bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Routine cardiac evaluation in patients with ischaemic stroke and absence of known atrial fibrillation or coronary heart disease: transthoracic echocardiography vs. multidetector cardiac computed tomography
Authors: Kim S. J. , Choe Y. H. , Park S.‐J. , Kim G.‐M. , Chung C.‐S. , Lee K. H. , Bang O. Y. 
Published: September 2011

Background and purpose:  Cardiac evaluation is routinely conducted in patients with ischaemic stroke because embolisms originating from the heart are an important cause of stroke. We compared the prevalence of cardioaortic sources of cerebral embolism (CSCE) in patients with ischaemic stroke detected by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and/or multidetector cardiac computed tomography (MDCT). Additionaly, we investigated the frequency and severity of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who underwent MDCT.Methods:  We prospectively recruited patients with non‐atrial fibrillation‐related stroke who had no history of cardiac disease. Patients underwent cardiac evaluation using TTE alone (N = 243, during the early phase of this study – TTE period), TTE and MDCT (N = 62, midphase – transitional period) and MDCT alone (N = 138, late phase – MDCT period). CSCE were defined according to the original and revised TOAST classifications. CAD was defined as 50% or more stenosis of the coronary artery.Results:  Patients’ characteristics did not differ amongst groups; however, CSCE were more frequently detected in the MDCT period than in the TTE period (18.1% vs. 6.6%, P < 0.001). In the transitional period, there were 16 patients (25.8%) who were found to be CSCE by MDCT but not TTE, whilst three patients (4.8%) were found to be CSCE by TTE but not MDCT (P = 0.004). Amongst the patients who underwent MDCT, 72 (36.0%) had asymptomatic CAD, invasive coronary angiography was needed in 21 (10.5%) and 10 (5.0%) patients finally underwent coronary intervention.Conclusion:  Multidetector cardiac computed tomography proved to be complementary to TTE for the identification of CSCE and can detect asymptomatic CAD, one of the major causes of vascular death in patients with stroke, in patients with non‐atrial fibrillation‐related stroke.
How dung beetles respond to a human‐modified variegated landscape in Mexican cloud forest: a study of biodiversity integrating ecological and biogeographical perspectives
Authors: Rös Matthias , Escobar Federico , Halffter Gonzalo 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  To analyse how the dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) respond to a modified, variegated landscape, taking into account the biogeographical peculiarities of the Mexican Transition Zone.Location  This study covers cloud forest (CF) of the Sierra Norte de Puebla mountain range and part of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range (Mexico).Methods  We applied proportional sampling based on the landscape variegation model with Scarabaeinae as the indicator group, and using two approaches: structural units (vegetation type) and spatial units (windows). We used two measures – richness and Shannon diversity – and applied multiplicative diversity partitioning to obtain independent alpha and beta diversities for the landscape, windows and vegetation types. We grouped species by biogeographical distribution pattern for the biogeographical analysis and by whether they were originally from CF.Results  The transformation of CF into secondary forest, pastures and other types of vegetation increases the Scarabaeinae diversity of the landscape, in vegetation types and windows. This increase is the result of species arriving from the tropical lowlands. However, the original dung beetle community of the CF dominates at different scales in the number of species, abundance and biomass. With increasing habitat modification, beta diversity increases in the windows, and species with the Tropical Palaeoamerican distribution pattern increase in abundance in vegetation types and windows.Main conclusions  The variegated character of the landscape explains well the distribution and diversity of this dung beetle community. The peculiar characteristics of the Mexican Transition Zone have an effect owing to the overlap of fauna with different biogeographical origins. The conversion of fragmented landscapes to variegated landscapes could be a conservation goal in human‐modified mountain landscapes. Sampling proportional to the area of different types of vegetation and the use of windows offer an alternative experimental design in variegated landscapes.
Integrating spatially explicit habitat projections into extinction risk assessments: a reassessment of Amazonian avifauna incorporating projected deforestation
Authors: Bird Jeremy P. , Buchanan Graeme M. , Lees Alexander C. , Clay Rob P. , Develey Pedro F. , Yépez Itala , Butchart Stuart H. M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  We aimed to complete the first systematic assessment of extinction risk based on projected population declines derived from spatially explicit habitat projections for any taxonomic group at a regional scale, to use the outputs to ascertain the efficacy of an existing protected area network in covering species of conservation concern, and identify gaps therein.Location  This study focused on Amazonia; an area of exceptional biodiversity, currently experiencing the highest absolute rate of forest loss globally but where the proportion of species assessed as ‘threatened’ on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List in the region is below global averages.Methods  For all forest‐dependent Amazonian bird species (814), we revised extinction risk estimates by combining data from a spatially explicit deforestation model with generation length estimates. By overlaying distribution maps for these revised threatened species, we identified crisis areas (areas of projected deforestation supporting the highest numbers of threatened species), refugia (areas projected to retain forest supporting the highest numbers of threatened species) and areas of high irreplaceability: short‐ and long‐term priorities for new protected areas (PAs).Results  The number of species qualifying as threatened rose substantially from 24 (3%) to 64–92 (8–11%). Areas of particular concern are the crisis and highly irreplaceable areas within the ‘arc of deforestation’ in the southern Brazilian Amazon states of Rondônia, Mato Grosso and Pará.Main conclusions  Through a novel application of the IUCN Red List criteria, we present a spatially accurate rendering of the extinction risks of Amazonian birds. Important areas in the Amazon are not secure. We identify priorities for expansion of the PAs network and key locations where protection should be enforced. We recommend a collaborative approach employing our methods to repeat this process for other taxonomic groups.
From lowlands to highlands: searching for elevational patterns of species richness and distribution of scarab beetles in Costa Rica
Authors: García‐López Alejandra , Micó Estefanía , Galante Eduardo 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  Understanding the heterogeneous distribution of species on mountains is an important aim in ecology. Altitudinal gradients have enormous potential for improving our knowledge of trends in biodiversity and conservation. In this study, we investigated the variation in scarab beetle diversity (Dynastinae, Rutelinae and Melolonthinae) along an elevational tropical forest gradient.Location  The Atlantic slope of the Guanacaste mountain range in Costa Rica.Methods  Ultraviolet light traps placed in six forests situated from 100 to 1510 m were used. Changes in species composition and richness among elevations were investigated. Differences in the altitudinal patterns using different groups of species were examined: the whole assemblage, each separate subfamily and two different trophic habits (phytophagous or saproxylic). The effects of temperature, humidity and elevation on scarab distribution were tested using canonical correspondence analyses. The relationship between the community similarity of the studied forests and the altitudinal distance among them was also analysed.Results  Species composition and richness changed along the gradient. The peak in species richness varied depending on the species group considered and in all cases occurred 500 or 800 m. Forests at these altitudes were also the richest in exclusive species. Species composition turnover among elevations appeared with a clear separation between lowland and highland fauna. The latter was lower in richness but also had exclusive species. Temperature, humidity and altitude affected species distribution, with altitude being the most important factor for all the subfamilies studied.Main conclusions  Our results showed that species distribution fits a hump‐shaped pattern. The peak of this pattern varied depending on the taxonomic group and mountain analysed, highlighting the importance of evolutionary processes as species distribution drivers. The fact that species richness peaked at elevations where human impact is currently important underlines the value of the development of conservation strategies for these areas.
Kaolinite ingestion facilitates restoration of body energy reserves during refeeding after prolonged fasting
Authors: Reichardt François , Chaumande Bertrand , Habold Caroline , Robin Jean‐Patrice , Ehret‐Sabatier Laurence , Le Maho Yvon , Liewig Nicole , Angel Fabielle , Lignot Jean‐Hervé 
Published: September 2011

AbstractClay consumption is a spontaneous behavior currently observed in animals and humans, particularly during undernutrition. Often regarded as intestinal care products, ingested clays also enhance food efficiency, notably by increasing intestinal lipid uptake. Clay complementation could then optimize the reconstitution of energy reserves in animals with low lipid stocks consecutive to intensive fasting. The aim of this study was therefore to observe the effects of voluntarily kaolinite complementation during the refeeding of fasted rats to determine whether body mass, food uptake, lipid and mineral contents as intestinal morphology and protein profile were modified. This study examined two types of refeeding experiments after prolonged fasting. Firstly, rats with ad libitum access to food were compared to rats with ad libitum access to food and kaolinite pellets. Animals were randomly put into the different groups when the third phase of fasting (phase III) reached by each individual was detected. In a second set of experiments, rats starting phase III were refed with free access to food and kaolinite pellets. When animals had regained their body mass prior to fasting, they were euthanized for chemical, morphological, and proteomic analyses. Although kaolinite ingestion did not change the time needed for regaining prefasting body mass, daily food ingestion was seen to decrease by 6.8% compared with normally refed rats, without affecting lipid composition. Along the intestinal lining, enterocytes of complemented animals contained abundant lipid droplets and a structural modification of the brushborder was observed. Moreover, the expression of two apolipoproteins involved in lipid transport and satiety (ApoA‐I and ApoA‐IV) increased in complemented rats. These results suggest that kaolinite complementation favors intestinal nutrient absorption during refeeding despite reduced food uptake. Within the intestinal lumen, clay particles could increase the passive absorption capacity and/or nutrient availability that induce mucosal morphological changes. Therefore, clay ingestion appears to be beneficial for individuals undergoing extreme nutritional conditions such as refeeding and limited food supplies.
Evaluation of the RPC model as a replacement for the spaceborne InSAR phase equation
Authors: Zhang Guo , Fei Wen‐bo , Li Zhen , Liu Zeyu , Li Deren 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSynthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) is an alternative to conventional stereoscopic SAR for extracting relative or absolute terrain elevation information. However, for different InSAR data‐sets, the auxiliary parameters are different, which introduces differences in the SAR interferometry rigorous sensor model (RSM). The Rational Polynomial Coefficient (RPC) model is a generalised sensor model which makes full use of the auxiliary parameters of the satellite images, and the coefficients of the model are then solved by fitting the model to the RSM. Some work has been carried out previously to validate its substitutability for the SAR RSM, which is based on the Range–Doppler equations. Further, this paper aims to prove that the RPC model can also be used as a replacement for the InSAR phase equation and can be widely applied on different types of InSAR data‐sets. Based on numerous tests, the modelling error of the RPC is analysed. This study found that the RPC model is suitable for InSAR data‐sets and it can be used as a replacement for the phase equation.
Development of a new laser triangulation system based on an optical frame of reference
Authors: Abzal Ali , Varshosaz Masood , Saadatseresht Mohammad 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn this paper a new triangulation‐based laser scanner is presented which has a simple, yet strong, flexible and low‐cost structure. A digital camera and three laser line projectors are the main components of the system. One of the laser projectors is positioned vertically, while the other two are horizontal. The former scans the object, whereas the latter two establish an optical frame which is used, in part, to define the plane containing the vertical laser projector at each step of scanning. At each step, an image is taken which includes the object along with the projected laser lines. By intersecting the vertical and horizontal lines a couple of points are formed which, along with the calibration information of the system, enable the extraction of the object coordinates. Results of the tests carried out show that by using an optical frame of this nature, the process of scanning is greatly facilitated. That is, the scanner can easily be used to scan objects of different size and dimensions. Within the current configuration, the system enables measurements with an accuracy of 1/1600. Also, as the system has a rigorous basis, its accuracy can be increased if improved hardware is provided.
Calibration of long focal length cameras in close range photogrammetry
Authors: Stamatopoulos Christos , Fraser Clive S. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractOne of the practical impediments to the adoption of long focal length lenses in close range photogrammetry is the difficulty in network exterior orientation and self‐calibration that can be encountered with the collinearity equation model when the camera field of view is smaller than around 10°. This paper reports on an investigation that examined two different avenues for improving the self‐calibration of long focal length cameras. The first is a re‐examination of the linearisation of the collinearity equations with additional calibration parameters, and especially determination of the coefficients in the design matrix corresponding to the interior orientation elements. The second is a new approach to the calculation of object space coordinates by employing an orthogonal projection model that can be formulated as a bundle adjustment with self‐calibration. Accuracy aspects of both approaches are discussed and test cases employing both zoom and macro lenses are presented.
Use of an alteplase algorithm for the management of hemodialysis catheter dysfunction
Authors: Abdelmoneim Ahmed S. , Miller Lisa M. , Armstrong Sean , Sood Manish M. , Wazny Lori , Chateau Dan , Vercaigne Lavern M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractHemodialysis (HD) catheter dysfunction compromises HD adequacy and increases the cost of patient care. Repeated administration of alteplase in HD catheters typically produces only short‐term benefits. The purpose of this study was to design, implement, and evaluate the efficacy of an experimental alteplase algorithm to manage HD catheter dysfunction. This was a two‐part prospective nonrandomized study. Baseline data of alteplase use and catheter exchange were collected during part 1 of the study. Part 2 consisted of the alteplase algorithm implementation and repeat collection of catheter data. Rates of alteplase use and catheter exchange per 1000 catheter‐days were the primary and secondary outcomes of the study. One hundred and seventy‐two catheters in 131 patients were followed prospectively during the course of the study. The adjusted relative rate (RR) of alteplase use showed no significant difference between both parts of the study, adjusted RR: 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.73–1.65). Similarly, catheter exchange rates were not significantly different over the duration of the study (1.12 vs. 1.03 per 1000 catheter‐days). However, waiting time for catheter exchange increased from 20.36 ± 14 days in part 1 to 38.42 ± 28 days in part 2 (P < 0.05). The alteplase algorithm did not significantly reduce alteplase use. This may be partially explained by repeated use of alteplase in part 2, due to longer waiting times for catheter exchange procedures.
Ultrastructural differences between diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis
Authors: Faussone‐Pellegrini Maria Simonetta , Grover Madhusudan , Pasricha Pankaj J. , Bernard Cheryl E. , Lurken Matthew S. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Parkman Henry P. , Abell Thomas L. , Snape William J. , Hasler William L. , Ünalp‐Arida Aynur , Nguyen Linda , Koch Kenneth L. , Calles Jorges , Lee Linda , Tonascia James , Hamilton Frank A. , Farrugia Gianrico ,   [for The NIDDK Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium (GpCRC)]
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe ultrastructural changes in diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis are not well studied and it is not known whether there are different defects in the two disorders. As part of the Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium, full thickness gastric body biopsies from 20 diabetic and 20 idiopathic gastroparetics were studied by light microscopy. Abnormalities were found in many (83%) but not all patients. Among the common defects were loss of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and neural abnormalities. No distinguishing features were seen between diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis. Our aim was to provide a detailed description of the ultrastructural abnormalities, compare findings between diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis and determine if patients with apparently normal immunohistological features have ultrastructural abnormalities. Tissues from 40 gastroparetic patients and 24 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Interstitial cells of Cajal showing changes suggestive of injury, large and empty nerve endings, presence of lipofuscin and lamellar bodies in the smooth muscle cells were found in all patients. However, the ultrastructural changes in ICC and nerves differed between diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis and were more severe in idiopathic gastroparesis. A thickened basal lamina around smooth muscle cells and nerves was characteristic of diabetic gastroparesis whereas idiopathic gastroparetics had fibrosis, especially around the nerves. In conclusion, in all the patients TEM showed abnormalities in ICC, nerves and smooth muscle consistent with the delay in gastric emptying. The significant differences found between diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis offers insight into pathophysiology as well as into potential targeted therapies.
Periodontal disease, tooth loss and incident rheumatoid arthritis: results from the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and its epidemiological follow‐up study
Authors: Demmer Ryan T. , Molitor Jerry A. , Jacobs David R. , Michalowicz Bryan S. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAimsInfection may be a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk factor. We examined whether signs of periodontal infection were associated with RA development in the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and its epidemiological follow‐up study.Material and MethodsIn 1971–1974, 9702 men and women aged 25–74 were enrolled and surveyed longitudinally (1982, 1986, 1987, 1992). Periodontal infection was defined by baseline tooth loss or clinical evidence of periodontal disease. Baseline (n = 138) and incident (n = 433) RA cases were defined via self‐report physician diagnosis, joint pain/swelling, ICD‐9 codes (714.0–714.9), death certificates and/or RA hospitalization.ResultsAdjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% CI) for prevalent RA in gingivitis and periodontitis (versus healthy) were 1.09 (0.57, 2.10) and 1.85 (0.95, 3.63); incident RA ORs were 1.32 (0.85, 2.06) and 1.00 (0.68, 1.48). The ORs for prevalent RA among participants missing 5–8, 9–14, 15–31 or 32 teeth (versus 0–4 teeth) were 1.74 (1.03, 2.95), 1.82 (0.81, 4.10), 1.45 (0.62, 3.41) and 1.30 (0.48, 3.53); ORs for incident RA were 1.12 (0.77, 1.64), 1.67 (1.12, 2.48), 1.40 (0.85, 2.33) and 1.22 (0.75, 2.00). Dose‐responsiveness was enhanced among never smokers. The rate of death or loss‐to‐follow‐up after 1982 was two‐ to fourfold higher among participants with periodontitis or missing ≥9 teeth (versus healthy participants).ConclusionsAlthough participants with periodontal disease or ≥5 missing teeth experienced higher odds of prevalent/incident RA, most ORs were non‐statistically significant and lacked dose‐responsiveness. Differential RA ascertainment bias complicated the interpretation of these data.
Using optical coherence tomography for the longitudinal non‐invasive evaluation of epidermal thickness in a murine model of chronic skin inflammation
Authors: Silver Rachel , Helms Amy , Fu Wen , Wang Hui , Diaconu Doina , Loyd Candace M. , Rollins Andrew M. , Ward Nicole L. 
Published: September 2011

BackgroundNon‐invasive methods are desirable for longitudinal studies examining drug efficacy and disease resolution defined as decreases in epidermal thickness in mouse models of psoriasiform skin disease. This would eliminate the need for either sacrificing animals or collecting serial skin biopsies to evaluate changes in disease progression during an individual study. The quantitation of epidermal thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides an alternative to traditional histology techniques.MethodsUsing the KC‐Tie2 doxycycline‐repressible psoriasiform skin disease mouse model, OCT imaging was completed on diseased back skin of adult KC‐Tie2 (n = 3–4) and control (n = 3–4) mice, followed immediately by the surgical excision of the same region for histologic analyses. Animals were then treated with doxycycline to suppress transgene expression and to reverse the skin disease and additional OCT images and tissues were collected 2 and 4 weeks following. Epidermal thickness was measured using OCT and histology.ResultsOptical coherence tomography and histology both demonstrated that KC‐Tie2 mice had significantly thicker epidermis (~4‐fold; P < 0.0001) than control animals. By 2 weeks following gene repression, decreases in epidermal thickness were observed using both OCT and histology, and were sustained through 4 weeks. Correlation analyses between histology and OCT values at all time points and in all animals revealed high significance (R2 = 0.78); with correlation being highest in KC‐Tie2 mice (R2 = 0.92) compared to control animals (R2 = 0.16).ConclusionNon‐invasive OCT imaging provided similar values as those collected using standard histologic measures in thick skin of KC‐Tie2 mice but became less reliable in thinner control mouse skin, possibly reflecting limitations in resolution of OCT. Future advances in resolution of OCT may improve and allow greater accuracy of epidermal thickness measurements.