bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges in applying scientific evidence to width recommendations for riparian management in agricultural Australia
Authors: Hansen Birgita D. , Reich Paul , Cavagnaro Timothy R. , Lake P. S. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryIntact riparian zones maintain aquatic–terrestrial ecosystem function and ultimately, waterway health. Effective riparian management is a major step towards improving the condition of waterways and usually involves the creation of a ‘buffer’ by fencing off the stream and planting vegetation. Determination of buffer widths often reflects logistical constraints (e.g. private land ownership, existing infrastructure) of riparian and adjacent areas, rather than relying on rigorous science. We used published information to support riparian width recommendations for waterways in agricultural Victoria, Australia. We focused on different ecological management objectives (e.g. nutrient reduction or erosion control) and scrutinised the applicability of data across different environmental contexts (e.g. adjacent land use or geomorphology). Not surprisingly, the evidence supported variable ‘effective’ riparian widths, depending on the objective and environmental context. We used this information to develop a framework for determining riparian buffer widths to meet a variety of ecological objectives in south‐east Australia. Widths for reducing nutrient inputs to waterways were most strongly supported with quantitative evidence and varied between 20 and 38 m depending on environmental context. The environmental context was inconsistently reported, making it difficult to recommend appropriate widths, under different land‐use and physiographic scenarios. The evidence to guide width determination generally had high levels of uncertainty. Despite the considerable amount of published riparian research, there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that implemented widths achieved ecological objectives. We emphasise the need for managers to clearly articulate the objectives of proposed riparian management and carefully consider the environmental context. Monitoring ecological responses associated with different riparian buffer widths is essential to support future management decisions.
Endothelin‐1 protects human melanocytes from UV‐induced DNA damage by activating JNK and p38 signalling pathways
Authors: von Koschembahr Anne M. , Swope Viki B. , Starner Renny J. , Abdel‐Malek Zalfa A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractEndothelin‐1 is a paracrine factor with mitogenic, melanogenic and survival effects on cultured human melanocytes. We report that endothelin‐1 signalling reduced the generation and enhanced the repair of ultraviolet radiation (UV)‐induced DNA photoproducts, and inhibited apoptosis of human melanocytes, without increasing cAMP levels, melanin content or proliferation. Treatment with endothelin‐1 activated the MAP kinases JNK and p38, as evidenced by phosphorylation of their target, activating transcription factor‐2 (ATF‐2). Endothelin‐1 also enhanced the phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and ATF‐2 by UV. The effects of endothelin‐1 were dependent on increasing intracellular calcium mobilization by endothelin B receptor signalling. Activation of both JNK and p38 was required for reducing DNA photoproducts, but only JNK partially contributed to the survival effect of endothelin‐1. ATF‐2 activation depended mainly on JNK, yet was not sufficient for the effect of endothelin‐1 on UV‐induced DNA damage, suggesting the requirement for other JNK and p38 targets for this effect. Our results underscore the significance of endothelin‐1 and endothelin B receptor signalling in reducing the genotoxic effects of UV via activating JNK and p38, hence restoring genomic stability of melanocytes.
Effect of testing experience and profession on provider acceptability of rapid HIV testing after implementation in public sexual health clinics in Sydney
Authors: Conway DP , Guy R , McNulty A , Couldwell DL , Davies SC , Smith DE , Keen P , Cunningham P , Holt M ,   Sydney Rapid HIV Test Study
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesRapid HIV testing (RHT) is well established in many countries, but it is new in Australia since a policy change in 2011. We assessed service provider acceptability of RHT before and after its implementation in four Sydney public sexual health clinics.MethodsService providers were surveyed immediately after training in RHT and again 6–12 months later. Differences in mean scores between survey rounds were assessed via t‐tests, with stratification by profession and the number of tests performed.ResultsRHT was rated as highly acceptable among staff at baseline and acceptability scores improved between survey rounds. Belief in being sufficiently skilled and experienced to perform RHT (P = 0.004) and confidence in the delivery of nonreactive results increased (P = 0.007), while the belief that RHT was disruptive declined (P = 0.001). Acceptability was higher for staff who had performed a greater number of tests regarding comfort with their role in RHT (P = 0.004) and belief that patients were satisfied with RHT (P = 0.007). Compared with nurses, doctors had a stronger preference for a faster rapid test (P = 0.027) and were more likely to agree that RHT interfered with consultations (P = 0.014).ConclusionsDifferences in responses between professions may reflect differences in staff roles, the type of patients seen by staff and the model of testing used, all of which may affect the number of tests performed by staff. These findings may inform planning for how best to implement RHT in clinical services.
Treatment initiation factors and cognitive outcome in youth with perinatally acquired HIV infection
Authors: Lazarus J Rutstein , Rutstein RM , Lowenthal ED 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesAlthough cognitive outcomes among perinatally infected youth have improved with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the impact of the age of initiation of treatment and the central nervous system (CNS) penetration effectiveness (CPE) of the regimen on cognitive outcomes is unknown. We aimed to describe the association between initiation age/regimen CPE score and cognitive outcomes in perinatally HIV‐infected youth.MethodsLinear regression was used to retrospectively assess the association between full‐scale IQ score (FSIQ) and age of initiation of HAART, regimen CPE, and the presence/absence of an AIDS diagnosis before initiation of HAART in an urban US cohort.ResultsA total of 88 of 181 subjects (48.6%) had an AIDS diagnosis. In 69, AIDS preceded the start of HAART. Mean FSIQ (mean age 155.4 months) was 86.3 [standard deviation (SD) 15.6]. Neither age of initiation of HAART (P = 0.45) nor regimen CPE score (P = 0.33) was associated with FSIQ. Mean FSIQ for patients with an AIDS diagnosis before HAART initiation [82 (SD 17.0)] was significantly lower than for patients initiating HAART before an AIDS diagnosis [90 (SD 13)] (P = 0.001). Of the 129 subjects without AIDS by age 5 years, 41 (31.8%) initiated HAART before age 5 years; four of 41 later developed AIDS, compared with 32 of 88 of those who did not initiate HAART before age 5 years. The relative risk of AIDS if HAART was initiated before age 5 years was 0.19 (95% confidence interval 0.05‐0.60).ConclusionsEarlier age at HAART initiation and higher CPE score of a regimen did not improve cognitive outcomes. However, initiating HAART prior to AIDS protected against AIDS and was associated with a significantly higher FSIQ.
The Ability to Map Differentially Stressed Labels to Objects Predicts Language Development at 24 months in 12‐month‐olds at High Risk for Autism
Authors: Ference Jennifer , Curtin Suzanne 
Published: January 2015

Sensitivity to language‐specific stress patterns during infancy facilitates finding, mapping, and recognizing words, and early preferences for the predominate stress pattern of the infant's native language have been argued to facilitate language relevant outcomes (Ference & Curtin, 2013 Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 116, 891; Weber et al., 2005 Cognitive Brain Research, 25, 180). We examined 12‐month‐old infant siblings of typically developing children (SIBS‐TD) and infant siblings of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; SIBS‐A) on their ability to map differentially stressed labels to objects. We also examined whether success at this task relates to infants’ vocabulary size at 12 months, and more specifically to SIBS‐A's vocabulary at both 12 and 24 months. SIBS‐TD successfully mapped the word–object pairings, which related to their vocabulary comprehension at 12 months. In contrast, SIBS‐A as a group did not map the word–object pairings, which was unrelated to vocabulary size at 12 months. However, success on this task for SIBS‐A predicted expressive language abilities at 24 months using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL; Mullen, 1995 Mullen Scales of Early Learning. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance) and the MacArthur‐Bates Communicative Development Inventory (MB‐CDI; Fenson et al., 1993 MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory: Users Guide and Technical Manual. San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Company). Our study is the first to demonstrate that 12‐month‐old SIBS‐A who succeed at word mapping using lexical stress are more likely to have stronger expressive language abilities at 24 months.
Do Underwriting Activities Bias Investment Banks’ Buy Recommendations? Lessons from the Latin American Bond Markets
Authors: Nieto‐Parra Sebastian 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis paper examines whether banks’ recommendations to investors in the Latin American sovereign bond market are truly independent of the same banks’ underwriting activities in these countries. The main findings are the following. First, after controlling for macroeconomic and financial variables, I find that investment banks tend to provide optimistic recommendations to investors in sovereign bonds on which they act as lead managers. Second, econometric analysis shows that this association increases with the underwriting fee. These results are consistent with interviews with the main institutional investors in sovereign bonds. The findings of this research suggest the existence of a conflict of interest between the origination and research departments of investment banks in the Latin American bond market.
Mevalonosomes: specific vacuoles containing the mevalonate pathway in Plocamium brasiliense cortical cells (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Paradas Wladimir Costa , Crespo Thalita Mendes , Salgado Leonardo Tavares , de Andrade Leonardo Rodrigues , Soares Angélica Ribeiro , Hellio Claire , Paranhos Ricardo Rogers , Hill Lilian Jorge , de Souza Geysa Marinho , Kelecom Alphonse Germaine Albert Charles , Da Gama Bernardo Antônio Perez , Pereira Renato Crespo , Amado‐Filho Gilberto Menezes 
Published: January 2015

This paper has identified, for the first time in a member of the Rhodophyta, a vacuolar organelle containing enzymes that are involved in the mevalonate pathway—an important step in red algal isoprenoid biosynthesis. These organelles were named mevalonosomes (Mev) and were found in the cortical cells (CC) of Plocamium brasiliense, a marine macroalgae that synthesizes several halogenated monoterpenes. P. brasiliense specimens were submitted to a cytochemical analysis of the activity of the 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase (HMGS). Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we confirmed the presence of HMGS activity within the Mev. Because HMGS is necessary for the biosynthesis of halogenated monoterpenes, we isolated a hexanic fraction (HF) rich in halogenated monoterpenes from P. brasiliense that contained a pentachlorinated monoterpene as a major metabolite. Because terpenes are often related to chemical defense, the antifouling (AF) activity of pentachlorinated monoterpene was tested. We found that the settlement of the mussel Perna perna was reduced by HF treatment (2.25 times less than control; 40% and 90% of fouled surface, respectively; P = 0.001; F9,9 = 1.13). The HF (at 10 μg · mL−1) also inhibited three species of fouling microalgae (Chlorarachnion reptans, Cylindrotheca cloisterium, and Exanthemachrysis gayraliae), while at a higher concentration (50 μg · mL−1), it inhibited the bacteria Halomonas marina, Polaribacter irgensii, Pseudoalteromonas elyakovii, Shewanella putrefaciens, and Vibrio aestuarianus. The AF activity of P. brasiliense halogenated monoterpenes and the localization of HMGS activity inside Mev suggest that this cellular structure found in CC may play a role in thallus protection against biofouling.
Utility of the FIB‐4 Index for hepatocarcinogenesis in hepatitis C virus carriers with normal alanine aminotransferase levels
Authors: Ito T. , Kumada T. , Toyoda H. , Tada T. , Kiriyama S. , Tanikawa M. , Hisanaga Y. , Kanamori A. , Kitabatake S. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe FIB‐4 index is a simple formula using age, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and platelet count to evaluate liver fibrosis. We investigated the ability of the FIB‐4 index for hepatocarcinogenesis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers with normal ALT levels. A total of 516 patients with ALT levels persistently at or below 40 IU/L during an observation period of over 3 years were included. Factors associated with the development of HCC were determined. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in 60 of 516 patients (11.6%). The incidence rate of HCC at 5 and 10 years was 2.6% and 17.6%, respectively. When patients were categorized according to the FIB‐4 index as ≤2.0 (n = 226), >2.0 and ≤4.0 (n = 169), and >4.0 (n = 121), the cumulative incidence of HCC at 5 years was 0.5%, 1.3% and 8.0%, respectively, and 2.8%, 25.6% and 37.1% at 10 years, respectively. Patients with FIB‐4 index >4.0 were at the highest risk (P < 0.001). Factors that were significantly associated with HCC in the multivariate analysis were FIB‐4 index >2.0 (hazard ratio (HR), 7.690), FIB‐4 index >4.0 (HR, 8.991), α‐fetoprotein (AFP) >5 ng/mL (HR, 2.742), AFP >10 ng/mL (HR, 4.915) and total bilirubin >1.2 mg/dL (HR, 2.142). A scoring system for hepatocarcinogenesis that combines the FIB‐4 index and AFP predicted patient outcomes with excellent discriminative ability. The FIB‐4 index is strongly associated with the risk of HCC in HCV carriers with normal ALT levels.
Proteins interacting with mitochondrial ATP‐dependent Lon protease (MAP1) in Magnaporthe oryzae are involved in rice blast disease
Authors: Cui Xiao , Wei Yi , Wang Yu‐Han , Li Jian , Wong Fuk‐Ling , Zheng Ya‐Jie , Yan Hai , Liu Shao‐Shuai , Liu Jin‐Liang , Jia Bao‐Lei , Zhang Shi‐Hong 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe ATP‐dependent Lon protease is involved in many physiological processes. In bacteria, Lon regulates pathogenesis and, in yeast, Lon protects mitochondia from oxidative damage. However, little is known about Lon in fungal phytopathogens. MAP1, a homologue of Lon in Magnaporthe oryzae, was recently identified to be important for stress resistance and pathogenesis. Here, we focus on a novel pathogenic pathway mediated by MAP1. Based on an interaction system between rice and a tandem affinity purification (TAP)‐tagged MAP1 complementation strain, we identified 23 novel fungal proteins from infected leaves using a TAP approach with mass spectrometry, and confirmed that 14 of these proteins physically interact with MAP1 in vivo. Among these 14 proteins, 11 candidates, presumably localized to the mitochondria, were biochemically determined to be substrates of MAP1 hydrolysis. Deletion mutants were created and functionally analysed to further confirm the involvement of these proteins in pathogenesis. The results indicated that all mutants showed reduced conidiation and sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide. Appressorial formations were not affected, although conidia from certain mutants were morphologically altered. In addition, virulence was reduced in four mutants, enhanced (with lesions forming earlier) in two mutants and remained unchanged in one mutant. Together with the known virulence‐related proteins alternative oxidase and enoyl‐CoA hydratase, we propose that most of the Lon‐interacting proteins are involved in the pathogenic regulation pathway mediated by MAP1 in M. oryzae. Perturbation of this pathway may represent an effective approach for the inhibition of rice blast disease.
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract genetics in mice and men
Authors: Caruana Georgina , Bertram John F. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe most common cause of paediatric end‐stage kidney disease results from congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). Genetic manipulation in mice has provided insight into the developmental events that give rise to the broad spectrum of malformations associated with CAKUT. Despite the increase in the number of identified CAKUT‐causing genes, the underlying genetic cause for the majority of patients with CAKUT remains unknown. In this mini‐review, we provide an overview of the genetic causes of CAKUT based on current mouse mutant models, as well as next‐generation sequencing approaches in humans that are helping to bridge the gaps in our understanding.
Bootstrap Co‐integration Rank Testing: The Effect of Bias‐Correcting Parameter Estimates
Authors: Cavaliere Giuseppe , Taylor A. M. Robert , Trenkler Carsten 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBootstrap‐based methods for bias‐correcting the first‐stage parameter estimates used in some recently developed bootstrap implementations of co‐integration rank tests are investigated. The procedure constructs estimates of the bias in the original parameter estimates by using the average bias in the corresponding parameter estimates taken across a large number of auxiliary bootstrap replications. A number of possible implementations of this procedure are discussed and concrete recommendations made on the basis of finite sample performance evaluated by Monte Carlo simulation methods. The results show that bootstrap‐based bias‐correction methods can significantly improve the small sample performance of the bootstrap co‐integration rank tests.
Diffuse Capillary Malformation in Association with Fetal Pleural Effusion: Report of Five Patients
Authors: Rork Jillian F. , Alomari Ahmad I. , Mulliken John B. , Fishman Steven J. , Liang Marilyn G. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractCapillary malformation (CM) can be a “red flag” for several syndromic vascular anomalies. We identified a subset of patients with diffuse CM and fetal pleural effusion and documented the type of CM, the etiology of the pleural effusion, the potential syndromic diagnosis, and outcome. Patients with a history of CM and fetal pleural effusion were identified by searching the database of patients evaluated at the Vascular Anomalies Center at Boston Children's Hospital. Standardized patient interviews and a retrospective review of records, photographs, and imaging studies were conducted. Five patients had diffuse CM and fetal pleural effusion. Two patients had macrocephaly‐CM (M‐CM), one had features of M‐CM and CLOVES (congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevi, and spinal/skeletal anomalies and/or scoliosis), and one had diffuse CM with overgrowth. The pleural fluid was chylous in four patients. One patient had thoracic lymphatic malformation. Recurrent effusion occurred in one patient coincident with pneumonia at age 11 years. Four patients had a history of reactive airway disease and episodic pulmonary infections. The diagnosis of vascular anomaly–overgrowth syndromes, particularly M‐CM, should be considered in neonates with fetal pleural effusion.
Hyperactive auditory processing in Williams syndrome: Evidence from auditory evoked potentials
Authors: Zarchi Omer , Avni Chen , Attias Josef , Frisch Amos , Carmel Miri , Michaelovsky Elena , Green Tamar , Weizman Abraham , Gothelf Doron 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe neurophysiologic aberrations underlying the auditory hypersensitivity in Williams syndrome (WS) are not well defined. The P1‐N1‐P2 obligatory complex and mismatch negativity (MMN) response were investigated in 18 participants with WS, and the results were compared with those of 18 age‐ and gender‐matched typically developing (TD) controls. Results revealed significantly higher amplitudes of both the P1‐N1‐P2 obligatory complex and the MMN response in the WS participants than in the TD controls. The P1‐N1‐P2 complex showed an age‐dependent reduction in the TD but not in the WS participants. Moreover, high P1‐N1‐P2 complex was associated with low verbal comprehension scores in WS. This investigation demonstrates that central auditory processing is hyperactive in WS. The increase in auditory brain responses of both the obligatory complex and MMN response suggests aberrant processes of auditory encoding and discrimination in WS. Results also imply that auditory processing may be subjected to a delayed or diverse maturation and may affect the development of high cognitive functioning in WS.
Breed of Boar Influences the Optimal Concentration of Gamma‐oryzanol Needed for Semen Cryopreservation
Authors: Chanapiwat P , Kaeoket K 
Published: January 2015

ContentsThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of boar breed on the optimal concentration of gamma‐oryzanol on the qualities of cryopreserved boar semen. Semen was collected from 20 boars (10 Duroc, 5 Large white and 5 Landrace boars). The semen sample was divided into five groups (A–E) according to the concentration of gamma‐oryzanol in extender II, that is 0, 0.08, 0.16, 0.24 and 0.32 mm, respectively. The semen was cryopreserved by nitrogen vapour and storage in nitrogen tank (−196°C). After storage for a week, samples were thawed at 50°C for 12 s and evaluated for progressive motility, sperm viability and acrosome integrity. The results demonstrated that gamma‐oryzanol significantly improved progressive motility, viability and acrosome integrity of frozen–thawed boar semen. Considering the influence of breeds on the optimal concentration of gamma‐oryzanol, for Duroc boar, gamma‐oryzanol at 0.16 mm (group C) yielded the highest percentage of progressive motility, sperm viability and acrosome integrity. For Large white and Landrace boars, gamma‐oryzanol at 0.24 mm (group D) showed a significantly higher percentage of progressive motility, viability (not significant in Landrace) and acrosome integrity than other concentrations. In conclusion, the optimal concentration of gamma‐oryzanol needed for boar semen cryopreservation in lactose–egg yolk (LEY) freezing extender is not only depended on individual boar but also breed of boar, that is 0.16 mm for Duroc and 0.24 mm for Large white and Landrace.
The Intrauterine Treatment of the Retained Foetal Membrane in Dairy Goats by Ozone: Novel Alternative to Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Djuricic D , Valpotic H , Samardzija M 
Published: January 2015

ContentsOne of the major post‐parturient complications in dairy goats is the retention of foetal membrane (RFM), which negatively influences their health, reproductive efficacy and welfare. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of intrauterine either ozone (OZ) or antibiotic (AB) treatments to establish the use of OZ as a novel and potential alternative to AB therapy in does with the RFM. The study was performed on 7 herds of dairy goats (n = 563) kept in the farms in Croatia. The conception rate was 563 of 641 total matings or 87.83%. The does from selected farms were observed during early puerperium and were divided into animals without the RFM (n = 522) and with the RFM (n = 41), treated either with foam spray OZ (n = 21) or with foaming AB oxytetracycline tablets (n = 20). The does with the RFM were mated successfully and became pregnant next kidding season, regardless of the treatment applied. Treatment with OZ attained similar results to the standard AB therapy, indicating that it could be novel potential alternative therapy of the RFM in dairy goats.