bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of a Formal Assessment Instrument for Evaluation of Veterinary Student Surgical Skills
Authors: Schnabel Lauren V. , Maza Paul S. , Williams Kimberly M. , Irby Nita L. , McDaniel Carolyn M. , Collins Brian G. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo (1) evaluate the design and use of a global rating scale assessment instrument in veterinary medical education and; (2) examine the effectiveness of 2 surgical techniques courses for improving the surgical skills of veterinary students.Study DesignInstrument development; observational; survey‐based.Sample PopulationStudents (n = 16) registered for 2 elective surgical techniques courses were enrolled on a volunteer basis.MethodsA 5‐point global rating scale instrument was designed for the evaluation of 12 basic surgical skills by faculty evaluators and used to obtain student start and end scores during the courses. Upon conclusion of the courses, students completed a survey from which their opinions on their improvement as well as their desire for feedback were obtained.ResultsAll authors agreed the instrument was easy to use. As groups, 3rd year students, 4th year students, and all students combined had significantly higher total skill scores at the end of the courses compared to the start of the courses. Individually, 10 students (63%) had significant improvement in surgical skills as a result of their participation in the courses: 4 (100%) 3rd year and 6 (50%) 4th year students. Student survey responses revealed a strong desire for feedback as well as support of formal assessment methods. Only weak agreement was found between student opinions on their improvement and the authors' assessment scores.ConclusionsAssessment instruments are useful for (1) student evaluation and (2) for providing students with feedback on their surgical skills.
Triglyceride‐cholesterol imbalance across lipoprotein subclasses predicts diabetic kidney disease and mortality in type 1 diabetes: the FinnDiane Study
Authors: Mäkinen V.‐P. , Soininen P. , Kangas A. J. , Forsblom C. , Tolonen N. , Thorn L. M. , Viikari J. , Raitakari O. T. , Savolainen M. , Groop P.‐H. , Ala‐Korpela M. ,   Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study Group
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundCirculating cholesterol (C) and triglyceride (TG) levels are associated with vascular injury in type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Lipoproteins are responsible for transporting lipids, and alterations in their subclass distributions may partly explain the increased mortality in individuals with T1DM.Design and subjectsA cohort of 3544 individuals with T1DM was recruited by the nationwide multicentre FinnDiane Study Group. At baseline, six very low‐density lipoprotein VLDL, one intermediate‐density lipoprotein IDL, three low‐density lipoprotein LDL and four higher high‐density lipoprotein HDL subclasses were quantified by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. At follow‐up, the baseline data were analysed for incident micro‐ or macroalbuminuria (117 cases in 5.3 years), progression from microalbuminuria (63 cases in 6.1 years), progression from macroalbuminuria (109 cases in 5.9 years) and mortality (385 deaths in 9.4 years). Univariate associations were tested by age‐matched cases and controls and multivariate lipoprotein profiles were analysed using the self‐organizing map (SOM).ResultsTG and C levels in large VLDL were associated with incident albuminuria, TG and C in medium VLDL were associated with progression from microalbuminuria, and TG and C in all VLDL subclasses were associated with mortality. Large HDL‐C was inversely associated with mortality. Three extreme phenotypes emerged from SOM analysis: (i) low C (<3% mortality), (ii) low TG/C ratio (6% mortality), and (iii) high TG/C ratio (40% mortality) in all subclasses.ConclusionsTG–C imbalance is a general lipoprotein characteristic in individuals with T1DM and high vascular disease risk.
Toxic neurofilamentous axonopathies– accumulation of neurofilaments and axonal degeneration
Authors: Llorens J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA number of neurotoxic chemicals induce accumulation of neurofilaments in axonal swellings that appear at varying distances from the cell body. This pathology is associated with axonal degeneration of different degrees. The clinical manifestation is most commonly that of a mixed motor–sensory peripheral axonopathy with a disto‐proximal pattern of progression, as in cases of chronic exposure to n‐hexane and carbon disulphide. It has been demonstrated that protein adduct formation is a primary molecular mechanism of toxicity in these axonopathies, but how this mechanism leads to neurofilament accumulation and axonal degeneration remains unclear. Furthermore, little is known regarding the mechanisms of neurofilamentous axonopathy caused by 3,3′‐iminodipropionitrile, an experimental toxin that induces proximal axon swelling that is strikingly similar to that found in early amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, we review the available data and main hypotheses regarding the toxic axonopathies and compare them with the current knowledge of the biological basis of neurofilament transport. We also review recent studies addressing the question of how these axonopathies may cause axonal degeneration. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the toxic axonopathies may provide insight into the relationship between neurofilament behaviour and axonal degeneration, hopefully enabling the identification of new targets for therapeutic intervention. Because neurofilament abnormalities are a common feature of many neurodegenerative diseases, advances in this area may have a wider impact beyond toxicological significance.
Regenerative medicine for the treatment of heart disease
Authors: Hansson E. M. , Lendahl U. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHeart failure is a major cause of mortality worldwide with a steady increase in prevalence. There is currently no available cure beyond orthotopic heart transplantation, which for a number of reasons is an option only for a small fraction of all patients. Considerable hope has therefore been placed on the possibility of treating a failing heart by replacing lost cardiomyocytes, either through transplantation of various types of stem cells or by boosting endogenous regenerative mechanisms in the heart. Here, we review the current status of stem and progenitor cell‐based therapies for heart disease. We discuss the pros and cons of different stem and progenitor cell types that can be considered for transplantation and describe recent advances in the understanding of how cardiomyocytes normally differentiate and how these cells can be generated from more immature cells ex vivo. Finally, we consider the possibility of activation of endogenous stem and progenitor cells to treat heart failure.
A Palaeolithic‐type diet causes strong tissue‐specific effects on ectopic fat deposition in obese postmenopausal women
Authors: Ryberg M. , Sandberg S. , Mellberg C. , Stegle O. , Lindahl B. , Larsson C. , Hauksson J. , Olsson T. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesEctopic fat accumulation in liver and skeletal muscle may be an essential link between abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and increased risk of cardiovascular disease after menopause. We hypothesized that a diet containing a relatively high content of protein and unsaturated fat [mainly monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)] but limited carbohydrates and saturated fat would reduce lipid content in liver and muscle and increase insulin sensitivity in postmenopausal women.SubjectsTen healthy, nonsmoking postmenopausal women with a body mass index (BMI) >27 (28–35) kg m−2 were included in the study.InterventionsParticipants were instructed to consume an ad libitum Palaeolithic‐type diet intended to provide approximately 30 energy percentage (E%) protein, 40 E% fat (mainly MUFAs) and 30 E% carbohydrate. Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) levels in calf muscles and liver triglyceride levels were quantified using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) before and 5 weeks after dietary intervention. Insulin sensitivity was estimated by homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) indices and the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp technique.ResultsMean energy intake decreased by 25% with a weight loss of 4.5 kg. BMI, waist and hip circumference, waist/hip ratio and abdominal sagittal diameter also decreased significantly, as did diastolic blood pressure (mean −7 mmHg), levels of fasting serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL/HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), urinary C‐peptide and HOMA indices. Whole‐body insulin sensitivity did not change. Liver triglyceride levels decreased by 49%, whereas IMCL levels in skeletal muscle were not significantly altered.ConclusionsA modified Palaeolithic‐type diet has strong and tissue‐specific effects on ectopic lipid deposition in postmenopausal women.
Religion as a Commitment Device: The Economics of Political Islam
Authors: Roháč Dalibor 
Published: April 2013

SummaryWhy are religious parties so popular in the new and emerging democracies of the Middle East and North Africa? This paper offers an alternative to the traditional accounts that stress religiosity, the repressive nature of the previous regimes, poverty and underdevelopment, or Arab grievances against Israel. Instead, it outlines a rational choice‐based explanation, in which religious political parties are able to address the problem of credible commitment, ubiquitous in new democracies. Instead of having to rely on patronage as the only mechanism of making pre‐electoral commitments, Islamic parties are able to directly make credible promises about the supply of public goods. This is because they already have a history and a reputation, which both serve as channels of communication with the voters. Their reputation relies most importantly on a track record of providing social services in environments where governments have failed to do so. Furthermore, we argue that their religious nature makes them well equipped to overcome collective action problems.
Variance stabilization for computing and comparing grand mean waveforms inMEGandEEG
Authors: Matysiak Artur , Kordecki Wojciech , Sielużycki Cezary , Zacharias Norman , Heil Peter , König Reinhard 
Published: April 2013

AbstractGrand means of time‐varying signals (waveforms) across subjects in magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG) are commonly computed as arithmetic averages and compared between conditions, for example, by subtraction. However, the prerequisite for these operations, homogeneity of the variance of the waveforms in time, and for most common parametric statistical tests also between conditions, is rarely met. We suggest that the heteroscedasticity observed instead results because waveforms may differ by factors and additive terms and follow a mixed model. We propose to apply the asinh‐transformation to stabilize the variance in such cases. We demonstrate the homogeneous variance and the normal distributions of data achieved by this transformation using simulated waveforms, and we apply it to realMEGdata and show its benefits. The asinh‐transformation is thus an essential and useful processing step prior to computing and comparing grand mean waveforms inMEGandEEG.
Unilateral intraocular mastocytosis and anterior uveitis in a dog with subcutaneous mast cell tumors
Authors: Boostrom Brendan O. , Good Kathryn L. , Maggs David J. , Rebhun Robert B. , Johns Jennifer L. , Kent Michael S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA 9‐year‐old male castratedScottish terrier was referred to the Radiation Oncology Service at theWilliamR.PritchardVeterinaryMedicalTeachingHospital for palliative radiation therapy of an incompletely excised, recurrent subcutaneous mast cell tumor (MCT) located over the right scapula, and surgical removal of a perianal MCT. Three weeks after initial presentation and prior to the fifth radiation treatment, the patient was presented with cloudiness of the left eye of 3–7 days duration. Ophthalmic consultation revealed 3+ aqueous flare with a dependent, swirling component filling approximately one‐third of the anterior chamber. Aqueocentesis was performed under general anesthesia. Cytology revealed mast cells with highly atypical morphology and considered most consistent with neoplasia. The patient died 7 months after pathologic diagnosis of MCT on the right shoulder and 2 months after the cytologic diagnosis of malignant mast cells in the left anterior chamber. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of intraocular involvement in a mammal with MCTs, described here as intraocular mastocytosis.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Hyperthermophilic Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium
Thermodesulfobacterium geofontis
OPF15
T
Authors: Elkins James G. , Hamilton-Brehm Scott D. , Lucas Susan , Han James , Lapidus Alla , Cheng Jan-Fang , Goodwin Lynne A. , Pitluck Sam , Peters Lin , Mikhailova Natalia , Davenport Karen W. , Detter John C. , Han Cliff S. , Tapia Roxanne , Land Miriam L. , Hauser Loren , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Ivanova Natalia N. , Pagani Ioanna , Bruce David , Woyke Tanja , Cottingham Robert W. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Thermodesulfobacterium geofontis
OPF15
T
(ATCC BAA-2454, JCM 18567) was isolated from Obsidian Pool, Yellowstone National Park, and grows optimally at 83°C. The 1.6-Mb genome sequence was finished at the Joint Genome Institute and has been deposited for future genomic studies pertaining to microbial processes and nutrient cycles in high-temperature environments.
Mechanisms of Mid-Holocene Precipitation Change in the South Pacific Convergence Zone
Authors: Mantsis Damianos F. , Lintner Benjamin R. , Broccoli Anthony J. , Khodri Myriam 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The variability of the South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ) during the mid-Holocene is investigated using models archived in the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project Phase II (PMIP2) database. Relative to preindustrial conditions, mid-Holocene top-of-atmosphere insolation was relatively lower during austral summer [December–February (DJF)], which is the season when the SPCZ is at its peak intensity. In response to this perturbation, the PMIP2 models simulate a displacement of the SPCZ to the southwest. This SPCZ shift is associated with a sea surface temperature (SST) dipole, with increased rainfall collocated with warm SST anomalies. Decomposing the DJF precipitation changes in terms of a diagnostic moisture budget indicates that the SPCZ shift is balanced to leading order by a change in the mean moisture convergence. Changes to the broad area of upper-level negative zonal stretching deformation, where transient eddies can become trapped and subsequently generate deep convection, support the notion that the SPCZ shift in the subtropics is tied to eddy forcing. Idealized experiments performed with an intermediate-level complexity model, the Quasi-Equilibrium Tropical Circulation Model (QTCM), suggest that the mid-Holocene change in rainfall in the SPCZ region as well as the equatorial Pacific is dominated by a change in the underlying SST. The tropical portion of the SPCZ is further remotely affected by the orbitally induced weakening of the Australian monsoon, even though this effect is weaker compared to the effect from SSTs.
Nietzsche's Zarathustra and Parodic Style: On Lucian'sHyperanthroposand Nietzsche'sÜbermensch
Authors: Babich Babette 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIt is well-known that as a term, Nietzsche’sÜbermenschderives from Lucian of Samosata’shyperanthropos. I argue that Zarathustra’s teaching of the overman acquires new resonances by reflecting on the context of that origination from Lucian’sKataplous– literally, “sailing into port” – referring to the soul’s journey (ferried by Charon, guided by Hermes) into the afterlife. TheKataplous he tyrannos, usually translatedDownward Journey or The Tyrant, is a Menippean satire of the “overman” who is imagined to be superior to others of “lesser” station in this-worldly life and the same tyrant after his (comically unwilling) transport into the underworld. As a reflection on the life and the death of Zarathustra, this essay also explores the politics of kingship for Empedocles as reformer in terms of Hölderlin’s Death of Empedocles and Nietzsche’s unpublished drafts on the same topic. InThus Spoke Zarathustra, Nietzsche points to a perspective beyond the here and now, including the “values” of our all-too-worldly and all-too-human concerns, no matter whether in terms of perceived political/economic advantage, or indeed in the pursuit of more trivial satisfactions.
CandidatusLiberibacter americanus induces significant reprogramming of the transcriptome of the susceptible citrus genotype
Authors: Mafra Valéria , Martins Polyana K , Francisco Carolina S , Ribeiro-Alves Marcelo , Freitas-Astúa Juliana , Machado Marcos A 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundCitrushuanglongbing(HLB) disease is caused by endogenous, phloem-restricted, Gram negative, uncultured bacteria namedCandidatusLiberibacter africanus (CaLaf),Ca.L. asiaticus (CaLas), andCa.L. americanus (CaLam), depending on the continent where the bacteria were first detected. The Asian citrus psyllid vector,Diaphorina citri, transmits CaLas and CaLam and both Liberibacter species are present in Brazil. Several studies of the transcriptional response of citrus plants manifesting HLB symptoms have been reported, but only for CaLas infection. This study evaluated the transcriptional reprogramming of a susceptible genotype of sweet orange challenged with CaLam, using a customized 385K microarray containing approximately 32,000 unigene transcripts. We analyzed global changes in gene expression of CaLam-infected leaves of sweet orange during the symptomatic stage of infection and compared the results with previously published microarray studies that used CaLas-infected plants. Twenty candidate genes were selected to validate the expression profiles in symptomatic and asymptomatic PCR-positive leaves infected with CaLas or CaLam.ResultsThe microarray analysis identified 633 differentially expressed genes during the symptomatic stage of CaLam infection. Among them, 418 (66%) were upregulated and 215 (34%) were down regulated. Five hundred and fourteen genes (81%) were orthologs of genes fromArabidopsis thaliana. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that several of the transcripts encoded transporters associated with the endomembrane system, especially zinc transport. Among the most biologically relevant gene transcripts in GSEA were those related to signaling, metabolism and/or stimulus to hormones, genes responding to stress and pathogenesis, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, oxidative stress and transcription factors belonging to different families. Real time PCR of 20 candidate genes validated the expression pattern of some genes in symptomatic and asymptomatic leaves infected with CaLam or CaLas.ConclusionsMany gene transcripts and biological processes are significantly altered upon CaLam infection. Some of them had been identified in response to CaLas infection, while others had not been previously reported. These data will be useful for selecting target genes for genetic engineering to control HLB.
Genetic diversity among pandemic 2009 influenza viruses isolated from a transmission chain
Authors: Fordyce Sarah L , Bragstad Karoline , Pedersen Svend Stenvang , Jensen Thøger G , Gahrn-Hansen Bente , Daniels Rod , Hay Alan , Kampmann Marie-Louise , Bruhn Christian AW , Moreno-Mayar J Victor , Ávila-Arcos María C , Gilbert M Thomas P , Nielsen Lars P 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Influenza viruses such as swine-origin influenza A(H1N1) virus (A(H1N1)pdm09) generate genetic diversity due to the high error rate of their RNA polymerase, often resulting in mixed genotype populations (intra-host variants) within a single infection. This variation helps influenza to rapidly respond to selection pressures, such as those imposed by the immunological host response and antiviral therapy. We have applied deep sequencing to characterize influenza intra-host variation in a transmission chain consisting of three cases due to oseltamivir-sensitive viruses, and one derived oseltamivir-resistant case.

Methods
Following detection of the A(H1N1)pdm09 infections, we deep-sequenced the complete NA gene from two of the oseltamivir-sensitive virus-infected cases, and all eight gene segments of the viruses causing the remaining two cases.

Results
No evidence for the resistance-causing mutation (resulting in NA H275Y substitution) was observed in the oseltamivir-sensitive cases. Furthermore, deep sequencing revealed a subpopulation of oseltamivir-sensitive viruses in the case carrying resistant viruses. We detected higher levels of intra-host variation in the case carrying oseltamivir-resistant viruses than in those infected with oseltamivir-sensitive viruses.

Conclusions
Oseltamivir-resistance was only detected after prophylaxis with oseltamivir, suggesting that the mutation was selected for as a result of antiviral intervention. The persisting oseltamivir-sensitive virus population in the case carrying resistant viruses suggests either that a small proportion survive the treatment, or that the oseltamivir-sensitive virus rapidly re-establishes itself in the virus population after the bottleneck. Moreover, the increased intra-host variation in the oseltamivir-resistant case is consistent with the hypothesis that the population diversity of a RNA virus can increase rapidly following a population bottleneck.
Isolation and culture of smooth muscle cells from human acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Lu Shuyang , Sun Xiaoning , Hong Tao , Song Kai , Yang Shouguo , Wang Chunsheng 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening vascular disease. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the main composition of aortic media and dysfunction of SMCs may lead to acute TAAD. The aim of this work was to investigate whether the SMCs of acute TAAD could be isolated and cultured for further research.

Methods
TAAD tissues were obtained from acute TAAD patients who underwent emergent surgical treatment. A simple and economical technique of collagenase digestion method was used to isolate and culture human SMCs. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was applied to identify SMC phenotypes. Purity of isolated and cultured SMCs was analyzed with flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy respectively.

Results
The purity of isolated SMCs was 78.2%, including α-smooth muscle cell actin positive 13.9%, calponin positive 35.0% and double positive 29.3%. For cultured SMCs, abundant expression of α-smooth muscle cell actin was observed universally under fluorescence microscope. Confocal laser scanning microscope testified that cultured cells were double positive of α-smooth muscle actin and calponin.

Conclusions
This is the first report of successful culture of SMCs isolated from human acute TAAD tissues. Living human SMCs of acute TAAD provides us with a new method for studying formation of acute TAAD.