bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Glycerol Concentrations on the Post‐thaw In Vitro Characteristics of Cryopreserved Sex‐sorted Boar Spermatozoa
Authors: Parrilla I , del Olmo D , Caballero I , Tarantini T , Cuello C , Gil MA , Roca J , Martinez EA , Vazquez JM 
Published: February 2012

ContentsThe objective of this study was to optimize protocols for the cryopreservation of sex‐sorted boar spermatozoa. In the experiment 1, we evaluated the effects of a standard boar sperm cryopreservation procedure (3% final glycerol concentration) on the in vitro characteristics of sex‐sorted sperm frozen at low sperm concentrations (20 × 106 sperm/ml; S20 group). Non‐sorted spermatozoa frozen at 1000 × 106 (C1000 group) and 20 × 106 (C20 group) sperm/ml were used as the freezing control groups. In experiment 2, the effects of different final glycerol concentrations (0.16%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0%) on post‐thaw quality of the S20 and C20 groups were evaluated. In both experiments, the samples were evaluated prior to freezing (5°C) and at 30, 90 and 150 min after thawing. Experiment 1 indicated that freezing sperm at low concentrations decreased (p < 0.05) the total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) at 90 and 150 min after thawing regardless of whether the sperm were sorted or not. However, the sperm membrane integrity was not affected at any evaluation step. Inexperiment 2, significant effects on the TM and PM because of increased glycerol concentrations in the S20 and C20 groups were observed only at 90 and 150 min after thawing. The samples frozen in 3% glycerol showed lower (p < 0.05) TM and PM values when compared to those frozen in the presence of 0.5% and 1% glycerol. In both experiments, non‐sorted control samples displayed higher percentages of spermatozoa with damaged DNA than sorted spermatozoa. In conclusion, the optimization of cryopreservation conditions by decreasing the glycerol concentrations can improve post‐thaw motility of sex‐sorted spermatozoa frozen at low concentrations.
Denudation history of the Kiso Range, central Japan, and its tectonic implications: Constraints from low‐temperature thermochronology
Authors: SUEOKA SHIGERU , KOHN BARRY P. , TAGAMI TAKAHIRO , TSUTSUMI HIROYUKI , HASEBE NORIKO , TAMURA AKIHIRO , ARAI SHOJI 
Published: February 2012

AbstractFission‐track (FT) and (U–Th–Sm)/He (He) analyses are used to constrain the denudation pattern and history of the Kiso Range, a Japanese fault‐block mountain range which has been uplifted sinceca0.8 Ma. We obtained nine zircon FT ages ranging 59.3–42.1 Ma, 18 apatite FT ages ranging 81.9–2.3 Ma, and 13 apatite He ages ranging 36.7–2.2 Ma. The apatite FT and He ages are divided into an older group comparable to the zircon FT age range and a younger group of <18 Ma. The younger ages are interpreted as a reflection of uplift of the Kiso Range because they were obtained only to the east of the Seinaiji‐touge Fault, and the event age estimated from apatite FT data is consistent with the timing of the onset of the Kiso Range uplift. On the basis of the distribution of the younger ages, we propose westward tilting uplift of the Kiso Range between the boundary fault of the Inadani Fault Zone and Seinaiji‐touge Fault, which implies a model of bedrock uplift that is intermediate between two existing models: a pop‐up model in which the Kiso Range is squeezed upward between the two faults and a tilted uplift model which assumes that the Kiso Range is uplifted and tilted to the west by the Inadani Fault Zone. The original land surface before the onset of uplift/denudation of the Kiso Range is estimated to have been uplifted to an elevation of 2700–4900 m. We estimated denudation rates at 1.3–4.0 mm/y and maximum bedrock uplift rates at 3.4–6.1 mm/y sinceca0.8 Ma. The Seinaiji‐touge fault is interpreted as a back thrust of the west‐dipping Inadani Fault Zone. The older group of apatite FT and He ages is interpreted to reflect long‐term peneplanation with a probable denudation rate of <0.1 mm/y.
Large amount of fluid migration around shallow seismogenic depth preserved in tectonic mélange: Yokonami mélange, the Cretaceous Shimanto Belt, Kochi, Southwest Japan
Authors: HASHIMOTO YOSHITAKA , EIDA MIO , KIRIKAWA TAKAYUKI , IIDA RYOKO , TAKAGI MIE , FURUYA NORIKO , NIKAIZO AKIRA , KIKUCHI TAKETO , YOSHIMITSU TOSHIO 
Published: February 2012

AbstractStudying subduction zone fluid at shallow seismogenic depths is important to understand the nature of fault rocks at the updip limit of the seismogenic zone because fluid–rock interactions affect heat and mass transfer, and fault strength. In this study, we conducted detailed analyses of distribution of shear veins, and estimation of pressure–temperature conditions for shear vein formation for the Yokonami mélange, Shikoku, Southwest Japan, which is tectonic mélange zone in an on‐land accretionary complex. We found a seismogenic fault at the upper boundary of the Yokonami mélange, indicating that the Yokonami mélange was active at seismogenic depth. The field‐transect distribution of shear veins was examined. The frequency, the total and mean thicknesses of the shear veins were about 3.7 per meter, about 10 mm per meter, and about 3 mm per shear vein, respectively. Quartz within the shear veins shows elongate‐blocky textures, suggesting precipitation from advective flow. The pressure and temperature conditions for shear vein formation were examined by fluid inclusion analysis, ranging 175–225°C and 143–215 MPa, respectively. The temperature is almost consistent with the paleotemperature determined from vitrinite reflectance, suggesting that the shear veins were formed at up to the maximum depth. The depth might be consistent with that where the seismogenic fault was formed. On the basis of the pressure and temperature conditions and the distribution of shear veins, we estimated the minimum volumetric ratio of fluid to host rocks, assuming that the shear veins had precipitated from advective flow. The estimated amount of fluid is about 106 m3 per cubic meter of host rocks. The results suggest that a large amount of fluid migrates through mélange zones at shallow seismogenic depths. This fluid possibly originates from the dehydration of clay minerals from underthrusted sediments and an altered subducting slab.
Three‐dimensional numerical modelling of the flushing process of the Kali Gandaki hydropower reservoir
Authors: Haun Stefan , Olsen Nils Reidar B. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSediments filling reservoirs is a common problem in the world today, with an estimated 1% of the capacity of hydropower reservoirs being lost annually through sedimentation. One of the most used techniques for reducing this problem is reservoir flushing. During a flood, the water level is drawn down, causing increased velocities, therefore facilitating erosion and sediment transport. During the flushing, water from the reservoir will be lost, resulting in significant economic implications for the reservoir owner. The success of reservoir flushing depends on several parameters, including water discharge, sediment properties and reservoir geometry. This study describes the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a modern method to predict the reservoir flushing process. A three‐dimensional numerical model (SSIIM 2), with an adaptive, non‐orthogonal and unstructured grid has been used. Through the application of special modified algorithms (e.g., wetting/drying, free water surface), numerical modelling of sediment movement can be an alternative for planning and optimizing the flushing process for complex reservoir geometries. The numerical model was tested against data from a physical model study of the Kali Gandaki hydropower reservoir in Nepal. The total quantity of flushed out sediments, and the bed deformation in six cross‐sections, were compared, highlighting a good correspondence between the results. These include the cross‐sectional shape of a 90‐degree bend, for which secondary currents influenced the results. The study indicates that numerical models might become a useful tool for reservoir flushing predictions.
Some aspects of the biology and life‐history strategies of Oreochromis variabilis (Boulenger 1906) in the Lake Victoria Basin
Authors: Maithya J. , Njiru M. , Okeyo‐Owuor J. B. , Gichuki J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractOreochromis variabilis (Boulenger), a fish species endemic to Lake Victoria, was abundant, forming an important component of the indigenous fisheries stocks before and up to the late‐1950s. Catches declined drastically thereafter, and only sporadic catches are currently found in Lake Victoria. Remnants population of the species, however, are found in several small waterbodies (SWBs) within the lake basin. The life‐history characteristics of O. variabilis in Lake Victoria, including, sex ratio, reproduction and length–weight relationship, were compared to those in selected three SWBs in the lake basin. Fish samples were collected by monofilament gillnets of 30–255 mm between 2001 and 2005. Males predominated over females from all the sampled sites (sex ratio 1.00:0.33). Length at first maturity (Lm50) had mean (±SE) of 18.48 ± 1.50 cm TL for males, and 16.87 ± 0.95 cm TL for females, and did not exhibit any significant differences between habitats. Fecundity ranged between 73 and 14 800 eggs for fish of 13.5–18.6 cm TL, respectively. Absolute fecundity of O. variabilis was proportional to the body weight, but nearly proportional to the cube of the fish length. Egg diameter varied from 0.3 to 5.19 mm, with a mean (±SE) of 3.44 ± 0.08 mm. Growth was allometric in both male and female, being significantly different from the expected value of 3 (P < 0.05). The life‐history strategy of O. variabilis is discussed within the context of changes in the lake and the SWBs.
Impact of obsessive–compulsive symptoms in Tourette's syndrome on neuropsychological performance
Authors: Matsuda Natsumi , Kono Toshiaki , Nonaka Maiko , Shishikura Kurie , Konno Chizue , Kuwabara Hitoshi , Shimada Takafumi , Kano Yukiko 
Published: February 2012

Aim:  Although inconsistencies in neuropsychological impairments in Tourette's syndrome (TS) have been discussed with respect to comorbid disorders, such as obsessive–compulsive disorder, few studies have focused on the specific dimensions of obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCS) related to TS, such as aggression and symmetry. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of specific TS‐related OCS on neuropsychological performance.Methods:  A series of neuropsychological tasks examining attention and executive functioning were performed in groups of 33 TS participants and 18 healthy controls. The neuropsychological performance of TS with Aggression OCS (n = 11) were compared to TS without Aggression OCS (n = 22) and controls by using mancova controlling for age. In the same way as Aggression, we compared the performance of three groups by Symmetry: TS with Symmetry OCS (n = 14), TS without Symmetry OCS (n = 19) and controls.Results:  TS participants with Aggression OCS tended to make more perseverative errors than those without. Global OCS severity and tic severity did not correlate with any neuropsychological performances. No significant differences were detected between TS participants with and without Symmetry OCS.Conclusion:  Neuropsychological deficits in TS might be affected not by global OCS severity but by specific TS‐related OCS.
Biomarkers and transcriptome profiling of lung cancer
Authors: CHEN HSUAN‐YU , YU SUNG‐LIANG , LI KER‐CHAU , YANG PAN‐CHYR 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. High‐throughput technologies such as microarrays provide an opportunity to explore biomarkers for cancer prevention, prognosis and treatment guidance. Recent studies have revealed many biomarkers with the potential for clinical application. However, major limitations still exist. Although useful data on cancer genomics has accumulated rapidly, there has also been a simultaneous tendency for amplification of the complex relationships among the enormous number of variables that need to be considered. Disentangling these complex gene–gene interactions requires new approaches to data analysis to reveal information that has been obscured by traditional methods. Here, we review the current findings on biomarker identification in lung cancer, address their limitations and discuss some future directions for improvements in this area of research.
Effects of various degrees of oxidative stress induced by intermittent hypoxia in rat myocardial tissues
Authors: ZHOU WEI , LI SHUO , WAN NANSHENG , ZHANG ZHEN , GUO RUN , CHEN BAOYUAN 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which oxidative stress induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH) causes myocardial damage in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.Methods:  A total of 160 Wistar rats were divided into five experimental groups and subjected to chronic IH with different concentrations of oxygen (5%, 7.5%, 10% IH groups; 10% continuous oxygen and normoxia control groups). Eight rats from each group were sacrificed at the 2‐, 4‐, 6‐ and 8‐week time points. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and total anti‐oxidant capability (T‐AOC) were measured in supernatants of heart homogenates. Expression of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunits, p22phox and NOX2, and thioredoxin‐2 (Trx‐2) genes were determined by measuring messenger RNA (mRNA) levels by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Results:  Compared with the control groups, MDA levels increased over time in the IH groups, whereas T‐AOC and SOD activity decreased over time. MDA, T‐AOC and SOD activity peaked at 6 weeks into the IH treatment. The 5% IH group showed significantly higher expression of p22phox and thioredoxin‐2 mRNA, as compared with the other IH groups, as well as the control groups.Conclusions:  The severity of oxidative stress induced by chronic IH in myocardial tissue was significantly correlated with the degree of IH. NADPH oxidase and Trx‐2 are important mediators of oxidative stress induced by IH.
Duration of recognized fever in febrile seizure predicts later development of epilepsy
Authors: Kanemura Hideaki , Sano Fumikazu , Mizorogi Sonoko , Aoyagi Kakuro , Sugita Kanji , Aihara Masao 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground:  The current report examines the risk of and predictors for developing epilepsy in children with febrile seizure (FS). The present study addresses two factors that were previously identified as predictors of recurrent FS in previous reports: maximum temperature and duration of fever prior to the initial FS.Methods:  Children aged 6 months–6 years with an initial simple FS were eligible for the study. The interview included questions about the child's illness, family history of seizures, and other exposure information. In particular, they were asked about the duration of recognized fever prior to the seizure. After the initial interview, parents were called every 3–4 months to ascertain whether any further seizures had occurred and the circumstances under which such seizures occurred. Follow up ≥3 years was attempted for all children. Statistical analysis was done with χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, Mann–Whitney U‐tests and logistic regression analysis.Results:  Five of 92 children (5.4%) experienced unprovoked seizures and were considered part of an epilepsy group. In four of these five patients, the duration of recognized fever prior to FS fell more than ±2.5 SD outside the distribution for the non‐epilepsy group. Either an unusually short or long recognized fever prior to the initial FS was associated with an increased risk of unprovoked seizures.Conclusions:  The duration of recognized fever appears to provide useful information about the risk for the later development of epilepsy.
Status of sex reassignment surgery for gender identity disorder in Japan
Authors: Masumori Naoya 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAn incongruence between one's physiological sex and the gender identity that is one's basic sense of self as a man or a woman is known as gender identity disorder. In general, the conditions of physiological men having female gender identity and physiological women having male gender identity are called male‐to‐female and female‐to‐male gender identity disorder, respectively. Although the precise pathogenesis of gender identity disorder remains unclear, the prevalence of gender identity disorder is quite high, with the rates calculated for male‐to‐female to be 1:25 000 and female‐to‐male to be 1:12 000 in Hokkaido, Japan. The diagnosis and treatment of gender identity disorder in Japan are based on the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Guidelines for Patients with Gender Identity Disorder, 4th edition. Although gender identity disorder was previously thought to be a psychiatric condition, it is extremely difficult to assign gender identity to physiological sex by psychiatric and psychological treatments. To adapt the figure of the body to the native gender identity, physical treatments such as administration of cross‐sex steroids and sex reassignment surgery are considered. However, there are very few institutions that routinely carry out sex reassignment surgery in Japan, even though it is mandatory for changing sex on the census register at the present time. Sex reassignment surgery for male‐to‐female and female‐to‐male patients includes orchiectomy, penectomy, clitoroplasty, vaginoplasty and vulvoplasty, and hysterectomy, ovariectomy, metoidioplasty and phalloplasty, respectively. To provide accurate information about physical treatment for patients with gender identity disorder, even urologists who are not actively involved in the diagnosis and treatment of gender identity disorder should understand the fundamental aspects and contemporary problems of gender identity disorder.
Towards a vaccine for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Clancy R. L. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis review discusses chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as an outcome of two pathogenic pathways: the first resulting from inhalation of toxins and the second a consequence of bacterial colonisation of damaged airways. Earlier assessment of the role played by bacteria in acute exacerbations was compromised by a deficiency of quality data and the use of parameters more relevant to invasive infection. Data are reviewed to support a hypothesis that states intrabronchial inflammation reflects an excessive and inappropriate host response (largely mediated by Th17 cells derived from gut‐associated lymphoid tissues) to colonising bacteria acting as an ‘antigen sump’ (in essence, a hypersensitivity reaction). It is proposed that both viral and bacterial infections exacerbate inflammation through a common pathway that involves colonising bacteria. An oral vaccine containing inactivated non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae augments a protective loop that involves the aspiration of bronchus content into the gut and reduces the severity of acute exacerbations including the need for hospital admission by reducing the ‘load’ of bacteria comprising this final common path. The positive clinical results from trials using oral NTHi support both the concept that bacterial colonisation of damaged airways is a potent second pathogenic pathway and that oral immunotherapy provides a significant therapeutic advance in limiting damage in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Improved survival trend of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma at an Australian tertiary hospital between 1995–2009
Authors: Wong N. , Haydon A. , Kemp W. , Wijeratne P. , Roberts S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate trends in survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at The Alfred over a 15‐year period from 1995–2009MethodsA retrospective cohort study of patients with HCC comparing epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment parameters and overall survival of those diagnosed between 1995–2001 and 2002–2009. Overall survival of patients with primary liver cancer.ResultsThe study population consisted of 215 patients; 110 diagnosed between 1995–2001 (Cohort A) and 105 between 2002–2009 (Cohort B). Overall survival increased significantly between 1995–2010 (P = 0.016); median survival was 365 days in Cohort A compared with 665 in Cohort B. The improvement in survival was associated with an increase in the proportion of cases detected at an asymptomatic stage (P = 0.012), a decline in the severity of liver disease at diagnosis (P = 0.002) and increased utilisation of loco‐regional therapy (P = 0.001) over the same period. Survival of patients detected through screening was significantly higher than those detected through non‐screening methods (1309 vs 233 days, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe survival of patients with HCC managed at a tertiary referral centre has improved over the period 1995–2009. This improvement may relate to the increased detection of the disease at an asymptomatic stage (e.g. through screening) as well as increased utilisation of effective loco‐regional therapies for HCC.
Gastroenterology training in Australia: how much is enough?
Authors: Leung C. , De Cruz P. , Jones A. , Sliwka G. , Bell S. J. , Hebbard G. S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundAdvanced training in gastroenterology currently consists of 2 years of core training and 1 elective (non‐core) year. We surveyed gastroenterologists 2–7 years following completion of training to determine the strengths and weaknesses of their training.MethodsAll gastroenterologists were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey.ResultsThere was a 46% response rate (49/110). Eighty‐one per cent were male with most aged 36–45. Respondents felt that the current training programme prepared them well for public practice and endoscopy but less well for private practice, ambulatory care, surgical aspects of gastroenterology and functional gastrointestinal disorders. Most had faced challenges transitioning to consultant practice. The majority (53%) spent more than the standard 3 years to complete training in gastroenterology. The top three subspecialty Fellowships were in endoscopy (45%), inflammatory bowel disease (29%) and hepatology (23%). In their elective year, 42% undertook a predominantly clinical year (registrar‐type position in general or subspecialty gastroenterology), 28% engaged in research while 24% trained in another specialty. Seventy‐eight per cent were in full‐time work, and 36% were supervising trainees. Ninety‐eight per cent felt that it was beneficial for trainees to move between hospitals during the core years of their advanced training.ConclusionsThe current Australian gastroenterology training programme is generally adequate in preparing trainees for consultant practice but could be improved by increased emphasis on areas such as private practice, ambulatory gastroenterology and functional gastrointestinal diseases. Exposure to a variety of experiences by training in several different hospitals during core training was universally viewed as being important.
Cumulative model of very high cycle fatigue
Authors: STEPANSKIY L. G. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTTo predict very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) from data of standard monotonic tests the cumulative model of VHCF was elaborated. The model bases on the following assumptions: (1) Fatigue cracks are initiated, if the fraction of plastically dissipated energy corresponding to tensile stresses reaches the threshold; (2) This threshold is the constant for the given initial mechanical properties of alloys, if influence of the phase transformations on these properties is not significant, and the absolute temperatures of deformation are not above of temperatures of beginning recrystallization. The predicted values of VHCF for typical bearing, spring, stainless steels, and typical Ti‐ and Al‐alloys are in satisfied agreements with published values.