bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aerosol particles at a high‐altitude site on the Southeast Tibetan Plateau, China: Implications for pollution transport from South Asia
Authors: Zhao Zhuzi , Cao Junji , Shen Zhenxing , Xu Baiqing , Zhu Chongshu , Chen L.‐W. Antony , Su Xiaoli , Liu Suixin , Han Yongming , Wang Gehui , Ho Kinfai 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBulk aerosol samples were collected from 16 July 2008 to 26 July 2009 at Lulang, a high‐altitude (>3300m above sea level) site on the southeast Tibetan Plateau (TP); objectives were to determine chemical characteristics of the aerosol and identify its major sources. We report aerosol (total suspended particulate, TSP) mass levels and the concentrations of selected elements, carbonaceous species, and water‐soluble inorganic ions. Significant buildup of aerosol mass and chemical species (organic carbon, element carbon, nitrate, and sulfate) occurred during the premonsoon, while lower concentrations were observed during the monsoon. Seasonal variations in aerosol and chemical species were driven by precipitation scavenging and atmospheric circulation. Two kinds of high‐aerosol episodes were observed: one was enriched with dust indicators (Fe and Ca2+), and the other was enhanced with organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC), SO42−, NO3−, and Fe. The TSP loadings during the latter were 3 to 6 times those on normal days. The greatest aerosol optical depths (National Centers for Environmental Protection/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis) occurred upwind, in eastern India and Bangladesh, and trajectory analysis indicates that air pollutants were transported from the southwest. Northwesterly winds brought high levels of natural emissions (Fe, Ca2+) and low levels of pollutants (SO42−, NO3−, K+, and EC); this was consistent with high aerosol optical depths over the western deserts and Gobi. Our work provides evidence that both geological and pollution aerosols from surrounding regions impact the aerosol population of the TP.
The morphology of the cephalic lobes and anterior pectoral fins in six species of batoids
Authors: Mulvany Samantha , Motta Philip J. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTMany benthic batoids utilize their pectoral fins for both undulatory locomotion and feeding. Certain derived, pelagic species of batoids possess cephalic lobes, which evolved from the anterior pectoral fins. These species utilize the pectoral fins for oscillatory locomotion while the cephalic lobes are used for feeding. The goal of this article was to compare the morphology of the cephalic lobes and anterior pectoral fins in species that possess and lack cephalic lobes. The skeletal elements (radials) of the cephalic lobes more closely resembled the radials in the pectoral fin of undulatory species. Second moment of area (I), calculated from cephalic lobe radial cross sections, and the number of joints revealed greater flexibility and resistance to bending in multiple directions as compared to pectoral fin radials of oscillatory species. The cephalic lobe musculature was more complex than the anterior pectoral fin musculature, with an additional muscle on the dorsal side, with fiber angles running obliquely to the radials. In Rhinoptera bonasus, a muscle presumably used to help elevate the cephalic lobes is described. Electrosensory pores were found on the cephalic lobes (except Mobula japonica) and anterior pectoral fins of undulatory swimmers, but absent from the anterior pectoral fins of oscillatory swimmers. Pore distributions were fairly uniform except in R. bonasus, which had higher pore numbers at the edges of the cephalic lobes. Overall, the cephalic lobes are unique in their anatomy but are more similar to the anterior pectoral fins of undulatory swimmers, having more flexibility and maneuverability compared to pectoral fins of oscillatory swimmers. The maneuverable cephalic lobes taking on the role of feeding may have allowed the switch to oscillatory locomotion and hence, a more pelagic lifestyle. J. Morphol. 274:1070–1083, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The hindlimb myology of Milvago chimango (Polyborinae, Falconidae)
Authors: Mosto María Clelia , Carril Julieta , Picasso Mariana Beatriz Julieta 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTWe describe the hindlimb myology of Milvago chimango. This member of the Falconidae: Polyborinae is a generalist and opportunist that can jump and run down prey on the ground, unlike Falconinae that hunt birds in flight and kill them by striking with its talons. Due to differences in the locomotion habits between the subfamilies, we hypothesized differences in their hindlimb myology. Gross dissections showed that the myology of M. chimango is concordant with that described of other falconids, except for the following differences: the m. flexor cruris medialis has one belly with a longitudinal division; the m. iliotibialis lateralis does not have a connection with the m. iliofibularis; the m. fibularis longus is strongly aponeurotic; the m. tibialis cranialis lacks an accessory tendons and the m. flexor hallucis longus has one place of origin, instead of two. The presence of the m. flexor cruris lateralis can be distinguished as it has been described absent for the Falconidae. We associated its presence with the predominant terrestrial habit of the M. chimango. Each muscle dissected was weighed and the relationship between flexors and extensors at each joint was assessed. The extensor muscles predominated in all joints in M. chimango. Among the flexors, the m. flexor hallucis longus was the heaviest, which could be related to the importance of the use of its talons to obtain food. J. Morphol. 274:1191–1201, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative analysis of the influence of solar radiation screen ageing on temperature measurements by means of weather stations
Authors: Lopardo G. , Bertiglia F. , Curci S. , Roggero G. , Merlone A. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractSolar radiation screens play a key role in automatic weather stations (AWS) performances. In this work, screen ageing effects on temperature measurements are examined. Paired temperature observations, traceable to national standards and with a well‐defined uncertainty budget, were performed employing two naturally ventilated weather stations equipped with identical sensors and different only for their working time. Three different tests were carried out employing different aged AWSs: a 5‐year‐old AWS (AWS5) was compared with a new device (AWS0), a 1 year old (AWS1) was compared with both a 3 years old (AWS3) and a new one devices (AWS00). Due to solar and weather conditions exposure a degradation of the screen reflective coating is evident for the older AWSs (5 and 3 years old) and so a qualitative estimation of how different conditions of ageing affect the temperature drift was done. During the comparison 0 to 5 and 1 to 3‐year‐old screens, significant temperature differences were recorded at different times of the day. The differences, wider than the uncertainty amplitude, demonstrate a systematic effect. The temperature measured with the older screen is larger, and the maximum instantaneous difference was 1.63 °C (for 0–5 years comparison) in daytime hours. During night‐time the two AWS's measure the same temperature (within the uncertainty amplitude). This behaviour, increasing with increasing solar radiation intensity and decreasing with increasing wind speed, is attributed to a radiative heating effect. The screen ageing has compromised the shield effectiveness introducing a significant change in the temperature evaluation. The experimental results of a further comparison, between 0‐ and 1‐year‐old screens, confirm the same conclusion showing a negligible ageing effect, within the uncertainty amplitude.
Analysis of rainfall, PMP and drought in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Sherif Mohsen , Almulla Mohamed , Shetty Ampar , Chowdhury Rezaul K. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTSpatial and temporal characteristics of rainfall in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were investigated. The region is divided into four climate zones (East Coast, Mountains, Gravel Plains and Desert Foreland) of distinguished rainfall distribution. The rainfall patterns, rainfall probability of occurrences, rainfall intensity‐duration‐frequency (IDF) relationship, probable maximum precipitation (PMP) and drought scenarios were investigated. Daily rainfall data from a network of stations across the UAE were used. Standard statistical techniques were applied for data analyses. The Gumbel, log Pearson, generalized extreme value, log normal, Wakeby and Weibull probability distributions were tested to fit extreme rainfalls. Both Gumbel and Weibull distributions were found adequate. Measures of dispersion and symmetry of rainfall patterns were found relatively high. The estimated PMP values were found highest in the East Coast region and lowest in the Gravel Plains region. Estimated drought severity index showed that the regions have similar trends of drought patterns over the years. The study is useful for sustainable water resources planning and management in the region.
Non‐protein thiols and glutathione S‐transferase alleviate Cd stress and reduce root‐to‐shoot translocation of Cd in rice
Authors: Zhang Chunhua , Yin Xiaoming , Gao Kehui , Ge Ying , Cheng Wangda 
Published: June 2013

AbstractA hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate the dynamic variations of cadmium (Cd) uptake and transport, non‐protein thiols (NPT) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations, glutathione S‐transferase (GST) activity and lipid peroxidation under Cd stress in order to clarify the role of NPT and GST in reducing Cd toxicity and translocation in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Cadmium accumulation was initially fast and then slowed down with increasing time of Cd exposure. However, the rice growth inhibition and lipid peroxidation were not intense until 5d after Cd treatment, even though Cd kept accumulating in root and shoot, suggesting that Cd may be effectively detoxified. The concentrations of NPT in root increased gradually until 5d after Cd stress, whereas those in shoot showed no significant changes. The concentration of shoot GSH was progressively enhanced upon Cd treatment, while it gradually declined in root after an initial increase. The GST activity varied similarly in root and shoot, reaching the maximum level on 3rd day, followed by a significant decrease 5 d after Cd application. Significant increases of lipid peroxidation and root‐to‐shoot translocation on 7th day indicate that the equilibrium in Cd‐thiol interaction in rice might be disturbed upon the prolonged Cd exposure. In summary, our results suggest that Cd may be retained and detoxified in rice root through chelation with thiol compounds and subsequent sequestration.
Nitrogen and genotype effects on root growth and root survivorship of spring wheat
Authors: Herrera Juan M. , Noulas Christos , Feil Boy , Stamp Peter , Liedgens Markus 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe nitrogen (N) fertilization of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is important for stable and high grain yield. However, the effect of N on root growth and survivorship is poorly understood. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the effect of varying N availability on the growth and survivorship of roots and (2) to determine whether genotypic variation in N‐related traits are linked to root growth and survivorship. In a two‐year study, two spring wheat cultivars (Albis and Toronit) and an experimental line (L94491) were grown under low (20 kg N ha–1) and high N supply (270 kg N ha–1) in lysimeters equipped with minirhizotrons. The genotypes showed significant differences in N‐related traits: total shoot N content, grain N yield, N harvest index, and rate of decline in flag‐leaf greenness. However, there were relatively weak and inconsistent genotypic effects on the time course of root density, root growth during grain filling, and root survivorship. The level of N supply was the factor that most influenced the establishment, growth, and survivorship of roots; the high N supply, depending on the year and genotype, increased growth and survivorship of roots from 0% to 68% and 24% to 34%, respectively.
Analysis of outcomes in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in infants
Authors: Robison Jacob G. , Wilson Caleb , Otteson Todd D. , Chakravorty Sangeeta S. , Mehta Deepak K. 
Published: June 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo investigate interventions used for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in infants.Study DesignRetrospective medical record review.MethodsPatients 3 to 24 months old at the time of diagnosis of OSA by polysomnography (PSG) were studied at a tertiary care children's hospital. The main outcome measures were demographic data, PSG data, intervention data, subjective results of interventions, and medical comorbidities.ResultsOf the 295 patients included, 196 (66%) were males and 99 (34%) were females. The most common interventions with average age at the time of intervention were: adenotonsillectomy, 115 patients (31.8%, 22.3 months); adenoidectomy, 82 patients (22.5%, 17.7 months); observation, 76 patients (20.9%, 12.8 months); supplemental oxygen, 27 patients (7.4%, 11.7 months); continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)/bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), 18 patients (4.9%, 15.6 months); tonsillectomy, 16 patients (4.4%, 25.7 months); and tracheostomy, six patients (1.7%, 15.3 months). In the youngest patients (3–5 months of age), 89.3% of interventions were nonsurgical and 10.7% were surgical. In the oldest patients (older than 24 months), 17.5% of interventions were nonsurgical and 82.5% were surgical. Subjective improvement following intervention was highest after adenotonsillectomy. The intervention with the greatest percentage decrease in apnea–hypopnea index (objective efficacy) was tracheostomy, followed by CPAP/BiPAP. Average time from diagnosis to intervention was 35.5 days for nonsurgical interventions and 92.4 days for surgical interventions.ConclusionsObservation was the most common nonsurgical intervention and the most common intervention in patients younger than 12 months. Adenotonsillectomy was the most common surgical and overall intervention. Adenotonsillectomy had the greatest subjective efficacy, and tracheostomy had the greatest objective efficacy. Laryngoscope, 123:2306–2314, 2013
Cadaveric study for skull base reconstruction using anteriorly based inferior turbinate flap
Authors: Amit Moran , Cohen Jacob , Koren Ilan , Gil Ziv 
Published: June 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo demonstrate the feasibility of an anteriorly pedicled inferior turbinate flap (AITF) as a method for endoscopic reconstruction of anterior skull base defects in the absence of a nasal septal flap.Study DesignCadaveric feasibility study.SettingUniversity‐affiliated tertiary medical center.Materials and PatientsA cadaveric model was used to investigate the feasibility of harvesting and skull base reconstruction with an AITF. The size and extent of coverage of the flap were investigated. Subsequently, defects resulting from an endoscopic resection of various anterior skull base pathologies were reconstructed with an AITF in patients.ResultsIn the cadaveric model (n = 11), the mean length, width, and area of the AITFs were 4.76 ± 0.52 cm, 1.8 ± 0.34 cm, and 4.31 ± 0.87 cm2, respectively. The flap provided a mean of 111 ± 12% (range 95%–133%) coverage of the anterior skull base from the posterior table of the frontal sinus to the sella. Following that experience, ten patients were successfully reconstructed with AITFs, and there were no postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks or occurrence of meningitis.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of AITFs for the reconstruction of anterior skull base defects in the absence of alternative vascularized flaps.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 123:2940–2944, 2013
PYY3‐36 and pancreatic polypeptide reduce food intake in an additive manner via distinct hypothalamic dependent pathways in mice
Authors: Shi Yan‐Chuan , Lin Zhou , Lau Jackie , Zhang Hui , Yagi Miyuki , Kanzler Isabella , Sainsbury Amanda , Herzog Herbert , Lin Shu 
Published: June 2013

ObjectivePeptide YY (PYY3‐36) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) potently inhibit food intake in rodents and humans, however, it is unclear whether they have any synergistic/additive interaction in decreasing food intake.Design and MethodsFasted WT, Y2−/−, Y4−/−, or Y2Y4−/− mice were i.p. administrated with saline, PYY3‐36, and/or PP.ResultsCombined injection of PYY3‐36 and PP reduces food intake in an additive manner was demonstrated in this study. This effect is mediated via Y2 and Y4 receptors, respectively. It was demonstrated that PYY3‐36 and PP activate distinct neuronal pathways in the hypothalamus, as demonstrated by immunostaining for c‐fos, which shows distinct patterns in response to either hormone. After PYY3‐36 injection, neurons in the dorsal aspect of the arcuate nucleus (Arc), paraventricular nucleus, and dorso‐medial nucleus of the hypothalamus (DMH) are activated with minimal responses seen in the ventro‐medial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) and lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) of WT mice. These effects are absent in Y2−/− mice. PP activates preferably the lateral aspect of the Arc, the DMH, VMH, and LHA in a Y4 receptor‐dependent manner. Importantly, the expression pattern of c‐fos immunoreactive neurons induced by combined treatment appears to be the sum of the effects of single treatments rather than a result of synergistic interaction.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that PYY3‐36 and PP activate distinct pathways in the hypothalamus to reduce food intake in an additive manner.
Myocardial deformation and twist mechanics in adults with metabolic syndrome: Impact of cumulative metabolic burden
Authors: Crendal Edward , Walther Guillaume , Vinet Agnes , Dutheil Frédéric , Naughton Geraldine , Lesourd Bruno , Chapier Robert , Rupp Thomas , Courteix Daniel , Obert Philippe 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to characterize left ventricular (LV) myocardial mechanics in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and elucidate the effects of multiple risk‐factors on myocardial function using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE); a more sensitive method than conventional echocardiography for detecting subclinical myocardial dysfunction.Design and MethodsCross‐sectional analyses of 92 adults (50–70 years) with MetS, and 50 healthy controls included conventional echocardiography, blood biochemistry, and STE‐derived myocardial longitudinal, circumferential, and twist mechanics.ResultsUsing conventional measures, MetS participants revealed LV hypertrophy and reduced diastolic function compared with controls, while systolic function was preserved. From STE, MetS participants showed attenuated longitudinal strain (−16.8% ± 2.8% vs. −20.6% ± 2.7%), and both diastolic (1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 1.4 ± 0.3 s s−1) and systolic (−1.0 ± 0.1 vs. −1.2 ± 0.2 s s−1) strain rate (SR). Circumferential strain, SR, and twist mechanics did not differ. Participants with the highest number of MetS factors or diabetes demonstrated the greatest reduction in longitudinal strain and SR. Abdominal obesity, TNF‐α, HbA1c, and systolic dyssynchrony explained 48% of impairment in longitudinal strain.ConclusionsImpaired longitudinal myocardial diastolic and systolic function, but preserved circumferential function and twist mechanics were found in MetS participants, indicative of altered subendocardial function. This dysfunction was best predicted by abdominal obesity, inflammation, glucose‐intolerance, and systolic dyssynchrony.
Antiobesity effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (actiponin): A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Park Soo‐Hyun , Huh Tae‐Lin , Kim Sun‐Young , Oh Mi‐Ra , Tirupathi Pichiah P.B. , Chae Soo‐Wan , Cha Youn‐Soo 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveThe effects of actiponin was investigated, a heat‐processed Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract, on body weight, fat loss, and metabolic markers of Korean participants in a 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial.Design and MethodsObese participants (BMI ≥ 25 kg m−2 and WHR ≥ 0.90 for male or WHR ≥ 0.85 for female) who had not been diagnosed with any disease and met the inclusion criteria were recruited for this study. The 80 subjects were randomly divided into actiponin (n = 40, 450 mg day−1) and placebo (n = 40) groups. Outcomes included measurement of efficacy (abdominal fat distribution, anthropometric parameters, and blood lipid profiles) and safety (adverse events, laboratory test results, electrocardiogram data, and vital signs).ResultsDuring 12‐week of actiponin supplementation, total abdominal fat area, body weight, body fat mass, percent body fat, and BMI were significantly decreased (P = 0.044, P < 0.05, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.05, respectively) in the actiponin group compared to the placebo group. No clinically significant changes in any safety parameter were observed.ConclusionOur study revealed that actiponin is a potent antiobesity reagent that does not produce any significant adverse effects. These results suggest that actiponin supplementation may be effective for treating obese individuals.
The effect of GWAS identified BMI loci on changes in body weight among middle‐aged danes during a five‐year period
Authors: Sandholt C. H. , Allin K. H. , Toft U. , Borglykke A. , Ribel‐Madsen R. , Sparso T. , Justesen J. M. , Harder M. N. , Jørgensen T. , Hansen T. , Pedersen O. 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveGenome‐wide association studies have identified genetic variants associating with BMI, however, it is un‐clarified whether the same variants also influence body weight fluctuations.MethodsAmong 3,982 adult individuals that attended both a baseline and a five‐year follow‐up examination in the Danish Inter99 intervention study, a genetic risk score (GRS) was constructed based on 30 BMI variants to address whether it is associated with body weight changes. Moreover, it was examined whether the effect of lifestyle changes was modulated by the GRS.ResultsThe GRS associated strongly with baseline body weight, with a per risk allele increase of 0.45 (0.33‐0.58) kg (P = 2.7 × 10−12), corresponding to a body weight difference of 3.41 (2.21‐4.60) kg comparing the highest (≥ 30 risk alleles) and lowest (≤ 26 risk alleles) risk allele tertile. No association was observed with changes in body weight during the five years. Changes in lifestyle, including physical activity, diet and smoking habits associated strongly with body weight changes, however, no interactions with the GRS was observed.ConclusionThe GRS associated with body weight cross‐sectionally, but not with changes over a five‐year period. Body weight changes were influenced by lifestyle changes, however, independently of the GRS.
The role of ultrasound in fetal congenital myopathy detection: a novel case of fetal‐onset cap myopathy
Authors: Tamblyn J. A. , Morris R. K. , Cox P. , Hargitai B. , Kilby M. D. 
Published: June 2013

What's already known about this topic?

Rare heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders.
Associated with severe, often fatal phenotypes – Prenatal parental counselling and ‘high risk screening’ important
Prenatal diagnosis primarily reliant upon ultrasound detectionWhat does this study add?

Introduces a novel, lethal fetal form of cap myopathy.
Evaluates range of ultrasound features and how detection can be facilitated
Reconfirms fetal‐onset CM represents important, complex diagnostic challenge.