bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imprint of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age on stratigraphic and carbon isotopic patterns in marine carbonates of the Orogrande Basin, New Mexico, USA
Authors: KOCH JESSE T. , FRANK TRACY D. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe Permian records one of the most extreme climate transitions of the Phanerozoic, yet the climatic and environmental dynamics of this interval and their effects on neritic carbonate systems remain poorly constrained. New stratigraphic and carbon isotope records from uppermost Pennsylvanian to Lower Permian strata of the Orogrande Basin in south‐central New Mexico, USA, provide fresh insights into the response of palaeotropical carbonate systems to the growth and demise of ice sheets on Gondwana. The earliest Permian acme of glaciation is recorded in the Orogrande Basin as a series of subaerial exposure surfaces marked by highly variable δ13C values that tend toward values as low as −6‰. These stratigraphic and isotopic patterns are interpreted to reflect the retreat of the sea from the basin during glacial expansion. Younger (Lower Sakmarian to Kungurian) strata, deposited during the long decline of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age, are characterized overall by higher and more uniform δ13C values (+2 to +5‰) and show no evidence of long‐term subaerial exposure. However, these strata record two short‐lived excursions toward more negative δ13C values. These excursions occur through intervals that record shifts toward shallower and more restricted conditions in the Orogrande Basin. The timing of these shifts corresponds to two periods of glacial expansion across eastern Australia during Late Sakmarian to Early Artinskian and Kungurian time. These relationships suggest that pulses of glacial expansion in eastern Gondwana were of sufficient magnitude to have caused relative sea‐level fall, and possibly environmental change, in the Orogrande Basin. The results from this study suggest that marine chemistry, depositional environments and sea‐level in the Orogrande Basin were profoundly influenced by epochs of Gondwanan glaciation. These inferences help improve the understanding of how palaeotropical carbonate systems responded to the effects of cryospheric changes during the acme and waning stages of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age.
Young, gifted, and caring: A project narrative of young carers, their mental health, and getting them involved in education, research and practice
Authors: McAndrew Sue , Warne Tony , Fallon Debbie , Moran Paul 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTYoung carers are a global phenomenon. The UK estimates it has in excess of 175 000 young carers, the onset of their caring role often occurring between 8 and 10 years of age. Of these, 17 000 are caring for a parent who has severe mental illness, a significant factor for children entering the health and social care system, as up to 60% experience mental health difficulties themselves. This paper reports on the outcome of a participatory project aimed at better understanding the needs of young people. A World Café event was hosted, bringing together those involved in promoting the mental health of young people in a partnership consortium. The event was led by young service users and carers. Important issues raised by the young carers were being excluded from being included; stuck in the here and now, ignoring the future; a hole in the net; and ensuring the hidden is on the agenda. The World Café gave the university the privilege of insight into what local young carers need to improve their mental health, and more importantly, how we can utilize our skills to help them achieve their goals.
The RNA chaperone, Hfq, controls two luxR‐type regulators and plays a key role in pathogenesis and production of antibiotics in Serratia sp. ATCC 39006
Authors: Wilf Nabil M. , Williamson Neil R. , Ramsay Joshua P. , Poulter Simon , Bandyra Kasia J. , Salmond George P. C. 
Published: August 2011

SummarySerratia sp. ATCC 39006 (S39006) is a Gram‐negative bacterium that is virulent in plant (potato) and animal (Caenorhabditis elegans) models. It produces two secondary metabolite antibiotics, a prodigiosin and a carbapenem, and the exoenzymes, pectate lyase and cellulase. A complex regulatory network that includes quorum sensing (QS) controls production of prodigiosin. While many aspects of the regulation of the metabolites and exoenzymes are well understood, the potential role in this network of the RNA chaperone Hfq and dependent small regulatory RNAs has not been characterized. Hfq is an RNA chaperone involved in post‐transcriptional regulation that plays a key role in stress response and virulence in diverse bacterial species. To explore whether Hfq‐dependent processes might contribute to the regulation of antibiotic production we constructed an S39006 Δhfq mutant. Production of prodigiosin and carbapenem was abolished in this mutant strain, while production of the QS signalling molecule, butanoyl homoserine lactone (BHL), was unaffected. Using transcriptional fusions, we found that Hfq regulates the QS response regulators, SmaR and CarR. Additionally, exoenzyme production and swimming motility were decreased in a Δhfq mutant, and virulence was attenuated in potato and C. elegans models. These results suggest that an Hfq‐dependent pathway is involved in the regulation of virulence and secondary metabolite production in S39006.
Morphology of retinal vessels in the optic disk in a Göttingen minipig experimental glaucoma model
Authors: Galdos Marta , Bayón Alejandro , Rodriguez Francisco D. , Micó Carlos , Sharma Sansar C. , Vecino Elena 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjective  To compare the morphology of normal, healthy Gottingen minipig retinal vessels of the optic disk with experimentally induced glaucomatous optic disks in order to identify the glaucomatous excavation. Present results were compared to human glaucoma findings.Procedure  Sixteen eyes from eight Göttingen minipigs were studied using fundoscopic photography and fluorescein angiography. Experimental glaucoma was then induced in the left eyes over 14 months, and changes in the optic disk vessels were assessed using fundoscopic photography and fluorescein angiography. The changes were compared with those previously reported in humans.Results  Regarding the number of vessels, the location from where they emerge and the sectors of the optic disk that they cross, arterial and retinal vessels in Göttingen minipigs present a more asymmetric layout than in humans. The central excavation is filled by the central venous ring. Changes in the glaucomatous optic disk include arteriolar incurvation, and sometimes, nasal, and peripheral displacement of the arterioles that emerge between the ganglion cell axons of the neuroretinal ring. No angiographic changes were observed in the experimental glaucoma model.Conclusions  The changes in the glaucomatous optic disk of the minipig imply a predominant involvement of the arterioles. However, in humans with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), both the arterioles and the venules are displaced, and the central excavation is easier to distinguish, because of the absence of a central venous ring.
Conjunctivitis and ulcerative keratitis secondary to conjunctival plant foreign bodies in a herd of alpacas (Lama Pacos)
Authors: Fischer Kristin , Hendrix Diane 
Published: August 2011

AbstractPurpose To describe six cases of conjunctivitis and ulcerative keratitis secondary to plant foreign bodies from weed‐contaminated grass hay which were lodged within the temporal conjunctival fornix in a herd of alpacas.Methods A total of 21 alpacas from the same farm developed blepharospasm and mucopurulent ocular discharge. Six of the 21 were evaluated at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine within a 2‐week period. The six animals evaluated received an ophthalmic examination including slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein staining, and topical corneal anesthesia for foreign body removal when necessary.Results Six animals had conjunctivitis characterized by hyperemia and mucopurulent discharge. Five animals had superficial ulcerative keratitis with intense corneal neovascularization and edema. In all cases, the keratitis was located at the temporal limbus. Seven plant foreign bodies were observed and were removed following topical corneal anesthesia in five animals. The plant seeds were identified as three common weed species found in orchard grass hay. Complete resolution of all clinical signs was achieved with foreign body removal and medical therapy.Conclusions Fan‐shaped temporal corneal ulcers may signify the presence of conjunctival foreign bodies in alpacas. Plant foreign bodies should be considered in addition to ocular infection when multiple animals of a herd are affected as outbreaks may occur with weed‐contaminated hay.
When Is a Country Multinational? Problems with Statistical and Subjective Approaches*
Authors: STOJANOVIC NENAD 
Published: August 2011

AbstractMany authors have argued that we should make a clear conceptual distinction between mononational and multinational states. Yet the number of empirical examples they refer to is rather limited. France or Germany are usually seen as mononational, whereas Belgium, Canada, Spain and the UK are considered multinational. How should we classify other cases? Here we can distinguish between (at least) two approaches in the literature: statistical (i.e., whether significant national minorities live within a larger state and, especially, whether they claim self‐government) and subjective (i.e., when citizens feel allegiance to sub‐state national identities). Neither of them, however, helps us to resolve the problem. Is Italy multinational (because it contains a German‐speaking minority)? Is Germany really mononational (in spite of the official recognition of the Danes and the Sorbs in someLänder)? On the other hand, is Switzerland the “most multinational country” (Kymlicka)? Let us assume that there is no definite answer to this dilemma and that it is all a matter of degree. There are probably few (if any) clearly mononational states and few (if any) clearly multinational states. Should we abandon this distinction in favour of other concepts like “plurinationalism” (Keating), “nations‐within‐nations” (Miller), “postnational state” (Abizadeh, Habermas), or “post‐sovereign state” (MacCormick)? The article discusses these issues and, in conclusion, addresses the problem of stability and shared identity “plural” societies.
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive cancer risks in women infected with HIV in the French West Indies
Authors: Kadhel P , Multigner L , Bardinet F , Goerger‐Sow MT , Janky E 
Published: August 2011

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess whether HIV infection is associated with a higher risk of invasive cervical cancer (ICC).MethodsWe conducted a region‐wide, population‐based observational cohort study of 1232 HIV‐infected women over the age of 15 years in Guadeloupe, a French Caribbean archipelago, during the period 1999–2006. The observed numbers of incident cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and ICC were compared with the expected numbers of cases based on the incidence rates for the general population, and the standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.ResultsThe incidence rate of CIN was higher in the HIV‐infected women than in the general population for all grades (SIR 10.1, 95% CI 6.8–14.6 for CIN grade 1; SIR 9.9, 95% CI 6.1–15.3 for CIN grade 2; and SIR 5.2, 95% CI 3.4–7.7 for CIN grade 3). However, no increase in the risk of ICC was observed (SIR 1.7, 95% CI 0.3–4.9).ConclusionsDespite an increase in the occurrence of cervical cancer precursors, no increase in the risk of cervical cancer was found in a population of HIV‐infected women who receive treatment for their infection and have access to ICC prevention services.
The effect of injecting drug use history on disease progression and death among HIV‐positive individuals initiating combination antiretroviral therapy: collaborative cohort analysis
Authors: Murray M , Hogg RS , Lima VD , May MT , Moore DM , Abgrall S , Bruyand M , D'Arminio Monforte A , Tural C , Gill MJ , Harris RJ , Reiss P , Justice A , Kirk O , Saag M , Smith CJ , Weber R , Rockstroh J , Khaykin P , Sterne JAC ,   for the Antiretroviral Therapy Cohort Collaboration (ART‐CC)
Published: August 2011

BackgroundWe examined whether determinants of disease progression and causes of death differ between injecting drug users (IDUs) and non‐IDUs who initiate combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).MethodsThe ART Cohort Collaboration combines data from participating cohort studies on cART‐naïve adults from cART initiation. We used Cox models to estimate hazard ratios for death and AIDS among IDUs and non‐IDUs. The cumulative incidence of specific causes of death was calculated and compared using methods that allow for competing risks.ResultsData on 6269 IDUs and 37 774 non‐IDUs were analysed. Compared with non‐IDUs, a lower proportion of IDUs initiated cART with a CD4 cell count <200 cells/μL or had a prior diagnosis of AIDS. Mortality rates were higher in IDUs than in non‐IDUs (2.08 vs. 1.04 per 100 person‐years, respectively; P<0.001). Lower baseline CD4 cell count, higher baseline HIV viral load, clinical AIDS at baseline, and later year of cART initiation were associated with disease progression in both groups. However, the inverse association of baseline CD4 cell count with AIDS and death appeared stronger in non‐IDUs than in IDUs. The risk of death from each specific cause was higher in IDUs than non‐IDUs, with particularly marked increases in risk for liver‐related deaths, and those from violence and non‐AIDS infection.ConclusionWhile liver‐related deaths and deaths from direct effects of substance abuse appear to explain much of the excess mortality in IDUs, they are at increased risk for many other causes of death, which may relate to suboptimal management of HIV disease in these individuals.
Psodisk, a new visual method for assessing the burden of psoriasis on patients
Authors: Linder D. , Sampogna F. , Torreggiani A. , Balato N. , Bianchi L. , Cassano N. , Conti A. , Gisondi P. , Musumeci M.L. , Piaserico S. , Potenza C. , Romano G.V. , di Luzio Paparatti U. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground  The last decades have witnessed an increasing interest for the psychosocial aspects of chronic skin diseases, such as psoriasis. Nonetheless, systematic assessments of the impact of psoriasis on patients’ lives are rarely done in daily clinical practice. The existing instruments are mostly meant to be completed by patients alone, and rarely comprise a graphical representation of the results.Objective To develop a questionnaire allowing both a quick assessment of the impact of psoriasis on patients and, at the same time, an intuitive graphic visualization of the outcome of the test.Methods  A preliminary version of an Italian questionnaire aimed to assess the global impact of psoriasis on patients, meant to be filled in together by the patient and the dermatologist and to produce visual, intuitive results, was developed through focus groups. The instrument was then the object of a Delphi survey addressed to a panel of experts, to assess both the need of possible improvements of the questionnaire (in terms of the formulations of the questions and of the domains to be explored) and the usefulness of the questionnaire.Results  A 10‐item questionnaire in Italian, taking into account different aspects of the burden of psoriasis on the patient, was developed. The answers are given on a 10‐point visual analogue scale and graphically represented on a disc as a polygon.Conclusions  A formal validation of the questionnaire and a study to assess potential clinical and psychological benefits of a systematic implementation of the instrument in daily practice are planned.
Treatment of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita with intravenous immunoglobulin in patients non‐responsive to conventional therapy: clinical outcome and post‐treatment long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Ahmed A.R. , Gürcan H.M. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground  Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a chronic subepidermal blistering disease that is caused by antibodies binding to type VII collagen within anchoring fibrils. It is rare disease with an incidence of 0.25 cases per 1 000 000 population.Objective  The objective of this study is to report the treatment outcomes with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy in 10 patients with severe and widespread EBA non‐responsive to conventional therapy.Methods  Patients were treated according to a protocol published in a Consensus Statement to treat autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases, including EBA with IVIg. A dose of 2 g/kg/cycle was used.Results  Ten patients: four males and six females, all were North American Caucasian. The age at onset varied from 37 to 75 years (mean 57.4). A satisfactory clinical response was observed in all 10 patients. The patients received 16–31 cycles (mean 23.1) of IVIg over a period of 30–52 months (mean 38.8). Once IVIg was initiated, earlier drugs (prednisone, dapsone and others) were gradually withdrawn over a 5–9 month period (mean 7.2). Thereafter, IVIg was used as monotherapy. No serious side‐effects were observed. The follow‐up period since discontinuation of IVIg varied from 29 to 123 months (mean 53.9). During this follow‐up period, recurrence of disease was not observed.Conclusion  The data suggest that IVIg can produce a long‐term sustained clinical remission in patients with EBA. In the patients, of this study concomitant therapy could be discontinued and IVIg was used as monotherapy.
Ontogeny of feeding performance and biomechanics in coyotes
Authors: La Croix S. , Zelditch M. L. , Shivik J. A. , Lundrigan B. L. , Holekamp K. E. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractDeveloping organisms must reconcile conflicts between demands of survival within the current life‐history stage, with those of maturation, while negotiating the transitions through succeeding stages. In the case of feeding performance, the parts of the feeding apparatus and their biomechanics must maintain functional integrity to meet the feeding needs of a juvenile even as they develop toward their adult form. We concurrently examine the ontogenetic relationships of feeding performance, dentition and feeding biomechanics, relative to key life‐history events, utilizing samples drawn from the same population of known‐age coyotes Canis latrans. The development of feeding performance is asynchronous with development of both feeding biomechanics and skull morphology; feeding performance lags during ontogeny despite surprisingly large early mechanical advantage of the temporalis, due in part, to early relative maturity of mandibular shape. Feeding performance and biomechanics, like skull morphology, mature well after weaning at 6 weeks of age. Late maturation of bite strength and feeding performance is mediated by ongoing and continued growth of the temporalis muscles as measured by maximum zygomatic arch breadth (ZAB). Males and females may resolve developmental conflicts differently, as females trade earlier maturity for smaller maximum ZAB, decreased relative bite strength and diminished feeding performance, compared with males. The asynchrony of feeding performance development seen in coyotes, is also characteristic of a highly specialized carnivore, the spotted hyena, but coyotes have a much less protracted development, being handicapped relative to adults for a much shorter time. This developmental asynchrony between feeding performance and morphology suggests that a certain minimum threshold of physical growth and development, together with the associated development of biomechanics, are required to produce effective mastication. The relationships among biomechanics, life‐history schedules and ontogeny of feeding performance have obvious implications for fitness.
Consequences of compensatory growth in an amphibian
Authors: Hector K. L. , Bishop P. J. , Nakagawa S. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractCompensatory growth, or catch‐up growth, occurs when an organism grows faster than the optimal rate after a period of growth restriction. The evolved optimal growth rate maximizes an animal's fitness potential while preserving tissue quality. Rapid compensatory growth allows the organism to achieve an adult size closer to that of an unrestricted conspecific. However, this accelerated growth may come at the cost of impaired fitness later in life due to accumulated cellular damage. Amphibians are an interesting, yet neglected, group in which to observe the effects of compensatory growth because of their flexible life history and the importance of large size for reproductive fitness. We investigated the effects of early nutritional restriction on the growth, morphology and three fitness‐related behavioural traits of brown tree frog tadpoles Litoria ewingii before and after metamorphosis. Tadpoles were fed reduced rations for two weeks, c. 35% of the control group's larval period, before being returned to the diet of the controls. The dietary treatment caused a significant difference in pre‐ and post‐metamorphic survival between the groups. The tadpoles on the restricted diet exhibited faster weight gain upon refeeding and reached a final size significantly larger than the control tadpoles. However, the larval period of the restricted group was extended by c. 5 days, compared with the control group. Early nutritional restriction also negatively affected the pre‐metamorphic fitness‐related behavioural trait of swimming speed. The restricted group showed an unexpected advantage in both post‐metamorphic fitness‐related behavioural traits of feeding latency and hopping ability. These results contrast with previous work on compensatory growth in tadpoles because nutritional restriction affected the developmental rate and also resulted in ‘over‐compensation’ of growth. Our experiment provides support for the prevalence of compensatory growth in diverse taxa and a unique observation of the post‐metamorphic consequences in amphibians adapted to ephemeral environments.
Neurophysiological markers of retrieval‐induced forgetting in multiplication fact retrieval
Authors: Galfano Giovanni , Penolazzi Barbara , Fardo Francesca , Dhooge Elisah , Angrilli Alessandro , Umiltà Carlo 
Published: August 2011

AbstractEvent‐related potential (ERP) counterparts of practice effects in multiplication fact retrieval were examined. Participants performed a multiplication verification task after having practiced a specific problem set. Practice was either active (retrieval of solutions to multiplication problems) or passive (reexposure to the same operands plus the correct result). Behavioral data showed retrieval‐induced facilitation for practiced items and retrieval‐induced forgetting for related, unpracticed items, irrespective of practice type. ERPs revealed that, for the active practice group, forgetting was reflected in a reduced N100 component time‐locked to result onset. Irrespective of practice type, forgetting was also reflected in a reduced result‐locked P350 component, whereas facilitation was associated with an increased amplitude of the same component. These results suggest that beneficial and detrimental effects of practice may be mediated by partially distinct processes.