bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skin glands, poison and mimicry in dendrobatid and leptodactylid amphibians
Authors: Prates Ivan , Antoniazzi Marta M. , Sciani Juliana M. , Pimenta Daniel C. , Toledo Luís Felipe , Haddad Célio F.B. , Jared Carlos 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn amphibians, secretions of toxins from specialized skin poison glands play a central role in defense against predators. The production of toxic secretions is often associated with conspicuous color patterns that warn potential predators, as it is the case of many dendrobatid frogs, including Ameerega picta. This species resembles the presumably nontoxic Leptodactylus lineatus. This study tests for mimicry by studying the morphology and distribution of skin glands, components of skin secretion, and defensive behavior. Dorsal skin was studied histologically and histochemically, and skin secretions were submitted to sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography and assays for proteolytic activity. We found that poison glands in A. picta are filled with nonprotein granules that are rich in carbohydrates, while L. lineatus glands present protein granules. Accordingly, great amounts of proteins, at least some of them enzymes, were found in the poison of L. lineatus but not in that of A. picta. Both species differ greatly on profiles of gland distribution: In L. lineatus, poison glands are organized in clusters whose position coincides with colored elements of the dorsum. These regions are evidenced through a set of displays, suggesting that poison location is announced to predators through skin colors. In contrast, A. picta presents lower densities of glands, distributed homogeneously. This simpler profile suggests a rather qualitative than quantitative investment in chemical defense, in agreement with the high toxicity attributed to dendrobatids in general. Our data suggest that both species are toxic or unpalatable and transmit common warning signals to predators, which represents a case of Müllerian mimicry. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of axial tibial torque direction on ACL relative strain and strain rate in an in vitro simulated pivot landing
Authors: Oh Youkeun K. , Kreinbrink Jennifer L. , Wojtys Edward M. , Ashton‐Miller James A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries most frequently occur under the large loads associated with a unipedal jump landing involving a cutting or pivoting maneuver. We tested the hypotheses that internal tibial torque would increase the anteromedial (AM) bundle ACL relative strain and strain rate more than would the corresponding external tibial torque under the large impulsive loads associated with such landing maneuvers. Twelve cadaveric female knees [mean (SD) age: 65.0 (10.5) years] were tested. Pretensioned quadriceps, hamstring, and gastrocnemius muscle‐tendon unit forces maintained an initial knee flexion angle of 15°. A compound impulsive test load (compression, flexion moment, and internal or external tibial torque) was applied to the distal tibia while recording the 3D knee loads and tibofemoral kinematics. AM‐ACL relative strain was measured using a 3 mm DVRT. In this repeated measures experiment, the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to test the null hypotheses with p < 0.05 considered significant. The mean (±SD) peak AM‐ACL relative strains were 5.4 ± 3.7% and 3.1 ± 2.8% under internal and external tibial torque, respectively. The corresponding mean (± SD) peak AM‐ACL strain rates reached 254.4 ± 160.1%/s and 179.4 ± 109.9%/s, respectively. The hypotheses were supported in that the normalized mean peak AM‐ACL relative strain and strain rate were 70 and 42% greater under internal than under external tibial torque, respectively (p = 0.023, p = 0.041). We conclude that internal tibial torque is a potent stressor of the ACL because it induces a considerably (70%) larger peak strain in the AM‐ACL than does a corresponding external tibial torque. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:528–534, 2012
Fracture of the vertebral endplates, but not equienergetic impact load, promotes disc degeneration in vitro
Authors: Dudli Stefan , Haschtmann Daniel , Ferguson Stephen J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractVertebral endplate damage is associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (DD) in vivo as confirmed by in‐vitro investigations. Our aims were to further characterize the process of DD using an in vitro full‐organ culture model and to elucidate whether significant endplate damage or impact loading alone is pivotal for the initiation of DD. Rabbit spinal segments (n = 80) were harvested, subjected to pure axial impact loading (n = 40) using a custom‐made device, and cultured for 28 days. The applied threshold energy (0.76 J) induced endplate fractures in 21 specimens (group A); 19 remained intact (group B). Markers for DD (cell viability, apoptosis, necrosis, matrix remodeling, and inflammation) were monitored for 28 days post‐trauma in the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus and compared to non‐impacted control discs. Cell viability in both groups stayed at a control level. Group A compared to group B showed enhanced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and caspase‐3/7 activity, reduced glycosaminoglycan content, reduced aggrecan mRNA, but elevated mRNA for collagen‐2, catabolic enzymes (MMP‐1/‐3/‐13), and pro‐inflammatory (TNFα, IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1) and pro‐apoptotic (fas ligand, caspase‐3) proteins. Group B compared to control only showed small changes in mRNA levels. Our findings demonstrate that burst endplates, but not equienergetic loading, promotes DD. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:809–816, 2012
Gender and condylar differences in distal femur morphometry clarified by automated computer analyses
Authors: Li Kang , Langdale Evan , Tashman Scott , Harner Christopher , Zhang Xudong 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWe elucidated the gender and condylar effects on distal femur morphology (DFM) while evaluating a newly developed computational framework that enables fully automated analyses of DFM in an objectively defined sagittal plane. Ninety high‐resolution CT‐acquired distal femur models from 51 males and 39 females were analyzed. The models were accurately characterized (mean least‐squares fitting residual <0.16 mm), and re‐oriented to a unified sagittal plane; three morphometric measures were extracted from each model: the semi‐major (a) and semi‐minor (b) axis lengths of the best‐fitted ellipse, and the radius (r) of the smallest flexion facet—a circle with the smallest radius best‐fitted to the posterior articulating surface. Statistical analyses employing nonparametric repeated‐measures ANOVA found: no significance difference between condyles or between limbs in any of the morphometric measures; significant gender effects on a, b, and r, but no gender effect on the aspect ratio (a/b). An inspection of statistical distributions of medial‐lateral condyle size differences also revealed a gender difference. The findings promote a better understanding of DFM and its relation to knee mechanics and have implications on computer‐aided surgery of the knee and gender‐specific implant design. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:686–692, 2012
Did large ice caps persist on low ground in north‐west Scotland during the Lateglacial Interstade?
Authors: Ballantyne Colin K. , Stone John O. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractRecent research based primarily on exposure ages of boulders on moraines has suggested that extensive ice masses persisted in fjords and across low ground in north‐west Scotland throughout the Lateglacial Interstade (≈ Greenland Interstade 1, ca. 14.7–12.9 ka), and that glacier ice was much more extensive in this area during the Older Dryas chronozone (ca. 14.0 ka) than during the Younger Dryas Stade (ca. 12.9–11.7 ka). We have recalibrated the same exposure age data using locally derived 10Be production rates. This increases the original mean ages by 6.5–12%, implying moraine deposition between ca. 14.3 and ca. 15.1 ka, and we infer a most probable age of ca. 14.7 ka based on palaeoclimatic considerations. The internal consistency of the ages implies that the dated moraines represent a single readvance of the ice margin (the Wester Ross Readvance). Pollen–stratigraphic evidence from a Lateglacial site at Loch Droma on the present drainage divide demonstrates deglaciation before ca. 14.0 ka, and therefore implies extensive deglaciation of all low ground and fjords in this area during the first half of the interstade (ca. 14.7–14.0 ka). This inference appears consistent with Lateglacial radiocarbon dates for shells recovered from glacimarine sediments and a dated tephra layer. Our revised chronology conflicts with earlier proposals that substantial dynamic ice caps persisted in Scotland between 14 and 13 ka, that large active glaciers probably survived throughout the Lateglacial Interstade and that ice extent was greater during the Older Dryas period than during the Younger Dryas Stade. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perioperative and long‐term results of laparoscopic spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy with or without splenic vessels conservation: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Butturini Giovanni , Inama Marco , Malleo Giuseppe , Manfredi Riccardo , Melotti Gian Luigi , Piccoli Micaela , Perandini Simone , Pederzoli Paolo , Bassi Claudio 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesLaparoscopic spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy can be performed with or without splenic vessels conservation. The formation of perigastric varices is the main long‐term complication and represents the area of major concern among surgeons. Aim of this paper was to evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy (with or without splenic vessels conservation) at our institution.MethodsRetrospective search of an electronic database from 1999 through 2007. Standard statistical methods were used.Results43 individuals were analyzed. Postoperative morbidity was 56%. Patients managed by splenic vessels conservation were 36; in the remaining seven splenic vessels resection was performed. Pathologic details and the rate postoperative complications were not different between the two groups. Two splenectomies were necessary for postoperative splenic infarction (one in each group). 28 patients accepted the follow‐up protocol. At 12 months, the rate of perigastric varices was 60.0% after splenic vessels resection and 21.7% after splenic vessels conservation (P = 0.123). No gastrointestinal bleeding occurred at a median follow‐up of 69 months (37–139).ConclusionLaparoscopic spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy is feasible. A moderate risk of postoperative splenic infarction has to be taken into account, and the formation of perigastric varices may be interpreted as a paraphysiologic phenomenon, especially after splenic vessels resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012;105:387–392. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
THE EFFECTS OF ACACIA TORTILIS SUBSP. RADDIANA, SOIL TEXTURE AND SOIL DEPTH ON SOIL MICROBIAL AND BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN ARID ZONES OF TUNISIA
Authors: Fterich A. , Mahdhi M. , Mars M. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThe objectives of this study, conducted in Bou‐Hedma National Park, were to quantify the effects of the dominant legume Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana on soil properties. Three sites with differing soil texture were studied; the first with a gravelly‐sand texture, the second with a sandy‐loam texture and the third with a loam texture. At each study site, two subhabitats were distinguished, under Acacia canopies (canopied soil) and open areas (uncanopied soil). Soil organic carbon, microbial biomass and microbial coefficient were found to be significantly greater in canopied soil, compared with uncanopied soil. The lower metabolic quotient under this legume indicated a higher carbon use efficiency of microorganisms in soil. The enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, phosphatase and β‐glucosidase) expressing soil microbial activity were significantly higher under Acacia canopies. Therefore, A. raddiana planting can be considered an effective and applicable measure to restore vegetation and control desertification in arid regions.On account of the variability of soil texture in the park, three sites were studied: gravelly‐sand, sandy‐loam and loam soils. The highest microbial density and activity were registrated in sandy‐loam soil. Microbial biomass and activity increased gradually and significantly to a maximum at 20–30 cm and subsequently decreased at 30–50 cm. The results allow us to conclude that soil texture and soil depth can play an important role in the extent of soil properties. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression levels of the microRNA maturing microprocessor complex component DGCR8 and the RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC) components argonaute‐1, argonaute‐2, PACT, TARBP1, and TARBP2 in epithelial skin cancer
Authors: Sand Michael , Skrygan Marina , Georgas Dimitrios , Arenz Christoph , Gambichler Thilo , Sand Daniel , Altmeyer Peter , Bechara Falk G. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe microprocessor complex mediates intranuclear biogenesis of precursor microRNAs from the primary microRNA transcript. Extranuclear, mature microRNAs are incorporated into the RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC) before interaction with complementary target mRNA leads to transcriptional repression or cleavage. In this study, we investigated the expression profiles of the microprocessor complex subunit DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 8 (DGCR8) and the RISC components argonaute‐1 (AGO1), argonaute‐2 (AGO2), as well as double‐stranded RNA‐binding proteins PACT, TARBP1, and TARBP2 in epithelial skin cancer and its premalignant stage. Patients with premalignant actinic keratoses (AK, n = 6), basal cell carcinomas (BCC, n = 15), and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC, n = 7) were included in the study. Punch biopsies were harvested from the center of the tumors (lesional), from healthy skin sites (intraindividual controls), and from healthy skin sites in a healthy control group (n = 16; interindividual control). The DGCR8, AGO1, AGO2, PACT, TARBP1, and TARBP2 mRNA expression levels were detected by quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The DGCR8, AGO1, AGO2, PACT, and TARBP1 expression levels were significantly higher in the AK, BCC, and SCC groups than the healthy controls (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the TARBP2 expression levels between groups (P > 0.05). This study indicates that major components of the miRNA pathway, such as the microprocessor complex and RISC, are dysregulated in epithelial skin cancer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The central signal singularity phenomenon in balanced SSFP and its application to positive‐contrast imaging
Authors: Ingle R. Reeve , Çukur Tolga , Nishimura Dwight G. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractSmall perturbations of steady‐state sequence parameters can induce very large spectral profile deviations that are localized to specific off‐resonant frequencies, denoted critical frequencies. Although, a small number of studies have previously considered the use of these highly specific modulations for MR angiography and elastography, many potential applications still remain to be explored. An analysis of this phenomenon using a linear systems technique and a geometric magnetization trajectory technique shows that the critical frequencies correspond to singularities in the steady‐state signal equation. An interleaved acquisition combined with a complex difference technique yields a spectral profile containing sharp peaks interleaved with wide stopbands, while a complex sum technique yields a spectral profile similar to that of balanced steady‐state free precession. Simulations and phantom experiments are used to demonstrate a novel application of this technique for positive‐contrast imaging of superparamagnetic iron‐oxide nanoparticles. The technique is shown to yield images with high levels of positive contrast and good water and fat background suppression. The technique can also simultaneously yield images with contrast similar to balanced steady‐state free precession. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Network‐coding‐based cache policy for loss recovery enhancement in reliable multicast
Authors: Li Jung‐Shian , Liu Kun‐Hsuan 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYIn local loss recovery schemes, a small number of recovery nodes distributed along the transmission paths save incoming packets temporarily in accordance with a specified cache policy and retransmit these packets if they subsequently receive a request message from a downstream receiver. To reduce the recovery latency, the cache policy should ensure that the recovery nodes are always able to satisfy the retransmission requests of the downstream receivers. However, owing to the limited cache size of the recovery nodes and the behavior of the cache policy, this cannot always be achieved, and thus some of the packets must be retransmitted by the sender. Accordingly, this paper develops a new network‐coding‐based cache policy, designated as network‐coding‐based FIFO (NCFIFO), which extends the caching time of the packets at the recovery nodes without dropping any of the incoming packets. As a result, the lost packets can be always recovered from the nearest recovery nodes and the recovery latency is significantly reduced. The loss recovery performance of the NCFIFO cache policy is compared with that of existing cache policies by performing a series of simulation experiments using both a uniform error model and a burst error model. The simulation results show that the NCFIFO cache policy not only achieves a better recovery performance than existing cache policies, but also provides a more effective solution for managing a small amount of cache size in environments characterized by a high packet arrival rate. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy demand‐side management: New perspectives for a new era
Authors: Carley Sanya 
Published: October 2011

AbstractOver the past decade and a half, state governments have assumed greater responsibility over demand‐side management (DSM) operations. Whereas DSM programs formerly were initiated primarily by utilities or state public utility commissions, they are now becoming increasingly state‐initiated and incentivized through funding mechanisms or efficiency‐level mandates. The supporting literature, however, has yet to respond to these changes and to verify that DSM funding or mandates are effective policy mechanisms. Furthermore, the supporting literature has yet to resolve some of the research design and methodological challenges that traditionally plague DSM evaluations. As states continue to expand their energy and climate policy efforts, and the federal government considers the possibility of national decarbonization policies, of which DSM is a key strategy, the need for empirical research on the effectiveness of DSM programs will grow. This essay describes the current status of DSM efforts in the U.S. and explores how these programs affect electricity operations. The relationship between DSM policy and program efforts and the amount of saved electricity is tested with a methodological approach aimed at minimizing the selection bias that is inherent in the nonexperimental research design. Results confirm that state‐run DSM efforts contribute to electricity savings across the country. Public benefit funds coupled with performance incentives are found to encourage utility participation in DSM programs. Energy efficiency portfolio standards and performance incentives effectively promote electricity savings, but public benefit funds without the support of other DSM policies are not significant drivers of either DSM program participation or total DSM electricity savings. © 2011 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Long‐term care: Common issues and unknowns
Authors: Swartz Katherine , Miake Naoko , Farag Nadine 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAll industrialized countries are grappling with a common problem—how to provide assistance of various kinds to their rapidly aging populations. The problem for countries searching for models of efficient and high‐quality long‐term care (LTC) policies is that fewer than a dozen countries have government‐organized, formal LTC policies. Relatively new surveys focused on the elderly populations of about 25 countries could become the basis for research on which LTC policy design choices have desired outcomes for individuals and society and might be replicable in other countries. As in earlier decades when U.S. researchers created the Current Population Survey (CPS) modules and the Survey of Income and Program Participation to answer policy questions, researchers and policy analysts are now at a point where a concerted effort is needed to generate questions that international comparative research on LTC could answer as well as the data needed to address the questions. © 2011 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Influence of fetal respiratory movements on left atrial functional status
Authors: de Fátima Monteiro Pereira Leite Maria , Zielinsky Paulo , Benchimol‐Barbosa Paulo Roberto , Nicoloso Luiz Henrique , Luchese Stelamaris , Piccoli Antonio Luiz , Naujorks Alexandre Antonio 
Published: October 2011

ObjectiveBecause fetal respiratory movements increase left ventricular compliance, we hypothesized that the left atrial shortening fraction increases during fetal respiratory motions.MethodsA group of 26 normal fetuses with gestational ages between 28 and 38 weeks were assessed in a prospective cross‐sectional study. Left atrial telesystolic and presystolic diameters were measured during apnea and after five consecutive respiratory movements. Left atrial shortening fraction was obtained by the ratio: [maximal left atrium diameter (telesystolic) – minimal left atrium diameter (presystolic)]/maximal left atrium diameter (telesystolic). The mean of three measurements were considered. Two‐tailed Student's t‐test was used.ResultsMean gestational age was (mean ± SD) 30.7 ± 2.8 weeks. Mean left atrial telesystolic diameter in apnea was 10.6 ± 0.7 mm and during respiratory movements it was 10.5 ± 1.1 mm (p = 0.98). Presystolic left atrial diameter was 5.2 ± 0.1 mm in apnea and 4.4 ± 1.3 mm during respiratory movements (p < 0.001). Left atrial shortening fraction was 0.50 ± 0.05 in apnea and 0.58 ± 0.13 during respiratory movements (p < 0.001).ConclusionLeft atrial shortening fraction is higher during respiratory movements as a result of increased left ventricular compliance and consequent optimization of left atrial functional status. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.