bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Axial Velocity Profile Method to Derive the Aortic Pulse-Wave Velocity in Diabaetic Patients
Authors: Wen C.-Y. , Yang A.-S. , Kuo T.-R. , Tseng L.-Y. , Chai J.-W. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTThe aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a useful clinical index to assess the aortic compliance and cardiovascular risk in a noninvasive manner. In this research, our previously developed axial velocity profile method (Yu et al., [11]) was modified to be more user-friendly and applied to the study of PWV of diabetic patients for the first time, using phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) technique to analyze the spatial and temporal profiles of the axial velocity along the descending aorta for measurement of the aortic PWV. The PWV results from healthy volunteers and diabetic patients were studied and compared. It is shown that the PWV of diabetic patients is much higher than that of health volunteers, the aortic compliance of diabetic patients is substantially worse than that of health volunteers. These results are in good agreement with early studies using different measurement techniques of PWV. The axial velocity profile method is again validated and proven to be a useful tool of long-term prognosis for patients with diabetes mellitus or hypertension.
Offspring production and self-superparasitism in the solitary ectoparasitoidSpalangia cameroni(Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in relation to host abundance
Authors: Böckmann E.A. , Tormos J. , Beitia F. , Fischer K. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractParasitoid fitness strongly depends on the availability and quality of hosts, which provide all resources required for larval development. Several factors, such as host size and previous parasitation, may affect host quality. Because self-superparasitism induces competition among a female's offspring, it should only occur if there is an imperfect recognition of self-parasitized hosts or if there is a fitness advantage to self-superparasitism. Against this background, we investigated self-superparasitism and offspring production inSpalangia cameroni(Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in relation to the abundance of a novel host,Ceratitis capitata(Diptera: Tephritidae). Individual pairs of parasitoids were provided with either two (low host abundance) or ten (high host abundance) pupae per day. Under high host abundance, lifetime fecundity (number of eggs laid), offspring number, number of pupae parasitized and hosts killed were greater than under low host abundance, whereas the number of eggs per host was lower; and the proportion of hosts that did not produce offspring tended to be lower. The latter suggests the occurrence of ovicide, when hosts are scarce due to an at least imperfect recognition of previously self-parasitized hosts. Offspring production per parasitized pupa was higher when hosts were scarce and levels of self-superparasitism high, suggesting the existence of beneficial effects of self-superparasitism.
The Book of Enoch and Paradise Lost
Authors: McColley Grant 
Published: August 2011

For many years it has been the accepted belief that ‘from the fourth century of our era’ the Book of I Enoch ‘gradually passed out of circulation, and became lost to the knowledge of Western Christendom’ until 1773, ‘when an Ethiopic version of the work was found in Abyssinia by Bruce.’ It is doubtless true that I Enoch was not in any exact sense known to Europe until the return of Bruce, but the belief that he was the first to ‘discover’ the book or its Ethiopic translation appears erroneous. This discovery had been made approximately two centuries before 1773. In his widely read Relation of a Journey George Sandys informs the reader that in a mountain fastness theAbissens or A Ethiopians…have…the goodliest Librarie of the world: where many bookes that are lost with vs, or but meerely mentioned, are kept entire: as hath bin lately reported by a Spanish Frier that hath seene them, if we may beleeue him: amongst which, they say, are the oracles of Enoch (with other mysteries that escaped the Flood, ingrauen by him vpon pillars) and written in their vulgar language.
Methane seep molluscs from the Sinú–San Jacinto fold belt in the Caribbean Sea of Colombia
Authors: Gracia Adriana , Rangel-Buitrago Nelson , Sellanes Javier 
Published: August 2011

Several species of bivalves belonging to families which are typically associated with reducing conditions, like those observed at methane seep sites, have been obtained in recent explorations of the Caribbean Sea margin off the coast of Colombia. The material has been collected at depths of around 500 m west of the Magdalena and Sinú deltas, located in the Sinú–San Jacinto fold belt. These bivalves correspond to the families Vesicomyidae (Calyptogena ponderosa, Vesicomya caribbea and Ectenagena modioliforma), Lucinidae (Graecina colombiensis and three unidentified species of Lucinoma), Solemyidae (Acharax caribbaea) and Thyasiridae (Conchocele bisecta). In addition, for the first time off Colombia empty tubes of vestimentiferan polychaetes, belonging to the family Siboglinidae, were collected. At some of these sites the presence of authigenic carbonates has been observed together with the biological material. Although the obligate seep fauna generally contains relatively few and endemic species, a large suite of accompanying heterotrophic species (here we report only the molluscs) has been found at the seep sites. The occurrence of carbonates, the geological characteristics of the area and the new biological evidence confirms the presence of methane seep ecosystems in the Caribbean Sea off Colombia.
Nucleic acid transfection and transgenesis in parasitic nematodes
Authors: LOK JAMES B. 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYTransgenesis is an essential tool for assessing gene function in any organism, and it is especially crucial for parasitic nematodes given the dwindling armamentarium of effective anthelmintics and the consequent need to validate essential molecular targets for new drugs and vaccines. Two of the major routes of gene delivery evaluated to date in parasitic nematodes, bombardment with DNA-coated microparticles and intragonadal microinjection of DNA constructs, draw upon experience with the free-living nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans. Bombardment has been used to transiently transfectAscaris suum, Brugia malayiandLitomosoides sigmodontiswith both RNA and DNA. Microinjection has been used to achieve heritable transgenesis inStrongyloides stercoralis, S. rattiandParastrongyloides trichosuriand for additional transient expression studies inB. malayi.A third route of gene delivery revisits a classic method involving DNA transfer facilitated by calcium-mediated permeabilization of recipient cells in developingB. malayilarvae and results in transgene inheritance through host and vector passage. Assembly of microinjected transgenes into multi-copy episomal arrays likely results in their transcriptional silencing in some parasitic nematodes. Methods such as transposon-mediated transgenesis that favour low-copy number chromosomal integration may remedy this impediment to establishing stable transgenic lines. In the future, stable transgenesis in parasitic nematodes could enable loss-of-function approaches by insertional mutagenesis,in situexpression of inhibitory double-stranded RNA or boosting RNAi susceptibility through heterologous expression of dsRNA processing and transport proteins.
Early vocabulary and gestures in Estonian children
Authors: SCHULTS ASTRA , TULVISTE TIIA , KONSTABEL KENN 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTParents of 592 children between the age of 0 ; 8 and 1 ; 4 completed the Estonian adaptation of the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory (ECDI Infant Form). The relationships between comprehension and production of different categories of words and gestures were examined. According to the results of regression modelling the production of object gestures and gestural routines was positively correlated with the use of all the word categories. Comprehension of common nouns was positively correlated to the production of common nouns and predicates, whereas the comprehension of predicates was negatively correlated to the production of common nouns and social terms. The older the children were the more they produced words from each category. Girls were reported to produce more social terms. First-born children had an advantage over later-born children in the production of common nouns. Maternal educational level was associated with the production of common nouns and predicates.
Time-series model to predict impact of H1N1 influenza on a children's hospital
Authors: SPAEDER M. C. , STROUD J. R. , SONG X. 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYThe spring of 2009 witnessed the emergence of a novel influenza A(H1N1) virus resulting in the first influenza pandemic since 1968. In autumn of 2010, the 2009 novel H1N1 influenza strain re-emerged. We performed a retrospective time-series analysis of all patients with laboratory-confirmed H1N1 influenza who presented to our institution during 2009. Cases of influenza were assembled into 3-day aggregates and forecasting models of H1N1 influenza incidence were created. Forecasting estimates of H1N1 incidence for the 2010–2011 season were compared to actual values for our institution to assess model performance. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals calculated around our model's forecasts were accurate to ±3·6 cases per 3-day period for our institution. Our results suggest that time-series models may be useful tools in forecasting the incidence of H1N1 influenza, helping institutions to optimize distribution of resources based on the changing burden of illness.
Precocious virulent coronary atherosclerosis in the very young
Authors: Chait Robert , Ramineni Rajesh , Fender Erin A. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of Myocardial Infarction (MI) in patients under the age of 30 has been rarely addressed. Moreover, it is not understood why these patients develop symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) at such an early age. Traditional risk factor assessment has not been successful in identifying these patients before they present with MI.MethodsRetrospective, single cohort, observational study of 14,704 cardiac catheterizations performed in a community hospital between January 2006–January 2010 identified 12 cases age <30 with MI secondary to a fixed atherosclerotic lesion requiring angioplasty and stenting. The angiograms and charts were reviewed to assess the incidence and frequency of traditional risk factors such as smoking, dyslipidemia and diabetes and family history.ResultsAll the patients had single vessel disease. Many of the patients were noted to have traditional CAD risk factors. 2 patients had an intervention and then months later sustained another acute MI secondary to a new culprit lesion despite aggressive risk factor modification.ConclusionEvaluating patients for premature CAD by screening for traditional risk factors has not effectively identified at risk patients prior to presentation with MI. There is a role for studies evaluating new and novel risk factors and imaging modalities so that these patients can be identified prior to experiencing MI.
Intergenerational equity and dual discounting
Authors: Almansa Carmen , Martínez-Paz José M. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractDual discounting is a new approach under consideration for use in environmental cost–benefit analysis. This paper updates the literature on this subject and subjects it to the assessment of an international panel of experts on environmental discounting by means of a Delphi study. Subsequently, a case study provides some findings deriving from the practical application of this strategy as the choice of discounting scenario in the economic evaluation of a plant for the desalination of irrigation return water, aimed at halting the degradation of a wetland. There are theoretical and practical reasons to support the use of this discounting approach in relation to projects with intergenerational impact, where the environmental effects are considerable in relation to market effects. Although still under investigation, the dual discounting approach appears to provide an appropriate methodological platform enabling the quantification of the degree of intergenerational equity implicit in the project.
Regulation and feedback of cholesterol metabolism
Authors: Griffiths William , Freeman Tom , Ghazal Peter , Mazein Alexander , Watterson Steven , Gibbs Holly , Hsieh Wayne , Abdullah Mohammed Ba , Blanc Mathieu 
Published: August 2011

AbstractCholesterol biosynthesis serves as a central metabolic hub for numerous biological processes in health and disease. An integrative knowledge representation of how the cholesterol pathway is structured and how it interacts with other pathway systems is lacking. Here we provide using Systems Biology Graphical Notation the research synthesis of a process diagram integrating the regulatory and feedback systems for cholesterol synthesis.
Transcranial Two-Photon Imaging of the Living Mouse Brain
Authors: Grutzendler Jaime , Yang Guang , Pan Feng , Parkhurst Christopher N. , Gan Wen-Biao 
Published: August 2011

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes imaging of the living mouse brain through a thinned skull using two-photon microscopy. This transcranial two-photon laser-scanning microscope (TPLSM) imaging method allows high-resolution imaging of fluorescently labeled neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and blood vessels, as well as subcellular structures such as dendritic spines and axonal varicosities. The surgical procedure that is required to allow imaging thins the cranium so that it becomes optically transparent. Once learned, the surgery can be performed in ∼30 min, and imaging can follow immediately. The procedure can be repeated multiple times, allowing brain cells and tissues to be studied in the same animals over short or long time intervals, depending on the design of the experiment. Two-photon imaging through a thinned and intact skull avoids side effects caused by skull removal and is a minimally invasive method for studying the living mouse brain under physiological and pathological conditions.
Immunolabeling of Cells Grown Attached to a Substratum or in Suspension with Actin Antibodies
Authors: Spudich Anna 
Published: August 2011

INTRODUCTIONActin is a major component of all eukaryotic cells and is highly conserved across species. The different isoforms of actin show a very high degree of homology, and almost all actins bind cytochalasins, phallotoxins, and DNase I. Actin is important for maintaining cell shape and for myosin-based movements in cells. In addition, the actin cytoskeleton is involved in localization of other molecules in the cytoplasm and in cellular compartmentalization. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies with different specificities are commercially available for labeling actin-containing structures in cells. This article describes a protocol for immunolabeling actin that works well for cells grown in tissue culture as monolayers and for cells grown in suspension cultures that can be attached to polylysine-coated coverslips.
Single-Cell Electroporation of Xenopus Tadpole Tectal Neurons
Authors: Liu Xue Feng , Haas Kurt 
Published: August 2011

INTRODUCTIONSingle-cell electroporation (SCE) is a versatile technique for delivering electrically charged macromolecules, including DNA, RNA, synthetic oligonucleotides, peptides, dyes, and drugs, to individual cells within intact tissues. Here, we describe methods for SCE of single tectal neurons within the albino Xenopus laevis tadpole for delivery of plasmid DNA-expressing protein fluorophores or fluorescent dye. Individual neurons labeled by this technique can then be imaged in three dimensions (3D) within the intact and living brain using in vivo two-photon microscopy for studies of morphology and growth. The SCE protocol is relatively simple and requires minimal and common laboratory equipment, including a fluorescent stereomicroscope, micropipette puller, and electrical stimulator. Once equipment is set up, learning to label cells with fluorescent dyes is straightforward and usually quickly achieved, because direct visualization with fluorescent microscopy offers immediate feedback of success. The main challenges are positioning the pipette tip in a cell body layer and optimizing pipette tip shape and stimulation parameters. Once fluorescent dye loading has been achieved, transfecting neurons with DNA should follow by using the same pipette tip parameters, but extending the stimulation parameters, because plasmid DNA is larger than dye and requires formation of larger pores. Detectable expression of protein fluorophores from transfected DNA typically takes 6–12 h. SCE for dye loading or DNA transfection of tadpole tectal neurons is highly efficient and can be learned in 1 or 2 d by novice laboratory personnel.
Dissection of First- and Second-Instar Drosophila Larvae for Electrophysiological Recording from Neurons: The Flat (or Fillet) Preparation: Figure 1.
Authors: Marley Richard , Baines Richard A. 
Published: August 2011

INTRODUCTIONThe fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been instrumental in expanding our understanding of early aspects of neural development. The use of this model system has greatly added to our knowledge of neural cell-fate determination, axon guidance, and synapse formation. It has also become possible to access and make electrophysiological recordings directly from neurons in situ in an intact central nervous system (CNS), which has facilitated studies of the development and regulation of neuronal signaling. It is possible to obtain electrophysiological recordings from all stages of Drosophila. Exposure of the intact Drosophila CNS is a prerequisite for such electrophysiological recordings. The dissection procedure described here can be applied to both late-stage embryos (stage 16 onward) and larvae. Because of their size, third-instar larvae are more difficult to flatten using this method and, if recording from this stage, the reader might consider using insect pins for the dissection or isolating the CNS using an alternative method. The dissection should take <10 min if all preparation work has been completed in advance. Owing to the short life span of the dissected larva, it is not recommended that the procedure be stopped or the preparation stored for later use.
Characterization of polygenic resistance to powdery mildew in tomato at cytological, biochemical and gene expression level
Authors: LI CHENGWEI , FAINO LUIGI , DONG LIN , FAN JUNMEI , KISS LEVENTE , DE GIOVANNI CLAUDIO , LEBEDA ALES , SCOTT JOHN , MATSUDA YOSHINORI , TOYODA HIDEYOSHI , LINDHOUT PIM , VISSER RICHARD G. F. , BONNEMA GUUSJE , BAI YULING 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYExtensive research in the area of plant innate immunity has increased considerably our understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with resistance controlled by a dominant resistance gene. In contrast, little is known about the molecular basis underlying the resistance conferred by quantitative trait loci (QTLs). In this study, using the interaction of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) with Oidium neolycopersici, we compared the cytological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in both monogenic and polygenic resistances conferred by a dominant gene (Ol‐1) and three QTLs (Ol‐qtls), respectively. Our results showed that the three Ol‐qtls jointly confer a very high level of broad‐spectrum resistance and that the resistance is associated with both the hypersensitive response and papillae formation, with the hypersensitive response being prevalent. Both H2O2 and callose accumulation, which are coupled with Ol‐1‐mediated resistance, are also associated with the resistance conferred by Ol‐qtls. Further, we analysed the pathogen‐induced transcript profiles of near‐isogenic lines carrying the three Ol‐qtls and the Ol‐1 gene. Transcript profiles obtained by cDNA‐amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis showed that, on fungal challenge, about 70% of the transcript‐derived fragments are up‐regulated in both susceptible and resistant genotypes. Most of the sequenced transcript‐derived fragments showed homology to genes with functions in defence responses, suggesting that defence‐responsive genes responsible for basal defence are involved in both monogenic and polygenic resistances conferred by Ol‐1 and Ol‐qtls, respectively. Although about 18% of the identified transcript‐derived fragments are specific for either monogenic or polygenic resistance, their expression patterns need to be further verified by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction.
A potential tool to mitigate the impacts of climate change to the caribbean leatherback sea turtle
Authors: Patino‐Martinez Juan , Marco Adolfo , Quiñones Liliana , Hawkes Lucy 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIt is now well understood that climate change has the potential to dramatically affect biodiversity, with effects on spatio‐temporal distribution patterns, trophic relationships and survivorship. In the marine turtles, sex is determined by incubation temperature, such that warming temperatures could lead to a higher production of female hatchlings. By measuring nest temperature, and using a model to relate the incubation temperature to sex ratio, we estimate that Caribbean Colombian leatherback sea turtles currently produce approximately 92% female hatchlings. We modelled the relationship between incubation, sand and air temperature, and under all future climate change scenarios (0.4–6.0 °C warming over the next 100 years), complete feminization could occur, as soon as the next decade. However, male producing refugia exist in the periphery of smaller nests (0.7 °C cooler at the bottom than at the centre), within beaches (0.3 °C cooler in the vegetation line and inter‐tidal zone) and between beaches (0.4 °C higher on dark beaches), and these natural refugia could be assigned preferential conservation status. However, there exists a need to develop strategies that may ameliorate deleterious effects of climate‐induced temperature changes in the future. We experimentally shaded clutches using screening material, and found that it was effective in reducing nest temperature, producing a higher proportion of male hatchlings, without compromising the fitness or hatching success. Artificial shade in hatcheries is a very useful and simple tool in years or periods of high environmental temperatures. Nevertheless, this is only an emergency response to the severe impacts that will eventually have to be reversed if we are to guarantee the stability of the populations.