bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Between subjects variability in haemoglobin and dose are not associated with the erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent used to treat anaemia in dialysis: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Pérez‐Ruixo Juan José , Cucala‐Ramos Mercedes , García‐Gonzalo Ester , Del Val Romero Beatriz , Valveny Neus 
Published: July 2012

AimsWe aimed to compare mean and between subject variability in haemoglobin (Hb) and erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA) dose across the ESA compounds used to treat anaemia in dialysis patients.MethodsWe performed a meta‐analysis of randomized trials evaluating ESA in adult patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis (target Hb 9–13.5 g dl−1), and compared mean Hb and its standard deviation (SD), and ESA dose and its coefficient of variation (CV) between the different agents [rHuEPO alfa or beta, darbepoetin alfa, pegylated‐epoetin beta (PEG‐EPO) or other epoetins]. The effect of route and frequency of administration, frequency of dose adjustments, study blinding and type, baseline value, Hb target and sampling frequency were also assessed.ResultsAmong 4983 patients from 16 studies, pooled Hb mean and SD during the evaluation phase were 11.5 g dl−1 (95% CI 11.3, 11.7) and 0.99 g dl−1 (0.88, 1.09), respectively. The Hb mean and SD were not significantly influenced by the covariates tested. Only Hb SD was significantly lower in maintenance studies relative to correction studies. No differences in mean ESA dose and CV were found across the covariates, except that PEG‐EPO monthly dose was 42% higher than the every 2 weeks dose and the rHuEPO i.v. dose was 32% higher than the s.c. dose.ConclusionsBetween subject variability in haemoglobin and ESA dose in dialysis patients is not associated with the type of ESA, nor with the dosing interval or route of administration, except for higher dose requirements in PEG‐EPO monthly administration relative to every 2 weeks or rHuEPO i.v. relative to s.c.
Tadpoles enhance microbial activity and leaf decomposition in a neotropical headwater stream
Authors: RUGENSKI AMANDA T. , MÚRRIA CESC , WHILES MATT R. 
Published: July 2012

Summary1. Relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem function are of increasing interest, particularly in freshwater ecosystems where species losses are occurring at unprecedented rates. Amphibian declines have been associated with a loss of ecosystem function in neotropical streams, but little is known of the potential roles of stream‐dwelling tadpoles in leaf decomposition. Leaf litter is an important energy source to streams, and the breakdown of this material to fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) is a key ecosystem function.2. We used mesocosms in a natural stream setting to quantify the effects of grazing tadpoles, shredding macroinvertebrates and a combination of the two on leaf decomposition and associated microbial activity. We measured respiration rates of decomposing leaves, particulate organic matter (POM) and leaf biofilm biomass and C : N : P ratios, and leaf area loss in 4 treatments: Control, tadpole only (TP), tadpole and shredding macroinvertebrates (TP + INV) and shredding macroinvertebrates only (INV). We hypothesised that tadpoles would enhance leaf decomposition by changing nutrient availability and stimulating microbial activity.3. Respiration rates ranged from 3.1 to 6.0 mg O2 dry mass−1 h−1 and were significantly higher in the TP and TP + INV treatments than in the control. The TP + INV treatment had significantly higher POM in chambers than the control and INV treatments. The TP treatment had significantly lower leaf biofilm biomass than the control and INV treatments.4. Tadpoles influenced the elemental balance of C and N in POM and leaf biofilm. In contrast to our prediction, molar C : N ratios were higher in the TP + INV treatment than in the control. Mean molar N : P ratios in POM were higher in the TP + INV treatment than in any other treatment. Leaf biofilm followed a similar pattern, but both TP and TP + INV had significantly higher N : P ratios than the control and INV treatments. Leaf area loss was greatest when tadpoles and invertebrates were together (TP + INV = 0.6% leaf area loss per mg organism) than separate (TP = 0.1%, INV = 3%), indicating facilitation.5. Tadpoles indirectly affected leaf decomposition by influencing microbial communities and macroinvertebrate feeding. As such, ongoing amphibian declines may adversely affect a critical ecosystem function in freshwater habitats.
Understanding customers' repeat purchase intentions in B2C e‐commerce: the roles of utilitarian value, hedonic value and perceived risk
Authors: Chiu Chao‐Min , Wang Eric T. G. , Fang Yu‐Hui , Huang Hsin‐Yi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCustomer loyalty or repeat purchasing is critical for the survival and success of any store. By focusing on online stores, this study investigates the repeat purchase intention of experienced online buyers based on means‐end chain theory and prospect theory. In the research model, both utilitarian value and hedonic value are hypothesised to affect repeat purchase intention positively. Perceived risk is hypothesised to affect repeat purchase intention negatively and moderate the effects of utilitarian and hedonic values on repeat purchase intention. Utilitarian value is proposed as a formative second‐order construct formed by product offerings, product information, monetary savings and convenience. Hedonic value is also proposed as a formative second‐order construct formed by the six hedonic benefits that have been identified in prior research. Data collected from 782 Yahoo!Kimo customers provide strong support for the research model. The results indicate that both the utilitarian value and hedonic value are positively associated with buyers' repeat purchase intention. A higher level of perceived risk reduces the effect of utilitarian value and increases the effect of hedonic value on repeat purchase intention. Implications for theory and practice and suggestions for future research are provided.
Dynamic colonization exchanges between continents and islands drive diversification in paradise‐flycatchers (Terpsiphone, Monarchidae)
Authors: Fabre Pierre‐Henri , Irestedt Martin , Fjeldså Jon , Bristol Rachel , Groombridge Jim J. , Irham Mohammad , Jønsson Knud A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim We use parametric biogeographical reconstruction based on an extensive DNA sequence dataset to characterize the spatio‐temporal pattern of colonization of the Old World monarch flycatchers (Monarchidae). We then use this framework to examine the role of dispersal and colonization in their evolutionary diversification and to compare plumages between island and continentalTerpsiphonespecies.Location Africa, Asia and the Indian Ocean.Methods We generate a DNA sequence dataset of 2300 bp comprising one nuclear and three mitochondrial markers for 89% (17/19) of the Old World Monarchidae species and 70% of theTerpsiphonesubspecies. By applying maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods and implementing a Bayesian molecular clock to provide a temporal framework, we reveal the evolutionary history of the group. Furthermore, we employ both Lagrangeand Bayes‐Lagrangeanalyses to assess ancestral areas at each node of the phylogeny. By combining the ancestral area reconstruction with information on plumage traits we are able to compare patterns of plumage evolution on islands and continents.Results We provide the first comprehensive molecular phylogenetic reconstruction for the Old World Monarchidae. Our phylogenetic results reveal a relatively recent diversification associated with several dispersal events within this group. Moreover, ancestral area analyses reveal an Asian origin of the Indian Ocean and African clades. Ancestral state reconstruction analyses of plumage characters provide an interpretation of the plumage differentiation on islands and continents. Ancestral plumage traits are inferred to be close to those of the Asian paradise‐flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi), and island species display a high degree of plumage autapomorphy compared with continental species.Main conclusions Terpsiphone paradisiis polyphyletic and comprises populations that have retained the ancestral plumage of the widespreadTerpsiphonegenus. The genus appears to have colonized south‐west Asia, the Indian Ocean and Africa from eastern Asia. The phylogeny and divergence time estimates indicate multiple simultaneous colonizations of the western Old World byTerpsiphone. These results reinforce a hypothesis of range expansions of aTerpsiphone paradisi‐like ancestor into eastern Asia and the western Old World.
The small protein MbiA interacts with MreB and modulates cell shape in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Yakhnina Anastasiya A. , Gitai Zemer 
Published: July 2012

SummaryIn Caulobacter crescentus, the actin homologue MreB is critical for cell shape maintenance. Despite the central importance of MreB for cell morphology and viability, very little is known about MreB‐interacting factors. Here, we use an overexpression approach to identify a novel MreB interactor, MbiA. MbiA interacts with MreB in both biochemical and genetic assays, colocalizes with MreB throughout the cell cycle, and relies on MreB for its localization. MbiA overexpression mimics the loss of MreB function, severely perturbing cell morphology, inhibiting growth and inducing cell lysis. Additionally, mbiA deletion shows a synthetic growth phenotype with a hypomorphic allele of the MreB interactor RodZ, suggesting that these two MreB‐interacting proteins either have partially redundant functions or participate in the same functional complex. Our work thus establishes MbiA as a novel cell shape regulator that appears to function through regulating MreB, and opens avenues for discovery of more MreB‐regulating factors by showing that overexpression screens are a valuable tool for uncovering potentially redundant cell shape effectors.
LeuO is a global regulator of gene expression in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Dillon Shane C. , Espinosa Elena , Hokamp Karsten , Ussery David W. , Casadesús Josep , Dorman Charles J. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryWe report the first investigation of the binding of the Salmonella enterica LeuO LysR‐type transcription regulator to its genomic targets in vivo. Chromatin‐immunoprecipitation‐on‐chip identified 178 LeuO binding sites on the chromosome of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium strain SL1344. These sites were distributed across both the core and the horizontally acquired genome, and included housekeeping genes and genes known to contribute to virulence. Sixty‐eight LeuO targets were co‐bound by the global repressor protein, H‐NS. Thus, while LeuO may function as an H‐NS antagonist, these functions are unlikely to involve displacement of H‐NS. RNA polymerase bound 173 of the 178 LeuO targets, consistent with LeuO being a transcription regulator. Thus, LeuO targets two classes of genes, those that are bound by H‐NS and those that are not bound by H‐NS. LeuO binding site analysis revealed a logo conforming to the TN11A motif common to LysR‐type transcription factors. It differed in some details from a motif that we composed for Escherichia coli LeuO binding sites; 1263 and 1094 LeuO binding site locations were predicted in the S. Typhimurium SL1344 and E. coli MG1655 genomes respectively. Despite differences in motif composition, many LeuO target genes were common to both species. Thus, LeuO is likely to be a more important global regulator than previously suspected.
The rise and fall of CRISPRs – dynamics of spacer acquisition and loss
Authors: Westra Edze R. , Brouns Stan J. J. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryBacteria and Archaea are continuously exposed to mobile genetic elements (MGE), such as viruses and plasmids. MGEs may provide a selective advantage, may be neutral or may cause cell damage. To protect against invading DNA, prokaryotes utilize a number of defence systems, including the CRISPR/Cas system. CRISPR/Cas systems rely on integration of invader sequences (spacers) into CRISPR loci that act as a genetic memory of past invasions. Processed CRISPR transcripts are utilized as guides by Cas proteins to cleave complementary invader nucleic acids. In this issue, two groups report on spacer acquisition and turnover dynamics of CRISPR loci in a thermoacidophilic archeon and a pathogenic bacterium. Erdmann and Garrett (2012) demonstrate that three of the six CRISPR loci of Sulfolobus solfataricus rapidly acquire new spacer sequences from a conjugative plasmid present in a virus mixture. Intriguingly, two distinct mechanisms of spacer integration are utilized: leader adjacent and internal CRISPR spacer acquisition. Lopez‐Sanchez et al. (2012) studied the type II system of Streptococcus agalactiae and observe heterogeneity in the bacterial population. A fraction of the population lost one or more anti‐mobilome spacer sequences during its cultivation, allowing the transfer of a MGE in this subpopulation and a rapid response to altering selection pressures.
Relationship between enteric neurons and interstitial cells in the primate gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Blair P. J. , Bayguinov Y. , Sanders K. M. , Ward S. M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground  Morphological studies have revealed a close anatomical relationship between enteric nerve terminals and intramuscular ICC (ICC‐IM) which supports a role for ICC‐IM as intermediaries in enteric motor neurotransmission. Recently, a second type of interstitial cell previously described as ‘fibroblast‐like’ but can now be identified by platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α expression, has also been implicated in enteric neurotransmission in rodents. The present study was performed to determine if enteric nerve fibers form close anatomical relationships with ICC and PDGFRα+ cells throughout the primate GI tract.Methods  Immunohistochemical experiments and confocal microscopy were performed to examine the relationship between excitatory and inhibitory motor neurons, ICC and PDGFRα+ cells throughout the monkey GI tract.Key Results  The pan neuronal marker. Protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) was used to label all enteric neurons and substance‐P (sub‐P) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) to label excitatory and inhibitory neurons, respectively. Double labeling with Kit revealed that both classes of nerve fibers were closely apposed with ICC‐IM in the stomach, small intestine and colon (taenia and inter‐taenia regions), but not with ICC at the level of the myenteric plexus (ICC‐MY). Varicose enteric nerve fibers were closely associated with ICC‐IM for distances up to 250 μm. Both excitatory and inhibitory nerve fibers were also closely apposed to PDGFRα+ cells throughout the primate GI tract.Conclusions & Inferences  The close anatomical relationship between enteric nerve fibers and ICC‐IM and PDGFRα+ cells throughout the GI tract of the Cynomolgus monkey provides morphological evidence that these two classes of interstitial cells may provide a similar physiological function in primates as has been attributed in rodent animal models.
Expression Profile of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Gene in Hierarchal Follicles and Regressing Oviduct Tissues of White Leghorn Hens During Moulting
Authors: Agarwal R , Sastry KVH , Tripathi V , Singh R , Saxena R , Mohan J , Singh RP 
Published: July 2012

ContentsIn the present study, the expression profile of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) was investigated in the ovary, magnum and uterus and in hierarchcal follicles (F‐1, F‐2, F‐3 and F‐4) of hens subjected to moulting to establish their involvement in moulting and presence in non‐gonadal tissues. Fifty‐two layers (72 weeks) were subjected to moult for a period of 14 days. Four birds were sacrificed each time on 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14 days of moulting, and samples (ovary, magnum, uterus and hierarchal follicles) were collected aseptically for the quantitative study by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The ovary, isthmus, uterus and magnum weight reduced significantly during induced moulting. From the 4 DOM, this reduction was drastic and reached approximately 80% of original weight in the case of ovary, isthmus and magnum and approximately 65% of original weight in the case of uterus on 14 DOM. Ovarian yellow follicles decreased gradually from 1 DOM to 4 DOM, after that no normal yellow follicle was observed in moulted bird. The number of atretic follicles increased gradually during the course of induced moulting, reaching the peak at 5 DOM. The LHR mRNA was detected in non‐gonadal tissues like magnum and uterus. The LHR expression was significantly (p < 0.05) down regulated in ovary, magnum and uterus throughout the treatment. These results indicated that LHR may have a role in reproductive tissue regression during moulting.
The medial amygdaloid nucleus is involved in the cardiovascular pathway activated by noradrenaline into the lateral septal area of rats
Authors: Scopinho América A. , Fortaleza Eduardo A. T. , Corrêa Fernando M. A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe have previously reported that noradrenaline (NA) microinjected into the lateral septal area (LSA) caused pressor and bradicardic responses that were mediated by vasopressin release into the circulation through the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN). Although PVN is the final structure involved in the cardiovascular responses caused by NA in the LSA, there is no evidence of direct connections between these areas, suggesting that some structures could be links in this pathway. In the present study, we verified the effect of reversible synaptic inactivation of the medial amygdaloid nucleus (MeA), bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) or diagonal band of Broca (DBB) with Cobalt Chloride (CoCl2) on the cardiovascular response to NA microinjection into the LSA of unanesthetized rats. Male Wistar rats had guide cannulae implanted into the LSA and the MeA, BNST or DBB for drug administration, and a femoral catheter for blood pressure and heart rate recordings. Local microinjection of CoCl2 (1 mm in 100 nL) into the MeA significantly reduced the pressor and bradycardic responses caused by NA microinjection (21 nmol in 200 nL) into the LSA. In contrast, microinjection of CoCl2 into the BNST or DBB did not change the cardiovascular responses to NA into the LSA. The results indicate that synapses within the MeA, but not in BNST or DBB, are involved in the cardiovascular pathway activated by NA microinjection into the LSA.
Specific herbivore‐induced volatiles defend plants and determine insect community composition in the field
Authors: Xiao Y. , Wang Q. , Erb M. , Turlings T. C. J. , Ge L. , Hu L. , Li J. , Han X. , Zhang T. , Lu J. , Zhang G. , Lou Y. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn response to insect attack, plants release complex blends of volatile compounds. These volatiles serve as foraging cues for herbivores, predators and parasitoids, leading to plant‐mediated interactions within and between trophic levels. Hence, plant volatiles may be important determinants of insect community composition. To test this, we created rice lines that are impaired in the emission of two major signals,S‐linalool and (E)‐β‐caryophyllene. We found that inducibleS‐linalool attracted predators and parasitoids as well as chewing herbivores, but repelled the rice brown planthopperNilaparvata lugens, a major pest. The constitutively produced (E)‐β‐caryophyllene on the other hand attracted both parasitoids and planthoppers, resulting in an increased herbivore load. Thus, silencing either signal resulted in specific insect assemblages in the field, highlighting the importance of plant volatiles in determining insect community structures. Moreover, the results imply that the manipulation of volatile emissions in crops has great potential for the control of pest populations.
Number‐Concept Acquisition and General Vocabulary Development
Authors: Negen James , Sarnecka Barbara W. 
Published: July 2012

How is number‐concept acquisition related to overall language development? Experiments 1 and 2 measured number‐word knowledge and general vocabulary in a total of 59 children, ages 30–60 months. A strong correlation was found between number‐word knowledge and vocabulary, independent of the child’s age, contrary to previous results (D. Ansari et al., 2003). This result calls into question arguments that (a) the number‐concept creation process is scaffolded mainly by visuo‐spatial development and (b) that language only becomes integrated after the concepts are created (D. Ansari et al., 2003). Instead, this may suggest that having a larger nominal vocabulary helps children learn number words. Experiment 3 shows that the differences with previous results are likely due to changes in how the data were analyzed.
Given the Web, What is Intelligence, Really?
Authors: Bringsjord Selmer , Govindarajulu Naveen Sundar 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article argues that existing systems on the Web cannot approach human‐level intelligence, as envisioned by Descartes, without being able to achieve genuine problem solving on unseen problems. The article argues that this entails committing to a strong intensional logic. In addition to revising extant arguments in favor of intensional systems, it presents a novel mathematical argument to show why extensional systems can never hope to capture the inherent complexity of natural language. The argument makes its case by focusing on representing, with increasing degrees of complexity, knowledge in a first‐order language. Nevertheless, the attempts at representation fail to achieve consistency, making the case for an intensional representation system for natural language clear.
Muscle dimensions of the foot in the orangutan and the chimpanzee
Authors: Oishi Motoharu , Ogihara Naomichi , Endo Hideki , Une Yumi , Ichihara Nobutsune , Asari Masao , Amasaki Hajime 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe hindlimbs of two orangutans and four chimpanzees were dissected, and muscle parameters (mass, fascicle length, and physiological cross‐sectional area: PCSA) were determined to explore possible interspecies variation in muscle dimensions. Muscle mass and PCSA were divided by the total mass and total PCSA of the entire foot muscles for normalization. The results indicate that the pedal interosseous and the intrinsic pedal digital extensor muscles in the orangutans probably have higher capacity for force production due to their relatively larger PCSAs than in chimpanzees. Moreover, the medial components of the intrinsic muscles exhibited relatively larger mass and PCSA ratios in orangutans. The mass and PCSA ratios of the hallucal muscles were larger in chimpanzees. These differences in foot muscle dimensions of the two species suggest that the orangutan is more specialized for hook‐like digital gripping without involvement of the rudimentary hallux, while the chimpanzee is adapted to hallux‐assisted power gripping in arboreal locomotion.