bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Proton Translocating Pyrophosphatase Activity Improves Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Romaine Lettuce
Authors: Paez-Valencia Julio , Sanchez-Lares Jonathan , Marsh Ellen , Dorneles Liane T. , Santos Mirella P. , Sanchez Diego , Winter Alexander , Murphy Sean , Cox Jennifer , Trzaska Marcin , Metler Jason , Kozic Alex , Facanha Arnoldo R. , Schachtman Daniel , Sanchez Charles A. , Gaxiola Roberto A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPlant nitrate (NO3 −) acquisition depends on the combined activities of root high- and low-affinity NO3 − transporters and the proton gradient generated by the plasma membrane H+-ATPase. These processes are coordinated with photosynthesis and the carbon status of the plant. Here, we present the characterization of romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Conquistador’) plants engineered to overexpress an intragenic gain-of-function allele of the type I proton translocating pyrophosphatase (H+-PPase) of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The proton-pumping and inorganic pyrophosphate hydrolytic activities of these plants are augmented compared with control plants. Immunohistochemical data show a conspicuous increase in H+-PPase protein abundance at the vasculature of the transgenic plants. Transgenic plants displayed an enhanced rhizosphere acidification capacity consistent with the augmented plasma membrane H+-ATPase proton transport values, and ATP hydrolytic capacities evaluated in vitro. These transgenic lines outperform control plants when challenged with NO3 − limitations in laboratory, greenhouse, and field scenarios. Furthermore, we report the characterization of a lettuce LsNRT2.1 gene that is constitutive up-regulated in the transgenic plants. Of note, the expression of the LsNRT2.1 gene in control plants is regulated by NO3 − and sugars. Enhanced accumulation of 15N-labeled fertilizer by transgenic lettuce compared with control plants was observed in greenhouse experiments. A negative correlation between the level of root soluble sugars and biomass is consistent with the strong root growth that characterizes these transgenic plants.
Ecological consequences of a group fission event in the Tana River mangabey (Cercocebus galeritus)
Authors: Wieczkowski Julie 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA group of Tana River mangabeys Cercocebus galeritus studied in 2000–2001 fissioned into two daughter groups in 2004, the first reported case of fission in Cercocebus. Data were collected on each daughter group in 2005–2006 to investigate how the groups divided the parent group's range, the quality of habitat used by each group, and if fruit abundance was correlated with the spatial relationships between the groups. Six days of ranging data were collected each month and input into ArcView GIS 3.3 to measure home ranges and core areas. Phenological data were collected from nine important food species. Habitat quality was measured by counting all reproductive‐sized individuals of those nine food species in the ranges. The daughter groups shared the parent group's home range and core area, although the larger group used more of those areas than the smaller group. The two groups got equal quality home ranges and core areas as measured by per capita food trees, but the larger group had access to a larger and richer exclusive area. Proximity of the groups to each other was not correlated with fruit abundance. This study contributes to the small body of literature that addresses ecological consequences of primate group fission.
Role of NKp46 Expression in Cytokine Production by CD56‐Positive NK Cells in the Peripheral Blood and the Uterine Endometrium
Authors: Yokota Megumi , Fukui Atushi , Funamizu Ayano , Nakamura Rika , Kamoi Mai , Fuchinoue Kohei , Sasaki Yukie , Fukuhara Rie , Mizunuma Hideki 
Published: January 2013

ProblemTo investigate the role of natural cytotoxicity receptor, NKp46 expression in cytokine‐producing NK cells.Method of StudyCD56+/NKp46+ NK cells from the peripheral blood and the uterine endometrium were magnetically separated. IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐4, IL‐10, and TGF‐β1 expressions on NK cells were investigated using multicolor flow cytometry.ResultsPeripheral blood and uterine endometrial NK cells were grouped into 4 subpopulations based upon the degree of CD56 and NKp46 expressions. NKp46 expression was associated with higher frequency of cytokine‐producing NK cells, including CD56dimNK cells. The percentage of TNF‐α+ and IL‐10+ NK cells per total CD56+/NKp46+ NK cells in the uterine endometrium showed a significant correlation with those of the peripheral blood in all subpopulations, but that of IFN‐γ+, IL‐4+, and TGF‐β1+ NK cells showed partial correlation.ConclusionExpression of NKp46 is involved in cytokine production of CD56+ NK cells in the peripheral blood and the uterine endometrium.
Insufficient pain relief in vacuum extraction deliveries: a population‐based study
Authors: Ahlberg Mia , Saltvedt Sissel , Ekéus Cecilia 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the pain relief used in association with vacuum extraction assisted deliveries and to identify risk factors for not receiving pain relief during the procedure.DesignRetrospective birth register study.SettingNationwide study in Sweden.PopulationThe study population consisted of all women (n = 62 568) with a singleton pregnancy who gave birth in gestational weeks 37+0 to 41+6 between 1999 and 2008 and were delivered by vacuum extraction.MethodRegister study with data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register.Main outcome measuresEpidural blockade, spinal blockade, pudendal nerve blockade, infiltration of the perineum, no pain relief.ResultsIn all, 32.4% primiparas and 51.4% multiparas who had a vacuum‐assisted delivery had this without potent pain relief such as epidural blockade, spinal blockade or pudendal nerve block. When infiltration was added as a method for pain relief, 18% were still delivered without pain relief. Multiparas were more likely than primiparas to be delivered without potent pain relief, odds ratio (OR) 2.29 95% confidence interval (CI) (2.20–2.38). Compared with women delivered by vacuum extraction due to prolonged labor, those with signs of fetal distress were more likely to be delivered without potent pain relief (OR) 1.74, 95% (CI) (1.68–1.81).ConclusionA considerable number of women are delivered by vacuum extraction without pain relief. The high proportion might reflect that clinical staff do not always consider pain relief to be of high priority in vacuum extraction deliveries or that they fear impaired pushing forces.
Novel Fenestration Designs for Controlled Venous Flow Shunting in Failing Fontans With Systemic Venous Hypertension
Authors: Albal Priti G. , Menon Prahlad G. , Kowalski William , Undar Akif , Turkoz Riza , Pekkan Kerem 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe Fontan procedure is employed as the final‐stage palliation in single‐ventricle congenital heart patients and results in diversion of venous blood directly to the pulmonary arteries. Fontan patients have been known to suffer from postoperative systemic venous hypertension, which in turn is associated with pleural effusions and protein losing enteropathy, leading to a decreased duration and quality of life. Despite the ongoing debate on its benefits, a circular fenestration hole (typically 4 mm) establishing a venous shunt to the common atrium is traditionally employed to relieve venous pressure in the Fontan conduit and improve early postoperative Fontan hemodynamics. However, these improvements come at the cost of reduced oxygen saturation due to excessive right‐to‐left shunting if the fenestration is permanent. The ideal “selective” fenestration would therefore limit or eliminate shunt flow at tolerable systemic venous pressures and allow increased flow at high pressures. The objective of this study is to introduce new fenestration designs that exhibit these desirable pressure‐flow characteristics. Novel plus‐shaped and S‐shaped fenestration designs with leaflets are introduced as alternatives to the traditional circular fenestration, each having identical effective orifice areas at the fully open states. In vitro steady leakage flow tests were performed for physiological flow‐driving pressures in order to obtain pressure‐drop versus flow‐rate characteristics. In addition, the leaflet opening kinematics of the plus‐shaped fenestration was investigated computationally using finite element simulation. Fluid‐structure interaction analysis was performed to determine leaflet displacements and pressure‐flow characteristics at low pressures. Further, a lumped parameter model of the single‐ventricle circuit was created to simulate pulsatile flow conditions For the plus‐shaped fenestration, the flow rate was found to increase nonlinearly with increased driving systemic venous pressures at high physiological‐pressure drops which did not cause the leaflets to fully open, and linearly for low driving pressures. These results indicate that leaflets of the plus‐shaped fenestration design activated passively after a critical systemic venous pressure threshold. This feature is ideal for minimizing undesirable excessive venous shunting. A large variability in shunting flow rate may be obtained by changing the shape, thickness, size, and material of the fenestration to suit requirements of the patient, which can further limit shunt flow in a controlled manner.
Carotid Doppler Flow After Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Mild Hypothermia in Neonatal Piglets
Authors: Tirilomis Theodor , Malliarou Stella , Bensch Marc , Coskun K. Oguz , Popov Aron F. , Schoendube Friedrich A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAlthough the mechanisms of neurological disorders after cardiac surgery in neonates are still not fully understood, alterations in blood flow after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may lead to cerebral injury. The aim of the study was the analysis of flow changes in the carotid artery of neonatal piglets after CPB. Ten neonatal piglets (younger than 7 days) were connected to the CPB and further management underwent three steps: (i) cooling to 32°C core temperature within 30 min; (ii) cardiac arrest under cardioplegic myocardial protection for 90 min; and (iii) rewarming to 37°C after cross‐clamp release (60 min of reperfusion). In summary, piglets were separated from CPB after a total duration time of 180 min. The blood flow was measured in the left carotid artery by an ultrasonic flow probe before CPB (baseline), immediately after CPB, 30 min, and 60 min after CPB. Additionally, the pulsatility index and the resistance index were calculated and compared. Finally, the relation of the carotid artery flow data with the corresponding pressure data at each time point was compared. After termination of CPB, the carotid artery mean flow was reduced from 28.34 ± 13.79 mL/min at baseline to 20.91 ± 10.61 mL/min and remained reduced 30 and 60 min after CPB termination (19.71 ± 11.11 and 17.64 ± 15.31 mL/min, respectively). Both the pulsatility and the resistance index were reduced immediately after CPB termination and increased thereafter. Nevertheless, values did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, the carotid Doppler flow immediately after CPB and mild hypothermia in neonatal piglets was lower than before CPB due to reduced vascular resistance. Additionally, the pressure–flow relation revealed that immediately after CPB, a higher pressure is required to obtain adequate flow.
Comparison Between D901 Lilliput 1 and Kids D100 Neonatal Oxygenators: Toward Bypass Circuit Miniaturization
Authors: De Rita Fabrizio , Marchi Diego , Lucchese Gianluca , Barozzi Luca , Dissegna Roberta , Menon Tiziano , Faggian Giuseppe , Mazzucco Alessandro , Luciani Giovanni Battista 
Published: January 2013

AbstractProgress in biomaterial technology and improvements in surgical and perfusion strategy ameliorated morbidity and mortality in pediatric cardiac surgery. In this study, we describe our clinical experience comparing performance of two neonatal oxygenators. From January 2002 to March 2011, 159 infants with less than 5 kg body weight underwent heart surgery. Ninety‐four patients received a D901 Lilliput 1 oxygenator with standard bypass circuit (group A), while 65 received a D100 Kids with miniaturized bypass circuit (group B). Miniaturization consisted in shortened arterial, venous, cardioplegia, and pump‐master lines. Priming composition consisted in Ringer's acetate solution with addition of albumin and blood, with target hematocrit of 24% or greater. In group B cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was vacuum‐assisted and started with an empty venous line. Modified ultrafiltration and Cell‐Saver blood infusion was routinely applied in both groups. Average ± standard deviation (SD) age at repair was 37 ± 38 days in group A and 59 ± 60 days in group B (P = 0.005). Average ± SD weight, height, and body surface area were 3.5 ± 0.7 kg, 52 ± 4 cm, and 0.22 ± 0.03 m2, respectively, in group A, and 3.7 ± 1 kg, 53 ± 5 cm, and 0.23 ± 0.02 m2, respectively, in group B (P = not significant [NS]). Male sex was predominant (55 vs. 58%, P = NS). Priming volume was 524 ± 67 mL (group A) and 337 ± 53 mL (group B) (P = 0.001). There were no statistical differences in hemoglobin at the start, during, and at the end of CPB, but group A required higher blood volume added to the prime (111 ± 33 vs. 93 ± 31 mL, P = 0.001). In group B, two surgical procedures were completed in total hemodilution. In group B, CPB time and aortic cross‐clamp time were shorter than in group A (106 ± 52 vs. 142 ± 78 min and 44 ± 31 vs. 64 ± 31 min, respectively, P = 0.001). There were 16 hospital deaths in group A and 4 in group B (P = 0.04). Durations of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit stay were 5.3 ± 3.2 vs. 4.1 ± 3.2 days (P = 0.02) and 6.5 ± 4.9 vs. 5.1 ± 3 days (P = 0.03), respectively. There were significant differences in inotropic score (1083 ± 1175 vs. 682 ± 938, P = 0.04) and blood postoperative transfusion (153 ± 226 vs. 90 ± 61 mL, P = 0.04). Twenty‐seven patients in group A and 10 in group B presented with major adverse postoperative complications (P = 0.04). Use of neonatal oxygenators with low priming volume, associated with a miniaturized bypass circuit, seems to be a favorable strategy to decrease postoperative morbidity after cardiac surgery in neonates and infants.
Extracorporeal Life Support Experiences of a New Congenital Heart Center in Turkey
Authors: Erek Ersin , Haydin Sertac , Onan Burak , Onan Ismihan Selen , Yazici Pinar , Kocyigit Ozgen , Tanidir Cansaran , Yivli Perihan , Odemis Ender , Yeniterzi Mehmet , Bakir Ihsan 
Published: January 2013

AbstractExtracorporeal life support (ECLS) provides mechanical support following cardiac surgery when respiratory and cardiac failure occurs. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who needed ECLS at a new congenital heart center in Turkey. Between December 2009 and February 2012, 616 congenital heart operations were performed. A total of 13 patients (seven female) underwent ECLS. The ages of the patients ranged between 16 days and 33 years. There were two neonatal, seven infant, three pediatric, and one adult congenital cases. Medos DPII ECLS system was used in all patients. Mean duration of ECLS was 6.2 ± 5.8 days (ranged from 29 h to 24 days). While central vascular access with aorta and right atrial cannulation was used in 11 patients, neck vessels were used in the other patients. Four patients (30.7%) weaned successfully from ECLS (two infant, two pediatric cases). Three of them had ECLS intraoperatively. In all patients, two (15.4%) were discharged from the hospital. One of them had mild neurologic deficit. Bleeding from the surgical and cannulation sites was the most common complication. Thrombus was detected in pump head and changed uneventfully in three patients. Arterial pH and lactate levels at the beginning of ECLS were significantly lower in patients who were successfully weaned from ECLS than nonsurvivors (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively). ECLS can be a lifesaving modality in the perioperative period. It may be more beneficial if ECLS is used before the development of severe acidosis and high lactate levels.
Evolution of Technology, Establishment of Program, and Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: The “SickKids” Experience
Authors: Kotani Yasuhiro , Honjo Osami , Davey Lisa , Chetan Devin , Guerguerian Anne‐Marie , Gruenwald Colleen 
Published: January 2013

Abstract Technological development has had a tremendous impact on the management of patients who require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Team development and education are a vital component of a successful extracorporeal life support (ECLS) Program to reduce complications and subsequently improve clinical outcomes. We sought to review the evolution in technology, importance of team development and training, and report our experience at The Hospital for Sick Children,Toronto. There were a total of 576ECMOruns in 534 patients (42 repeatECMOruns) betweenJanuary 1988 andJune 2012. The use ofECMOfor cardiac disease has increased in the last decade due to an expanded indication forECMOin patients with single‐ventricle physiology. CardiacECMOstill remains a challenge in terms of survival (177/392, 45%). Although development of anECLSprogram and team education facilitated extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, clinical outcomes were not satisfactory (survival, 33%). The most common complications were hemorrhagic (13.8%), followed by renal (10.6%) and pulmonary dysfunction (6.9%). Advances in technology made management duringECMOsafer, and the mechanical complications related to theECMOsystem were 6.1%, including circuit changes due to thrombus formation, cannula repositioning, or optimization of size.
Transcatheter Management of Neonates With Pulmonary Atresia With Intact Ventricular Septum: A Single Center Experience From Turkey
Authors: Odemis Ender , Ozyilmaz Isa , Guzeltas Alper , Erek Ersin , Haydin Sertac , Bakır İhsan 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) is characterized by a broad spectrum of heterogeneous morphologies. Perforation of the atretic valve, balloon dilatation, and stenting of the patent ductus arteriosus are the percutaneous techniques that are used with increasing frequency in our clinic as well. They have some advantages over surgery, including short hospital stay and short intensive care unit stay. The main goal of the primary interventional approach is to avoid surgery. However, a group of patients with PAIVS still need surgery due to poor right ventricular growth. Therefore, the final achievement of the initial percutaneous treatment strategies is still debatable. In this article, we present the early‐ and mid‐term results of the percutaneous approach utilized at our clinic in order to investigate the final effects of interventional therapy according to initial morphology. Between May 2010 and May 2012, 15 neonates diagnosed with PAIVS underwent transcatheter intervention. Detailed echocardiographic examination focused on right ventricle size, and tricuspid valve morphology and coronary sinusoids were performed in all the patients before the intervention. Nine of the patients were boys and six were girls. The mean age was 11.40 ± 12.87 days and mean weight was 3.34 ± 0.46 kg. Only one procedure‐related mortality occurred. The mean follow‐up period was 10.05 ± 3.42 months (1–26 months). The mean duration of intensive care was 7.19 ± 5.14 days. The mean follow‐up time was 10.05 ± 3.42 months. After this period, survival rate was 66% (10/15). Two of the patients achieved biventricular physiology after pulmonary valve perforation. Two patients still have univentricular physiology. Six patients have been followed as a one and half ventricle repair candidate. Five out of 15 patients had stent patency during 6 months of follow‐up, while restenosis developed in one patient (1/5, 20%), who had undergone the Glenn operation at 5 months of age. Transcatheter management for PAIVS is a feasible, safe, and effective primary palliative treatment in newborns. Shunt surgery may be considered in cases where cyanosis occurs despite transcatheter intervention. Right ventricular size determines the type of intervention. The early outcomes can be comparable with surgical palliation. However, a group of PAIVS, particularly with severe right ventricular hypoplasia, needs surgery even after a successful primary percutaneous intervention.
Morphology of the carpal region in some rodents with special emphasis on hystricognaths
Authors: Prochel Jan , Begall Sabine , Burda Hynek 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe examined the morphology of the wrist (carpal region) skeleton using histological serial sections and cleared and stained forelimbs of representatives of three rodent clades: ‘Hystricomorpha’ (Caviomorpha:Ctenomys opimus,C. talarum,Cuniculus taczanowskii,Erethizon dorsatum,Galeasp.,Lagostomus maximus,Spalacopus cyanus;Phiomorpha:Fukomys mechowii,Heliophobius argenteocinereus,Hystrix cristata,H. africaeaustralis;Ctenodactylids (Ctenodactylus gundi)), ‘Myomorpha’ (Arvicola amphibius,Ondatra zibethicus,Meriones unguiculatus,Myodes glareolus,Spalaxsp.) and ‘Sciuromorpha’ (Eliomys quercinus,Glis glis,Marmota marmota). We describe the arrangement of the carpal bones and identify several variable traits, some of which represent convergent evolution. One element, theOs posthamatum, lies in the carpal region and has not been recorded before. We interpret this bone as a putative autapomorphy ofHystricognathi but not of ‘Hystricomorpha’.
Forces and Motion: How Young Children Understand Causal Events
Authors: Göksun Tilbe , George Nathan R. , Hirsh‐Pasek Kathy , Golinkoff Roberta M. 
Published: January 2013

How do children evaluate complex causal events? This study investigates preschoolers' representation of force dynamics in causal scenes, asking whether (a) children understand how single and dual forces impact an object's movement and (b) this understanding varies across cause types (Cause, Enable, Prevent). Three‐and‐a half‐ to 5.5‐year‐olds (n = 60) played a board game in which they were asked to predict the endpoint of a ball being acted upon by one or two forces. Children mostly understood the interactions of forces underlying each type of cause; only 5.5‐year‐olds could integrate two contradictory forces. Children perceive force interactions underlying causal events, but some concepts might not be fully understood until later in childhood. This study provides a new way of thinking about causal relations.
Immunological biomarkers: Catalysts for translational advances in autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Ahmed S T , Akirav E , Bradshaw E , Buckner J , McKinney E , Quintana F J , Waldron-Lynch F , Nepom J 
Published: January 2013

Summary
In a recent workshop organized by the JDRF focused on the ‘Identification and Utilization of Robust Biomarkers in Type1 Diabetes’, leaders in the field of type 1 diabetes (T1D)/autoimmunity and assay technology came together from academia, government and industry to assess the current state of the field, evaluate available resources/technologies and identify gaps that need to be filled for moving the field of T1D research forward. The highlights of this workshop are discussed in this paper, as well as the proposal for a larger, planned consortium effort, incorporating a JDRF Biomarker Core, to foster collaboration and accelerate progress in this critically needed area of T1D research.