bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Image restoration for TV‐scan moving images acquired through a semiconductor backscattered electron detector
Authors: Oho Eisaku , Suzuki Kazuhiko 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA semiconductor backscattered electron (BSE) detector has become popular in scanning electron microscopy session. However, detectors of semiconductor type have a serious disadvantage on the frequency characteristics. As a result, fast scan (e.g. TV‐scan) BSE image should be blurred remarkably. It is the purpose of this study to restore this degradation by using digital image processing technology. In order to improve it practically, we have to settle several problems, such as noise, undesirable processing artifacts, and ease of use. Image processing techniques in an impromptu manner like a conventional mask processing are unhelpful for this study, because a complicated degradation of output signal affects severely the phase response as well as the amplitude response of our SEM system. Hence, based on the characteristics of an SEM signal obtained from the semiconductor BSE detector, a proper inverse filter in Fourier domain is designed successfully. Finally, the inverse filter is converted to a special convolution mask, which is skillfully designed, and applied for TV‐scan moving BSE images. The improved BSE image is very effective in the work for finding important objects. SCANNING 31: 229–235, 2009. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence for pre-zygotic reproductive barrier between the B and Q biotypes ofBemisia tabaci(Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Elbaz M. , Lahav N. , Morin S. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe degree of reproductive isolation between the B and Q biotypes of the whiteflyBemisia tabaci(Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is currently not clear. Laboratory experiments have shown that the two biotypes are capable of producing viable F1hybrids but that these females are sterile as their F2generation failed to develop, indicating, most likely, a post-zygotic reproductive barrier. Here, we confirm, by molecular and ecological tools, that the B and Q biotypes of Israel are genetically isolated and provide two independent lines of evidence that support the existence of a pre-zygotic reproductive barrier between them. Firstly, monitoring of mating behaviors in homogeneous and heterogeneous couples indicated no copulation events in heterogeneous couples compared to ∼50% in homogeneous B and Q couples. Secondly, we could not detect the presence of sperm in the spermathecae of females from heterogeneous couples, compared to 50% detection in intra-B biotype crosses and 15% detection in intra-Q biotype crosses. The existence of pre-zygotic reproductive barriers in Israeli B and Q colonies may indicate a reinforcement process in which mating discrimination is strengthened between sympatric taxa that were formerly allopatric, to avoid maladaptive hybridization. As the two biotypes continued to perform all courtship stages prior to copulation, we also conducted mixed cultures experiments in order to test the reproductive consequences of inter-biotype courtship attempts. In mixed cultures, a significant reduction in female fecundity was observed for the Q biotype but not for the B biotype, suggesting an asymmetric reproductive interference effect in favour of the B biotype. The long-term outcome of this effect is yet to be determined since additional environmental forces may reduce the probability of demographic displacement of one biotype by the other in overlapping niches.
Metabolomic systems biology of trypanosomes
Authors: BARRETT MICHAEL P. , BAKKER BARBARA M. , BREITLING RAINER 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYMetabolomics analysis, which aims at the systematic identification and quantification of all metabolites in biological systems, is emerging as a powerful new tool to identify biomarkers of disease, report on cellular responses to environmental perturbation, and to identify the targets of drugs. Here we discuss recent developments in metabolomic analysis, from the perspective of trypanosome research, highlighting remaining challenges and the most promising areas for future research.
A Middle East subregional laboratory-based surveillance network on foodborne diseases established by Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority
Authors: COHEN D. , GARGOURI N. , RAMLAWI A. , ABDEEN Z. , BELBESI A. , HIJAWI B. AL , HADDADIN A. , SHEIKH ALI S. , SHUAIBI N. AL , BASSAL R. , YISHAI R. , GREEN M. S. , LEVENTHAL A. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYIn late 2002, health professionals from the ministries of health and academia of Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and Israel formed the Middle East Consortium on Infectious Disease Surveillance (MECIDS) to facilitate trans-border cooperation in response to infectious disease outbreaks. The first mission of MECIDS was to establish a regional, laboratory-based surveillance network on foodborne diseases. The development of harmonized methodologies and laboratory capacities, the establishment of a common platform of communication, data sharing and analysis and coordination of intervention steps when needed were agreed upon. Each of the three parties selected the microbiological laboratories that would form the network of sentinel laboratories and cover the different districts of each country and also designated one laboratory as the National Reference Laboratory (NRL). Data analysis units have been established to manage the data and serve as a central point of contact in each country. The MECIDS also selected a regional data analysis unit, the Cooperative Monitoring Centre (CMC) located in Amman, Jordan, and established a mechanism for sharing data from the national systems. Joint training courses were held on interventional epidemiology and laboratory technologies. Data collection started in July 2005 with surveillance of salmonellosis as the first target. This network of collaboration and communication established in an area of continuous dispute represents an important step towards assessing the burden of foodborne diseases in the region and is expected to be fundamental for coordination of public health interventions and prevention strategies.
Glacier retreat on South Georgia and implications for the spread of rats
Authors: Cook A.J. , Poncet S. , Cooper A.P.R. , Herbert D.J. , Christie D. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractUsing archival photography and satellite imagery, we have analysed the rates of advance or retreat of 103 coastal glaciers on South Georgia from the 1950s to the present. Ninety-seven percent of these glaciers have retreated over the period for which observations are available. The average rate of retreat has increased from 8 Ma-1 in the 1950s to 35 Ma-1 at present. The largest retreats have all taken place along the north-east coast, where retreat rates have increased to an average of 60 Ma-1 at present, but those on the south-west coast have also been steadily retreating since the 1950s. These data, along with environmental information about South Georgia, are included in a new Geographic Information System (GIS) of the island. By combining glacier change data with the present distribution of both endemic and invasive species we have identified areas where there is an increased risk of rat invasion to unoccupied coastal regions that are currently protected by glacial barriers. This risk has significant implications for the surrounding ecosystem, in particular depletion in numbers of important breeding populations of ground-nesting birds on the island.
Delirium in care homes
Authors: Siddiqi Najma , Clegg Andrew , Young John 
Published: February 2010

SummaryDelirium is a distressing but preventable condition associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and significant financial costs. Most research on delirium has focused on high-risk patients in hospitals. Another group also at high risk are residents in care homes for older people. This report reviews the literature on the occurrence, aetiology, outcomes, prevention and treatment of delirium in long-term care. Delirium appears to be common in this setting, with a median point prevalence estimate of 14.2% in studies comparable to the UK. However, there is a paucity of high-quality studies, likely to reflect the difficulty in conducting research in this population and the particular challenges of investigating delirium. Addressing delirium successfully in care homes presents an opportunity to improve care standards and to reduce inequalities in health and social care. Well-designed prospective cohort studies and robust evaluations of interventions to prevent and treat delirium are needed.
On Percolation and the Bunkbed Conjecture
Authors: LINUSSON SVANTE 
Published: February 2010

We study a problem on edge percolation on product graphsG×K2. HereGis any finite graph andK2consists of two vertices {0, 1} connected by an edge. Every edge inG×K2is present with probabilitypindependent of other edges. The bunkbed conjecture states that for allGandp, the probability that (u, 0) is in the same component as (v, 0) is greater than or equal to the probability that (u, 0) is in the same component as (v, 1) for every pair of verticesu,v∈G.We generalize this conjecture and formulate and prove similar statements for randomly directed graphs. The methods lead to a proof of the original conjecture for special classes of graphsG, in particular outerplanar graphs.
Human neural stem cells: a model system for the study of Lesch–Nyhan disease neurological aspects
Authors: Cristini Silvia , Navone Stefania , Canzi Laura , Acerbi Francesco , Ciusani Emilio , Hladnik Uros , de Gemmis Paola , Alessandri Giulio , Colombo Augusto , Parati Eugenio , Invernici Gloria 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The study of Lesch–Nyhan-diseased (LND) human brain is crucial for understanding how mutant hypoxanthine-phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) might lead to neuronal dysfunction. Since LND is a rare, inherited disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme HPRT, human neural stem cells (hNSCs) that carry this mutation are a precious source for delineating the consequences of HPRT deficiency and for developing new treatments. In our study we have examined the effect of HPRT deficiency on the differentiation of neurons in hNSCs isolated from human LND fetal brain. We have examined the expression of a number of transcription factors essential for neuronal differentiation and marker genes involved in dopamine (DA) biosynthetic pathway. LND hNSCs demonstrate aberrant expression of several transcription factors and DA markers. HPRT-deficient dopaminergic neurons also demonstrate a striking deficit in neurite outgrowth. These results represent direct experimental evidence for aberrant neurogenesis in LND hNSCs and suggest developmental roles for other housekeeping genes in neurodevelopmental disease. Moreover, exposure of the LND hNSCs to retinoic acid medium elicited the generation of dopaminergic neurons. The lack of precise understanding of the neurological dysfunction in LND has precluded development of useful therapies. These results evidence aberrant neurogenesis in LND hNSCs and suggest a role for HPRT gene in neurodevelopment. These cells combine the peculiarity of a neurodevelopmental model and a human, neural origin to provide an important tool to investigate the pathophysiology of HPRT deficiency and more broadly demonstrate the utility of human neural stem cells for studying the disease and identifying potential therapeutics.
First Report of Leaf Smut of Tomatillo Caused by Entyloma austral
Authors: Koike Steven T. , Glawe Dean A. , Barlow Tess 
Published: February 2010

The causal agent was identified as Entyloma australe Speg. based on host and on pathogen morphology and ITS region sequence. The size, shape, and color of teliospores and the production of fascicles of conidiophores fit the descriptions for E. australe. This appears to be the only Entyloma species occurring on Physalis. This report appears to be the first record of E. australe on P. philadelphica. Accepted for publication 11 November 2009. Published 16 February 2010.
Endothelial Dysfunction Enhances Vasoconstriction Due to Scavenging of Nitric Oxide by a Hemoglobin-based Oxygen Carrier
Authors: Yu Binglan , Shahid Mohd , Egorina Elena M. , Sovershaev Mikhail A. , Raher Michael J. , Lei Chong , Wu Mei X. , Bloch Kenneth D. , Zapol Warren M. 
Published: February 2010

Background
To date, there is no safe and effective hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) to substitute for erythrocyte transfusion. It is uncertain whether a deficiency of endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability (endothelial dysfunction) prevents or augments HBOC-induced vasoconstriction.

Methods
Hemodynamic effects of infusion of PolyHeme (1.08 g hemoglobin/kg; Northfield Laboratories, Evanston, IL) or murine tetrameric hemoglobin (0.48 g hemoglobin/kg) were determined in awake healthy lambs, awake mice, and anesthetized mice. In vitro, a cumulative dose-tension response was obtained by sequential addition of PolyHeme or tetrameric hemoglobin to phenylephrine-precontracted murine aortic rings.

Results
Infusion of PolyHeme did not cause systemic hypertension in awake lambs but produced acute systemic and pulmonary vasoconstriction. Infusion of PolyHeme did not cause systemic hypertension in healthy wild-type mice but induced severe systemic vasoconstriction in mice with endothelial dysfunction (either db/db mice or high-fat fed wild-type mice for 4-6 weeks). The db/db mice were more sensitive to systemic vasoconstriction than wild-type mice after the infusion of either tetrameric hemoglobin or PolyHeme. Murine aortic ring studies confirmed that db/db mice have an impaired response to an endothelial-dependent vasodilator and an enhanced vasoconstrictor response to HBOC.

Conclusions
Reduction in low molecular weight hemoglobin concentrations to less than 1% is insufficient to abrogate the vasoconstrictor effects of HBOC infusion in healthy awake sheep or in mice with reduced vascular nitric oxide levels associated with endothelial dysfunction. These findings suggest that testing HBOCs in animals with endothelial dysfunction can provide a more sensitive indication of their potential vasoconstrictor effects.
Volatile Anesthetics Rapidly Increase Dendritic Spine Density in the Rat Medial Prefrontal Cortex during Synaptogenesis
Authors: Briner Adrian , De Roo Mathias , Dayer Alexandre , Muller Dominique , Habre Walid , Vutskits Laszlo 
Published: February 2010

Background
Recent experimental observations suggest that, in addition to induce neuroapoptosis, anesthetics can also interfere with synaptogenesis during brain development. The aim of this study was to pursue this issue by evaluating the exposure time-dependent effects of volatile anesthetics on neuronal cytoarchitecture in 16-day-old rats, a developmental stage characterized by intense synaptogenesis in the cerebral cortex.

Methods
Whistar rats underwent isoflurane (1.5%), sevoflurane (2.5%), or desflurane (7%) anesthesia for 30, 60, and 120 min at postnatal day 16, and the effect of these treatments on neuronal cytoarchitecture was evaluated 6 h after the initiation of anesthesia. Cell death was assessed using Fluoro-Jade B staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay. Ionotophoretic injections into layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex allowed visualization of dendritic arbor. Tracing of dendritic tree was carried out using the Neurolucida station (Microbrightfield, Williston, VT), whereas dendritic spines were analyzed using confocal microscopy.

Results
Up to a 2-h-long exposure, none of the volatile drugs induced neuronal cell death or significant changes in gross dendritic arbor pattern of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in pups at postnatal day 16. In contrast, these drugs significantly increased dendritic spine density on dendritic shafts of these cells. Importantly, considerable differences were found between these three volatile agents in terms of exposure time-dependent effects on dendritic spine density.

Conclusion
These new results suggest that volatile anesthetics, with different potencies and without inducing cell death, could rapidly interfere with physiologic patterns of synaptogenesis and thus might impair appropriate circuit assembly in the developing cerebral cortex.
Hyperglycemia Adversely Modulates Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase during Anesthetic Preconditioning through Tetrahydrobiopterin– and Heat Shock Protein 90–mediated Mechanisms
Authors: Amour Julien , Brzezinska Anna K. , Jager Zachary , Sullivan Corbin , Weihrauch Dorothee , Du Jianhai , Vladic Nikolina , Shi Yang , Warltier David C. , Pratt Phillip F. , Kersten Judy R. 
Published: February 2010

Background
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity is regulated by (6R-)5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and heat shock protein 90. The authors tested the hypothesis that hyperglycemia abolishes anesthetic preconditioning (APC) through BH4- and heat shock protein 90-dependent pathways.

Methods
Myocardial infarct size was measured in rabbits in the absence or presence of APC (30 min of isoflurane), with or without hyperglycemia, and in the presence or absence of the BH4 precursor sepiapterin. Isoflurane-dependent nitric oxide production was measured (ozone chemiluminescence) in human coronary artery endothelial cells cultured in normal (5.5 mm) or high (20 mm) glucose conditions, with or without sepiapterin (10 or 100 microm).

Results
APC decreased myocardial infarct size compared with control experiments (26 +/- 6% vs. 46 +/- 3%, respectively; P < 0.05), and this action was blocked by hyperglycemia (43 +/- 4%). Sepiapterin alone had no effect on infarct size (46 +/- 3%) but restored APC during hyperglycemia (21 +/- 3%). The beneficial actions of sepiapterin to restore APC were blocked by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N (G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (47 +/- 2%) and the BH4 synthesis inhibitor N-acetylserotonin (46 +/- 3%). Isoflurane increased nitric oxide production to 177 +/- 13% of baseline, and this action was attenuated by high glucose concentrations (125 +/- 6%). Isoflurane increased, whereas high glucose attenuated intracellular BH4/7,8-dihydrobiopterin (BH2) (high performance liquid chromatography), heat shock protein 90-endothelial nitric oxide synthase colocalization (confocal microscopy) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation (immunoblotting). Sepiapterin increased BH4/BH2 and dose-dependently restored nitric oxide production during hyperglycemic conditions (149 +/- 12% and 175 +/- 9%; 10 and 100 microm, respectively).

Conclusion
The results indicate that tetrahydrobiopterin and heat shock protein 90-regulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity play a central role in cardioprotection that is favorably modulated by volatile anesthetics and dysregulated by hyperglycemia. Enhancing the production of BH4 may represent a potential therapeutic strategy.
Relation between Preoperative and Intraoperative New Wall Motion Abnormalities in Vascular Surgery Patients
Authors: Galal Wael , Hoeks Sanne E. , Flu Willem Jan , van Kuijk Jan Peter , Goei Dustin , Galema Tjebbe , den Uil Corstiaan , van Gestel Yvette R. B. M. , Bax Jeroen J. , Verhagen Hence J. M. , Poldermans Don 
Published: February 2010

Background
Coronary revascularization of the suspected culprit coronary lesion assessed by preoperative stress testing is not associated with improved outcome in vascular surgery patients.

Methods
Fifty-four major vascular surgery patients underwent preoperative dobutamine echocardiography and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. The locations of left ventricular rest wall motion abnormalities and new wall motion abnormalities (NWMAs) were scored using a seven-wall model. During 30-day follow-up, postoperative cardiac troponin release, myocardial infarction, and cardiac death were noted.

Results
Rest wall motion abnormalities were noted by dobutamine echocardiography in 17 patients (31%), and transesophageal echocardiography was noted in 16 (30%). NWMAs were induced during dobutamine echocardiography in 17 patients (31%), whereas NWMAs were observed by transesophageal echocardiography in 23 (43%), kappa value = 0.65. Although preoperative and intraoperative rest wall motion abnormalities showed an excellent agreement for the location (kappa value = 0.92), the agreement for preoperative and intraoperative NWMAs in different locations was poor (kappa value = 0.26-0.44). The composite cardiac endpoint occurred in 14 patients (26%).

Conclusions
There was a poor correlation between the locations of preoperatively assessed stress-induced NWMAs by dobutamine echocardiography and those observed intraoperatively using transesophageal echocardiography. However, the composite endpoint of outcome was met more frequently in relation with intraoperative NWMAs.
Use of Manometry for Laryngeal Mask Airway Reduces Postoperative Pharyngolaryngeal Adverse Events
Authors: Seet Edwin , Yousaf Farhanah , Gupta Smita , Subramanyam Rajeev , Wong David T. , Chung Frances 
Published: February 2010

Background
Adverse events such as pharyngolaryngeal complications are indicators of quality patient care. Use of manometry to limit the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) intracuff pressure is not currently a routine practice. This double-blind randomized trial compared pharyngolaryngeal complications in patients managed with manometers to limit the LMA intracuff pressure (<44 mmHg) with patients under routine care.

Method
Two hundred consenting patients who underwent ambulatory surgery were randomly allocated to pressure-limiting and routine care groups. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and fentanyl, and maintained with desflurane in air-oxygen. An LMA was inserted, and the cuff was inflated as per usual practice. The patients breathed spontaneously. Research assistants measured the LMA intracuff pressure. In the pressure-limiting group, LMA intracuff pressure was adjusted to less than 44 mmHg. No intervention was performed in the routine care group. Sore throat, dysphonia, and dysphagia were assessed at 1, 2, and 24 h postoperatively. Composite pharyngolaryngeal complications were compared using chi-square test.

Results
Baseline demographic data were comparable between groups. Mean LMA intracuff pressure was less in the pressure-limiting group versus the routine care group (40 +/- 6 vs. 114 +/- 57 mmHg, P < 0.001). The incidence of composite pharyngolaryngeal complications was significantly lower in the pressure-limiting group versus the routine care group (13.4 vs. 45.6%, P < 0.001), with a relative risk reduction of 70.6%, and a number needed to treat of three (95% CI 2.2-7.5).

Conclusion
Reduction of LMA intracuff pressure to less than 44 mmHg lowers the incidence of postoperative pharyngolaryngeal complications. The LMA cuff pressures should be measured routinely using manometry, and deflating the intracuff pressure to less than 44 mmHg should be recommended as anesthetic best practice.