bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the role of the cochlear latency effect in lateralization of click sounds in humans
Authors: Özmen Bülent , Ungan Pekcan 
Published: May 2009

AbstractInteraural time and intensity disparities (ITD and IID) are the two cues to sound lateralization. “Time‐only” hypothesis claims that an IID is first converted to an interaural afferent delay (Δt), and is then processed by the central ITD mechanism, rendering a separate IID processor unnecessary. We tested this hypothesis by assessing the contribution of the cochlear latency effect to the psychophysical ITD/IID trading ratio. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were used to measure the interaural afferent delays (Δts) that developed with a 20/sec dichotic click train used in the trading experiment. Except for small IIDs at low loudness levels, the physiological Δt delay produced by an IID was significantly smaller than the ITD psychophysically traded for the same IID. We concluded that the cochlear latency effect alone cannot explain the psychophysical ITD/IID trading ratios and a separate IID mechanism must be involved.
Virtual friend or threat? The effects of facial expression and gaze interaction on psychophysiological responses and emotional experience
Authors: Schrammel Franziska , Pannasch Sebastian , Graupner Sven‐Thomas , Mojzisch Andreas , Velichkovsky Boris M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe present study aimed to investigate the impact of facial expression, gaze interaction, and gender on attention allocation, physiological arousal, facial muscle responses, and emotional experience in simulated social interactions. Participants viewed animated virtual characters varying in terms of gender, gaze interaction, and facial expression. We recorded facial EMG, fixation duration, pupil size, and subjective experience. Subject's rapid facial reactions (RFRs) differentiated more clearly between the character's happy and angry expression in the condition of mutual eye‐to‐eye contact. This finding provides evidence for the idea that RFRs are not simply motor responses, but part of an emotional reaction. Eye movement data showed that fixations were longer in response to both angry and neutral faces than to happy faces, thereby suggesting that attention is preferentially allocated to cues indicating potential threat during social interaction.
Elevated dominance of extrafloral nectary‐bearing plants is associated with increased abundances of an invasive ant and reduced native ant richness
Authors: Savage Amy M. , Rudgers Jennifer A. , Whitney Kenneth D. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAim  Invasive ants can have substantial and detrimental effects on co‐occurring community members, especially other ants. However, the ecological factors that promote both their population growth and their negative influences remain elusive. Opportunistic associations between invasive ants and extrafloral nectary (EFN)‐bearing plants are common and may fuel population expansion and subsequent impacts of invasive ants on native communities. We examined three predictions of this hypothesis, compared ant assemblages between invaded and uninvaded sites and assessed the extent of this species in Samoa.Location  The Samoan Archipelago (six islands and 35 sites).Methods  We surveyed abundances of the invasive ant Anoplolepis gracilipes, other ant species and EFN‐bearing plants.Results  Anoplolepis gracilipes was significantly more widely distributed in 2006 than in 1962, suggesting that the invasion of A. gracilipes in Samoa has progressed. Furthermore, (non‐A. gracilipes) ant assemblages differed significantly between invaded and uninvaded sites. Anoplolepis gracilipes workers were found more frequently at nectaries than other plant parts, suggesting that nectar resources were important to this species. There was a strong, positive relationship between the dominance of EFN‐bearing plants in the community and A. gracilipes abundance on plants, a relationship that co‐occurring ants did not display. High abundances of A. gracilipes at sites dominated by EFN‐bearing plants were associated with low species richness of native plant‐visiting ant species. Anoplolepis gracilipes did not display any significant relationships with the diversity of other non‐native ants.Main conclusions  Together, these data suggest that EFN‐bearing plants may promote negative impacts of A. gracilipes on co‐occurring ants across broad spatial scales. This study underscores the potential importance of positive interactions in the dynamics of species invasions. Furthermore, they suggest that conservation managers may benefit from explicit considerations of potential positive interactions in predicting the identities of problematic invaders or the outcomes of species invasions.
FOXP3‐expressing CD4+ T‐cell Numbers Increase in Areas of Duodenal Gastric Metaplasia and are Associated to CD4+ T‐cell Aggregates in the Duodenum of Helicobacter pylori‐infected Duodenal Ulcer Patients
Authors: Kindlund Bert , Sjöling Åsa , Hansson Malin , Edebo Anders , Hansson Lars‐Erik , Sjövall Henrik , Svennerholm Ann‐Mari , Lundin B. Samuel 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground: We have previously demonstrated that Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with an increased number of CD4+CD25high regulatory T cells in the gastric and duodenal mucosa. In this study, we determined the number and localization of CD4+ cells expressing the regulatory T‐cell‐specific transcription factor FOXP3 in the antrum and duodenum of duodenal ulcer patients, asymptomatic carriers, and uninfected individuals. We also determined gene expression levels of FOXP3 as well as anti‐ and proinflammatory cytokines before and after H. pylori eradication.Methods: Cellular FOXP3 expression was studied by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, and transcription levels of FOXP3, interleukin (IL)‐10, transforming growth factor‐β, CD4, and interferon‐γ were analyzed by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.Results: We found an increased (6‐fold) frequency of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells in H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa; interestingly 26% of these cells did not co‐express CD25. The increase of FOXP3‐expressing T cells in the antrum of infected individuals was dependent on the presence of H. pylori, since eradication therapy resulted in 4‐fold lower levels of FOXP3 and IL‐10 mRNA in the antrum. Furthermore, higher numbers of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells were found in areas of duodenal gastric metaplasia in the duodenum of duodenal ulcer patients compared to duodenal gastric metaplasia of asymptomatic individuals and healthy mucosa in both patient groups. In duodenal ulcer patients, the CD4+FOXP3+ T cells were more highly associated to aggregates in the duodenal mucosa.Conclusion: The numbers of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells are increased and localized in CD4+ T‐cell aggregates in areas of duodenal gastric metaplasia in duodenal ulcer patients.
Spatial Distribution ofHelicobacterspp. in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Dogs
Authors: Recordati Camilla , Gualdi Valentina , Craven Melanie , Sala Lorenza , Luini Mario , Lanzoni Anna , Rishniw Mark , Simpson Kenneth W. , Scanziani Eugenio 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground: In dogs, the gastricHelicobacterspp. have been well studied, but there is little information regarding the other parts of the alimentary system. We sought to determine the spatial distribution ofHelicobacterspp. in the gastrointestinal tract and the hepatobiliary system of dogs using culture‐independent methods.Materials and methods: Samples of stomach, duodenum, ileum, cecum, colon, pancreas, liver, and bile from six dogs were evaluated forHelicobacterspp. by genus, gastric, and enterohepaticHelicobacterspp. Polymerase chain reaction, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH).Results: In the stomach,Helicobacterspp. DNA was detected in all six dogs, withH. bizzozeroniiandH. felisidentified by specific polymerase chain reaction.Helicobacterorganisms were localized within the surface mucus, the lumen of gastric glands, and inside parietal cells. The small intestine harbored gastric and enterohepaticHelicobacterspp. DNA/antigen in low amounts. In the cecum and colon,Helicobacterspp. DNA, with highest similarity toH. bilis/flexispira taxon 8,H. cinaedi, andH. canis,was detected in all six dogs.Helicobacterorganisms were localized at the mucosal surface and within the crypts. GastricHelicobacterspp. DNA was detected occasionally in the large intestine, but no gastricHelicobacterspp. were present in clone libraries or detected by FISH.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that in addition to the stomach, the large intestine of dogs is also abundantly colonized byHelicobacterspp. Additional studies are necessary to investigate the association between enterohepaticHelicobacterspp. and presence of intestinal inflammatory or proliferative disorders in dogs.
Evidence for Transepithelial Dendritic Cells in Human H. pylori Active Gastritis
Authors: Necchi Vittorio , Manca Rachele , Ricci Vittorio , Solcia Enrico 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground:  Despite extensive experimental investigation stressing the importance of bacterial interaction with dendritic cells (DCs), evidence regarding direct interaction of Helicobacter pylori or its virulence products with DCs in the human gastric mucosa is lacking.Methods:  Human gastric mucosa biopsies, with or without H. pylori infection and active inflammation, were investigated at light and electron microscopy level with immunocytochemical tests for bacterial products (VacA, urease, outer membrane proteins) and DC markers (DC‐SIGN, CD11c, CD83) or with the DC‐labeling ZnI2‐OsO4 technique. Parallel tests with cultured DCs were carried out.Results:  Cells reproducing ultrastructural and cytochemical patterns of DCs were detected in the lamina propria and epithelium of heavily infected and inflamed (but not of normal) mucosa, where DC luminal endings directly contact H. pylori and take up their virulence products. Cytotoxic changes (mitochondrial swelling, cytoplasmic vacuolation, autophagy) were observed in intraepithelial DCs and reproduced in cultured DCs incubated with H. pylori broth culture filtrates to obtain intracellular accumulation of VacA and urease. Granulocytes were also seen to contact and heavily phagocytose luminal H. pylori, while macrophages remained confined to basal epithelium, though taking up bacteria and bacterial products.Conclusion:  Human DCs can enter H. pylori‐infected gastric epithelium, in association with other innate immunity cells, to take up bacteria and their virulence products. This process is likely to be important for bacterial sensing and pertinent immune response; however, it may also generate DC cytotoxic changes potentially hampering their function.
Age and early metamorphic history of the Sanbagawa belt: Lu–Hf and P–T constraints from the Western Iratsu eclogite
Authors: ENDO S. , WALLIS S. , HIRATA T. , ANCZKIEWICZ R. , PLATT J. , THIRLWALL M. , ASAHARA Y. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractTwo distinct age estimates for eclogite‐facies metamorphism in the Sanbagawa belt have been proposed: (i) c. 120–110 Ma based on a zircon SHRIMP age for the Western Iratsu unit and (ii) c. 88–89 Ma based on a garnet–omphacite Lu–Hf isochron age from the Seba and Kotsu eclogite units. Despite the contrasting estimates of formation ages, petrological studies suggest the formation conditions of the Western Iratsu unit are indistinguishable from those of the other two units—all ∼20 kbar and 600–650 °C. Studies of the associated geological structures suggest the Seba and Western Iratsu units are parts of a larger semi‐continuous eclogite unit. A combination of geochronological and petrological studies for the Western Iratsu eclogite offers a resolution to this discrepancy in age estimates. New Lu–Hf dating for the Western Iratsu eclogite yields an age of 115.9 ± 0.5 Ma that is compatible with the zircon SHRIMP age. However, petrological studies show that there was significant garnet growth in the Western Iratsu eclogite before eclogite facies metamorphism, and the early core growth is associated with a strong concentration of Lu. Pre‐eclogite facies garnet (Grt1) includes epidote–amphibolite facies parageneses equilibrated at 550–650 °C and ∼10 kbar, and this is overgrown by prograde eclogite facies garnet (Grt2). The Lu–Hf age of c. 116 Ma is strongly skewed to the isotopic composition of Grt1 and is interpreted to reflect the age of the pre‐eclogite phase. The considerable time gap (c. 27 Myr) between the two Lu–Hf ages suggests they may be related to separate tectonic events or distinct phases in the evolution of the Sanbagawa subduction zone.
Utilization of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy: Comparative patterns in 38 countries based on data from the EURAP registry
Authors: The EURAP Study Group  
Published: May 2009

SummaryWe assessed the utilization of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), 1999–2005, in 4,798 prospective epilepsy pregnancies from 38 countries participating in EURAP, an international AED and pregnancy registry. Prominent differences in utilization patterns were observed across the various countries. Exposure to second‐generation AEDs ranged from 3.5% in India and 7.3% in Italy to 75% in Denmark. Even wider variation was recorded in exposure to individual AEDs. The utilization of second‐generation AEDs increased over time (for lamotrigine, from 9.9% of all pregnancies before 2001 to 29.6% after 2003). The differences in use of individual AEDs across countries probably reflect lack of evidence concerning the optimal treatment of epilepsy in women of childbearing age, as well as variation in country‐specific traditions, medication costs, and drug promotion. Our observations underscore the need for comparative studies to investigate the factors influencing the prescription of AEDs during pregnancy, as well as their influence on pregnancy outcome.
Effects of valproic acid on sleep in children with epilepsy
Authors: Schmitt Bernhard , Martin Florence , Critelli Hanne , Molinari Luciano , Jenni Oskar G. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryPurpose:  Parents frequently report increased sleep duration in their children during treatment with valproic acid (VPA). We assessed sleep duration and sleep behavior before and after tapering VPA in children treated for more than 6 months.Methods:  Sleep variables were assessed by questionnaire, diary, and actigraphy (for 7 consecutive days and nights) before and 8–12 weeks after termination of VPA.Results:  Forty‐six children (age range 1.7–17.4 years) completed the study. The questionnaire data showed no significant difference in bed and wake time, duration of sleep, and time to fall asleep before and after ending VPA treatment, although some qualitative measures on daytime sleepiness improved after tapering VPA. The actigraphy data revealed that the average sleep amount without VPA was reduced in 33 children (9 of them >30 min) and longer in 13 children (1 of them >30 min). The mean Assumed Sleep Time per Day decreased by 15.2 min or 9.5 min when the physiologic decrease of sleep duration within 0.3 years was considered. Also mean Actual Sleep Time per Day was significantly reduced after VPA termination (−15.2min; after correction −10.7 min). The reduction was only significant in children older than age 6 years.Discussion:  Termination of VPA after long‐term treatment leads to a significant reduction of sleep duration in children older than 6 years of age. The change was small in the majority, but considerable in a subgroup of children.
Epileptic discharges and phasic sleep phenomena in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Bonakis Anastasios , Koutroumanidis Michalis 
Published: May 2009

SummaryPurpose: Epileptiform discharges (EDs) may be part of the internal arousing stimuli that affect the quality of sleep in patients with epilepsies. We studied the association between EDs and sleep phasic phenomena, and its relevance to seizure control in 19 patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME).Methods: We analyzed the first cycle of non‐REM (rapid eye movement) sleep in 22 sleep‐deprived electroencephalography (EEG) studies and classified EDs within the cyclical alternating pattern (CAP) frame, grouping separately the EDs that occurred at the transition between phases (B to A and A to B).Results: Within CAP periods, 36.7% of EDs occurred in A phase, 26.7% in B phase, 31.5% at “B to A” transition, and 3% at “A to B” transition. Poor seizure control was strongly associated with increased EDs in phase B (p = 0.0016) and at the “B to A” transition (p = 0.002), but marginally with increased EDs in phase A (p = 0.03). Focal spikes were increased in phase B.Discussion: EDs are facilitated by increased vigilance (A phase), but they may also enhance CAP cycling by generating A phases when those that occur at the “B to A” transition are interpreted as successfully breaking through the state of reduced arousal (phase B) because of increased epileptic pressure. This promotes sleep instability and further fosters epileptic activity, and conceivably seizures. This hypothesis is also supported by the strong correlation between EDs during phase B (including “B” and “B to A”) and poor seizure control. The enhanced nonlocalizing focal spikes in phase B may reflect successful inhibition of generalized EDs.
Dominant Frequency Mapping of Atrial Fibrillation: Comparison of Contact and Noncontact Approaches
Authors: GOJRATY SATTAR , LAVI NIMROD , VALLES ERMENGOL , KIM STEVEN J. , MICHELE JOHN , GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. 
Published: May 2009

Introduction:
The ability to acquire a dominant frequency (DF) map during atrial fibrillation (AF) instantaneously using noncontact mapping has significant advantages over the current sequential contact mapping approach; however, the relationship between DFs determined from contact bipolar and noncontact unipolar recordings is unknown. We sought to determine the difference between DFs determined using contact bipolar, contact unipolar, noncontact unipolar, and noncontact pseudobipolar recordings.
Methods:
Sustained AF was induced in 5 canines with 10 weeks of atrial tachy‐pacing at 440 ppm. A noncontact multielectrode array was positioned in the left atrium (LA). Two simultaneous contact signals (unipolar and bipolar) and 3 noncontact signals (unipolar, pseudobipolar, and pseudobipolar Laplacian) were recorded from multiple LA sites. Fourier analysis was performed, and the DFs of contact and noncontact signals were compared.
Results:
Recordings were obtained from 389 LA locations in 5 canines. The correlation was best between contact bipolar and noncontact QRS‐subtracted unipolar signals (r = 0.58, P < 0.001), and weaker between contact bipolar and noncontact best‐fit pseudobipolar (r = 0.50, P < 0.01) and noncontact Laplacian bipolar (r = 0.49, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the mean DFs between contact bipolar and noncontact unipolar signals; however, there was a significant difference in the DFs comparing contact bipolar to noncontact pseudobipolar signals (11.6 ± 1.8 vs 11.2 ± 2.5 Hz; P = 0.004) and a small nonsignificant difference comparing contact bipolar DF and noncontact pseudobipolar Laplacian DF (11.4 ± 1.8 vs 11.1 ± 1.6 Hz; P = NS).
Conclusions:
We found that estimation of DFs using noncontact mapping is feasible and that QRS‐subtracted noncontact unipolar signals perform better than noncontact pseudobipolar signals at estimating contact bipolar DFs. This has important implications for developing algorithms for noncontact frequency mapping of AF.
Suppression of ovulation by a synthetic progestin in the capuchin monkey
Authors: Nagle Carlos A. , Lahoz Monica M. , Porta Maria M. , Torres Marta , Manzur Teresita , Farinati Zulema 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground  From the limited research in New World monkeys it is not clear whether they are as sensitive to the antiovulatory effects of synthetic progestins as noted in human beings. We examined whether levonorgestrel prevented ovulation in the capuchin monkey.Methods  Cebus apella monkeys were treated orally with two doses of 2 mg of levonorgestrel, 8–9 hours apart, in four periovulatory stages assessed by laparoscopy.Results  Levonorgestrel‐induced luteinization of the follicle prevented oocyte release up to 8 hours before ovulation. Unhealthy oocytes were recovered from 46% of unruptured follicles. Luteal progesterone was reduced by 55%, 35%, and 25% according to when levonorgestrel was given −2, −1, and 0 day from estradiol peak respectively.Conclusion  The capuchin monkey, a neotropical primate in which progesterone circulates at levels much higher than in Old World primates and human beings, is sensitive to the antiovulatory effects of synthetic progestins.
Risk of Implant Failure and Marginal Bone Loss in Subjects with a History of Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Safii Syarida H. , Palmer Richard M. , Wilson Ron F. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTBackground: A number of studies have suggested that implant failure and associated bone loss is greater in subjects with a history of periodontitis.Purpose: To evaluate the risk for marginal bone loss around implants and implant failure in subjects with a history of periodontitis compared with periodontally healthy subjects in studies with a minimum 3‐year follow‐up.Materials and Methods: Data sources: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed databases and relevant journals were searched up to July 1, 2008, with restriction to English language.Review Methods: Prospective and retrospective longitudinal observational clinical studies comparing periodontal/peri‐implant variables among subjects with periodontitis and subjects who were periodontally healthy were included. Screening of studies, quality assessment, and data extraction were conducted independently and in duplicate. Clarification of missing and unclear information was not sought. Outcome measures were: implant survival/failure, peri‐implant parameters, changes in radiographic marginal bone level, probing pocket depth, and gingival index.Results: Seventeen potential studies were identified and six studies were accepted comparing patients with periodontitis and periodontally healthy patients treated with implants. Five studies were eligible for meta‐analysis of implant survival and four studies were eligible for meta‐analysis of bone loss around implants. The odds ratio for implant survival was significantly in favor of periodontally healthy patients (3.02, 95% confidence intervals 1.12–8.15). A random effects model showed more marginal bone loss in periodontitis subjects compared with periodontally healthy subjects (standard mean difference 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.14–1.09).Conclusions: Within the limitations of the heterogenous studies available, a moderate level of evidence indicates that periodontitis subjects were at significantly higher risk for implant failure and greater marginal bone loss as compared with periodontally healthy subjects. Prospective observational studies with subject‐based designs are recommended.