bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Possible Specialization for Hummingbird-Hunting in the Tiny Hawk
Authors: Stiles F. Gary 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This paper describes the hunting tactics of the Tiny Hawk, Accipiter superciliosus fontanieri, in a Costa Rican rain forest, where it appears to be a hummingbird specialist. Three tactics were used by the hawks to hunt hummingbirds: typical Accipiter still-hunting (probably not specifically for hummingbirds), waiting in ambush by a hummingbird's regular territorial perch, and flying rapidly between the perches of several territorial hummingbirds. Relative use of the latter two tactics may reflect the local density of territorial hummingbirds.
Effect of Prey on Predator: Voles and Harriers
Authors: Hamerstrom Frances 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Nesting of Harriers (Circus cyaneus) in central Wisconsin was strongly linked to vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) abundance during 3 of 4 peak yr within a 16-yr period. Heavy application of DDT on the study area was believed to be the cause of the damped response to one vole high.
Hormonal Induction of Feather Pigmentation in Ptarmigan
Authors: Höhn E. O. , Braun C. E. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) in the winter plumage, on a regime under which control birds grew white feathers in plucked areas, grew pigmented feathers in the plucked areas, when injected with posterior pituitary extract or α MSH, LH, or FSH (only effective in females). White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus), patch-plucked and released into the wild after implantation with a hormone-cholesterol mixture, grew pigmented feathers after implantation with α MSH, TSH, thyroxine (in one out of two birds tested), and an FSH/LH mixture. Controls implanted with cholesterol grew only white feathers. Both sets of experiments were carried out in winter.
A scheme of the control of ptarmigan plumage colors, which assumes that MSH and gonadotrophins and, in males, testosterone are involved in the natural control mechanism, is proposed.
The Insulation in Nests of Selected North American Songbirds
Authors: Skowron Carol , Kern Michael 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The heat flux (Qn), thermal conductance (h), thermal conductivity coefficients (k), and density (based on light penetration) of 66 nests representing 11 species of North American songbirds are presented. Well-insulated nests have relatively small values of Qn (0.151 to 0.167 W) and h (3.53 to 3.74 W m-2 °C-1). The nest wall is either solid or so dense that it prevents light from penetrating it (0 lux-1). Poorly insulated nests have relatively high values for Qn (0.364 to 0.373 W) and h (9.95 to 12.35 W m-2 °C-1), and are exceedingly porous (0.39 to 0.72 lux-1). Nests with moderate insulation have values of Qn (0.230 to 0.293 W) and h (4.37 to 6.15 W m-2 °C-1) that are intermediate in size. Some of these nests are moderately porous (0.0016 to 0.0054 lux-1); others are not (0.00002 to 0.0013 lux-1). Many facets of the nest (diameter of the entrance; depth, volume, and surface area of the nest cavity; thickness of the nest wall; density of the nest wall) influence Qn and h, but generally weakly. The most important of these is nest density. Values of k for nests range between 52 and 239 x 10-3 W m-1 °C-1, but are usually intermediate between those of animal fur and wood.
Effect of Habitat Decimation on Ring-Billed Gull Colony- and Nest-Site Tenacity
Authors: Southern Linda K. , Southern William E. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Colony-site tenacity and nest-site tenacity have been documented in several larids, but the proximate factors affecting fidelity remain poorly understood. We examined the effect of severe breeding-habitat alterations (bulldozing) on site tenacity in Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis). Return rates of wing-tagged adults were similar in bulldozed and unchanged parts of the colony site. In bulldozed areas, however, most ring-bills abstained from nesting; those that did breed showed an increased tendency to move to a different nest site.
UXT in Sertoli cells is required for blood–testis barrier integrity†
Authors: Thomas Phillip A , Schafler Eric D , Ruff Sophie E , Voisin Maud , Ha Susan , Logan Susan K 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSpermatogenesis is a complex process that establishes male fertility and involves proper communication between the germline (spermatozoa) and the somatic tissue (Sertoli cells). Many factors that are important for spermatozoa production are also required for Sertoli cell function. Recently, we showed that the transcriptional cofactor ubiquitously expressed transcript (UXT) encodes a protein that is essential in germ cells for spermatogenesis and fertility. However, the role of UXT within Sertoli cells and how it affects Sertoli cell function was still unclear. Here we describe a novel role for UXT in the Sertoli cell’s ability to support spermatogenesis. We find that the conditional deletion of Uxt in Sertoli cells results in smaller testis size and weight, which coincided with a loss of germ cells in a subset of seminiferous tubules. In addition, the deletion of Uxt has no impact on Sertoli cell abundance or maturity, as they express markers of mature Sertoli cells. Gene expression analysis reveals that the deletion of Uxt in Sertoli cells reduces the transcription of genes involved in the tight junctions of the blood–testis barrier (BTB). Furthermore, tracer experiments and electron microscopy reveal that the BTB is permeable in UXT KO animals. These findings broaden our understanding of UXT’s role in Sertoli cells and its contribution to the structural integrity of the BTB.
Changes and Continuities in Adoption Social Work: Adoption in Scotland Since the 1968 Act
Authors: Critchley Ariane , Cowan Polly , Grant Maggie , Hardy Mark 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This article charts changes and continuities in the social work role in adoption since 1968. The Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 established the Children’s Hearing System, Scotland’s unique approach to child welfare in which lay volunteers make decisions on compulsory intervention relating to children. Although the Act was not intended to reform adoption practice, it has had two major impacts. First, as adoption moved from ‘relinquishment’ to more complex and contested legal routes, the Children’s Hearing came to occupy an integral role in decision-making for children in need of care and protection. Secondly, since 1968, adoption has become understood as a resource for children who are unable to remain within their birth family or kinship networks. Using documentary analysis of adoption files and interviews with key informants, the research focused on three key periods: 1968, 1988 and 2014. The study found that fragmentation of the social work role has decreased the potential of adoption records to be a resource for adopted individuals curious about their origins and story. Paradoxically, over this period, there has been growing understanding of the identity needs of adopted people. Such unintended consequences suggest the need for more a thoughtful approach to adoption record keeping.
Pan-Family Assays for Rapid Viral Screening: Reducing Delays in Public Health Responses During Pandemics
Authors: Erlichster Michael , Chana Gursharan , Zantomio Daniela , Goudey Benjamin , Skafidas Efstratios 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 has highlighted deficiencies in the testing capacity of many developed countries during the early stages of pandemics. Here we describe a strategy using pan-family viral assays to improve early accessibility of large-scale nucleic acid testing.

Methods
Coronaviruses and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were used as a case study for assessing utility of pan-family viral assays during the early stages of a novel pandemic. Specificity of a pan-coronavirus (Pan-CoV) assay for a novel pathogen was assessed using the frequency of common human coronavirus (HCoV) species in key populations. A reported Pan-CoV assay was assessed to determine sensitivity to 60 reference coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The resilience of the primer target regions of this assay to mutation was assessed in 8893 high-quality SARS-CoV-2 genomes to predict ongoing utility during pandemic progression.

Results
Because of common HCoV species, a Pan-CoV assay would return false positives for as few as 1% of asymptomatic adults, but up to 30% of immunocompromised patients with respiratory disease. One-half of reported Pan-CoV assays identify SARS-CoV-2 and with small adjustments can accommodate diverse variation observed in animal coronaviruses. The target region of 1 well-established Pan-CoV assay is highly resistant to mutation compared to species-specific SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assays.

Conclusions
Despite cross-reactivity with common pathogens, pan-family assays may greatly assist management of emerging pandemics through prioritization of high-resolution testing or isolation measures. Targeting highly conserved genomic regions make pan-family assays robust and resilient to mutation. A strategic stockpile of pan-family assays may improve containment of novel diseases before the availability of species-specific assays.
Evaluation of an immunoseparation method for quantitative measurement of remnant-like particle-cholesterol in serum and plasma
Authors: Leary Elizabeth Teng , Wang Tao , Baker Daniel J , Cilla Donald D , Zhong Jianhua , Warnick G Russell , Nakajima Katsuyuki , Havel Richard J 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSubstantial evidence indicates that triglyceride-rich lipoprotein remnants are atherogenic. Additional research has, however, been limited by available methods for separation and quantification of remnants. We have evaluated an immunoseparation assay developed to measure cholesterol in remnant-like particles (RLP-C). This method uses monoclonal antibodies to human apolipoproteins B-100 and A-I to remove most of the apolipoprotein B-100-containing lipoproteins (namely LDL and nascent VLDL) and apolipoprotein A-I-containing lipoproteins (namely chylomicrons and HDL), leaving behind a fraction of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, including chylomicron and VLDL remnants, both of which are enriched in apolipoprotein E. Cholesterol in the unbound fraction is measured with a sensitive enzymatic assay. The RLP-C concentration was highly correlated with total triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (sum of VLDL-cholesterol and IDL-cholesterol) separated by ultracentrifugation and by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (r = 0.86 and 0.76, respectively). The within-run and run-to-run imprecision (CV) of the assay was ∼6% and 10%, respectively. The assay was not affected by hemoglobin up to 5000 mg/L (500 mg/dL), bilirubin up to 342 mmol/L (20 mg/dL), glucose up to 67 mmol/L (1200 mg/dL), or ascorbic acid up to 170 mmol/L (3.0 mg/dL). In 726 subjects (men, n = 364; women, n = 362) in the US, the 75th percentiles of RLP-C concentration were 0.17 mmol/L (6.6 mg/dL) and 0.23 mmol/L (8.8 mg/dL) in sera obtained after overnight fasting or randomly, respectively. A group of 151 patients from nine US centers and one Canadian center with coronary artery atherosclerosis established by angiography had higher median RLP-C concentrations than 302 gender- and age-matched controls (P &lt;0.05). We conclude that the RLP-C assay compares favorably to ultracentrifugation and electrophoresis and provides a convenient and economical approach to measure triglyceride-rich lipoprotein remnants in routine clinical laboratories.
Increased concentrations of genotype-interpreted Ca 19-9 in urine of bladder cancer patients mark diffuse atypia of the urothelium
Authors: Vestergaard Else Marie , Wolf Hans , Ørntoft Torben F 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe investigated the use of genotype-interpreted measurements of the tumor marker Ca 19-9 in the urine of bladder cancer patients as a marker of the extent of urothelial disease. Ca 19-9 in urine (sialyl-Lea/creatinine ratio) was measured in 81 bladder cancer patients and correlated to T-category, histologic grade, and presence of urothelial dysplasia. As reference group, Ca 19-9 ratio was measured in urine from 21 apparently healthy individuals. The amount of sialyl-Lea expressed is influenced by the Lewis genotype and secretor status. Accordingly, secretor status was determined in urine by a novel ELISA method, and the Lewis genotypes of all of the individuals were determined by PCR cleavage methods. Ca 19-9 concentrations in urine were higher (P &lt;0.01) in bladder cancer patients than in healthy individuals and significantly (P =0.02) higher in cancer patients with concomitant urothelial dysplasia than in those with normal urothelium. For individuals Lewis-genotyped as homozygous wild-type, Ca 19-9 concentrations in urine were higher, both in cancer patients (P = 0.06) and in healthy individuals (P = 0.004), than in the heterozygous individuals. Furthermore, nonsecretor cancer patients had higher (P &lt;0.01) Ca 19-9 concentrations in urine. Attention is drawn to the possibility of a general genotype interpretation of a result in clinical chemistry.
Laboratory guidelines for monitoring of antimicrobial drugs
Authors: Hammett-Stabler Catherine A , Johns Thomas 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFew antimicrobial drugs meet the requirements for therapeutic drug monitoring. Those that are monitored include the aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin), chloramphenicol, and in some cases, vancomycin. For these drugs, there is evidence of a relationship between serum concentration, efficacy, and/or the incidence of adverse or toxic events. Monitoring begins with the appropriate timing of collection and continues through the analytical process to the integration of all data used to guide the clinician’s next decision.
Homocysteine and vitamins in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Jacobsen Donald W 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOn the basis of recent retrospective and prospective studies, it is now widely accepted that increased total plasma homocysteine is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Impaired enzyme function as a result of genetic mutation or deficiency of the essential B vitamins folic acid, B12, and B6 can lead to hyperhomocysteinemia. Oxidized forms of homocysteine account for 98–99% of total plasma homocysteine. Although there is uncertainty as to whether increased homocysteine is causal or merely a proxy for cardiovascular disease, several lines of evidence suggest that it may play a role in atherothrombotic disease. Homocysteine appears to alter the anticoagulant properties of endothelial cells to a procoagulant phenotype. Mildly increased homocysteine causes dysfunction of the vascular endothelium. Folic acid effectively lowers homocysteine concentration in the plasma. Intervention studies are urgently needed to determine if lowering homocysteine is effective in decreasing the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease.
Kinetics of Serum Tumor Marker Concentrations and Usefulness in Clinical Monitoring
Authors: Bidart Jean-Michel , Thuillier François , Augereau Christine , Chalas Jacqueline , Daver Alain , Jacob Nelly , Labrousse Françoise , Voitot Hélène 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOnly a few markers have been instrumental in the diagnosis of cancer. In contrast, tumor markers play a critical role in the monitoring of patients. The patient’s clinical status and response to treatment can be evaluated rapidly using the tumor marker half-life (t1/2) and the tumor marker doubling time (DT). This report reviews the interest of determining these kinetic parameters for prostate-specific antigen, human chorionic gonadotropin, α-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen (CA) 125, and CA 15-3. A rise in tumor markers (DT) is a yardstick with which benign diseases can be distinguished from metastatic disease, and the DT can be used to assess the efficacy of treatments. A decline in the tumor marker concentration (t1/2) is a predictor of possible residual disease if the timing of blood sampling is soon after therapy. The discrepancies in results obtained by different groups may be attributable to the multiplicity of immunoassays, the intrinsic characteristics of each marker (e.g., antigen specificity, molecular heterogeneity, and associated forms), individual factors (e.g., nonspecific increases and renal and hepatic diseases) and methods used to calculate kinetics (e.g., exponential models and timing of blood sampling). This kinetic approach could be of interest to optimize patient management.
Disease Gene Patents: Overcoming Unethical Constraints on Clinical Laboratory Medicine
Authors: Merz Jon F 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe rapidly growing number of disease gene patents—patents that claim all methods for diagnosis of a particular genetic condition—threatens the ability of physicians to provide medical care to their patients. In the past, patented diagnostic tests were made broadly available to the medical community in the form of test kits or licenses to use the patented test. Disease gene tests, however, are being monopolized by a small number of providers. Monopolization of medical testing services: (a) threatens to restrict research activities; (b) creates unacceptable conflicts of interest; (c) may reduce patient access to testing; (d) may lead to inequitable extensions of patent terms on tests and related discoveries; and (e) grants to patent holders the ability to dictate the standard of care for testing, and to otherwise interfere with the practice of medicine. Because of the risks raised by monopolization, amendment of the patent law to require compulsory licensing of physicians providing medical services is recommended.Vatican City (Reuters). The Vatican announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Dr. Mark Bogart of Honolulu, Hawaii, which grants to the Vatican exclusive rights to United States Patent no. 4,874,693. That patent, granted to Dr. Bogart in 1989, covers the human chorionic gonadotropin part of the maternal serum triple test for Down syndrome when performed between 18 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. Dr. Bogart, who was collecting royalties of several million dollars per quarter from hospitals, health maintenance organizations, and testing laboratories throughout the US, sold his interests in the patent for an undisclosed sum. The Vatican’s statement made clear that the Church intends to enforce its patent and prevent further use of the test in the US.
Optimization of Apolipoprotein(a) Genotyping with Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Griffioen Pieter H , Zwang Louwerens , van Schaik Ron HN , Engel Henk , Lindemans Jan , Cobbaert Christa M 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Increased lipoprotein(a) is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, and its concentration in serum is inversely correlated with the size of the apoliprotein(a) [apo(a)] component. The size of the apo(a) gene is determined mainly by the Kringle IV size polymorphism. We have optimized and characterized pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for apo(a) genotyping.
Methods: Established PFGE protocols were adjusted. The changes included the following: (a) increased DNA yields by the use of all leukocytes for isolation from either 3 mL of fresh EDTA whole blood or 250 μL of frozen buffy coats; (b) increased efficiency of Kpn1 digestion by the inclusion of a digestion buffer wash; (c) reduction of assay time by the use of capillary blotting; (d) increased sensitivity by the use of four digoxigenin-labeled apo(a) probes; and (e) identification using a single film by the inclusion of a digoxigenin-labeled lambda marker probe in addition to apo(a) probes in the hybridization mix.
Results: In older Caucasians, 93% (buffy coats, n=468) were heterozygous for apo(a) gene size. An inverse correlation between serum lipoprotein(a) and the sum of Kringle IV alleles was found (y = −23x + 1553; r = −0.442; n = 468). Gel-to-gel variation was minimal (3%). Imprecision (SD) was one Kringle IV repeat (control sample containing eight fragments of 72–233 kb; n=34 electrophoretic runs).
Conclusions: The practicality and sensitivity of the apo(a) genotyping technique by PFGE were improved, and accuracy and reproducibility were preserved. The optimized procedure is promising for apo(a) genotyping on frozen buffy coats from large epidemiological studies.
Clinical Chemistry Since 1800: Growth and Development
Authors: Rosenfeld Louis 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe 19th and 20th centuries witnessed the growth and development of clinical chemistry. Many of the individuals and the significance of their contributions are not very well known, especially to new members of the profession. This survey should help familiarize them with the names and significance of the contributions of physicians and chemists such as Fourcroy, Berzelius, Liebig, Prout, Bright, and Rees. Folin and Van Slyke are better known, and it was their work near the end of the second decade of the 20th century that brought the clinical chemist out of the annex of the mortuary and into close relationship with the patient at the bedside. However, the impact on clinical chemistry and the practice of medicine by the 1910 exposé written by Abraham Flexner is not as well known as it deserves to be, nor is the impetus that World War I gave to the spread of laboratory medicine generally known.In the closing decades of the 20th century, automated devices produced an overabundance, and an overuse and misuse, of testing to the detriment of careful history taking and bedside examination of the patient. This is attributable in part to a fascination with machine-produced data. There was also an increased awareness of the value of chemical methods of diagnosis and the need to bring clinician and clinical chemist into a closer partnership. Clinical chemists were urged to develop services into dynamic descriptions of the diagnostic values of laboratory results and to identify medical relevance in interpreting significance for the clinician.
Quantification of Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Its Products in Human Plasma by Use of an Analysis Independent of Precursor Processing
Authors: Goetze Jens Peter , Kastrup Jens , Pedersen Frants , Rehfeld Jens F 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Measurement of cardiac natriuretic peptides or their precursors in plasma appears promising in the diagnosis of heart failure. However, the currently available assays to measure pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP)-derived peptides have produced grossly discrepant results.
Methods: We treated plasma with trypsin before assay and used in the assay an antibody specific for a processing-independent epitope of human proBNP. We then determined the total concentration of proBNP and its products in healthy volunteers and heart-failure patients.
Results: The antiserum produced (no. 98192) required an intact proBNP NH2 terminus for binding and displayed a high titer, index of heterogeneity, and binding affinity, implying that the RIA was monospecific and highly sensitive. Preanalytical tryptic treatment of plasma cleaved proBNP forms to release the N-terminal 1–21 fragment. Furthermore, enzymatic treatment of plasma also was efficient in avoiding nonspecific interference from plasma proteins, making it an expedient alternative to extraction. In healthy individuals, the total proBNP concentrations increased with age from 2.0 pmol/L (range, 0–15 pmol/L; ages 51–65 years) to 22 pmol/L (range, 3–40 pmol/L; ages 66–88 years; P &lt;0.0001). The increase in plasma proBNP in the elderly, however, also seems to reflect the prevalence of cardiac disease. Plasma concentrations in patients with heart failure were all markedly increased [median, 89 pmol/L (range, 29–659) vs 1.0 pmol/L (range, 0–16) in age-matched controls; P &lt;0.0001].
Conclusions: The processing-independent analysis measures the total proBNP product irrespective of the degree of proBNP processing. The results show that proBNP and its products circulate in low picomolar concentrations in healthy individuals.