bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal fraction of cell‐free DNA in maternal plasma in the prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery
Authors: Quezada M. S. , Francisco C. , Dumitrascu‐Biris D. , Nicolaides K. H. , Poon L. C. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo investigate whether, in pregnancies complicated by spontaneous preterm delivery, fetal fraction of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in maternal plasma at 11–13 weeks' gestation is altered and if this measurement could be useful in the prediction of preterm delivery.MethodsFetal fraction of cfDNA was measured at 10 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation in 3169 pregnancies, 3066 (96.7%) that delivered at ≥ 37 weeks and 103 (3.3%) with spontaneous delivery at < 37 weeks, including 21 that delivered at < 34 weeks and 82 that delivered at 34–37 weeks. The measured fetal fraction was converted to multiples of the median (MoM), corrected for maternal characteristics and gestational age, and the Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to determine the significance of differences in the median values in the spontaneous preterm delivery groups from that in the term delivery group.ResultsIn the spontaneous preterm delivery groups (< 34 weeks' gestation, 34–37 weeks, < 37 weeks), compared to the term delivery group, there was no significant difference in the median fetal fraction MoM (1.004, 0.922 and 0.946, respectively, vs 1.015).ConclusionMeasurement of fetal fraction in maternal plasma at 11–13 weeks' gestation is not predictive of spontaneous preterm delivery. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A worldwide survey of laser surgery for twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Akkermans J. , Peeters S. H. P. , Middeldorp J. M. , Klumper F. J. , Lopriore E. , Ryan G. , Oepkes D. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo evaluate differences between international fetal centers in their treatment of twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) by fetoscopic placental laser coagulation.MethodsFetal therapy centers worldwide were sent a web‐based questionnaire. Participants were identified through networks and through scientific presentations and papers. Questions included physician and center demographics, treatment criteria, operative technique and instrumentation. Laser treatment was compared between low‐volume (< 20 procedures/year) and high‐volume (≥ 20 procedures/year) centers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsOf 106 fetal therapy specialists approached, 76 (72%) from 64 centers in 25 countries responded. Of these, 48% (31/64) of centers and 63% (48/76) of operators performed fewer than 20 laser procedures annually. Comparison of low‐ and high‐volume centers showed differences in technique, gestational age limits for treatment and geography. High‐volume centers more often used the Solomon technique and applied wider gestational age limits for treatment. Europe and Asia had more high‐volume centers, whereas South America, the Middle East and Australia had mainly low‐volume centers.ConclusionThis survey revealed significant differences between fetal centers in several aspects of fetoscopic placental laser therapy for TTTS. Increasing awareness of TTTS, and of laser coagulation as its preferred treatment, will lead to an increase in centers offering this modality, especially in Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East. Considering the rarity of TTTS and the relative complexity of the procedure, developing international guidelines for techniques, instrumentation and suggested minimum volumes per center may aid in optimizing perinatal outcome. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The cost of autotomy caused by the parasitoid flyBlaesoxipha japonensis(Diptera: Sarcophagidae): an interspecific comparison between two sympatric grasshopper host species
Authors: Miura Kazumi , Ohsaki Naota 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn insects, while much is known about how autotomy, the loss of a host's hind leg(s), affects locomotion, mating and escape from predators, little is known about the effects of such loss on mortality caused by a parasitoid fly in natural habitat. We tested to see if host mortality caused by the parasitoid fly,Blaesoxipha japonensis, was related to the presence or absence of a hind leg(s) in two closely related, sympatric grasshopper species,Parapodisma tanbaensisandP. subastris. After capturing adult grasshoppers of both species in the same three locations simultaneously for 2 years, we assessed whetherB.japonensiscaused the death of a host by rearing these captured grasshoppers until they died. The results showed that autotomy significantly affected the mortality caused byB.japonensisinP.subastrisadults, but not inP. tanbaensisadults. This suggests that the increased mortality caused by parasitoids can be one of the costs of autotomy inP.subastrisin its natural habitat, and that the mortality effect caused byB.japonensisin autotomized adults may differ based on behavioral, physiological, and/or ecological factors that differ between these two sympatricParapodismaspecies.
A Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of Infant and Adult Mouse Ovary
Authors: Pan Linlin , Gong Wei , Zhou Yuanyuan , Li Xiaonuan , Yu Jun , Hu Songnian 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Ovary development is a complex process involving numerous genes. A well-developed ovary is essential for females to keep fertility and reproduce offspring. In order to gain a better insight into the molecular mechanisms related to the process of mammalian ovary development, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis on ovaries isolated from infant and adult mice by using next-generation sequencing technology (SOLiD). We identified 15,454 and 16,646 transcriptionally active genes at the infant and adult stage, respectively. Among these genes, we also identified 7021 differentially expressed genes. Our analysis suggests that, in general, the adult ovary has a higher level of transcriptomic activity. However, it appears that genes related to primordial follicle development, such as those encoding Figla and Nobox, are more active in the infant ovary, whereas expression of genes vital for follicle development, such as Gdf9, Bmp4 and Bmp15, is upregulated in the adult. These data suggest a dynamic shift in gene expression during ovary development and it is apparent that these changes function to facilitate follicle maturation, when additional functional gene studies are considered. Furthermore, our investigation has also revealed several important functional pathways, such as apoptosis, MAPK and steroid biosynthesis, that appear to be much more active in the adult ovary compared to those of the infant. These findings will provide a solid foundation for future studies on ovary development in mice and other mammals and help to expand our understanding of the complex molecular and cellular events that occur during postnatal ovary development.
Subjective cognitive concerns, episodic memory, and the APOE ε4 allele
Authors: Samieri Cécilia , Proust‐Lima Cécile , M. Glymour Maria , Okereke Olivia I. , Amariglio Rebecca E. , Sperling Reisa A. , Rentz Dorene M. , Grodstein Francine 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundSubjective cognitive concerns may represent a simple method to assess likelihood of memory decline among apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carriers.MethodsWe examined the relationship of self‐reported subjective cognitive concerns, using seven specific cognitive concerns, with memory and memory decline over 6 years among APOE ε4 carriers and non‐carriers from the Nurses' Health Study.ResultsIn both groups, increasing subjective cognitive concern score predicted worse baseline memory and faster rates of subsequent memory decline, after adjustment for age, education and depression. The relation with baseline memory appeared statistically stronger in APOE ε4 carriers (P‐interaction = 0.03). For memory decline, mean differences in slopes of episodic memory (95% CI) for 4 to 7 versus no concern = −0.05 (−0.10, 0.01) standard units in APOE ε4 carriers, and −0.04 (−0.08, −0.01) standard units in non‐carriers.ConclusionsAPOE ε4 carriers with self‐assessed cognitive concerns appear to have worse memory, and possibly accelerated memory decline.
QRS–ST–T triangulation with repolarization shortening as a precursor of sustained ventricular tachycardia during acute myocardial ischemia
Authors: Batchvarov Velislav N. , Behr Elijah R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWe present segments from a 24‐hour 12‐lead digital Holter recording in a 48‐year‐old man demonstrating transient ST elevations in the inferior leads that triggered sustained ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) requiring cardioversion. The onset of VT was preceded by a gradual increase in the ST with marked QRS broadening that lacked distinction between the end of the QRS and the beginning of the ST (QRS–ST–T “triangulation”), and shortening of the QT interval not caused by an increased heart rate. This is a relatively rare documentation of the mechanisms immediately triggering sustained ventricular arrhythmias during acute myocardial ischemia obtained with 12‐lead ECG.
Comparison of Stability Limits in Men With Traumatic Transtibial Amputation and a Nonamputee Control Group
Authors: Molero‐Sánchez Alberto , Molina‐Rueda Francisco , Alguacil‐Diego Isabel M. , Cano‐de la Cuerda Roberto , Miangolarra‐Page Juan Carlos 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, knowledge is lacking about whether subjects with traumatic unilateral transtibial amputation (UTA) have a compromised ability to voluntarily move their center of gravity (COG) to positions within the limits of stability.ObjectiveTo analyze the ability to voluntarily move the COG to positions within the limits of stability in a sample of subjects with traumatic UTA.DesignObservational, case‐control study.SettingUniversity department.ParticipantsTen men with traumatic UTA and 10 control subjects without amputation.Main Outcome MeasuresComputerized dynamic posturography SMART EquiTEST System version 8.0 was used for measuring stability limits in both groups. The Limits of Stability test was used to assess the participants' ability to voluntarily sway to various locations in space (8 predetermined target positions).ResultsEnd point excursion achieved statistically significant differences in the prosthetic (P = .02) and backward (P = .03) directions in the subjects with UTA. A statistically significant decrease was observed in the maximum excursion to backward direction (P = .05) in the subjects with UTA. Directional control only reached statistically significant differences in the prosthetic backward direction (P = .05) compared with the control group. Movement velocity was statistically significantly lower in the subjects with UTA toward prosthetic (P = .03), backward (P = .05), sound (P = .01), and sound forward (P = .03) directions in relation to the control group.ConclusionsPersons with traumatic UTA have a reduced ability to move their COG within stability limits (restricted displacement, inadequate directional control, and reduced velocity). These findings should be considered when developing rehabilitation programs for these persons.
What explains the lack of monetary policy influence on bank holding companies?
Authors: Mamun Abdullah , Hassan M. Kabir 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate how monetary policy innovations affect the equity returns of bank holding companies (BHCs). We also examine bank characteristics to determine what explains the cross‐sectional and time‐series variation in the returns' sensitivity. Similar to non‐financial firms, we find that only unanticipated components affect bank equity returns; however, this effect is absent in the second half of our sample period. Smaller, less liquid banks have higher sensitivity; a higher ratio of time deposits to total deposits reduces this sensitivity. A higher ratio of non‐interest income to total income also reduces this sensitivity, while capital‐constrained banks have a higher sensitivity to monetary policy innovations. We argue that a higher dependence on non‐interest income and the use of interest rate derivatives together may explain the disappearing influence of monetary policy on these BHCs.
An examination of childhood trauma in individuals attending an adult mental health service
Authors: Wota A. P. , Byrne C. , Murray I. , Ofuafor T. , Nisar Z. , Neuner F. , Hallahan B. P. 
Published: September 2014

ObjectivesChildhood sexual abuse has previously been associated with adult mental health difficulties, however, few studies have evaluated all forms of childhood maltreatment in individuals attending adult mental health services. Consequently, this study investigates the association of five forms of childhood trauma with a range of clinical symptoms and mental health disorders in 136 individuals attending a mental health service in Ireland utilising the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ).MethodOne hundred and thirty-six patients attending the Roscommon Mental Health Services completed the CTQ and a number of additional psychometric instruments evaluating illness severity, impulsivity, disability and the presence of a personality disorder(s) (PD) to ascertain the prevalence of childhood trauma and any potential associations between childhood trauma and a range of demographic and clinical factors.ResultSeventy-six per cent of individuals reported childhood trauma, with emotional neglect most frequently reported (61%). Individuals who had experienced childhood trauma had higher rates of clinical symptoms, distress and impulsivity. Substance abuse and paranoid, borderline and antisocial PDs most associated with childhood trauma.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the need to routinely elicit information on all forms of childhood traumatic experiences from patients.
Unconfined turbulent entrainment across density interfaces
Authors: Shrinivas Ajay B. , Hunt Gary R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWe present theoretical models describing the quasi-steady downward transport of buoyant fluid across a gravitationally stable density interface separating two unbounded quiescent fluid masses. The primary transport mechanism is turbulent entrainment resulting from the localised impingement of a vertically forced high-Reynolds-number axisymmetric jet with steady source conditions. The entrainment across the interface is examined in the large-time asymptotic state, wherein the interfacial gravity current, formed by the fluid entrained from the upper layer and the jet, becomes infinitesimally thin and a two-layer stratification persists. Characterising flows with small interfacial Froude numbers $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}({{\mathrm{Fr}}}_i)$ as an axisymmetric semi-ellipsoidal impingement dome, we combine conservation equations with a mechanistic model of entrainment and reveal that, in this regime, the dimensionless entrainment flux $E_i$ across the interface follows the power law $E_i = 0.24{{\mathrm{Fr}}}_i^2$. For large-${{\mathrm{Fr}}}_i$ impingements, modelled as a fully penetrating turbulent fountain, we show that $E_i$ no longer scales with ${{\mathrm{Fr}}}_i^2$, but linearly on ${{\mathrm{Fr}}}_i$, following $E_i = 0.42{{\mathrm{Fr}}}_i$. We establish the intermediate range of ${{\mathrm{Fr}}}_i$ over which there is a transition between these quadratic and linear power laws, thus enabling us to classify the dynamics of entrainment across the interface into three distinct regimes. Finally, the close agreement of our solutions with existing experimental results is illustrated.
Intermittency in the relative separations of tracers and of heavy particles in turbulent flows
Authors: Biferale L. , Lanotte A. S. , Scatamacchia R. , Toschi F. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractResults from direct numerical simulations (DNS) of particle relative dispersion in three-dimensional homogeneous and isotropic turbulence at Reynolds number $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}{\mathit{Re}}_{\lambda } \sim 300$ are presented. We study point-like passive tracers and heavy particles, at Stokes number $\mathit{St}=0.6,1$ and 5. Particles are emitted from localised sources, in bunches of thousands, periodically in time, allowing an unprecedented statistical accuracy to be reached, with a total number of events for two-point observables of the order of ${10^{11}}$. The right tail of the probability density function (PDF) for tracers develops a clear deviation from Richardson’s self-similar prediction, pointing to the intermittent nature of the dispersion process. In our numerical experiment, such deviations are manifest once the probability to measure an event becomes of the order of – or rarer than – one part over one million, hence the crucial importance of a large dataset. The role of finite-Reynolds-number effects and the related fluctuations when pair separations cross the boundary between viscous and inertial range scales are discussed. An asymptotic prediction based on the multifractal theory for inertial range intermittency and valid for large Reynolds numbers is found to agree with the data better than the Richardson theory. The agreement is improved when considering heavy particles, whose inertia filters out viscous scale fluctuations. By using the exit-time statistics we also show that events associated with pairs experiencing unusually slow inertial range separations have a non-self-similar PDF.
Postprandial phase time influences the uptake of TAG from postprandial TAG-rich lipoproteins by THP-1 macrophages
Authors: Cabello-Moruno Rosana , Sinausia Laura , Botham Kathleen M. , Montero Emilio , Avella Michael , Perona Javier S. 
Published: September 2014

Postprandial TAG-rich lipoproteins (TRL) can be taken up by macrophages, leading to the formation of foam cells, probably via receptor-mediated pathways. The present study was conducted to investigate whether the postprandial time point at which TRL are collected modulates this process. A meal containing refined olive oil was given to nine healthy young men and TRL were isolated from their serum at 2, 4 and 6 h postprandially. The lipid class and apoB compositions of TRL were determined by HPLC and SDS–PAGE, respectively. The accumulation of lipids in macrophages was determined after the incubation of THP-1 macrophages with TRL. The gene expression of candidate receptors was measured by real-time PCR. The highest concentrations of TAG, apoB48 and apoB100 in TRL were observed at 2 h after the consumption of the test meal. However, excessive intracellular TAG accumulation in THP-1 macrophages was observed in response to incubation with TRL isolated at 4 h, when their particle size (estimated as the TAG:apoB ratio) was intermediate. The abundance of mRNA transcripts in macrophages in response to incubation with TRL was down-regulated for LDL receptor (LDLR), slightly up-regulated for VLDL receptor and remained unaltered for LDLR-related protein, but no effect of the postprandial time point was observed. In contrast, the mRNA expression of scavenger receptorsSRB1,SRA2andCD36was higher when cells were incubated with TRL isolated at 4 h after the consumption of the test meal. In conclusion, TRL led to excessive intracellular TAG accumulation in THP-1 macrophages, which was greater when cells were incubated with intermediate-sized postprandial TRL isolated at 4 h and was associated with a significant increase in the mRNA expression of scavenger receptors.
Diagnostics for the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases
Authors: PEELING ROSANNA W. , MABEY DAVID 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYPractical diagnostic tools of sufficient sensitivity to detect levels of infection that can lead to transmission have been identified as a critical component of successful disease elimination programmes. In this review we describe the diagnostic tests currently available for six neglected tropical diseases that have been targeted for elimination; assess their performance in the light of the requirements for surveillance, certification of elimination and post-elimination surveillance; consider the unmet need for diagnostic tests for these diseases; and review recent technical developments that could meet these needs.
Sediment transport dynamics on an ice-covered lake: the ‘floating’ boulders of Lake Hoare, Antarctica
Authors: Allen Phillip P. , Hewitt Richard , Obryk Maciej K. , Doran Peter T. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBetween 1995 and 2011 a global positioning system survey of 13 boulders and three ablation stakes (long stakes frozen in the ice) on the frozen surface of Lake Hoare was undertaken. Data interpretation illustrates complexities of post-depositional transport dynamics of boulders. Earlier studies on comparable datasets have suggested linear ‘conveyor’ type transport mechanisms for lake surface boulders. Yet explanations for non-linear boulder displacements or ‘walks’ and the mechanisms responsible for movements are inadequate. Two modes of boulder specific movement were observed. First, localized changes in the ice surface promote individual boulder movement (rolling). Second, ice rafting, which indicates the displacement of ‘plates’ of lake ice on which the boulder is located. Ablation stakes used as fixed survey control points support the hypothesis that ice cover moves as discrete plates rather than as a single homogenous mass. Factors that create the conditions to generate either of the two modes of movement may be related to location specific energy budgets. A relationship between average orientations and prevailing wind direction was also observed. The investigation describes the local-scale behaviour of surveyed boulders, and offers methodologies and interpretive frameworks for additional studies of modern and ancient sediment transportation dynamics in Antarctic lacustrine environments.
Identification of reference genes for gene expression studies during seed germination and seedling establishment in Ricinus communis L.
Authors: Ribeiro Paulo R. , Dekkers Bas J. W. , Fernandez Luzimar G. , de Castro Renato D. , Ligterink Wilco , Hilhorst Henk W. M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractReverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is an important technology to analyse gene expression levels during plant development or in response to different treatments. An important requirement to measure gene expression levels accurately is a properly validated set of reference genes. In this context, we analysed the potential use of 17 candidate reference genes across a diverse set of samples, including several tissues, different stages and environmental conditions, encompassing seed germination and seedling growth in Ricinus communis L. These genes were tested by RT-qPCR and ranked according to the stability of their expression using two different approaches: GeNorm and NormFinder. GeNorm and Normfinder indicated that ACT, POB and PP2AA1 comprise the optimal combination for normalization of gene expression data in inter-tissue (heterogeneous sample panel) studies. We also describe the optimal combination of reference genes for a subset of root, endosperm and cotyledon samples. In general, the most stable genes suggested by GeNorm are very consistent with those indicated by NormFinder, which highlights the strength of the selection of reference genes in our study. We also validated the selected reference genes by normalizing the expression levels of three target genes involved in energy metabolism with the reference genes suggested by GeNorm and NormFinder. The approach used in this study to identify stably expressed genes, and thus potential reference genes, was applied successfully for R. communis and it provides important guidelines for RT-qPCR studies in seeds and seedlings for other species (especially in those cases where extensive microarray data are not available).