bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Eocene climate of China, the early elevation of the Tibetan Plateau and the onset of the Asian Monsoon
Authors: Wang Qing , Spicer Robert A. , Yang Jian , Wang Yu‐Fei , Li Cheng‐Sen 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEocene palynological samples from 37 widely distributed sites across China were analysed using co‐existence approach to determine trends in space and time for seven palaeoclimate variables: Mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, mean temperature of the warmest month, mean temperature of the coldest month, mean annual range of temperature, mean maximum monthly precipitation and mean minimum monthly precipitation. Present day distributions and observed climates within China of the nearest living relatives of the fossil forms were used to find the range of a given variable in which a maximum number of taxa can coexist. Isotherm and isohyet maps for the early, middle and late Eocene were constructed. These illustrate regional changing patterns in thermal and precipitational gradients that may be interpreted as the beginnings of the modern Asian Monsoon system, and suggest that the uplift of parts of the Tibetan Plateau appear to have taken place by the middle to late Eocene.
Mental health training experiences among Haitian healthcare workers post‐earthquake 2010
Authors: Cianelli R. , Wilkinson C. , Mitchell E. , Anglade D. , Nicolas G. , Mitrani V. , Peragallo N. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundAfter the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the large number of persons with major limb damage, amputations, shock, trauma, anxiety and depression placed a severe strain on mental health (MH) services.PurposeThis qualitative study describes the impact and acceptability of a Mental Health Training Program (MHTP) implemented in the north of Haiti after the earthquake.MethodsA total of 113 healthcare workers (HCWs) participated in a training program designed to build local MH care capacity. The training curriculum draws on literature related to MH and the impact of the Haiti earthquake. Two focus groups were conducted with 16 HCWs; discussions centred on the personal and professional impact and acceptability of the training program.DiscussionResults demonstrated that the MHTP changed the HCWs' perceptions about MH issues and provided them with the knowledge and skills to respond to growing community MH needs. Acceptability of the MHTP was related to the content covered, to the delivery mode of the content and to the cultural appropriateness of the program.ConclusionsDisasters of different types will continue to occur and to impact MH in communities around the world. MH training will allow nurses to quickly and effectively respond to disasters. A coordinated emergency plan that is subject to frequent review, rehearsal and evaluation is also essential.
Testing the Strategic Asset Allocation of Stabilization Sovereign Wealth Funds
Authors: Bertoni Fabio , Lugo Stefano 
Published: July 2013

AbstractNone of the models that have been developed to determine the optimal strategic asset allocation (SAA) of stabilization sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) has received direct empirical validation, primarily because there is a lack of transparency regarding some of the key parameters that characterize the problem. In this paper, building on a mean‐variance framework, we derive three sets of parsimonious statistical tests to compare the actual SAA of SWFs to a theoretical optimum. We apply these tests to the portfolio of the world's largest stabilization SWF (the Norwegian Government Pension Fund—Global or GPF) for the period between 2002 and 2005. The empirical analysis confirms that the static and dynamic deviations of the GPF's SAA from the market equity portfolio are consistent with the theoretical predictions.
Biomechanical Comparison Between Bicortical Pin and Monocortical Screw/Polymethylmethacrylate Constructs in the Cadaveric Canine Cervical Vertebral Column
Authors: Hettlich Bianca F. , Allen Matthew J. , Pascetta Daniel , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Litsky Alan S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo compare biomechanical stiffness of cadaveric canine cervical spine constructs stabilized with bicortical stainless steel pins and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), monocortical stainless steel screws with PMMA, or monocortical titanium screws with PMMA.Study DesignBiomechanical cadaver study.AnimalsEighteen canine cervical vertebral columns (C2–C7) were collected from skeletally mature dogs (weighing 22–32 kg).MethodsSpecimens were radiographed and examined by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Stiffness of the unaltered C4–C5 intervertebral motion unit was measured in extension, flexion and lateral bending using non‐destructive 4‐point bend testing. Specimens were then stabilized by (1) bicortical stainless steel pins/PMMA, (2) monocortical stainless steel screws/PMMA, or (3) monocortical titanium screws/PMMA. Mechanical testing was repeated and stiffness data from unaltered specimens and the 3 treatment groups were compared.ResultsAll 3 surgical methods significantly increased stiffness of the C4–C5 motion unit compared with the unaltered specimen (P < .001 for all treatments), but stiffness was not significantly different among the 3 fixation groups (P = .578).ConclusionsIn this model, monocortical screw fixation (with stainless steel or titanium screws) was biomechanically equivalent to bicortical fixation.
Prevalence of obesity among 10–11‐year‐old Maltese children using four established standards
Authors: Decelis A. , Fox K. , Jago R. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryWhat is already known about this subject
Obesity rates in children are particularly high in European countries.
Based on self‐report data in the Health Behaviour in School‐age Children study, obesity in 11‐year‐old Maltese children is second only to children in the United States.
What this study adds
This is the first study on obesity in 10–11‐year‐old Maltese children using objective measures with a nationally representative sample that confirms very high levels of overweight and obesity.
Prevalence appears to be high with no strong social or geographical patterning.
ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to establish, through measured height and weight, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a representative sample of Maltese children aged 10–11 years.MethodsHeight and weight were measured in a sample, stratified by sex, region and type of school, of 874 year 6 children and their body mass index classified as normal weight, overweight, and obese using International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), World Health Organization (WHO), US Centre for Disease Control and UK Department of Health standards.ResultsIOTF standards indicated 20.4% overweight and 14.2% obese, while WHO standards indicated 23.1% overweight and 20.9% obese. All four standards reported significant sex differences, classifying more boys in the overweight and obesity categories.ConclusionsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity among 10–11‐year‐old Maltese children are higher than previously estimated through self‐reported height and weight and all other countries in the world except Greece. These high rates confirm the urgent need to identify causes and tackle childhood obesity in Malta.
Adiponectin‐impaired adipocyte differentiation negatively regulates fat deposition in chicken
Authors: Yan J. , Yang H. , Gan L. , Sun C. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryAdiponectin is a protein hormone secreted exclusively by adipocytes that plays an important role in the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. To investigate the effect of adiponectin on lipid metabolism in chicken, rosiglitazone (agonist of adiponectin) and dexamethasone (inhibitor of adiponectin) were used to treat 23‐day‐old broilers in vivo. To verify the functionality of adiponectin on fat deposition, chicken pre‐adipocytes were cultured in the medium containing 10 μg/ml adiponectin. Serum adiponectin and lipids and fat distribution were analysed. Oil Red O staining was used to determine lipid deposition in adipocytes. The expression levels of adiponectin, adiponectin receptors (AdipoR) and lipid metabolism–related genes in different tissues and pre‐adipocytes were measured using real‐time PCR, and the abundance of lipid metabolism–related proteins was measured by Western blot. Rosiglitazone increased serum adiponectin concentration and the expression levels of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) in tissues and significantly decreased levels of serum lipids and fat deposition. Rosiglitazone significantly increased the expression levels of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and AdipoR1 and decreased the expression levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS). Dexamethasone had the converse effects compared with rosiglitazone. Oil red O staining results showed a marked decrease in fat deposition in cells treated with adiponectin. In adipocytes, adiponectin could decrease the expression levels of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α (C/EBPα) and FAS and increased the expression levels of ATGL and AdipoR1. These results indicate that adiponectin has a remarkable effect on impairment of adipocyte differentiation, which contributes to the negative regulation of fat deposition in chicken.
Proteases hold the key to an exclusive mutualism
Authors: Bronstein Judith L. 
Published: July 2013

Mutualisms, cooperative interactions between species, generally involve an economic exchange: species exchange commodities that are cheap for them to provide, for ones that cannot be obtained affordably or at all. But these associations can only succeed if effective partners can be enticed to interact. In some mutualisms, partners can actively seek one another out. However, plants, which use mutualists for a wide array of essential life history functions, do not have this option. Instead, natural selection has repeatedly favoured the evolution of rewards – nutritional substances (such as sugar‐rich nectar and fleshy fruit) with which plants attract certain organisms whose feeding activities can then be co‐opted for their own benefit. The trouble with rewards, however, is that they are usually also attractive to organisms that confer no benefits at all. Losing rewards to ‘exploiters’ makes a plant immediately less attractive to the mutualists it requires; if the reward cannot be renewed quickly (or at all), then mutualistic service is precluded entirely. Thus, it is in plants' interests to either restrict rewards to only the most beneficial partners or somehow punish or deter exploiters. Yet, at least in cases where the rewards are highly nutritious, we can expect counter‐selection for exploiter traits that permit them to skirt such control. How, then, can mutualisms persist? In this issue, Orona‐Tamayo et al. () describe a remarkable adaptation that safeguards one particularly costly reward from nonmutualists. Their study helps to explain the evolutionary success of an iconic interaction and illuminates one way in which mutualism as a whole can persist in the face of exploitation.
Reproductive seasonality of a recently designated bottlenose dolphin stock near Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.A
Authors: McFee Wayne E. , Speakman Todd R. , Balthis Len , Adams Jeff D. , Zolman Eric S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractReproductive seasonality of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) can be affected by numerous ecological and behavioral factors. In 2009, stock boundaries were revised to recognize a Charleston Estuarine System Stock (CESS) of bottlenose dolphins in Charleston, South Carolina. The CESS is a well‐studied population with long‐term data collected from photo‐identification and stranding studies. From 2004 to 2008, a systematic mark‐recapture photo‐identification study was conducted in the Charleston Estuary to estimate population size of the CESS. Sightings data from this photo‐identification study coupled with strandings data (1993–2008) were analyzed to determine the reproductive seasonality of this local population. Both neonate sightings and strandings depicted a primary season of reproduction in the spring into early summer with a small peak in neonate sightings in early autumn, and were significantly different from circular uniform and Von Mises distributions (strandings: P < 0.01, V = 2.8644; sightings: P < 0.01, V = 3.2302). This study increases the knowledge of seasonal reproductive patterns of estuarine stocks of bottlenose dolphin stocks in the southeastern United States. The results will also help wildlife managers detect unusual neonate mortality events, and provide information about critical habitat relevant for evaluating and mitigating coastal development projects.
A different kind of hedgehog pathway: tinea manus due to Trichophyton erinacei transmitted by an African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)
Authors: Weishaupt Julia , Kolb‐Mäurer Annette , Lempert Sigrid , Nenoff Pietro , Uhrlaß Silke , Hamm Henning , Goebeler Matthias 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe unusual case of a 29‐year‐old woman with tinea manus caused by infection due to Trichophyton erinacei is described. The patient presented with marked erosive inflammation of the entire fifth finger of her right hand. Mycological and genomic diagnostics resulted in identification of T. erinacei as the responsible pathogen, which had been transmitted by a domestic African pygmy hedgehog, Atelerix albiventris. Upon prolonged treatment with topical and systemic antifungal agents skin lesions slowly resolved. This case illustrates that the increasingly popular keeping of extraordinary pets such as hedgehogs may bear the risk of infections with uncommon dermatophytes.
Irritable bowel syndrome, its cognition, anxiety sensitivity, and anticipatory anxiety in panic disorder patients
Authors: Sugaya Nagisa , Yoshida Eiji , Yasuda Shin , Tochigi Mamoru , Takei Kunio , Ohtani Toshiyuki , Otowa Takeshi , Minato Takanobu , Umekage Tadashi , Sakano Yuji , Chen Junwen , Shimada Hironori , Nomura Shinobu , Okazaki Yuji , Kaiya Hisanobu , Tanii Hisashi , Sasaki Tsukasa 
Published: July 2013

AimThe present study examined the effect of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cognitive appraisal of IBS, and anxiety sensitivity on anticipatory anxiety (AA) and agoraphobia (AG) in patients with panic disorder (PD).MethodsWe examined 244 PD patients who completed a set of questionnaires that included the Rome II Modular Questionnaire to assess the presence of IBS, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), the Cognitive Appraisal Rating Scale (CARS; assessing the cognitive appraisal of abdominal symptoms in four dimensions: commitment, appraisal of effect, appraisal of threat, and controllability), and items about the severity of AA and AG. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to diagnose AG and PD.ResultsAfter excluding individuals with possible organic gastrointestinal diseases by using ‘red flag items,’ valid data were obtained from 174 participants, including 110 PD patients without IBS (PD/IBS[–]) and 64 with IBS (PD/IBS[+]). The PD/IBS[+] group had higher AA and higher comorbidity with AG than the PD/IBS[–] group. In the PD/IBS[+] group, the controllability score of CARS was significantly correlated with AA and ASI. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant effect of ASI but not of controllability on AA in PD/IBS[+] subjects.ConclusionThis study suggested that the presence of IBS may be related to agoraphobia and anticipatory anxiety in PD patients. Cognitive appraisal could be partly related to anticipatory anxiety in PD patients with IBS with anxiety sensitivity mediating this correlation.
Segmental Juvenile Xanthogranuloma
Authors: Ng Su Yuen 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA 5‐month‐old boy had erythematous nodules over the left side of his trunk with a segmental arrangement since birth. Histopathologic examination revealed sheets of foamy histiocytes infiltrating the dermis and subcutaneous fat, admixed with multinucleated giant cells and lymphocytes, making this an unusual case of juvenile xanthogranuloma appearing in a segmental distribution.
Occurrence of different development time patterns induced by photoperiod in Anagrus atomus (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), an egg parasitoid of Empoasca vitis (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)
Authors: ZANOLLI PENELOPE , PAVAN FRANCESCO 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe wasp Anagrus atomus L. parasitizes eggs of the cicadellid Empoasca vitis (Göthe) on grapevines during the vegetative season. In vineyards, abundant parasitoid emergence occurs in the autumn as a result of a developmental delay in part of the A. atomus population. In this context, physiological times required by the parasitoid to develop in E. vitis eggs are recorded during the summer. In early summer, all individuals develop fully, with physiological times in agreement with those reported in the literature. From early August onwards, an increasing proportion of parasitoids show a delay in development involving pre‐imaginal stages. Under transmission microscopy, larvae of A. atomus inside the eggs of E. vitis can be clearly differentiated as ‘light’ and ‘dark’ types, which are associated with normal and delayed development, respectively. The decreasing photoperiod as autumn approaches appears to promote the retardation of growth. This phenomenon can be considered a typical case of risk spreading because, when the availability of E. vitis eggs in vineyards is high (i.e. in early summer), A. atomus shows (i) only a normal developmental pattern that allows a faster population increase, whereas (ii) when E. vitis egg availability begins to be scarce (i.e. from mid summer), an increasing proportion of individuals having delayed development provides better fitness because it allows the parasitoid to synchronize its life history with leafhopper species that lay overwintering eggs on plants other than grapevines.
Plant biology in reduced gravity on the Moon and Mars
Authors: Kiss J. Z. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWhile there have been numerous studies on the effects of microgravity on plant biology since the beginning of the Space Age, our knowledge of the effects of reduced gravity (less than the Earth nominal 1 g) on plant physiology and development is very limited. Since international space agencies have cited manned exploration of Moon/Mars as long‐term goals, it is important to understand plant biology at the lunar (0.17 g) and Martian levels of gravity (0.38 g), as plants are likely to be part of bioregenerative life‐support systems on these missions. First, the methods to obtain microgravity and reduced gravity such as drop towers, parabolic flights, sounding rockets and orbiting spacecraft are reviewed. Studies on gravitaxis and gravitropism in algae have suggested that the threshold level of gravity sensing is around 0.3 g or less. Recent experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) showed attenuation of phototropism in higher plants occurs at levels ranging from 0.l g to 0.3 g. Taken together, these studies suggest that the reduced gravity level on Mars of 0.38 g may be enough so that the gravity level per se would not be a major problem for plant development. Studies that have directly considered the impact of reduced gravity and microgravity on bioregenerative life‐support systems have identified important biophysical changes in the reduced gravity environments that impact the design of these systems. The author suggests that the current ISS laboratory facilities with on‐board centrifuges should be used as a test bed in which to explore the effects of reduced gravity on plant biology, including those factors that are directly related to developing life‐support systems necessary for Moon and Mars exploration.
Population genetic diversity and species relationships in the genusRhinanthusL. based on microsatellite markers
Authors: Talve T. , McGlaughlin M. E. , Helenurm K. , Wallace L. E. , Oja T. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe genusRhinanthusL. is complex, containing many taxonomically unresolved taxa. In this paper we studied genetic variation and species relationships in 15 populations of sixRhinanthusspecies from three sections. For this purpose, we developed new microsatellite primers forR. osiliensisand used them to investigate genetic variation in two narrow endemics (R. osiliensis,R. javorkae) and in four widespread species (R. rumelicusR. wagneri,R. angustifoliusandR. minor). Species‐specific private alleles were found in all species exceptR. osiliensisandR. angustifolius. TheBulgarian endemicR. javorkaeshowed the lowest genetic variation, followed by widespreadR. minorandEstonian endemicR. osiliensis.Rhinanthus javorkaeandR. minorwere genetically most differentiated. SectionCleistolemusis weakly structured genetically, indicating close affinity betweenR. osiliensis,R. rumelicus,R. wagneriandR. angustifolius.
Plastid‐associated polyamines: their role in differentiation, structure, functioning, stress response and senescence
Authors: Sobieszczuk‐Nowicka E. , Legocka J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPolyamines are low‐molecular weight biogenic amines. They are a specific group of cell growth and development regulators. In the past decade biochemical, molecular and genetic studies have contributed much to a better understanding of the biological role of polyamines in the plant cell. Substantial evidence has also been added to our understanding of the role of polyamines in plastid development. In developing chloroplasts, polyamines serve as a nitrogen source for protein and chlorophyll synthesis. In chloroplast structure, thylakoid proteins linked to polyamines belong mainly to antenna proteins of light‐harvesting chlorophyll a/b–protein complexes. The fact that LHCII oligomeric forms are much more intensely labelled by polyamines, in comparison to monomeric forms, suggests that polyamines participate in oligomer stabilisation. In plastid metabolism, polyamines modulate effectiveness of photosynthesis. The role of polyamines in mature chloroplasts is also related to the photo‐adaptation of the photosynthetic apparatus to low and high light intensity and its response to environmental stress. The occurrence of polyamines and enzymes participating in their metabolism at every stage of plastid development indicates that polyamines play a role in plastid differentiation, structure, functioning and senescence.
Posaconazole concentrations after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Heinz W.J. , Einsele H. , Helle‐Beyersdorf A. , Zirkel J. , Grau A. , Schirmer D. , Lenker U. , Klinker H. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIntroductionPosaconazole is recommended for prophylaxis of fungal infections and for salvage therapy of invasive aspergillosis after stem cell transplantation. An impact of drug concentration on efficacy has been suggested.MethodsIn this study, we investigated serum levels of posaconazole in 262 samples from 64 allogeneic stem cell recipients.ResultsA high degree of interindividual variation was observed. Concentrations were significantly higher for male patients compared with female patients (median 570 and 426 ng/mL, respectively), but no differences for age or dosing groups (400 mg twice daily [BID] or 200 mg three times a day) could be detected. The predictive value of the first determined posaconazole concentration in steady state and of a concentration >500 and 700 ng/mL at any time was evaluated, compared with patients with a first level <300 ng/mL (mean 10.3%, median 0%).ConclusionIn patients receiving 400 mg BID, the mean rate of serum levels >500 ng/mL in subsequent determinations was higher, if the first serum concentration during steady state was >300 ng/mL (mean 61.1%, median 60%, P = 0.002) or >500 ng/mL (67.7%, median 75%, P = 0.002). Based on this retrospective analysis, a posaconazole serum concentration >500 ng/mL at any time point might also help to predict sufficient drug concentrations.