bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A mathematical model of negative covariability of inter‐columnar excitatory synaptic actions caused by presynaptic inhibition
Authors: Saito Mitsuru , Tanaka Takuma , Sato Hajime , Toyoda Hiroki , Aoyagi Toshio , Kang Youngnam 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe previously showed that a positive covariability between intracortical excitatory synaptic actions onto the two layer three pyramidal cells (PCs) located in mutually adjacent columns is changed into a negative covariability by column‐wise presynaptic inhibition of intracortical inputs, implicated as a basis for the desynchronization of inter‐columnar synaptic actions. Here we investigated how the inter‐columnar desynchronization is modulated by the strength of presynaptic inhibition or other factors, by using a mathematical model. Based on our previous findings on the paired‐pulse depression (PPD) of intracortical excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) evoked in PCs located in the stimulated home column (HC) but no PPD in PCs located in the adjacent column (AC), a mathematical model of synaptic connections between PCs and inhibitory interneurons was constructed. When the paired‐pulse ratio (PPR) was decreased beyond 0.80, the correlation coefficient between the two second EPSC amplitudes in the paired PCs located in the HC and AC and that in the paired PCs located in the same HC exhibited opposite changes, and reached a global negative maximum and local positive maximum, respectively, at almost the same PPR (0.40). At this PPR, the desynchronization between the two cell assemblies in mutually adjacent columns would be maximized. These positive and negative covariabilities were not produced without background oscillatory synchronization across columns and were enhanced by increasing the synchronization magnitude, indicating that the synchronization leads to the desynchronization. We propose that a slow oscillatory synchronization across columns may emerge following the liberation from the column‐wise presynaptic inhibition of inter‐columnar synaptic inputs.
Chemical mimicry of insect oviposition sites: a global analysis of convergence in angiosperms
Authors: Jürgens Andreas , Wee Suk‐Ling , Shuttleworth Adam , Johnson Steven D. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractFloral mimicry of decaying plant or animal material has evolved in many plant lineages and exploits, for the purpose of pollination, insects seeking oviposition sites. Existing studies suggest that volatile signals play a particularly important role in these mimicry systems. Here, we present the first large‐scale phylogenetically informed study of patterns of evolution in the volatile emissions of plants that mimic insect oviposition sites. Multivariate analyses showed strong convergent evolution, represented by distinct clusters in chemical phenotype space of plants that mimic animal carrion, decaying plant material, herbivore dung and omnivore/carnivore faeces respectively. These plants deploy universal infochemicals that serve as indicators for the main nutrients utilised by saprophagous, coprophagous and necrophagous insects. The emission of oligosulphide‐dominated volatile blends very similar to those emitted by carrion has evolved independently in at least five plant families (Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, Araceae, Orchidaceae and Rafflesiaceae) and characterises plants associated mainly with pollination by necrophagous flies and beetles.
Clubiona spider (Araneae: Clubionidae) visiting flowers of nectariferous orchid Neottianthe cucullata
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji , Hayamizu Masato , Koike Naoki 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSpiders are usually thought to obtain their energy for growth, maintenance and reproduction from captured prey. However, not all spiders should be assumed to receive all of their energy from prey. Accumulated studies have documented nectarivory in a wide variety of hunting spiders. We report a Clubiona spider visiting flowers of the nectariferous orchid Neottianthe cucullata as an example of spider nectarivory. In addition, during the visitations by Clubiona spider, pollinia removal was observed. The impact of the Clubiona spider on the N. cucullata reproductive success is also discussed.
Equine castration: A review of techniques, complications and their management
Authors: Kilcoyne I. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryComplications associated with castration occur commonly and, although the majority are mild and resolve easily, potentially life‐threatening complications can occur. The preoperative identification of risk factors for these complications can help the veterinarian to take the appropriate measures to reduce these risks. However, even with proper surgical technique, complications can occur. Therefore prompt recognition and initiation of appropriate therapy are essential to prevent further morbidity, death or lawsuits.
Do trophic subsidies affect the outcome of introductions of a non‐native freshwater fish?
Authors: Jackson Michelle C. , Allen Rachel , Pegg Josephine , Britton J. Robert 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Understanding how environmental variables and human disturbances influence the outcomes of introductions of non‐native freshwater fish is integral to their risk management. This can be complex in freshwater ecosystems that receive subsidies that increase food availability, as these may influence the outcome of introductions through promoting the survival, reproduction and establishment of the introduced propagules through increasing their access to food resources.

We determined how natural and/or artificial trophic subsidies affected the reproduction and establishment of the introduced topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva) in replicated pond mesocosms. The mesocosms all started with eight mature fish and were run for 100 days during their reproductive season. The subsidies consisted of natural terrestrial prey and/or fishmeal pellets (a common trophic subsidy that can be significant in systems that are used as sport fisheries or for aquaculture).

After 100 days, fish in the natural subsidy ponds showed minimal growth and very low reproductive output. Analysis of δ13C and δ15N indicated that their progeny, 0+ fish produced in the ponds, exploited the terrestrial prey. By contrast, in ponds where pellets were added, mineral nutrient availability and primary production were significantly increased, and the mature fish fed mainly on the aquatic resources. The increased productivity of the ponds significantly increased fish growth and fitness, resulting in high numbers of 0+ individuals that did feed on the pellets.

Thus, subsidies that can increase both primary production and food resources (such as pelletised fishmeal) can significantly influence the ability of colonists to establish a population rapidly. Management efforts to minimise the risk of introductions should thus consider the role of these types of allochthonous subsidies.
Soil–plant N processes in a High Arctic ecosystem, NW Greenland are altered by long‐term experimental warming and higher rainfall
Authors: Schaeffer Sean M. , Sharp Elizabeth , Schimel Joshua P. , Welker Jeffery M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractRapid temperature and precipitation changes in High Arctic tundra ecosystems are altering the biogeochemical cycles of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), but in ways that are difficult to predict. The challenge grows from the uncertainty of N cycle responses and the extent to which shifts in soil N are coupled with the C cycle and productivity of tundra systems. We used a long‐term (since 2003) experiment of summer warming and supplemental summer water additions to a High Arctic ecosystem in NW Greenland, and applied a combination of discrete sampling and in situ soil core incubations to measure C and N pools and seasonal microbial processes that might control plant‐available N. We hypothesized that elevated temperature and increased precipitation would stimulate microbial activity and net inorganic N mineralization, thereby increasing plant N‐availability through the growing season. While we did find increased N mineralization rates under both global change scenarios, water addition also significantly increased net nitrification rates, loss of NO3−‐N via leaching, and lowered rates of labile organic N production. We also expected the chronic warming and watering would lead to long‐term changes in soil N‐cycling that would be reflected in soil δ15N values. We found that soil δ15N decreased under the different climate change scenarios. Our results suggest that temperature accelerates biological processes and existing C and N transformations, but moisture increases soil hydraulic connectivity and so alters the pathways, and changes the fate of the products of C and N transformations. In addition, our findings indicate that warmer, wetter High Arctic tundra will be cycling N and C in ways that may transform these landscapes in part leading to greater C sequestration, but simultaneously, N losses from the upper soil profile that may be transported to depth dissolved in water and or transported off site in lateral flow.
Symbiotic specificity, association patterns, and function determine community responses to global changes: defining critical research areas for coral‐Symbiodinium symbioses
Authors: Fabina Nicholas S. , Putnam Hollie M. , Franklin Erik C. , Stat Michael , Gates Ruth D. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractClimate change‐driven stressors threaten the persistence of coral reefs worldwide. Symbiotic relationships between scleractinian corals and photosynthetic endosymbionts (genus Symbiodinium) are the foundation of reef ecosystems, and these associations are differentially impacted by stress. Here, we couple empirical data from the coral reefs of Moorea, French Polynesia, and a network theoretic modeling approach to evaluate how patterns in coral‐Symbiodinium associations influence community stability under climate change. To introduce the effect of climate perturbations, we simulate local ‘extinctions’ that represent either the loss of coral species or the ability to engage in symbiotic interactions. Community stability is measured by determining the duration and number of species that persist through the simulated extinctions. Our results suggest that four factors greatly increase coral‐Symbiodinium community stability in response to global changes: (i) the survival of generalist hosts and symbionts maximizes potential symbiotic unions; (ii) elevated symbiont diversity provides redundant or complementary symbiotic functions; (iii) compatible symbiotic assemblages create the potential for local recolonization; and (iv) the persistence of certain traits associate with symbiotic diversity and redundancy. Symbiodinium may facilitate coral persistence through novel environmental regimes, but this capacity is mediated by symbiotic specificity, association patterns, and the functional performance of the symbionts. Our model‐based approach identifies general trends and testable hypotheses in coral‐Symbiodinium community responses. Future studies should consider similar methods when community size and/or environmental complexity preclude experimental approaches.
Mass transfer kinetics and mathematical modelling of the osmotic dehydration of orange‐fleshed honeydew melon in corn syrup and sucrose solutions
Authors: Barbosa Júnior José Lucena , Cordeiro Mancini Maurício , Hubinger Miriam Dupas 
Published: July 2013

SummaryA simple mathematical model to predict dehydration and impregnation process during osmotic dehydration of orange‐fleshed honeydew in sucrose and corn syrup solutions was proposed. Results showed low dispersion and a good fitting capability for WL and SG kinetics. Diffusivity values for WL ranged from 0.96 × 10−10 to 2.22 × 10−10 and 1.04 × 10−10 to 3.10 × 10−10 m2 s−1 in corn syrup and sucrose solutions, respectively. For SG, the obtained range was 0.72 × 10−10 to 2.35 × 10−10 and 0.71 × 10−10 to 2.46 × 10−10 m2 s−1 in corn syrup and sucrose solutions, respectively. The half‐life of dehydration rates (t1/2) was from 30.9 to 71.2 min and from 19.4 to 57.5 min in corn syrup and sucrose solutions, respectively. Diffusivities values obtained according to the proposed model were close to the ones observed from diffusive model; t1/2 was a promising criterion for the process time definition.
Ethyl carbamate formation regulated by ornithine transcarbamylase and urea metabolism in the processing of Chinese yellow rice wine
Authors: Fang Ruo‐Si , Dong Ya‐Chen , Xu Teng‐Yang , He Guo‐Qing , Chen Qi‐He 
Published: July 2013

SummaryEthyl carbamate (EC) is a potential carcinogenic compound present in most of the fermented foods. In this work, EC was inhibited through different strategies during vinification of Chinese yellow rice wine. EC can be inhibited by the use of ornithine in contrast to the control at peak point. However, the utilisation of urease resulted in little inhibitive effect on EC. The comparative data of intracellular ornithine transcarbamylase (OTCase) and arginine deiminase (ADI) among four experiments showed that EC was positively regulated by intracellular OTCase, but ADI was not determined. Extracellular urea and citrulline content was significantly increased by adding ornithine (P < 0.05), whereas ethanol played a minor role in EC formation. The correlation analysis between EC and OTCase or urea revealed a linear association (correlation coefficients above 0.8). These findings suggested that OTCase may be a required factor regulating EC formation during the brewing of Chinese yellow rice wine.
Urinary incontinence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: Pathophysiology and intraoperative techniques to improve surgical outcome
Authors: Kojima Yoshiyuki , Takahashi Norio , Haga Nobuhiro , Nomiya Masanori , Yanagida Tomohiko , Ishibashi Kei , Aikawa Ken , Lee David I 
Published: July 2013

AbstractRobot‐assisted radical prostatectomy has been shown to have comparable and possibly improved postoperative continent rates compared with retropubic and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. However, postoperative urinary incontinence has remained one of the most bothersome postoperative complications. The basic concept of the intraoperative technique to improve postoperative urinary continence is to maintain as normal anatomical and functional structure in the pelvis as possible. Therefore, improved knowledge of the normal structure in the pelvis should lead to a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of urinary incontinence, and further development of intraoperative techniques to improve the outcomes of urinary continence. It might be necessary to carry out three steps to realize improvement of the early return of urinary continence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: (i) preservation (bladder neck, neurovascular bundle, puboprostatic ligament, pubovesical complex, and/or urethral length, etc.); (ii) reconstruction (posterior and/or anterior reconstruction, and/or reattachment of the arcus tendineus to the bladder neck, etc.); and (iii) reinforcement (bladder neck plication and/or sling suspension, etc.). On the basis of these steps, further modifications during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy should be developed to improve urinary continence and quality of life after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.
Donation after cardiac death: are Australian emergency clinicians supportive?
Authors: Marck C. H. , Neate S. L. , Weiland T. J. , Hickey B. B. , Jelinek G. A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTo improve organ donation processes and outcomes, many Australian hospitals have introduced donation after cardiac death (DCD) following the 2010 publication of the National Protocol for DCD. As emergency clinicians play a significant role in identifying potential DCD donors, it is critical to assess their support and knowledge. Although many support DCD, most are unaware of the protocol or procedures regarding DCD. Education is needed and desired by many emergency clinicians.
Queensland tick typhus: three cases with unusual clinical features
Authors: Wilson P. A. , Tierney L. , Lai K. , Graves S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractQueensland tick typhus (QTT), caused byRickettsia australis, is usually a relatively mild illness but can occasionally be severe. We describe three cases of probableQTTwith unusual clinical features, namely splenic infarction, fulminant myopericarditis and severe leukocytoclastic vasculitis.QTTmay present with uncommon clinical features in addition to the more common manifestations. A high index of suspicion enables specific antibiotic therapy that may hasten recovery.
Association between short‐term structured risk assessment outcomes and seclusion
Authors: van de Sande Roland , Noorthoorn Eric , Wierdsma Andre , Hellendoorn Edwin , van der Staak Cees , Mulder Cornelius L. , Nijman Henk 
Published: July 2013

AbstractResearch findings indicate that the symptoms and behaviour of acute psychiatric patients can fluctuate drastically within hours, and that structured daily risk assessments can reduce the risk of aggressive incidents and the duration of seclusion. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of two structured observation tools, the Brøset Violence Checklist (BVC) and the Kennedy Axis V), as an aid in seclusion‐related clinical decision‐making. In this study, 7403 day‐to‐day risk assessments were collected over 10 725 admission days (72% of the maximum number of structured assessments). A total of 7055 daily assessment scores from 301 acute psychiatric patients were used for the multilevel analysis. The sample demonstrated that dynamic and static factors were related to seclusion. Dynamic factors included dysfunctional scores on the item ‘confusion’ of the Brøset Violence Checklist, and psychological impairment and impairment of social skills on the Kennedy Axis V. Static factors included non‐Western descent, male sex, age less than 35 years, unmarried, and to some extent, a personality disorder. McFadden's pseudo R2 value showed that most of the final model was related to the dynamic factors. We concluded that the incorporation of the BVC and the Kennedy Axis V into standard practice was helpful in identifying patients at high risk of seclusion.
Innovative Approach to Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Treatment of Unilateral Adrenal Gland Tumors in Dogs
Authors: Naan Elaine C. , Kirpensteijn Jolle , Dupré Gilles P. , Galac Sara , Radlinsky MaryAnn G. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo report a technique for, and short‐term outcome of unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy in dogs positioned in sternal recumbency without abdominal support.Study DesignExperimental and prospective clinical study.AnimalsHealthy dogs (n = 5) and dogs with unilateral adrenal gland tumor (n = 9).MethodsAnesthetized dogs were positioned in sternal recumbency with 2 cushions placed under the dog to elevate the chest and pelvic area so that the abdomen was not in contact with the surgical table allowing gravitational displacement of the abdominal viscera. Three 5‐mm portals were located in the paralumbar fossa. Adrenal glands were carefully dissected and surrounding tissues sealed and cut using a vessel‐sealing device. A retrieval bag or part of a surgical glove finger was used to remove the adrenal gland from the abdomen. Surgical time and complications were recorded, and short‐term outcome assessed.ResultsAdrenal glands in normal dogs and unilateral adrenal tumors (8 left, 1 right) not involving the caudal vena cava in affected dogs were successfully removed laparoscopically. There were no major intraoperative complications. Of the dogs with adrenal tumors, 1 dog died within 24 hours of surgery from unrelated causes. Eight dogs recovered within 1 day and were discharged within 72 hours. Surgical times ranged from 42 to 117 minutes and were significantly shorter than those reported previously.ConclusionsPositioning anesthetized dogs in sternal recumbency with the abdomen suspended to facilitate gravitational displacement of the abdominal viscera improves access to, and visibility of, the adrenal gland for laparoscopic removal.
The Effect of Secondary Markets on Equity‐Linked Life Insurance With Surrender Guarantees
Authors: Hilpert Christian , Li Jing , Szimayer Alexander 
Published: July 2013

AbstractMany equity‐linked life insurance products offer the possibility to surrender policies prematurely. Secondary markets for policies with surrender guarantees influence both policyholders and insurers. We show that secondary markets lead to a gap in policy value between insurer and policyholder. Insurers increase premiums to adjust for higher surrender rates of customers and optimized surrender behavior by investors acquiring the policies on secondary markets. Hence, the existence of secondary markets is not necessarily profitable for the primary policyholders. The result depends on the demand for and the supply of the contracts brought to the secondary markets.
Deregulation or Governmental Intervention? A Counterfactual Perspective on China's Electricity Market Reform
Authors: Chen Sumei , He Lingyun 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe long‐standing severe power shortage in China has provoked much debate on whether China should further promote market‐oriented electricity reform. The present paper addresses this issue by analyzing the impacts of deregulation of the electricity generation sector and retailing activities on other sectors, the macroeconomy and electricity users. A counterfactual scenario analysis is used based on a simplified computable general equilibrium framework. We find that deregulation can significantly improve the efficiency of electricity production, increase employment and enhance household welfare. These nontrivial findings can help to resolve many controversies about governmental intervention during China's economic transition. Our findings have two implications relating to policy feasibility and applicability; that is, competition in the electricity retail market should be phased in, and the necessary arrangements for unemployment in incumbent firms should be considered.
Erectile Dysfunction and Target Organ Damage in the Early Stages of Hypertension
Authors: Kakkavas Apostolos , Tsioufis Costas , Tsiachris Dimitris , Thomopoulos Costas , Dimitriadis Kyriakos , Milkas Anastasios , Alexopoulos Dimitrios , Kallikazaros Ioannis , Stefanadis Christodoulos 
Published: July 2013

The authors investigated whether erectile dysfunction (ED) in the early stages of hypertension is associated with heightened end‐organ damage. A total of 174 consecutive men with untreated, newly diagnosed essential hypertension (aged 50.3 years, office blood pressure [BP] 150/98 mm Hg) were studied. All participants underwent 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring, blood examination, albumin‐creatinine ratio, carotid‐femoral pulse‐wave velocity assessment, and echocardiography for estimation of left ventricular mass index and diastolic function. Hypertensive men with ED (n=43, 24.7%) compared with those without ED were older (by 6.4 years, P<.05), had greater 24‐hour pulse pressure (by 4.3 mm Hg, P=.011) and a greater prevalence of nondipping status (72.2% vs 46.7%, P=.008), while the two groups did not differ in plasma glucose, lipid, creatinine, and albumin/creatinine ratio levels. Regarding cardiac adaptations, hypertensive men with ED exhibited only significantly lower tissue Doppler imaging–derived Em (by 1.6 cm/s, adjusted P=.035), while no difference in left ventricular mass index or pulse wave velocity were detected. ED in the setting of untreated newly diagnosed essential hypertension does not have an unfavorable impact on traditional markers of target organ damage. This finding suggests that ED assessment might not refine the traditional risk stratification procedure at least in the early stages of hypertensive disease.