bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental competence of ovine oocyte following vitrification: effect of oocyte developmental stage, cumulus cells, cytoskeleton stabiliser, FBS concentration, and equilibration time
Authors: Shirazi Abolfazl , Taheri Fatemeh , Nazari Hassan , Norbakhsh-nia Maryam , Ahmadi Ebrahim , Heidari Banafsheh 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to examine the effects of fetal bovine serum (FBS) concentration, equilibration time, and oocyte pre-treatment with cytochalasin B (CCB) on subsequent development of vitrified-warmed ovine immature (GVCOCs) and matured (MII) oocytes with (MIICOCs) or without cumulus cells (MIIDOs). In Experiment 1, the effects of FBS concentrations (10 and 20%) during the vitrification-warming procedure were examined. Survival rates after warming were not different between GVCOCs, MIICOCs and MIIDOs oocytes. After in vitro fertilization, rate of cleaved embryos in MIICOCs group at the presence of 20%FBS was higher than MIIDOs and GVCOCs groups. In Experiment 2, the effects of equilibration times (5, 7, and 10 min) were examined. There was no difference in survival rate of vitrified-warmed oocytes equilibrated at different times. Although, the rate of cleavage in MIICOCs and MIIDOs oocytes equilibrated for 10 and 7 min, respectively, was higher than 5 min equilibrated MIIDOs and 7 and 10 min equilibrated GVCOCs oocytes. In Experiment 3, the effects of oocyte pre-treatment with CCB were examined. Despite the insignificant difference in survival rate of vitrified-warmed ovine immature and matured oocytes, the rates of cleavage in CCB pretreated groups were significantly lower than untreated groups. Moreover, the blastocysts were only derived from those cumulus enclosed vitrified-warmed germinal vesicle (GV) and MII oocytes that had been exposed to 10% FBS in the absence of CCB. In conclusion, the presence of cumulus cells, 10% FBS, and the omission of CCB were beneficial for post-warming development of vitrified ovine oocytes.
Distribution and palaeoecology of Ordovician bivalves and gastropods from Girvan, SW Scotland
Authors: Stewart Sarah E. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTMolluscs from the Middle and Upper Ordovician succession of Girvan, SW Scotland are common and diverse in some localities. The mollusc fauna consists mainly of gastropods, bivalves and various univalved molluscs (mimospirids and tergomyans), along with scarcer polyplacophorans, rostroconchs and cephalopods. The present study gives an overview of the distribution and palaeoecology of bivalves, gastropods and univalved molluscs and compares them with mollusc faunas worldwide. Gastropods, mimospirids and tergomyans are present from the Darriwilian (mid Llanvirn) onwards in both siliciclastic and carbonate facies, and increase in diversity through the Sandbian (Caradoc) and into the Katian (Ashgill). Bivalves first appeared in Girvan in the late Darriwilian (early Caradoc) in deep water siliciclastic facies; where they continued to be more abundant and diverse than in equivalent carbonate facies. Molluscs are initially Laurentian in aspect, though peri-Gondwanan faunal elements occur, particularly during the Sandbian. The pattern of bivalve and gastropod diversity found in the Ordovician of Girvan generally follows that of the known global diversity for these groups.
Applying luminescence methods to geoarchaeology: a case study from Stronsay, Orkney
Authors: Kinnaird Tim C. , Sanderson David C. W. , Woodward Naomi L. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTLuminescence methods were used to date a palaeoenvironmental coastal exposure on Stronsay, Orkney. The section consists of glacial sediments that are overlain by intercalated peats and windblown sands, implying varying past environmental conditions. Rapid luminescence characterisation was undertaken using screening methods in combination with quantitative dating of selected samples, providing information on depositional processes and chronology. A temporal discontinuity between the glacial sediments and later peats encompasses the period associated with an important Mesolithic site located inland, and implies erosional episodes. The onset of blanket bog formation on Stronsay dates to 3760±330 yrs BP, consistent with observations elsewhere in Orkney and northern Scotland. Periods of enhanced aeolian activity on Stronsay occurred in the late Bronze Age (2700±265 yrs BP) and at the beginning of the Little Ice Age (650±75 yrs BP). Recent periods of sand deposition in the 19th and 20th centuries (AD 1865±20 and 1960±5) correspond to periods of known historic storminess. These results add to an expanding catalogue of data on sand movements throughout the Holocene in Orkney, and set a framework to interpret the evolution of nearby archaeological and natural landscapes from prehistoric to modern times.
The legal framework of humanitarian access in armed conflict
Authors: Schwendimann Felix 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObtaining and maintaining humanitarian access to populations in need by humanitarian actors is a challenge. A wide range of constraints on humanitarian access exist, including ongoing hostilities or an otherwise insecure environment, destruction of infrastructure, often onerous bureaucratic requirements, and attempts by parties to armed conflict to block access intentionally. The difficulties that these constraints present to humanitarians are frequently compounded by a lack of familiarity – on the part of states, non-state armed groups, and humanitarian relief organizations – with the legal framework. The main purpose of this article is to lay out the existing international legal framework regulating humanitarian access in situations of armed conflict.
Long‐term trends in nitrogen oxide emissions from motor vehicles at national, state, and air basin scales
Authors: McDonald Brian C. , Dallmann Timothy R. , Martin Elliot W. , Harley Robert A. 
Published: August 2012

A fuel‐based approach is used to estimate nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) emissions from gasoline‐ and diesel‐powered motor vehicles. Estimates are made at the national level for the period 1990–2010. Vehicle emissions are also estimated at the state level for California, and for the South Coast (Los Angeles) and San Joaquin Valley air basins. Fuel‐based emission estimates are compared with predictions from widely used emission inventory models. Changes in diesel NOxemissions vary over time: increasing between 1990 and 1997, stable between 1997 and 2007, and decreasing since 2007. In contrast, gasoline engine‐related NOxemissions have decreased steadily, by ∼65% overall between 1990 and 2010, except in the San Joaquin Valley, where reductions were not as large due to faster population growth. In the San Joaquin Valley, diesel engines were the dominant on‐road NOxsource in all years considered (reaching ∼70% in 2010). In the urbanized South Coast air basin, gasoline engine emissions dominated in the past and have been comparable to on‐road diesel sources since 2007 (down from ∼75% in 1990). Other major anthropogenic sources of NOxare added to compare emission trends with trends in surface pollutant observations and satellite‐derived data. When all major anthropogenic NOx sources are included, the overall emission trend is downward in all cases (−45% to −60%). Future reductions in motor vehicle NOxwill depend on the effectiveness of new exhaust after‐treatment controls on heavy‐duty trucks, as well as further improvements todurabilityof emission control systems on light‐duty vehicles.
Pleistocene equatorial Pacific dynamics inferred from the zonal asymmetry in sedimentary nitrogen isotopes
Authors: Rafter Patrick A. , Charles Christopher D. 
Published: August 2012

There is little agreement among models in predicting the average state of the tropical Pacific when subjected to enhanced greenhouse gas forcing. This uncertainty emphasizes the importance of reconstructing past variability in tropical Pacific climate through episodes of significant and estimable radiative forcing. Thus far, efforts along these lines have concentrated primarily on inferences of sea surface temperature variability from deep‐sea sediments. Here we offer a different view of the equatorial Pacific over the past ∼1.2 million years (Myr)—before and after the mid‐Pleistocene shift in the structure of ice ages. The zonal gradient in the nitrogen isotopic composition of sediment across the equatorial Pacific reflects nutrient delivery to the surface and, by extension, ocean dynamical properties. Over the last ∼1.2 Myr, the variability of eastern equatorial Pacific nutrient upwelling (inferred from relative nitrate utilization) was highly correlated with local seasonal insolation. By contrast, nitrate utilization was insensitive to the 100,000 year cycle that dominated many other aspects of the Pleistocene ice ages, including greenhouse gas concentrations. A strong linear relationship between relative nitrate utilization and seasonal insolation over the past ∼1 million years suggests a predictable response of one primary determinant of tropical Pacific climate change.
Kosten einer leitliniengerechten Versorgung von Hepatitis-B-Patienten in Deutschland
Authors: Stahmeyer J. , Becker H. , Heidelberger S. , Wiebner B. , Deterding K. , Cornberg M. , Manns M.-P. , Krauth C. , Wedemeyer H. 
Published: August 2012

ZusammenfassungLeitliniengerechte Versorgungskosten sind bisher nur für wenige Krankheiten berechnet worden. Auch für volkswirtschaftlich bedeutende Infektionserkrankungen, wie die infektiösen Hepatitiden und HIV, gibt es keine Untersuchungen. Auf der Basis der aktuellen S3-Leitlinie − Prophylaxe, Diagnostik und Therapie der Hepatitis-B-Virus-Infektion − von 2011 wurden für die Patientengruppen HBsAg-Träger, Immuntolerante und die chronischen Hepatitis-B-Patienten mit und ohne Zirrhose die Kosten für eine leitliniengerechte Basisdiagnostik, Monitoring und Therapie errechnet. Das Modell wurde auf einen Zeitraum von 5 Jahren bezogen. Bei den Untersuchungskosten fallen die virologische Diagnostik und die bildgebenden Verfahren ins Gewicht. Hauptkostenfaktor ist aber die Therapie mit Interferon oder Polymeraseinhibitoren. Auch unter der Annahme, das nur 25 % der Infizierten erfasst werden, belaufen sich die 5-Jahres-Gesamtkosten in Deutschland auf über 2,5 Mrd. €. Damit ist die chronische Hepatitis B eine Erkrankung mit hohen Versorgungskosten. Ziel einer leitliniengerechten Versorgung ist die Verhinderung der Leberzirrhose mit ihren Komplikationen sowie des Leberzellkarzinoms. Eine konsequente Schutzimpfung gegen Hepatitis B als Prophylaxe scheint unter der Betrachtung der Versorgungskosten volkswirtschaftlich rational.
Overview on Spectral Line Source Finding and Visualisation
Authors: Koribalski B. S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHere I will outline successes and challenges for finding spectral line sources in large data cubes that are dominated by noise. This is a 3D challenge as the sources we wish to catalog are spread over several spatial pixels and spectral channels. While 2D searches can be applied, e.g. channel by channel, optimal searches take into account the 3-dimensional nature of the sources. In this overview I will focus on Hi 21-cm spectral line source detection in extragalactic surveys, in particular HIPASS, the Hi Parkes All-Sky Survey and WALLABY, the ASKAP Hi All-Sky Survey. I use the original HIPASS data to highlight the diversity of spectral signatures of galaxies and gaseous clouds, both in emission and absorption. Among others, I report the discovery of a 680 km s−1 wide Hi absorption trough in the megamaser galaxy NGC 5793. Issues such as source confusion and baseline ripples, typically encountered in single-dish Hi surveys, are much reduced in interferometric Hi surveys. Several large Hi emission and absorption surveys are planned for the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP): here we focus on WALLABY, the 21-cm survey of the sky (δ < + 30°; z < 0.26) which will take about one year of observing time with ASKAP. Novel phased array feeds (‘radio cameras’) will provide 30 deg2 instantaneous field-of-view. WALLABY is expected to detect more than 500 000 galaxies, unveil their large-scale structures and cosmological parameters, detect their extended, low-surface-brightness disks as well as gas streams and filaments between galaxies. It is a precursor for future Hi surveys with SKA Phase I and II, exploring galaxy formation and evolution. The compilation of highly reliable and complete source catalogs will require sophisticated source-finding algorithms as well as accurate source parametrisation.
Influence of background treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists on ivabradine's effects in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Komajda Michel , Böhm Michael , Borer Jeffrey , Ford Ian , Krum Henry , Tase Adrian , Tavazzi Luigi , Swedberg Karl 
Published: August 2012

AimsA post‐hoc analysis of the SHIFT trial was performed to explore whether ivabradine is beneficial in patients with systolic heart failure, in sinus rhythm, with resting heart rate ≥70 b.p.m., and whose guideline‐recommended background therapy includes a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA).Methods and resultsThe effect of ivabradine on the primary composite endpoint of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for worsening heart failure, and its components, was explored in 3922 SHIFT patients with MRAs at baseline vs. 2583 patients without. Patients with MRAs were younger and were more likely to have severe heart failure and less coronary artery disease or hypertension than those without these drugs. Event rates in the placebo group were higher in patients with MRAs (33%) than in those without (23%) for the primary composite endpoint, with a 40% increase in relative risk (hazard ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.22–1.61). This was also true for secondary endpoints related to mortality or hospitalization. The effect of ivabradine on reducing the primary endpoint was similar in patients with and without MRAs (P = 0.916 for interaction, adjusted for prognostic factors at baseline), as were its effects on cardiovascular death (P = 0.279), hospitalizations for heart failure (P = 0.304), and death from heart failure and from all causes (P = 0.723 and 0.366, respectively). There was no difference in the safety of ivabradine in the two subpopulations.ConclusionIvabradine improves outcomes in heart failure patients with heart rate ≥70 b.p.m. receiving multiple neurohormonal modulation treatments (angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, beta‐blocker, and MRA). The addition of ivabradine to multiple neurohormonal modulation should therefore be considered when the heart rate is ≥70 b.p.m.
Tibetan Hull‐less Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) as a Potential Source of Antioxidants
Authors: Gong Ling‐Xiao , Jin Cheng , Wu Li‐Jiang , Wu Xiao‐Qin , Zhang Ying 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTTibetan hull‐less barley grows at above 4,000 m altitude. One variety grown in the plain and three varieties grown in Tibet were collected from Tianjin and Lhasa. The barleys were polished into five fractions. Total soluble phenolic content (TSPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and their correlation were investigated. Phenolic compounds were analyzed by HPLC, and TSPC content was evaluated by the Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric method. TAC was measured using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonate), and ferric reducing ability of plasma assays. Results showed that TSPC decreased from the outer to the inner fractions, with the outermost layer containing the highest (around 2,803–7,703 μg/g) and inner endosperm the lowest (around 870–1,348 μg/g). TSPC and TAC were highly and positively correlated (r = 0.9583–0.9710). Colored hull‐less barley had higher antioxidant activity than uncolored. TSPC and TAC of Tibetan varieties in the outer layers were more than two‐fold higher than that of Tianjin hull‐less barley. Tibetan hull‐less barley bran extracts are valuable sources of bioactive components with antioxidant activity.
HSPRO Controls Early Nicotiana attenuata Seedling Growth during Interaction with the Fungus Piriformospora indica
Authors: Schuck Stefan , Camehl Iris , Gilardoni Paola A. , Oelmueller Ralf , Baldwin Ian T. , Bonaventure Gustavo 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In a previous study aimed at identifying regulators of Nicotiana attenuata responses against chewing insects, a 26-nucleotide tag matching the HSPRO (ORTHOLOG OF SUGAR BEET Hs1pro - 1) gene was found to be strongly induced after simulated herbivory (Gilardoni et al., 2010). Here we characterized the function of HSPRO during biotic interactions in transgenic N. attenuata plants silenced in its expression (ir-hspro). In wild-type plants, HSPRO expression was not only induced during simulated herbivory but also when leaves were inoculated with Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 and roots with the growth-promoting fungus Piriformospora indica. Reduced HSPRO expression did not affect the regulation of direct defenses against Manduca sexta herbivory or P. syringae pv tomato DC3000 infection rates. However, reduced HSPRO expression positively influenced early seedling growth during interaction with P. indica; fungus-colonized ir-hspro seedlings increased their fresh biomass by 30% compared with the wild type. Grafting experiments demonstrated that reduced HSPRO expression in roots was sufficient to induce differential growth promotion in both roots and shoots. This effect was accompanied by changes in the expression of 417 genes in colonized roots, most of which were metabolic genes. The lack of major differences in the metabolic profiles of ir-hspro and wild-type colonized roots (as analyzed by liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry) suggested that accelerated metabolic rates were involved. We conclude that HSPRO participates in a whole-plant change in growth physiology when seedlings interact with P. indica.
Trophoblastic Cell Lines ACH1P and AC‐1M32 React with a Distinctive Cytokine Pattern Toward Listeria Monocytogenes and Show Morphologic Differences
Authors: Santoso Laura , Friese Klaus , Jeschke Udo , Scholz Christoph 
Published: August 2012

ProblemThe differential reaction of cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast towards infection with listeria monocytogenes (LM) is pivotal to its pathogenicity. In this study we tested the cytokine signature upon infection with listeria monocytogenes (LM) in an in vitro model.Method of studyWe compared two related trophoblastic cell lines (AC‐1M32 and ACH1P). The cell line ACH1P showed syncytium formation, whereas AC‐1M32 did not fuse, as demonstrated with immunfluorescence E‐Cadherin staining. In a Multi‐Analyte ELISArray we tested for concentrations of TNFα, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐17A, IL‐8, MCP1, MIP‐1a, MIP‐1b, MDC, Eotaxin, IFNγ, G‐CSF, TGFβ1 after 8 and 24 hours.ResultsCompared to unstimulated cells, the syncytial cell line ACH1P showed a significant induction of Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), Monocyte Chemotactic Protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and transforming growth factor β‐1 (TGFβ1). Incubating AC‐1M32 with LM, however, showed significantly reduced IL‐6 levels and a massively increased (~300fold) TGFβ1 secretion compared to unstimulated controls.ConclusionsA functional anti‐LM immune response was only induced by the syncytium‐forming cell line ACH1P. Using the two sister cell lines AC‐1M32 and ACH1P in an in vitro LM‐stimulation assay might facilitate research in the area of placental listeria infection.
The phylogeny of aglaspidid arthropods and the internal relationships within Artiopoda
Authors: Ortega‐Hernández Javier , Legg David A. , Braddy Simon J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe phylogenetic position of aglaspidids, a problematic group of Lower Palaeozoic arthropods of undetermined affinities, is re‐examined in the context of the major Cambrian and Ordovician lamellipedian arthropod groups. A cladistic analysis of ten genera of aglaspidids sensu stricto, six aglaspidid‐like arthropods and 42 Palaeozoic arthropod taxa indicates that Xenopoda, Cheloniellida, Aglaspidida sensu lato and Trilobitomorpha form a clade (Artiopoda Hou and Bergström, 1997) nested within the mandibulate stem‐lineage, thus discarding previous interpretations of these taxa as part 'of the chelicerate stem‐group (Arachnomorpha Heider, 1913). The results confirm an aglaspidid identity for several recently described arthropods, including Quasimodaspis brentsae, Tremaglaspis unite, Chlupacaris dubia, Australaglaspis stonyensis and an unnamed Ordovician Chinese arthropod. The problematic Bohemian arthropod Kodymirus vagans was recovered as sister taxon to Beckwithia typa, and both form a small clade that falls outside Aglaspidida sensu stricto, thus discarding eurypterid affinities for the former. The analysis does not support the phylogenetic position of Kwanyinaspis maotianshanensis at the base of Conciliterga as proposed in recent studies, but rather occupies a basal position within Aglaspidida sensu lato. The results indicate a close association of aglaspidid arthropods with xenopods (i.e. Emeraldella and Sidneyia) and cheloniellids (e.g. Cheloniellon, Duslia); the new clade “Vicissicaudata” is proposed to encompass these arthropods, which are characterized by a differentiated posterior region. The phylogenetic position of aglaspidid arthropods makes them good outgroup candidates for analysing the internal relationships within the groups that form Trilobitomorpha. This work provides a much clearer picture of the phylogenetic relationships among Lower Palaeozoic lamellipedians.
Reasons that prevent the inclusion of Alzheimer's disease patients in clinical trials
Authors: Rollin‐Sillaire Adeline , Breuilh Laetitia , Salleron Julia , Bombois Stéphanie , Cassagnaud Pascaline , Deramecourt Vincent , Mackowiak Marie‐Anne , Pasquier Florence 
Published: August 2012

AimTo assess reasons that prevent Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients from being included in clinical trials.MethodsIn 2009, we reviewed the Lille Memory Clinic's case database to identify patients suitable for inclusion in four AD clinical trials. An initial selection was made on the basis of four criteria: (i) a diagnosis of AD (with or without white matter lesions [WML]), (ii) age, (iii) mini mental state examination (MMSE) score and (iv) symptomatic treatment of AD (cholinesterase inhibitors/memantine). Next, data on patients fulfilling these criteria were reviewed against all the inclusion/exclusion criteria for four clinical trials performed in 2009 at the Memory Clinic. Reasons for non‐inclusion were analyzed.ResultsTwo hundred and five patients were selected according to the four initial criteria. Reasons for subsequently not including some of patients in clinical trials were abnormalities on MRI (56.9%, 88.9% of which were WML), unauthorized medication (37.3%), the lack of a study partner/informant (37.1%), the presence of a non‐authorized disease (24.4%), contraindication to MRI (9%), a change in diagnosis over time (3.9%), visual/auditory impairments (2.9%), alcohol abuse (2%) and an insufficient educational level (1%).ConclusionA high proportion of AD patients presented with vascular abnormalities on MRI. This was not unexpected, since the patients were selected from the database and, as shown in epidemiologic studies, cerebrovascular diseases are frequently associated with AD. The presence of a study partner is essential for enabling a patient to participate in clinical trials because of the need to record reliably primary and secondary outcomes.