bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corneal thickness and elevation measurements using swept‐source optical coherence tomography and slit scanning topography in normal and keratoconic eyes
Authors: Jhanji Vishal , Yang Bingzhi , Yu Marco , Ye Cong , Leung Christopher KS 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo compare corneal thickness and corneal elevation using swept source optical coherence tomography and slit scanning topography.DesignProspective study.Participants41 normal and 46 keratoconus subjects.MethodsAll eyes were imaged using swept source optical coherence tomography and slit scanning tomography during the same visit. Mean corneal thickness and best‐fit sphere measurements were compared between the instruments.Main outcome measuresAgreement of measurements between swept source optical coherence tomography and scanning slit topography was analyzed. Intra‐rater reproducibility coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient were evaluated.ResultsIn normal eyes, central corneal thickness measured by swept source optical coherence tomography was thinner compared with slit scanning topography (p < 0.0001) and ultrasound pachymetry (p = < .0001). Ultrasound pachymetry readings had better 95% limits of agreement with swept source optical coherence tomography than slit scanning topography. In keratoconus eyes, central corneal thickness was thinner on swept source optical coherence tomography than slit scanning topography (p = 0.081) and ultrasound pachymetry (p = 0.001). There were significant differences between thinnest corneal thickness, and, anterior and posterior best‐fit sphere measurements between both instruments (p < 0.05 for all). Overall, reproducibility coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients were significantly better with swept source optical coherence tomography for measurement of central corneal thickness, anterior best‐fit sphere and, posterior best‐fit sphere (all p < 0.001).ConclusionsCorneal thickness and elevation measurements were significantly different between swept source optical coherence tomography and slit scanning topography. With better reproducibility coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients, swept source optical coherence tomography may provide a reliable alternative for measurement of corneal parameters.
Intermediate frequency magnetic field and chick embryotoxicity
Authors: Nishimura Izumi , Tanaka Keiko , Negishi Tadashi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntermediate frequency magnetic fields (MFs) have widely been used in industrial machines and home appliances, such as induction heating cookers, although toxicity studies to evaluate the potential health risks of such fields are insufficient. In induction heating cookers, the MF source (i.e. hobs), is located near the abdominal position of a person cooking. Hence, developmental effects on the fetus may be a concern in case the person is a pregnant woman. Fertile White Leghorn eggs (60/group) were either exposed to 20 kHz, 1.1 mT(rms) or 60 kHz, 0.11 mT(rms) sinusoidal MFs for 19 days during embryogenesis. The same number of eggs served as a control group. In addition, a sham‐sham experiment was conducted to validate the equality between exposure and control facilities. After exposure, embryos were examined for mortality rate and stage. Live embryos were evaluated for developmental stage and gross and skeletal anomalies. Length of upper beak and leg digits was also measured. Examinations were conducted in a blinded fashion to ensure quality assurance; experiments were triplicated for each frequency to confirm the outcome reproducibility. Mortality rate and stage, incidence of malformed embryos, and developmental variables in live embryos were found to be similar between the MF‐exposed and corresponding control group. Incidence of gross anomalies such as mandibular edema and skeletal anomalies such as coccyx defects were low across the experiments, and no significant group differences were noted. In conclusion, exposure to 20 kHz or 60 kHz MF did not produce any significant teratogenic developmental effects in chick embryos.
Highly porous hydroxyapatite with and without local harvested bone in sinus floor augmentation: a histometric study in pigs
Authors: Möller Björn , Acil Yahya , Birkenfeld Falk , Behrens Eleonore , Terheyden Hendrik , Wiltfang Jörg 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveSinus floor augmentation with autologous bone is an accepted treatment option in dental implantology. In this study, an entirely synthetic, nano‐structured, hydroxyapatite‐based bone substitute material (SBSM, NanoBone®; Artoss, Rostock, Germany) was supplemented with a mixture of locally harvested bone to enhance osteogenesis.MethodsBilateral sinus augmentation procedures were performed in eight domestic pigs using the lateral window technique. On the right side (control), 2.6 ml of SBSM was used, and on the left side (test), 2.6 ml of SBSM with additional 15% (390 μl) autologous bone was used. At the time of augmentation, a titanium implant (ITI®) was inserted from a laterocaudal direction. After 3 months, the sites of augmentation were removed and examined in non‐decalcified sections by microradiography and fluorescence microscopy of sequentially labelled specimens and histometry.ResultsOn both sides, a significant amount of newly formed bone was observed. However, a statistically significant difference in the bone‐implant contact was observed in the control group (median, 28.9%) compared with the test side with the additional autologous bone (median, 40.6%) (P = 0.01). Different bone density was achieved from the coronal to apical surfaces (medians, 54.6%, 9.6%, and 27.5%) compared with the test side (medians, 55.2%, 40.6%, and 44.2%). The median of augmentation height was 8.6 mm on the control side and 11.5 mm on the test side (P = 0.01). Bone apposition was observed in both groups after 15 days.ConclusionThe SBSM shows acceptable results in sinus floor augmentation. The additional use of locally harvested autologous bone enhances bone density and osseointegration of the implants.
Association between MIF gene variation and Meniere's disease
Authors: Yazdani N. , Khorsandi Ashtiani M. T. , Zarandy M. M. , Mohammadi S. J. , Ghazavi H. , Mahrampour E. , Amiri P. , Amoli M. M. 
Published: April 2013

SummarySeveral pieces of evidence support the involvement of immune system in Menière's disease (MD). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a key role in immune‐mediated reactions. Several studies have shown an association between MIF gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The aim of this study was to explore the association between MIF‐173 G/C polymorphism and MD in an Iranian population. In this case–control association study, MD cases (N = 72) were recruited and were comprised of definitive MD (N = 58) and probable MD (N = 14) subjects. Normal healthy subjects (N = 100) were also included. Genotyping for MIF‐173 G/C polymorphism was carried out using PCR‐RFLP technique. There was a significant increase in genotype GG in patients with MD compared with the control group. (GG vs. GC + CC, P = 0.02, OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.02–4.3). This was more significant when definitive MD was stratified and compared with the controls (GG vs. GC + CC, P = 0.009, OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.19–6.18). This study's result indicates the potential role of MIF in MD of which further evaluation is required. Also, the more significant association between MIF gene polymorphism and definitive MD designates the involvement of specific pathogenic mechanisms which may be considered as a marker for diagnosis.
Enhanced genetic algorithms for a bi‐objective bus driver rostering problem: a computational study
Authors: Respício Ana , Moz Margarida , Vaz Pato Margarida 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this work, the bus driver rostering problem is considered in the context of a noncyclic rostering, with two objectives representing either the company or the drivers’ interests. A network model and a proof of the NP‐hardness of the problem are presented, along with a bi‐objective memetic algorithm that combines a specific decoder with a utopian/lexicographic elitism, a strength Pareto fitness evaluation, and a local search procedure. By taking real and benchmark instances the computational behavior of the memetic algorithm is compared with simpler versions to assess the effects of the embedded components. The developed algorithm is a valuable tool for bus companies’ planning departments insofar as it yields at low computing times a pool of good quality rosters that reconcile contradictory objectives. This study shows that simple enhancements in standard bi‐objective genetic algorithms may improve the results for this difficult combinatorial problem.
Influence of Ln3+ and B3+ Ions Co‐Substitution on Thermophysical Properties of LnMB11O19‐type Magnetoplumbite LaMgAl11O19 for Advanced Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Haoran Lu , Chang‐An Wang , Chenguang Zhang 
Published: April 2013

Lanthanum hexaaluminate is a promising competitor to establish yttria partially stabilized zirconia as a thermal barrier coating material for Ni‐based superalloy due to its relative low intrinsic thermal conductivity and low sinterability at temperatures exceeding 1100°C. Sr2+ and Ti4+ were selected as two dopants to partially substitute the La3+ and Al3+ in LaMgAl11O19, respectively. The variation in thermal conductivity with Sr2+ and Ti4+ fractions was analyzed based on structure information provided by X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The average crystal size of LaMgAl11O19 sintered at 1600°C for 10 min by spark plasma sintering is in nanoscale. The fully dense La1−xSrxMgAl11−xTixO19 solid solution showed a minimum thermal conductivity value (λ = 1.12 W/(m K)−1,T = 1273 K) at the composition of La0.5Sr0.5MgAl10.5Ti0.5O19,which possibly reduces from the enhanced phonon scattering due to mass and strain fluctuations at the Ln3+ and B3+ sites.
Hypoinnervation is an early event in experimental myocardial remodelling induced by pressure overload
Authors: Mühlfeld Christian , Schipke Julia , Schmidt Albrecht , Post Heiner , Pieske Burkert , Sedej Simon 
Published: April 2013

AbstractStructural and functional remodelling of cardiomyocytes, capillaries and cardiac innervation occurs in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and heart failure (HF) in response to pressure‐induced overload. However, the onset, time course and the extent of these morphological alterations remain controversial. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the progression from hypertrophy to HF is accompanied by changes in the innervation (hyper‐ or hypoinnervation). Left ventricles of wild‐type murine hearts subjected to pressure overload‐induced hypertrophy by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) were investigated by morphometric and design‐based stereological methods at 1 and 4 weeks after TAC and compared with sham‐operated mice. Mice developed compensated LVH at 1 week and typical signs of HF, such as left ventricular dilation, reduced ejection fraction and increased relative lung weight at 4 weeks post‐TAC. At the (sub‐)cellular level, cardiomyocyte myofibrillar and mitochondrial volume increased progressively in response to mechanical overload. The total length of capillaries was not significantly increased after TAC, indicating a misrelationship between the cardiomyocyte and the capillary compartment. The myocardial innervation decreased already during the development of LVH and did not significantly decrease further during the progression to HF. In conclusion, our study suggests that early loss of myocardial innervation density and increased heterogeneity occur during pressure overload‐induced hypertrophy, and that these changes appear to be independent of cardiomyocyte and capillary remodelling.
“Salience network” dysfunction hypothesis in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Toyomaki Atsuhito , Murohashi Harumitsu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Although most patients with ASD show sensory abnormalities such as hyperesthesia and hypoesthesia, its relation to social cognition has not been well studied. Recently, a salience network (SN) dysfunction hypothesis of ASD has been proposed. This neuroscientific hypothesis might explain how a SN integrating external sensory stimuli with internal states mediates interactions between large‐scale networks involved in externally and internally oriented cognitive processing. In the brain of patients with ASD, areas of the SN, including the anterior insula, become dysfunctional, which results in difficulty in operating social cognition and self‐referential processing. Here we discuss the controversial points and future directions of this hypothesis.
Maternal hepatitis B surface antigen status and incidence of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Lao T. T. , Sahota D. S. , Cheng Y. K. Y. , Law L. W. , Leung T. Y. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe relationship between chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders remains unclear, and the impact of maternal HBV infection on the development of pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) and pre‐eclampsia (PE) is also controversial. This retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine the relationship between maternal hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status with PIH and PE in singleton pregnancies that delivered at 24 weeks of gestation and beyond. Among the 86 537 cases in the cohort, 10% were HBsAg positive, and overall 2.0% had PIH, of whom 56.3% developed PE. HBsAg‐positive women had higher weight and body mass index (BMI), but lower incidences of advanced age, nulliparity, PIH (1.6% vs 2.0%, P = 0.007) and PE (0.8% vs 1.1%, P = 0.005). On multiple logistic regression analysis adjusting for the effects of nulliparity, advanced age, high BMI, and underlying renal, cardiac and autoimmune diseases, HBsAg carriage was associated with significantly reduced incidence of PIH (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.66–0.95) and PE (aOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56–0.91). Our results indicate that maternal HBsAg carriage is independently associated with reduced PE. As chronic HBV infection alters the immune response of the individual, our observation could be related to enhanced maternal immunotolerance of the foetus and hence a reduction in the incidence of PE. The implications of our findings on the long‐term health outcome of the infected women, from cardiovascular morbidity to malignancies, warrant further studies.
The role of the hepatitis viruses in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ralphs S. , Khan S. A. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryCholangiocarcinoma is the second most common liver cancer in the world. The aetiology of the disease is diverse incorporating a variety of conditions leading to biliary stasis, biliary and liver inflammation, but a large number of cases still occur in the absence of established risk factors. Its incidence and mortality is increasing, which has intensified the search for alternative aetiological agents and pathogenetic mechanisms. Chronic infection with hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are the primary risk factor for hepatocellular cancer. This review focuses on the epidemiological evidence of a role for these viruses in cholangiocarcinoma and the pathogenetic mechanisms that might be involved.
Feeding in natricines: relationships among feeding morphology, behavior, performance and preferred prey type
Authors: Hampton P. M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe diversity of feeding mechanisms among predators reflects phenotypic modifications that may improve feeding performance on a preferred prey type. I compared trophic morphology, feeding performance (time and upper‐jaw walks) and behavior (initial bite and ingestion directions) among three species of natricine snakes that were fed fish and frogs over a broad range of relative prey sizes. Feeding behavior was influenced by prey type but did not differ among the snake species. Both bite and ingestion directions influenced the number of upper‐jaw movements (lateral excursions and protractions) required to consume fish, but only initial bite position significantly affected the number of upper‐jaw movements required to ingest frogs. Within snake species, feeding performance did not differ between fish and frogs for Nerodia fasciata and Nerodia rhombifer; however, Thamnophis proximus consumed fish with fewer upper‐jaw movements. Feeding time differed significantly among snake species when fed both fish and frogs. Trophic morphology did not significantly affect ingestion costs for fish but did influence ingestion when fed frogs. In general, differences in trophic morphology among the three species are not correlated to handling and ingestion performance.
Place attachment and community activism at the coast: The case of Ngunguru, Northland
Authors: Collins Damian , Kearns Robin 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe politics of place precipitated by a development proposal for a privately owned sandspit in Ngunguru, Northland, is examined in this article. It centres on residents' place attachment and the ways in which this helped to inform community resistance to development. A framing analysis of 23 stakeholder interviews conducted in 2008–2009 was carried out by the authors. Place attachment was centred on holistic appreciation of the sandspit's special values. A widespread view that exercise of private property rights over the site was deeply problematic was informed by this appreciation. Community ties were enhanced by shared perceptions of a threat to the sandspit.
Pole to Pole. Archaeology and Adaptation in the Middle Pleistocene at Opposite Ends of the Acheulean World
Authors: McNabb John 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe concept of cultural evolution in the Acheulean is linked to a number of important anatomical, phylogenetic, adaptive, cultural and cognitive research questions. Yet there are very few studies which are able to demonstrate advancements in material culture (technological and/or conceptual) supported by large bodies of empirical data. Derek Roe's work at Olduvai Gorge is one of the few exceptions and here, in my opinion, raw material considerations affect the evidence of increasing diachronic sophistication (Leakey and Roe 1994). Otherwise, evidence for such material culture evolution is largely anecdotal. This study takes large bodies of handaxe data from South Africa and Britain, and using dated assemblages, wherever possible, explores the idea of hominins paying increasing attention to shape and morphological regularity (not symmetry) over time. The results give no reason to believe such a diachronic trend exists. These data are set against the latest research in chronostratigraphic studies and hominin taxonomy.
A Double Bone Comb from Karamattepe, The Nif Mountain Excavation
Authors: Peker Müjde 
Published: April 2013

SummaryA miniature double bone comb was found in the excavations at Karamattepe in 2009 in the context of the Nif (Olympos) Mountain Research and Excavation Project. A new interpretation of its function is proposed here in light of both its find context in the residential area of the site and its socket for a handle, a feature not found on other comparable examples. This paper presents new suggestions about the purpose and date of this and other such combs.
The Sarmatians: The Creation of Archaeological Evidence
Authors: Mordvintseva Valentina 
Published: April 2013

SummaryAccording to the general modern view the steppes of the northern Black Sea region, from the Danube to the Ural valleys, in the period from the third century BC to the mid‐third century AD, were inhabited by Sarmatian tribes using a burial mound rite. Several consecutive waves of Sarmatian peoples came to this territory from the East, conquering the local population. This view is based on the paradigmatic explanatory model, which has its roots in the history of the Russian Empire. However, the archaeological culture of the Volga–Don and Ural steppes, known as the ‘Sarmatian Motherland’, is apparently not related to the Sarmatians of the written sources. In addition, the culture of the northern Black Sea region features various kinds of archaeological monuments (settlements, votive depositions, kurgans, flat necropolises), which are characteristic of different cultural‐economic types. This demonstrates the complexity and diversity of the culture in the region, which could be influenced by many factors: the presence of Greek settlers on the northern shore of the Black Sea, the expansion of the Roman Empire, the pressure of nomadic tribes from the East, the advance of the Celtic–Thracian peoples from the West, changing environmental conditions, etc.
Accuracy of the CNAP™ monitor, a noninvasive continuous blood pressure device, in providing beat‐to‐beat blood pressure readings in pediatric patients weighing 20–40 kilograms
Authors: Kako Hiromi , Corridore Marco , Rice Julie , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryBackgroundDuring perioperative care, the continuous measurement of blood pressure (BP) provides superior physiologic monitoring to intermittent techniques. However, such monitoring requires placement of an intraarterial catheter, which may be time‐consuming or associated with adverse events and technical difficulty. A noninvasive, continuous BP monitoring device has been studied in the adult population. This study prospectively assesses its accuracy in pediatric patients, weighing 20–40 kg.MethodsThe technology evaluated is the CNAP™ Monitor 500, developed by CNSystems AG (Graz, Austria). The study cohort included pediatric patients weighing between 20 and 40 kg, scheduled for surgery for which arterial line (AL) placement was planned. Systolic (sBP), diastolic (dBP), and mean arterial (MAP) blood pressure readings were captured from the AL and the CNAP™ device every minute during anesthetic care.ResultsThe study cohort consisted of 20 patients (11 weighing between 30 and 40 kg and 9 weighing between 20 and 29.9 kg) with a mean age of 9.8 ± 3.4 years (range, 6–16 years) and weight of 29.8 ± 6.1 kg (range, 20.9–38.7 kg). There were a total of 1076 pairs each of sBP, dBP, and MAP values in the 20–29.9 kg group. The absolute difference between the sBP, dBP, and MAP was 9.8 ± 8.5, 6.8 ± 5.3, and 6.7 ± 6.2 mmHg, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the AL and the CNAP™ device was 0.48, 0.60, and 0.64 for the sBP, dBP, and MAP, respectively. The CNAP™ values (sBP, dBP, MAP) were ≤5 mmHg from the AL values in 38.6%, 48.5%, and 55.0% of the values, respectively. In the 30–40 kg group, there were a total of 2737 pairs of sBP, dBP, and MAP values. The absolute difference between the sBP, dBP, and MAP was 11.5 ± 9.3, 7.5 ± 5.3, and 7.9 ± 6.6 mmHg, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the arterial cannula and the CNAP™ device was 0.48, 0.45, and 0.51 for the sBP, dBP, and MAP, respectively. CNAP™ readings were ≤5 mmHg from the AL values (sBP, dBP, MAP) in 29.0%, 41.9%, and 40.5% of the values, respectively.ConclusionAlthough some variation in its accuracy was noted, the CNAP™ device provides a noninvasive and continuous blood pressure reading which appears to be within clinically useful limits. It may be that modification of the finger cuffs is needed to improve its absolute accuracy as our clinical experience demonstrated that achieving an effective fit with the cuffs was at times difficult.