bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A redescription of the Early Carboniferous acanthodian Acanthodes lopatini Rohon, 1889
Authors: Beznosov Pavel 
Published: May 2009

AbstractInvestigation of numerous well‐preserved specimens of Early Carboniferous acanthodians collected over recent decades from southern central Siberia allowed their redescription as Acanthodes lopatini Rohon, 1889. The morphological characteristics supporting this classification, some peculiarities of ontogeny and a new reconstruction of this species are given. The genus Carycinacanthus Miles 1966 is regarded as a junior synonym of Acanthodes. Homalacanthus bergi (Obruchev 1962) is regarded as a junior synonym of A. lopatini.
A new specimen ofHelicoprionKarpinsky, 1899 from Kazakhstanian Cisurals and a new reconstruction of its tooth whorl position and function
Authors: Lebedev O. A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA newHelicoprion bessonowiKarpinsky, 1899 (Chondrichthyes, Eugeneodontiformes) specimen from the Artinskian of Kazakhstan is described. This is the southernmost occurrence of this species in the Cisurals area. Its presence suggests a biogeographical link for this species between the Cisurals and Japan. Residue obtained from chemical preparation of the sample included numerous scales and several teeth, which are tentatively assigned toHelicoprion. This assumption is based upon morphological similarity of the scales to those known in other eugeneodontiforms.Campodus‐like teeth might be part of the lateral dentition ofHelicoprion. A new reconstruction of the interaction of the lower tooth whorl with the upper jaw dentition is suggested and its function is discussed. It is proposed that there was no symphysial whorl in the upper jaw but its role was played by a rigid cover formed by a series of small teeth at the palatoquadrates. Microscopic study of the tooth crown surface revealed scratch marks, which might have resulted from pressing the food object against the upper jaw. Using extant odontocetans as an ecological model led to a conclusion that helicoprionids most likely fed on cephalopods and to some extent on fish. This assumption is based upon the concentration of functional dentition in the area of the lower jaw symphysis in both groups of animals.
Fossils provide better estimates of ancestral body size than do extant taxa in fishes
Authors: Albert James S. , Johnson Derek M. , Knouft Jason H. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe use of fossils in studies of character evolution is an active area of research. Characters from fossils have been viewed as less informative or more subjective than comparable information from extant taxa. However, fossils are often the only known representatives of many higher taxa, including some of the earliest forms, and have been important in determining character polarity and filling morphological gaps. Here we evaluate the influence of fossils on the interpretation of character evolution by comparing estimates of ancestral body size in fishes (non‐tetrapod craniates) from two large and previously unpublished datasets; a palaeontological dataset representing all principal clades from throughout the Phanerozoic, and a macroecological dataset for all 515 families of living (Recent) fishes. Ancestral size was estimated from phylogenetically based (i.e. parsimony) optimization methods. Ancestral size estimates obtained from analysis of extant fish families are five to eight times larger than estimates using fossil members of the same higher taxa. These disparities arise from differential survival of large‐bodied members of early branching lineages, and are not statistical or taphonomic artefacts. Estimates of ancestral size obtained from a limited but judicious selection of fossil fish taxa are more accurate than estimates from a complete dataset of extant fishes.
New arthrodires (Family Williamsaspididae) from Wee Jasper, New South Wales (Early Devonian), with comments on placoderm morphology and palaeoecology
Authors: Young Gavin C. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractTwo new arthrodire species represented by articulated trunk armours from the Early Devonian (Emsian) limestones of the Burrinjuck area are placed in a new genusElvaspis(E. tuberculata,E. whitei), assigned to the Family Williamsaspididae. On new evidence of the dermal neck‐joint and shape of the median dorsal plate this family is reassigned from the Phlyctaeniina to the Brachythoraci. The strongly ornamented post‐branchial lamina of the trunk armour relates to a recent hypothesis that special post‐branchial denticles in placoderms are homologous to pharyngeal denticles of crown‐gnathostomes rather than modified external tubercles. Variable development of the post‐branchial lamina and its ornament in different placoderm subgroups, with specific resemblance to the external ornament characteristic of that subgroup, indicates that modification of normal external dermal ornament is the most parsimonious interpretation. A comparison of fish diversity in modern and ancient tropical reef environments is consistent with an equilibrium model for species diversification through time.
The histology of the Upper Silurian osteostracan Timanaspis kossovoii Obruchev (Agnatha) from North Timan, Russia
Authors: Afanassieva Olga B. , Karatajūtė‐Talimaa Valentina N. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe fine structure of the exoskeleton of Timanaspis kossovoii Obruchev 1962 was investigated based on new well‐preserved material. The remains come from the lower part of the Eptarma Formation (Upper Silurian). Timanaspis kossovoii was referred by Obruchev to the family Tremataspididae and most authors agree with the placement of Timanaspis among tremataspidid osteostracans. Histological study of the shield of T. kossovoii has revealed the presence of unusual features in the exoskeletal structure. The smooth and shiny surface of the ventral side of the shield of T. kossovoii is similar to that of species of Tremataspis, but thin sections show differences in histological composition. The exoskeleton of T. kossovoii consists mainly of dense bony tissue in the middle layer and a laminated basal layer. No osteocyte cavities of typical form and size were found in the middle layer. The upper parts of the elongated tubercles of the dorsal side of the shield are formed by a well‐developed dentine‐like tissue; the arrangement of numerous tubules within this tissue is far more regular than in the mesodentine of Tremataspis. No traces of perforated septa, pore fields or a polygonal model were detected in the structure of the exoskeleton of Timanaspis. We conclude that Timanaspis can be differentiated from conventional tremataspidids by histological features and refer it to the new family Timanaspididae. Moreover, the Timanaspis exoskeleton provides evidence that an acellular condition of bony tissue does not appear to be characteristic of only Late Devonian osteostracans.
Identifying patterns of diversity of the actinopterygian fulcra
Authors: Arratia Gloria 
Published: May 2009

AbstractFin rays, scutes or ridge scales, and fulcra have been traditionally interpreted as modified scales, but their diversity has been almost ignored. Based on results presented here, revised definitions of these elements are provided. At least two patterns of basal fulcra are found in actinopterygians: in Pattern I all or most basal fulcra are paired elements, whereas in Pattern II, a series of unpaired basal fulcra that are bifurcated proximally, and whose forking gradually becomes larger caudad, are followed by a series of paired elements. Basal fulcra are commonly present on unpaired fins of lower actinopterygians, including basal neopterygians. Among living fish they are absent in polypteriforms,Amiaand teleosts. Fringing fulcra are always paired. Three patterns of fringing fulcra series are described: the series of fringing fulcra in basal actinopterygians is formed by expanded terminal segments of marginal lepidotrichia (Pattern A). Another series is formed by a combination of slightly expanded or modified terminal segments of rays and independent spiny, small elements (Pattern B). The third series is formed of small, spiny ossified elements positioned along the leading marginal fin ray(s) (Pattern C). Other patterns of basal and fringing fulcra remain to be investigated, along with their phylogenetic implications.
Heddleichthys– a new tristichopterid genus from the Dura Den Formation, Midland Valley, Scotland (Famennian, Late Devonian)
Authors: Snitting Daniel 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA new tristichopterid genus,Heddleichthys, from the Famennian of Scotland is described based on material previously assigned to a number of different genera, includingGlyptopomus,GyroptychiusandEusthenopteron. The validity of the new genus is established by a discussion of the reasons for the invalidity of the previous assignments.Heddleichthysis characterized by a combination of derived and primitive tristichopterid features. Derived features include the presence of symphyseal dentary fangs and premaxillary pseudofangs, a diamond‐shaped symmetric caudal fin, a low posterodorsal expansion of the maxilla, and a posteriorly positioned kite‐shaped pineal series. Primitive features include a postorbital and jugal contribution to the orbital margin and a parasphenoid with a ventral keel. External dermal bones are rather poorly preserved in the referred material, with few easily discernible sutures. The holotype specimen, a three‐dimensionally preserved skull, was scanned by computed tomography to reveal well‐preserved internal dermal bones, including entopterygoids, vomers and parasphenoid. There is no preserved endoskeletal material. As the first representative of derived tristichopterids described from Britain,Heddleichthyslends support to the idea that faunal dispersion between Gondwana and Laurussia in the Late Devonian was widespread. Derived tristichopterids have been described from all continents except South America. In contrast, the basal tristichopteridsEusthenopteronandTristichopterusare still only described from Laurussia.
A new tooth‐plated lungfish from the Middle Devonian of Yunnan, China, and its phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Qiao Tuo , Zhu Min 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA new genus and species of tooth‐plated lungfish,Sinodipterus beibeigen. et sp. nov., is described from the Qujing Formation (Middle Devonian, late Eifelian) of Zhaotong, Yunnan, China. The new form resemblesDipterusin the skull table, but differs in its tooth‐plate: cosmine‐like tissue absent near the midline, tooth rows fewer in number (7 to 8) and less divergent radiating, and no reparative dentine layers. Phylogenetic analysis of Devonian lungfish based on a dataset of 150 characters and 33 taxa indicates that the new taxon is more crownward thanDipterusand the clade comprisingAdololopas,SorbitorhynchusandPillararhynchus. Our results agree broadly with previous cladistic solutions.Diabolepisis placed as a sister group to all other Devonian lungfish. The species referred toChirodipterusfail to form a monophyletic group. The result shows a large number of convergences corresponding to early radiation of lungfish compressed in time.
Great northern researchers: discoverers of the earliest Palaeozoic vertebrates
Authors: Schultze Hans‐Peter , Turner Susan , Grigelis Algimantas 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe lives and works of Dr Elga Mark‐Kurik and Dr Valentina Karatajute‐Talimaa, Estonian and Lithuanian palaeontologists, respectively, are presented as part of their celebration at the 11th Symposium on Early/Lower Vertebrates at Uppsala. Both graduated from the university of their home town, Tartu and Vilnius, respectively. Elga became a Researcher at the Institute of Geology of the Estonian S.S.R. Academy of Sciences, in Tallinn, whereas Valentina worked for the Institute of Geology, Vilnius. Both were mentored by D. V. Obruchev of Moscow. Elga chose placoderms and psammosteid heterostracans as main research objects. Valentina also began with whole fish, antiarch placoderms, but then chose fish microfossils with W. Gross as mentor and discovered the oldest chondrichthyans. Both work as palaeobiologists understanding the implications of their fossils for functional interpretation and palaeogeography; their main contribution is in biostratigraphy (over 50% of their publications). In 1976 Elga organized the 1st Middle Palaeozoic Fossil Fish Symposium in Tallinn. The co‐operation of young eastern and western palaeoichthyologists begun there culminating in the 1990s with the international research effort of the UNESCO‐IUGS International Geological Correlation Programmes (328, 406 and 491).
Predicting tumour location in radical prostatectomy specimens: same‐patient comparisons of 21‐sample versus sextant biopsy
Authors: De Laet Kevin , De La Taille Alexandre , Ploussard Guillaume , Hoznek Andras , Vordos Dimitrios , Yiou René , Allory Yves , Azoulay Sandy , Abbou Claude , Salomon Laurent 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVETo determine the value of a 21‐sample biopsy protocol in predicting tumour localization in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens, compared with sextant biopsies.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 300 consecutive patients underwent 21‐sample prostate biopsies, followed by RP. The protocol consisted of sextant, three midline, six far lateral and six transitional zone biopsies. Tumour locations on biopsies and RP specimens were compared. The sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy were calculated.RESULTSThere was no difference between sextant and 21‐sample biopsies for sensitivity (38% vs 36%; P = 0.50) and specificity (84% vs 87%; P = 0.46), but the NPV was higher for 21‐sample biopsies (57% vs 68% ; P < 0.001). The PPV was higher in the sextant biopsies (74% vs 59%; P = 0.007). Sextant, transitional zone and far lateral biopsies were re‐grouped in six regions. Compared with 21‐sample biopsies, sensitivity (54%) and PPV (79%) were higher (P < 0.001), while specificity (74%) and NPV (46%) were lower (P = 0.05 and P = 0.001, respectively).CONCLUSIONA negative biopsy does not confirm the absence of cancer in the corresponding site in the RP specimen in a sextant or 21‐sample biopsy protocol and cannot be used as a prognostic element before RP. A positive biopsy does not always correspond with a tumour in the same zone of the RP specimen. When 21‐sample biopsies are re‐grouped in to six regions, the value of a positive biopsy increases. A positive biopsy corresponds thus to a tumour in the same region, rather than in precisely the same location. The results of this study could help in the biopsy protocol used for making surgical decisions, e.g. preserving the bladder neck or neurovascular bundles.
The Whitaker test: 35 years on
Authors: Lupton Eric W. , George Nicholas J.R. 
Published: May 2009

Study Type – Diagnosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo describe a 25‐year experience of using the Whitaker test in a single tertiary centre for assessing upper urinary tract dilatation, and to evaluate the role of perfusion pressure‐flow studies in contemporary urological surgery for equivocal upper tract obstruction.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 143 patients with suspected upper urinary tract obstruction were investigated by at least one Whitaker test. The original method was extended to include observations on high flow‐rate perfusion, abnormal renal pelvic peristalsis and loin pain with no pressure increase. Data on clinical presentation, perfusion pressure‐flow studies, diuresis renography and choice of initial therapy were collected prospectively, and the long‐term clinical outcome was analysed retrospectively.RESULTSIn total, 145 studies were assessed; the Whitaker test showed obstructive features at conventional or higher flow rates in 61 cases and unobstructive patterns in 53. There were four equivocal results. Seventeen studies showed abnormal peristalsis within the renal pelvis and in 10 there was ‘sensory’ loin pain during the test. In patients with idiopathic hydronephrosis, there was agreement between the results of the pressure‐flow studies and diuresis renography in 72%. The Whitaker test determined or contributed to the clinical management in 84% of the cases studied. It was accurate in its prediction of outcome in 77% of cases where obstruction was diagnosed and in 77% of unobstructive cases.CONCLUSIONSThe Whitaker test continues to have a role in modern urological surgery. It should be reserved for assessing potential upper urinary tract obstruction in the following circumstances: equivocal results from less invasive tests; suspected obstruction with poor kidney function; loin pain with a negative diuresis renogram; suspected intermittent obstruction; and gross dilatation with a positive diuresis renogram.
Muscarinic receptor activation in the lumbosacral spinal cord ameliorates bladder irritation in rat cystitis models
Authors: Masuda Hitoshi , Ichiyanagi Nobutaka , Yokoyama Minato , Sakai Yasuyuki , Kihara Kazunori , Chancellor Michel B. , De Groat William C. , Yoshimura Naoki 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether activation of spinal cholinergic pathways affects bladder activity in rats with chemical cystitis induced by acetic acid (AA) and cyclophosphamide (CYP).MATERIALS AND METHODSThe effects of intrathecal (i.t.) application of neostigmine as an acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibitor, oxotremorine‐M (OXO‐M) as a muscarinic ACh receptor (mAChR) agonist or epibatidine as a nicotinic AChR (nACHR) agonist with or without atropine as a mAChR antagonist or mecamylamine (MEC) as a nAChR antagonist at the level of L6‐S1 spinal cord on C‐fibre mediated bladder irritation were examined by using continuous‐infusion cystometry (0.1 mL/min) in urethane‐anaesthetized female Spraque‐Dawley rats. Bladder irritation was induced by intravesical AA (0.25%) or pretreatment with intraperitoneal injection of CYP (150 mg/kg) 24 h before cystometry. In control rats during intravesical saline, the effects of above drugs on the bladder activity were also examined.RESULTSThe intercontraction intervals (ICI) in AA‐ and CYP‐treated rats were significantly shorter than those in control rats. Neostigmine (i.t.) significantly increased ICI dose‐dependently without changing maximum voiding pressure in all groups. The mean (sem) maximal percentage increases in ICI after i.t. neostigmine as compared with the pretreatment value in control, AA‐ and CYP‐treated rats were 93.2 (18.5)%, 117.5 (20.2)% and 200.7 (19.6)%, respectively. The percentage increases of ICI in the CYP‐treated group were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in the AA‐treated or control groups. In all groups, pretreatment with atropine, but not MEC, almost completely antagonized the inhibitory effects of neostigmine. OXO‐M produced almost the same effects as that of neostigmine in all groups. Conversely, i.t. epibatidine decreased the ICI in all groups and these excitatory effects were completely antagonized by pretreatment with MEC and significantly inhibited by pretreatment with MK‐801(noncompetitiven‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist).CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that accumulation of ACh by AChE inhibition in the spinal cord can ameliorate frequent urination in chemical cystitis via mAChRs, but not nAChRs.
Lack of effectiveness of botulinum neurotoxin A on isolated detrusor strips and whole bladders from mice and guinea‐pigs in vitro
Authors: Howles Sarah , Curry Jonathan , McKay Ian , Reynard John , Brading Alison F. 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVETo differentiate between the effects of parasympathetic and sensorimotor stimulation of isolated mouse and guinea‐pig bladders in vitro by measuring the pressure increases to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and then comparing the effects of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT‐A) applied either to the lumen or to the external bathing medium.MATERIALS AND METHODSIsolated mouse and guinea‐pig bladders and detrusor strips were exposed to EFS in vitro before and after the addition of BoNT‐A. The rationale of this method was that BoNT‐A applied to the outside of the bladder would first affect the parasympathetic nerves before diffusing inwards to affect the sensorimotor innervation. BoNT‐A applied intravesically would first reach the sensorimotor nerves and only later the parasympathetic nerves. Initial experiments on strips of detrusor were conducted to establish the correct dosage and application time of BoNT‐A.RESULTSContrary to our expectations, BoNT‐A application failed to produce any significant effects on either the detrusor strips or whole bladders.CONCLUSIONSOur experimental design failed to show any effect of BoNT‐A on the contractility of detrusor muscle strips or whole bladders from mice and guinea‐pigs. The reason for this is unclear, but may be related to tissue spending inadequate time incubated with BoNT‐A under physiological conditions.
Validation of a nomogram to predict disease progression following salvage radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy: results from the SEARCH database
Authors: Moreira Daniel M. , Jayachandran Jayakrishnan , Presti Jr Joseph C. , Aronson William J. , Terris Martha K. , Kane Christopher J. , Amling Christopher L. , Stephenson Andrew J. , Freedland Stephen J. 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVETo externally validate the nomogram published by Stephenson et al. (termed the ‘Stephenson nomogram’) to predict disease progression after salvage radiotherapy (SRT) among patients with prostate cancer from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe analysed data from 102 men treated with SRT for prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) failure after prostatectomy, of whom 30 (29%) developed disease progression after SRT during a median follow‐up of 50 months. The predicted 6‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) was compared to the actuarial PFS using calibration plots. The accuracy of the nomogram to risk‐stratify men for progression was assessed by the concordance index.RESULTSThe median PSA and PSA doubling time before SRT was 0.6 ng/mL and 10.3 months, respectively. The 6‐year actuarial disease‐free progression after SRT was 57% (95% confidence interval 42–69%). The overall concordance index of the Stephenson nomogram was 0.65. The nomogram predicted failure more accurately at the extremes of risk (lowest and highest) but in intermediate groups, the accuracy was less precise. Of the 11 variables used in the nomogram, only negative margins and high PSA level before SRT were significantly associated with increased disease progression.CONCLUSIONThe Stephenson nomogram is an important tool to predict disease progression after SRT following radical prostatectomy. It adequately predicted progression in SEARCH with reasonable accuracy. Also, in SEARCH, disease progression was predicted by similar disease characteristics. However, the overall modest performance of the model in our validation cohort indicates there is still room for improvement in predictive models for disease progression after SRT.