bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogeography of Hipposideros armiger (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) in the Oriental Region: the contribution of multiple Pleistocene glacial refugia and intrinsic factors to contemporary population genetic structure
Authors: Lin Ai‐Qing , Csorba Gabor , Li Lin‐Feng , Jiang Ting‐Lei , Lu Guan‐Jun , Thong Vu Dinh , Soisook Pipat , Sun Ke‐Ping , Feng Jiang 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimThe goals of our study were to assess the population history and genetic structure of the widespread bat Hipposideros armiger, and to evaluate the effect of palaeoclimatic changes and dispersal patterns on this species.LocationSouth China, mainland Southeast Asia and the South Himalayas.MethodsWe amplified two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions (cyt b and D‐loop) and seven nuclear microsatellite loci (nSSRs) from 216 individuals of H. armiger. To examine the evolutionary history of this species, we constructed maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic trees based on the two mtDNA regions. From the mtDNA and/or nSSR data, we assessed population genetic structure using analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and median‐joining network and structure analyses. We also estimated demographic history and gene flow using a Bayesian skyline plot and the program IMa2.ResultsPhylogenetic and median‐joining network analyses revealed that H. armiger comprises two distinct mtDNA clades divided into seven subclades. The results of AMOVA suggested strong population genetic structure based on mtDNA, but weak structure based on nSSRs. structure analysis identified three population clusters and also showed weak genetic structure at the nuclear level. Demographic analyses revealed two population expansion events c. 0.62 Ma and c. 0.25 Ma. The basic phylogeographical structure of H. armiger was established by 0.24 Ma. IMa2 analysis demonstrated that substantial gene flow has occurred between different regions since then. Additionally, non‐significant population structure and significant gene flow were detected between Taiwan and Hainan island populations and those from mainland China.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that divergence and population expansion of H. armiger occurred in association with Pleistocene climatic changes and that multiple refugia may have existed for this species. Post‐glacial male‐biased dispersal was likely to be the primary contributor to the contemporary genetic structure of H. armiger populations. Gene flow may have contributed greatly to the genetic structure of insular populations and populations from mainland China.
Genotyping of Streptococcus dysgalactiae strains isolated from Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.)
Authors: Costa F A A , Leal C A G , Leite R C , Figueiredo H C P 
Published: June 2013

AbstractStreptococcus dysgalactiae is an emerging fish pathogen that is responsible for outbreaks of disease on fish farms around the world. Recently, this bacterium was associated with an outbreak at a Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), farm in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity, best genotyping method and aspects of molecular epidemiology of S. dysgalactiae infections in Nile tilapia farms in Brazil. Twenty‐one isolates from four farms located in different Brazilian states were characterized genetically using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), ERIC‐PCR, REP‐PCR and sodA gene sequencing. The discriminatory power of the different typing methods was compared using Simpson's index of diversity. Identical sodA gene sequences were obtained from all isolates, and ERIC‐PCR and REP‐PCR were unable to discriminate among the isolates. PFGE typing detected three different genetic patterns between the 21 strains evaluated; thus, it was the best genotyping method for use with this pathogen. The strains from Ceará State were genetically divergent from those from Alagoas State. The S. dysgalactiae isolates analysed in this study constituted a genetically diverse population with a clear association between geographical origin and genotype.
Promoting dietary diversity to improve child growth in less‐resourced rural settings in Uganda
Authors: Kabahenda M. K. , Andress E. L. , Nickols S. Y. , Kabonesa C. , Mullis R. M. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundAnalyses of global trends indicate that childhood undernutrition is more prevalent in rural areas, and also that maternal education and decision‐making power are among the key factors significantly associated with child growth.MethodsThe present study comprised a controlled longitudinal study aiming to assess the effectiveness of nutrition education with respect to improving growth patterns of young children of less‐literate, low income caregivers in a rural subsistence farming community. Caregivers in the intervention group (n = 52) attended a structured nutrition education programme, whereas the control group (n = 45) participated in sewing classes. Weights and lengths/heights were measured for children in the intervention and control groups every month for 1 year to assess changes in growth patterns. Repeated measures analysis of covariance was used to access differences between the two groups over time and across age groups. Variability in growth patterns of individual children and clustering of caregiver effects were controlled for during the statistical analysis.ResultsAfter 12 months, children in the intervention group had significant improvements in weight‐for‐age compared to the controls [mean (SD): 0.61 (0.15) versus −0.99 (0.16), P = 0.038]. Changes in height‐for‐age, weight‐for‐height and mid‐upper arm circumference‐for‐age showed a positive trend for children in the intervention group. Changes in weight‐for‐height were statistically significant across age groups and negatively related to caregiver's age.ConclusionsEducating caregivers has the potential to improve young children's nutritional status and growth, especially among less literate populations where households subsist on what they produce.
Determinants of buildup of the toxic dopamine metabolite DOPAL in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Goldstein David S. , Sullivan Patti , Holmes Courtney , Miller Gary W. , Alter Shawn , Strong Randy , Mash Deborah C. , Kopin Irwin J. , Sharabi Yehonatan 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIntra‐neuronal metabolism of dopamine (DA) begins with production of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL), which is toxic. According to the ‘catecholaldehyde hypothesis,’ DOPAL destroys nigrostriatal DA terminals and contributes to the profound putamen DA deficiency that characterizes Parkinson's disease (PD). We tested the feasibility of using post‐mortem patterns of putamen tissue catechols to examine contributions of altered activities of the type 2 vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) to the increased DOPAL levels found in PD. Theoretically, the DA : DOPA concentration ratio indicates vesicular uptake, and the 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid : DOPAL ratio indicates ALDH activity. We validated these indices in transgenic mice with very low vesicular uptake (VMAT2‐Lo) or with knockouts of the genes encoding ALDH1A1 and ALDH2 (ALDH1A1,2 KO), applied these indices in PD putamen, and estimated the percent decreases in vesicular uptake and ALDH activity in PD. VMAT2‐Lo mice had markedly decreased DA:DOPA (50 vs. 1377, p < 0.0001), and ALDH1A1,2 KO mice had decreased 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid:DOPAL (1.0 vs. 11.2, p < 0.0001). In PD putamen, vesicular uptake was estimated to be decreased by 89% and ALDH activity by 70%. Elevated DOPAL levels in PD putamen reflect a combination of decreased vesicular uptake of cytosolic DA and decreased DOPAL detoxification by ALDH.
image
According to the ‘catecholaldehyde hypothesis,’ the toxic dopamine metabolite DOPAL contributes to loss of striatal dopaminergic innervation in Parkinson's disease. Here we provide post‐mortem neurochemical evidence that in Parkinson's disease patients, putamen DOPAL buildup reflects decreased vesicular sequestration of cytosolic dopamine and decreased DOPAL metabolism by aldehyde dehydrogenase. The results fit with an intra‐neuronal autotoxic mechanism of Parkinson's disease.
Genetic variation at the delta‐sarcoglycan (SGCD) locus elevates heritable sympathetic nerve activity in human twin pairs
Authors: Makena Hightower C. , Zhang Kuixing , Miramontes‐González José P. , Rao Fangwen , Wei Zhiyun , Schork Andrew J. , Nievergelt Caroline M. , Biswas Nilima , Mahata Manjula , Elkelis Nina , Taupenot Laurent , Stridsberg Mats , Ziegler Michael G. , O'Connor Daniel T. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe Syrian Cardiomyopathic Hamster (BIO‐14.6/53.58 strains) model of cardiac failure, resulting from naturally occurring deletion at the SGCD (delta‐sarcoglycan) locus, displays widespread disturbances in catecholamine metabolism. Rare Mendelian myopathy disorders of human SGCD occur, although common naturally occurring SGCD genetic variation has not been evaluated for effects on human norepinephrine (NE) secretion. This study investigated the effect of SGCD genetic variation on control of NE secretion in healthy twin pairs. Genetic associations profiled SNPs across the SGCD locus. Trait heritability (h2) and genetic covariance (pleiotropy; shared h2) were evaluated. Sympathochromaffin exocytosis in vivo was probed in plasma by both catecholamines and Chromogranin B (CHGB). Plasma NE is substantially heritable (p = 3.19E‐16, at 65.2 ± 5.0% of trait variance), sharing significant (p < 0.05) genetic determination with circulating and urinary catecholamines, CHGB, eGFR, and several cardio‐metabolic traits. Participants with higher pNE showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in several traits, including increased BP and hypertension risk factors. Peak SGCD variant rs1835919 predicted elevated systemic vascular compliance, without changes in specifically myocardial traits. We used a chimeric‐regulated secretory pathway photoprotein (CHGA‐EAP) to evaluate the effect of SGCD on the exocytotic pathway in transfected PC12 cells; in transfected cells, expression of SGCD augmented CHGA trafficking into the exocytotic regulated secretory pathway. Thus, our investigation determined human NE secretion to be a highly heritable trait, influenced by common genetic variation within the SGCD locus. Circulating NE aggregates with BP and hypertension risk factors. In addition, coordinate NE and CHGB elevation by rs1835919 implicates exocytosis as the mechanism of release.
Rapamycin-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles: preparation, characterization and potential application in corneal transplantation
Authors: Zhang Zhaoliang , Xu Lu , Chen Hao , Li Xingyi 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Allograft rejection is the major cause of corneal graft failure. To inhibit corneal allograft rejection, rapamycin as a novel immunosuppressive agent has been discovered. However, the high water insolubility and low bioavailability of rapamycin has strongly hindered its application in the clinical setting. In this paper, we attempted to develop a novel rapamycin nano-formulation using poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCEC) nanoparticles as carrier by an emulsion evaporation method for potential application in corneal transplantation.

Methods
The solubility of rapamycin in the nano-formulation was determined and in-vitro release studies were performed. The developed rapamycin-loaded PCEC nanoparticles were further characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetery. Toxicity studies were performed in eye-related cell lines.

Key findings
The rapamycin in nano-formulation exhibited ∼103-fold increased solubility as compared with native rapamycin. According to the results of the in-vitro cytotoxicity assay, the developed PCEC nanoparticles did not exhibit any apparent cytotoxicity against various eye-related cell lines with PCEC nanoparticle concentrations in the range of 0.05–10 mg/ml. In-vitro release study showed that the release of rapamycin was sustained from PCEC nanoparticles over a period of 48 h.

Conclusions
All the results suggested that the developed rapamycin-loaded PCEC nanoparticles might be suitable for immunosuppression in corneal transplantation by instillation administration.
Imaging quality of multifocal intraocular lenses: automated assessment setup
Authors: Calatayud Arnau , Remón Laura , Martos Julio , Furlan Walter D , Monsoriu Juan A 
Published: June 2013

AbstractPurposeA new technique for the assessment of the optical quality of multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOLs) under monochromatic and polychromatic illumination is presented.MethodsThe system provides, in a totally automated procedure, the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the lens under test for different axial positions of the object. The artificial eye admits different artificial corneas, to optimise the axial resolution in the sampling of the MTF of the MIOL under test, and different pupils, to test the dependence of the optical performance of the MIOL on the eye pupil diameter.ResultsThe performance and sensitivity of the apparatus is tested with different commercial MIOLs. The through‐focus MTF for a refractive MIOL was measured at different moments during the process of hydration of a hydrophilic lens. Next, to show the performance of our proposal, two commercial refractive and diffractive MIOLs were evaluated.ConclusionsWe have designed a precise and robust optical method for testing MIOLs in vitro. The proposed method represents a valuable technical improvement to make the procedure of MIOL evaluation more versatile, efficient and trustworthy.
Retinal image quality during accommodation
Authors: López‐Gil Norberto , Martin Jesson , Liu Tao , Bradley Arthur , Díaz‐Muñoz David , Thibos Larry N 
Published: June 2013

AbstractPurposeWe asked if retinal image quality is maximum during accommodation, or sub‐optimal due to accommodative error, when subjects perform an acuity task.MethodsSubjects viewed a monochromatic (552 nm), high‐contrast letter target placed at various viewing distances. Wavefront aberrations of the accommodating eye were measured near the endpoint of an acuity staircase paradigm. Refractive state, defined as the optimum target vergence for maximising retinal image quality, was computed by through‐focus wavefront analysis to find the power of the virtual correcting lens that maximizes visual Strehl ratio.ResultsDespite changes in ocular aberrations and pupil size during binocular viewing, retinal image quality and visual acuity typically remain high for all target vergences. When accommodative errors lead to sub‐optimal retinal image quality, acuity and measured image quality both decline. However, the effect of accommodation errors of on visual acuity are mitigated by pupillary constriction associated with accommodation and binocular convergence and also to binocular summation of dissimilar retinal image blur. Under monocular viewing conditions some subjects displayed significant accommodative lag that reduced visual performance, an effect that was exacerbated by pharmacological dilation of the pupil.ConclusionsSpurious measurement of accommodative error can be avoided when the image quality metric used to determine refractive state is compatible with the focusing criteria used by the visual system to control accommodation. Real focusing errors of the accommodating eye do not necessarily produce a reliably measurable loss of image quality or clinically significant loss of visual performance, probably because of increased depth‐of‐focus due to pupil constriction. When retinal image quality is close to maximum achievable (given the eye's higher‐order aberrations), acuity is also near maximum. A combination of accommodative lag, reduced image quality, and reduced visual function may be a useful sign for diagnosing functionally‐significant accommodative errors indicating the need for therapeutic intervention.
Evaluation of the Number of Binding Sites in Proteins from their Intrinsic Fluorescence: Limitations and Pitfalls
Authors: Lissi Eduardo , Calderón Cristian , Campos Ana 
Published: June 2013

AbstractChanges in the intrinsic protein fluorescence with the additive concentration provide one of the most employed methodologies for the evaluation of the binding constant and the number of binding sites. In the last years, more than 175 studies have been published where the double logarithmic plot shown below is used toward determining the number of equivalent binding sites (n).Log [(F° − F)/F] = log K + nlog [Q0]. However, the value of n evaluated by this procedure is unrelated to the number of equivalent binding sites; rather it represents the stoichiometry of the binding step. The confusion on the meaning of n arises upon assuming that the binding process is represented by the forward and backward elementary steps shown below, implying that binding of the n solutes takes place simultaneously,i.e.there are no intermediate species.nQ + P ⇆ QnP. The conclusion thatnis unrelated to the number of equivalent binding sites is supported by the fact that in all the systems considered (99% of them) n values are close to one and much smaller than those obtained by ultrafiltration. It is then remarkable, the profusion of publications in peer‐reviewed, specialized journals including a conceptual error that confuses Hill′s coefficient and/or the stoichiometry of the binding step with the number of independent binding sites. Here, we discuss the origin of this common misconception and provide alternative methods to determine the number of binding sites.
Ages and Sources of Ore‐Related Porphyries at Yongping Cu–Mo Deposit in Jiangxi Province, Southeast China
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Watanabe Yasushi , Yi Xiankui 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWhole‐rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os geochronology, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes analyses were performed on ore‐related dacite porphyry and quartz porphyry at the Yongping Cu–Mo deposit in Southeast China. The geochemical results show that these porphyry stocks have similar REE patterns, and primitive mantle‐normalized spectra show LILE‐enrichment (Ba, Rb, K) and HFSE (Th, Nb, Ta, Ti) depletion. The zircon SHRIMP U–Pb geochronologic results show that the ore‐related porphyries were emplaced at 162–156 Ma. Hydrothermal muscovite of the quartz porphyry yields a plateau age of 162.1 ± 1.4 Ma (2σ). Two hydrothermal biotite samples of the dacite porphyry show plateau ages of 164 ± 1.3 and 163.8 ± 1.3 Ma. Two molybdenite samples from quartz+molybdenite veins contained in the quartz porphyry yield Re–Os ages of 156.7 ± 2.8 Ma and 155.7 ± 3.6 Ma. The ages of molybdenite coeval to zircon and biotite and muscovite ages of the porphyries within the errors suggest that the Mo mineralization was genetically related to the magmatic emplacement. The whole rocks Nd–Sr isotopic data obtained from both the dacite and quartz porphyries suggest partial melting of the Meso‐Proterozoic crust in contribution to the magma process. The zircon Hf isotopic data also indicate the crustal component is the dominated during the magma generation.
Geochronology of the Limu W–Sn–Nb–Ta‐Bearing Granite Pluton in South China
Authors: Feng Zuohai , Kang Zhiqiang , Yang Feng , Liao Jiafei , Wang Chunzeng 
Published: June 2013

AbstractLimu W–Sn–Nb–Ta mining district is located in the Nanling Range W–Sn poly‐metallic mineralization belt in south China. The district includes a number of Sn–Nb–Ta and W–Sn ore occurrences; all of them are spatially associated with granite stocks of a largely‐unexposed pluton, the Limu granitic pluton. A granite sample collected from the Sn–Nb–Ta‐bearing Jinzhuyuan granite stock yields a zircon SHRIMP U–Pb age of 218.3 ± 2.4 Ma, a muscovite 40Ar/39Ar plateau age of 212.4 ± 1.4 Ma, and a muscovite 40Ar/39Ar isochron age of 213.2 ± 2.2 Ma. Another granite sample collected from the W–Sn‐bearing Sangehuangniu granite stock yields a zircon SHRIMP U–Pb age of 214 ± 5 Ma. The geochronological data provide new constraints on the age of the Limu granite pluton and the timing of the associated W–Sn–Nb–Ta mineralization—at least it sets a reasonable upper age limit for the mineralization of the W–Sn–Nb–Ta ores. The reported ages suggest an active Late Triassic granitic magmatism in Limu area which is part of a regional magmatic event near the end of the Indosinian orogeny in south China.
U–Pb and Re–Os Ages of the Huaheitan Molybdenum Deposit, NW China
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Lü Xinbiao , Chen Chao , Cao Xiaofeng , Wu Chunming 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe Huaheitan molybdenum deposit in the Beishan area of northwest China consists of quartz‐sulfide veins. Orebodies occur in the contact zone of the Huaniushan granite. LA‐ICPMS U–Pb zircon dating constrains the crystallization of the granite at 225.6 ± 2.2 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 4.5). Re–Os dating of five molybdenite samples yield model ages ranging from 223.2 ± 3.5 Ma to 228.6 ± 3.4 Ma, with an average of 225.2 ± 2.4 Ma. The U–Pb and Re–Os ages are identical within the error, suggesting that the granite and related Huaheitan molybdenum deposit formed in the Late Triassic. Our new data, combined with published geochronological results from the other molybdenum deposits in this region, imply that intensive magmatism and Mo mineralization occurred during 240 Ma to 220 Ma throughout the Beishan area.
Are emotional intelligent workers also more empathic?
Authors: Martos Maria Pilar Berrios , Lopez‐Zafra Esther , Pulido‐Martos Manuel , Augusto José María 
Published: June 2013

This paper analyzes whether emotional intelligence and self‐monitoring are related to empathy among a sample of workers in both the public and private employment sectors. Two hundred and forty‐two employees (42.5% men and 57.5% women) with a mean age of 35.21 years (SD = 10.07, range 18–61) completed a questionnaire that measured the variables of interest. The results showed that emotion regulation, a dimension of emotional intelligence, accounts for most of the variance of empathy, followed by the ability to understand emotions and the management of others' emotions. Furthermore, gender did not yield any moderator effect on the relations among emotional intelligence, self‐monitoring and empathy. We conclude that the intrapersonal aspects of emotional intelligence, in particular, emotion regulation, help explain the empathy of workers. The implications of these findings are discussed herein.
Prevalence and associated factors of poly‐victimization in Chinese adolescents
Authors: Dong Fanghong , Cao Fenglin , Cheng Peixia , Cui Naixue , Li Yang 
Published: June 2013

Multiple types of victimization or poly‐victimization (PV) can occur simultaneously during childhood, resulting in outcomes that are detrimental and difficult to reverse. Very few studies have focused on PV in Chinese adolescents. The present study is based on information collected from a stratified cluster sample of 1,561 females and 1,594 males aged 12–18 years living in Shandong Province, China. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to assess background information, the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire was used to measure the extent of victimization and PV, the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders was used to measure anxiety levels, and a Depression Self‐rating Scale for Children was used to ascertain depression. A majority of the study sample (66.2%) had experienced at least one form of victimization over the past year. Prevalence of PV was 16.9%, and was significantly higher among males (21.1%) than females (12.5%). Younger ages, one‐child families, and lower socioeconomic status were positively associated with PV. Logistic regression analysis indicated that smoking, alcohol consumption, exposure to pornography, and anxiety‐ and depression‐like symptoms were risk factors of PV. Results of this study highlight the need for further exploration of factors related to the PV of Chinese adolescents.