bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On fragmenting, densely mineralised acellular protrusions into articular cartilage and their possible role in osteoarthritis
Authors: Boyde A. , Davis G. R. , Mills D. , Zikmund T. , Cox T. M. , Adams V. L. , Niker A. , Wilson P. J. , Dillon J. P. , Ranganath L. R. , Jeffery N. , Jarvis J. C. , Gallagher J. A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractHigh density mineralised protrusions (HDMP) from the tidemark mineralising front into hyaline articular cartilage (HAC) were first described in Thoroughbred racehorse fetlock joints and later in Icelandic horse hock joints. We now report them in human material. Whole femoral heads removed at operation for joint replacement or from dissection room cadavers were imaged using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dual echo steady state at 0.23 mm resolution, then 26‐μm resolution high contrast X‐ray microtomography, sectioned and embedded in polymethylmethacrylate, blocks cut and polished and re‐imaged with 6‐μm resolution X‐ray microtomography. Tissue mineralisation density was imaged using backscattered electron SEM (BSE SEM) at 20 kV with uncoated samples. HAC histology was studied by BSE SEM after staining block faces with ammonium triiodide solution. HDMP arise via the extrusion of an unknown mineralisable matrix into clefts in HAC, a process of acellular dystrophic calcification. Their formation may be an extension of a crack self‐healing mechanism found in bone and articular calcified cartilage. Mineral concentration exceeds that of articular calcified cartilage and is not uniform. It is probable that they have not been reported previously because they are removed by decalcification with standard protocols. Mineral phase morphology frequently shows the agglomeration of many fine particles into larger concretions. HDMP are surrounded by HAC, are brittle, and show fault lines within them. Dense fragments found within damaged HAC could make a significant contribution to joint destruction. At least larger HDMP can be detected with the best MRI imaging ex vivo.
First Report of Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens Causing Cowpea Bacterial Wilt in Iran
Authors: Osdaghi Ebrahim , Pakdaman Sardrood Babak , Bavi Majed , Akbari Oghaz Nima , Kimiaei Shabnam , Hadian Saideh 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDuring surveys in cowpea fields of Marand County, East Azerbaijan province, Iran, in the summer of 2013, a suspected bacterial disease was observed on cowpea leaves as tan spots and interveinal necrotic lesions surrounded by chlorotic margins. The disease was of high incidence where some fields had been fully destroyed and severity of the disease in some fields had reached up to 70%. Gram‐positive, yellow‐pigmented, coryneform bacteria were isolated from infected leaves. Pathogenicity of isolates was confirmed on 20‐day‐old cowpea (cv. Khoy) plants, and they were identified as Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens based on biochemical test results confirmed using specific PCR primers. This is the first report of C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens, the causal agent of cowpea bacterial wilt in Iran.
Toxicokinetics of T‐2 toxin and its major metabolites in broiler chickens after intravenous and oral administration
Authors: Sun Y. X. , Yao X. , Shi S. N. , Zhang G. J. , Xu L. X. , Liu Y. J. , Fang B. H. 
Published: July 2014

T‐2 toxin, one of the most toxic trichothecene mycotoxins, causes economic losses in animal production. Little information is available on the toxicokinetic parameters of T‐2 toxin and its major metabolites (i.e., HT‐2 toxin and T‐2 triol) in broiler chickens. In this study, toxicokinetics of T‐2 toxin and its major metabolites were evaluated in broiler chickens after a single intravenous (0.5 mg/kg b.w.) and multiple oral administrations (2.0 mg/kg b.w., every 12 h for 2 days). Plasma concentration profiles of T‐2 toxin and its metabolites were analyzed by a noncompartmental model method. Following intravenous administration, the terminal elimination half‐lives (t1/2λz) of T‐2 toxin, HT‐2 toxin, and T‐2 triol were 17.33 ± 1.07 min, 33.62 ± 3.08 min, and 9.60 ± 0.50 min, respectively. Following multiple oral administrations, no plasma levels above the limit of quantification were observed for HT‐2 toxin. The t1/2λz of T‐2 toxin and T‐2 triol was 23.40 ± 2.94 min and 87.60 ± 29.40 min, respectively. Peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of 53.10 ± 10.42 ng/mL (T‐2 toxin) and 47.64 ± 9.19 ng/mL (T‐2 triol) were observed at Tmax of 13.20 ± 4.80 min and 38.40 ± 15.00 min, respectively. T‐2 toxin had a low absolute oral bioavailability (17.07%). Results showed that the T‐2 toxin was rapidly absorbed and most of the T‐2 toxin was extensively transformed to metabolites in broiler chickens.
Angiotensin‐(1‐7) Prevents Angiotensin II‐induced Fibrosis in Cremaster Microvessels
Authors: Carver Kyle A. , Smith Thomas L. , Gallagher Patricia E. , Tallant E. Ann 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe effect of the heptapeptide hormone Ang‐(1‐7) on microvascular fibrosis in rats with Ang II‐induced hypertension was investigated, since vascular fibrosis/remodeling plays a prominent role in hypertension‐induced end‐organ damage and Ang‐(1‐7) inhibits vascular growth and fibrosis.MethodsFibrosis of cremaster microvessels was studied in male Lewis rats infused with Ang II and/or Ang‐(1‐7).ResultsAng II elevated systolic blood pressure by approximately 40 mmHg, while blood pressure was not changed by Ang‐(1‐7). Ang II increased perivascular fibrosis surrounding 20–50 μm arterioles as well as interstitial fibrosis; coadministration of Ang‐(1‐7) prevented the increases in fibrosis. The fibrotic factor CTGF and phospho‐Smad 2/3, which upregulates CTGF, were increased by Ang II; this effect was prevented by coadministration of Ang‐(1‐7). Although TGF‐β phosphorylates Smad 2/3, TGF‐β was no different among treatment groups. In contrast, Ang II increased the MAP kinase phospho‐ERK1/2, which also phosphorylates Smad; p‐ERK was reduced by Ang‐(1‐7). Ang‐(1‐7), in the presence or absence of Ang II, upregulated the MAP kinase phosphatase DUSP1.ConclusionsThese results suggest that Ang‐(1‐7) increases DUSP1 to reduce MAP kinase/Smad/CTGF signaling and decrease fibrosis in resistance arterioles, to attenuate end‐organ damage associated with chronic hypertension.
Laboratory and field evaluations of chemical and plant‐derived potential repellents against Culicoides biting midges in northern Spain
Authors: GONZÁLEZ M. , VENTER G. J. , LÓPEZ S. , ITURRONDOBEITIA J. C. , GOLDARAZENA A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe efficacy of 23 compounds in repelling Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), particularly Culicoides obsoletus (Meigen) females, was determined by means of a Y‐tube olfactometer. The 10 most effective compounds were further evaluated in landing bioassays. The six most promising compounds (including chemical and plant‐derived repellents) were evaluated at 10% and 25% concentrations in field assays using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps. At least three compounds showed promising results against Culicoides biting midges with the methodologies used. Whereas olfactometer assays indicated DEET at 1 µg/µL to be the most effective repellent, filter paper landing bioassays showed plant‐derived oils to be better. Light traps fitted with polyester mesh impregnated with a mixture of octanoic, decanoic and nonanoic fatty acids at 10% and 25% concentrations collected 2.2 and 3.6 times fewer midges than control traps and were as effective as DEET, which is presently considered the reference standard insect repellent. The best plant‐derived product was lemon eucalyptus oil. Although these have been reported as safe potential repellents, the present results indicate DEET and the mixture of organic fatty acids to be superior and longer lasting.
Whole plastome sequencing reveals deep plastid divergence and cytonuclear discordance between closely related balsam poplars, Populus balsamifera and P. trichocarpa (Salicaceae)
Authors: Huang Daisie I. , Hefer Charles A. , Kolosova Natalia , Douglas Carl J. , Cronk Quentin C. B. 
Published: July 2014

Summary

As molecular phylogenetic analyses incorporate ever‐greater numbers of loci, cases of cytonuclear discordance – the phenomenon in which nuclear gene trees deviate significantly from organellar gene trees – are being reported more frequently. Plant examples of topological discordance, caused by recent hybridization between extant species, are well known. However, examples of branch‐length discordance are less reported in plants relative to animals.

We use a combination of de novo assembly and reference‐based mapping using short‐read shotgun sequences to construct a robust phylogeny of the plastome for multiple individuals of all the common Populus species in North America.

We demonstrate a case of strikingly high plastome divergence, in contrast to little nuclear genome divergence, in two closely related balsam poplars, Populus balsamifera and Populus trichocarpa (Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa). Previous studies with nuclear loci indicate that the two species (or subspecies) diverged since the late Pleistocene, whereas their plastomes indicate deep divergence, dating to at least the Pliocene (6–7 Myr ago).

Our finding is in marked contrast to the estimated Pleistocene divergence of the nuclear genomes, previously calculated at 75 000 yr ago, suggesting plastid capture from a ‘ghost lineage’ of a now‐extinct North American poplar.
The Oaxaca–Blinder Unexplained Component as a Treatment Effects Estimator
Authors: Słoczyński Tymon 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn this paper I use the National Supported Work (NSW) data to examine the finite‐sample performance of the Oaxaca–Blinder unexplained component as an estimator of the population average treatment effect on the treated (PATT). Precisely, I follow sample and variable selections from Dehejia and Wahba (1999), and conclude that Oaxaca–Blinder performs better than any of the estimators in this influential paper, provided that overlap is imposed. As a robustness check, I consider alternative sample (Smith and Todd, 2005) and variable (Abadie and Imbens, 2011) selections, and present a simulation study which is also based on the NSW data.
Inflation perceptions and expectations in Sweden – Are media reports the missing link?
Authors: Dräger Lena 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe analyze the interrelation between consumers' quantitative inflation perceptions and expectations as well as actual inflation rates in Sweden. The role of media reports about inflation is emphasized. Structural vector error correction models show stable cointegration between actual, perceived and expected inflation. Impulse responses and forecast error variance decompositions suggest strong interaction between perceived and expected inflation, with a lesser role for actual inflation. Media effects are generally small, but imply an asymmetric reaction of inflation expectations and perceptions to news on increasing vs. decreasing inflation. Thus, to anchor inflation expectations, central banks should explore better communication channels to inform consumers about actual inflation.
Response of the European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana to somatosensory‐active volatiles emitted by the non‐host plant Perilla frutescens
Authors: Cattaneo Alberto M. , Bengtsson Jonas M. , Borgonovo Gigliola , Bassoli Angela , Anfora Gianfranco 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana Denis & Schiffermüller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a major pest on grapes worldwide. Attempts to develop control methods for this pest based on grape kairomones demonstrate limited success and studies indicate that a major limiting factor is overlap between synthetic kairomones and background odours in the vineyard. Behaviourally active compounds from non‐host plants may thus represent an effective alternative for monitoring and control methods. Extracts from food plants (i.e. from capsicum, garlic and peppermint, which elicit the so‐called somatosensory sensation) are traditionally used in agriculture for the control of pest insects. Among those plants, Perilla frutescens L. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae), native of Asia, contains compounds activating sensory ion channels in mammals, which are known to be involved in the perception of somatosensory compounds and are expressed in tortricid moth antennae. In the present study, in search of non‐host volatiles with potential application in pest control, essential oil metabolites isolated from P. frutescens are screened for biological activity on the olfactory system of L. botrana. The compounds (S)‐(−)‐perillaldehyde and isoegomaketone, which are released from different P. frutescens varieties, are identified by gas chromatography‐coupled electroantennographic detection. In a dual‐choice oviposition test, females show a preference for a combination of host odours and perillaldehyde, preferring this over a host‐plant odour bouquet alone. In Y‐tube olfactometer assays, virgin males show a higher level of activity in the presence of isoegomaketone, even if not significantly responsive to the compound.
Year in School and Physical Activity Stage of Change as Discriminators of Variation in the Physical Activity Correlate Profile of Adolescent Females
Authors: Burns Con , Murphy John J. , MacDonncha Ciaran 
Published: July 2014

Background:Knowledge of the physical activity correlate profile of adolescent females will provide insight into decreasing physical activity patterns among adolescent females.Methods:Correlates of physical activity and physical activity stage of change were assessed during 2007–2008 among 871 Irish adolescent females in years 1–6 in secondary schools (15.28 ± 1.8 years). Multivariate Analysis of Variance was used to identify whether differences in correlates of physical activity could be detected across year in school and physical activity stages of change.Results:Significant differences (P < .01) were found in 11 of the 16 measured correlates across year in school and in 14 of the 16 correlates across stage of change. Effect size estimates and regression analysis revealed perceived competence, peer social support and intention to be physically active (partial eta range (ηp2) .21–.25) to be the most important predictors of physical activity stage of change.Conclusions:Females in more senior years in school and in earlier physical activity stages of change reported a significantly less positive physical activity correlate profile than females in junior years and in later physical activity stages of change. This finding supports the construct validity of the physical activity stages of change.
Socioeconomic Status and Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Thai Adolescents
Authors: Konharn Kurusart , Santos Maria Paula , Ribeiro José Carlos 
Published: July 2014

Background:The impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on objective measures of physical activity (PA) in adolescence is poorly understood. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between SES and objectively measured PA in Thai adolescents.Methods:PA was objectively measured every 30 seconds for 7 consecutive days using ActiGraph GT1M uniaxial accelerometers in 177 secondary-school adolescents aged 13 to 18 years that were classified into 3 SES groups (low, middle, and high). The associations between SES and adolescents’ PA were examined using 1-way ANOVA with multiple comparisons and Chi-square test.Results:Adolescents of low-SES accumulated more minutes of PA and less of sedentary behavior than those of high-SES, Additionally, low-SES adolescents tended to meet the daily PA guidelines more than other groups, particularly in girls (P < .01).Conclusions:This study evidences an inverse relationship between SES and PA levels, and shows the importance of targeting high SES adolescents in intervention programs to enhance health behaviors. Based on these findings, we also suggest that SES must be considered as an important determinant in promoting regular PA and in increasing proportions of adolescents meeting current health-related PA guidelines.
The Role of Exergaming in Improving Physical Activity: A Review
Authors: Sween Jennifer , Wallington Sherrie Flynt , Sheppard Vanessa , Taylor Teletia , Llanos Adana A. , Adams-Campbell Lucile Lauren 
Published: July 2014

Background:The high prevalence of obesity in America can be attributed to inadequate energy expenditure as a result of high levels of physical inactivity. This review presents an overview of the current literature on physical activity, specifically through active videogame systems (exergaming) and how these systems can help to increase physical activity levels.Methods:The search strategy for this review was to identify previous studies that investigated energy expenditure levels using a single active video game or a combination of active videogames.Results:Based on data from 27 studies, a strong correlation exists between exergaming and increased energy expenditure (up to 300% above resting levels). The majority of active videogames tested were found to achieve physical activity levels of moderate intensity, which meet American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for health and fitness.Conclusions:Exergaming is a new and exciting strategy to potentially improve physical activity levels and reduce obesity among Americans.
Cognitive Function During Low-Intensity Walking: A Test of the Treadmill Workstation
Authors: Alderman Brandon L. , Olson Ryan L. , Mattina Diana M. 
Published: July 2014

Background:The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of walking at self-selected speed on an active workstation on cognitive performance.Methods:Sixty-six participants (n = 27 males, 39 females; mean age = 21.06 ± 1.6 years) completed a treadmill-desk walking and a seated control condition, separated by 48 hours. During each condition, participants completed computerized versions of the Stroop test, a modified flanker task, and a test of reading comprehension.Results:No significant differences in response speed or accuracy were found between walking and sitting conditions for any the cognitive tests.Conclusions:These findings reveal that performance on cognitive tasks, including executive control processes, are not impaired by walking on an active workstation. Implementing active workstations into offices and classrooms may help to decrease sedentariness without impairing task performance.
Evidence for Adapted Physical Activity as an Effective Intervention for Upper Limb Mobility and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Mirandola Daniela , Miccinesi Guido , Muraca Maria Grazia , Sgambati Eleonora , Monaci Marco , Marini Mirca 
Published: July 2014

Background:Physical activity interventions are known to be effective in improving the physical and psychological complaints of breast cancer survivors.Purpose:To investigate the impact of a specific exercise training program on upper limb mobility and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.Methods:The study included 55 women recruited at the Cancer Rehabilitation Centre in Florence after the completion of breast cancer treatment and rehabilitative physiotherapy. All participants underwent an 8-week specific exercise training to improve upper limb mobility function and quality of life. Anthropometric parameters were measured, and each subject underwent a battery of fitness tests to assess shoulder-arm mobility, range of motion, and back flexibility before and after specific exercise program. All participants filled out the Short Form-12 and numerical rating scale questionnaires to assess the quality of life and to quantify back and shoulder pain intensity.Results:The evaluation of shoulder-arm mobility and self-reported questionnaire data revealed a statistically significant improvement after completion of our specific exercise program.Conclusion:An organized specific program of adapted physical activity can be effective in reducing the main adverse effects of surgery and oncological therapy, and may significantly improve shoulder-arm mobility and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.
Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Associations of Physical Activity With Triglyceride and HDLc Levels in Young Male Adults
Authors: Bielemann Renata Moraes , Ramires Virgílio Viana , Gigante Denise Petrucci , Hallal Pedro Curi , Horta Bernardo Lessa 
Published: July 2014

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between physical activity and triglyceride and HDLc levels in young male adults.Methods:We used information about males belonging 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Physical activity in 4 domains (leisure time, transportation, household, and occupation) was assessed by self-report in participants of the cohort at ages of 18 and 23 years. Subjects were active if reached the recommendation of 150 min/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity. At 23 years of age, blood sample was collected, and triglycerides and HDLc levels estimated. Multivariate linear and Poisson regression were used to adjust the estimates for confounders.Results:Males who were inactive at 18 and active at 23 years had 41% lower risk (β = 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.40; 0.89) for borderline-high triglycerides (≥ 150 mg/dL) as compared with those who were inactive at both follow-ups. No association was found between changes of physical activity and HDLc level. In cross-sectional analyses, greater HDLc levels were found in active subjects in 4 domains, whereas there was no difference in HDL levels according physical activity during leisure time.Conclusion:Becoming active from adolescence to early adulthood reduced the risk for high triglycerides. Current physical activity was associated with greater HDLc levels.
Associations of School Violence With Physical Activity Among U.S. High School Students
Authors: Demissie Zewditu , Lowry Richard , Eaton Danice K. , Hertz Marci F. , Lee Sarah M. 
Published: July 2014

Background:This study investigated associations of violence-related behaviors with physical activity (PA)-related behaviors among U.S. high school students.Methods:Data from the 2009 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of 9th–12th grade students, were analyzed. Sex-stratified, adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for associations between violence-related behaviors and being physically active for ≥ 60 minutes daily, sports participation, TV watching for ≥ 3 hours/day, and video game/computer use for ≥ 3 hours/day.Results:Among male students, at-school bullying victimization was negatively associated with daily PA (aOR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.58–0.87) and sports participation; skipping school because of safety concerns was positively associated with video game/computer use (1.42; 1.01–2.00); and physical fighting was positively associated with daily PA. Among female students, atschool bullying victimization and skipping school because of safety concerns were both positively associated with video game/computer use (1.46; 1.19–1.79 and 1.60; 1.09–2.34, respectively), and physical fighting at school was negatively associated with sports participation and positively associated with TV watching.Conclusions:Bullying victimization emerged as a potentially important risk factor for insufficient PA. Schools should consider the role of violence in initiatives designed to promote PA.