bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of cyclosporin A on functional recovery in the spinal cord following contusion injury
Authors: McMahon Siobhan S. , Albermann Silke , Rooney Gemma E. , Moran Cathal , Hynes Jacqueline , Garcia Yolanda , Dockery Peter , O’Brien Timothy , Windebank Anthony J. , Barry Frank P. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractConsiderable evidence has shown that the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporin A (CsA) may have neuroprotective properties which can be exploited in the treatment of spinal cord injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular environment within the spinal cord following injury and determine whether CsA has an effect on altering cellular interactions to promote a growth‐permissive environment. CsA was administered to a group of rats 4 days after they endured a moderate contusion injury. Functional recovery was assessed using the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale at 3, 5 and 7 weeks post‐injury. The rats were sacrificed 3 and 7 weeks post‐injury and the spinal cords were sectioned, stained using histological and immunohistochemical methods and analysed. Using stereology, the lesion size and cellular environment in the CsA‐treated and control groups was examined. Little difference in lesion volume was observed between the two groups. An improvement in functional recovery was observed within CsA‐treated animals at 3 weeks. Although we did not see significant reduction in tissue damage, there were some notable differences in the proportion of individual cells contributing to the lesion. CsA administration may be used as a technique to control the cell population of the lesion, making it more permissive to neuronal regeneration once the ideal environment for regeneration and the effects of CsA administration at different time points post‐injury have been identified.
Nutrients, not caloric restriction, extend lifespan in Queensland fruit flies (Bactrocera tryoni)
Authors: Fanson Benjamin G. , Weldon Christopher W. , Pérez‐Staples Diana , Simpson Stephen J. , Taylor Phillip W. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryCaloric restriction (CR) has been widely accepted as a mechanism explaining increased lifespan (LS) in organisms subjected to dietary restriction (DR), but recent studies investigating the role of nutrients have challenged the role of CR in extending longevity. Fuelling this debate is the difficulty in experimentally disentangling CR and nutrient effects due to compensatory feeding (CF) behaviour. We quantified CF by measuring the volume of solution imbibed and determined how calories and nutrients influenced LS and fecundity in unmated females of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae). We restricted flies to one of 28 diets varying in carbohydrate:protein (C:P) ratios and concentrations. On imbalanced diets, flies overcame dietary dilutions, consuming similar caloric intakes for most dilutions. The response surface for LS revealed that increasing C:P ratio while keeping calories constant extended LS, with the maximum LS along C:P ratio of 21:1. In general, LS was reduced as caloric intake decreased. Lifetime egg production was maximized at a C:P ratio of 3:1. When given a choice of separate sucrose and yeast solutions, each at one of five concentrations (yielding 25 choice treatments), flies regulated their nutrient intake to match C:P ratio of 3:1. Our results (i) demonstrate that CF can overcome dietary dilutions; (ii) reveal difficulties with methods presenting fixed amounts of liquid diet; (iii) illustrate the need to measure intake to account for CF in DR studies and (iv) highlight nutrients rather than CR as a dominant influence on LS.
Impact of experimental colitis on hepatobiliary transporter expression and bile duct injury in mice
Authors: Jahnel Jörg , Fickert Peter , Langner Cord , Högenauer Christoph , Silbert Dagmar , Gumhold Judith , Fuchsbichler Andrea , Trauner Michael 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims: The pathogenetic link between ulcerative colitis and sclerosing cholangitis (SC) is unclear. We hypothesized that colitis induces changes in bile composition via inflammation‐induced reduction of hepatobiliary transporter gene expression, ultimately resulting in cholestasis and bile duct injury.Methods: Alterations in transporter expression and bile secretion in acute dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis were compared with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated mice serving as positive control. Whether chronic DSS‐colitis elicits cholangitis in genetically predisposed animals was studied in heterozygous multidrug resistance gene 2 knockout mice (Mdr2+/−).Results: LPS but not DSS‐colitis changed major hepatobiliary transporters (Ntcp, Bsep, Mrp2‐4, Ostα/β, Abcg5/8, Oatp1–4, Mdr1b and Mdr2), enzymes (Cyp3a11 and Cyp7a1), nuclear receptors (RXRα, FXR, CAR and PXR) and proinflammatory mediators (tumour necrosis factor α and inducible nitric oxide synthase). Formation of toxic bile reflected by an increased bile acid/phospholipid ratio was observed neither in acute nor in chronic colitis, although heterozygous Mdr2+/− mice developed mild portal inflammation after chronic colitis.Conclusions: In contrast to LPS, DSS‐colitis has a minor impact on hepatobiliary gene expression and bile secretion. Therefore, intestinal inflammation‐associated changes of hepatobiliary transporter expression do not play a pathogenetic role in SC.
Leaf toughness changes the effectiveness of larval aggregation in the butterfly Byasa alcinous bradanus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)
Authors: KAWASAKI Nami , MIYASHITA Tadashi , KATO Yoshiomi 
Published: June 2009

AbstractTwo subspecies of the papilionid butterfly Byasa alcinous, B. a. bradanus and B. a. alcinous, have varying degrees of larval aggregation. Early instar larvae of ssp. bradanus always occur in aggregations. To determine the functions of larval aggregation in this subspecies, we examined the effects of leaf toughness on larval performance when caterpillars were reared alone and in aggregations. Newly hatched larvae were reared either individually or in groups of 10 and were fed either tough or tender leaves of Aristolochia debilis. When fed tough leaves, more gregarious larvae survived the first instar. This difference between solitary and aggregated larvae did not occur when caterpillars were fed soft leaves. The effects of aggregation on larval weight and duration were not significant between leaf‐toughness treatments. Larval aggregation of B. a. bradanus improves larval survivorship in early instars that use host plants with tough leaves.
Early‐season colony development of the paper wasp Ropalidia plebeiana (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in Canberra, Australia
Authors: OBERPRIELER Stefanie K. , SPRADBERY J. Philip 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis study presents the first observations of early‐season colony development of Ropalidia plebeiana in Canberra, Australia. The growth pattern of three R. plebeiana nests was measured during weekly observations from October 2006 to January 2007 and showed that nests steadily increase in size over the early summer to approximately 50 cells when the nest is newly established and to approximately 170 cells when nests from the previous season are re‐used. A first generation of adult females is produced by December, and the bimodality of the curves of egg, larval and pupal numbers indicates that these three developmental stages last approximately 2–3 weeks each. The nesting cycle of R. plebeiana in Canberra commences approximately 2 weeks later than in coastal Australia, the shorter summers in this inland region restricting the length of the active season. R. plebeiana did not form dense nesting aggregations in Canberra as described elsewhere, with only small colonies consisting of a single or just a few nests. Characteristic comb‐cutting behavior of the species was observed but this did not result in complete nest division as recorded from coastal populations.
Comparison of cold tolerance in eggs of two cicadas, Cryptotympana facialis and Graptopsaltria nigrofuscata, in relation to climate warming
Authors: MORIYAMA Minoru , NUMATA Hideharu 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe population of the cicada Cryptotympana facialis began to increase in Osaka, Japan, during the late 20th century. Climate warming is considered a major cause, although the relationship between temperature and the cicada population increase remains unclear. By examining cold tolerance in overwintering eggs of C. facialis in relation to another cicada, Graptopsaltria nigrofuscata, whose population has recently decreased in Osaka, we tested the hypothesis that warming has caused the population increase of C. facialis by decreasing egg mortality due to winter temperatures. A short‐term (24 h) cold exposure experiment demonstrated that the half‐lethal temperatures (LT50) of C. facialis and G. nigrofuscata were −23.3°C and −28.9°C, respectively, although these extreme low temperatures never occurred in Osaka during the 20th century. Prolonged exposure to −5°C for up to 30 days had no harmful effects on the hatching rate in either species. Overwintering mortality was also assessed under naturally fluctuating conditions by transferring eggs to cooler elevated sites that mimicked the environment prior to the current warming. Eggs of C. facialis that overwintered at the cooler site exhibited similar hatching rates to those maintained at the original site. The results of these experiments consistently indicated that overwintering eggs of C. facialis possess adequate tolerance to the low temperatures of the 20th century. Therefore, we rejected our initial hypothesis that recent increases in the C. facialis population have been caused by warming‐related reductions in overwintering egg mortality.
Longer copulation duration increases the risk of injury during copulation in the male bell cricketMeloimorpha japonica
Authors: KURIWADA Takashi , KASUYA Eiiti 
Published: June 2009

AbstractRecent studies have documented male traits that cause physical harm to their mates during copulation. However, whether or not males sustain injuries during copulation has not been investigated except in sexually cannibalistic species. We found that males were injured by females during copulation in the polygynous cricketMeloimorpha japonica. More than half of the males sustained injuries to their forewings and/or genitalia during copulation. The probability of injury increased with the duration of copulation. The remating rate of females was high when the copulation duration in the first mating was short. These results suggest that copulation duration will be affected by the compromise between the risk of injury for males and paternity assurance.
First records of Microptila Ris (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae) from Japan, with description of a new species
Authors: KJÆRANDSEN Jostein , ITO Tomiko 
Published: June 2009

Abstract Microptila orienthula, sp. n. from Japan is described and illustrated based on adults of both sexes. The new species represents the first finding of Microptila in the Eastern Palaearctic Region, and it appears to be more closely related to Oriental species of Microptila than to the two Western Palaearctic species. The finding of a new species with affinities to the Oriental species as far northeast as Japan is noteworthy but fits well with general zoogeographical affinities of the Japanese fauna to the Oriental Region. The type locality indicates a hygropetric habitat for the larva, in agreement with the known larval habitat of the European type species Microptila minutissima Ris, 1897.
Two gynandromorphs of Sympetrum striolatum (Charpentier, 1840) (Odonata: Libellulidae)
Authors: TORRALBA‐BURRIAL Antonio , OCHARAN Francisco J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractTwo gynandromorphs of the dragonfly Sympetrum striolatum, with different features, are described here, with special emphasis on the genitalic structures.
Sequestration and metabolism of host‐plant flavonoids by the Pale Grass Blue, Pseudozizeeria maha (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
Authors: MIZOKAMI Hiroki , YOSHITAMA Kunijiro 
Published: June 2009

AbstractFlavonoids in the eggs, larvae, pupae and adult butterflies of Pseudozizeeria maha were identified and quantified. Isovitexin (apigenin 6‐C‐glucoside) was the dominant flavonoid detected in pupae and imagines, whereas saponarin (isovitexin 7‐O‐glucoside) was the dominant flavonoid in larvae. Saponarin, biotransformed from isovitexin by the larvae, was found to be reconverted into isovitexin at the pupal stages. The total amounts of accumulated flavonoids differed between sexes, particularly in adults where the bodies of females had a much higher flavonoid concentration than that of the males. These flavonoids were also detected in the eggs. These results indicate the possibility that flavonoids are utilized in not only wing coloration but also as a chemical defense compound against natural threats.
Notes on two species of the subgenusLyrothoraxChaudoir (Coleoptera: Carabidae; genusPterostichus),Pterostichus amagisanusTanaka and Ishida andPterostichus fujitaiTanaka and Ishida
Authors: SASAKAWA Kôji 
Published: June 2009

AbstractTwo species of the subgenusLyrothoraxChaudoir (Coleoptera: Carabidae; genusPterostichus),Pterostichus amagisanusTanaka and Ishida andPterostichus fujitaiTanaka and Ishida, were revised based on the male endophallus (inner sac everted from aedeagus).P. amagisanuswas newly recorded based on a single male from Kyushu, southwest Japan, far from its known distribution (Honshu; the Fuji‐Hakone‐Izu volcano area), although additional materials are necessary to confirm this record. Despite a highly disjunct distribution, no conspicuous difference was recognized in either external or genital characters between the materials from Honshu and Kyushu. The nominal speciesP. fujitaiwas separated into two species,P. fujitai(Honshu) andPterostichus eoyoritomussp. nov. (Shikoku; type locality: Mount Jingayama); these two species have some significant differences in the endophallic structures. Character states in male genitalia suggest a sister relationship betweenP. eoyoritomussp. nov. andPterostichus yoritomusBates.
Monthly changes in various drone characteristics of Apis mellifera ligustica and Apis mellifera syriaca
Authors: ZAITOUN Shahera , AL‐MAJEED AL‐GHZAWI Abd , KRIDLI Rami 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate drone rearing activity and semen production of Apis mellifera ligustica and Apis mellifera syriaca. Tendency of worker bees of both subspecies towards egg laying under semiarid conditions were also monitored in the experiments. Differences were not observed in drone brood production between both honeybee subspecies throughout the investigation. Worker bees of both subspecies needed a significantly shorter time to start egg laying during February and March in comparison with the time those workers needed for laying eggs during the remaining months of the study. Syrian bee workers started egg laying earlier than Italian bee workers. Drones from laying workers were much smaller and produced less sperms with more abnormalities than normal drones. Drones produced from queens in May were heavier and produced more sperms with less abnormalities than those produced during the other months. The drone brood rearing of both subspecies tended to follow the same general cycle in 2005 and 2006. The study suggests that virgin queens have a better chance to receive adequate viable sperm amounts from drones in April and May in semiarid Mediterranean conditions.
New synonym and new Japanese record of the ant genus Ponera (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: YOSHIMURA Masashi , HOSOISHI Shingo , KUBOKI Yuzuru , ONOYAMA Keiichi , OGATA Kazuo 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA new synonym in the ant genus Ponera, and a new species‐record from Japan are reported following faunal surveys of Yakushima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture. Morphological comparison of type specimens with material collected on Yakushima and mainland Kyushu and Honshu reveals that Ponera yakushimensis Tanaka is a junior synonym of Ponera scabra Wheeler. Analysis of intraspecific variation in P. scabra is reported. Morphological comparison reveals that a recent putative distribution record of P. scabra from Yakushima was based on a misidentification of Ponera alisana Terayama. This is the first Japanese record of P. alisana, which was originally described from Taiwan. Geographic variation between the P. alisana types and specimens collected on Yakushima is discussed. A revised key to Japanese Ponera species is presented.
A Mathematical Model to Evaluate Control Strategies for Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Cox Lieke G.E. , Loerakker Sandra , Rutten Marcel C.M. , De Mol Bas A.J.M. , Van De Vosse Frans N. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractContinuous flow ventricular assist devices (VADs) for mechanical circulatory support (MCS) are generally smaller and believed to be more reliable than pulsatile VADs. However, regarding continuous flow, there are concerns about the decreased pulsatility and ventricular unloading. Moreover, pulsatile VADs offer a wider range in control strategies. For this reason, we used a computer model to evaluate whether pulsatile operation of a continuous flow VAD would be more beneficial than the standard constant pump speed. The computer model describes the left and right ventricle with one‐fiber heart contraction models, and the systemic, pulmonary, and coronary circulation with lumped parameter hemodynamical models, while the heart rate is regulated with a baroreflex model. With this computer model, both normal and heart failure hemodynamics were simulated. A HeartMate II left ventricular assist device model was connected to this model, and both constant speed and pulsatile support were simulated. Pulsatile support did not solve the decreased pulsatility issue, but it did improve perfusion (cardiac index and coronary flow) and unloading (stroke work and heart rate) compared with constant speed. Also, pulsatile support would be beneficial for developing control strategies, as it offers more options to adjust assist device settings to the patient's needs. Because the mathematical model used in this study can simulate different assist device settings, it can play a valuable role in developing mechanical circulatory support control strategies.
Sexual Function and Aging in Racially and Ethnically Diverse Women
Authors: Huang Alison J. , Subak Leslee L. , Thom David H. , Van Den Eeden Stephen K. , Ragins Arona I. , Kuppermann Miriam , Shen Hui , Brown Jeanette S. 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVES: To examine factors influencing sexual activity and functioning in racially and ethnically diverse middle‐aged and older women.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional cohort study.SETTING: Integrated healthcare delivery system.PARTICIPANTS: One thousand nine hundred seventy‐seven women aged 45 to 80.MEASUREMENTS: Self‐administered questionnaires assessed sexual desire, activity, satisfaction, and problems.RESULTS: Of the 1,977 participants (876 white, 388 African American, 347 Latina, and 351 Asian women), 43% reported at least moderate sexual desire, and 60% had been sexually active in the previous 3 months. Half of sexually active participants (n=969) described their overall sexual satisfaction as moderate to high. Among sexually inactive women, the most common reason for inactivity was lack of interest in sex (39%), followed by lack of a partner (36%), physical problem of partner (23%), and lack of interest by partner (11%); only 9% were inactive because of personal physical problems. In multivariable analysis, African‐American women were more likely than white women to report at least moderate desire (odds ratio (OR)=1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.25–2.17) but less likely to report weekly sexual activity (OR=0.68, 95% CI=0.48–0.96); sexually active Latina women were more likely than white women to report at least moderate sexual satisfaction (OR=1.75, 95% CI=1.20–2.55).CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of community‐dwelling women remain interested and engaged in sexual activity into older age. Lack of a partner capable of or interested in sex may contribute more to sexual inactivity than personal health problems in this population. Racial and ethnic differences in self‐reported sexual desire, activity, and satisfaction may influence discussions about sexual difficulties in middle‐aged and older women.
A novel in vitro stripping method to study geometry of corneocytes with fluorescent microscopy: example of aging skin
Authors: Guz N. V. , Gaikwad R. M. , Dokukin M. E. , Sokolov I. 
Published: June 2009

Background/purpose: To develop modification of stripping method allowing high‐resolution fluorescent visualization of corneocytes of human skin in vitro. To validate the method, the measured corneocyte areas on skin flakes are collected from individuals of different ages.Materials and methods: Two complimentary fluorescent dyes were used sequentially. First the adhesive layer of the stripping tape was stained with a cationic dye (rhodamine 640). This tape was used to collect skin flakes. Then both the tape and collected flakes were stained with anionic dye (fluorescein). The fluorescence of the adhesive tape exposed to the second staining is substantially decreased due to the mutual quenching of the dyes. Thirteen healthy, 6–86‐year‐old males participated to validate the method. The measurements were done on backhand and forearm.Results: The method allows high‐resolution imaging of corneocytes by means of fluorescent microscopy. Both absolute areas and the dependence of corneocyte areas on the individual age are in good agreement with the data reported previously.Conclusion: The developed method is fast and easy. It requires minimum interaction with the individual and allows using a broad variety of fluorescent dyes that may be potentially unsafe but beneficial for imaging. It can be used on any part of human or animal body.
Effects of landslides on the mountain vegetation of Flores Island, Azores
Authors: Elias R. B. , Dias E. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractQuestion: What are the consequences of frequently occurring landslides on vegetation dynamics, floristic and structural diversity?Location: 39°27′N; 31°13′W – Morro Alto, Flores Island, Azores, Portugal.Methods: Six comparable landslides were selected. Plots were placed at the top, slope and toe of landslides. Data on floristic composition and biovolume, demography and size structure of the dominant tree species (Juniperus brevifolia) were collected. Hierarchical agglomerative clustering and Principal Component Analysis were used in order to identify succession stages and compare succession pathways and vegetation recovery in different parts of the landslides.Results: Four stages of primary succession on substrates formed by landslides were identified: pioneer (Festuca‐Sphagnum grassland), assembly (Juniperus‐Festuca‐Sphagnum open scrub), building (Juniperus‐Sphagnum scrub) and mature (Juniperus‐Sphagnum woodland). Concerning J. brevifolia populations, the succession pathways are independent of location on the landslide. However, at the floristic level, there are some differences, mainly in the pioneer stage at the toes of landslides. Better abiotic conditions, resulting in a higher succession rate, are probably responsible for a faster vegetation recovery on landslide toes.Conclusion: Landslides trigger succession processes that enable a massive regeneration of the dominant tree species and existence of species not present in mature forests. They are also responsible for the simultaneous occurrence of vegetation of different structures. Overall, landslides increase the floristic and structural diversity of the vegetation, consequently increasing landscape heterogeneity.