bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theory of ground surface plasma wave associated with pre‐earthquake electrical charges
Authors: Fujii Masafumi 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIt is shown theoretically that if mobile electrical charge exists on the surface of the ground, a ground surface plasma wave is induced by radio waves. If the electrical charges are generated by tectonic stresses acting on crustal rocks prior to major earthquakes, the detection of a ground surface plasma wave could be used as a pre‐earthquake electromagnetic phenomenon. The ground surface plasma wave has a dispersion relation, i.e., the relation between frequency and wavelength, similar to that of the free‐space plane wave in the atmosphere over the radio broadcast frequency range. It allows for a strong coupling between these two types of waves. This is a mode of electromagnetic wave propagation that has not been previously reported. Numerical analysis demonstrates (1) the propagation of the ground surface plasma wave along a curved surface beyond the line of sight, (2) anomalous scattering by ground surface roughness, and (3) the generation of cross‐polarized waves due to the scattering. These results all agree well with radio wave anomalies observed before large earthquakes.
The relative age effect among elite youth competitive swimmers
Authors: Costa Aldo M. , Marques Mário C. , Louro Hugo , Ferreira Sandra S. , Marinho Daniel A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyse the relative age effect (RAE) in competitive swimming. The best 50 Portuguese swimmers (12‐ to 18‐year‐olds) for the main individual swimming pool events of both genders were considered. Analysis was conducted on 7813 swimming event participants, taking account of respective swimmer birth dates and the Fédération Internationale de Natation points gained. Differences in the distribution of birth dates by quarter year were determined using the Chi‐square. A one‐way analysis of variance ANOVA was used to test for differences measured in points between individuals by quarterly birth year intervals. A two‐way analysis of variance ANOVA was also conducted to test the interaction between gender and seasonal birth date with regard to performance. The results show an inequitable distribution (p<0.01) of birth dates by quarter for almost all age groups and both genders. However, the distribution of birth dates by quarter for each considered swim event shows that RAE seems to exist only for 12‐year‐old females and 12‐ to 15‐year‐old males. Analysing mean swimming performance, post‐hoc results (p<0.01) show no consistency in RAE. Higher performance occurs among older swimmers only in 100 m butterfly (female 1998, 1st≠2nd quarter, p=0.003). The results also show no interaction between gender and seasonal birth date (p<0.01). Findings of this study show that a higher number of swimmers, particular males, are born in the first two quarters of the year, although there is mostly no effect of seasonal birth date on performance differences within the top 50 swimmers.
Influence of a 2‐year strength training programme on power performance in elite youth soccer players
Authors: Sander André , Keiner Michael , Wirth Klaus , Schmidtbleicher Dietmar 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn soccer, strength, power and speed are very important because of the large number of power actions performed during the game. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the influence of periodised strength training for power performance more than 2 years. In this study, 134 elite youth soccer players were recruited from two youth training centres. The cohorts were arranged as follows: A (under 19 years), B (under 17 years) and C (under 15 years). The participants in each cohort were divided into two groups. One group (Strength training group [STG]) was subjected to regular soccer training in addition to strength training twice a week for 2 years. The other group (Control group [CG]) completed only the regular soccer training. The strength training was periodised with hypertrophy and intramuscular coordination blocks. For strength training, both the front squat and the back squat were performed once a week. The subjects were tested on the one‐repetition maximum (1RM) of the front and back squat and a linear sprint over 30 m. There was significantly better performance from the STG on 1RM (p <0.001). In the sprint, the STG displayed significantly better improvements (p <0.05 to p <0.001) of up to 6%. The effects of strength training are reflected in the sprint performance. Therefore, it seems beneficial for youth to perform strength training to exploit the reserve capacity in sprint performances.
The impact of multivessel disease with and without a co‐existing chronic total occlusion on short‐ and long‐term mortality in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients with and without cardiogenic shock
Authors: Hoebers Loes P. , Vis Marije M. , Claessen Bimmer E. , van der Schaaf René J. , Kikkert Wouter J. , Baan Jan , de Winter Robbert J. , Piek Jan J. , Tijssen Jan G.P. , Dangas George D. , Henriques José P.S. 
Published: November 2012

AimsTo evaluate the impact of multivessel disease (MVD) with and without a chronic total occlusion (CTO) on early and late mortality in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with and without cardiogenic shock (CS).Methods and resultsA total of 5018 STEMI patients were treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention and stratified according to the presence of CS and the extent of coronary artery disease into single vessel disease (SVD), MVD without a CTO, and MVD with a CTO. We performed a landmark mortality analysis up to 5‐year follow‐up with a landmark set at 30 days. In patients without CS (n = 4409), only MVD with a CTO was an independent predictor for 30‐day [hazard ratio (HR) 2.8, P < 0.01] and 5‐year mortality (HR 1.7, P < 0.01), whereas MVD without a CTO was not associated with increased mortality. In CS patients (n = 609), MVD with and without a CTO were independent predictors for 30‐day mortality (HR 2.2, P < 0.01 and HR 1.8, P < 0.01). In 30‐day CS survivors, only MVD with a CTO was associated with a trend towards increased mortality (HR 1.7, P = 0.06).ConclusionIn non‐CS STEMI patients with MVD, the presence of a co‐existing CTO in a non‐infarct‐related artery drives early and late mortality. In patients with CS, MVD with and without a CTO were predictors for short‐term mortality.
RETINAL DETACHMENT IN A PATIENT WITH LEBER CONGENITAL AMAUROSIS
Authors: Cunningham Matthew A. , Boldt H. Culver , Stone Edwin M. 
Published: November 2012

Purpose:
To report the unique presentation of a patient with Leber congenital amaurosis who developed a tractional retinal detachment involving the macula and underwent successful pars plana vitrectomy surgery.

Methods:
Retrospective interventional case report. Chart review.

Results:
A 54-year-old white woman, with molecularly confirmed CEP290-associated Leber congenital amaurosis, who initially presented with Snellen visual acuity of 20/200 in the right eye and 20/125 in the left eye and constricted visual fields. The maculae were flat, the vessels were attenuated, and the periphery was flat with diffuse atrophic changes and bone spicule–like pigmentation in both eyes. Follow-up examination, 3 years later, demonstrated a temporal tractional retinal detachment in the left eye, which involved the macula; however, the vision was stable. She presented 4 months later, and her vision declined to light perception in the left eye and the traction retinal detachment now involved the entire macula. A pars plana vitrectomy was performed, and 8 months later, the visual acuity improved to 20/300 in the left eye and the periphery was attached 360° with extensive bone spicule–like pigmentation and laser scars.

Conclusion:
Leber congenital amaurosis is a rare inherited retinal disease that can be complicated by tractional retinal detachment. Vitrectomy surgery can be used successfully to repair retinal detachments in this patient population. The patient had subsequent improvement in visual acuity and anatomical reattachment.
The Rubisco Small Subunit Is Involved in Tobamovirus Movement and Tm-22-Mediated Extreme Resistance
Authors: Zhao Jinping , Liu Qi , Zhang Haili , Jia Qi , Hong Yiguo , Liu Yule 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The multifunctional movement protein (MP) of Tomato mosaic tobamovirus (ToMV) is involved in viral cell-to-cell movement, symptom development, and resistance gene recognition. However, it remains to be elucidated how ToMV MP plays such diverse roles in plants. Here, we show that ToMV MP interacts with the Rubisco small subunit (RbCS) of Nicotiana benthamiana in vitro and in vivo. In susceptible N. benthamiana plants, silencing of NbRbCS enabled ToMV to induce necrosis in inoculated leaves, thus enhancing virus local infectivity. However, the development of systemic viral symptoms was delayed. In transgenic N. benthamiana plants harboring Tobacco mosaic virus resistance-22 (Tm-22), which mediates extreme resistance to ToMV, silencing of NbRbCS compromised Tm-22-dependent resistance. ToMV was able to establish efficient local infection but was not able to move systemically. These findings suggest that NbRbCS plays a vital role in tobamovirus movement and plant antiviral defenses.
Mosquito ecology and control of malaria
Authors: Godfray H. Charles J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMosquitoes transmit some of the most important infectious diseases of man including malaria that today kills around 0·6–1·2 million people a year, the majority children in low‐income countries.There is increasing realisation that no single intervention is likely to halt malaria and a multipronged approach is needed including vector control.Very effective vector control measures are currently available, most involving insecticides, although there is evidence of growing problems with the spread of resistance. A variety of novel genetic approaches to vector control are under active development.Research on targeting the mosquito has been greatly facilitated by huge investment in molecular resources, including the provision of numerous full‐genome sequences.Vector control is applied population biology, and I argue here that further progress will require as much attention to mosquito ecology as has been paid to mosquito molecular biology.
Habitat selection guiding agri‐environment schemes for a farmland specialist, the brown hare
Authors: Petrovan S. O. , Ward A. I. , Wheeler P. M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractHabitat improvements through agri‐environment schemes are the most important tool for reversing biodiversity declines in European farmland. However, little is known about their impact on mammals, including the brown hare, a priority species for conservation in the UK. We studied radio‐collared hares for 13 months in a mixed agricultural area using ‘homing in’ to provide high spatial‐resolution fixes. Hares selected agri‐environment field margins during both active and inactive periods and used the areas in the middle of large fields less frequently than those closer to the field boundaries. Blocks of woods and lines of trees were selected as resting sites while sheep‐grazed fields were generally avoided throughout the year. We suggest that agri‐environment schemes targeted at creating and increasing non‐farmed habitat features associated with field boundaries and reducing sward depletion through less intensive or mixed grazing regimes could prove beneficial for populations of this priority species in farmland.
Sphingosine and FTY720 are potent inhibitors of the transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) channels
Authors: Qin Xin , Yue Zhichao , Sun Baonan , Yang Wenzhong , Xie Jia , Ni Eric , Feng Yi , Mahmood Rafat , Zhang Yanhui , Yue Lixia 
Published: November 2012

Background and PurposeTransient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) is a unique channel kinase which is crucial for various physiological functions. However, the mechanism by which TRPM7 is gated and modulated is not fully understood. To better understand how modulation of TRPM7 may impact biological processes, we investigated if TRPM7 can be regulated by the phospholipids sphingosine (SPH) and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), two potent bioactive sphingolipids that mediate a variety of physiological functions. Moreover, we also tested the effects of the structural analogues of SPH, N,N‐dimethyl‐D‐erythro‐sphingosine (DMS), ceramides and FTY720 on TRPM7.Experimental ApproachHEK293 cells stably expressing TRPM7 were used for whole‐cell, single‐channel and macropatch current recordings. Cardiac fibroblasts were used for native TRPM7 current recording.Key ResultsSPH potently inhibited TRPM7 in a concentration‐dependent manner, whereas S1P and other ceramides did not produce noticeable effects. DMS also markedly inhibited TRPM7. Moreover, FTY720, an immunosuppressant and the first oral drug for treatment of multiple sclerosis, inhibited TRPM7 with a similar potency to that of SPH. In contrast, FTY720‐P has no effect on TRPM7. It appears that SPH and FTY720 inhibit TRPM7 by reducing channel open probability. Furthermore, endogenous TRPM7 in cardiac fibroblasts was markedly inhibited by SPH, DMS and FTY720.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis is the first study demonstrating that SPH and FTY720 are potent inhibitors of TRPM7. Our results not only provide a new modulation mechanism of TRPM7, but also suggest that TRPM7 may serve as a direct target of SPH and FTY720, thereby mediating S1P‐independent physiological/pathological functions of SPH and FTY720.Linked ArticleThis article is commented on by Rohacs, pp. 1291–1293 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.12070
Prospective longitudinal study of corneal collagen cross‐linking in progressive keratoconus
Authors: Viswanathan Deepa , Males John 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundCollagen cross‐linking has been reported to be effective in treating progressive keratoconus, and this study aims to evaluate the long‐term efficacy of this procedure.DesignProspective longitudinal interventional study of patients with progressive keratoconus who underwent cross‐linking in a tertiary referral hospital.ParticipantsThirty‐five patients (51 eyes) who underwent cross‐linking with a mean follow‐up of 14.38 ± 9.36 months (range 6–48) were compared with a control group of 25 fellow eyes that did not undergo the procedure.MethodsCross‐linking was performed using 0.1% riboflavin (in 20% dextran T500) and ultraviolet A irradiation (370 nm, 3 mW/cm2, 30 min).Main Outcome MeasuresMaximum keratometry in dioptres, logMAR best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity, cylindrical power, manifest refraction spherical equivalent and central corneal thickness.ResultsAnalysis of the treated group demonstrated a significant flattening of maximum keratometry by 0.96 ± 2.33 dioptres (P = 0.005) and a significant improvement in visual acuity by 0.05 ± 0.13 logMAR (P = 0.04). In the control group, maximum keratometry increased significantly by 0.43 ± 0.85 dioptres (P = 0.05), and visual acuity decreased by mean 0.05 ± 0.14 (P = 0.2). No statistical differences were noted regarding cylindrical power, spherical equivalent or corneal thickness in both groups.ConclusionsResults indicate that corneal collagen cross‐linking using riboflavin and ultraviolet A is effective as a therapeutic option in cases of progressive keratoconus by reducing the corneal curvature and by improving the visual acuity in these patients.
Experimental measure of retinal impact force resulting from intraocular foreign body dropped onto retina through media of differing viscosity
Authors: Ernst Benjamin J , Velez‐Montoya Raul , Kujundzic Damir , Kujundzic Elmira , Olson Jeffrey L 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate and compare the perfluorocarbon liquid, silicone oil, and viscoelastic against standard saline, in their ability to dampen the impact force of a foreign body, dropped within the eye. In an experimental surgical model in where cohesive and adhesive forces of the substances are not enough to float heavy‐than‐water foreign bodies.MethodsA model of ophthalmic surgery was constructed. A BB pellet was dropped from 24 mm onto a force transducer through four different fluids: balanced salt solution, perfluoro‐n‐octane, viscoelastic, and silicone oil. The impact energy (force) for each case was measured and recorded by the force transducer. The mean force of impact for each fluid was compared using the Student t‐test.ResultsSilicone oil resulted in the lowest force of impact. Both silicone oil and viscoelastic dampened the impact an order of magnitude more than perfluoro‐n‐octane and balanced salt solution.ConclusionsSilicone oil and viscoelastic cushioned the force from a dropped BB. They may be useful adjuncts to prevent iatrogenic retinal injury during vitrectomy for intraocular foreign body removal.
Cardiac injury in refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Hocker Sara , Prasad Abhiram , Rabinstein Alejandro A. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryPurpose:  We sought to describe the spectrum of cardiac injury in refractory status epilepticus (RSE).Methods:  We reviewed all patients with RSE between 1999 and 2011 at Mayo Clinic. RSE was defined as generalized convulsive or nonconvulsive status epilepticus (SE) that continued despite initial therapies. Exclusion criteria were age <18 years, anoxic SE, psychogenic SE, simple partial SE, absence SE, and repeat RSE. Patients were divided into those with (transient left ventricular [LV] dysfunction; electrocardiography [ECG] abnormality—new T‐wave inversion, ST elevation or ST depression, or QTc prolongation; and/or elevated blood troponin T levels) versus those without evidence of cardiac injury.Key Findings:  We identified 59 consecutive patients with RSE. In 24 patients no cardiac‐specific diagnostic studies were obtained. Twenty‐two of the remaining 35 patients demonstrated markers of cardiac injury. General anesthesia was necessary for control of seizures in 31 of 35 patients for 10.5 ± 17.4 days. Twenty‐three patients had troponin levels drawn at onset of SE, of which nine were abnormal. ECG findings at onset of SE included ST elevation (11.4%), ST depression (5.7%), new T‐wave inversion (37.1%), and nonspecific ST changes (37.1%). Cardiac arrhythmias included ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (11.4%), atrioventricular block (2.9%), atrial fibrillation/flutter (20.0%), sinus bradycardia (48.6%), and sinus tachycardia (65.7%). Intervention was required for cardiac arrhythmias in 42.9%. QTc was prolonged in 22.9% of patients. One patient met criteria for non–ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Three of 14 patients evaluated with ECG during SE demonstrated reversible systolic dysfunction. In‐hospital mortality was 34.3%. Outcome was worse in the group with markers of cardiac injury but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.14).Significance:  Markers of cardiac injury are common in RSE and may be underrecognized in this population. These disturbances may require specific treatment and are often reversible. Routine performance of ECG and troponin followed by an echocardiography in those with repolarization abnormalities is probably justified. This was a biased sample of patients with severe RSE who had cardiac studies performed. The prevalence of findings in this study refers to this subgroup only.
Evidence of chytrid‐mediated population declines in common midwife toad in Serra da Estrela, Portugal
Authors: Rosa G. M. , Anza I. , Moreira P. L. , Conde J. , Martins F. , Fisher M. C. , Bosch J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe emergence of a novel infectious disease, chytridiomycosis, is now widely recognized as a major cause of amphibian declines and biodiversity loss across local and global scales. Amphibian mortalities caused by the pathogenic chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) were first recorded in Iberia, Europe over a decade ago. In August 2009, hundreds of post‐metamorphic common midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans) were found dead in the water and margins of a pond in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, north‐central Portugal. Histological and genetic analyses confirmed their infection with Bd. Given the likelihood of a new outbreak of chytridiomycosis, we evaluated the possible impacts of this disease on populations of A. obstetricans within the Park by conducting field surveys during 2010 and 2011. We compared the present distribution and abundance of A. obstetricans with historical records, and quantified the present prevalence and intensity of infection by Bd. Results showed that (1) A. obstetricans disappeared from 67% of the 1 × 1 km squares where it was recorded in the past, (2) breeding is currently limited to 16% of the confirmed breeding sites in the past, and that (3) larvae are now less abundant, as well as are highly infected by Bd in the remaining sites. These effects were most pronounced at altitudes above 1200 m. Our findings suggest that an outbreak of chytridiomycosis is responsible for the rapid decline of A. obstetricans in Serra da Estrela, and we believe that urgent conservation measures are needed to prevent local extinction of the species.
Radicalizing electoral system effects on support for nationalist hardliners inSerbia
Authors: Bochsler Daniel 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper investigates electoral outcomes produced by the two‐round majority system in ethnically divided societies. Earlier studies, focused mainly on the SouthernAmerican states, have revealed that in ethnically mixed environments, competitors with radical positions on ethnic issues perform particularly well. This paper extends this idea to municipal elections inSerbia, showing how radical majority nationalist parties exhibit particularly strong performances in ethnically mixed municipalities. While this effect is also apparent under proportional representation, we argue that it is much stronger when a two‐round majority vote system is employed.
Direct evidence of nonadherence to antiepileptic medication in refractory focal epilepsy
Authors: Carpentier Nicolas , Jonas Jacques , Frismand Solène , Vignal Jean‐Pierre , Rikir Estelle , Baumann Cédric , Lapicque Françoise , Saint‐Marcoux Franck , Vespignani Hervé , Maillard Louis 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe adherence to medication in drug‐resistant focal epilepsy (RFE) remains largely unknown. The present work aimed to assess the frequency of recent adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with RFE. This prospective observational study screened all patients with RFE, admitted to the Nancy University Hospital between April 2006 and September 2008, for a 5‐day hospitalization without AED tapering. The adherence to AEDs was assessed by measuring serum drug levels on day 1 (reflecting the recent “at home” adherence) and day 5 (reflecting the individual reference concentration when drug ingestion was supervised). A patient was considered nonadherent if at least one of their serum drug levels was different between days 1 and 5. The day‐1 value was considered different from day 5 when it was at least 30% lower (underdosed) or 30% higher (overdosed). Nonadherent patients were classified as under‐consumers in the case of one or more underdosed day‐1 values, over‐consumers in the case of one or more overdosed day‐1 values, or undefined if they exhibited both underdosed and overdosed day‐1 values. Forty‐four of the 48 screened patients were included. Eighteen (40.9%) of 44 patients were nonadherent. Among them, 12 (66.7%) were over‐consumers, 4 (22.2%) were under‐consumers, and 2 (11.1%) were undefined nonadherents. The study indicates that recent adherence to antiepileptic medication in this group of patients with RFE is poor. Overconsumption is the most frequent form of nonadherence in this population and should be specifically assessed to prevent its possible consequences in terms of AEDs dose‐dependent adverse events.