bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topological Variability of Fingerprint Ridge Density in a Sub‐Saharan Population Sample for Application in Personal Identification
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Redomero Esperanza , Quirós Juan A. , Rivaldería Noemí , Alonso María C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractVariability in ridge density in a sub‐Saharan population sample was studied by counting ridges in three fingerprint areas (two distal regions, radial and ulnar, and one proximal region) on the epidermal surface of the distal phalanx. Study material was obtained from the fingerprint impressions of 100 male sub‐Saharan subjects aged between 18‐ and 48‐years old. The results were compared with those obtained from a Spanish population sample. Sub‐Saharan males presented lower ridge density than Spanish males in the distal regions (radial and ulnar) of all fingers, whereas differences in the proximal region were only observed on some fingers. Using the differences observed between these populations, the likelihood ratio for inferring membership of one of the populations from a fingerprint of unknown origin was calculated; therefore, a ridge density of 14 or less for both areas (ulnar and radial), support an origin sub‐Saharan versus Spanish population.
The Significance of Adrenal Hemorrhage: Undiagnosed Waterhouse‐Friderichsen Syndrome, A Case Series
Authors: Tormos Lee Marie , Schandl Cynthia A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA retrospective series of five cases of nontraumatic gross adrenal hemorrhage were identified in 800 consecutive forensic autopsies. All patients were males, of different ethnicities and with ages ranging from 2 to 48 years. All patients had a clinical history and autopsy findings suggestive of sepsis. Pre‐ or postmortem microbiological cultures were variably positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The fifth case was positive for yeast and a coagulase negative staphylococcus; contamination of this culture medium cannot be excluded. No cases had a culture positive for Neisseria meningitidis. We find that the reviewed patients with grossly or microscopically identifiable adrenal hemorrhage were otherwise healthy individuals who died suddenly as a consequence of bacterial infection. In each case, signs and symptoms compatible with premortem adrenal insufficiency were reported; in no instance was the adrenal hemorrhage clinically identified.
Efficacy of ‘breath holding at ease’ during CT pulmonary angiography in the improvement of contrast enhancement in pulmonary arteries
Authors: Li YeYuan Jourena , Lau Kenneth K , Ardley Nicholas , Lau Theodore 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study is to assess whether breath‐hold at ease by patients during the CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) will improve contrast enhancement in pulmonary arteries.MethodsRetrospective review was conducted on 51 consecutive CTPA studies undertaken in the traditional method of patients taking deep inspiration and breath‐hold immediately prior to scanning, and subsequently 75 consecutive CTPA studies with patients breathing‐holding at ease immediately prior to and during the scanning. Attenuation values in pulmonary arteries of different anatomical levels in both groups were measured in Hounsfield unit (HU). Results were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe mean attenuation value in pulmonary arteries including pulmonary trunk, main and proximal pulmonary arteries calculated in HU in the ‘deep inspiration and breath‐hold’ group was 327 HU (95% confidence interval: 315 to 339 HU). The mean attenuation value in pulmonary arteries in the ‘breath hold at ease’ group was calculated to be 390 HU (95% confidence interval: 381 to 399 HU); that is, an overall 17.95% increase (P‐value < 0.0001) in attenuation value in this group.ConclusionsBy asking patients to breath‐hold at ease instead of taking deep inspiration and breath hold prior to CTPA scan can effectively improve contrast enhancement in pulmonary arteries, therefore producing a higher‐quality CT pulmonary angiography scan.
Conservative medical treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a single center series and cost analysis study
Authors: Casals Gemma , Fábregues Francisco , Pavesi Marco , Arroyo Vicente , Balasch Juan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo present the results of a large series of patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome treated with a conservative medical approach and to compare the cost of this treatment with outpatient management with paracentesis according to published data.DesignRetrospective case series and cost analysis study using a decision‐tree model.SettingUniversity hospital.Population496 consecutive patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome treated in our center from 1991 to 2010.MethodsAll patients were treated with a conservative medical approach: (a) conservative outpatient approach: bed rest and a low‐sodium diet or (b) hospitalized patients: bed rest, low‐sodium diet, 20% albumin (60 g/day) and furosemide (20 mg/8 h).Main outcome measuresPercentage of admissions, length of hospital stay and readmissions. Total cost of each therapeutic approach.Results(a) Conservative outpatient approach (n = 377): all cases solved without admission. (b) Hospitalized patients with conservative medical treatment (n = 119): 2.8 days of mean hospital stay, no patient required paracentesis or admission to intensive care unit. Readmissions: Five patients (4.2%) resolved on restarting medical treatment. (c) Cost‐analysis comparison: Cost of the outpatient approach with paracentesis: US$980 (range US$519–3557). Cost of conservative medical treatment: US$570 (range US$232–1640).ConclusionsOvarian hyperstimulation syndrome can be safely managed with a conservative medical approach, which was not found to be more expensive than outpatient management with paracentesis.
The effects of increasing body mass index on heartburn severity, frequency and response to treatment with dexlansoprazole or lansoprazole
Authors: Peura D. A. , Pilmer B. , Hunt B. , Mody R. , Perez M. C. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryBackgroundHigher body mass index (BMI) is a recognised risk factor for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Data regarding the impact of BMI on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy are conflicting.AimTo assess the impact of BMI on baseline heartburn symptom severity and frequency and response to PPI therapy in patients with non‐erosive GERD (NERD) or erosive oesophagitis (EO).MethodsIn post hoc analyses of phase 3 trial data, 621 NERD and 2692 EO patients were stratified by BMI (<25, 25 to <30 and ≥30 kg/m2). NERD patients received either dexlansoprazole MR 30 mg or placebo daily for 4 weeks. EO patients received either dexlansoprazole MR 60 mg or lansoprazole 30 mg for 8 weeks. Symptom frequency and severity were assessed at baseline and subsequently by daily diary.ResultsIn both the NERD and EO cohorts, baseline heartburn severity increased with increasing BMI. The impact of PPI therapy on the reduction in heartburn symptom frequency and severity in both NERD and EO patients was similar across BMI categories. EO healing rates in patients treated with dexlansoprazole but not lansoprazole were higher in obese patients compared with those with a BMI <30 kg/m2. Differences between the PPIs were small.ConclusionsThe PPIs evaluated in this study reduced the frequency and severity of 24‐h heartburn regardless of baseline BMI. In addition, because patients with higher BMI have more severe symptoms at baseline, they may experience greater therapeutic gain with dexlansoprazole (NERD and erosive oesophagitis) and possibly lansoprazole (erosive oesophagitis) treatment.
Histological Predictors of Outcome in Ependymoma are Dependent on Anatomic Site Within the Central Nervous System
Authors: Raghunathan Aditya , Wani Khalida , Armstrong Terri S. , Vera‐Bolanos Elizabeth , Fouladi Maryam , Gilbertson Richard , Gajjar Amar , Goldman Stewart , Lehman Norman L. , Metellus Phillipe , Mikkelsen Tom , Necesito‐Reyes Mary Jo T. , Omuro Antonio , Packer Roger J. , Partap Sonia , Pollack Ian F. , Prados Michael D. , Robins H. Ian , Soffietti Riccardo , Wu Jing , Miller C. Ryan , Gilbert Mark R. , Aldape Kenneth D. ,   Collaborative Ependymoma Research Network
Published: March 2013

AbstractEpendymomas originate in posterior fossa (PF), supratentorial (ST) or spinal cord (SC) compartments. At present, grading schemes are applied independent of anatomic site. We performed detailed histological examination on 238 World Health Organization grade II and III ependymomas. Among PF ependymomas, the presence of hypercellular areas, necrosis, microvascular proliferation and elevated mitotic rate (all P < 0.01) were significantly associated with worse progression‐free survival (PFS), while extensive ependymal canal formation was not (P = 0.89). Similar to the PF tumors, microvascular proliferation (P = 0.01) and elevated mitotic rate (P = 0.03) were significantly associated with worse PFS in the ST tumors. However, in contrast to PF tumors, extensive ependymal canals (P = 0.03) were associated with worse clinical outcome in ST ependymomas, but hypercellularity (P = 0.57) and necrosis (P = 0.47) were not. On multivariate Cox regression, after adjusting for relevant clinical variables, individual histological factors and a composite histological score remained significant among ST and PF ependymoma. In contrast to both PF and ST ependymoma, histological features were not found to be associated with PFS in SC tumors. Taken together, the clinical relevance of specific histological features in ependymoma appears to be related to the anatomic site of origin and suggests that site‐specific grading criteria be considered in future classification systems.
Dampness and moulds in relation to respiratory and allergic symptoms in children: results from Phase Two of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC Phase Two)
Authors: Weinmayr G. , Gehring U. , Genuneit J. , Büchele G. , Kleiner A. , Siebers R. , Wickens K. , Crane J. , Brunekreef B. , Strachan D. P. ,   The ISAAC Phase Two Study Group
Published: March 2013

SummaryBackgroundMany studies report that damp housing conditions are associated with respiratory symptoms. Less is known about mechanisms and possible effect modifiers. Studies of dampness in relation to allergic sensitization and eczema are scarce.ObjectiveWe study the influence of damp housing conditions world‐wide on symptoms and objective outcomes.MethodsCross‐sectional studies of 8–12‐year‐old children in 20 countries used standardized methodology from Phase Two of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Symptoms of asthma, rhinitis and eczema, plus residential exposure to dampness and moulds, were ascertained by parental questionnaires (n = 46 051). Skin examination, skin prick tests (n = 26 967) and hypertonic saline bronchial challenge (n = 5713) were performed. In subsamples stratified by wheeze (n = 1175), dust was sampled and analysed for house dust mite (HDM) allergens and endotoxin.ResultsCurrent exposure to dampness was more common for wheezy children (pooled odds ratio 1.58, 95% CI 1.40–1.79) and was associated with greater symptom severity among wheezers, irrespective of atopy. A significant (P < 0.01) adverse effect of dampness was also seen for cough and phlegm, rhinitis and reported eczema, but not for examined eczema, nor bronchial hyperresponsiveness. HDM sensitization was more common in damp homes (OR 1.16, 1.03–1.32). HDM‐allergen levels were higher in damp homes and were positively associated with HDM‐sensitization, but not wheeze.ConclusionA consistent association of dampness with respiratory and other symptoms was found in both affluent and non‐affluent countries, among both atopic and non‐atopic children. HDM exposure and sensitization may contribute, but the link seems to be related principally to non‐atopic mechanisms.
Prenatal smoke exposure, DNA methylation, and childhood atopic dermatitis
Authors: Wang I.‐J. , Chen S.‐L. , Lu T.‐P. , Chuang E. Y. , Chen P.‐C. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe biological mechanisms of how prenatal smoke exposure leading to atopic disorders remain to be addressed. Whether prenatal smoke exposure affects DNA methylation leading to atopic disorders is not clear.ObjectiveAs most children suffering from atopic dermatitis (AD) continue to develop asthma later in life, we explored whether prenatal smoke exposure induces cord blood DNA methylation.MethodsMethylation differences associated with smoke exposure were screened by Illumina Infinium 27K methylation arrays for 14 children from the Taiwan birth panel study cohort initially. Information about development of atopic dermatitis (AD) and risk factors was collected. Cord blood cotinine levels were measured to represent prenatal smoke exposure. CpG loci that demonstrated a statistically significant difference in methylation were validated by methylation‐dependent fragment separation (MDFS). Differential methylation in three genes (TSLP, GSTT1, and CYB5R3) was identified through the screen.ResultsAmong these, only thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) gene displayed significant difference in promoter methylation percentage after being validated by MDFS (p = 0.018). TSLP gene was further investigated in a larger sample of 150 children from the cohort who completed the follow‐up study. Methylation status of the TSLP 5′‐CpG island (CGI) was found to be significantly associated with prenatal smoke exposure (OR=3.17, 95% CI=1.63–6.19) and with AD (OR=2.32, 95% CI=1.06–5.11). The degree of TSLP 5′CGI methylation inversely correlated with TSLP protein expression levels (r = −0.45, P = 0.001).Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceThe effect of prenatal tobacco smoke exposure on the risk for AD may be mediated through DNA methylation.
An Eye‐Tracking Study of Exploitations of Spatial Constraints in Diagrammatic Reasoning
Authors: Shimojima Atsushi , Katagiri Yasuhiro 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSemantic studies on diagrammatic notations (Barwise & Etchemendy, ; Shimojima, ; Stenning & Lemon, ) have revealed that the “non‐deductive,” “emergent,” or “perceptual” effects of diagrams (Chandrasekaran, Kurup, Banerjee, Josephson, & Winkler, ; Kulpa, ; Larkin & Simon, ; Lindsay, ) are all rooted in the exploitation of spatial constraints on graphical structures. Thus, theoretically, this process is a key factor in inference with diagrams, explaining the frequently observed reduction of inferential load. The purpose of this study was to examine the empirical basis for this theoretical suggestion, focusing on the reality of the constraint‐exploitation strategy in actual practices of diagrammatic reasoning. Eye movements were recorded while participants used simple position diagrams to solve three‐ or four‐term transitive inference problems. Our experiments revealed that the participants could exploit spatial constraints on graphical structures even when (a) they were not in the position of actually manipulating diagrams, (b) the semantic rule for the provided diagrams did not match their preferences, and (c) the constraint‐exploitation strategy invited a partly adverse effect. These findings indicate that the hypothesized process is in fact robust, with the potential to broadly account for the inferential advantage of diagrams.
The co‐development of economies and institutions
Authors: Che Dawei , Shen Ling 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this study, we model the Schumpeterian growth theory in a simple discrete‐time framework in which both economies and institutions need to be developed. Individuals need to borrow from an imperfect financial market to develop an economy. A government can adopt two potential strategies for improving the borrowing capacity of individuals and, as a result, enhancing economic performance: ‘the rule of law’ and ‘industrial policies’. We interpret market‐oriented reform in transition economies as a shift from ‘industrial policies’, exemplified at the extreme by the traditional planned economy, to ‘the rule of law’. The presented model shows that both strategies could be the best choice at different stages of development.
Species–area relationships and extinctions caused by habitat loss and fragmentation
Authors: Rybicki Joel , Hanski Ilkka 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe species–area relationship (SAR) has been used to predict the numbers of species going extinct due to habitat loss, but other researchers have maintained thatSARs overestimate extinctions and instead one should use the endemics–area relationship (EAR) to predict extinctions. Here, we employ spatially explicit simulations of large numbers of species in spatially heterogeneous landscapes to investigateSARsand extinctions in a dynamic context. TheEARgives the number of species going extinct immediately after habitat loss, but typically many other species have unviable populations in the remaining habitat and go extinct soon afterwards. We conclude that theEARunderestimates extinctions due to habitat loss, the continentalSAR(with slope ~0.1 or somewhat less) gives a good approximation of short‐term extinctions, while the islandSARcalculated for discrete fragments of habitat (with slope ~0.25) predicts the long‐term extinctions. However, when the remaining area of land‐covering habitat such as forest is roughly less than 20% of the total landscape and the habitat is highly fragmented, all currentSARsunderestimate extinction rate. We show how the ‘fragmentation effect’ can be incorporated into a predictiveSARmodel. When the remaining habitat is highly fragmented, an effective way to combat the fragmentation effect is to aggregate habitat fragments into clusters rather than to place them randomly across the landscape.
Parasite consumption and host interference can inhibit disease spread in dense populations
Authors: Civitello David J. , Pearsall Susan , Duffy Meghan A. , Hall Spencer R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDisease dynamics hinge on parasite transmission among hosts. However, canonical models for transmission often fit data poorly, limiting predictive ability. One solution involves building mechanistic yet general links between host behaviour and disease spread. To illustrate, we focus on the exposure component of transmission for hosts that consume their parasites, combining experiments, models and field data. Models of transmission that incorporate parasite consumption and foraging interference among hosts vastly outperformed alternatives when fit to experimental data using a zooplankton host (Daphnia dentifera) that consumes spores of a fungus (Metschnikowia bicuspidata). Once plugged into a fully dynamic model, both mechanisms inhibited epidemics overall. Foraging interference further depressed parasite invasion and prevalence at high host density, creating unimodal (hump‐shaped) relationships between host density and these indices. These novel results qualitatively matched a unimodal density–prevalence relationship in natural epidemics. Ultimately, a mechanistic approach to transmission can reveal new insights into disease outbreaks.
Spawning site selection by European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in relation to oceanographic conditions in the Strait of Sicily
Authors: Basilone G. , Bonanno A. , Patti B. , Mazzola S. , Barra M. , Cuttitta A. , McBride R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractEuropean anchovy egg occurrence and density data from summer surveys (1998–2007) and oceanographic data were examined to study the mechanisms that control the spatial distribution of anchovy spawning habitat in the Strait of Sicily. Quotient analysis indicated habitat preference for temperature (18–19°C), bottom depth (50–100 m), water column stability (13–14 cycle h−1), fluorescence (0.10–0.15 μg m−3 Chl a), salinity (37.5–37.6 PSU), current speed (0.20–0.25 m s−1) and density (26.7–26.8 kg m−3, σt). Canonical discriminant analysis identified temperature, column stability and fluorescence as major drivers of anchovy spawning habitat. Three of the 4 years which had lower egg abundance were warmer years, with low values of primary productivity. A geostrophic current flowing through the Strait (the Atlantic Ionic Stream, AIS) was confirmed as the main source of environmental variability in structuring the anchovy spawning ground by its influence on both the oceanography and distribution of anchovy eggs. This 10‐yr data series demonstrates recurrent but also variable patterns of oceanographic flows and egg distribution. A lack of freshwater flow in this area appears to depress productivity in the region, but certain and variable combinations of environmental conditions can elevate production in some sub‐areas in most years or other sub‐areas in fewer years. These temporal and spatial patterns are consistent with an ocean triad theory postulating that processes of oceanographic enrichment, concentration, and retention may help predict fishery yields.
Interactions between invading benthivorous fish and native whitefish in subarctic lakes
Authors: Hayden Brian , Holopainen Tiina , Amundsen Per‐Arne , Eloranta Antti P. , Knudsen Rune , Præbel Kim , Kahilainen Kimmo K. 
Published: March 2013

Summary

Many species are expanding their distribution towards higher latitudes and altitudes in response to climate change. These range shifts are expected to change fish community structure and alter food‐web dynamics in subarctic lakes. However, the impacts of invading species on native fish and invertebrate prey communities remain understudied.

The trophic ecology of invasive species determines the likelihood of direct resource competition with native taxa. In Northern Europe, perch (Perca fluviatilis), a trophic generalist, and ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus), a benthic specialist, are expanding their distribution ranges northwards, colonising lakes inhabited by a native generalist, whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus). We predicted that increased fish diversity and density would deplete the invertebrate community and increase resource competition between native and invasive species.

To assess the degree of resource competition between native and invasive species, we compared (i) fish and invertebrate community structure; (ii) diet and stable carbon and nitrogen ratios of whitefish, ruffe and perch and (iii) growth, condition and relative population size of whitefish in two non‐invaded lakes with two lakes containing one and two lakes containing both invasive species. Each lake was sampled on a single occasion between August and September.

Benthic macroinvertebrate density and community structure were unaffected by increased consumer diversity, while top‐down control of pelagic zooplankton density and size was evident in lakes with increased fish diversity.

Differences in diet and stable isotope ratios were evident between all whitefish populations, although these were not directly related to the presence of invasive species. Specialised adaptations of invasive species may confer a competitive advantage in invaded lakes; ruffe dominated the profundal niche, while perch displayed an ontogenetic shift to piscivory, reducing niche overlap with native whitefish.

Growth rate and population density of whitefish were largely independent of fish community structure and were governed by local variations in lake productivity. However, there was a sign of lowered condition of whitefish in invaded systems. Shallow and more productive lakes with higher food availability supported populations of native and invasive species.

Our findings indicate that trophic specialisations of invasive species play a key role in determining their impacts on the systems they invade. This study focussed on early stages of invasion, and the outcome of species interactions may change following the establishment of new species. In addition, these impacts will not be uniform across the invaded landscape as lake‐specific variations in morphometry and resource availability will alter the competitive balance between native and invasive species.