bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional reconstructions from optical sections of thick mouse inner ears using confocal microscopy
Authors: KOPECKY B.J. , DUNCAN J.S. , ELLIOTT K.L. , FRITZSCH B. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThree‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions of the vertebrate inner ear have provided novel insights into the development of this complex organ. 3D reconstructions enable superior analysis of phenotypic differences between wild type and mutant ears but can result in laborious work when reconstructed from physically sectioned material. Although nondestructive optical sectioning light sheet microscopy may ultimately prove the ideal solution, these technologies are not yet commercially available, or in many instances are not monetarily feasible. Here we introduce a simple technique to image a fluorescently labelled ear at different stages throughout development at high resolution enabling 3D reconstruction of any component of the inner ear using confocal microscopy. We provide a step‐by‐step manual from tissue preparation to imaging to 3D reconstruction and analysis including a rationale and troubleshooting guide at each step for researchers with different equipment, protocols, and access to resources to successfully incorporate the principles of this method and customize them to their laboratory settings.
Gender difference of childhood overweight and obesity in predicting the risk of incident asthma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Y. C. , Dong G. H. , Lin K. C. , Lee Y. L. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe aims of our meta‐analysis were (i) to quantify the predictability of childhood overweight and obesity on the risk of incident asthma; and (ii) to evaluate the gender difference on this relationship. The selection criteria included prospective cohort paediatric studies which use age‐ and sex‐specific body mass index (BMI) as a measure of childhood overweight and the primary outcome of incident asthma. A total of 1,027 studies were initially identified through online database searches, and finally 6 studies met the inclusion criteria. The combined result of reported relative risk from the 6 included studies revealed that overweight children conferred increased risks of incident asthma as compared with non‐overweight children (relative risk, 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.37). The relationship was further elevated for obesity vs. non‐obesity (relative risk, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.16–3.50). A dose–responsiveness of elevated BMI on asthma incidence was observed (P for trend, 0.004). Obese boys had a significantly larger effect than obese girls (relative risk, boys: 2.47; 95% CI, 1.57–3.87; girls: 1.25; 95% CI, 0.51–3.03), with significant dose‐dependent effect. Proposed mechanisms of gender difference could be through pulmonary mechanics, sleep disordered breathing and leptin. Further research might be needed to better understand the exact mechanism of gender difference on the obesity–asthma relationship.
A Comparision of Two Methods of Linking Spatial and Economic Data from Farm Surveys
Authors: Kokic Philip , Lawson Kenton , Elliston Lisa , Liang Chun , Shafron Walter 
Published: November 2012

SummaryLinking scientific and economic data potentially has many benefits for natural resource management and policy analysis. This paper compares a sophisticated method for bringing these data together in farm surveys using detailed farm boundary data collected during an interview, with a less onerous approach requiring only a single point from each surveyed farm. A comparison is made by modelling land values using regression analysis in central New South Wales. It was found that there were only minor additional benefits from using the more sophisticated approach in this case. Additionally, there are significant costs in collecting and processing the detailed georeferencing data that make it considerably less practical than the simpler approach.
Macro‐level gender equality and depression in men and women in Europe
Authors: Van de Velde Sarah , Huijts Tim , Bracke Piet , Bambra Clare 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA recurrent finding in international literature is a greater prevalence of depression in women than in men. While explanations for this gender gap have been studied extensively at the individual level, few researchers have studied macro‐level determinants of depression in men and women. In the current study we aim to examine the micro–macro linkage of the relationship between gender equality and depression by gender in Europe, using data from the European Social Survey, 2006–2007 (N = 39,891). Using a multilevel framework we find that a high degree of macro‐level gender equality is related to lower levels of depression in both women and men. It is also related to a smaller gender difference in depression, but only for certain social subgroups and only for specific dimensions of gender equality.
Pierrot Lunaire as Lunar Nexus
Authors: Cherlin Michael 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMy title is a pun on Stravinsky's characterisation of Pierrot Lunaire as the solar plexus of twentieth‐century music. Given its place in the history of musical depictions of moonlight, I characterise Pierrot as the twentieth century's lunar nexus – a place of intersections among literary and musical depictions of moonlight in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The first part of this essay is a survey and discussion of the musical topos of moonlight in German and Austrian nineteenth‐century literature and music. I then discuss Schoenberg's depictions of moonlight in key works prior to Pierrot, including Verklärte Nacht, Gurre‐Lieder, Pelleas und Melisande and Erwartung. The third section explores the depictions of moonlight developed across the 21 songs of Pierrot, with special focus on three: ‘Mondestrunken’, ‘Eine blasse Wäscherin’ and ‘Der Mondfleck’.
Donkey Pericardium as an Alternative Bioprosthetic Heart Valve Material
Authors: Chen Shanliang , Xu Li , Liu Yuxi , Li Quan , Wang Dong , Wang Xuemei , Liu Tianqi 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis study comparatively evaluates the characteristics of glutaraldehyde‐treated acellular bovine and donkey pericardium using histological and electronic microscopic observation techniques, shrinkage temperature, and mechanical properties, as well as determining calcium and phosphorus content at 4 and 8 weeks after the subcutaneous implantation of donkey and bovine pericardium in Wistar rats. Donkey pericardium was significantly thinner compared with bovine pericardium (1.622 ±  0.161 mm vs. 4.027 ± 0.401 mm, P < 0.0001) and was associated with significantly greater tensile strength (14.21 ±  3.81 MPa vs. 3.78 ± 1.20 MPa, P = 0.001) and elastic modulus (81.67 ± 20.41 MPa vs. 21.67 ± 11.69 MPa, P <  0.0001) over bovine pericardium. Shrinkage temperature of donkey pericardium was similar to that of bovine pericardium (87.43 ± 0.55°C vs. 87.50 ± 0.36°C, P =  0.810). No differences between groups were observed for maximum load (donkey: 21.64 ± 7.02 KN/m vs. bovine: 15.05 ± 4.50 KN/m, P = 0.082) and tear strength (donkey: 11.54 ± 5.33 MPa vs. bovine: 10.69 ±  3.77 MPa, P = 0.757). Calcium content was significantly lower in donkey pericardium compared with bovine pericardium at 4 weeks (690.15 ± 191.27 µg/g vs. 1381.73 ± 62.52 µg/g, P = 0.001) and 8 weeks (205.24 ± 62.40 µg/g vs. 910.48 ± 398.29 µg/g, P = 0.037). This preliminary study has confirmed that glutaraldehyde‐tanned donkey pericardium, demonstrating reduced calcification and increased tensile strength, may provide a suitable bioprosthetic valve substitute.
Cerebral Perfusion During Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Children: Correlations Between Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy, Temperature, Lactate, Pump Flow, and Blood Pressure
Authors: Haydin Sertac , Onan Burak , Onan Ismihan Selen , Ozturk Erkut , Iyigun Muzeyyen , Yeniterzi Mehmet , Bakir Ihsan 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNear‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive modality to monitor regional brain oxygenation (rSO2). In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between cerebral rSO2 and lactate, pump flow, hematocrit, pCO2, and mean blood pressure (MBP) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Between March and September 2011, 50 pediatric patients who underwent congenital heart surgery were enrolled into the study. Ages ranged from 6 days to 168 months (median 14 months). A NIRS sensor (Somanetics 5100B, Troy, MI, USA) was placed on the right forehead of patients. CPB period was divided into five stages: 1—at the beginning of CBP, 2—cooling at 32°C, 3—at final hypothermic temperature, 4—rewarming at 32°C, 5—before weaning from CPB. Data collection included measurements of each parameter at five stages of CPB. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis within groups and Spearman's correlation to test association between parameters. Lactate levels increased significantly from stage 1 to stage 5 during CPB (P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between cerebral rSO2 and MBPs, pump flows, hematocrit, or pCO2 during CPB. Cerebral rSO2 levels showed changes between the stages; there was a significant increase during cooling period, compared to stage 1 (P < 0.05). Significant changes during cooling stage did not happen for other parameters. At stage 3, there was a negative correlation between lactate level and MBP. At stage 4, there was no significant change in cerebral rSO2 levels despite decreased MBP. At the warming stage, low MBPs, but normal rSO2 values, are observed despite increased pump flows. Increased rSO2 levels despite insignificant changes at other parameters during the cooling stage of CPB may show that optimal pump flow with adequate intravascular volume may provide effective cerebral perfusion even without changes in MBP. Considering normal rSO2 values during CPB in this study, it may be speculated that brain protection can be assessed by using NIRS and applying a standard bypass protocol.
Presurgical Evaluation of Fontan Connection Options for Patients With Apicocaval Juxtaposition Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Menon Prahlad G. , Yoshida Masahiro , Pekkan Kerem 
Published: November 2012

AbstractApicocaval juxtaposition (ACJ) is a rare congenital heart defect associated with single ventricle physiology where optimal positioning of the Fontan conduit for completion of total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) is still controversial. In ACJ, the cardiac apex is ipsilateral with the inferior vena cava (IVC), risking kinking and collapse of the Fontan conduit at the apex of the heart. The purpose of this study is to evaluate two viable routes for Fontan conduit connection in patients with ACJ, using computational fluid dynamics. Internal energy loss evaluations were used to determine contribution of conduit curvature to the energy efficiency of each cavopulmonary anastomosis configuration. This percentage of energy loss contribution was found to be greater in the case of a curved extracardiac conduit connection (44%, 4.1 mW) traveling behind the ventricular apex, connecting the IVC to the left pulmonary artery, than the straighter lateral tunnel conduit (6%, 1.4 mW) installed through the ventricular apex. In contrast, net energy loss across the anastomosis was significantly lower with extracardiac TCPC (9.3 mW) in comparison with lateral tunnel TCPC (23.2 mW), highlighting that a curved Fontan conduit is favorable provided that it is traded off for a superior cavopulmonary connection efficiency. Therefore, a relatively longer and curved Fontan conduit has been demonstrated to be a suitable connection option independent of anatomical situations.
Should Nicorandil Infusion Be Adapted in Dialysis‐Dependent Patients Undergoing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy After Cardiac Surgery?
Authors: Yasuda Norihisa , Goto Koji , Shitomi Ryo , Ohchi Yoshifumi , Abe Takakuni , Yamamoto Shunsuke , Hidaka Seigo , Noguchi Takayuki 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn this report, we studied whether plasma concentration of nicorandil is maintained effectively and safely in dialysis‐dependent patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD5D) undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Participants consisted of 10 patients undergoing CRRT after cardiac surgery. CRRT was performed with an effluent flow rate of either 600 mL/h (low‐flow group; n = 5) or 1800 mL/h (high‐flow group; n = 5). Nicorandil was infused intravenously at 0.1 mg/kg/h for more than 15 h starting 8 h before and 7 h after the start of CRRT. Plasma nicorandil concentrations were measured from arterial blood lines 1 h before and 7 h after CRRT initiation. Nicorandil clearance by CRRT was also calculated 1 h after CRRT initiation. Nicorandil plasma concentrations before and 7 h after CRRT initiation were 68.0 ng/mL and 74.6 ng/mL, respectively. Nicorandil clearance 1 h after CRRT initiation was 20.2 mL/min. Increasing the effluent flow rate from 600 mL/h to 1800 mL/h tended to increase nicorandil clearance. When nicorandil was infused intravenously during CRRT at 0.1 mg/kg/h in patients with CKD5D, plasma nicorandil concentrations were maintained within an effective concentration range.
Babesia microti seroprevalence in Minnesota blood donors
Authors: Tonnetti Laura , Thorp Aaron M. , Deisting Barbara , Bachowski Gary , Johnson Stephanie T. , Wey Andrew R. , Hodges James S. , Leiby David A. , Mair David 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundThe increasing frequency of transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis represents a concern for the safety of the US blood supply. The agent responsible for the disease, the intraerythrocytic parasite Babesia microti, is naturally transmitted to humans by a tick bite and is endemic in areas of the Northeast and Upper Midwest United States. In this study, we explored B. microti seroprevalence in blood donors from different areas of Minnesota (MN).Study Design and MethodsWe tested 2150 blood donors in MN for the presence of antibodies against B. microti using an immunofluorescent assay (IFA). Donors identified as positive (≥64) were also tested by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of parasite DNA. Seropositive donors were contacted by phone and asked questions regarding tick exposure. Donors positive by IFA were indefinitely deferred from donating blood.ResultsA total of 2150 donations were tested between October 2010 and November 2011. Forty‐two donors (2.0%) were positive by IFA and one was also PCR positive. All positive donors reported extended outdoor activities, 12 recalled finding ticks on their body, and six had flu‐like symptoms since their last blood draw.ConclusionsThis study provides new data about B. microti seroprevalence in MN blood donors. Possibly because the targeted collection areas were mostly expected to be endemic for the parasite, the observed seroprevalence levels were higher than expected, although the geographic distribution of positive donors did not completely overlap with the distribution of reported clinical cases in MN.
Impact of chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay screening for human parvovirus B19 antigen in Japanese blood donors
Authors: Sakata Hidekatsu , Matsubayashi Keiji , Ihara Hiromi , Sato Shinichiro , Kato Toshiaki , Wakisaka Akemi , Tadokoro Kenji , Yu Mei‐ying W. , Baylis Sally A. , Ikeda Hisami , Takamoto Shigeru 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundTo reduce the risk of human parvovirus B19 (B19V) transmission through contaminated blood for transfusion and plasma‐derived products, the Japanese Red Cross (JRC) Blood Centers introduced B19V antigen screening by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA‐B19V) in 2008.Study Design and MethodsDonor samples that were positive by CLEIA‐B19V screening were tested for B19V DNA. The sensitivity of CLEIA‐B19V was tested using samples of all three genotypes and B19V DNA–positive donations. B19V DNA–positive donations and pooled plasma were quantitatively assayed for B19V DNA. B19V DNA–positive donations were phylogenetically analyzed by polymerase chain reaction direct sequencing.ResultsThe sensitivity of CLEIA‐B19V was inferred to be approximately 6.3 log IU/mL with the genotype samples and 6.4 log IU/mL with B19V DNA–positive donor samples. Of 417 CLEIA‐B19V–positive samples from 1,035,560 donations in Hokkaido, Japan, 101 were positive for B19V DNA. The 198 strains of B19V DNA–positive donations in Hokkaido over the past 15 years clustered exclusively with Genotype 1. After introduction of CLEIA‐B19V, the viral load for B19V DNA in all 772 pooled plasma for fractionation from donors in nationwide Japan did not exceed 4 log IU/mL.ConclusionCLEIA‐B19V can detect all three genotypes of B19V (viral load >6.3 log IU/mL) and limit the viral load (<4 log IU/mL) in pooled plasma, and thus such screening has further reduced the risk of transfusion‐transmitted B19V infection. These results show that CLEIA‐B19V screening at the JRC Blood Centers can be an alternative approach to comply with recommendations regarding B19V in the United States and Europe.
Safe fetal platelet genotyping: new developments
Authors: Le Toriellec Emilie , Chenet Christophe , Kaplan Cecile 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundFetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is due to maternal alloimmunization against fetal platelet (PLT) antigens. Antenatal management strategies have been developed to avoid complications such as intracranial hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to set up two reliable, noninvasive fetal genotyping assays to determine the fetal risk in pregnancies in which the father is heterozygous for the offending antigen. This study focused on human PLT antigen (HPA)‐1, the most frequently implicated antigen in FNAIT in Caucasians.Study Design and MethodsTwo assays based on cell‐free fetal DNA extracted from maternal blood samples and on real‐time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) were developed: an allele‐specific QPCR specifically targeting the polymorphic sequence in HPA‐1 and the study of the variation in the high‐resolution melting curve of amplicons containing the polymorphic region.ResultsAll results from the 49 samples obtained from 29 pregnant women were consistent with expectations. Six women were compatible with their fetuses (three HPA‐1aa women and three HPA‐1bb women), 41 HPA‐1bb women were incompatible with their fetuses, as were two HPA‐1aa women.ConclusionTwo fetal PLT genotyping assays on maternal blood samples proved to be reliable as of 15 weeks of gestation, thereby avoiding invasive techniques such as amniocentesis.
Sorbus aucuparia regeneration in a coarse‐grained spruce forest – a landscape scale
Authors: Żywiec Magdalena , Holeksa Jan , Wesołowska Małgorzata , Szewczyk Janusz , Zwijacz‐Kozica Tomasz , Kapusta Paweł 
Published: November 2012

AbstractQuestionsWhat is the spatial range of regeneration of the fleshy‐fruited tree Sorbus aucuparia (rowan) in a coarse‐grained spruce stand on a large landscape scale? Does the spatial distribution and size of stands of different ages affect the probability of rowan regeneration? What are the consequences of the dynamics of dominant coniferous tree species for the dynamics of admixture rowan?LocationA sub‐alpine spruce forest in the Tatra Mountains, Poland.MethodsWe mapped all mature rowans in a 203‐ha area and counted the rowan seedlings and saplings on a grid of evenly distributed plots. In plots, the age and diameter of trees were measured. Patches of homogenous stands were distinguished and each rowan tree and each plot was assigned to one of four stand categories: dense small‐crowned stands, dense large‐crowned stands, sparse large‐crowned stands and sparse stands near the upper forest limit. Areas above the upper forest limit formed a separate fifth category.ResultsThe distribution of rowan trees was clumped. Most of them grew in dense spruce stands up to 135 yr old and near the upper forest limit. Substantially fewer rowan trees were in sparse spruce stands of nearly 200 yr old. Seedlings and saplings occurred at high density (mean 24.8 individuals 100 m−2) only up to 40 m from trees bearing fruits, and at much lower density at longer distances. In consequence of the clumped distribution of adult trees and the short range of seed dispersal, most of the old spruce stands were outside the range of abundant regeneration of rowan.ConclusionsThe presence of fine‐ vs coarse‐grained mosaics of coniferous stands of different ages can strongly influence population processes in a rowan population on a large landscape scale. Extensive disturbances resulting in large homogenous patches of coniferous stands, the long lifespan of a single generation of spruce and spatial limitation of rowan seed dispersal seem responsible for the small contribution this broad‐leaved species makes to sub‐alpine forests. A high share of rowan can be expected in forests with fine‐grained mosaics of stands, where small patches of young and old stands are inter‐mixed, assuring delivery of seeds to stands of each category.
Conservation implications of adaptation to tropical climates from a historical perspective
Authors: Bonebrake Timothy C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractTropical climates and the biodiversity associated with them have long interested natural historians. Alexander von Humboldt inspired a generation of scientists, such as Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, to observe and study tropical ecosystems. More recently, the mid‐20th century saw Theodosius Dobzhansky and Daniel Janzen lay the foundations for studying adaptation to tropical climates. Now in the 21st century, we are beginning to realize the threats posed by current and future climate change to tropical populations which, despite relatively low levels of projected warming for low‐latitude regions, face potentially significant detrimental impacts. Building on the insights of researchers in decades and centuries past, improved understanding of tropical ecology, evolution and biogeography will help us to conceive how future global change will impact on biodiversity.
Anti‐cardiolipin from periodontitis patients induces MCP‐1 production by human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Schenkein Harvey A. , Sabatini Robert , Koertge Thomas E. , Brooks Carol N. , Purkall Donald B. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimPeriodontal diseases are associated with a variety of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and stroke, and patients with periodontitis demonstrate elevated levels of anti‐cardiolipin antibodies. We sought to determine if anti‐cardiolipin antibodies from periodontitis patients induced monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 production by human vascular endothelial cells.Materials and MethodsIgG was purified from sera from 53 subjects, including chronic and aggressive periodontitis patients and periodontally healthy controls, with elevated or normal IgG anti‐cardiolipin levels. In addition, anti‐cardiolipin antibodies were specifically removed from some sera by immunoabsorption.ResultsWe found that, irrespective of diagnostic category, IgG from subjects with elevated anti‐cardiolipin induced significantly greater monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 production by human vascular endothelial cells than IgG from those subjects with normal anti‐cardiolipin titres. Removal of anti‐cardiolipin from IgG preparations from periodontitis patients significantly reduced their ability to induce monocyte chemotactic protein‐1.ConclusionsSince elevated titres of anti‐cardiolipin are found in a significantly greater proportion of patients with periodontitis than in periodontally healthy individuals, and these antibodies activate endothelial cells to produce monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, they may explain some of the associations noted between periodontal infections and systemic conditions.