bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between restless legs syndrome and hypertension: a preliminary population‐based study in South Tyrol, Italy
Authors: Giannini G. , Zanigni S. , Melotti R. , Gögele M. , Provini F. , Facheris M. F. , Cortelli P. , Pramstaller P. P. 
Published: July 2013

Background and purposeRestless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep‐related movement disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs accompanied by paresthesia and/or dysesthesia that begins or worsens in the evening and night and that is partially or totally relieved by movement. Many studies have investigated the association between RLS and cardiovascular risk factors, particularly hypertension, leading to conflicting results. The aim of this study was to assess the association between RLS and hypertension considering also other cardiovascular risk factors that could act as confounders.MethodsIn all, 1709 participants of an on‐going adult population‐based study performed in South Tyrol, northern Italy, were enrolled. RLS was assessed through face‐to‐face interviews according to current International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group diagnostic criteria. The presence of hypertension was self‐reported and determined by questionnaires administered by trained study nurses.ResultsThe association between RLS and hypertension was not significant after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, history of myocardial infarction, raised blood lipids and body mass index (odds ratio 1.24, 95% CI 0.85–1.80, P = 0.271).ConclusionDespite the small sample size of this study, RLS and hypertension were not associated in our adult population after adjustment for possible confounding factors. The presence of other cardiovascular risk factors could play a role as a confounder of this association.
The World is a Natural Laboratory, and Social Media is the New Petri Dish
Authors: Rault Jean‐Loup , Elmore Monica R. P. , Biehl Dara J. , Russell Mark A. , Garner Joseph P. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractMany high‐priority and high‐interest species are challenging to study due to the difficulty in accessing animals and/or obtaining sufficient sample sizes. The recent explosion in technology, particularly social media and live webcams available on the Internet, provides new opportunities for behavioral scientists to collect data not just on our own species, as well as new resources for teaching and outreach. We discuss here the possibility of exploiting online media as a new source of behavioral data, which we termed ‘video mining’. This article proposes epidemiological and ethological field techniques to gather and screen online media as a data source on diverse taxa. This novel method provides access to a rich source of untapped knowledge, particularly to study the behavior of understudied species or sporadic behaviors, but also for teaching or monitoring animals in challenging settings.
BcsTx3 is a founder of a novel sea anemone toxin family of potassium channel blocker
Authors: Orts Diego J. B. , Moran Yehu , Cologna Camila T. , Peigneur Steve , Madio Bruno , Praher Daniela , Quinton Loic , De Pauw Edwin , Bicudo José E. P. W. , Tytgat Jan , de Freitas José C. 
Published: July 2013

Sea anemone venoms have become a rich source of peptide toxins which are invaluable tools for studying the structure and functions of ion channels. In this work, BcsTx3, a toxin found in the venom of a Bunodosoma caissarum (population captured at the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, Brazil) was purified and biochemically and pharmacologically characterized. The pharmacological effects were studied on 12 different subtypes of voltage‐gated potassium channels (KV1.1–KV1.6; KV2.1; KV3.1; KV4.2; KV4.3; hERG and Shaker IR) and three cloned voltage‐gated sodium channel isoforms (NaV1.2, NaV1.4 and BgNaV1.1) expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. BcsTx3 shows a high affinity for Drosophila Shaker IR channels over rKv1.2, hKv1.3 and rKv1.6, and is not active on NaV channels. Biochemical characterization reveals that BcsTx3 is a 50 amino acid peptide crosslinked by four disulfide bridges, and sequence comparison allowed BcsTx3 to be classified as a novel type of sea anemone toxin acting on KV channels. Moreover, putative toxins homologous to BcsTx3 from two additional actiniarian species suggest an ancient origin of this newly discovered toxin family.
Bergmann's rule is maintained during a rapid range expansion in a damselfly
Authors: Hassall Christopher , Keat Simon , Thompson David J. , Watts Phillip C. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractClimate‐induced range shifts result in the movement of a sample of genotypes from source populations to new regions. The phenotypic consequences of those shifts depend upon the sample characteristics of the dispersive genotypes, which may act to either constrain or promote phenotypic divergence, and the degree to which plasticity influences the genotype–environment interaction. We sampled populations of the damselfly Erythromma viridulum from northern Europe to quantify the phenotypic (latitude–body size relationship based on seven morphological traits) and genetic (variation at microsatellite loci) patterns that occur during a range expansion itself. We find a weak spatial genetic structure that is indicative of high gene flow during a rapid range expansion. Despite the potentially homogenizing effect of high gene flow, however, there is extensive phenotypic variation among samples along the invasion route that manifests as a strong, positive correlation between latitude and body size consistent with Bergmann's rule. This positive correlation cannot be explained by variation in the length of larval development (voltinism). While the adaptive significance of latitudinal variation in body size remains obscure, geographical patterns in body size in odonates are apparently underpinned by phenotypic plasticity and this permits a response to one or more environmental correlates of latitude during a range expansion.
A novel, automated technology for multiplex biomarker imaging and application to breast cancer
Authors: Clarke Gina M , Zubovits Judit T , Shaikh Kashan A , Wang Dan , Dinn Sean R , Corwin Alex D , Santamaria‐Pang Alberto , Li Qing , Nofech‐Mozes Sharon , Liu Kela , Pang Zhengyu , Filkins Robert J , Yaffe Martin J 
Published: July 2013

AimsMultiplexed immunofluorescence is a powerful tool for validating multigene assays and understanding the complex interplay of proteins implicated in breast cancer within a morphological context. We describe a novel technology for imaging an extended panel of biomarkers on a single, formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded breast sample and evaluating biomarker interaction at a single‐cell level, and demonstrate proof‐of‐concept on a small set of breast tumours, including those which co‐express hormone receptors with Her2/neu and Ki‐67.Methods and resultsUsing a microfluidic flow cell, reagent exchange was automated and consisted of serial rounds of staining with dye‐conjugated antibodies, imaging and chemical deactivation. A two‐step antigen retrieval process was developed to satisfy all epitopes simultaneously, and key parameters were optimized. The imaging sequence was applied to seven breast tumours, and compared with conventional immunohistochemistry. Single‐cell correlation analysis was performed with automated image processing.ConclusionsWe have described a novel platform for evaluating biomarker co‐localization. Expression in multiplexed images is consistent with conventional immunohistochemistry. Automation reduces inconsistencies in staining and positional shifts, while the fluorescent dye cycling approach dramatically expands the number of biomarkers which can be visualized and quantified on a single tissue section.
Urethra actively opens from the very beginning of micturition: A new concept of urethral function
Authors: Watanabe Hiroki , Takahashi Satoru , Ukimura Osamu 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTransvaginal or transrectal ultrasound was carried out in an adult female and a male volunteer during micturition. Although the male urethra was enclosed by the prostate, its construction and the function were almost identical to the female urethra. The anterior fibromuscular stroma was not a part of the prostate, but was a part of the urethral muscle. The urethra was surrounded by a thick single muscle unit, developed only on the anterior and lateral sides of the urethra. When the participant wished to urinate, the initial motion was not a bladder contraction, but an active opening of the urethral lumen by the muscle unit. The same unit closed the urethra when continence was kept. In conclusion, the main function of the urethra is thought to be not a closure, but an opening to control the entire micturition process, rather than the bladder being primarily responsible for the control of micturition.
Transcriptome analysis of female reproductive tissues of Anastrepha obliqua and molecular evolution of eggshell proteins in the fraterculus group
Authors: Gonçalves V. R. , Sobrinho I. S. , Malagó W. , Henrique‐Silva F. , de Brito R. A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe investigation of cDNA libraries has been an important tool for the identification of new genes in nonmodel species such as the fruit flies from the Anastrepha fraterculus group. In the present study, we constructed a cDNA library from the female reproductive tissues of Anastrepha obliqua aiming to identify genes with high evolutionary rates. We sequenced 2304 clones obtained from the female reproductive tissues of A. obliqua flies. The expressed sequence tags generated a total of 816 unigenes which were classified into different protein classes. Among these, we identified chorionic and vitelline protein genes as being among the most highly expressed. We used unigene sequences to amplify a set of chorionic and vitelline genes, involved in the formation of the eggshell, in species of the fraterculus group. Four chorionic genes and two vitelline genes showed evidence of positive selection along the Anastrepha and/or Tephritidae lineage. The signal of selection detected for Vm26Aa was possibly generated by a gene duplication event. The rapid evolutionary rates indicate that these genes could serve as important markers in population and evolutionary studies, not only for species of this group, but possibly also for other Diptera.
Assessment of point‐of‐care measurement of international normalised ratio using the CoaguChek XS Plus system in the setting of acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Nusa D. , Harvey I. , Almansouri A. Y. , Wright S. , Neeman T. , Ahmad O , Hughes A. R. , Lueck C. J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsThrombolysis with alteplase (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) is accepted hyperacute therapy for acute ischaemic stroke. Clotting must be normal before this can be administered safely. Laboratory testing of international normalised ratio (INR) takes 30–60 min, which can significantly delay administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Previous studies have suggested that point‐of‐care testing is useful in patients presenting with stroke and improves door‐to‐needle time. We performed a prospective study of point‐of‐care testing in patients presenting with acute ischaemic stroke.MethodsFifty patients were entered into the study to compare point‐of‐care testing using the CoaguChek XS system with laboratory testing of INR.ResultsPoint‐of‐care testing correlated well with laboratory levels (R = 0.93, P < 0.0001). The standard deviation of difference between the two was 0.115. Overall, point‐of‐care testing tended to underestimate INR slightly, meaning that an INR value of 1.1 or less was required to be 95% certain that the laboratory value was 1.3 or below. Simultaneous testing using blood from a syringe was more consistent with laboratory results than testing capillary blood through finger prick.ConclusionPoint‐of‐care INR testing correlates well with laboratory values. The results in this study mostly relate to values in the normal range. We suggest that it can be used to try to shorten door‐to‐needle time.
Population attributable risks for modifiable lifestyle factors and breast cancer in New Zealand women
Authors: Hayes J. , Richardson A. , Frampton C. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed invasive cancer in New Zealand women and modifiable lifestyle risk factors may contribute to this.AimTo estimate population attributable risks for modifiable lifestyle factors and breast cancer in New Zealand.MethodsEstimates of the magnitude of the impact of modifiable lifestyle risk factors for breast cancer (relative risks and odds ratios obtained from published epidemiological studies) and the prevalence of exposure in New Zealand were used to calculate the population attributable risk percent (PAR%) for each risk factor. The PAR% show the relative importance of these considered risk factors and give an indication of the potential impact of reducing the prevalence of these lifestyle risk factors on the incidence of breast cancer in New Zealand.ResultsSix modifiable lifestyle factors were identified for breast cancer. These were obesity, lack of physical activity, high alcohol intake, oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and delayed first birth. The PAR% for these risk factors ranged from 1% for delayed first birth to 10% for obesity (16% for Maori women and 17% for Pacific women).ConclusionsThe most important primary preventive strategies to reduce the risk of breast cancer in New Zealand are lifestyle changes to reduce obesity, promoting regular physical activity (which may in turn reduce the prevalence of obesity), reducing HRT use and avoiding high alcohol intake. Strategies that encourage regular physical activity and reduce obesity could also have other benefits, such as reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
A linear programming approach for adaptive synchronization of traffic signals
Authors: Coll Pablo , Factorovich Pablo , Loiseau Irene , Gómez Roberto 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAs traffic congestion during rush hours is a growing problem for most cities, there is an increasing need for more effective management of traffic signal control and traffic assignment systems. We present here a new adaptive system based on a linear programming model for the signal‐control problem. The objective is to minimize the total length of the queues of vehicles waiting at each intersection. The model is based on traffic information provided by real‐time sensors installed at each intersection. In order to compare the performance of our program with the current scheduling designed by the transit office of Buenos Aires city, we used a traffic simulation system and real traffic flow data of two pilot areas of the city. Preliminary results are very promising.
Low‐Temperature Sintering and Electric Properties of Pb0.99(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.98Nb0.02O3 Ferroelectric Ceramics with CuO Additive
Authors: Wang Junxia , Wang Genshui , Nie Hengchang , Chen Xuefeng , Cao Fei , Dong Xianlin , Gu Yan , He Hongliang 
Published: July 2013

The low‐temperature sintering and electric properties of Pb0.99(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.98Nb0.02O3 (PZTN 95/5) ferroelectric ceramics with CuO addition was investigated. The CuO addition significantly promoted the densification and reduced the sintering temperature of PZTN 95/5 ceramics by more than 200°C. The 0.2 wt% CuO‐added sample sintered at 1150°C exhibited the optimum relative density of 96.7% and excellent electric properties with values of Pr = 37.80 μC/cm2, TC = 223°C, εr = 329, and tan δ = 0.016, which were superior to that of PZTN 95/5 ceramics sintered at 1350°C.
Temperature‐Dependent Phase Transitions in the Lead‐Free Piezoceramics (1 – x – y)(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–xBaTiO3–y(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 Observed by in situ Transmission Electron Microscopy and Dielectric Measurements
Authors: Kling Jens , Jo Wook , Dittmer Robert , Schaab Silke , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim 
Published: July 2013

Lead‐free piezoelectric (1 – x – y)(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–xBaTiO3–y(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (BNT–BT–KNN) ceramics were examined in situ under increasing temperature in the transmission electron microscope. Changing superstructure reflections indicate a transition from rhombohedral to tetragonal to cubic phase with broad coexistence regions. The additional evolution of the microstructure in combination with dielectric measurements leads to a model of two relaxor‐type phase evolutions with temperature.
Sleep restriction worsens mood and emotion regulation in adolescents
Authors: Baum Katherine T. , Desai Anjali , Field Julie , Miller Lauren E. , Rausch Joseph , Beebe Dean W. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundThe relationship between inadequate sleep and mood has been well‐established in adults and is supported primarily by correlational data in younger populations. Given that adolescents often experience shortened sleep on school nights, we sought to better understand the effect of experimentally induced chronic sleep restriction on adolescents’ mood and mood regulation.MethodsFifty healthy adolescents, ages 14–17, completed a 3‐week sleep manipulation protocol involving a baseline week, followed by a sleep restriction (SR) condition (6.5 hr in bed per night for five nights) and healthy sleep duration (HS) condition (10 hr in bed per night for five nights). The study used a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover experimental design. Participants’ sleep was monitored at home via self‐report and actigraphy. At the end of each condition, participants and their parents completed questionnaires of mood and mood regulation. To assess for expectancy effects, we also analyzed parent and teen ratings of hyperactivity/impulsivity, which prior research suggests is not sensitive to SR in adolescents. Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests compared questionnaire outcomes across the two conditions.ResultsParticipants averaged 2.5 more hours of sleep per night during HS relative to SR. Compared with HS, adolescents rated themselves as significantly more tense/anxious, angry/hostile, confused, and fatigued, and as less vigorous (p = .001–.01) during SR. Parents and adolescents also reported greater oppositionality/irritability and poorer emotional regulation during SR compared with HS (p < .05). There were no cross‐condition differences in depression or hyperactivity/impulsivity (p > .05).ConclusionsFindings complement prior correlational study results to show that after only a few days of shortened sleep, at a level of severity that is experienced regularly by millions of adolescents on school nights, adolescents have worsened mood and decreased ability to regulate negative emotions.
First Trimester Dietary Intake, Biochemical Measures, and Subsequent Gestational Hypertension Among Nulliparous Women
Authors: Tande Desiree L. , Ralph Jody L. , Johnson LuAnn K. , Scheett Angela J. , Hoverson Bonita S. , Anderson Cindy M. 
Published: July 2013

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between first‐trimester dietary factors and biochemical measures and subsequent risk of gestational hypertension.MethodsThis pilot study used a prospective design utilizing a convenience sample of nulliparous women enrolled at their first prenatal visit. A total of 57 women completed the study. Participants were divided into 2 groups for data analysis: normotensive pregnancy and gestational hypertension.ResultsNearly one‐quarter of study participants (22.8%) developed gestational hypertension, of whom 84.6% had significant proteinuria meeting the criteria for preeclampsia. There were no significant differences in micronutrient or macronutrient dietary intakes between groups. Serum iron and zinc levels were lower for the gestational hypertension group compared with the normotensive pregnancy group (P ≤ .01). Low serum zinc levels were related to a risk of developing gestational hypertension (adjusted odds ratio, 0.930; 95% confidence interval, 0.872‐0.992).DiscussionEnsuring adequate intake of zinc and monitoring serum zinc levels in nulliparous pregnant women may help to prevent or contribute to early detection of gestational hypertension.
Dispositional Attachment Orientations, Contextual Variations in Attachment Security, and Compassion Fatigue Among Volunteers Working With Traumatized Individuals
Authors: Pardess Eleanor , Mikulincer Mario , Dekel Rachel , Shaver Phillip R. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn the present article, we report a series of studies examining the links between attachment orientations and compassion fatigue among volunteers working with traumatized individuals. Participants were volunteers in several trauma‐related organizations, ranging in age from 18 to 69 years. In Study 1 (N = 148), we examined associations between self‐reports of attachment insecurities and compassion fatigue. In Study 2 (N = 54), we used a diary design to assess attachment‐related differences in emotional reactions to actual helping encounters over a 2‐month period. In Study 3 (N = 108), we examined the effects of the experimental enhancement of attachment security (security priming) on reactions to a hypothetical helping encounter. As expected, attachment insecurities, either anxiety or avoidance, were associated with heightened compassion fatigue. Moreover, security priming reduced compassion fatigue in response to a hypothetical helping encounter. These findings underscore the relevance of attachment theory for understanding and preventing compassion fatigue.
Development of SYBR Green I‐Based One‐Step Real Time RT‐PCR Assay for Quantifying Southern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus in Rice
Authors: Zhou Tong , Du Linlin , Lan Ying , Sun Feng , Fan Yongjian , Zhou Yijun 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSouthern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) causes southern rice black‐streaked dwarf and maize rough dwarf diseases, which lead to severe yield losses of crops in Southeast Asia. We report here a SYBR Green I‐based One‐Step Real Time RT‐PCR assay for quantifying SRBSDV in rice rapidly and accurately. Primers used for assay were designed from the conserved sequence in S9 RNA among SRBSDV isolates. The RNA standards targeting the S9 region were obtained by transcription in vitro for generation of a standard curve. The assay developed in this study was found to be 100 times more sensitive than the conventional RT‐PCR for SRBSDV detection. The primers were very specific for SRBSDV. This study clearly demonstrated the potential usefulness of developed assay for detection and quantitation of SRBSDV in rice samples.