bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stability of common biochemical analytes in serum gel tubes subjected to various storage temperatures and times pre-centrifugation
Authors: Tanner Melissa , Kent Neil , Smith Brian , Fletcher Stephen , Lewer Michelle 
Published: June 2008

Background Blood samples collected in rural and remote areas of Australasia are often exposed to a range of environmental conditions prior to analysis in a laboratory. The aim of this study was to determine analyte stability of venous blood specimens in serum gel tubes exposed to a range of storage temperatures and times prior to centrifugation. Methods Thirty healthy adult volunteers were enrolled in the study. Blood was collected into 11 serum gel separator tubes. All samples were allowed to clot at room temperature for 30 min. Two samples were centrifuged and analysed as controls. Nine samples were stored at 15, 25 or 35°C for 4, 8 or 24 h, respectively, before centrifugation. Thirty-five biochemical analytes were measured on each sample. Results Most analytes remained stable in all storage conditions including sodium, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, alanine transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, creatinine kinase, lipase, cholesterol, triglycerides, transferrin, urate, C-reactive protein, vitamin B12, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, follicle-stimulating hormone, oestradiol, prostate-specific antigen, cortisol and vitamin D. Potassium, glucose, phosphate, creatinine, urea, ferritin, iron, lactate dehydrogenase, magnesium and calcium were not stable in at least one of the storage conditions. Conclusions These results can be used to determine which analytes produce valid results despite exposure to variable storage conditions for up to 24 h prior to centrifugation. The majority of analytes were unaffected by a delay in centrifugation at a variety of temperatures, however, some important analytes were significantly affected.
Plasma sphingosine-1-phosphate measurement in healthy subjects: close correlation with red blood cell parameters
Authors: Ohkawa Ryunosuke , Nakamura Kazuhiro , Okubo Shigeo , Hosogaya Shigemi , Ozaki Yukio , Tozuka Minoru , Osima Noriko , Yokota Hiromitsu , Ikeda Hitoshi , Yatomi Yutaka 
Published: June 2008

Background Since sphingosine-1-phosphate (Sph-1-P) plays an important role as an extracellular mediator through interaction with specific cell surface receptors, especially in the area of vascular biology and immunology/haematology, determination of its plasma concentration may become important from the clinical viewpoint. Thus, we attempted to develop a method of measuring the plasma Sph-1-P concentration for use in the clinical laboratory setting. Methods After two-step lipid extraction, Sph-1-P was coupled with o-phthaldialdehyde, and the resultant fluorescent derivative was separated by high-performance liquid chromatography. C17-Sph-1-P was used as the internal standard, instead of dihydrosphingosine-1-phosphate, which had been used previously for the same purpose but was actually detected in plasma. Results Our procedures for preparing the plasma samples and assay Sph-1-P were found to be satisfactory for clinical laboratory testing. The plasma Sph-1-P concentrations were significantly higher in men (413.1 ± 52.0 nmol/L; mean ± SD) than in women (352.4 ± 39.7 nmol/L). Unexpectedly, strong positive correlations were found between the plasma Sph-1-P concentration and red blood cell (RBC)-related parameters, rather than platelet-related parameters. Conclusions Our present study confirmed the possibility of the clinical introduction of plasma Sph-1-P measurement, and in addition, suggested that RBCs may be involved in the regulation of plasma Sph-1-P concentrations.
Discrepancies between qualitative and quantitative analysis of cerebrospinal fluid IgG: densitometric comparison of nephelometry-silver versus immuno-enzymes
Authors: Keir Geoffrey , Barrio Susana , Thompson Edward J 
Published: June 2008

Background Detection of local synthesis of IgG within the central nervous system is important for the diagnosis of brain inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis. This is typically done by comparing the amounts of IgG in serum and parallel cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Although there have been well-described problems with qualitative versus quantitative measurements of abnormal IgG, such as in myeloma paraproteins, similar difficulties are also found with CSF IgG. Methods Traditional quantitative analysis of IgG by rate nephelometry was followed by separation of the IgG using isoelectric focusing and then either silver stain or immunofixation. Finally, quantitative analysis was performed by scanning densitometry using public domain software downloaded from the National Institutes of Health. Results We report here the major discrepancies that can occur with CSF IgG between the silver stain versus the IgG stain. Conclusions We concur with the earlier recommendation that qualitative separation followed by densitometric estimation of enzyme-linked immunofixation is also more useful than simple quantitative nephelometric analysis followed by silver staining in the detection of local synthesis of IgG, analogous to the earlier work on paraproteins.
Protein S-100 is present in extracerebral fluids before and after cardiac surgery in children
Authors: Nagdyman Nicole , Ewert Peter , Schmitt Katharina , Hübler Michael , Stiller Brigitte , Müller Christian , Berger Felix 
Published: June 2008

Background Protein S-100 is found in extracerebral sources. The aim of our study was to examine the content of protein S-100 in native pericardial fluid as well as in postoperative extracerebral fluids after cardiac surgery in children. Methods We conducted a prospective study in 90 children measuring protein S-100 concentration in pericardial fluid directly after opening the pericardial sac before starting with cardiac surgery. Postoperatively, we examined pleural, peritoneal and pericardial fluid. Results Pericardial fluid sampled directly after opening the pericardial sac has a protein S-100 content of 3.2 (1.3–5.4) μg/L. Postoperatively, protein S-100 content was 0.89 (0.56–2.6) μg/L in pleural effusion, 0.14 (0.1–1.1) μg/L in peritoneal fluid and 2.75 (2.2–24.4) μg/L in pericardial fluid. The protein S-100 concentration in pericardial fluid before and after cardiac operation did not differ significantly. Pericardial protein S-100 concentrations were significantly higher than pleural and peritoneal protein S-100 concentrations. Conclusions Protein S-100 is present in extracerebral fluids before and after cardiac surgery in children. The time point of fluid withdrawal after the operation did not influence the protein S-100 concentration.
Long-term follow-up of prenatally treated children at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia: does dexamethasone cause behavioural problems?
Authors: Hirvikoski Tatja , Nordenström Anna , Lindholm Torun , Lindblad Frank , Ritzén E Martin , Lajic Svetlana 
Published: June 2008

ObjectivesTo investigate the long-term effects of prenatal treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with emphasis on behavioural problems and temperament.DesignA population-based long-term follow-up study of Swedish children at risk for virilising CAH, who had received treatment prenatally with dexamethasone (DEX). The questionnaire-based follow-up was performed when the children had reached school age.MethodsStandardised parent-completed questionnaires were used to evaluate adaptive functioning, behavioural/emotional problems and psychopathology, social anxiety and temperament in DEX-exposed school-aged children (n=26) and matched controls (n=35). In addition, the association between parental questionnaires and children's self-ratings was investigated.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between DEX-exposed children and controls in measures of psychopathology, behavioural problems and adaptive functioning. In a questionnaire on temperamental traits, DEX-exposed children were described by their parents as being more sociable than controls (P=0.042). The correlation analysis showed only modest parent–child agreement on social anxiety, i.e. the increased social anxiety in children's self-ratings was not confirmed by their parents.ConclusionsDEX-treated children showed good overall adjustment. The parent–child agreement with respect to social anxiety was modest, highlighting the importance of multiple information sources and assessment methods. The clinical significance of the observed difference in sociability cannot be determined within the frameworks of this study. Additional studies of larger cohorts are essential to make more decisive conclusions on the safety of the treatment. Until then, it is important that parents are thoroughly informed about the benefits and potential risks and uncertainties of this controversial treatment.
Cytotype Regulation of P Transposable Elements in Drosophila melanogaster: Repressor Polypeptides or piRNAs?
Authors: Jensen Philip A , Stuart Jeremy R , Goodpaster Michael P , Goodman Joseph W , Simmons Michael J 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The telomeric P elements TP5 and TP6 are associated with the P cytotype, a maternally inherited condition that represses P-element-induced hybrid dysgenesis in the Drosophila germ line. To see if cytotype repression by TP5 and TP6 might be mediated by the polypeptides they could encode, hobo transgenes carrying these elements were tested for expression of mRNA in the female germ line and for repression of hybrid dysgenesis. The TP5 and TP6 transgenes expressed more germ-line mRNA than the native telomeric P elements, but they were decidedly inferior to the native elements in their ability to repress hybrid dysgenesis. These paradoxical results are inconsistent with the repressor polypeptide model of cytotype. An alternative model based on the destruction of P transposase mRNA by Piwi-interacting (pi) RNAs was supported by finding reduced P mRNA levels in flies that carried the native telomeric P elements, which are inserted in a known major piRNA locus.
Histone H3 K56 Hyperacetylation Perturbs Replisomes and Causes DNA Damage
Authors: Celic Ivana , Verreault Alain , Boeke Jef D 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDeacetylation of histone H3 K56, regulated by the sirtuins Hst3p and Hst4p, is critical for maintenance of genomic stability. However, the physiological consequences of a lack of H3 K56 deacetylation are poorly understood. Here we show that cells lacking Hst3p and Hst4p, in which H3 K56 is constitutively hyperacetylated, exhibit hallmarks of spontaneous DNA damage, such as activation of the checkpoint kinase Rad53p and upregulation of DNA-damage inducible genes. Consistently, hst3 hst4 cells display synthetic lethality interactions with mutations that cripple genes involved in DNA replication and DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. In most cases, synthetic lethality depends upon hyperacetylation of H3 K56 because it can be suppressed by mutation of K56 to arginine, which mimics the nonacetylated state. We also show that hst3 hst4 phenotypes can be suppressed by overexpression of the PCNA clamp loader large subunit, Rfc1p, and by inactivation of the alternative clamp loaders CTF18, RAD24, and ELG1. Loss of CTF4, encoding a replisome component involved in sister chromatid cohesion, also suppresses hst3 hst4 phenotypes. Genetic analysis suggests that CTF4 is a part of the K56 acetylation pathway that converges on and modulates replisome function. This pathway represents an important mechanism for maintenance of genomic stability and depends upon proper regulation of H3 K56 acetylation by Hst3p and Hst4p. Our data also suggest the existence of a precarious balance between Rfc1p and the other RFC complexes and that the nonreplicative forms of RFC are strongly deleterious to cells that have genomewide and constitutive H3 K56 hyperacetylation.
Mutants Defective in Rad1-Rad10-Slx4 Exhibit a Unique Pattern of Viability During Mating-Type Switching in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lyndaker Amy M , Goldfarb Tamara , Alani Eric 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Efficient repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) requires the coordination of checkpoint signaling and enzymatic repair functions. To study these processes during gene conversion at a single chromosomal break, we monitored mating-type switching in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains defective in the Rad1-Rad10-Slx4 complex. Rad1-Rad10 is a structure-specific endonuclease that removes 3′ nonhomologous single-stranded ends that are generated during many recombination events. Slx4 is a known target of the DNA damage response that forms a complex with Rad1-Rad10 and is critical for 3′-end processing during repair of DSBs by single-strand annealing. We found that mutants lacking an intact Rad1-Rad10-Slx4 complex displayed RAD9- and MAD2-dependent cell cycle delays and decreased viability during mating-type switching. In particular, these mutants exhibited a unique pattern of dead and switched daughter cells arising from the same DSB-containing cell. Furthermore, we observed that mutations in post-replicative lesion bypass factors (mms2Δ, mph1Δ) resulted in decreased viability during mating-type switching and conferred shorter cell cycle delays in rad1Δ mutants. We conclude that Rad1-Rad10-Slx4 promotes efficient repair during gene conversion events involving a single 3′ nonhomologous tail and propose that the rad1Δ and slx4Δ mutant phenotypes result from inefficient repair of a lesion at the MAT locus that is bypassed by replication-mediated repair.
Migration Timing of Columbia River Spring Chinook Salmon: Effects of Temperature, River Discharge, and Ocean Environment
Authors: Keefer Matthew L. , Peery Christopher A. , Caudill Christopher C. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn an effort to improve run timing forecasts for Columbia River spring Chinook salmonOncorhynchus tshawytscha, we examined relationships among regional ocean climate indices, in‐river environmental conditions, and full run and stock‐specific migration timing metrics. Results consistently indicated that adult Chinook salmon arrived earliest in years with low river discharge or warm water temperatures and arrived latest in years of cold water temperatures and high flows. As single predictors, in‐river conditions generally explained more interannual variability in salmon return timing than did air temperature, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, or the North Pacific Index. However, best‐fit multiple‐regression models included a combination of in‐river and climate predictors. While spatial and temporal scales of the analyses were relatively coarse (i.e., monthly values were used for all predictors), clear patterns emerged that can be used to improve pre‐ and in‐season run timing forecasting models for Columbia River spring Chinook salmon. We recommend continued refinement of climate‐based and environmental predictive tools to help manage anadromous fish stocks, including the threatened and endangered populations of the Columbia River basin.
Growth and Habitat Occupancy of Hatchery Coho Salmon in an Engineered Stream
Authors: Smith David L. , Brannon Ernest L. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe designed and constructed a natural channel (hereafter, engineered stream; length = 284 m, flow rate = 0.08 m3/s) and compared weight, length, and condition factor between hatchery coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch (brood years [BYs] 2000 and 2002) reared in the engineered stream and those reared at Dungeness Hatchery, Washington, under similar temperature regimes. In addition, we compared rearing density, egg‐to‐smolt survival, smolt density, and smolt capacity in the engineered stream with reported reference values for wild coho salmon in rivers. Mean weight and length of fish reared in the engineered stream were 8‐32% and 39‐154% less, respectively, than those of fish reared in the hatchery. Mean condition factor was 1.6‐3.1% greater for fish reared in the engineered stream than for fish reared in the hatchery. Mean monthly growth differed between the engineered stream and hatchery treatment groups; fish in the engineered stream lost weight during the winter, and those in the hatchery gained weight. Rearing density (245%), smolt density (93‐209%), egg‐to‐smolt survival (61‐158%), and smolt capacity (219‐411%) in the engineered stream were greater than reported reference values for wild coho salmon in natural systems. The BY 2000 return rate was 2.61% for hatchery‐reared fish versus 2.55% for fish from the engineered stream. The BY 2002 return was 0.38% for hatchery fish versus 0.12% for fish from the engineered stream. The most important findings of this study are that engineered streams (1) produce smaller fish exhibiting condition factors and smolt‐to‐adult return rates similar to those of fish produced by hatcheries, (2) have a greater rearing capacity than natural habitat, and (3) may be an important approach for restoring the rearing capacity of rivers.
Estuarine Recruitment, Growth, and First‐Year Survival of Juvenile Red Drum in North Carolina
Authors: Stewart Christopher B. , Scharf Frederick S. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractFor many marine and estuarine fishes, there is growing evidence that processes occurring during the juvenile life stage can contribute to determining the relative success of recruitment of annual cohorts into the fishery. We studied two consecutive annual cohorts of juvenile red drum Sciaenops ocellatus from estuarine arrival through age 1 in two estuarine systems of southeastern North Carolina. For age‐0 cohorts, relative abundance generally peaked in mid to late fall, and fish were present in shallow‐water habitats through December before presumably moving to deeper waters during winter. Reappearance of red drum in shallow‐water habitats during spring occurred between late March and late April depending on spring warming rates. Considerable differences in relative abundance of age‐0 red drum were observed between estuaries; such differences may be related to variations in estuarine hydrology and flushing rates, which probably affect larval delivery and distribution. Otolith‐derived hatch date distributions indicated that red drum juveniles in North Carolina were produced between July and October; interannual differences (of up to 30 d) in peak spawning times were correlated with variable nearshore water temperatures during summer. Juvenile growth rates during fall ranged from 0.45 to 0.75 mm/d, and mortality rates were between 1.6% and 4.1% per day; ratios of weight‐specific instantaneous growth to instantaneous mortality were greater than 1.0 for all cohorts during their first fall. Both growth and mortality varied between estuaries and years, suggesting local‐scale control of these vital rates. Discrete overwinter loss rates ranged from 35% to 67%, indicating that fall cohorts of juvenile red drum could be negatively affected by variable overwinter mortality. First‐year vital rates and demographics of red drum cohorts in North Carolina displayed considerable spatial and temporal variability that could potentially affect eventual year‐class success, highlighting the need for further understanding of the linkages between juvenile ecology and fishery recruitment.
A Rapid, Ethanol‐Free Fish Tissue Collection Method for Molecular Genetic Analyses
Authors: LaHood Eric S. , Miller Jason J. , Apland Chase , Ford Michael J. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractSaving valuable time in genetics research has been thoroughly addressed by the biotechnical industry in the form of ever‐faster and safer DNA isolation and genotyping systems, such as solvent‐free robotic DNA isolation stations, fast polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines, and semiautomated genetic analyzers. As a result, the time bottleneck has shifted to the tissue‐processing phase of many projects. We developed and tested a fish tissue collection method that reduces this bottleneck by replacing liquid preservative with chromatography paper, thus providing important time‐saving advantages and greater convenience while removing hazardous material constraints from tissue handling. The results show that genomic DNA isolated from caudal‐fin tissue samples collected on chromatography paper is similar in mean total yield, gel appearance, and PCR performance to DNA from tissues collected with ethanol in tubes. This collection method also reduces tissue‐processing time to a small fraction of the time traditionally required.
Revised radiolarian ages for the sedimentary cover of the Balagne ophiolite (Corsica, France). Implications for the palaeoenvironmental evolution of the Balano-Ligurian margin
Authors: Danelian Taniel , De Wever Patrick , Durand-Delga Michel 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe age of radiolarites covering the Balagne ophiolite is reassessed based on new and revised radiolarian fossil evidence. The oldest radiolarian cherts are dated as upper Bathonian-lower Callovian in two tectonic units: San Colombano and Novella. These are amongst the oldest ages available so far from ophiolites of the Ligurian ocean. An important stratigraphic gap, spanning the Callovian-early Kimmeridgian interval, is specified between radiolarites and the overlying (and locally gullying) San Colombano shallow-water limestones (sub-unit I). We can now specify that radiolarian ooze accumulated until the late Kimmeridgian in the distal parts of the Balagne margin (sub-unit SC III and Novella unit), while fragments of Hercynian basement fell into the Balagne basin during the late Kimmeridgian-Tithonian.
Surface processes versus kinematics of thrust belts: impact on rates of erosion, sedimentation, and exhumation – Insights from analogue models
Authors: Bonnet Cécile , Malavieille Jacques , Mosar Jon 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The mechanical equilibrium of an orogenic wedge is maintained thanks to interactions between tectonic processes and surface processes. To better constrain the influence of erosion and sedimentation on the evolution of orogens, we performed a series of analogue models based on the tapered wedge principle, varying the amounts of erosion and sedimentation. The models develop by frontal accretion in the foreland basin and by simple underthrusting and subsequent underplating in the hinterland. The variations in rates of erosion and sedimentation strongly modify the extent, the morphology, the structures, the timing of development and the material paths in the different models. Under certain conditions, entire structural units can be formed and subsequently eroded out of the geological record, leading to important underestimations when restoring sections. Particles located in the converging lower-plate or in the upper-plate show complex uplift paths related to tectonic stages. The correlation between models and three Alpine tectonic cross-sections emphasizes the role of erosion and sedimentation on the dynamics and development of the orogen and adjacent Molasse basin. Along strike changes in the present structure of the orogen could be explained in part by differences in surface processes.
How to Compensate a Spreading Disturbance for a Class of Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Qaraai Youssef , Bernoussi Abdes , Jai Abdelhaq 
Published: June 2008

How to Compensate a Spreading Disturbance for a Class of Nonlinear SystemsWe consider a system which is assumed to be affected by an expanding disturbance which occurs at the initial time. The compensation of the disturbance is accomplished by extending the concept of remediability to a class of nonlinear systems. The results are implemented and illustrated with a nonlinear distributed model.