bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does size matter? – Thermoregulation of ‘heavyweight’ and ‘lightweight’ wasps (Vespa crabro and Vespula sp.)
Authors: Kovac Helmut , Stabentheiner Anton 
Published: July 2012

Summary
In insect groups with the ability of endothermy, the thermoregulatory capacity has a direct relation to body mass. To verify this relationship in vespine wasps, we compared the thermoregulation of hornets (Vespa crabro), the largest species of wasps in Central Europe, with two smaller wasps (Vespula vulgaris and Vespula germanica) in the entire range of ambient temperature (Ta: ∼0–40°C) where the insects exhibited foraging flights.
Despite the great difference in body weight of Vespula (V. vulgaris: 84.1±19.0 mg, V. germanica: 74.1±9.6 mg) and Vespa (477.5±59.9 mg), they exhibited similarities in the dependence of thorax temperature on Ta on their arrival (mean Tth  =  30–40°C) and departure (mean Tth  =  33–40°C) at the nest entrance. However, the hornets' thorax temperature was up to 2.5°C higher upon arrival and up to 3°C lower at departure. The thorax temperature excess (Tth−Ta) above ambient air of about 5–18°C indicates a high endothermic capacity in both hornets and wasps. Heat gain from solar radiation elevated the temperature excess by up to 1°C. Results show that hornets and wasps are able to regulate their body temperature quite well, even during flight. A comparison of flight temperature with literature reports on other vespine wasps revealed a dependence of the Tth on the body mass in species weighing less than about 200 mg.
Segregation of PIP2 and PIP3 into distinct nanoscale regions within the plasma membrane
Authors: Wang Jie , Richards David A. 
Published: July 2012

Summary
PIP2 and PIP3 are implicated in a wide variety of cellular signaling pathways at the plasma membrane. We have used STORM imaging to localize clusters of PIP2 and PIP3 to distinct nanoscale regions within the plasma membrane of PC12 cells. With anti-phospholipid antibodies directly conjugated with AlexaFluor 647, we found that PIP2 clusters in membrane domains of 64.5±27.558 nm, while PIP3 clusters had a size of 125.6±22.408 nm. With two color direct STORM imaging we show that &gt;99% of phospholipid clusters have only one or other phospholipid present. These results indicate that lipid nano-domains can be readily identified using super-resolution imaging techniques, and that the lipid composition and size of clusters is tightly regulated.
Dealing with water deficit in Atta ant colonies: large ants scout for water while small ants transport it
Authors: Da-Silva Antonio Carlos , Navas Carlos A. , Ribeiro Pedro L. 
Published: July 2012

Summary
Leafcutter ants (Atta sexdens rubropilosa) (Forel 1908) have an elaborate social organization, complete with caste divisions. Activities carried out by specialist groups contribute to the overall success and survival of the colony when it is confronted with environmental challenges such as dehydration. Ants detect variations in humidity inside the nest and react by activating several types of behavior that enhance water uptake and decrease water loss, but it is not clear whether or not a single caste collects water regardless of the cost of bringing this resource back to the colony. Accordingly, we investigated water collection activities in three colonies of Atta sexdens rubropilosa experimentally exposed to water stress. Specifically, we analyzed whether or not the same ant caste foraged for water, regardless of the absolute energetic cost (distance) of transporting this resource back to the colony. Our experimental design offered water sources at 0 m, 1 m and 10 m from the nest. We studied the body size of ants near the water sources from the initial offer of water (time  =  0) to 120 min, and tested for specialization. We observed a reduction in the average size and variance of ants that corroborated the specialization hypothesis. Although the temporal course of specialization changed with distance, the final outcome was similar among distances. Thus, we conclude that, for this species, a specialist (our use of the word “specialist” does not mean exclusive) task force is responsible for collecting water, regardless of the cost of transporting water back to the colony.
Antegrade in situ fenestration of aortic stent graft: in-vivo experiments using a pig model
Authors: Saari Petri , Lähteenvuo Markku , Honkonen Krista , Manninen Hannu 
Published: July 2012

Background Short proximal neck of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is associated with risk of treatment failure during abdominal aortic repair. Important side branches, such as renal arteries, cannot be covered without serious consequences. Purpose To test the feasibility of preoperative fenestration of abdominal aortic stent grafts with a re-entry catheter and steerable sheath to preserve the patency of renal arteries in an animal model. Material and Methods Three domestic pigs were anesthetised and a stent graft placed in the abdominal aorta, covering the renal arteries. An attempt was made to fenestrate the renal arteries through the prosthesis using the Outback re-entry catheter supported by the Channel Steerable sheath. The hole that was created was dilated and stented. The specimens were visually analyzed after sacrifice. Results In one pig, the graft material was successfully traversed and a guide wire advanced in the renal arteries. Due to insufficient guide wire support and a poor balloon profile, dilatation of the fenestration failed. In another pig, the procedure was technically successful, but a long warm ischemia time for the left kidney caused infarction. In the third experiment, the procedure had to be discontinued due to a technical failure of the Outback device. Conclusion Fenestration of a stent graft with a re-entry device through a steerable sheath is technically feasible in vivo. However, without further refinement of the instrumentation, the technique cannot be recommended in elective cases of abdominal aortic repair, but if the renal arteries are covered accidentally during endovascular treatment, the technique may be a valuable salvage option if surgical revascularization is not considered as an option.
Microwave synthesis of ZrO2 and Yttria stabilized ZrO2 particles from aqueous precursor solutions
Authors: Vernieuwe Kenny , Lommens Petra , Van den Broeck Freya , Martins José C. , Van Driessche Isabel , De Buysser Klaartje 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTZirconia and Yttrium stabilized zirconia are well-known ceramic materials. Scaling down the dimension of these ceramics can result in a faster sintering process at lower temperatures. Microwave synthesis of nano-structured particles is a very attractive synthesis route because of the short synthesis time and low reaction temperature. This allows a fast screening of the influence of different parameters such as time, temperature and pressure on the final size and crystal phase of the particles. In this study Zr and Zr/Y aqueous precursors are mixed with a variety of complexing agents or surfactants in different ratios. The reason is twofold: (1) we aim for a stable precursor solution which is established by lowering the free ion concentration and (2) we want to see the influence of the complexing agents on the growth of the particles and the formation of crystalline phases. Particle sizes of these particle vary from 40 -200 nm. The crystallinity is confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The stabilization of these particles and possible exchange of the ligands is examined with NMR measurements (1D - proton combined with 2D NOESY) and is compared with TGA-DTA analysis of the isolated particles.
A Position Paper on Standardizing the Nonneoplastic Kidney Biopsy Report
Authors: Chang Anthony , Gibson Ian W. , Cohen Arthur H. , Weening Jan J. , Jennette J. Charles , Fogo Agnes B. 
Published: July 2012

Summary
The biopsy report for nonneoplastic kidney diseases represents a complex integration of clinical data with light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopic findings. Practice guidelines for the handling and processing of the renal biopsy have previously been created. However, specific guidelines for essential pathologic parameters that should be included in these pathology reports do not exist. The Renal Pathology Society has coordinated an effort through the formation of an ad hoc committee to enumerate the essential elements and pathologic parameters that should be reported for every biopsy specimen. This endeavor aims to establish a minimum reporting standard and to improve communication between pathologists and other physicians. This document represents the collective effort and consensus opinions of this ad hoc committee of the Renal Pathology Society.
Usability of a CKD Educational Website Targeted to Patients and Their Family Members
Authors: Diamantidis Clarissa J. , Zuckerman Marni , Fink Wanda , Hu Peter , Yang Shiming , Fink Jeffrey C. 
Published: July 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Web-based technology is critical to the future of healthcare. As part of the Safe Kidney Care cohort study evaluating patient safety in CKD, this study determined how effectively a representative sample of patients with CKD or family members could interpret and use the Safe Kidney Care website (www.safekidneycare.org), an informational website on safety in CKD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Between November of 2011 and January of 2012, persons with CKD or their family members underwent formal usability testing administered by a single interviewer with a second recording observer. Each participant was independently provided a list of 21 tasks to complete, with each task rated as either easily completed/noncritical error or critical error (user cannot complete the task without significant interviewer intervention).

Results
Twelve participants completed formal usability testing. Median completion time for all tasks was 17.5 minutes (range=10–44 minutes). In total, 10 participants had greater than or equal to one critical error. There were 55 critical errors in 252 tasks (22%), with the highest proportion of critical errors occurring when participants were asked to find information on treatments that may damage kidneys, find the website on the internet, increase font size, and scroll to the bottom of the webpage. Participants were generally satisfied with the content and usability of the website.

Conclusions
Web-based educational materials for patients with CKD should target a wide range of computer literacy levels and anticipate variability in competency in use of the computer and internet.
Impact of Navigators on Completion of Steps in the Kidney Transplant Process
Authors: Sullivan Catherine , Leon, Janeen B. , Sayre, Srilekha S. , Marbury, Marquisha , Ivers, Michael , Pencak, Julie A. , Bodziak, Kenneth A. , Hricik Donald E. , Morrison E. Janie , Albert Jeffrey M. , Navaneethan Sankar D. , Reyes Christina M.Delos , Sehgal Ashwini R. 
Published: July 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Many patients with ESRD, particularly minorities and women, face barriers in completing the steps required to obtain a transplant. These eight sequential steps are as follows: medical suitability, interest in transplant, referral to a transplant center, first visit to center, transplant workup, successful candidate, waiting list or identify living donor, and receive transplant. This study sought to determine the effect of navigators on completion of steps.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Cluster randomized, controlled trial at 23 Ohio hemodialysis facilities. One hundred sixty-seven patients were recruited between January 2009 and August 2009 and were followed for up to 24 months or until study end in February 2011. Trained kidney transplant recipients met monthly with intervention participants (n=92), determined their step in the transplant process, and provided tailored information and assistance in completing the step. Control participants (n=75) continued to receive usual care. The primary outcome was the number of transplant process steps completed.

Results
Starting step did not significantly differ between the two groups. By the end of the trial, intervention participants completed more than twice as many steps as control participants (3.5 versus 1.6 steps; difference, 1.9 steps; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–2.5 steps). The effect of the intervention on step completion was similar across race and sex subgroups.

Conclusions
Use of trained transplant recipients as navigators resulted in increased completion of transplant process steps.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D Response to Cholecalciferol Supplementation in Hemodialysis
Authors: Armas Laura A.G. , Andukuri Radha , Barger-Lux Janet , Heaney Robert P. , Lund Richard 
Published: July 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Recent understanding of extrarenal production of calcitriol has led to the exploration of native vitamin D treatment in dialysis patients. This paper reports the pharmacokinetics of 25-hydroxyvitamin D response to 10,333 IU cholecalciferol given weekly in subjects on chronic dialysis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 15 weeks of oral cholecalciferol in subjects with stage 5 CKD requiring maintenance hemodialysis was conducted from November of 2007 to March of 2010. The time course of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured over the course of treatment. Additionally, blood was drawn at baseline and last visit for calcium, phosphorus, calcitriol, and parathyroid hormone levels.

Results
The median (interquartile range) baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was 13.3 (11.1–16.2) ng/ml for the treatment group and 15.2 (10.7–19.9) ng/ml for the placebo group. 25-hydroxyvitamin D steady state levels rose by 23.6 (19.2–29.9) ng/ml in the treatment group, and there was no change in the placebo group. Calcitriol levels also increased significantly in the treatment group. There were no significant changes in levels of calcium, albumin, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone in either group.

Conclusions
Cholecalciferol (10,333 IU) given weekly in patients on chronic hemodialysis produces a steady state in 25-hydroxyvitamin D of approximately 24 ng/ml.
Decompressive craniectomy: a meta-analysis of influences on intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure in the treatment of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Bor-Seng-Shu Edson , Figueiredo Eberval G. , Amorim Robson L. O. , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Valbuza Juliana Spelta , de Oliveira Marcio Moyses , Panerai Ronney B. 
Published: July 2012

Object
In recent years, the role of decompressive craniectomy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in patients with refractory intracranial hypertension has been the subject of several studies. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the contribution of decompressive craniectomy in reducing intracranial pressure (ICP) and increasing cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) in these patients.

Methods
Comprehensive literature searches were performed for articles related to the effects of decompressive craniectomy on ICP and CPP in patients with TBI. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) published manuscripts, 2) original articles of any study design except case reports, 3) patients with refractory elevated ICP due to traumatic brain swelling, 4) decompressive craniectomy as a type of intervention, and 5) availability of pre- and postoperative ICP and/or CPP data. Primary outcomes were ICP decrease and/or CPP increase for assessing the efficacy of decompressive craniectomy. The secondary outcome was the persistence of reduced ICP 24 and 48 hours after the operation.

Results
Postoperative ICP values were significantly lower than preoperative values immediately after decompressive craniectomy (weighted mean difference [WMD] −17.59 mm Hg, 95% CI −23.45 to −11.73, p < 0.00001), 24 hours after (WMD −14.27 mm Hg, 95% CI −24.13 to −4.41, p < 0.00001), and 48 hours after (WMD −12.69 mm Hg, 95% CI −22.99 to −2.39, p < 0.0001). Postoperative CPP was significantly higher than preoperative values (WMD 7.37 mm Hg, 95% CI 2.32 to 12.42, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions
Decompressive craniectomy can effectively decrease ICP and increase CPP in patients with TBI and refractory elevated ICP. Further studies are necessary to define the group of patients that can benefit most from this procedure.
Intraoperative subcortical electrical mapping of optic radiations in awake surgery for glioma involving visual pathways
Authors: Gras-Combe Guillaume , Moritz-Gasser Sylvie , Herbet Guillaume , Duffau Hugues 
Published: July 2012

Object
Preservation of the visual field in glioma surgery, especially avoidance of hemianopia, is crucial for patients' quality of life, particularly for driving. Recent studies used tractography or cortical occipital stimulation to try to avoid visual deficit. However, optic radiations have not been directly mapped intraoperatively. The authors present, for the first time to their knowledge, a consecutive series of awake surgeries for cerebral glioma with intrasurgical identification and preservation of visual pathways using subcortical electrical mapping.

Methods
Fourteen patients underwent awake resection of a glioma (1 WHO Grade I, 11 WHO Grade II, 2 WHO Grade III) involving the optic radiations. The patients had no presurgical visual field deficit. Intraoperatively, a picture-naming task was used, with presentation of 2 objects situated diagonally on a screen divided into 4 quadrants. An image was presented in the quadrant to be saved and another image was presented in the opposite quadrant. Direct subcortical electrostimulation was repeatedly performed without the patient's knowledge, until optic radiations were identified (transient visual disturbances). All patients underwent an objective visual field assessment 3 months after surgery.

Results
All patients experienced visual symptoms during stimulation. These disturbances led the authors to stop the tumor resection at that level. Postoperatively, only 1 patient had a permanent hemianopia, despite an expected quadrantanopia in 12 cases. The mean extent of resection was 93.6% (range 85%–100%).

Conclusions
Online identification of optic radiations by direct subcortical electrostimulation is a reliable and effective method to avoid permanent hemianopia in surgery for gliomas involving visual pathways.
NK and CD4+ T Cell Cooperative Immune Responses Correlate with Control of Disease in a Macaque Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Model
Authors: Vargas-Inchaustegui Diego A. , Xiao Peng , Tuero Iskra , Patterson L. Jean , Robert-Guroff Marjorie 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Control of infectious disease may be accomplished by successful vaccination or by complex immunologic and genetic factors favoring Ag-specific multicellular immune responses. Using a rhesus macaque model, we evaluated Ag-specific T cell-dependent NK cell immune responses in SIV-infected macaques, designated “controlling” or “noncontrolling” based on long-term chronic viremia levels, to determine whether NK cell effector functions contribute to control of SIV infection. We observed that Gag stimulation of macaque PBMCs induced subset-specific NK cell responses in SIV-controlling but not SIV-noncontrolling animals, as well as that circulatory NK cell responses were dependent on Ag-specific IL-2 production by CD4+ central memory T cells. NK cell activation was blocked by anti–IL-2–neutralizing Ab and by CD4+ T cell depletion, which abrogated the Gag-specific responses. Among tissue-resident cells, splenic and circulatory NK cells displayed similar activation profiles, whereas liver and mucosal NK cells displayed a decreased activation profile, similar in SIV-controlling and -noncontrolling macaques. Lack of T cell-dependent NK cell function was rescued in SIV-noncontrolling macaques through drug-mediated control of viremia. Our results indicate that control of disease progression in SIV-controlling macaques is associated with cooperation between Ag-specific CD4+ T cells and NK cell effector function, which highlight the importance of such cell-to-cell cooperativity in adaptive immunity and suggest that this interaction should be further investigated in HIV vaccine development and other prophylactic vaccine approaches.
Role of SOCS3 Evaluated by Immunohistochemical Analysis in a Cohort of Patients Affected by Prostate Cancer: Preliminary Results
Authors: Calarco Alessandro , Pinto Francesco , Pierconti Francesco , Sacco Emilio , Marrucci Eleonora , Totaro Angelo , Palermo Giuseppe , Vittori Matteo , Bassi Pierfrancesco 
Published: July 2012

Background Chronic inflammation may play a role in prostate carcinogenesis. Molecular alterations of the Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS)-3 can contribute to explain the pleiotropic role of interleukin (IL)-6 in this type of cancer. Recently, the methylation of SOCS3 gene has been demonstrated to cause the non-expression of the protein, being involved in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer (PC) and identifying a subset of aggressive tumors. We evaluated the expression of SOCS3 protein in patients (pt) with bioptically-diagnosed PC by immunohistochemical analysis, which is easier to perform, cheaper and more reproducible compared to DNA analysis. Methods We analyzed the protein expression of SOCS3 by immunohistochemistry in 44 patients (pt) with PC diagnosed after biopsy. Slides were incubated with monoclonal antibody SOCS3 (1E4, 1.5 μg/mL; Abnova, Taiwan). The SOCS3 staining intensity was evaluated by two pathologists (FP and LML) in three different ways: positive (+), negative (-) and weak (+/-). Colonic mucosa was used as positive control. 36/44 patients underwent radical prostatectomy (RP). Results Biopsy Gleason score (Gs) was: <7 in 8 pt, 7 in 33 pt (3 + 4 pattern in 21 pt, 4 + 3 pattern in 12 pt), >7 in 3 pt. 8/8 (100%) pt with Gs <7 and 7/33 (21%) with Gs 7 were SOCS+. 15/33 (45%) pt with Gs 7 and 3/3 (100%) pt with Gs >7 were negative. In 11/33 pt (33%) Gs 7 a weak intensity was found so they were classified as SOCS3 +/-. 25/36 (69%) patients who underwent RP were SOCS3– (15 pt with Gs 7(3 + 4), 7 pt with Gs 7(4 + 3), 3 pt with Gs 8) and 11/36 (30%) SOCS3+ (8 pt with Gs 6 and 3 pt with Gs 7(3 + 4)) (Tab 2). 12/25 (48%) SOCS3– pt had an organ-confined disease (≤pT2), whereas 13/25 (52%) had an extra prostatic neoplasm (5 pT3a (one was N+), 6 pT3b, 1 pT4). All SOCS3+ patients (8/8 (100%)) had an organ-confined disease. 3/3 (100%) SOCS3+/- pt had an extra prostatic neoplasm (>pT2). Conclusions SOCS3– pt turned out to have a more aggressive disease compared with SOCS3+. In particular, also SOCS3+/- patients seemed to have an aggressive behavior. The non-expression of SOCS3 protein may identify PC with more aggressive behavior and can be evaluated with immunohystochemical analysis, which is a relatively easy and cheap procedure in clinical practice. These results, if confirmed by a wider population and a longer follow-up, may encourage the research on the use of this molecular family as a prognostic marker and a target for therapy with demethylating agents.
L’exceptionnel ordinaire. L’historien à l’épreuve des écrits de criminels et vice versa
Authors: Artières Philippe 
Published: July 2012

Depuis la publication en 1973 par Michel Foucault des mémoires d’un parricide duxixesiècle, l’historiographie française est marquée par un usage récurrent des écrits personnels de criminels. L’archive de soi, d’abord valorisée pour écrire une histoire des dominés, est ensuite devenue objet historique à investiguer ; aujourd’hui, son utilisation tend à se banaliser. Tantôt sources pour une histoire des institutions, tantôt documents pour une histoire des représentations, ces usages des archives du moi exceptionnel ont aussi fait l’objet de nombreuses critiques, au point de les voir dernièrement souvent écartées des recherches. À partir du cas d’un jeune assassin mineur (1905) et de ses cahiers qu’il rédigea en prison, sont examinés les critiques et les obstacles de ce type d’archives autobiographiques de cas limites. L’article s’achève sur la proposition d’une autre perspective d’analyse, qui constitue ces écrits en corpus pour une histoire sociale de l’écriture ordinaire.