bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of shrimp (Pandalus borealis) carapace length by image analysis
Authors: Harbitz Alf 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Harbitz, A. 2007. Estimation of shrimp (Pandalus borealis) carapace length by image analysis. — ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 939–944. An image analysis technique was examined to assess its ability to estimate automatically the carapace length of shrimp (Pandalus borealis). Carapace length, pixel area, and weight were measured in a sample of 285 shrimp. An accurate slide calliper was used to measure the carapace length (13–30 mm) by an experienced operator with a precision (standard deviation) of ∼0.2 mm. A high-resolution still image camera was used to produce an 1810 × 1710 pixel colour image containing all 285 shrimp. The individual shrimp were segmented from the background by intensity thresholding. A linear model on a log-log scale of length in relation to pixel area yielded a precision of 0.43 mm. Despite differences in precision, the length frequency distributions based on manual and imaging techniques were similar. The central processing unit time spent by the image analysis program was <0.01 s per shrimp. This indicates the potential for precise, efficient, automatic processing of large numbers of shrimp lengths by, for example, video records of shrimp on a moving transport band.
Modelling stock–recruitment relationships to examine stock management policies
Authors: Kimoto A. , Mouri T. , Matsuishi T. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractKimoto, A., Mouri, T., and Matsuishi, T. 2007. Modelling stock–recruitment relationships to examine stock management policies. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 870–877. Simulation studies are used widely for fish stock management. In such studies, forecasting future recruitment, which can vary greatly between years, has become an essential part of evaluating management strategies. We propose a new forecasting algorithm to predict recruitment for short- or medium-term stochastic projections, using a stock–recruitment relationship. We address cases in which the spawning stock has dropped below previously observed levels, or in which predicted recruitment is situated close to the maximum observed level. The relative prediction error of seven existing algorithms was compared with that of the new model using leave-one-out cross-validation for 61 data sets from ICES, the Japanese Fisheries Agency, and PICES. The new algorithm had the smallest prediction error for 49 of the data sets, but was slightly biased by the precautionary treatment of predictions of high recruitment.
Relationships between fish larvae and siphonophores in the water column: effect of wind-induced turbulence and thermocline depth
Authors: Sanvicente-Añorve L. , Alatorre M. A. , Flores-Coto C. , Alba C. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Sanvicente-Añorve, L., Alatorre, M. A., Flores-Coto, C., and Alba, C. 2007. Relationships between fish larvae and siphonophores in the water column: effect of wind-induced turbulence and thermocline depth. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 878–888. The relationship between the abundance of fish larvae and siphonophores in relation to wind-induced turbulence and thickness of the mixed layer in the southern Gulf of Mexico were studied during two periods of different wind conditions: April (5.25 m s−1) and October (6.5 m s−1). The Spearman correlation between fish larvae and siphonophores revealed a random relationship in the 0–10 m layer during April and in the 0–20 m layer in October. This structure presumably persists while turbulent forces remain at sufficient strength. Positive patterns were observed deeper in the water column. Whereas thermocline position did not correspond with the depth separating random and positive relationships, low turbulence values did. Observations indicate that turbulent kinetic energy values above 4 × 10−4 J kg−1 might promote a random distribution between potential prey and predator zooplankton taxa. In surface waters, contact rates between siphonophores and fish larvae showed that turbulence enhances encounters 2.5 (1.2) times in April and 3.3 (1.3) times in October for prey velocities of 0.003 (0.011) m s−1. The positive relationship between fish larvae and siphonophores could be caused by a high degree of spatial overlap, enough food for both groups, and limited predation on larvae in the presence of alternative prey. Seasonal variability in the vertical structure of distribution patterns was attributed mainly to aggregative feeding behaviour of organisms and disruption of patches as a consequence of small-scale water turbulence.
Vertical distribution of Baltic sprat larvae: changes in patterns of diel migration?
Authors: Voss Rüdiger , Schmidt Jörn O. , Schnack Dietrich 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Voss, R., Schmidt, J. O., and Schnack, D. 2007. Vertical distribution of Baltic sprat larvae: changes in patterns of diel migration? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 956–962. Ontogenetic and diurnal vertical migration patterns of Baltic sprat larvae were investigated for the periods 1989–1990 and 1998–2002. Comparison of the results led to the hypothesis that the diel vertical migration behaviour of sprat larvae >10 mm has changed. In 1989 and 1990, sprat larvae migrated to the surface at night, whereas they stayed 30–50 m deep by day. From 1998 to 2002, sprat larvae showed no signs of diel vertical migration, remaining in warmer, near-surface water by day and night. This behavioural change coincided with a more general change in the Baltic ecosystem, i.e. an increase in near-surface temperature and a general increase in abundance of the major prey organism (Acartia spp.) of Baltic sprat larvae, with more pronounced aggregation in surface waters.
Diel variation in the vertical distribution and schooling behaviour of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) off Portugal
Authors: Zwolinski Juan , Morais Alexandre , Marques Vitor , Stratoudakis Yorgos , Fernandes Paul G. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Zwolinski, J., Morais, A., Marques, V., Stratoudakis, Y., and Fernandes, P. G. 2007. Diel variation in the vertical distribution and schooling behaviour of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) off Portugal. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 963–972. Diel patterns in the schooling behaviour and vertical distribution of pelagic fish schools were studied by examining their echotraces from repeated acoustic survey transects at three inshore sites off the Portuguese coast. At two sites, sardine was the dominant pelagic species, and echotrace characteristics of fish schools were similar to those reported in the literature. At the third site, where there was a multispecies pelagic assemblage that included sardine, there was more variability in several of the school descriptors. At all sites, fish schools expanded after sunset, enlarging their cross-sectional area along the horizontal plane and reducing their mean internal acoustic density, while maintaining their overall mean abundance. Downward migration was rapid (within 1 h) after sunset and simultaneous with school expansion. School-like aggregations with total backscattering similar to daytime schools were present throughout the night, although the proportion of small schools and scattered fish appeared to increase at that time. At dawn, sardine rose back up the water column and rapidly reformed into the typical daytime schools. This pattern of diel vertical migration is opposite to that described for most clupeoids worldwide. The implications of this behaviour on abundance estimation by acoustic monitoring surveys for small pelagic fish are discussed.
Detecting sampling outliers and sampling heterogeneity when catch-at-length is estimated using the ratio estimator
Authors: Vigneau Joël , Mahévas Stéphanie 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Vigneau, J., and Mahévas, S. 2007. Detecting sampling outliers and sampling heterogeneity when catch-at-length is estimated using the ratio estimator. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 1028–1032. Measuring fish on board fishing vessels or at fish markets to collect data for stock assessment purposes is one of the most straightforward actions carried out by fisheries scientists worldwide. However, such samples are not straightforward to handle and analyse because of their vector-type structure. A generic tool that allows investigation in any multinomial-like sampling scheme is provided, as long as the scheme is built on a ratio estimator, which is the case for most length sampling in the fisheries sector. The use of this tool is discussed using data obtained from two different sampling designs, one consisting of commercial market samples by category and the other on fishing activity or métier. The identification of outliers, misallocated samples, or potential bias as well as the analysis of heterogeneity within and between strata are discussed. The objective of such exploratory analyses is to help sampling coordinators design the best sampling scheme and improve the quality of input data for stock assessment models. The statistics described here are easy to implement and their use is recommended as a necessary stage before any use of sampling data at an international level.
Feeding ecology and abundance of two sympatric skates, the shortfin sand skate Psammobatis normani McEachran, and the smallthorn sand skate P. rudis Günther (Chondrichthyes, Rajidae), in the southwest Atlantic
Authors: Mabragaña Ezequiel , Giberto Diego A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMabragaña, E., and Giberto, D. A. 2007. Feeding ecology and abundance of two sympatric skates, the shortfin sand skate Psammobatis normani McEachran, and the smallthorn sand skate P. rudis Günther (Chondrichthyes, Rajidae), in the southwest Atlantic. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 1017–1027. The diet, feeding strategy, and abundance of Psammobatis normani and P. rudis in the southwest Atlantic was investigated to determine whether the species are segregated by habitat or dietary preference. The two coexist along the Argentine continental shelf, but there are differences in abundance. The most important prey for P. normani were crustaceans (mainly crabs and isopods) and, to a lesser extent, polychaetes, whereas P. rudis fed almost exclusively on crustaceans (mainly isopods, crabs, and gammarids), and fish and polychaetes contributed less to the diet. This suggests that P. normani and P. rudis are secondary consumers (trophic level <4). The two species fed on similar taxa, but in slightly different proportions according to region. However, an ANOSIM test failed to reveal significant differences in their diets. Circumstantial evidence of food competition is suggested, because the two species attain similar adult size and there are no notable morphological differences between them. Interspecific competition may be reduced by the use of distinct feeding behaviour and by the abundance of prey especially along shelf-break fronts. The use of standard ecological indices of similarity and multivariate techniques to calculate dietary overlap is evaluated.
Nerve Conduction Blockade in the Sciatic Nerve Prevents but Does Not Reverse the Activation of p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase in Spinal Microglia in the Rat Spared Nerve Injury Model
Authors: Wen Yeong-Ray , Suter Marc R. , Kawasaki Yasuhiko , Huang Jin , Pertin Marie , Kohno Tatsuro , Berde Charles B. , Decosterd Isabelle , Ji Ru-Rong 
Published: July 2007

Background
Current evidence indicates that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in spinal microglia contributes to the development of neuropathic pain. However, how nerve injury activates p38 in spinal microglia is incompletely unknown. Nerve injury-induced ectopic spontaneous activity is essential for the generation of neuropathic pain. The authors examined whether peripheral neural activity is necessary for p38 activation in spinal microglia.

Methods
To examine whether spinal microglia activation depends on peripheral activity in the rat spared nerve injury (SNI) model, the authors blocked conduction in the sciatic nerve before or 2 days after SNI. The block was produced by applying bupivacaine-loaded microspheres above the nerve injury site. The p38 activation was examined by p38 phosphorylation using a phosphorylated p38 antibody, and neuropathic pain-related behavior was evaluated before and after intrathecal infusion of a p38 inhibitor.

Results
Three days after SNI, there was a marked p38 activation in the medial two thirds of the dorsal horn, where the injured tibial and peroneal nerves terminated and where isolectin B4 staining was lost. Phosphorylated p38 was only colocalized with the microglial surface marker OX-42, indicating a microglial localization of phosphorylated p38 in the SNI model. Bupivacaine microspheres produced persistent block (loss of sensory and motor function) of the sciatic nerve for the whole period of the study (3 days). This blockade prevented but did not reverse p38 activation in spinal microglia. Intrathecal infusion of the p38 inhibitor FR167653 prevented and reversed mechanical allodynia on post-SNI day 3.

Conclusions
After nerve injury, activity in the peripheral nerve is required for the induction but not the maintenance of p38 activation in spinal microglia.
Assessment of the Accuracy of Procalcitonin to Diagnose Postoperative Infection after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Jebali Mohamed Adel , Hausfater Pierre , Abbes Zoubeir , Aouni Zied , Riou Bruno , Ferjani Mustapha 
Published: July 2007

Background
Cardiopulmonary bypass induces a nonspecific inflammatory response. Procalcitonin has been advocated as a specific biomarker for infection. The authors studied the accuracy of procalcitonin to diagnose postoperative infection after cardiac surgery and compared it with those of C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and interleukins 6 and 8.

Methods
The authors prospectively included 100 patients scheduled to undergo elective cardiac procedures with cardiopulmonary bypass. Blood samples were taken before surgery and each day over the 7-day postoperative period, and measurement of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and interleukins 6 and 8 were performed. Diagnosis of infection was performed by a blinded expert panel. Data are expressed as value [95% confidence interval].

Results
Infection was diagnosed in 16 patients. Procalcitonin was significantly higher in infected patients, with a peak reached on the third postoperative day. Only the areas under the receiver operating curve of procalcitonin (0.88 [0.71-0.95]) and C-reactive protein (0.72 [0.58-0.82]) were significantly different from the no-discrimination curve, and that of procalcitonin was significantly different from those of C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and interleukins 6 and 8. A procalcitonin value greater than 1.5 ng/ml beyond the second day diagnosed postoperative infection with a sensitivity of 0.93 [0.70-0.99] and a specificity of 0.80 [0.70-0.87]. Procalcitonin was significantly higher in patients who died (27.5 [1.65-40.5] vs. 1.2 [0.7-1.5] ng/ml; P < 0.001).

Conclusion
Procalcitonin is a valuable marker of bacterial infections after cardiac surgery.
Cytotoxin-associated gene-A bearing strains of Helicobacter pylori and atrial fibrillation due to ischemic origin: is there a link?
Authors: Badran Hala Mahfouz , Mahfouz Magdi Elsayed 
Published: July 2007

Background Helicobacter pylori CagA strains could increase the risk for atrial fibrillation in patients with coronary artery disease Methods Serological status for H. pylori CagA using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, C-reactive protein, total leucocytic count and atrial size were determined in 185 coronary artery disease patients (with and without atrial fibrillation) and 80 healthy subjects (control). Results CagA strain showed a higher prevalence in the atrial fibrillation group. Atrial dimension and C-reactive protein (independent predictors of atrial fibrillation) were significantly increased in the CagA seropositive subgroup Conclus ons There is a strong liaison between H. pylori CagA infection and atrial fibrillation in coronary artery disease. Increased C reactive protein and atrial size in atrial fibrillation patients may reflect atrial inflammatory remodeling.
Prospective Evaluation of the Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Positive Autoantibodies After Pediatric Liver Transplantation
Authors: Avitzur Yaron , Ngan Bo Y , Lao Michelle , Fecteau Annie , Ng Vicky Lee 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTBackground and Objectives:De novo autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) recently was recognized as an important cause of late graft dysfunction after pediatric liver transplantation (LT). However, the significance of isolated elevation of autoantibodies in children after LT without history of prior autoimmune liver disease scarcely has been studied. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for autoantibodies production in pediatric LT recipients and to assess the impact of isolated elevation of autoantibodies over time on graft function.Methods:Sixty‐eight children without history of autoimmune disease were recruited over the course of 1 year into this cross‐sectional study. A single blood specimen was drawn at study entry to determine titers of autoantibodies. Clinical and laboratory assessment and medical history were obtained at study entry as well. Patients were then divided into positive and negative autoantibodies groups, and prospectively followed for 18 months for evidence of abnormal liver function tests.Results:One or more autoantibodies were detected in 18 (26%) patients. Anti‐smooth muscle was the most common (n = 13) antibody. Time since transplant (>4 years) was the only risk factor identified for the presence of autoantibodies (univariate risk ratio, 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–9). During the follow‐up period, 5 patients with positive autoantibody screen developed de novo AIH (n = 3) or chronic rejection (n = 2), compared with 0 in the negative autoantibody group. Children with positive autoantibody screen were at higher risk for development of de novo AIH or chronic rejection (univariate risk ratio 13.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–111;P= 0.004).Conclusions:Positive autoantibodies are common in children after LT and their presence may denote a higher risk for the development of de novo AIH or chronic rejection over time.
Combination of Helicobacter pylori Strain and Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Polymorphism of the Host Increases the Risk of Peptic Ulcer Disease in Children
Authors: Wilschanski Michael , Schlesinger Yechiel , Faber Joseph , Rudensky Berl , Ohnona Fred S , Freier Serem , Rahman Elena , Refael Shira , Halle David 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTBackground:Helicobacter pylori infection is probably acquired in childhood and causes a vigorous immune response. It is unclear why only a subgroup of infected children develops peptic ulcer disease. We have previously reported that iceA1 strains tend to be associated with duodenal disease in children. However, the pathogenesis probably does not depend solely on the H pylori strain but also on the variability of the host response.Objectives:The aim of this study was to assess the significance of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) promoter polymorphism in relation to infection with H pylori strains in children.Methods:A total of 113 antral biopsies of H pylori–positive children (ages 2–18 years) were analyzed. Of these, 23 had duodenal disease, including erosive duodenitis and/or duodenal ulceration, and 90 had gastritis only. H pylori infection was diagnosed by bacterial culture and histology. Patient genomic DNA extracted from the antral biopsy was used to characterize the genetic polymorphism of TNF‐α promoter at nucleotide positions −308 and −238 by polymerase chain reaction–based restriction fragment‐length polymorphism. All H pylori strains were examined for cytotoxin‐associated gene A and induced‐by‐contact‐with‐epithelium gene (iceA1).Results:A total of 31% of children with duodenal disease were infected with iceA1 positive strains and had the −238 G to A polymorphism in the TNF‐α gene vs only 1.6% of children with gastritis alone (P < 0.0005).Conclusions:The combination of bacterial iceA1 and TNF‐α 238 G to A polymorphism may be a risk factor for peptic ulcer disease in children infected with H pylori. Larger studies are needed to confirm this association.
Increased Mucosal Expression of Toll‐like Receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 in Coeliac Disease
Authors: Szebeni Beáta , Veres Gábor , Dezsőfi Antal , Rusai Krisztina , Vannay Ádám , Bokodi Géza , Vásárhelyi Barna , Korponay‐Szabó IR , Tulassay Tivadar , Arató András 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTObjectives:The dysregulation of adaptive immunity is extensively investigated in celiac disease (CD). Recent data also suggest, however, the implication of innate immunity in CD. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a central role in the initiation or maintenance of innate immune responses. The aim of this study was to characterise the expression of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 in duodenal biopsy samples taken from children with CD and from controls.Patients and Methods:Duodenal biopsy specimens were collected from 16 children with untreated CD, 9 children with treated CD, and 10 controls. The mRNA expression of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 was determined by semiquantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels of TLRs were determined by Western blot.Results:We found higher TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression and protein levels in the duodenal mucosa of children with treated CD and untreated CD compared with controls. TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression and protein levels were even higher in the duodenal mucosa of children with treated CD than in untreated CD. TLR3 mRNA expression was increased in the duodenal mucosa of children with treated CD compared with untreated CD and controls. We were able to detect TLR3 protein only in the biopsy specimens of treated patients with CD.Conclusions:The alteration of TLR2 and TLR4 expression in the duodenal mucosa of patients with CD supports the potential implication of innate immune system in the pathomechanism of this disease.
Therapeutic Endoscopy for Nonvariceal Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Kay Marsha H , Wyllie Robert 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe evaluation and management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding in infants, children, and adolescents is a reason for emergency consultation frequently cited by pediatric gastroenterologists. After stabilization of the patient's condition, endoscopic evaluation remains the most rapid and accurate method to identify the origin of acute bleeding in the majority of lesions in the pediatric age group. Several endoscopic techniques may be applied to bleeding lesions to achieve hemostasis. Familiarity with the various techniques and with the specifics of their use is essential for the pediatric endoscopist. This review focuses on the endoscopic management of acute nonvariceal bleeding in infants and children.
Identification of a tyrosinase (TYR) exon 4 deletion in albino ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Blaszczyk W. M. , Distler C. , Dekomien G. , Arning L. , Hoffmann K.‐P. , Epplen J. T. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryAlbinism is due to a lack of pigmentation in hair, skin and eye, and has been shown to occur in several animal species. Mutations of the tyrosinase (TYR) gene account for albinism in domestic cats, rabbits, cattle, mice and rats. In this study, we demonstrate that a TYR mutation accounts for albinism in the ferret (Mustela putorius furo). The coding sequence of the five exons of TYR was determined in genomic DNA from wild‐type pigmented ‘sable’ coloured and albino ferrets. It was not possible to amplify TYR exon 4 in albino ferrets originating from different breeds. The deletion of exon 4 in albino ferrets was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization of genomic DNA from albino and pigmented ferrets. This is the first report of a deletion of a TYR exon in a non‐human mammal.