bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling the hydraulic impact of reintroducing large woody debris into watercourses
Authors: Thomas H. , Nisbet T. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractVery little large woody debris (LWD) is present in UK river systems due to its removal from watercourses mainly for flood defence and angling purposes. Some researchers now believe that restoring LWD dams in rivers can aid in flood retention, improve habitat and biodiversity, and help improve water quality and reduce sediment transport. This study was carried out to model the potential impact of restoring five LWD dams into a small Welsh tributary within an existing area of flood plain woodland on flood flows. The model results suggest that the dams could increase water levels sufficiently during the design 1‐in‐100 year flow to reconnect the channel with its flood plain. The model predicts as much as a 2.1 m/s reduction in flow velocities behind the dams. Both factors contribute to the delaying of the flood peak by up to 15 min over a 0.5‐km reach. The results support the use of LWD dams as a viable soft engineering technique for complementing existing flood defences and aiding in downstream flood mitigation, although to be effective at a larger scale would require an extensive series of dams across the upper and middle reaches of a catchment.
Analysis of diabetic vitreopathy with dynamic light scattering spectroscopy – problems and solutions related to photon correlation
Authors: Fankhauser II Franz 
Published: February 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To explore the molecular alterations of the vitreous by dynamic light scattering (DLS) spectroscopy (quasi‐elastic light scattering spectroscopy, photon‐correlation spectroscopy) in normals and in patients afflicted with various degrees of non‐proliferative and with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.Methods:  Dynamic light scattering spectroscopy was employed to analyze the vitreous of normals and of patients with diabetes non‐invasively to estimate both the sizes and diffusion coefficients of mobile macromolecules and/or microparticles.Results:  Abnormal molecular behaviour of vitreous molecules was observed in patients with diabetes afflicted with various degrees of diabetic vitreo‐retinopathy. In the non‐proliferative (background) retinopathy, both the diameters of the microparticles increase and the diffusion constants decrease significantly and progressively as the diabetic disease progresses. In the proliferative phase, a significant trend in the direction of smaller particles and greater diffusion constants is evident. These behaviours could also be interpreted as an increase in the viscosity of the intermolecular substance in the first case and as a decrease in the second.Conclusions:  The vitreous in normals and even more so in diabetics with diabetic vitreo‐retinopathy is optically a highly non‐isotropic, multidispersive structure, making an optical analysis difficult. Advanced, but available models and technology, however, permits a major step forward in the optical analysis of the normal and the diseased vitreous.
Scleral buckling versus primary vitrectomy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment study (SPR study): Risk assessment of anatomical outcome. SPR study report no. 7
Authors: Feltgen Nicolas , Heimann Heinrich , Hoerauf Hans , Walter Peter , Hilgers Ralf‐Dieter , Heussen Nicole ,   On behalf of Writing group for the SPR study investigators*
Published: February 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  The ‘Scleral buckling versus primary vitrectomy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment study’ (SPR study) is a randomized multicentre trial comparing primary vitrectomy (PV) and scleral buckling surgery (SB) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). This subanalysis was conducted to identify risk factors associated with anatomical outcomes.Methods:  Relating the anatomical success results at the 1‐year follow‐up visit to pre‐ and intraoperative findings using multivariate statistical methods.Results:  In the phakic subtrial, anatomical success was negatively associated with the number of breaks (p < 0.0001), break extension > 1 clock hour (p = 0.0005) and intraoperative use of cryotherapy (p = 0.0484). It was positively associated with retinal breaks with irregular edges (p = 0.0353) and subretinal fluid drainage (p = 0.0155). In the pseudophakic/aphakic subtrial, anatomical success was negatively associated with the number of retinal breaks (p = 0.0004) and previous YAG capsulotomy (p = 0.0256), and the combined effect of the surgical procedure and intraoperative use of laser (p = 0.0229).Conclusion:  Primary anatomical success is an important result for patients undergoing RRD surgery. Our data demonstrate that the final anatomical outcome is related to a higher preoperative number of breaks and cryotherapy in phakic eyes. Additional risk factors varied between phakic and pseudophakic subgroups. Our findings may be used to facilitate the prognosis of future patients with RRD.
Antibiotic Use and Resistance in Animal Farming: A Quantitative and Qualitative Study on Knowledge and Practices among Farmers in Khartoum, Sudan
Authors: Eltayb A. , Barakat S. , Marrone G. , Shaddad S. , Stålsby Lundborg C. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryAntibiotic resistance is a major emerging global public health threat. Farmers in the Khartoum state are believed to misuse antibiotics in animal farming leading to daily exposure to resistant bacteria and antibiotic residues. Hence, farmers are at potential risk exposure to bacteria, zoonotic infection and toxicity. We hypothesized that farmers’ misuse of antibiotics could be due to their ignorance of the importance of optimal use of antibiotics, the potential health hazards and the economical waste associated with antibiotic misuse practices. In the present study, we investigated knowledge and practices among farmers regarding antibiotic use and resistance. For this purpose, a cross‐sectional study was conducted in Khartoum state where data were collected from 81 farmers using structured interviews. Data were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Fifty‐two per cent of farmers were uneducated or had studied for <6 years. The majority reported antibiotic use for treatment and prevention while only 5% stated use for growth promotion. Antibiotic group treatment for both sick and healthy animals was commonly practiced among most farmers. The most commonly used group of antibiotics was the quinolones, which was reported by one‐third. Only 30% of the farmers had heard of antibiotic resistance and provided their definition. Almost half were not aware of the commonly transferred zoonotic infections between humans and animals. The farmers consume 1–2 meals/day from their own farm products. A significant association between low education, poor knowledge of farmers on antibiotic use, antibiotic resistance and zoonotic infections was found. This association may play a vital role in the present practiced misuse of antibiotics. Our findings on farmers’ practices could be used as baseline information in defining the gaps related to antibiotic use and resistance in animal farming in Sudan. It can thus serve as a foundation for future interventions.
Discontinuities and Earnings Management: Evidence from Restatements Related to Securities Litigation*
Authors: Donelson Dain C. , Mcinnis John M. , Mergenthaler Richard D. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA heated debate exists as to whether discontinuities in earnings distributions are indicative of earnings management. While many studies attribute discontinuities in earnings distributions to earnings management, other studies argue that earnings discontinuities are artifacts of sample selection and research design. Overall, there is limited direct evidence of a connection between earnings discontinuities and earnings management. In this study, we provide direct evidence linking earnings management to earnings discontinuities for a sample of firms that settle securities class action lawsuits and restate earnings from the alleged GAAP violation period. We compare the distribution of restated (“unmanaged”) earnings to originally reported (“managed”) earnings. We find that discontinuities are not present in the distribution of analyst forecast errors and earnings changes using unmanaged earnings but are present using managed earnings. The discontinuity in the earnings level distribution is attenuated, but not eliminated, on an unmanaged basis. These shifts among our sample of firms are caused by earnings management and cannot be explained by sample selection or research design issues. Our findings are important because many studies use earnings discontinuities as a proxy for intentional earnings manipulations and we provide the first direct evidence of a link between these two phenomena.
Imaging findings of a haemangiosarcoma in a cervical vertebra of a horse
Authors: Raes E. V. , Durie I. , Wegge B. , Gielen I. , Vanderperren K. , Saunders J. H. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryAn 18‐year‐old Warmblood gelding was presented with a recent, abrupt onset of ataxia. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was performed and revealed a delayed response in both thoracic and pelvic limbs. Radiographic examination of the cervical region demonstrated osteolytic lesions in the vertebral body and arch of the third cervical vertebra (C3). A cervical myelogram revealed spinal cord swelling in this region on the lateral projection. Computed tomographic (CT) myelography was performed, which showed osteolytic lesions and circumferential thinning of the contrast column due to extra‐dural compression at the cranial cervical region. These findings were compatible with an aggressive bone lesion compressing the spinal cord. Primary or secondary neoplasia and osteomyelitis were considered in the differential diagnosis. Because of the severity of the findings and poor prognosis, the horse underwent euthanasia. Post mortem histopathological diagnosis was a haemangiosarcoma involving the cranial cervical vertebrae and epidural space. This report demonstrates the additional value of CT myelography on the extent and exact location of cervical vertebral compressive lesions in the horse. This information can be useful for prognosis, biopsy and/or planned surgery of these lesions.
Equine peripheral blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells: Isolation, identification, trilineage differentiation and effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment
Authors: DHAR M. , NEILSEN N. , BEATTY K. , EAKER S. , ADAIR H. , GEISER D. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study: Two studies report variability in proliferation and limited adipocyte differentiation of equine peripheral blood‐derived adult mesenchymal stem cells, thus casting doubt on their adipogenic potential. Peripheral blood can be a valuable source of adult mesenchymal stem cells if cell culture conditions permissive for their adherence, proliferation and differentiation are defined. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment has been reported to mobilise haematopoietic progenitor stem cells into the peripheral blood in humans and mice, but similar experiments have not been done in horses.Objectives: To optimise cell culture conditions for isolation, propagation and differentiation of adult stem cells from peripheral blood and to assess the effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on adult stem cell concentrations.Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from the jugular vein of 6 research mares, and mononuclear cells were isolated. They were subjected to cell culture conditions that promote the adherence and proliferation of adult stem cells. The cells were characterised by their adherence, expression of cellular antigen markers, and trans‐differentiation. Each horse was subjected to 3 hyperbaric oxygen treatments, and stem cells were compared before and after treatments. Stem cells derived from adipose tissue were used as controls.Results: One‐third of the horses yielded viable stem cells from peripheral blood, positive for CD51, CD90 and CD105, and demonstrated osteocyte, chondrocyte and adipocyte differentiation. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment resulted in a significant increase in CD90‐positive cells. Horses that did not yield any cells pretreatment did so only after 3 hyperbaric oxygen treatments.Conclusions and potential relevance: Peripheral blood can be a valuable source of adult stem cells, if one can identify reliable equine‐specific markers, provide methods to increase the number of circulating progenitor cells and optimise cell culture conditions for growth and viability. Our findings are important for further studies towards technological advances in basic and clinical equine regenerative medicine.
A New Means To Identify Type 3 Secreted Effectors: Functionally Interchangeable Class IB Chaperones Recognize a Conserved Sequence
Authors: Costa Sonia C. P. , Schmitz Alexa M. , Jahufar Fathima F. , Boyd Justin D. , Cho Min Y. , Glicksman Marcie A. , Lesser Cammie F. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Many Gram-negative bacteria utilize specialized secretion systems to inject proteins (effectors) directly into host cells. Little is known regarding how bacteria ensure that only small subsets of the thousands of proteins they encode are recognized as substrates of the secretion systems, limiting their identification through bioinformatic analyses. Many of these proteins require chaperones to direct their secretion. Here, using the newly described protein interaction platform assay, we demonstrate that type 3 secretion system class IB chaperones from one bacterium directly bind their own effectors as well as those from other species. In addition, we observe that expression of class IB homologs from seven species, including pathogens and endosymbionts, mediate the translocation of effectors from
Shigella
directly into host cells, demonstrating that class IB chaperones are often functionally interchangeable. Notably, class IB chaperones bind numerous effectors. However, as previously proposed, they are not promiscuous; rather they recognize a defined sequence that we designate the conserved chaperone-binding domain (CCBD) sequence [(LMIF)
1
XXX(IV)
5
XX(IV)
8
X(N)
10
]. This sequence is the first defined amino acid sequence to be identified for any interspecies bacterial secretion system, i.e., a system that delivers proteins directly into eukaryotic cells. This sequence provides a new means to identify substrates of type III secretion systems. Indeed, using a pattern search algorithm for the CCBD sequence, we have identified the first two probable effectors from an endosymbiont,
Sodalis glossinidius
.

IMPORTANCE
Many Gram-negative pathogens utilize type 3 secretion systems to deliver tens of effectors into host cells. In order to understand the diverse ways that these organisms cause disease, it is necessary to identify their effectors, many of which require chaperones to be secreted. Here we establish that class IB chaperones are not promiscuous, as previously proposed, but rather recognize a conserved effector sequence. We demonstrate that pattern search algorithms based on this defined sequence can be used to identify previously unknown effectors. Furthermore, we observe that class IB chaperones from at least seven bacterial species are functionally interchangeable. Not only do they bind and mediate the delivery of their own set of effectors into host cells but they also bind to type 3 substrates from other bacteria, suggesting that inhibitors that block chaperone-effector interactions could provide a novel means to effectively treat infections due to Gram-negative pathogens, including organisms resistant to currently available antibiotics.
C reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or both, in the diagnosis of atraumatic paediatric limb pain?
Authors: Robinson Sara , Leonard Paul 
Published: February 2012

ObjectiveTo assess if measurement of either C reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) individually has an equivalent diagnostic value to measurement of both in identifying orthopaedic infection as the cause of paediatric atraumatic limb pain.SettingEmergency department of a paediatric teaching hospital.Study designRetrospective study of case notes for patients attending the emergency department with a complaint of atraumatic limb pain and in whom both ESR and CRP were measured at the time of presentation. Laboratory results at the time of presentation were recorded along with the final diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created using the data and the optimum cut-off values for each of ESR and CRP were derived using the point of best trade off between sensitivity and specificity. Likelihood ratios for ESR and CRP individually and in combination were calculated.Results259 patients were included in the study, of whom 17 were considered to have an orthopaedic infection. ROC curves revealed the best results were obtained using cut-off values of CRP >7 and ESR >12. The combination of a CRP >7 and an ESR >12 gave the best positive likelihood ratio at 6.26 (likelihood ratio 5.34 (CRP >7) vs 2.57 (ESR >12)). For ruling out disease, the combination of CRP ≤7 and ESR ≤12 also outperformed either variable individually (negative likelihood ratio 0.09 (CRP ≤7 and ESR ≤12) vs 0.34 (CRP ≤7) vs 0.18 (ESR ≤12)).ConclusionMeasurement of both CRP and ESR should be considered an important aid in the investigation of atraumatic limb pain.
Functional Pace-Mapping Responses for Identification of Targets for Catheter Ablation of Scar-Mediated Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Tung Roderick , Mathuria Nilesh , Michowitz Yoav , Yu Ricky , Buch Eric , Bradfield Jason , Mandapati Ravi , Wiener Isaac , Boyle Noel , Shivkumar Kalyanam 
Published: February 2012

Background—
Myocardial scars harbor areas of slow conduction and display abnormal electrograms. Pace-mapping at these sites can generate a 12-lead ECG morphological match to a targeted ventricular tachycardia (VT), and in some instances, multiple exit morphologies can result. At times, this can also result in the initiation of VT, termed pace-mapped induction (PMI). We hypothesized that in patients undergoing catheter ablation of VT, scar substrates with multiple exit sites (MES) identified during pace-mapping have improved freedom from recurrent VT, and PMI of VT predicts successful sites of termination during ablation.

Methods and Results—

High-density mapping was performed in all subjects to delineate scar (0.5–1.5 mV). Sites with abnormal electrograms were tagged, stimulated (bipolar 10 mA at 2 ms), and targeted for ablation. MES was defined as >1 QRS morphology from a single pacing site. PMI was defined as initiation of VT during pace-mapping (400–600 ms). In a 2-year period, 44 consecutive patients with scar-mediated VT underwent mapping and ablation. MES were observed during pace-mapping in 25 patients (57%). At 9 months, 74% of patients who exhibited MES during pace-mapping had no recurrence of VT compared with 42% of those without MES observed (
P
=0.024), with an overall freedom from VT of 61%. Thirteen patients (30%) demonstrated PMI, and termination of VT was seen in 95% (18/19) of sites where ablation was performed.

Conclusions—
During pace-mapping, electrograms that exhibit MES and PMI may be specific for sites critical to reentry. These functional responses hold promise for identifying important sites for catheter ablation of VT.
Outgoing Longwave Radiation due to Directly Transmitted Surface Emission
Authors: Costa S. M. S. , Shine K. P. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
A frequently used diagram summarizing the annual- and global-mean energy budget of the earth and atmosphere indicates that the irradiance reaching the top of the atmosphere from the surface, through the midinfrared atmospheric window, is 40 W m−2; this can be compared to the total outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) of about 235 W m−2. The value of 40 W m−2 was estimated in an ad hoc manner. A more detailed calculation of this component, termed here the surface transmitted irradiance (STI), is presented, using a line-by-line radiation code and 3D climatologies of temperature, humidity, cloudiness, etc. No assumption is made as to the wavelengths at which radiation from the surface can reach the top of the atmosphere. The role of the water vapor continuum is highlighted. In clear skies, if the continuum is excluded, the global- and annual-mean STI is calculated to be about 100 W m−2 with a broad maximum throughout the tropics and subtropics. When the continuum is included, the clear-sky STI is reduced to 66 W m−2, with a distinctly different geographic distribution, with a minimum in the tropics and local peaks over subtropical deserts. The inclusion of clouds reduces the STI to about 22 W m−2. The actual value is likely somewhat smaller due to processes neglected here, and an STI value of 20 W m−2 (with an estimated uncertainty of about ±20%) is suggested to be much more realistic than the previous estimate of 40 W m−2. This indicates that less than one-tenth of the OLR originates directly from the surface.
Ice Growth from the Vapor at −5°C
Authors: Knight Charles A. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Results are summarized and illustrated from a long series of experiments on ice growth from the vapor, nearly all in a very small range of conditions: −5°C, slightly below liquid water saturation, with minimal environmental gradients and no imposed ventilation. The temperature was chosen because c-axis ice needles grow in a narrow temperature interval there, which coincides with the temperature at which the Hallett–Mossop ice multiplication process operates most effectively, and one may suspect that this coincidence is likely to be meaningful. The ice growth habit is poorly reproducible in these conditions, dictating many runs with little change. Growth as plates can persist for hours, and two distinct types of needle growth occur, called sheath needles and sharp needles. Both are distinct from thin columns in that they taper to a point, with no discernible basal face. Both deviate slightly from parallel to the c axis. Sharp needles have been reported before, but only as occurring with an applied high DC voltage. New crystal orientations nucleate occasionally at the tips of the sharp needles; this also has been seen before in the presence of strong electric fields. There appears to be an ice multiplication mechanism in these conditions that does not involve riming.
A New Perspective on the Excitation of Low-Tropospheric Mixed Rossby–Gravity Waves in Association with Energy Dispersion
Authors: Chen Guanghua , Tam Chi-Yung 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
This study investigates the synoptic-scale equatorial response to Rossby wave energy dispersion associated with off-equatorial wave activity sources and proposes a new mechanism for triggering low-level mixed Rossby–gravity (MRG) waves. A case study based on observations in boreal summer 2002 reveals that a vortex related to tropical cyclogenesis generated a coherent wave train through southeastward energy dispersion. The southeastward-propagating energy packet gave rise to the equatorial atmospheric response with a temporal scale similar to the wave train and with a structure consistent with the equatorially trapped MRG wave. A baroclinic multilevel anomaly model is employed to verify the excitation of MRG associated with the energy dispersion originating outside of the equatorial region and to explore the discrepancy in the equatorial responses under the different background flows corresponding to El Niño and La Niña. The results show that the prevalence of the low-level westerly flow, the associated zonal wind convergence, and the easterly vertical wind shear can be more favorable for the enhancement of southeastward-propagating energy dispersion and equatorial MRG response in the low troposphere during El Niño than those during La Niña. In addition, the strength of the mean flow can strongly affect the extent of equatorial wave response and modulate its phase and group velocity due to the Doppler shift effect.