bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of long‐term caffeine administration to mice on in vitro fertilization and embryo development using oocytes
Authors: Yokota Hidemi , Yokota Yoshimasa , Yokota Mikako , Araki Yasuyuki , Araki Yasuhisa 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effect of long‐term caffeine administration to mice on in vitro fertilization (IVF) of oocytes.MethodsMice were injected with different dosages (0, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/mouse/converted day) of caffeine for one month. Subsequently, the fertilization rate and embryo development to blastocyst stage were evaluated in IVF using oocytes from the mice.ResultsThe retrieved average oocyte rate was significantly lower (27.4) in mice injected with 1.0 mg caffeine than in the control group (36.5; P < 0.05); the fertilization rate was significantly different between the 0 mg (317/401; 79.1 %) and 1.0 mg group (199/301; 66.1 %) (P < 0.05). At 96 h after insemination, the blastocyst formation rate was significantly decreased in the 1.0 mg group (94/199; 47.2 %) compared with the control (0 mg) group (237/317; 74.8 %) and 0.1 mg group (226/323; 70 %) (P < 0.05). When 1.0 mg caffeine was administered for two weeks, embryo development was significantly impacted.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that caffeine administration negatively impacts oocytogenesis and embryonic development after IVF.
Incremental validation of NCL hypermedia documents
Authors: Santos Rodrigo Costa Mesquita , Neto José Rios Cerqueira , de Salles Soares Neto Carlos , Teixeira Mário Meireles 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
This paper proposes an incremental, structural and contextual validation method for Nested Context Language (NCL) documents. As part of the proposed method, we define a declarative metalanguage to ensure low coupling between NCL structure and the validator code, which simplifies the validation of new language profiles. Requirements such as incremental processing and multilingual messages are also covered by this work. We present an implementation of this method using component architecture as a proof of concept and also conduct a performance evaluation to compare the traditional and incremental validation approaches.
Development and relative validity of a new field instrument for detection of geriatric cachexia: preliminary analysis in hip fracture patients
Authors: Villani Anthony M. , Miller Michelle D. , Cameron Ian D. , Kurrle Susan , Whitehead Craig , Crotty Maria 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundGeriatric cachexia is distinct from other age‐related muscle wasting syndromes; however, detection and therefore treatment is challenging without the availability of valid instruments suitable for application in the clinical setting. This study assessed the sensitivity and specificity of a newly developed screening instrument utilising portable assessments against previously defined and commonly accepted diagnostic criteria for detection of geriatric cachexia.MethodsCross‐sectional analyses from 71 older adults' post‐surgical fixation for hip fracture were performed. The diagnostic criteria required measures of appendicular skeletal muscle index derived from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and anorexia assessed by ≤70 % of estimated energy requirements. These assessments were replaced with mid‐upper arm muscle circumference and the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire, respectively, to create a field instrument suitable for screening geriatric cachexia. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated.ResultsThe current diagnostic algorithm identified few patients as cachectic (4/71; 5.6 %). The sensitivity and specificity of the geriatric cachexia screening tool was 75 and 97 %, respectively. The screening tool had a positive predictive value of 60 % and a negative predictive value of 99 %.ConclusionsGiven the unexpected prevalence of cachexia in such a vulnerable group, these results may suggest problems in operationalising of the consensus definition and diagnostic criteria. Although the application of a newly developed screening tool using portable field measures looks promising, the authors recommend additional research to identify the prevalence of geriatric cachexia, which captures all diagnostic criteria from the consensus definition. Future investigation may then be positioned to explore the predictive validity of screening tools using portable field measures, which potentially achieve higher sensitivity.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphedema After Breast Cancer: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Sayko Oksana , Pezzin Liliana E. , Yen Tina W.F. , Nattinger Ann B. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTo examine factors associated with variations in diagnosis and rehabilitation treatments received by women with self‐reported lymphedema resulting from breast cancer care.DesignA large, population‐based, prospective longitudinal telephone survey.SettingCalifornia, Florida, Illinois, and New York.ParticipantsElderly (65+ years) women identified from Medicare claims as having had an incident breast cancer surgery in 2003.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresSelf‐reported incidence of lymphedema symptoms, formal diagnosis of lymphedema, treatments for lymphedema.ResultsOf the 450 breast cancer survivors with lymphedema who participated in the study, 290 (64.4%) were formally diagnosed with the condition by a physician. An additional 160 (35.6%) reported symptoms consistent with lymphedema (ie, arm swelling on the side of surgery that is absent on the contralateral arm) but were not formally diagnosed. Of those who reported being diagnosed by a physician, 39 (13.4%) received complete decongestive therapy that included multiple components of treatment (ie, manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging with short stretch bandages, the use of compression sleeves, skin care, and remedial exercises); 24 (8.3%) were treated with manual lymphatic drainage only; 162 (55.9%) used bandages, compression garments, or a pneumatic pump only; 8 (2.8%) relied solely on skin care or exercise to relieve symptoms; and 65 (22.4%) received no treatment at all. Multivariate regressions revealed that race (African American), lower income, and lower levels of social support increased a woman's probability of having undiagnosed lymphedema. Even when they were formally diagnosed, African American women were more likely to receive no treatment or to be treated with bandages/compression only rather than to receive the multimodality, complete decongestive therapy.ConclusionsLymphedema is a disabling chronic condition related to breast cancer treatment. Our results suggest that a substantial proportion of persons reporting symptoms were not formally diagnosed with the condition, thereby reducing their opportunity for treatment. The variation in rehabilitation treatments received by women who were formally diagnosed with the condition by a physician suggests that lymphedema might not have been optimally addressed in many cases despite the availability of effective interventions.
Cyclic cohomology after the excision theorem of Cuntz and Quillen
Authors: Brodzki Jacek 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe excision theorem of Cuntz and Quillen established the existence of a six term exact sequence in the bivariant periodic cyclic cohomology HP*(–,–) associated with an arbitrary algebra extension 0 →S→P→Q→ 0. This remarkable result enabled far reaching developments in the purely algebraic periodic cyclic cohomology. It also provided a new formalism that led to the creation of new versions of this theory for topological and bornological algebras. In this article we outline some of the developments that resulted from this breakthrough.
Droplet motion on inclined heterogeneous substrates
Authors: Savva Nikos , Kalliadasis Serafim 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe consider the static and dynamic behaviour of two-dimensional droplets on inclined heterogeneous substrates. We utilize an evolution equation for the droplet thickness based on the long-wave approximation of the Stokes equations in the presence of slip. Through a singular perturbation procedure, evolution equations for the location of the two moving fronts are obtained under the assumption of quasi-static dynamics. The deduced equations, which are verified by direct comparisons with numerical solutions to the governing equation, are scrutinized in a variety of dynamic and equilibrium settings. For example, we demonstrate the possibility for stick–slip dynamics, substrate-induced hysteresis, the uphill motion of the droplet for sufficiently strong chemical gradients and the existence of a critical inclination angle beyond which the droplet can no longer be supported at equilibrium. Where possible, analytical expressions are obtained for various quantities of interest, which are also verified by appropriate numerical experiments.
The effect of lactose–isomaltulose-containing growing-up milks on cognitive performance of Indonesian children: a cross-over study
Authors: Sekartini Rini , Wiguna Tjhin , Bardosono Saptawati , Novita Dian , Arsianti Tiana , Calame Wim , Schaafsma Anne 
Published: May 2013

Glycaemic response to dietary carbohydrates might have an impact on cognitive performance. The present study investigated the effects of growing-up milks (GUM) with isomaltulose and extra minerals and vitamins or lower protein content on cognitive parameters in children aged 5–6 years. In a blinded, partly randomised, controlled, cross-over study, four GUM were provided, each taken over 14 d (2 × 200 ml/d): standard (Std) GUM; Std GUM+5 g isomaltulose (Iso-5 GUM); Iso-5 GUM with 26 % less protein (Iso-5 LP GUM); Std GUM with 2·5 g isomaltulose and extra Mg, Zn, Se, D3, B1, B2, B12, folic acid and choline (Iso-2·5 GUM). At test days, when GUM replaced breakfast, repeated (0, 60, 120 and 180 min post-dose) cognitive tasks were performed (picture presentation, simple reaction time, digit vigilance, choice reaction time, spatial and numeric working memory and picture recognition). Task performance of all subjects (n 50) worsened over the morning. Best performance was seen on isomaltulose GUM, most notably at 180 min. Iso-2·5 GUM showed best performance on several parameters of attention and memory, Iso-5 GUM performed best on parameters of memory and Iso-5 LP GUM was positively associated with parameters of attention but less with memory. Std GUM showed only a benefit on one attention and one memory task. Thus, isomaltulose-enriched GUM positively affected parameters of attention and memory at 180 min post-dose when compared with Std GUM. Extra minerals and vitamins seem beneficial, whereas lowering protein content might improve attention in particular.
Mediterranean diet adherence during pregnancy and risk of wheeze and eczema in the first year of life: INMA (Spain) and RHEA (Greece) mother–child cohort studies
Authors: Chatzi Leda , Garcia Raquel , Roumeliotaki Theano , Basterrechea Mikel , Begiristain Haizea , Iñiguez Carmen , Vioque Jesus , Kogevinas Manolis , Sunyer Jordi 
Published: May 2013

Maternal diet during pregnancy might influence the development of childhood allergic disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence during pregnancy on wheeze and eczema in the first year of life in two population-based mother–child cohorts in Spain and Greece. We studied 1771 mother–newborn pairs from the Spanish multi-centre ‘INMA’ (INfancia y Medio Ambiente) study (Gipuzkoa, Sabadell and Valencia) and 745 pairs from the ‘RHEA’ study in Crete, Greece. The symptoms of wheeze and eczema were based on the criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Maternal diet during pregnancy was assessed by FFQ and MD adherence was evaluated through an a priori score. Multivariate log-binomial regression models were used to adjust for several confounders in each cohort and summary estimates were obtained by a meta-analysis. MD adherence was not associated with the risk of wheeze and eczema in any cohort, and similar results were identified in the meta-analysis approach. High meat intake (relative risk (RR) 1·22, 95 % CI 1·00, 1·49) and ‘processed’ meat intake (RR 1·18, 95 % CI 1·02, 1·37) during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of wheeze in the first year of life, while a high intake of dairy products was significantly associated with a decreased risk of infantile wheeze (RR 0·83, 95 % CI 0·72, 0·96). The results of the present study show that high meat intake during pregnancy may increase the risk of wheeze in the first year of life, while a high intake of dairy products may decrease it.
DNA barcoding and elucidation of cryptic aphid species (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in India
Authors: Rebijith K.B. , Asokan R. , Kumar N.K. Krishna , Krishna V. , Chaitanya B.N. , Ramamurthy V.V. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRapid, precise and timely identification of invasive pest insects such as aphids is important and a challenge worldwide due to their complex life cycles, parthenogenetic reproduction, sex and colour morphs. In this respect, DNA barcoding employing a 658 bp fragment of 5′ region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (CO-I) gene is an effective tool in addressing the above. In the present study, we employed CO-I for discriminating 142 individuals representing 32 species of aphids from India. Sequence analyses revealed that the intraspecific and interspecific distances ranged from zero to 3.8% and 2.31 to 18.9%, respectively. In addition, the study also showed for the first time the prevalence of three cryptic species, namely Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus), Hyperomyzus carduellinus (Theobald) and Brachycaudus helichrysi (Kaltenbach) from India. Our work has clearly demonstrated that DNA barcoding is an efficient and accurate method for identification of aphid species (including cryptic species), an approach that potentially could play an important role in formulating viable pest management strategies, more especially biocontrol.
IMMEDIATE AND RESIDUAL EFFECTS OF LIME AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER ON SOIL ACIDITY AND MAIZE PRODUCTION IN WESTERN KENYA
Authors: KISINYO P. O. , OTHIENO C. O. , GUDU S. O. , OKALEBO J. R. , OPALA P. A. , NG'ETICH W. K. , NYAMBATI R. O. , OUMA E. O. , AGALO J. J. , KEBENEY S. J. , TOO E. J. , KISINYO J. A. , OPILE W. R. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYSoil acidity and phosphorus (P) deficiency are some of the major causes of low maize yields in Kenya. This study determined the immediate and residual effects of lime and P fertilizer on soil pH, exchangeable aluminium (Al), available P, maize grain yield, agronomic P use and P fertilizer recovery efficiencies on a western Kenya acid soil. The treatments were: P fertilizer (0, 26 and 52 kg P ha−1as triple super phosphate) and lime (0, 2, 4 and 6 tons lime ha−1) applied once at the beginning of the study. A burnt liming material with 92.5% calcium carbonate equivalent was used. Soil samples were analysed prior to and after treatment application. The site had low soil pH–H2O (4.9), available P (2.3 mg kg−1), total N (0.17%), high Al (2.0 cmol kg−1exchangeable Al and 29% Al saturation). Lime reduced soil pH and exchangeable Al, leading to increased soil available P. Lime at 2, 4 and 6 tons ha−1maintained soil pH ≥ 5.5 for 2, 3 and 4 years, respectively. The study observed that the recommended P fertilizer rate (26 kg P ha−1) for maize production in Kenya was inadequate to raise soil available P to the critical level (≥10 mg P kg−1soil bicarbonate extractable P) required for healthy maize growth. To maintain soil available P at the critical level where 52 kg P ha−1and combined 52 kg P ha−1+ 4 tons lime ha−1were applied, it would be necessary to reapply the same P fertilizer rate after every one and two cropping seasons, respectively. The 4-year mean grain yield increments were 0.17, 0.34, 0.50, 0.58 and 1.17 tons ha−1due to 2, 4, 6 tons lime ha−1, 26 kg P and 52 kg P ha−1, respectively. Both agronomic P use and P fertilizer recovery efficiencies increased with increasing rates of lime and decreased with increasing rates of P fertilizer. Therefore, combined applications of both lime and P fertilizer are important for enhancing maize production on P-deficient acid soils in western Kenya.
A new species of Largocephalosaurus (Diapsida: Saurosphargidae), with implications for the morphological diversity and phylogeny of the group
Authors: LI CHUN , JIANG DA-YONG , CHENG LONG , WU XIAO-CHUN , RIEPPEL OLIVIER 
Published: May 2013

AbstractLargocephalosaurus polycarpon Cheng et al. 2012a was erected after the study of the skull and some parts of a skeleton and considered to be an eosauropterygian. Here we describe a new species of the genus, Largocephalosaurus qianensis, based on three specimens. The new species provides many anatomical details which were described only briefly or not at all in the type species, and clearly indicates that Largocephalosaurus is a saurosphargid. It differs from the type species mainly in having three premaxillary teeth, a very short retroarticular process, a large pineal foramen, two sacral vertebrae, and elongated small granular osteoderms mixed with some large ones along the lateral most side of the body. With additional information from the new species, we revise the diagnosis and the phylogenetic relationships of Largocephalosaurus and clarify a set of diagnostic features for the Saurosphargidae Li et al. 2011. Largocephalosaurus is characterized primarily by an oval supratemporal fenestra, an elongate dorsal ‘rib-basket’, a narrow and elongate transverse process of the dorsal vertebrae, and the lack of a complete dorsal carapace of osteoderms. The Saurosphargidae is distinct mainly in having a retracted external naris, a jugal–squamosal contact, a large supratemporal extensively contacting the quadrate shaft, a leaf-like tooth crown with convex labial surface and concave lingual surface, a closed dorsal ‘rib-basket’, many dorsal osteoderms, a large boomerang-like or atypical T-shaped interclavicle. Current evidence suggests that the Saurosphargidae is the sister-group of the Sauropterygia and that Largocephalosaurus is the sister-group of the Saurosphargis–Sinosaurosphargis clade within the family.
Indigeneity and Kenya's Nubians: seeking equality in difference or sameness?
Authors: Balaton-Chrimes Samantha 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTRecent studies of indigeneity in Africa have highlighted the problematic nature of the concept in a continent where it is difficult to determine which groups have temporal priority in a given location. These studies have suggested, with varying degrees of criticism, that indigeneity in Africa is a strategic identity deployed to attain a special status and associated benefits, often to remedy past harms. This article agrees that indigeneity is an act of positioning, but suggests that in the Kenyan context it can be deployed in another way as well, that is, as an act that seeksequalrather thanspecialpositioning within the dominant population. In this case indigeneity is not a special ‘slot’ but rather the norm. The article illustrates this by drawing on research with the Nubian community of Nairobi who seek to shed their ethnic stranger status and instead position themselves as indigenous to Nairobi in order to access the same quality of citizenship as that enjoyed by Kenya's ‘42 tribes’.
Non-state actors and universal services in Tanzania and Lesotho: state-building by Alliance
Authors: D'arcy Michelle 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIn recent years over half of all African states have re-introduced some form of universal basic service provision, though many more have done so in education when compared with health. Most existing explanations of these developments have emphasised the importance of demand side factors associated with democratisation. This paper argues that while democratisation has been important in generating pressure for reform, alliances with actors outside the state – such as donors and non-state service providers – have been the critical enabling factor allowing weak states to overcome their capacity constraints and respond. Two illustrative case studies are used to show how variation in alliance opportunities has led to differences in outcomes both between social sectors and across countries. An inter-sector comparison of health and education policy in Tanzania shows how a difference in donor policy preferences between sectors – donors having converged behind the principle of universal primary education but not universal healthcare – has led to variation in alliance opportunities and hence policy outcomes. A ‘least likely’ case of healthcare reform in Lesotho shows how an alliance with a non-state provider has made difficult reforms possible.
‘We do our bit in our own space’: DAL Group and the development of a curiously Sudanese enclave economy
Authors: Mann Laura 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe family firm, DAL Group, is Sudan's largest and most diversified company. Its growth has concentrated on consumer goods, rather than on state concessions or exports. It has developed its own training programmes, construction units, transportation networks and market research departments to manage the unstable environment outside its business walls. This paper focuses on the company's recruitment policies, demonstrating how the firm relies on its own internal family structure and a transnational network of Sudanese professionals in order to grow and prosper. Such self-reliance contributes to growing political frustration among young unemployed people. Graduates from ‘marginal’ areas rely more heavily on public advertisements and on information obtained from state bodies, not the private channels ofwasta(personal intermediation) that cut through contemporary business. The paper concludes by comparing DAL with similar business networks in Ethiopia and Rwanda, arguing that DAL is a unique and interesting form of ‘enclave economy’, shaped by a displaced transnational elite operating in a hostile political environment. Within the wider political context of Sudan, there is a limit to what similar businesses can achieve.
Annulus twist and diffeomorphic 4-manifolds
Authors: ABE TETSUYA , JONG IN DAE , OMAE YUKA , TAKEUCHI MASANORI 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe give a method for obtaining infinitely many framed knots which represent a diffeomorphic 4-manifold. We also study a relationship between the n-shake genus and the 4-ball genus of a knot. Furthermore we give a construction of homotopy 4-spheres from a slice knot with unknotting number one.
The Virgin Mary, Miriam, and Jewish Reactions to Marian Devotion in the High Middle Ages
Authors: Shoham-Steiner Ephraim 
Published: May 2013

While discussing the rites and customs of burial and mourning in his bookTashbeẓ katan, the early fourteenth-century Rabbi Shimshon ben Ẓadok made the following remark:And the fact that we spill the water [that was in the presence of the dead man] outside [after the death] is because that when Miriam died the well ceased. For it is written: ‘And there was no water for the congregation [‘eda] since it was for her merit that the well traveled [with the Israelites] and we allude to it that he [the deceased] is a great man and he is worthy that water would cease on his behalf.