bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of higher, lower and mean second‐trimester uterine artery Doppler resistance indices in screening for pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Napolitano R. , Santo S. , D'Souza R. , Bhide A. , Thilaganathan B. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectivesFirst‐trimester Doppler studies have reported that the lower uterine artery (UtA) resistance index (RI) is better for the prediction of pre‐eclampsia (PE) than is either the mean or higher indices. The aim of this study was to determine if this relationship is true in the second trimester.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 24 859 singleton pregnancies. During the study period second‐trimester UtA Doppler assessment was routinely available to all nulliparous women and to parous women at increased risk of PE. UtA‐RI was obtained at the time of the anomaly scan. Receiver–operating characteristics curves for the lower, mean and higher UtA‐RI for the prediction of PE were calculated.ResultsThere were 1037 cases of PE. There were significant associations between UtA‐RI and PE, the association being stronger for early and preterm than late or term PE. There was no significant difference in the strength of the association between lower, mean and higher RI with PE at any gestation.ConclusionPerformance of UtA‐RI in predicting PE is no different for the lower, higher or mean RI of the two UtAs. The most likely explanation for the discrepancy with first‐trimester studies is that the placental‐side effect on Doppler indices may change with advancing gestational age and progressive trophoblast development and invasion. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enlarged nuchal translucency in chromosomally normal fetuses: strong association with orofacial clefts
Authors: Timmerman E. , Pajkrt E. , Maas S. M. , Bilardo C. M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an association between enlarged nuchal translucency (NT) and orofacial clefts.MethodsThe pregnancy outcome of women who underwent an NT measurement between January 2000 and November 2008 was reviewed. All orofacial clefts detected prenatally and postnatally in karyotypically normal fetuses/infants were reviewed and a distinction was made between isolated defects and clefts as part of multiple congenital anomalies (associated).ResultsThe cohort included 8638 fetuses. The NT was enlarged in 746 (8.6%). The karyotype was normal in 8347 fetuses, including 513 of the fetuses with an enlarged NT. Isolated or associated cleft lip, with or without cleft palate (CL/P), or cleft palate (CP) were diagnosed in 18 chromosomally normal fetuses (an incidence of 2.2 per 1000). In eight of these cases the NT was normal (8/7834; an incidence of 1.0 per 1000) and in the remaining 10 it was enlarged (10/513; an incidence of 19.5 per 1000). CL/P and CP were isolated or associated in three and seven of the chromosomally normal fetuses with an enlarged NT, respectively. Euploid fetuses with an enlarged NT had a relative risk for any clefts of 19 and a relative risk for isolated or associated clefts of 8 and 53, respectively (P < 0.001).ConclusionsChromosomally normal fetuses with an enlarged NT have an increased risk of orofacial clefts. CL/P and CP are, in these fetuses, mostly associated findings, frequently part of a genetic syndrome. A detailed ultrasound examination with special attention given to the orofacial area is indicated in these fetuses. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WCDS‐DCR: an energy‐efficient data‐centric routing scheme for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chakchouk Nesrine , Hamdaoui Bechir , Frikha Mounir 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWireless sensor networks (WSNs) typically consist of a large number of battery‐constrained sensors often deployed in harsh environments with little to no human control, thereby necessitating scalable and energy‐efficient techniques. This paper proposes a scalable and energy‐efficient routing scheme, called WCDS‐DCR, suitable for these WSNs. WCDS‐DCR is a fully distributed, data‐centric, routing technique that makes use of an underlying clustering structure induced by the construction of WCDS (Weakly Connected Dominating Set) to prolong network lifetime. It aims at extending network lifetime through the use of data aggregation (based on the elimination of redundant data packets) by some particular nodes. It also utilizes both the energy availability information and the distances (in number of hops) from sensors to the sink in order to make hop‐by‐hop, energy‐aware, routing decisions. Simulation results show that our solution is scalable, and outperforms existing schemes in terms of network lifetime. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Germination biology and seedling growth of Clusia hilariana Schltdl., a dominant CAM‐tree of drought‐prone sandy coastal plains
Authors: Cavalcante Aline , Braz Maria Isabel Guedes , de Mattos Eduardo Arcoverde 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe spatial and temporal fluctuations of water availability can be an obstacle for recruitment of many species in the restinga and might restrict seed germination and seedling growth in specific regeneration safe‐sites. Clusiahilariana is one of the most dominant species of Restinga de Jurubatiba. This species has a high proportion of seedling establishment occurring inside the tanks of soil bromeliads underneath vegetation patches. Given the thin seed coats, the fast germination time and seed dispersal of C. hilariana during the dry season, we hypothesized that their major regeneration niche (the tanks of soil bromeliads) is related to susceptibility of seed germination and also seedling growth to low water availability. To test this hypothesis, seeds were germinated under decreasing water potentials using PEG 6000 solutions and seedlings were grown under varying water regimes. The percentage of seed germination progressively decreased at lower water potentials. After 38 days in −1.0 MPa no seeds germinated. However, approximately 90% of seeds germinated when transferred to Ψ = 0 MPa. The relative growth rates of seedlings of C. hilariana did not differ between water treatments. Thus, the major regeneration niche of C. hilariana is not a consequence of a high sensitivity of seeds and seedlings to water shortage. Nonetheless, C. hilariana showed an array of seed and seedling traits that may help to overcome establishment constraints of the harsh environment of restingas.
Spatial network structure and robustness of detritus‐based communities in a patchy environment
Authors: Bellisario Bruno , Cerfolli Fulvio , Nascetti Giuseppe 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe mechanisms that regulate the spatial distribution of species are an essential aid to understanding the effects of the environment on the persistence of populations and communities. The effects of spatial structure on the persistence and robustness of ecological communities can, in turn, prove useful in uncovering their functioning, e.g., in the decomposition of leaf detritus. We applied the framework of complex networks to evaluate the effects of spatial structure on the colonization process of leaf detritus in a patchy aquatic environment, with a spatial network of six pools at different salinity. We found three well‐defined modules formed by groups of taxa sharing the same pools, observing an association between modularity and spatial proximity of pools. Modules maximize the number of links within modules, and minimize the number of links among modules, showing the presence of a strong site‐specific association between taxa and pools. The topological characteristics of the network show robustness against random perturbations and a lower tolerance of targeted perturbations. These findings suggest that random events, such as flooding or heavy rains, slightly affect the robustness of the system, while localized perturbations on the most connected nodes could have a negative effect on the connectivity of the whole network. The consequences could lead to a structural and functional homogenization of the system, with potential effects for the entire trophic chain. Here we discuss the topological properties of the network in relation to the spatial distribution of pools, showing how network analysis can yield valuable insight for conservation and management.
MS, exercise, and the potential for older adults
Authors: Horton Sean , MacDonald Dany J. , Erickson Karl 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system. The average onset of the disease is 30 years of age, and it afflicts women more often than men (ratio of approximately 2:1). The symptoms of the disease include fatigue, motor weakness, heat sensitivity, reduced mobility, abnormal gait mechanics, and poor balance. These symptoms decrease cognitive and physical functional capacity of an individual and tend to result in sedentary lifestyle behaviors. A sedentary lifestyle among individuals with MS increases the risk of secondary diseases such as coronary heart disease and obesity, particularly as one ages. The effect of exercise in treating symptoms of MS has been under explored, perhaps due to the fact that exercise was thought to magnify MS-related fatigue and other symptoms. Recent research has challenged this notion, advocating exercise as an effective therapy for the management of MS, as well as maintaining overall fitness and improving quality-of-life measures. While the research shows clear benefits, the barriers to exercise participation among MS patients are significant. Recommendations for various forms of exercise are provided, along with strategies for overcoming barriers to participation.
Improvement of an Enhanced Recovery Protocol for Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Koupparis A. , Dunn J. , Gillatt D. , Rowe E. 
Published: March 2010

Introduction: Enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) aim to improve outcome following major abdominal surgery. Our ERP for radical cystectomy focuses on reduced bowel preparation and standardised feeding and analgesic regimens. Although the ERP safely decreased hospital stay, time to return of bowel function has not been affected. The current study aims to assess the addition of chewing gum on return of bowel function as part of an ERP. Patients and methods: We examined the addition of chewing gum to our ERP. Data was obtained retrospectively from 112 consecutive patients, 56 before and 56 after implementing chewing gum in to the EPR. The primary outcome measured was return of bowel function signified by first defecation after surgery. Results: The demographics of the two groups showed no significant difference in age, gender distribution, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, or type of urinary diversion. A significant reduction in the time to return of bowel function was observed in patients using chewing gum post-operatively (4 versus 6 days, p < 0.0001). The median inpatient stay was 13 days in both groups; however there was a trend to an earlier discharge in those patients receiving chewing gum. Conclusion: The introduction of chewing gum to our ERP is associated with a faster return of bowel function and may lead to a reduced inpatient stay.
Incidental Pancreatic Lipomas: Computed Tomography Imaging Findings with Emphasis on Diagnostic Challenges
Authors: Temizoz Osman , Genchellac Hakan , Unlu Ercument , Kantarci Fatih , Umit Hasan , Demir Mustafa Kemal 
Published: March 2010

Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the computed tomography (CT) findings of pancreatic lipomas of 9 cases, with emphasis to diagnostic challenges. Methods Between March 2006 and April 2008, 9 patients with pancreatic lipomas that were diagnosed by CT were reviewed in the present study. Clinical data and CT features of these 9 cases were retrospectively analysed. The patient population included 5 men and 4 women, aged 42–81 years (mean age, 65.8 years). The patients were followed up for at least 2 years with control CTs. Results In all 9 cases, a well-bordered nodular fat density lesion was incidentally detected in the pancreas. Four of the lesions had a lobulated contour, and 2 of them had septations. Two of the lipomas were located in the head, 3 in the neck, 3 in the corpus, and 1 in the tail. The CT densitometric values were between −90 and −120 HU, with a mean value of −106 HU. No pancreatic or biliary dilatation or compression to the adjacent structures was seen. All the cases had control CTs, and the lipomas remained unchanged during the follow-up period. Histopathologic confirmation of the diagnosis was not planned for the cases. Conclusion Lipomas are rarely encountered in the pancreas. They often are diagnosed coincidentally as small, well-circumscribed, encapsulated, homogeneous, mature adipose masses on imaging studies. Imaging follow-up strategy or histopathologic confirmation is not necessary in asymptomatic patients.
Gentle mechanical skin stimulation inhibits the somatocardiac sympathetic
Authors: Hotta Harumi , Schmidt Robert F. , Uchida Sae , Watanabe Nobuhiro 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe effects of gentle mechanical skin stimulation on reflex discharges in cardiac sympathetic nerve evoked by somatic afferent stimulation were studied in anesthetized rats. Mass discharges were recorded from cardiac sympathetic efferent nerve while somatocardiac sympathetic A‐ and C‐reflexes were elicited by single electrical stimuli to myelinated A‐ and unmyelinated C‐afferent fibers of the tibial nerve. Continuous touch was applied to inner thigh skin with a force of 0.12 N for 10 min periods by a soft elastomer “brush” (1.1 cm in diameter with 417 microcones). When touch was applied ipsilateral to the stimulated tibial nerve, the C‐reflex was inhibited by up to 40% of its pre‐touch amplitude, whereas the A‐reflex was unaffected. Inhibition of the C‐reflex started during the touch period and lasted for 15 min after cessation of touching. Contralateral touch did not inhibit the C‐reflex. The opioid receptor antagonist naloxone attenuated the C‐reflex inhibition, but did not abolish it. The C‐reflex inhibition was abolished after severing cutaneous nerves innervating inner thigh. We recorded unitary afferent activity from thigh branches of the saphenous nerve and found fibers excited by touch were low‐threshold mechanoreceptive Aβ, Aδ and C fibers that have rapidly or slowly adapting properties. In all units tested, average discharge rates during touch period were less than 4 Hz. The results suggest that touch‐induced excitation of low threshold cutaneous mechanoreceptive fibers inhibits nociceptive transmission conveyed by C‐primary‐afferents, via the release of both opioid and non‐opioid inhibitory mediators.
The effects of technological turbulence and breadth on supply chain technology acceptance and adoption
Authors: Autry Chad W. , Grawe Scott J. , Daugherty Patricia J. , Richey R. Glenn 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe current empirical study examines the intention to use and subsequent implementation of a supply chain technology. Specifically, the authors extend the technology acceptance model (TAM) to incorporate the state of the technology environment (technological turbulence) and the extent to which other supply chain technologies have already been adopted by the firm (technological breadth). A series of seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) were used to analyze survey data from 195 respondents. The results show that in technologically turbulent environments, the relationships between the firm's perceived usefulness and ease of use and the firm's intention to use a supply chain technology are stronger. The study also finds that the relationship between the firm's intention to use a supply chain technology and the implementation of the technology is weaker in firms with greater technological breadth.
Effect of the nationwide free school fruit scheme in Norway
Authors: Bere Elling , Hilsen Marit , Klepp Knut-Inge 
Published: March 2010

In Norway, children and adolescents consume only about half of the national five-a-day recommendation. There are also rather large social inequalities in health, and in eating behaviours. In order to increase fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, a subscription programme was initiated in 1996 and made nationwide in 2003, and a free programme (without parental payment) has been implemented nationwide from 2007. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of these efforts. Pupils in the sixth and seventh grades (age 10–12 years) at twenty-seven schools responded to a questionnaire in 2001 (n 1488, 85 %) and in 2008 (n 1339, 78 %). FV intake was measured by a 24-h recall. In 2001, none of the schools had any organised school fruit programme. In 2008, five schools participated in the free school fruit programme, ten schools participated in the subscription programme and twelve schools did not participate in any official programme. The increases in fruit intake at school were 0·49, 0·29 and 0·18 portions/school day, respectively, for the Free Fruit 08, Subscription 08 and No Programme 08 schools (time × group P < 0·001), and 0·74, 0·39 and 0·16 portions/d for fruit intake all day (time × group P = 0·04). No group effect was observed for vegetable intake. There has been an increase in pupils' fruit intake from 2001 to 2008 in Norway, and the school fruit programmes seem to have been effective. A great challenge remains in increasing vegetable intake.
A randomised study on the clinical progress of high-risk elective major gastrointestinal surgery patients treated with olive oil-based parenteral nutrition with or without a fish oil supplement
Authors: Badía-Tahull María B. , Llop-Talaverón Josep M. , Leiva-Badosa Elisabet , Biondo Sebastiano , Farran-Teixidó Leandre , Ramón-Torrell Josep M. , Jódar-Masanes Ramón 
Published: March 2010

n-3 Fatty acids have clinical benefits. The primary aim of the present study was the assessment of infection in patients who underwent major high-risk elective gastrointestinal surgery receiving postoperatively fish oil (FO)-supplemented parenteral nutrition (PN), compared with those receiving a standard olive oil (OO) emulsion. The secondary aims were the assessment of anti-inflammatory response and evaluation of tolerance and safety of these emulsions. A prospective, randomised, double-blind study was performed in patients requiring at least 5 d of PN. An isoenergetic and isoproteic formula was administered: group A received OO alone, while group B received OO that was partially replaced with FO (16·6 %, w/w). End points were outcome measures (mortality, sepsis, infection, hospitalisation days and PN duration), inflammatory response (C-reactive protein (CRP), prealbumin and leucocytes) and safety (TAG and glucose metabolism, and liver and kidney function). Statistical analysis was done using Student's t test and Fisher's exact test (P < 0·05). Twenty-seven patients were evaluated, with thirteen patients receiving FO. In this group, a significantly lower incidence of infections was found (23·1 v. 78·6 %, P = 0·007). CRP, prealbumin and leucocytes were not significantly different between the groups. There were no differences in safety parameters. We conclude that high-risk surgical patients receiving FO-supplemented PN for 5 d present a lower incidence of infection. Emulsions were safe and well tolerated.
ROLE OF INDUCED ABORTION IN ATTAINING REPRODUCTIVE GOALS IN KYRGYZSTAN: A STUDY BASED ON KRDHS-1997
Authors: SHEKHAR CHANDER , SEKHER T. V. , SULAIMANOVA ALINA 
Published: March 2010

SummaryEstimates indicate that about 42 million pregnancies are voluntarily terminated every year at the global level, of which more than 80% occur in developing countries. Abortion has been one of the major reproductive health concerns in post-Soviet nations, especially when it is commonly used as a means of fertility regulation. On average, every woman has had around 1.6 abortions in Kyrgyzstan. This paper attempts to measure the role of abortion in fertility regulation using data from the Kyrgyz Republic Demographic and Health Survey (KRDHS), 1997. The analysis reveals that Kyrgyzstan can attain replacement level fertility in the absence of induced abortion by raising the contraceptive prevalence to 70% at the current level of effectiveness. The study also shows that women's attitude towards becoming pregnant and their partner's perception about abortion are significantly associated with the propensity to opt for an induced abortion. Reproductive health programmes need to address these issues, including the enhancement of male involvement in family planning.
Environmental factors influencing the establishment, height and fecundity of the annual grass Sorghum intrans in an Australian tropical savanna
Authors: Scott Kenneth A. , Setterfield Samantha A. , Douglas Michael M. , Andersen Alan N. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract:Environmental factors influencing grass establishment and performance in tropical savannas are poorly understood, particularly in relation to disturbance. We describe a seed sowing experiment that examined the effects of fire regime, canopy cover and litter cover on the emergence, establishment, height and fecundity (seed production) of the regionally dominant annual grass Sorghum intrans in northern Australia. Establishment was significantly lower under the woody canopy compared with canopy gaps, and where seeds were sown on a layer of litter compared with bare soil. However, variation in fire regime had no significant effect on establishment or seed production. Additionally, a shade-house experiment was conducted to test the effects of litter on seedling emergence of S. intrans and six other grass species representative of the local flora (Pseudopogonatherum contortum, Sorghum plumosum, Chrysopogon latifolius, Eriachne triseta, Heteropogon triticeus and Alloteropsis semialata). All species showed reduced emergence when sown either above or below litter, compared with bare soil. Our results demonstrate the importance of the overstorey as a determinant of S. intrans abundance and savanna grass composition more generally, through its effect on establishment. The aversion of savanna grasses to litter (and S. intrans to canopy shading) supports the notion of savanna species being highly adapted to disturbance.
Parasite infestation and predation in Darwin's small ground finch: contrasting two elevational habitats between islands
Authors: O'Connor Jody A. , Dudaniec Rachael Y. , Kleindorfer Sonia 
Published: March 2010

Abstract:Contrasting ecological conditions may affect the distribution, abundance and impact of parasites and predators throughout the ranges of hosts and prey. Such patterns are evident on the archipelagos of Hawaii and the Galapagos, which vary in their distribution and abundance of avian parasites within and across islands. Previous research has documented higher intensity of parasitic fly larvae (Philornis downsi) in nests of Darwin's finches on elevated islands of the Galapagos. Here we examine P. downsi intensity and predation in 71 nests of Darwin's small ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) on Floreana Island. We found significant differences in parasite intensity, nest predation and clutch size between the lowland (0–100 m) and highland (300–400 m) habitats. Lowland finch nests had few P. downsi parasites (mean of 8 per nest), high nest predation (44% of nests) and large clutch size (3.4). Highland finch nests showed the opposite pattern, with many P. downsi parasites (40 per nest), low nest predation (17%) and small clutch size (2.5). This study suggests that the impacts of an introduced parasite are limited by its niche requirements and resource availability within and across islands. Our findings also imply that the vulnerability of bird populations to introduced parasites and predators is linked with variation in life history strategies across habitats.