bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogeography of related diadromous species in continental and island settings, and a comparison of their potential and realized dispersal patterns
Authors: Cook Benjamin D. , Page Timothy J. , Hughes Jane M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim  To compare patterns of potential and realized dispersal in ecologically similar and phylogenetically related amphidromous shrimps (Atyidae) in continental and island‐dominated landscapes.Location  Eastern Australia and the Caribbean region.Methods  Population genetic and phylogeographic analyses of mitochondrial DNA data for Australatya striolata from eastern Australia (a continental landscape) and Atya scabra from the Caribbean (an island‐dominated landscape).Results  Australatya striolata contained two highly divergent genetic lineages in eastern Australia, corresponding to the disjunct northern and southern populations, respectively. These lineages probably represent allopatric cryptic species, both of which were found to have genetically homogeneous population structures within their regions of occurrence. Atya scabra was genetically homogeneous throughout the Caribbean. Recent population expansions were detected for Atya scabra in the Caribbean, but not for northern or southern Australatya striolata.Main conclusions  The findings of this study are consistent with previously reported patterns of genetic population structure in amphidromous species in both continental and island‐dominated landscapes, suggesting that potential for widespread dispersal is typically matched by realized patterns of panmixia. We therefore raise the hypothesis that landscape setting (i.e. continent or island‐dominated) does not influence dispersal patterns in amphidromous species. Further studies, especially of population genetic patterns of amphidromous species on continents, are needed to test this idea. Interestingly, results of the genetic neutrality tests led us to hypothesize that demographic and drift‐mutation equilibrium is attainable although not always evident for amphidromous species on continents, but is not attainable for those species distributed across island settings.
Multilocus analysis of the evolutionary dynamics of rainforest bird populations in Southeast Asia
Authors: LIM HAW CHUAN , SHELDON FREDERICK H. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractSundaland has a dynamic geographic history because its landmasses were periodically interconnected when sea levels fell during glacial periods. Superimposed on this geographic dynamism were environmental changes related to climatic oscillations. To investigate how tropical taxa responded to such changes, we studied the divergence and demographic history of two co‐distributed rainforest passerine species, Arachnothera longirostra and Malacocincla malaccensis. We sampled birds primarily from Borneo and the Malay Peninsula, which straddle the now‐submerged Sunda shelf, and analysed multilocus DNA data with a variety of coalescent and gene genealogy methods. Cross‐shelf divergence in both species occurred well before the last glacial maximum, i.e., before the most recent land connection. However, post‐divergence gene flow occurred, and it was more pronounced in A. longirostra (a highly vagile nectarivore/insectivore) than in M. malaccensis (an understory insectivore). Despite current habitat continuity on Borneo, the population of M. malaccensis in northeastern Borneo is substantially divergent from that on the rest of the island. The NE population experienced dramatic demographic fluctuations, probably because of competition with the other population, which expanded from western Borneo after the mid‐Pleistocene. In contrast, the Borneo population of A. longirostra has little structure and appears to have experienced demographic expansion 16 kya, long after it had diverged from the Malay Peninsula population (630–690 kya). Malay Peninsula populations of both species have remained relatively stable. Overall, the most recent glacial period was not the chief determinant of the evolutionary dynamics of our study species, and in this respect, they are different from temperate species.
Enhanced zinc uptake by rice through phytosiderophore secretion: a modelling study
Authors: PTASHNYK MARIYA , ROOSE TIINA , JONES DAVEY L. , KIRK GUY J. D. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTRice (Oryza sativa L.) secretes far smaller amounts of metal‐complexing phytosiderophores (PS) than other grasses. But there is increasing evidence that it relies on PS secretion for its zinc (Zn) uptake. After nitrogen, Zn deficiency is the most common nutrient disorder in rice, affecting up to 50% of lowland rice soils globally. We developed a mathematical model of PS secretion from roots and resulting solubilization and uptake of Zn, allowing for root growth, diurnal variation in secretion, decomposition of the PS in the soil, and the transport and interaction of the PS and Zn in the soil. A sensitivity analysis showed that with realistic parameter values for rice in submerged soil, the typically observed rates of PS secretion from rice are sufficient and necessary to explain observed rates of Zn uptake. There is little effect of diurnal variation in secretion on cumulative Zn uptake, irrespective of other model parameter values, indicating that the observed diurnal variation is not causally related to Zn uptake efficiency. Rooting density has a large effect on uptake per unit PS secretion as a result of overlap of the zones of influence of neighbouring roots. The effects of other complications in the rice rhizosphere are discussed.
Determination of enrofloxacin stability and in vitro efficacy against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in four ear cleaner solutions over a 28 day period
Authors: Metry Catherine A. , Maddox Carol W. , Dirikolu Levent , Johnson Yvette J. , Campbell Karen L. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractChemical stability and in vitro bactericidal efficacy of 0.9% enrofloxacin‐compounded solutions were evaluated following storage at room temperature for 28 days. Chemical stability of enrofloxacin was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in five compounded solutions, including sterile water. Bactericidal efficacy was determined by spiral plating serial 10‐fold dilutions of bacteria and solutions followed by colony counts. Tris–EDTA [TrizEDTA® (TE)], Tris–EDTA and 0.15% chlorhexidine [TrizChlor® (TC)], 2.5% lactic acid, 0.1% salicylic acid and 0.1% parachlorometaxylenol [Epi‐Otic (EO)], and 0.1% free salicylic acid, 0.1% parachlorometaxylenol and 0.5% EDTA [Epi‐Otic Advanced (EA)] were used. High‐performance liquid chromatography was carried out with one‐step liquid/liquid extraction to detect and quantify enrofloxacin stability. Mean recoveries for compounded samples run in triplicate at 28 days were 97.7% (TE), 99.9% (TC), 98.1% (EO) and 97.8% (EA). Kruskal–Wallis analysis showed no significant difference in the percentage recovery (H = 0.0539, df = 3, P = 0.9967). American Type Culture Collection strains of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used to evaluate in vitro efficacy following 30 min incubation on days 0, 14 and 28. Consistent in vitro bactericidal efficacy of all compounded solutions, indicated by killing >2.3 × 107 colony‐forming units/mL, was seen; however, bactericidal efficacy decreased for compounded TC on day 14. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more sensitive to the ear cleaners and enrofloxacin than S. pseudintermedius. The HPLC and in vitro data suggest that 0.9% enrofloxacin compounded with sterile water, TE, EO and EA maintains chemical stability and bactericidal efficacy for 28 days.
Equine atopic skin disease and response to allergen‐specific immunotherapy: a retrospective study at the University of California‐Davis (1991–2008)
Authors: Stepnik Casey T. , Outerbridge Catherine A. , White Stephen D. , Kass Philip H. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis retrospective study reports on the clinical presentation of equine atopic skin disease and evaluates response to treatment with allergen‐specific immunotherapy (ASIT) based on intradermal testing and/or serum testing. Computerized medical records from January 1991 to December 2008 yielded 54 horses included in the study. Presenting clinical signs (CS) included urticaria (n = 28), pruritus (n = 8) or both (n = 18). Forty‐one of 54 horses received ASIT, and response to ASIT (n = 32) was evaluated via telephone survey. Eighty‐four per cent (n = 27) of owners reported that ASIT reduced their horse’s CS; 59% (n = 19) were able to manage CS by ASIT alone. Three horses (9%) were managed with ASIT in combination with doxepin and discontinued use of corticosteroids. There was no statistical significance between type of test performed and reported success of ASIT (χ2 analysis, P = 0.53). Ninety‐three per cent (n = 30) of owners reported use of antipruritic medications prior to starting ASIT; 57% (n = 17) of these owners reported discontinuing those medications due to success of ASIT. Adverse effects were limited to swelling at the injection site, seen in 16% (n = 5). Seventy‐five per cent (n = 24) of owners elected to discontinue ASIT after 6 months to 8 years (mean 2.2 years): 15 due to resolution of CS, six due to persistent CS, two because the horse was sold, and one due to cost. Ten owners reported no recurrence of CS after discontinuing ASIT; five had recurrence within a median of 2 years of discontinuing ASIT (range 1–12 years). Allergen‐specific immunotherapy is a safe and effective way to manage equine atopic skin disease.
Comparative in vitro efficacy of antimicrobial shampoos: a pilot study
Authors: Young Rebecca , Buckley Laura , McEwan Neil , Nuttall Tim 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis study compared the antimicrobial efficacy of shampoos against meticillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MSSP), meticillin‐resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), antibiotic‐sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), multidrug‐resistant P. aeruginosa (MDR‐PA) and Malassezia pachydermatis. Three isolates were incubated for 10, 30 and 60 min with each shampoo diluted in phosphate‐buffered saline. Aliquots were then incubated for 16–18 h on sheep blood agar (bacteria) or for 3 days on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar (Malassezia). The minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) for chlorhexidine products (Malaseb®, Pyoderm®/Microbex® and Hibiscrub®) were 1:1,024–1:2,048 for MSSP and MRSP, 1:512–1:1,024 for PA and MDR‐PA, and 1:2,048–1:5,096 for Malassezia at all time points. The MBCs for benzoyl peroxide (Paxcutol®) for MSSP and MRSP were 1:2–1:8 at 10 min, and 1:256 after 30 and 60 min. A 1:2 dilution was effective against Pseudomonas, and 1:512–1:1,024 dilutions were effective against Malassezia at all time points. The MBCs for ethyl lactate (Etiderm®) for MSSP and MRSP were 1:2 at 10 min, and 1:2–1:16 after 30 and 60 min. A 1:2 dilution was effective against Pseudomonas, and a 1:512 dilution was effective against Malassezia at all time points. Chloroxylenol (Coatex®) and acetic acid–boric acid (Malacetic®) were not effective against MSSP, MRSP or Pseudomonas. Both were effective against Malassezia at 1:8–1:16 dilution at 10 min, and at 1:8–1:32 dilution after 30 and 60 min. In conclusion, chlorhexidine appeared to be the most effective topical biocide, and MRSP and MDR‐PA were no less susceptible than antibiotic‐sensitive organisms. These results should, however, be confirmed with larger numbers of isolates.
Ghrelin stimulates myogenic differentiation in a mouse muscle satellite cell line and in primary cultures of bovine myoblasts
Authors: Montoya‐Flores D. , Mora O. , Tamariz E. , González‐Dávalos L. , González‐Gallardo A. , Antaramian A. , Shimada A. , Varela‐Echavarría A. , Romano‐Muñoz J. L. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryGhrelin is an acylated hormone that influences food intake, energy metabolism and reproduction, among others. Ghrelin may also stimulate proliferating myoblast cell differentiation and multinucleated myotube fusion. The aim of this work was to assess the effect of human ghrelin (hGHRL) and human ghrelin fragment 1–18 (hGHRL1–18) on myoblast differentiation by means of mRNA expression and protein level. Two types of cells were tested, the cell line i28 obtained from mouse skeletal muscle and primary cultures of bovine myoblasts. Both ghrelin and its N‐terminal fragment hGHRL1–18 were used at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 nm. Treatments were applied to pre‐confluent cultures and were maintained for 4 days. We determined that between 0.1 and 100 nm, hGHRL and hGRHL1–18 had similar effects on myogenic differentiation of i28 cells (p < 0.01). On the other hand, only the higher concentrations (10 and 100 nm) of hGHRL stimulated bovine myoblast differentiation. These results could be attributed to the presence, in both i28 cells and in bovine myoblasts, of the mRNA for GHS‐R1a and CD36 receptors. The use of ghrelin in livestock production is still questionable because of the limited effects shown in this study, and additional research is needed in this field.
A scoring model of factors associated with Candida glabrata candidemia among critically ill patients
Authors: Tapia Gino G. , Razonable Raymund R. , Eckel‐Passow Jeanette E. , Lahr Brian D. , Afessa Bekele , Keegan Mark T. , Catania Jelena , Baddour Larry M. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryCandida species, including Candida glabrata (CG), are common causes of bloodstream infections among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Many CG isolates have decreased susceptibility to fluconazole. Constructing a scoring model of factors associated with CG candidemia in ICU patients that can be used if fluconazole susceptibility testing is not readily available. We identified patients with candidemia that were admitted to the ICU of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota from 1998 to 2006. Using patient demographical and clinical data abstracted via chart review, a multivariable logistic regression model was developed to distinguish those with CG candidemia. We identified 246 patients with candidemia including 68 CG cases. Multivariable analysis identified four independent factors associated with CG candidemia: absence of renal failure, less than 7 days in the hospital, abdominal surgery and fluconazole use. The predictive ability of the model, based on the c‐statistic, was 0.727. In a large ICU cohort, a scoring model that included four risk factors, which are readily ascertainable at the bedside, was created to distinguish candidemia due to CG from other causes of candidemia. The identification of risk factors associated with CG candidemia could aid physicians in the selection of the optimal initial antifungal therapy.
Transient hypoxia‐inducible factor activation in rat renal ablation and reduced fibrosis with L‐mimosine
Authors: YU XIAOFANG , FANG YI , DING XIAOQIANG , LIU HONG , ZHU JIAMING , ZOU JIANZHOU , XU XUNHUI , ZHONG YIHONG 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) activity during the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD) development is poorly defined, and the effect of HIF activation on CKD is still controversial. The purpose of the present study was to characterize HIF expression during the course of CKD development, and to investigate the effect of HIF activation on CKD by using prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) inhibitor L‐mimosine.Methods:  Rats with remnant kidneys (RK) were killed at week 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 after subtotal nephrectomy. An additional group of RK rats was treated with L‐mimosine to study the effect of HIF‐α activation.Results:  Tubulointerstitial hypoxia in the remnant kidney began at week 1 and continued, albeit attenuated, until week 12, the last time point examined. The nuclear expression of HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α, as well as typical HIF target genes VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), HO‐1 (heme oxygenase‐1), GLUT‐1 (glucose transporter‐1) and EPO (erythropoietin), were all upregulated in the early stage of RK when renal function was stable, and returned to the basal level later, accompanied by impaired renal function and interstitial fibrosis. L‐mimosine administered from week 5 to week 12 led to accumulation of HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α proteins, increased expression of VEGF, HO‐1 and GLUT‐1, and improved renal function. Furthermore, fibrosis markers α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and Collagen III, as well as peritubular capillary rarefaction index, were all significantly decreased after L‐mimosine treatment.Conclusion:  There was a transient HIF‐α activation in the remnant kidney of rats at the early stage following subtotal nephrectomy. L‐mimosine administered in later stages re‐activated HIF‐α and reduced tubulointerstitial fibrosis.
Mesenchymal stem cells in kidney inflammation and repair
Authors: WISE ANDREA F. , RICARDO SHARON D. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT:Mesenchymal stem cells are a heterogeneous population of fibroblast‐like stromal cells that have been isolated from the bone marrow and a number of organs and tissues including the kidney. They have multipotent and self‐renewing properties and can differentiate into cells of the mesodermal lineage. Following their administration in vivo, mesenchymal stem cells migrate to damaged kidney tissue where they produce an array of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that can alter the course of injury. Mesenchymal stem cells are thought to elicit repair through paracrine and/or endocrine mechanisms that modulate the immune response resulting in tissue repair and cellular replacement. This review will discuss the features of mesenchymal stem cells and the factors they release that protect against kidney injury; the mechanisms of homing and engraftment to sites of inflammation; and further elucidate the immunomodulatory effect of mesenchymal stem cells and their ability to alter macrophage phenotype in a setting of kidney damage and repair.
Controversial issues in pediatric regional anesthesia
Authors: Mossetti Valeria , Ivani Giorgio 
Published: July 2011

SummaryRegional anesthesia in children has reached in the last decades a widespread approval and today is a valid and effective technique used in the daily activity in many pediatric centres. Data from surveys and studies show the very low rate of complications and suggest that the use of regional techniques in children is at least as safe as general anesthesia alone. Despite these evidences there are aspects still creating discussions on the best approach to avoid or prevent risks and on the way to make this techniques more and more reliable and safe. Compartment syndrome, test dose, loss‐of‐resistance technique and blocks performed under general anesthesia are examples of, sometimes, never‐ending stories; this review without the presumption to solve every problem shows the more recent data to offer, if possible, the best updated‐answer on these topics.
One Money, One Market: A Revised Benchmark
Authors: Eicher Theo S. , Henn Christian 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe introduction of the euro generated substantial interest in the impact of currency unions (CUs) on trade flows. Initial estimates suggested a tripling of trade, which gave rise to a literature in search of “more reasonable” CU effects. Theoretical derivations of the gravity model highlight, however that the CU literature neglects to control simultaneously for general equilibrium effects (multilateral resistance) and unobserved bilateral heterogeneity among trade partners. Once we introduce the appropriate controls, CU trade effects are shown to range around 50%. We also highlight that the practice of reporting average CU effects generates misleading results. The average effect is shown to be a composite of disparate individual CU effects ranging from 40% (euro) to about 100% (Central African franc).
Effects of a Free Trade Agreement on the Exchange Rate Pass‐through to Import Prices
Authors: Marmolejo Arnoldo López 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis paper investigates the effect of trade liberalization on the exchange rate passthrough (ERPT) to import prices. To do so, it employs an empirical estimation of the effects of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on the Mexican ERPT, and uses a Ricardian general equilibrium model. The model identifies two channels that explain how the trade liberalization alters the ERPT. The first channel is the direct relationship between the tariffs and the pass‐through by good. The second channel is the effect that tariffs have on the composition of imports, altering indirectly the aggregate pass‐through.
Does Outsourcing Always Benefit Skilled Labor?
Authors: Hsu Kuang‐Chung 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis paper builds a dynamic product cycle model with three kinds of labor inputs—scientists, white‐collar workers, and blue‐collar workers—and producer heterogeneity to find an explanation for why outsourcing did not cause wage inequality in the 1970s. According to the theoretical model, outsourcing decreases the wages of white‐collar workers and the relative wages of white‐collar workers to blue‐collar workers in the outsourcing home country if outsourcing industries are blue‐collar worker intensive compared with non‐outsourcing industries. Scientists who conduct research and development always benefit from outsourcing.
Offshore Outsourcing and Productivity: Evidence from Japanese Firm‐level Data Disaggregated by Tasks
Authors: Ito Banri , Tomiura Eiichi , Wakasugi Ryuhei 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis paper examines the relationship of offshoring with productivity, based on the original survey data of Japanese firms. Productivity gains were found in the firms offshoring both manufacturing and service tasks, but not in the firms offshoring only either manufacturing or service tasks. This paper also finds that firms offshoring to various destinations tend to be more productive than non‐offshoring firms. These results suggest that the level of firms' engagement in offshoring is more important for productivity than whether or not firms engage in offshoring.
Environmental Regulation: An Incentive for Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Dijkstra Bouwe R. , Mathew Anuj Joshua , Mukherjee Arijit 
Published: July 2011

AbstractEmpirical evidence has so far failed to confirm that lenient environmental regulation attracts investment from polluting firms. In a Cournot duopoly with a foreign firm and a domestic firm, we show that the foreign firm may want to relocate to the domestic country with stricter environmental regulation, when the move raises its rival domestic firm's cost by sufficiently more than its own. The domestic (foreign) country's welfare is (usually) lower with foreign direct investment.
Pre‐stroke use of beta‐blockers does not affect ischaemic stroke severity and outcome
Authors: De Raedt S. , Haentjens P. , De Smedt A. , Brouns R. , Uyttenboogaart M. , Luijckx G. J. , De Keyser J. 
Published: July 2011

Background and purpose:  It is unclear whether pre‐stroke beta‐blockers use may influence stroke outcome. This study evaluates the independent effect of pre‐stroke use of beta‐blockers on ischaemic stroke severity and 3 months functional outcome.Methods:  Pre‐stroke use of beta‐blockers was investigated in 1375 ischaemic stroke patients who had been included in two placebo‐controlled trials with lubeluzole. Stroke severity was assessed by either the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) or the European Stroke Scale (ESS). A modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of >3 at 3 months was used as measure for the poor functional outcome.Results:  Two hundred and sixty four patients were on beta‐blockers prior to stroke onset, and 105 patients continued treatment after their stroke. Pretreatment with beta‐blockers did not influence baseline stroke severity. There was no difference in stroke severity between nonusers and those on either a selective beta1‐blocker or a non‐selective beta‐blocker. The likelihood of a poor outcome at 3 months was not influenced by pre‐stroke beta‐blocker use or beta‐blocker use before and continued after stroke onset.Conclusions:  Pre‐stroke use of beta‐blockers does not appear to influence stroke severity and functional outcome at 3 months.