bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomass from landscape management of grassland used for biogas production: effects of harvest date and silage additives on feedstock quality and methane yield
Authors: Herrmann C. , Prochnow A. , Heiermann M. , Idler C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBiogas production from grassland biomass harvested during landscape management may help to maintain species‐rich grassland biotopes, but extensive management and late harvests often result in low‐quality biomass. Biogas production from the vegetation ofAlopecuretum pratensis,Molinietum caeruleaeandCaricetum gracilis, three typical grassland biotopes in northGerman nature reserves, was investigated in relation to harvest date. In addition, theA. pratensisvegetation was investigated for ensiling and the application of bacterial silage additives. Results indicate that biogas production might be a reasonable utilization pathway for grassland biomass from landscape management if the first cut occurs up to late summer. Methane yields of grassland biomass decreased substantially with later harvest, from up to 309 lN kg−1organic dry matter (ODM) inMay to below 60 lN kg−1ODMinFebruary, in correlation with increasing crude fibre contents.Caricetum gracilisvegetation was the least suitable feedstock for biogas production. It showed a rapid decline in methane yields with later harvest and 25% lower methane yields compared with other types of grassland vegetation. Application of silage additives is recommended for adequate preservation of grassland biomass from landscape management by ensiling. Addition of homofermentative lactic acid bacteria improved acidification during ensiling if sufficient fermentable sugar was available. The use of inoculant and molasses enhanced methane yields by 3–55%. Additional carbohydrate source is necessary to ensure proper ensilage when grasses are harvested after late autumn.
The Wages of Skilled Temporary Migrants: Effects of Visa Pathways and Job Portability
Authors: Lindsay Lowell B. , Avato Johanna 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe examine the earnings of highly‐skilled foreign, temporary workers and how changes in visa system affect their earnings. We use the National Science Foundation's 2003 National Survey of College Graduates and find that foreign students and temporary workers earn less than natives and permanent immigrant workers on average. Changes in visa status increase earnings, but initial visa status conditions later earnings growth along visa pathways. This implies that migrant workers ability to achieve steady, rather than discontinuous, earnings growth requires policies that make their visa portable, that it permits them to readily change employers. An admission system that favours fully‐portable permanent visas may improve worker productivity. The findings also indicate that the selectivity of foreign S&E students is not as great as that of new workers admitted from abroad; another argument against ‘stapling’ permanent visa status to foreign graduate degrees.Policy Implications
Visa requirements do not ensure that temporary students and workers earn the same as similar natives during their initial period of stay. Over time this may depress occupational earnings.
There is a need to reform and enforce visa regulations. Visa portability that permits ready changes in employment should better migrant earnings. Permanent admission may be preferred.
Temporary foreign students experience slow earnings growth, while temporary workers hired from abroad outperform foreign graduates. The assumption that foreign graduates are the best qualified appears incorrect and facilitating (“stapling”) a green card to their diploma a poor idea.
Socioeconomic, behavioral, and anthropometric risk factors for traumatic dental injuries in childhood: a cohort study
Authors: Feldens Carlos Alberto , Kramer Paulo Floriani , Feldens Eliane Gerson , Pacheco Luana Moraes , Vítolo Márcia Regina 
Published: October 2013

AimTo investigate risk factors for the occurrence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) at 4 years of age.DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsA birth cohort (n = 500) was recruited from the public healthcare system in São Leopoldo, Brazil. Demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, and behavioral variables were collected at 6 months, 1 year, and 4 years of age. Clinical examinations at 4 years of age were carried out by a single examiner using the Andreasen classification. Poisson regression was used to determine risk factors for the occurrence of TDI at 4 years of age.ResultsA total of 23.7% of the children (80/337) exhibited TDI at 4 years of age. The risk of TDI was 35% lower among children who had been breastfeed for ≥6 months relative risk (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.43‐0.97) and more than twofold higher among those who were bottle fed ≥ three times a day (RR 2.37; 95% CI 1.10–5.11) at 12 months of age. Higher household income in the first year of life and greater height at 4 years of age were significantly associated with the outcome.ConclusionsThe identification of behavioral, socioeconomic, and anthropometric risk factors for TDI in early childhood can contribute to the elaboration of prevention strategies.
Effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine in preventing medically attended influenza infection in England and Wales during the 2010/2011 season: a primary care‐based cohort study
Authors: Kafatos George , Pebody Richard , Andrews Nick , Durnall Hayley , Barley Michele , Fleming Douglas 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundEstimates of seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) are affected by factors such as the strain of the current circulating influenza virus and characteristics of the host.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to provide VE estimates for the 2010/2011 seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) in preventing medically attended influenza in England and Wales for the season 2010/2011.MethodsA cohort study design was employed using electronic health records extracted from 104 GP practices in the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) primary care sentinel network. Endpoints included influenza‐like illness (ILI), lower respiratory tract infection (LTRI) as well as PCR‐confirmed influenza from patients swabbed from practices participating in a swabbing scheme. Adjustment was made for age, month, underlying chronic condition, region and number of consultations in the 12 months prior to the study period. In addition to the cohort analysis, a nested test‐negative case–control analysis (TNCC) was carried out using the swab‐negative results as controls.ResultsIn the cohort analysis, VE against LRTI was −0·5% [95% CI: (−7·0%, 7·5%)], against ILI was 37·8% [95% CI: (32·3%, 43·0%)] and against PCR‐confirmed influenza was 50·0% [95% CI:(25·9%, 65·6%)] for type A and 44·4% [95% CI: (10·1%, 65·6%)] for type B. Using the TNCC design, the type A VE was 56·5% [95% CI: (30·4%, 72·7%)] and for type B was 54·0% [95% CI: (21·0%, 73·3%)].ConclusionsThis study shows that the 2010/2011 TIV provided moderate protection against the circulating influenza strains for the 2010/2011 season. It also suggests that VE against the less specific diagnosis of ILI can be found, but less specific endpoints such as LRTI are not useful.
Histopathology of Cryoballoon Ablation‐Induced Phrenic Nerve Injury
Authors: ANDRADE JASON G. , DUBUC MARC , FERREIRA JOSE , GUERRA PETER G. , LANDRY EVELYN , COULOMBE NICOLAS , RIVARD LENA , MACLE LAURENT , THIBAULT BERNARD , TALAJIC MARIO , ROY DENIS , KHAIRY PAUL 
Published: October 2013

Cryoballoon‐Induced Phrenic Nerve InjuryIntroductionHemi‐diaphragmatic paralysis is the most common complication associated with cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation, yet the histopathology of phrenic nerve injury has not been well described.Methods and ResultsA preclinical randomized study was conducted to characterize the histopathology of phrenic nerve injury induced by cryoballoon ablation and assess the potential for electromyographic (EMG) monitoring to limit phrenic nerve damage. Thirty‐two dogs underwent cryoballoon ablation of the right superior pulmonary vein with the objective of inducing phrenic nerve injury. Animals were randomized 1:1 to standard monitoring (i.e., interruption of ablation upon reduction in diaphragmatic motion) versus EMG guidance (i.e., cessation of ablation upon a 30% reduction in the diaphragmatic compound motor action potential [CMAP] amplitude). The acute procedural endpoint was achieved in all dogs. Phrenic nerve injury was characterized by Wallerian degeneration, with subperineural injury to large myelinated axons and evidence of axonal regeneration. The degree of phrenic nerve injury paralleled the reduction in CMAP amplitude (P = 0.007). Animals randomized to EMG guidance had a lower incidence of acute hemi‐diaphragmatic paralysis (50% vs 100%; P = 0.001), persistent paralysis at 30 days (21% vs 75%; multivariate odds ratio 0.12, 95% confidence interval [0.02, 0.69], P = 0.017), and a lesser severity of histologic injury (P = 0.001). Mature pulmonary vein ablation lesion characteristics, including circumferentiality and transmurality, were similar in both groups.ConclusionPhrenic nerve injury induced by cryoballoon ablation is axonal in nature and characterized by Wallerian degeneration, with potential for recovery. An EMG‐guided approach is superior to standard monitoring in limiting phrenic nerve damage.
Evaluation of the Radiopacity of Esthetic Root Canal Posts
Authors: Rodrigues Eliana , Salzedas Leda Maria Pescinini , Delbem Alberto Carlos Botazzo , Pedrini Denise 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe radiopacity of esthetic root canal posts may impair the assessment of their fit to the root canal when using radiographic images. This study determined in vitro the radiographic density of esthetic root canal posts using digital images. Thirty‐six roots of human maxillary canines were assigned to six groups (N = 6 per group): Reforpost (RP); Aestheti‐Plus (AP); Reforpost MIX (RPM); D.T. Light Post (LP); Reforpost Radiopaque (RPR); and White Post DC (WP). Standardized digital images of the posts were obtained in different conditions: outside the root canal, inside the canal before and after cementation using luting material, and with a tissue simulator. Analysis of variance was used to compare the radiopacity mean values among the posts outside the root canal and among the posts under the other conditions, and the “t” unpaired test to compare the radiopacity between the posts and the dentin, and between the posts and the root canal space. There was no statistically significant difference in radiopacity between RP and RPM, and LP and WP. AP posts showed radiopacity values significantly lower than those for dentin. No statistically significant difference was found between posts (RP and AP) and the root canal space. A statistically significant difference was observed between the luted and non‐luted posts; additionally, luted posts with and without tissue simulator showed no significant differences. Most of the cement‐luted posts analyzed in this study were distinguishable from the density of adjacent dentin surfaces, allowing radiographic confirmation of the fit of the post in the canal.Clinical SignificanceThe success of using esthetic root canal posts depends mainly on the fit of the post within the canal.[1] The radiopacity of a post allows for radiographic imaging to be used to determine the fit, an important factor in a clinical perspective.
Hematologic reference intervals in Cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys
Authors: Bourgès‐Abella N. , Geffré A. , Moureaux E. , Vincenti M. , Braun J.P. , Trumel C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundReference intervals are important aids for interpreting clinical pathology laboratory data especially in Cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis), the non‐human primate species most widely used in biomedical research. The purpose of this study was to establish hematologic reference intervals for Cynomolgus according to the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines using the databank at a primatology center.MethodsBlood specimens from 272 healthy Cynomolgus imported from Mauritius, the Philippines and Vietnam, were analyzed. Reference intervals were established by nonparametric method. Effects of sex, age, body weight, and breeding origin were investigated.ResultsHemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration decreased slightly and mean corpuscular volume increased slightly with age. Lower red blood cell concentration, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were observed in monkeys from the Philippines.ConclusionsThese hematology reference intervals, established according to international recommendations, can be used in settings using similar animals and analyzers.
Extended access of cocaine self‐administration results in tolerance to the dopamine‐elevating and locomotor‐stimulating effects of cocaine
Authors: Calipari Erin S. , Ferris Mark J. , Jones Sara R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTolerance to the neurochemical and psychoactive effects of cocaine after repeated use is a hallmark of cocaine addiction in humans. However, comprehensive studies on tolerance to the behavioral, psychoactive, and neurochemical effects of cocaine following contingent administration in rodents are lacking. We outlined the consequences of extended access cocaine self‐administration as it related to tolerance to the psychomotor activating, dopamine (DA) elevating, and DA transporter (DAT) inhibiting effects of cocaine. Cocaine self‐administration (1.5 mg/kg/inj; 40 inj; 5 days), which resulted in escalation of first hour intake, caused reductions in evoked DA release and reduced maximal rates of uptake through the DAT as measured by slice voltammetry in the nucleus accumbens core. Furthermore, we report reductions in cocaine‐induced uptake inhibition and a corresponding increase in the dose of cocaine required for 50% inhibition of DA uptake (Ki) at the DAT. Cocaine tolerance at the DAT translated to reductions in cocaine‐induced DA overflow as measured by microdialysis. In addition, cocaine‐induced elevations in locomotor activity and stereotypy were reduced, while rearing behavior was enhanced in animals with a history of cocaine self‐administration. Here, we demonstrate both neurochemical and behavioral cocaine tolerance in an extended‐access rodent model of cocaine abuse, which allows for a better understanding of the neurochemical and psychomotor tolerance that develops to cocaine in human addicts.
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We demonstrate tolerance to the neurochemical and behavioral effects of cocaine following extended‐access cocaine self‐administration. With respect to neurochemistry, we show reduced cocaine‐induced dopamine uptake inhibition, an increased dose of cocaine required for 50% inhibition of the dopamine transporter, and reduced cocaine‐induced dopamine overflow. In addition, we show escalation of cocaine intake and reduced cocaine‐induced locomotor activity following cocaine self‐administration.
The fibrous tapetum of the horse eye
Authors: Shinozaki Aya , Takagi Satoshi , Hosaka Yoshinao Z. , Uehara Masato 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe tapetum lucidum is a light‐reflective tissue in the eyes of many animals. Many ungulates have a fibrous tapetum. The horse has one of the largest eyes of any living animal and also has excellent vision in low‐light environments. This study aimed to clarify the macroscopic tapetal shape, relationship between the tapetal thickness and the degree of pigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), spatial relationship between the visual streak and the tapetum, and wavelength of the light reflected from the tapetum in the horse. Macroscopically, weak light revealed the tapetum as a horizontal band located dorsal to and away from the optic disc. The tapetum expanded dorsally as the illumination increased. The tapetal tissue consisted of lamellae of collagen fibrils running parallel to the retinal surface; these spread over almost the entire ocular fundus and were thicker in the horizontal band dorsal to the disc. Only the horizontal band of the tapetum was covered by unpigmented RPE, suggesting that this band reflects light and is responsible for mesopic and scotopic vision. The visual streak was located in the ventral part of the horizontal band, ventral to the thickest part of the tapetum. The wavelength of the light reflected from the horizontal band of the tapetum was estimated from the diameter and interfibrous distance of the collagen fibrils to be approximately 468 nm. Therefore, the light reflected from the tapetum should be more effectively absorbed by rods than by cones, and should not interfere with photopic vision.
Comparative study of notoungulate (Placentalia, Mammalia) bony labyrinths and new phylogenetically informative inner ear characters
Authors: Macrini Thomas E. , Flynn John J. , Ni Xijun , Croft Darin A. , Wyss André R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe phylogenetic relationships of notoungulates, an extinct group of predominantly South American herbivores, remain poorly resolved with respect to both other placental mammals and among one another. Most previous phylogenetic analyses of notoungulates have not included characters of the internal cranium, not least because few such features, including the bony labyrinth, have been described for members of the group. Here we describe the inner ears of the notoungulates Altitypotherium chucalensis (Mesotheriidae), Pachyrukhos moyani (Hegetotheriidae) and Cochilius sp. (Interatheriidae) based on reconstructions of bony labyrinths obtained from computed tomography imagery. Comparisons of the bony labyrinths of these taxa with the basally diverging notoungulate Notostylops murinus (Notostylopidae), an isolated petrosal from Itaboraí, Brazil, referred to Notoungulata, and six therian outgroups, yielded an inner ear character matrix of 25 potentially phylogenetically informative characters, 14 of them novel to this study. Two equivocally optimized character states potentially support a pairing of Mesotheriidae and Hegetotheriidae, whereas four others may be diagnostic of Notoungulata. Three additional characters are potentially informative for diagnosing more inclusive clades: one for crown Placentalia; another for a clade containing Kulbeckia, Zalambdalestes, and Placentalia; and a third for Eutheria (crown Placentalia plus stem taxa). Several other characters are apomorphic for at least one notoungulate in our study and are of potential interest for broader taxonomic sampling within Notoungulata to clarify currently enigmatic interrelationships. Measures of the semicircular canals were used to infer agility (e.g. capable of quick movements vs. lethargic movements) of these taxa. Agility scores calculated from these data generally corroborate interpretations based on postcranial remains of these or closely related species. We provide estimates of the low‐frequency hearing limits in notoungulates based on the ratio of radii of the apical and basal turns of the cochlea. These limits range from 15 Hz in Notostylops to 149 Hz in Pachyrukhos, values comparable to the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) when hearing in air, respectively.
Placental mesenchymal dysplasia differentially diagnosed from molar pregnancy by 3‐D inversion mode rendering: A case report
Authors: Minekawa‐Mehandjiev Ryoko , Masuda Kumi , Yamamoto Kasumi , Miura Kiyonori , Nakayama Masahiro , Murata Yuji 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPlacental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is a rare placental vascular anomaly which resembles partial molar pregnancy by 2‐D ultrasonography. It is challenging but clinically important to distinguish between them in order to avoid unnecessary termination of pregnancy. A patient was referred to our centre at 13 weeks of gestation and 2‐D ultrasound of the placenta showed a widespread vesicular pattern mixed with normal appearing placenta. Amniotic fluid volume was normal, and the fetus appeared to be an appropriate size for gestation without obvious structural abnormalities. 3‐D reconstruction imaging of the placenta showed a large multi‐cystic area arising from the chorionic plate which was adjacent to normal‐appearing placenta. 3‐D imaging rendered with ‘inversion mode’ revealed multiple fluid‐filled structures with different sizes and appearances. Her serum hCG level was slightly elevated. All findings taken together, we suspected PMD rather than partial molar pregnancy. Histological examinations of the placenta after termination at 15 weeks confirmed the diagnosis.
Assessment of cardiovascular autonomic function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Saranya Kuppusamy , Pal Gopal Krushna , Habeebullah Syed , Pal Pravati 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThe study was conducted to assess the sympathovagal balance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using short‐term heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and conventional autonomic function tests (CAFT).MethodsThirty‐one newly diagnosed patients with PCOS and 30 age‐matched controls were recruited. Body mass index (BMI), waist : hip ratio (WHR), cardiovascular parameters such as basal heart rate (BHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and rate‐pressure product (RPP), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured in both groups. Cardiovascular autonomic functions assessed were spectral analysis of HRV, heart rate and blood pressure response to standing (30:15 ratio), deep breathing (E:I ratio) and isometric handgrip (ΔDBPihg).ResultsThe cases had significantly increased BMI, WHR, BHR, SBP, DBP and RPP. Ratio of low‐frequency to high‐frequency power of HRV (LF‐HF ratio), the marker of sympathovagal balance was significantly increased in cases compared to controls. Time‐domain indices of HRV and E:I ratio were decreased, and 30:15 ratio, ΔDBPihg and FBG were increased in cases. Though there was a significant correlation of LF‐HF ratio with BMI, WHR, BHR, RPP and FBG, only BHR and RPP had independent contribution to LF‐HF ratio.ConclusionWe conclude that PCOS patients have altered autonomic modulation in the form of increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic reactivity and HRV. The sympathovagal imbalance exposes them to cardiovascular morbidities.