bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of D‐mannitol on nitrogen retention, fiber digestibility and digesta transit time in adult rabbits
Authors: Min Xiao , Li Xiao , Hiura Shouko , Kawasaki Kiyonori , Xiao Jin , Sakaguchi Ei 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe aim of the current study was to elucidate the effect of gastrointestinal retention time of digesta on fiber digestibility in adult rabbits fed indigestible, but fermentable, sugar D‐mannitol. Six adult rabbits were fed alternately a commercial diet containing 5% glucose and a diet containing D‐mannitol. Total feces and urine were collected during the experimental period. Nitrogen (N) balance, digestibility of nutrients, and gastrointestinal mean retention time (MRT) were measured. The results indicated that urinary excretion was significantly lowered, whereas N retention and N accumulation rates were significantly increased in the D‐mannitol group compared with the glucose group (P < 0.05). However, fecal N excretion was unaffected. Absorption of crude ash (CA) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility were significantly higher in the D‐mannitol group compared with the glucose group (P < 0.05). The addition of D‐mannitol to the diet did not affect the MRT of liquid digesta, but increased the MRT of solid digesta compared with the glucose group (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the addition of D‐mannitol to the diet stimulates cecal bacterial growth, thereby increasing N utilization and digesta retention time.
‘Cysticercosis storm’ in feedlot cattle in north‐west New South Wales
Authors: Jenkins DJ , Brown GK , Traub RJ 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the cause of an outbreak of bovine cysticercosis (Taenia saginata) infection on a cattle property in north‐western New South Wales (NSW).MethodsCystic lesions were detected in the muscles of cattle during routine meat inspection at slaughter. These lesions were confirmed to be cysticerci of T. saginata through histology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data on cattle maintenance were obtained through interviews with feedlot owners and staff. A suspect feed supplement was investigated.ResultsBetween 5 July to 13 December 2010, 390 feedlot cattle from north‐western NSW were slaughtered in abattoirs in NSW and Queensland. Of these, 138 animals had been maintained exclusively in feedlot enclosures from 80 to 300 days. Bovine cysticercosis was discovered in 80 cattle (58%, 26 carcasses were condemned). Another 18 cattle spent 24 h in the feedlot before being moved onto pasture and 1 of them was found to be infected. During the 5 months following the initial outbreak, a further 275 cattle were slaughtered; 2 of 51 heifers retained in the feedlot for a further 100 days were infected. None of the 234 animals grazed exclusively on pasture on the property were infected. Bovine cysticercosis was confirmed through examination of histological sections of muscle lesions and PCR using DNA extracted from cysticerci. No eggs of T. saginata were recovered from the feed supplement using a standard flotation method.ConclusionsThe source of infection arose from rations contaminated with human faeces. All possibilities for local contamination were eliminated during the investigation. The suspected source of infection was imported copra meal, which was used as a feed supplement.
A Generalized Kruskal–Wallis Test Incorporating Group Uncertainty with Application to Genetic Association Studies
Authors: Acar Elif F. , Sun Lei 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSummaryMotivated by genetic association studies of SNPs with genotype uncertainty, we propose a generalization of the Kruskal–Wallis test that incorporates group uncertainty when comparing k samples. The extended test statistic is based on probability‐weighted rank‐sums and follows an asymptotic chi‐square distribution with k − 1 degrees of freedom under the null hypothesis. Simulation studies confirm the validity and robustness of the proposed test in finite samples. Application to a genome‐wide association study of type 1 diabetic complications further demonstrates the utilities of this generalized Kruskal–Wallis test for studies with group uncertainty. The method has been implemented as an open‐resource R program, GKW.
Twenty‐first century mast cell stabilizers
Authors: Finn D F , Walsh J J 
Published: February 2013

Mast cell stabilizing drugs inhibit the release of allergic mediators from mast cells and are used clinically to prevent allergic reactions to common allergens. Despite the relative success of the most commonly prescribed mast cell stabilizer, disodium cromoglycate, in use for the preventative treatment of bronchial asthma, allergic conjunctivitis and vernal keratoconjunctivitis, there still remains an urgent need to design new substances that are less expensive and require less frequent dosing schedules. In this regard, recent developments towards the discovery of the next generation of mast cell stabilizing drugs has included studies on substances isolated from natural sources, biological, newly synthesized compounds and drugs licensed for other indications. The diversity of natural products evaluated range from simple phenols, alkaloids, terpenes to simple amino acids. While in some cases their precise mode of action remains unknown it has nevertheless sparked interest in the development of synthetic derivatives with improved pharmacological properties. Within the purely synthetic class of inhibitors, particular attention has been devoted to the inhibition of important signalling molecules including spleen TK and JAK3. The statin class of cholesterol‐lowering drugs as well as nilotinib, a TK inhibitor, are just some examples of clinically used drugs that have been evaluated for their anti‐allergic properties. Here, we examine each approach under investigation, summarize the test data generated and offer suggestions for further preclinical evaluation before their therapeutic potential can be realized.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed issue on Histamine Pharmacology Update. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/
10.1111/bph.2013.170.issue‐1
The Lombard effect and other noise‐induced vocal modifications: insight from mammalian communication systems
Authors: Hotchkin Cara , Parks Susan 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTHumans and non‐human mammals exhibit fundamentally similar vocal responses to increased noise, including increases in vocalization amplitude (the Lombard effect) and changes to spectral and temporal properties of vocalizations. Different research focuses have resulted in significant discrepancies in study methodologies and hypotheses among fields, leading to particular knowledge gaps and techniques specific to each field. This review compares and contrasts noise‐induced vocal modifications observed from human and non‐human mammals with reference to experimental design and the history of each field. Topics include the effects of communication motivation and subject‐specific characteristics on the acoustic parameters of vocalizations, examination of evidence for a proposed biomechanical linkage between the Lombard effect and other spectral and temporal modifications, and effects of noise on self‐communication signals (echolocation). Standardized terminology, cross‐taxa tests of hypotheses, and open areas for future research in each field are recommended. Findings indicate that more research is needed to evaluate linkages among vocal modifications, context dependencies, and the finer details of the Lombard effect during natural communication. Studies of non‐human mammals could benefit from applying the tightly controlled experimental designs developed in human research, while studies of human speech in noise should be expanded to include natural communicative contexts. The effects of experimental design and behavioural context on vocalizations should not be neglected as they may impact the magnitude and type of noise‐induced vocal modifications.
Effect of cuff type on arterial occlusion
Authors: Loenneke Jeremy P. , Thiebaud Robert S. , Fahs Christopher A. , Rossow Lindy M. , Abe Takashi , Bemben Michael G. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBlood flow restriction (BFR) by itself or in combination with exercise has been shown to be beneficial for skeletal muscle. Despite most of the literature showing positive effects of BFR on skeletal muscle, not all studies show a benefit of BFR exercise compared with exercise without BFR. Some of the discrepancy can be explained by differences in methodology. For example, wide (13·5 cm) nylon cuffs result in arterial occlusion at a much lower pressure than narrow elastic (5 cm) cuffs. However, although it is evident that there are differences between elastic narrow (5 cm) cuffs and nylon wide (13·5 cm) cuffs, it is presently unclear whether or not there are differences between two cuffs of similar size (5 cm) but different material (nylon versus elastic). We hypothesized that although the cuffs are of similar size, there would be significant differences in arterial occlusion between two cuff materials. With the participants supine, in a randomized order, either the nylon (5 × 83 cm) or elastic (5 × 135 cm) cuffs were applied to the most proximal portion of each leg. Arterial blood flow was detected using a hand‐held bidirectional Doppler probe placed on the posterior tibial artery. A paired sample t‐test found no difference between cuff types for arterial occlusion pressure. In conclusion, arterial occlusion pressure is not different between two cuffs of a similar size but different material. This suggests that either elastic or nylon cuffs of the same width should restrict blood flow similarly at the same pressure during resting conditions.
Unrecognized intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: an analysis of 993 adult cirrhotic liver explants
Authors: Vallin Mélanie , Sturm Nathalie , Lamblin Géraldine , Guillaud Olivier , Hilleret Marie‐Noëlle , Hervieu Valérie , Joubert Juliette , Abergel Armand , Leroy Vincent , Boillot Olivier , Dumortier Jérôme , Scoazec Jean‐Yves 
Published: February 2013

AbstractLiver cirrhosis is a recognized risk factor for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (I‐CCa). Small I‐CCa nodules might be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the context of liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical impact of undetected I‐CCa in liver explants of adult cirrhotic patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). From December 1985 to November 2008, a first LT was performed in 993 adult cirrhotic patients in three French academic Hospitals. All liver explants were analyzed for the presence of nodules. The diagnosis of HCC was made in 331 cases (33.3% of the patients). Similarly, an I‐CCa was identified in 10 (1%) patients, with a mean size of 31 ± 17 mm. The mean age at transplantation was 58.8 yr (range 45 – 66), and all the patients were men. The mean follow‐up after LT was 33 months (range 4–52). Post‐transplant tumor recurrence was observed in five patients (50%), after a mean delay of 10 months. All five patients died. Malignant recurrence was associated with the presence of venous emboli on liver explants. Our results suggest that unrecognized I‐CCa complicating liver cirrhosis is a rare entity, associated with high risk of recurrence and poor prognosis.
A histological assessment of the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (2010) abnormal categories: a series of 219 consecutive cases
Authors: Tepeoğlu M. , Bilezikçi B. , Bayraktar S. G. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveThe purposes of this study were to establish the distribution of thyroid lesions that were seen in Hatay (a province of southern Turkey), to review the accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules and to correlate the FNAC results with the histopathology of the excised specimens, especially in indeterminate cases.MethodsData on patient cytology were retrieved by a retrospective search of all thyroid FNAC specimens that had been evaluated at the Department of Pathology, Antakya Public Hospital, Hatay, Turkey between January 2009 and February 2011; 1021 thyroid FNAC samples were reviewed and interpretations were recorded according to the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (TBSRTC). The results of adequate FNAC samples were compared with the histological diagnoses in the cases in which surgery was performed, and the malignancy rates, especially in indeterminate categories, were calculated.ResultsOf the 1021 FNAC samples, 697 (68.3%) were benign, 122 (11.9%) were non‐diagnostic, 100 (9.8%) were atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS), 41 (4%) were follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN), 36 (3.5%) were suspicious for malignancy (SM) and 25 (2.4%) were malignant. In 219 cases, there was follow‐up histology. Rates of malignancy were as follows: benign, 0%; AUS/FLUS, 12.7%; FN/SFN, 35.0%; SM, 91.4%; malignant, 100%.ConclusionsIn our study, the cytohistological correlation of benign and malignant lesions was 100%. In the indeterminate categories, we recommend that clinicians should evaluate both the clinical and radiological findings of patients in addition to the FNAC results.
Tractography of white‐matter tracts in very preterm infants: a 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: De Bruïne Francisca T , Van Wezel‐Meijler Gerda , Leijser Lara M , Steggerda Sylke J , Van Den Berg‐Huysmans Annette A , Rijken Monique , Van Buchem Mark A , Van Der Grond Jeroen 
Published: February 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to determine whether tractography of white‐matter tracts can independently predict neurodevelopmental outcome in very preterm infants.MethodOut of 84 very preterm infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit, 64 (41 males, 23 females; median gestational age 29.1 weeks [range 25.6–31.9]; birthweight 1163g [range 585–1960]) underwent follow‐up at 2 years. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) values obtained around term were associated with a neurological examination and mental and psychomotor developmental index scores at 2 years based on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (version 3). Univariate and logistic regression analyses tested for associations between DTI values and follow‐up parameters. Cut‐off values predicting motor delay and cerebral palsy (CP) were determined for fractional anisotropy, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and fibre lengths.ResultsInfants with psychomotor delay and CP had significantly lower fractional anisotropy values (p=0.002, p=0.04 respectively) and shorter fibre lengths (p=0.02, p=0.02 respectively) of the posterior limb of the internal capsule. Infants with psychomotor delay also had significantly higher ADC values (p=0.03) and shorter fibre lengths (p=0.002) of the callosal splenium. Fractional anisotropy values of the posterior limb of the internal capsule independently predicted motor delay and CP, with sensitivity between 80 and 100% and specificity between 66 and 69%. ADC values of the splenium independently predicted motor delay with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 65%.InterpretationDiffusion tensor imaging tractography at term‐equivalent age independently predicts psychomotor delay at 2 years of age in preterm infants.
Spatial segregation of four coexisting processional termites (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) in tropical rainforest
Authors: Takematsu Yoko , Kambara Kohei , Yamaguchi Takashi , Mitsumaki Kazuaki 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn Lambir Hills National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia, there are four species of processional termites that coexist: Hospitalitermes hospitalis, H. lividiceps, H. rufus and Longipeditermes longipes. This paper presents the results of our investigation on the spatial distribution of nests and the foraging activities of the four species in coexistence. The results show that there are fairly marked differences in nesting sites, as well as in foraging activities, among the four species. It is noteworthy that H. rufus inhabits only the canopy area over 20 m above ground, apparently segregated from the other three species, and that their foraging activities are limited also to tree canopies over 10 m above ground. In contrast, L. longipes nests underground and forages exclusively on the forest floor. Hospitalitermes hospitalis and H. lividiceps inhabit and forage over wide areas, from the forest floor to tree canopies. The upper parts of the tree canopy (over 10 m) are also foraging territories of the secluded H. rufus, but there were no observations of simultaneous foraging of the three Hospitalitermes species in the same canopy areas.
The corepressor activity of Alien is controlled by CREB‐binding protein/p300
Authors: Eckey Maren , Kraft Florian , Kob Robert , Escher Niko , Asim Mohammad , Fischer Heike , Fritsche Marie K. , Melle Christian , Baniahmad Aria 
Published: February 2013

The regulation of gene repression by corepressors is a controlled process. Surface‐enhanced laser desorption ionization MS proteomic analysis and a yeast two‐hybrid screen showed independently that the corepressor Alien interacts with the CREB‐binding protein (CBP) coactivator. This interaction was further confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and glutathione S‐transferase pull‐down experiments, suggesting that Alien interacts in vivo and in vitro with the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) coactivators CBP and its paralog p300. Acetylation detection experiments indicated that Alien is acetylated in vivo. Furthermore, Alien interacts with the central region of CBP/p300 containing the HAT domain and becomes acetylated in vitro. When an inhibitor of CBP/p300 HAT activity was employed, the Alien‐mediated silencing was enhanced. Thus, these findings suggest crosstalk between corepressors and coactivators, and indicate fine‐tuning of corepressor function by post‐translational modification through corepressor acetylation.Structured digital abstract

p300 binds to Alien &#x03B1; by pull down (View interaction)

Alien &#x03B1; physically interacts with CBP by two hybrid (View interaction)

Alien &#x03B1; physically interacts with MLK2 by two hybrid (View interaction)

p300 acetylates Alien &#x03B1; by acetylation assay (View interaction)

Alien &#x03B1; physically interacts with NAP1 by two hybrid (View interaction)

Alien &#x03B1; physically interacts with TAFI68 by two hybrid (View interaction)

Alien &#x03B1; physically interacts with CBP by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3)

Alien &#x03B1; binds to CBP by pull down (View interaction)
The wing morphology of limnephilid caddisflies in relation to their habitat preferences
Authors: Müller‐Peddinghaus Elisabeth , Hering Daniel 
Published: February 2013

Summary

The aerial dispersal of merolimnic insects is a prerequisite for maintaining metapopulations and for colonising new habitats. Flight morphology, as one determinant of dispersal capacity, may be related to the distribution patterns and ecological preferences of aquatic insects, but empirical data for Trichoptera are scarce. This study aimed to provide flight morphological data for common European Trichoptera species in relation to their ecological preferences.

We measured the flight morphology of 26 Central European species of Limnephilidae (Trichoptera) including wing length, wing width, wing area, relative wing length and the aspect ratio of the fore and hind wings (combined).

There were strong relationships between forewing length and body length (r² = 0.884), wing width (r² = 0.960) and wing area (r² = 0.93) in the untransformed data.

Species of the same genus may differ strongly in wing length, wing width and wing area; however, when the wing area is considered on the size‐independent scale of relative wing length, species of the same genus are more similar.

Sexual dimorphism was species specific. Male wing dimensions exceeded those of females in all species that displayed significant differences between the sexes except in Parachiona picicornis. For aerodynamic indices such as aspect ratio, only 28 % of the studied species show sexual dimorphism; in Limnephilus fuscicornis and Potamophylax luctuosus, males exceed females, and in Drusus annulatus, Drusus discolor and Potamophylax cingulatus, females exceeded males. On the basis of our data, we conclude that females may be the primary dispersers in four of the 18 species for which sufficient data were available, whereas in two species males appear to be stronger dispersers.

We found three different morphological blueprints in forewing length and wing width: Group 1 encompassed crenal‐inhabiting species with a distinct habitat preference for mineral habitats (low aspect ratio, small wings; e.g. D. discolor); group 2 comprised rhithral species without a distinct habitat preference (high aspect ratio, large wings; e.g. P. cingulatus); and group 3 encompassed species inhabiting lentic waters and preferring organic habitats (high aspect ratio, medium‐sized wings; e.g. Anabolia nervosa).
Conservation implications of native and introduced ungulates in a changing climate
Authors: Allred Brady W. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Hovick Torre J. , Dwayne Elmore R. , Engle David M. , Joern Anthony 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn many grasslands, grazing by large native or introduced ungulates drives ecosystem structure and function. The behavior of these animals is important as it directs the spatial effects of grazing. To the degree that temperature drives spatial components of foraging, understanding how changes in climate alter grazing behavior will provide guidance for the conservation of ecosystem goods and services. We determined the behavioral response of native bison (Bison bison) and introduced cattle (Bos taurus) to temperature in tallgrass prairie within the Great Plains, USA. We described the thermal environment by measuring operative temperature (the temperature perceived by animals) through space and time. Site selection preferences of ungulates were quantified using resource selection functions. Woody vegetation in tallgrass prairie provided a cooler thermal environment for large ungulates, decreasing operative temperature up to 16 °C in the heat of the summer. Cattle began to seek thermal refugia at lower air temperatures (24 °C) by selecting areas closer to woody vegetation and water sources. Bison, however, sought refugia within wooded areas at higher air temperatures (36 °C), which occurred much less frequently. Both species became more attracted to riparian areas as air temperature increased, with preferences increasing tenfold during the hottest periods. As predicted warming occurs across the Great Plains and other grasslands, grazing behavior and subsequent grazing effects will be altered. Riparian areas, particularly those with both water and woody vegetation, will receive greater utilization and selection by large ungulates. The use of native grazers for conservation or livestock production may mitigate negative effects caused by increased temperatures.
Board Committee Meetings and Firm Financial Performance: An Investigation of Australian Companies
Authors: Hoque Mohammad Ziaul , Islam MD. Rabiul , Azam Mohammad Nurul 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis article examines how the frequency of board committee meetings impacts on Australian firms' financial performance. Data were collected from 118 Australian listed companies – including 26 financial firms and 92 nonfinancial firms – for the period 1999–2007. Analysis of that data shows that the frequencies of audit committee meetings and remuneration committee meetings are positively and significantly associated with return on equity and return on assets. The frequencies of risk committee meetings do not show any significant effects on the financial performance of Australian firms. Estimated results are found to be robust after controlling for internal as well as external governance mechanisms that might affect Australian firm performance.