bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exceptional cardiac anoxia tolerance in tilapia (Oreochromis hybrid)
Authors: Lague Sabine L. , Speers-Roesch Ben , Richards Jeffrey G. , Farrell Anthony P. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARY
Anoxic survival requires the matching of cardiac ATP supply (i.e. maximum glycolytic potential, MGP) and demand (i.e. cardiac power output, PO). We examined the idea that the previously observed in vivo downregulation of cardiac function during exposure to severe hypoxia in tilapia (Oreochromis hybrid) represents a physiological strategy to reduce routine PO to within the heart’s MGP. The MGP of the ectothermic vertebrate heart has previously been suggested to be ∼70 nmol ATP s–1 g–1, sustaining a PO of ∼0.7 mW g–1 at 15°C. We developed an in situ perfused heart preparation for tilapia (Oreochromis hybrid) and characterized the routine and maximum cardiac performance under both normoxic (&gt;20 kPa O2) and severely hypoxic perfusion conditions (&lt;0.20 kPa O2) at pH 7.75 and 22°C. The additive effects of acidosis (pH 7.25) and chemical anoxia (1 mmol l–1 NaCN) on cardiac performance in severe hypoxia were also examined. Under normoxic conditions, cardiac performance and myocardial oxygen consumption rate were comparable to those of other teleosts. The tilapia heart maintained a routine normoxic cardiac output (Q) and PO under all hypoxic conditions, a result that contrasts with the hypoxic cardiac downregulation previously observed in vivo under less severe conditions. Thus, we conclude that the in vivo downregulation of routine cardiac performance in hypoxia is not needed in tilapia to balance cardiac energy supply and demand. Indeed, the MGP of the tilapia heart proved to be quite exceptional. Measurements of myocardial lactate efflux during severe hypoxia were used to calculate the MGP of the tilapia heart. The MGP was estimated to be 172 nmol ATP s–1 g–1 at 22°C, and allowed the heart to generate a POmax of at least ∼3.1 mW g–1, which is only 30% lower than the POmax observed with normoxia. Even with this MGP, the additional challenge of acidosis during severe hypoxia decreased maximum ATP turnover rate and POmax by 30% compared with severe hypoxia alone, suggesting that there are probably direct effects of acidosis on cardiac contractility. We conclude that the high maximum glycolytic ATP turnover rate and levels of PO, which exceed those measured in other ectothermic vertebrate hearts, probably convey a previously unreported anoxia tolerance of the tilapia heart, but a tolerance that may be tempered in vivo by the accumulation of acidotic waste during anoxia.
Relative contributions of pigments and biophotonic nanostructures to natural color production: a case study in budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) feathers
Authors: D’Alba Liliana , Kieffer Leah , Shawkey Matthew D. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYUnderstanding the mechanistic bases of natural color diversity can provide insight into its evolution and inspiration for biomimetic optical structures. Metazoans can be colored by absorption of light from pigments or by scattering of light from biophotonic nanostructures, and these mechanisms have largely been treated as distinct. However, the interactions between them have rarely been examined. Captive breeding of budgerigars (Aves, Psittacidae, Melopsittacus undulatus) has produced a wide variety of color morphs spanning the majority of the spectrum visible to birds, including the ultraviolet, and thus they have been used as examples of hypothesized structure–pigment interactions. However, empirical data testing these interactions in this excellent model system are lacking. Here we used ultraviolet–visible spectrometry, light and electron microscopy, pigment extraction experiments and optical modeling to examine the physical bases of color production in seven budgerigar morphs, including grey and chromatic (purple to yellow) colors. Feathers from all morphs contained quasi-ordered air–keratin ‘spongy layer’ matrices, but these were highly reduced and irregular in grey and yellow feathers. Similarly, all feathers but yellow and grey had a layer of melanin-containing melanosomes basal to the spongy layer. The presence of melanosomes likely increases color saturation produced by spongy layers whereas their absence may allow increased expression of yellow colors. Finally, extraction of yellow pigments caused some degree of color change in all feathers except purple and grey, suggesting that their presence and contribution to color production is more widespread than previously thought. These data illustrate how interactions between structures and pigments can increase the range of colors attainable in birds and potentially in synthetic systems.
Experience with a two-tier reflex gFOBT/FIT strategy in a national bowel screening programme
Authors: Fraser Callum G , Digby Jayne , McDonald Paula J , Strachan Judith A , Carey Francis A , Steele Robert J C 
Published: March 2012

Objectives To evaluate a two-tier reflex guaiac-based faecal occult blood test (gFOBT)/faecal immunochemical test (FIT) algorithm in screening for colorectal cancer. Setting Fourth screening round in NHS Tayside (Scotland). Methods gFOBT were sent to 50–74-year-olds. Participants with five or six windows positive were offered colonoscopy. Participants with one to four windows positive were sent a FIT and, if positive, were offered colonoscopy. Participants providing an untestable gFOBT were sent a FIT and, if positive, were offered colonoscopy. Outcomes following positive results, cancer stages and key performance indicators were assessed. Results Of 131,885 invited, 73,315 (55.6%) responded. There were 66,957 (91.3%) negative, 241 (0.3%) strong positive, 5230 (7.1%) weak positive and 887 (1.2%) untestable results. The 241 participants who had five or six windows positive had more cancers than those positive by other routes: only 3 of the 30 cancers (9.7%) were Dukes' A. Among the 983 positive results from the weak positive gFOBT then positive FIT route, there were fewer cancers and more normal colonoscopies, but more adenomas than in the group with a strong positive gFOBT. In those with an untestable gFOBT, 77 had a positive FIT result, with fewer true and more false positive results than in the other groups. Fewer males had cancer and stages were earlier than in females, but more had adenoma. The detection rate for cancer was 0.18% and the PPV for cancer and all adenomas was 41.3%. Conclusions The algorithm and FIT following a weak positive gFOBT have advantages. FIT following an untestable gFOBT warrants review.
Comparison of screening methods for conductive hearing loss identification in children: low-cost proposal
Authors: Samelli A G , Rabelo C M , Pereira M B , Portela M N , Sanches S G G , Neves-Lobo I F 
Published: March 2012

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of two screening methods (imitanciometry screening and questionnaire) to identify children at risk for conductive hearing loss, comparing this data with complete audiologic evaluation. Methods Of 507 children aged between three and six, 111 completed all procedures. The observational methods used were: imitanciometry screening, a questionnaire to identify risk factors for hearing loss and complete audiologic evaluation. Results obtained in the first two instruments were compared with results from complete audiologic evaluation (gold standard). From these comparisons, sensitivity and specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and odds ratio were determined for the two screening methods and for the combination of both methods. Results The two methods applied in series (questionnaire and after imitanciometry screening) showed a greater odds ratio and better correlation between sensitivity and proportion of false-positives (ROC curve). Conclusion Combining the two tests in series improved screening accuracy. This combination was the best tool for identifying children at risk for conductive hearing loss.
The Effect of Education on Equity Holdings
Authors: Hryshko Dmytro , Luengo-Prado Maria , Sorensen Bent E. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
We study the effect of education on equity ownership in the form of stocks or mutual funds (outside of retirement accounts). We find a causal effect of education on stockholding using the number of colleges in the county where the respondent grew up as an instrument and data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. The effect is particularly strong for whites from non-privileged backgrounds. We explore the channels through which education affects equity holdings using the Wisconsin Longitudinal Survey and find that, controlling for family fixed effects, increased cognition and features associated with having a white collar job appear to be the main channels.
Price-Dependent Demand in Spatial Models
Authors: Gu Yiquan , Wenzel Tobias 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
This paper introduces price-dependent individual demand into the circular city model of product differentiation. We show that for any finite number of firms, an unique symmetric price equilibrium exists provided that demand functions are not “too” convex. As in the case of unit demand, the number of firms under free entry decreases in the fixed cost of entry while increases in the transportation cost of consumers. However, this number is no longer always in excess of the socially optimal level. Insufficient entry occurs when the fixed and transportation costs are high.
Traditional and Virtual Shopping Trips: The Taxation of Ecommerce Reconsidered
Authors: Prinz Aloys Leo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTraditional shopping trips in the real world induce social costs of travelling whereas shopping trips in the virtual world trigger transport costs when non‐digital goods are delivered in the real world. Taking into consideration that not only the goods bought create utility but also shopping trips, it is asked whether a differentiated sales tax could be justified as an incomplete remedy for the social costs of travelling and transport when a fuel tax is not available. Employing a ‘shopping trips’ model based on the analysis of Anas' (2007) article “A unified theory of consumption, travel and trip chaining”, the consumer's decision to shop offline or online is investigated. It is shown that a fuel tax may actually internalize the variable social costs of travelling and transport. As an alternative to a fuel tax, it is analyzed whether a differentiated sales tax could also internalize at least some of the externalities. Although this seems possible it is unclear whether the benefits of such a tax rate differentiation are worth the implied hidden costs relating to distributional and fairness goals of public policy.
The Importance of Effect Measure Modification When Using Demographic Variables to Predict Evacuation
Authors: Horney Jennifer A. , MacDonald Pia D.M. , Van Willigen Marieke , Kaufman Jay S. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractINTRODUCTION: Previous studies have identified a number of demographic characteristics (e.g., age, income, level of education, household composition, and race or ethnicity) that affect hurricane evacuation. However, the magnitude and direction of these associations vary widely, even when the area of landfall or the intensity of the storm is similar. We propose that the associations of demographic characteristics and hurricane evacuation are modified by psychosocial factors such as social cohesion, social capital, and social control. Additional variability may be the result of the changing prevalence of these demographic variables over time or between study locations. METHODS: Ninety census blocks in three eastern North Carolina counties affected by Hurricane Isabel were selected probability proportionate to population and seven interviews were conducted at random locations within each of the selected blocks. Risk differences (RD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were produced for stratified data to test for heterogeneity. RESULTS: There was statistical evidence of effect measure modification on the additive scale of the effect of home type, homeownership, age, race, gender, marital status, and having children under age 18 living at home on hurricane evacuation based on Wald p‐values of the interaction terms of ≤ 0.20 and strata‐specific RDs which crossed the null value. Social cohesion, volunteerism, property preparation, church attendance, neighbor's evacuation, and the number of local friends and family modified the RDs for the demographic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The associations between demographic characteristics and hurricane evacuation failure are modified by social factors. Effect measure modification on the additive scale may help explain the inconsistency of previously published results and is the appropriate measure for targeted interventions that can increase evacuation among certain groups that are missed when average risks are calculated across the population.
Citizen Participation in Post‐disaster Flood Hazard Mitigation Planning in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Oulahen Greg , Doberstein Brent 
Published: March 2012

AbstractCitizen participation is recognized as a standard feature of democratic planning. This article examines the role of citizen participation in a post‐disaster flood hazard mitigation planning program in Peterborough. The “six strategic planning choices” outlined by Brody, Godschalk, and Burby (2003) served as an analysis framework which was applied to Peterborough's post‐disaster flood hazard mitigation program. Primary data were derived from semi‐structured key informant interviews (n=15) with senior local government officials, consultants, and community group representatives. Secondary data and direct observation were used to contextualize and extend research findings. The research revealed that post‐disaster flood hazard mitigation in Peterborough has featured strong citizen participation, and for that reason was relatively successful. However, there are at least three areas of post‐disaster planning where citizen participation could have been improved. The article concludes that the Brody, Godschalk, and Burby (2003) framework is a valuable guide for planning practice and an evaluative research tool that revealed a number of significant strengths and several weaknesses of the Peterborough flood hazard mitigation planning process.
Testing Drugs Together With Those Who Need Them
Authors: Ehni Hans‐Jörg , Wiesing Urban 
Published: March 2012

AbstractUnder which conditions is international biomedical research in low and middle income countries acceptable? For about 15 years there has been no agreement in the international bioethical community on how to answer this question. Strict positions ask for universal global rules including a global standard of medical care. Others are concerned that this would be too paternalistic and want to leave space for negotiations between the parties involved. We want to point out that each of the positions mentioned above can claim to meet widespread moral intuitions and to be based on widely accepted ethical principles. However, they show also important weaknesses. In order to provide evidence for this, we first outline the general context in which international biomedical research is carried out. After analyzing each position in respect to two problems, the standard of care and reasonable availability, we evaluate two paradigmatic clinical trials from the perspective of both positions. This will help us to demonstrate their weaknesses. Finally, we argue for a middle ground which can correct these weaknesses, and we will as well provide an ethical justification for this middle ground.
Temporal multiplexing and shaping of few-cycle pulses with microoptical retroreflector arrays
Authors: Grunwald Ruediger , Bock Martin , Jahns Jürgen 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Temporal shaping of femtosecond pulses with microoptical retroreflector arrays was studied experimentally. It was demonstrated that pulses of variable duration and multiple pulses of variable delay can easily be generated by varying the tilt angle of the compact device. The corresponding pulse characteristics were determined by second order autocorrelation measurements.
Pharmacokinetic interactions of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors with other commonly prescribed drugs in the era of pharmacogenomics
Authors: Manolopoulos Vangelis G. , Ragia Georgia , Alevizopoulos Georgios 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely prescribed to treat depression and a broad range of other comorbidities. The increased use of SSRIs in patients with various comorbidities treated with different drugs engenders the risk of pharmacokinetic drug interactions via cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes inhibition. In the present review, we provide an overview of documented clinically significant drug interactions between SSRIs and other drugs co-prescribed in psychiatric patients for the same or other diseases. We further discuss the significance of drug interactions in the era of pharmacogenomics to underline the need for using information on both genotype and drug interactions towards implementing better clinical outcomes through personalized medicine.
Unitals over composition algebras
Authors: Knarr Norbert , Stroppel Markus 
Published: March 2012

Abstract.
We consider polar unitals in projective planes over composition
algebras. We prove that the little projective group of such a unital
is contained in the centralizer of the polarity defining the
unital. This yields information about the full automorphism group of
the unital;
it is contained in the automorphism group of the normal subgroup
generated by all translations of the unital. Over suitable ground fields (such as the real numbers) we obtain a
complete description of the automorphism group of the unital in
the sense that it coincides with the centralizer of the polarity. The action of a nilpotent regular normal subgroup is used to
establish isomorphisms between unitals in spaces of different
dimensions, and over different fields.
Genetische und immunzytometrische Diagnostik bei der akuten myeloischen Leukämie und ihre Bedeutung für die Wahl der Therapiestrategie/Genetic and immunophenotypical diagnostics for acute myeloid leukemia and their implication on treatment strategy
Authors: Kayser Sabine , Schlenk Richard F. 
Published: March 2012

ZusammenfassungBei der akuten myeloischen Leukämie (AML) spielen zyto- und molekulargenetische Veränderungen eine zentrale Rolle in der Pathogenese, sind unverzichtbar für die diagnostische Kategorisierung, stellen die wichtigsten Faktoren für die Vorhersage des Therapieansprechens und der klinischen Prognose dar und werden zunehmend für spezifische Genotyp-adaptierte Induktions- und Konsolidierungsstrategien genutzt. Insbesondere für die AML-Entitäten Core-binding-factor AML, charakterisiert durch die t(8;21) und die inv(16)/t(16;16), und AML mit
Reference measurement procedures for the accurate determination of cell concentrations: present status and future developments/Referenzmessverfahren für die genaue Bestimmung von Zellkonzentrationen: Status und zukünftige Entwicklungen
Authors: Kammel Martin , Kummrow Andreas , Neukammer Jörg 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAccurate determination of cell concentrations serves as a valuable tool to support medical diagnosis and therapy control, e.g., in haematology, immunology and transfusion medicine. Intra- and inter-laboratory comparability of measurement results is essential for patient safety. To derive the so-called “conventional quantity value” of a measurand as target value for intra- or inter-laboratory quality assurance and to establish a traceability chain to the international System of Units (SI), a primary reference measurement procedure is needed, defined as a procedure which includes a complete analysis of influence quantities and perturbing factors and a complete description of measurement uncertainties. We describe a primary reference measurement procedure for the determination of erythrocyte concentration, based on flow cytometric cell counting by impedance measurements. To correct for instrument- and sample-dependent counting loss due to random coincidences, dilution series are prepared. The reference quantity value of the cell concentration is derived by extrapolation to vanishing volume fraction of the sample in the measurement suspension. Typically, for erythrocyte and leucocyte concentrations respective uncertainties of approximately 0.75% and 2% are reached. Future developments concern the extension of the procedures validated for erythrocyte and leucocyte counting by including immunological staining and microscopic techniques.
Analysis of crystallographic and structural data of polymeric iron-alkaline metal complexes
Authors: Melnik Milan , Sundberg Markku Rafael , Uggla Rolf 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The present review covers almost 100 polymeric MFe (M=Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs) compounds. The metal atoms of group 1 as partners with iron atom build up complex polymeric chains. The iron atoms are found in the oxidation states 0, +2, and +3, of which the oxidation state +3 prevails. The coordination number of the iron atom ranges from 2 to 10 (sandwiched). The coordination sphere about the main group 1 metals varies, ranging from tetrahedral to mostly trigonal bipyramid. There are also higher coordination numbers involved, namely, from 6 to 10. The most common ligand atoms are oxygen and nitrogen. There are three compounds displaying distortion isomerism. Several relationships between structural parameters are found and discussed.
Review of the application of ionic liquids as solvents for chitin
Authors: Jaworska Malgorzata M. , Kozlecki Tomasz , Gorak Andrzej 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Chitin is one of the most abundant biopolymers, but due to its high crystallinity, it is completely insoluble in most organic and inorganic solvents. Chitin is soluble only in solvents that can destroy intersheet and intrasheet H-bonds, and many of these solvents are toxic, corrosive, nondegradable, or mutagenic. Because of these drawbacks, there is a search for more environmentally friendly solvents for chitin. It has been shown that ionic liquids (ILs) can dissolve chitin at elevated temperatures (80°–110°C) or with application of microwave irradiation. The highest solubility of chitin in an IL was about 20% (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate), whereas chitin was shown to be insoluble in 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium formate. Dissolved chitin can be regenerated by mixing with water or methanol, where the polymer precipitates from the solution. X-ray diffraction patterns of native polymer and precipitates have been compared and only small changes in crystallinity have been observed. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectra remained similar for both forms of chitin, native and regenerated. Presented data hold great promise for the improvement of the chemistry of chitin and open new routes for chemical and enzymatic modifications of this polymer.
Batch-foamed biodegradable polylactide acid/organic modified montmorillonite clays and polylactide/sericite powder nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Jin-Wei , Liu Jian-ling 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The properties of microcellular polylactic acid (PLA)/organic modified montmorillonite (OMMT) clays and PLA/sericite powder (SP) nanocomposites were investigated and compared in terms of thermal property, rheological property, particles dispersability, and cell microstructure. The batch-foaming process uses carbon dioxide as the physical blowing agent. According to the transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction characterization, fillers (i.e., OMMT and SP) have good dispersions in PLA matrices. The thermal and rheological properties of solid PLA composites are demonstrated by differential scanning calorimetry and capillary rheometer, respectively. The microcellular morphology of fractured cross-sectional surfaces is characterized by scanning electron microscope. The batch-foamed PLA composites have more uniform cells in comparison with foamed pure PLA parts due to the mineral particles.