bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Intracavernous Delivery of Adenovirus Encoding Smad7 Gene on Erectile Function in a Mouse Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury
Authors: Song Kang Moon , Chung Jae-Seung , Choi Min Ji , Jin Hai-Rong , Yin Guo Nan , Kwon Mi-Hye , Park Jin-Mi , Kim Woo Jean , Lee Sang-Jin , Kim Seong-Jin , Ryu Ji-Kan , Suh Jun-Kyu 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) respond poorly to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors following radical prostatectomy. Recent studies have reported that up-regulation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and activation of the Smad signaling pathway play important roles in cavernous fibrosis and in the deterioration of erectile function in a mouse model of cavernous nerve injury (CNI) and in patients with spinal cord injury. The mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 (Smad7) is known to inhibit the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3.

Aim
To investigate the effectiveness of adenoviruses encoding Smad7 gene (Ad-Smad7) on erectile function in a mouse model of CNI.

Methods
Twelve-week-old C57BL/6J mice were used and distributed into 7 groups: sham operation group, untreated CNI group, and CNI groups receiving a single intracavernous injection of adenovirus encoding LacZ (1 × 108 virus particles [vp]/20 μL) or adenovirus encoding Smad7 (Ad-Smad7; 1 × 107, 1 × 108, 2 × 108, or 1 × 109 vp/20 μL).

Main Outcome Measures
Two weeks after bilateral cavernous nerve crushing and treatment, erectile function was measured by electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve. The penis was harvested for histologic examinations and Western blot analysis.

Results
The highest erectile response was noted in CNI mice treated with Ad-Smad7 at a dose of 1 × 108 vp, which reached up to 82–85% of sham control values. Local delivery of Ad-Smad7 significantly decreased endothelial cell apoptosis and the production of extracellular matrix proteins, including plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fibronectin, collagen I, and collagen IV, and induced endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation in the corpus cavernosum tissue of CNI mice.

Conclusion
The adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of Smad7 successfully restored erectile function by enhancing endothelial cell function and through antifibrotic effects. These findings suggest that inhibition of the TGF-β signaling pathway by use of Smad7 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for ED induced by radical prostatectomy.
Randomized, Controlled Trial of Budesonide and Prednisone for the Treatment of Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs
Authors: Dye T.L. , Diehl K.J. , Wheeler S.L. , Westfall D.S. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundBudesonide has been used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs, but no controlled studies have been performed to evaluate efficacy of this treatment.ObjectiveTo compare budesonide and prednisone for induction therapy of IBD in dogs by using IBD activity index scores and evaluating frequency and severity of owner‐reported adverse effects.AnimalsForty client‐owned dogs with newly diagnosed idiopathic IBD were enrolled between April 2001 and January 2004; 34 dogs completed the 6 week study.MethodsDouble‐blinded, randomized controlled trial. Dogs were randomized to receive either pure powder‐based budesonide (3–7 kg: 1 mg PO q24h, 7.1–15 kg: 2 mg PO q24h, 15.1–30 kg: 3 mg PO q24h, >30 kg: 5 mg PO q24h) for 6 weeks or prednisone (1 mg/kg PO q12h × 3 weeks then 0.5 mg/kg PO q12h × 3 weeks). IBD activity index (IBDAI) scores were determined at diagnosis and after 6 weeks of treatment. Pet owners completed weekly questionnaires regarding clinical signs and incidence and severity of adverse effects.ResultsSignificant differences in remission rates (>75% decrease in IBDAI scores) were not observed with a remission rate of 78% in the budesonide group and 69% in the prednisone group (P = .70). Frequency of adverse effects was similar between the 2 groups.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThere was no demonstrable difference in remission rates or incidence of adverse effects between prednisone and budesonide for induction therapy of IBD in dogs.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Cardiac Diseases in a Hospital‐Based Population of 3,434 Horses (1994–2011)
Authors: Leroux A.A. , Detilleux J. , Sandersen C.F. , Borde L. , Houben R.M.A.C. , Al Haidar A. , Art T. , Amory H. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundRisk factors for cardiac diseases in horses have not been explored in a large population of animals.ObjectivesTo describe risk factors for various cardiac diseases in a hospital‐based population of horses.AnimalsFiles of 3,434 horses admitted at the Internal Medicine Department of the Liege Equine Teaching Hospital between 1994 and 2011 were reviewed and of those, 284 were categorized as having moderate‐to‐severe cardiac disease.MethodsObservational study. After calculating prevalence for each cardiac disease, we tested whether breed (chi‐square test) or sex, age, body weight (BW), and other cardiac diseases (logistic regressions) were risk factors (p < .05 significant).ResultsMitral regurgitation (MR, 4.4%), atrial fibrillation (AF, 2.3%), aortic regurgitation (AR, 2.1%), and tricuspid regurgitation (TR, 1.7%) were the most common cardiac abnormalities detected. Determinants were male sex and increasing age forAR(OR = 2.03,CI = 1.07–4.94), racehorses breed and middle‐age forTR(OR = 4.36;CI = 1.10–17.24), and highBWforAF(OR = 3.54;CI = 1.67–7.49).MRwas the most common valvular disease associated withAF, clinically important ventricular arrhythmia, pulmonary regurgitation (PR), and congestive heart failure (CHF).TRwas also associated withAF,PR, andCHF;ARwas not associated withCHF.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSeveral previously suspected risk factors for a variety of equine cardiac diseases are statistically confirmed and other risk factors are highlighted in the studied hospital‐based population. These observations should be taken into account in health and sport's monitoring of horses presenting predisposing factors.
JadR*‐mediated feed‐forward regulation of cofactor supply in jadomycin biosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Pan Guohui , Zou Zhengzhong , Fan Keqiang , Yang Keqian , Tan Huarong 
Published: October 2013

SummaryJadomycin production is under complex regulation in Streptomyces venezuelae. Here, another cluster‐situated regulator, JadR*, was shown to negatively regulate jadomycin biosynthesis by binding to four upstream regions of jadY, jadR1, jadI and jadE in jad gene cluster respectively. The transcriptional levels of four target genes of JadR* increased significantly in ΔjadR*, confirming that these genes were directly repressed by JadR*. Jadomycin B (JdB) and its biosynthetic intermediates 2,3‐dehydro‐UWM6 (DHU), dehydrorabelomycin (DHR) and jadomycin A (JdA) modulated the DNA‐binding activities of JadR* on the jadY promoter, with DHR giving the strongest dissociation effects. Direct interactions between JadR* and these ligands were further demonstrated by surface plasmon resonance, which showed that DHR has the highest affinity for JadR*. However, only DHU and DHR could induce the expression of jadY and jadR* in vivo. JadY is the FMN/FAD reductase supplying cofactors FMNH2/FADH2 for JadG, an oxygenase, that catalyses the conversion of DHR to JdA. Therefore, our results revealed that JadR* and early pathway intermediates, particularly DHR, regulate cofactor supply by a convincing case of a feed‐forward mechanism. Such delicate regulation of expression of jadY could ensure a timely supply of cofactors FMNH2/FADH2 for jadomycin biosynthesis, and avoid unnecessary consumption of NAD(P)H.
Efficacy and longevity of newly developed catnip oil microcapsules against stable fly oviposition and larval growth
Authors: ZHU J. J. , WIENHOLD B. J. , WEHRLE J. , DAVIS D. , CHEN H. , TAYLOR D. , FRIESEN K. , ZUREK L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae), is one of the most important pests of cattle and costs U.S. cattle producers billions of dollars in losses annually. In this study, the efficacy of catnip oil encapsulated in gelatin in oviposition deterrence and larval growth inhibition in stable flies was examined under laboratory conditions. More than 98% inhibition of stable fly larval growth and female oviposition was observed in larval and oviposition media treated with encapsulated catnip oil (0.5 g). Further, dose–response tests showed that as little as 0.1 g of encapsulated catnip oil provided > 85% oviposition deterrence. The release of nepetalactones from the capsules was more rapid when the capsules were placed on a moist substrate rather than a dry substrate. Encapsulated catnip oil also exhibited antibacterial activity, supporting the hypothesis that its inhibition of larval growth may be based on its killing of the bacteria on which larvae feed. The use of encapsulated catnip oil can provide an alternative control strategy for stable fly management.
Assessment of sensory perception and processing using current perception threshold in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ikeda Kazuyo , Deguchi Kazushi , Kume Kodai , Kamada Masaki , Touge Tetsuo , Masaki Tsutomu 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimAlthough peripheral deafferentation is one of the causes of abnormal sensory processing in Parkinson's disease (PD), functional assessment of different‐size sensory nerve populations remains insufficient.We assessed the characteristics of sensory perception and processing in PD patients using current perception threshold (CPT).MethodsA total of 28 patients with PD, 20 with multiple system atrophy (MSA) and 28 healthy controls underwent CPT examination using a Neurometer device, which can selectively stimulate A‐β fibers at 2000 Hz, A‐δ fibers at 250 Hz and C fibers at 5 Hz.ResultsSignificant differences in CPT for all stimulus frequencies were observed among the three groups. PD patients had significantly higher CPT for all stimulus frequencies than control individuals (P < 0.05). Also, PD patients had significantly higher CPT for 250 and 5 Hz than MSA patients (P < 0.05). At the optimum cut‐off level, the CPT distinguished PD patients from MSA patients with a high sensitivity (82% at 250 Hz, 86% at 5 Hz) and specificity (75% at 250 Hz, 80% at 5 Hz). The CPT were not affected by clinical profile, cardiac sympathetic denervation or cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.ConclusionSignificantly increased CPT in PD indicate altered processing of sensory information involving A‐β, A‐δ and C fibers. The clear distinction of CPT between PD and MSA might reflect the involvement in small fiber dysfunction in PD, but not in MSA. These findings suggest that CPT testing might contribute to diagnosis of PD, as well as the understanding of sensory processing involving peripheral deafferentation.
Auxin response factor (OsARF12), a novel regulator for phosphate homeostasis in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Wang SuiKang , Zhang SaiNa , Sun ChenDong , Xu YanXia , Chen Yue , Yu ChenLiang , Qian Qian , Jiang De‐An , Qi YanHua 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Phosphorus (P) is crucial nutrient element for crop growth and development. However, the network pathway regulating homeostasis of phosphate (Pi) in crops has many molecular breeding unknowns. Here, we report that an auxin response factor, OsARF12, functions in Pi homeostasis.

Measurement of element content, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis and acid phosphatases (APases) activity assay showed that the osarf12 mutant and osarf12/25 double mutant with P‐intoxicated phenotypes had higher P concentrations, up‐regulation of the Pi transporter encoding genes and increased APase activity under Pi‐sufficient/‐deficient (+Pi/−Pi, 0.32/0 mM NaH2PO4) conditions.

Transcript analysis revealed that Pi‐responsive genes – Phosphate starvation (OsIPS)1 and OsIPS2, SYG1/Pho81/XPR1(OsSPX1), Sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol 2 (OsSQD2), R2R3 MYB transcription factor (OsMYB2P‐1) and Transport Inhibitor Response1 (OsTIR1) – were more abundant in the osarf12 and osarf12/25 mutants under +Pi/−Pi conditions. Knockout of OsARF12 also influenced the transcript abundances of the OsPHR2 gene and its downstream components, such as OsMiR399j, OsPHO2, OsMiR827, OsSPX‐MFS1 and OsSPX‐MFS2. Results from –Pi/1‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) treatments, and auxin reporter DR5::GUS staining suggest that root system alteration and Pi‐induced auxin response were at least partially controlled by OsARF12.

These findings enrich our understanding of the biological functions of OsARF12, which also acts in regulating Pi homeostasis.
Chemical inhibition of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase as a strategy to increase polyhydroxybutyrate yields in transgenic sugarcane
Authors: Petrasovits Lars A. , McQualter Richard B. , Gebbie Leigh K. , Blackman Deborah M. , Nielsen Lars K. , Brumbley Stevens M. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryPolyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a naturally occurring bacterial polymer that can be used as a biodegradable replacement for some petrochemical‐derived plastics. Polyhydroxybutyrate is produced commercially by fermentation, but to reduce production costs, efforts are underway to produce it in engineered plants, including sugarcane. However, PHB levels in this high‐biomass crop are not yet commercially viable. Chemical ripening with herbicides is a strategy used to enhance sucrose production in sugarcane and was investigated here as a tool to increase PHB production. Class A herbicides inhibit ACCase activity and thus reduce fatty acid biosynthesis, with which PHB production competes directly for substrate. Treatment of PHB‐producing transgenic sugarcane plants with 100 μm of the class A herbicide fluazifop resulted in a fourfold increase in PHB content in the leaves, which peaked ten days post‐treatment. The minimum effective concentration of herbicide required to maximize PHB production was 30 μm for fluazifop and 70 μm for butroxydim when applied to saturation. Application of a range of class A herbicides from the DIM and FOP groups consistently resulted in increased PHB yields, particularly in immature leaf tissue. Butroxydim or fluazifop treatment of mature transgenic sugarcane grown under glasshouse conditions increased the total leaf biomass yield of PHB by 50%–60%. Application of an ACCase inhibitor in the form of a class A herbicide to mature sugarcane plants prior to harvest is a promising strategy for improving overall PHB yield. Further testing is required on field‐grown transgenic sugarcane to more precisely determine the effectiveness of this strategy.
Fat emulsion given to very low‐birthweight infants increases urinary l‐FABP
Authors: Suganuma Hiroki , Ikeda Naho , Ohkawa Natuki , Nagata Satoru , Shoji Hiromichi , Shimizu Toshiaki 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn premature infants, many factors influence the function of renal tubules, such as asphyxia, respiratory disorders, use of high‐concentration oxygen, hypotension, and drug treatment. When tubular ischemia and oxidative stress develop due to renal microcirculatory pathology, urinary l‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (l‐FABP) level increases.MethodsUrinary l‐FABP level was measured over time in very low‐birthweight infants (VLBWI), and the effect of fat emulsion on l‐FABP level was investigated. Thirty‐one VLBWI were divided into two groups with regard to treatment with fat emulsion: the lipid group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 11). Urinary l‐FABP was measured before (0–3 days of age), during (7–14 days of age), and after fat emulsion treatment (21–28 days of age) in the two groups.ResultsMedian urinary l‐FABP level before treatment was 459 ng/mgCr (range, 22.7–5100 ng/mgCr; mean, 1067 ± 1570 ng/mgCr) and 797 ng/mgCr (range, 69–3900 ng/mgCr; mean, 1066 ± 1188 ng/mgCr) in the lipid and control groups, respectively, showing no significant difference. Median urinary l‐FABP level was 624 ng/mgCr (range, 50–2050 ng/mgCr; mean ± SD, 799 ± 655 ng/mgCr) and 273 ng/mgCr (range, 31–987 ng/mgCr; mean ± SD, 359 ± 323 ng/mgCr) at 7–14 days of age, respectively, showing that the level was significantly higher in the lipid group. At 21–28 days of age, the median level was 462 ng/mgCr (range, 49–1867 ng/mgCr; mean ± SD, 557 ± 534 ng/mgCr) and 130 ng/mgCr (range, 20–993 ng/mgCr; mean ± SD, 290 ± 329 ng/mgCr), respectively, showing that l‐FABP level tended to be higher in the lipid group.ConclusionsFat emulsion treatment induced a significant increase in urinary l‐FABP level, suggesting that fat emulsion affected the proximal tubule in VLBWI.
St.Anselm'sOntologicalArgument as Expressive: AWittgensteinian Reconstruction
Authors: Aikin Scott , Hodges Michael 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe offer a reading ofAnselm'sOntologicalArgument inspired byWittgenstein which focuses on the fact that the “argument” occurs in a prayer addressed toGod, making it a strange argument since as a prayer it seems to presuppose its conclusion. We reconstruct the argument as expressive. Within the religious perspective, the issues are to be focused on the right object not to present an argument for the existence ofGod. While this sort of reading lets us understand much about the argument, it also opens new avenues of criticism, one of which is the problem of worship.
Investigating Non-Ignorable Dropout in Panel Studies of Residential Mobility
Authors: Washbrook Elizabeth , Clarke Paul S. , Steele Fiona 
Published: October 2013

SummaryWe consider the effect of non-ignorable dropout in the analysis of residential mobility in household panel surveys. To investigate the effect of such dropout, we consider two types of selection model: the first allows dropout to depend directly on the individual's potentially missing moving status, and the second is a Heckman-type selection model with correlated errors. We discuss the identification and estimation of these models and use simulations to study the role of exclusion restrictions in minimizing the dependence of inferences on unverifiable parametric assumptions. The models are both applied to data from the British Household Panel Survey.
Time Varying Frailty Models and the Estimation of Heterogeneities in Transmission of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Unkel Steffen , Farrington C. Paddy , Whitaker Heather J. , Pebody Richard 
Published: October 2013

SummaryA frailty modelling framework is presented for representing and making inference on individual heterogeneities that are relevant to the transmission of infectious diseases, including heterogeneities that evolve over time. Central to this framework is the use of multivariate data on several infections. We explore new simple but flexible families of time-dependent frailty models, in which the frailty is modulated over time in a deterministic fashion. Methods of estimation, issues of identifiability and model choice are discussed. Results from such models are interpreted in the light of concomitant information on routes of transmission. Applications to paired serological survey data on a range of infections with the same or different routes of transmission are presented.
Steady‐State Creep Analysis of Functionally Graded Rotating Cylinder
Authors: Mangal S. K. , Kapoor N. , Singh T. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTAxi‐symmetric component like cylinder etc. has to operate under severe thermo‐mechanical loads, which cause significant creep. It, thus, reduces its service life. The present study investigates the steady‐state creep in a functionally graded rotating cylinder at constant angular speed. The cylinder is made up of aluminium matrix and reinforced with silicon carbide particles. The thermal gradient in the functionally graded rotating cylinder is estimated by performing finite element analysis on ANSYS software (ANSYS Inc., Canonsburg, USA). The creep behaviour of the cylinder has been described by threshold stress‐based creep law. The creep parameters are obtained by conducting regression analysis. The mathematical models have been developed to describe steady‐state creep in the cylinder. The study reveals that the radial, tangential, axial and effective stresses in the cylinder are significantly affected by the presence of particle gradient alone as well as with the presence of particle & thermal gradient both. It has been found that the creep rates have been reduced significantly by imposition of particle and thermal gradients together and thus increases the service life of cylinder.
Molecular phylogeny and revised classification of Eucosma Hübner and related genera (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Eucosmini)
Authors: GILLIGAN TODD M. , WRIGHT DONALD J. , MUNZ JACOB , YAKOBSON KENDRA , SIMMONS MARK P. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEucosma Hübner is the largest genus in Tortricidae, currently comprising 298 described species. Its circumscription and those of the closely related genera Pelochrista Lederer, Phaneta Stephens and Epiblema Hübner have long been matters of confusion. Prior to the mid‐1920s, assignment to any of these genera was largely arbitrary due to a lack of clearly defined morphological limits. Here we present the first study to examine the monophyly of Eucosma and related genera using a molecular phylogenetic framework. We find that the Eucosma/Pelochrista group splits into three lineages: (i) a new genus of Pinaceae‐feeding species formerly assigned to Eucosma; (ii) a refined notion of Eucosma that is consistent with Palearctic usage and includes current North American Phaneta; and (iii) a refined concept of Pelochrista that is distinguishable from Eucosma based on female genital morphology. The new genus, described here as Eucopina Gilligan & Wright gen.n., contains the following species: Eucopina bobana (Kearfott) comb.n.; E. cocana (Kearfott) comb.n.; E. crymalana (Powell) comb.n.; E. franclemonti (Powell) comb.n.; E. gloriola (Heinrich) comb.n.; E. monitorana (Heinrich) comb.n.; E. monoensis (Powell) comb.n.; E. ponderosa (Powell) comb.n.; E. rescissoriana (Heinrich) comb.n.; E. siskiyouana (Kearfott) comb.n.; E. sonomana (Kearfott) comb.n.; E. tocullionana (Heinrich) comb.n. In addition, Ioplocama Clemens syn.n. is synonymized with Eucosma and Pygolopha Lederer syn.n. is synonymized with Pelochrista. This work is the basis for a revised world catalogue of Eucosma, Pelochrista and Phaneta in preparation.