bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex ratios in the arctic—do man‐made chemicals matter?
Authors: Bjerregaard Peter , Chatwood Susan , Denning Bryany , Joseph Lawrence , Young T. Kue 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectives:The objective was to analyze the variation of secondary sex ratios across the Arctic and to estimate the time trend. The rationale for this was claims in news media that, in the Arctic, sex ratios have become reduced due to exposure to anthropogenic contaminants in the environment.Methods:Data was collected from 27 circumpolar jurisdictions from public websites of the eight Arctic countries. Sex ratios at birth were calculated for each jurisdiction and each available year. Linear regression models of the sex ratios across time were fit within each jurisdiction to estimate the change in sex ratio over time.Results:All male:female sex ratios were close to 1.05 with time trends close to 0. In a Bayesian hierarchical model overall sex ratio was estimated at 1.054 (95% confidence interval 1.048, 1.058). The estimate for the 10‐year slope across all jurisdictions was 0.0010 (95% confidence interval −0.0021, 0.0046). Separate analyses of indigenous populations in Alaska and Greenland gave similar results and similar sex ratios were found among Greenland Inuit in 1900 and today.Conclusions:The absence of deviation of the secondary sex ratio in any of the Arctic jurisdictions indicates that the contaminants that are present are not disrupting endocrine systems to the extent that sex ratios are being affected. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of ADA1 mother–fetus and wife–husband phenotypic differences on the ratio birth weight/placental weight in fertile women and on reproductive success in couples with RSA
Authors: Gloria‐Bottini Fulvia , Nicotra Maria , Amante Ada , Ambrosi Sara , Cozzoli Eliana , Saccucci Patrizia , Bottini Egidio , Magrini Andrea 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectives:To study the effect Adenosine Deaminase locus 1 (ADA1) mother–fetus and wife–husband phenotypic differences on the ratio Birth Weight/Placental Weight (BW/PW) in fertile women and on reproductive success in couples with repeated spontaneous abortion (RSA).Methods:209 couples with primary RSA and a consecutive series of 379 healthy puerperae with their newborn infants from the White Caucasian population of central Italy were studied. In primary RSA women reproductive success was indicated by the presence of at least one live‐born infant within 5 years of follow up. Two way contingency tables were analyzed by chi‐square.Results:The proportion of primary RSA couples with at least a live‐born infant shows the highest value in couples mother ADA11/father carrier of ADA1*2 allele (55.2%) and the lowest value in reciprocal couples mother carrier of ADA1*2 allele /father ADA11 (18.7 %) (O.R. = 5.33; P = 0.023). The highest ratio BW/PW is observed in the class mother ADA11/newborn carrier of ADA1*2 allele while the lowest ratio is observed in the reciprocal class mother carrier of ADA1*2 allele/ newborn ADA11.Conclusions:Differences between mother and fetus in ADA1 phenotype may influence the ratio BW/PW in healthy women and reproductive success in RSA women. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief communication: Two human fossil deciduous molars from the sangiran dome (Java, Indonesia): Outer and inner morphology
Authors: Zanolli Clément , Bondioli Luca , Mancini Lucia , Mazurier Arnaud , Widianto Harry , Macchiarelli Roberto 
Published: January 2012

AbstractCurrently, the human deciduous dental record from the Pleistocene deposits of the Sangiran Dome, Java, consists of only eight specimens. Here we report two deciduous crowns collected near the village of Pucung. While their precise geo‐chronological context remains unknown, a provenance from the Early–Middle Pleistocene Kabuh Formation, or from the Early Pleistocene “Grenzbank Zone,” is very likely. These isolated specimens consist of an upper first molar (PCG.1) and a lower second molar (PCG.2). Taxonomic discrimination of the Indonesian tooth record is difficult because of the convergence in crown size and appearance between Pongo and Homo. Accordingly, as PCG.2 still bears a concretion masking most of its features, we coupled the outer analysis of the two specimens with an investigation of their inner morphology. In addition to external characteristics, virtual imaging and quantitative assessment of inner morphology and tissue proportions support an attribution to the taxon Homo, and we preliminary allocate both specimens toH. erectus. Am J Phys Anthropol 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐dimensional evaluation of root canal morphology in lower second premolars of early and middle pleistocene human populations from atapuerca (Burgos, Spain)
Authors: Prado‐Simón Leyre , Martinón‐Torres María , Baca Pilar , Olejniczak Anthony J. , Gómez‐Robles Aida , Lapresa María , Luis Arsuaga Juan , María Bermúdez de Castro José 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study is to describe the morphology of the roots and root canals of permanent lower second premolars (LP4s) with fully developed roots of five hominin groups: Homo sp. (ATE9‐1 specimen) from Atapuerca‐Sima del Elefante locality, H. antecessor (ATD6‐4 and ATD6‐125) from Atapuerca‐Gran Dolina TD6 locality, H. heidelbergensis from Atapuerca‐Sima de los Huesos locality, H. neanderthalensis from Krapina, Regourdou, and Abri Bourgeois‐Delaunay localities, and two contemporary H. sapiens groups. The teeth were scanned by means of microtomography. The roots were divided into three virtual segments by three planes: cemento‐enamel junction (CEJ), mid‐root (MR), and mid‐apex (MA). Volumetric and planar direct measurements of the whole teeth and each segment were taken. Descriptive statistical analyses and nonparametric Mann‐Whiney test were performed to test for significant differences (P < 0.025) between groups. ATE9‐1 and Gran Dolina‐TD6 fossils present intricate radicular complexes that might be transitional between the morphologies of Australopithecus robustus and African early Homo and the derived conditions typically found in later Homo. In H. neanderthalensis and H. heidelbergensis, the root canals are wide, with small apical convergence. This trait is particularly pronounced in the Sima de los Huesos sample which may reflect a particularity of this population. Our study demonstrates the potential of hominin roots and root canals as untapped sources of taxonomic information when the tooth crown is fragmented. Future studies, including more fossil specimens and species will shed light in the polarity of the morphologies observed. Am J Phys Anthropol 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Development of Bulky Palladium NHC Complexes for the Most‐Challenging Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Valente Cory , Çalimsiz Selçuk , Hoi Ka Hou , Mallik Debasis , Sayah Mahmoud , Organ Michael G. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPalladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions enable organic chemists to form CC bonds in targeted positions and under mild conditions. Although phosphine ligands have been intensively researched, in the search for even better cross‐coupling catalysts attention has recently turned to the use of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, which form a strong bond to the palladium center. PEPPSI (pyridine‐enhanced precatalyst preparation, stabilization, and initiation) palladium precatalysts with bulky NHC ligands have established themselves as successful alternatives to palladium phosphine complexes. This Review shows the success of these species in Suzuki–Miyaura, Negishi, and Stille–Migita cross‐couplings as well as in amination and sulfination reactions.
Vascular Contrast Enhanced Micro‐CT Imaging of “Radiators” in the Brazilian Free‐Tailed Bat (Tadarida Brasiliensis)
Authors: Reichard Jonathan D. , Kunz Thomas H. , Keller Charles , Prajapati Suresh I. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe Brazilian free‐tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) exhibits a highly vascularized, hairless thermal window (or “radiator”) on the proximal ventral surfaces of extended wings and body. We identified this character using thermal infrared imaging and investigated the vasculature using barium sulfate enhanced microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT). Micro‐CT images revealed unique arrangements of arteries and veins in the region of the radiator positioned perpendicular to the axis of the body. Coupling micro‐CT imaging with analysis of surface temperature profiles, we concluded that radiators aid in thermoregulation during flight in variable environments. This study represents the first application of contrast enhanced micro‐CT to visualize vasculature of bats and thus exhibits a promising technique for further investigations of cardiovascular function and anatomy in bats. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety and efficacy of ocrelizumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to at least one tumor necrosis factor inhibitor: Results of a forty‐eight–week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group phase III trial
Authors: Tak P. P. , Mease P. J. , Genovese M. C. , Kremer J. , Haraoui B. , Tanaka Y. , Bingham C. O. , Ashrafzadeh A. , Travers H. , Safa‐Leathers S. , Kumar S. , Dummer W. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of ocrelizumab plus methotrexate (MTX) or leflunomide (LEF) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and an inadequate response to tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors.MethodsThis was a multicenter randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study that continued over 48 weeks. Patients receiving stable doses of MTX or LEF were randomized to receive 2 infusions of placebo (n = 277), ocrelizumab 200 mg (n = 278), or ocrelizumab 500 mg (n = 285) on days 1 and 15 as well as at weeks 24 and 26. Coprimary end points were the proportion of patients with response according to the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (ACR20) at weeks 24 and 48. Secondary end points included the change from baseline in the modified Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS) and the ACR50/70 responses.ResultsACR20 responses were 22.0% in the placebo group, 42.2% in the ocrelizumab 200 mg group, and 47.9% in the ocrelizumab 500 mg group at 24 weeks and 19.5%, 48.7%, and 50.7%, respectively, at 48 weeks (P < 0.0001 versus placebo for each comparison at each time point). At 48 weeks, patients receiving both doses of ocrelizumab showed significantly improved ACR50 and ACR70 responses of ∼3‐fold versus placebo. Only those in the ocrelizumab 500 mg group showed statistically significant (P = 0.0017) inhibition of joint damage progression (mean change in the SHS) relative to placebo (61% inhibition) at 48 weeks. Overall adverse events and infections during the 48 weeks of study were comparable in all treatment groups. Serious infections were observed more frequently in patients taking ocrelizumab (5.1% and 4.3%) than in those taking placebo (2.5%).ConclusionPatients in both of the ocrelizumab groups met the clinical primary efficacy end points. Inhibition of change in the SHS was statistically significant at 48 weeks for those in the ocrelizumab 500 mg group. The rate of serious infections in this trial was higher for both ocrelizumab doses as compared with placebo.
The association of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging with body mass index in overweight and obese adults: A population‐based study
Authors: Samartzis Dino , Karppinen Jaro , Chan Danny , Luk Keith D. K. , Cheung Kenneth M. C. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association of being overweight or obese with the presence, extent, and severity of lumbar disc degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adults.MethodsA population‐based cross‐sectional study of 2,599 southern Chinese volunteers was conducted. Subjects underwent radiographic and clinical assessment, and weight and height were measured. Sagittal T2‐weighted MRIs of the lumbar spine were obtained. The presence, extent, and severity of disc degeneration and additional radiographic and clinical parameters were assessed. Asian‐modified body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) categories were used. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.ResultsThe study included 1,040 men and 1,559 women (mean age 41.9 years). Disc degeneration was noted in 1,890 subjects (72.7%). BMI was significantly higher in subjects with disc degeneration (mean 23.3 kg/m2) than in subjects without degeneration (mean 21.7 kg/m2) (P < 0.001). A significant increase in the number of degenerated levels (P < 0.001), global severity of disc degeneration (P < 0.001), and end‐stage disc degeneration with disc space narrowing (P < 0.001) was noted with elevated BMI, in particular in overweight and obese subjects. In the adjusted multivariate logistic regression model, there was a positive linear trend (r2 = 0.99) between BMI and the overall presence of disc degeneration in overweight (OR 1.30 [95% CI 1.03–1.62]) and obese (OR 1.79 [95% CI 1.17–2.74]) subjects. End‐stage disc degeneration with disc space narrowing was significantly more pronounced in obese subjects (adjusted OR 1.72 [95% CI 1.23–2.41] [reference normal weight]).ConclusionOur findings, in one of the largest studies to systematically assess lumbar disc degeneration on MRI, indicated a significant association between the presence, extent, and global severity of disc degeneration with weight in overweight and obese adults.
Tuning the Spectroscopic, Electrochemical, and Photovoltaic Properties of Triaryl Amine Based Sensitizers through Ring‐Fused Thiophene Bridges
Authors: Liu Quan , Feng Quan‐You , Yamada Hiroko , Wang Zhong‐Sheng , Ono Noboru , You Xiao‐Zeng , Shen Zhen 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe ring‐fused thiophene derivatives benzo[c]thiophene and its precursor bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene (BCOD) have been introduced as π‐conjugated spacers for organic push–pull sensitizers with dihexyloxy‐substituted triphenylamine as donor and cyanoacrylic acid as acceptor (OL1, OL2, OL3, OL4, OL5, OL6). The effects of the fused ring on the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of these sensitizers and their photovoltaic performance in dye‐sensitized solar cells have been evaluated. Introduction of a binary benzo[c]thiophene and ethylenedioxy thiophene as π bridge caused a significant red shift of the characteristic intramolecular charge‐transfer band to 642 nm. It is found that the sensitizer OL3, which contains one benzo[c]thiophene unit as π linker, gives the highest overall conversion efficiency of 5.03 % among all these dyes.
Rare case of XX/XY mosaicism and trisomy 13 in early prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Sifakis Stavros , Anagnostopoulou Katherine , Plastira Konstantina , Vrachnis Nikolaos , Konstantinidou Anastasia , Sklavounou Evangelia 
Published: January 2012

AbstractCoexistence of XX/XY sex mosaicism and autosomal trisomy in prenatal diagnosis is particularly rare. Herein, we report the first, to our knowledge, case of a fetus with cyclopia, ambiguous genitalia and a 47,XX,+13,inv9[47]/47,XY,+13[13] karyotype detected at 13 weeks of gestation after chorionic villus sampling. Molecular analysis after prenatal diagnosis suggests that this is a case of sex mosaicism coexisting with trisomy 13, rather than chimera. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation on luminescence properties of Eu2+‐doped Ba3Al2O5Cl2 phosphor for near‐UV‐excited white LEDs
Authors: Pawade V. B. , Dhoble S. J. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTBa3Al2O5Cl2:Eu2+ phosphor was prepared by combustion synthesis (CS). The prepared phosphor was excited at 329 nm; the phosphors shows an efficient bluish‐green wide‐band emission centred at 490 nm, which originates from the 4f6d1 → 4f7 transition of Eu2+ ions. The excitation spectra of the phosphors have a band centred at 329 nm. It was also characterized by XRD, FT–IR for confirmation of phase purity, and FT–IR analysis indicated the vibrations of metal–oxygen (M–O) groups. SEM shows the morphology of the phosphor at the submicron scale. The results indicate that Ba3Al2O5Cl2:Eu2+ phosphor may be applicable for solid‐state lighting purposes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
α‐Tocopheryl phosphate—An activated form of vitamin E important for angiogenesis and vasculogenesis?
Authors: Zingg Jean‐Marc , Meydani Mohsen , Azzi Angelo 
Published: January 2012

AbstractVitamin E was originally discovered as a dietary factor essential for reproduction in rats. Since then, vitamin E has revealed many important molecular properties such as the scavenging of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species or the modulation of signal transduction and gene expression in antioxidant and nonantioxidant manners. A congenital disease, ataxia with vitamin E deficiency, which is characterized by impaired enrichment of α‐tocopherol (αT) in plasma due to mutations in the α‐tocopherol transfer protein gene, has been discovered. An effect of vitamin E on angiogenesis and vasculogenesis has been observed in several studies, and recently, it has been demonstrated in the placenta of pregnant ewes, possibly involving the stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. We recently observed that the phosphorylated form of αT, α‐tocopheryl phosphate (αTP), increases the expression of VEGF. We propose that the stimulatory effect of αT on angiogenesis and vasculogenesis is potentiated by phosphorylation to αTP, which may act as a cofactor or active lipid mediator increasing VEGF expression. Increased VEGF expression and consequent enhanced angiogenesis and vasculogenesis induced by αTP may explain not only the essential roles of vitamin E on reproduction, but also its beneficial effects against pre‐eclampsia, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and during wound healing. It may also serve as a survival factor for brain and muscle cells. The finding that αTP may regulate vasculogenesis may indicate potential, important pathophysiological implications.
The roles of RGD and grooved topography in the adhesion, morphology, and differentiation of C2C12 skeletal myoblasts
Authors: Wang Peng‐Yuan , Thissen Helmut , Tsai Wei‐Bor 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBoth chemical and topographic cues are crucial for the development of skeletal muscle. In this study, the relative roles of both signals in regard to cell adhesion, morphology, and differentiation of C2C12 skeletal myoblasts were investigated. Grooved polystyrene substrates containing grooves with approximately 900 nm in width with 600 nm ridge spans and 665 nm in depth were conjugated with the cell adhesion peptide arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD). RGD conjugation significantly enhanced the adhesion, growth and differentiation of C2C12 cells. On the other hand, anisotropic topography primarily directed the direction and alignment of myoblasts and myotubes. The results in this study provide information regarding the relative roles of chemical and topographic cues in musculoskeletal myogenesis, and are of interest to applications in muscle tissue engineering. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:2104–2115. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of CO2 availability on the growth, iron oxidation and CO2‐fixation rates of pure cultures of Leptospirillum ferriphilum and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Bryan C.G. , Davis‐Belmar C.S. , van Wyk N. , Fraser M.K. , Dew D. , Rautenbach G.F , Harrison S.T.L. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractUnderstanding how bioleaching systems respond to the availability of CO2 is essential to developing operating conditions that select for optimum microbial performance. Therefore, the effect of inlet gas and associated dissolved CO2 concentration on the growth, iron oxidation and CO2‐fixation rates of pure cultures of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Leptospirillum ferriphilum was investigated in a batch stirred tank system. The minimum inlet CO2 concentrations required to promote the growth of At. ferrooxidans and L. ferriphilum were 25 and 70 ppm, respectively, and corresponded to dissolved CO2 concentrations of 0.71 and 1.57 µM (at 30°C and 37°C, respectively). An actively growing culture of L. ferriphilum was able to maintain growth at inlet CO2 concentrations less than 30 ppm (0.31–0.45 µM in solution). The highest total new cell production and maximum specific growth rates from the stationary phase inocula were observed with CO2 inlet concentrations less than that of air. In contrast, the amount of CO2 fixed per new cell produced increased with increasing inlet CO2 concentrations above 100 ppm. Where inlet gas CO2 concentrations were increased above that of air the additional CO2 was consumed by the organisms but did not lead to increased cell production or significantly increase performance in terms of iron oxidation. It is proposed that At. ferrooxidans has two CO2 uptake mechanisms, a high affinity system operating at low available CO2 concentrations, which is subject to substrate inhibition and a low affinity system operating at higher available CO2 concentrations. L. ferriphilum has a single uptake system characterised by a moderate CO2 affinity. At. ferrooxidans performed better than L. ferriphilum at lower CO2 availabilities, and was less affected by CO2 starvation. Finally, the results demonstrate the limitations of using CO2 uptake or ferrous iron oxidation data as indirect measures of cell growth and performance across varying physiological conditions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1693–1703. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of sequential‐batch fermentations to characterize the impact of mild hypothermic temperatures on the anaerobic stoichiometry and kinetics of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Cruz A.L.B. , Verbon A.J. , Geurink L.J. , Verheijen P.J.T. , Heijnen J.J. , van Gulik W.M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis work presents a characterization of the stoichiometry and kinetics of anaerobic batch growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at cultivation temperatures between 12 and 30°C. To minimize the influence of the inoculum condition and ensure full adaptation to the cultivation temperature, the experiments were carried out in sequencing batch reactors. It was observed that the growth rate obtained in the first batch performed after each temperature shift was 10–30% different compared with the subsequent batches at the same temperature, which were much more reproducible. This indicates that the sequencing batch approach provides accurate and reproducible growth rate data. Data reconciliation was applied to the measured time patterns of substrate, biomass, carbon dioxide and byproducts with the constraint that the elemental conservation relations were satisfied, allowing to obtain consistent best estimates of all uptake and secretion rates. Subsequently, it was attempted to obtain an appropriate model description of the temperature dependency of these rates. It was found that the Ratkowsky model provided a better description of the temperature dependency of growth, uptake and secretion rates than the Arrhenius law. Most interesting was to find that most of the biomass‐specific rates have the same temperature dependency, leading to a near temperature independent batch stoichiometry. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1735–1744. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.