinal strain, P = 0.264; n = 4 for each time point evaluated). In conclusion, myocardial strain analysis in pediatric mice is technically feasible and has potential application in studying the pathophysiology of pediatric cardiovascular disease.
Statin restores cardiac autonomic response to acute hypoxia in hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Brasileiro‐Santos Maria S. , Barreto‐Filho José A. S. , Santos Raul D. , Chacra Ana P. M. , Sangaleti Carine Teles , Alvez Gisele , Bezerra Otavio Coelho , Bortoloto Luiz Aparecido , Irigoyen Maria C. , Consolim‐Colombo Fernanda M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundHypercholesterolaemia may alter cardiovascular autonomic function. We investigated the autonomic cardiovascular regulation during normoxia and hypoxia in familial isolated HC patients with or without statin treatment.Materials and methodsLow (LF‐RR) and high (HF‐RR) components of spectral analysis of RR interval and systolic arterial pressure (LF‐SAP) were obtained during 5 min of normoxia and isocapnic hypoxia (10% O2) in 10 normotensive familial HC patients without medication, in seven HC patients after a 12‐week treatment period with 40 mg of simvastatin (HC + SVT) and in eight matched normal volunteers (CO).ResultsThe HC patients had significant impairment of cardiac autonomic modulation parameters compared with CO at normoxia, which was maintained or even accentuated during hypoxia; these parameters included lower total variance of RR, increased normalized LF‐RR, decreased normalized HF‐RR, increased LF‐RR/HF‐RR ratio, higher LF‐SAP component and reduced α index. However, the HC + SVT group had a significant improvement in all parameters: the LF‐RR and LF‐SAP decreased (indicating a decrease in cardiac and vascular sympathetic activity), the HF‐RR increased (indicating an increase in parasympathetic activity) and the spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity improved. These changes were detected at normoxia and were maintained during hypoxia.ConclusionsOur data are the first to show that isolated HC is characterized by an increase in cardiac and vasomotor sympathetic drive, a decrease in cardiac vagal modulation and baroreflex impairment during normoxia and hypoxia. In addition, our data suggest that statin treatment has a potential role in restoring the physiological cardiovascular autonomic control at baseline and during cardiovascular challenge.
Floral resources, body size, and surrounding landscape influence bee community assemblages in oak‐savannah fragments
Authors: WRAY JULIE C. , NEAME LISA A. , ELLE ELIZABETH 
Published: October 2013

Fragmentation of natural habitats due to urban development is predicted to have negative impacts on species diversity. The surrounding landscape (or ‘matrix’) of urban or semi‐natural habitats can sometimes support biodiversity, but the amount of support will depend on species‐specific traits, and on the resources available in the fragment and the matrix.
Using data on bees collected from 19 oak‐savannah fragments, the question of whether bee communities differ when fragments are embedded in different landscapes (Douglas‐fir forest vs. urban residential neighbourhoods) was investigated, and also whether these differences could be attributed to species‐specific traits of bees (e.g. body size, specialization) and/or within‐fragment floral resources.
No differences were found in overall richness or abundance of bees, but there were distinct differences in plant and bee community composition between matrix types. Common wood‐nesters and late‐flying, small‐bodied bees tended to be found in urban‐associated fragments, which also had a lower availability of within‐fragment floral resources.
Forest‐associated fragments, on the other hand, had a greater density and richness of early‐flowering native plant species, and supported a higher abundance of large‐bodied bee species. Bumble bee abundance, in particular, increased with increasing proportion of forest cover in the surrounding landscape.
Large‐bodied bees appear to respond to increased availability of within‐fragment floral resources, but it was also hypothesised that nesting and floral resources in matrix habitat drive the differences in bee community assemblages.
Functional integrity of the habenula is necessary for social play behaviour in rats
Authors: van Kerkhof Linda W. M. , Damsteegt Ruth , Trezza Viviana , Voorn Pieter , Vanderschuren Louk J. M. J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDuring post‐weaning development, a marked increase in peer–peer interactions is observed in mammals, including humans, which is signified by the abundance of social play behaviour. Social play is highly rewarding, and known to be modulated through monoaminergic neurotransmission. Recently, the habenula has received widespread attention because of its role in the regulation of monoaminergic neurotransmission as well as in a variety of emotional and cognitive functions. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the involvement of the habenula in social play behaviour. Using the neuronal activity maker c‐fos, we showed that the habenula was activated after 24 h of social isolation in adolescent rats, and that a subsequent social play interaction reduced c‐fos activity in the medial part of the lateral habenula. This suggested that habenula activity modulated the aversive properties of social isolation, which was alleviated by the positive effects of social play. Furthermore, after functional inactivation of the habenula, using a mixture of the GABA receptor agonists baclofen and muscimol, social play behaviour was markedly reduced, whereby responsiveness to play solicitation was more sensitive to habenula inactivation than play solicitation itself. Together, our data indicate an important role for the habenula in the processing of positive (i.e. social play behaviour) and negative (i.e. social isolation) social information in adolescent rats. Altered habenula function might therefore be related to the social impairments in childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders such as autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and early‐onset schizophrenia.
Catch Me If You Can: Diel Activity Patterns of Mammalian Prey and Predators
Authors: Monterroso Pedro , Alves Paulo Célio , Ferreras Pablo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe activity patterns exhibited by animals are shaped by evolution, but additionally fine‐tuned by flexible responses to the environment. Predation risk and resource availability are environmental cues which influence the behavioural decisions that make both predators and prey engage in activity bursts, and depending on their local importance, can be strong enough to override the endogenous regulation of an animals’ circadian clock. In Southern Europe, wherever the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is abundant, it is the main prey of most mammalian mesopredators, and rodents are generally the alternative prey. We evaluated the bidirectional relation between the diel activity strategies of these mammalian mesopredators and prey coexisting in south‐western Europe. Results revealed that even though predation risk enforced by mammalian mesocarnivores during night‐time was approximately twice and five times higher than during twilight and daytime, respectively, murids consistently displayed unimodal nocturnal behaviour. Conversely, the European rabbits exhibited a bimodal pattern that peaked around sunrise and sunset. Despite the existence of some overlap between the diel rhythms of mesocarnivores and rabbits, their patterns were not synchronized. We suggest that the environmental stressors in our study areas are not severe enough to override the endogenous regulation of the circadian cycle in murids. European rabbits, however, are able to suppress their biological tendency for nocturnality by selecting a predominantly crepuscular pattern. In spite of the higher energetic input, mesocarnivores do not completely track rabbits’ activity pattern. They rather track rodents’ activity. We propose that these systems have probably evolved towards a situation where some degree of activity during high‐risk periods benefits the overall prey population survival, while the accessibility to sufficient prey prevents predators to completely track them.
Acquisition and interpretation of radiographs of the equine skull
Authors: Barrett M. F. , Easley J. T. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe complex anatomy of the equine skull creates a radiographic challenge. However, radiographs are a commonly required tool in diagnosing dental and sinonasal disease, as well as other disorders of the equine skull. High quality, complete radiographic studies are essential for adequate evaluation. Radiographic technique and interpretation are reviewed in this paper.
Identification and treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the distal sagittal ridge of the third metacarpal bone
Authors: Wright I. M. , Minshall G. J. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyOsteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the distal sagittal ridge of the third metacarpal bone (McIII) has not previously been described in the literature.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical, radiological and arthroscopic features ofOCDof the distal sagittal ridge of theMcIIIand to report outcome in a series of cases.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsCase records and images of horses withOCDof the distal sagittal ridge of theMcIIIadmitted to a single referral centre betweenFebruary 2006 andFebruary 2013 were reviewed. Follow‐up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire and/or racing performance.ResultsOsteochondritis dissecans of the distal sagittal ridge of theMcIIIwas found in 16 lame horses; 9 unilaterally and 7 bilaterally. Lesions were consistently identified with flexed lateromedial radiographs and in 21 joints in dorsopalmar projections also. These were arthroscopically accessible from the dorsal compartment with metacarpophalangeal joints maximally flexed. This permitted fragment removal and lesion debridement. Thirteen of 14 horses with follow‐up of ≥12 months post surgery performed athletically including 11 of 12 Thoroughbreds that raced.ConclusionsUnlike more proximal lesions,OCDof the distal sagittal ridge appears to affect theMcIIIpreferentially. Lesions were identified on dorsopalmar and flexed lateromedial radiographs only and are amenable to arthroscopic surgery. Clinicians should be aware of the potential forOCDto affect the distal sagittal ridge of theMcIIItogether with the radiographic projections needed to identify its presence. A modified arthroscopic approach to the dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint is necessary in order to access lesions.
Insights into subunit interactions in the Sulfolobus acidocaldarius archaellum cytoplasmic complex
Authors: Banerjee Ankan , Neiner Tomasz , Tripp Patrick , Albers Sonja‐Verena 
Published: October 2013

Archaella are the archaeal motility structure that is the functional pendant of the bacterial flagellum but is assembled by a mechanism similar to that for type IV pili. Recently, it was shown by Banerjee et al. that FlaX, a crenarchaeal archaellum subunit from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, forms a ring‐like oligomer, and it was proposed that this ring may act as a static platform for torque generation in archaellum rotation [Banerjee A et al. (2012) J Biol Chem 287, 43322–43330]. Moreover, the hexameric crystal structure of FlaI was solved, and its dual function in the assembly and the rotation of the archaellum was demonstrated [Reindl S et al. (2013) Mol Cell 49, 1069–1082]. In this study, we show by biochemical and biophysical techniques that FlaX from S. acidocaldarius acts as a cytoplasmic scaffold in archaellum assembly, as it interacts with FlaI as well as with the recA family protein FlaH, the only cytoplasmic components of the archaellum. Interaction studies using various truncated versions of FlaI demonstrated that its N‐ and C‐termini interact with FlaX. Moreover, using microscale thermophoresis, we show that FlaI, FlaX and FlaH interact with high affinities in the nanomolar range. Therefore, we propose that these three proteins form the cytoplasmic motor complex of the archaellum.Structured digital abstract

FlaH and FlaI bind by mst (View interaction)

FlaXc physically interacts with FlaI by pull down (1, 2)

FlaI and FlaXc bind by mst (1, 2)

FlaI binds to FlaXc by pull down (View interaction)
Changes in the structure and function of northern Alaskan ecosystems when considering variable leaf‐out times across groupings of species in a dynamic vegetation model
Authors: Euskirchen Eugénie S. , Carman Tobey B. , McGuire A. David 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe phenology of arctic ecosystems is driven primarily by abiotic forces, with temperature acting as the main determinant of growing season onset and leaf budburst in the spring. However, while the plant species in arctic ecosystems require differing amounts of accumulated heat for leaf‐out, dynamic vegetation models simulated over regional to global scales typically assume some average leaf‐out for all of the species within an ecosystem. Here, we make use of air temperature records and observations of spring leaf phenology collected across dominant groupings of species (dwarf birch shrubs, willow shrubs, other deciduous shrubs, grasses, sedges, and forbs) in arctic and boreal ecosystems in Alaska. We then parameterize a dynamic vegetation model based on these data for four types of tundra ecosystems (heath tundra, shrub tundra, wet sedge tundra, and tussock tundra), as well as ecotonal boreal white spruce forest, and perform model simulations for the years 1970–2100. Over the course of the model simulations, we found changes in ecosystem composition under this new phenology algorithm compared with simulations with the previous phenology algorithm. These changes were the result of the differential timing of leaf‐out, as well as the ability for the groupings of species to compete for nitrogen and light availability. Regionally, there were differences in the trends of the carbon pools and fluxes between the new phenology algorithm and the previous phenology algorithm, although these differences depended on the future climate scenario. These findings indicate the importance of leaf phenology data collection by species and across the various ecosystem types within the highly heterogeneous Arctic landscape, and that dynamic vegetation models should consider variation in leaf‐out by groupings of species within these ecosystems to make more accurate projections of future plant distributions and carbon cycling in Arctic regions.
Arctic marine fishes and their fisheries in light of global change
Authors: Christiansen Jørgen S. , Mecklenburg Catherine W. , Karamushko Oleg V. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn light of ocean warming and loss of Arctic sea ice, harvested marine fishes of boreal origin (and their fisheries) move poleward into yet unexploited parts of the Arctic seas. Industrial fisheries, already in place on many Arctic shelves, will radically affect the local fish species as they turn up as unprecedented bycatch. Arctic marine fishes are indispensable to ecosystem structuring and functioning, but they are still beyond credible assessment due to lack of basic biological data. The time for conservation actions is now, and precautionary management practices by the Arctic coastal states are needed to mitigate the impact of industrial fisheries in Arctic waters. We outline four possible conservation actions: scientific credibility, ‘green technology’, legitimate management and overarching coordination.
Consistency of Return to Normal Function, Productivity, and Satisfaction Following Migraine Attacks Treated With Sumatriptan/Naproxen Sodium Combination
Authors: Landy Stephen H. , Cady Roger K. , Nelsen Andrew , White Jonathan , Runken M. Chris 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesTo assess the consistency of improved functioning, productivity, and medication satisfaction in migraines treated with a single tablet of sumatriptan 85 mg/naproxen sodium 500 mg (S/NS) using an early intervention approach.MethodsTwo randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 4‐period crossover, multi‐attack, multi‐center, outpatient studies of moderate to severe adult migraineurs were conducted to compare S/NS with placebo. Participants recorded outcome assessments in a diary during the 24 hours following study medication. Analyses were conducted on the intent‐to‐treat population who treated at least 1 attack. Statistical significance between treatment groups used analysis of variance repeated measures models and the intent‐to‐treat population. There were no corrections for multiplicity.ResultsAlmost half (48.5%) of migraineurs treated with S/NS returned to normal functioning at 2 hours and 73.3% at 4 hours postdose, compared with 28.7% (2 hours) and 43.3% (4 hours) of placebo‐treated attacks. Total productivity loss over the 24 hours postdose was significantly reduced following S/NS treatment (2.5 hours on average) compared with placebo (4.0 hours). Sumatriptan/naproxen treatment resulted in significantly higher medication satisfaction scores on the efficacy, functionality, and total efficacy subscales compared with placebo in all attacks in both studies. Sumatriptan/naproxen treatment also provided significantly greater ease of use in 7 of the 8 attacks. Although tolerability was high in both treatment groups (over 90%), the placebo group was significantly less bothered by side effects in 6 of 8 attacks.ConclusionResults from these 2 randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multi‐attack, crossover studies demonstrated the rapid and consistent restoration of patients' functioning, the consistent reduction in productivity loss, and high satisfaction ratings from patients treating multiple migraine attacks with S/NS using an early intervention approach.
Effect of rice bran protein extract on enzymatic browning inhibition in potato puree
Authors: Kubglomsong Supatcha , Theerakulkait Chockchai 
Published: October 2013

SummaryEffect of rice bran protein extract (RBPE) on enzymatic browning inhibition in potato puree was studied by colour measurement and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) inhibition. RBPE inhibited browning in potato puree and showed a higher per cent potato PPO inhibition at pH 4.0 and 5.0 than those at pH 3.0, 6.0 and 7.0 (P ≤ 0.05). RBPE heated to 40 and 60 °C had browning inhibition in potato puree and per cent potato PPO inhibition at a similar extent to unheated RBPE (P > 0.05). Browning inhibition and per cent potato PPO inhibition of RBPE were decreased when it was heated to 80 °C (P ≤ 0.05). RBPE inhibited browning in potato puree higher than 5, 10 and 20 mm ascorbic acid and 5 and 10 mm citric acid (P ≤ 0.05). Regarding the kinetics study, RBPE exhibited a mixed‐type inhibition for potato PPO. Therefore, RBPE has a potential to be used as a natural antibrowning agent in the potato industry.
Effect of storage on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of quince nectar
Authors: Yilmaz Emel , Karadeniz Feryal 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe changes of bioactive components and antioxidant activity of quince nectar were determined during 9 months of storage at 5, 20, 30 and 40 °C. The amount of total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity was significantly declined during storage at all temperatures. Loss of L‐ascorbic acid at 5, 20, 30 and 40 °C was 32.08%, 43.69%, 65.21% and 88.82%, respectively. L‐ascorbic acid degradation was in accordance with the first‐order reaction kinetics, and activation energy was found as 43.65 kJ mol−1. After 9 months of storage, Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) contents of quince nectars were 15.01, 16.64, 21.69 and 57.89 mg kg−1 at 5, 20, 30 and 40 °C, respectively. HMF accumulation fitted a zero‐order kinetic model, and activation energy was found as 88.30 kJ mol−1. A significant correlation was found among L‐ascorbic acid, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity.
Behavioral and Electrophysiological Indices of Memory in Typically Developing and Hypoxic‐Ischemic Injured Infants
Authors: Norwood Agatha , Wagner Jennifer B. , Motley Christine , Hirch Suzanna B. , Vogel‐Farley Vanessa K. , Nelson Charles A. 
Published: October 2013

Behavioral and electrophysiological indices of memory were examined in 12‐month‐old typically developing control infants (CON) and infants with history of perinatal hypoxic‐ischemic injury (HII) across 2 days. Using a visual paired comparison (VPC) procedure, novelty preference was tested immediately after a familiarization period and then after delays of 2 min and 24 h. Both groups showed a significant novelty preference only for the no‐delay condition. On day two, event‐related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while infants viewed the VPC familiar face, a more recently familiarized face, and a novel face, and mean amplitude for components thought to reflect memory (positive slow wave, PSW) and attention (negative central, Nc) were computed. In temporal regions, HII showed a diminished Nc and enhanced PSW to the recently familiarized face, while CON showed a similar trend for the PSW only. Overall, infants showed the largest PSW over left scalp regions. Finally, a positive correlation between VPC novelty preference after 24 h and PSW was found in CON, and preliminary results suggest that this association differs as a function of group. Therefore, in comparison with CON, HII showed both similarities and differences on individual tasks of memory as well as potentially disparate relations between the behavioral and neural mechanisms underlying memory performance.
Tunic cell populations during fusion events in the colonial ascidian Didemnum vexillum (Tunicata)
Authors: Sellers Andrea E. , Fagerberg Wayne R. , Litvaitis Marian K. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe documented changes in the abundance and distribution patterns of tunic cells involved in the allorecognition response of the colonial aplousobranch Didemnum vexillum, whose zooids do not share a common vascular system. A histological examination of the fusion zone of isogeneic (CIAs) and allogeneic (CAAs) fused colony assays revealed that tunic cuticles were rapidly regenerated. The underlying tunic matrix fused readily in all assays and controls. We identified four different types of tunic cells. Phagocytic cells represented the most abundant cell type in allogeneic fusions, followed by morula cells. These cells were more abundant at the immediate fusion junction than at 120 μm or 240 μm from the junction, most likely because they mediate the allorecognition reaction. Elongated filopodial cells also were present, although only at very low abundances, and a layer of bladder cells was located immediately below the cuticle. Our results provide quantitative evidence for the involvement of tunic cells in the allorecognition response of a highly invasive ascidian.