bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does a cleansing enema improve image quality of 3T surface coil multiparametric prostate MRI?
Authors: Lim Christopher , Quon Jeff , McInnes Matt , Shabana Wael M. , El‐Khodary Mohamed , Schieda Nicola 
Published: December 2014

PurposeTo assesses the utility of a preparatory enema in the interpretation of prostate multiparametric (MP) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Materials and MethodsUnder a waiver from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), 32 patients without bowel preparation and 28 patients who underwent a self‐administered enema were imaged consecutively with 3T MP‐MRI over 6 months. Two blinded radiologists independently assessed image quality on T2‐weighted (T2W), trace b 1000 mm2/sec echo‐planar (EPI) and apparent‐diffusion coefficient (ADC) and assessed for motion/blur on T2W and distortion/blur on EPI and ADC. Radiologists also quantified rectal stool and gas. A third blinded radiologist generated contrast curves from dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) data at six locations and measured the number of corrupted data points, defined as >10% aberrant signal intensity change. Subjective scores were compared using Wilcoxon sign rank test. Rectal contents were correlated to artifact using Spearman correlation. Contrast curves were evaluated with independent t‐tests.ResultsThere was no difference in image quality on T2W (P = 0.66–0.74), EPI (P = 0.13–0.36) or ADC (P = 0.49–0.59). There was less rectal stool in the enema group (P = 0.004) and amount of stool correlated with motion artifact on T2W (r = 0.23, P = 0.02); however, there was no difference in motion artifact between groups (P = 0.47–0.94). Only a minority of patients in the non‐enema group had moderate or large amounts of stool (16%) and none of these patients had severe or extensive artifact on T2. There was less rectal gas in the enema group (P = 0.002); however, amount of gas did not correlate with distortion artifact on EPI or ADC (P = 0.17–0.41) and there was no difference in blur (P = 0.41–0.91) or distortion (P = 0.31–0.99) on EPI or ADC between groups. There was no difference in corrupted data points on DCE (P = 0.46).ConclusionIn this study the use of a preparatory enema did not improve image quality or reduce artifact in prostate MP‐MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:689–697.
Using automated recorders and occupancy models to monitor common forest birds across a large geographic region
Authors: Furnas Brett J. , Callas Richard L. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTAutomated recorders and occupancy models can be used together to monitor population trends of multiple avian species across a large geographic region. Automated recorders are an attractive method for monitoring birds, because they leave a record that can be independently validated and multiple units can be programmed to repeatedly survey different locations at the same daily times. We assessed the use of automated recorders and single‐species, single‐season occupancy models to monitor common forest birds across a 5.4‐million‐ha region of northern California. Using a survey protocol of 5‐minute recordings at 3 times of the morning repeated over 3 consecutive days at 453 sites, we detected 32 species at >10% of these sites. Five of these species (Steller's jay [Cyanocitta stelleri], mountain chickadee [Poecile gambeli], red‐breasted nuthatch [Sitta canadensis], dark‐eyed junco [Junco hyemalis], and western tanager [Piranga ludoviciana]) were dominant with occupancies >0.5. We also modeled occupancy associations with elevation and canopy cover for brown creeper (Certhia americana), MacGillivray's warbler (Geothlypis tolmiei), and western tanager and found the environmental conditions at which occupancy was maximized differed by up to 399 m in elevation and 17.9% canopy cover for these species. Given a sampling effort of 100 new sites per year, we demonstrated 80% power (α = 0.1) to detect occupancy declines as small as 2.5% per year over 20 years for the 32 most common species. The effective radius of automated recorder surveys was approximately 50 m. In a field test, surveys conducted concurrently using automated recorders and point counts yielded similar occupancy estimates despite differences in detection probability. Our results suggest that automated recorders, used alone or in conjunction with point counts, can provide a practical means of monitoring common forest birds across a large geographic area. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Corneal confocal microscopy for the diagnosis of diabetic autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Tavakoli Mitra , Begum Piyara , McLaughlin John , Malik Rayaz A 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundDiabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) results in increased morbidity and mortality. The early diagnosis of DAN can be difficult and is commonly evaluated using cardiac autonomic function tests as a surrogate. However, they are not widely available, have limited sensitivity and specificity, and can be confounded by concomitant cardiovascular disease and medications. Methods: The diagnostic utility of corneal confocal microscopy for diagnosis of DAN was assessed. Thirty‐four diabetic patients without [Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale (CASS)≤2] vs with (CASS>2) DAN and 18 healthy control subjects (HC) underwent detailed assessment of somatic and autonomic neuropathy, Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale (COMPASS), (CASS), and Corneal Confocal Microscopy (CCM). Results: Corneal nerve fiber density, branch density, and length showed a progressive and significant reduction in patients with DAN vs HC and those without DAN. CCM correlated highly significantly with COMPASS and CASS, and corneal nerve fiber parameters demonstrated a high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of DAN. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that corneal nerve damage detected using CCM can be deployed to diagnose subclinical and overt DAN. It therefore represents a rapid, non‐invasive, highly sensitive and specific diagnostic test for DAN. Muscle Nerve, 2015 Muscle Nerve 52:363–370, 2015
Structural basis for acceptor‐substrate recognition of UDP‐glucose: anthocyanidin 3‐O‐glucosyltransferase from Clitoria ternatea
Authors: Hiromoto Takeshi , Honjo Eijiro , Noda Naonobu , Tamada Taro , Kazuma Kohei , Suzuki Masahiko , Blaber Michael , Kuroki Ryota 
Published: December 2014

AbstractUDP‐glucose: anthocyanidin 3‐O‐glucosyltransferase (UGT78K6) from Clitoria ternatea catalyzes the transfer of glucose from UDP‐glucose to anthocyanidins such as delphinidin. After the acylation of the 3‐O‐glucosyl residue, the 3′‐ and 5′‐hydroxyl groups of the product are further glucosylated by a glucosyltransferase in the biosynthesis of ternatins, which are anthocyanin pigments. To understand the acceptor‐recognition scheme of UGT78K6, the crystal structure of UGT78K6 and its complex forms with anthocyanidin delphinidin and petunidin, and flavonol kaempferol were determined to resolutions of 1.85 Å, 2.55 Å, 2.70 Å, and 1.75 Å, respectively. The enzyme recognition of unstable anthocyanidin aglycones was initially observed in this structural determination. The anthocyanidin‐ and flavonol‐acceptor binding details are almost identical in each complex structure, although the glucosylation activities against each acceptor were significantly different. The 3‐hydroxyl groups of the acceptor substrates were located at hydrogen‐bonding distances to the Nε2 atom of the His17 catalytic residue, supporting a role for glucosyl transfer to the 3‐hydroxyl groups of anthocyanidins and flavonols. However, the molecular orientations of these three acceptors are different from those of the known flavonoid glycosyltransferases, VvGT1 and UGT78G1. The acceptor substrates in UGT78K6 are reversely bound to its binding site by a 180° rotation about the O1–O3 axis of the flavonoid backbones observed in VvGT1 and UGT78G1; consequently, the 5‐ and 7‐hydroxyl groups are protected from glucosylation. These substrate recognition schemes are useful to understand the unique reaction mechanism of UGT78K6 for the ternatin biosynthesis, and suggest the potential for controlled synthesis of natural pigments.
The development and validation of micro‐CT of large deep frozen specimens
Authors: Kampschulte Marian , Erdmann Georg , Sender Jonas , Martels Gunhild , Böcker Wolfgang , ElKhassawna Thaqif , Heiß Christian , Langheinrich Alexanders Claus , Roeb Elke , Roderfeld Martin , Krombach Gabriele Anja 
Published: December 2014

SummaryRepetitive freeze/thaw cycles lead to a progressive loss of structural and molecular integrity in deep frozen specimens. The aim of this study was to evaluate a micro‐CT stage, which maintains the cryoconservation of large specimens throughout micro‐CT imaging. Deep frozen ovine vertebral segments (−20 °C) were fixed in a micro‐CT stage made of expanded polystyrene and cooled with dry ice (0 g, 60 g and 120 g). The temperature inside the stage was measured half‐hourly over a time span of three hours with subsequent measurement of surface temperature. The method was validated in a series of 30 deep frozen vertebral specimens and in liver tissue after repetitive micro‐CT scanning. Isolation without cooling resulted in defrosting. Cooling with 60 g of dry ice led to a temperature rise inside the stage (max. 5.1 °C) and on the specimen surfaces (max. −3 °C). Cooling with 120 g of dry ice resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) and sufficient lowering of the temperature inside the stage (max. −14 °C) and on the surface of the specimens (max. −13.9 °C). The surface temperature during the subsequent micro‐CT validation study did not exceed −16 °C (processing time 1 h 45 min). The resolution was 33 μm isotropic voxel side length, enabling a binarization of bone microstructures. Temperature can reliably be maintained below −10 °C during a micro‐CT scan by applying the described technique. The resulting spatial resolution and image quality permits a binarization of bone microstructure. SCANNING 37:63–72, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationships between bat occupancy and habitat and landscape structure along a savanna, woodland, forest gradient in the Missouri Ozarks
Authors: Starbuck Clarissa A. , Amelon Sybill K. , Thompson Frank R. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTMany land‐management agencies are restoring savannas and woodlands using prescribed fire and forest thinning, and information is needed on how wildlife species respond to these management activities. Our objectives were to evaluate support for relationships of bat site occupancy with vegetation structure and management and landscape composition and structure across a gradient of savanna to forest in the Missouri Ozark Highlands, USA. We selected study sites that were actively managed for savanna and woodland conditions and control areas on similar landforms that had succeeded to closed‐canopy forest. We used Anabat detectors to survey bats during the summers of 2010, 2011, and 2012. We fit single‐species site‐occupancy models to estimate detection probability and site occupancy. We evaluated a priori hypotheses in an information theoretic approach by evaluating support for candidate models that included habitat, landscape, and management effects. Site occupancy of evening bats (Nycticeius humeralis) was negatively related to poletimber and sawtimber density and positively related to fire frequency, while northern long‐eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) site occupancy was positively related to poletimber density and negatively related to understory stem densities. Site occupancy of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis), and tri‐colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) were mostly not related to local vegetation structure and site occupancy was high across the savanna, woodland, forest gradient. We found more consistent and larger effect sizes for landscape‐scale than for habitat‐scale relationships; therefore, land managers should be cognizant of large‐scale patterns in land cover when making local management decisions for these species. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Noninvasive Prenatal Testing: The Indian Perspective
Authors: Verma Ishwar Chander 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis article summarizes the Professor Kamal Buckshee Oration given by the author at the annual conference of the Society of Fetal Medicine in Kochi, August 2014. The contributions of Professor Buckshee to fetal medicine are briefly described. The article traces the development of fetal medicine in India. It discusses the application of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in India. It briefly calculates the cost benefits of sexing of the fetus for X-linked disease. It also describes the results of screening 320 pregnant women using NIPT for aneuploidies. The benefits and limitations of NIPT are presented.
Heart Rate Variability and Omega-3 Index in Euthymic Patients with Bipolar Disorders
Authors: Voggt A. , Berger M. , Obermeier M. , Löw A. , Seemueller F. , Riedel M. , Moeller H.J. , Zimmermann R. , Kirchberg F. , Von Schacky C. , Severus E. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackground:Affective disorders are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which, at least partly, appears to be independent of psychopharmacological treatments used to manage these disorders. Reduced heart rate variability (SDNN) and a low Omega-3 Index have been shown to be associated with increased risk for death after myocardial infarction. Therefore, we set out to investigate heart rate variability and the Omega-3 Index in euthymic patients with bipolar disorders.Methods:We assessed heart rate variability (SDNN) and the Omega-3 Index in 90 euthymic, mostly medicated patients with bipolar disorders (Bipolar-I, Bipolar-II) on stable psychotropic medication, free of significant medical comorbidity and in 62 healthy controls. Heart rate variability was measured from electrocardiography under a standardized 30 minutes resting state condition. Age, sex, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption and caffeine consumption as potential confounders were also assessed.Results:Heart rate variability (SDNN) was significantly lower in patients with bipolar disorders compared to healthy controls (35.4 msec versus 60.7 msec; P < 0.0001), whereas the Omega-3 Index did not differ significantly between the groups (5.2% versus 5.3%). In a linear regression model, only group membership (patients with bipolar disorders versus healthy controls) and age significantly predicted heart rate variability (SDNN).Conclusion:Heart rate variability (SDNN) may provide a useful tool to study the impact of interventions aimed at reducing the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in euthymic patients with bipolar disorders. The difference in SDNN between cases and controls cannot be explained by a difference in the Omega-3 Index.
The functions of Runx family transcription factors and Cbfb in skeletal development
Authors: Komori Toshihisa 
Published: December 2014

AbstractRunx family transcription factors consist of Runx1, Runx2, and Runx3. Runx1 is involved in chondrocyte differentiation at an early stage. Runx2 is a major transcription factor for chondrocyte maturation, and Runx3 has a redundant function with Runx2 and it is partly involved in chondrocyte maturation. Runx2 directly regulates Ihh expression and enhances chondrocyte proliferation. Runx2 is an essential transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation. Heterozygous mutation of RUNX2 causes cleidocranial dysplasia, which is characterized by hypoplastic clavicles, open fontanelles, and supernumerary teeth. Runx2 directly regulates Sp7 expression, and Runx2 together with Sp7 and canonical Wnt signaling completes determination of the lineage of mesenchymal cells into osteoblasts. Runx2 expression in osteoblasts is regulated by a 343‐bp enhancer. Dlx5/6 and Mef2 directly bind this enhancer; form an enhanceosome with Tcf7, β‐catenin, Sox5/6, Smad1, and Sp7; and activate this enhancer. Msx2 inhibits this enhancer, and switching of the binding of Msx2 to Dlx5 is important for this activation. Core binding factor β (Cbfb) forms a heterodimer with Runx family proteins and enhances their DNA‐binding capacity. In Cbfb conditional knockout mice in osteoblast and chondrocyte lineages, the differentiation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts is inhibited. All of the Runx family proteins are reduced in the cartilaginous limb skeletons and calvariae in Cbfb conditional knockout mice, although the reduction of Runx2 protein in calvariae is much milder than that in cartilaginous limb skeletons. Therefore, Cbfb regulates skeletal development by stabilizing Runx family proteins, and Runx2 protein stability is less dependent on Cbfb in calvariae than in cartilaginous limb skeletons.
MODEL THEORETIC STABILITY AND DEFINABILITY OF TYPES, AFTER A. GROTHENDIECK
Authors: YAACOV ITAÏ BEN 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe point out how the “Fundamental Theorem of Stability Theory”, namely the equivalence between the “non order property” and definability of types, proved by Shelah in the 1970s, is in fact an immediate consequence of Grothendieck’s “Critères de compacité” from 1952. The familiar forms for the defining formulae then follow using Mazur’s Lemma regarding weak convergence in Banach spaces.
Boundary layer stabilization using free-stream vortices
Authors: Siconolfi L. , Camarri S. , Fransson J. H. M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this numerical investigation we explore the possibility of applying free-stream vortices as a passive flow control method for delaying the transition to turbulence. The work is motivated by previous experimental studies demonstrating that stable streamwise boundary layer (BL) streaks can attenuate both two- and three-dimensional disturbances inside the BL, leading to transition delay, with the implication of reducing skin-friction drag. To date, successful control has been obtained using physical BL modulators mounted on the surface in order to generate stable streaks. However, surface mounted BL modulators are doomed to failure when the BL is subject to free-stream turbulence (FST), since a destructive interaction between the two is inevitable. In order to tackle free-stream disturbances, such as FST, a smooth surface is desired, which has motivated us to seek new methods to induce streamwise streaks inside the BL. A first step, in a systematic order, is taken in the present paper to prove the control idea of generating free-stream vortices for the attenuation of ordinary Tollmien–Schlichting waves inside the BL. In this proof-of-concept study we show that, by applying a spanwise array of counter-rotating free-stream vortices, inducing streamwise BL streaks further downstream, it is possible to alter the BL stability characteristics to such a degree that transition delay may be accomplished. For the demonstration we use direct numerical simulations along with stability analysis.
Reproductive biology of the silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis in the southern Mexican Pacific
Authors: Galván-Tirado C. , Galván-Magaña F. , Ochoa-Báez R.I. 
Published: December 2014

Despite being one of the most abundant and highly exploited species in the Mexican Pacific Ocean, information on the biology of the silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis is limited. The objective of the present study was to describe the reproductive biology of this species, based on 262 sharks (117 females and 145 males) caught from September 2004 to May 2006 in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico. The size of females ranged from 70 to 229 cm total length (TL); males measured from 69 to 220 cm TL. Female reproductive organ measurements showed that between 175 and 190 cm TL there was an increase in oviducal gland width (19–45 mm), as well as in uterus size (20–220 mm width). Mature males over 180 cm had calcified claspers, well-developed testes (184–282 mm) and presence of sperm in the seminal vesicles. The estimated length of males at first maturity was 180 cm, and that of females was 190 cm. Ovarian fecundity varied from 4 to 11 oocytes, and uterine fecundity varied from 2 to 14 embryos. We infer that mating occurs between May and June. We did not find sperm storage in the oviducal glands. Birth size was observed to be between 60 and 69 cm TL. No defined gestation period was observed.
Experiences of Older Adults in Transition from Hospital to Community
Authors: Neiterman Elena , Wodchis Walter P. , Bourgeault Ivy Lynn 
Published: December 2014

RÉSUMÉCette étude a examiné comment les patients éprouvent des transitions à la communauté des hôpitaux, y compris les problèmes de la vie quotidienne et les préoccupations médicales. Grâce à l'analyse de données qualitatives à partir d'entretiens avec 36 personnes, y compris 17 adultes âgées à haut risque avec des problèmes multiples de santé chroniques, récemment sortis de l'hôpital, et 19 membres de la famille qui ont fourni les patients avec des soins continus, nous avons demandé (1) quels sont les défis que les patients éprouvent dans la transition de l'hôpital, et (2) quelles sont les solutions de systèmes et politiques qui peuvent répondre aux défis que ces patients éprouvent? Nos résultats révèlent des défis à court et a long terme associés aux transitions à la maison. Les défis à court terme comprennent la préparation de l'habitation pour le patient et la compréhension de l'organisation des soins à la maison. Les défis à long terme sont associés à des problèmes pratiques et émotionnels. Réfléchissant sur nos résultats, nous suggérons que les besoins sociaux des patients peuvent être d'une importance égale à leurs besoins médicaux lors de la récupération post-décharge, et nous discutons les implications pour la politique.
Correlation of Central Blood Pressure to Hypertensive Target Organ Damages During Antihypertensive Treatment: The J-TOP Study
Authors: Shimizu Motohiro , Hoshide Satoshi , Ishikawa Joji , Yano Yuichiro , Eguchi Kazuo , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND
Some previous studies have shown that central blood pressure (BP) is more closely related to cardiovascular risks than brachial BP. This study compared the correlations between asymptomatic organ damages and each of central BP, brachial clinic BP, and home BP during antihypertensive treatment.

METHODS
In the Japan Morning Surge-Target Organ Protection (J-TOP) study, which compared bedtime or awakening dosing of candesartan (+diuretics as needed) among subjects with home systolic BP (SBP) higher than 135mm Hg, we evaluated 180 hypertensive patients who successfully underwent pulse wave analysis by HEM-9000AI and measured their urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (n = 144) at baseline and after 6 months of treatment.

RESULTS
During antihypertensive treatment, significant reductions were found in central SBP, UACR, and LVMI (all P &lt; 0.001). Multiple regression analyses showed that the decrease in central SBP was associated with those of log-transformed UACR (β = 0.24, P &lt; 0.01) and LVMI (β = 0.23, P = 0.04), independently of the decrease in both clinic and home SBP. The goodness-of-fit of the association between the reduction in SBP and the UACR (P &lt; 0.01) or LVMI (P = 0.04) was improved by adding central SBP to the SBP measurement.

CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that the change in central BP could be an important therapeutic target during antihypertensive treatment, in addition to peripheral clinic and home BP.