bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term effects of intermittent androgen suppression on testosterone recovery and bone mineral density: results of a 33‐month observational study
Authors: Spry Nigel A. , Galvão Daniel A. , Davies Robert , La Bianca Shane , Joseph David , Davidson Andrew , Prince Richard 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo investigate changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis, over 3 years of intermittent androgen‐suppression therapy (IAST).PATIENTS AND METHODSThis was a Phase II individual cohort study of 72 patients with prostate cancer without metastatic bone disease, enrolled between 1999 and 2002. Patients had 9 months flutamide (250 mg, three times daily) and leuprolide (22.5 mg, 3‐monthly depot) after which, patients ceased therapy providing that their PSA levels were <4 ng/mL. AST re‐commenced when the PSA level exceeded the pretreatment level or was >20 ng/mL. BMD for hip and spine was the primary endpoint; assessed at baseline; completion of initial treatment period; and at 1 and 2 years after initial treatment (POST period).RESULTSOsteoporosis increased from 7% at baseline to 10% at 3 years. The BMD declined after 9 months treatment, at −1.9% and −3.3% at hip and spine, respectively (P < 0.001). Subsequent BMD decline in the POST period was attenuated; at 1 years and 2 years later, hip −0.6% (not significant), and −0.8% (P < 0.014), and spine +1.0% and +0.2% (not significant). The BMD change in those remaining ‘off’ therapy for 2 years (n = 20) was strongly associated with the level of testosterone recovery; a peak testosterone level of <5 nmol/L associated with a greater then normal physiological loss. Testosterone recovery was less likely in older men.CONCLUSIONThe attenuation of spine and hip BMD decline after 3‐year IAST compared with those reported for continuous AST appears to be due to testosterone driven BMD recovery in the POST period. Failure of testosterone recovery was associated with worse final BMD. By reducing the potential risk for adverse bone complications, intermittent therapy may become an important consideration when the therapeutic ratio is narrow.
The Effects of Artificial Beach Nourishment on Marine Turtles: Differences between Loggerhead and Green Turtles
Authors: Brock Kelly A. , Reece Joshua S. , Ehrhart Llewellyn M. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract Marine turtle reproductive success is correlated with the stability and quality of the nesting environment. Female marine turtles show fidelity to nesting beaches, making artificial beach nourishment practices directly relevant to their recovery. We evaluated the impacts of artificial beach nourishment on Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) between artificially nourished and nonnourished beaches. We observed reduced nesting success (ratio of nesting emergences to emergences not resulting in nest deposition) for both species. This negative effect lasted for one season in Loggerheads and for at least one season in Green turtles. Physical attributes of the fill sand did not impede nesting attempts. We argue that the decrease in nesting success resulted from an altered beach profile not favorable for nest deposition, which subsequently improved in later seasons as the beach equilibrated to a more natural slope. We observed a 52.2% decrease in reproductive output (hatchlings km−1 yr−1) for Loggerheads one year postnourishment, with a 44.1% increase observed the two seasons postnourishment. In Green turtles, a 0.8% reduction was observed the first season postnourishment, despite a 13% increase in the nonnourished area. The reduction in reproductive output in both cases was primarily a consequence of decreased nesting success, lowering nest numbers. These results reveal stronger negative effects of beach nourishment on Loggerheads compared to Green turtles and the importance of minimizing excessive nonnesting emergences associated with artificial beach nourishment. Nourished areas also experienced more than 600% increase in the number of Loggerhead hatchlings disoriented by artificial lighting over two years postnourishment.
Alien Invasions, Ecological Restoration in Cities and the Loss of Ecological Memory
Authors: Schaefer Valentin 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAfter a community or ecosystem is lost, it may leave behind an ecological memory. The site history, soil properties, spores, seeds, stem fragments, mycorrhizae, species, populations, and other remnants may influence the composition of the replacement community or ecosystem to varying degrees. The remnants may also hold the site to a trajectory that has implications for ecological restoration. This is true in urban situations in particular where repeated disturbance has masked the history of the site. The ecological memory remaining may be insufficient for a site to heal itself; restoration activities are required to direct the future of the site. Conversely, in light of climate change and other rapidly changing environments, the existing ecological memory may be poorly suited to the new conditions and restoration projects need to create new and perhaps novel ecosystems. The loss of ecological memory facilitates the establishment of foreign invasive species. These invasives may eventually create a new stability domain with its own ecological memory and degree of resilience. To be successful, invasive species control must address both internal within patch memory of invasives and external between patch memory. Further research is necessary to document and conserve ecological memory for ecological restoration in response to future ecosystem changes.
Mechanical properties of the Schneiderian membrane in vitro
Authors: Pommer Bernhard , Unger Ewald , Sütö Daniel , Hack Niklas , Watzek Georg 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectives: Perforation of the Schneiderian membrane (maxillary sinus mucosa) is a common complication of maxillary sinus graft procedures. Membrane perforation increases the chance of postoperative sinusitis and endangers graft as well as implant survival. The aim of the present study was to explore the mechanical properties of the Schneiderian membrane.Material and methods: Three test methods were performed on sinus specimen of 20 fresh human cadavers: one‐ and two‐dimensional membrane elongation as far as perforation, as well as membrane detachment from the adherent bone.Results: Perforation of the Schneiderian membrane (mean thickness: 90 μm) occurred at a mean tension of 7.3 N/mm2. The membrane could be stretched to 132.6% of its original size in one‐dimensional elongation, and to 124.7% in two‐dimensional elongation. Thicker membranes demonstrated significantly higher load limits (P<0.001). The mean modulus of elasticity accounted 0.058 GPa, the mean adhesion force between sinus membrane and bone surface was 0.05 N/mm.Conclusions: Respecting the mechanical properties of the Schneiderian membrane may help reducing the complication rates and thus patient morbidity in minimally invasive maxillary sinus floor elevation.
Effect of repeated torque/mechanical loading cycles on two different abutment types in implants with internal tapered connections: an in vitro study
Authors: Ricciardi Coppedê Abílio , De Mattos Maria da Glória Chiarello , Rodrigues Renata Cristina Silveira , Ribeiro Ricardo Faria 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectives: Internal tapered connections were developed to improve biomechanical properties and to reduce mechanical problems found in other implant connection systems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of mechanical loading and repeated insertion/removal cycles on the torque loss of abutments with internal tapered connections.Material and methods: Sixty‐eight conical implants and 68 abutments of two types were used. They were divided into four groups: groups 1 and 3 received solid abutments, and groups 2 and 4 received two‐piece abutments. In groups 1 and 2, abutments were simply installed and uninstalled; torque‐in and torque‐out values were measured. In groups 3 and 4, abutments were installed, mechanically loaded and uninstalled; torque‐in and torque‐out values were measured. Under mechanical loading, two‐piece abutments were frictionally locked into the implant; thus, data of group 4 were catalogued under two subgroups (4a: torque‐out value necessary to loosen the fixation screw; 4b: torque‐out value necessary to remove the abutment from the implant). Ten insertion/removal cycles were performed for every implant/abutment assembly. Data were analyzed with a mixed linear model (P≤0.05).Results: Torque loss was higher in groups 4a and 2 (over 30% loss), followed by group 1 (10.5% loss), group 3 (5.4% loss) and group 4b (39% torque gain). All the results were significantly different. As the number of insertion/removal cycles increased, removal torques tended to be lower. It was concluded that mechanical loading increased removal torque of loaded abutments in comparison with unloaded abutments, and removal torque values tended to decrease as the number of insertion/removal cycles increased.
Multinucleate giant cells in neurofibromas: a clue to the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis
Authors: Taungjaruwinai Wirach M. , Goldberg Lynne J. 
Published: March 2009

Background: A 54‐year‐old African‐American male patient underwent removal of several cutaneous neurofibromas. Histopathologic examination revealed a nonencapsulated, haphazardly arranged proliferation of slender spindle cells in a myxoid stroma consistent with neurofibroma. Interestingly, each specimen exhibited numerous, large, multinucleate giant cells with nuclei arranged in a wreath‐like or linear pattern. Immunoperoxidase staining revealed these cells to be negative with S‐100 and CD‐34. It was subsequently learned that this patient has neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).Methods: A retrospective review of all lesions coded as neurofibroma from our institution between 1 June 2006 and 28 August 2006 was performed.Results: Biopsies of 53 cutaneous neurofibromas from 51 patients were reviewed. In these, multinucleate giant cells were present in only three (5.7%), all in patients with single lesions.Conclusions: Although the incidence of floret‐like giant cells in neurofibromas of patients with NF1 is unknown, our findings suggest that the presence of these cells might be a clue to the presence of NF1.
Endometrial and cervical polyps in 22 baboons (Papio sp.), 5 cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and one marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Bennett Melissa W. , Dick Jr Edward J. , Schlabritz‐Loutsevitch Natalia E. , Lopez‐Alvarenga Juan C. , Williams Priscilla C. , Mark Sharp R. , Hubbard Gene B. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground  Endometrial and cervical polyps are masses of endometrium or cervical epithelium that bulge into the uterine or cervical lumen. The physiopathology and contributing factors of endometrial polyps development are still unknown.Methods  Clinical and pathology records of 28 non‐human primates with histologically confirmed endometrial and cervical polyps were reviewed. Twenty‐one baboons with endometrial polyps were evaluated for age at diagnosis, body weight, menstrual cycle length, presence of endometriosis and adenomyosis and number of offspring, cesarean sections, and stillbirths.Results  Endometrial polyps in baboons were associated with increased age, decreased menstrual cycle lengths, endometriosis, and decreased parity. No differences were found for weight, adenomyosis, or number of cesarean sections or stillbirths.Conclusions  Baboons are a promising model for the study of endometrial polyps because of their similarity to humans in both the development of endometrial polyps and association of many of the same risk factors.
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated molecule‐4 polymorphism in Turkish patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis
Authors: Sahin M. , Gursoy A. , Erdogan M. F. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryWe previously shown that in a Turkish population, the A/G polymorphism in exon 1 of the cytotoxic T cell lymphocyte‐associated molecule‐4 (CTLA‐4) gene is associated with Graves’ disease, and that the G allele may contribute to susceptibility for developing Graves’ disease. This polymorphism was identified in 197 patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) (126 women, 71 men; aged, 42.92 ± 13.4 years) and 98 healthy individuals (56 women, 21 men; aged, 42.27 ± 13.43 years) in Turkish population. Polymorphisms were analysed using a polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Frequency of the A/G genotypes was not significantly different in patients with HT when compared with controls in both sexes (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in age, sex, cigarette smoking, initial serum thyroid hormone levels, initial goiter size and thyroid autoantibodies among the patients with the three different genotypes (G/G, A/G and A/A). We concluded that A/G polymorphism of CTLA molecule is linked to occurence of Graves’ disease bu not to HT in the Turkish population.
Effect of storage temperature and duration on the vigor of zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) seed harvested at different maturity stages
Authors: Mao Pei Sheng , Wang Xin Guo , Wang Yu Hong , Han Jian Guo 
Published: March 2009

AbstractZoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) is one of the most important warm season grasses used as forage and ground cover in eastern Asia. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of temperature and duration of storage on germination and conductivity in zoysiagrass seeds. The seeds were harvested at the milk, dough and hard stages, and stored at a low (7°C) or an ambient (15–30°C) temperature for 6–18 months in sealed polyethylene bags. The standard germination rate of seeds decreased significantly (P < 0.05) as the storage period prolonged from 6 to 18 months. Germination was almost always better in seeds stored at the low temperature than at the ambient temperature and highest in seeds harvested at the hard stage followed by the dough and the milk stage. Following accelerated aging, germination was highest when harvested at the hard stage and stored for 12 months. Bulk conductivity was lower in seeds stored for 6 and 12 months than those stored for 18 months and in seeds harvested at the hard stage than those harvested at the dough and the milk stage. The results indicated that zoysiagrass seed maintained a higher vigor level when harvested at the hard stage and stored at low temperature (7°C) for 12 months or less.
Heavy grazing constraints on foraging behavior of Mongolian livestock
Authors: Yoshihara Yu , Chimeddorj Buyanaa , Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe investigated the effects of overgrazing on the foraging behavior of livestock on a Mongolian steppe, by quantifying some behaviors of cattle, sheep and goats foraging in a lightly and a heavily grazed area in summer and winter. All animal species showed higher walking velocity and tended to show higher step/bite ratio when they foraged in the heavily grazed area than in the lightly grazed area. The effect of overgrazing on the step/bite ratio was greater in sheep and goats than in cattle, and the effect on the walking velocity was stronger in winter than in summer. The results indicate that heavy grazing altered the foraging behavior of animals imposing higher foraging costs, which varied among the animal species and between the seasons. The declined quantity of preferred species in the heavily grazed area required high searching efforts and decreased the bite rate, for selecting acceptable plants and better feeding sites. The stronger effects on sheep and goats than on cattle and in winter than in summer may reflect different foraging behavior potentials among the animals and different food availabilities between the seasons. We suggest that the ongoing increase in the number of goats in Mongolia is problematic not only from the viewpoint of grassland deterioration but also from feeding cost of whole livestock animals.
What is at Stake in the Cartesian Debates on the Eternal Truths?
Authors: Easton Patricia 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDescartes's claim that the eternal truths were freely created by God is fraught with interpretive difficulties. The main arguments in the literature are classified as concerning the ontological status or the modalities of possibility and necessity of the eternal truths. The views of the principal defenders of the Creation Doctrine – Robert Desgabets, Pierre Sylvain Régis, and Antoine Le Grand are contrasted with those of Nicolas Malebranche. In clarifying the theological, ontological, and logical terms of the debate we can see that what was at stake was the objectivity and certainty of the truths of mathematics and physics. I conclude by suggesting that this issue might fruitfully be used to clarify the disparate discussions in the contemporary literature.
Anthony Collins on the Emergence of Consciousness and Personal Identity
Authors: Uzgalis William 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe correspondence between Samuel Clarke and Anthony Collins of 1706–8, while not well known, is a spectacularly good debate between a dualist and a materialist over the possibility of giving a materialist account of consciousness and personal identity. This article puts the Clarke Collins Correspondence in a broader context in which it can be better appreciated, noting that it is really a debate between John Locke and Anthony Collins on one hand, and Samuel Clarke and Joseph Butler on the other. Anthony Collins argues on behalf of John Locke's claim that it would be as easy for God to superadd the power of thinking to matter as for him to connect a soul to a body. Locke did not believe that matter could naturally produce thought or consciousness, but it was in God's power to make matter think. To defend Locke's claim Collins must defend the claim that there are emergent properties in the world – properties of a whole that are not possessed by the parts. Collins also defends a materialist version of Locke's account of personal identity against a variety of charges. Because the topics of debate in the correspondence are of such great interest to us, it deserves to be rescued from the neglect into which it fell and from which intellectual historians and philosophers have only recently and partially removed it.
Application of Telepathology for Neuropathologic Intraoperative Consultations
Authors: Horbinski Craig , Hamilton Ronald L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe demand for expert neuropathologic intraoperative diagnoses often exceeds the available supply and geographic distribution of neuropathology centers. Telepathology has therefore been implemented in recent years to meet this demand. Herein, we draw on our experience with 4 generations of telepathology systems over the past 8 years to discuss the design, initiation and maintenance of an effective telepathology service for neuropathologists, including when to change systems. In addition to workflow efficiency, unique advantages of telepathology include integration into other informatics modalities, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) maintenance and the potential for visual data to be readily available to clinicians. Given the improvements in technology and the multiple uses of telepathology, this method for delivering patient care will undoubtedly continue to grow over time.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers from the acacia‐ant Crematogaster mimosae
Authors: RUBIN B. E. , MAKAREWICH C. A. , TALABA A. L. , STENZLER L. , BOGDANOWICZ S. M. , LOVETTE I. J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe describe 10 microsatellite loci developed from Crematogaster mimosae, an ant species that nests mutualistically in Acacia drepanolobium trees in east Africa. Polymorphism ranged from 4 to 16 alleles per locus (mean = 7.3). Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.485 to 0.813 (mean 0.626), and from 0.502 to 0.894 (mean 0.674), respectively. These markers will foster studies of the population structure, colony structure, and reproductive strategies of these ants.
Contribution of Ballistic Electron Transport to Energy Transfer During Electron-Phonon Nonequilibrium in Thin Metal Films
Authors: Hopkins Patrick E. , Norris Pamela M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWith the ever decreasing characteristic lengths of nanomaterials, nonequilibrium electron-phonon scattering can be affected by additional scattering processes at the interface of two materials. Electron-interface scattering would lead to another path of energy flow for the high-energy electrons other than electron-phonon coupling in a single material. Traditionally, electron-phonon coupling in transport is analyzed with a diffusion (Fourier) based model, such as the two temperature model (TTM). However, in thin films with thicknesses less than the electron mean free path, ballistic electron transport could lead to electron-interface scattering, which is not taken into account in the TTM. The ballistic component of electron transport, leading to electron-interface scattering during ultrashort pulsed laser heating, is studied here by a ballistic-diffusive approximation of the Boltzmann transport equation. The results for electron-phonon equilibration times are compared with calculations with TTM based approximations and experimental data on Au thin films.
Comparison of the Levels of Immunogenicity and Safety of Zostavax in Adults 50 to 59 Years Old and in Adults 60 Years Old or Older
Authors: Sutradhar Santosh C. , Wang William W. B. , Schlienger Katia , Stek Jon E. , Xu Jin , Chan Ivan S. F. , Silber Jeffrey L. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT
Zostavax has been shown to be efficacious in the prevention of herpes zoster and generally well tolerated in clinical trials among subjects 60 years old or older. This prespecified combined analysis from two studies compares the levels of immunogenicity and safety of Zostavax in subjects 50 to 59 years old versus those in subjects ≥60 years old. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antibody (Ab) titers were measured by glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and 4 weeks postvaccination. Noninferiority was evaluated by estimated geometric mean severalfold rise (GMFR) ratio (50 to 59 years old/≥60 years old) and two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI). Success was defined by a lower bound (LB) of the 95% CI of the GMFR ratio of >0.67. Acceptability of postvaccination VZV Ab was defined by an LB of the 95% CI of the GMFR of >1.4. Safety data were recorded for 28 days postvaccination by standardized vaccination report card. The estimated GMFRs from baseline to 4 weeks postvaccination were 2.6 (95% CI, 2.4, 2.9) in subjects 50 to 59 years old and 2.3 (95% CI, 2.1, 2.4) in subjects ≥60 years old. The estimated GMFR ratio (50 to 59 years old/≥60 years old) was 1.13 (95% CI, 1.02, 1.25). No serious Zostavax-related adverse experiences were reported. After a dose of Zostavax, the GMFR of the VZV Ab response in subjects 50 to 59 years old was noninferior to that in subjects ≥60 years old. The VZV Ab response was acceptable in both age groups. Zostavax was generally well tolerated in both age groups.