bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Feeding Fescue Seed Containing Ergot Alkaloid Toxins on Stallion Spermatogenesis and Sperm Cells
Authors: Fayrer‐Hosken R , Stanley A , Hill N , Heusner G , Christian M , De La Fuente R , Baumann C , Jones L 
Published: April 2012

ContentsThe cellular effects of tall fescue grass–associated toxic ergot alkaloids on stallion sperm and colt testicular tissue were evaluated. This was a continuation of an initial experiment where the effects of toxic ergot alkaloids on the stallion spermiogram were investigated. The only spermiogram parameter in exposed stallions that was affected by the toxic ergot alkaloids was a decreased gel‐free volume of the ejaculate. This study examined the effect of toxic ergot alkaloids on chilling and freezing of the stallion sperm cells. The effect of toxic ergot alkaloids on chilled extended sperm cells for 48 h at 5°C was to make the sperm cells less likely to undergo a calcium ionophore–induced acrosome reaction. The toxic ergot alkaloids had no effect on the freezability of sperm cells. However, if yearling colts were fed toxic ergot alkaloids, then the cytological analysis of meiotic chromosome synapsis revealed a significant increase in the proportion of pachytene spermatocytes showing unpaired sex chromosomes compared to control spermatocytes. There was little effect of ergot alkaloids on adult stallions, but there might be a significant effect on yearling colts.
Moraic Feet in Prakrit Metrics: A Constraint‐Based Approach
Authors: Ollett Andrew 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe traditional description of thegaṇacchandasfamily of metres of Sanskrit and Prakrit literature, of which theāryāmetre is the best known, refers togaṇas or ‘groups’ ofmātrās.Mātrās correspond to the ‘moras’ of modern phonology. In this paper theāryāis given a detailed analysis on the basis of the traditional description and the empirical data provided by its use in an early Prakrit anthology, theSattasaī. Several new metrical phenomena are identified, and the incidence of syllabic patterns, rhythmic structures, word boundaries, and stress are considered. The prosodic foot is shown to play an important role in the regulation of theāryā’s categorical and gradient patterns. This analysis uses Optimality Theory to account for both kinds of patterns and supports recent research that holds partially ranked constraints responsible for gradient patterns in metrical corpora. Other theories, which derive metrical structure by bottom‐up rules, fail to account for theāryā’s characteristic patterns.
Evaluation of selection criteria for validating paired umbilical cord blood gas samples: an observational study
Authors: White CRH , Doherty DA , Kohan R , Newnham JP , Pennell CE 
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: White C, Doherty D, Kohan R, Newnham J, Pennell C. Evaluation of selection criteria for validating paired umbilical cord blood gas samples: an observational study. BJOG 2012;119:857–865.Objective  To compare six validation criteria for umbilical cord blood gas (UCBG) values in vigorous and nonvigorous neonates.Design  Retrospective cohort study.Setting  Single tertiary obstetric centre, King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH), Perth, Western Australia.Sample  A total of 37 763 consecutive deliveries at >23 weeks of gestation.Methods  Six validation criteria were compared to evaluate the proportion of deliveries with ‘valid’ UCBG data; and the proportion of vigorous and nonvigorous neonates with metabolic acidaemia.Main outcomes  Proportion of deliveries with ‘valid’ UCBG values; proportions of vigorous and nonvigorous neonates with normal, borderline and abnormal UCBG values.Results  The criteria based on KEMH 5th centile arteriovenous pH and Pco2 differences resulted in a higher proportion of neonates with ‘valid’ UCBG values than the previously described Westgate and Kro criteria. The increase in ‘valid’ UCBG values occurred across the entire study population including vigorous and nonvigorous neonates. Among neonates with short‐term neonatal complications there was an increase in nonvigorous neonates with umbilical artery metabolic acidaemia. There was no corresponding increase in vigorous neonates diagnosed with abnormal UCBG values.Conclusions  Use of the KEMH criteria results in an increase in the proportion of nonvigorous term neonates with UCBG data considered ‘valid’ to aid clinicians in the management of the neonate shortly after delivery. This change occurs without increasing the rate of false‐positive diagnoses of acidaemia in vigorous neonates. The KEMH ‘validation’ criteria were developed from an entire presenting population and provide a simple algorithm that can be universally applied to identify neonates with nonphysiological UCBG values.
Effect of Foam Properties on Heat Transfer in High Temperature Open‐Cell Foam Inserts
Authors: Tseng Charles C. , Sikorski Ruth L. , Viskanta Raymond , Chen Ming Y. 
Published: April 2012

Light weight materials such as foams can be used in thermal protection and/or thermal insulation systems. At high temperature (>1000 K), thermal radiation may be important or dominate heat transfer in the foam; however, studies based on more detailed thermal radiation analysis are limited. In this study, foams are considered to be semitransparent, because radiation can penetrate through the pore (or void) space and/or foam skeleton (solid matrix), depending on the materials from which the foams are made. Of particular interest in this study is to understand how the properties such as foam material, porosity, pore size, etc. affect thermal and radiant energy transfer. Physical and mathematical models are developed to account for conduction and radiation (absorption, emission and scattering) in the porous material. The spectral extinction coefficients of SiC foams are measured experimentally in the laboratory at room temperature, and the radiative transfer equation is solved using the spherical harmonics P1‐approximation. The predicted radiative heat fluxes in foams are compared with those based on the Rosseland diffusion approximation. Parametric calculations have been carried out, and the results are reported in the article for a range of parameters characterizing heat transfer in SiC foams of different porosities to identify desirable conditions for effectively reducing heat transfer in potential thermal protection concepts.
Synthesis and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Zn3B2O6 Ceramics for Substrate Application
Authors: Wu Xin‐Guang , Wang Hong , Chen Yue‐Hua , Zhou Di 
Published: April 2012

A novel microwave dielectric ceramics of Zn3B2O6 for substrate application with low sintering temperature was synthesized by the solid‐state reaction method. The sintering temperature ranges from 875°C to 950°C. The best microwave dielectric properties were obtained in the ceramic sintered at 925°C for 4 h with a permittivity ~6.7, a Q × f value about 58, 500 GHz and a temperature coefficient value of −58 ppm/°C. From the X‐ray diffraction, backscattered electron imaging results of the co‐fired sample with 20 wt% silver additive, the Zn3B2O6 ceramic was found not to react with Ag at 950°C. The microwave dielectric properties and low sintering temperature of Zn3B2O6 ceramic make it a promising candidate for Low temperature co‐fired ceramic applications as substrate.
Pregnant woman with fatal complication after laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass
Authors: RENAULT KRISTINA , GYRTRUP HANS JØRGEN , DAMGAARD KAREN , HEDEGAARD MORTEN , SØRENSEN JETTE LED 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn Europe, an increasing number of women have bariatric surgery; therefore, obstetricians are likely to encounter these patients. We report a 22‐year‐old woman, who had previously undergone uncomplicated laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass. She was admitted with severe abdominal pain at 35 weeks of gestation. A cesarean section with delivery of a healthy baby in combination with an exploratory laparotomy was performed. Internal herniation was suspected, but not identified during surgery. Three days later she died of a severely gangrenous small bowel secondary to internal herniation. This fatal case illustrates a potential complication and difficulties in the managment of pregnant women who have undergone Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass. In these women, observation and investigations based on a multidisciplinary approach are vital if abdominal pain develops, with involvement of intestinal surgeons experienced in bariatric surgery, as well as radiologists with specific knowledge of relevant imaging procedures.
Mesh‐related complications in urogynecology – a multidisciplinary challenge
Authors: REISENAUER CHRISTL , VIERECK VOLKER 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDiagnoses of complications in women who underwent pelvic floor surgery using meshes and the multidisciplinary management of these cases at two national referral urogynecological centers between January and June 2011 are presented in a series of cases of mesh complications, which provide an indication of the wide range of symptoms and, at times, the long time span over which they may be encountered. Complications included infection, erosion (extrusion/exposure), fistulas, perforation into the surrounding organs (such as urethra, bladder and/or bowel), chronic pelvic pain (often radiating into buttocks, groins and/or thighs), dysuria, dyschezia, voiding difficulties, constipation, stool evacuation difficulties, de novo overactive bladder, urinary and fecal incontinence and prolapse recurrences. Although meshes have the ability to provide adequate anatomical support, the emergence of such a multitude of complications has resulted in restrictions for their use, as well as being a multidisciplinary challenge.
Complete versus partial macrophyte removal: the impacts of two drain management strategies on freshwater fish in lowland New Zealand streams
Authors: Greer Michael J. C. , Closs Gerard P. , Crow Shannan K. , Hicks Andy S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractComplete macrophyte removal to maintain drainage performance in lowland streams can have a negative effect on resident fish communities, but few studies have quantified this impact. Moreover, limited research has been carried out exploring alternative approaches for macrophyte removal that minimise the impact on the resident fish community. The aims of this study were (i) to determine how the current practice of removing almost 100% of available macrophyte cover affects native fish populations in lowland New Zealand streams and (ii) to see whether this impact can be reduced by limiting macrophyte removal to alternating 50‐m sections of the waterway. Native fish populations were surveyed before and after experimental macrophyte removal for the following three treatments: (i) complete macrophyte removal, (ii) macrophyte removal from alternating 50‐m reaches and (iii) control with no macrophyte removal. Radiotelemetry was used to monitor the behavioural response of individual giant kokopu (Galaxias argenteus) to the different treatments. The results of this study suggest that current drain management practices reduceCPUEof fish by 60%. Although limiting macrophyte removal to alternating 50‐m sections did not minimise the community impacts of drain clearing, large giant kokopu did benefit from this strategy. All tagged giant kokopu remained in stream reaches partially cleared of macrophytes, while in completely cleared reaches all individuals were displaced. These results demonstrate the threat current drain management practices pose to New Zealand native fish and highlight the value of trialling alternative methods of macrophyte removal.
Efficacy of short‐term adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline in diabetic patients – randomized study
Authors: Gilowski Ł , Kondzielnik P , Wiench R , Płocica I , Strojek K , Krzemiński TF 
Published: April 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 763–770Objective:  To investigate the effectiveness of short‐term adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) treatment in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and chronic periodontitis (CP).Methods:  Thirty‐four patients with CP and type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study. After scaling and root planing (SRP), patients were randomly assigned to two groups, receiving either SDD or placebo bid for 3 months. The probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), approximal plaque index, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level were recorded and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected at baseline and after 3‐month therapy for the estimation of matrix metalloproteinase‐8 levels.Results:  Clinical attachment level, PD, and BOP improved significantly in both groups after therapy (P < 0.05). The statistically significant difference between the two groups after the therapy was observed only in PD in tooth sites with initial PD ≥ 4 mm (SRP + placebo: 3.41 ± 0.6 mm vs SRP + SDD: 2.92 ± 0.5 mm, P < 0.05). GCF matrix metalloproteinase‐8 levels were significantly reduced only in SRP + SDD group (P < 0.01). There were no changes in HbA1c levels after therapy.Conclusion:  The short‐term administration of SDD gives significant benefit at tooth sites with moderate disease (PD ≥ 4 mm) when compared to SRP alone in patients with diabetes and CP.
Plant species richness increases resistance to invasion by non‐resident plant species during grassland restoration
Authors: Oakley Clinton A. , Knox John S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractQuestionsDuring restoration of bare subsoil, are planted grassland communities with low species richness more susceptible to invasion by non‐residents than communities augmented by additional species? What are the mechanisms of invasion resistance in early succession?LocationLexington, Virginia, USA (37.8°N, −79.4°W).MethodsWe planted 62 3 × 3 m plots on compacted clay subsoil with 20–21 replicates of three, 12 and 24 native species. Plots were sampled non‐destructively using a stratified random point‐intercept method each summer for 5 yr to determine number of species and percentage cover per species, which were classified as residents (planted), internal non‐residents (planted in other plots) or external non‐residents.ResultsA negative relationship between planted species richness and invasion developed by the fourth year after planting and strengthened thereafter. Plots consisting of a single, highly dominant, resident C3 grass species were vulnerable to invasion. With the exception of one species, which seems to have overcome resistance with a high seed rain, external non‐resident species were less diverse and less abundant in higher diversity plots.ConclusionsIncreased planted species richness was correlated with increased resistance to invasion by non‐residents, and we attribute this effect to a combination of the sampling effect and species complementarity, potentially augmented by high species dominance/low evenness in the low species richness plots.
Triple‐negative breast cancer: making the most of a misnomer
Authors: MCCARTHY Nicole , MITCHELL Gillian , BILOUS Michael , WILCKEN Nicholas , LINDEMAN Geoffrey J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined by its lack of (or minimal) estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor expression, together with the absence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpression or gene amplification. It can be a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer, often characterized by early systemic relapse. This subtype, absent from traditional pathology classifications, has quietly crept into the oncologist's lexicon over the last decade and aroused considerable research interest. Based on tumor pathology, immunohistochemistry and gene profiling studies, TNBC is likely to represent a heterogeneous mix of breast cancer subtypes. This observation will have important implications for the selection of optimal therapies, which are yet to be defined. This article reviews recent insights in the classification and ontogeny of TNBC, current approaches to its management and promising therapeutic targets that are forming the basis for innovative early and late phase clinical trials.
Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinases Control Root Development Mainly via Brassinosteroid‐Independent Actions in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Du Junbo , Yin Hongju , Zhang Shasha , Wei Zhuoyun , Zhao Baolin , Zhang Jinghua , Gou Xiaoping , Lin Honghui , Li Jia 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBrassinosteroids (BRs), a group of plant steroidal hormones, play critical roles in many aspects of plant growth and development. Previous studies showed that BRI1‐mediated BR signaling regulates cell division and differentiation during Arabidopsis root development via interplaying with auxin and other phytohormones. Arabidopsis somatic embryogenesis receptor‐like kinases (SERKs), as co‐receptors of BRI1, were found to play a fundamental role in an early activation step of BR signaling pathway. Here we report a novel function of SERKs in regulating Arabidopsis root development. Genetic analyses indicated that SERKs control root growth mainly via a BR‐independent pathway. Although BR signaling pathway is completely disrupted in the serk1 bak1 bkk1 triple mutant, the root growth of the triple mutant is much severely damaged than the BR deficiency or signaling null mutants. More detailed analyses indicated that the triple mutant exhibited drastically reduced expression of a number of genes critical to polar auxin transport, cell cycle, endodermis development and root meristem differentiation, which were not observed in null BR biosynthesis mutant cpd and null BR signaling mutant bri1‐701.
Plasma Endothelial Microparticles and Their Correlation With the Presence of Hypertension and Arterial Stiffness in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chen Yinghua , Feng Bo , Li Xu , Ni Yafang , Luo Yun 
Published: April 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 14:455–460. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Microparticles (MPs) are associated with several cardiovascular complications. As multifunction biomarkers, they may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes‐associated vascular diseases. A total of 39 patients with diabetes and hypertension, 24 patients with diabetes without hypertension, and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Flow cytometry was applied to detect plasma MPs, including endothelial MPs (EMPs), annexin V+MPs, platelet‐derived MPs (PMPs), and leukocyte‐derived MPs (LMPs). Brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was also performed in admission. Plasma EMPs, annexin V+MPs, PMPs, and LMPs in diabetics with or without hypertension were higher than those in control patients. Among diabetics, only EMPs in patients with hypertension was higher than in those without hypertension. Correlation analysis showed that systolic blood pressure and mean blood pressure were positively correlated with EMPs. Multivariant analysis demonstrated that EMP was an independent risk factor for the presence of hypertension in diabetics (odds ratio, 2.822; 95% confidence interval, 1.265–6.296; P=.011). Furthermore, baPWV in diabetics with hypertension (1910±355 cm/s) was higher than that in control patients (1441±198 cm/s) and diabetics without hypertension (1727±2 cm/s). Multivariant analysis identified EMP as a potent contributor to the development of impaired artery elasticity in diabetics (odds ratio, 4.401; 95% confidence interval, 1.529–12.673; P=.006). Plasma EMP was associated with the presence of hypertension and impaired arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes.
The effect of mold sensitization and humidity upon allergic asthma
Authors: Hayes, Jr Don , Jhaveri Manan A. , Mannino David M. , Strawbridge Heather , Temprano James 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIntroduction:  Humidity is commonly associated with increased airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma.Objective:  To examine mold sensitization in patients with allergic asthma or allergic rhinitis and self‐reports of humidity as exacerbating factors of clinical symptoms.Methods:  A retrospective, cross‐sectional study at a University hospital outpatient allergy and asthma clinic was performed. A total of 106 patients with either allergic asthma or allergic rhinitis completed standard prick‐puncture skin testing with 17 allergens and controls and completed standardized forms addressing trigger factors for clinical symptoms.Results:  Allergic asthmatics sensitized to Cladosporium were more likely to have a more severe asthma severity class (odds ratio = 4.26, confidence interval = 1.30–16.93). Sensitization to Alternaria, Cladosporium, Helminthosporium, Aspergillus and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in asthma was associated with higher likelihood for previous hospitalization, while sensitization to Cladosporium, Helminthosporium, Aspergillus, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and cockroach in asthma was associated with higher likelihood of having reduced pulmonary function based on forced expiratory volume in 1 s. Furthermore, allergic asthmatics more commonly reported humidity as an exacerbating factor of symptoms than did patients only with allergic rhinitis (68.42% vs 42.86%, respectively; P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Mold sensitization is highly associated with more severe asthma, while humidity is more of an exacerbating factor in patients with allergic asthma as compared with allergic rhinitis alone. Further delineation between mold sensitization and humidity is needed to determine whether these are independent factors in asthma.Please cite this paper as: Hayes D Jr, Jhaveri MA, Mannino DM, Strawbridge H and Temprano J. The effect of mold sensitization and humidity upon allergic asthma. Clin Respir J 2013; 7: 135–144.
Clinical 24 month experience of the first MRgFUS Unit for treatment of uterine fibroids in Australia
Authors: Dobrotwir Andrew , Pun Emma 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAim: To describe and evaluate treatment of uterine fibroids using Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) during its first 24 months of use at The Royal Women's Hospital Melbourne.Methods: One hundred Victorian women were treated with MRgFUS using the ExAblate 2000 system. Treatment outcomes based on fibroid volume shrinkage measured at 4 and 12 months post‐treatment and symptom severity score assessment (Symptom Severity Score Quality of Life – SSS‐QOL) pre‐ and post‐ (4–6 weeks, 4, 6 and 12 months) treatment.Results: Mean non‐perfused volume of the treated fibroids were 67% ± 25% (n = 100) immediately post‐treatment. At 4 months post‐treatment, the treated fibroids demonstrated an average volume reduction of 29% ± 32% (n = 74) and at 12 months 38% ± 45% (n = 32).Mean symptom severity scores (SSS‐QOL) improved by 51% from 59 ± 21 (n = 97) at baseline to 29 ± 17 (n = 36) by 12 months.Conclusion: From our experience, we believe there is a role for MRgFUS in the treatment of uterine fibroids in selected women.
Fracking and the Neoliberalization of the Hydro‐Social Cycle in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale
Authors: Finewood Michael H. , Stroup Laura J. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract:Oil and gas firms are utilizing a controversial drilling technique, hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to access unconventional natural gas reserves in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale. The potential impacts of fracking are creating sharp tensions between stakeholders over the costs and benefits of drilling within their communities. In particular, much contention has emerged over water resources as the process both uses and degrades billions of gallons of water. This paper takes a critical look at the way multi‐scale neoliberal discourses obfuscate comprehensive understandings of fracking's effect on water resources. We turn to the neoliberal environments literature as a way to situate the economic logic that normalizes the impacts of fracking on resources, particularly in the absence of an effective regulatory framework. We argue that neoliberal pro‐fracking arguments are (re)defining the relationship among people, the environment, and institutions, which in turn normalizes the impacts on communities and the resources on which they depend.