bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioral and physiological responses of striped field mice (Apodemus agrarius) to predator odor
Authors: WANG Zhenlong , WANG Baishi , LU Jiqi 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPredation risk is one of the most important selective forces in nature and has significant effects on the behavior and physiology of prey individuals. Prey species have evolved several different traits to reduce and avoid this predation pressure. This research aimed to determine the behavioral and physiological responses of striped field mice to predator risk. In the present study, we compared the agonistic behavior in male and female striped field mice (Apodemus agrarius Pallas, 1771) of the same sexes under the odor derived from a male Himalayan weasel (Mustela sibirica). Dyads were subjected to 5 min staged encounters in neutral arenas once a week for 3 weeks during which agonistic and social behaviors were recorded and fecal hormone concentrations were determined using pre‐column derivatization and high performance liquid chromatography methods. Furthermore, we also tested the effects of weasel odor on the adrenal glands. The results showed that: (i) male striped field mice did not exhibit any change in body weight and physiological characteristics but their aggressive behavior changed over time, and (ii) females responded to predation risk by significantly decreasing body mass and through increases in fecal cortisol levels and adrenal gland indices. These data show significant sex differences in the body weight, adrenal gland indices and fecal cortisol levels of striped field mouse under predation risk.
Reproductive biology of an old endemic murid rodent of Australia, the Spinifex hopping mouse, Notomys alexis: adaptations for life in the arid zone
Authors: BREED William G. , LEIGH Chris M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe Spinifex hopping mouse (Notomys alexis Thomas, 1922) is an arid adapted Australo–Papuan old endemic rodent that undergoes boom and bust population cycles. In this communication, we review our findings on the timing of reproduction and the potential reproductive rate of this species. To investigate the first question, the reproductive condition of adult females, and occurrence of immatures, in a population on a cattle station in central Australia was determined and, for the second, data from a laboratory colony compared to those previously published on closely related species in other environments. The findings show that, at least in the population at the times that monitoring was performed, reproductive activity was only taking place in spring and early summer, whereas the laboratory study indicates that females have a similar gestation length and litter size to those of most close relatives occurring in other environments. Males have extremely small testes and store relatively few sperm. The findings suggest that Notomys alexis might show some seasonality of reproduction at least in this region of central Australia and that this species does not have a higher reproductive rate than that of related species in other, more predictable, environments.
Proportion and characteristics of transient nodules in a retrospective analysis of pulmonary nodules
Authors: Yu Jin‐Yeong , Lee Boram , Ju Sunmi , Kim Eun‐Young , Kim Yoon‐Hee , Chi Su‐Young , Ban Hee‐Jung , Kwon Yong‐Soo , Oh In‐Jae , Kim Kyu‐Sik , Kim Yu‐Il , Lim Sung‐Chul , Choi Song , Kim Yun‐Hyeon , Kim Young‐Chul 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  Pulmonary nodules manifest as pure or mixed ground glass opacities (GGOs), or solid nodules.Methods:  We retrospectively surveyed 317 cases with pulmonary nodules to observe the proportion and predictive factors of transient lesions in patients with pulmonary nodules.Results:  At the initial computed tomography scan, 63.7% showed solid nodules, while 20.2% had mixed GGOs and 16.1% of cases manifested as pure GGOs. Nodules from 114 cases (36%) disappeared or decreased in size during follow up, while in 203 cases (64%), they did not change or became enlarged. During follow up, more than half of the GGOs resolved (66.7% in pure GGOs, 54.7% in mixed GGOs), while only 22.3% of solid nodules resolved. Between transient and persistent pulmonary nodules, significant differences were observed in age, gender, smoking history, presence of eosinophilia, size, and radiologic attenuation of nodules (solid or GGO). In multivariate analysis, age (≤55 years), size of nodules (>15 mm), eosinophilia, and GGO were significant independent predictors of transient nodules. The main causes of transient nodules were pneumonia or eosinophilic pulmonary infiltrates.Conclusion:  Thirty‐six percent of pulmonary nodules resolved spontaneously or with medical treatment. Transient nodules showed different clinical and radiological characteristics from persistent nodules.
Efficacy of splenectomy in preventing anemia in patients with recurrent hepatitis C following liver transplantation is not dependent on inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase genotype
Authors: Motomura Takashi , Koga Erina , Taketomi Akinobu , Fukuhara Takasuke , Mano Yohei , Muto Jun , Konishi Hideyuki , Toshima Takeo , Uchiyama Hideaki , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Shirabe Ken , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: December 2011

Aim:  A genetic polymorphism of inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) has been associated with pegylated‐interferon/ribavirin (PEG‐IFN/RBV)‐induced anemia in chronic hepatitis C patients. However, correlation of the genetic variant with anemia following liver transplantation has not been determined.Methods:  Sixty‐three hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive patients who underwent liver transplantation and PEG‐IFN/RBV therapy were enrolled. The rs1127354 was determined for each individual.Results:  There was no relationship with anemia or RBV dosage in patients carrying the CC allele (CC group, n = 43) and those carrying the CA allele (CA group, n = 20). The incidence of hemoglobin (Hb) decline >3 g/dL (CC: 4.7%, CA: 0%) was relatively low, whereas the incidence of Hb levels <10 g/dL (CC: 18.6%, CA: 30.0%) was high. Univariate analysis revealed that splenectomy inversely correlated with Hb levels <10 g/dL at 4 weeks (P = 0.04). Among the 22 patients who did not undergo splenectomy, the incidence of Hb levels <10 g/dL tended to be lower in the seven patients carrying the CA allele (28.6%) than in the 15 patients with the CC allele (60.0%).Conclusion:  The ITPA genetic polymorphism does not correlate with post‐transplant PEG‐IFN/RBV‐induced anemia. Splenectomy is useful in preventing anemia regardless of the ITPA genotype.
A self‐limiting regulation of vasoconstrictor‐activated TRPC3/C6/C7 channels coupled to PI(4,5)P2‐diacylglycerol signalling
Authors: Imai Yuko , Itsuki Kyohei , Okamura Yasushi , Inoue Ryuji , Mori Masayuki X. 
Published: December 2011

Key points
From brain to digestive tract, electro‐chemical signals are broadly utilized to control the activity of the organs; however, the formation of such signals is very varied in each cell and still unknown in many cells.
In this study, we found a novel mechanism for forming an electrical signal, produced by channels of the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) family of channels, which allow the permeation of ions such as sodium and calcium and are opened by the actions of hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Such hormones can activate an enzyme (phospholipase C) by which PI(4,5)P2, a member of the membrane lipid ‘phosphoinositide’, is degraded: the degradation of PI(4,5)P2 to produce an agonist (diacylglycerol) involved in the opening of TRPC channels, while the degradation itself is surprisingly critical to the closing of these channels.
As a result of such a self‐limiting effect via membrane lipid degradation, TRPC channels can produce a unique electro‐chemical signal which is tightly bound to the arrangement of membrane lipid and hormones.
Differential sensitivity for PIP2 of TRPC
Pharmacokinetics of Lamivudine and Lamivudine-Triphosphate after Administration of 300 Milligrams and 150 Milligrams Once Daily to Healthy Volunteers: Results of the ENCORE 2 Study
Authors: Else Laura J. , Jackson Akil , Puls Rebekah , Hill Andrew , Fahey Paul , Lin Enmoore , Amara Alieu , Siccardi Marco , Watson Victoria , Tjia John , Emery Sean , Khoo Saye , Back David J. , Boffito Marta 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThere is interest in evaluating the efficacy of lower doses of certain antiretrovirals for clinical care. We determined here the bioequivalence of plasma lamivudine (3TC) and intracellular 3TC-triphosphate (3TC-TP) concentrations after the administration of two different doses. ENCORE 2 was a randomized crossover study. Subjects received 3TC at 300 and 150 mg once daily for 10 days (arm 1;n= 13) or vice versa (arm 2;n= 11), separated by a 10-day washout. Pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles (0 to 24 h) were assessed on days 10 and 30. Plasma 3TC and 3TC-TP levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Within-subject changes in PK parameters (the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h [AUC0-24], the trough concentration of drug in plasma at 24 h [C24], and the maximum concentration of drug in plasma [Cmax]) were evaluated by determining the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) adjusted for study arm, period, and intra-individual variation. Regimens were considered bioequivalent if the 90% confidence interval (90% CI) fell within the range of 0.8 to 1.25. A total of 24 subjects completed the study. The GM (90% CI) 3TC AUC0-24), expressed as ng·h/ml, for the 300- and 150-mg doses were 8,354 (7,609 to 9,172) and 4,773 (4,408 to 5,169), respectively. Bioequivalence in 3TC PK following the administration of 300 and 150 mg was not demonstrated: the GMRs for AUC0-24,C24, andCmaxwere 0.57 (0.55 to 0.60), 0.63 (0.59 to 0.67), and 0.56 (0.53 to 0.60), respectively. The GM (90% CI) 3TC-TP AUC0-24values (pmol·h/106cells) for the 300- and 150-mg doses were 59.5 (51.8 to 68.3) and 44.0 (38.0 to 51.0), respectively. Bioequivalence in 3TC-TP PK following the administration of 300 and 150 mg was not demonstrated: the GMRs for AUC0-24,C24, andCmaxwere 0.73 (0.64 to 0.83), 0.82 (0.68 to 0.99), and 0.70 (0.61 to 0.82), respectively. We found that 3TC at 150 mg is not bioequivalent to the standard regimen of 300 mg, indicating that saturation of cytosine phosphorylation pathways is not achieved at a dose of 150 mg.
Activity of Pyocin S2 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms
Authors: Smith Karen , Martin Laura , Rinaldi Angela , Rajendran Ranjith , Ramage Gordon , Walker Daniel 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

In cystic fibrosis patients, chronic lung infection with
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and the associated decline in lung function are the major cause of mortality. In this report, we show that pyocin S2 displays potent activity against
P. aeruginosa
biofilms, thus representing a potentially improved therapeutic option. Using an invertebrate model of
P. aeruginosa
infection, we also show that pyocin S2 is highly active
in vivo
.
Oritavancin Activity against Vancomycin-Susceptible and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci with Molecularly Characterized Glycopeptide Resistance Genes Recovered from Bacteremic Patients, 2009-2010
Authors: Mendes Rodrigo E. , Woosley Leah N. , Farrell David J. , Sader Helio S. , Jones Ronald N. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Oritavancin exhibited potent activity against vancomycin-susceptible (MIC
50
and MIC
90
, 0.015/0.03 μg/ml) and
vanB
-carrying
E. faecalis
isolates (MIC
50
and MIC
90
, 0.015 and 0.015 μg/ml). Higher (16- to 32-fold) MIC
50
s and MIC
90
s for
vanA
-harboring
E. faecalis
were noted (MIC
50
and MIC
90
, 0.25 and 0.5 μg/ml), although oritavancin inhibited all strains at ≤0.5 μg/ml. Vancomycin-susceptible and
vanB
-carrying
E. faecium
strains (MIC
50
and MIC
90
, ≤0.008 and ≤0.008 μg/ml for both) were very susceptible to oritavancin, as were VanA-producing isolates (MIC
50
and MIC
90
, 0.03 and 0.06 μg/ml). Oritavancin exhibited good
in vitro
potency against this collection of organisms, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci.
Feasibility of a structured group education session to improve self-management of blood pressure in people with chronic kidney disease: an open randomised pilot trial
Authors: Byrne Jo , Khunti Kamlesh , Stone Margaret , Farooqi Azhar , Carr Sue 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesWe aimed to test, at pilot level, a structured group educational intervention to improve self-management of blood pressure in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The current paper explores patient acceptability of the intervention.DesignThis was an open randomised pilot trial. Participants were randomly assigned to either:A control group (n=41) receiving standard clinical management of hypertension.An intervention group (n=40) receiving standard clinical care plus the educational intervention.SettingRenal outpatient clinics at a single study centre.ParticipantsPatients with early CKD and hypertension were identified and approached for recruitment.InterventionAn evidence-based structured group educational intervention (CHEERS) using the principles of social cognitive theory to improve knowledge and self-management skills.OutcomesRecruitment, uptake of the intervention and patient satisfaction were evaluated to explore patient acceptability of the intervention and to determine any differences between patients regarding recruitment and retention.MeasuresData on age, sex and ethnicity were collected for all patients approached to take part. For recruited patients, data were also collected on self-efficacy (ability to self-manage). Reasons given by patients declining to take part were recorded. Patients attending the educational session also completed an evaluation form to assess satisfaction.ResultsA total of 267 patients were approached, and 30% were randomly assigned. Lack of time (48%) and lack of interest (44%) were the main reasons cited for non-participation in the study. Men were significantly more likely to be recruited (p=0.048). The intervention was rated enjoyable and useful by 100% of participants. However, 37.5% of the intervention group failed to attend the educational session after recruitment. Participants failing to attend were significantly more likely to be older (p=0.039) and have lower self-efficacy (p=0.034).ConclusionThe findings suggest that delivering and evaluating an effective structured group educational intervention to promote better blood pressure control in patients with CKD would be challenging in the current context of kidney care.
Processing of Facial Emotion in the Human Fusiform Gyrus
Authors: Kawasaki Hiroto , Tsuchiya Naotsugu , Kovach Christopher K. , Nourski Kirill V. , Oya Hiroyuki , Howard Matthew A. , Adolphs Ralph 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Electrophysiological and fMRI-based investigations of the ventral temporal cortex of primates provide strong support for regional specialization for the processing of faces. These responses are most frequently found in or near the fusiform gyrus, but there is substantial variability in their anatomical location and response properties. An outstanding question is the extent to which ventral temporal cortex participates in processing dynamic, expressive aspects of faces, a function usually attributed to regions near the superior temporal cortex. Here, we investigated these issues through intracranial recordings from eight human surgical patients. We compared several different aspects of face processing (static and dynamic faces; happy, neutral, and fearful expressions) with power in the high-gamma band (70–150 Hz) from a spectral analysis. Detailed mapping of the response characteristics as a function of anatomical location was conducted in relation to the gyral and sulcal pattern on each patient's brain. The results document responses with high responsiveness for static or dynamic faces, often showing abrupt changes in response properties between spatially close recording sites and idiosyncratic across different subjects. Notably, strong responses to dynamic facial expressions can be found in the fusiform gyrus, just as can responses to static faces. The findings suggest a more complex, fragmented architecture of ventral temporal cortex around the fusiform gyrus, one that includes focal regions of cortex that appear relatively specialized for either static or dynamic aspects of faces.
The Time Course of Visual Letter Perception
Authors: Madec Sylvain , Rey Arnaud , Dufau Stéphane , Klein Michael , Grainger Jonathan 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
We describe a novel method for tracking the time course of visual identification processes, here applied to the specific case of letter perception. We combine a new behavioral measure of letter identification times with single-letter ERP recordings. Letter identification processes are considered to take place in those time windows in which the behavioral measure and ERPs are correlated. A first significant correlation was found at occipital electrode sites around 100 msec poststimulus onset that most likely reflects the contribution of low-level feature processing to letter identification. It was followed by a significant correlation at fronto-central sites around 170 msec, which we take to reflect letter-specific identification processes, including retrieval of a phonological code corresponding to the letter name. Finally, significant correlations were obtained around 220 msec at occipital electrode sites that may well be due to the kind of recurrent processing that has been revealed recently by TMS studies. Overall, these results suggest that visual identification processes are likely to be composed of a first (and probably preconscious) burst of visual information processing followed by a second reentrant processing on visual areas that could be critical for the conscious identification of the visual target.
Extinguishing Extinction: Hemispheric Differences in the Modulation of TMS-induced Visual Extinction by Directing Covert Spatial Attention
Authors: Bien Nina , Goebel Rainer , Sack Alexander T. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The topic of spatial attention is of great relevance for researchers in various fields, including neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, and cognitive psychology, as well as for clinical practice. Deficits of spatial attentional arising from parietal brain damage remain largely confined to the left visual field. The mechanisms underlying this hemispheric asymmetry are still elusive. We mimicked the neuropsychological syndrome of contralesional extinction by temporarily inducing a spatial attentional bias in healthy volunteers with TMS. We investigated whether directing covert spatial attention could enhance or, more importantly, counteract the resulting behavioral deficits. Although both the left and right parietal TMS induced contralateral extinction, only left hemifield extinction following right parietal TMS was severely aggravated by a competing stimulus in the ipsilesional (right) hemifield. We put forward the hypothesis that an asymmetry with respect to the ability of detaching attention from a distractor is contributing to the right hemispheric lateralization with regard to extinction. On a broader level, we suggest that “virtual patients” might be used for evaluating neuropsychological treatment in an early stage of development, reducing the burden on actual patients.
Differential Sensitivity of Letters, Numbers, and Symbols to Character Transpositions
Authors: Duñabeitia Jon Andoni , Dimitropoulou Maria , Grainger Jonathan , Hernández Juan Andrés , Carreiras Manuel 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study was designed to explore whether the human visual system has different degrees of tolerance to character position changes for letter strings, digit strings, and symbol strings. An explicit perceptual matching task was used (same–different judgment), and participants' electrophysiological activity was recorded. Materials included trials in which the referent stimulus and the target stimulus were identical or differed either by two character replacements or by transposing two characters. Behavioral results showed clear differences in the magnitude of the transposed-character effect for letters as compared with digit and symbol strings. Electrophysiological data confirmed this observation, showing an N2 character transposition effect that was only present for letter strings. An earlier N1 transposition effect was also found for letters but was absent for symbols and digits, whereas a later P3 effect was found for all types of string. These results provide evidence for a position coding mechanism that is specific to letter strings, that was most prominent in an epoch between 200 and 325 msec, and that operates in addition to more general-purpose position coding mechanisms.
Impact of Assimilating Microwave Radiances with a Limited-Area Ensemble Data Assimilation System on Forecasts of Typhoon Morakot
Authors: Schwartz Craig S. , Liu Zhiquan , Chen Yongsheng , Huang Xiang-Yu 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Two parallel experiments were designed to evaluate whether assimilating microwave radiances with a cyclic, limited-area ensemble adjustment Kalman filter (EAKF) could improve track, intensity, and precipitation forecasts of Typhoon Morakot (2009). The experiments were configured identically, except that one assimilated microwave radiances and the other did not. Both experiments produced EAKF analyses every 6 h between 1800 UTC 3 August and 1200 UTC 9 August 2009, and the mean analyses initialized 72-h Weather Research and Forecasting model forecasts. Examination of individual forecasts and average error statistics revealed that assimilating microwave radiances ultimately resulted in better intensity forecasts compared to when radiances were withheld. However, radiance assimilation did not substantially impact track forecasts, and the impact on precipitation forecasts was mixed. Overall, net positive results suggest that assimilating microwave radiances with a limited-area EAKF system is beneficial for tropical cyclone prediction, but additional studies are needed.
Conceptualization and Measurement of Team Workload
Authors: Funke Gregory J. , Knott Benjamin A. , Salas Eduardo , Pavlas Davin , Strang Adam J. 
Published: December 2011

Objective: The purpose of this article is to present and expand on current theories and measurement techniques for assessing team workload. Background: To date, little research has been conducted on the workload experienced by teams. A validated theory describing team workload, which includes an account of its relation to individual workload, has not been articulated. Method: The authors review several theoretical approaches to team workload. Within the team research literature, attempts to evaluate team workload have typically relied on measures of individual workload. This assumes that such measures retain their validity at the team level of measurement, but empirical research suggests that this method may lack sensitivity to the drivers of team workload. Results: On the basis of these reviews, the authors advance suggestions concerning a comprehensive theory of team workload and methods for assessing it in team settings. The approaches reviewed include subjective, performance, physiological, and strategy shift measures. Theoretical and statistical difficulties associated with aggregating individual-level workload responses to a team-level measure are discussed. Conclusion: Conception and measurement of team workload have not significantly matured alongside developments in individual workload. Application: Team workload remains a complex research area without simple measurement solutions, but as a research domain it remains open for contributions from interested and enterprising researchers.