bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomy of nasal complex in the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis (Cetacea, Mysticeti)
Authors: Buono Mónica R. , Fernández Marta S. , Fordyce R. Ewan , Reidenberg Joy S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe nasal region of the skull has undergone dramatic changes during the course of cetacean evolution. In particular, mysticetes (baleen whales) conserve the nasal mammalian pattern associated with the secondary function of olfaction, and lack the sound‐producing specializations present in odontocetes (toothed whales, dolphins and porpoises). To improve our understanding of the morphology of the nasal region of mysticetes, we investigate the nasal anatomy, osteology and myology of the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis, and make comparisons with other mysticetes. In E. australis external deflection surfaces around the blowholes appear to divert water off the head, and differ in appearance from those observed in balaenopterids, eschrichtiids and cetotherids. In E. australis the blowholes are placed above hypertrophied nasal soft tissues formed by fat and nasal muscles, a pattern also observed in balaenopterids (rorqual mysticetes) and a cetotherid (pygmy right whale, Caperea marginata). Blowhole movements are due to the action of five nasofacial muscles: dilator naris superficialis, dilator naris profundus, depressor alae nasi, constrictor naris, and retractor alae nasi. The dilator naris profundus found in E. australis has not been previously reported in balaenopterids. The other nasofacial muscles have a similar arrangement in balaenopterids, with minor differences. A novel structure, not reported previously in any mysticete, is the presence of a vascular tissue (rete mirabile) covering the lower nasal passage. This vascular tissue could play a role in warming inspired air, or may engorge to accommodate loss of respiratory space volume due to gas compression from increased pressure during diving.
Estimation of skull table thickness with clinical CT and validation with microCT
Authors: Lillie Elizabeth M. , Urban Jillian E. , Weaver Ashley A. , Powers Alexander K. , Stitzel Joel D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBrain injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes (MVC) are extremely common yet the details of the mechanism of injury remain to be well characterized. Skull deformation is believed to be a contributing factor to some types of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Understanding biomechanical contributors to skull deformation would provide further insight into the mechanism of head injury resulting from blunt trauma. In particular, skull thickness is thought be a very important factor governing deformation of the skull and its propensity for fracture. Current computed tomography (CT) technology is limited in its ability to accurately measure cortical thickness using standard techniques. A method to evaluate cortical thickness using cortical density measured from CT data has been developed previously. This effort validates this technique for measurement of skull table thickness in clinical head CT scans using two postmortem human specimens. Bone samples were harvested from the skulls of two cadavers and scanned with microCT to evaluate the accuracy of the estimated cortical thickness measured from clinical CT. Clinical scans were collected at 0.488 and 0.625 mm in plane resolution with 0.625 mm thickness. The overall cortical thickness error was determined to be 0.078 ± 0.58 mm for cortical samples thinner than 4 mm. It was determined that 91.3% of these differences fell within the scanner resolution. Color maps of clinical CT thickness estimations are comparable to color maps of microCT thickness measurements, indicating good quantitative agreement. These data confirm that the cortical density algorithm successfully estimates skull table thickness from clinical CT scans. The application of this technique to clinical CT scans enables evaluation of cortical thickness in population‐based studies.
Youth Walking and Biking Rates Vary by Environments Around 5 Louisiana Schools
Authors: Gustat Jeanette , Richards Katherine , Rice Janet , Andersen Lori , Parker‐Karst Kathryn , Cole Shalanda 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe prevalence of obesity in children is high, and many do not meet physical activity recommendations. The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program encourages school‐aged children to walk and bike to school. We assessed the condition of the walking/biking environment around schools in Louisiana prior to the state's first SRTS program.METHODSAssessments were made at the neighborhood level with the Pedestrian Environmental Data Scan (PEDS) instrument, and at the school and individual levels using the National SRTS Center's teacher tallies and parent surveys. PEDS scores were developed to rate conduciveness to walking/bicycling of proposed SRTS routes. Sites' scores were compared with the percentage of students who walk/bike to school. Five schools in Louisiana were evaluated.RESULTSOverall, more students walked (range: 2.4‐17.4%) than biked (range: 0.3‐4.5%) to school with more students walking home than to school. Predictors of walking/biking to school include distance from school, speed of traffic, school encouragement, and if a student asked permission. Sites with the highest PEDS score had the highest percentage of students who walked/biked to school.CONCLUSIONSThere is a role and a need for the SRTS program. The environment and other factors influence biking and walking to school.
Finding the hotspots within a biodiversity hotspot: fine‐scale biological predictions within a submarine canyon using high‐resolution acoustic mapping techniques
Authors: Robert Katleen , Jones Daniel O.B. , Tyler Paul A. , Van Rooij David , Huvenne Veerle A.I. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSubmarine canyons are complex geomorphological features that have been suggested as potential hotspots for biodiversity. However, few canyons have been mapped and studied at high resolution (tens of m). In this study, the four main branches of Whittard Canyon, Northeast Atlantic, were mapped using multibeam and sidescan sonars to examine which environmental variables were most useful in predicting regions of higher biodiversity. The acoustic maps obtained were ground truthed by 13 remotely operated vehicle (ROV) video transects at depths ranging from 650 to 4000 m. Over 100 h of video were collected, and used to identify and georeference megabenthic invertebrate species present within specific areas of the canyon. Both general additive models (GAMs) and random forest (RF) were used to build predictive maps for megafaunal abundance, species richness and biodiversity. Vertical walls had the highest diversity of organisms, particularly when colonized by cold‐water corals such as Lophelia pertusa and Solenosmilia variabilis. GAMs and RF gave different predictive maps and external assessment of predictions indicated that the most adequate technique varied based on the response variable considered. By using ensemble mapping approaches, results from more than one model were combined to identify vertical walls most likely to harbour a high biodiversity of organisms or cold‐water corals. Such vertical structures were estimated to represent less than 0.1% of the canyon's surface. The approach developed provides a cost‐effective strategy to facilitate the location of rare biological communities of conservation importance and guide further sampling efforts to help ensure that appropriate monitoring can be implemented.
The first use of Fulton's K for assessing and comparing the conditions of inter‐tidal fish populations
Authors: Barrett Chris J. , Johnson Magnus L. , Hall Nicola J. , Hull Sue L. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractFulton's K condition factor was applied, for the first time, to inter‐tidal specimens of the shanny (Lipophrys pholis) and long‐spined scorpion fish (Taurulus bubalis) from two English rocky shore and two Welsh rocky shore sites during summer 2010 and winter 2011. As both species contribute to the diet of commercial species such as cod (Gadus morhua) and near‐threatened species such as the European otter (Lutra lutra), their condition may affect that of these predators. Fulton's K found that inter‐tidal Welsh fish maintained a ‘good’ condition between seasons, whereas the inter‐tidal English fish were in a poorer condition during winter. Although condition also changed amongst the sites on each coast, further studies are needed into fish morphologies, environmental parameters, prey availabilities and abundances, and fish specimen sex and maturities.
A novel three‐component system‐based regulatory model for d‐xylose sensing and transport in Clostridium beijerinckii
Authors: Sun Zhe , Chen Yixiong , Yang Chen , Yang Sheng , Gu Yang , Jiang Weihong 
Published: December 2014

Summaryd‐Xylose is the most abundant fermentable pentose in nature and can serve as a carbon source for many bacterial species. Since d‐xylose constitutes the major component of hemicellulose, its metabolism is important for lignocellulosic biomass utilization. Here, we report a six‐protein module for d‐xylose signaling, uptake and regulation in solvent‐producing Clostridium beijerinckii. This module consists of a novel ‘three‐component system’ (a putative periplasmic ABC transporter substrate‐binding protein XylFII and a two‐component system LytS/YesN) and an ABC‐type d‐xylose transporter XylFGH. Interestingly, we demonstrate that, although XylFII harbors a transmembrane domain, it is not involved in d‐xylose transport. Instead, XylFII acts as a signal sensor to assist the response of LytS/YesN to extracellular d‐xylose, thus enabling LytS/YesN to directly activate the transcription of the adjacent xylFGH genes and thereby promote the uptake of d‐xylose. To our knowledge, XylFII is a novel single transmembrane sensor that assists two‐component system to respond to extracellular sugar molecules. Also of significance, this ‘three‐component system’ is widely distributed in Firmicutes, indicating that it may play a broad role in this bacterial phylum. The results reported here provide new insights into the regulatory mechanism of d‐xylose sensing and transport in bacteria.
Dynamics of asymmetrical hybridization in North American wood ferns: reconciling patterns of inheritance with gametophyte reproductive biology
Authors: Testo Weston L. , Watkins James E. , Barrington David S. 
Published: December 2014

Summary

Hybridization is an important evolutionary force in plants, but the mechanisms underlying it have not been well studied for many groups. In particular, the drivers of non‐random patterns of interspecific gene flow (asymmetrical hybridization) remain poorly understood, especially in the seed‐free vascular plants. Here, we examine patterns of asymmetrical hybridization in two widespread fern hybrids from eastern North America and study the role of gametophyte ecology in the determination of hybridization bias.

We characterized the maternal parentage of > 140 hybrid sporophytes by sequencing a c. 350‐bp region of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA). To identify factors contributing to patterns of asymmetrical hybridization, we cultured gametophytes of the parental species and evaluated critical aspects of their reproductive biology.

We found that asymmetrical hybridization was prevalent across the populations of both hybrids. Reproductive traits varied across species and suggest that selfing potential, antheridiogen responsiveness, sperm dispersal capacity and gamete size all contribute to the mediation of the direction of hybridization in this group.

Our findings suggest that asymmetrical hybridization in ferns is driven by an array of reproductive traits. This study helps to sharpen and define a mechanistic understanding of patterns of hybridization in this group and demonstrates the importance of considering gametophyte biology when studying evolutionary processes in ferns.
Altered cell wall properties are responsible for ammonium‐reduced aluminium accumulation in rice roots
Authors: WANG WEI , ZHAO XUE QIANG , CHEN RONG FU , DONG XIAO YING , LAN PING , MA JIAN FENG , SHEN REN FANG 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe phytotoxicity of aluminium (Al) ions can be alleviated by ammonium (NH4+) in rice and this effect has been attributed to the decreased Al accumulation in the roots. Here, the effects of different nitrogen forms on cell wall properties were compared in two rice cultivars differing in Al tolerance. An in vitro Al‐binding assay revealed that neither NH4+ nor NO3− altered the Al‐binding capacity of cell walls, which were extracted from plants not previously exposed to N sources. However, cell walls extracted from NH4+‐supplied roots displayed lower Al‐binding capacity than those from NO3−‐supplied roots when grown in non‐buffered solutions. Fourier‐transform infrared microspectroscopy analysis revealed that, compared with NO3−‐supplied roots, NH4+‐supplied roots possessed fewer Al‐binding groups (‐OH and COO‐) and lower contents of pectin and hemicellulose. However, when grown in pH‐buffered solutions, these differences in the cell wall properties were not observed. Further analysis showed that the Al‐binding capacity and properties of cell walls were also altered by pHs alone. Taken together, our results indicate that the NH4+‐reduced Al accumulation was attributed to the altered cell wall properties triggered by pH decrease due to NH4+ uptake rather than direct competition for the cell wall binding sites between Al3+ and NH4+.
Evaluation of two glucose meters and interference corrections for screening neonatal hypoglycemia
Authors: Wada Yuka , Nakamura Tomoo , Kaneshige Masao , Takahashi Shigehiro , Fujinaga Hideshi , Tsukamoto Keiko , Ito Yushi , Sago Haruhiko 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundMany neonatal intensive care and maternal units still use self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) devices as a tool to aid diagnosis despite the introduction of point‐of‐care testing (POCT) devices, which are known to have higher accuracy. We evaluated the performance of two glucose meters, the StatStrip (Nova Biomedical), a POCT device, and the Medisafe Mini (Terumo), an SMBG device, to detect hypoglycemia in neonates. In addition, we evaluated the interference of hematocrit, acetaminophen and ascorbic acid.MethodsWhole blood samples were drawn from neonates who were at risk of hypoglycemia and analyzed with the StatStrip and Medisafe Mini. The results were further confirmed with blood gas analyzers ABL825 and BM6050. To evaluate the interference of hematocrit, acetaminophen and ascorbic acid, concentrated solutions of glucose and interfering substances were gravimetrically prepared and analyzed.ResultsAmong the 222 blood samples analyzed, results from the StatStrip were more closely aligned to those of the ABL825 at all levels of glucose than the Medisafe Mini.ConclusionStatStrip appears to be unaffected by hematocrit, ascorbic acid or acetaminophen. We recommend its use in neonates in hospital. Further studies are required to identify other interference effects.
Food intolerance and mucosal inflammation
Authors: Ohtsuka Yoshikazu 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMost infants are immunologically active and are able to develop a tolerance to oligoclonal antigens by producing IgA, along with activation of regulatory T cells, in early infancy. Cytokines and their signaling molecules are important mediators in the intestine, regulating both oral tolerance and mucosal inflammation. This system works efficiently in most individuals, but for an as yet undefined reason, some people react to food and other proteins as though they were pathogens, with induction of chronic inflammation in the mucosa. The adverse reaction caused by ingested foods is defined as food intolerance. The clinical features of food intolerance include vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stool, eczema, failure to thrive, and a protean range of other symptoms. Intolerance can be divided into two categories depending on whether or not they are immunologically mediated. Food intolerance and mucosal inflammation are deeply related because tolerance cannot be established when there is an inflammation in the intestinal mucosa. Mast cells, eosinophils, mucosal lymphocytes, and epithelial cells are deeply involved and related to each other in the development of mucosal inflammation. Meanwhile, rectal bleeding in infancy is related to lymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophil infiltration into the colonic mucosa facilitated by C‐C motif ligand 11 (CCL11, known as eotaxin‐1) and C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13). Rectal bleeding in infancy may not be simply caused by allergic reactions against specific antigens, but may be due to migrated lymphocytes developing immunological tolerance; including IgA synthesizing, in the intestinal mucosa.
The use of a Berlin Heart EXCOR LVAD in a child receiving chemotherapy for Castleman's disease
Authors: Thomas Tamara O. , Chandrakasan Shanmuganathan , O'Brien Maureen , Jefferies John L. , Ryan Thomas D. , Wilmot Ivan , Baker Michael L. , Madueme Peace C. , Morales David , Lorts Angela 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe present the unique case of a pediatric patient who received chemotherapy for a diagnosis of CD, while mechanically supported with a Berlin EXCOR LVAD secondary to restrictive cardiomyopathy. A four‐yr‐old previously healthy male with restrictive cardiomyopathy required MCS after cardiac arrest but was diagnosed with multicentric CD, a non‐malignant lymphoproliferative disorder fueled by excessive IL‐6 production. Treatment with IL‐6 blockade (tocilizumab) every two wk and methylprednisolone had no effect on his lymph nodes or cardiac function while on temporary RotaFlow. A Berlin LVAD was placed for treatment with rituximab, COP, vincristine, and methylprednisolone. After three courses of chemotherapy, his inflammatory markers normalized and his lymphadenopathy decreased but cardiac function remained severely depressed. He tolerated chemotherapy on the Berlin but required frequent titrations of his anti‐coagulation regimen and he did suffer a hemorrhagic stroke. His clinical status improved significantly with rehabilitation, and he tolerated heart transplantation without further complications. MCS is a feasible option as a bridge to recovery or heart transplant eligibility for patients with hemodynamic collapse requiring chemotherapy but it does necessitate close titration of the anti‐coagulation regimen to coincide with changes in the inflammatory state.
Widening horizons through alternative and augmentative communication systems for managing children with special health care needs in a pediatric dental setup
Authors: Grewal Navneet , Sethi Tanvi , Grewal Sukrit 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTPurposeThis study compared and evaluated the efficacy of conventional low‐tech and improvised high‐tech alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) software in behavior management in the dental environment and oral hygiene activities performance of children with special health care needs as well as improving their communication skills with the dentist and caretakers.MethodsA total of 60 institutionalized children with special health care needs were divided into two groups of 30 each to be exposed to low‐tech AAC and high‐tech AAC systems (special smiles for special children material). Assessment of knowledge as well as behavior modification achieved before and after training was carried out on the basis of pretested proformas formatted through various peer reviewed articles.Results and ConclusionRapid and enhanced assimilation of knowledge was observed in group 2 exposed to high‐tech AAC improvised software after intergroup comparison of total scores at baseline, first, second, third, sixth, and ninth month of training. Oral hygiene performance was compared using PHP (Patient Hygiene Performance) index and after training results revealed highly significant change in both groups. The subjects benefitted immensely from the programme as group 1 and group 2 children demonstrated good behavior after training compared to none at baseline. On the whole, this programme had a positive motivational impact.
Green Dialysis: The Environmental Challenges Ahead
Authors: Agar John W. M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe US Environmental Protection Agency Resource Conservation website begins: “Natural resource and energy conservation is achieved by managing materials more efficiently—reduce, reuse, recycle,” yet healthcare agencies have been slow to heed and practice this simple message. In dialysis practice, notable for a recurrent, per capita resource consumption and waste generation profile second to none in healthcare, efforts to: (1) minimize water use and wastage; (2) consider strategies to reduce power consumption and/or use alternative power options; (3) develop optimal waste management and reusable material recycling programs; (4) design smart buildings that work with and for their environment; (5) establish research programs that explore environmental practice; all have been largely ignored by mainstream nephrology. Some countries are doing far better than others. In the United Kingdom and some European jurisdictions, exceptional recent progress has been made to develop, adopt, and coordinate eco‐practice within dialysis programs. These programs set an example for others to follow. Elsewhere, progress has been piecemeal, at best. This review explores the current extent of “green” or eco‐dialysis practices. While noting where progress has been made, it also suggests potential new research avenues to develop and follow. One thing seems certain: as global efforts to combat climate change and carbon generation accelerate, the environmental impact of dialysis practice will come under increasing regulatory focus. It is far preferable for the sector to take proactive steps, rather than to await the heavy hand of government or administration to force reluctant and costly compliance on the un‐prepared.
Alloimmunization in sickle cell disease: changing antibody specificities and association with chronic pain and decreased survival
Authors: Telen Marilyn J. , Afenyi‐Annan Araba , Garrett Melanie E. , Combs Martha R. , Orringer Eugene P. , Ashley‐Koch Allison E. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundAlloimmunization remains a significant complication of transfusion and has been associated with multiple factors, including inflammation, an important pathophysiologic mechanism in sickle cell disease (SCD). We explored whether alloimmunization is associated with disease severity in SCD.Study Design and MethodsAdult SCD patients were enrolled in a study of outcome‐modifying genes in SCD. Historical records of patients with SCD at two participating institutions were reviewed for data on antigen phenotype and alloimmunization. Differences in demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings; end‐organ damage; and overall disease severity were then compared between alloimmunized and nonalloimmunized patients.ResultsOf 319 patients, 87 (27%) were alloimmunized. Alloantibody specificities differed from those previously described, especially due to the significantly higher frequency of anti‐S. Although alloimmunization was not associated with frequency of vasoocclusive episodes, a higher percentage of alloimmunized patients had chronic pain, as defined by daily use of short‐acting narcotics (p = 0.006), long‐acting narcotics (p = 0.013), or both (p = 0.03). Additionally, alloimmunized patients had poorer survival (hazard ratio, 1.92; p = 0.01) and were more likely to have avascular necrosis (p = 0.024), end‐organ damage (p = 0.049), and red blood cell autoantibodies (p < 0.001), even after controlling for the effects of age, sex, and hemoglobin diagnosis. Alloimmunization was not associated with other SCD‐related complications, such as acute chest syndrome or stroke.ConclusionAlloimmunization in SCD may be associated with chronic pain, risk of end‐organ damage, and shorter survival. These novel findings suggest new directions for the investigation of immune response–mediated pathways common to alloimmunization and chronic pain.