bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parent stars of extrasolar planets – XII. Additional evidence for trends with υ sin i, condensation temperature and chromospheric activity
Authors: Gonzalez Guillermo 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Several recent studies have reported differences in υ sin i, abundance–condensation temperature trends and chromospheric activity between samples of stars with and without Doppler-detected planets. These findings have been disputed, and the status of these results remains uncertain. We evaluate these claims using additional published data and find support for all three.
Bayesian evidence for two companions orbiting HIP 5158
Authors: Feroz F. , Balan S. T. , Hobson M. P. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
We present results of a Bayesian analysis of radial velocity data for the star HIP 5158, confirming the presence of two companions and also constraining their orbital parameters. Assuming Keplerian orbits, the two-companion model is found to be e48 times more probable than the one-planet model, although the orbital parameters of the second companion are only weakly constrained. The derived orbital periods are 345.6 ± 2.0 and 9017.8 ± 3180.7 d, respectively, and the corresponding eccentricities are 0.54 ± 0.04 and 0.14 ± 0.10. The limits on planetary mass (m sin i) and semimajor axis are (1.44 ± 0.14MJ, 0.89 ± 0.01 au) and (15.04 ± 10.55MJ, 7.70 ± 1.88 au), respectively. Owing to the large uncertainty on the mass of the second companion, we are unable to determine whether it is a planet or a brown dwarf. The remaining ‘noise’ (stellar jitter) unaccounted for by the model is 2.28 ± 0.31 m s−1. We also analysed a three-companion model, but found it to be e8 times less probable than the two-companion model.
The application of GIS and spatiotemporal analyses to investigations of unusual marine mammal strandings and mortality events
Authors: Norman Stephanie A. , Huggins Jessie , Carpenter Tim E. , Case James T. , Lambourn Dyanna M. , Rice Jim , Calambokidis John , Gaydos Joseph K. , Hanson M. Bradley , Duffield Deborah A. , Dubpernell Sandra , Berta Susan , Klope Matt 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn 2006–2007, an unusually high number of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded along the Washington and Oregon coastlines. Spatiotemporal analyses were used to examine their ability to detect clusters of porpoise strandings during an unusual mortality event (UME) in the Pacific Northwest using stranding location data. Strandings were evaluated as two separate populations, outer coast and inland waters. The presence of global clustering was evaluated using the Knox spatiotemporal test, and the presence of local clusters was investigated using a spatiotemporal scan statistic (space–time permutation). There was evidence of global clustering, but no local clustering, supporting the hypothesis that strandings were due to more varied etiologies instead of localized causes. Further analyses at subregional levels, and concurrently assessing environmental factors, might reveal additional geographic distribution patterns. This article describes the spatial analytical tools applied in this study and how they can help elucidate the spatiotemporal epidemiology of other UMEs and assist in determining their causes. More than one spatial analytical technique should be used if the study objective is to detect and describe clustering in time and space and to generate hypotheses regarding causation of marine mammal disease and stranding events.
Modeling the diet of humpback whales: An approach using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in a Bayesian mixing model
Authors: Witteveen Briana H. , Worthy Graham A. J. , Foy Robert J. , Wynne Kate M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractHumpback whales are considered generalist predators, feeding on schooling fish, and zooplankton, but variability likely exists among regional feeding aggregations. We explored the diet of one feeding aggregation of humpback whales near Kodiak Island, Alaska, through analysis of the stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios of their skin and regional prey sources. Humpback whales were sampled during the summer feeding season over 3 yr (n= 93; 2004–2006). Prey samples were collected from the same region during trawl surveys conducted between 2003 and 2005. Isotope values of humpback whale skin and prey were entered into a Bayesian dietary mixing model to estimate feasible contributions of prey to humpback diets. Diet results indicated that humpbacks feed heavily on euphausiids, but also consume juvenile walleye pollock, capelin, and Pacific sand lance. The diet of humpback whales in 2004 was the most diverse, while diets in 2005 and 2006 showed a higher proportion of euphausiids. Our results reveal annual differences in humpback diets from the Kodiak region due to either individual prey preferences or prey availability. Application of a Bayesian mixing model to stable isotope analysis improves description of regional diets and comparison of these diets to resource availability and quality.
Postrelease dive ability in rehabilitated harbor seals
Authors: Morrison Catriona , Sparling Carol , Sadler Laila , Charles Alison , Sharples Ruth , McConnell Bernie 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe efficacy of seal rehabilitation is examined in a postrelease study of dive ability in harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina) in the Wash, United Kingdom. Six rehabilitated seals were fitted with Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Argos Satellite Relay Data Logger tags and their individual dive behavior was monitored for an average of 122 d. The upper 90 percentile edge of dive behavior (dive duration [DD90] and percentage of time at‐sea spent in a dive [PD90]), in 7 d bins, was used as a proxy for physiological dive ability. The results are compared with data from five wild adult harbor seals. There was no statistically significant difference between (1) the mean track duration of rehabilitated seals (126.20 ± 27.48 [SD] d) and adult seals (150.2 ± 24.62 d) (P= 0.108), indicating no evidence that short‐term survival was less in the rehabilitated group; (2) the mean mass‐scaled DD90 of rehabilitated seals (3.95 ± 0.37 min) and adult seals (4.09 ± 0.55 min) (P= 0.632); and (3) the mean PD90 of rehabilitated seals (81.62 ± 1.21%) and adult seals (81.48 ± 3.93%) (P= 0.943). These three results all suggest the success of the rehabilitation program in terms of short‐term survival and dive ability.
A quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay for the seagrass pathogen Labyrinthula zosterae
Authors: BERGMANN NINA , FRICKE BIRGIT , SCHMIDT MARTINA C. , TAMS VERENA , BEINING KATRIN , SCHWITTE HILDEGARD , BOETTCHER ANNE A. , MARTIN DANIEL L. , BOCKELMANN ANNA‐CHRISTINA , REUSCH THORSTEN BH , RAUCH GISEP 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe protist Labyrinthula zosterae (Phylum Bigyra, sensu Tsui et al. 2009) has been identified as a causative agent of wasting disease in eelgrass (Zostera marina), of which the most intense outbreak led to the destruction of 90% of eelgrass beds in eastern North America and western Europe in the 1930s. Outbreaks still occur today, albeit at a smaller scale. Traditionally, L. zosterae has been quantified by measuring the necrotic area of Z. marina leaf tissue. This indirect method can however only lead to a very rough estimate of pathogen load. Here, we present a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) approach to directly detect and quantify L. zosterae in eelgrass tissue. Based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of rRNA genes, species‐specific primers were designed. Using our qPCR, we were able to quantify accurately and specifically L. zosterae load both from culture and eelgrass leaves using material from Europe and North America. Our detection limit was less than one L. zosterae cell. Our results demonstrate the potential of this qPCR assay to provide rapid, accurate and sensitive molecular identification and quantification of L. zosterae. In view of declining seagrass populations worldwide, this method will provide a valuable tool for seagrass ecologists and conservation projects.
Identifying grasslands suitable for cellulosic feedstock crops in the Greater Platte River Basin: dynamic modeling of ecosystem performance with 250 m eMODIS
Authors: Gu Yingxin , Boyte Stephen P. , Wylie Bruce K. , Tieszen Larry L. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis study dynamically monitors ecosystem performance (EP) to identify grasslands potentially suitable for cellulosic feedstock crops (e.g., switchgrass) within the Greater Platte River Basin (GPRB). We computed grassland site potential and EP anomalies using 9‐year (2000–2008) time series of 250 m expedited moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer Normalized Difference Vegetation Index data, geophysical and biophysical data, weather and climate data, and EP models. We hypothesize that areas with fairly consistent high grassland productivity (i.e., high grassland site potential) in fair to good range condition (i.e., persistent ecosystem overperformance or normal performance, indicating a lack of severe ecological disturbance) are potentially suitable for cellulosic feedstock crop development. Unproductive (i.e., low grassland site potential) or degraded grasslands (i.e., persistent ecosystem underperformance with poor range condition) are not appropriate for cellulosic feedstock development. Grassland pixels with high or moderate ecosystem site potential and with more than 7 years ecosystem normal performance or overperformance during 2000–2008 are identified as possible regions for future cellulosic feedstock crop development (ca. 68 000 km2 within the GPRB, mostly in the eastern areas). Long‐term climate conditions, elevation, soil organic carbon, and yearly seasonal precipitation and temperature are important performance variables to determine the suitable areas in this study. The final map delineating the suitable areas within the GPRB provides a new monitoring and modeling approach that can contribute to decision support tools to help land managers and decision makers make optimal land use decisions regarding cellulosic feedstock crop development and sustainability.
The Association between Severity of Atherosclerosis and Lower Urinary Tract Function in Male Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: TAKAHASHI Norio , SHISHIDO Keiichi , SATO Yuichi , OGAWA Soichiro , OGURO Toshiki , KATAOKA Masao , SHIOMI Homare , UCHIDA Hisashi , HAGA Nobuhiro , HOSOI Takayuki , NOMIYA Masanori , AIKAWA Ken , MURAKAMI Husao , YAMAGUCHI Osamu 
Published: July 2011

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to investigate the association between the severity of atherosclerosis and lower urinary tract function in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.Methods: Male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms were examined with routine investigation. The severity of atherosclerosis was assessed by ultrasound examination of carotid artery. Patients were divided into two groups: control group and atherosclerosis group. The voiding function and storage function were compared between the two groups.Results: A total of 50 men (69.9 ± 9.1 years [mean ± standard deviation]) entered the study. There was no significant difference in age distribution (control group: 68.7 ± 7.6 years; atherosclerosis group: 72.5 ± 9.7 years) and prostate volume (control group: 26.5 ± 17.3 mL; atherosclerosis group: 22.2 ± 11.0 mL) between the two groups. In the voiding parameters, maximum flow rate in the atherosclerosis group (13.4 ± 5.5 mL/s, P < 0.05) was significantly lower than that in the control group (16.7 ± 7.7 mL/s). Postvoid residual urine volume showed no significant difference between the two groups. In the storage parameters, voided volume was significantly reduced in the atherosclerosis group (161.8 ± 46 mL, P < 0.05), as compared to control group (201.1 ± 78 mL). Moreover, daytime frequency was 7.13 ± 3.02 times in the control group, and significantly higher in the atherosclerosis group (8.75 ± 2.50 times, P < 0.05).Conclusion: Development of atherosclerosis impairs both voiding and storage function independently of age, suggesting atherosclerosis leads to lower urinary dysfunction.
Effect of supplementation of soft drinks with green tea extract on their erosive potential against dentine
Authors: Barbosa CS , Kato MT , Buzalaf MAR 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground:  Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors reduce dentine erosion. This in vitro study evaluated the effect of the supplementation of soft drinks with green tea extract, a natural inhibitor of MMPs, on their erosive potential against dentine.Methods:  For each drink tested (Coca‐Cola™, Kuat™ guarana, Sprite™ and light Coca‐Cola™), 40 dentine specimens were divided into two subgroups differing with respect to supplementation with green tea extract at 1.2% (OM24®, 100%Camellia sinensis leaf extract, containing 30 ± 3% of catechin; Omnimedica, Switzerland) or not (control). Specimens were subjected to four pH cycles, alternating de‐ and remineralization in one day. For each cycle, samples were immersed in pure or supplemented drink (10 minutes, 30 mL per block) and in artificial saliva (60 minutes, 30 mL per block) at 37 °C, under agitation. Dentine alterations were determined by profilometry (μm). Data were analysed by two‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s test (p < 0.05).Results:  A significant difference was observed among the drinks tested with Sprite™ leading to the highest surface loss and light Coca‐Cola™ to the lowest. Supplementation with green tea extract reduced the surface loss by 15% to 40% but the difference was significant for Coca‐Cola™ only.Conclusions:  Supplementation of soft drinks with green tea extract might be a viable alternative to reduce their erosive potential against dentine.
Seroprevalence of Seven Zoonotic Infections in Nunavik, Quebec (Canada)
Authors: Messier V. , Lévesque B. , Proulx J.‐F. , Rochette L. , Serhir B. , Couillard M. , Ward B. J. , Libman M. D. , Dewailly É. , Déry S. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryIn Nunavik, common practices and food habits such as consumption of raw meat and untreated water place the Inuit at risk for contracting zoonotic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of seven zoonotic infections among the permanent residents of Nunavik. The study was conducted in the fall 2004 as part of the Nunavik Health Survey. Blood samples from adults aged 18–74 years (n = 917) were collected and analysed for the presence of antibodies against Trichinella spp., Toxocara canis, Echinococcus granulosus, Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira spp. and Francisella tularensis. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, traditional activities, drinking water supply and nutrition was gathered using english/inuktitut bilingual questionnaires. The chi‐squared test was used to evaluate associations between seropositivity and other measured variables. Statistically significant variables were included in a multivariate logistic regression model to control for confounding factors. Estimated seroprevalences were 8.3% for E. granulosus, 3.9% for T. canis, 5.9% for Leptospira spp. and 18.9% for F. tularensis. Seroprevalence was ≤1% for Trichinella spiralis, Brucella spp. and C. burnetii. For most infections, seropositivity tended to increase with age. In multivariate analyses, seroprevalence was positively (i.e. directly) associated with age and residence in the Ungava coast area for F. tularensis; age and residence in the Hudson coast area for T. canis; female gender, lower level of schooling and frequent cleaning of water reservoirs for E. granulosus. No risk factor for Leptospira spp. infection was identified. No associations were detected with regards to food habits or environmental exposures. A small but significant portion of the Nunavik population has serologic evidence of exposure to at least one of the pathogenic microorganisms investigated. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms for transmission of zoonotic infections and their potential reservoirs in Nunavik.
Psychometric properties and population‐based norms of the Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT‐R)
Authors: Glaesmer Heide , Rief Winfried , Martin Alexandra , Mewes Ricarda , Brähler Elmar , Zenger Markus , Hinz Andreas 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. The relevance of the construct optimism in health psychology has been convincingly demonstrated in numerous studies. Population‐based studies about dispositional optimism and the psychometric properties of the Life Orientation Test LOT‐R as well as population‐based norms are lacking.Design. A representative population survey in Germany was conducted to investigate psychometric properties of the LOT‐R and to deliver population‐based norms.Methods. A representative sample of 2,372 adults aged 18–93 years were screened using self‐rating instruments.Results. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed two factors. Optimism and pessimism are negatively correlated (r=−.20). Indications for convergent validity were demonstrated with depression, satisfaction with life, subjective state of health and health care utilization. Optimism is more strongly related to all indicators than pessimism. Since there are only marginal age and gender differences, norm data are given for the entire population.Conclusions. Our study confirms the bi‐dimensionality of the LOT‐R and thus underpins that optimism and pessimism are two independent constructs rather than a single bipolar trait. Psychometric properties were found to be satisfactory. Together with the norm values reported in the paper, this instrument can, thus, be employed to measure dispositional optimism or pessimism in individual diagnostics as well as in epidemiological research.
An empirical model of diagnostic x‐ray attenuation under narrow‐beam geometry
Authors: Mathieu Kelsey B. , Kappadath S. Cheenu , White R. Allen , Atkinson E. Neely , Cody Dianna D. 
Published: July 2011

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a mathematical model to describe narrow‐beam attenuation of kilovoltage x‐ray beams for the intended applications of half‐value layer (HVL) and quarter‐value layer (QVL) estimations, patient organ shielding, and computer modeling.Methods:An empirical model, which uses the Lambert W function and represents a generalized Lambert‐Beer law, was developed. To validate this model, transmission of diagnostic energy x‐ray beams was measured over a wide range of attenuator thicknesses [0.49–33.03 mm Al on a computed tomography (CT) scanner, 0.09–1.93 mm Al on two mammography systems, and 0.1–0.45 mm Cu and 0.49–14.87 mm Al using general radiography]. Exposure measurements were acquired under narrow‐beam geometry using standard methods, including the appropriate ionization chamber, for each radiographic system. Nonlinear regression was used to find the best‐fit curve of the proposed Lambert W model to each measured transmission versus attenuator thickness data set. In addition to validating the Lambert W model, we also assessed the performance of two‐point Lambert W interpolation compared to traditional methods for estimating the HVL and QVL [i.e., semilogarithmic (exponential) and linear interpolation].Results:The Lambert W model was validated for modeling attenuation versus attenuator thickness with respect to the data collected in this study (R2 > 0.99). Furthermore, Lambert W interpolation was more accurate and less sensitive to the choice of interpolation points used to estimate the HVL and/or QVL than the traditional methods of semilogarithmic and linear interpolation.Conclusions:The proposed Lambert W model accurately describes attenuation of both monoenergetic radiation and (kilovoltage) polyenergetic beams (under narrow‐beam geometry).
Impact of the calculation resolution of AAA for small fields and RapidArc treatment plans
Authors: Ong Chin Loon , Cuijpers Johan P. , Senan Suresh , Slotman Ben J. , Verbakel Wilko F. A. R. 
Published: July 2011

Purpose:To investigate the impact of the calculation resolution of the anisotropic analytical algorithms (AAA) for a variety of small fields in homogeneous and heterogeneous media and for RapidArc plans.Methods:Dose distributions calculated using AAA version 8.6.15 (AAA8) and 10.0.25 (AAA10) were compared to measurements performed with GafChromic EBT film, using phantoms made of polystyrene or a combination of polystyrene and cork. The accuracy of the algorithms calculated using grid resolutions of 2.5 and 1.0 mm was investigated for different field sizes, and for a limited selection of RapidArc plans (head and neck, small meningioma, and lung). Additional plans were optimized to create excessive multileaf collimator modulation and measured on a homogenous phantom. Gamma evaluation criterion of 3% dose difference and 2‐ or 1‐mm distance to agreement (DTA) were applied to evaluate the accuracy of the algorithms.Results:For fields ≤3 × 3 cm2, both versions of AAA predicted lower peak doses and broader penumbra widths than the measurements. However, AAA10 and a finer calculation grid improved the agreement. For RapidArc plans with many small multileaf collimator (MLC) segments and relatively high number of monitor units (MU), AAA8 failed to identify small dose peaks within the target. Both versions performed better in polystyrene than in cork. In homogeneous cork layers, AAA8 underestimated the average target dose for a clinical lung plan. This was improved with AAA10 calculated using a 1 mm grid.Conclusions:AAA10 improves the accuracy of dose calculations, and calculation grid of 1.0 mm is superior to using 2.5 mm, although calculation times increased by factor of 5. A suitable upper MU constraint should be assigned during optimization to avoid plans with high modulation. For plans with a relative high number of monitor units, calculations using 1 mm grid resolution are recommended. For planning target volume (PTV) which contains relatively large area of low density tissue, users should be aware of possible dose underestimation in the low density region and recalculation with AAA10 grid 1.0 mm is recommended.