bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of PCR for quantification of simian immunodeficiency virus genomic RNA in plasma of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) using armored RNA
Authors: Monjure C.J. , Tatum C.D. , Panganiban A.T. , Arainga M. , Traina‐Dorge V. , Marx P.A. , Didier E.S. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIntroductionQuantification of plasma viral load (PVL) is used to monitor disease progression in SIV‐infected macaques. This study was aimed at optimizing of performance characteristics of the quantitative PCR (qPCR) PVL assay.MethodsThe PVL quantification procedure was optimized by inclusion of an exogenous control hepatitis C virus armored RNA (aRNA), a plasma concentration step, extended digestion with proteinase K, and a second RNA elution step. Efficiency of viral RNA (vRNA) extraction was compared using several commercial vRNA extraction kits. Various parameters of qPCR targeting the gag region of SIVmac239, SIVsmE660, and the LTR region of SIVagmSAB were also optimized.ResultsModifications of the SIV PVL qPCR procedure increased vRNA recovery, reduced inhibition and improved analytical sensitivity. The PVL values determined by this SIV PVL qPCR correlated with quantification results of SIV RNA in the same samples using the ‘industry standard’ method of branched‐DNA (bDNA) signal amplification.ConclusionsQuantification of SIV genomic RNA in plasma of rhesus macaques using this optimized SIV PVL qPCR is equivalent to the bDNA signal amplification method, less costly and more versatile. Use of heterologous aRNA as an internal control is useful for optimizing performance characteristics of PVL qPCRs.
The role of NMDA and mGluR5 receptors in calcium mobilization and neurotoxicity of homocysteine in trigeminal and cortical neurons and glial cells
Authors: Abushik Polina A. , Niittykoski Minna , Giniatullina Raisa , Shakirzyanova Anastasia , Bart Genevieve , Fayuk Dmitriy , Sibarov Dmitry A. , Antonov Sergei M. , Giniatullin Rashid 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRecent studies suggested contribution of homocysteine (HCY) to neurodegenerative disorders and migraine. However, HCY effect in the nociceptive system is essentially unknown. To explore the mechanism of HCY action, we studied short‐ and long‐term effects of this amino acid on rat peripheral and central neurons. HCY induced intracellular Ca2+ transients in cultured trigeminal neurons and satellite glial cells (SGC), which were blocked by the NMDA antagonist AP‐5 in neurons, but not in SGCs. In contrast, 3‐((2‐Methyl‐4‐thiazolyl)ethynyl)pyridine (MTEP), the metabotropic mGluR5 (metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 subtype) antagonist, preferentially inhibited Ca2+ transients in SGCs. Prolonged application of HCY induced apoptotic cell death of both kinds of trigeminal cells. The apoptosis was blocked by AP‐5 or by the mGluR5 antagonist MTEP. Likewise, in cortical neurons, HCY‐induced cell death was inhibited by AP‐5 or MTEP. Imaging with 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate or mitochondrial dye Rhodamine‐123 as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay did not reveal involvement of oxidative stress in the action of HCY. Thus, elevation of intracellular Ca2+ by HCY in neurons is mediated by NMDA and mGluR5 receptors while SGC are activated through the mGluR5 subtype. Long‐term neurotoxic effects in peripheral and central neurons involved both receptor types. Our data suggest glutamatergic mechanisms of HCY‐induced sensitization and apoptosis of trigeminal nociceptors.
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We show that NMDA and mGluR5 receptors in trigeminal and cortical neurons and mGluR5 receptors in glial cells mediate homocysteine (HCY)‐induced [Ca2+]i elevation whereas HCY‐evoked apoptosis involves both NMDA and mGluR5 receptors. This study revealed migraine‐related short‐ and long‐term effects of this redox active aminoacid within the nociceptive system and highlights potential targets for anti‐nociception and neuroprotection.
In vitro Characterization of a small molecule inhibitor of the alanine serine cysteine transporter ‐1 (SLC7A10)
Authors: Brown Jeffrey M. , Hunihan Lisa , Prack Margaret M. , Harden David G. , Bronson Joanne , Dzierba Carolyn D. , Gentles Robert G. , Hendricson Adam , Krause Rudy , Macor John E. , Westphal Ryan S. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNMDA receptor hypofunction is hypothesized to contribute to cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. Since direct activation of NMDA receptors is associated with serious adverse effects, modulation of the NMDA co‐agonists, glycine or D‐serine, represents a viable alternative therapeutic approach. Indeed, clinical trials with glycine and D‐serine have shown positive results, although concerns over toxicity related to the high‐doses required for efficacy remain. Synaptic concentrations of D‐serine and glycine are regulated by the amino acid transporter alanine serine cysteine transporter‐1 (asc‐1). Inhibition of asc‐1 would increase synaptic D‐serine and possibly glycine, eliminating the need for high‐dose systemic D‐serine or glycine treatment. In this manuscript, we characterize Compound 1 (BMS‐466442), the first known small molecule inhibitor of asc‐1. Compound 1 selectively inhibited asc‐1 mediated D‐serine uptake with nanomolar potency in multiple cellular systems. Moreover, Compound 1 inhibited asc‐1 but was not a competitive substrate for this transporter. Compound 1 is the first reported selective inhibitor of the asc‐1 transporter and may provide a new path for the development of asc‐1 inhibitors for the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Enhancing NMDA function by increasing synaptic D‐serine is a proposed therapeutic approach for the treatment of schizophrenia. Synaptic D‐serine levels are regulated by the alanine, serine, cysteine transporter 1 (asc‐1). The following study describes the first novel asc‐1 inhibitor, Compound 1 (BMS‐466442), and provides a path forward for the development of additional asc‐1 inhibitors.
The remarkable migration of the medial collateral ligament
Authors: Wang Meina , Nasiri Ali , VanHouten Joshua N. , Tommasini Steven M. , Broadus Arthur E. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe developing cortical surfaces of long bones are sculpted and modeled by periosteal osteoclasts and osteoblasts. These surfaces also receive the insertions of tendons and ligaments, and these insertion sites too are modeled to form the root systems that anchor them into the cortical bone. The regulatory molecules that control modeling are poorly understood, but recent evidence suggests that parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) participates in this process. PTHrP functions principally as a paracrine regulatory molecule, and is known to be induced by mechanical loading in a number of sites. The most curious example of developmental modeling of the cortex is the migration of insertion sites such as that of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) along the bone surface during long‐bone growth. We report here the mechanisms that mediate MCL migration using a combination of genetic, imaging and histological techniques. We describe a MCL migratory complex that comprises two components. The first is the MCL insertion site itself, which is a prototypical fibrous insertion site with coupled osteoclast and osteoblast activities, and its key feature is that it is anchored early in development, well before initiation of the long‐bone growth spurt. Above the insertion site the periosteum is excavated by osteoclasts to form a migratory tract; this is mediated by wholly uncoupled osteoclastic bone resorption and remains as an unmineralized canal on the cortical surface in the adult. Load‐induction of PTHrP appears to regulate the osteoclastic activity in both the insertion site and migratory tract.
Increased Common Carotid Artery Wall Thickness Is Associated with Rapid Progression of Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Diomedi Marina , Scacciatelli Daria , Misaggi Giulia , Balestrini Simona , Balucani Clotilde , Sallustio Fabrizio , Di Legge Silvia , Stanzione Paolo , Silvestrini Mauro 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSESThis study aimed to identify clinical and ultrasound imaging predictors of progression of carotid luminal narrowing in subjects with asymptomatic moderate internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis.METHODSA total of 571 subjects with asymptomatic moderate (50‐69%) ICA stenoses were enrolled. They underwent ultrasound examination at baseline and after 12 months. Demographics, vascular risk factors, medications, plaque characteristics (surface and echogenicity) and common carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) were collected. At the follow‐up examination, any change of ICA stenosis was graded in three categories (i) ≥70% to near occlusion, (ii) near occlusion, and (iii) occlusion. Progression of stenosis was defined as an increase in the stenosis degree by at least one category from baseline to follow‐up.RESULTSAt 12 months, progression occurred in 142 subjects (prevalence rate 25%). At the multivariable logistic model, pathological IMT values (considered as binary variable: normal: ≤1 mm vs. pathologic: >1 mm) significantly predicted the risk for plaque progression after adjusting the model for possible confounders (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.18‐4.43, P = .014, multivariable logistic model).CONCLUSIONSOur results confirm the role of carotid wall thickening as a marker of atherosclerosis. Carotid IMT measurement should be considered to implement risk stratification in patients with asymptomatic carotid disease.
Effects of photoperiod on food intake, activity and metabolic rate in adult neutered male cats
Authors: Kappen K. L. , Garner L. M. , Kerr K. R. , Swanson K. S. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryWith the continued rise in feline obesity, novel weight management strategies are needed. To date, strategies aimed at altering physical activity, an important factor in weight maintenance, have been lacking. Photoperiod is known to cause physiological changes in seasonal mammals, including changes in body weight (BW) and reproductive status. Thus, our objective was to determine the effect of increased photoperiod (longer days) on voluntary physical activity levels, resting metabolic rate (RMR), food intake required to maintain BW, and fasting serum leptin and ghrelin concentrations in adult cats. Eleven healthy, adult, neutered, male domestic shorthair cats were used in a randomized crossover design study. During two 12‐week periods, cats were exposed to either a short‐day (SD) photoperiod of 8 h light: 16 h dark or a long‐day (LD) photoperiod of 16 h light: 8 h dark. Cats were fed a commercial diet to maintain baseline BW. In addition to daily food intake and twice‐weekly BW, RMR (via indirect calorimetry), body composition [via dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA)] and physical activity (via Actical activity monitors) were measured at week 0 and 12 of each period. Fasting serum leptin and ghrelin concentrations were measured at week 0, 6 and 12 of each period. Average hourly physical activity was greater (p = 0.008) in LD vs. SD cats (3770 vs. 3129 activity counts/h), which was primarily due to increased (p < 0.001) dark period activity (1188 vs. 710 activity counts/h). This corresponded to higher (p < 0.0001) daily metabolizable energy intake (mean over 12‐week period: 196 vs. 187 kcal/day), and increased (p = 0.048) RMR in LD cats (9.02 vs. 8.37 kcal/h). Body composition, serum leptin and serum ghrelin were not altered by photoperiod. More research is needed to determine potential mechanisms by which these physiological changes occurred and how they may apply to weight management strategies.
Neglected Side Effects After Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Frey Anders Ullmann , Sønksen Jens , Fode Mikkel 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
A series of previously neglected sexually related side effects to radical prostatectomy (RP) has been identified over the recent years. These include orgasm-associated incontinence (OAI), urinary incontinence in relation to sexual stimulation (UISS), altered perception of orgasm, orgasm-associated pain (OAP), penile shortening (PS), and penile deformity.

Aim
The aim of this article is to conduct a systematic review of the literature regarding the above-mentioned side effects.

Methods
A predefined search strategy was applied in a thorough search of Medline, Web of science, and the online Cochrane library. The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed, and protocol as well as search strategies was registered at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/Prospero/ (RN: CRD42012003165).

Main Outcome Measure
The main outcome measure was incidence rates for the relevant side effects.

Results
A total of 43 articles were included. OAI and UISS are experienced by 20–93% of RP patients at least a few times after surgery. Although these issues are associated to postoperative daytime incontinence, previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the only known predicting factor. Alterations of orgasmic function are experienced by approximately 80% after RP. Erectile dysfunction seems to play an important role in waning orgasmic function. OAP is only experienced by a subset of the patients with reported rates varying between 3% and 19%. Sparing of the tips of the seminal vesicles has been shown to double the risk of OAP. PS occurs in 15–68% of RP patients. Nerve sparing and preservation of erectile function may help preserve penile length. With regard to all side effects, studies indicate that they are reduced over time.

Conclusions
The sexually related side effects summarized in this review are common after RP. Meanwhile, it is difficult to predict which patients are at risk. Daytime incontinence, previous TURP, a lack of nerve sparing, and erectile dysfunction are all associated with the above-mentioned sexually related side effects.
An empirical comparison of character‐based and coalescent‐based approaches to species delimitation in a young avian complex
Authors: McKay Bailey D. , Mays Herman L. , Wu Yuchun , Li Hui , Yao Cheng‐te , Nishiumi Isao , Zou Fasheng 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe process of discovering species is a fundamental responsibility of systematics. Recently, there has been a growing interest in coalescent‐based methods of species delimitation aimed at objectively identifying species early in the divergence process. However, few empirical studies have compared these new methods with character‐based approaches for discovering species. In this study, we applied both a character‐based and a coalescent‐based approaches to delimit species in a closely related avian complex, the light‐vented/Taiwan bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis/Pycnonotus taivanus). Population aggregation analyses of plumage, mitochondrial and 13 nuclear intron character data sets produced conflicting species hypotheses with plumage data suggesting three species, mitochondrial data suggesting two species, and nuclear intron data suggesting one species. Such conflict is expected among recently diverged species, and by integrating all sources of data, we delimited three species verified with independently congruent character evidence as well as a more weakly supported fourth species identified by a single character. Attempts to validate species hypothesis using Bayesian Phylogenetics and Phylogeography (BPP), a coalescent‐based method of species delimitation, revealed several issues that can seemingly affect statistical support for species recognition. We found that θ priors had a dramatic impact on speciation probabilities, with lower values consistently favouring splitting and higher values consistently favouring lumping. More resolved guide trees also resulted in overall higher speciation probabilities. Finally, we found suggestive evidence that BPP is sensitive to the divergent effects of nonrandom mating caused by intraspecific processes such as isolation‐with‐distance, and therefore, BPP may not be a conservative method for delimiting independently evolving population lineages. Based on these concerns, we questioned the reliability of BPP results and based our conclusions about species limits exclusively on character data.
Effective Demand, Exogenous Normal Utilization and Endogenous Capacity in the Long Run: Evidence from a Cointegrated Vector Autoregression Analysis for theUSA
Authors: Schoder Christian 
Published: November 2013

AbstractUsingCointegratedVectorAuto‐Regression analysis, we provide evidence for theUSmanufacturing sector that production capacities adjust endogenously to current output in the long run. The rate of capacity utilization, i.e. the output–capacity ratio, is found to be stationary since production capacities respond endogenously to changes in current output and not vice versa. Hence, the principle of effective demand in a growth context, by which a permanent demand shock has a permanent growth effect, is consistent with the stylized fact of a stationary rate of capacity utilization since production capacities are endogenous in the long run.
Novel Contributions of the Smoothelin‐like 1 Protein in Vascular Smooth Muscle Contraction and its Potential Involvement in Myogenic Tone
Authors: Turner Sara R. , MacDonald Justin A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractVascular smooth muscle contraction and the myogenic response regulate blood flow in the resistance vascular and contribute to systemic blood pressure. Three pathways are currently known to contribute to the development of the myogenic response: (i) Ca2+‐dependent phosphorylation of LC20; (ii) Ca2+ sensitization through inhibition of myosin phosphatase; and (iii) cortical actin polymerization. A number of regulatory smooth muscle proteins are integrated with these pathways to fine tune the response and facilitate adaptations to vascular (patho)physiologies. Of particular interest is the SMTN family of proteins, consisting of SMTN‐A, SMTN‐B, and the SMTN‐like protein, SMTNL1. The SMTN‐B and SMTNL1 proteins are both implicated in regulating smooth muscle contractility and contributing to vascular adaptations associated with hypertension, pregnancy, and exercise training. In the case of SMTNL1, the protein plays multiple roles in regulating contraction through functional interactions with contractile regulators as well as transcriptional control of the contractile phenotype and Ca2+‐sensitizing capacity. For the first time, preliminary results suggest SMTNL1 is involved in the myogenic response of the cerebral resistance vasculature. In this regard, global SMTNL1 deletion is associated with greater myogenic reactivity of cerebral arterioles, although the precise mechanism accounting for this finding remains to be defined.
Chemical composition and mosquito repellency of essential oil of Conyza newii propagated in different geographical locations of Kenya
Authors: MAYEKU W. P. , OMOLLO N. I. , ODALO O. J. , HASSANALI A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPreviously, essential oil of Conyza newii (Asterale: Asteracea, Oliv. & Hiern) growing in the northern part of West Pokot (35°E, 1°N) of Kenya was shown to be highly repellent [RD50 = 8.9 × 10−5 mg/cm2, 95% confidence interval (CL)] to Anopheles gambiae s.s. Fumigant toxicity of the oil to the mosquito was also demonstrated. The major constituents of the oil were found to be monoterpenoids, including (S)‐(‐)‐perillyl alcohol, (S)‐(‐)‐perillaldehyde, geraniol, (R)‐(+)‐limonene, trans‐β‐ocimene and 1,8‐cineol. In this study, the chemical composition and repellency of essential oils of the plant seedlings collected from West Pokot (35°E, 1°N) and propagated in seven different geographical regions of Kenya [West Pokot (35°E, 1°N), Kilome (37°E, 1°S), Naivasha (36°E, 0°), Webuye (34°E, 1°N), Nyakach (34°E, 0°), Kericho (35°E, 0°) and Nairobi (36°E, 1°S)] were compared. There were significant variations (P < 0.01, 95% CL) in the relative proportions of the six constituents and this was reflected in the repellency of the essential oils (P < 0.01, 95% CL). Higher repellency of the oil was associated with greater proportions of (S)‐(‐) perillyl alcohol, (S)‐(‐)‐perillaldehyde and geraniol, and lower repellency was associated with an increased proportion of (R)‐(+)‐limonene. The results suggest significant epigenetic (chemotypic) variations in the repellency and composition of C. newii essential oils growing in different regions of Kenya.
ON AVOIDANCE ACTIVITIES IN FISHERY ENFORCEMENT MODELS
Authors: JENSEN FRANK , KRONBAK LONE GRØNBÆK , ABILDTRUP JENS 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCompliance and enforcement in fisheries are important issues from an economic point of view since management measures are useless without a certain level of enforcement. These conclusions come from the well‐established theoretical literature on compliance and enforcement problems within fisheries and a common result is that, it is efficient to set fines as high as possible and monitoring as low as possible, when fines are costless and offenders are risk neutral. However, this result is sensitive to the assumption that fishermen cannot engage in avoidance activities, e.g., activities to reduce the likelihood of being detected when noncomplying. The paper presents a model of fisheries that allows the fishermen to engage in avoidance activities. The conclusions from the model are that, under certain circumstances, fines are costly transfers to society since they not only have a direct positive effect on the level of deterrence, but also an indirect negative effect in the form of increased avoidance activities to reduce the probability of detection. The paper contributes to the literature on avoidance activities by introducing the externality from the illegal behavior as an endogenous effect on other offenders. For an externality, that has an exogenous effect on other actors, Malik shows that fines are only costly transfers for conditional deterrence (when one actor is deterred while another actor is not). For fisheries, we show that fines are also costly transfers under no deterrence (when no agents are deterred).
Pre‐dawn stomatal opening does not substantially enhance early‐morning photosynthesis in Helianthus annuus
Authors: AUCHINCLOSS LISA , EASLON HSIEN M. , LEVINE DIEDRE , DONOVAN LISA , RICHARDS JAMES H. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMost C3 plant species have partially open stomata during the night especially in the 3–5 h before dawn. This pre‐dawn stomatal opening has been hypothesized to enhance early‐morning photosynthesis (A) by reducing diffusion limitations to CO2 at dawn. We tested this hypothesis in cultivated Helianthus annuus using whole‐shoot gas exchange, leaf level gas exchange and modelling approaches. One hour pre‐dawn low‐humidity treatments were used to reduce pre‐dawn stomatal conductance (g). At the whole‐shoot level, a difference of pre‐dawn g (0.40 versus 0.17 mol m−2 s−1) did not significantly affect A during the first hour after dawn. Shorter term effects were investigated with leaf level gas exchange measurements and a difference of pre‐dawn g (0.10 versus 0.04 mol m−2 s−1) affected g and A for only 5 min after dawn. The potential effects of a wider range of stomatal apertures were explored with an empirical model of the relationship between A and intercellular CO2 concentration during the half‐hour after dawn. Modelling results demonstrated that even extremely low pre‐dawn stomatal conductance values have only a minimal effect on early‐morning A for a few minutes after dawn. Thus, we found no evidence that pre‐dawn stomatal opening enhances A.
Tumoral Melanosis in an Adolescent After Trauma: A Clinicopathological Dilemma
Authors: Dogruk Kacar Seval , Ozuguz Pinar , Karaca Semsettin , Aktepe Fatma 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTumoral melanosis (TM) is a histologic term used to indicate a nodular accumulation of melanophages in the dermis clinically presenting as a pigmented lesion. It is usually associated with regression of melanoma and nonmelanoma melanocytic pigmented lesions. We present the case of a 16‐year‐old girl with a suspicious pigmented macule on her right knee that appeared after trauma. The lesion was completely excised and diagnosed as TM.