bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for recurrent admissions with diabetic ketoacidosis: a case–control observational study
Authors: Cooper H. , Tekiteki A. , Khanolkar M. , Braatvedt G. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTo perform a detailed analysis of patients with recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis admissions in order to establish risk factors for readmission.MethodsThe medical records of all adults and young people (> 15 years) with Type 1 diabetes admitted to Auckland City Hospital over a 15‐year period from 1997 to 2011 with a primary diagnosis of ketoacidosis were analysed. Patients readmitted with ketoacidosis within 5 years of their index admission were identified and compared with patients without ketoacidosis readmission who were matched for age, gender, ethnicity and duration of diabetes.ResultsA total of 268 patients accounted for a total of 412 admissions. In all, 58 patients had more than one admission for diabetic ketoacidosis during this period. Of these, 40 patients readmitted with diabetic ketoacidosis were compared with matched control subjects (n = 40) who had only one admission for diabetic ketoacidosis. The mean ± sd age of the cohort was 31 ± 12 years. The readmission group had more severe diabetic ketoacidosis and poorer glycaemic control. Alcohol abuse was commonly noted in both groups, with insulin dose omission being the main contributor to the development of ketoacidosis. Both groups had high rates of clinic non‐attendance. There were no other differences noted between the groups.ConclusionWhen patients with recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis were matched for age, duration of diabetes, gender and ethnicity with patients who had only one admission for diabetic ketoacidosis, few differences were noted. This makes designing intervention strategies to reduce readmission with diabetic ketoacidosis difficult.
How the cladoceran heterogonic life cycle evolved—insights from gamogenetic reproduction and direct development in Cyclestherida
Authors: Fritsch Martin , Richter Stefan 
Published: October 2015

SUMMARYHere we document the early gamogenetic development of Cyclestherida, including a characterization of the nervous system. Resting eggs in Cyclestheria are protected by an ephippium, built by the major part of the carapace. The first stages of development are enclosed in an outer chorion and an inner vitelline membrane. After shedding of the chorion, the vitelline membrane inflates and later stages are free‐floating within the vitelline membrane. Only the juveniles are released from the vitelline membrane. Developmental stages of the gamogenetic direct development and of the parthenogenetic pseudo‐direct development are remarkably similar in Cyclestheria, both regarding external and nervous system development. Because of this high degree of correspondence, as well as the important differences to the anamorphic development in Spinicaudata, we suggest that the developmental stages from the gamogenetic life cycle evolved directly from the parthenogenetic life cycle. This implies that resting egg development in Cladoceromorpha does not correspond directly to the resting egg development in large branchiopods. This leads us to the conclusion that the entire heterogonous life cycle in Cladoceromorpha probably evolved anew.
Ghrelin receptor activity amplifies hippocampal N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor‐mediated postsynaptic currents and increases phosphorylation of the GluN1 subunit at Ser896 and Ser897
Authors: Muniz Brandon G. , Isokawa Masako 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAlthough ghrelin and its cognate receptor growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR1a) are highly localized in the hypothalamic nuclei for the regulation of metabolic states and feeding, GHSR1a is also highly localized in the hippocampus, suggesting its involvement in extra‐hypothalamic functions. Indeed, exogenous application of ghrelin has been reported to improve hippocampal learning and memory. However, the underlying mechanism of ghrelin regulation of hippocampal functions is poorly understood. Here, we report ghrelin‐promoted phosphorylation of GluN1 and amplified N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR)‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents in the CA1 pyramidal cells of the hippocampus in slice preparations. The ghrelin‐induced responses were sensitive to a GHSR1a antagonist and inverse agonist, and were absent in GHSR1a homozygous knock‐out mice. These results indicated that activation of GHSR1a was critical in the ghrelin‐induced enhancement of the NMDAR function. Interestingly, heterozygous mouse hippocampi were also insensitive to ghrelin treatment, suggesting that a slight reduction in the availability of GHSR1a may be sufficient to negate the effect of ghrelin on GluN1 phosphorylation and NMDAR channel activities. In addition, NMDAR‐mediated spike currents, which are of dendritic origin, were blocked by the GHSR1a antagonist, suggesting the presence of GHSR1a on the pyramidal cell dendrites in physical proximity to NMDAR. Together with our findings on the localization of GHSR1a in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, which was shown by fluorescent ghrelin binding, immunoreactivity, and enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter gene expression, we conclude that the activation of GHSR1a favours rapid modulation of the NMDAR‐mediated glutamatergic synaptic transmission by phosphorylating GluN1 in the hippocampus.
Role of HSP70 in motoneuron survival after excitotoxic stress in a rat spinal cord injury model in vitro
Authors: Shabbir Ayisha , Bianchetti Elena , Cargonja Renato , Petrovic Antonela , Mladinic Miranda , Pilipović Kristina , Nistri Andrea 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe outcome for gait recovery from paralysis due to spinal lesion remains uncertain even when damage is limited. One critical factor is the survival of motoneurons, which are very vulnerable cells. To clarify the early pathophysiological mechanisms of spinal damage, an in vitro injury model of the rat spinal cord caused by moderate excitotoxicity was used. With this preparation we investigated whether motoneuron survival was dependent on the expression of the neuroprotective protein HSP70. In the present study excitotoxicity evoked by kainate induced delayed (24 h) loss (35%) of motoneurons, which became pyknotic with translocation of the cell death biomarker apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) to the nucleus. This process was concomitant with suppression of locomotor network electrical activity. Surviving cells showed strong expression of HSP70 without nuclear AIF. The HSP70 inhibitor VER155008 per se induced neurotoxicity similar to that of kainate, while the HSP90 inhibitor geldanamycin did not damage spinal tissue. Electrophysiological recording following kainate or VER155008 indicated depression of motoneuron field potentials, with decreased excitability and impaired synaptic transmission. When these two drugs were applied together, more intense neurotoxicity emerged. Our data indicate that HSP70 was one important contributor to motoneuron survival and suggest that enhancing HSP70 activity is a potential future strategy for neuroprotecting these cells.
A comparison of the prevalence of gastric ulceration in feral and domesticated horses in theUK
Authors: Ward S. , Sykes B. W. , Brown H. , Bishop A. , Penaluna L. A. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryEquine gastric ulcer syndrome is common in domesticated horses, especially those performing in athletic endeavours. However, the prevalence of equine gastric ulcer syndrome in feral populations of horses is not documented. This study investigated the prevalence and severity of squamous and glandular gastric ulceration in an abattoir population of horses in theUK. Both squamous and glandular ulceration were more prevalent in domesticated horses when compared to the feral horses studied.
Transferability of the two‐parameter fracture criterion for 2219 aluminium alloy cracked configurations
Authors: Mahtabi M. J. , Sanford A. , Shamsaei N. , Newman J. C. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTwo‐dimensional elastic–plastic finite‐element fracture simulations with the critical crack‐tip‐opening‐angle fracture criterion were used to evaluate the two‐parameter fracture criterion (TPFC). Three different crack configurations under tension and bending loads made of thin‐sheet 2219‐T87 aluminium alloy were analysed. A very wide range of widths (w = 76 to 2440 mm) and initial crack‐length‐to‐width ratios (ci/w = 0.05 to 0.95) were considered. A relation from the original TPFC was shown to fit the simulated fracture behaviour fairly well for the three different specimen types for net‐section stresses less than the yield stress (σy) of the material. Comparisons were also made on measured and simulated fracture tests on middle‐crack‐tension specimens. A relation between the elastic stress‐intensity factor, KIe, and net‐section stress, Sn, at failure was found to be linear for Sn < σy. The results demonstrated the transferability of the TPFC for different crack configurations for Sn < σy, but further study is needed for Sn > σy.
Changes in seasonal climate outpace compensatory density‐dependence in eastern brook trout
Authors: Bassar Ronald D. , Letcher Benjamin H. , Nislow Keith H. , Whiteley Andrew R. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractUnderstanding how multiple extrinsic (density‐independent) factors and intrinsic (density‐dependent) mechanisms influence population dynamics has become increasingly urgent in the face of rapidly changing climates. It is particularly unclear how multiple extrinsic factors with contrasting effects among seasons are related to declines in population numbers and changes in mean body size and whether there is a strong role for density‐dependence. The primary goal of this study was to identify the roles of seasonal variation in climate driven environmental direct effects (mean stream flow and temperature) vs. density‐dependence on population size and mean body size in eastern brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). We use data from a 10‐year capture‐mark‐recapture study of eastern brook trout in four streams in Western Massachusetts,USAto parameterize a discrete‐time population projection model. The model integrates matrix modeling techniques used to characterize discrete population structures (age, habitat type, and season) with integral projection models (IPMs) that characterize demographic rates as continuous functions of organismal traits (in this case body size). Using both stochastic and deterministic analyses we show that decreases in population size are due to changes in stream flow and temperature and that these changes are larger than what can be compensated for through density‐dependent responses. We also show that the declines are due mostly to increasing mean stream temperatures decreasing the survival of the youngest age class. In contrast, increases in mean body size over the same period are the result of indirect changes in density with a lesser direct role of climate‐driven environmental change.
Comparing concentration‐based (AOT40) and stomatal uptake (PODY) metrics for ozone risk assessment to European forests
Authors: Anav Alessandro , De Marco Alessandra , Proietti Chiara , Alessandri Andrea , Dell'Aquila Alessandro , Cionni Irene , Friedlingstein Pierre , Khvorostyanov Dmitry , Menut Laurent , Paoletti Elena , Sicard Pierre , Sitch Stephen , Vitale Marcello 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTropospheric ozone (O3) produces harmful effects to forests and crops, leading to a reduction of land carbon assimilation that, consequently, influences the land sink and the crop yield production. To assess the potential negative O3 impacts to vegetation, the European Union uses the Accumulated Ozone over Threshold of 40 ppb (AOT40). This index has been chosen for its simplicity and flexibility in handling different ecosystems as well as for its linear relationships with yield or biomass loss. However, AOT40 does not give any information on the physiological O3 uptake into the leaves since it does not include any environmental constraints to O3 uptake through stomata. Therefore, an index based on stomatal O3 uptake (i.e. PODY), which describes the amount of O3 entering into the leaves, would be more appropriate. Specifically, the PODY metric considers the effects of multiple climatic factors, vegetation characteristics and local and phenological inputs rather than the only atmospheric O3 concentration. For this reason, the use of PODY in the O3 risk assessment for vegetation is becoming recommended. We compare different potential O3 risk assessments based on two methodologies (i.e. AOT40 and stomatal O3 uptake) using a framework of mesoscale models that produces hourly meteorological and O3 data at high spatial resolution (12 km) over Europe for the time period 2000–2005. Results indicate a remarkable spatial and temporal inconsistency between the two indices, suggesting that a new definition of European legislative standard is needed in the near future. Besides, our risk assessment based on AOT40 shows a good consistency compared to both in‐situ data and other model‐based datasets. Conversely, risk assessment based on stomatal O3 uptake shows different spatial patterns compared to other model‐based datasets. This strong inconsistency can be likely related to a different vegetation cover and its associated parameterizations.
Saltwater Upconing Due to Cyclic Pumping by Horizontal Wells in Freshwater Lenses
Authors: Pauw Pieter S. , van der Zee Sjoerd E.A.T.M. , Leijnse Anton , Oude Essink Gualbert H.P. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article deals with the quantification of saltwater upconing below horizontal wells in freshwater lenses using analytical solutions as a computationally fast alternative to numerical simulations. Comparisons between analytical calculations and numerical simulations are presented regarding three aspects: (1) cyclic pumping; (2) dispersion; and (3) finite horizontal wells in a finite domain (a freshwater lens). Various hydrogeological conditions and pumping regimes within a dry half year are considered. The results show that the influence of elastic and phreatic storage (which are not taken into account in the analytical solutions) on the upconing of the interface is minimal. Furthermore, the analytical calculations based on the interface approach compare well with numerical simulations as long as the dimensionless interface upconing is below 1/3, which is in line with previous studies on steady pumping. Superimposing an analytical solution for mixing by dispersion below the well over an analytical solution based on the interface approach is appropriate in case the vertical flow velocity around the interface is nearly constant but should not be used for estimating the salinity of the pumped groundwater. The analytical calculations of interface upconing below a finite horizontal well compare well with the numerical simulations in case the distance between the horizontal well and the initial interface does not vary significantly along the well and in case the natural fluctuation of the freshwater lens is small. In order to maintain a low level of salinity in the well during a dry half year, the dimensionless analytically calculated interface upconing should stay below 0.25.
Decoloniality as the Future of Africa
Authors: Ndlovu‐Gatsheni Sabelo J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDecoloniality is not only a long‐standing political and epistemological movement aimed at liberation of (ex‐) colonized peoples from global coloniality but also a way of thinking, knowing, and doing. It is part of marginalized but persistent movements that merged from struggles against the slave trade, imperialism, colonialism, apartheid, neo‐colonialism, and underdevelopment as constitutive negative elements of Euro‐North American‐centric modernity. As an epistemological movement, it has always been overshadowed by hegemonic Euro‐North American‐centric intellectual thought and social theories. As a political movement, it has consistently been subjected to surveillance of global imperial designs and colonial matrices of power. But today, decoloniality is remerging at a time when the erstwhile hegemonic Euro‐North American‐centric modernity and its dominant epistemology are experiencing an epistemological break. This epistemic break highlights how Euro‐North American‐centric modernity has created modern problems of which it has no modern solutions and how theories/knowledges generated from a Euro‐North American‐centric context have become exhausted if not obstacles to the understanding of contemporary human issues. This essay introduces, defines, and explains the necessity for decoloniality as a liberatory language of the future for Africa.
A new breeding population of Mediterranean Gulls Larus melanocephalus in the species' main wintering area maintains independent spatial dynamics
Authors: Carboneras Carles , Dies José Ignacio 
Published: October 2015

We studied a newly established breeding population of the range‐expanding Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus in eastern Spain, situated in close proximity to the species' main wintering area. By investigating the origin, population composition and wintering area of the new breeders, we found that recruitment from locally wintering birds was unlikely and that the emerging colonies were probably attracting birds from populations wintering 700–1200 km away in Portugal and southern Spain. Our findings reveal that expanding populations may follow their own dynamics, independently of other populations of the same species, and may consist of different individuals altogether.
Visfatin serum level and expression in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue in prepubertal boys
Authors: Novak S. , Divkovic D. , Drenjancevic I. , Cosic A. , Selthofer‐Relatic K. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe biological role of visfatin in humans, especially in eutrophic and healthy children, is not understood yet, except for its link to obesity‐related disorders in adolescents and adults.ObjectivesTo determine the physiological values of serum visfatin concentrations, and visfatin mRNA expression in subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and to correlate them with anthropometric/metabolic data in prepubertal healthy boys.MethodsThe study included 59 healthy boys, age 1–10 years, hospitalized for elective surgery, divided according to age into group I (1–3 years old), group II (3–7 years old) and group III (7–10 years old). Anthropometric and biochemical measurements, and the visfatin serum and mRNA level in SAT and VAT were determined in all patients.ResultsVisfatin mRNA expression was higher in SAT compared with VAT in all three studied groups. Highest visfatin mRNA was found in SAT of group III compared with group II (P = 0.030). VAT visfatin mRNA expression negatively correlates with body weight (P = 0.039), waist circumference (P = 0.027) and morning glucose level (P = 0.007).ConclusionLack of changes in serum visfatin level despite the changes in visfatin mRNA expression of adipose tissue suggests paracrine effect of visfatin rather than endocrine. Negative correlation of visfatin VAT mRNA expression with anthropometric parameters indicates important role of VAT visfatin in maturation and in glucose metabolism.
Identification, characterization and target gene analysis of testicular microRNAs in the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Tariq K. , Peng W. , Saccone G. , Zhang H. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate various diverse biological processes including insect spermatogenesis. The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is one of the most destructive horticultural pests in East Asia and the Pacific region. Although developmental miRNA profiles of B. dorsalis have enriched our knowledge, specific testicular miRNAs in this dipteran species are unexplored. In this study, we identified miRNAs from B. dorsalis testes by deep sequencing, which provided an overview of miRNA expression during spermatogenesis. Small RNA libraries were constructed from the testes of fully mature (FM), immature (IM) and middle‐aged (MA) adult flies of B. dorsalis. Small RNA sequencing and data analysis revealed 172 known and 78 novel miRNAs amongst these libraries. Pairwise comparisons of libraries led to the identification of 24, 15 and 14 differentially expressed miRNAs in FM vs. IM, FM vs. MA and IM vs. MA insects, respectively. Using a bioinformatic approach, we predicted 124 target genes against the 13 most differentially expressed miRNAs. Furthermore, the expression patterns of six randomly selected miRNAs (from the 13 most differentially expressed miRNAs) and their putative target genes (from the 124 predicted target genes) were analysed in the testis of B. dorsalis by quantitative real‐time PCR, which showed that out of six, four tested miRNAs‐mRNAs had an inverse expression pattern and are probably co‐regulated. This study is the first comparative profile of the miRNA transcriptome in three developmental stages of the testis, and provides a useful resource for further studies on the role of miRNAs in spermatogenesis in B. dorsalis.
Epitope specific T‐cell responses against influenza A in a healthy population
Authors: Savic Miloje , Dembinski Jennifer L. , Kim Yohan , Tunheim Gro , Cox Rebecca J. , Oftung Fredrik , Peters Bjoern , Mjaaland Siri 
Published: October 2015

SummaryPre‐existing human CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated immunity may be a useful correlate of protection against severe influenza disease. Identification and evaluation of common epitopes recognized by T cells with broad cross‐reactivity is therefore important to guide universal influenza vaccine development, and to monitor immunological preparedness against pandemics. We have retrieved an optimal combination of MHC class I and class II restricted epitopes from the Immune Epitope Database (www.iedb.org), by defining a fitness score function depending on prevalence, sequence conservancy and HLA super‐type coverage. Optimized libraries of CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell epitopes were selected from influenza antigens commonly present in seasonal and pandemic influenza strains from 1934 to 2009. These epitope pools were used to characterize human T‐cell responses in healthy donors using interferon‐γ ELISPOT assays. Upon stimulation, significant CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses were induced, primarily recognizing epitopes from the conserved viral core proteins. Furthermore, the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were phenotypically characterized regarding functionality, cytotoxic potential and memory phenotype using flow cytometry. Optimized sets of T‐cell peptide epitopes may be a useful tool to monitor the efficacy of clinical trials, the immune status of a population to predict immunological preparedness against pandemics, as well as being candidates for universal influenza vaccines.
Tolerating Uncertainty: Perceptions of the Future for Ageing Parent Carers and Their Adult Children with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Pryce Laura , Tweed Alison , Hilton Amanda , Priest Helena M. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundImproved life expectancy means that more adults with intellectual disabilities are now living with ageing parents. This study explored older families' perceptions of the future.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine older parents and three adults with intellectual disabilities and analysed to produce an explanatory thematic framework.Results‘Tolerating uncertainty’ was the major theme in participants' attempts to manage anxieties about the future, encompassing sub‐themes of ‘accepting the parenting role’, ‘facing challenges’, ‘being supported/isolated’, ‘positive meaning making’, ‘re‐evaluating as time moves on’ and ‘managing future thinking’. Some participants expressed preferences for their future which were in contrast to their parents' views, and provide a unique perspective that has often been neglected in prior research.ConclusionsThis research has found commonalities in how families tolerate the uncertainty of the future, but also unique differences that require tailored interventions and prospective action by services.