bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuromodulation: selected approaches and challenges
Authors: Parpura Vladimir , Silva Gabriel A. , Tass Peter A. , Bennet Kevin E. , Meyyappan M. , Koehne Jessica , Lee Kendall H. , Andrews Russell J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe brain operates through complex interactions in the flow of information and signal processing within neural networks. The ‘wiring’ of such networks, being neuronal or glial, can physically and/or functionally go rogue in various pathological states. Neuromodulation, as a multidisciplinary venture, attempts to correct such faulty nets. In this review, selected approaches and challenges in neuromodulation are discussed. The use of water‐dispersible carbon nanotubes has been proven effective in the modulation of neurite outgrowth in culture and in aiding regeneration after spinal cord injury in vivo. Studying neural circuits using computational biology and analytical engineering approaches brings to light geometrical mapping of dynamics within neural networks, much needed information for stimulation interventions in medical practice. Indeed, sophisticated desynchronization approaches used for brain stimulation have been successful in coaxing ‘misfiring’ neuronal circuits to resume productive firing patterns in various human disorders. Devices have been developed for the real‐time measurement of various neurotransmitters as well as electrical activity in the human brain during electrical deep brain stimulation. Such devices can establish the dynamics of electrochemical changes in the brain during stimulation. With increasing application of nanomaterials in devices for electrical and chemical recording and stimulating in the brain, the era of cellular, and even intracellular, precision neuromodulation will soon be upon us.
Clavicles, interclavicles, gastralia, and sternal ribs in sauropod dinosaurs: new reports from Diplodocidae and their morphological, functional and evolutionary implications
Authors: Tschopp Emanuel , Mateus Octávio 
Published: November 2012

AbstractOssified gastralia, clavicles and sternal ribs are known in a variety of reptilians, including dinosaurs. In sauropods, however, the identity of these bones is controversial. The peculiar shapes of these bones complicate their identification, which led to various differing interpretations in the past. Here we describe different elements from the chest region of diplodocids, found near Shell, Wyoming, USA. Five morphotypes are easily distinguishable: (A) elongated, relatively stout, curved elements with a spatulate and a bifurcate end resemble much the previously reported sauropod clavicles, but might actually represent interclavicles; (B) short, L‐shaped elements, mostly preserved as a symmetrical pair, probably are the real clavicles, as indicated by new findings in diplodocids; (C) slender, rod‐like bones with rugose ends are highly similar to elements identified as sauropod sternal ribs; (D) curved bones with wide, probably medial ends constitute the fourth morphotype, herein interpreted as gastralia; and (E) irregularly shaped elements, often with extended rugosities, are included into the fifth morphotype, tentatively identified as sternal ribs and/or intercostal elements. To our knowledge, the bones previously interpreted as sauropod clavicles were always found as single bones, which sheds doubt on the validity of their identification. Various lines of evidence presented herein suggest they might actually be interclavicles – which are single elements. This would be the first definitive evidence of interclavicles in dinosauromorphs. Previously supposed interclavicles in the early sauropodomorph Massospondylus or the theropods Oviraptor and Velociraptor were later reinterpreted as clavicles or furculae. Independent from their identification, the existence of the reported bones has both phylogenetic and functional significance. Their presence in non‐neosauropod Eusauropoda and Flagellicaudata and probable absence in rebbachisaurs and Titanosauriformes shows a clear character polarity. This implicates that the ossification of these bones can be considered plesiomorphic for Sauropoda. The proposed presence of interclavicles in sauropods may give further support to a recent study, which finds a homology of the avian furcula with the interclavicle to be equally parsimonious to the traditional theory that furcula were formed by the fusion of the clavicles. Functional implications are the stabilizing of the chest region, which coincides with the development of elongated cervical and caudal vertebral columns or the use of the tail as defensive weapon. The loss of ossified chest bones coincides with more widely spaced limbs, and the evolution of a wide‐gauge locomotor style.
Affective reactions to a pay system reform and their impact on employee behaviour
Authors: Tenhiälä Aino , Lount Robert B. 
Published: November 2012

Consistent with some of the central tenets of Affective Events Theory, we argue in this study that viewing the introduction of a new pay system as an affective event can help to explain employee attitudes and behaviours. This study examines the impact of employees' initial affective reactions to a pay system reform on subsequent behaviours. The data were collected across 2 years in a context where a new pay system was implemented. We were able to match affective responses at the beginning of the reform with behavioural responses at the end of the reform and turnover data (N = 267–495). Positive affective reactions predicted higher levels of voice and, through organizational commitment, lower levels of turnover. Negative affective reactions predicted higher levels of voice and helping behaviours. These results shed light on how affective reactions can influence employee behaviours and attitudes following an important work event, such as the introduction of a new compensation system. The implications for theory and practice are discussed.Practitioner Points
The results of the study suggest that the implementation of a new pay system can induce long‐lasting emotional responses which have implications for employee attitudes and behaviour. For example, positive affective reactions were associated with lower levels of turnover.
As both positive and negative affective reactions were associated with expressing more voice, organizations may think about increasing the opportunity for employees to express their voice (e.g., having extra opportunities to talk with a manager or allowing for anonymous feedback) following the introduction of a pay system.
Traditional and Quantitative Assessment of Acid‐Base and Shock Variables in Horses with Atypical Myopathy
Authors: van Galen G. , Cerri S. , Porter S. , Saegerman C. , Lefere L. , Roscher K. , Marr C. , Amory H. , Votion D.M. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundDescriptions of acid‐base disturbances in atypical myopathy (AM) are limited.ObjectivesDescribe and compare traditional and quantitative acid‐base abnormalities and cardiovascular shock status in horses withAMat admission.Animals34 horses withAM, 15 healthy controls.MethodsRetrospective case‐control study. Records were searched for shock variables (packed cell volume [PCV], blood urea nitrogen [BUN], heart and respiratory rate) and acid‐base variables (venous blood gas analysis, electrolytes, total protein, lactate) on admission. Base excess (BE) of free water (BEfw), chloride (BEcl), total protein (BEtp), and unidentified anions (BEua), anion gap (AG), measured strong ion difference (SIDm), and concentration of total nonvolatile weak acids ([Atot]) were calculated. Acid‐base classifications, using simplified strong ion model and traditional approach, and shock grades were assigned. A 2‐sample Wilcoxon rank‐sum test and Bonferroni correction compared variables inAMcases versus control horses. Significance wasP < .05/16 for acid‐base andP < .05/5 for shock variables.ResultsTachycardia, tachypnea, and normal to increased PCV and BUN were common in AM cases. Respiratory, metabolic acid‐base alterations, or both were mainly caused by respiratory alkalosis, lactic acidosis, and SIDm alkalosis, alone or in combination. Evaluated variables (exceptpH, potassium concentration, total protein, and related calculations) were significantly different (P < .001) between AM cases and control horses. The strong ion model provided a more accurate assessment than the traditional approach and identified mixed derangements.Conclusions and clinical importanceAcid‐base derangements should be evaluated in horses withAMand this preferably with the strong ion model.
Effects of Dexamethasone‐21‐Isonicotinate on Peripheral Insulin Action in Dairy Cows 5 days after Surgical Correction of Abomasal Displacement
Authors: Kusenda M. , Kaske M. , Piechotta M. , Locher L. , Starke A. , Huber K. , Rehage J. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundDexamethasone frequently is used for treatment of ketosis in dairy cows, but its effects are not fully understood.HypothesisDexamethasone treatment affects whole body insulin sensitivity.AnimalsTwelve German Holstein cows, 2–4 weeks postpartum, 5 days after omentopexy to correct left abomasal displacement.MethodsRandomized, blinded, case‐control study. Treatment with dexamethasone‐21‐isonicotinate (DG; 40 μg/kg IM; n = 6) or saline (control group [CG], 15 mL IM, n = 6) on day 0 (d0). Blood samples were obtained before (d0) and after treatment (d1 and d2), and analyzed for glucose, insulin, and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. Hepatic triglycerides (TAG) were measured in liver samples taken on d0 and d2. Five consecutive hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamps (HEC‐I‐V; insulin dosages: 0.1, 0.5, 2, 5, 10 mU/kg/min, respectively) were performed on d1 and steady state glucose infusion rate (SSGIR), insulin concentration (SSIC), insulin sensitivity index (ISI = SSGIR/SSIC), and plasma NEFA concentration (SSNEFA) were assessed.ResultsCompared withCG‐cows,DG‐cows on d1 had higher plasma glucose (P = .004) and insulin (P < .001) concentrations, decreasedSSGIR(HEC‐II,P = .002;HEC‐IV,P = .033),ISI(HEC‐I,P < .015;HEC‐II,P = .004), and insulin‐stimulated decrease inSSNEFA(HEC‐II,P = .006;HEC‐III,P = .01;HEC‐IV,P = .003;HEC‐V,P = .011). Decrease in hepaticTAGcontent inDG‐cows was higher compared withCG‐cows (P < .001).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDexamethasone decreases whole body insulin sensitivity and affects glucose and lipid metabolism in early lactating dairy cows.
Population pharmacokinetics of cefquinome in pigs
Authors: Zhao D. H. , Zhang C. Y. , Zhang Z. , Liu Z. C. , Liu B. T. , Yu J. J. , Guo J. P. , Deng H. , Liu Y. H. 
Published: November 2012

This study was performed in 145 pigs to develop a population pharmacokinetics (PPK) model by i.m. administration of cefquinome (CEQ) at the dose of 2 mg/kg in the neck muscle. Serum physiological and biochemical parameters for each pig were determined before administration. After administration, 2–4 samples were collected at random, with the sampling point evenly distributed in the three periods (<1 h, 1–4 h and >4 h). The plasma concentration of CEQ was determined by high performance liquid chromatography withUVdetector. The pharmacostatistical analyses of concentration‐time data, weight, age, gender, serum physiological and biochemical parameters were performed with nonlinear mixed effect modeling (NONMEM). A one‐compartmental model with first‐order absorption and elimination adequately described the data from the study group. The optimal random effect model of pharmacokinetics parameters was of log‐normal distribution and the residual errors assumed a mixed‐type model (proportional and additive) to best explain intra‐individual variability. Covariate analysis showed that body weight is positively correlated with apparent volume of distribution (V/F) and body clearance (CL/F). The typicalPPKparameters ofKa,CL, and V were 0.564/h, 5.15 L/h, and 1.36 L, respectively.
Evolutionary history of almond tree domestication in the Mediterranean basin
Authors: Delplancke M. , Alvarez N. , Benoit L. , Espíndola A. , I Joly H. , Neuenschwander S. , Arrigo N. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractGenetic diversity of contemporary domesticated species is shaped by both natural and human‐driven processes. However, until now, little is known about how domestication has imprinted the variation of fruit tree species. In this study, we reconstruct the recent evolutionary history of the domesticated almond tree, Prunus dulcis, around the Mediterranean basin, using a combination of nuclear and chloroplast microsatellites [i.e. simple sequence repeat (SSRs)] to investigate patterns of genetic diversity. Whereas conservative chloroplast SSRs show a widespread haplotype and rare locally distributed variants, nuclear SSRs show a pattern of isolation by distance with clines of diversity from the East to the West of the Mediterranean basin, while Bayesian genetic clustering reveals a substantial longitudinal genetic structure. Both kinds of markers thus support a single domestication event, in the eastern side of the Mediterranean basin. In addition, model‐based estimation of the timing of genetic divergence among those clusters is estimated sometime during the Holocene, a result that is compatible with human‐mediated dispersal of almond tree out of its centre of origin. Still, the detection of region‐specific alleles suggests that gene flow from relictual wild preglacial populations (in North Africa) or from wild counterparts (in the Near East) could account for a fraction of the diversity observed.
Thoracic structure and enrolment style in middle Cambrian Eccaparadoxides pradoanus presages caudalization of the derived trilobite trunk
Authors: ESTEVE JORGE , HUGHES NIGEL C. , ZAMORA SAMUEL 
Published: November 2012

Abstract:  The ability to enrol effectively evolved several times among trilobites. Here, we show that, unlike most redlichiid trilobites that could not enrol, both morphotypes of Eccaparadoxides pradoanus from the middle Cambrian of Spain enrolled so as to enclose most of the ventral surface beneath the exoskeleton and possessed specialized articulating devices that facilitated this behaviour. The holaspid thorax of all E. pradoanus was divided into two principal regions. The boundary between these marked a transition from anterior segments with short pleural spines, fulcra and ridge‐and‐groove inner pleural regions to posterior segments with longer, acuminate pleural spines that lack fulcra and inner pleural regions. Devices that aid articulation, such as fulcra with short articulating pleural surfaces, the petaloid articulating facet and long articulating half rings, are concentrated in the anterior region. These features, and the large number of specimens preserved in various degrees of enrolment, suggest an enrolment procedure in which the rear part of the trunk, containing both the posterior thorax and the pygidium, rotated as a single unit without significant internal flexure. As these posterior trunk articulations were apparently not required to permit enrolment, concentrating flexure in the anterior may have presaged the caudalized condition seen in many derived trilobite groups that encapsulated, in which a larger proportion of the trunk segments were allocated to the mature pygidium, and therefore unable to articulate.
Nebulized lidocaine alone or combined with fentanyl as a premedication to general anesthesia in spontaneously breathing pediatric patients undergoing rigid bronchoscopy
Authors: Moustafa Moustafa A. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryIntroductionPediatric bronchoscopy is an intensely stimulating procedure that requires a deep level of anesthesia to prevent hemodynamic overstimulation and straining. Topical anesthesia of the airway may be a beneficial component of the anesthetic technique to achieve adequate depth without residual sedation. Experimental evidence suggests that in addition to its central effects, locally applied opioids elicit potent analgesic effects.MethodsForty‐five patients aged 1–6 years scheduled for rigid bronchoscopy for foreign body removal were selected and subjected preoperatively to a nebulizer setting according to its components patients were divided into three groups. Group A: Nebulized solution contains 4 mg·kg−1 lidocaine 1%. Group B: Nebulized solution contains 4 mg·kg−1 lidocaine 1% plus 2 μg·kg−1 fentanyl. Group C: Nebulized solution contains 0.9% normal saline. Anesthesia was induced with 8% sevoflurane in 100% oxygen and maintained with continuous infusion of propofol 200 μg·kg−1. Increments of 500 μg·kg−1 propofol were given to the patient in case of straining or coughing. Patients were followed for the hemodynamics, the intraoperative difficulties, postoperative sedation score, time to full wakefulness and the postoperative complications.ResultsThe hemodynamic parameters were much more stable in the fentanyl group relative to the other two groups. Also, the incidence of intraoperative difficulties was less significantly evident among patients in the fentanyl group (As regards cough P1 = 0.003, P2 = 0.0001, As regards the need to manual ventilation P1 = 0.037, P2 = 0.001, As regards Propofol increments P1 = 0.001, P2 = 0.001 where P1 refers to the fentanyl group relative to the lidocaine group, and P2 refers to fentanyl group relative to the placebo group). The postoperative sedation score was significantly higher, and the time to full wakefulness was significantly prolonged among patients in the fentanyl group relative to the other groups (P = 0.0001).ConclusionIt is concluded that preoperative nebulized fentanyl reduces the hemodynamic response to bronchoscopy and decreases the intraoperative coughing in response to surgical manipulation without significant side effects except prolonged time to full wakefulness of patients.
Altered expression of CmNRRa changes flowering time of Chrysanthemum morifolium
Authors: Zhang Yuman , Lian Lijuan , Liu Qing , Xiao Na , Fang Rongxiang , Liu Qinglin , Chen Xiaoying 
Published: November 2012

SummaryFlowering time is an important ornamental trait for chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium, Dendranthema x grandiflorum) floricultural production. In this study, CmNRRa, an orthologous gene of OsNRRa that regulates root growth in response to nutrient stress in rice, was identified from Chrysanthemum and its role in flowering time was studied. The entire CmNRRa cDNA sequence was determined using a combinatorial PCR approach along with 5′ and 3′ RACE methods. CmNRRa expression levels in various tissues were monitored by real‐time RT‐PCR. CmNRRa was strongly expressed in flower buds and peduncles, suggesting that CmNRRa plays a regulatory role in floral development. To investigate the biological function of CmNRRa in chrysanthemums, overexpression and knockdown of CmNRRa were carried out using transgenic Chrysanthemum plants generated through Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. CmNRRa expression levels in the transgenic plants were assayed by real‐time RT‐PCR and Northern blot analysis. The transgenic plants showed altered flowering times compared with nontransgenic plants. CmNRRa‐RNAi transgenic plants flowered 40–64 days earlier, while CmNRRa‐overexpressing plants exhibited a delayed flowering phenotype. These results revealed a negative effect of CmNRRa on flowering time modulation. Alteration of CmNRRa expression levels might be an effective means of controlling flowering time in Chrysanthemum. These results possess potential application in molecular breeding of chrysanthemums that production year‐round, and may improve commercial chrysanthemum production in the flower industry.
Differentiating roseola infantum with pyuria from urinary tract infection
Authors: Huang Chun‐Ta , Lin Lung‐Huang 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to identify factors for differentiating roseola infantum from urinary tract infection (UTI) and to describe a cohort of infants diagnosed with roseola infantum and sterile pyuria.MethodsThe medical records of infants diagnosed with roseola infantum or UTI were examined. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with UTI. Demographic and clinical variables were compared between infants who had roseola infantum with or without sterile pyuria.ResultThere were 301 infants included: 158 in the roseola group (21, 13.3% with sterile pyuria) and 143 in the UTI group. The relative risk of UTI over roseola infantum: increased with leukocytosis (white blood cell [WBC] count >10 000/mm3, odds ratio [OR] = 85.62) and pyuria (OR = 18.97); decreased with age (OR = 0.90); increased in boys (OR = 2.48); increased with WBC count 4000–10 000/mm3 (OR = 4.24); and decreased with duration of fever (OR = 0.84). There was a significantly higher proportion of girls in the roseola pyuria group (81.0%) compared with the no pyuria group (44.5%, P = 0.002). A significantly higher proportion of infants in the roseola pyuria group (76.2%) received antibiotics than infants in the no pyuria group (38.0%, P = 0.002).ConclusionLeukocytosis is the strongest predictor of UTI over roseola infantum. Sterile pyuria may occur in infants with roseola infantum.
Successful mechanical circulatory support for 251 days in a child with intermittent severe neutropenia due to Barth syndrome
Authors: Dedieu Nathalie , Giardini Alessandro , Steward Colin G. , Fenton Matthew , Karimova Ann , Hsia T. Y. , Burch Michael 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBarth syndrome is an X‐linked recessive disorder that is characterized by cardiomyopathy, variable neutropenia, skeletal myopathy, growth delay, and organic aciduria. The cardiac involvement typically results in a high risk of severe heart failure in infancy or early childhood. While Berlin Heart EXCOR is widely accepted as ventricular assistance in pediatric patients with end‐stage cardiac failure, infections remain a frequent and potentially severe complication. Therefore, the extended use of the device in the setting of intermittent or severe neutropenia is challenging. We present the case of a three‐yr child with Barth syndrome who was bridged successfully to transplant with a Berlin Heart EXCOR assist device for eight months (251 days) without major infectious complication, despite several episodes of severe neutropenia. This case demonstrates that prolonged mechanical circulatory support for a patient with neutropenia is feasible without important morbidity, with careful monitoring and a multidisciplinary approach. G‐CSF provides an excellent support in managing neutropenia.
Posttreatment of Olive Mill Wastewater by Immobilized TiO2 Photocatalysis
Authors: Costa José C. , Alves M. Madalena 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA photocatalytic reactor with UV/TiO2 was used for the posttreatment of olive mill wastewater after anaerobic digestion. A factorial experimental design was adopted to determine the statistical significance of each parameter tested, namely, initial chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, treatment time and recirculation flow and possible interactions in three response variables: phenols, color and COD removals. Removal efficiencies of 90.8 ± 2.7%, 79.3 ± 1.9% and 50.3 ± 6.3% were obtained for total phenols (TPh), color and COD respectively. TPh and color were almost completely removed after 24 h of treatment, while the COD removal was partial. Because increasing the treatment time is economically unfeasible a recirculation to the anaerobic reactor should be considered. Regarding the most significant variables, the TPh removal efficiency is dependent of the initial COD concentration; the color removal efficiency decreased with increasing COD concentration and pH; and, the COD removal efficiency is directly linked with the treatment time. The interaction between the initial COD and treatment time affect negatively the response variables tested because of the inactivation of some active sites of the TiO2 paper.