bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sperner's Theorem and a Problem of Erdős, Katona and Kleitman
Authors: DAS SHAGNIK , GAN WENYING , SUDAKOV BENNY 
Published: December 2014

A central result in extremal set theory is the celebrated theorem of Sperner from 1928, which gives the size of the largest family of subsets of [n] not containing a 2-chain, F1 ⊂ F2. Erdős extended this theorem to determine the largest family without a k-chain, F1 ⊂ F2 ⊂ . . . ⊂ Fk. Erdős and Katona, followed by Kleitman, asked how many chains must appear in families with sizes larger than the corresponding extremal bounds.In 1966, Kleitman resolved this question for 2-chains, showing that the number of such chains is minimized by taking sets as close to the middle level as possible. Moreover, he conjectured the extremal families were the same for k-chains, for all k. In this paper, making the first progress on this problem, we verify Kleitman's conjecture for the families whose size is at most the size of the k + 1 middle levels. We also characterize all extremal configurations.
Genetics of bovine respiratory disease in cattle: can breeding programs reduce the problem?
Authors: Berry Donagh P. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractGenetics is responsible for approximately half the observed change in performance internationally in well-structured cattle breeding programs. Almost all, if not all, individual characteristics, including animal health, have a genetic basis. Once genetic variation exists then breeding for improvement is possible. Although the heritability of most health traits is low to moderate, considerable exploitable genetic variation does exist. From the limited studies undertaken, and mostly from limited datasets, the direct heritability of susceptibility to BRD varied from 0.07 to 0.22 and the maternal heritability (where estimated) varied from 0.05 to 0.07. Nonetheless, considerable genetic variation clearly exists; the genetic standard deviation for the direct component (binary trait), although differing across populations, varied from 0.08 to 0.20 while the genetic standard deviation for the maternal component varied from 0.04 to 0.07. Little is known about the genetic correlation between genetic predisposition to BRD and animal performance; the estimation of these correlations should be prioritized. (Long-term) Breeding strategies to reduce the incidence of BRD in cattle should be incorporated into national BRD eradication or control strategies.
Oligodendrocyte ablation triggers central pain independently of innate or adaptive immune responses in mice
Authors: Gritsch Simon , Lu Jianning , Thilemann Sebastian , Wörtge Simone , Möbius Wiebke , Bruttger Julia , Karram Khalad , Ruhwedel Torben , Blanfeld Michaela , Vardeh Daniel , Waisman Ari , Nave Klaus-Armin , Kuner Rohini 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMechanisms underlying central neuropathic pain are poorly understood. Although glial dysfunction has been functionally linked with neuropathic pain, very little is known about modulation of pain by oligodendrocytes. Here we report that genetic ablation of oligodendrocytes rapidly triggers a pattern of sensory changes that closely resemble central neuropathic pain, which are manifest before overt demyelination. Primary oligodendrocyte loss is not associated with autoreactive T- and B-cell infiltration in the spinal cord and neither activation of microglia nor reactive astrogliosis contribute functionally to central pain evoked by ablation of oligodendrocytes. Instead, light and electron microscopic analyses reveal axonal pathology in the spinal dorsal horn and spinothalamic tract concurrent with the induction and maintenance of nociceptive hypersensitivity. These data reveal a role for oligodendrocytes in modulating pain and suggest that perturbation of oligodendrocyte functions that maintain axonal integrity can lead to central neuropathic pain independent of immune contributions.
Effects of beet pulp supplementation on growth performance, fecal moisture, serum hormones and litter performance in lactating sows
Authors: Zhao Pinyao , Zhang Zhengfan , Kim In Ho 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate effects of beet pulp supplementation on growth performance, fecal moisture, serum hormones and litter performance in lactating sows. Ninety primiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allotted to one of three dietary treatments in a 21‐day trial starting 3 days before parturition. The three dietary treatments were supplemented with 0, 10 and 20% beet pulp, respectively. Backfat loss and fecal moisture content were increased (P < 0.05), where cortisol and norepinephrine levels were decreased (P < 0.05) in sows fed beet pulp supplementation diets compared with control diet, but there was no difference between 10% and 20% beet pulp supplementation treatments. No effect was observed on bodyweight, average daily intake, weaning to estrus interval, epinephrine level in sows and litter weight, litter size, survivability in piglets among dietary treatments. Taken together, beet pulp supplementation has no significant effect of growth performance of lactating sows and piglets with decreased cortisol and norepinephrine levels in lactating sows, but it can increase fecal moisture content which is beneficial for sow feces excretion.
Discrimination of Biomechanically Possible and Impossible Hand Movements at Birth
Authors: Longhi Elena , Senna Irene , Bolognini Nadia , Bulf Hermann , Tagliabue Paolo , Macchi Cassia Viola , Turati Chiara 
Published: December 2014

The development of human body perception has long been investigated, but little is known about its early origins. This study focused on how a body part highly relevant to the human species, namely the hand, is perceived a few days after birth. Using a preferential‐looking paradigm, 24‐ to 48‐hr‐old newborns watched biomechanically possible and impossible dynamic hand gestures (Experiment 1, N = 15) and static hand postures (Experiment 2, N = 15). In Experiment 1, newborns looked longer at the impossible, compared to the possible, hand movement, whereas in Experiment 2 no visual preference emerged. These findings suggest that early in life the representation of the human body may be shaped by sensory‐motor experience.
Brivaracetam Differentially Affects Voltage‐Gated Sodium Currents Without Impairing Sustained Repetitive Firing in Neurons
Authors: Niespodziany Isabelle , André Véronique Marie , Leclère Nathalie , Hanon Etienne , Ghisdal Philippe , Wolff Christian 
Published: December 2014

SummaryAimsBrivaracetam (BRV) is an antiepileptic drug in Phase III clinical development. BRV binds to synaptic vesicle 2A (SV2A) protein and is also suggested to inhibit voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs). To evaluate whether the effect of BRV on VGSCs represents a relevant mechanism participating in its antiepileptic properties, we explored the pharmacology of BRV on VGSCs in different cell systems and tested its efficacy at reducing the sustained repetitive firing (SRF).MethodsBrivaracetam investigations on the voltage‐gated sodium current (INa) were performed in N1E‐155 neuroblastoma cells, cultured rat cortical neurons, and adult mouse CA1 neurons. SRF was measured in cultured cortical neurons and in CA1 neurons. All BRV (100–300 μM) experiments were performed in comparison with 100 μM carbamazepine (CBZ).ResultsBrivaracetam and CBZ reduced INa in N1E‐115 cells (30% and 40%, respectively) and primary cortical neurons (21% and 47%, respectively) by modulating the fast‐inactivated state of VGSCs. BRV, in contrast to CBZ, did not affect INa in CA1 neurons and SRF in cortical and CA1 neurons. CBZ consistently inhibited neuronal SRF by 75–93%.ConclusionsThe lack of effect of BRV on SRF in neurons suggests that the reported inhibition of BRV on VGSC currents does not contribute to its antiepileptic properties.
Five‐year review of absconding in three acute psychiatric inpatient wards in Australia
Authors: Gerace Adam , Oster Candice , Mosel Krista , O'Kane Deb , Ash David , Muir‐Cochrane Eimear 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAbsconding, where patients under an involuntary mental health order leave hospital without permission, can result in patient harm and emotional and professional implications for nursing staff. However, Australian data to drive nursing interventions remain sparse. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate absconding in three acute care wards from January 2006 to June 2010, in order to determine absconding rates, compare patients who did and did not abscond, and to examine incidents. The absconding rate was 17.22 incidents per 100 involuntary admissions (12.09% of patients), with no significant change over time. Being male, young, diagnosed with a schizophrenia or substance‐use disorder, and having a longer hospital stay were predictive of absconding. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients had higher odds of absconding than Caucasian Australians. Over 25% of absconding patients did so multiple times. Patients absconded early in admission. More incidents occurred earlier in the year, during summer and autumn, and later in the week, and few incidents occurred early in the morning. Almost 60% of incidents lasted ≤24 hours. Formulation of prospective interventions considering population demographic factors and person‐specific concerns are required for evidence‐based nursing management of the risks of absconding and effective incident handling when they do occur.
On the Effect of Birefringence on Light Transmission in Polycrystalline Magnesium Fluoride
Authors: Wen Tzu‐Chien , Shetty Dinesh K. 
Published: December 2014

Light transmission in polycrystalline magnesium fluoride was studied as a function of the mean grain size at different wavelengths. The mean grain size was varied by annealing hot‐pressed billets in argon atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 600°C to 800°C for 1 h. The grain‐size and grain‐orientation distributions were characterized by electron back scatter diffraction. The scattering coefficients were calculated from the in‐line transmittance measured at various wavelengths. The scattering coefficient of polycrystalline magnesium fluoride increased linearly with the mean grain size and inversely with the square of the wavelength of light. It is shown that these trends are consistent with theoretical models based on both a limiting form of the Raleigh–Gans–Debye (RGD) theory of particle scattering and light retardation theories that take refractive index variations along the light path. Quantitative predictions of the theories are, however, subject to uncertainly due to the restrictive assumptions made in the theories and difficulties in representing the microstructure in the theoretical models. In particular, grain‐size distribution has a significant influence on the scattering coefficient calculated using particle scattering models.
Group‐based discrimination, national identification, and British Muslims’ attitudes toward non‐Muslims: the mediating role of perceived identity incompatibility
Authors: Hutchison Paul , Lubna Shumitha Akhtar , Goncalves‐Portelinha Isabelle , Kamali Parul , Khan Noreen 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn two studies, we tested a model in which the perceived (in)compatibility of being British and Muslim (identity incompatibility) was expected to mediate between group‐based discrimination and the identifications and attitudes of British Muslims. In Study 1 (N = 76), anti‐Muslim discrimination was associated with lower national identification and more negative attitudes toward non‐Muslims, and these relationships were mediated by perceived identity incompatibility. In Study 2 (N = 70), we additionally found that anti‐Muslim discrimination predicted stronger endorsement of Islamic group rights, and this relationship was also mediated by perceived identity incompatibility. The studies highlight the importance of group‐based discrimination in shaping the perceived (in)compatibility of being British and Muslim, and, in turn, the identifications and attitudes of British Muslims.
Importance of the quotient of albumin, quotient of immunoglobulin G and Reibergram in inflammatory neurological disorders with disease‐specific patterns of blood–brain barrier permeability
Authors: Akaishi Tetsuya , Narikawa Koichi , Suzuki Yasushi , Mitsuzawa Shio , Tsukita Kenichi , Kuroda Hiroshi , Nakashima Ichiro , Fujihara Kazuo , Aoki Masashi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere are still insufficient quantitative comparisons of phase‐dependent blood–brain barrier permeability among inflammatory central nervous system disorders.AimBy using the Reibergram (2‐D diagram of the quotient of albumin and quotient of immunoglobulin G), we visually compared the extent of blood–brain barrier permeability among inflammatory central nervous system disorders.MethodsBoth the quotient of albumin and that of immunoglobulin G in the acute and chronic phase were calculated in non‐herpetic meningitis, septic meningitis, multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, and were plotted on the Reibergram. As controls, samples from non‐inflammatory patients without pleocytosis were collected. The correlation coefficient between each cerebrospinal fluid biomarker and disease severity index in each disorder was also studied.ResultsIn the controls, the distribution differed between males and females, suggesting a sex‐dependent difference in blood–brain barrier‐function, in addition to the age‐related compromise. A compromised blood–brain barrier was confirmed in the acute phase of meningitis and neuromyelitis optica, but not in the acute phase of multiple sclerosis. However, blood–brain barrier permeability significantly correlated with the severity and disability in multiple sclerosis. In meningitis, a compromised blood–brain barrier correlated well with the length of hospitalization rather than cerebrospinal fluid cell count.ConclusionVisualization of the blood–brain barrier permeability with a Reibergram indicated distinct pathophysiology in each disorder. The quotient of albumin and quotient of immunoglobulin G would be useful for estimating the pathophysiology in each disorder, and the severity of ongoing inflammation or damage in the central nervous system.
Determining Research Priorities Through Partnership with Patients: An Overview
Authors: Barnieh Lianne , Jun Min , Laupacis Andreas , Manns Braden , Hemmelgarn Brenda 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThere is an increasing level of emphasis being placed on health care providers and funders to incorporate patient‐centered care into research. Involving patients and caregivers in establishing research priorities ensures the relevance of the research produced. Priority setting is a process that can be used to produce a robust set of research questions that researchers can address over the coming years. One of the methods for determining research priorities that involves patients, caregivers and clinicians is the James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership model. This method is focused on being exclusive, transparent, and evidence‐based. Using a recent example of patients on or nearing dialysis, we highlight the key steps to assess research priorities in patients, caregivers and clinicians: (i) formation of a steering committee to guide the overall process; (ii) form priority setting partnerships; (iii) identify and gather research uncertainties; (iv) process and collate submitted research uncertainties; and (v) final priority setting workshop to determine the top 10 research priorities.
Adequacy and Complication Rates with 14‐ vs. 16‐gauge Automated Needles in Percutaneous Renal Biopsy of Native Kidneys
Authors: Chunduri Svetha , Whittier William L. , Korbet Stephen M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn performing percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) of native kidneys, an increasing use of 16‐gauge automated biopsy needles has been observed. We compare the adequacy and safety of PRBs in adults performed with a 14‐gauge (n = 82) vs. 16‐gauge (n = 55) automated needle using real‐time ultrasound (US) from 1/2010 to 12/2013. Baseline clinical and laboratory data along with outcome data (renal US 1‐hour postbiopsy, biopsy adequacy, and safety) were collected prospectively. There was no difference in age, gender, blood pressure, serum creatinine, or pre‐PRB hemoglobin at baseline for PRBs performed with a 14‐ vs. 16‐gauge needle. The number of glomeruli obtained per biopsy was similar (29 ± 11 vs. 31 ± 14, p = 0.6) and adequate tissue for diagnosis was obtained in 99% and 100% of biopsies. The clinical complication (8.5% vs. 9.1%, p = 1.0), transfusion (7.3% vs. 7.2%, p = 1.0), and embolization (3.7% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.6) rates were not significantly different for 14‐ vs. 16‐gauge needles, but by routine renal US 1‐hour post‐PRB, a perinephric hematoma was demonstrated more often in biopsies done with the 14‐gauge needle (39% vs. 22%, P 0.04). Thus, while the success of PRB of native kidneys is similar for both needle gauges, the potential for complication may be less using a 16‐gauge automated needle.
Investments in blood safety improve the availability of blood to underserved areas in a sub‐Saharan African country
Authors: Pitman J. P. , Wilkinson R. , Basavaraju S. V. , von Finckenstein B. , Smit Sibinga C. , Marfin A. A. , Postma M. J. , Mataranyika M. , Tobias J. , Lowrance D. W. 
Published: December 2014

Background and ObjectivesSince 2004, several African countries, including Namibia, have received assistance from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Gains have been documented in the safety and number of collected units in these countries, but the distribution of blood has not been described.Materials and MethodsNine years of data on blood requests and issues from Namibia were stratified by region to describe temporal and spatial changes in the number and type of blood components issued to Namibian healthcare facilities nationally.ResultsBetween 2004 and 2007 (early years of PEPFAR support) and 2008–2011 (peak years of PEPFAR support), the average number of red cell units issued annually increased by 23.5% in seven densely populated but less‐developed regions in northern Namibia; by 30% in two regions with urban centres; and by 35.1% in four sparsely populated rural regions.ConclusionInvestments in blood safety and a policy decision to emphasize distribution of blood to underserved regions improved blood availability in remote rural areas and increased the proportion of units distributed as components. However, disparities persist in the distribution of blood between Namibia's urban and rural regions.
Trends in transfusion‐transmissible infections in potential donors in a specialist hospital in Rivers State
Authors: Okoh D. A. , Omunakwe H. E. , Iyalla C. 
Published: December 2014

Background and ObjectivesTransfusion‐transmissible infections are still a major concern in developing countries because of the endemicity of these infections in the general population. Blood donors can be a source of continued transmission of these infections. This study determines the trends and prevalence of transfusion‐transmissible infections amongst prospective donors.Materials and MethodsScreening documentation for prospective donors from 2011 to 2013 was reviewed; age, sex and type of donor were identified.ResultsA total of 5600 prospective donors were screened over a 3‐year period (2011–2013). The number of prospective donors increased yearly over this period, and the prevalence of transfusion‐transmissible infections reduced over the 3‐year period. Hepatitis B was the most prevalent transfusion‐transmissible infections in 2·66% of donors, followed by HIV (1·41%), HCV (0·45%) and VDRL (0·21%). The total prevalence of TTI in this study was 4·73%.ConclusionOur result shows a steady decrease in the prevalence of TTIs amongst prospective blood donors. This maybe as a result of increase in the number of voluntary unremunerated donors.
Estuarine Frontogenesis
Authors: Geyer W. R. , Ralston D. K. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractModel studies and observations in the Hudson River estuary indicate that frontogenesis occurs as a result of topographic forcing. Bottom fronts form just downstream of lateral constrictions, where the width of the estuary increases in the down-estuary (i.e., seaward) direction. The front forms during the last several hours of the ebb, when the combination of adverse pressure gradient in the expansion and baroclinicity cause a stagnation of near-bottom velocity. Frontogenesis is observed in two dynamical regimes: one in which the front develops at a transition from subcritical to supercritical flow and the other in which the flow is everywhere supercritical. The supercritical front formation appears to be associated with lateral flow separation. Both types of fronts are three-dimensional, with strong lateral gradients along the flanks of the channel. During spring tide conditions, the fronts dissipate during the flood, whereas during neap tides the fronts are advected landward during the flood. The zone of enhanced density gradient initiates frontogenesis at multiple constrictions along the estuary as it propagates landward more than 60 km during several days of neap tides. Frontogenesis and frontal propagation may thus be essential elements of the spring-to-neap transition to stratified conditions in partially mixed estuaries.
Polyandry in the medfly - shifts in paternity mediated by sperm stratification and mixing
Authors: Scolari Francesca , Yuval Boaz , Gomulski Ludvik M , Schetelig Marc F , Gabrieli Paolo , Bassetti Federico , Wimmer Ernst A , Malacrida Anna R , Gasperi Giuliano 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Background
In the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, a highly invasive agricultural pest species, polyandry, associated with sperm precedence, is a recurrent behaviour in the wild. The absence of tools for the unambiguous discrimination between competing sperm from different males in the complex female reproductive tract has strongly limited the understanding of mechanisms controlling sperm dynamics and use.

Results
Here we use transgenic medfly lines expressing green or red fluorescent proteins in the spermatozoa, which can be easily observed and unambiguously differentiated within the female fertilization chamber. In twice-mated females, one day after the second mating, sperm from the first male appeared to be homogenously distributed all over the distal portion of each alveolus within the fertilization chamber, whereas sperm from the second male were clearly concentrated in the central portion of each alveolus. This distinct stratified sperm distribution was not maintained over time, as green and red sperm appeared homogeneously mixed seven days after the second mating. This dynamic sperm storage pattern is mirrored by the paternal contribution in the progeny of twice-mated females.

Conclusions
Polyandrous medfly females, unlike Drosophila, conserve sperm from two different mates to fertilize their eggs. From an evolutionary point of view, the storage of sperm in a stratified pattern by medfly females may initially favour the fresher ejaculate from the second male. However, as the second male's sperm gradually becomes depleted, the sperm from the first male becomes increasingly available for fertilization. The accumulation of sperm from different males will increase the overall genetic variability of the offspring and will ultimately affect the effective population size. From an applicative point of view, the dynamics of sperm storage and their temporal use by a polyandrous female may have an impact on the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Indeed, even if the female's last mate is sterile, an increasing proportion of sperm from a previous mating with a fertile male may contribute to sire viable progeny.