bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linking the thermal regimes of streams in the Great Lakes Basin, Ontario, to landscape and climate variables
Authors: Chu Cindy , Jones Nicholas E. , Allin Laurie 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe lack of geographically broad‐scale temperature data has limited our ability to classify stream temperatures and assess the processes affecting them. Continuous data (1 July 2005–30 June 2006) from 90 sites throughout the Great Lakes Basin (GLB) were used to classify and model the thermal regimes of streams in Ontario. Existing and newly developed temperature metrics were used to characterize the data for each site. The 90 sites clustered into three thermal regimes based on maximum weekly maximum temperature (°C) and spring rate of change (°C · d−1). The centroids of regime 1, 2 and 3 had temperatures of 26.4, 28.4, 23.5°C and warming rates of 0.20, 0.12 and 0.10°C · d−1, respectively. There was a regional pattern in the thermal regimes; most sites in the north were regime 1 and most sites in the south were regime 2 but neither regime was limited to those areas. Regime 3 sites were found throughout the study area. Discriminant function analysis indicated that per cent riparian forest, mean annual air temperature, per cent surface water and groundwater discharge potential influenced the thermal regimes at the sites, and demonstrated how variables at three spatial scales influence stream temperatures. This study provides a framework for thermal assessments elsewhere and demonstrates how anthropogenic activities such as riparian deforestation, groundwater withdrawal, stream regulation and climate change will all affect the main drivers of thermal regimes in streams. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Groflächige μc‐Si:H Plasmaabscheidung für Silizium‐Dünnschichtsolarmodule
Authors: Kilper Thilo 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIm Vergleich zur waferbasierten Siliziumsolarzellentechnologie ermöglicht die siliziumbasierte Dünnschichtphotovoltaik einen signifikant reduzierten Materialeinsatz für Absorberschichten, Niedertemperaturherstellungsprozesse bei etwa 200°C, die Möglichkeit zur Schichtabscheidung auf Substratflächen > 1 m2sowie eine reduzierte Anzahl an Solarmodulherstellungsschritten, wodurch sich ein hohes Potenzial zur weiteren Absenkung der Gestehungskosten von Solarstrom eröffnet. Die neueste Generation von Silizium‐Dünnschichtsolarmodulen basiert neben amorphem Silizium auch auf mikrokristallinem Silizium als Absorbermaterial, was eine bessere Ausnutzung des Sonnenlichtspektrums und hierdurch potenziell stabilisierte Modulwirkungsgrade > 10% auch auf großer Fläche ermöglicht. Im Rahmen meiner kürzlich abgeschlossenen Dissertation wurden am Forschungszentrum Jülich neue PECVD‐Herstellungsprozesse für 30×30 cm2μc‐Si:H Absorberschichten entwickelt, die bei gleich hoher Materialqualität und ‐homogenität deutlich höhere Abscheidungsraten und damit einen höheren Produktionsoutput ermöglichen. Gleichzeitig wurden neue PECVD‐Herstellungsprozesse für 30×30 cm2μc‐Si:H Absorberschichten entwickelt, die aufzeigen, wie mithilfe einer Prozesskontrolle bei stark reduziertem Wasserstoffverbrauch und einem deutlich verbessertem Silanausnutzungsgrad qualitativ ähnlich gute Schichten wie bei Prozessen mit hohen Gesamtgasflüssen hergestellt können. Zusammen mit der durchgeführten Quantifizierung der tolerierbaren Mengen von atmosphärischen Verunreinigungen in der μc‐Si:H Absorberschicht, welche wichtige Aussagen über die erforderliche Prozessreinheit zur Erzielung eines möglichst geringen Produktionsausschusses liefert, wurden dadurch Möglichkeiten aufgezeigt, wie bei der industriellen Serienproduktion von a‐Si:H/μc‐Si:H basierten Dünnschichtsolarmodulen weitere Kostensenkungsschritte (über eine Erhöhung des Outputs und einem reduzierten Verbrauch der Prozessgase Monosilan und Wasserstoff) erzielt werden können.
The influence of climatic conditions on long-term changes in the helminth fauna of terrestrial molluscs and the implications for parasite transmission in southern England
Authors: Morley N.J. , Lewis J.W. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe influence of climatic conditions on the prevalence and transmission of helminth parasites in a terrestrial mollusc population was studied in a grassland site in southern England between 1974 and 1983. Molluscs were sampled in each September of 5 years over this period (1974, 1976, 1979, 1981, 1983). Climatic conditions had a variable effect on parasite prevalence. Trematode sporocyst infections increased after wet summer and warm winter conditions and declined in hot, dry periods. Cestode infections increased after combined wet spring and summer weather and low winter temperatures, although trematode metacercariae and nematode infections were less likely to be influenced by climate. The effects on parasite transmission were undertaken by comparing parasite prevalences in the principal definitive hosts, the common shrew (Sorex araneus) and the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) in the same habitat over the period 1973–1983. Changes in parasite prevalences in the molluscan population were rarely replicated by changes in the small mammal population, except for trematode parasites in small mammals during a period of severe drought in 1976. These results suggest that only long-term persistent modifications in climate are likely to affect host–parasite dynamics.
Evaluation of diversity, specialization, and gene specificity in transcriptomes
Authors: Martinez Octavio , Reyes-Valdés Humberto 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe transcriptome is a set of genes transcribed in a given tissue under specific conditions and can be characterized by a list of genes with their corresponding frequencies of transcription. Transcriptome changes can be measured by counting gene tags from mRNA libraries or by measuring light signals in DNA microarrays. Recently we proposed an approach to define and estimate the diversity and specialization of transcriptomes and gene specificity. This approach can be useful for the determination and measure of transcriptional networks. We defined transcriptome diversity as the Shannon entropy of its frequency distribution. Gene specificity is defined as the mutual information between the tissues and the corresponding transcript, allowing detection of either housekeeping or highly specific genes and clarifying the meaning of these concepts in the literature. Tissue specialization is measured by average gene specificity. Visualization of the positions of transcriptomes in a system of diversity and specialization coordinates makes it possible to understand at a glance their interrelations, summarizing in a powerful way which transcriptomes are richer in diversity of expressed genes, or which are relatively more specialized. This enlightens the relation among transcriptomes, allowing a better understanding of their changes through the development of the organism or in response to environmental stimuli. We present statistical tools based on resampling procedures to obtain confidence intervals for the parameters as well as perform statistical test. These approaches are illustrated with a human dataset.
Diet affects male gonad maturation, female fecundity, and larval development in the granivorous ground beetleAnisodactylus punctatipennis
Authors: SASAKAWA KÔJI 
Published: April 2009

Abstract1. Granivory is a specialised food habit in the Carabidae and is considered to have evolved from ancestral carnivory. Despite recent investigations, the mechanisms underlying this peculiar feeding shift have not been sufficiently elucidated. In particular, no studies have examined the effects of diet composition on male reproductive traits.2. This study examined male gonad maturation, female fecundity, and larval development under different diets (insect larvae, mixed seeds, and insect larvae + mixed seeds) forAnisodactylus punctatipennis(Coleoptera: Carabidae).3. Whereas sperm‐bundle length, the durations of larval stages, and adult weight did not differ among diets, the weights of seminal substance‐producing organs, fecundity, and larval survival were higher with diets containing seeds compared to the pure‐animal diet. These findings provide the first conclusive evidence for granivory inAnisodactylus.4. This study is the first that demonstrates the effects of diet on male reproductive traits in a granivorous carabid. The results were consistent with similar observations for fecundity and larval performance in this and other studies. Thus, in addition to the female and larval traits, the dietary effects on male reproductive traits may also have played an important role in the evolution of granivory in the Carabidae.
Corporate Charitable Giving, Multinational Companies and Countries of Concern
Authors: Brammer Stephen J. , Pavelin Stephen , Porter Lynda A. 
Published: April 2009

abstractThis paper investigates the degree to which corporate charitable giving is influenced by a firm's internationalization and/or whether it has operations in one or more countries of concern. For a sample of large UK firms, we find evidence of a positive effect not for internationalization per se, but only for a presence in particular countries. In this connection, the salient country characteristic is a lack of political rights and/or civil liberties, and the positive impact on charitable giving is restricted to a presence in only those countries that are, according to Freedom House indicators, most lacking in this respect. Furthermore, our study highlights a mode of corporate response to stakeholder concerns and pressures – offsetting – that is qualitatively different from those suggested in earlier conceptual literatures.
Alexithymia in patients with alopecia areata: educational background much more important than traumatic events
Authors: Willemsen R , Haentjens P , Roseeuw D , Vanderlinden J 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground  Recent studies suggest a higher prevalence of alexithymia in patients with alopecia areata (AA). Some authors link alexithymia with the presence of early traumatic events, such as dysfunctional parent–child relationships. However, until today, no studies have been carried out on the association of alexithymia and early traumatic events in AA patients.Objective  The primary aim of this study was to explore if an association exists between the presence of traumatic childhood experiences and alexithymia in AA patients. A secondary aim was to confirm earlier observations indicating that the occurrence and/or degree of alexithymia is higher in patients with AA compared with individuals from the general population.Methods  We enrolled 90 patients with AA. Data on alexithymia and traumatic events were collected with two self‐report questionnaires: the Toronto Alexithymia Scale‐20 and the Traumatic Experiences Checklist. These data were compared with data obtained from control patients without AA randomly selected from patients presenting for dermatological surgery.Results  In adult AA patients, we found no evidence for a significant association between Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) scores and emotional neglect or childhood traumatic experiences. We found a significant association with educational level, higher levels of education being associated with lower TAS‐20 scores (P = 0.002). The mean TAS‐20 score of 51.22 (SD 11.90) in our adult AA patient group was significantly higher compared with control patients from the same setting (44.00, SD 10.33, P < 0.001).Conclusion  In adult AA patients, higher levels of education are significantly associated with lower alexithymia scores. Somewhat unexpectedly, we found no association between alexithymia score and emotional neglect or childhood traumatic experiences. Our results also confirm that alexithymia scores are significantly higher in adult patient with AA compared with control patients.
Muscarinic receptor‐mediated nitric oxide release in a K562 erythroleukaemia cell line
Authors: Cabadak H. , Küçükibrahimoğlu E. , Aydın B. , Kan B. , Zafer Gören M. 
Published: April 2009

Summary1 In the present study we have investigated the expression of muscarinic receptors in K562 erythroleukaemic cells and the effects of muscarinic agonist and antagonists on extracellular citrulline levels in these cells, as a marker of nitric oxide (NO) generation.2 Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1–M5) play key roles in regulating many diverse physiological processes. Recent studies suggest that muscarinic receptors mediate some cellular events in haematopoietic cells. Multiple subtypes of muscarinic receptors are expressed in different human cells. NO, a free radical and a signaling molecule, is involved in the regulation of many physiological functions and derived from certain nitric oxide synthases (NOS), which are related to muscarinic receptors.3 In this study, the presence of M2, M3and M4subtypes in K562, an erythroleukaemic cell line, was demonstrated by using the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, the generation of NO induced by carbachol, a non‐selective muscarinic agonist, was investigated by using high‐performance liquid chromatography to measure changes in extracellularl‐citrulline levels.4 We found that carbachol enhancedl‐citrulline production in K562 erythroleukaemic cells. The effect of carbachol onl‐citrulline production was antagonized by atropine and 4‐diphenylacetoxy‐N‐methylpiperidine (4‐DAMP), while tropicamide had little effect. These results suggest that the muscarinic receptor M3subtype may mediate NO signaling in K562 erythroleukaemic cells.
Reliability and Validity of Prehospital Case Finding for Depression and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Shah Manish N. , Karuza Jurgis , Rueckmann Erik , Swanson Peter , Conwell Yeates , Katz Paul 
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the test–retest reliability, the concurrent criterion validity, and the construct validity of prehospital, emergency medical service (EMS) case finding for depression and cognitive impairment in older adults.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.SETTING: Prehospital EMS system and hospital emergency department.PARTICIPANTS: EMS providers and community‐dwelling older adult (aged ≥60) patients.INTERVENTIONS: Case finding instruments for depression (Patient Health Questionnaire‐2; PHQ‐2) and cognitive impairment (Six‐Item Screener).MEASUREMENTS: The reliability and validity of these instruments.RESULTS: Moderate test–retest reliability was found for prehospital application of the PHQ‐2 (kappa=0.50) and Six‐Item Screener (kappa=0.52), fair concurrent criterion validity for depression (kappa=0.36), and slight to fair concurrent criterion validity for cognitive impairment (kappa=0.11–0.23). Construct validity was demonstrated using the Multitrait‐Multimethod Matrix.CONCLUSION: Moderate test–retest reliability and construct validity were demonstrated for prehospital case finding by EMS providers for cognitive impairment and depression using these instruments. Slight to fair concurrent criterion validity was found, a result that methodological limitations could explain. These findings provide additional support for the concept of using EMS providers to detect older adults at risk for these conditions. Further work is needed to confirm the validity and effectiveness of prehospital screening before such programs are implemented.
Prevalence of Fever in Patients Undergoing Left Atrial Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Guided by Barium Esophagraphy
Authors: RUBY RUBINDER S. , WELLS DARRYL , SANKARAN SUNDAR , GOOD ERIC , JONGNARANGSIN KRIT , EBINGER MATTHEW , BOGUN FRANK , PELOSI Jr. FRANK , ORAL HAKAN , MORADY FRED , CHUGH AMAN 
Published: April 2009

Background: Real‐time esophageal imaging is critical in avoiding esophageal injury. However, the safety of esophageal imaging with barium has not been specifically explored. Methods: Three hundred seventy consecutive patients underwent left atrial (LA) ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) under conscious sedation. One hundred eighty‐five patients (50%) underwent the ablation procedure with, and 185 patients (50%) underwent the procedure without administration of barium. Fever, as a surrogate for aspiration, was defined as a maximal temperature ≥100°F within the first 24 hours following the ablation procedure. Results: Thirty of the 370 patients (8%) developed fever within 24 hours after LA ablation. The prevalence of fever was 9% (17/185) among patients who received barium and 7% (13/185) among those who did not receive barium (P = 0.6). Evaluation revealed the following causes of fever in 14 of the 30 patients (47%) with no difference in prevalence between the 2 groups: pericarditis, venous thromboembolism, hematoma, and infiltrate on chest radiography. Multivariate analysis failed to reveal any factors associated with development of fever. None of the patients experienced serious complications such as respiratory failure or atrioesophageal fistula. Conclusions: Fever may occur in approximately 10% of patients undergoing LA ablation of AF. Administration of barium is not associated with fever or other complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Real‐time imaging of the esophagus with barium administration in conjunction with conscious sedation appears to be safe.
CAPILLARY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY ANALYSIS OF LIPID COMPOSITION AND EVALUATION OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS BY MICELLAR ELECTROKINETIC CHROMATOGRAPHY IN ITALIAN WALNUT (JUGLANS REGIA L.): IRRIGATION AND FERTILIZATION INFLUENCE
Authors: VERARDO VITO , BENDINI ALESSANDRA , CERRETANI LORENZO , MALAGUTI DONATELLA , COZZOLINO EUGENIO , CABONI MARIA FIORENZA 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT Rapid analytical techniques were used to analyze the lipid fraction and to characterize phenolic compounds in Italian walnuts (Chandler cv.) grown in the same experimental orchard under different agronomical conditions. Lipid components such as fatty acids, sterols and tocopherols were determined by capillary gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector. Linoleic and linolenic acids were the most representative ω‐6 and ω‐3 essential dietary fatty acids present. A total lipid chromatogram was used to simultaneously determine free sterols and tocopherols. Walnuts contained substantial amounts of γ‐ and δ‐tocopherol, which explains their antioxidant properties. Sitosterol, Δ5‐avenasterol and campesterol were the major free sterols found. Micellar electrokinetic chromatography was used to analyze simple and complex phenols (tannin profile), while the total phenol amount and the antioxidant activity of phenolic extracts were assessed by spectrophotometric assays with Folin‐Ciocalteu and ABTS•+ reagents, respectively. The total phenol content was higher than most foodstuffs. Moreover, more than 96% of the phenolic fraction belonged to the tannin class. Statistical analysis of the data showed that higher levels of nitrogen fertilization led to a significant increase in linoleic acid. This effect can induce a faster oxidation of lipid fraction of walnuts. Nevertheless, major nitrogen fertilization and irrigation were able to enrich walnuts in phenolic compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSWalnuts (Juglans regia L.) are a good source of essential fatty acids, tocopherols and phenolic compounds that contribute to reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, and also inhibit the oxidation of human plasma and low density lipoproteins. In this work, the applicability of fast analytical determinations was utilized to discriminate different walnut samples. Total lipid chromatogram was used for the simultaneous determination of the profile of sterols and tocopherols; micellar electrokinetic chromatography was used for the phenolic separation, which takes less than 10 min. The proposed methods are ideal for routine analysis of the lipidic and phenolic fractions in order to control the quality of walnuts.
Interleukin-12 (IL-12), but Not IL-23, Deficiency Ameliorates Viral Encephalitis without Affecting Viral Control
Authors: Kapil Parul , Atkinson Roscoe , Ramakrishna Chandran , Cua Daniel J. , Bergmann Cornelia C. , Stohlman Stephen A. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTThe relative contributions of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-23 to viral pathogenesis have not been extensively studied. IL-12p40 mRNA rapidly increases after neurotropic coronavirus infection. Infection of mice defective in both IL-12 and IL-23 (p40−/−), in IL-12 alone (p35−/−), and in IL-23 alone (p19−/−) revealed that the symptoms of coronavirus-induced encephalitis are regulated by IL-12. IL-17-producing cells never exceeded background levels, supporting a redundant role of IL-23 in pathogenesis. Viral control, tropism, and demyelination were all similar in p35−/−, p19−/−, and wild-type mice. Reduced morbidity in infected IL-12 deficient mice was also not associated with altered recruitment or composition of inflammatory cells. However, gamma interferon (IFN-γ) levels and virus-specific IFN-γ-secreting CD4 and CD8 T cells were all reduced in the central nervous systems (CNS) of infected p35−/−mice. Transcription of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6, but not tumor necrosis factor, were initially reduced in infected p35−/−mice but increased to wild-type levels during peak inflammation. Furthermore, although transforming growth factor β mRNA was not affected, IL-10 was increased in the CNS in the absence of IL-12. These data suggest that IL-12 does not contribute to antiviral function within the CNS but enhances morbidity associated with viral encephalitis by increasing the ratio of IFN-γ to protective IL-10.
Zebrafish gbx1 refines the Midbrain-Hindbrain Boundary border and mediates the Wnt8 posteriorization signal
Authors: Rhinn Muriel , Lun Klaus , Ahrendt Reiner , Geffarth Michaela , Brand Michael 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Background
Studies in mouse, Xenopus and chicken have shown that Otx2 and Gbx2 expression domains are fundamental for positioning the midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) organizer. Of the two zebrafish gbx genes, gbx1 is a likely candidate to participate in this event because its early expression is similar to that reported for Gbx2 in other species. Zebrafish gbx2, on the other hand, acts relatively late at the MHB. To investigate the function of zebrafish gbx1 within the early neural plate, we used a combination of gain- and loss-of-function experiments.

Results
We found that ectopic gbx1 expression in the anterior neural plate reduces forebrain and midbrain, represses otx2 expression and repositions the MHB to a more anterior position at the new gbx1/otx2 border. In the case of gbx1 loss-of-function, the initially robust otx2 domain shifts slightly posterior at a given stage (70% epiboly), as does MHB marker expression. We further found that ectopic juxtaposition of otx2 and gbx1 leads to ectopic activation of MHB markers fgf8, pax2.1 and eng2. This indicates that, in zebrafish, an interaction between otx2 and gbx1 determines the site of MHB development. Our work also highlights a novel requirement for gbx1 in hindbrain development. Using cell-tracing experiments, gbx1 was found to cell-autonomously transform anterior neural tissue into posterior. Previous studies have shown that gbx1 is a target of Wnt8 graded activity in the early neural plate. Consistent with this, we show that gbx1 can partially restore hindbrain patterning in cases of Wnt8 loss-of-function. We propose that in addition to its role at the MHB, gbx1 acts at the transcriptional level to mediate Wnt8 posteriorizing signals that pattern the developing hindbrain.

Conclusion
Our results provide evidence that zebrafish gbx1 is involved in positioning the MHB in the early neural plate by refining the otx2 expression domain. In addition to its role in MHB formation, we have shown that gbx1 is a novel mediator of Wnt8 signaling during hindbrain patterning.