bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gustav Killian: beyond his dehiscence
Authors: Prowse S J , Makura Z 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFor most doctors, Gustav Killian is best known for his eponymous pharyngeal dehiscence. Otorhinolaryngologists may also be familiar with his contributions to rhinology by way of his well-known incision and speculum. Few, however, will be aware of the true significance of his contributions to medicine. Killian was at the forefront of advances in ENT surgery at the turn of the twentieth century. From his early years to his revolutionary work on bronchoscopy and a narrowly missed Nobel Prize, this paper reviews the life and works of a most prolific and often overlooked surgical innovator.
Reproductive biology of the land crab Cardisoma guanhumi (Decapoda: Gecarcinidae) in north-eastern Brazil
Authors: Shinozaki-Mendes Renata Akemi , Silva José Roberto Feitosa , Santander-Neto Jones , Hazin Fábio Hissa Vieira 
Published: September 2012

The reproductive cycle of Cardisoma guanhumi was described from the analysis of seasonal variation of the gonadal maturation stages. The first maturity for both sexes was determined based on three different tests: inflexion point on the curve; relevant character (morphometry); and histological analysis (physiology). In addition, some aspects of sexual dimorphism for the population were studied. A total of 353 individuals caught in north-eastern Brazil between December 2006 and November 2007 were analysed. The sex-ratio was statistically equal (P ≥ 0.05) and the carapace width (CW) of the females ranged from 4.34 to 8.56 cm and of the males from 2.84 to 9.22 cm. Mature females with fully developed gonads begin to appear in the dry season (August) and ovigerous females occurred from November to February, suggesting that spawning occurs mainly during the rainy season. The CW of first sexual maturity for females ranged from 5.87 cm to 6.70 cm and males from 6.22 cm to 7.20 cm. The highest percentage of individuals caught were juveniles, indicating the need for a targeted effort to preserve the species.
John Bartlet Brebner
Authors: Thistlethwaite Frank 
Published: September 2012

The death of John Bartlet Brebner removes from the community of Anglo-American historical scholarship a beloved and respected figure who will be especially mourned in the British Association for American Studies, not only because many of us were fortunate enough to come within the circle of his friendship, but because he was, in a sense, the Association's prophet.“Bart” Brebner was one of those rare individuals whose academic interests and personal career are so satisfyingly interwoven as to result, not only in sound learning, but in wisdom; and he was one of a very small number to acquire such stature in the field of North Atlantic history. Born a Canadian of Scottish ancestry, the son of the Registrar of Toronto University, he served during the 1914–18 War in the British Army. As an ex-serviceman, he went up to St. John's College, Oxford where he read history with G. N. Clark, rowed in the first eight, and saw something of the world of post-war London. After returning to the University of Toronto, one of a distinguished vintage, of young graduate students and lecturers which included Lester Pearson and D. G. Creighton, he joined the staff at Columbia University in 1927; and from this New York vantage point he mastered the broad sweep of Atlantic history.
The impact of pricing and patent expiration on demand for pharmaceuticals: an examination of the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials
Authors: Kaier Klaus 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe aim of the analysis was to determine whether demand in Germany for specific antimicrobial agents is driven by prices that drop considerably when generic substitutes become available. A time-series approach was therefore carried out to explore price elasticities of demand for two different classes of broad-spectrum antimicrobials (fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins) using data on ambulatory antibiotics prescribed on the German statutory health insurance scheme and data on in-hospital antibiotic use in a German teaching hospital. In short, we attempted to explain demand for different antibiotics based on changes in price and hospital-wide morbidity. The data indicate that patent expiration is followed by substantial decreases in the price of antibiotics. In the outpatient sector, all antibiotics included in the analysis showed significant negative own-price elasticities of demand. However, in the hospital settings, significant own-price elasticities were only determined for some antibiotics, although price decreases were stronger than in the outpatient sector. We conclude that price dependence of demand for antimicrobials is present both in the ambulatory and the hospital setting. However, this is especially surprising in the hospital setting because price differences among the antibiotics observed are particularly small compared with the overall cost of hospitalisation.
Minimal conformational plasticity enables TCR cross-reactivity to different MHC class II heterodimers
Authors: Holland Christopher J. , Rizkallah Pierre J. , Vollers Sabrina , Calvo-Calle J. Mauricio , Madura Florian , Fuller Anna , Sewell Andrew K. , Stern Lawrence J. , Godkin Andrew , Cole David K. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSuccessful immunity requires that a limited pool of αβ T-cell receptors (TCRs) provide cover for a vast number of potential foreign peptide antigens presented by ‘self’ major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) molecules. Structures of unligated and ligated MHC class-I-restricted TCRs with different ligands, supplemented with biophysical analyses, have revealed a number of important mechanisms that govern TCR mediated antigen recognition. HA1.7 TCR binding to the influenza hemagglutinin antigen (HA306–318) presented by HLA-DR1 or HLA-DR4 represents an ideal system for interrogating pMHC-II antigen recognition. Accordingly, we solved the structure of the unligated HA1.7 TCR and compared it to both complex structures. Despite a relatively rigid binding mode, HA1.7 T-cells could tolerate mutations in key contact residues within the peptide epitope. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that limited plasticity and extreme favorable entropy underpinned the ability of the HA1.7 T-cell clone to cross-react with HA306–318 presented by multiple MHC-II alleles.
2-APB-potentiated channels amplify CatSper-induced Ca2+ signals in human sperm
Authors: Lefièvre Linda , Nash Katherine , Mansell Steven , Costello Sarah , Punt Emma , Correia Joao , Morris Jennifer , Kirkman-Brown Jackson , Wilson Stuart M. , Barratt Christopher L. R. , Publicover Stephen 
Published: September 2012

Ca2+i signalling is pivotal to sperm function. Progesterone, the best-characterized agonist of human sperm Ca2+i signalling, stimulates a biphasic [Ca2+]i rise, comprising a transient and subsequent sustained phase. In accordance with recent reports that progesterone directly activates CatSper, the [Ca2+]i transient was detectable in the anterior flagellum (where CatSper is expressed) 1–2 s before responses in the head and neck. Pre-treatment with 5 μM 2-APB (2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate), which enhances activity of store-operated channel proteins (Orai) by facilitating interaction with their activator [STIM (stromal interaction molecule)] ‘amplified’ progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i transients at the sperm neck/midpiece without modifying kinetics. The flagellar [Ca2+]i response was unchanged. 2-APB (5 μM) also enhanced the sustained response in the midpiece, possibly reflecting mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation downstream of the potentiated [Ca2+]i transient. Pre-treatment with 50–100 μM 2-APB failed to potentiate the transient and suppressed sustained [Ca2+]i elevation. When applied during the [Ca2+]i plateau, 50–100 μM 2-APB caused a transient fall in [Ca2+]i, which then recovered despite the continued presence of 2-APB. Loperamide (a chemically different store-operated channel agonist) enhanced the progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i signal and potentiated progesterone-induced hyperactivated motility. Neither 2-APB nor loperamide raised pHi (which would activate CatSper) and both compounds inhibited CatSper currents. STIM and Orai were detected and localized primarily to the neck/midpiece and acrosome where Ca2+ stores are present and the effects of 2-APB are focussed, but store-operated currents could not be detected in human sperm. We propose that 2-APB-sensitive channels amplify [Ca2+]i elevation induced by progesterone (and other CatSper agonists), amplifying, propagating and providing spatio-temporal complexity in [Ca2+]i signals of human sperm.
Defining the boundaries of species specificity for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae glycosylphosphatidylinositol transamidase using a quantitative in vivo assay
Authors: Morissette Rachel , Varma Yug , Hendrickson Tamara L. 
Published: September 2012

In eukaryotes, GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol) lipid anchoring of proteins is an abundant post-translational modification. The attachment of the GPI anchor is mediated by GPI-T (GPI transamidase), a multimeric, membrane-bound enzyme located in the ER (endoplasmic reticulum). Upon modification, GPI-anchored proteins enter the secretory pathway and ultimately become tethered to the cell surface by association with the plasma membrane and, in yeast, by covalent attachment to the outer glucan layer. This work demonstrates a novel in vivo assay for GPI-T. Saccharomyces cerevisiae INV (invertase), a soluble secreted protein, was converted into a substrate for GPI-T by appending the C-terminal 21 amino acid GPI-T signal sequence from the S. cerevisiae Yapsin 2 [Mkc7p (Y21)] on to the C-terminus of INV. Using a colorimetric assay and biochemical partitioning, extracellular presentation of GPI-anchored INV was shown. Two human GPI-T signal sequences were also tested and each showed diminished extracellular INV activity, consistent with lower levels of GPI anchoring and species specificity. Human/fungal chimaeric signal sequences identified a small region of five amino acids that was predominantly responsible for this species specificity.
Therapeutic outcomes in the Welsh Government's school‐based counselling strategy: An evaluation
Authors: Cooper Mick , Pybis Joanne , Hill Andy , Jones Sylvia , Cromarty Karen 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of school‐based counselling, as delivered in the Welsh Government's School‐based Counselling Strategy, for reducing psychological distress in young people aged 11–18. Method: The study used a quantitative cohort design, comparing levels of distress on either the Young Person's CORE (YP‐CORE) or the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) from baseline to endpoint. Data were available on 3613 episodes of counselling, across 42 datasets. Meta‐analytical procedures were used to identify the mean effect size and predictors of outcomes. Results: Within each dataset, counselling was associated with significant reductions in psychological distress, with a mean effect size (d) of 0.93(95% CI = 0.89–0.97) using a fixed effects model and 1.09 (95% CI = 0.97–1.22) using a random effects model. Datasets using the YP‐CORE had larger effect sizes than those using the SDQ, and datasets with more complete response rates had lower outcomes than those with poorer response rates. Conclusion: The results confirm that school‐based counselling, as delivered in the UK, is associated with significant reductions in psychological distress, comparable to adult counselling and psychotherapy services.
New Programmable Electrofishing Device for Use in Aquaculture
Authors: Soto Fulgencio , Jiménez Manuel , Mateo Antonio , Villarejo José A , Jódar Esther , Jiménez Jacinto 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The new equipment described here was developed in response to a shortcoming in the technology available for electrofishing marine species. The system supplies a need that exists in commercial operations, and also allows research into the effect of the waveform on the quality of the meat. The equipment is capable of generating any kind of waveform, identifying the environment the electrodes are in, and logging the voltage and current values that are applied to kill the fish. Although it has been designed in the context of electrofishing for tuna, it is perfectly compatible with electrofishing in freshwater. The system is composed of two interacting parts: a software section and a hardware section. The software is capable of determining the relationship of each of the electrical wave parameters with the final quality of the meat. The electrical hardware main constituent is a full bridge with an inductor-capacitor (LC) filter. The effectiveness of two different types of control for this kind of converter is compared: one being a “feedback” control, and the other a “feedforward” control. This equipment has been tested under natural conditions using three different waveforms, selected on the basis of our previous tuna electrostunning experience. These are: high-frequency pulsed DC, low-frequency pulsed DC, and low-frequency, decreasing exponential AC. Of the tested waveforms, low-frequency, decreasing exponential AC showed the best results as far as flesh quality was concerned. The system showed, in all cases, a high degree of reliability and safety.
JEnsembl: a version-aware Java API to Ensembl data systems
Authors: Paterson Trevor , Law Andy 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Motivation: The Ensembl Project provides release-specific Perl APIs for efficient high-level programmatic access to data stored in various Ensembl database schema. Although Perl scripts are perfectly suited for processing large volumes of text-based data, Perl is not ideal for developing large-scale software applications nor embedding in graphical interfaces. The provision of a novel Java API would facilitate type-safe, modular, object-orientated development of new Bioinformatics tools with which to access, analyse and visualize Ensembl data.
Results: The JEnsembl API implementation provides basic data retrieval and manipulation functionality from the Core, Compara and Variation databases for all species in Ensembl and EnsemblGenomes and is a platform for the development of a richer API to Ensembl datasources. The JEnsembl architecture uses a text-based configuration module to provide evolving, versioned mappings from database schema to code objects. A single installation of the JEnsembl API can therefore simultaneously and transparently connect to current and previous database instances (such as those in the public archive) thus facilitating better analysis repeatability and allowing ‘through time’ comparative analyses to be performed.
Availability: Project development, released code libraries, Maven repository and documentation are hosted at SourceForge (http://jensembl.sourceforge.net).
Contact: jensembl-develop@lists.sf.net, andy.law@roslin.ed.ac.uk, trevor.paterson@roslin.ed.ac.uk
Clinical Predictors of Influenza in Young Children: The Limitations of “Influenza-Like Illness”
Authors: Conway Nicholas T. , Wake Zoe V. , Richmond Peter C. , Smith David W. , Keil Anthony D. , Williams Simon , Kelly Heath , Carcione Dale , Effler Paul V. , Blyth Christopher C. ,   on Behalf of the Western Australia Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness (WAIVE) Team
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Influenza-like illness (ILI) definitions have been infrequently studied in young children. Despite this, clinical definitions of ILI play an important role in influenza surveillance. This study aims to identify clinical predictors of influenza infection in children ≤5 years old from which age-specific ILI definitions are then constructed.

Methods
Children aged 6–59 months with a history of fever and acute respiratory symptoms were recruited in the Western Australia Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness (WAIVE) Study. Clinical data and per-nasal specimens were obtained from all children. Logistic regression identified significant predictors of influenza infection. Different ILI definitions were compared for diagnostic accuracy.

Results
Children were recruited from 2 winter influenza seasons (2008–2009; n = 944). Of 919 eligible children, 179 (19.5%) had laboratory-confirmed influenza infection. Predictors of infection included increasing age, lack of influenza vaccination, lower birth weight, fever, cough, and absence of wheeze. An ILI definition comprising fever ≥38°C, cough, and no wheeze had 58% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI], 50–66), 60% specificity (95% CI, 56–64), 26% positive predictive value (95% CI, 21–31), and 86% negative predictive value (95% CI, 82–89). The addition of other symptoms or higher fever thresholds to ILI definition had little impact. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of ILI (presence of fever [≥37.8°C] and cough and/or sore throat) was sensitive (92%; 95% CI, 86–95), yet lacked specificity (10%; 95% CI, 8–13) in this population.

Conclusions
Influenza-like illness is a poor predictor of laboratory-confirmed influenza infection in young children but can be improved using age-specific data. Incorporating age-specific ILI definitions and/or diagnostic testing into influenza surveillance systems will improve the accuracy of epidemiological data.
Prevalence and characteristics of depression in mild cognitive impairment: the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study
Authors: Shahnawaz Z. , Reppermund S. , Brodaty H. , Crawford J. D. , Draper B. , Trollor J. N. , Sachdev P. S. 
Published: September 2012

Shahnawaz Z, Reppermund S, Brodaty H, Crawford JD, Draper B, Trollor JN, Sachdev PS. Prevalence and characteristics of depression in mild cognitive impairment: the Sydney memory and ageing study.Objective:  Depression might be a risk factor for dementia. However, little is known about the prevalence of depressive symptoms in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and whether mood or motivation‐related symptoms are predominant.Method:  A total of 767 non‐demented community‐dwelling adults aged 70–90 years completed a comprehensive assessment, including neuropsychological testing, and a past psychiatric/medical history interview. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the GDS and K10 to derive ‘mood’ and ‘motivation’ subscales.Results:  A total of 290 participants were classified as having MCI and 468 as cognitively normal (CN). Participants with MCI reported more depressive symptoms, and more MCI participants met the cut‐off for clinically significant symptoms, relative to CN participants. Those with amnestic MCI (aMCI), but not non‐amnestic MCI, had more depressive symptoms and were more likely to meet the cut‐off for clinically significant depressive symptoms, relative to CN participants. Participants with MCI reported more mood‐related symptoms than CN participants, while there were no differences between groups on motivation‐related symptoms.Conclusion:  Individuals with MCI, especially aMCI, endorse more depressive symptoms when compared with cognitively intact individuals. These findings highlight the importance of assessing and treating depressive symptoms in MCI.
Metabolic effects of adjunctive aripiprazole in clozapine‐treated patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Fan X. , Borba C. P. C. , Copeland P. , Hayden D. , Freudenreich O. , Goff D. C. , Henderson D. C. 
Published: September 2012

Fan X, Borba CPC, Copeland P, Hayden D, Freudenreich O, Goff DC, Henderson DC. Metabolic effects of adjunctive aripiprazole in clozapine‐treated patients with schizophrenia.Objective:  This study examined the effects of adjunctive aripiprazole therapy on metabolism in clozapine‐treated patients with schizophrenia.Method:  In an 8‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, subjects received either aripiprazole (15 mg/day) or placebo. At baseline and week 8, metabolic parameters were assessed by the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and whole‐body dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA).Results:  Thirty subjects completed the study (16 in the aripiprazole group and 14 in the placebo group). Glucose effectiveness measured by the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test improved significantly in the aripiprazole group (0.003 ± 0.006 vs. −0.005 ± 0.007/min, P = 0.010). The aripiprazole group showed significant reductions in both plasma low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (−15.1 ± 19.8 vs. 4.4 ± 22.5 mg/dl, P = 0.019) and LDL particle numbers (−376 ± 632 vs. −36 ± 301 nm, P = 0.035). Further, there was a significant reduction in the lean mass (−1125 ± 1620 vs. 607 ± 1578 g, P = 0.011) measured by whole‐body DXA scan in the aripiprazole group. All values were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, aripiprazole vs. placebo.Conclusion:  Adjunctive therapy with aripiprazole may have some metabolic benefits in clozapine‐treated patients with schizophrenia.
Awash National Park, Ethiopia: use policy, ethnic conflict and sustainable resources conservation in the context of decentralization
Authors: Belay Solomon , Amsalu Aklilu , Abebe Eyualem 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn response to recent decentralization in Ethiopia, we investigated pressure exerted on Awash National Park (ANP), vis‐a‐vis park resources; causes of park‐related conflicts and the impact of policy on sustainable resources conservation before decentralization (pre‐1995) and after decentralization (post‐1995). The study's aim was to assess the implementation of sustainable resources conservation in terms of use policy and conflicts in protected areas. We sampled a total of 210 respondents by stratified random sampling and group discussion participants and key informants using purposive sampling technique. Our results show that while policy problems were perceived to be the main threats to the park pre‐1995, demand for pasture land and water, resource‐caused conflicts, expansion of private and state farms were identified as main threats to the park post‐1995. Before decentralization (pre‐1995), inequitable resource sharing and poor organizational structures were the main causes of ethnic conflicts, whereas after decentralization, increasing demand for various resources were the main causes of conflict. We recommend experiences from the Simen National Park be tested to the benefit of improving the state of ANP.
Encroachment of open grasslands andAcacia drepanolobiumHarms exB.Y.Sjöstedt habitats byEuclea divinorumHiern inOlPejetaConservancy,Kenya
Authors: Wahungu Geoffrey M. , Gichohi Nathan W. , Onyango Irene A. , Mureu Lucy K. , Kamaru Douglas , Mutisya Samuel , Mulama Martin , Makau Joseph K. , Kimuyu Duncan M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractEuclea divinorum, a fast establishing, unpalatable, and fire resistant bush is considered an invasive species in some parts of its range. In Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC), Kenya,E. divinorumbushes cover ˜27% of the total area (˜9470 ha.) and has been expanding in coverage and encroaching intoA. drepanolobiumwoodlands, a key woody habitat for the endangered black rhino. Between 2006 and 2010, we assessed the spatial distribution, annual rates of spread and recruitment ofE. divinorumin OPC. We used data from satellite imagery and belt transects laid at the transition betweenE. divinorumhabitat and other habitats. Density ofE. divinorumseedlings increased by 27% annually over five years, with more seedlings establishing in grassland habitat (56.6%) than inA. drepanolobiumwoodland (43.4%). Within the infection frontier, the number of seedlings was high at the ecotone and reduced predictably with an increase in distance into the infection zone. Increase in rainfall facilitated recruitment and survival ofE. divinorumseedlings and also reduced damage on trees and seedlings by mega‐herbivores, especially elephants. This study confirms the encroachment ofE. divinorumbushland into other habitats. This has been accelerated by burning and damage to A. drepanolobium habitat thus opening it up to encroachment byE. divinorum.