bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Redescription of Rhizodomus tagatzi (Ciliophora: Spirotrichea: Tintinnida), Based on Morphology and Small Subunit Ribosomal RNA Gene Sequence
Authors: Saccà Alessandro , Strüder‐Kypke Michaela C. , Lynn Denis H. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractHerein, we redescribe a tintinnid ciliate that is most commonly known as Tintinnopsis corniger Hada, 1964; but it has been described several times with different names, specifically Tintinnopsis nudicauda Paulmier, 1997 and Rhizodomus tagatzi Strelkow & Wirketis, 1950. Neotype material was collected from the water column of the coastal saline Lake Faro, a meromictic basin connected to the Straits of Messina, Central Mediterranean. The Lake Faro population is characterized by a hyaline or sparsely agglomerated lorica, which made it possible to observe in detail the basal layer structure, usually concealed by abundant incrusting particles. Along with an improved description of the lorica, we provide novel information, such as the general zooid morphology, the ciliary pattern, and the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequence. Our phylogenetic analysis, based on the SSU rRNA, groups this species with Tintinnopsis radix, while the first taxonomic study designated it as R. tagatzi, introducing a new genus due to peculiarities in lorica morphology. We conclude that the species should be known as R. tagatzi, the senior synonym for the species. However, we do not transfer any other species to this genus, despite strong molecular similarities. Although it is obvious that the genus Tintinnopsis is in need of a thorough revision, current molecular and cytological information for this genus is too sparse, and the type species has not yet been redescribed with modern methods.
Stacking of Ceramic Inverse Opals with Different Lattice Constants
Authors: Kubrin Roman , Lee Hooi S. , Zierold Robert , Yu. Petrov Alexander , Janssen Rolf , Nielsch Kornelius , Eich Manfred , Schneider Gerold A. 
Published: March 2012

The feasibility of stacking of thin ceramic inverse opals with incommensurable periodicity constants was investigated. Inverse opals with photonic stopgaps in the infrared range were prepared by the vertical convective self‐assembly from aqueous suspensions of monodisperse polystyrene (PS) particles with the sizes of 476, 608, and 756 nm. The opal templates were infiltrated with TiO2 by a low‐temperature atomic layer deposition process using titanium isopropoxide and water as precursors. The second PS template could be deposited on top of the infiltrated opal layer after exposing the latter to the UV‐light, which rendered its surface hydrophilic. Finally, the sacrificial PS templates were removed by calcination at 500°C. It is shown that smoothness of the surface of the inverse opals is crucial for the photonic performance of the heterostructures. Two well‐defined stopgaps could be observed in the spectra of reflectance of the stacked inverse opals with improved surface morphology.
Alternative plants for development of picture‐winged fly pests of maize
Authors: Goyal Gaurav , Nuessly Gregg S. , Seal Dakshina R. , Steck Gary J. , Capinera John L. , Boote Kenneth J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractEleven species of picture‐winged flies (Diptera: Ulidiidae: Lipsanini) have been reported attacking maize [Zea mays L. (Poaceae)] ears in the Americas. Four of these species are sweet corn pests in America north of Mexico: Chaetopsis massyla (Walker), Euxesta annonae (Fabricius), E. eluta Loew, and E. stigmatias Loew. Adults of these four species appear at the beginning of each season following maize‐free periods, suggesting other plants act as food sources for maintenance and development of these flies. Studies were conducted in Florida, USA, to evaluate the suitability of several crop and non‐crop plants commonly occurring near maize plantings as developmental hosts for these flies. Laboratory trials were conducted using laboratory colonies of C. massyla, E. eluta, and E. stigmatias to determine their developmental rates and pupal survivorship on roots, stems, leaves, or fruits of 14 crop and weed species. All three fly species completed development on all tested crops (Brassica oleracea L., Capsicum chinense Jacquin, Capsicum annum L., Carica papaya L., Persea americana Mill., Raphanus sativus L., Saccharum officinarum L., and Solanum lycopersicum L.) and weed species [Amaranthus spinosus L., Portulaca oleracea L., Sorghum halepense (L.), and Typha spp.], except for Daucus carota L. roots and Solanum tuberosum L. tubers. Findings of the current study suggest that the presence of multiple host crops in areas surrounding maize fields may help explain the occurrence of these maize‐infesting ulidiids immediately after prolonged absences of maize.
Farm households and nonfarm activities in Ethiopia: does clustering influence entry and exit?
Authors: Ali Merima , Peerlings Jack 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis article examines how clustering affects the entry and exit decisions of farm households into and from nonfarm enterprises in rural Ethiopia. We find that the existence of clusters of microenterprises in the same district increases the likelihood of a rural household to start a nonfarm enterprise. Similarly, clustering of big manufacturing firms in the same zone is found to increase the likelihood of farm households to start a nonfarm enterprise. Nonfarm enterprises operating in clusters are also found to have a lower probability of exit than those operating outside of clusters. The study further investigates the impact of entry and exit into and from nonfarm enterprises on farm household's well‐being using as indicators total household income, the food security status of a household, and the household's ability to raise enough money in case of emergency. Using propensity score matching to account for selection bias, we find that entry into nonfarm enterprises significantly increases household's income and food security status. Exit from nonfarm enterprises, on the other hand, is found to significantly reduce household's income.
The effects of nutritional labels on obesity
Authors: Loureiro Maria L. , Yen Steven T. , Nayga, Jr Rodolfo M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between nutritional label use and obesity using switching regression. Results for treatment effect show that nutritional labels play a role in reducing obesity among users of nutritional labels, notably among women. The average body mass index (BMI) for men who read nutritional labels is 0.12 point lower than men who do not read them, while women who are users of nutritional labels have 1.49 points lower BMI than women who do not read labels. These findings imply that health education campaigns can employ nutritional labels as one of the instruments for reducing obesity.
Cellular microRNA let‐7c inhibits M1 protein expression of the H1N1 influenza A virus in infected human lung epithelial cells
Authors: Ma Yong‐Jie , Yang Jing , Fan Xing‐Liang , Zhao Hai‐Bao , Hu Wei , Li Zhen‐Peng , Yu Guang‐Chuang , Ding Xiao‐Ran , Wang Jun‐Zhi , Bo Xiao‐Chen , Zheng Xiao‐Fei , Zhou Zhe , Wang Sheng‐Qi 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe influenza virus (IV) triggers a series of signalling events inside host cells and induces complex cellular responses. Studies have suggested that host factors play an essential role in IV replication. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of small non‐coding RNAs that target mRNAs, triggering either translation repression or RNA degradation. Emerging research suggests that host‐derived cellular miRNAs are involved in mediating the host–IV interaction. Using miRNA microarrays, we identified several miRNAs aberrantly expressed in IV‐infected human lung epithelial cells (A549). Specifically, miR‐let‐7c was highly up‐regulated in IV‐infected A549 cells. PITA and miRanda database screening indicated that the let‐7c seed sequence is a perfect complementary sequence match to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of viral gene M1 (+) cRNA, but not to PB2 and PA. As detected by a luciferase reporter system, let‐7c directly targeted the 3′‐UTR of M1 (+) cRNA, but not PB2 and PA. To experimentally identify the function of cellular let‐7c, precursor let‐7c was transfected into A549 cells. Let‐7c down‐regulated IV M1 expression at both the (+) cRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, transfection with a let‐7c inhibitor enhanced the expression of M1. Therefore, let‐7c may reduce IV replication by degrading M1 (+) cRNA. This is the first report indicating that cellular miRNA regulates IV replication through the degradation of viral gene (+) cRNA by matching the 3′‐UTR of the viral cRNA. These findings suggest that let‐7c plays a role in protecting host cells from the virus in addition to its known cellular functions.
Expression of microRNA‐122 contributes to apoptosis in H9C2 myocytes
Authors: Huang Xiaoyan , Huang Fang , Yang Deye , Dong Fengquan , Shi Xiangxiang , Wang Hongyu , Zhou Xi , Wang Suyun , Dai Shengchuan 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe microRNAs (miRNAs) can post‐transcriptionally regulate gene expression and heart development. The Pax‐8 gene knockout mice have apparent heart abnormalities. This study investigated the role of miRNAs in regulation of cardiac apoptosis and development in the knockout mice. MicroRNAmicroarrays demonstrated differential expression of microRNAs between Pax‐8−/−and Pax‐8+/−mice, confirmed by real‐timePCR. The miR‐122 was up‐regulated by 1.92 folds in Pax‐8−/−mice. There were ventricular septum defects in Pax‐8−/−mice, and increased numbers of apoptotic cells in the left ventricular wall and interventricular septum in Pax‐8−/−mice. In H9C2 myocytes, treatment with miR‐122 mimics or miR‐122 inhibitor affects the expression ofCCK‐8 and activity of Caspase‐3. The miR‐122 is up‐regulated in the myocytes of Pax‐8−/−mice and may participate in the apoptotic gene expression and pathogenesis of heart development defect.
Streptococcus cristatus ArcA interferes with Porphyromonas gingivalis pathogenicity in mice
Authors: Xie H. , Hong J. , Sharma A. , Wang B‐Y. 
Published: March 2012

Xie H, Hong J, Sharma A, Wang B‐Y. Streptococcus cristatus ArcA interferes with Porphyromonas gingivalis pathogenicity in mice. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 578–583. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective:  Porphyromonas gingivalis has been implicated as one of the major pathogens in chronic periodontitis, an infectious disease affecting the majority of the adult population. We have previously demonstrated that a surface protein, arginine deiminase (ArcA), of Streptococcus cristatus represses production of P. gingivalis long fimbriae and interrupts the formation of P. gingivalis biofilms in vitro. Our in vivo studies have also shown that the distribution of P. gingivalis and S. cristatus in human subgingival plaque is negatively correlated. The objective of this study was to determine if S. cristatus ArcA inhibits P. gingivalis colonization and attenuates its subsequent pathogenesis in alveolar bone loss in the murine oral cavity.Material and Methods:  A wild‐type strain of S. cristatus (CC5A) and its arcA knockout mutant (ArcAE) were used as initial colonizers in the oral cavity of BALB/cByJ mice. Colonization of P. gingivalis on the existing S. cristatus biofilms was assessed by quantitative PCR, and P. gingivalis‐induced alveolar bone loss was measured 6 wk after P. gingivalis infection.Results:  The presence of S. cristatus CC5A, but not its arcA mutant, attenuated P. gingivalis colonization in the murine oral cavity. In addition, P. gingivalis‐induced alveolar bone loss was significantly lower in mice initially infected with S. cristatus CC5A than in those infected with the arcA mutant.Conclusion:  This study provides direct evidence that S. cristatus ArcA has an inhibitory effect on P. gingivalis colonization, which may in turn attenuate the pathogenicity of P. gingivalis.
DNA Immunization Against Proacrosin Impairs Fertility in Male Mice
Authors: García Lucila , Veiga María F. , Lustig Livia , Vazquez‐Levin Mónica H. , Veaute Carolina 
Published: March 2012

ProblemEvaluation of proacrosin/acrosin ability to induce an immune response in male mice after genetic immunization and assessment of animal fertility.Method of studyMice received 50 μg per animal of a plasmid containing the human proacrosin cDNA (pSF2‐Acro) (control: empty plasmid, pSF2). The humoral response was evaluated by ELISA and immunocytochemistry. In vivo fertility was assessed by mating immunized males with control females. The effect of antibodies upon Ca+2‐ionophore‐induced acrosomal exocytosis (AE) and in vitro sperm–zona pellucida (ZP) binding was also studied.ResultspSF2‐Acro‐immunized mice developed high levels of specific antibodies (P < 0.05) that recognized the sperm acrosomal cap. The number of fertile mice was lower (P = 0.027) in pSF2‐Acro‐immunized animals than in controls. Litter size was smaller (P < 0.05) in the pSF2‐Acro group compared with controls. A negative correlation (P < 0.05) between antibody levels and litter size was found. Antiproacrosin/acrosin antibodies inhibited sperm–ZP binding (P < 0.0001) and Ca+2‐ionophore‐induced AE (P < 0.05).ConclusionDNA immunization against proacrosin elicits an immune response in male mice associated with abnormal sperm functions and reduced fertility.
Early single‐channel aEEG/EEG predicts outcome in very preterm infants
Authors: Wikström Sverre , Pupp Ingrid Hansen , Rosén Ingmar , Norman Elisabeth , Fellman Vineta , Ley David , Hellström‐Westas Lena 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim:  To characterize early amplitude‐integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) and single‐channel EEG (aEEG/EEG) in very preterm (VPT) infants for prediction of long‐term outcome.Patients:  Forty‐nine infants with median (range) gestational age of 25 (22–30) weeks.Methods:  Amplitude‐integrated electroencephalogram/EEG recorded during the first 72 h and analysed over 0–12, 12–24, 24–48 and 48–72 h, for background pattern, sleep–wake cycling, seizures, interburst intervals (IBI) and interburst percentage (IB%). In total, 2614 h of single‐channel EEG examined for seizures. Survivors were assessed at 2 years corrected age with a neurological examination and Bayley Scales of Infant Development‐II. Poor outcome was defined as death or survival with neurodevelopmental impairment. Good outcome was defined as survival without impairment.Results:  Thirty infants had good outcome. Poor outcome (n = 19) was associated with depressed aEEG/EEG already during the first 12 h (p = 0.023), and with prolonged IBI and higher IB% at 24 h. Seizures were present in 43% of the infants and associated with intraventricular haemorrhages but not with outcome. Best predictors of poor outcome were burst‐suppression pattern [76% correctly predicted; positive predictive value (PPV) 63%, negative predictive value (NPV) 91%], IBI > 6 sec (74% correctly predicted; PPV 67%, NPV 79%) and IB% > 55% at 24 h age (79% correctly predicted; PPV 72%, NPV 80%). In 35 infants with normal cerebral ultrasound during the first 3 days, outcome was correctly predicted in 82% by IB% (PPV 82%, NPV 83%).Conclusion:  Long‐term outcome can be predicted by aEEG/EEG with 75–80% accuracy already at 24 postnatal hours in VPT infants, also in infants with no early indication of brain injury.
Compared outcomes of very preterm infants born in 2000 and 2005
Authors: Guerrot Anne‐Marie , Chadie Alexandra , Torre Stéphanie , Rondeau Stéphane , Pinto Cardoso Gaëlle , Abily‐Donval Lénaig , Marret Stéphane ,   and the Perinatal Network of Haute‐Normandie
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim:  To compare neonatal and 2‐year outcomes in very premature infants born 5 years apart.Methods:  Prospective observational study of infants born before 33 weeks’ gestation in 2000 or 2005 admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in France. We collected perinatal data and evaluated motor, cognitive, neurosensory and behavioural outcomes at 2 years of age.Results:  We included 170 infants in 2000 and 173 in 2005. The significant differences in neonatal outcomes were decreases in postnatal corticosteroid use and in percentage of infants with head circumference below the 3rd percentile on days 7 (25% vs. 13%) and 30 (30% vs. 17%). At 2 years of age, rates of follow‐up were 87% in 2000 and 94% in 2005. The cerebral palsy rate was 6% in both cohorts. The overall rate of motor disabilities diminished from 30% (41/137) to 18% (26/142), and the rate of mild motor disabilities decreased from 24% to 12%. Rates of cognitive, behavioural and neurosensorial impairments were similar.Conclusion:  Between 2000 and 2005, motor impairments at 2 years of age diminished in very preterm children (but not cerebral palsy rates). We observed a reduced use of postnatal corticosteroids and a decreased percentage of neonates with head circumference below the third percentile.
Effects of hypothermia on NSE and S‐100 protein levels in CSF in neonates following hypoxic/ischaemic brain damage
Authors: Sun Jinqiao , Li Jin , Cheng Guoqiang , Sha Bin , Zhou Wenhao 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim:  The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of hypothermia on neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) and S‐100 protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in neonates with hypoxic/ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE).Methods:  Fifty‐one enrolled neonates with HIE were divided into two groups: hypothermia (n = 23) and control (n = 28). NSE and S‐100 protein were measured with immunoradiometric assays. Amino acid neurotransmitters were also measured by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Neurodevelopmental assessments were performed at 3 and 12 months of age.Results:  Neuron‐specific enolase and S‐100 levels were lower, and neurodevelopment outcome was better in the hypothermia group compared with the control group. Among the infants who received hypothermia, CSF NSE and S‐100 were significantly higher in those who developed severe neurological impairment (mental development index or physical development index <70). There were no significant differences between the two groups in amino acid neurotransmitters.Conclusion:  These results indicated that hypothermia was associated with decreased CSF NSE and S‐100 level and correlated with neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with HIE.
Environmental conditions and biotic interactions acting together promote phylogenetic randomness in semi‐arid plant communities: new methods help to avoid misleading conclusions
Authors: Soliveres Santiago , Torices Rubén , Maestre Fernando T. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractQuestionsMolecular phylogenies are increasingly used to better understand the mechanisms structuring natural communities. The prevalent theory is that environmental factors and biotic interactions promote the phylogenetic clustering and over‐dispersion of plant communities, respectively. However, both environmental filtering and biotic interactions are very likely to interact in most natural communities, jointly affecting community phylogenetic structure. How do environmental filters and biotic interactions jointly affect the phylogenetic structure of plant communities across environmental gradients?LocationEleven Stipa tenacissima L. grasslands located along an environmental gradient from central to southeast Spain, covering the core of the distribution area of this vegetation type in Europe.MethodsWe jointly evaluated the effects of environmental conditions and plant–plant interactions on the phylogenetic structure – measured with the mean phylogenetic distance index − of the studied communities. As an indicator of environmental conditions, we used a PCA ordination including eight climatic variables. Different metrics were used to measure the following processes: (1) competition/facilitation shifts at the entire community level (species combination index), and (2) the effect of microclimatic amelioration provided by the two most important nurse plants on neighbour composition (similarity indices and comparison of the phylogenetic pattern between canopy patches and bare ground areas).ResultsBiotic interactions and, to a less extent, environmental conditions affected the phylogenetic pattern of the studied communities. While positive plant–plant interactions (both at community level and the scale of individual nurse plants) increased phylogenetic overdispersion, higher rainfall increased phylogenetic clustering. The opposing effects of environmental conditions and biotic interactions could be the main cause of the overall random phylogenetic structure found in most of these communities.ConclusionsOur results illustrate, for the first time, how an overall random phylogenetic pattern may not only be promoted by the lack of influence of either environmental filtering or biotic interactions, but rather by their joint and opposing effects. They caution about making inferences on the underlying mechanisms shaping plant communities from the sole use of their phylogenetic pattern. We also provide a comprehensive set of easy‐to‐measure tools to avoid misleading conclusions when interpreting phylogenetic structure data obtained from observational studies.
Sonic hedgehog signaling coordinates the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells by regulating cell cycle kinetics during development of the neocortex
Authors: Komada Munekazu 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSonic hedgehog (Shh) acts as a morphogen in normal development of various vertebrate tissues and organs. Shh signaling is essential for patterning and cell‐fate specification, particularly in the central nervous system. Shh signaling plays different roles depending on its concentration, area, and timing of exposure. During the development of the neocortex, a low level of Shh is expressed in the neural stem/progenitor cells as well as in mature neurons in the dorsal telencephalon. Shh signaling in neocortex development has been shown to regulate cell cycle kinetics of radial glial cells and intermediate progenitor cells, thereby maintaining the proliferation, survival and differentiation of neurons in the neocortex. During the development of the telencephalon, endogenous Shh signaling is involved in the transition of slow‐cycling neural stem cells to fast‐cycling neural progenitor cells. It seems that high‐level Shh signaling in the ventral telencephalon is essential for ventral specification, while low‐level Shh signaling in the dorsal telencephalon plays important roles in the fine‐tuning of cell cycle kinetics. The Shh levels and multiple functions of Shh signaling are important for proper corticogenesis in the developing brain. The present paper discusses the roles of Shh signaling in the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells.
Female Orgasm(s): One, Two, Several
Authors: Jannini Emmanuele A. , Rubio-Casillas Alberto , Whipple Beverly , Buisson Odile , Komisaruk Barry R. , Brody Stuart 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There is general agreement that it is possible to have an orgasm thru the direct simulation of the external clitoris. In contrast, the possibility of achieving climax during penetration has been controversial.

Methods
Six scientists with different experimental evidence debate the existence of the vaginally activated orgasm (VAO).

Main Outcome Measure
To give reader of The Journal of Sexual Medicine sufficient data to form her/his own opinion on an important topic of female sexuality.

Results
Expert #1, the Controversy’s section Editor, together with Expert #2, reviewed data from the literature demonstrating the anatomical possibility for the VAO. Expert #3 presents validating women’s reports of pleasurable sexual responses and adaptive significance of the VAO. Echographic dynamic evidence induced Expert # 4 to describe one single orgasm, obtained from stimulation of either the external or internal clitoris, during penetration. Expert #5 reviewed his elegant experiments showing the uniquely different sensory responses to clitoral, vaginal, and cervical stimulation. Finally, the last Expert presented findings on the psychological scenario behind VAO.

Conclusion
The assumption that women may experience only the clitoral, external orgasm is not based on the best available scientific evidence.