bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial and Temporal Pattern of Caddisfly Distribution at a Mesohabitat Scale in two Patagonian Mountain Streams Subjected to Pastoral Use
Authors: Brand Cecilia , Miserendino María Laura , Epele Luis B. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSubstrate, flow type, nutrients, aquatic vegetation, organic matter, and caddisfly community structure were studied at two low order streams (Glyn and Nant y Fall) subjected to pastoral use in the Patagonian mountains. At both sites, we examined the effect of habitat type (boulder‐pebble with and without filamentous algae, cobble‐pebble, gravel‐sand, leaf‐pack, the submerged macrophytes Myriophyllum quitense and Isoetes savatieri) and season (high and low water period) on caddisfly assemblages. Benthic particulate organic matter (BPOM) ranged between 4.6 and 472 g m–2, all allochtonous detrital fractions were significantly higher at leaf‐packs at Glyn, whereas M. quitense habitats supported more BPOM and macrophytes biomass at Nant y Fall. As expected, boulder‐pebble sustained higher Trichoptera richness than M. quitense and gravel‐sand, moreover all habitats showed higher density than M. quitense at Nant y Fall. According to our results at least nine caddisfly species exhibited some habitat preference with boulder‐pebble and cobble‐pebble the most selected habitat. These particular habitats sustained more than 68% of the total caddisfly species. Multidimensional scaling ordination highlighted differences in composition per habitat for both sites showing a clear distinction among depositional and erosional habitats. Substrate, flow type, detritus biomass were important predictors defining assemblages. Based upon our findings, those anthropogenic actions or stressors that change hydraulic as well substrate attributes in mountain streams such as stock trampling, dredging, clearing of riparian areas, will reduce caddisfly richness. These results are relevant for outline management and conservation biomonitoring and schemes in headwater Patagonian streams as well as other similar environments worldwide (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Experimental Assessment of the Effects of Environmental Factors and Longitudinal Position on Alpha and Beta Diversities of Aquatic Insects in a Neotropical Stream
Authors: Hepp Luiz U. , Landeiro Victor L. , Melo Adriano S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe evaluated the effect of environmental factors on the abundance and genera richness of aquatic insects colonizing artificial substrates. We also assessed the relative effects of environmental factors on assemblage variation (beta diversity), and contrasted its magnitude with the variation associated with the spatial position of reaches in a Neotropical stream. Homogeneous and heterogeneous bricks were installed in seven stream reaches and removed after 60d. Substrate type and organic matter showed significant effects on abundance. For observed richness, substrate type was the only important variable. For rarefied richness, no explanatory variable was important. A NMDS ordination of bricks revealed the effect of spatial position and substrate type. A partial Redundancy Analysis (pRDA) indicated that the environmental matrix explained 12.44% of the total variation, while reach position explained 7.41%. We conclude that at local scale (reaches 430–920 m apart), environmental factors, especially substrate heterogeneity, were important in determining the alpha and beta diversities of the insect assemblage in the stream (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Calf thymus DNA binding studies of the new neodymium–naproxen complex
Authors: Huo Ruina , Xu Guiqing , Jiang Xiaoying , Ge Yao , Xue Zaikun , Cui Fengling 
Published: April 2012

AbstractFluorescence spectroscopy in combination with UV absorption spectroscopy was carried out to investigate the interaction between the neodymium–naproxen complex (Nd–NAP) and calf thymus DNA (ctDNA). The experimental results showed that Nd–NAP intercalated with the ctDNA base pairs. Analysis of fluorescence quenching data of Nd–NAP by ctDNA at different temperatures using a Stern–Volmer equation revealed that dynamic and static quenching occurred simultaneously. The binding constants and the number of binding sites at 293 and 310 K were obtained as 2.904 × 104 L mol−1, 1.172 and 2.432 × 104 L mol−1, 1.143, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS calculated at different temperatures indicated that hydrogen bonding and van der Waals force were the main binding forces. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:193–198, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21401
Experimental Analysis of Perching in the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris: Passeriformes; Passeres), and the Automatic Perching Mechanism of Birds
Authors: GALTON PETER M. , SHEPHERD JEFFREY D. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThe avian automatic perching mechanism (APM) involves the automatic digital flexor mechanism (ADFM) and the digital tendon‐locking mechanism (DTLM). When birds squat on a perch to sleep, the increased tendon travel distance due to flexion of the knee and ankle supposedly causes the toes to grip the perch (ADFM) and engage the DTLM so perching while sleeping involves no muscular effort. However, the knees and ankles of sleeping European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are only slightly flexed and, except for occasional balancing adjustments, the distal two‐thirds of the toes are not flexed to grip a 6‐mm‐diameter perch. The cranial ankle angle (CAA) is ∼120° and the foot forms an inverted “U” that, with the mostly unflexed toes, provides a saddle‐like structure so the bird balances its weight over the central pad of the foot (during day weight further back and digits actively grasp perch). In the region of the pad, the tendon sheath of many birds is unribbed, or only very slightly so, and it is always separated from the tendon of the M. flexor digitorum longus by tendons of the other toe flexor muscles. Passive leg flexion produces no toe flexion in anesthetized Starlings and only after 15–20 min, at the onset of rigor mortis, in freshly sacrificed Starlings. Anesthetized Starlings could not remain perched upon becoming unconscious (ADFM, DTLM intact). Birds whose digital flexor tendons were severed or the locking mechanism eliminated surgically (no ADFM or DTLM), so without ability to flex their toes, slept on the perch in a manner similar to unoperated Starlings (except CAA ∼90°–110°). Consequently, there is no APM or ADFM and the DTLM, although involved in lots of other activities, only acts in perching with active contraction of the digital flexor muscles. J. Exp. Zool. (c) Wiley‐Liss, Inc. How to cite this article: Galton PM, Shepherd JD. 2010. Experimental analysis of perching in the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris: Passeriformes; Passeres), and the automatic perching mechanism of birds. J. Exp. Zool. 317:205–215, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatocyte growth factor overexpression in the nervous system enhances learning and memory performance in mice
Authors: Kato Takashi , Funakoshi Hiroshi , Kadoyama Keiichi , Noma Satsuki , Kanai Masaaki , Ohya‐Shimada Wakana , Mizuno Shinya , Doe Nobutaka , Taniguchi Taizo , Nakamura Toshikazu 
Published: April 2012

AbstractHepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, c‐Met, play pivotal roles in the nervous system during development and in disease states. However, the physiological roles of HGF in the adult brain are not well understood. In the present study, to assess its role in learning and memory function, we used transgenic mice that overexpress HGF in a neuron‐specific manner (HGF‐Tg) to deliver HGF into the brain without injury. HGF‐Tg mice displayed increased alternation rates in the Y‐maze test compared with age‐matched wild‐type (WT) controls. In the Morris water maze (MWM) test, HGF‐Tg mice took less time to find the platform on the first day, whereas the latency to escape to the hidden platform was decreased over training days compared with WT mice. A transfer test revealed that the incidence of arrival at the exact location of the platform was higher for HGF‐Tg mice compared with WT mice. These results demonstrate that overexpression of HGF leads to an enhancement of both short‐ and long‐term memory. Western blot analyses revealed that the levels of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B, but not NR1, were increased in the hippocampus of HGF‐Tg mice compared with WT controls, suggesting that an upregulation of NR2A and NR2B could represent one mechanism by which HGF enhances learning and memory performance. These results demonstrate that modulation of learning and memory performance is an important physiological function of HGF that contributes to normal CNS plasticity, and we propose HGF as a novel regulator of higher brain functions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The value of developing frontline leaders in health care
Authors: Ohnmacht Susan D. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe complexity of today's health care environment requires leaders to develop a coordinated strategy to promote organizational sustainability and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace. Strong leaders provide the backbone for successful organizations (Patterson, 2009; Squazzo, 2009). A leadership preparedness strategy focused on the development of future leaders facilitates a seamless leadership transition when planned or unexpected turnover occurs (Carriere, Muise, Cummings, & Newburn‐Cook, 2009; Jones, 2010; Squazzo, 2009). The challenge faced by executive health care leaders is the ability to manage talent effectively and meet the strategic business objectives of the health care organization by building a talent pool of future leaders (Silzer & Church, 2009). Experiential learning and relationship learning support the professional growth and development of frontline leaders. One example of a structured program, blending experiential and relationship learning for developing high potentials, is the Frontline Nursing Leadership (FNLP) program, developed and facilitated by The Advisory Board Company (TABC; 2009). Health care organizations have a responsibility to cultivate tomorrow's leaders by mitigating and neutralizing barriers to professional development and establishing a comprehensive framework for the development of high‐potential employees (Squazzo, 2009).
Injection Moulding Difficult Nanopatterns with Hybrid Polymer Inlays
Authors: Stormonth‐Darling John M. , Gadegaard Nikolaj 
Published: April 2012

AbstractHybrid polymeric inlays, patterned by nanoimprint lithography, are used to rapidly mass replicate pillar‐like nanostructures by injection moulding. This is difficult to achieve with traditional nickel inlays due to the rapid heat transfer of the metal, which results in premature cooling of the molten polymer and improper filling of nanoscale features. Using hybrid inlays, nanopillars can reliably be stretched by up to 40% of their designed height by adjusting moulding parameters. Hybrid inlays display longevity of more than 2000 cycles and can rapidly be fabricated to firmly establish injection moulding as an exceptionally useful tool for the high volume prototyping and production of nanopatterned polymeric devices. magnified image
On the super‐restricted arc‐connectivity of s ‐geodetic digraphs
Authors: Balbuena Camino , García‐Vázquez Pedro , Hansberg Adriana , Montejano Luis Pedro 
Published: April 2012

AbstractFor a strongly connected digraph D the restricted arc‐connectivity λ′(D) is defined as the minimum cardinality of an arc‐cut over all arc‐cuts S satisfying that D ‐ S has a non‐trivial strong component D1 such that D ‐ V (D1) contains an arc. In this paper we prove that every digraph on at least 4 vertices and of minimum degree at least 2 is λ′ ‐connected and λ′(D) ≤ξ′(D), where ξ′(D) is the minimum arc‐degree of D. Also in this paper we introduce the concept of super‐ λ′ digraphs and provide a sufficient condition for an s ‐geodetic digraph to be super‐ λ′. Further, we show that the h ‐iterated line digraph Lh(D) of an s ‐geodetic digraph is super‐ λ′ for a particular h. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2013
Connectedness of finite distance graphs
Authors: Gómez‐Pérez Domingo , Gutierrez Jaime , Ibeas Álvar 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe describe a polynomial‐time algorithm for deciding whether a given distance graph with a finite number of vertices is connected. This problem was conjectured to be NP‐hard in Draque Penso et al. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2012
Shear‐flexible subdivision shells
Authors: Long Quan , Burkhard Bornemann P. , Cirak Fehmi 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYWe present a new shell model and an accompanying discretisation scheme that is suitable for thin and thick shells. The deformed configuration of the shell is parameterised using the mid‐surface position vector and an additional shear vector for describing the out‐of‐plane shear deformations. In the limit of vanishing thickness, the shear vector is identically zero and the Kirchhoff–Love model is recovered. Importantly, there are no compatibility constraints to be satisfied by the shape functions used for discretising the mid‐surface and the shear vector. The mid‐surface has to be interpolated with smooth C1‐continuous shape functions, whereas the shear vector can be interpolated with C0‐continuous shape functions. In the present paper, the mid‐surface as well as the shear vector are interpolated with smooth subdivision shape functions. The resulting finite elements are suitable for thin and thick shells and do not exhibit shear locking. The good performance of the proposed formulation is demonstrated with a number of linear and geometrically non‐linear plate and shell examples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health‐related quality of life in sickle cell disease: Past, present, and future
Authors: Panepinto Julie A. , Bonner Melanie 
Published: April 2012

AbstractHealth‐related quality of life (HRQL) is defined as the patient's appraisal of how his/her well being and level of functioning, compared to the perceived ideal, are affected by individual health. The study of HRQL in children and adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) has begun to flourish. Given the devastating complications of the disease and other co‐morbid factors patients experience that influence HRQL, it is increasingly important to understand HRQL. The focus of this critical review was to examine past and current research in HRQL in SCD where a validated instrument was used. In addition, future directions for HRQL in SCD are explored. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:377–385. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The medical home experience among children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Raphael Jean L. , Rattler Tiffany L. , Kowalkowski Marc A. , Mueller Brigitta U. , Giordano Thomas P. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundWhile a large body of research documents acute care services for children with sickle cell disease (SCD), little is known about the primary care experiences of this population. The goal of this study was to determine to what extent children with SCD experienced care consistent with a patient‐centered medical home (PCMH).ProcedureWe collected and analyzed data from 150 children, ages 1–17 years, who received care within a large children's hospital. The primary dependent variable was access to a PCMH or its four individual components (regular provider, comprehensive care, family‐centered care, and coordinated care) as determined by parental report. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to investigate associations between socio‐demographic variables and having access to a PCMH.ResultsOnly 11% (16/150) of children qualified as having a PCMH, achieving the required thresholds in all four components. Approximately half of children had access to two or fewer components. Over 90% of children were reported to have a personal provider. Two‐thirds of children had access to comprehensive care. Almost 60% of children were reported to receive family‐centered care. Only 20% of children had access to coordinated care. No consistent associations were found between socio‐demographic variables and having access to a PCMH or its individual components.ConclusionsWithin our study sample, children with SCD experienced multiple deficiencies in having access to a PCMH, particularly with respect to care coordination. However, further studies with larger samples are needed to determine associations between socio‐demographic variables and having a PCMH. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:275–280. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapid reduction of central line infections in hospitalized pediatric oncology patients through simple quality improvement methods
Authors: Choi Sung W. , Chang Lawrence , Hanauer David A. , Shaffer‐Hartman Jacqueline , Teitelbaum Daniel , Lewis Ian , Blackwood Alex , Akcasu Nur , Steel Janell , Christensen Joy , Niedner Matthew F. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundPediatric hematology–oncology (PHO) patients are at significant risk for developing central line‐associated bloodstream infections (CLA‐BSIs) due to their prolonged dependence on such catheters. Effective strategies to eliminate these preventable infections are urgently needed. In this study, we investigated the implementation of bundled central line maintenance practices and their effect on hospital‐acquired CLA‐BSIs.Materials and MethodsCLA‐BSI rates were analyzed within a single‐institution's PHO unit between January 2005 and June 2011. In May 2008, a multidisciplinary quality improvement team developed techniques to improve the PHO unit's safety culture and implemented the use of catheter maintenance practices tailored to PHO patients. Data analysis was performed using time‐series methods to evaluate the pre‐ and post‐intervention effect of the practice changes.ResultsThe pre‐intervention CLA‐BSI incidence was 2.92 per 1,000‐patient days (PD) and coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus was the most prevalent pathogen (29%). In the post‐intervention period, the CLA‐BSI rate decreased substantially (45%) to 1.61 per 1,000‐PD (P < 0.004). Early on, blood and marrow transplant (BMT) patients had a threefold higher CLA‐BSI rate compared to non‐BMT patients (P < 0.033). With additional infection control countermeasures added to the bundled practices, BMT patients experienced a larger CLA‐BSI rate reduction such that BMT and non‐BMT CLA‐BSI rates were not significantly different post‐intervention.ConclusionsBy adopting and effectively implementing uniform maintenance catheter care practices, learning multidisciplinary teamwork, and promoting a culture of patient safety, the CLA‐BSI incidence in our study population was significantly reduced and maintained. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:262–269. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Salvage therapy of refractory hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with alemtuzumab
Authors: Marsh Rebecca A. , Allen Carl E. , McClain Kenneth L. , Weinstein Joanna L. , Kanter Julie , Skiles Jodi , Lee Nadine D. , Khan Shakila P. , Lawrence Julia , Mo Jun Q. , Bleesing Jack J. , Filipovich Alexandra H. , Jordan Michael B. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundHemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life‐threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome that remains difficult to treat. Even with current standard HLH therapy, only approximately half of patients will experience complete resolution of disease, and early mortality remains a significant problem. Salvage therapies have been described only in limited case reports, and there are no large studies of second‐line therapies.ProcedureWe reviewed the charts of 22 pediatric and adult patients who received alemtuzumab for the treatment of refractory HLH at our center or in consultation with our group.ResultsPatients had received conventional therapies for a median of 8 weeks (range: 2–70) prior to alemtuzumab, and treatment immediately prior to alemtuzumab included dexamethasone (100%), etoposide (77%), cyclosporine (36%), intrathecal hydrocortisone ± methotrexate (23%), methylprednisolone (9%), and rituximab (14%). Patients received a median dose of 1 mg/kg alemtuzumab (range: 0.1–8.9 mg/kg) divided over a median of 4 days (range: 2–10). Fourteen patients experienced an overall partial response, defined as at least a 25% improvement in two or more quantifiable symptoms or laboratory markers of HLH 2 weeks following alemtuzumab (64%). Five additional patients had a 25% or greater improvement in a single quantifiable symptom or laboratory marker of HLH (23%). Seventy‐seven percent of patients survived to undergo allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Patients experienced an acceptable spectrum of complications, including CMV and adenovirus viremia.ConclusionAlemtuzumab appears to be an effective salvage agent for refractory HLH, leading to improvement and survival to HCT in many patients. Prospective trials to define optimal dosing levels, schedules, and responses are needed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 101–109. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shared medical decision‐making: considering what options to present based on an ethical analysis of the treatment of brain tumors in very young children
Authors: Levine Deena , Cohen Kenneth , Wendler David 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe treatment of brain tumors in very young children poses both a therapeutic challenge and a bioethical quandary. The administration of craniospinal radiation after surgery offers the greatest chance for cure but causes severe neurocognitive damage. As a result, current practice does not offer parents the option of full‐dose postoperative craniospinal radiation. Some may regard this approach as inappropriate medical paternalism, while others may consider it an example of responsible therapeutics. Evaluation of this dilemma reveals principles which can guide clinicians in determining which treatment options to present to their patients or surrogates, in the context of shared medical decision‐making. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:216–220. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brodifacoum is effective against Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) in a tyrosine139cysteine focus of anticoagulant resistance in Westphalia, Germany
Authors: Buckle Alan P , Klemann Nicole , Prescott Colin V 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:The tyrosine to cysteine amino acid substitution at location 139 of thevkorc1protein (i.e. tyrosine139cysteine or Y139C) is the most widespread anticoagulant resistance mutation in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicusBerk.) in Europe. Field trials were conducted to determine the incidence of the Y139C mutation at two rat‐infested farms in Westphalia, Germany, and to estimate the practical efficacy against them of applications, using a pulsed baiting treatment regime, of a proprietary bait (Klerat™) containing 0.005% brodifacoum.RESULTS:DNA analysis for the Y139C mutation showed that resistant rats were prevalent at the two farms, with an incidence of 80.0 and 78.6% respectively. Applications of brodifacoum bait achieved results of 99.2 and 100.0% control at the two farms, when measured by census baiting, although the treatment was somewhat prolonged at one site, possibly owing to the abundance of attractive alternative food.CONCLUSION:The study showed that 0.005% brodifacoum bait is fully effective against Norway rats possessing the Y139C mutation at the Münsterland focus and is likely to be so elsewhere in Europe where this mutation is found. The pulsed baiting regime reduced to relatively low levels the quantity of bait required to control these two substantial resistant Norway rat infestations. Previous studies had shown much larger quantities of bromadiolone and difenacoum baits used in largely ineffective treatments against Y139C resistant rats in the Münsterland. These results should be considered when making decisions about the use of anticoagulants against resistant Norway rats and their potential environmental impacts. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry