bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primiparous and multiparous females differ in mammary gland alveolar development: implications for milk production
Authors: Lang Shelley L. C. , Iverson Sara J. , Bowen W. Don 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYMammary gland capacity is influenced by the number of secretory cells in the gland, the activity of those cells and the size and arrangement of the alveoli that they form. Although reproductive experience has been shown to affect the total number of secretory cells in the gland, its potential effect on the structural development of lobulo-alveolar tissues has not been directly investigated. To examine whether reproductive experience affects lobulo-alveolar development, we took mammary gland biopsies at early and peak lactation from primiparous and multiparous grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) females and used histological techniques to compare cell density, alveolar density and alveolar size within secretory lobules. Primiparous females had a significantly higher cell density compared with multiparous females throughout lactation, suggesting that primiparous females have smaller, less-developed secretory cells. Primiparous females had a significantly smaller average alveolar size compared with multiparous females throughout lactation. Although alveolar density was higher in primiparous females compared with multiparous females at early lactation, there was no significant difference between the groups at peak lactation. These results suggest that the mammary gland of primiparous females may have both a lower secretory capacity and a lower storage capacity on a relative basis than those of multiparous females and demonstrate, for the first time, that reproductive experience has a significant effect on both the rate and pattern of mammary gland alveolar development and, potentially, on a female's capacity for milk production.
Spectral tuning by selective chromophore uptake in rods and cones of eight populations of nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius)
Authors: Saarinen Pia , Pahlberg Johan , Herczeg Gábor , Viljanen Martta , Karjalainen Marika , Shikano Takahito , Merilä Juha , Donner Kristian 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARY
The visual pigments of rods and cones were studied in eight Fennoscandian populations of nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius). The wavelength of maximum absorbance of the rod pigment (λmax) varied between populations from 504 to 530 nm. Gene sequencing showed that the rod opsins of all populations were identical in amino acid composition, implying that the differences were due to varying proportions of chromophores A1 and A2. Four spectral classes of cones were found (two S-cones, M-cones and L-cones), correlating with the four classes of vertebrate cone pigments. For quantitative estimation of chromophore proportions, we considered mainly rods and M-cones. In four populations, spectra of both photoreceptor types indicated A2 dominance (population mean λmax=525–530 nm for rods and 535–544 nm for M-cones). In the four remaining populations, however, rod spectra (mean λmax=504–511 nm) indicated strong A1 dominance, whereas M-cone spectra (mean λmax=519-534 nm) suggested substantial fractions of A2. Quantitative analysis of spectra by three methods confirmed that rods and cones in these populations use significantly different chromophore proportions. The outcome is a shift of M-cone spectra towards longer wavelengths and a better match to the photic environment (light spectra peaking &gt;560 nm in all the habitats) than would result from the chromophore proportions of the rods. Chromophore content was also observed to vary partly independently in M- and L-cones with potential consequences for colour discrimination. This is the first demonstration that selective processing of chromophore in rods and cones, and in different cone types, may be ecologically relevant.
Median fin function during the escape response of bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). I: Fin-ray orientation and movement
Authors: Chadwell Brad A. , Standen Emily M. , Lauder George V. , Ashley-Ross Miriam A. 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYThe fast-start escape response is critically important to avoid predation, and axial movements driving it have been studied intensively. Large median dorsal and anal fins located near the tail have been hypothesized to increase acceleration away from the threat, yet the contribution of flexible median fins remains undescribed. To investigate the role of median fins, C-start escape responses of bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) were recorded by three high-speed, high-resolution cameras at 500 frames s−1 and the 3-D kinematics of individual dorsal and anal fin rays were analyzed. Movement and orientation of the fin rays relative to the body axis were calculated throughout the duration of the C-start. We found that: (1) timing and magnitude of angular displacement varied among fin rays based on position within the fin and (2) kinematic patterns support the prediction that fin rays are actively resisting hydrodynamic forces and transmitting momentum into the water. We suggest that regions within the fins have different roles. Anterior regions of the fins are rapidly elevated to increase the volume of water that the fish may interact with and transmit force into, thus generating greater total momentum. The movement pattern of all the fin rays creates traveling waves that move posteriorly along the length of the fin, moving water as they do so. Flexible posterior regions ultimately act to accelerate this water towards the tail, potentially interacting with vortices generated by the caudal fin during the C-start. Despite their simple appearance, median fins are highly complex and versatile control surfaces that modulate locomotor performance.
Transgenerational effects of microcystin-LR onDaphnia magna
Authors: Ortiz-Rodríguez Rafael , Dao Thanh Son , Wiegand Claudia 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYAnthropogenic and climate factors increase the frequency of problematic cyanobacterial blooms in freshwater. Among other toxins, some cyanobacteria produce microcystins (MCs), which inhibit phosphatases type 1 and type 2A and provokes oxidative stress. Toxic cyanobacteria affect the growth, survival and reproduction of zooplankton, particularly those from the genus Daphnia, which have a central position in pelagic food webs. However, one possibility to ameliorate effects is to biotransform MC via glutathione S transferase (GST) to a less toxic glutathione conjugate. This process was hypothesised to underlie the ability of Daphnia to withstand MC and to explain the enhanced tolerance of the offspring from mothers exposed to toxic cyanobacteria. Thus we conducted multigenerational experiments with D. magna, exposing the parental generation to MC for 1 or 7 days and determining the enzyme-mediated tolerance to MC in their offspring by assessing the acute effect of MC on biotransformation and antioxidant and metabolism enzymes, and through 21 day chronic tests on toxicity and growth. Seven days of exposure of the parental generation to MC induced higher activity of GST and malate dehydrogenase in the offspring and enabled them to increment the catalase activity when challenged with MC, whereas 1 day of exposure of the parental generation did not. Offspring from non-exposed and 1-day-exposed mothers suffered decreased survival when exposed to MC compared with offspring from 7-day-exposed mothers; survival was correlated with the elevated activity of GST, malate dehydrogenase and catalase, suggesting maternal transfer of activation factors. However, increased survival occurred at the expense of individual growth. These results suggest that transgenerational effects are provoked by MC in D. magna, which may explain the observed acquirement of enhanced tolerance over generations.
The skylight gradient of luminance helps sandhoppers in sun and moon identification
Authors: Ugolini Alberto , Galanti Giuditta , Mercatelli Luca 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYTo return to the ecologically optimal zone of the beach, the sandhopper Talitrus saltator (Montagu) maintains a constant sea–land direction based on the sun and moon compasses. In this study, we investigated the role of the skylight gradient of luminance in sun and moon identification under natural and artificial conditions of illumination. Clock-shifted (inverted) sandhoppers tested under the sun (during their subjective night) and under the full moon (during their subjective day) exhibit orientation in accordance with correct identification of the sun and the moon at night. Tested in artificial conditions of illumination at night without the artificial gradient of luminance, the artificial astronomical cue is identified as the moon even when the conditions of illumination allow sun compass orientation during the day. When the artificial gradient of luminance is added, the artificial astronomical cue is identified as the sun. The role of the sky gradient of luminance in sun and moon identification is discussed on the basis of present and past findings.
Unpredictable food availability induces metabolic and hormonal changes independent of food intake in a sedentary songbird
Authors: Fokidis H. Bobby , des Roziers Matthieu Burin , Sparr Richard , Rogowski Christopher , Sweazea Karen , Deviche Pierre 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYEnvironments often vary with regard to their temporal resource availability, but little is understood concerning how resource predictability impacts animals. The adaptive regulation hypothesis suggests that organisms act to conserve their current energetic state during periods of diminished food access and recuperate their energetic reserves (fat and muscle) during periods of greater food availability. In contrast, the chronic stress hypothesis suggests that variation in access to food can induce a prolonged stress response, resulting in maladaptive usage of energy reserves and increased behavioral activity. To distinguish between these hypotheses we compared the behavioral, hormonal and metabolic responses of captive curve-billed thrashers, Toxostoma curvirostre, fed varying amounts each day (variable group) with those of birds fed a constant amount every day (constant feeding group). Birds of both groups consumed, on average, a similar total amount of food during the course of the study, but birds in the variable feeding group lost mass and increased their circulating initial levels of the stress hormone corticosterone, showed evidence for increased secretion of a hypothalamic stress peptide, vasotocin, used greater amounts of fat and protein energy reserves, and were more behaviorally active than birds in the constant feeding group. Overall, these findings support the chronic stress hypothesis and suggest that birds such as thrashers may be particularly susceptible to the perception of unpredictable variation in food supplies independent of actual energetic constraints.
Early life experience primes resistance to oxidative stress
Authors: Costantini David , Monaghan Pat , Metcalfe Neil B. 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYThe extent to which early stress exposure is detrimental to Darwinian fitness may depend on its severity, with mild stress exposure actually having a stimulatory and, possibly, beneficial effect through a hormetic response to the stressful stimulus. We need to understand such hormetic processes to determine how the early environment can help shape a phenotype adapted to the conditions the organism is most likely to experience in its adult environment. Using the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), we tested the hypothesis that individuals exposed to mild heat stress earlier in life will suffer less oxidative stress when faced with high heat stress in adulthood than will individuals either not pre-exposed to heat stress or exposed to high heat stress earlier in life. Our findings demonstrate that early life exposure to mild heat stress primes the system to better withstand oxidative stress when encountering heat stress as an adult. These findings point to a potential mechanism linking early life experiences to future Darwinian fitness.
Reducing ionizing radiation doses during cardiac interventions in pregnant women
Authors: Orchard Elizabeth , Dix Sarah , Wilson Neil , Mackillop Lucy , Ormerod Oliver 
Published: July 2012

Background There is concern over ionizing radiation exposure in women who are pregnant or of child-bearing age. Due to the increasing prevalence of congenital and acquired heart disease, the number of women who require cardiac interventions during pregnancy has increased. We have developed protocols for cardiac interventions in pregnant women and women of child-bearing age, aimed at substantially reducing both fluoroscopy duration and radiation doses. Methods Over five years, we performed cardiac interventions on 15 pregnant women, nine postpartum women and four as part of prepregnancy assessment. Fluoroscopy times were minimized by simultaneous use of intracardiac echocardiography, and by using very low frame rates (2/second) during fluoroscopy. Results The procedures most commonly undertaken were closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) or patent foramen ovale (PFO) in 16 women, coronary angiograms in seven, right and left heart catheters in three and two stent placements. The mean screening time for all patients was 2.38 minutes (range 0.48–13.7), the median radiation dose was 66 (8.9–1501) Gy/cm2. The median radiation dose to uterus was 1.92 (0.59–5.47) μGy, and the patient estimated dose was 0.24 (0.095–0.80) mSv. Conclusions Ionizing radiation can be used safely in the management of severe cardiac structural disease in pregnancy, with very low ionizing radiation dose to the mother and extremely low exposure to the fetus. With experience, ionizing radiation doses at our institution have been reduced.
Manufacturable Polymeric Optical Waveguide based Bus Structures for Board Level Optical Interconnects
Authors: Dou Xinyuan , Wang Xiaolong , Lin Xiaohui , Chen Ray T. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract:In this paper, we studied the optimization of preparation for polymeric optical waveguide based bus structures with embedded 45 degree micro-mirrors by metallic hard mold method. The 45º facets on the metallic hard mold, which were used to create the 45 degree micro-mirrors, were studied by the atomic force microscopy (AFM). The surface roughness of the 45 degree facets was reduced from 70nm to be 2nm by a photopolymer coating step. High speed test on the waveguide shows the low loss and high Q-factor performance of the waveguide structures. A backplane bus with 10 Gbits/sec channel will be reported.
Food web including infectious agents for a California freshwater pond
Authors: Preston Daniel L. , Orlofske Sarah A. , McLaughlin John P. , Johnson Pieter T. J. 
Published: July 2012

This data set presents a comprehensive food web for Quick Pond, a northern California pond ecosystem. The web includes organisms from all regions of the pond (i.e., littoral, limnetic, profundal, and benthic zones) as well as terrestrial organisms that interact with the aquatic community or have aquatic life‐stages. The food web has three attributes that are often omitted from freshwater food webs: inclusion of (1) parasites and other infectious agents, (2) ontogenetic stages of most animals with complex life cycles, and (3) biomass information for many animals. Data on species presence was obtained over three years using field sampling techniques (i.e., seine‐ and D‐nets, stove‐pipe samplers, and visual encounter surveys) and laboratory examinations of free‐living organisms for infectious agents (primarily metazoan parasites, but also some microbes). We collected body size and biomass data for abundant aquatic animals >1 mm and for trematode parasites, which were the most abundant parasitic group. Information on trophic interactions was obtained from direct observations and published literature sources. Within the food‐web data we include supporting information for each node on taxonomy, lifestyle, and residency; and for each link we include information on type of interaction and the source of evidence (e.g., direct observation, literature, or inferred). The food web contains 113 nodes, 1905 links, and 63 species. To facilitate comparisons between food webs from different ecosystems we present the data in a system‐neutral format.The complete data sets corresponding to abstracts published in the Data Papers section of the journal are published electronically in Ecological Archives at 〈http://esapubs.org/archive〉. (The accession number for each Data Paper is given directly beneath the title.)
Drilling the First SAGD Wells in the Orinoco Oil-Belt Bare Field: A Case History
Authors: Guinand Pedro , Ruiz Fernando , Mago Ronald , Hernandez Ángel , Ospina Rosa , Soto Ramon , Papaterra Eduardo , Méndez Osbadis 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Application of proper technologies in the heavy and extra-heavy oil field of the Orinoco Oil Belt of Venezuela has led to significant improvements in oil production during the last 30 years. However, the many cold production methods tested in the area have achieved a maximum recovery of only 20%. Increasing the recovery factor remains a priority for the oil industry and has led to the testing of hot production methods, such as steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD).
SAGD uses two parallel horizontal wells, one drilled above the other, with continuous steam injection to achieve recovery efficiencies up to 60% in many heavy and extra-heavy oil fields worldwide. Magnetic ranging technologies are used to maintain precise separation along the trajectory of the two wells, which is critical for the effectiveness of SAGD technique. If the horizontal wells are too close, the steam will rapidly migrate to the production well. If there is excessive separation, gravity drainage will not occur.
A national Venezuelan operator determined that SAGD technology is applicable in the San Tome area of the Orinoco heavy-oil Belt and proposed to drill a pair of SAGD wells in the U1, 3 MFB-53 reservoirs to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology to recover an additional 2 MMBB. Increasing the recovery factor to 38% in the area affected by injection with a rate of 1,500 BNPD and holding it for 3 years will determine the success of the technique in the Orinoco Oil Belt.
This publication will describe the characteristics and production history of the Bare Reservoir, as well as the implementation of SAGD drilling techniques in the development of related fields. Specifically addressed will be how the precise pre-planning and execution of the separation and alignment between the two existing wells was achieved using active magnetic-ranging technology. Finally, production results will be presented and explained.
Sutures versus Sterile Strips for Closure of Ankle Arthroscopy Portals: Prospective Crossover Trial
Authors: Stavrou Peter , Symeonidis Panagiotis D. , Iselin Lukas D. , Dracopoulos George 
Published: July 2012

Background: Either a nylon single suture or adhesive tape in the form of Steri strip are commonly used for the closure of portals in ankle arthroscopy. The purpose of this study was to compare the two methods with regards to their safety, complications and cosmetic result. Methods: This was a prospective cross over study of 100 patients who underwent ankle arthroscopy. Materials used for wound closure were either a 3–0 nylon suture or a single Steri strip. Portals were reviewed according to a validated wound scoring system. Parameters such as the age and gender of the patients, the duration of tourniquet use and the use of an intraarticular corticosteroid injection at wound closure were also studied. Results: Ninety-five patients were included in the statistical analysis. No technique was found to be superior in terms of the wound description ( p = 0.164), infection grade ( p = 0.232), infection treatment ( p = 0.557) and the cosmetic appearance ( p = 0.371). Seventy-two percent of patients had a good to excellent cosmetic result. There were two cases of infection requiring administration of antibiotics, one from each method of closure. Of the independent parameters, the use of cortisone was related to a lower infection treatment score ( p = 0.013). Patients with signs of infection had a shorter total tourniquet time compared to the patients with no infection ( p = 0.002). Conclusion: The use of either a single suture or Steri strip in the closure of ankle arthoscopy portals has equivalent results. Both methods were safe with equivalent cosmesis and low infection rates. Level of Evidence: II; Prospective Comparative Study
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Low Energy Extracorporeal Pulse Activated Therapy (EPAT) for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Gordon Robert , Wong Charles , Crawford Eric J. 
Published: July 2012

Background: Ultrasonographic measurement of the plantar fascia can be used to objectively diagnose plantar fasciitis. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term effectiveness of Extracorporeal Pulse Activated Therapy (EPAT) for the treatment of plantar fasciitis using ultrasonographic measurement as an objective outcome measure, with a minimum followup of 12 months. Methods: Patients with chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis were prospectively recruited and underwent EPAT. Ultrasound measurement of the plantar fascia and patient-rated pain scores were collected before treatment and at followup (minimum of 12 months post-treatment). Twenty-five subjects (35 feet) met the inclusion criteria. The average followup time was 29.4 ± 13.1 (M ± SD; range, 12 to 54) months. Results: The average thickness of the plantar fascia of the symptomatic heels was 7.3 ± 2.0 mm before treatment and 6.0 ± 1.3 mm after treatment ( p < 0.001). The average change in thickness of the treated heels was −1.3 mm (−0.8 to −1.8 mm; 95% CI, p < 0.0001). No correlation was found between length of followup and change in ultrasound measured plantar fascia thickness ( r = −0.04, p = 0.818). Conclusion: For patients with a greater than 12-month history of heel pain, EPAT can effectively decrease plantar fascia thickness as demonstrated objectively by ultrasound evaluation and reduce patient-reported pain. No relationship between length of followup and change in plantar fascia thickness was found after 12 months. Level of Evidence: IV; Case Series
Antibiotic Impregnated Cement Spacer for Salvage of Diabetic Osteomyelitis
Authors: Melamed Eyal A. , Peled Eli 
Published: July 2012

Background: Florid infection and osteomyelitis of the forefoot in patients with diabetic neuropathy often requires minor amputation, with risk of subsequent reulceration, reamputation, and patient dissatisfaction. We investigated use of an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer (ACS) to release antibiotic locally to resolve residual infection and to fill the cavity created by debridement. Methods: We report 23 cases of osteomyelitis and associated severe infection of forefoot joints in 20 consecutive patients, age 60.3 ± 13.4 years. Antibiotic-impregnated cement, extensive meticulous debridement, and ACS placement to fill the gap were employed in all cases. Deep cultures were taken routinely. Fixation with Kirschner wires was used as necessary. Mean followup was 21.2 ± 10.2 months. A successful result was resolution of infection and wound healing to full skin closure without amputation. Results: Of 23 cases, 21 (91.3%) healed and two required toe amputation. ACS was left permanently in 10 patients, removed with arthrodesis in six, and removed without arthrodesis in five. One patient recovered but subsequently underwent transtibial amputation due to infection of a different site. Conclusion: Severe infection associated with osteomyelitis of the foot in diabetic patients was successfully treated with extensive debridement and use of ACS, which filled the void created by debridement. Amputation was avoided in most patients. This procedure allowed extensive debridement through filling large voids with ACS, with prolonged antibiotic release. Level of Evidence: IV; Retrospective Case Series