bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synchronisation and stability in river metapopulation networks
Authors: Yeakel J. D. , Moore J. W. , Guimarães P. R. , de Aguiar M. A. M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSpatial structure in landscapes impacts population stability. Two linked components of stability have large consequences for persistence: first, statistical stability as the lack of temporal fluctuations; second, synchronisation as an aspect of dynamic stability, which erodes metapopulation rescue effects. Here, we determine the influence of river network structure on the stability of riverine metapopulations. We introduce an approach that converts river networks to metapopulation networks, and analytically show how fluctuation magnitude is influenced by interaction structure. We show that river metapopulation complexity (in terms of branching prevalence) has nonlinear dampening effects on population fluctuations, and can also buffer against synchronisation. We conclude by showing that river transects generally increase synchronisation, while the spatial scale of interaction has nonlinear effects on synchronised dynamics. Our results indicate that this dual stability – conferred by fluctuation and synchronisation dampening – emerges from interaction structure in rivers, and this may strongly influence the persistence of river metapopulations.
Cervical extradural haematoma in an ataxic horse
Authors: Cunha dos Santos F. C. , de Lourdes Adrien Delgado M. , Fernandes C. G. , Nogueira C. E. W. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryAs neurological diseases in horses share many overlapping clinical signs, the veterinarian is required to know how to perform a focused evaluation of this system as well as how to carry out complementary examinations to establish an aetiological diagnosis. This is a case report of an ataxic horse presenting with an extradural haematoma in the region of the 7th cervical vertebra. The 7‐year‐oldCriollo mare presented with clinical signs of ataxiagrade 3(scale 1–5) in all limbs and a proprioceptive deficit. Radiological evaluation did not show bone changes or narrowing of the cervical canal. Samples of blood, serum and cerebrospinal fluid were collected and tested negative for antibodies to equine herpes virus type 1–4,Trypanosoma evansiandSarcocystis neurona. The disease evolution was followed over a 4‐week period, after which the animal showed worsening overall clinical signs, and thus euthanasia was performed. A necropsy did not reveal macroscopic changes in any organs, except for an extradural haematoma in the region of the 7th cervical vertebra causing spinal cord compression. Histological examinations showed that the nodular lesion consisted of fibrovascular tissue, granulation tissue at different stages of maturation, red blood cells, cellular debris, fibrin and macrophages. The white matter of the ventral horn of the spinal cord contained degenerative lesions. In addition, the brain tested negative for rabies virus encephalitis. Based on the history, the laboratory test results, anamnesis and the lesion observed at necropsy, it was concluded that the ataxia was due to spinal cord compression, which was caused by an extradural haematoma in the region of the 7th cervical vertebra. Evaluation of the equine neurological system is highly important in localising the area of lesions, and complementary examinations are useful in differentiating between diseases affecting this system. Spinal cord compression injuries, such as extradural haematomas, are rarely reported in the literature, and their pathophysiology is difficult to understand. Nevertheless, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of ataxia in horses.
An inertial sensor‐based system can objectively assess diagnostic anaesthesia of the equine foot
Authors: Maliye S. , Voute L. , Lund D. , Marshall J. F. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyIn order for changes in lameness to be accurately and repeatably detected and recorded during diagnostic investigations, an objective measure of lameness is required.ObjectivesTo ascertain whether an inertial sensor‐based system can distinguish between a positive and negative response to diagnostic anaesthesia of the foot and objectively assess the effect of a positive response on the trot.Study designRestrospective clinical study.MethodsData obtained during lameness investigations undertaken betweenAugust 2011 andDecember 2012 in which either a palmar digital or abaxial sesamoid nerve block was performed were retrospectively reviewed. Response to diagnostic anaesthesia was categorised as positive (n = 14) or negative (n = 9) by one of 2 evaluators before analysis of kinematic data (i.e. blinded). Changes in maximum and minimum head difference (ΔHDMaxandΔHDMin) and change in head movement asymmetry/change in pelvic movement asymmetry (ΔHMA/PMA, measure of asymmetry) allocated to each limb were calculated. AKruskal–Wallis one way analysis of variance on ranks was performed.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated forΔHDMax,ΔHDMinandΔHMAfor the blocked limb to identify cut‐off values to distinguish positive and negative responses to the block.ResultsMedianΔHDMaxandΔHDMinwere significantly greater after a positive response to diagnostic anaesthesia (P<0.01). Change in head movement asymmetry allocated to the blocked limb and contralateral forelimb andΔPMAallocated to the contralateral hindlimb were significantly greater in the positive response group (P<0.05). Change in head movement asymmetry allocated to the blocked limb andΔHDMaxandΔHDMinare useful diagnostic tests for identifying positive response to anaesthesia (area under the curve = 0.98, 0.83 and 0.96 respectively).ConclusionsAn inertial sensor‐based system can identify a positive response to diagnostic anaesthesia of the foot. Symmetry of movement allocated to the blocked limb, contralateral forelimb and contralateral hindlimb significantly improve, and head movement significantly decreases in horses with a positive response to the block. Cut‐off values for a positive response have been identified with good sensitivity and specificity. Forelimb lameness significantly affects contralateral hindlimb movement, which has implications for the investigation of multi‐limb lameness.
Effect of potential oocyte transport protocols on blastocyst rates after intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the horse
Authors: Foss R. , Ortis H. , Hinrichs K. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyIntracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used to produce foals from otherwise infertile mares and from stallions with limited sperm stores, but requires expensive equipment and is technically demanding. Methods to transport oocytes toICSIlaboratories would allow collection of oocytes by the referring veterinarian and enable greater application of this technique.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to evaluate protocols that could be used to transport immature and maturing oocytes forICSI.Study designIn vitroexperiment.MethodsOocytes were recovered by transvaginal ultrasound‐guided follicular aspiration either from dominant follicles 24 h after deslorelin administration (dominant stimulated follicle [DSF]), or from subordinate (immature) follicles at the same time. To mimic transport,DSFoocytes were incubated overnight under differing conditions beforeICSI; immature oocytes were placed in varying conditions overnight beforein vitromaturation, followed byICSI. The rate of blastocyst production was compared among treatments.ResultsBlastocysts were produced in all groups. Dominant stimulated follicle oocytes held in sealed tubes in pre‐equilibrated control maturation medium maintained at 37°C yielded blastocyst development equal to that obtained for control incubated oocytes (70%). Dominant stimulated follicle oocytes held similarly in a warm passive device yielded poor blastocyst development (10%). Immature oocytes held for one or 2 nights in modifiedM199 medium, or for one night in commercial embryo holding solution, in air at room temperature, yielded 35–37% blastocyst development per injected oocyte.ConclusionsA commercially available medium can be used for shipping immature oocytes at room temperature with good resulting blastocyst rates. Better blastocyst rates per oocyte are obtained fromDSFoocytes; however, these require maintenance at 37°C and as they are already maturing at the time of collection, are more sensitive to delays. This new, practical information supporting transport of both immature andDSFoocytes forICSImay allow wider use of this procedure.
Comparative kinematic analysis of the leading and trailing forelimbs of horses cantering on a turf and a synthetic surface
Authors: Crevier‐Denoix N. , Falala S. , Holden‐Douilly L. , Camus M. , Martino J. , Ravary‐Plumioen B. , Vergari C. , Desquilbet L. , Denoix J.‐M. , Chateau H. , Pourcelot P. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe relationship between track surface properties and limb kinematics is poorly understood. Hoof orientation within the track surface has never been quantified under training conditions. Previously described kinematic and dynamic differences between leading and trailing forelimbs at the canter poorly correlate with epidemiological data regarding injuries.ObjectivesTo compare joint kinematics and hoof orientation in the leading and trailing forelimbs of horses cantering on turf and on a synthetic surface.Study designNoninvasive experimental study.MethodsThe right forelimb of 5 horses was equipped with markers facing the main joints while markers and a dynamometric horseshoe were placed on the hoof. The horses were filmed with 2 high‐speed cameras (1000 Hz) while cantering (30 km/h). Recordings were repeated at each lead and alternated on turf and on a synthetic surface. Joint angles and angles of the hoof and limb to the track were measured from the 2‐dimensional coordinates of the markers.ResultsElbow, carpus and fetlock were more maximally flexed during swing and had a larger range of motion throughout the stride in the leading forelimb. Maximal carpal extension during stance was also larger on this limb, which had a more toe‐up orientation. Comparing surfaces, the limb was more oblique at landing, the range of motion of the hoof into the surface was larger, most kinematic events were delayed and fetlock and carpus extension velocities were smaller on the synthetic surface.ConclusionsThe differences between limbs were more prominent than those between surfaces and the more toe‐up orientation on the hoof of the leading forelimb suggests a different loading of that limb's joints and tendons. Differences between limbs may be important in the interpretation of lead changes in lame horses. While the synthetic surface appears to be less strenuous for the joints in the forelimbs, it was associated with changes in timing of the kinematic events of the stride.
Comparison of transverse facial venous sinus and jugular blood values in healthy and critically ill horses
Authors: Hunter B. G. , Schlipf J. W. , Cebra C. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe transverse facial venous sinus (TFVS) can be used for blood collection in horses, but information on the validity of blood values from this site is limited.ObjectivesTo determine if packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS) and blood lactate concentrations in blood drawn simultaneously from a TFVS and jugular vein of critically ill horses are correlated and determine the effect of serial TFVS sampling on the same parameters in healthy horses.Study designProspective observational study.MethodsCritically ill horses had simultaneous blood samples drawn from a TFVS and jugular vein. Blood was also drawn from the left TFVS and jugular vein from 6 healthy, adult horses q. 6 h for 24 h, then q. 24 h for 72 h. Blood was drawn from the right TFVS and jugular vein q. 24 h for 96 h. All samples were analysed for PCV, TS and blood lactate concentration. Data were analysed with 2‐way repeated measures ANOVA. Significance was set at P≤0.05.ResultsThere were no significant differences in PCV, TS or blood lactate concentrations of TFVS samples compared with jugular blood in critically ill horses. Serial TFVS sampling in healthy horses had no significant effect on TS or blood lactate concentrations. Although PCV in the TFVS was significantly lower than in jugular blood on serial sampling, the difference was not considered clinically relevant.ConclusionsPacked cell volume, TS and blood lactate concentrations were comparable between the TFVS and jugular vein.
Systemic and respiratory oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia
Authors: Crowley J. , Po E. , Celi P. , Muscatello G. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyOxidative stress (OS) is most simply defined as an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. Oxidative stress has been suggested to play roles in various equine respiratory diseases and the significance of OS in the pathogenesis of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia is unknown.ObjectivesTo measure and relate biomarkers of OS to lesions consistent with R. equi pneumonia.Study designCase–control study.MethodsVarious OS biomarkers were measured from blood and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples collected from 26 foals between 1 and 2 months of age (n = 12 cases and n = 14 controls) on 2 Thoroughbred farms endemically affected by R. equi pneumonia. Foals were defined as cases (positive) or controls (negative) based on ultrasonographic evidence of pulmonary abscessation (>15 mm in diameter). Haematology and biochemistry testing was also performed on blood samples collected from the foals. Comparison of biomarkers and key haematological and biochemical markers of inflammation between the groups was performed using 2 sample t tests.ResultsDerivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d‐ROMs) were significantly greater in case foals than in control foals (P = 0.027) and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was higher in case foals (P = 0.014). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations in EBC were significantly greater in case foals than in control foals (P = 0.002). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in traditional measures of inflammation between the 2 groups.ConclusionsMeasuring OS in both blood and EBC provided useful information in the early diagnosis of R. equi pneumonia.
Ureteropyeloscopic anatomy of the renal pelvis of the horse
Authors: Pasquel S. G. , Agnew D. , Nelson N. , Kruger J. M. , Sonea I. , Schott H. C. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyAlthough the equine renal pelvis and terminal recesses have been describedpost mortem, little information exists about the endoscopic appearance of these structures in the living horse for guiding ureteropyeloscopy.ObjectivesTo further document the anatomy of the upper urinary collecting system, specifically the renal pelvis and terminal recesses, of the horse.Study designDescriptive study of cadaver material.MethodsKidneys were harvested from 10 horses. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed after distension of the renal pelvis with an elastomer casting material, followed by visual inspection of corrosion casts. Transurethral ureteropyeloscopy of the upper urinary tract was performed in 4 horses, followed by histological and immunohistochemical examination of the renal medulla and pelvis of 3 animals.ResultsThe equine renal pelvis was confirmed to be a funnel‐shaped cavity, flattened dorsoventrally in the craniocaudal direction. Multiple papillary ducts (PDs) from the central part of the kidney open along a ∼3 cm long renal crest that protrudes into the renal pelvis, whilePDsfrom each kidney pole open into 2 long (5–10 cm), narrow terminal recesses that terminate near either end of the renal crest. Openings of the terminal recesses narrow at their junction with the renal pelvis and could be visualised during ureteropyeloscopy in all horses. Minor anatomical variation of the renal crest and terminal recess openings was observed.ConclusionsCurrent endoscopic equipment can be used to visualise the renal pelvis but could not be advanced into the terminal recesses. The findings of this study will help guide future diagnostic and therapeutic ureteropyeloscopy.
Size‐structured vulnerability of the colonial cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, to grazing by zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)
Authors: White Jeffrey D. , Sarnelle Orlando 
Published: December 2013

Summary

We quantified the vulnerability of colonies of the bloom‐forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, to grazing by the invasive filter‐feeding zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) as a function of size in both organisms with laboratory feeding experiments.

In one experiment, size‐selectivity of 16‐ to 21‐mm mussels was assessed for a single M. aeruginosa clone across a wide size range (~5–88 μm median equivalent diameter, ED). Consumption of colonies ≥80 μm median ED (109 μm median maximum linear dimension) was undetectable, indicating a size threshold of grazing invulnerability. Smaller colonies and single cells were consumed at rates similar to a highly palatable alga (Ankistrodesmus).

In a second experiment, the size‐selectivity of three size classes of mussels (8–11, 17–20 and 25–28 mm shell length) was assessed across three size classes of M. aeruginosa (~32–75 μm median ED). There were no systematic differences in the abilities of the different mussel size classes to consume the largest colonies within this size range.

An 8‐year field survey of the M. aeruginosa population in Gull Lake, MI (U.S.A.), the source of the experimental organisms, revealed that median colony size consistently decreased during each summer, from above to below the size threshold of effective mussel feeding we identified, which suggests major within‐season shifts in the overall vulnerability of the M. aeruginosa population to mussel grazing. Variation in the size structure of M. aeruginosa may help explain highly variable effects of D. polymorpha on the dynamics of this harmful phytoplankter within and across systems.
Temperature‐Compensated Bandpass Filters in Low Temperature Co‐Fired Ceramic
Authors: Dai Steve , Hsieh Lung‐Hwa 
Published: December 2013

For low temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) modules targeting radio frequency applications, a near 0 ppm/°C temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) ensures temperature stability of embedded filters. The base dielectrics of most commercial LTCC systems have a τf in the range −50 to −80 ppm/°C. By integrating co‐fireable compensating dielectrics with an opposite τf to that of the host dielectric, we demonstrated multilayer stripline (SL) bandpass filters with a τf approaching 0 ppm/°C using DuPont 951 LTCC. The effective dielectric constant of the SL in multilayer LTCC with dissimilar layered dielectrics was calculated using a variational method with transmission‐line technique.
NKG2C gene deletion in the Mexican population and lack of association to respiratory viral infections
Authors: Rangel‐Ramírez V. V. , Garcia‐Sepulveda C. A. , Escalante‐Padrón F. , Pérez‐González L. F. , Rangel‐Castilla A. , Aranda‐Romo S. , Noyola D. E. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryExpansion of a natural killer (NK) cell population that expresses NKG2C has been associated with cytomegalovirus and other viral infections. It has been suggested that this cell population may play a role in infection control. Deletion of the NKG2C gene (homozygous or heterozygous) has been reported with high prevalence in European and Asian populations. However, the effect of NKG2C genotype on NK cell responses to infection remains poorly defined. We determined the prevalence of the NKG2C deletion in a Mexican population (n = 300) and in a group of patients (n = 131) to assess whether NKG2C genotype affects the incidence of symptomatic viral infections caused by influenza or respiratory syncytial virus. The frequency of the NKG2C deletion haplotype in Mexican mestizos was significantly lower (10.3%) than that reported in other populations (17.5–21.9%). No difference in the prevalence of NKG2C deletion was observed in subjects with viral infections compared with the reference population. In addition, no differences in clinical characteristics and infection outcome were observed between patients with and without the NKG2C gene deletion. Our results indicate that copy number variation in the NKG2C gene has no impact on the severity of respiratory viral infections.
Prediction of partial nephrectomy outcomes by using the diameter‐axis‐polar nephrometry score
Authors: Maeda Motohiro , Funahashi Yasuhito , Sassa Naoto , Fujita Takashi , Majima Tsuyoshi , Gotoh Momokazu 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate the utility of diameter‐axis‐polar nephrometry score to evaluate partial nephrectomy outcomes.MethodsRenal tumors of 127 patients with a functional contralateral kidney who underwent partial nephrectomy were scored using the diameter‐axis‐polar and R.E.N.A.L nephrometry scores. The mean tumor diameter was 2.9 cm (range 1.0–8.0 cm) and warm ischemic time was 27.3 min (range 12–46 min). All patients underwent 99mTc‐ mercaptoacetyltriglycine renal scintigraphy preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively to assess effective renal plasma flow. We compared nephrometry scores with estimated glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow and ischemic time.ResultsThe mean serum creatinine level was 0.84 mg/dL preoperatively and 0.93 mg/dL at 6 months postoperatively. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased from 74.2 to 66.9 mL/min/1.73 m2. Effective renal plasma flow of the operated kidney decreased to 73.5% from baseline (from 157.0 to 114.3 mL/min/1.73 m2). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that diameter‐axis‐polar score had a stronger association with the percent change in estimated glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow in the treated kidney and ischemia time compared with the R.E.N.A.L score.ConclusionsDiameter‐axis‐polar nephrometry score is a useful tool for the assessment of small renal tumors amenable to partial nephrectomy, and it better predicts postoperative functional changes and ischemic time compared with the R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score.
Subsets of human natural killer cells and their regulatory effects
Authors: Fu Binqing , Tian Zhigang , Wei Haiming 
Published: December 2013

SummaryHuman natural killer (NK) cells have distinct functions as NKtolerant, NKcytotoxic and NKregulatory cells and can be divided into different subsets based on the relative expression of the surface markers CD27 and CD11b. CD27+ NK cells, which are abundant cytokine producers, are numerically in the minority in human peripheral blood but constitute the large population of NK cells in cord blood, spleen, tonsil and decidua tissues. Recent data suggest that these NK cells may have immunoregulatory properties under certain conditions. In this review, we will focus on these new NK cell subsets and discuss how regulatory NK cells may serve as rheostats or sentinels in controlling inflammation and maintaining immune homeostasis in various organs.