bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maximization of learning speed in motor cortex due to neuron redundancy
Authors: Takiyama Ken , Okada Masato 
Published: April 2011

AbstractMany kinds of redundancies play important roles in the motor system. Many combinations of muscle activity can generate an identical movement. One of the functional and computational roles of this muscle redundancy is to control joint impedance for stabilizing movements against applied external perturbation. Many combinations of joint angles can yield an identical fingertip position. A functional and computational role of this kinematic redundancy is to ensure motor accuracy, if a joint angle is perturbed, by adjusting redundant ones. Neurons are overwhelmingly more numerous than muscles in our motor system. However, an open question remains as to what the functional and computational roles of this neuron redundancy are. To generate desired motor commands, our motor system adapts to changes in both the internal and external environment, caused by muscle fatigue, force fields, etc. Faster learning is more desirable than slower learning because accumulated error can be minimized. Our analysis on a neural network model, assuming visuomotor or force field adaptation, revealed that learning speed reaches its maximum value if the model includes sufficient neuron redundancy. We subsequently ran numerical simulations of more biologically plausible neural network models. The results suggest that neuron redundancy accelerates learning speed even if the models include recurrent connections, a two-layer structure, or a skewed bimodal distribution of preferred directions. Neuron redundancy also yields the equivalence between a learning rule of synaptic weights and a model for sensorimotor learning, which is based on the results of behavioral experiments. These results suggest that neuron redundancy contributes to maximizing learning speed and also that the learning curves observed in behavioral experiments are tuned to be as fast as possible.
Genetic differentiation of wild and managed Coffea arabica populations in Afromontane rainforest fragments in SW Ethiopia
Authors: Aerts Raf , Berecha Gezahegn , Gijbels Pieter , Van Glabeke Sabine , Vandepitte Katrien , Muys Bart , Roldán-Ruiz Isabel , Honnay Olivier 
Published: April 2011

Abstract*1.* Coffea arabica L. has its origin and centre of diversity in the Afromontane rainforests of southwestern Ethiopia. Deforestation, habitat fragmentation and forest degradation threaten this wild coffee gene pool, which is vital to global coffee cultivation.*2.* We investigated genetic variation and diversity within and between eleven coffee stands across a gradient of increasing forest management intensity (‘forest coffee’, unmanaged large continuous forest vs. ‘semi-forest coffee’, managed, small fragments) using two multiplex panels of five microsatellite markers each. We used analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) to partition total genetic diversity and applied a Bayesian model-based cluster method to infer population structure.*3.* Genetic variability was larger within (72%) than between (21%) stands. There was a significant differentiation between three wild coffee genotypes in the least disturbed forest and a single genotype prevailing in the semi-forest coffee system. Managed populations were closely allied to local coffee cultivars indicating an effect of local selection, but measures of neutral genetic diversity (Ne, I, He, MV) did not differ significantly between management systems.*4.* Despite severe forest fragmentation, we found no evidence for genetic erosion in C. arabica, possibly because traditional Ethiopian coffee cultivation involves collecting, exchanging and replanting coffee. Nevertheless, this poses a threat to wild coffee populations because they are replaced by (or exposed to genetic exchange with) genotypes imported from other areas and that are preferred by local farmers due to specific characteristics. In-situ conservation efforts must therefore focus on avoiding intensification of coffee production in forest coffee systems.
CloVR-Metagenomics: Functional and taxonomic microbial community characterization from metagenomic whole-genome shotgun (WGS) sequences – standard operating procedure, version 1.0
Authors: White James , Arze Cesar , Matalka Malcolm , Team The CloVR , Angiuoli Samuel , Fricke W. Florian 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe CloVR-Metagenomics pipeline employs several well-known tools and protocols for the analysis of metagenomic whole-genome shotgun (WGS) sequence datasets:A) UCLUST [1] – a C++-based software package for clustering redundant DNA sequences and removing artificial 454 replicates [1];B) BLASTX and BLASTN [2] for functional and taxonomic assignment of sequences, respectively;C) Metastats [3] and custom R scripts to generate additional statistical and graphical evaluation.The CloVR-Metagenomics pipeline accepts as input multiple fasta files (1 sample per file) and a corresponding tab-delimited metadata file that specifies features associated with the samples, which are used for comparative analysis. This protocol is available in CloVR beta version 0.5 and 0.6.
Screening Criteria for Diagnosis of Infantile Feeding Disorders as a Cause of Poor Feeding or Food Refusal
Authors: Levine Arie , Bachar Lea , Tsangen Zili , Mizrachi Avi , Levy Anat , Dalal Ilan , Kornfeld Lia , Levy Yuval , Zadik Zvi , Turner Dan , Boaz Mona 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:Infantile feeding disorders (IFDs) are a common cause of food refusal, failure to thrive, and vomiting, but they may be difficult to diagnose. We have previously identified certain patterns of pathological feeding and behaviors as high‐risk characteristics for IFDs and subsequently developed the diagnostic Wolfson criteria. Here, we evaluate these high‐risk behaviors and prospectively compare the Wolfson criteria with 2 existing classifications of IFD, the Chatoor and that in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV).Patients and Methods:Infants and young children referred for food refusal were invited to participate by completing a feeding pattern questionnaire. Following physicians' interview and examination, patients were scored by all 3 criteria and enrolled in a structured treatment program for IFD. Infants whose food refusal was associated with an organic cause served as a comparison group. The ability of the criteria to detect IFD and to predict response to therapy was compared with an intention‐to‐treat analysis.Results:Eighty‐five infants with new‐onset IFD and 55 controls were included. The Wolfson criteria, Chatoor, and DSM‐IV accurately diagnosed 100%, 77%, and 56% of the patients with IFD, respectively. Anticipatory gagging occurred in 47% of the children with IFD compared to 2% controls (P < 0.001). The response to therapy was similar among the 3 criteria (73–76%), suggesting that the Wolfson criteria did not incorrectly diagnose organic disease as IFD. The 20 infants who were diagnosed as having IFD by Wolfson but not by Chatoor responded equally well (80%) to an IFD treatment program.Conclusions:Diagnostic criteria of IFD that are based on food refusal, pathological feeding, and anticipatory gagging have a higher detection rate than the present criteria and are simpler to implement.
Solid‐food Introduction in Infants Diagnosed As Having a Cow's‐milk Protein–induced Enterocolitis
Authors: Beauchamp Josée N , Gaboury Isabelle , Ni Andy , Boland Margaret P , Mack David R 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:In a prior retrospective analysis of 32 infants diagnosed with cow's‐milk protein–induced enterocolitis (CMPIE), gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were observed with the introduction of milk‐free infant cereal. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the incidence of new GI symptoms with the introduction of either milk‐free infant rice cereal or carrots as the first complementary food at 6 months of age in infants previously diagnosed as having CMPIE.Patients and Methods:Thirty‐nine infants were enrolled in the study. Twenty were randomized to start with pureed carrots and 19 were randomized to start with milk‐free infant rice cereal. GI signs and symptoms developing within 2 weeks were recorded.Results:No significant differences were noticed in the incidence of new GI symptoms and the change in the frequency of GI symptoms upon solid‐food introduction, whether it was carrots or milk‐free infant rice cereal. A high overall incidence rate (47%) of new GI symptoms was observed in the whole cohort. The mean number of days for onset of new symptoms was 6. The most common GI signs and symptoms observed were related to alteration of stool characteristics. Breast‐feeding was not shown to have a protective effect on the development of new GI symptoms during solid‐food introduction.Conclusions:Many infants with CMPIE will develop GI signs and symptoms following the introduction of solid food, whether milk‐free infant rice cereal or carrots are introduced, and their onset may be delayed.
White Lupin Cluster Root Acclimation to Phosphorus Deficiency and Root Hair Development Involve Unique Glycerophosphodiester Phosphodiesterases
Authors: Cheng Lingyun , Bucciarelli Bruna , Liu Junqi , Zinn Kelly , Miller Susan , Patton-Vogt Jana , Allan Deborah , Shen Jianbo , Vance Carroll P. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
White lupin (Lupinus albus) is a legume that is very efficient in accessing unavailable phosphorus (Pi). It develops short, densely clustered tertiary lateral roots (cluster/proteoid roots) in response to Pi limitation. In this report, we characterize two glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (GPX-PDE) genes (GPX-PDE1 and GPX-PDE2) from white lupin and propose a role for these two GPX-PDEs in root hair growth and development and in a Pi stress-induced phospholipid degradation pathway in cluster roots. Both GPX-PDE1 and GPX-PDE2 are highly expressed in Pi-deficient cluster roots, particularly in root hairs, epidermal cells, and vascular bundles. Expression of both genes is a function of both Pi availability and photosynthate. GPX-PDE1 Pi deficiency-induced expression is attenuated as photosynthate is deprived, while that of GPX-PDE2 is strikingly enhanced. Yeast complementation assays and in vitro enzyme assays revealed that GPX-PDE1 shows catalytic activity with glycerophosphocholine while GPX-PDE2 shows highest activity with glycerophosphoinositol. Cell-free protein extracts from Pi-deficient cluster roots display GPX-PDE enzyme activity for both glycerophosphocholine and glycerophosphoinositol. Knockdown of expression of GPX-PDE through RNA interference resulted in impaired root hair development and density. We propose that white lupin GPX-PDE1 and GPX-PDE2 are involved in the acclimation to Pi limitation by enhancing glycerophosphodiester degradation and mediating root hair development.
EOBII Controls Flower Opening by Functioning as a General Transcriptomic Switch
Authors: Colquhoun Thomas A. , Schwieterman Michael L. , Wedde Ashlyn E. , Schimmel Bernardus C.J. , Marciniak Danielle M. , Verdonk Julian C. , Kim Joo Young , Oh Youngjoo , Gális Ivan , Baldwin Ian T. , Clark David G. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) are involved in diverse aspects of plant biology. Recently an R2R3-MYB was identified in Petunia x hybrida line P720 to have a role in the transcriptional regulation of floral volatile production. We propose a more foundational role for the R2R3-MYB TF EMISSION OF BENZENOIDS II (EOBII). The homolog of EOBII was isolated and characterized from P. x hybrida ‘Mitchell Diploid’ (MD) and Nicotiana attenuata. For both MD and N. attenuata, EOBII transcript accumulates to high levels in floral tissue with maximum accumulation at flower opening. When EOBII transcript levels are severely reduced using a stable RNAi (ir) approach in MD and N. attenuata, ir-EOBII flowers fail to enter anthesis and prematurely senesce. Transcript accumulation analysis demonstrated core phenylpropanoid pathway transcripts and cell wall modifier transcript levels are altered in ir-EOBII flowers. These flowers can be partially complemented by feeding with a sucrose, t-cinnamic acid, and gibberellic acid solution; presumably restoring cellular aspects sufficient for flower opening. Additionally, if ethylene sensitivity is blocked in either MD or N. attenuata, ir-EOBII flowers enter anthesis. These experiments demonstrate one R2R3-MYB TF can control a highly dynamic process fundamental to sexual reproduction in angiosperms: the opening of flowers.
Facies characteristics and architecture related to palaeodepth of Holocene fjord–delta sediments
Authors: EILERTSEN RAYMOND S. , CORNER GEOFFREY D. , AASHEIM ODD , HANSEN LOUISE 
Published: April 2011

AbstractLithofacies characteristics and depositional geometry of a sandy, prograding delta deposited as part of the Holocene valley‐fill stratigraphy in the Målselv valley, northern Norway, were examined using morpho‐sedimentary mapping, facies analysis of sediments in exposed sections, auger drilling and ground penetrating radar survey. Various lithofacies types record a broad range of depositional processes within an overall coarsening‐upward succession comprising a lowermost prodelta/bottomset unit, an intermediate delta slope/foreset unit containing steeply dipping clinoforms and an uppermost delta plain/topset unit. Bottomset lithofacies typically comprise sand‐silt couplets (tidal rhythmites), bioturbated sands and silts, and flaser and lenticular bedding. These sediments were deposited from suspension fall‐out, partly controlled by tidal currents and fluvial effluent processes. Delta foreset lithofacies comprise massive, inverse graded and normal graded beds deposited by gravity‐driven processes (mainly cohesionless debris flows and turbidity currents) and suspension fall‐out. In places, delta foreset beds show tidal rhythmicity and individual beds can be followed downslope into bottomset beds. Delta plain facies show an upward‐fining succession with trough cross‐beds at the base, followed by planar, laminated and massive beds indicative of a bedload dominated river/distributary system. This study presents a model of deltaic development that can be described with reference to three styles within a continuum related primarily to water depth within a basin of variable geometry: (i) bypass; (ii) shoal‐water; and (iii) deep‐water deltas. Bypass and deep‐water deltas can be considered as end members, whereas shoal‐water deltas are an intermediate type. The bypass delta is characterized by rapid progradation and an absence of delta slope sediments and low basin floor aggradation due to low accommodation space. The shoal‐water delta is characterized by rapid progradation, a short delta slope dominated by gravity‐flow processes and a prodelta area characterized by rapid sea‐floor aggradation due to intense suspension fallout of sandy material. Using tidal rhythmites as time‐markers, a progradation rate of up to 11 m year−1 has been recorded. The deep‐water delta is characterized by a relatively long delta slope dominated by gravity flows, moderate suspension fall‐out and slow sea‐floor aggradation in the prodelta area.
Proteinuric diseases with sodium retention: is plasmin the link?
Authors: Svenningsen Per , Skøtt Ole , Jensen Boye L 
Published: April 2011

Summary1. Sodium retention in disease states characterized by proteinuria, such as nephrotic syndrome, pre‐eclampsia and diabetic nephropathy, occurs through poorly understood mechanism(s).2. In nephrotic syndrome, data from experimental and clinical studies show that the sodium retention originates in the renal cortical collecting duct and involves hyperactivity of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC).3. The stimulus for the increased ENaC activity does not appear to involve any of the classical sodium retaining mechanisms, such as the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, arginine vasopressin or the sympathetic nervous system.4. Proteolytic processing of the extracellular domain of γENaC subunit has been shown to stimulate ENaC activity.5. The serine protease plasmin was recently identified as an ENaC‐activating protease in urine from human nephrotic patients and from the puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) rat model of nephrotic syndrome.6. This finding suggests that a defective glomerular filtration barrier allows filtration into the tubular fluid of substances that activate ENaC and enhance sodium reabsorption. This concept might be expanded to other disease states, such as pre‐eclampsia and diabetic nephropathy, which are also characterized by proteinuria and sodium retention.7. In this review, we will examine the evidence for a role of urinary serine protease activity in the development of sodium and water retention in diseases characterised by proteinuria with a focus on nephrotic syndrome.
Weasels, keys and Thersites
Authors: Beasley A. W. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIt was the achievement of Andreas Vesalius (1514–1564) to redefine the understanding of human anatomy; and that of Homer was to write the first historical novel. This paper offers a link between the works of these two venturers, by way of an examination of the clinical anatomy of the clavicle.
Change of salivary stress marker concentrations during pregnancy: Maternal depressive status suppress changes of those levels
Authors: Tsubouchi Hiroaki , Nakai Yuichiro , Toda Masahiro , Morimoto Kanehisa , Chang Yang Sil , Ushioda Norichika , Kaku Shoji , Nakamura Takafumi , Kimura Tadashi , Shimoya Koichiro 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAim:  The aim of the present study was to show changes in salivary cortisol and chromogranin A/protein concentrations as stress markers during pregnancy and to clarify the effect of chronic stress on stress markers.Material and Methods:  Salivary samples were collected from 69 pregnant women during pregnancy. Salivary cortisol levels and chromogranin A/protein titers were determined. We surveyed the women's chronic stress using the Zung self‐rating depression scale and General Health Questionnaire‐28.Results:  Cortisol levels in the saliva of pregnant women showed biphasic change during pregnancy. Chromogranin A/protein levels in the saliva of pregnant women increased in the second and the early third trimesters and decreased to the puerperal period. Salivary cortisol concentrations of the chronic high stress group were significantly lower compared with those of the normal group. Salivary chromogranin A/protein concentrations of the chronic high stress group were also significantly lower than those of the normal group.Conclusion:  The titration of salivary cortisol concentrations and chromogranin A/protein levels is a useful tool to determine maternal stress levels. The elevation of cortisol and chromogranin A/protein in the saliva was suppressed in the chronic high stress group during pregnancy.
The impact of khat use on East African communities in Melbourne: A preliminary investigation
Authors: FEIGIN ANITA , HIGGS PETER , HELLARD MARGARET , DIETZE PAUL 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. Catha Edulis Forsk (khat) is a plant—reported to have a stimulant effect similar to that of amphetamines—grown and used by eastern African communities worldwide. Khat can be legally consumed in many parts of the world, including Victoria, Australia. Recent concerns have been raised about the social and economic impacts of khat consumption among Victoria's East African community members. This study explores khat use and the social impact it has on East African families and communities in Melbourne, Australia.Design and Methods. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted in 2009 with 29 members of Melbourne's East African community recruited via community leaders and snowball sampling. Fifty‐five per cent of the sample reported khat use and the remainder reported only having experience of other people's use of the drug.Results. Participants who did not report chewing khat were mainly concerned with the negative social impacts of its use, such as the extended time men spent away from their families while consuming the drug. These participants (mainly women) expressed their hope that khat would be prohibited in Victoria. Participants who reported the use of khat (mainly men) reported that any social problems existed independently of khat consumption.Discussion and Conclusions. This study found only limited evidence that khat use has been impacting directly on people's health and well‐being. Any moves to prohibit khat use may further marginalise already vulnerable groups of people.[Feigin A, Higgs P, Hellard M, Dietze P. The impact of khat use on East African communities in Melbourne: A preliminary investigation. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:288–293]
No evidence of APP point mutation and locus duplication in individuals with cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Domingues‐Montanari S. , Parés M. , Hernández‐Guillamon M. , Fernández‐Cadenas I. , Mendioroz M. , Ortega G. , Boada M. , Masjuan J. , Huertas N. , Álvarez‐Sabín J. , Delgado P. , Montaner J. ,   for the Stroke Project of the Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group, Spanish Society of Neurology
Published: April 2011

Background:  Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a well‐established cause of lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Familial forms of CAA are because of mutations in the gene encoding the beta‐amyloid precursor protein (APP) and duplications of this gene can cause early‐onset Alzheimer’s disease associated with CAA. However, the contribution of APP genetic variants in the development of sporadic CAA remains unknown.Methods:  The presence of genetic variants in the APP was examined in 78 patients with CAA‐related ICH by sequencing exons 16 and 17 coding the β‐amyloid protein and analyzing the presence of possible duplications of APP by microsatellite analysis and quantitative PCR.Results:  We did not identify any pathogenic mutation or chromosomal duplication of APP.Conclusions:  Our results suggest that APP genetic variants, point mutations and locus duplication, are not a common cause of CAA‐related ICH in the Spanish population.
THE ANNUAL CYCLE OF LIMOTHRIPS CEREALIUM HALIDAY (THYSANOPTERA) AND ITS DISTRIBUTION IN A WHEAT FIELD
Authors: LEWIS T. 
Published: April 2011

Terrestrial and aerial populations of L. cerealium were studied simultaneously; ovarian dissections were made to detect different generations. The annual life cycle can be arbitrarily divided into six stages based primarily on the amount of flight activity: the females feed mainly on winter cereals and grasses in spring, many moving to later sown cereals in June and July, where most eggs are laid in the sheaths of the young leaves. First generation females leave cereals in August to feed on grasses before entering hibernation.Wheat ears with a water content of less than approx. 45% were not favoured by thrips. When winds blew consistently from the same quarter the initial infestation was greatest on the windward edge of the wheat crop.