bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of changes in endometrial and subendometrial volume and vascularity during the normal menstrual cycle using three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound
Authors: Jokubkiene L. , Sladkevicius P. , Rovas L. , Valentin L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjectivesTo describe changes in endometrial and subendometrial volume and vascularity during the normal menstrual cycle using three‐dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasonography.MethodsFourteen healthy volunteers, 24–44 years old with regular menstrual cycles, underwent serial transvaginal 3D power Doppler ultrasound examinations of the uterus on cycle day 2, 3 or 4, then daily from cycle day 9 until follicular rupture and 1, 2, 5, 7 and 12 days after follicular rupture. Endometrial and subendometrial volume (cm3), vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were calculated using the VOCAL™ (Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis) software.ResultsEndometrial and subendometrial vascularity indices increased throughout the follicular phase, decreased to a nadir 2 days after follicular rupture and then increased again during the luteal phase. Endometrial and subendometrial volume increased rapidly during the follicular phase and then remained almost unchanged during the luteal phase.ConclusionsSubstantial changes occur in endometrial volume and vascularization during the normal menstrual cycle. There is the potential for 3D power Doppler ultrasonography to become a useful tool for assessing pathological changes associated with female subfertility and abnormal uterine bleeding. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and Characterization of Pt/Co‐Core Au‐Shell Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Dai Jingtao , Du Yukou , Yang Ping 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPt/Co‐core Au‐shell nanoparticles were synthesized via a two‐step route using NaBH4 as a reducing agent. The nanoparticles are characterized by UV‐vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicate that the as‐synthesized Pt/Co‐core Au‐shell nanoparticles have a disordered face centered cubic (fcc) structure, whereas the annealed Pt/Co‐core Au‐shell nanoparticles exhibit an ordered face centered tetragonal (fct) structure. Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) studies reveal that the coercivity of the annealed Pt/Co‐core Au‐shell nanoparticles increases to 510 Oe after heat treatment at 500 °C for 2 h.
Extracurricular sports activity around growth spurt and improved tibial cortical bone properties in late adolescence
Authors: SHI HUI‐JING , NAKAMURA KEIKO , KIZUKI MASASHI , INOSE TOMOKO , SEINO KAORUKO , TAKANO TAKEHITO 
Published: May 2006

Abstract Aim: To elucidate whether extracurricular sports activity during rapid growth correlates with improved bone properties in late adolescence, a longitudinal observation was performed among 96 high‐school enrolments (46 boys and 50 girls, born in 1981–1982) in metropolitan Tokyo. Methods: In each year of high school, tibial cortical speed of sound (TCSOS) was measured by quantitative ultrasonometry, and participation in extracurricular sports activity (ECSA) since primary school was examined by structured questionnaire. We calculated the number of years since peak height velocity (ysPHV) based on annual records of height from 6 to 18 y of age to indicate progression of puberty. Results: The increase in TCSOS during high school in boys (32.5 m/s) was significantly greater than that in girls (5.4 m/s). The magnitude of positive association between ysPHV and TCSOS attenuated gradually over time. ECSA in grades 7–9 in boys and in grades 4–6 in girls were significant predictors of TCSOS throughout high school, independent of potential confounders.Conclusion: The bone benefits of ECSA around the growth spurt are maintainable in subsequent years. The importance of physical activities that are integrated into the ordinary lifestyle of children and adolescents during this crucial period is emphasized.
Comparative analysis of neonatal morbidity for vaginal and caesarean section deliveries using hospital charge
Authors: CHANG JUI‐HSING , HSU CHIN‐YUAN , LO JOAN C. , CHEN CHIE‐PEIN , HUANG FU‐YUAN , YU SUCHUAN 
Published: May 2006

Abstract Aim: To assess the neonatal morbidity of alternative modes of delivery using economic data. Methods: Two groups of neonatal morbidity data were extracted according to mode of delivery from inpatient claims on National Health Insurance in Taiwan: uncomplicated vaginal and caesarean section deliveries. Outcome variables included number of infants treated as inpatients, duration of hospital stay, and hospital charge during both the first month and the first year of age. Results: Uncomplicated caesarean section delivery of term infants carried a significant increase either in the first month of life or during the first year after birth in both duration of hospital stay and hospital discharge when compared with uncomplicated vaginal delivery. Neonatal jaundice accounted for the greatest morbidity among term newborns, irrespective of delivery mode, followed by infectious, gastrointestinal and respiratory morbidity. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that uncomplicated vaginal delivery was associated with skin diseases. Uncomplicated caesarean section delivery was associated with infectious disease and disease of the respiratory, digestive and circulatory systems. Conclusion: The findings of this study may provide further information for clinicians and would be an important consideration when advising pregnant women on the preferred route of delivery.
Normative data for triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses of Chinese infants
Authors: FOK TAI‐FAI , HON KAM‐LUN ELLIS , NG PAK‐CHEUNG , WONG MING‐CHUNG ERIC , SO HUNG‐KWAN , LAU TAK‐FAI JOSEPH , CHOW CHUN‐BONG , LEE WAI‐HONG ,   The Hong Kong Neonatal Measurements Working Group
Published: May 2006

AbstractSkinfold thickness is a validated parameter of subcutaneous fat accumulation. Data on triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses were collected from 10 043 (5318 males, 4725 females) singletons at 12 hospitals with gestation 31–42 wk. The LMS method using maximum penalized likelihood was used to perform model fitting of the anthropometric centiles for these parameters. Both triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses were greater in girls than in boys. Racial differences were found when comparing with other populations. The triceps subscapular skinfold thicknesses of Chinese infants were significantly lower than those of US white infants but larger than those of African‐American infants, Israeli infants, Spanish infants and Indian infants.Conclusion: This study provides the first set of references for the triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses of Chinese infants by gestation and gender. These data are helpful in determining the nutritional status of infants at birth and in assessing the postnatal growth of Chinese infants.
Herbage mass, nutritive value and canopy spectral reflectance of bermudagrass pastures
Authors: Starks P. J. , Zhao D. , Phillips W. A. , Coleman S. W. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractTimely and accurate detection of above‐ground herbage mass and the nutritive value of pastures can help the more efficient adjustment of stocking rate and determine the timing of protein supplements to be fed to livestock grazing these pastures. The objectives of this study were to determine seasonal variation in herbage mass, neutral‐detergent fibre (NDF), acid‐detergent fibre (ADF) and crude protein (CP) concentrations of herbage and canopy reflectance of pastures of genotypes of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.), and to analyse the relationships between these descriptors of nutritive value of herbage and canopy reflectance in broad spectral wavebands. Three bermudagrass pastures of varieties Midland and Ozarka, and an experimental hybrid, 74 × 12‐12, were established in 1991 and had received the same field management and stocking rate. Canopy reflectance, above‐ground herbage mass of DM and CP, and NDF, ADF and CP concentrations of herbage were measured in the growing seasons of 2002 and 2003. Year, genotype and sampling date significantly (P < 0·05) affected most measured variables. Ratios of canopy reflectance in blue to red (R(blue)/R(red)) and in near infrared to red (R(NIR)/R(red)) wavebands were highly correlated with concentrations of CP in herbage and herbage mass of CP but the relationships between reflectance ratios and NDF and ADF concentrations of herbage were relatively low. It is concluded that the CP concentration of herbage and herbage mass of CP of pastures can be estimated throughout the growing season using remote sensing of canopy reflectance and the information may be used for pasture and livestock management.
How and why do occupational therapists use the OTseeker evidence database?
Authors: McCluskey Annie , Lovarini Meryl , Bennett Sally , McKenna Kryss , Tooth Leigh , Hoffmann Tammy 
Published: May 2006

Background:  OTseeker is a free online bibliographic database containing systematic reviews and methodological ratings of randomised controlled trials relevant to occupational therapy. The database aims to help therapists efficiently identify high quality pre‐appraised research. Aim:  This study explored the search practices of therapists who regularly used OTseeker, what they did with the information retrieved and their perceptions of the database. Sample:  A purposive sample of 11 occupational therapists was recruited in 2004. All had visited OTseeker at least five times in the previous 12 months. Study design:  Qualitative. Methods:  A semistructured interview was conducted with each participant. Grounded theory methods were used for analysis. Findings:  Five distinct categories were identified: reasons for visiting OTseeker, learning about OTseeker, search times and locations, using information from OTseeker, and improving OTseeker. Therapists used the database to teach or model evidence‐based practice, answer clinical questions and keep up‐to‐date. Suggestions for improvement focussed on search functionality, access to abstracts and the location of the PEDro rating scale. Only two participants synthesised information from OTseeker into a summary, and/or used it to inform client reports.Conclusion:  This study suggests that OTseeker is helping to increase research utilisation by occupational therapists. Further research is needed to help therapists apply research evidence to change practice and policy.
Directed microspore‐specific recombination of transgenic alleles to prevent pollen‐mediated transmission of transgenes
Authors: Mlynárová Ludmila , Conner Anthony J. , Nap Jan‐Peter 
Published: May 2006

SummaryA major challenge for future genetically modified (GM) crops is to prevent undesired gene flow of transgenes to plant material intended for another use. Recombinase‐mediated auto excision of transgenes directed by a tightly controlled microspore‐specific promoter allows efficient removal of either the selectable marker gene or of all introduced transgenes during microsporogenesis. This way, transgene removal becomes an integral part of the biology of pollen maturation, not requiring any external stimulus such as chemical induction by spraying. We here show the feasibility of engineering transgenic plants to produce pollen devoid of any transgene. Highly efficient excision of transgenes from tobacco pollen was achieved with a potential failure rate of at most two out of 16 800 seeds (0.024%). No evidence for either premature activation or absence of activation of the recombinase system was observed under stress conditions in the laboratory. This approach can prevent adventitious presence of transgenes in non‐GM crops or related wild species by gene flow. Such biological containment may help the deployment and management of coexistence practices to support consumer choice and will promote clean molecular farming for the production of high‐value compounds in plants.
THE SHAPING OF ANGIOSPERM TAXONOMY
Authors: WALTERS S. M. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryAngiosperm classification is to be understood in relation to its development against a particular historical and philosophical background—that of seventeenth‐ and eighteenth‐century Europe. The selection of the world's flora and the botanical literature available to Linnaeus and his immediate successors determined the main shape of the classification which we use today.Willis's generalization about the relationship between the age of a taxon and its size (part of his so‐called ‘A.S.A. hypothesis’) is valid enough, both for families (if size is judged by number of genera) and for genera (if size is judged by number of species). Willis, however, thought of the age of the taxon in evolutionary terms; all that is necessary to validate the generalization is to interpret ‘age’ quite literally as the number of years since the particular taxon was created in the mind of the taxonomist.A corollary of this thesis is that we have no reason to think that Angiosperm classification would be substantially the same if botany had developed in, say, New Zealand in the nineteenth century instead of medieval and post‐medieval Europe. The stability of Angiosperm families, essentially unchanged since de Jussieu, is no evidence of their ‘correctness’; family boundaries might be seriously different, and the main reference purposes of the classification still be adequately served.Taxonomists should accept that their function is to provide a convenient reference system for the science as a whole; they would then be very conservative in suggesting changes to the existing system, which is convenient enough, and could devote their efforts more practically to making available in a reasonably accessible form the enormous body of taxonomic information already accumulated in the specialist literature.
THE TILIA DECLINE: AN ANTHROPOGENIC INTERPRETATION
Authors: TURNER JUDITH 
Published: May 2006

SummaryEvidence is presented from five sites that the decrease in the Tilia pollen frequency seen in many British pollen diagrams is caused by human activity in the woodlands rather than by a change in climate. Analysis of the pollen diagrams makes it probable that there was considerable local variation in the composition of these woodlands and in the nature of prehistoric man's influence on them. Radiocarbon dates show that a major decline in the Tilia pollen frequency has taken place at various times. This means that the VII/VIII zone boundary, as originally defined by changes in tree‐pollen frequencies, has little or no climatic significance and the difficulty that has been encountered in defining its exact position follows from the fact that human activity is a much more variable influence upon vegetation than a change in climate.
LATE‐GLACIAL AND POST‐GLACIAL DEPOSITS AT MALHAM, YORKSHIRE
Authors: PIGOTT C. D. , PIGOTT M. E. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryPost‐glacial marl in Malham Tarn and marl and peat in Tarn Moss overlie Late‐glacial clays. Pollen analysis suggests that juniper scrub occupied the limestone upland during the Late‐glacial period. In the Post‐glacial period this was supplanted by hazel scrub (possibly with pine) and subsequently oak and elm may have been present. Forest destruction apparently began in the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age but was accelerated during the Iron Age, Norse and Monastic periods. There is no clear evidence to suggest that widespread soil erosion accompanied deforestation and the limestone pavements would seem to have lacked a covering of mineral soil since the Last Glaciations.
THE FLORAL ANATOMY OF ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM MATON, A RE‐INVESTIGATION
Authors: PAI R. M. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe re‐investigation indicates that the epigynous glands of the cardamom flower, as in other species of Zingiberaceae, are vascularized emergences of the ovary. Anatomical evidence has been adduced in support of the classical view that the labellum of the cardamom flower is a double structure. The observations of Thompson and Gregory, in this connection, are re‐interpreted and it is shown that the mid‐anterior strand in the labellum is a fusion product of the marginal traces of the two component members belonging to the inner androecial whorl.
A NEW BASE NUMBER IN THE GENUS LYGODIUM
Authors: ROY S. K. , MANTON I. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryChromosome counts have been carried out on thirteen specimens of Lygodium, mostly of known wild origin from various parts of the oriental tropics. Five specimens represent taxa not previously investigated from any source. The results confirm some previous records, notably the presence in the genus of two base numbers (n = 29 and n = 30) and their multiples, but they add a new base number (n = 28) and multiples. Some phyletic and other implications of these findings are discussed.
A GENECOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE GENUS PICEA IN BRITISH COLUMBIA*
Authors: ROCHE L. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe study is divided into two parts. Part A is an investigation of geographic variation in immature spruce populations and refers to the growth behaviour of 150 spruce populations grown in a relatively uniform environment. The seed, which was collected throughout the white, Engelmann and Sitka spruce complex in British Columbia, was sown in a coastal nursery on Vancouver Island. Detailed measurements were made on these populations during two growing seasons. In the laboratory seed samples of the same populations were X‐rayed to determine embryo development, and subsequently germinated at 25° C, Part B is a study of geographic variation in mature spruce populations and refers to a biometrical assessment of variation in cone scale morphology which was carried out on a mass collection of spruce cones collected in 157 areas throughout the range of spruce in British Columbia. This collection, therefore, embraces all four spruce species of the province. These are Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong,) Carr.), black spruce (P. mariana (Mill,) B,S,P,), white spruce (P. glauca (Nlotnc) Voss subsp, glauca) and Engelmann spruce (P. glauca (Moench) Voss subsp, engelmannii). All measurements were subjected to statistical analysis in order to determine the relation between the variation observed and factors of the environment at place of origin. The results of both studies testify to the overwhelming influence of environmental pressures associated with altitude with respect to variation in the white‐Engelmann complex. In regard to the white‐Sitka complex both studies indicate the extent and effect of the penetration of Sitka spruce populations into populations of white spruce. Zones of hybridization between spruce species are characterized. The ecological significance of photoperiodic adaptation in spruce, and the relative importance of flushing and dormancy in the microevolution of the species are considered. The bearing of the results on the taxonomic status of the species in British Columbia is discussed, and recommendations are made in regard to the silviculture of the species in this province.
POLLEN‐ANALYTICAL EVIDENCE FOR THE EFFECT OF PREHISTORIC AGRICULTURE ON THE VEGETATION OF NORTH DERBYSHIRE
Authors: HICKS SHEILA P. 
Published: May 2006

SummarySix upland sites are investigated and a pollen diagram produced from each. On each diagram a series of clearance phases is detected. These clearance phases are dated on the Leash Fen diagram by a series of nine radiocarbon dates. The Totley Moss and Hipper Sick diagram each have a single radiocarbon date for the first appearance of Plantago lanceolata. The archaeological evidence for the region is reviewed and the distribution of artifacts for each period noted. Reference is also made to spot pollen counts made in association with archaeological sites. Individual clearance phases and archaeological periods are then correlated by means of the radiocarbon evidence.It is deduced that clearance of the Atlantic mixed‐oak forest was small scale and temporary throughout the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, and did not become extensive until the Iron Age. Up until and including the Iron Age pastoralism dominated the economy but during the Roman occupation a stimulus was given to arable cultivation. By the post‐Roman‐pre‐Conquest period, forest clearance and soil erosion had degraded the upland soils to such an extent that a shallow peat cover was able to develop over large areas. The treeless heather moorland of today represents a culmination of this process.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF CONIDIUM ONTOGENY IN THE DEUTEROMYCETE FUNGUSSTACHYBOTRYS ATRACORDA
Authors: CAMPBELL R. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryVarious fixation methods were used to study conidium ontogeny inStachybotrys atraCorda. Phialides arise by subterminal branching of the conidiophore. The first spore originates from the inner layer of the phialide tip, breaking the other wall layers. Thereafter spores are produced from the inside of the phialide neck where new wall layers are formed. Spores are cut off from the phialide by a septum and this splits to release the spore. As spore production ceases the phialide neck becomes plugged, the basal septum of the phialide becomes plugged and the cytoplasm vacuolates. Spores have a rough, pigmented two‐layered wall and the usual organelles.
LONG‐RANGE TRANSMISSION OF TREE POLLEN TO SHETLAND
Authors: TYDESLEY J.B. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe paper describes how absolute values of pollen deposition may be calculated from the results of volumetric sampling, supplemented by routine meteorological data. Daily mean values of concentration of birch pollen in the air at Lerwick, Shetland in 1970 and 1971 are presented, and these are used to calculate daily and annual depositions. The results are consistent with what is known about the occurrence of tree pollen in fossil and recent deposits in Shetland.
LONG‐RANGE TRANSMISSION OF TREE POLLEN TO SHETLAND III. FREQUENCIES OVER THE PAST HUNDRED YEARS
Authors: TYLDESLEY J. B. 
Published: May 2006

SUMMARYThe catches of tree pollen at Lerwick in 1970–72 are related to Lamb's catalogue of daily weather types. This is done by examination of weather maps on particular days, and statistically by finding the effectiveness of certain weather types for pollen transport, and by examining the source areas of trajectories. It is found that in April‐July, of all days when the surface track is from likely source areas, 50–80% bring measurable amounts of tree pollen to Shetland, depending on the weather type.The results are applied to statistics of the frequencies of the different weather types. It is estimated that the number of days per year of airborne tree pollen at Lerwick is 15 ±3, and that there has been no secular trend in this figure over the past hundred years.
Postero‐Lateral Scar Tissue Resulting in Non‐Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: BLEEKER GABE B. , SCHALIJ MARTIN J. , VAN DER WALL ERNST E. , BAX JEROEN J. 
Published: May 2006

In large cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) trials, approximately 20–30% of patients did not respond to CRT. Recent studies indicated that left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony is needed for response to CRT. However, the presence of LV dyssynchrony may not be the only determinant of response, because some patients with LV dyssynchrony do not benefit from CRT.In the current case report, we present a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy, NYHA class III heart failure symptoms, and substantial LV dyssynchrony on tissue Doppler imaging who underwent CRT implantation but did not respond. Following CRT, LV dyssynchrony was not reduced and the patient did not improve in clinical symptoms or LV function. The lack of LV resynchronization was explained by the presence of extensive scar tissue in the region of the tip of the LV pacing lead resulting in ineffective LV pacing. In patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and history of previous infarction, assessment of scar tissue should be considered before CRT implantation.