bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiation Exposure During Videourodynamics: Establishing Risk Factors
Authors: BRUCKER Benjamin M. , CAMPEAU Lysanne , FONG Eva , KALRA Sidhartha , ROSENBLUM Nirit , NITTI Victor W. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesThe use of fluoroscopy during urodynamics can be helpful in the evaluation of patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction. However, fluoroscopy introduces the potential hazards of ionizing radiation, including malignancy. In this study we analyzed the data for radiation exposure during videourodynamic study (VUDS) at our center; we have also tried to establish the factors associated with increased exposure to radiation during VUDS.MethodsWe reviewed all VUDS from August 2010 to May 2011. Patients were included if they were ≥18 years old and had data recorded on total radiation exposure (radcm2). Age, sex, body mass index, fluoroscopy time, diagnosis, and urodynamic findings were recorded. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors that influenced increased radiation exposure.ResultsA total of 203 videourodynamic studies were assessed in 106 female and 97 male patients with a mean age of 64.3 and body mass index of 26.8. The average fluoroscopy time was 100.2 sec and exposure was 560.9 radcm2. The most common indication for videourodynamics was incontinence, 40.9%. On multivariate linear regression analysis body mass index, vesico‐ureteral reflux, sex, number of fill cycles, and larger capacity were independent predictors of increased radiation exposure.ConclusionsWe have shown that increased radiation exposure as measure with Dose Area Product during VUDS was significantly associated with larger BMI, female gender, larger bladder capacity, presence of VUR, junior operator, and higher number of fill cycles. Further studies are now underway to attempt to reduce exposure based on these findings.
Differentiation in reproductive traits of geminate mangrove crabs of the genus Aratus (Decapoda: Brachyura) across the Central American Isthmus
Authors: Rebolledo Adriana P. , Wehrtmann Ingo S. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe mangrove crab Aratus pisonii was considered to have an amphi‐American distribution; however, a recent study revealed that the Eastern Tropical Pacific populations were genetically distinct, thus representing a new species: Aratus pacificus. These species separated by the Isthmus of Panama have diverged under different environmental conditions that may have influenced their reproductive biology. As the available information about this genus concerns almost exclusively the Caribbean species, the aim of the present study was to analyse and compare reproductive aspects of A. pacificus and A. pisonii obtained from both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica. Females were collected from April 2011 to April 2012, and reproductive features such as breeding season, size distribution of ovigerous females, fecundity, reproductive output, embryo volume and embryo water content were assessed. Both species produced embryos during the entire sampled period. Most females of A. pacificus carrying embryos close to hatching were found during the rainy season. Ovigerous females of A. pisonii were substantially larger and reached sexual maturity at a larger size than females of A. pacificus. Embryo production started in A. pacificus at a smaller female size than in A. pisonii. As fecundity increased with female size, the average fecundity was lower in A. pacificus. Females of A. pisonii produced larger embryos, which might be related to lower food availability: higher energy content in the embryo enhances the chances of larval survival. These data regarding reproductive features of the Pacific and Caribbean species support the conclusion to separate A. pacificus from A. pisonii.
Distribution and feeding ecology of three juvenile mojarras in a hypersaline tropical estuary in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Silva Rayssa S. , Carvalho Kamila D. , Pessanha André L. M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAlthough mojarra species usually demonstrate a wide distribution in tropical and subtropical estuaries, relatively little is known about the process influencing the spatial resource partitioning to nearshore habitats. Therefore, the aim of this study was check the existence of habitat and food partitioning among confamiliar species in a hypersaline estuary. The dietary compositions of three co‐occurring species of mojarras were determined, using samples collected with a beach seine from an inverse tropical estuary in Northeastern Brazil, during the rainy and the dry seasons of 2012. Eucinostomus argenteus and Ulaema lefroyi were abundant throughout the year, while Eugerres brasilianus was most abundant during the rainy season. Although these mojarras were found together in all areas of the estuary, there was evidence of habitat partitioning: E. argenteus and E. brasilianus were dominant in areas with submerged vegetation, while U. lefroyi was most abundant in areas with little habitat complexity and minimal shelter. All mojarras consumed, to different degrees, zooplankton, Bivalvia and Polychaeta. However, E. brasilanus also consumed a considerable amount of algae. Although the niches of the mojarra species appeared to significantly overlap, some resource partitioning patterns were apparent. While E. brasilanus was clearly different along the trophic niche, segregation of the other species was more important with respect to the spatial dimension. The different feeding strategies appear to minimize inter‐specific overlap and allow the co‐occurrence of these species in this hypersaline tropical estuary.
Small macro‐benthic invertebrates influence the survival, growth and behaviour of juvenile green sea urchins Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis in the laboratory
Authors: Jennings Lindsay B. , Hunt Heather L. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRecent settlers of many marine benthic invertebrates are cryptic, which exposes them to a suite of animals that differs from those they may experience as adults, potentially resulting in interactions causing mortality and/or reducing growth. Previous field experiments have indicated that such is the case with small juvenile green sea urchins Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis but which taxa are responsible for the mortality and reduced growth was not determined. A laboratory study was conducted to examine the effects of small macro‐benthic invertebrates, specifically chitons, scaleworms and larger juvenile conspecifics, as well as the full suite of cobble‐dwelling organisms, on the mortality, growth and behaviour of small (<3 mm) juvenile sea urchins. The likelihood of survival of small juvenile sea urchins was lower in the presence of larger juvenile sea urchins or with the full suite of cobble‐dwelling organisms than in the absence of animals. The small juvenile sea urchins survived and grew the best when they were with chitons and scaleworms. The behaviour of small sea urchins with the full suite of cobble‐dwelling organisms was more cryptic than the behaviour of urchins with scaleworms. This study indicates that interactions with the suite of small organisms living amongst cobbles can affect survival, growth and behaviour of small juvenile sea urchins, and that larger juvenile sea urchins can be a source of mortality for smaller conspecifics.
Growth pattern and changes in abundance of the endangered bat star Asterina stellifera
Authors: Meretta Pablo E. , Farias Nahuel E. , Cledón Maximiliano , Ventura Carlos Renato Rezende 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe sea star Asterina stellifera has declined during the last decade and is currently abundant only in the southern limit of its former range. We surveyed this population over 5 years to model individual growth and explore the relationship of changes in local abundance with variation in environmental factors and the reproductive status of individuals. Our results show that A. stellifera is a species with slow growth and a relatively long lifespan. Contrary to expectations for temperate species, growth rates were fairly constant through the year and therefore models including seasonal oscillations were inappropriate. The abundance of this species increased significantly from early spring to early summer, likely due to augmented activity and small‐scale aggregation during the reproductive season that affected our estimates of abundance. No significant recruitment occurred during the 5 years studied. The lack of recruitment during long periods and the slow individual growth rates make A. stellifera particularly vulnerable to local extinction. This study was performed prior to the arrival in the study area of the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida and side‐gilled sea slug Pleurobranchaea maculata, species that threaten the community structure where A. stellifera lives. Therefore, the information reported here will be essential to assessing the impacts of these exotic species on this sea star population.
Changes in life cycle of the Ponto‐Caspian amphipod Pontogammarus robustoides at in the northernmost part of its range
Authors: Berezina Nadezhda A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of abundance, population structure and reproductive variables of the invasive Ponto‐Caspian amphipod Pontogammarus robustoides in its northernmost population, located in the Baltic Sea. Pontogammarus robustoides population variables were studied every month from May to October over 7 years (2002–2008) at two locations in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland, one site in the north and one in the south. Observations of macrozoobenthos were also conducted once per year in July at 12 sites in this gulf during 2002–2014. This was to monitor the distribution area of P. robustoides and its abundance/biomass in different parts of the Gulf. The results showed that P. robustoides is a widely spread species in the Gulf, preferring to colonize stone‐sandy, vegetated and littoral habitats, from the shore to a depth of 5 m, with water salinity of 0.2–3 ppt. This species co‐exists with other amphipods, such as the Baikalian Gmelinoides fasciatus, the North Atlantic Gammarus tigrinus and the native Gammarus spp. The abundance of P. robustoides varied between the two study sites and among years (2002–2008), reaching a maximum level of 1000 ind.·m−2 for adults and 3000 ind.·m−2 for juveniles. The temperature‐dependent duration of egg development (embryogenesis) in the amphipod and the annual number of generations in P. robustoides populations varied among years. Three generations were recorded in most years and two generations in the coldest years. Clutch size (or fecundity) was dependent on the body length of female and averaged between 33 and 43 eggs per clutch for females ranging in body length from 11.2 to 12.2 mm. A maximum of 75 eggs were observed in a female with a body length of 16 mm. This paper concludes that life‐cycle variables change when P. robustoides spreads from the southern (Ponto‐Caspian region) to northern (Baltic Sea) range areas. In the studied northernmost location, the fecundity and number of generations of this amphipod were 1.5–2‐fold lower compared with the more southern locations. In addition, these variables and P. robustoides abundance were different between the coldest and warmest years at study sites that testify about their distinct dependence on local environmental conditions; further changes in life cycle of this species may be expected together with current climate warming.
Photolyase: Dynamics and Mechanisms of Repair of Sun‐Induced DNA Damage
Authors: Zhang Meng , Wang Lijuan , Zhong Dongping 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPhotolyase, a photomachine discovered half a century ago for repair of sun‐induced DNA damage of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6‐4) pyrimidone photoproducts (6‐4PPs), has been characterized extensively in biochemistry (function), structure and dynamics since 1980s. The molecular mechanism and repair photocycle have been revealed at the most fundamental level. Using femtosecond spectroscopy, we have mapped out the entire dynamical evolution and determined all actual timescales of the catalytic processes. Here, we review our recent efforts in studies of the dynamics of DNA repair by photolyases. The repair of CPDs in three life kingdoms includes seven electron transfer (ET) reactions among 10 elementary steps through initial bifurcating ET pathways, a direct tunneling route and a two‐step hopping path both through an intervening adenine from the cofactor to CPD, with a conserved folded structure at the active site. The repair of 6‐4PPs is challenging and requires similar ET reactions and a new cyclic proton transfer with a conserved histidine residue at the active site of (6‐4) photolyases. Finally, we also summarize our efforts on multiple intraprotein ET of photolyases in different redox states and such mechanistic studies are critical to the functional mechanism of homologous cryptochromes of blue‐light photoreceptors.
Political and Institutional Prerequisites for Monetary Union: Assessing Progress in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Authors: Aideyan Osaore 
Published: December 2016

In this article, I analyze why it has been difficult to achieve the proposed common currency, the “ECO” by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), using a constructivist approach that emphasizes the importance of institutions. I argue that a common currency has not been implemented due to the absence of an intense and institutionalized set of political and economic relationships among member states. The analysis places emphasis on how historical, social, and cultural factors structure the operation of a common currency to ground the behavior of actors in widely shared experiences and institutionalized principles.Related Articles

Asongu, Simplice A. 2016. “.” Politics & Policy 44 (): 97‐134. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12148/full

Cerami, Alfio. 2011. “.” Politics & Policy 39 (): 345‐372. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2011.00294.x/full

Hazakis, Konstantinos J. 2015. “.” Politics & Policy 43 (): 822‐854. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12141/full
The Dictator's Digital Toolkit: Explaining Variation in Internet Filtering in Authoritarian Regimes
Authors: Hellmeier Sebastian 
Published: December 2016

Following its global diffusion during the last decade, the Internet was expected to become a liberation technology and a threat for autocratic regimes by facilitating collective action. Recently, however, autocratic regimes took control of the Internet and filter online content. Building on the literature concerning the political economy of repression, this article argues that regime characteristics, economic conditions, and conflict in bordering states account for variation in Internet filtering levels among autocratic regimes. Using OLS‐regression, the article analyzes the determinants of Internet filtering as measured by the Open Net Initiative in 34 autocratic regimes. The results show that monarchies, regimes with higher levels of social unrest, regime changes in neighboring countries, and less oppositional competition in the political arena are more likely to filter the Internet. The article calls for a systematic data collection to analyze the causal mechanisms and the temporal dynamics of Internet filtering.Related Articles

Glen, Carol M. 2014. “” Politics & Policy 42 (): 635‐657. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12093/abstract

Reynolds, Peter W. 2003. “.” Politics & Policy 31 (): 512‐529. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2003.tb00160.x/abstract

Fisher, Bonnie,
Michael Margolis, and
David Resnick. 1996. “.” Southeastern Political Review 24 (): 399‐429. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.1996.tb00088.x/abstract
Related Media
. 2009. “Dr. Ronald Deibert, Director of the Citizen Lab at Toronto University and the Open Net Initiative Presents a Recently Completed Global Survey of more than 45 countries that Censor Online.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v = BWMn7RzdIX0

Websites: Website of the Open Net Initiative including the data used in this paper, country reports and online access to further material. https://opennet.net
Competition for attentional resources between low spatial frequency content of emotional images and a foreground task in early visual cortex
Authors: Müller Matthias M. , Gundlach Christopher 
Published: December 2016

AbstractLow spatial frequency (LSF) image content has been proposed to play a superior functional role in emotional content extraction via the magnocellular pathway biasing attentional resources toward emotional content in visual cortex. We investigated whether emotionally unpleasant complex images that were presented either unfiltered or with LSF content only in the background while subjects performed a foreground task will withdraw more attentional resources from the task compared to unemotional, neutral images (distraction paradigm). We measured steady‐state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) driven by flickering stimuli of a foreground task. Unfiltered unpleasant images resulted in a significant reduction of SSVEP amplitude compared to neutral images. No statistically significant differences were found with LSF background images. In a behavioral control experiment, we found no significant differences for complexity ratings between unfiltered and LSF pictures. Content identification was possible for unfiltered and LSF picture (correct responses > 74%). An additional EEG study examined typical emotion‐related components for complex images presented either as unfiltered, LSF, or high spatial frequency (HSF, as an additional control) filtered, unpleasant, and neutral images. We found a significant main effect of emotional valence in the early posterior negativity. Late positive potential differences were only found for unfiltered and HSF images. Results suggest that, while LSF content is sufficient to allow for content and emotional cue extraction when images were presented alone, LSF content is not salient enough to serve as emotional distractor that withdraws attentional resources from a foreground task in early visual cortex.
Determinants of morbidity associated with infant male circumcision: community‐level population‐based study in rural Ghana
Authors: Gyan Thomas , McAuley Kimberley , Strobel Natalie A. , Shannon Caitlin , Newton Sam , Tawiah‐Agyemang Charlotte , Amenga‐Etego Seeba , Owusu‐Agyei Seth , Kirkwood Betty , Edmond Karen M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectiveMale circumcision services have expanded throughout Africa as part of a long‐term HIV prevention strategy. We assessed the effect of type of service provider (formal and informal) and hygiene practices on circumcision‐related morbidities in rural Ghana.MethodsPopulation‐based, cross‐sectional study conducted between May and December 2012 involving 2850 circumcised infant males aged under 12 weeks. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for maternal age, maternal education, income, birthweight and site of circumcision.ResultsA total of 2850 (90.7%) infant males were circumcised. Overall, the risk of experiencing a morbidity (defined as complications occurring during or after the circumcision procedure as reported by the primary caregiver) was 8.1% (230). Risk was not significantly increased if the circumcision was performed by informal providers (121, 7.2%) vs. formal health service providers (109, 9.8%) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.11, 95% CI 0.80–1.47, P = 0.456]. Poor hygiene practices were associated with significantly increased risk of morbidity: no handwashing [148 (11.7%)] (aOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.27–2.52, P = 0.001); not cleaning circumcision instruments [174 (10.6%)] (aOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.27–2.54, P = 0.001); and uncleaned penile area [190 (10.0%)] (aOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.25–2.70, P = 0.002).ConclusionThe risk of morbidity after infant male circumcision in rural Ghana is high, chiefly due to poor hygiene practices. Governmental and non‐governmental organisations need to improve training of circumcision providers in hygiene practices in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Anemia tolerance during normo‐, hypo‐, and hypervolemia
Authors: Krömker Malte , Lauscher Patrick , Kertscho Harry , Zacharowski Kai , Rosenberger Peter , Meier Jens 
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUNDRestrictive intraoperative fluid management has been demonstrated to improve outcome of visceral and lung surgery in several studies. However, subsequent hypovolemia (HOV) may be accompanied by a decrease of anemia tolerance, resulting in increased transfusion needs. We therefore investigated the effect of volume status on anemia tolerance.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSEighteen domestic pigs of either sex (mean weight, 23.5 ± 4.8 kg) were anesthetized, ventilated, and randomized into three experimental groups: normovolemia (no intervention), HOV (blood loss of 40% of blood volume), and hypervolemia (HEV; volume infusion of 40% of blood volume). The animals were then hemodiluted until their individual critical hemoglobin concentrations (Hbcrit) were reached by the exchange of whole blood for hydroxyethyl starch (HES; 130:0.4). Subsequently, organ‐specific hypoxia was assessed using pimonidazole tissue staining in relevant organs. Hemodynamic and metabolic variables were also investigated.RESULTSDespite significant differences in exchangeable blood volume, Hbcrit was the same in all groups (2.3 g/dL, NS). During HOV, tissue hypoxia was aggravated in the myocardium, brain, and kidneys, whereas tissue oxygenation of the liver and intestine was not influenced by volume status. HEV increased tissue hypoxia in the lungs, but did not impact tissue oxygenation of other organs.CONCLUSIONSThe combination of hemorrhagic HOV with subsequent anemia leads to accentuated tissue hypoxia, revealed by a significant increase in pimonidazole binding at Hbcrit, in heart, lungs, brain, and kidney. The lungs were the only organ that showed increased tissue hypoxia after pretreatment of HES infusion and subsequent anemia by normovolemic hemodilution.
Femoral head ostectomy for the treatment of acetabular fracture and coxofemoral joint luxation in a Potbelly pig
Authors: Smith Joe S. , Chigerwe Munashe , Kanipe Carly , Gray Sarah 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo report the successful surgical treatment of a comminuted left acetabular fracture, a dorsally luxated left femoral head, and avulsion of the ligament of the femoral head by femoral head ostectomy (FHO) and physical therapy in a companion Potbelly pig.Study DesignCase report.AnimalsA 1‐year‐old, 13 kg, castrated male, companion Potbelly pig.MethodsThe pig presented with a nonweight bearing left pelvic limb lameness of 3 weeks' duration that was noticed shortly after the pig got caught under a fence. Under general anesthesia a lateral approach was made to the fractured limb. A FHO was performed as described for dogs. Following surgery, a period of physical therapy was initiated based on protocols described for dogs.ResultsThe canine surgical procedure with the approach modified for pigs was successfully performed in our pig. Following surgery, the pig was comfortable and weight bearing. A physical therapy regimen of supervised activity, stairs, and water therapy was used to rehabilitate the leg, as well as a weight management protocol to maintain ideal body condition. The owner was highly satisfied with the outcome. Telephone follow‐up with the owner at 12 months after surgery revealed no impairment to movement, and the pig was maintaining normal ambulation without lameness. No complications were observed with this case.ConclusionFHO, as described for dogs, provided a favorable outcome for hip luxation caused by acetabular fracture, luxation, and avulsion of the femoral head ligament in this small size Potbelly pig.