bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein E genotype‐specific short‐term cognitive benefits of treatment with the antihypertensive nilvadipine in Alzheimer's patients—an open‐label trial
Authors: Kennelly Sean , Abdullah Laila , Kenny Rose Anne , Mathura Venkat , Luis Cheryl A. , Mouzon Benoit , Crawford Fiona , Mullan Michael , Lawlor Brian 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundEvidence suggests that dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers may be useful in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease (AD).ObjectiveIn an open‐label trial of safety and tolerability of nilvadipine in patients with AD, we examined cognition and executive function over a short time period to determine an influence of nilvadipine on these outcomes.MethodWe investigated change in cognition using the Mini mental state examination and in executive function using the EXIT25 in 55 patients with AD who received nilvadipine 8 mg daily for 6 weeks compared with 30 non‐treated subjects with AD. Apolipoprotein E genotyping was performed, and the study team and caregivers were kept blinded to APOE ε4 status during the trial.ResultsAside from differences in gender and education, both the treatment and the control groups were similar in general demographics and on baseline cognition status. After correction for potential confounders, APOE ε4 status, and use of other antihypertensive medications, a significant impact of study intervention was observed on MMSE (F = 8.67, p < 0.01) and EXIT (F = 8.77, p < 0.03) scores. An interaction between APOE ε4 carrier status and treatment (p ≤ 0.05) was observed for both outcome measures.ConclusionIn this open‐label trial, among APOE ε4 non‐carriers, we observed stabilization of cognition and improvement in executive function among treated individuals compared with non‐treated individuals. Among APOE ε4 carriers, cognitive stabilization was evident for treated individuals whereas a cognitive decline was observed in non‐treated individuals. These findings provide additional evidence for potential therapeutic efficacy of nilvadipine in treating AD and warrant further investigation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Team error analysis in a digitalized control room by using a novel crew reliability model
Authors: Yang Chih‐Wei , Yenn Tzu‐Chung , Lin Chiuhsiang Joe 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis study is designed to develop a crew reliability model (CRM) for analyzing human errors in a digitalized control room. Human–system interfaces (HSIs) in the main control room (MCR) recently have changed most significantly with the digitalization of HSIs. Ensuring the safe operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs) is an important driver of these changes. Probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) is one of the most common methods to respond to these changes. Analysis of the system, structure and components, as well as that of humans, is equally important in the PRA. PRA uses human reliability analysis (HRA) to assess human risk. HRA tools can be classified into first and second generations. However, neither of these generations emphasizes the investigation of crew tasks. This study thus further explores teamwork concepts in the HRA method. This study developed a crew reliability model. Finally, this study implemented an example of the digitalized MCR to describe the CRM procedures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In situ follicular lymphoma: pathologic characteristics and diagnostic features
Authors: Carbone Antonino , Gloghini Annunziata , Santoro Armando 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe diagnosis of in situ follicular lymphoma (FL) is feasible when immunohistochemical characterization is carried out and genetic abnormalities are assessed. We usually use a selected diagnostic panel of antibodies (CD10, CD20, CD23, BCL2, BCL6, and Ki67) in lymph nodes with follicular hyperplasia only when we analyze an unexplained lymphadenopathy. Molecular studies, for example, fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for t(14;18), are restricted to doubtful cases in which immunohistochemistry data are ambiguous. Immunohistochemically, the involved follicles show strongly positive staining for BCL2 and CD10. The BCL2+ cells are confined only to germinal centers and are not seen in the interfollicular region or elsewhere in the lymph node. The BCL2 staining in the abnormal follicles is notable for its high‐level and uniform intensity. In situ FL may be associated with overt FL or with lymphomas other than FL or with other malignancies. The crucial point relies on distinguishing in situ FL arising in asymptomatic patients from cases with presence of lymphoma at the same or other sites. Other open questions remain on the frequency with which in situ FLs occur and the frequency of concomitant systemic disease. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cucurbituril: At the Interface of Small Molecule Host–Guest Chemistry and Dynamic Aggregates
Authors: Das Debapratim , Scherman Oren A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe remarkable guest binding behavior of the synthetic receptors, cucurbit[n]uril, has gained tremendous attention over the past few decades. The stronger and more selective encapsulation of small guests has opened up the possibility to develop multi‐component, dynamic yet controlled supramolecular aggregated architectures for a wide variety of applications. Isolation of larger homologues and derivatives have expanded the scope further, and interest has grown exponentially. Applications of these unique synthetic receptors presently range from polymeric smart materials and wet nanotechnology to sensing and protein conjugation. This review highlights such examples from recent literature on the development of new dynamic supramolecular aggregates and composites using cucurbituril host–guest chemistry.
Surface functionalization of poly(ε‐caprolactone) improves its biocompatibility as scaffold material for bioartificial vessel prostheses
Authors: Wulf Katharina , Teske Michael , Löbler Marian , Luderer Frank , Schmitz Klaus‐Peter , Sternberg Katrin 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWithin this study, chemically modified polymer surfaces were to be developed, which should enhance the subsequent immobilization of various bioactive substances. To improve the hemocompatibility and endothelialization of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) intended as scaffold material for bioartificial vessel prostheses, terminal amino groups via ammonia (NH3) plasma, oxygen (O2) plasma/aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI)/water were provided. Then, immobilization of the anti‐inflammatory and antithrombogenic model drug acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were performed by employingN,N‐disuccinimidyl carbonate (DSC) as crosslinker. Contact angle and fluorescence measurements, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy confirmed the surface modification. Here the highest functionalization was observed for the O2plasma/APTES modification. Furthermore, biocompatibility studies demonstrated that the surface reactions have no negative influence, neither on the viability of L929 mouse fibroblasts, nor on primary or secondary hemostasis. Release studies showed that the immobilization of ASA and VEGF on the modified PCL surface via DSC is greatly improved compared to the adsorption‐only reference. The advantage of DSC is that it immobilizes both bioactive substances via non‐hydrolyzable and/or hydrolyzable covalent bonding. The highest ASA loading and cumulative release was detected using NH3plasma‐activated PCL samples. For VEGF, the O2plasma/APTES‐modified PCL samples were most efficient with regard to loading and cumulative release. In conclusion, both modifications are promising methods to optimize PCL as scaffold material for bioartificial vessel prostheses. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Long‐term animal implantation study of biotube‐autologous small‐caliber vascular graft fabricated by in‐body tissue architecture
Authors: Watanabe Taiji , Kanda Keiichi , Yamanami Masashi , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue , Yaku Hitoshi , Nakayama Yasuhide 
Published: May 2011

AbstractA mold for the preparation of an in‐body tissue architecture‐induced autologous vascular graft, termed “biotube,” was prepared by covering a main silicone rod (outer diameter, 3 mm; length, 30 mm) with two pieces of polyurethane sponge tubes (internal diameter, 3 mm; length, 3 mm) at both ends. The molds were embedded into the dorsal subcutaneous pouch of rabbits (weighing ca. 2 kg) for 2 months. After harvesting the rods with the formed surrounding tissues, the rods were removed to create biotubes impregnated with anastomotic reinforcement cuffs at both ends. The biotubes had homogeneous, thin connective tissue wall (thickness, 76 ± 37 μm) that was primarily composed of collagen and fibroblasts. One biotube was loaded with argatroban and autoimplanted in the carotid artery for 26 months. Neither antiplatelet nor anticoagulant agents were administered, except for an intraoperative heparin injection. Follow‐up angiography showed no aneurysm formation, rupturing, or stenosis during implantation. At the end of implantation, the wall thickness of biotube (212 ± 24 μm at the anastomosis portion and 150 ± 14 μm at the midportion) was similar to that of native artery (189 ± 23 μm). The luminal surface was completely covered with endothelial cells on the formed lamina elastica interna‐like layer. The regenerated vascular walls comprised multilayered smooth muscle cells and dense collagen fibers with regular circumferential orientation. A remarkable multilayered elastin fiber network was observed near the anastomosis portion. Biotubes could thus be used as small‐caliber vascular prostheses that greatly facilitate the healing process and exhibit excellent biocompatibility. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Evaluation of a Global Positioning System backpack transmitter for wild turkey research
Authors: Guthrie Joshua D. , Byrne Michael E. , Hardin Jason B. , Kochanny Christopher O. , Skow Kevin L. , Snelgrove Robert T. , Butler Matthew J. , Peterson Markus J. , Chamberlain Michael J. , Collier Bret A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractRadiotelemetry is the standard method for monitoring wild turkey (Meleagris gallapavo) movements and habitat use. Spatial data collected using telemetry‐based monitoring are frequently inaccurate due to triangulation error. However, new technology, such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) has increased ecologists' ability to accurately evaluate animal movements and habitat selection. We evaluated the efficacy of micro‐GPS backpack units for use on wild turkeys. We tested a micro‐GPS developed specifically for avian species that incorporated a GPS antenna with a lightweight rechargeable battery and a very high frequency (VHF) transmitter. We conducted a series of static tests to evaluate performance in varying types of vegetative canopy cover and terrain. After static testing, we deployed micro‐GPS on 8 adult male Rio Grande wild turkeys (M. g. intermedia) trapped in south Texas and 2 adult females trapped in the Texas panhandle. Micro‐GPS units collected 26,439 locations out of 26,506 scheduled attempts (99.7% fix rate) during static testing. Mean distance error across all static tests was 15.5 m (SE = 0.1). In summer 2009, we recovered micro‐GPS from 4 tagged males and both females to evaluate data collection. Units on males acquired approximately 2,500 locations over a 65‐day test period (94.5% fix rate). We recovered units from the 2 females after 19 days and 53 days; those units acquired 301 and 837 locations, respectively, for a 96% fix rate. Cost analysis indicated that VHF will be cost effective when 1 location per day is required up to 181 days, but micro‐GPS becomes less expensive as frequency of daily locations increases. Our results indicate that micro‐GPS have the potential to provide increased reliable data on turkey movement ecology and habitat selection at a higher resolution than conventional VHF telemetric methods. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Nest success of grassland sparrows on reclaimed surface mines
Authors: Stauffer Glenn E. , Diefenbach Duane R. , Marshall Matthew R. , Brauning Daniel W. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractGrasslands resulting from surface mine reclamation support grassland songbird populations in several midwestern and eastern states in the United States, especially where reclaimed mines are large (>1,000 ha). However, most reclaimed surface mines in Pennsylvania are small (<200 ha), and nest success is unknown. We evaluated nest success of grasshopper (Ammodramus savannarum), Henslow's (A. henslowii), and Savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) on 4 reclaimed surface mines (50–180 ha) in western Pennsylvania, USA from 2006 to 2007. Overall nest success based on mean covariate values was 0.435 (95% CI = 0.376–0.504) for grasshopper sparrows, 0.396 (95% CI = 0.295–0.533) for Henslow's sparrows, and 0.158 (95% CI = 0.063–0.392) for Savannah sparrows. These estimates of nest success are comparable to those on larger reclaimed mines and other habitats. Grasshopper and Henslow's sparrow nests that were well concealed were less likely to fail than highly visible nests (βvisible = −0.028, CI = −0.051 to −0.005 for grasshopper sparrows; βvisible = −0.063, CI = −0.112 to −0.014 for Henslow's sparrows), and nests in areas with surrounding deep litter were more likely to fail than nests in areas with shallow litter (βlitterD = −0.145, CI = −0.335 to 0.045 for grasshopper sparrows; βlitterD = −0.676, CI = −1.187 to −0.116 for Henslow's sparrows). Savannah sparrow nests in areas with high visual obstruction by vegetation were less likely to fail than nests in areas with sparse and short vegetation (βVisOb = 0.048, CI = 0.006–0.091). Daily probability of survival for grasshopper sparrow nests was greatest early and late in the breeding season, and Savannah sparrow nest survival followed a decreasing linear trend. Nest survival of Henslow's sparrows was greater on warm days (βtemp = 0.197, CI = 0.014–0.379), whereas for Savannah sparrows nest survival decreased on warm days and on days with rain, but for Savannah sparrows confidence intervals of weather effects included zero (βtemp = −0.098, CI = −0.246 to 0.050; βrain = 3.13, CI = −14.19 to 20.45). We suggest that small reclaimed surface mine grasslands can provide valuable nesting habitat and could be important to the conservation of grassland bird populations. Because nest success can increase in the latter part of the nesting season, agricultural disturbances or management activities in mid‐ to late summer could adversely affect reproductive success. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Freshwater turtle conservation in Texas: harvest effects and efficacy of the current management regime
Authors: Brown Donald J. , Farallo Vincent R. , Dixon James R. , Baccus John T. , Simpson Thomas R. , Forstner Michael R. J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe collapse of Asian turtle populations led to the creation of a worldwide freshwater turtle market in the 1990s. Texas is one of several states in the United States that has capitalized on this market. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recently instituted regulations designed to protect turtles from commercial harvest in public waters. Two counties in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) accounted for 66.1% of known wild turtle harvest in 1999, with no reported harvest in subsequent years. We sampled 60 sites in the LRGV to determine if we could detect harvest effects. We also investigated the potential for sustainable harvest under the new harvest guidelines using source‐sink dynamics implemented in a Geographic Information System (GIS) approach. We detected differences congruent with harvest effects for red‐eared sliders (Trachemys scripta) and Texas spiny softshells (Apalone spinifera). Based on a GIS analysis of water bodies throughout the entire state, we estimated that only 2.2% of water bodies are protected under the current commercial harvest regulations. We determined source water bodies could supply 30.5% of sink water bodies in the LRGV, and we concluded that long‐term sustainable turtle harvest is unlikely under the current management regime due to the intensity of commercial harvests, the low number of protected water bodies, and non‐robust or non‐interactive protected populations. One solution to this would be modification of the regulations to include season and bag limits, a management strategy currently implemented in various forms by 14 states in the eastern half of the United States. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
A meta‐analysis of forest age and structure effects on northern flying squirrel densities
Authors: Holloway Gillian L. , Smith Winston P. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractResearch on the impact of clearcut logging and partial harvesting practices on northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) has shown inconsistent and contrary results, limiting the use of this species as a management indicator species. Much of this variability in study results is due to the labor intensive nature of studying flying squirrels, resulting in small sampling sizes (average = 5.2 sites, n = 14) and high variation (CV = 0.59) across studies. We conducted a meta‐analysis of relevant studies from North America to determine how forestry practices affect flying squirrel abundance. Mean effect size was −1.18 (P < 0.001; n = 14) for all studies, indicating a strong difference between control stands and those regenerating postclearcut or following partial harvesting. Our results support the association of northern flying squirrels with mature, uncut forest and their suitability as ecological indicators of these vegetation types. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Resource partitioning between sympatric columbian white‐tailed and black‐tailed deer in western Oregon
Authors: Whitney Lowell W. , Anthony Robert G. , Jackson Dewaine H. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe studied resource partitioning between sympatric populations of Columbian white‐tailed (CWTD; Odocoileus virginianus leucurus) and black‐tailed (BWTD) deer (O. odocoileus hemionus columbianus) in western Oregon to understand potential mechanisms of coexistence. We used horseback transects to describe spatial distributions, population overlap, and habitat use for both species, and we studied diets with microhistological analysis of fecal samples. Distribution patterns indicated that white‐tailed and black‐tailed deer maintained spatial separation during most seasons with spatial overlap ranging from 5%–40% seasonally. Coefficients of species association were negative, suggesting a pattern of mutual avoidance. White‐tailed deer were more concentrated in the southern portions of the study area, which was characterized by lower elevations, more gradual slopes, and close proximity to streams. Black‐tailed deer were more wide ranging and tended to occur in the northern portions of the study area, which had higher elevations and greater topographical variation. Habitat use of different vegetative assemblages was similar between white‐tailed and black‐tailed deer with overlap ranging from 89%–96% seasonally. White‐tailed deer used nearly all habitats available on the study area except those associated with conifers. White‐tailed deer used oak‐hardwood savanna shrub, open grassland, oak‐hardwood savanna, and riparian habitats the most. Black‐tailed deer exhibited high use for open grassland and oak‐hardwood savanna shrub habitats and lower use of all others. The 2 subspecies also exhibited strong seasonal similarities in diets with overlap ranging from 89% to 95%. White‐tailed deer diets were dominated by forbs, shrubs, grasses, and other food sources (e.g., nuts and lichens). Columbian black‐tailed deer diets were dominated mostly by forbs and other food sources. Seasonal diet diversity followed similar patterns for both species with the most diverse diets occurring in fall and the least diverse diets in spring. High overlap in habitat use and diets resulted in high trophic overlap (81–85%) between white‐tailed and black‐tailed deer; however, the low spatial overlap reduced the potential for exploitative competition but may have been indicative of inference competition between the species. Diverse habitat and forage opportunities were available on the study area due to heterogeneous landscape characteristics, which allowed ecological separation between white‐tailed and black‐tailed deer despite similarities in diets and habitat use. We make several recommendations for management of CWTD, a previously threatened species, based on the results of our study. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Monitoring bald eagles using lists of nests: Response to Watts and Duerr
Authors: Sauer John R. , Otto Mark C. , Kendall William L. , Zimmerman Guthrie S. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe post‐delisting monitoring plan for bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) roposed use of a dual‐frame sample design, in which sampling of known nest sites in combination with additional area‐based sampling is used to estimate total number of nesting bald eagle pairs. Watts and Duerr (2010) used data from repeated observations of bald eagle nests in Virginia, USA to estimate a nest turnover rate and used this rate to simulate decline in number of occupied nests in list nests over time. Results of Watts and Duerr suggest that, given the rates of loss of nests from the list of known nest sites in Virginia, the list information will be of little value to sampling unless lists are constantly updated. Those authors criticize the plan for not placing sufficient emphasis on updating and maintaining lists of bald eagle nests. Watts and Duerr's metric of turnover rate does not distinguish detectability or temporary nonuse of nests from permanent loss of nests and likely overestimates turnover rate. We describe a multi‐state capture–recapture model that allows appropriate estimation of rates of loss of nests, and we use the model to estimate rates of loss from a sample of nests from Maine, USA. The post‐delisting monitoring plan addresses the need to maintain and update the lists of nests, and we show that dual frame sampling is an effective approach for sampling nesting bald eagle populations. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of survey methods on burrowing owl behaviors
Authors: Manning Jeffrey A. , Kaler Robb S. A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractMonitoring wildlife populations often involves intensive survey efforts to attain reliable estimates of population size. Such efforts can increase disturbance to animals, alter detection, and bias population estimates. Burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) are declining across western North America, and information on the relative effects of potential survey methods on owl behaviors is needed. We designed a field experiment to compare burrowing owl flight distances, times displaced, and probabilities of being displaced between 4 potential population survey methods (single walking surveyor, single vehicle stop, single vehicle stop with 2 surveyors, and double vehicle stop with 2 surveyors), and an experimental control in the agricultural matrix of Imperial Valley, California. Between 25 April and 1 May 2008, we randomly applied survey methods to 395 adult male owls during daylight hours (0700 hours through 1900 hours). All survey methods increased odds of displacing owls from perches. Survey methods with observers outside the vehicle were 3 times more likely to displace an owl than a single vehicle stop where observers remained inside the vehicle. Owls were displaced farther distances by all survey methods compared to control trials, but distances and time displaced did not differ among survey methods. We recommend that surveys for counting owls during the breeding season in agroecystems like the Imperial Valley where high densities of owls nest primarily along the borders of fields be conducted using single vehicle stops with or without 2 surveyors, depending on conditions for locating owls from roads. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.