bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Nasal Complex of Neanderthals: An Entry Portal to their Place in Human Ancestry
Authors: Márquez Samuel , Pagano Anthony S. , Delson Eric , Lawson William , Laitman Jeffrey T. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTNeanderthals are one of the most intensely studied groups of extinct humans, as aspects of their phylogeny and functional morphology remain controversial. They have long been described as cold adapted but recent analyses of their nasal anatomy suggest that traits formerly considered adaptations may be the result of genetic drift. This study performs quantitative and qualitative analysis of aspects of the nasal complex (NC) in Neanderthals and other later Pleistocene fossils from Europe and Africa. A geographically diverse sample of modern human crania was used to establish an anatomical baseline for populations inhabiting cold and tropical climates. Nasofrontal angle, piriform aperture dimensions, and relative maxillary sinus volume were analyzed along with qualitative features of the piriform aperture rim. Results indicate that Neanderthals and other later Pleistocene Homo possessed NC's that align them with tropical modern humans. Thus comparison of Neanderthal nasal morphology with that of modern humans from cold climates may not be appropriate as differences in overall craniofacial architecture may constrain the narrowing of the piriform apertures in Neanderthals. They retain primitively long, low crania, large maxillary sinuses, and large piriform aperture area similar to mid‐Pleistocene Homo specimens such as Petralona 1 and Kabwe 1. Adaptation to cold climate may have necessitated other adaptations such as bony medial projections at the piriform aperture rim and, potentially, midfacial prognathism. Nasal complex components of the upper respiratory tract remain a critical but poorly understood area that may yet offer novel insight into one of the greatest continuing controversies in paleoanthropology. Anat Rec, 297:2121–2137, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incisor Crown Bending Strength Correlates With Diet and Incisor Curvature in Anthropoid Primates
Authors: Deane Andrew S. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTAnthropoid incisors are large relative to the postcanine dentition and function in the preprocessing of food items. Previous analyses of anthropoid incisor allometry and shape demonstrate that incisor morphology is correlated with preferred foods and that more frugivorous anthropoids have larger and more curved incisors. Although the relationship between incisal crown curvature and preferred foods has been well documented in extant and fossil anthropoids, the functional significance of curvature variation has yet to be conclusively established. Given that an increase in crown curvature will increase maximum linear crown dimensions, and bending resistance is a function of linear crown dimensions, it is hypothesized that incisor crown curvature functons to increase incisor crown resistance to bending forces. This study uses beam theory to calculate the mesiodistal and labiolingual bending strengths of the maxillary and mandibular incisors of hominoid and platyrrhine taxa with differing diets and variable degrees of incisal curvature. Results indicate that bending strength correlates with incisal curvature and that frugivores have elevated incisor bending resistance relative to folivores. Maxillary central incisor bending strengths further discriminate platyrrhine and hominoid hard‐ and soft‐object frugivores suggesting this crown is subjected to elevated occlusal loading relative to other incisors. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that incisor crown curvature functions to increase incisor crown resistance to bending forces but does not preclude the possibility that incisor bending strength is a composite function of multiple dentognathic variables including, but not limited to, incisor crown curvature. Anat Rec, 298:463–478, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chaotification of Switching Control Systems via Dwell Time Approach
Authors: Zhang Yuping , Liu Xinzhi , Zhu Hong , Zeng Yong 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn this paper, a class of switching control systems is investigated, and a novel switching control method is developed, which can be applied to generating chaos dynamics from switching control systems through dwell time restriction. A numerical example is given to illustrate the generated chaotic dynamic behavior of the systems, and the corresponding bifurcation diagram is sketched. Then, the validity of the main results is verified together with other phase portraits.
Robust Position Stabilization of Underactuated Surface Vessels With Unknown Modeling Parameters Via Simple P/D‐Like Feedback: The Center Manifold Approach
Authors: Wen‐Jing Xie , Bao‐Li Ma 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn this work, two smooth time‐invariant control laws are proposed to achieve asymptotic position stabilization of underactuated surface vessels despite modeling parameter uncertainties. The proposed control laws take a strikingly simple linear proportional derivative (PD)‐like feedback form or just a simplest proportional (P)‐like one, where the former relies on measuring the relative position error and surge/yaw velocity and the latter relies on measuring only the relative position error, decreasing or minimizing the sensing cost. The stabilities of the closed‐loop systems for the both control laws are strictly proved via the center manifold approach despite the unknown model parameters. The effectiveness of the proposed control laws is verified by simulation examples.
Putative roles of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) in cell survival and progression of human cancers
Authors: Nakanishi Takeo , Tamai Ikumi 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTTransporter proteins classified into the solute carrier (SLC) transporter superfamily are essential for the import of nutrients required for cell survival in organisms. Various SLC transporters are differentially upregulated in cancer cells, and among them, polyspecific organic anion‐transporting polypeptides (OATPs) have been proposed to have pathophysiological significance in cancer. This review will briefly introduce OATPs and summarize their proposed roles in cancer, focusing particularly on hormone‐dependent breast and prostate cancers. Over the past two decades, compelling evidence has also accumulated that SLC transporters, including OATPs, interact with clinically important anticancer agents and influence their pharmacokinetics, particularly the processes of absorption, elimination and distribution. Therefore, a better understanding of not only the pathophysiological roles, but also the pharmacological effects of OATPs in cancer cells should be helpful in combating human malignant tumors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deciphering the unusual HLA‐A2/Melan‐A/MART‐1‐specific TCR repertoire in humans
Authors: Romero Pedro , Speiser Daniel E. , Rufer Nathalie 
Published: August 2014

The Melan‐A/MART‐126‐35 antigenic peptide is one of the best studied human tumor‐associated antigens. It is expressed in healthy melanocytes and malignant melanoma and is recognized by CD8+ T cells in the context of the MHC class I molecule HLA‐A*0201. While an unusually large repertoire of CD8+ T cells specific for this antigen has been documented, the reasons for its generation have remained elusive. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Pinto et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2014. 44: 2811–2821] uncover one important mechanism by comparing the thymic expression of the Melan‐A gene to that in the melanocyte lineage. This study shows that medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) dominantly express a truncated Melan‐A transcript, the product of misinitiation of transcription. Consequently, the protein product in mTECs lacks the immunodominant epitope spanning residues 26–35, thus precluding central tolerance to this antigen. In contrast, melanocytes and melanoma tumor cells express almost exclusively the full‐length Melan‐A transcript, thus providing the target antigen for efficient recognition by HLA‐A2‐restricted CD8+ T cells. The frequency of these alternative gene transcription modes may be more common than previously appreciated and may represent an important factor modulating the efficiency of central tolerance induction in the thymus.
Chronic Exposure to Low‐Dose Arsenic Modulates Lipogenic Gene Expression in Mice
Authors: Adebayo Adeola O. , Zandbergen Fokko , Kozul‐Horvath Courtney D. , Gruppuso Philip A. , Hamilton Joshua W. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTArsenic, a ubiquitous environmental toxicant, can affect lipid metabolism through mechanisms that are not well understood. We studied the effect of arsenic on serum lipids, lipid‐regulating genes, and transcriptional regulator sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c). C57BL/6 mice were administered 0 or 100 ppb sodium arsenite in drinking water for 5 weeks. Arsenic exposure was associated with decreased liver weight but no change in body weight. Serum triglycerides level fell in arsenic‐exposed animals, but not in fed animals, after short‐term fasting. Hepatic expression of SREBP‐1c was reduced in arsenic‐exposed fed animals, with a 16‐fold change in reduction. Similar effects were seen for SREBP‐1c in white adipose tissue. However, fasting resulted in dissociation of the expression of SREBP‐1c and its targets, and SREBP‐1c protein content could not be shown to correlate with its mRNA expression. We conclude that arsenic modulates hepatic expression of genes involved in lipid regulation through mechanisms that are independent of SREBP‐1c expression.
Evolutionary morphology of the organ systems in squat lobsters and porcelain crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomala): An insight into carcinization
Authors: Keiler Jonas , Richter Stefan , Wirkner Christian S. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTPorcelain crabs (Porcellanidae) are one of three taxa within anomuran crustaceans (Anomala) which possess a crab‐like body form. Curiously, these three lineages evolved this shape independently from true crabs (Brachyura) in the course of the evolutionary process termed carcinization. The entire pleon in porcelain crabs is flexed under the cephalothorax and the carapace is approximately as broad as long. Despite their crab‐like habitus, porcelain crabs are phylogenetically nested within squat lobsters (Munidopsidae, Munididae, Galatheidae). With a pleon which is only partly flexed under the cephalothorax and a cephalothorax which is longer than it is broad, squat lobsters represent morphologically intermediate forms between lobster‐like and crab‐like body shapes. Carcinization has so far mostly been studied with respect to outer morphology; however, it is evident that internal anatomical features are influenced through this change of body shape too. In this paper, the situation in Galatheoidea is elucidated by adding more taxa to existing descriptions of the hemolymph vascular systems and associated structures and organs. Micro‐computer tomography and 3D reconstruction provide new insights. Autapomorphic states of various internal anatomical characters are present in nearly all the studied species, also reflecting some degree of anatomical disparity found within Galatheoidea. The ventral vessel system of porcelain crabs differs distinctly from that of squat lobsters. The differences in question are coherent (i.e. structural dependent) with morphological transformations in the integument, such as the shortening of the sternal plastron, which evolved in the course of carcinization. Shifts in the gonads and the pleonal neuromeres are coherent with the loss of the caridoid escape reaction, which in turn is a consequence of carcinization. The arterial transformations, however, are minor compared to other instances of carcinization in anomuran crustaceans since the last common ancestor of squat lobsters and porcelain crabs was already “half carcinized”. J. Morphol. 276:1–21, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endogenous functional compounds in Korean native chicken meat are dependent on sex, thermal processing and meat cut
Authors: Jayasena Dinesh D , Jung Samooel , Kim Sun Hyo , Kim Hyun Joo , Alahakoon Amali U , Lee Jun Heon , Jo Cheorun 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn this study the effects of sex, meat cut and thermal processing on the carnosine, anserine, creatine, betaine and carnitine contents of Korean native chicken (KNC) meat were determined. Forty 1‐day‐old chicks (20 chicks of each sex) from a commercial KNC strain (Woorimatdag™) were reared under similar standard commercial conditions with similar diets, and ten birds of each sex were randomly selected and slaughtered at 14 weeks of age. Raw and cooked meat samples were prepared from both breast and leg meats and analyzed for the aforementioned functional compounds.RESULTSFemale KNCs had significantly higher betaine and creatine contents. The breast meat showed significantly higher carnosine and anserine contents, whereas the leg meat had a higher betaine and carnitine content. The content of all functional compounds was significantly depleted by thermal processing.CONCLUSIONThis study confirms that KNC meat is a good source of the above‐mentioned functional compounds, which can be considered attractive nutritional quality factors. However, their concentrations were significantly affected by thermal processing conditions, meat cut and sex. Further experiments are needed to select the best thermal processing method to preserve these functional compounds. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of salt replacers and flavor enhancer on the processing characteristics and consumer acceptance of turkey sausages
Authors: Pietrasik Zeb , Gaudette Nicole J 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDProducing high‐quality processed meats that contain reduced amounts of sodium chloride is a major challenge facing industry owing to the importance of sodium chloride toward the functional, microbial stability and sensory properties of these products. In order to create reduced sodium alternatives, a number of commercial salt replacers and flavor enhancers have entered the market; however, their ability to be applied in processed meats requires investigation. In this study, two salt replacers (Ocean's Flavor – OF45, OF60) and one flavor enhancer (Fonterra™ Savoury Powder – SP) were evaluated for their ability to effectively reduce sodium while maintaining the functional and sensory properties of turkey sausages. Functionality via instrumental measures (yield, purge loss, pH, expressible moisture, proximate composition, sodium content, color, texture), safety (microbiological assessment) and consumer acceptability were obtained on all samples.RESULTSAll non‐control treatments resulted in products with sodium chloride contents below Canada's Health Check™ Program target for processed meats. There was no detrimental effect on water binding and texture in treatments when NaCl was substituted with OF60 sea salt replacers. Sodium reduction had no negative effect on the shelf life of the turkey sausages with up to 60 days of refrigerated storage. Consumer acceptability for all attributes did not differ significantly, except for aftertaste, which scored lowest for OF45 compared with the control (regular NaCl content).CONCLUSIONThis work demonstrated that salt replacers could potentially substitute for NaCl in smoked turkey sausages; however, further flavor optimization may be required to suppress undesirable levels of bitterness elicited by some of these ingredients. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficiency of irrigation water application in sugarcane cultivation in Pakistan
Authors: Watto Muhammad Arif , Mugera Amin W. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDDiminishing irrigation water supplies are threatening the sustainability of irrigated agriculture in Pakistan. Within the context of dwindling water resources and low agricultural water productivity, it is imperative to improve efficiency in agricultural production and to make efficient use of available water resources. This study employs a non‐parametric approach to estimate the extent of technical and irrigation water efficiency in sugarcane cultivation in Pakistan.RESULTSThe mean technical efficiency score is 0.96 for tube‐well owners whereas it is 0.94 for water buyers. The mean irrigation water efficiency score is 0.86 for tube‐well owners whereas it is 0.72 for water buyers. We find that across all farms, 59% of the tube‐well owners and 45% of the water buyers are fully technically efficient, whereas only 36% of the tube‐well owners and 30% of the water buyer are fully efficient in irrigation water use.CONCLUSIONSThis study finds that sugarcane growers are operating at fairly high technical efficiency levels. But, there is considerable potential to improve irrigation water efficiency. This study proposes expanding the role of agricultural extension services from merely agronomic grounds to guide farmers to undertake cost benefit analysis of the available production technology, would help achieve higher efficiency levels. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
MiR‐130b suppresses prostate cancer metastasis through down‐regulation of MMP2
Authors: Chen Qin , Zhao Xian , Zhang Hailong , Yuan Haihua , Zhu Miaojun , Sun Qian , Lai Xueping , Wang Yanli , Huang Jian , Yan Jianshe , Yu Jianxiu 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTProstate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent malignant carcinoma among males in western countries. Currently no treatments can cure advanced prostate cancers, so new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are in urgent need. At present limited knowledge is available concerning the roles of dysregulated microRNAs in prostate cancer metastasis. In this study, we found that the expression of miR‐130b was significantly down‐regulated in prostate cancer cell lines and clinical prostate cancer tissues. Enforced over‐expression of miR‐130b in prostate cancer cells suppressed whereas knock‐down of miR‐130b increased cell migration and invasion. Using mouse model, we revealed that miR‐130b‐expressed prostate cancer cells displayed significant reduction in tumor metastasis. Furthermore, we identified and validated matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP2) as a direct target of miR‐130b. Ectopic expression of MMP2 rescued miR‐130b‐suppressed cell migration and invasion, and knock‐down of MMP2 antagonized the effect of silencing miR‐130b.Taken together, our data reveal for the first time that miR‐130b exerts a suppressive effect in prostate cancer metastasis through down‐regulation of MMP2. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dietary Fiber Supplementation for Fecal Incontinence: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bliss Donna Z. , Savik Kay , Jung Hans‐Joachim G. , Whitebird Robin , Lowry Ann , Sheng Xiaoyan 
Published: August 2014

AbstractDietary fiber supplements are used to manage fecal incontinence (FI), but little is known about the fiber type to recommend or the level of effectiveness of such supplements, which appears related to the fermentability of the fiber. The aim of this single‐blind, randomized controlled trial was to compare the effects of three dietary fiber supplements (carboxymethylcellulose [CMC], gum arabic [GA], or psyllium) with differing levels of fermentability to a placebo in community‐living individuals incontinent of loose/liquid feces. The primary outcome was FI frequency; secondary outcomes included FI amount and consistency, supplement intolerance, and quality of life (QoL). Possible mechanisms underlying supplement effects were also examined. After a 14‐day baseline, 189 subjects consumed a placebo or 16 g total fiber/day of one of the fiber supplements for 32 days. FI frequency significantly decreased after psyllium supplementation versus placebo, in both intent‐to‐treat and per‐protocol mixed model analyses. CMC increased FI frequency. In intent‐to‐treat analysis, the number of FI episodes/week after supplementation was estimated to be 5.5 for Placebo, 2.5 for Psyllium, 4.3 for GA, and 6.2 for CMC. Only psyllium consumption resulted in a gel in feces. Supplement intolerance was low. QoL scores did not differ among groups. Patients with FI may experience a reduction in FI frequency after psyllium supplementation, and decreased FI frequency has been shown to be an important personal goal of treatment for patients with FI. Formation of a gel in feces appears to be a mechanism by which residual psyllium improved FI. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Living Will Status and Desire for Living Will Help Among Rural Alabama Veterans
Authors: Mahaney‐Price Ann F. , Hilgeman Michelle M. , Davis Lori L. , McNeal Sandre F. , Conner Charles M. , Allen Rebecca S. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this secondary analysis of data from an earlier intervention study to increase Veterans Administration health care enrollment in rural Alabama veterans was to determine the veterans' living will status, desire for help completing a living will, and relationships between these and demographic, health insurance, health self‐report, cumulative illness, disability, and trust characteristics. Baseline data for 201 rural Alabama veterans were extracted from the larger study. Chi‐square and t tests were used to analyze group differences in categorical and continuous variables. Logistic regression models were used to determine multivariate associations of variables with living will status and desire for help. Only 13% of participants had living wills. Of those without living wills, 40% expressed a desire for help completing a living will. African Americans were less likely to have living wills than were Caucasians. Participants with more than high school education were more likely to desire help completing living wills than were those with less education. With the exception of moderate–severe respiratory illness, moderate–severe illness was not associated with having a living will. With the exception of moderate–severe vascular illness, moderate–severe illness was not associated with desire for help completing a living will. The racial and educational disparities in living will status and desire for help and the number of participants who desired help completing a living will suggests a need for action to increase advance care planning among rural veterans. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.