bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution and functional significance of derived sternal ossification patterns in ornithothoracine birds
Authors: O'Connor J. K. , Zheng X.‐T. , Sullivan C. , Chuong C.‐M. , Wang X.‐L. , Li A. , Wang Y. , Zhang X.‐M. , Zhou Z.‐H. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe midline pattern of sternal ossification characteristic of the Cretaceous enantiornithine birds is unique among the Ornithodira, the group containing birds, nonavian dinosaurs and pterosaurs. This has been suggested to indicate that Enantiornithes is not the sister group of Ornithuromorpha, the clade that includes living birds and their close relatives, which would imply rampant convergence in many nonsternal features between enantiornithines and ornithuromorphs. However, detailed comparisons reveal greater similarity between neornithine (i.e. crown group bird) and enantiornithine modes of sternal ossification than previously recognized. Furthermore, a new subadult enantiornithine specimen demonstrates that sternal ossification followed a more typically ornithodiran pattern in basal members of the clade. This new specimen, referable to the Pengornithidae, indicates that the unique ossification pattern observed in other juvenile enantiornithines is derived within Enantiornithes. A similar but clearly distinct pattern appears to have evolved in parallel in the ornithuromorph lineage. The atypical mode of sternal ossification in some derived enantiornithines should be regarded as an autapomorphic condition rather than an indication that enantiornithines are not close relatives of ornithuromorphs. Based on what is known about molecular mechanisms for morphogenesis and the possible selective advantages, the parallel shifts to midline ossification that took place in derived enantiornithines and living neognathous birds appear to have been related to the development of a large ventral keel, which is only present in ornithuromorphs and enantiornithines. Midline ossification can serve to medially reinforce the sternum at a relatively early ontogenetic stage, which would have been especially beneficial during the protracted development of the superprecocial Cretaceous enantiornithines.
Nutritional variations at Nesidiocoris tenuis feeding sites and reciprocal interactions between the mirid and tomato plants
Authors: Sanchez J. A. , del Amor F. M. , Flores P. , López‐Gallego E. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractNesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae) uses a flush‐and‐lacerate feeding strategy producing necrotic rings (NR) at feeding sites in tomato plants. The aim was to investigate the variation in the concentrations of amino acids (aa) and sugars at feeding sites, and its effect on this mirid's life‐history traits and behaviour. The concentration of nutrients was measured in different parts of stems damaged by N. tenuis and mechanically using liquid chromatography. aa concentrations increased below NR; around and above NR, the concentrations of essential and non‐essential aa declined. The concentration of glucose was lower around NR and below. The change in the distribution of aa was similar in NR and mechanically damaged stems, whereas there were no differences in sugar contents. Development time and nymphal mortality were measured on fresh leaflets, leaflets with NR and leaflets plus Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Without prey, development took longer on NR than on fresh leaflets. Development was quicker and mortality lower on leaflets plus moth eggs. Finally, behavioural events were recorded in fifth‐instar nymphs of N. tenuis in: (i) double‐choice experiments (DCE) using leaflets with and without NR; (ii) DCE using leaflets exposed and non‐previously exposed to nymphs and (iii) fresh tomato leaflets plus Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) nymphs. In (i), feeding events lasted longer at NR sites; in (ii), the behaviour of the nymphs on previously exposed leaflets was not significantly different from fresh leaflets; and in (iii), most of the time was dedicated to prey feeding. The overall results indicate that N. tenuis do not take advantage of the inhibited translocation of nutrients in the phloem. The poorer performance of nymphs on leaflets from plants previously exposed to N. tenuis might be due to a general decrease in the concentration of nutrients or to the activation of plant defences.
Stretching the imagination beyond muscle spindles – stretch‐sensitive mechanisms in arthropods
Authors: Suslak Thomas J. , Jarman Andrew P. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMuch attention has been given to mammalian muscle spindles and their role in stretch‐mediated muscle proprioception. Recent studies, particularly, have sought to determine the molecular mediators of stretch‐evoked mechanotransduction, which these endings rely upon for functionality. Nonetheless, much about these endings remains unknown. Opportunities may be presented from consideration of extensive parallel research in stretch receptor mechanisms in arthropods. Such systems may provide a useful source of additional data and powerful tools for dissecting the complex systems of stretch transduction apparatus. At the least, such systems provide tractable exemplars of how organisms solve the problem of converting stretch stimuli to electrical output. Potentially, they may even provide molecular mechanisms and candidate molecular mediators of direct relevance to mammalian muscle spindles. Here we provide a brief overview of research on arthropod stretch receptors.
Changes in gene expression and cell shape characterise stages of epibranchial placode‐derived neuron maturation in the chick
Authors: Smith Alexandra C. , Fleenor Stephen J. , Begbie Jo 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSensory neurons in the head are largely generated from neurogenic placodes. Previous studies have revealed early events in placode development; however, the process of maturation has not been studied. In this study, it has been shown that placodal neurogenesis follows a sequential progression with distinct stages defined by expression of specific markers. These markers highlight domains of maturation within the stream of migratory neuroblasts that extend between the placode and the neural tube. Commitment to neurogenesis occurs in the apical placode, with the newborn neuroblasts delaminating basally and entering a transition zone. The neuroblasts migrate through the transition zone, differentiating further and becoming post‐mitotic as they approach the ganglionic anlage. It has further been demonstrated that this progression from the transition zone to the ganglionic anlage is accompanied by a switch from multipolar to bipolar cell morphology. This sequential progression parallels events observed elsewhere in the nervous system, but here the stages are distinct and anatomically segregated. It is proposed that placodal neurogenesis provides a tractable system to examine the transition between states in neurogenesis.
Cardiac amyloidosis: where are we today?
Authors: Patel K. S. , Hawkins P. N. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSystemic amyloidosis is generally considered to be rare, but the heart is frequently involved and is a major determinant of prognosis. New diagnostic imaging methods have recently been developed with the capacity to enhance the accuracy of diagnosis, which will be ever more important with the variety of new treatments on the near horizon. Most cases of cardiac amyloidosis are of either monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain (AL) type, which can occur at any age from young adulthood onwards, or transthyretin (ATTR) type, which can be acquired in elderly individuals or inherited at a younger age. Cardiac involvement is the most serious manifestation of AL amyloidosis, and serum cardiac biomarkers have proved to be of great value in staging disease severity and response to an ever increasing array of chemotherapy agents. Cardiac involvement is the dominant manifestation of nonhereditary ATTR amyloidosis, also known as senile cardiac amyloidosis, the prevalence of which is not known but is probably much greater than currently recognized. A genetic variant in the gene for transthyretin (TTR), which is present in 3–4% of African Americans and probably a similar proportion of black individuals of African descent generally, appears to be associated with increased susceptibility to developing cardiac ATTR amyloidosis in older age. Several novel therapies are in the advanced stages of development for ATTR amyloidosis including TTR protein stabilizers and RNA inhibitors that greatly diminish TTR production. Here, we will review recent developments in the diagnosis and management of cardiac amyloidosis.
Accounting for Stakeholders and Making Accounting Useful
Authors: Andon Paul , Baxter Jane , Chua Wai Fong 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTA belief in the importance of available and relevant information to managers and stakeholders has propelled significant accounting change, motivating the development of new forms of reporting argued to provide more useful accounting information. However, accounting is not inherently useful. Accounting information is a heterogeneous agglomeration that ismadeuseful in practice. We overview research, illustrating the experimental, emotional, imaginative and complementation stratagems that practitioners adopt in making accounting information useful. This research shows that diverse stakeholder interests are mobilised in processes making accounting information useful. The ethical implications of accounting for stakeholders are then considered, particularly the problematic consequences of greater transparency. The critical possibilities of accounting for stakeholders are outlined next. We conclude by arguing that further research problematizing the usefulness of accounting information, including the networks of interests accomplishing this, is vital to advance debate on accounting for stakeholders.
A Meta‐Analysis of fMRI Activation Differences during Episodic Memory in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Terry Douglas P. , Sabatinelli Dean , Puente A. Nicolas , Lazar Nicole A. , Miller L. Stephen 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTFunctional MRI (fMRI) has the potential to be used as a tool to detect biomarkers related to classifying Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its prodromal stage, mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Previous meta‐analyses suggest that during episodic memory tasks, MCI patients exhibit hyperactivation in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) while AD patients exhibit hypoactivation, compared to healthy older adults (HOAs). However, these previous studies have methodological weaknesses that limit the generalizability of the results. This quantitative meta‐analysis re‐examines the activation associated with episodic memory in AD and MCI as compared to cognitively normal populations to assess these commonly cited activation differences. A whole‐brain activation likelihood estimation based meta‐analysis was conducted on fMRI studies that examined episodic memory in HOA (n = 200), MCI (n = 131), and AD populations (n = 89; total n = 409). Diffuse activation was exhibited in the HOA sample, while activation was more limited in the clinical populations. Additionally, the HOA sample showed more activation in the right hippocampus compared to the AD sample. The MCI studies showed greater activation in the cerebellum compared to the HOA sample, potentially indicating a compensatory mechanism for verbal encoding. MTL hypoactivation in the AD sample is consistent with previous studies, but more evidence of MCI hyperactivation is needed before considering MTL activation as an early biomarker for the AD disease process.
A Pilot Study of Diagnostic Neuromuscular Ultrasound in Bell's Palsy
Authors: Tawfik Eman A. , Walker Francis O. , Cartwright Michael S. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSENeuromuscular ultrasound of the cranial nerves is an emerging field which may help in the assessment of cranial neuropathies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of neuromuscular ultrasound in Bell's palsy. A second objective was to assess the possibility of any associated vagus nerve abnormality.METHODSTwenty healthy controls and 12 Bell's palsy patients were recruited. The bilateral facial nerves, vagus nerves, and frontalis muscles were scanned using an 18 MHz linear array transducer. Facial nerve diameter, vagus nerve cross‐sectional area, and frontalis thickness were measured.RESULTSMean facial nerve diameter was .8 ± .2 mm in controls and 1.1 ± .3 mm in patients group. The facial nerve diameter was significantly larger in patients than controls (P = .006, 95% CI for the difference between groups of .12‐.48), with a significant side‐to‐side difference in patients as well (P = .004, 95% CI for side‐to‐side difference of .08‐.52). ROC curve analysis of the absolute facial nerve diameter revealed a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 70%. No significant differences in vagus nerve cross‐sectional area or frontalis thickness were detected between patients and controls.CONCLUSIONSUltrasound can detect facial nerve enlargement in Bell's palsy and may have a role in assessment, or follow‐up, of Bell's palsy and other facial nerve disorders. The low sensitivity of the current technique precludes its routine use for diagnosis, however, this study demonstrates its validity and potential for future research.
Powdery Mildew Caused by an Erysiphe sp. on Korean Ginseng
Authors: Cho Sung‐Eun , Park Mi‐Jeong , Choi Gug‐Seoun , Park Ji‐Hyun , Shin Hyeon‐Dong 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn August and September 2014, Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) plants showing symptoms of powdery mildew infection were found in a polyethylene film‐covered greenhouse in Suwon, Korea. The mildew was initially observed to occur in circular to irregular white colonies, which subsequently developed into abundant mycelial growths on both leaf surfaces. No chasmothecia were observed. Based on its morphological characteristics, the fungus was determined to be a species of Erysiphe. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequence of the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA obtained from the isolate placed the powdery mildew fungus in the genus Erysiphe. Here, we describe this Erysiphe sp. found growing on Korean ginseng using both illustrations and molecular data. A comparison of the Korean isolate and three previous records of powdery mildews known to grow on Panax plants is also provided. This is the first report of powdery mildew on Korean ginseng in Korea.
Orchid Fleck Virus Infecting Orchids in Paraguay: First Report and Use of Degenerate Primers for its Detection
Authors: Ramos‐González Pedro Luis , Sarubbi‐Orue Humberto , Gonzales‐Segnana Luis , Chabi‐Jesus Camila , Freitas‐Astúa Juliana , Kitajima Eliot Watanabe 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe presence of Orchid fleck virus (OFV) in Paraguay was confirmed in orchid plants collected during a survey carried out in 2013. Leaves displayed ringspot and fleck symptoms, and in infected tissues, non‐enveloped, short, rodlike viral particles were observed. Partial OFV N and L genes were amplified using specific and degenerate primers, respectively; the nucleotide sequences demonstrated high identities (98%) with other OFV isolates. Degenerate primers for the L gene were designed considering conserved regions within all of the available OFV sequences and those from the closely related isolates citrus leprosis virus nuclear type (CiLV‐N) and citrus necrotic spot virus. Degenerate primers were also successfully used for the detection of CiLV‐N from infected citrus samples.
Stages and transitions in the development of tooth brushing skills in children of Mexican immigrant families: a qualitative study
Authors: Benadof Dafna , Polk Deborah , Documet Patricia 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectivesCompared with white children, the oral health of Latino children in the United States is much worse. One factor contributing to oral health is tooth brushing. Few studies have addressed the formation of the tooth brushing habit in children, and only one of them studied a Latino population. The purpose of this study is to explore the development of the tooth brushing habit in children of Mexican immigrant families and develop hypothesis based on its results.MethodsThis is an exploratory qualitative study, with a case study design based on 20 in‐depth interviews. Participants were Mexican immigrant mothers living in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, PA. Participants had at least one child six‐years‐old or younger. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative analysis procedures.ResultsFour stages were identified in the tooth brushing learning process: initiation and entirely dependent tooth brushing, assisted tooth brushing, road to tooth brushing independence, and independent tooth brushing. Two factors influenced parents' teaching approaches: parents' perceptions of their child's achievement of physical, cognitive, and motor developmental milestones and parents' knowledge about oral hygiene.ConclusionsWe identified four distinct stages and found evidence to hypothesize that transitions from one stage to the next are triggered not by the age of the child but by parents' knowledge about oral hygiene and their perceptions of their child's achievement of physical, cognitive, and motor developmental milestones. Future quantitative research studies should be conducted to test this hypothesis in larger groups of Latinos as well as other ethnic groups.
A comprehensive review on phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of Elaeagnus angustifolia L.
Authors: Farzaei Mohammad Hosein , Bahramsoltani Roodabeh , Abbasabadi Zahra , Rahimi Roja 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Objective
Elaeagnus angustifolia L., commonly known as oleaster or Russian olive, is used worldwide as a traditional natural remedy or nutritional agent for the management of a wide range of illnesses. The aim of the present study is to comprehensively review the ethnopharmacological uses, biological activities and phytochemistry of E. angustifolia.

Key findings
Modern scientific investigations suggest that the plant possesses a broad spectrum of pharmacological and therapeutic effects, including antimicrobial, insecticidal, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, wound healing, cardioprotective, hypolipidemic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antitumour and gastroprotective activity. Various phytochemical constituents, including β-carboline alkaloids, polysaccharides, esters, flavone glycosides, phenols, phenolic acids, ketones, phenyl ethers, pyrimidines, steroids and terpenes, as well as nutritional components such as essential and non-essential amino acids and nutraceuticals like vitamins and fatty acids, have been identified in E. angustifolia.

Summary
Considering its wide variety of pharmacological activity as well as its huge diversity of active phytochemicals, E. angustifolia could be proposed as a good candidate for discovering new drugs. Further clinical and experimental studies are necessary to reveal the beneficial therapeutic, safety and pharmaceutical properties of E. angustifolia and its phytochemicals as a complementary and alternative medicine for the management of various disorders.
Salbutamol inhibits RhoA activation in normal but not in desensitized bronchial smooth muscle cells
Authors: Fogli Stefano , Stefanelli Fabio , Battolla Barbara , Bianchi Francesco , Breschi Maria C , Mattii Letizia 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Objective
This study was aimed at investigating whether the β2-adrenoceptor agonist, salbutamol, could modulate RhoA activation in normal and homologously desensitized bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMC).

Methods
Serum-starved BSMCs were stimulated with the Rho-activating compound calpeptin in the presence or absence of salbutamol, the Epac activator, 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP, or the site-selective activator of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), 6-Bnz-cAMP. Activated RhoA was assessed by immunocytochemical detection and by RhoA G-LISA assay.

Key findings
Stimulation with calpeptin caused translocation of RhoA from cytosol to plasma membrane, a condition required for the functional coupling of RhoA with its cellular targets. Pretreatment with salbutamol 10 μm for 15 min was found to block calpeptin-induced activation of RhoA in normal, but not in homologously desensitized cells. Pretreatment of calpeptin-stimulated BSMC with 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP or 6-Bnz-cAMP could reproduce the effect of salbutamol.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrated that salbutamol inhibits RhoA activation in human BSMC through β2-adrenoceptor/Epac/PKA pathway. An important pharmacological implication of these finding is the possible contribution of RhoA pathway to the molecular mechanism involved in airway smooth muscle relaxation caused by acute/chronic exposure to β2-adrenoceptor agonists.
The Combination of Dapoxetine and Behavioral Treatment Provides Better Results than Dapoxetine Alone in the Management of Patients with Lifelong Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Cormio Luigi , Massenio Paolo , La Rocca Roberto , Verze Paolo , Mirone Vincenzo , Carrieri Giuseppe 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

Introduction
It is not known whether the efficacy of dapoxetine, the only drug approved for the on-demand treatment of premature ejaculation (PE), can be increased by the addition of sexual behavioral treatment (SBTx).

Aim
To test the hypothesis that combined dapoxetine and SBTx provide better result than dapoxetine alone in the management of patient with lifelong PE.

Methods
After a 4-week run-in period, 50 patients with lifelong PE entered a 24-week, open-label, prospective study with a 1:1 assignment. Twenty-five patients (group A) received on-demand dapoxetine 30 mg alone, and the remaining 25 patients (group B) combined on-demand dapoxetine 30 mg and SBTx. The CONSORT 2010 statement was adhered to where possible.

Main Outcome Measures
The intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) score, and the treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were analyzed.

Results
Mean age was 34.16 years in group A and 34.44y in group B. From baseline to 4-, 12- and 24-week evaluation, both groups experienced a significant (P &lt; 0.0001) increase in mean IELT and decrease in mean PEDT score, but patients in group A showed a significantly lower increase in mean IELT (85.0; 84.8; 130.7; 160.0 vs. 92.0; 137.9; 232.7; 370.7 seconds, respectively; P &lt; 0.0001) and a significantly lower decrease in mean PEDT score (20.4; 18.16; 15.88; 14.68 vs. 19.56; 16.0; 11.96; 7.92, respectively; P &lt; 0.0001) than those in group B. At 24-week evaluation, no patient in group A reached a PEDT score ≤8 (absence of PE) as opposed to 80% of patients in group B. There was no difference between groups in TEAEs rate (16% vs. 16%; P = 1.00). Limitations included the absence of a group receiving SBTx alone or group crossover.

Conclusions
Combined dapoxetine and SBTx proved to be more effective than dapoxetine alone in treating patients with lifelong PE, up to restoring a normal ejaculatory function in most of them.