bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aplexone targets the HMG-CoA reductase pathway and differentially regulates arteriovenous angiogenesis
Authors: Choi Jayoung , Mouillesseaux Kevin , Wang Zhiming , Fiji Hannah D. G. , Kinderman Sape S. , Otto Georg W. , Geisler Robert , Kwon Ohyun , Chen Jau-Nian
Published: February 2011

Arterial and venous endothelial cells exhibit distinct molecular characteristics at early developmental stages. These lineage-specific molecular programs are instructive to the development of distinct vascular architectures and physiological conditions of arteries and veins, but their roles in angiogenesis remain unexplored. Here, we show that the caudal vein plexus in zebrafish forms by endothelial cell sprouting, migration and anastomosis, providing a venous-specific angiogenesis model. Using this model, we have identified a novel compound, aplexone, which effectively suppresses venous, but not arterial, angiogenesis. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that aplexone differentially regulates arteriovenous angiogenesis by targeting the HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) pathway. Treatment with aplexone affects the transcription of enzymes in the HMGCR pathway and reduces cellular cholesterol levels. Injecting mevalonate, a metabolic product of HMGCR, reverses the inhibitory effect of aplexone on venous angiogenesis. In addition, aplexone treatment inhibits protein prenylation and blocking the activity of geranylgeranyl transferase induces a venous angiogenesis phenotype resembling that observed in aplexone-treated embryos. Furthermore, endothelial cells of venous origin have higher levels of proteins requiring geranylgeranylation than arterial endothelial cells and inhibiting the activity of Rac or Rho kinase effectively reduces the migration of venous, but not arterial, endothelial cells. Taken together, our findings indicate that angiogenesis is differentially regulated by the HMGCR pathway via an arteriovenous-dependent requirement for protein prenylation in zebrafish and human endothelial cells.
Apical ectodermal ridge morphogenesis in limb development is controlled byArid3b-mediated regulation of cell movements
Authors: Casanova Jesus C. , Uribe Veronica , Badia-Careaga Claudio , Giovinazzo Giovanna , Torres Miguel , Sanz-Ezquerro Juan Jose
Published: February 2011

The apical ectodermal ridge (AER) is a specialized epithelium located at the distal edge of the limb bud that directs outgrowth along the proximodistal axis. Although the molecular basis for its function is well known, the cellular mechanisms that lead to its maturation are not fully understood. Here, we show that Arid3b, a member of the ARID family of transcriptional regulators, is expressed in the AER in mouse and chick embryos, and that interference with its activity leads to aberrant AER development, in which normal structure is not achieved. This happens without alterations in cell numbers or gene expression in main signalling pathways. Cells that are defective in Arid3b show an abnormal distribution of the actin cytoskeleton and decreased motility in vitro. Moreover, movements of pre-AER cells and their contribution to the AER were defective in vivo in embryos with reduced Arid3b function. Our results show that Arid3b is involved in the regulation of cell motility and rearrangements that lead to AER maturation.
Improved annotation of C. elegans microRNAs by deep sequencing reveals structures associated with processing by Drosha and Dicer
Authors: Warf M. Bryan , Johnson W. Evan , Bass Brenda L.
Published: February 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that are essential in all studied metazoans. Research has focused on the prediction and identification of novel miRNAs, while little has been done to validate, annotate, and characterize identified miRNAs. Using Illumina sequencing, ∼20 million small RNA sequences were obtained from Caenorhabditis elegans. Of the 175 miRNAs listed on the miRBase database, 106 were validated as deriving from a stem–loop precursor with hallmark characteristics of miRNAs. This result suggests that not all sequences identified as miRNAs belong in this category of small RNAs. Our large data set of validated miRNAs facilitated the determination of general sequence and structural characteristics of miRNAs and miRNA precursors. In contrast to previous observations, we did not observe a preference for the 5′ nucleotide of the miRNA to be unpaired compared to the 5′ nucleotide of the miRNA*, nor a preference for the miRNA to be on either the 5′ or 3′ arm of the miRNA precursor stem–loop. We observed that steady-state pools of miRNAs have fairly homogeneous termini, especially at their 5′ end. Nearly all mature miRNA–miRNA* duplexes had two nucleotide 3′ overhangs, and there was a preference for a uracil in the first and ninth position of the mature miRNA. Finally, we observed that specific nucleotides and structural distortions were overrepresented at certain positions adjacent to Drosha and Dicer cleavage sites. Our study offers a comprehensive data set of C. elegans miRNAs and their precursors that significantly decreases the uncertainty associated with the identity of these molecules in existing databases.
Online Display Advertising: Targeting and Obtrusiveness
Authors: Goldfarb Avi , Tucker Catherine
Published: February 2011

We use data from a large-scale field experiment to explore what influences the effectiveness of online advertising. We find that matching an ad to website content and increasing an ad's obtrusiveness independently increase purchase intent. However, in combination, these two strategies are ineffective. Ads that match both website content and are obtrusive do worse at increasing purchase intent than ads that do only one or the other. This failure appears to be related to privacy concerns: the negative effect of combining targeting with obtrusiveness is strongest for people who refuse to give their income and for categories where privacy matters most. Our results suggest a possible explanation for the growing bifurcation in Internet advertising between highly targeted plain text ads and more visually striking but less targeted ads.
The Evolution of Internal Market Structure
Authors: Rutz Oliver J. , Sonnier Garrett P.
Published: February 2011

We present a dynamic factor-analytic choice model to capture evolution of brand positions in latent attribute space. Our dynamic model allows researchers to investigate brand positioning in new categories or mature categories affected by structural change such as entry. We argue that even for mature categories not affected by structural change, the assumption of stable attributes may be untenable. We allow for evolution in attributes by modeling individual-level time-specific attributes as arising from dynamic means. The dynamic attribute means are modeled as a Bayesian dynamic linear model (DLM). The DLM is nested within a factor-analytic choice model. Our approach makes efficient use of the data by leveraging estimates from previous and future periods to estimate current period attributes. We demonstrate the robustness of our model with data that simulate a variety of dynamic scenarios, including stationary behavior. We show that misspecified attribute dynamics induce temporal heteroskedasticty and correlation between the preference weights and the error term. Applying the model to a panel data set on household purchases in the malt beverage category, we find considerable evidence for dynamics in the latent brand attributes. From a managerial perspective, we find advertising expenditures help explain variation in the dynamic attribute means.
Cellular Expression and Localization of Estrogen Receptor α and Progesterone Receptor mRNA in the Bovine Oviduct Combining Laser-Assisted Microdissection, Quantitative PCR, and In Situ Hybridization
Authors: Kenngott Rebecca Anna-Maria , Vermehren Margarete , Sauer Ulrich , Ebach Katja , Sinowatz Fred
Published: February 2011

The importance of using techniques that allow the study of pure populations of cells has been increasingly recognized. The authors used laser-assisted microdissection (LAM) in combination with quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to assess the relative expression of mRNAs encoding estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the different compartments of the bovine oviduct (epithelium, stroma, smooth muscle coat) during the follicular and mid-luteal phases of the estrus cycle. The localization of receptor mRNA was further studied using non-radioactive in situ hybridization (NISH). A special focus was on whether formalin fixation and paraffin embedding influence the quality and quantity of mRNA obtained from microdissected material. Distinct cyclic changes of the mRNA in the bovine oviduct were observed with elevated levels of PR mRNA transcripts in the epithelium and smooth muscle coat during the follicular phase. The expression of PR mRNA did not vary significantly in the stroma of the bovine oviduct during follicular and mid-luteal phases. In conclusion, the authors found that LAM with qPCR can precisely locate and accurately quantify mRNA expression in specific cell populations from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded oviductal tissue.
Shoaling in zebrafish: what we don’t know
Authors: Miller Noam Y. , Gerlai Robert
Published: February 2011

Zebrafish have been gaining increasing popularity in behavioral neuroscience. However, the number of behavioral test paradigms specifically designed for zebrafish, and in general the amount of information available on the behavior of this species, is relatively small when compared with classical laboratory model organisms such as the mouse, the rat, and the fruit fly. A particularly typical behavioral feature of zebrafish is shoaling, i.e., group formation. Given the importance of social behavior in our own species and the fact that zebrafish possess several characteristics similar to those of other vertebrates, including humans, at many levels of biological organization (e.g., neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, biochemical processes, and amino acid sequence of proteins or nucleotide sequence of genes), the zebrafish is expected to be an excellent tool not only for basic research but perhaps also for translational research. Briefly, we propose that once social behavior of the zebrafish is better characterized and once appropriate behavioral methods have been developed, this species can be utilized for the analysis of the mechanisms of social behavior of other vertebrates including our own. In this review, we discuss general principles of shoaling and highlight what we know and what we do not know about this behavior as it pertains to zebrafish.
Sleep and its regulation in zebrafish
Authors: Zhdanova Irina V.
Published: February 2011

The function of sleep remains a central enigma of modern biology, in spite of the obvious importance of sleep for normal physiology and cognition. The zebrafish has emerged as a promising new model for studying sleep, its changes with age, and the impact of sleep alterations on cognitive function. Recent studies of this diurnal vertebrate have provided new insights into the dual role of the pineal hormone melatonin and its receptors, regulating sleep in diurnal vertebrates through both homeostatic and circadian mechanisms. Research in zebrafish has also revealed interactions between melatonin and the hypocretin/orexin system, another important sleep-wake modulator. Future investigations should benefit from the conservation in zebrafish of mechanisms that regulate normal sleep, our extensive knowledge of their molecular biology, the availability of multiple transgenic and mutant phenotypes, and the feasibility of applying sensitive in vivo imaging techniques to record sleep-related neuronal activity in these optically transparent subjects. The established sensitivity of zebrafish to many pharmacological hypnotics should also contribute to the development of new, safe and effective sleep medications.
Genome-wide screening in human growth plates during puberty in one patient suggests a role for RUNX2 in epiphyseal maturation
Authors: Emons Joyce , Dutilh Bas E , Decker Eva , Pirzer Heide , Sticht Carsten , Gretz Norbert , Rappold Gudrun , Cameron Ewan R , Neil James C , Stein Gary S , van Wijnen Andre J , Wit Jan Maarten , Post Janine N , Karperien Marcel
Published: February 2011

In late puberty, estrogen decelerates bone growth by stimulating growth plate maturation. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of estrogen action using two pubertal growth plate specimens of one girl at Tanner stage B2 and Tanner stage B3. Histological analysis showed that progression of puberty coincided with characteristic morphological changes: a decrease in total growth plate height (P=0.002), height of the individual zones (P<0.001), and an increase in intercolumnar space (P<0.001). Microarray analysis of the specimens identified 394 genes (72% upregulated and 28% downregulated) that changed with the progression of puberty. Overall changes in gene expression were small (average 1.38-fold upregulated and 1.36-fold downregulated genes). The 394 genes mapped to 13 significantly changing pathways (P<0.05) associated with growth plate maturation (e.g. extracellular matrix, cell cycle, and cell death). We next scanned the upstream promoter regions of the 394 genes for the presence of evolutionarily conserved binding sites for transcription factors implicated in growth plate maturation such as estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor, ELK1, STAT5B, cyclic AMP response element (CREB), and RUNX2. High-quality motif sites for RUNX2 (87 genes), ELK1 (43 genes), and STAT5B (31 genes), but not ER, were evolutionarily conserved, indicating their functional relevance across primates. Moreover, we show that some of these sites are direct target genes of these transcription factors as shown by ChIP assays.
Thyroid hormone ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in a mouse model of type II diabetes
Authors: Lin Yi , Sun Zhongjie
Published: February 2011

Conventional therapies for diabetic patients, such as strict glycemic control, do not completely stop the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Serum-free tri-iodothyronine (T3) levels were lower in patients with type II diabetes. The purpose of this study was to test a hypothesis that treatment with T3 would improve diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice, a model of type II diabetes. Male db/db mice (16 weeks) were treated with T3 for 4 weeks. Urinary excretions of albumin and blood glucose levels were measured. Kidneys were collected for histological examination and molecular assays of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). T3 attenuated albuminuria in db/db mice, suggesting an improved kidney function. T3 significantly decreased accumulation of collagenous components in cortical interstitium (interstitial fibrosis) and expansion of mesangial matrix in glomeruli (glomerulosclerosis) and prevented the loss of glomeruli in db/db mice. Therefore, T3 improved the renal structural damage seen in diabetic mice. Notably, diabetic nephropathy was accompanied by a significant decrease in PI3K activity and an increase in TGF-β1 expression in kidneys. T3 restored renal PI3K activity, attenuated hyperglycemia, and decreased renal TGF-β1 expression in db/db mice. These effects of T3 were abolished by simultaneous treatment with PI3K inhibitor (LY294002). These data suggest that T3 prevented progressive kidney damage and remodeling in db/db mice by improving insulin signaling (e.g. PI3K activity).
Suppression of lactation and acceleration of involution in the bovine mammary gland by a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Authors: Hernandez L L , Collier J L , Vomachka A J , Collier R J , Horseman N D
Published: February 2011

Serotonin (5-HT) is a homeostatic regulator of lactation. Selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals that inhibit activity of the 5-HT reuptake transporter, increasing cellular exposure to 5-HT. Use of SSRIs has been shown to alter lactation performance in humans and 5-HT has been shown to reduce milk yield in cattle. However, it has not been determined how SSRI treatments affect the bovine mammary gland. We evaluated the effects of SSRI (fluoxetine (FLX)) administration on tight junctions (TJs) and milk protein gene expression in a lactogenic culture model, using primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (pBMEC). Additionally, we evaluated the effects of intramammary infusions of FLX and 5-hydroxytryptophan on milk production and TJ status in multiparous Holstein cows at dry-off. Treatment of pBMEC cultured on permeable membranes disrupted TJs, as measured by transepithelial resistance and immunostaining for zona occludens 1. Correspondingly, treatment of ‘3D’, collagen-embedded lactogenic cultures of pBMEC with FLX suppressed milk protein gene expression (α-lactalbumin and β-casein) in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, intramammary treatment of Holstein cows with FLX resulted in an accelerated rate of milk decline. Additionally, TJ permeability increased in FLX-treated animals, as measured by plasma lactose and milk Na+ and K+ levels. Results of these experiments imply that SSRI administration accelerates the rate of mammary gland involution through disassembly of TJs and inhibition of milk protein gene expression in vitro and in vivo, leading to reduction of milk yield.
Reduced signaling through the hedgehog pathway in the uterine stroma causes deferred implantation and embryonic loss
Authors: Harman Rebecca M , Cowan Robert G , Ren Yi , Quirk Susan M
Published: February 2011

The role of the hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway in implantation was studied in mice in which the HH signal transducer, smoothened (SMO), was conditionally deleted in the stromal compartment of the uterus, using CRE recombinase expressed through theAmhr2creallele. InAmhr2cre/+Smonull/flox-mutant mice,SmomRNA in uterine stroma was reduced 49% compared to that inAmhr2+/+Smonull/floxcontrol mice, while levels in the luminal epithelium were not different. Litter size was reduced 60% in mutants compared with controls, but ovulation rate and the number of implantation sites on day 7 of pregnancy did not differ. The number of corpora lutea was equivalent to the number of implantation sites, indicating that most ovulations resulted in implanted embryos. However, on days 13 to 15, the rate of embryo resorption was elevated in mutants. In control mice, on day 5, implantation sites were present and blastocysts were well-attached. In contrast, blastocysts were readily flushed from uteri of mutant mice on day 5 and implantation sites were rare. On days 5.5 and 6, implantation sites were present in mutant mice, and by day 6 embryos could not be flushed from the uterus. The weight of implantation sites on day 7 was decreased by 42% in mutant mice, consistent with delayed development. Signaling through SMO in the endometrial stroma is required for optimal timing of implantation, and deferred implantation leads to defective embryo development and subsequent pregnancy loss.
‘Mike’Disc-Courses on Hot Jazz
Authors: Arvidsson Alf
Published: February 2011

This article focus on strategies that are used in the struggle to raise the status of a popular music form. By analysing the journalism of British composer/bassist/recording leader ‘Spike’ Hughes in Melody Maker in 1931-32, the shaping of a critical discourse based in jazz music is studied. By establishing a discriminating aesthetics of jazz promulgated by sophisticated experts, Hughes and others contributed to jazz being spoken of with an intellectualised attitude. This attitude was rooted in jazz’s musical style, stressing how jazz contained new qualities not to be found in established art music - qualities that would contribute to the evolution of music in general. However, since jazz in the thirties was still framed within a commercial production system, the expectations put on a named master like Duke Ellington would be almost impossible to fulfil.
The production of English rock and roll stardom in the 1950s
Authors: Cloonan Martin
Published: February 2011

Recent years have witnessed increasing interest in both history and stardom within Popular Music Studies. Yet one of the major sites for the production of commercial popular muisc since the 1960s – the UK – still lacks a comprehensive social history of its contribution to this artform. In particular the history of early UK rock and roll and its attendant stardom has been somewhat neglected. This article uses Richard Peterson’s production of culture thesis as a means by which to explore both early UK rock and roll stardom and the thesis itself.
The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library
Authors: Lineham Andy
Published: February 2011

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Michael Brocken, Other Voices: Hidden Histories of Liverpool’s Popular Music Scenes, 1930s–1970s and Marion Leonard and Robert Strachan, eds, The Beat Goes On: Liverpool, Popular Music and the Changing City
Authors: McGrath James
Published: February 2011

Michael Brocken, Other Voices: Hidden Histories of Liverpool’s Popular Music Scenes, 1930s–1970s. Farnham: Ashgate, 2010. 260 pp. ISBN 978-0-7546-6793-3 (hbk). £55.00. and Marion Leonard and Robert Strachan, eds, The Beat Goes On: Liverpool, Popular Music and the Changing City. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 2010. 193 pp. ISBN 978184631190-1 (pbk). £16.95.
Psychiatric Consultation With Medical Evacuees of Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Bishop Leigh C. , Thornby John
Published: February 2011

Objective

To study the scope of clinical activities and the postoperational attitudes of mental health professionals responding emergently to a mass urban evacuation.

Methods

Eleven mental health care providers participating in a reception team for medical evacuees after Hurricane Katrina were asked to complete a survey seeking data regarding cases encountered, psychopharmacologic interventions, and mental health support for evacuated medical personnel. Participants rated their levels of agreement with statements characterizing various aspects of the clinical experience.

Results

Nine of 11 providers returned surveys, for a response rate of 82%. Among 35 evacuees requiring immediate psychiatric consultation, acute stress disorder and dementia, equally represented among these cases, accounted for half the diagnoses. Medication interventions were relatively uncommon. Consultants provided mental health support to 14 evacuated medical professionals. Although somewhat uncertain about their role, psychiatric consultants strongly agreed that they would be willing to serve in future disaster operations of this type.

Conclusions

In major disasters, psychiatric consultants are likely to play a critical role in providing emergency mental health services for both medical evacuees and evacuated medical professionals.
The Snow Snorkel: A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Windsor Jeremy S. , Hamilton Edwin , Grocott Michael P. , O’Dwyer Michael J. , Milledge James S.
Published: February 2011

Objective

To demonstrate that the Snow Snorkel can be used safely by healthy volunteers buried in snow for up to 1 hour.

Methods

Nine healthy male volunteers were placed in a shoulder-width trench and buried with snow to a depth of 30 to 40 cm. The study was divided into 2 stages. The first stage (Stage 1) was performed with the Snow Snorkel in operation (60-minute duration) and was then followed by a second stage (Stage 2) (15-minute duration) when the device was removed. Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), axillary temperature (T), and 3-lead electrocardiography (ECG) were monitored throughout the study.

Results

Of the 9 vol.nteers who were enrolled, 7 were able to complete Stage 1, while only 3 were able to complete Stage 2. In those who completed Stage 1, the mean HR fell by 14.1 beats/min ( P = .002), while RR ( P = .5) and SaO2 ( P = .7) remained unchanged compared to baseline measurements. There were no changes in T or ECG.

Conclusions

Simple systems such as the Snow Snorkel are effective during snow burial and warrant further investigation.
Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia: Overzealous Fluid Consumption
Authors: Rogers Ian R. , Hew-Butler Tamara
Published: February 2011

Exercise-associated hyponatremia is hyponatremia occurring during or up to 24 hours after prolonged exertion. In its more severe form, it manifests as cerebral and pulmonary edema. There have now been multiple reports of its occurring in a wilderness setting. It can now be considered the most important medical problem of endurance exercise. The Second International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Conference gives an up-to-date account of the nature and management of this disease. This article reviews key information from this conference and its statement. There is clear evidence that the primary cause of exercise-associated hyponatremia is fluid consumption in excess of that required to replace insensible losses. This is usually further complicated by the presence of inappropriate arginine vasopressin secretion, which decreases the ability to renally excrete the excess fluid consumed. Women, those of low body weight, and those taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are particularly at risk. When able to be biochemically diagnosed, severe exercise-associated hyponatremia is treated with hypertonic saline. In a wilderness setting, the key preventative intervention is moderate fluid consumption based on perceived need (“ad libitum”) and not on a rigid rule.

(Editor's Note: This paper was written at my request in an effort to increase awareness of this important clinical entity among members of the wilderness community, many of whom are involved in activities that place them at risk of its development. I thank the authors for their diligent efforts.)
Fatal Fall into a Volcanic Fumarole
Authors: Cantrell Lee , Young Michael
Published: February 2011

Fatalities secondary to inhalation of volcanic gases in the United States have rarely been reported. We report the deaths of 3 ski patrol members at a popular California ski resort. After a snowstorm, ski patrol members were fencing off a well-known volcanic fumarole when the snow around the vent collapsed. Two members slid into the deep hole and rapidly lost consciousness. A third member carrying oxygen descended into the hole and also lost consciousness. A fourth member affixed an oxygen mask, but still lost consciousness upon descent. The 3 initial victims expired at the scene, while the fourth victim survived. Autopsy results for all 3 were consistent with a suffocation/asphyxiation death. In the case described, the involved fumarole is a well-known source of toxic gases. Atmospheric sampling data dating back decades demonstrate that carbon dioxide levels typically range from 97% to 99%, nitrogen gas from 1% to 3%, and hydrogen sulfide from .004% to .07%. Other gases in smaller concentrations include oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide. Given the rapidity with which our victims lost consciousness and the historical data available on the Mammoth Mountain Fumarole (MMF), it is plausible that our patients suffered from acute asphyxiation, although the contribution of the directly toxic effects of the gases involved cannot be ruled out. During winter months, snow can build up and disguise volcanic vents and potentially trap toxic fumes to form dangerous, gas-filled pits. Recognition of such potential hazards is essential when working in or venturing into volcanically active areas during the winter.
Recombinant Factor VIIa for Treatment of Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Following Rattlesnake Envenomation
Authors: Ruha Anne-Michelle , Curry Steven C.
Published: February 2011

North American rattlesnakes possess venom with primarily cytotoxic and hemotoxic properties. When persons are envenomated by these snakes, thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy commonly occur, yet patients rarely develop severe bleeding. This report describes a 44-year-old Native American man bitten on the index finger by an unknown species of rattlesnake. The man developed massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage that was ultimately treated with recombinant factor VIIa. He presented to an emergency department with a depressed level of consciousness, a blood pressure of 60/20 mm Hg, and heart rate of 148 beats per minute. He was diaphoretic and vomiting bright red blood. Initial laboratory results revealed thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy. Despite aggressive fluid resuscitation and administration of blood and antivenom in the emergency department, the patient continued to have profuse upper gastrointestinal bleeding, with hemoglobin as low as 1.8 g/dL. He received fluids, antivenom, and multiple blood products, with cessation of bleeding after administration of recombinant factor VIIa. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a single Mallory-Weiss tear as the source of hemorrhage. The patient stabilized after 6 hours of aggressive resuscitation but over the next several days developed several complications, including acute renal failure and gram-negative sepsis. The patient died on hospital day 5. In cases of life-threatening hemorrhage after rattlesnake envenomation in which traditional therapy with antivenom and aggressive supportive measures fail, recombinant factor VIIa should be considered as an additional therapeutic option to achieve hemostasis.
Hypothermia Is a Significant Medical Risk of Mass Participation Long-Distance Open Water Swimming
Authors: Brannigan Domhnall , Rogers Ian R. , Jacobs Ian , Montgomery Amanda , Williams Aled , Khangure Nicole
Published: February 2011

Objective

To document the prevalence of hypothermia in a mass participation endurance open water swimming event and to determine demographic and individual factors that may predict failure to finish the race and hypothermia.

Methods

A prospective observational study in competitors in a 19.2-km open water swimming race in Perth, Western Australia. Pre-race information collected included age, sex, training and race experience, medical history, and body mass index (BMI). Body temperatures at 5 minutes postrace were measured using an equilibrated oral- or rectal-reading low-range glass mercury thermometer. Logistic regression was used to develop models predicting hypothermia (defined as a temperature of <35°C) and failure to finish the race.

Results

One hundred and nine competitors (70 male, 39 female) with a combined mean age of 38.4 ± 12.1 years were studied. Hypothermia was the most common race-related illness, identified in 26 of 35 swimmers screened as requiring temperature measurement, including 5 who required short-stay hospital care and 2 who required critical care transfer. Longer race duration (odds ratio [OR] 1.77, 95% CI 1.10–2.84, P = .018) was associated with an increased risk of hypothermia, and higher BMI (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41–0.79, P = .001) was associated with a decreased risk of hypothermia. Weak predictors of failure to finish were age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.11, P = .012) and hours spent training (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.16, P = .025).

Conclusions

Hypothermia is a common condition affecting mass participation long-distance open water swimmers. Increased BMI appears to be protective against hypothermia, while prolonged duration of the swim predicts an increased risk of hypothermia. The weak predictors of failing to finish are of questionable clinical significance.
Wilderness First Aid: Is There an “Industry Standard”?
Authors: Welch Thomas R. , Clement Kent , Berman Dene
Published: February 2011

Objective

To determine if an “industry standard” exists for wilderness first aid training and certification of outdoor adventure/education leaders.

Methods

Regulatory authorities, national organizations, and school/college groups were queried with regard to their requirements for first aid training of their wilderness trek leaders.

Results

Only 10 of the 22 states with guide licensure programs required any first aid training as a condition of licensure, and none specified a specific course. Of those programs requiring such training, the requirements ranged from a 6-hour standard first aid course to more structured “wilderness first responder” certification.

Conclusions

There exists no uniform industry standard for first aid training and certification of wilderness leaders. The epidemiology of backcountry injuries as well as what is currently known about clinical skills retention indicate that there may be little evidence basis for much of current practice.
An adapted thermal-gradient block for the germination of photoblastic seeds
Authors: Cardoso Victor José Mendes
Published: February 2011

This work describes an adapted thermal-gradient block with internal illumination, allowing experiments with light-requiring seeds. The temperature dependence study on the germination of the photoblastic Plantago tomentosa seeds was carried out in order to test the performance of the apparatus. With the aid of the model described here, some parameters related to the response of the seeds to temperature could be estimated, showing that the apparatus was suitable for the studies on the temperature dependence of photoblastic seeds.
Diet and prey availability of terrestrial insectivorous birds prone to extinction in amazonian forest fragments
Authors: Mestre Luiz Augusto Macedo , Cohn-Haft Mario , Dias Manoel Martins
Published: February 2011

This study compared niche breath, prey size, and diet variability in two pairs of sympatric species of terrestrial insectivorous birds, each pair containing one species that can persist in small forest fragments and one that does not. The pairs were Myrmeciza ferruginea and Sclerurus rufigularis; and Formicarius colma and F. analis, respectively. The prey availability in forest fragments was also sampled and compared to the availability in continuous forests. Niche breath indices did not differ between pair members, but diet variability differed in the opposite direction from that hypothesized. Although the two bird species most vulnerable to fragmentation fed on larger prey than less vulnerable species, prey availability, including that based on prey size did not differ among fragmented versus continuous forest sites. Thus, diet per se appeared not to be an important cause of extinction-proneness in these species. The simplest explanation proposed, that vulnerability to fragmentation was directly related to territory size, requires testing. However, it was consistent with observations that the bird species feeding on larger prey also need larger territories.
Environmental and subtidal fish assemblage relationships in two different brazilian coastal estuaries
Authors: Vendel Ana Lúcia , Bouchereau Jean-Luc , Chaves Paulo de Tarso
Published: February 2011

The general structure and organization of the shallow water (<1.5 m) fish assemblages were studied in two southern Brazilian ecosystems, a bay and a lagoon, under different marine or continental influences. The abiotic factors were measured to define the hydrology of the sites and the biotic descriptors were evaluated to characterize the assemblage structures. Transparency, salinity and organic matter were the abiotic factors which best distinguished the sites. A total richness of 69 species was observed. Ecological guilds, density, diversity and evenness indices values were different at each site. The hydrodynamism and geomorphology determined the structure and the organization of the fish assemblages in these shallow waters. It was observed that the variations in the hydrological attributes generated by the marine or continental water movements were able to alter the conditions in the lagoon more quickly and at more regular frequencies than those in the bay.
External morphology of the adult of Heraclides anchisiades capys (Hübner, [1809]) (Lepidoptera - Papilionidae) II: Thorax and thoracic appendages
Authors: Leite Luis Anderson Ribeiro , Casagrande Mirna Martins , Mielke Olaf Hermann Hendrik
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study was to highlight the morphological components of the thorax and its appendages of the adults of Heraclides anchisiades capys (Hübner, [1809]), seeking a comparative focus with other Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea. The morphology was studied using illustrations and scanning electronic microscope. The most relevant morphological characters were: membranous patagia on prothorax; anepisternum II fused with the pleural wing process II as a small sclerite dorsal to the katepisternum II; 3A present on the forewing, reaching the inner margin on its proximal third; presence of basalare III "pad" and meral suture on coxa III.
Morphological and anatomical features of the flowers and fruits during the development of Chamissoa altissima (Jacq.) Kunth (Amaranthaceae)
Authors: Oyama Sayuri de Oliveira , Souza Luiz Antonio de , Muneratto Júnior Cesar , Albiero Adriana Lenita Meyer
Published: February 2011

The morphology and structure of the flowers and fruits of Chamissoa altissima (Jacq.) Kunth during the development were analyzed. The plant material was fixed in FAA 50, embedded in historesin and sectioned according to standard techniques. The flowers presented tepals with betalain and homogeneous mesophyll; receptacular nectary; anthers with epidermis, endothecium, one middle layer, and uninucleate tapetum; and monocarpelar ovary with homogeneous mesophyll. The fruit was a circumscissile capsule, presented the same number of cellular layers that the ovary, and possessed subendocarpic sclerenchyma. The seed was bitegmic, exotestal and perispermic.
Efficacy of modified atmosphere packaging to control Sitophilus spp. in organic maize grain
Authors: Carli Marcelo De , Bresolin Bruna , Noreña Caciano Pelayo Zapata , Lorini Irineu , Brandelli Adriano
Published: February 2011

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the mortality of Sitophilus spp. in organic maize grain was studied. Maize grains were packed with five different atmospheres consisting of 20% O2, or 20, 40, 60, 80% CO2 with remaining N2. The packages were stored for 30 days at 26°C. CO2 and O2 concentrations were monitored inside the packages during the storage. The moisture content, titratable acidity and pH were analysed on the first and thirtieth day. At 5, 15 and 30 days of storage no significant differences were observed in the percentages of dead insects when CO2 was used. The results of progeny indicated that from the fifth day the number of emerging insects was low at 20, 60 and 80% CO2. Complete inhibition of the insects was achieved with 30 days of exposure in CO2 atmospheres.
Recovery of phytase produced by solid-state fermentation on citrus peel
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Daniel Ernesto , Rodríguez-León José Angel , Carvalho Júlio Cesar de , Thomaz-Soccol Vanete , Parada José Luis , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: February 2011

The extraction of phytase produced by solid-state fermentation of citrus peel was studied employing a multistage leaching process. It was observed that the extracts containing EDTA retained over 90% of phytase activity at room temperature after 24 h after the leaching. A fractional design 2² (with 4 replicates at the central point) was carried out for testing the pH and agitation as process independent factors. Only the interaction between the pH and agitation showed a significant influence. These factors were optimized with a central composite design. Agitation at 300 rpm and pH at 5.0 were the best conditions to extract the enzyme from solid matrix. The modeling of the process indicated that diffusivity of the enzyme in the solvent was the controlling mechanism. The corresponding kinetic constant and saturation concentration in this process were 0.89 min-1 and 4.0 IU/mL, respectively. The multistage process indicated that after two steps, it was possible to recover 85% of total enzyme produced.
Living with a Craniofacial Condition: Development of the Craniofacial Experiences Questionnaire (CFEQ) for Adolescents and Their Parents
Authors: Roberts Rachel M. , Shute Rosalyn
Published: February 2011

Objective

To develop a new instrument (the Craniofacial Experiences Questionnaire, CFEQ) to measure both stressors and positive aspects of living with a craniofacial condition from adolescent and parent perspectives, and to examine its validity and reliability. A secondary aim was to explore experiences reported according to age, gender, and diagnosis.

Design

Self-report and parent report questionnaires (CFEQ, Youth Self Report [YSR], Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL], Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale [BERS]) were completed by adolescents with congenital craniofacial conditions and their parents.

Participants

Fifty adolescents with craniofacial conditions and 55 of their parents.

Results

Internal reliability of the stressor and positive aspects scales was acceptable (.81 to .92) but was lower for some stressor subscales (.50–.86). Higher stressor scale scores were related to poorer adjustment (CBCL r = .55, YSR r = .37). There were no consistent differences in the stressful or positive experiences of young people with craniofacial conditions according to gender or age. There were no differences in stressors reported according to diagnosis.

Conclusions

The CFEQ shows promise as a clinical and research tool for investigating the stressors and positive experiences of young people with craniofacial conditions. Consistent with the literature on chronic pediatric conditions, there were few differences in experiences of young people according to diagnosis. Furthermore, the lack of gender or age differences supports the need for clinicians to comprehensively assess the experiences of young people regardless of demographic variables.
Influence of Timing of Hard Palate Repair in a Two-Stage Procedure on Early Speech Development in Danish Children with Cleft Palate
Authors: Willadsen Elisabeth
Published: February 2011

Objective

To investigate the influence of timing of hard palate closure on early speech development from 18 months to 3 years of age.

Design

A prospective, randomized clinical trial.

Participants

Thirty-four children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) with velum closure at 4 months of age, and hard palate closure at 12 months (early hard palate repair, EarlyHPR) or 36 months (late hard palate unrepaired, LateHPU) by random assignment. Thirty-five control children were matched for gender and age.

Methods

All children were video recorded during a play interaction with a parent at 18 months of age. These recordings were transcribed according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. At 36 months a single word naming test was administered.

Results

At 18 months the LateHPU group produced fewer labial stops and more velar stops than the EarlyHPR group. Unlike the EarlyHPR group, the LateHPU group produced fewer vocalizations, consonants, and consonants permissible in word-initial position than the control group. Additionally, both cleft palate groups had a smaller productive vocabulary than the control group, but unlike the EarlyHPR group, the LateHPU group produced a smaller number of word tokens in social interaction than the control group. By 3 years of age, the LateHPU group had a (severely) restricted phonological system and produced more cleft speech characteristics than the EarlyHPR group.

Conclusions

Surgical timing of hard palate repair in a two-stage procedure appears to have an influence on early speech development in children with cleft palate.
Oral and Craniofacial Findings of Binder Syndrome: Two Case Reports
Authors: Defraia Efisio , Camporesi Matteo , Conti Giulia , Zoni Valeria , Marinelli Andrea
Published: February 2011

Binder syndrome is a malformative midfacial alteration, known also as maxillonasal dysplasia or maxillonasal dysostosis. In this article, two cases of affected patients are reported, and the features of the condition are reviewed. One case presents a cleft lip. Hypotheses about etiology, pathogenesis, and classification of the syndrome are illustrated. This work provides a contribution for the delineation of a differential diagnostic procedure.
Realizing Value From Implementing i-field™ in Agbami—A Deepwater Greenfield in an Offshore Nigeria Development
Authors: Sankaran Sathish , Olise Moses , Meinert David , Awasthi Ankur
Published: February 2011

Digital oil field (DOF) in the upstream industry has gained momentum in the last few years and has transformed from being solely a vision to actual projects that have measurable value. The ultimate goal in DOF projects is an integrated approach toward decision making and control of asset management in relevant time. This paper describes the successful methodology adopted for implementing the i-field™ program (i-field is a trademark of Chevron Corporation) in Agbami—namely, identification, prioritization, and implementation of relevant workflows.

The Agbami field, located in deepwater offshore Nigeria, is a subsea development that incorporates crestal gas and peripheral water injection. It is located in approximately 1500 m of water depth and consists of a 38-well development program to be implemented in three phases. The well completion incorporates intelligent well completions (IWCs)—downhole flowmeters, pressure and temperature gauges, and interval-control valves (ICVs). These downhole accessories are managed using electric and hydraulic controls/instrumentation, with subsurface, subsea, and topside data acquired and transmitted to a central data historian on the floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit in relevant time. The implementation of a robust architecture for a data- and informationmanagement system involving acquisition, processing, storage, and replication (from offshore to onshore) is conceived to be the foundation upon which asset-management workflows are implemented.

The expected benefits from implementing the i-field program in Agbami include reduction in lost production opportunity (LPO) through proactive asset management, better long-term reservoir management through time-line management of injection- and production-rate balancing, increased efficiency and reliability through guided workflows, improved ultimate recovery, and better overall performance from standardization of base business work processes. The real value of implementing i-field initiatives in Agbami lies not only in the return on investment but also in providing a benchmark for capturing the value of other assets. Based on field experience, this paper discusses the approach toward value realization of the i-field system, including change-management strategy for end-user acceptance. Critical success factors and lessons learned during deployment are also presented.