bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Classification of Rice Based on Statistical Analysis of Pasting Properties and Apparent Amylose Content: The Case of Oryza glaberrima Accessions from Africa
Authors: Gayin Joseph , Chandi Gurpreet Kaur , Manful John , Seetharaman Koushik 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThe diversity of 1,020 Oryza glaberrima rice accessions being kept at the Genetic Resources Unit of the Africa Rice Center with a varied range of apparent amylose content (AAC) and pasting properties was explored with cluster analysis. Rice cultivars are usually characterized according to grain dimensions, AACs, and gelatinization temperatures; however, this work focused on grouping African rice accessions based on their pasting properties and AAC. Using the Ward method of hierarchical cluster analysis, 1,020 rice accessions were initially distributed into five major clusters and further into 23 subclusters. The distribution pattern indicated that clusters I, II, III, IV, and V formed 27.6, 10.2, 15.8, 23.7, and 22.6% of the entire population, respectively. Although some of the groups had similar AAC, their pasting properties were very different, making it imperative for further investigations. Peak viscosity highly correlated (P < 0.01) with trough, breakdown, and final viscosities in all five clusters, whereas correlation between peak viscosity and AAC was not significant within clusters II and IV. Additionally, this categorization serves as a tool for exploring materials that can be employed in the development of rice cultivars for specific end uses.
Converted‐wave beam migration with sparse sources or receivers
Authors: Casasanta Lorenzo , Gray Samuel H. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTGaussian beam depth migration overcomes the single‐wavefront limitation of most implementations of Kirchhoff migration and provides a cost‐effective alternative to full‐wavefield imaging methods such as reverse‐time migration. Common‐offset beam migration was originally derived to exploit symmetries available in marine towed‐streamer acquisition. However, sparse acquisition geometries, such as cross‐spread and ocean bottom, do not easily accommodate requirements for common‐offset, common‐azimuth (or common‐offset‐vector) migration. Seismic data interpolation or regularization can be used to mitigate this problem by forming well‐populated common‐offset‐vector volumes. This procedure is computationally intensive and can, in the case of converted‐wave imaging with sparse receivers, compromise the final image resolution. As an alternative, we introduce a common‐shot (or common‐receiver) beam migration implementation, which allows migration of datasets rich in azimuth, without any regularization pre‐processing required. Using analytic, synthetic, and field data examples, we demonstrate that converted‐wave imaging of ocean‐bottom‐node data benefits from this formulation, particularly in the shallow subsurface where regularization for common‐offset‐vector migration is both necessary and difficult.
Impact of off‐farm income on food expenditures in rural Bangladesh: an unconditional quantile regression approach
Authors: Mishra Ashok K. , Mottaleb Kh. A. , Mohanty Samarendu 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis study examines the effects of off‐farm income on food expenditures of rural Bangladeshi households. Our analysis yields unbiased estimates of the unconditional impact of off‐farm income on food expenditures and reveals the heterogeneous effects that occur across the distribution of total food consumption expenditures. The findings suggest that the impacts of off‐farm income are uniformly positive across the unconditional quantile regression and significantly increase food consumption expenditures for all quantiles, except for the 25th quantile. In addition, we found that schooling, experience, and location of the household increase the food expenditures of rural households. Most importantly, this article argues that female‐headed rural households in which the female works off the farm tend to have significantly lower food expenditures.
The different surrogate measures of adiposity in relation to semen quality and serum reproductive hormone levels among Estonian fertile men
Authors: Ehala‐Aleksejev K. , Punab M. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate the relations of basic semen parameters and reproductive hormones with different surrogate measures of adiposity: body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), waist circumference (WC) and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR). Standard semen analysis was performed and serum levels of reproductive hormones were measured in 260 male partners of pregnant women at a university hospital andrology centres in Estonia. Quartile analysis revealed that all adiposity markers were negatively related to sex hormone‐binding globulin and total testosterone levels. After adjustment for covariates a high BF%, WC and WHtR were negatively associated with total sperm count. The BF% was also negatively related to semen volume. These significant changes occurred from a BF% ≥ 23.4%, WC > 98 cm and WHtR > 0.54. Next to these changes the BMI was not related to sperm parameters. This study shows that semen quality is affected by central adiposity and confirms earlier findings that adiposity markedly changes serum sex hormone levels. Further studies are required to find out what is the best body composition marker showing most clearly the relationships between adiposity, semen characteristics and sex hormone levels.
Is a CIS phenotype apparent in children with Disorders of Sex Development? Milder testicular dysgenesis is associated with a higher risk of malignancy
Authors: Chemes H. E. , Venara M. , del Rey G. , Arcari A. J. , Musse M. P. , Papazian R. , Forclaz V. , Gottlieb S. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryAll malignant testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) of adult men are preceded by an in situ stage (CIS) of protracted evolution. The adult CIS is well characterized, but there is debate on the phenotype of infantile CIS, its distinction from delayed maturation of germ cells and prognostic potential. A large series of 43 patients with Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) and dysgenetic testes (90% ranging from neonates to 12 years, mean age 4.7 years), was studied by quantifying dysgenetic features, degree of germ cell abnormalities/atypia (GCA), expression of OCT 3/4 (a pluripotency‐undifferentiation marker), germ cell ploidy and evolution to CIS and invasive TGCT. Findings were compared with those of normal testes. The type of gonads present defined three groups of patients: bilateral testes (BT‐DSD, n = 21), one testis and one streak gonad (CT‐DSD, C for combined, n = 13), and ovarian‐testicular combinations (OT‐DSD, n = 9). There were 5 boys with infantile CIS, bilateral in 3 (total of 8 infantile CIS) and two patients with adult CIS, bilateral in one (total of 3 adult CIS). Two patients had bilateral seminomas one at 12–17 and the other at 23 years. Histological dysgenesis was significantly higher in CT‐DSD (p < 0.05), that had only 1 CIS. The highest frequency of GCA was in BT‐DSD (p < 0.05), which coincided with a total of 11CIS + Seminomas. In all patients, aneuploidy was significantly higher (63%) than diploidy (p < 0.02), and GCA were more frequent in aneuploid than in diploid samples (p < 0.02). All CIS and TGCT were OCT 3/4 positive. Finally, there was a significant association between the triad Aneuploidy + GCA + OCT 3/4 positivity and the incidence of CIS (Fisher Exact test p < 0.002, relative risk 7.0). The degree of testicular dysgenesis (derived from abnormal organization of Sertoli cells in fetal testicular cords) is inversely related to the incidence of CIS. Our data demonstrate that the combined use of OCT 3/4 expression, quantification of germ cell abnormalities‐atypia and ploidy in dysgenetic testes can satisfactorily identify infantile CIS with high risk of malignant evolution and set it aside from delayed germ cell maturation with lower or nil neoplastic potential.
Electromyographically recorded patellar reflex in normotensive pregnant women and patients with preeclampsia
Authors: Brussé Ingrid A. , Visser Gerhard H. , van der Marel Imke C. , Facey‐Vermeiden Sharon , Steegers Eric A.P. , Duvekot Johannes J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo define reference values of the patellar reflex in normotensive pregnant and postpartum women and to compare these with values in women with preeclampsia.DesignObservational study.SettingUniversity teaching hospital in the Netherlands.PopulationNormotensive non‐pregnant women, pregnant women and preeclamptic women.MethodsIn normotensive pregnant women the patellar reflex was cross‐sectionally recorded using surface electromyography at four time points during pregnancy and six to eight weeks postpartum. In non‐pregnant normotensive women this was recorded once. Preeclamptic women were recorded during pregnancy and postpartum.Main outcome measuresLatency and amplitude of the compound muscle action potential of the patellar reflex.ResultsLatency and amplitude of the compound muscle action potential during normotensive pregnancies showed no changes compared with the non‐pregnant state during reproductive age. Latency of the compound muscle action potential was increased in pregnancies with severe preeclampsia compared with normotensive pregnancies. These differences disappeared postpartum.ConclusionsDuring pregnancy, the patellar reflex can be assessed using surface electromyography. Latency and amplitude show no changes during normotensive pregnancies and are no different from the postpartum or non‐pregnant values. In severely preeclamptic women, latency is increased. The clinical value of this is limited.
Cycloplegic refraction is the gold standard for epidemiological studies
Authors: Morgan Ian G. , Iribarren Rafael , Fotouhi Akbar , Grzybowski Andrzej 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMany studies on children have shown that lack of cycloplegia is associated with slight overestimation of myopia and marked errors in estimates of the prevalence of emmetropia and hyperopia. Non‐cycloplegic refraction is particularly problematic for studies of associations with risk factors. The consensus around the importance of cycloplegia in children left undefined at what age, if any, cycloplegia became unnecessary. It was often implicitly assumed that cycloplegia is not necessary beyond childhood or early adulthood, and thus, the protocol for the classical studies of refraction in older adults did not include cycloplegia. Now that population studies of refractive error are beginning to fill the gap between schoolchildren and older adults, whether cycloplegia is required for measuring refractive error in this age range, needs to be defined. Data from the Tehran Eye Study show that, without cycloplegia, there are errors in the estimation of myopia, emmetropia and hyperopia in the age range 20–50, just as in children. Similar results have been reported in an analysis of data from the Beaver Dam Offspring Eye Study. If the only important outcome measure of a particular study is the prevalence of myopia, then cycloplegia may not be crucial in some cases. But, without cycloplegia, measurements of other refractive categories as well as spherical equivalent are unreliable. In summary, the current evidence suggests that cycloplegic refraction should be considered as the gold standard for epidemiological studies of refraction, not only in children, but in adults up to the age of 50.
Flicker electroretinograms before and after intravitreal ranibizumab injection in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Yasuda Shunsuke , Kachi Shu , Ueno Shinji , Piao Chang‐Hua , Terasaki Hiroko 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPurposeTo compare the amplitudes and implicit times of the flicker electroretinograms before and after an intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) in eyes with a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 15 consecutive patients who had macular oedema secondary to CRVO and had received an IVR at the Nagoya University Hospital from November 2013 to July 2014. Flicker ERGs were recorded with both the RETeval™ system and a conventional ERG system before the IVR. One month after the IVR, recordings were repeated with only the RETeval™ system.ResultsThe mean implicit times of the flicker ERGs of the affected eyes recorded with the RETeval™ system were significantly longer than that of the fellow eyes (32.2 ± 2.6 msec versus 28.1 ± 1.2 msec, p < 0.001). One month after the IVR, the implicit times of the flicker ERGs of affected eyes were significantly shortened from 32.2 ± 2.6 to 30.6 ± 2.2 msec (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe shortening of the implicit times of the flicker ERGs after the IVR indicates an improvement of retinal function after anti‐VEGF therapy for CRVO eyes.
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome treated with single‐incision laparoscopy‐assisted duodenojejunostomy
Authors: Shinji Seiichi , Matsumoto Satoshi , Kan Hayato , Fujita Itsuo , Kanazawa Yoshikazu , Yamada Takeshi , Hagiwara Nobutoshi , Koizumi Michihiro , Onodera Hiroyuki , Ko Kazuhide , Machida Tadashi , Uchida Eiji 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSuperior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is an uncommon disease resulting from compression and partial obstruction of the third portion of the duodenum from the SMA. A 77‐year‐old man, who did not have a history of surgery, experienced repeated vomiting and developed abdominal distension. Abdominal CT showed a narrowed third portion of the duodenum, with a distended stomach and proximal duodenum. The patient was diagnosed as having SMA syndrome and was initially treated conservatively, but his condition did not improve. Single‐incision laparoscopy‐assisted duodenojejunostomy was performed. The patient recovered well and was discharged from hospital on postoperative day 8. Laparoscopic treatment is feasible for the treatment of SMA syndrome given its safety and minimal invasiveness. This is a report of the first case of single‐incision laparoscopy‐assisted duodenojejunostomy. This procedure is safer and less invasive than a conventional laparoscopic approach in a patient with SMA syndrome.
Three‐dimensional fusion images combining CT gastrography and CT angiography for early gastric cancer: Pilot experiences of preoperative simulation prior to totally laparoscopic gastrectomy
Authors: Miyazaki Shinichiro , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Ozaki Yusuke , Iino Ichirota , Ohta Manabu , Kamiya Kinji , Sakaguchi Takanori , Unno Naoki , Konno Hiroyuki 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe herein report two cases of gastric cancer in which preoperative 3‐D CT gastrography and CT angiography fusion images enabled totally laparoscopic gastrectomy. Case 1 involved a 60‐year‐old woman with a superficial depressed lesion on the greater curvature of the middle gastric body. Case 2 involved a 64‐year‐old woman with a superficial depressed lesion on the posterior wall of the upper gastric body. In both cases, 3‐D fusion images were prepared from enhanced CT scans after the area near the lesions was clipped under preoperative gastroendoscopy. Based on the relative position between the clips and nearby vessels, a resection line was preoperatively determined in each case. Totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and totally laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy were performed in cases 1 and 2, respectively, with safe surgical margins. Three‐dimensional fusion images can help in preoperative simulation of totally laparoscopic gastrectomy.
Retroperitoneal schwannomas: Advantages of laparoscopic resection. Review of the literature and case presentation of a large paracaval benign schwannoma (with video)
Authors: Petrucciani Niccolo , Sirimarco Dario , Magistri Paolo , Antolino Laura , Gasparrini Marcello , Ramacciato Giovanni 
Published: January 2015

AbstractRetroperitoneal schwannomas represent 0.5%–3% of all retroperitoneal tumors. Complete surgical removal is the treatment of choice because it permits a correct histological diagnosis and prevents eventual degeneration. Laparoscopic surgery has been reported as safe and effective by several authors. We present a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the role of laparoscopy in surgical resection of retroperitoneal schwannomas, and we present a case showing the technique (with video). Laparoscopic resection in experienced hands is safe and effective, and guarantees excellent postoperative results in terms of patient recovery.
Osseous metaplasia of the endometrium and successful hysteroscopic resection: A report of two cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Madaan Monika , Suman Shweta , Sharma Raksha , Kapoor Neeharika , Garg Priyanka , Raj Samir Shankar 
Published: January 2015

AbstractOsseous metaplasia is a rare disorder of the endometrium that usually leads to secondary infertility and is frequently associated with recurrent abortions. Here we present two cases: one presenting with primary infertility and another presenting with oligomenorrhea. In both cases, vaginal ultrasonography showed an intrauterine structure that appeared hyperechogenic, suggesting calcification. Hysteroscopy revealed multiple white spicules of bony material in the uterine cavity. In both cases, the lesion was treated by hysteroscopic removal without complications. Histology established a diagnosis of endometrial osseous metaplasia. Thus, hysteroscopy was effective in the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial osseous metaplasia. The patient with primary infertility had spontaneous conception of twins 6 months after the procedure.
Technological characterization of sheep production systems inBrazil
Authors: Raineri Camila , Nunes Bruno César Prosdocimi , Gameiro Augusto Hauber 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSheep production has expanded inBrazil focusing on lamb meat, mostly to meet demanding internal markets in the state ofSãoPaulo. Such markets present a demand which internal production is insufficient to meet. However, sheep farmers face many technical difficulties to produce quality lambs at viable costs. This study aimed at investigating the main characteristics of sheep production systems of the state ofSãoPaulo,Brazil, in order to provide resources for the development of technologies, policies and other initiatives focused on the activity. We designed in panel meetings the characteristics of representative sheep farms in five regions of the state, concerning: (i) property and manpower profile; (ii) flock; (iii) handling techniques; (iv) facilities and equipment; (v) food production; and (vi) technical indicators. Results demonstrate that the predominant sheep farming in the state employs low technology, presenting low productivity despite its evolution in recent years. We verified great technical deficiency regarding farmers, who are new in this business and usually do not have access to technologies. Producers' unawareness about basic handling procedures and techniques as well as their lack of flock records can contribute to the activity's unsustainability. There is need for improving rural extension and diffusion of technologies.
Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oils supplementation on digestion, colostrum production of dairy ewes and lamb mortality and growth
Authors: Smeti Samir , Joy Margalida , Hajji Hadhami , Alabart José Luis , Muñoz Fernando , Mahouachi Mokhtar , Atti Naziha 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rosemary essential oils (REO) and the forage nature on ewes' performances, immune response and lambs' growth and mortality. Forty‐eight dairy ewes (Sicilo‐Sarde) were fed oat‐hay or oat‐silage supplemented with 400 g of concentrate during pregnancy and 600 g during postpartum. The experimental concentrate contained the same mixture as the control (barley, soybean meal and mineral vitamin supplement) more 0.6 g/kg of REO. Two groups were obtained with each forage (Hay groups: H‐C and H‐REO; Silage groups: S‐C and S‐REO). REO increased the dry matter (DM) intake, the nitrogen intake and retention being higher with the silage groups (P < 0.05). REO increased solid non‐fat (P = 0.004) and fat contents of colostrum which was higher with hay (P = 0.002). REO decreased lamb mortality (P < 0.05) which averaged 21% for control groups and 6% for H‐REO, while no mortality was recorded with S‐REO. REO dietary supply improved forage intake and tended to ameliorate colostrum production; it could be a natural additive to improve ewes' performances.
The g.841G>C SNP of FASN gene is associated with fatty acid composition in beef cattle
Authors: Hayakawa Kiri , Sakamoto Takayuki , Ishii Atsushi , Yamaji Keita , Uemoto Yoshinobu , Sasago Nanae , Kobayashi Eiji , Kobayashi Naohiko , Matsuhashi Tamako , Maruyama Shin , Matsumoto Hirokazu , Oyama Kenji , Mannen Hideyuki , Sasazaki Shinji 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe objective of the current study is to evaluate the association between fatty acid composition and fatty acid synthase gene polymorphisms as responsible mutations. For this purpose, we selected seven previously reported single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FASN gene, including one within promoter region (g.841G>C) and six non‐synonymous SNPs (g.8805C>T, g.13126C>T, g.15532A>C, g.16024A>G, g.16039C>T, g.17924A>G), and genotyped them in Japanese Black cattle. Genotyping results revealed that g.8805 C>T and g.17924 A>G were monomorphic loci. Genome‐wide association analysis including the other five SNPs revealed that only g.841G>C showed significant associations with the percentages of C14:0, C14:1, C16:1 and C18:1 at 5% genome‐wide significance level. In order to further evaluate the effect, we genotyped g.841G>C using additional three populations, including two Japanese Black populations and a Holstein cattle population. g.16024A>G was also genotyped and included in the analysis because it has been reported to be associated with fatty acid composition in Japanese Black cattle. In the result of analysis of variance, g.841G>C showed stronger effects on fatty acid percentage than those of g.16024A>G in all populations. These results suggested that g.841G>C would be a responsible mutation for fatty acid composition and contribute to production of high‐grade beef as a selection marker in beef cattle.
Zinc‐bearing zeolite clinoptilolite improves tissue zinc accumulation in laying hens by enhancing zinc transporter gene mRNA abundance
Authors: Li Linfeng , Li Ping , Chen Yueping , Wen Chao , Zhuang Su , Zhou Yanmin 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA study was conducted to investigate effects of zinc‐bearing zeolite clinoptilolite (ZnCP), as an alternative for zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), on laying performance, tissue Zn accumulation and Zn transporter genes expression in laying hens. Hy‐Line Brown laying hens were allocated to three treatments, each of which had six replicates with 15 hens per replicate, receiving basal diet supplemented with ZnSO4 (control, 80 mg Zn/kg diet), 0.23% ZnCP (40.25 mg Zn/kg diet) and 0.46% ZnCP (80.50 mg Zn/kg diet) for 8 weeks, respectively. Compared with control, hens fed diet containing 0.23% ZnCP had similar Zn content in measured tissues (P > 0.05). A higher ZnCP inclusion (0.46%) enhanced Zn accumulation in liver (P < 0.05) and pancreas (P < 0.05). In addition, ZnCP inclusion increased blood iron (Fe) content (P < 0.05). ZnCP supplementation enhanced jejunal metallothionein‐4 (MT‐4) messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance (P < 0.05). ZnCP inclusion at a higher level (0.46%) increased mRNA expression of MT‐4 in pancreas (P < 0.05) and zinc transporter‐1 (ZnT‐1) in jejunum (P < 0.05). The highest ZnT‐2 mRNA abundance in jejunum was found in hens fed 0.23% ZnCP inclusion diet (P < 0.05). The results indicated that ZnCP reached a higher bioavailability as compared with ZnSO4 as evidenced by enhanced tissue Zn accumulation and Zn transporter genes expression.