bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytosauria
Authors: Stocker Michelle R. , Butler Richard J. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Phytosauria is a nearly cosmopolitan clade of large, quadrupedal, carnivorous archosauriforms. They are known unambiguously from Late Triassic deposits, although the clade’s ghost lineage extends at least to the late Early Triassic. Their nares are uniquely located close to the orbits rather than anteriorly in the rostrum as in modern crocodylians, and the rostrum is formed by elongated premaxillae bearing many teeth. Phytosaurs have roughly triangular, ornamented paramedian osteoderms, rounder appendicular osteoderms, and a unique ‘gular shield’ assembled from multiple, irregular osteoderms under the throat. Phytosaurs are reconstructed as semi-aquatic because of their general similarity to modern crocodylians and common preservation in fluvial and shallow-marine deposits. Currently, over thirty species are recognized. New specimens continue to be collected, some representing new taxa. The taxonomic status of other named taxa is uncertain and requires re-investigation. Since their discovery, phytosaurs have been used as biostratigraphic and biochronological index taxa for correlating Late Triassic sediments worldwide. Recent systematic and taxonomic revisions cast doubt on some of those correlations. Our understanding of the evolution of Phytosauria is far from complete. With reevaluation of well-known specimens, rigorous and comparative morphological descriptions, and robust phylogenetic hypotheses of ingroup relationships, studies of phytosaurs can address larger palaeobiological questions.
Pathogenicity and damage potential of five species of plant-parasitic nematodes on plantain (Musa spp., AAB genome) cv. Agbagba
Authors: Coyne Danny L. , Omowumi Adewuyi , Rotifa Idowu , Afolami Steven O. 
Published: January 2013

The pathogenicity of five plant-parasitic nematode species, Radopholus similis, Pratylenchus coffeae, Helicotylenchus multicinctus, Hoplolaimus pararobustus and Meloidogyne spp., commonly recorded from banana and plantain in West and Central Africa, was assessed on plantain (Musa spp., AAB genome) cv. Agbagba in Nigeria. The pest status of H. pararobustus was demonstrated for the first time in addition to H. multicinctus, while the importance of P. coffeae and R. similis was further confirmed. In addition, the study further demonstrated the contribution of nematodes to weakened pseudostems (stems) and stem snapping during periods of low water availability, in the absence of weevil damage. Through a series of experiments, the nematode damage potential was evaluated in 20 l pots, 70 l microplots (halved oil drums) and a field experiment over four crop cycles. In pots only a combination of four species (without H. pararobustus) led to greater root necrosis than the non-inoculated control, while R. similis reduced root mass. In microplots most crop growth parameters were similar across treatments, except root necrosis, which was higher for all nematode treatments than on control plants and more severe on P. coffeae roots than for other nematode species. In the field trial heavy storms disrupted data collection. Plant stem snapping, however, was greater for all nematode treatments compared with controls. Nematode damage indices such as feeder root health and root necrosis were higher in all nematode treatments and consistently so for R. similis and P. coffeae over the first two cropping cycles. Mean bunch weight of harvested plants was lower for all nematode treatments than controls; between 33.3% and 50.8%, even for first cycle mother plants, and consistently lower across crop cycles.
A Hierarchical Modular Architecture for Embodied Cognition
Authors: Ballard Dana H. , Kit Dmitry , Rothkopf Constantin A. , Sullivan Brian 
Published: January 2013

Cognition can appear complex owing to the fact that the brain is capable of an enormous repertoire of behaviors. However, this complexity can be greatly reduced when constraints of time and space are taken into account. The brain is constrained by the body to limit its goal-directed behaviors to just a few independent tasks over the scale of 1–2 min, and can pursue only a very small number of independent agendas. These limitations have been characterized from a number of different vantage points such as attention, working memory and dual task performance. It may be possible that the disparate perspectives of all these methodologies can be unified if behaviors can be seen as modular and hierarchically organized. From this vantage point, cognition can be seen as having a central problem of scheduling behaviors to achieve short term goals. Thus dual-task paradigms can be seen as studying the concurrent management of simultaneous, competing agendas. Attention can be seen as focusing on the decision as to whether to interrupt the current agenda or persevere. Working memory can be seen as the bookkeeping necessary to manage the state of the current active agenda items.
Designing Devices With the Task in Mind
Authors: Wiseman Sarah , Cox Anna L. , Brumby Duncan P. 
Published: January 2013

Objective: We studied the patterns of digits and numbers used when programming infusion pumps with the aim of informing the design of number entry interfaces. Background: Number entry systems on medical devices are designed with little thought given to the numbers that will be entered. In other fields, text and number entry interfaces are designed specifically for the task that they will be used for. Doing so allows for faster and more accurate interaction. Method: In Study 1, logs were taken from infusion pumps used in a hospital. Information about the numbers being typed was extracted. For Study 2, three common number entry interfaces were evaluated in light of these results to determine which were best suited to the task of programming infusions. Results: There are clear patterns in the numbers being used in hospitals. The digit 0 is used far more frequently than any other digit. The numbers 1,000, 100, and 50 are used in nearly half of all infusions. Study 2 demonstrates that interfaces are not optimized for entering such data. Conclusion: Changes could be made to the design of the number entry interface on infusion pumps, leading to a reduction in the number of key presses necessary to program a device. We offer a set of four heuristics to guide the design of number entry interfaces on infusion devices. Application: Improving the design of the number entry interface of medical devices, such as infusion pumps, would lead to improved efficiency and a reduction in the likelihood of errors.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist rosiglitazone reduces secondary damage in experimental spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Xigong , Du Junhua , Xu Sanzhong , Lin Xiangjin , Ling Zhiheng 
Published: January 2013

Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effects of rosiglitazone in a rat traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) model. Methods Adult Sprague–Dawley rats ( n = 12/group) underwent laminectomy (sham), SCI, SCI and rosiglitazone treatment (2 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days), or SCI and saline injection (vehicle). SCI was induced via dural application of an aneurysm clip. Spinal cord apoptosis and levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1β, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the apoptosis-associated proteins B-cell leukaemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) were examined 24 h after SCI. Locomotor function was evaluated 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days after SCI. Results At 24 h after SCI, apoptosis and TNFα, IL-1β and MPO concentrations were significantly lower in the rosiglitazone group than in the vehicle and SCI groups. SCI resulted in an increase in Bax and a decrease in Bcl-2, which was reversed by rosiglitazone treatment. Rats in the rosiglitazone group had significantly better functional recovery than those in the vehicle and SCI groups. Conclusion Rosiglitazone signiﬁcantly improved functional recovery, probably via attenuation of the local inflammatory reaction and reduced apoptosis.
N-acetyltransferase 1 polymorphism and bladder cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies
Authors: Wu Ke , Wang Xianding , Xie Zhiyuan , Liu Zhihong , Lu Yiping 
Published: January 2013

Objective This meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the association between an N-acetyltransferase 1 ( NAT1) gene polymorphism and bladder cancer risk. Methods PubMed® and EMBASE databases were searched to identify studies that examined the effect of the NAT1*10 allele on the risk of bladder cancer. Results Eleven case–control studies, which included 3311 bladder cancer cases and 3906 control subjects, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled analyses based on all studies showed that there was no significant difference in the NAT1*10 allele between bladder cancer cases and controls (odds ratios [OR] 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81, 1.10). When stratifying for race, the results were similar among Caucasians (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.81, 1.12) and Asians (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.48, 1.56). No statistical association was found between the NAT1*10 allele and bladder cancer risk upon stratification for smoking status and study design. Conclusions This meta-analysis suggests that there was no association between the NAT1*10 allele and bladder cancer risk. Further research should focus on other potentially functional genetic polymorphisms.
Immediate Effects of Lumbopelvic Manipulation and Lateral Gluteal Kinesio Taping on Unilateral Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Authors: Miller Joseph , Westrick Richard , Diebal Angela , Marks Christopher , Gerber J. Parry 
Published: January 2013

Objectives: To determine the immediate effects of Kinesio taping directed to the hip and manipulation directed to the lumbopelvic region in individuals with unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Background: PFPS affects up to 25% of the general population. Despite the high prevalence, this condition is not clearly understood, as evidenced by the numerous proposed causes and recommended treatments. Notwithstanding, recent evidence suggests that treatments directed at the hip or spine may lead to beneficial results. Methods: A convenience sample of 18 participants (12 men and 6 women, 19.5 ± 1.15 years old) with unilateral PFPS was recruited. Participants were randomized by sex to 1 of 3 groups: Kinesio taping, manipulation, and control taping. The main outcome measures included the Y-balance test, squatting range of motion (ROM), and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Results: Compared with the lumbopelvic manipulation and control groups, those in the Kinesio taping group performed significantly better on the Y-balance test ( F = 5.59, P = 0.02) and with squatting ROM ( F = 3.93, P = 0.04). The Kinesio taping and lumbopelvic groups were also significantly better than the control (sham) group with double-leg squatting ROM performance 3 days later. Conclusion: Kinesio taping may facilitate gluteus medius activation and improve postural stability and a double-leg squat. Clinical Relevance: The improvement in affected limb reach and double-leg squatting ROM highlights the potential for Kinesio taping to improve gluteus medius activation. Lumbopelvic manipulation may also immediately improve rehabilitation programs for PFPS.
The diversity of the immune response to the A2 domain of human factor VIII
Authors: Markovitz Rebecca C. , Healey John F. , Parker Ernest T. , Meeks Shannon L. , Lollar Pete 
Published: January 2013

Key PointsThe Abs to the human fVIII A2 domain in a murine hemophilia A model inhibit fVIIIa and activation of fVIII Epitopes targeted by hemophilia A mouse Abs cover nearly the entire surface of the human fVIII A2 domain
Antimicrobial susceptibility and genetic characteristics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from Vietnam, 2011
Authors: Olsen Birgitta , Lan Pham Thi , Golparian Daniel , Johansson Emma , Khang Tran Hau , Unemo Magnus 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a major public health concern worldwide. In Vietnam, knowledge regarding N. gonorrhoeae prevalence and AMR is limited, and data concerning genetic characteristics of N. gonorrhoeae is totally lacking. Herein, we investigated the phenotypic AMR (previous, current and possible future treatment options), genetic resistance determinants for extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs), and genotypic distribution of N. gonorrhoeae isolated in 2011 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Methods

N. gonorrhoeae isolates from Hanoi, Vietnam isolated in 2011 (n = 108) were examined using antibiograms (Etest for 10 antimicrobials), Neisseria gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST), and sequencing of ESC resistance determinants (penA, mtrR and penB).

Results
The levels of in vitro resistance were as follows: ciprofloxacin 98%, tetracycline 82%, penicillin G 48%, azithromycin 11%, ceftriaxone 5%, cefixime 1%, and spectinomycin 0%. The MICs of gentamicin (0.023-6 mg/L), ertapenem (0.002-0.125 mg/L) and solithromycin (<0.016-0.25 mg/L) were relatively low. No penA mosaic alleles were found, however, 78% of the isolates contained an alteration of amino acid A501 (A501V (44%) and A501T (34%)) in the encoded penicillin-binding protein 2. A single nucleotide (A) deletion in the inverted repeat of the promoter region of the mtrR gene and amino acid alterations in MtrR was observed in 91% and 94% of the isolates, respectively. penB resistance determinants were detected in 87% of the isolates. Seventy-five different NG-MAST STs were identified, of which 59 STs have not been previously described.

Conclusions
In Vietnam, the highly diversified gonococcal population displayed high in vitro resistance to antimicrobials previously recommended for gonorrhoea treatment (with exception of spectinomycin), but resistance also to the currently recommended ESCs were found. Nevertheless, the MICs of three potential future treatment options were low. It is essential to strengthen the diagnostics, case reporting, and epidemiologic surveillance of gonorrhoea in Vietnam. Furthermore, the surveillance of gonococcal AMR and gonorrhoea treatment failures is imperative to reinforce. Research regarding novel antimicrobial treatment strategies (e.g., combination therapy) and new antimicrobials is crucial for future treatment of gonorrhoea.
Evidence of reactive oxygen species-mediated damage to mitochondrial DNA in children with typical autism
Authors: Napoli Eleonora , Wong Sarah , Giulivi Cecilia 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
The mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) is particularly susceptible to damage mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although elevated ROS production and elevated biomarkers of oxidative stress have been found in tissues from children with autism spectrum disorders, evidence for damage to mtDNA is lacking.

Findings
mtDNA deletions were evaluated in peripheral blood monocytic cells (PBMC) isolated from 2–5 year old children with full autism (AU; n = 67), and typically developing children (TD; n = 46) and their parents enrolled in the CHildhood Autism Risk from Genes and Environment study (CHARGE) at University of California Davis. Sequence variants were evaluated in mtDNA segments from AU and TD children (n = 10; each) and their mothers representing 31.2% coverage of the entire human mitochondrial genome. Increased mtDNA damage in AU children was evidenced by (i) higher frequency of mtDNA deletions (2-fold), (ii) higher number of GC→AT transitions (2.4-fold), being GC preferred sites for oxidative damage, and (iii) higher frequency of G,C,T→A transitions (1.6-fold) suggesting a higher incidence of polymerase gamma incorporating mainly A at bypassed apurinic/apyrimidinic sites, probably originated from oxidative stress. The last two outcomes were identical to their mothers suggesting the inheritance of a template consistent with increased oxidative damage, whereas the frequency of mtDNA deletions in AU children was similar to that of their fathers.

Conclusions
These results suggest that a combination of genetic and epigenetic factors, taking place during perinatal periods, results in a mtDNA template in children with autism similar to that expected for older individuals.
Hippocampal cellular loss after brief hypotension
Authors: Chaparro Rafael E , Quiroga Carolina , Bosco Gerardo , Erasso Diana , Rubini Alessandro , Mangar Devanand , Parmagnani Andrea , Camporesi Enrico M 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Brief episodes of hypotension have been shown to cause acute brain damage inanimal models. We used a rat hemorrhagic shock model to assess functionaloutcome and to measure the relative neuronal damage at 1, 4 and 14 dayspost-injury (3 min of hypotension). All rats underwent a neurological assessmentincluding motor abilities, sensory system evaluation and retrograde memory atpost-hypotensive insult. Brains were harvested and stained for Fluorojade C andNissl. Stereology was used to analyze Fluorojade C and Nissl stained brainsections to quantitatively detect neuronal damage after the hypotensive insult.Statistical analysis was performed using Graphpad Prism 5 with the Bonferronitest at a 95% confidence interval after ANOVA. A Mixed Effect Model was usedfor the passive avoidance evaluation. Stereologically counted fluorojadepositive cells in the hippocampus revealed significant differences in neuronalcell injury between control rats and rats that received 3 min of hypotension oneday after insult. Quantification of Nissl positive neuronal cells showed asignificant decrease in the number hippocampal cells at day 14. No changes infrontal cortical cells were evident at any time, no significative changes inneurological assessments as well. Our observations show that brief periods ofhemorrhage-induced hypotension actually result in neuronal cell damage inSprague–Dawley rats even if the extent of neuronal damage that wasincurred was not significant enough to cause changes in motor or sensorybehavior.
The Role of GH in Adipose Tissue: Lessons from Adipose-Specific GH Receptor Gene-Disrupted Mice
Authors: List Edward O. , Berryman Darlene E. , Funk Kevin , Gosney Elahu S. , Jara Adam , Kelder Bruce , Wang Xinyue , Kutz Laura , Troike Katie , Lozier Nicholas , Mikula Vincent , Lubbers Ellen R. , Zhang Han , Vesel Clare , Junnila Riia K. , Frank Stuart J. , Masternak Michal M. , Bartke Andrzej , Kopchick John J. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
GH receptor (GHR) gene-disrupted mice (GHR−/−) have provided countless discoveries as to the numerous actions of GH. Many of these discoveries highlight the importance of GH in adipose tissue. For example GHR−/− mice are insulin sensitive yet obese with preferential enlargement of the sc adipose depot. GHR−/− mice also have elevated levels of leptin, resistin, and adiponectin, compared with controls leading some to suggest that GH may negatively regulate certain adipokines. To help clarify the role that GH exerts specifically on adipose tissue in vivo, we selectively disrupted GHR in adipose tissue to produce Fat GHRKnockout (FaGHRKO) mice. Surprisingly, FaGHRKOs shared only a few characteristics with global GHR−/− mice. Like the GHR−/− mice, FaGHRKO mice are obese with increased total body fat and increased adipocyte size. However, FaGHRKO mice have increases in all adipose depots with no improvements in measures of glucose homeostasis. Furthermore, resistin and adiponectin levels in FaGHRKO mice are similar to controls (or slightly decreased) unlike the increased levels found in GHR−/− mice, suggesting that GH does not regulate these adipokines directly in adipose tissue in vivo. Other features of FaGHRKO mice include decreased levels of adipsin, a near-normal GH/IGF-1 axis, and minimal changes to a large assortment of circulating factors that were measured such as IGF-binding proteins. In conclusion, specific removal of GHR in adipose tissue is sufficient to increase adipose tissue and decrease circulating adipsin. However, removal of GHR in adipose tissue alone is not sufficient to increase levels of resistin or adiponectin and does not alter glucose metabolism.
Regulation of succinate-fueled mitochondrial respiration in liver and skeletal muscle of hibernating thirteen-lined ground squirrels
Authors: Brown Jason C. L. , Chung Dillon J. , Cooper Alex N. , Staples James F. 
Published: January 2013

Summary
Hibernating ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) alternate between two distinct metabolic states throughout winter: torpor, during which metabolic rate (MR) and body temperature (Tb) are considerably suppressed, and interbout euthermia (IBE), during which MR and Tb briefly return to euthermic levels. Previous studies showed suppression of succinate-fueled respiration during torpor in liver and skeletal muscle mitochondria; however, these studies used only a single, saturating succinate concentration. Therefore, they could not address whether mitochondrial metabolic suppression occurs under physiological substrate concentrations or whether differences in the kinetics of mitochondrial responses to changing substrate concentration might also contribute to mitochondrial metabolic regulation during torpor. The present study confirmed that succinate oxidation is reduced during torpor in liver and skeletal muscle at 37°C and 10°C over a 100-fold range of succinate concentrations. At 37°C, this suppression resulted from inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), which had a greater affinity for oxaloacetate (an SDH inhibitor) during torpor. At 10°C, SDH was not inhibited, suggesting that SDH inhibition initiates but does not maintain mitochondrial suppression during torpor. Moreover, in both liver and skeletal muscle, mitochondria from torpid animals maintained relatively higher respiration rates at low succinate concentrations, which reduces the extent of energy savings that can be achieved during torpor but may also maintain mitochondrial oxidative capacity above some lower critical threshold, thereby preventing cellular and/or mitochondrial injury during torpor and facilitating rapid recruitment of oxidative capacity during arousal.
Invasion and adaptation of a warm adapted species to montane localities: effect of acclimation potential
Authors: Chahal Jyoti , Kataria Sudhir Kumar , Parkash Ravi 
Published: January 2013

SummaryDrosophila ananassae has successfully invaded the cold and dry montane localities of the Western Himalayas in recent years. The ability of this desiccation and cold sensitive tropical Drosophila species to evolve in response to seasonal changes in montane localities is largely unknown. Here, we investigated how this sensitive species adapt to seasonally varying environmental conditions that are lethal to its survival. We observed change in the frequency of dark and light morphs of D. ananassae in five mid-altitude localities during last decade (2000 to 2010). We document invasion of D. ananassae to montane localities and increase in frequency of the dark morph. The stress tolerance of morphs (dark and light) remained unaffected of developmental acclimation. However, adult acclimation has shown significant effects on tolerance to various environmental stresses in morphs and effect of this acclimation persist for long durations. Desiccation and cold stress tolerance was increased after adult acclimation for respective stress in the dark morph; while tolerance of the light morph was not affected. Further, heat tolerance of the light morph was increased after adult heat acclimation with no influence on heat tolerance of the dark morph. Our results suggest a possible role of adult acclimation in successful invasion and adaptation of D. ananassae to montane localities. Future experiments should be carried out to know if the survival in adverse conditions of low versus high temperature and humidity during seasonal changes is assisted by different acclimation abilities of the two morphs of D. ananassae.