bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing Effects of Transmitters within and among Populations: Application to Swimming Performance of Juvenile Chinook Salmon
Authors: Perry Russell W. , Plumb John M. , Fielding Scott D. , Adams Noah S. , Rondorf Dennis W. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe sensitivity of fish to a transmitter depends on factors such as environmental conditions, fish morphology, life stage, rearing history, and tag design. However, synthesizing general trends across studies is difficult because each study focuses on a particular performance measure, species, life stage, and transmitter model. These differences motivated us to develop simple metrics that allow effects of transmitters to be compared among different species, populations, or studies. First, we describe how multiple regression analysis can be used to quantify the effect of tag burden (transmitter mass relative to fish mass) on measures of physiological performance. Next, we illustrate how the slope and intercept parameters can be used to calculate two summary statistics: θ, which estimates the tag burden threshold above which the performance of tagged fish begins to decline relative to untagged fish; and k, which measures the percentage change in performance per percentage point increase in tag burden. When θ = 0, k provides a single measure of the tag's effect that can be compared among species, populations, or studies. We apply this analysis to two different experiments that measure the critical swimming speed (Ucrit) of tagged juvenile Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. In both experiments, Ucrit declined as tag burden increased, but we found no significant threshold in swimming performance. Estimates of θ ranged from −0.6% to 2.1% among six unique treatment groups, indicating that swimming performance began to decline at a relatively low tag burden. Estimates of k revealed that Ucrit of tagged fish declined by −2.68% to −4.86% for each 1% increase in tag burden. Both θ and k varied with the tag's antenna configuration, tag implantation method, and posttagging recovery time. Our analytical approach can be used to gain insights across populations to better understand factors affecting the ability of fish to carry a transmitter.
Toward the evolutionary roots of affective prosody in human acoustic communication: A comparative approach to mammalian voices
Authors: Zimmermann Elke , Leliveld Lisette , Schehka Simone 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRecent findings from speech, music and nonverbal acoustic communication suggest that some basic acoustically conveyed emotions are universally expressed and recognized across cultures. In this review, we explore a “prehuman origin hypothesis of affective prosody” using a comparative approach with nonhuman mammals. Based on our own work and an extensive literature review, we extracted comparable behavioural contexts in which empirical data on the expression and perception of acoustically conveyed affect intensity could be compared across different mammalian orders. Despite different set-ups, study designs and methods of acoustic analysis, comparative data revealed that affect intensity was similarly encoded across contexts and species, and that acoustically conveyed affect intensity was of significant relevance for listeners. This work supports the hypothesis that affective prosody in human acoustic communication has deep-reaching phylogenetic roots, deriving from precursors already present and relevant in the vocal communication systems of nonhuman mammals.
All aboutAllin (Some) Salish Languages
Authors: Davis Henry 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn the history of work on cross‐linguistic variation in quantification, Salish languages have played a special role. This is largely due to the programmatic work of Eloise Jelinek (see in particular Jelinek 1995), who identified Northern Straits Salish as a language that entirely lacked D‐type quantifiers. Instead, Jelinek claimed that Northern Straits had only A‐type quantification, in which an adverbial quantifier unselectively binds any appropriate variable in its scope. The purpose of the current chapter is twofold: to provide an update on research into D‐type quantification, and to explore A‐type quantification in more detail. Data will be drawn mainly from the Northern Interior Salish language Lillooet (a.k.a. St’at’imcets), supplemented where available with data from Central Salish languages, including Northern Straits Salish and its neighbour and close relative Halkomelem.
International Minimum Standard and International Law-Making
Authors: Paparinskis Martins 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
This chapter addresses the broader normative and historical context within which the legal development of the international minimum standard has taken place. International minimum standard is the body of international rules that address the treatment of aliens, and as such has to be addressed by the application of the traditional legal methodology of sources and interpretation. The historical legal background against which the elaboration of the international standard took place was initially defined by the disagreement between the traditional claimant States (that supported the international standard) and the traditional respondent States (that were sceptical about anything more demanding than non-discrimination and settlement of disputes in domestic courts). Since the time of these debates in the 19th century, many factors have influenced the development of the standard, including a rethinking of the law of State responsibility, international recognition of individual rights, and emergence of the corporate investor, all challenging the more limited traditional rationale.
Arguments for Change: Partisan Interests and Expectations about Process
Authors: Bowler Shaun , Donovan Todd 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
This chapter examines the public arguments found in dozens of referendum campaigns where voters were asked to make decisions on electoral reform matters. These arguments of reform advocates –at times echoing themes found in the academic literature on effects of institutions—have two main properties. First, they contend that institutions have important effects on the behaviour of elected officials and on the behaviour of voters. Second, regardless of the reform proposals examined, the predicted effects are generally quite similar: arguments for changing a wide range of rules seem to share goals and expectations about what the reform is supposed to accomplish. Reform advocates stress the transformative effects of reforming the political process, arguing that new rules will reduce partisanship, target ‘special interests,’ and promote fairness. Arguments against reform, in contrast, stress outcomes in terms of the partisan consequences of change.
Term Limits: Effects, but Not as Advertised
Authors: Bowler Shaun , Donovan Todd 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Term limits in the US were a reform aimed at forcing greater turnover of legislators from office. As with many electoral reforms, it was promoted for the broader, indirect effects it would have on the political system. By changing the composition of legislatures, term limits would improve public regard for legislators, increase electoral competition, and, by extension, increase voter turnout. Although turnover of representatives may have increased, the transformative effects that reformers promoted did not materialize. In particular, there is no evidence of higher levels of turnout after adoption of term limits, and public regard for legislators continued to erode after term limits took effect.
Second Lumbrical and Mixed Nerve Segmental Conduction Studies in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Kikas Demetrios L. , Kikas Lazarus D. , Lewis Richard A. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Objectives:
We report the findings of 20 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) who had segmental motor studies to the second lumbrical (2L) and mixed nerve action potential (MNAP) across the carpal tunnel.

Methods:
This was a prospective study of 20 patients randomly selected who had clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of CTS using standard techniques. Six CTS patients had studies pre- and post-surgical release.

Results:
Mean 2L motor amplitude reduction across the carpal tunnel was 55.19% ± 6.6% in patients (controls = 15.9% ± 9.4%). Mean motor velocity across the carpal tunnel was 23.4 ± 7.05 m/s versus 46.45 ± 6 m/s in controls. Mean reduction of the MNAP amplitudes was 79.0% ± 23% versus 20% ± 15% in controls. The mean MNAP velocity was 12.3 ± 13.1 m/s versus 48.35 ± 5.18 m/s in controls. The 6 surgical cases showed improvement in amplitude reduction and velocity at 2–6 months consistent with preoperative severity.

Conclusions:
These studies show that segmental conduction studies to the 2L and MNAP can demonstrate conduction block that improves with decompression.
Minimally invasive treatment of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for patients with gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Qiu Wei Qing , Zhuang Jie , Wang Ming , Liu Hua , Shen Zhi Yong , Xue Han Bing , Shen Lei , Ge Zhi Zheng , Cao Hui 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 69 consecutive patients who underwent LECS, including laparoscopy‐assisted endoscopic resection (LAER) and endoscopy‐assisted laparoscopic wedge resection (EAWR), for pathologically confirmed gastric GISTs of less than 5 cm in diameter from January 2006 to October 2012.ResultsThe tumor was located at the upper third of the stomach in 22 patients, the middle third in 38 and the lower third in nine, with a mean tumor size of 2.8 ± 1.6 cm. The operating time was 81.6 ± 31.8 min in the LAER group and 86.3 ± 28.5 min in the EAWR group (P = 0.776). Intraoperative blood loss was 29.8 ± 15.4 mL in the LAER group and 31.4 ± 11.6 mL in the EAWR group (P = 0.561). Most patients had a very low or low risk of tumor recurrence, while six had an intermediate risk of tumor recurrence. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 4.6 days. Only two patients had postoperative complications after LECS, both of whom were treated successfully without open surgery. During a median follow‐up of 35 months, all patients were disease‐free, with no tumor recurrence or metastases.ConclusionLECS is a minimally invasive and safe alternative approach which can achieve fast recovery and satisfactory short‐term outcomes for appropriately selected patients with gastric GISTs.
Effect of human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis co‐infection on sperm quality in young heterosexual men with chronic prostatitis‐related symptoms
Authors: Cai Tommaso , Wagenlehner Florian M.E. , Mondaini Nicola , D'Elia Carolina , Meacci Francesca , Migno Serena , Malossini Gianni , Mazzoli Sandra , Bartoletti Riccardo 
Published: May 2013

Objective
To investigate the effect of human papillomavirus (HPV) and Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) co‐infection on sperm concentration, motility and morphology, in a large cohort of young heterosexual male patients with chronic prostatitis‐related symptoms.
Patients and Methods
Patients with chronic prostatitis‐related symptoms, attending the same centre for sexually transmitted diseases from January 2005 and December 2010, were consecutively enrolled in this cross‐sectional study.
All patients underwent clinical and instrumental examination, microbiological cultures for common bacteria, DNA extraction, mucosal and serum antibodies evaluation for Ct, specific tests for HPV and semen analysis. The semen variables analysed were: volume; pH; sperm concentration; motility; and morphology.
Subjects were subdivided in two groups: group A, patients with Ct infection alone and group B, patients with Ct and HPV co‐infection.
The main outcome measurement was the effect of Ct and HPV co‐infection on the semen variables examined.
Results
Of 3050 screened patients, 1003 were enrolled (32.9%) in the study. A total of 716 (71.3%) patients were allocated to group A, and 287 (28.7%) to group B.
Significant differences between the two groups were reported in terms of percentage of motile sperm (degrees of freedom [df] = 1001; t‐test = 11.85; P < 0.001) and percentage of normal morphological forms (df = 1001; t‐test = 7.18; P < 0.001), while no differences were reported in terms of semen volume or pH.
According to World Health Organization thresholds for normal semen, 364 (50.8%) men in group A and 192 (66.8%) men in group B were subfertile (odds ratio = 1.95; 95% confidence interval 1.46–2.60; P < 0.001).
No correlation between HPV genotype, mucosal IgA type and semen variables was found.
Conclusion
In a population of prostatitis‐related symptoms attributable to Ct infection, co‐infection with HPV has a significant role in decreasing male fertility, in particular with regard to sperm motility and morphology.
A randomized, double‐blind, crossover, placebo‐controlled trial of 6 weeks benfotiamine treatment on postprandial vascular function and variables of autonomic nerve function in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Stirban A. , Pop A. , Tschoepe D. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimsIn a pilot study we suggested that benfotiamine, a thiamine prodrug, prevents postprandial endothelial dysfunction in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to test these effects in a larger population.MethodsIn a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, crossover study, 31 people with Type 2 diabetes received 900 mg/day benfotiamine or a placebo for 6 weeks (with a washout period of 6 weeks between). At the end of each treatment period, macrovascular and microvascular function were assessed, together with variables of autonomic nervous function in a fasting state, as well as 2, 4 and 6 h following a heated, mixed test meal.ResultsParticipants had an impaired baseline flow‐mediated dilatation (2.63 ± 2.49%). Compared with the fasting state, neither variable changed postprandially following the placebo treatment. The 6 weeks' treatment with high doses of benfotiamine did not alter this pattern, either in the fasting state or postprandially. Among a subgroup of patients with the highest flow‐mediated dilatation, following placebo treatment there was a significant postprandial flow‐mediated dilatation decrease, while this effect was attenuated by benfotiamine pretreatment.ConclusionsIn people with Type 2 diabetes and markedly impaired fasting flow‐mediated dilatation, a mixed test meal does not further deteriorate flow‐mediated dilatation or variables of microvascular or autonomic nervous function. Because no significant deterioration of postprandial flow‐mediated dilatation, microvascular or autonomic nervous function tests occurred after placebo treatment, a prevention of the postprandial deterioration of these variables with benfotiamine was not feasible.
Differential androgen receptor expression andDNAmethylation state in striatum song nucleus Area X between wild and domesticated songbird strains
Authors: Wada Kazuhiro , Hayase Shin , Imai Raimu , Mori Chihiro , Kobayashi Masahiko , Liu Wan‐chun , Takahasi Miki , Okanoya Kazuo 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn songbirds, a specialized neural system, the song system, is responsible for acquisition and expression of species‐specific vocal patterns. We report evidence for differential gene expression between wild and domesticated strains having different learned vocal phenotypes. A domesticated strain of the wild white‐rumped munia, the Bengalese finch, has a distinct song pattern with a more complicated syntax than the wild strain. We identified differentialandrogen receptor(AR) expression in basal ganglia nucleus Area XGABAergic neurons between the two strains, and within different domesticated populations. Differences inARexpression were correlated with the mean coefficient of variation of the inter‐syllable duration in the two strains. DifferentialARexpression in Area X was observed before the initiation of singing, suggesting that inherited and/or early developmental mechanisms may affect expression within and between strains. However, there were no distinct differences in regions upstream of theARstart codon among all the birds in the study. In contrast, an epigenetic modification,DNAmethylation state in regions upstream ofARin Area X, was observed to differ between strains and within domesticated populations. These results provide insight into the molecular basis of behavioral evolution through the regulation of hormone‐related genes and demonstrate the potential association between epigenetic modifications and behavioral phenotype regulation.
Role of CPI‐17 in restoring skin homoeostasis in cutaneous field of cancerization: effects of topical application of a film‐forming medical device containing photolyase and UV filters
Authors: Puig‐Butillé Joan Anton , Malvehy Josep , Potrony Miriam , Trullas Carles , Garcia‐García Francisco , Dopazo Joaquin , Puig Susana 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCutaneous field of cancerization (CFC) is caused in part by the carcinogenic effect of the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers CPD and 6‐4 photoproducts (6‐4PPs). Photoreactivation is carried out by photolyases which specifically recognize and repair both photoproducts. The study evaluates the molecular effects of topical application of a film‐forming medical device containing photolyase and UV filters on the precancerous field in AK from seven patients. Skin improvement after treatment was confirmed in all patients by histopathological and molecular assessment. A gene set analysis showed that skin recovery was associated with biological processes involved in tissue homoeostasis and cell maintenance. The CFC response was associated with over‐expression of the CPI‐17 gene, and a dependence on the initial expression level was observed (P = 0.001). Low CPI‐17 levels were directly associated with pro‐inflammatory genes such as TNF (P = 0.012) and IL‐1B (P = 0.07). Our results suggest a role for CPI‐17 in restoring skin homoeostasis in CFC lesions.
Inhibition of frozen storage‐induced oxidation and structural changes in myofibril of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) surimi by cryoprotectant and hydrolysed whey protein addition
Authors: Li Yanqing , Kong Baohua , Xia Xiufang , Liu Qian , Li Peijun 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined cryoprotectants (sucrose + sorbitol) and whey protein isolate (WPI) hydrolysates to inhibit protein oxidation and quality loss in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) surimi during frozen storage at −25 °C. With increasing storage time, the carbonyl content of myofibrillar proteins increased from 4.02 nmolmg‐1 protein (0 day) to 7.25, 6.31, 5.26 and 4.83 nmol mg−1 protein (180 days; P < 0.05) for the control and samples with cryoprotectants, with cryoprotectants + WPI hydrolysates and with cryoprotectants + propyl gallate, respectively; protein surface hydrophobicity and turbidity increased in a similar trend, while sulfhydryl content, Ca‐ATPase activity, protein solubility and protein thermal stability decreased (P < 0.05). These results suggest that treatments with combined cryoprotectants and antioxidative WPI hydrolysates offer an effective approach to reducing the extent of protein oxidation in common carp surimi, thereby limiting protein structural changes known to impair texture of surimi products.
In vitro and in vivo studies with tetra‐hydro‐jasmonic acid (LR2412) reveal its potential to correct signs of skin ageing
Authors: Tran C. , Michelet J.F. , Simonetti L. , Fiat F. , Garrigues A. , Potter A. , Segot E. , Watson R.E.B. , Griffiths C.E.M. , de Lacharrière O. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundLR2412, a synthetic derivative of jasmonic acid, improved the reconstruction and homeostasis of our organotypic skin models.ObjectivesThe need for efficient ‘anti‐ageing’ treatments, in particular for the management of photoaged skin, prompted us to investigate this new ingredient for its potential to correct signs of skin ageing in vitro and in vivo and to identify its mode of action.ResultsIn vitro, penetration of LR2412 was evaluated using a Franz diffusion cell on excised human skin. Its exfoliating properties and interactions with the stratum corneum were studied using electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Experiments were performed on a human reconstructed skin model. In vivo, the effects of LR2412 on steroid‐induced skin atrophy, a clinical skin ageing model, were assessed vs. vehicle. A patch test study evaluated its effect on deposition of fibrillin‐rich microfibrils in the papillary dermis in clinically photoaged volunteers. A clinical study on the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles was conducted over 3 months of daily application. Penetration studies revealed that LR2412 reaches viable epidermis and superficial dermis, which are skin targets of anti‐ageing actives. Within the upper layers of the stratum corneum LR2412 accelerates desquamation and improves the mechanical properties. At the dermal–epidermal junction of reconstructed skin, collagen IV, laminin‐5 and fibrillin were stimulated. In vivo, LR2412 reversed steroid‐induced atrophy. The patch test model confirms the deposition of fibrillin‐rich microfibrils, then an in use clinical study revealed that it reduced facial wrinkles.ConclusionsThe in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that based on its multiple interactions within human skin, LR2412 has potential to partially correct the signs of ageing in intrinsically and photoaged skin.
“Living With a Ball and Chain”: The Experience of Stroke for Individuals and Their Caregivers in Rural Appalachian Kentucky
Authors: Danzl Megan M. , Hunter Elizabeth G. , Campbell Sarah , Sylvia Violet , Kuperstein Janice , Maddy Katherine , Harrison Anne 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeIndividuals in rural Appalachian Kentucky face health disparities and are at increased risk for negative health outcomes and poor quality of life secondary to stroke. The purpose of this study is to describe the experience of stroke for survivors and their caregivers in this region. A description of their experiences is paramount to developing tailored interventions and ultimately improving health care and support.MethodsAn interprofessional research team used a qualitative descriptive study design and interviewed 13 individuals with stroke and 12 caregivers, representing 10 rural Appalachian Kentucky counties. The transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.FindingsA descriptive summary of the participants’ experience of stroke is presented within the following structure: (1) Stroke onset, (2) Transition through the health care continuum (including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and community‐based rehabilitation), and (3) Reintegration into life and rural communities.ConclusionsThe findings provide insight for rural health care providers and community leaders to begin to understand the experience of stroke in terms of stroke onset, transition through the health care continuum, return to home, and community reintegration. An understanding of these experiences may lead to discussions of how to improve service provision, facilitate reintegration, support positive health outcomes, and improve quality of life for stroke survivors and their caregivers. The findings also indicate areas in need of future research including investigation of the effects of support groups, local health navigators to improve access to information and services, involvement of faith communities, proactive screening for management of mental health needs, and caregiver respite services.