bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential protective role of endogenous glutamate‐oxaloacetate transaminase against glutamate excitotoxicity in fetal hypoxic–ischaemic asphyxia
Authors: Pérez‐Mato María , Iglesias‐Deus Alicia , Rujido Susana , da Silva‐Candal Andrés , Sobrino Tomás , Couce María‐Luz , Fraga José María , Castillo José , Campos Francisco 
Published: July 2015

AimFetal blood contains higher concentrations of glutamate‐oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT; a blood enzyme able to metabolize glutamate) than maternal blood. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between GOT and glutamate levels in arterial blood samples from umbilical cord in control newborn infants and newborn infants with hypoxic–ischaemic insult and/or symptoms of hypoxia–ischemia after delivery.MethodA total of 46 newborn infants (28 females, 18 males) were prospectively included in the study. Twenty‐three infants (18 females, five males) were included as control participants and 23 (10 females, 13 males) were included as newborn infants at risk of adverse neurological outcome (defined as umbilical blood with pH <7.1).ResultsAnalysis of glutamate concentration and GOT activity in umbilical blood samples showed that newborn infants with pH <7.1 had higher levels of glutamate (142.4μmol/L [SD 61.4] vs 62.8μmol/L [SD 25.5]; p<0.001) and GOT (83.1U/L [SD 60.9] vs 34.9U/L [SD 18.2]; p<0.001) compared to newborn infants without fetal distress. Analysis of Apgar scores and blood pH values (markers of perinatal distress) showed that conditions of severe distress were associated with higher glutamate and GOT levels.InterpretationDuring fetal development, the ability of GOT to metabolize glutamate suggests that this enzyme can act as an endogenous protective mechanism in the control of glutamate homeostasis.
Condition‐dependent movement and dispersal in experimental metacommunities
Authors: Fronhofer Emanuel A. , Klecka Jan , Melián Carlos J. , Altermatt Florian 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDispersal and the underlying movement behaviour are processes of pivotal importance for understanding and predicting metapopulation and metacommunity dynamics. Generally, dispersal decisions are condition‐dependent and rely on information in the broad sense, like the presence of conspecifics. However, studies on metacommunities that include interspecific interactions generally disregard condition‐dependence. Therefore, it remains unclear whether and how dispersal in metacommunities is condition‐dependent and whether rules derived from single‐species contexts can be scaled up to (meta)communities. Using experimental protist metacommunities, we show how dispersal and movement depend on and are adjusted by the strength of interspecific interactions. We found that the predicting movement and dispersal in metacommunities requires knowledge on behavioural responses to intra‐ and interspecific interaction strengths. Consequently, metacommunity dynamics inferred directly from single‐species metapopulations without taking interspecific interactions into account are likely flawed. Our work identifies the significance of condition‐dependence for understanding metacommunity dynamics, stability and the coexistence and distribution of species.
Idiopathic hopping‐like forelimb lameness syndrome in ridden horses: 46 horses (2002–2014)
Authors: Dyson S. , Rasotto R. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThere has been no analysis of a hopping‐type forelimb lameness syndrome seen in ridden horses. The objectives of this retrospective study were to describe the clinical features of this syndrome, response to diagnostic analgesia and imaging findings and to document post mortem findings. Clinical records from 2002 to 2014 were reviewed and data concerning signalment, history, lame limb(s), lameness characteristics, response to diagnostic analgesia and diagnostic imaging were recorded. There were 46 horses from 4 to 13 years of age, 6 of which had a history of known or suspected trauma immediately before the onset of reduced performance or lameness. Lameness seen when ridden was characterised by an intermittent shortened cranial phase of the step of the lame forelimb at the trot and marked elevation of the head as the affected limb was protracted, with the horse appearing to ‘hop’ (on the contralateral limb) as if trying to break to canter. When lameness was at its worst horses were unwilling to trot. Three horses showed sporadic severe stumbling. Local analgesia of the affected limb did not improve the lameness and in 16 horses lameness deteriorated. Three of 5 horses showed some improvement (≥2/8 grades) in the hopping‐type lameness after intra‐articular analgesia of the articular process joints of the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae, ipsilateral to the lame forelimb. Radiographic, ultrasonographic and nuclear scintigraphic examinations were inconclusive. Two of 4 horses responded to treatment with gabapentin. In 3 horses post mortem examination revealed mild lymphocytic inflammation within or around the dorsal root ganglia of the fifth and sixth cervical nerve roots, sixth cervical nerve root or second thoracic nerve root ipsilateral to the lame limb. Idiopathic hopping‐type lameness syndrome in ridden horses may be a pain‐related condition ± a neurological component and currently has a guarded prognosis.
Hindlimb lameness associated with a focal osseous metaplasia in an 18‐year‐old Welsh Section D mare
Authors: Grabski M. , Fews D. , Busschers E. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThis report describes a case of chronic lameness secondary to an extraskeletal osseous mass located in the plantaromedial aspect of the right hind pastern in a mature Welsh Section D mare. The lesion was confirmed to represent metabolically active osseous tissue in close apposition with the adjacent plantar digital neurovascular bundle and digital flexor tendons. Surgical resection of the mass resulted in a complete resolution of lameness and return to previous level of activity. Histopathological examination classified the mass as a focal osseous metaplasia, which was most likely to be the result of previous trauma causing local haemorrhage, which resulted in subsequent dystrophic mineralisation and eventually osseous metaplasia. Similar lesions have been described in man, but have not been previously reported in the horse.
An adaptive fuzzy handover triggering approach for Long‐Term Evolution network
Authors: Kwong Chiew Foong , Chuah Teong Chee , Tan Su Wei , Akbari‐Moghanjoughi Ayyoub 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTo cope with the increasing demand for efficient data delivery, self‐organizing networks have been introduced in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system to provide autonomous and flexible mobility management. The existing handover triggering scheme for LTE is not flexible enough to incorporate new performance metrics, and it introduces handover latency. There are studies on non‐conventional handoff algorithms for LTE applications, for instance, the fuzzy logic approach. However, the fuzzy logic approach needs regular manual tuning to constantly produce optimal output. In this paper, we address this issue by proposing an adaptive fuzzy logic‐based handoff decision algorithm, which can cope with environmental changes and improve efficiency by reducing human intervention. Performance results show that the proposed algorithm can reduce unnecessary handovers by about 20% compared with the fuzzy logic and conventional LTE handover triggering scheme, leading to reduced packet loss rates.
Evidence of counter‐gradient growth in western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) across thermal gradients
Authors: Snover Melissa L. , Adams Michael J. , Ashton Donald T. , Bettaso Jamie B. , Welsh Hartwell H. 
Published: July 2015

Summary

Counter‐gradient growth, where growth per unit temperature increases as temperature decreases, can reduce the variation in ectothermic growth rates across environmental gradients. Understanding how ectothermic species respond to changing temperatures is essential to their conservation and management due to human‐altered habitats and changing climates.

Here, we use two contrasting populations of western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) to model the effect of artificial and variable temperature regimes on growth and age at reproductive maturity. The two populations occur on forks of the Trinity River in northern California, U.S.A. The South Fork Trinity River (South Fork) is unregulated, while the main stem of the Trinity River (Main Stem) is dammed and has peak seasonal temperatures that are approximately 10 °C colder than the South Fork.

Consistent with other studies, we found reduced annual growth rates for turtles in the colder Main Stem compared to the warmer South Fork. The South Fork population matured approximately 9 year earlier, on average, and at a larger body size than the Main Stem population.

When we normalised growth rates for the thermal opportunity for growth using water‐growing degree‐days (GDD), we found the reverse for growth rates and age at reproductive maturity. Main Stem turtles grew approximately twice as fast as South Fork turtles per GDD. Main Stem turtles also required approximately 50% fewer GDD to reach their smaller size at reproductive maturity compared to the larger South Fork turtles.

We found we could accurately hindcast growth rates based on water temperatures estimated from the total volume of discharge from the dam into the Main Stem, providing a management tool for predicting the impacts of the dam on turtle growth rates.

Given the importance of size and age at reproductive maturity to population dynamics, this information on counter‐gradient growth will improve our ability to understand and predict the consequences of dam operations for downstream turtle populations.
Global ecological impacts of invasive species in aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Gallardo Belinda , Clavero Miguel , Sánchez Marta I. , Vilà Montserrat 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe introduction of invasive species, which often differ functionally from the components of the recipient community, generates ecological impacts that propagate along the food web. This review aims to determine how consistent the impacts of aquatic invasions are across taxa and habitats. To that end, we present a global meta‐analysis from 151 publications (733 cases), covering a wide range of invaders (primary producers, filter collectors, omnivores and predators), resident aquatic community components (macrophytes, phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic invertebrates and fish) and habitats (rivers, lakes and estuaries). Our synthesis suggests a strong negative influence of invasive species on the abundance of aquatic communities, particularly macrophytes, zooplankton and fish. In contrast, there was no general evidence for a decrease in species diversity in invaded habitats, suggesting a time lag between rapid abundance changes and local extinctions. Invaded habitats showed increased water turbidity, nitrogen and organic matter concentration, which are related to the capacity of invaders to transform habitats and increase eutrophication. The expansion of invasive macrophytes caused the largest decrease in fish abundance, the filtering activity of filter collectors depleted planktonic communities, omnivores (including both facultative and obligate herbivores) were responsible for the greatest decline in macrophyte abundance, and benthic invertebrates were most negatively affected by the introduction of new predators. These impacts were relatively consistent across habitats and experimental approaches. Based on our results, we propose a framework of positive and negative links between invasive species at four trophic positions and the five different components of recipient communities. This framework incorporates both direct biotic interactions (predation, competition, grazing) and indirect changes to the water physicochemical conditions mediated by invaders (habitat alteration). Considering the strong trophic links that characterize aquatic ecosystems, this framework is relevant to anticipate the far‐reaching consequences of biological invasions on the structure and functionality of aquatic ecosystems.
Projected carbon stocks in the conterminousUSAwith land use and variable fire regimes
Authors: Bachelet Dominique , Ferschweiler Ken , Sheehan Timothy J. , Sleeter Benjamin M. , Zhu Zhiliang 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe dynamic global vegetation model (DGVM)MC2 was run over the conterminousUSAat 30 arc sec (~800 m) to simulate the impacts of nine climate futures generated by 3GCMs (CSIRO,MIROCandCGCM3) using 3 emission scenarios (A2, A1B and B1) in the context of the LandCarbon national carbon sequestration assessment. It first simulated potential vegetation dynamics from coast to coast assuming no human impacts and naturally occurring wildfires. A moderate effect of increased atmosphericCO2on water use efficiency and growth enhanced carbon sequestration but did not greatly influence woody encroachment. The wildfires maintained prairie‐forest ecotones in the Great Plains. With simulated fire suppression, the number and impacts of wildfires was reduced as only catastrophic fires were allowed to escape. This greatly increased the expansion of forests and woodlands across the westernUSAand some of the ecotones disappeared. However, when fires did occur, their impacts (both extent and biomass consumed) were very large. We also evaluated the relative influence of human land use including forest and crop harvest by running theDGVMwith land use (and fire suppression) and simple land management rules. From 2041 through 2060, carbon stocks (live biomass, soil and dead biomass) ofUSterrestrial ecosystems varied between 155 and 162 Pg C across the three emission scenarios when potential natural vegetation was simulated. With land use, periodic harvest of croplands and timberlands as well as the prevention of woody expansion across the West reduced carbon stocks to a range of 122–126 Pg C, while effective fire suppression reduced fire emissions by about 50%. Despite the simplicity of our approach, the differences between the size of the carbon stocks confirm other reports of the importance of land use on the carbon cycle over climate change.
Isolating and evaluating lactic acid bacteria strains with or without sucrose for effectiveness of silage fermentation
Authors: Zhang Qing , Yu Zhu , Wang Xianguo 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to screen and evaluate lactic acid bacteria strains for their ability to ferment alfalfa, Leymus chinensis and native grass into silage. We isolated 186 lactic acid bacteria strains from alfalfa, native grass and selected eight strains by acid production test and growth rate test. The eight stains were identified using morphological observations, Gram staining, physiological and biochemical tests, an acid tolerance test and 16S rDNA sequencing. All eight strains (LP1, LP2, LC1, LC2, PP1, PP2, EF1 and EF2) grew at pH 4.0 and 6.5%NaCl. Strains LP1 and LP2 were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, LC1 and LC2 as Lactobacillus casei, PP1 and PP2 as Pediococcus pentosaceus, EF1 as Enterococcus faecalis, and EF2 as Enterococcus faecium based on their 16S rDNA sequences. The eight strains and two commercial inoculants (PS and CL) were added with or without sucrose to native grass, L. chinensis, and alfalfa to produce silage. All eight screened strains decreased the pH and ammonia nitrogen (N) content and increased the lactic acid content of alfalfa silages. No butyric acid was detected in the L. chinensis and alfalfa silages. Addition of sucrose with the screened strains resulted in lower pH and ammonia N content, and higher lactic acid content and total fermentation acids content in all three silages. The eight strains improved the fermentation quality of alfalfa silage. All strains were more effective when supplemented with sucrose. No efficient lactic acid bacteria strain was found for ensiling the native grass, but the high fermentation quality native grass silage could be obtained using the combination of lactic acid bacteria strains and 2% sucrose.
Detecting a Defective Casing Seal at the Top of a Bedrock Aquifer
Authors: Richard Sandra K. , Chesnaux Romain , Rouleau Alain 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAn improperly sealed casing can produce a direct hydraulic connection between two or more originally isolated aquifers with important consequences regarding groundwater quantity and quality. A recent study by Richard et al. (2014) investigated a monitoring well installed in a fractured rock aquifer with a defective casing seal at the soil–bedrock interface. A hydraulic short circuit was detected that produced some leakage between the rock and the overlying deposits. A falling‐head permeability test performed in this well showed that the usual method of data interpretation is not valid in this particular case due to the presence of a piezometric error. This error is the direct result of the preferential flow originating from the hydraulic short circuit and the subsequent re‐equilibration of the piezometric levels of both aquifers in the vicinity of the inlet and the outlet of the defective seal. Numerical simulations of groundwater circulation around the well support the observed impact of the hydraulic short circuit on the results of the falling‐head permeability test. These observations demonstrate that a properly designed falling‐head permeability test may be useful in the detection of defective casing seals.
Clinical phenotype in genetically confirmed von Willebrand disease type 2N patients reflects a haemophilia A phenotype
Authors: van Meegeren M. E. R. , Mancini T. L. , Schoormans S. C. M. , van Haren B. J. T. , van Duren C. , Diekstra A. , Laros‐van Gorkom B. A. P. , Brons P. P. T. , Simons A. , Hoefsloot L. , van Heerde W. L. 
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Von Willebrand disease (VWD) type 2N is characterized by a defective binding of factor VIII (FVIII) to von Willebrand factor (VWF) resulting in diminished plasma FVIII levels and a clinical phenotype mimicking mild haemophilia A. Several mutations in the FVIII binding site of VWF have been reported. Aim: This study aims to examine the effect of genotype on clinical phenotype in a cohort of VWD 2N patients. Methods: Patients with at least one genetically confirmed 2N mutation were selected retrospectively from a cohort of patients with suspected VWD. Clinical and laboratory phenotypes including bleeding scores (BS) were obtained and analysed. Results: Forty‐two VWD 2N patients with a mean age of 44 years were included. Eleven patients were homozygous or compound heterozygous (genetically confirmed group) and 31 patients were heterozygously affected (carriers group). Statistically significant differences between genetically confirmed VWD 2N patients and carriers were found in FVIII activity, VWF antigen levels, VWF‐FVIII binding capacity, FVIII/VWF antigen ratio (all P<0.001), VWF‐ristocetin activity (p=0.001) and VWF collagen binding (P = 0.002). Median BS was 6 in genetically confirmed VWD 2N patients compared with 3 in carriers (P = 0.047). Haemarthrosis, muscle haematomas and postpartum haemorrhage were only reported in genetically confirmed 2N patients. Conclusion: Phenotypic analysis showed that all laboratory parameters are lower in genetically confirmed VWD 2N patients compared with heterozygous 2N carriers. The clinical phenotype in genetically confirmed VWD 2N patients is comparable to mild haemophilia A patients and more severe than heterozygous 2N carriers.
The impact of social factors on outcomes in patients with bleeding disorders
Authors: Holstein K. , von Mackensen S. , Bokemeyer C. , Langer F. 
Published: July 2015

IntroductionIn haemophilia, clinical outcomes are mainly determined by the severity of clotting factor deficiency, treatment regimen, availability of clotting factor concentrate and age. Information about the relevance of patient‐related factors such as education, social status or impact of the disease on the patient's life is scarce.AimTo assess the impact of social status and disease‐related impairment of certain aspects of the patient's life on clinical and psychosocial outcomes in patients with inherited bleeding disorders (PWBD).MethodsConsecutive patients of a single centre were assessed by questionnaires on social status and quality of life (SF‐36). Social status was defined by school and professional education, employment and financial income of patients as well as school education of their parents.ResultsFifty‐seven PWBD (mean age, 38 ± 16 years) were enrolled, 60% were treated on‐demand; PWBD had a median number of 2.5 (0–34) annual bleeds and a median orthopaedic joint score of 6 (0–38). No significant differences were found for clinical and psychosocial outcomes across social status groups. More than half of the patients reported that haemophilia had an impact on their school education, childhood and leisure activities. Patients with a high impact of haemophilia on their lives were less satisfied with their lives (P < 0.002), reported worse quality of life in all domains of the SF‐36, had a worse joint score (P < 0.024) and reported more pain (P < 0.013).ConclusionThe perceived impact of haemophilia on patients’ lives seems to have a stronger impact on clinical and psychosocial outcomes than patients’ actual social status.
Determination of cholesterol oxides by gas chromatography‐flame ionization detection/mass selective detection and their occurence in lanolin‐containing cosmetics and ointments
Authors: Schrack S. , Hohl C. , Schwack W. , Niederer M. , Roux B. 
Published: July 2015

SynopsisObjectiveCholesterol oxides (COPs) are thought to be of toxicological relevance in cholesterol‐containing foods. For cholesterol‐containing cosmetics and the like, no information is available up to this date. Therefore, the first of two main aims of this study was to develop and validate a method for determining COPs in lanolin‐containing cosmetics such as lipsticks and fatty creams as well as in nipple ointments. The second aim was to study the occurrence of COPs and their concentration levels in the respective product classes.MethodsThe procedure is based on a published method for food comprising some necessary modifications. Sample preparation consisted of transesterfication, solid‐phase extraction and silylation of target compounds. Separation of the derivatized COPs and their quantification were performed with gas chromatography (GC) using a flame ionization detector (FID) or a mass spectrometer (MS).ResultsThe successful validation and the trouble‐free application during the market survey showed that the method was fit for purpose. Total COP levels found were in the low per cent range (up to 3%) and surprisingly high, being many orders of magnitude higher than those published for foods.ConclusionTo our knowledge, we present for the first time a method for the determination of COPs in non‐food consumer products. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that lanolin‐containing cosmetics may be an additional exogenous source of COPs. We further show evidence, that at least part of the COPs are already formed on the sheep's wool.
Recovering proteins from potato juice by complexation with natural polyelectrolytes
Authors: Kong Xiangzhen , Kong Lingzhi , Ying Yusang , Hua Yufei , Wang Li 
Published: July 2015

SummaryPotato proteins (PP) in the lab‐made potato juice consists of patatins (38.1%), protease inhibitors (56.7%) and other high molecular weight proteins (5.1%) as characterised by Tricine‐SDS‐PAGE and MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS. To recover PP from potato juice, the complex behaviours of PP with several natural polyelectrolytes as a function of pH and protein to polyelectrolyte ratio (RPP/Polysaccharide) were studied by turbidimetric titration. Results indicated that the turbidity curves of PP‐polysaccharides displayed a shift to higher pH for chitosan and lower pH for anionic polysaccharides with the decreasing of RPP/Polysaccharide. Chitosan could be used to selectively recover patatin with the purity of 88.6%, and the highest protein yield (51.9%) was achieved at pH 6.0 and RPP/chitosan of 1:2. Carrageenan, one typical anionic polysaccharide, could recover all the PP in potato juice at pH 3.5 and RPP/carrageenan of 2.5:1 with no special protein selectivity.