bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects on upper airway collapsibility of presence of a pharyngeal catheter
Authors: Maddison Kathleen J. , Shepherd Kelly L. , Baker Vanessa A. , Lawther Bradley , Platt Peter , Hillman David R. , Eastwood Peter R. , Walsh Jennifer H. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryCatheters that traverse the pharynx are often in place during clinical or research evaluations of upper airway function. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of such catheters affects measures of upper airway collapsibility itself. To do so, pharyngeal critical closing pressure (Pcrit) and resistance upstream of the site of collapse Rus) were assessed in 24 propofol‐anaesthetized subjects (14 men) with and without a multi‐sensor oesophageal catheter (external diameter 2.7 mm) in place. Anaesthetic depth and posture were maintained constant throughout each study. Six subjects had polysomnography(PSG)‐defined obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and 18 either did not have or were at low risk of OSA. Airway patency was maintained with positive airway pressure. At intervals, pressure was reduced by varying amounts to induce varying degrees of inspiratory flow limitation. The slope of the pressure flow relationship for flow‐limited breaths defined Rus. Pcrit was similar with the catheter in and out (−1.5 ± 5.4 cmH2O and −2.1 ± 5.6 cmH2O, respectively, P = 0.14, n = 24). This remained the case both for those with PSG‐defined OSA (3.9 ± 2.2 cmH2O and 2.6 ± 1.4 cmH2O, n = 6) and those at low risk/without OSA (−3.3 ± 4.9 cmH2O and ‐3.7 ± 5.6 cmH2O, respectively, n = 18). Rus was similar with the catheter in and out (20.0 ± 12.3 cmH2O mL−1 s−1 and 16.8 ± 10.1 cmH2O mL−1 s−1, P = 0.22, n = 24). In conclusion, the presence of a small catheter traversing the pharynx had no significant effect on upper airway collapsibility in these anaesthestized subjects, providing reassurance that such measures can be made reliably in their presence.
A simple example of an indirect estimator with discontinuous limit theory in the MA(1) model
Authors: Arvanitis Stelios 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYIndirect estimators usually emerge from two‐step optimization procedures. Each step in such a procedure may induce complexities in the asymptotic theory of the estimator. In this note, we are occupied with a simple example in which the estimator defined by the inversion of the binding function has a ‘discontinuous’ limit theory even in cases where the auxiliary one does not. This example lives in the framework of estimation of the MA (1) parameter. The ‘discontinuities’ involve the dependence of the rate of convergence on the parameter, the non‐continuity of the limit distribution w.r.t. the parameter and the estimator's non‐regularity. We are also occupied with a more complex example where the discontinuities occur because of complexities induced in any step of the defining procedure. We present some Monte Carlo evidence on the quality of the approximations from the limit distributions. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Publishing Ltd
Imbalance of von Willebrand factor and its cleaving protease ADAMTS13 during systemic inflammation superimposed on advanced cirrhosis
Authors: Reuken Philipp A. , Kussmann Anna , Kiehntopf Michael , Budde Ulrich , Stallmach Andreas , Claus Ralf A. , Bruns Tony 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsSystemic inflammation in advanced cirrhosis represents a spectrum ranging from subclinical pathological bacterial translocation and immune activation to overt bacterial infection and sepsis. We hypothesized that systemic inflammation in cirrhosis is accompanied by a failure of ADAMTS13 to control the prothrombotic function of von Willebrand factor (VWF), which is increased in portal hypertension and hepatic fibrosis.MethodsPatients with Child A cirrhosis (n = 25), Child B/C cirrhosis without clinical features of systemic inflammation (n = 31), and Child B/C cirrhosis with overt bacterial infections or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (n = 24) were analysed for ADAMTS13 and associated parameters and were followed to determine transplant‐free survival.ResultsPlasma concentration and activity of ADAMTS13 were decreased in patients with systemic inflammation. Furthermore, ADAMTS13 inversely correlated with the extent of bacterial translocation and the severity of acute‐phase reaction. As a function of reduced ADAMTS13 activity and increased VWF antigen, plasma from patients with superimposed inflammation strongly aggregated the platelet receptor glycoprotein Ib in presence of ristocetin. VWF:RCo correlated with higher concentrations of leucocytes and lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein, organ dysfunction, augmented turnover of cross‐linked intravascular fibrin, and the occurrence of acute kidney injury during follow‐up. VWF:RCo of 390% or more predicted transplant‐free survival in univariate analysis [HR = 8.24 (3.30–20.54)] and after adjustment for MELD [HR = 3.58 (1.30–9.88)]. However, adverse outcome was not associated with the accumulation of high‐molecular weight VWF multimers.ConclusionsSystemic inflammation complicating advanced cirrhosis is accompanied by reduced activity of ADAMTS13 promoting a prothrombotic function of VWF, which can be employed to predict clinical outcome.
The interplay of sediment characteristics, depth, water temperature, and ocean currents shaping the biogeography of lancelets (Subphylum Cephalochordata) in the NW Pacific waters
Authors: Lin Hsiu‐Chin , Chen Jen‐Ping , Chan Benny K K , Shao Kwang‐Tsao 
Published: August 2014

AbstractLancelets (or amphioxus) are often found within the soft bottom of shallow tropical and temperate seas. The present study is the first to provide a fine‐scale biogeography of five species of lancelets (Asymmetron lucayanum, Branchiostoma belcheri, Branchiostoma japonicum, Epigonichthys cultellus, and Epigonichthys maldivensis) in the NW Pacific and examine the effects of multiple environmental parameters. From multivariate analyses, the distribution and abundance patterns of lancelets were explained by a combination of factors comprising depth, temperature of the collecting month, mean temperature of the coldest month in the year, medium particle size and silt/clay ratio of the sediments. In addition, ocean currents also affect their distribution range. The major occurrence of A. lucayanum and E. maldivensis was associated with the warm Kuroshio current, but E. maldivensis exhibited higher tolerance to low salinity and low temperature, and preferred substrata of slightly larger grain size, a lower ratio of suspended sediments, and deeper water. The closely related B. belcheri and B. japonicum exhibited fine‐scale habitat differentiation, and B. japonicum was abundant along the southern coast of China, where the salinity is lower in winter because of the China Coastal Current and the substratum is composed of very coarse sand with suspended sediments. Branchiostoma belcheri occurred in low abundance and was only recorded in Northern Taiwan and the Taiwan Banks. Epigonichthys cultellus was found only at the Taiwan Banks, which had deep water, coarse sand, and a negligible amount of suspended sediments.
Mating system and environmental variation drive patterns of adaptation in Boechera spatifolia (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Lovell John T. , Grogan Kelsi , Sharbel Timothy F. , McKay John K. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractDetermining the relative contribution of population genetic processes to the distribution of natural variation is a major goal of evolutionary biology. Here, we take advantage of variation in mating system to test the hypothesis that local adaptation is constrained by asexual reproduction. We explored patterns of variation in ecological traits and genome‐wide molecular markers in Boechera spatifolia (Brassicaceae), a species that contains both apomictic (asexual) and sexual individuals. Using a combination of quantitative genetics, neutral genetic (SSR) and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism, we assessed the hypothesis that asexual lineages should have reduced signatures of adaptation relative to sexual conspecifics. All three measures (traits, SSRs, SNPs) demonstrated that apomicts are genetically distinct from sexuals, regardless of population location. Additionally, phylogenetic clustering revealed that the apomictic group shared a single common ancestor. Across the landscape, sexual genome‐wide SNP variation was strongly associated with latitude (r2 > 0.9), indicating that sexual populations have differentiated across an environmental gradient. Furthermore, flowering time and growth rate, as assessed in a common garden, strongly covary with the elevation and latitude of the source population. Despite a wide geographic distribution that largely overlaps with sexual populations, there was little evidence for differentiation in molecular markers or quantitative characters among apomictic populations. Combined, these data indicated that, in contrast to asexual populations, sexual populations show evidence of local adaptation.
Sexual selection in true fruit flies (Diptera:Tephritidae): transcriptome and experimental evidences for phytochemicals increasing male competitive ability
Authors: Kumaran Nagalingam , Prentis Peter J. , Mangalam Kalimuthu P. , Schutze Mark K. , Clarke Anthony R. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn male tephritid fruit flies of the genusBactrocera, feeding on secondary plant compounds (sensu latomale lures = methyl eugenol, raspberry ketone and zingerone) increases male mating success. Ingested male lures alter the male pheromonal blend, normally making it more attractive to females and this is considered the primary mechanism for the enhanced mating success. However, the male lures raspberry ketone and zingerone are known, across a diverse range of other organisms, to be involved in increasing energy metabolism. If this also occurs inBactrocera, then this may represent an additional benefit to males as courtship is metabolically expensive and lure feeding may increase a fly's short‐term energy. We tested this hypothesis by performing comparativeRNA‐seq analysis between zingerone‐fed and unfed males ofBactrocera tryoni. We also carried out behavioural assays with zingerone‐ and cuelure‐fed males to test whether they became more active.RNA‐seq analysis revealed, in zingerone‐fed flies, up‐regulation of 3183 genes with homologues transcripts to those known to regulate intermale aggression, pheromone synthesis, mating and accessory gland proteins, along with significant enrichment of several energy metabolic pathways and gene ontology terms. Behavioural assays show significant increases in locomotor activity, weight reduction and successful mating after mounting; all direct/indirect measures of increased activity. These results suggest that feeding on lures leads to complex physiological changes, which result in more competitive males. These results do not negate the pheromone effect, but do strongly suggest that the phytochemical‐induced sexual selection is governed by both female preference and male competitive mechanisms.
The prevalence of keratoconus in a young population in Mashhad, Iran
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Yazdani Negareh , Ostadimoghaddam Hadi , Norouzirad Reza , Amanzadeh Kazem , Miraftab Mohammad , Derakhshan Akbar , Yekta AbbasAli 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurposeTo determine the prevalence of keratoconus and some associated factors in the students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran.MethodIn this cross sectional study, multistage cluster sampling was used to select the participants. All participants underwent retinoscopy, slit lamp examination, topography with the TMS‐4 and corneal assessment with the Orbscan II. The diagnosis of keratoconus was based on both clinical evidence and the results of corneal imaging.ResultsOf 1280 selected students, 1073 agreed to participate in the study, and of those who agreed, 1027 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 42.5% of the study population was male with a mean age of 26.1 ± 2.3 years. The prevalence of keratoconus was 2.5% (n = 26) (95% confidence interval, CI 1.6–3.5). Eighteen students (69%) had bilateral keratoconus. Imaging of the cornea revealed that 70% of the keratoconics had nipple cones and the remaining had asymmetric bow‐tie patterns. The prevalence of keratoconus was not significantly associated with age or gender (p > 0.05). In a multiple logistic regression model, family history (OR = 11.4, 95% CI: 2.5–51.3) and eye rubbing (OR = 6.3, 95% CI: 1.6–24.3) were significantly correlated with keratoconus.ConclusionsThese results taken together with recent studies in the area suggest that keratoconus may have a higher prevalence in the Middle East and Asia than in Western Countries.
Identification and validation of an over‐dominant QTL controlling soybean seed weight using populations derived from Glycine max × Glycine soja
Authors: Yan Long , Li Ying‐Hui , Yang Chun‐Yan , Ren Shu‐Xin , Chang Ru‐Zhen , Zhang Meng‐Chen , Qiu Li‐Juan 
Published: August 2014

AbstractHeterosis, or hybrid vigour, has been used to improve seed yield in several important crops for decades and it has potential applications in soybean. The discovery of over‐dominant quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying yield‐related traits, such as seed weight, will facilitate hybrid soybean breeding via marker‐assisted selection. In this study, F2 and F2 : 3 populations derived from the crosses of ‘Jidou 12’ (Glycine max) × ‘ZYD2738’ (Glycine soja) and ‘Jidou 9’ (G. max) × ‘ZYD2738’ were used to identify over‐dominant QTL associated with seed weight. A total of seven QTL were identified. Among them, qSWT_13_1, mapped on chromosome 13 and linked with Satt114, showed an over‐dominant effect in two populations for two successive generations. This over‐dominant effect was further examined by six subpopulations derived from ‘Jidou12’ × ‘ZYD2738’. The seed weight for heterozygous individuals was 1.1‐ to 1.6‐fold higher than that of homozygous individuals among the six validation populations examined in different locations and years. Therefore, qSWT_13_1 may be a useful locus to improve the yield of hybrid soybean and to understand the molecular mechanism of heterosis in soybean.
Altered Expression of 3β‐HSD, CYP17 and 17β‐HSD in the Foetal Porcine Gonads in Response to Anti‐androgen Flutamide Exposure
Authors: Knapczyk‐Stwora K , Grzesiak M , Slomczynska M 
Published: August 2014

ContentsWe investigated whether the limited access to androgens during late prenatal period alters expression of steroidogenic enzymes involved in androgen production: 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5‐Δ4 isomerase (3β‐HSD), cytochrome P450 17α‐hydroxylase/17,20‐lyase (CYP17) and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β‐HSD1) or type 3 (17β‐HSD3) in the foetal porcine gonads. Pregnant gilts were injected with anti‐androgen flutamide (for seven days, 50 mg/day/kg bw) or corn oil (control) starting at 83 (GD90) or 101 (GD108) gestational day. To assess 3β‐HSD, CYP17 and 17β‐HSD1 or 17β‐HSD3 expression, real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed. In testes from flutamide‐treated foetuses, increased 3β‐HSD and CYP17 mRNA expression was observed in the GD90 group, while decreased 3β‐HSD and 17β‐HSD3 mRNA expression and increased CYP17 mRNA expression were found in the GD108 group. CYP17 and 17β‐HSD3 were localized in Leydig cells. Following flutamide administration, the intensity of CYP17 immunostaining was higher in both treated groups, while 17β‐HSD3 intensity was lower in the GD108 group. In ovaries from flutamide‐treated foetuses in the GD90 group, mRNA level for 3β‐HSD was elevated, but it was diminished for CYP17 and 17β‐HSD1. In the GD108 group, flutamide treatment led to lower mRNA level for 3β‐HSD but higher for CYP17. 3β‐HSD was found in granulosa cells, while CYP17 was localized within egg nests and oocytes of forming follicles. Following flutamide treatment, the intensity of 3β‐HSD and CYP17 immunostaining was higher in the GD90 and GD108 groups, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining for 3β‐HSD was restricted to the ovary. Concluding, diminished androgen action in the porcine foetal gonads during late gestation induces changes in steroidogenic enzymes expression, which may led to changes in gonadal function. However, it seems that androgens exert diverse biological effects depending on the gestational period.
Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in Fresh and Frozen Semen from Rams in Brazil
Authors: Bezerra MJG , Cruz JALO , Kung ES , Albuquerque PPF , Kim PCP , Moraes EPBX , Pinheiro Júnior JW , Mota RA 
Published: August 2014

ContentsThe aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of genomic DNA of Toxoplasma gondii in semen samples from commercial rams in artificial insemination centres in Brazil, as well as in fresh semen from rams in the northeast of Brazil. In total, 108 semen samples were obtained from artificial insemination centres, and genomic DNA of T. gondii was detected in 24 of 108 (22.2%). The prevalence of antibodies anti‐Toxoplasma gondii among sheep on rural properties was 9.2% (10/109), and 100% of the semen samples of these animals were positive in the PCR for T. gondii DNA. The molecular identity was confirmed through sequencing, which indicated 99.9% similarity with the T. gondii DNA sequences stored in the GenBank. This study reports the first occurrence of T. gondii DNA in the semen of rams, which came from artificial insemination centres in Brazil, as well as the occurrence of T. gondii DNA in the fresh semen of naturally infected rams in the northeast of Brazil.
Protein Localization of Epidermal Growth Factor in Sheep Ovaries and Improvement of Follicle Survival and Antrum Formation In Vitro
Authors: Santos LP , Barros VRP , Cavalcante AYP , Menezes VG , Macedo TJS , Santos JMS , Araújo VR , Queiroz MAA , Matos MHT 
Published: August 2014

ContentsThe aims of this study were to characterize EGF protein expression in ovine ovaries and to verify the effect of EGF on the in vitro development of isolated pre‐antral follicles. After collection, ovarian tissue was fixed for immunohistochemical analysis. Additional pairs of ovaries were collected, and secondary follicles were cultured for 18 days in α‐MEM+ (control) alone or supplemented with EGF (1, 10 or 50 ng/ml). The immunostaining for EGF was observed in oocytes from pre‐antral and antral follicles, in granulosa cells of primary and secondary follicles, as well as in cumulus and mural cells of antral follicles. After 18 days, the results showed that treatment with 50 ng/ml EGF significantly increased the percentage of morphologically normal follicles compared with the control group (α‐MEM+) and significantly reduced the precocious extrusion of oocytes and increased the percentage of antral follicles compared with the control and 1 ng/ml EGF. All the treatments induced a progressive and significant increase of the follicular diameter throughout the period of culture. However, there were no significant differences in follicular diameter or in the daily growth rate among treatments. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the presence of EGF in ovine ovaries. Moreover, 50 ng/ml EGF increased the percentage of normal follicles and improved antrum formation in isolated ovine follicles after 18 days of in vitro culture.
Study Design in Causal Models
Authors: Karvanen Juha 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe causal assumptions, the study design and the data are the elements required for scientific inference in empirical research. The research is adequately communicated only if all of these elements and their relations are described precisely. Causal models with design describe the study design and the missing‐data mechanism together with the causal structure and allow the direct application of causal calculus in the estimation of the causal effects. The flow of the study is visualized by ordering the nodes of the causal diagram in two dimensions by their causal order and the time of the observation. Conclusions on whether a causal or observational relationship can be estimated from the collected incomplete data can be made directly from the graph. Causal models with design offer a systematic and unifying view to scientific inference and increase the clarity and speed of communication. Examples on the causal models for a case–control study, a nested case–control study, a clinical trial and a two‐stage case–cohort study are presented.
Assessing the Completeness of Bicycle Trail and Lane Features in OpenStreetMap for the United States
Authors: Hochmair Hartwig H. , Zielstra Dennis , Neis Pascal 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article assesses the completeness of bicycle trail and on‐street lane features in OpenStreetMap (OSM). Comparing OSM cycling features with reference data from local planning agencies for selected US Urbanized Areas shows that OSM bicycle trails tend to be more completely mapped than bicycle lanes. Manual evaluation of mapped cycling features in OSM and Google Maps for selected test areas within the Central Business Districts of Portland (OR) and Miami (FL) through comparison with governmental datasets, satellite imagery, and Google Street View, shows that the Bicycle layer in Google Maps can help to identify some missing or erroneously mapped OSM cycling links. However, Google Maps was also found to have some gaps in its data layers, suggesting that consultation of current trail and lane data from local planning authorities, if available, should be considered as an additional data source for bicycle related planning projects.
A Meta‐Analysis on the Return on Investment of Geospatial Data and Systems: A Multi‐Country Perspective
Authors: Trapp Natalie , Schneider Uwe A. , McCallum Ian , Fritz Steffen , Schill Christian , Borzacchiello Maria Teresa , Heumesser Christine , Craglia Max 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe availability, quality and accessibility of Geographic Information (GI) have significant socio‐economic and environmental benefits, but the collection and maintenance of GI require substantial investments. Cost‐benefit assessments (CBAs) attempt to justify the costs of geospatial data investments, applying different methodologies and focusing on diverse areas. Therefore, the Returns on Investment (ROI) vary considerably across studies, regions and sectors. The objective of this study is to explain some of the variation in the average ROI of GI by conducting a meta‐analysis of 82 cost‐benefit assessments between 1994 and 2013. In a first step, CBAs are systematically reviewed and relevant information is extracted. Particular emphasis is given to investment conditions and study characteristics. In a second step, multivariate regression methods are used to assess the size, significance and direction of individual effects. The results suggest that regional factors have the largest impact on the profitability of GI. Returns in Australia and New Zealand, for example, are four times larger than in Europe. In addition, small‐scale regional investments have a 2.5 times lower return than large‐scale international investments. Overall, the expected benefits of GI investments are approximately 3.2 times larger than the costs.