bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary assessment of the vertiginous patient at a pre-ENT balance clinic
Authors: Leong A C , Barker F , Bleach N R 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIntroduction:Due to problems with long waiting times for assessment of vertiginous patients (more than 24 weeks), we changed practice and instituted a pre-ENT balance clinic assessment; we then audited the results. In particular, we looked at the subgroup with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo.Methods:One hundred and fifteen patients were seen at the pre-ENT balance clinic from October 2003 to September 2004. Those diagnosed with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo received particle repositioning therapy at the same clinic and did not subsequently need ENT assessment.Results:By the end of the audit period, waiting times were reduced to three weeks, and more than one-quarter of vertiginous patients (i.e. those diagnosed with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo) did not need to be reviewed at an ENT clinic.Conclusion:We believe this to be the first study to present prospective data showing that patients with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo may be safely diagnosed and effectively managed at a pre-ENT balance clinic.
Botulinum toxin A injection under electromyographic guidance for treatment of spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: Casserly P , Timon C 
Published: May 2007

AbstractSpasmodic dysphonia is a disabling voice condition caused by a chronic neurological disorder of central motor processing. Present therapy is directed at relief of symptoms rather than cure. Botulinum toxin type A injection into the thyroarytenoid muscle has become the pre-eminent approach for treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Botulinum toxin A injections can be performed in an out-patient setting under electromyographic guidance. We present our experience with 153 injections in 14 patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia over a 10-year period. We demonstrate that the electromyography signal is a reliable prognostic indicator in terms of efficacy, and that patients' subjective opinion is a valid indicator of treatment success and future treatment strategy.
Patient mobile telephone ‘text’ reminder: a novel way to reduce non-attendance at the ENT out-patient clinic
Authors: Geraghty M , Glynn F , Amin M , Kinsella J 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground:Non-attendance at out-patient clinics is a seemingly intractable problem, estimated to cost £65 (€97) per incident. This results in under-utilisation of resources and prolonged waiting lists. In an effort to reduce out-patient clinic non-attendance, our ENT department, in conjunction with the information and communication technology department, instigated the use of a mobile telephone short message service (‘text’) reminder, to be sent out to each patient three days prior to their out-patient clinic appointment.Objective:To audit non-attendance rates at ENT out-patient clinics following the introduction of a text reminder system.Study design:Retrospective review.Methods:Non-attendance at our institution's ENT out-patient clinics was audited, following introduction of a text message reminder system in August 2003. Rates of non-attendance were compared for the text message reminder group and a historical control group.Results:Before the introduction of the text message reminder system, the mean rate of non-attendance was 33.6 per cent. Following the introduction of the system, the mean rate of non-attendance reduced to 22 per cent.Conclusion:Sending text message reminders is a simple and cost-effective way to improve non-attendance at ENT out-patient clinics.
Repair of inner canthus surgical wound using superior palpebral artery based advancement flap
Authors: White P S , Walker F D L 
Published: May 2007

Background: Small defects of the inner canthus can be difficult to repair with an aesthetically satisfactory result, due to the difficulty in matching skin types and the resulting donor site scars.Methods: We describe a technique which we have employed for repairing skin defects around the inner canthus, using a cutaneous advancement flap from the upper eyelid, based on the superior palpebral artery.Results: Complete excision of the lesion was possible, and a cosmetically acceptable result was obtained.Conclusions: By using this technique, skin is moved within one aesthetic unit, thus maximising skin type matching and cosmetic results. In addition, the technique creates a donor site which can be easily hidden within the natural creases of the upper lid, and the arterial supply maximises the chances of flap survival.
Endoscopic technique to mark the site of tracheal stenosis for resection
Authors: Lichtenberger G , Sittel C , Merati A L , Reményi Á 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground:It is difficult to precisely localise the extent of the diseased segment on the external aspect of a stenotic trachea. A technique has been developed of marking the upper margin of stenosis, in order to open the airway at the appropriate level during segmental resection.Materials and methods:Prior to the open reconstructive procedure, the stenosis is visualised using microlaryngoscopy. An endo-extraluminal technique is used to drive a suture from inside out through the skin; this then serves to mark the exact top margin of the stenotic segment. This suture serves as a guide for the surgeon during the open approach to tracheal resection.Results:This technique was performed in 16 cases, and allowed precise localisation of the stenosis in each case.Conclusion:Transcutaneous localisation of laryngotracheal stenosis, using the Lichtenberger device, is an easy and reliable technique requiring a minimum of additional time.
Classification and ecological relationships of seed dormancy in a seasonal moist tropical forest, Panama, Central America
Authors: Sautu Adriana , Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. , Deago Jose , Condit Richard 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis is the first study to determine the class of seed dormancy (or non-dormancy) of a large number of native tree species in a tropical forest, the seasonal moist tropical forest of the Panama Canal Watershed (PCW), or to test the relationships between class of dormancy (or non-dormancy) and various seed and ecological characteristics of the constituent species. Fresh seeds of 49 of 94 tree species were non-dormant (ND), and 45 were dormant (D). Seeds of 23 species had physiological dormancy (PD), 13 physical dormancy (PY), two morphological dormancy (MD), 7 morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) and none combinational dormancy (PY+PD). Seeds with PY were significantly smaller ( < 0.1 g) and drier (moisture content < 16%) at maturity than those that were ND or in the other D classes. Seeds of 62, 42 and 53% of species dispersed in the early rainy, late rainy (LRS) and dry seasons, respectively, were ND. The majority (61%) of species with PD seeds, but only 17% of those with PY seeds, were dispersed in the LRS. The proportion of species with ND seeds was higher in large-size (63%) than in mid-size (35%) and understorey (17%) trees, but differed only slightly between non-pioneers (58%) and pioneers (54%). The proportion of species with D seeds increased only slightly through a precipitation gradient of about 3100 to 1900 mm in the PCW; however, PY increased from 19 to 32% and PD decreased from 63 to 44%.
Seasonal variation in density and species richness of soil seed-banks in karst forests and degraded vegetation in central Yunnan, SW China
Authors: Shen You-xin , Liu Wen-yao , Cao Min , Li Yu-hui 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWe studied seasonal variation in density and species richness of seeds in the 0–10 cm soil depth layer in primary, secondary and pine forests, and in shrubland and grassland in the Shilin Stone Forest Geographical Park, Yunnan, SW China. Soil samples were collected four times during the year at 3-month intervals. Seeds from 119 species were identified by germination tests in the soil samples. Density and species richness of seeds of herbaceous plants were greater than woody plants at all five sites throughout the year. Sampling time and site differences had significant effects on the mean number of species and on seed-bank density. Mean number of species per sample increased from February, reached the highest value in May, decreased to the lowest value in August and then increased in November. An exception was in the primary forest, where the highest number of species was found in February. Mean seed-bank density peaked in May at all five sites, and no significant differences were found between densities in February, November and August, except for the primary forest. The peak in seed-bank density in May might be due to dispersal of new seeds of spring-fruiting species, combined with persistence of seeds dispersed in previous years. This seasonal variation of individual species was due primarily to differences in species phenology rather than to differences between sites. Four seasonal seed-bank strategies were identified: two transient and two persistent. At all sites, similar numbers of seeds of herbaceous species were found between seasons, but the number of species of trees and shrubs decreased in August.
Endogenous jasmonates in dry and imbibed sunflower seeds from plants grown at different soil moisture contents
Authors: Vigliocco Ana , Alemano Sergio , Miersch Otto , Alvarez Daniel , Abdala Guillermina 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn this study, we characterized two sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) lines with differential sensitivity to drought, the sensitive line B59 and the tolerant line B71. Using both lines, we compared the content of endogenous jasmonates (JAs) in dry and imbibed seeds from plants grown under irrigation and drought. Jasmonic acid (JA), 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA), 11-hydroxyjasmonate (11-OH-JA) and 12-hydroxyjasmonate (12-OH-JA) were detected in dry and imbibed sunflower seeds. Seeds from plants grown under drought had a lower content of total JAs and exhibited higher germination percentages than seeds from irrigated plants, demonstrating that environmental conditions have a strong influence on the progeny. OPDA and 12-OH-JA were the main compounds found in dry seeds of both lines. Imbibed seeds showed an enhanced amount of total JAs with respect to dry seeds produced by plants grown in both soil moisture conditions. Imbibition triggered a dramatic OPDA increase in the embryo, suggesting a role of this compound in germination. We conclude that JAs patterns vary during sunflower germination and that the environmental conditions experienced by the mother plant modify the hormonal content of the seed progeny.
Frequency-dependent advantages of plasmid carriage by Pseudomonas in homogeneous and spatially structured environments
Authors: Ellis Richard J , Lilley Andrew K , Lacey Samantha J , Murrell David , Godfray H Charles J 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
The conditions promoting the persistence of a plasmid carrying a trait that may be mutually beneficial to other cells in its vicinity were studied in structured and unstructured environments. A large plasmid encoding mercury resistance in Pseudomonas fluorescens was used, and the mercury concentration allowing invasion from rare for both plasmid-bearing and plasmid-free cells was determined for different initial inoculum densities in batch-culture structured (filter surface) and unstructured (mixed broth) environments. A range of mercury concentrations were found where both cell types could coexist, the regions being relatively similar in the two types of environment although density-dependent in the unstructured environment. The coexistence is explained in terms of frequency-dependent selection of the mutually beneficial mercury resistance trait, and the dynamics of bacterial growth under batch culture conditions. However, the region of coexistence was complicated by conjugation which increased plasmid spread in the mixed broth culture but not the structured environment.
Synchrony in aquatic microbial community dynamics
Authors: Kent Angela D , Yannarell Anthony C , Rusak James A , Triplett Eric W , McMahon Katherine D 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Population dynamics are influenced by drivers acting from outside and from within an ecosystem. Extrinsic forces operating over broad spatial scales can impart synchronous behavior to separate populations, while internal, system-specific drivers often lead to idiosyncratic behavior. Here, we demonstrate synchrony in community-level dynamics among phytoplankton and bacteria in six north temperate humic lakes. The influence of regional meteorological factors explained much of the temporal variability in the phytoplankton community, and resulted in synchronous patterns of community change among lakes. Bacterial dynamics, in contrast, were driven by system-specific interactions with phytoplankton. Despite the importance of intrinsic factors for determining bacterial community composition and dynamics, we demonstrated that biological interactions transmitted the signal of the regional extrinsic drivers to the bacterial communities, ultimately resulting in synchronous community phenologies for bacterioplankton communities as well. This demonstrates how linkages between the components of a complex biological system can work to simplify the dynamics of the system and implies that it may be possible to predict the behavior of microbial communities responsible for important biogeochemical services in the landscape.
Microbial ecology of biological invasions
Authors: van der Putten Wim H , Klironomos John N , Wardle David A 
Published: May 2007

AbstractInvasive microbes, plants and animals are a major threat to the composition and functioning of ecosystems; however, the mechanistic basis of why exotic species can be so abundant and disruptive is not well understood. Most studies have focused on invasive plants and animals, although few have considered the effects of invasive microbes, or interactions of invasive plant and animal species with microbial communities. Here, we review effects of invasive plants on soil microbial communities and discuss consequences for plant performance, plant community structure and ecosystem processes. In addition, we briefly discuss effects of invasive soil microbes on plant communities, which has been less well studied, and effects of invasive animals on soil decomposers and ecosystem functioning. We do this by considering each of three important functional groups of microbes, namely soil microbial parasites and pathogens, mutualistic symbionts and decomposers. We conclude that invasive plants, pathogenic and symbiotic soil microbes will have strongest effects on the abundance of individual species, community diversity and ecosystem functioning. Invasive decomposer microbes probably have little impact, because of limited specificity and great functional redundancy. However, invasive plants and animals can have major effects on microbial decomposition in soil. We propose that understanding, predicting and counteracting consequences of enhanced global homogenization of natural communities through introducing exotic plants, animals and microbes will require future studies on how pathogenic, symbiotic and decomposer soil microbes interact, how they are influenced by higher trophic level organisms and how their combined effects are influencing the composition and functioning of ecosystems.
Effects of a surfactant-templated nanoporous TiO2 interlayer on dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Ahn Kwang-Soon , Kang Moon-Sung , Lee Ji-Won , Kang Yong Soo 
Published: May 2007

A 320 nm thick surfactant-templated nanoporous (STN) TiO2 layer prepared from block copolymer P123 [poly(ethylene oxide)20-poly(propylene oxide)70-poly(ethylene oxide)20] was used as an interlayer between a 21 μm thick mesoporous TiO2 layer and a transparent conducting oxide. The thin STN TiO2 interlayer had well-dispersed nanoporous features, which made it possible to adsorb dye molecules in the interlayer. In addition, it provided an enhanced electron lifetime, resulting in a reduced recombination rate and an increased diffusion length. The dye-sensitized solar cell with the thin STN interlayer resulted in a significantly increased overall energy conversion efficiency from 7.11% to 9.22% with an improvement of all parameters (short-circuit current, open circuit voltage, and fill factor).
Preparation and Use of an Integrated Microcapillary HPLC Column and ESI Device for Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Goodlett David R. , Yi Eugene C. , Mottay Philippe 
Published: May 2007

INTRODUCTIONImplementation of separation techniques in miniaturized formats on-line with high-performance mass spectrometers and the development of miniaturized sprayers as electrospray ionization (ESI) ion sources have reduced the amount of peptide required for complete and routine sequence characterization from several picomoles to a few femtomoles and below. Arguably, much of this gain in sensitivity is due to the combination of concentration-dependent type ionization devices such as ESI and on-line capillary separation devices of very small internal diameter (I.D.). This can be primarily attributed to a reduced mass flow rate of solvents and other background constituents into the ESI source, which allows for greater sample ionization efficiency. For reasons of robustness, most microcapillary HPLC (μLC) work is done with 75- or 100-μm I.D. capillary columns that clog less frequently than 50-μm I.D. capillary columns. The following protocol describes the preparation of an integrated C18-packed capillary column-ESI microspray device. In this protocol, a polyimide capillary tip tapered to ~5 μm is used to hold the C18-derivatized particles in place.
Cell Preparation and Multicolor FISH in 3D Preserved Cultured Mammalian Cells
Authors: Cremer Marion , Müller Stefan , Köhler Daniela , Brero Alessandro , Solovei Irina 
Published: May 2007

INTRODUCTIONFluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on three-dimensional preserved nuclei (3D-FISH) in combination with three-dimensional-microscopy and image reconstruction is an efficient tool to analyze the arrangement of distinct nuclear targets such as entire chromosome territories, chromosomal subregions, or single gene loci on a single-cell level. This protocol focuses on fixation, pretreatments, and 3D-FISH on cultured mammalian cells. It can be applied to a variety of cell types growing adherently or in suspension.
FISH on Histological Sections
Authors: Solovei Irina , Grasser Florian , Lanctôt Christian 
Published: May 2007

IntroductionHere we describe fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of DNA probes to histological sections, which allows the visualization of specific DNA targets (chromosome territories and their subregions) in the context of functional tissue organization. Separate protocols are provided for hybridization using paraffin-embedded tissue sections and for hybridization using vibratome or frozen sections. Pretreatment with heat or protease is necessary to allow unmasking of the target DNA and efficient penetration of reagents in the nuclei. Because the goal of the technique is to obtain data on the native 3D structure of the genome, close attention is paid to the preservation of nuclear morphology.
Preparation of Complex DNA Probe Sets for 3D FISH with up to Six Different Fluorochromes
Authors: Müller Stefan , Neusser Michaela , Köhler Daniela , Cremer Marion 
Published: May 2007

INTRODUCTIONDNA probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can be generated and labeled by various methods. This protocol describes the conjugation of dUTPs with haptens or fluorochromes, as well as the generation and labeling of DNA probes using those modified dUTPs. Sources of probe DNA include genomic DNA, DNA from flow-sorted chromosomes, bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs), and cosmids. DNA amplification and labeling procedures involving degenerate oligonucleotide-primed PCR (DOP-PCR) and multiple displacement amplification (MDA) are provided. Advice is given for setting up complex probe pools, such as those containing large pools of BAC probes. Also included is a method for probe precipitation and preparation of a hybridization mix ready to be used for 3D fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments.
Dejellying Xenopus laevis Embryos
Authors: Sive Hazel L. , Grainger Robert M. , Harland Richard M. 
Published: May 2007

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol presents a method for preparing Xenopus embryos for manipulation. Embryos are surrounded by a series of thick, protective jelly membranes. Removal of these membranes is the first step in most micromanipulation procedures. These membranes must be completely removed for embryo dissection. For microinjection, membranes can be completely or partially removed.
Removing the Vitelline Membrane from Xenopus laevis Embryos: Figure 1.
Authors: Sive Hazel L. , Grainger Robert M. , Harland Richard M. 
Published: May 2007

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol presents a method for the removal of the vitelline membrane from Xenopus embryos, which is essential for embryo dissection experiments. Removal of the vitelline membrane is a technique that becomes easier with practice. The easiest embryos on which to learn this technique are those with a large space between the membrane and the embryo, that is, late neurula stages.
Lentivirus Transduction of Hematopoietic Cells: Figure 1.
Authors: Li Ming-Jie , Rossi John J. 
Published: May 2007

INTRODUCTIONEfficient transfer and sustained expression of transgenes are among the most important issues in gene delivery. The majority of hematopoietic cells are nondividing or slowly self-renewing. Thus, they are refractory to most nonviral or retroviral delivery methods. Lentiviral vectors are capable of transducing nondividing cells and maintaining long-term and sustained expression of the transgenes. They are becoming useful for many delivery protocols, such as long-term expression of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and functional genetics. They may also have great potential in gene therapy. This protocol describes lentivirus-vector-based delivery of foreign genes to hematopoietic cells. The method is applicable to various cell types in experiments that require long-term transgene expression.
Knockdown Transgenic Mice Generated by Silencing Lentiviral Vectors: Zona Pellucida Removal and Subzonal Injection Methods: Figure 1.
Authors: Singer Oded , Tiscornia Gustavo , Verma Inder M. 
Published: May 2007

INTRODUCTIONIn order to generate transgenic and knockout animals, preimplantation embryos must be harvested and manipulated in vitro. Although the production of transgenic animals has been performed by pronuclear injection of DNA into single-cell embryos, the generation of mouse knockouts is time-consuming and laborious. An embryonic stem (ES) knockout line must be generated, characterized, and injected into a blastocyst in order to obtain a chimeric founder that can be subsequently bred to homozygosity. Taking advantage of the unique ability of lentiviral vectors to generate transgenic animals, one can use lentiviruses expressing short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) from polymerase III (pol III) promoters such as H1 and mU6 to produce transgenic knockdown mice. This protocol describes two methods to deliver genes and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-expressing cassettes into preimplantation mouse embryos using lentiviral vectors: zona pellucida removal and subzonal injection. The zona pellucida removal method is able to achieve up to 100% transgenesis and does not require the use of a micromanipulator. However, zona removal is toxic to the embryos and results in low survival of embryos. The subzonal injection method is able to achieve up to 100% transgenesis and is not toxic for the embryos; therefore, survival of embryos is much higher. Nevertheless, it involves the use of a micromanipulator, which requires some skill.