bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the proportion of sterile soldiers in growing aphid colonies
Authors: Aoki Shigeyuki , Imai Masaru 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe proportion of sterile soldiers in an aphid colony is positively correlated with colony size. Assuming logistic growth of the aphid colony, Aoki and Kurosu (Insect Soc 50:256–261, 2003) presented an inequality that determines, for any colony size, whether a soldier or a reproductive will be added to the colony. To put it in words, if the marginal defensive efficacy of a soldier, multiplied by the number of reproductives, is larger than the mean productivity of reproductives without defense by that soldier, the soldier will be produced; if not, a reproductive will be produced. Based on Aoki and Kurosu's inequality, we carried out simulations to determine whether the proportion of soldiers increased with colony size. Given a constant level of depredation per aphid and a constant number of predators, proportion of soldiers continued to increase with colony size unless a single soldier was very effective or unless carrying capacity was very large. Given a constant number of nongluttonous predators and a decreasing level of depredation per aphid, proportion of soldiers soon began to decrease after a peak. However, given an increasing number of nongluttonous predators to keep a constant level of depredation per aphid, proportion of soldiers again continued to increase. These results confirmed the argument that the proportion of soldiers can increase with colony size under a wide range of realistic assumptions.
Synoptic features associated with critical water level rises in the Río de la Plata
Authors: Alessandro A. P. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThis study aims to describe the synoptic features that caused the water level in the Río de la Plata estuary to rise above critical levels between December 1989 and December 1998. Floods in the estuary can seriously affect the land beside the river from Punta Indio (35.22°S,57.17°W) to the Paraná delta, including the lowlands of Buenos Aires City.Surface pressure patterns associated with floods in the Río de la Plata estuary were obtained by using Quartimax rotated T‐mode Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of 1000 hPa geopotential heights. The PCA patterns and 1000 hPa composite and anomaly fields show two main causes for overflows in the Río de la Plata estuary. First, the presence of a surface anticyclone, located south of Buenos Aires province and over northern Patagonia; and, second, cyclogenesis over northeastern Argentina or over Uruguay. The two synoptic features are often present simultaneously.Two representative points were selected in the area under study: one over the continent at the Aeroparque meteorological station (34.34°S,58.25°W) and another over the ocean between 36°S,56°W and 36°S,50°W. Predominant 1000 hPa wind directions associated with overflows were SE at the former location and SSW at the latter.Based on the analysis of the obtained fields, the relationship between the estuary overflow and blocking situations and/or positive pressure anomalies over southern South America and adjacent seas was studied. The zonal circulation index (I), used to detect blocking actions, was found to be useful for identifying synoptic situations related to the estuary swelling. The probability of water level rises in the Río de la Plata with a blocking or I > 0 at 70°W is 0.48, 0.72, 0.78 and 0.73, for summer, autumn, winter and spring, respectively. When I > 0 is observed over the Atlantic at 40°W the probability of flooding is 0.16 for the whole year, but it decreases to 0.028 in autumn, winter and spring.These results and weather charts from different numerical prediction models show that alerts of possible Río de la Plata estuary overflow can be released five days in advance. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society
Comparison of offshore wind park sites using SAR wind measurement techniques
Authors: Schneiderhan Tobias , Lehner Susanne , Schulz‐Stellenfleth Johannes , Horstmann Jochen 
Published: July 2005

AbstractWind farming has grown rapidly in Europe over the last decade. All European countries with shallow coastal waters and strong mean coastal wind speeds are planning or already constructing offshore wind farms. Large parts of the North Sea and Baltic Sea are being investigated to see whether they are suitable for offshore wind parks. In this study we show how satellite images taken by space‐borne radar sensors can be used to determine mesoscale wind fields and thus help in the task of planning offshore wind farms. High‐resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images acquired by the European remote sensing satellite ERS‐2 showing single wind turbines are investigated. The methods for retrieving high‐resolution wind fields from SAR images are explained and statistical comparisons of wind speed and wind direction at the two offshore wind park sites in the North Sea, Horns Rev and Butendiek, are given. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society
Ontological analysis of gene expression data: current tools, limitations, and open problems
Authors: Khatri Purvesh , Drăghici Sorin 
Published: July 2005

AbstractSummary: Independent of the platform and the analysis methods used, the result of a microarray experiment is, in most cases, a list of differentially expressed genes. An automatic ontological analysis approach has been recently proposed to help with the biological interpretation of such results. Currently, this approach is the de facto standard for the secondary analysis of high throughput experiments and a large number of tools have been developed for this purpose. We present a detailed comparison of 14 such tools using the following criteria: scope of the analysis, visualization capabilities, statistical model(s) used, correction for multiple comparisons, reference microarrays available, installation issues and sources of annotation data. This detailed analysis of the capabilities of these tools will help researchers choose the most appropriate tool for a given type of analysis. More importantly, in spite of the fact that this type of analysis has been generally adopted, this approach has several important intrinsic drawbacks. These drawbacks are associated with all tools discussed and represent conceptual limitations of the current state-of-the-art in ontological analysis. We propose these as challenges for the next generation of secondary data analysis tools.Contact: sod@cs.wayne.edu
A heuristic approach for detecting RNA H-type pseudoknots
Authors: Huang Chun-Hsiang , Lu Chin Lung , Chiu Hsien-Tai 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Motivation
RNA H-type pseudoknots are ubiquitous pseudoknots that are found in almost all classes of RNA and thought to play very important roles in a variety of biological processes. Detection of these RNA H-type pseudoknots can improve our understanding of RNA structures and their associated functions. However, the currently existing programs for detecting such RNA H-type pseudoknots are still time consuming and sometimes even ineffective. Therefore, efficient and effective tools for detecting the RNA H-type pseudoknots are needed.

Results
In this paper, we have adopted a heuristic approach to develop a novel tool, called HPknotter, for efficiently and accurately detecting H-type pseudoknots in an RNA sequence. In addition, we have demonstrated the applicability and effectiveness of HPknotter by testing on some sequences with known H-type pseudoknots. Our approach can be easily extended and applied to other classes of more general pseudoknots.

Availability
The web server of our HPknotter is available for online analysis at http://bioalgorithm.life.nctu.edu.tw/HPKNOTTER/

Contact
cllu@mail.nctu.edu.tw, chiu@cc.nctu.edu.tw
Prevalence and Outcome of Allergic Colitis in Healthy Infants with Rectal Bleeding: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xanthakos Stavra A , Schwimmer Jeffrey B , Melin‐Aldana Hector , Rothenberg Marc E , Witte David P , Cohen Mitchell B 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTObjectives:Allergic colitis is often diagnosed clinically in healthy infants with rectal bleeding and often treated with costly hypoallergenic formula. The true prevalence of allergic colitis is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that allergic colitis is overdiagnosed in healthy infants with rectal bleeding. The authors also determined whether rectal bleeding in infants without allergic colitis would resolve without diet change.Methods:For the purposes of this study, allergic colitis was defined histologically as colonic mucosa with ≥ 6 eosinophils per high power field and/or eosinophils in colonic crypts or muscularis mucosae. We surveyed all 56 Ohio NASPGHAN members to determine standard practice regarding the evaluation of rectal bleeding in infants. In addition, infants ≤ 6 months old with rectal bleeding were recruited from the referral area of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. All infants underwent flexible sigmoidoscopy with biopsies at 5, 10 and 15 cm. Formula or maternal diet was changed only for infants with histologic findings of allergic colitis as defined. Study subjects were followed for 9 weeks.Results:In the survey of NASPGHAN members, 84% indicated they would empirically change the diet of an infant with rectal bleeding to treat presumed allergic colitis. In our study population, however, only 14 of 22 (64%; 95% confidence interval, 41‐83) infants with rectal bleeding had allergic colitis. Five (23%) had normal biopsies and three (14%) had nonspecific colitis. Rectal bleeding in all infants with normal biopsies or nonspecific colitis resolved without diet change except for 1 infant subsequently diagnosed with infantile inflammatory bowel disease.Conclusion:A significant proportion of infants with rectal bleeding may not have allergic colitis and may undergo unnecessary, expensive formula or maternal diet changes that may discourage breast‐feeding.
Antibiotic‐Induced Mesenteric Adenopathy in an Intussusception Mouse Model: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Spiro David M , Schmidt James M , Arnold Donald H , Cartner Samuel C , Yagmurlu Aydin 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTBackground:Idiopathic intussusception is a leading cause of intestinal obstruction in young children. Although the etiology remains obscure, lymphoid hyperplasia is found in a majority of cases. Antibiotics, the most frequently prescribed medication class in the pediatric population, have been recently associated with intussusception. The authors sought to determine whether enteral antibiotic exposure influences the development of mesenteric adenopathy, bowel dilation or intussusception in an animal model.Materials and Methods:The authors conducted a randomized, controlled animal trial using a previously described intussusception model. Mice were gavaged with normal saline, amoxicillin‐clavulanate or azithromycin twice daily for 5 days to assess the influence of enteral antibiotic exposure on intussusception, mesenteric adenopathy and bowel dilation. One pediatric surgeon performed all laparotomies and was blinded to group designation. χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used to evaluate differences between antibiotic exposed and control groups.Results:Mesenteric adenopathy was identified in 4.1% of the normal saline controls compared with 54.1% (P < 0.01) and 38.9% (P < 0.01) of the amoxicillin‐clavulanate and azithromycin exposed animals, respectively. A total of four intussusceptions were observed in the antibiotic‐exposed groups combined whereas no intussusception cases were identified in the control group (P = 0.30).Conclusions:This is the first study to describe a significant association between antibiotic use and mesenteric adenopathy in any animal species.
Whole Body Protein Turnover and Urea Production of Preterm Small for Gestational Age Infants Fed Fortified Human Milk or Preterm Formula
Authors: de Boo Hendrina A , Cranendonk Anneke , Kulik Willem , Harding Jane E , Lafeber Harrie N 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTObjectives:To investigate protein metabolism and urea production in preterm small for gestational age neonates fed a preterm formula or fortified human milk.Methods:Ten preterm small for gestational age neonates were fed either their own mother's milk fortified with a powdered protein mineral supplement or a special preterm formula. Protein metabolism was determined using constant steady‐state infusion of L‐[ring‐2H5]phenylalanine and L‐[1‐13C]valine. Urea production was determined from steady‐state [13C]urea kinetics.Results:Mean protein intake was 24% higher in the preterm formula group than in the fortified human milk group. No differences in protein turnover, synthesis and breakdown were observed between the two groups, but protein accretion was 71% to 79% higher in the preterm formula group than the fortified human milk group. Urea production rates were not different in the two groups. There was a strong negative correlation between urea production and protein accretion calculated from phenylalanine kinetics but not when calculated from valine kinetics.Conclusions:Preterm formula and fortified human milk appear equally well tolerated by preterm small for gestational age neonates, but protein accretion was higher in the preterm formula group. In preterm small for gestational age infants, both phenylalanine and valine kinetic methods can be used to accurately determine protein metabolism.
Neonatal and Infant Feeding: Effect on Bone Density at 4 Years
Authors: Young Rosemary J , Antonson Dean L , Ferguson Paul W , Murray Nancy D , Merkel Kim , Moore Timothy E 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of this study was to determine whether the type of feeding during the first 4 months of life affects bone mineral density at 4 years of age.Methods:Healthy 4‐year‐old children were recruited from the offices of primary health care providers. After confirming the type of infant feeding by history, dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry analysis was obtained at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and evaluated by a radiologist blinded as to feeding type.Results:One hundred and seventy‐eight children completed the study (58% male, 85% Caucasian; mean age, 4.5 years). All children had exclusively consumed human milk (n = 57), an infant formula containing no palm olein oil (n = 56) or an infant formula containing palm olein oil (n = 65) during the first 4 months of life. At 4 years of age, no significant differences were noted in bone mineral content or bone mineral density (P = 0.51 and 0.89, respectively) among the three feeding groups as measured by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Total body bone mineral content and bone mineral density varied by gender, with males having significantly higher values than females regardless of feeding type (P = 0.028 and P < 0.001, respectively).Conclusion:There is no association between the use of palm olein formula during the first 4 months of life and subsequent bone mineral content and bone mineral density in healthy 4‐year‐old children.
The Need for Nutrition Support Teams in Pediatric Units: A Commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition
Authors:   ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition:, Agostoni Carlo , Axelsson Irene , Colomb Virginie , Goulet Olivier , Koletzko Berthold , Michaelsen Kim F , Puntis John W. L , Rigo Jacques , Shamir Raanan , Szajewska Hania , Turck Dominique 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTThe reported prevalence of malnutrition in pediatric hospitals ranges from 15% to 30% of patients, with an impact on growth, morbidity and mortality. Major deficits in nutrition care have been highlighted in European hospitals, and the implementation of nutrition support teams (NSTs) has been suggested as a means to improve malnutrition diagnosis and nutrition care for hospitalized patients.This comment by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition reviews disease related‐mechanisms causing malnutrition and consequences of malnutrition and suggests a framework for implementation of NSTs in pediatric units. The recommendations by the Committee on Nutrition include: 1) Implementation of NSTs in hospitals is recommended to improve nutritional management of sick children; 2) The main tasks of the NST should include screening for nutritional risk, identification of patients who require nutritional support, provision of adequate nutritional management, education and training of hospital staff and audit of practice; 3) The NST should be multidisciplinary, with expertise in all aspects of clinical nutrition care; 4) The funds needed to support NSTs should be raised from the health care system; and 5) Further research is needed to evaluate the effects of NSTs in prevention and management of pediatric nutritional disorders, including cost effectiveness in different settings.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Enteral Glutamine Supplementation in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations
Authors: van den Berg Anemone , van Elburg Ruurd M , Teerlink T , Lafeber Harrie N , Twisk Jos W. R , Fetter Willem P. F 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTObjective:Glutamine depletion has negative effects on the functional integrity of the gut and leads to immunosuppression. Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are susceptible to glutamine depletion, as enteral nutrition is limited in the first weeks of life. Enteral glutamine supplementation may have a positive effect on feeding tolerance, infectious morbidity and short‐term outcome. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of enteral glutamine supplementation on plasma amino acid concentrations, reflecting one aspect of safety of enteral glutamine supplementation in VLBW infants.Methods:In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomized controlled trial, VLBW infants (gestational age <32 weeks or birth weight <1500 g) received enteral glutamine supplementation (0.3 g/kg per day) or isonitrogenous placebo supplementation (alanine) between day 3 and day 30 of life. Supplementation was added to breast milk or to preterm formula. Plasma amino acid concentrations were measured at four time points: before the start of the study and at days 7, 14 and 30 of life.Results:Baseline patient and nutritional characteristics were not different in glutamine (n = 52) and control (n = 50) groups. Plasma concentrations of most essential and non‐essential amino acids increased throughout the study period. There was no effect of enteral glutamine supplementation. In particular, the increase of plasma glutamine and glutamate concentrations was not different between the treatment groups (P = 0.49 and P = 0.34 respectively, day 30).Conclusions:Enteral glutamine supplementation in VLBW infants does not alter plasma concentrations of glutamine, glutamate or other amino acids. Enteral supplementation in a dose of 0.3 g/kg per day seems safe in VLBW infants.
Differential evolution algorithm for supply chain inventory planning
Authors: Routroy Srikanta , Kodali Rambabu 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis paper discusses the inventory planning of a supply chain, which consists of a manufacturer, distributor and retailer.Design/methodology/approachThe differential evolution algorithm is developed to minimize the total system‐wide cost, which consists of supply chain inventory capital, supply chain ordering/set‐up cost and supply chain stock‐out cost.FindingsThe differential evolution algorithm helps in determining ordering/production quantity and inventory/service level that should be maintained by each member of the supply chain.Originality/valueThe algorithm developed is useful in increasing the customer service level and in decreasing the inventory level throughout the supply chain.
Design and control of a flexible order‐picking system (FOPS)
Authors: Manzini Riccardo , Gamberi Mauro , Regattieri Alberto 
Published: July 2005

PurposeTo present an innovative approach to the design of a flexible order‐picking systems (OPS). The proposed conceptual framework is the first step to the development of an expert system created in a rapid and innovative manner, i.e. based on the integration of simulation, genetic algorithms and factorial analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe impact of alternative policies and configurations of both picker‐to‐part and part‐to‐picker OPS is quantified, with the aim of designing and optimising robust facilities capable of minimising global costs and maximising their performances in terms of efficiency and customer service quality.FindingsThe importance of validation analysis and both virtual and on‐field data collection emerges.Originality/valueCompared with the studies found in the literature, this article presents an innovative approach with original results that will be of use in the design and control of a flexible OPS.
Taming the neutrophil: calcium clearance and influx mechanisms as novel targets for pharmacological control
Authors: Tintinger G , Steel H C , Anderson R 
Published: July 2005

SummaryNeutrophils are relatively insensitive to the anti-inflammatory actions of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, including corticosteroids, emphasizing the requirement for novel pharmacological strategies to control the potentially harmful proinflammatory activities of these cells. In the case of commonly-occurring inflammatory diseases of the airways, the neutrophil is the primary mediator of inflammation in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, bronchiectasis and non-eosinophilic bronchial asthma. Recent insights into the mechanisms utilized by neutrophils to restore Ca2+ homeostasis following activation with Ca2+-mobilizing, proinflammatory stimuli have facilitated the identification of novel targets for anti-inflammatory chemotherapy in these cells. The most amenable of these from a chemotherapeutic perspective, is the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase-modulated endomembrane Ca2+-ATPase which promotes clearance of the cation from the cytosol of activated neutrophils. Second generation type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitors and adenosine receptor agonists operative at the level of subtype A2A adenosine receptors, which are currently undergoing clinical and preclinical assessment respectively, hold promise as pharmacologic modulators during the restoration of Ca2+ homeostasis. If this promise is realized, it may result in novel chemotherapeutic strategies for the control of hyperacute and chronic inflammatory conditions in which neutrophils are primary offenders. Alternative, potential future targets include the Na+, Ca2+-exchanger and store-operated Ca2+ channels, which cooperate in the refilling of intracellular Ca2+ stores.
Lymphocyte subset differences in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis and major depression
Authors: Robertson M J , Schacterle R S , Mackin G A , Wilson S N , Bloomingdale K L , Ritz J , Komaroff A L 
Published: July 2005

SummaryChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a heterogeneous disorder of unknown aetiology characterized by debilitating fatigue, along with other symptoms, for at least 6 months. Many studies demonstrate probable involvement of the central and autonomic nervous system, as well as a state of generalized immune activation and selective immune dysfunction in patients with CFS. The aim of this study was to compare the lymphocyte subsets of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome to those of patients with major depression and multiple sclerosis as well as those of healthy control subjects. No differences were found in total numbers of T cells, B cells or natural killer (NK) cells. However, differences were found in T, B and NK cell subsets. Patients with major depression had significantly fewer resting T (CD3+/CD25–) cells than the other groups. Patients with major depression also had significantly more CD20+/CD5+ B cells, a subset associated with the production of autoantibodies. Compared to patients with multiple sclerosis, patients with CFS had greater numbers of CD16+/CD3– NK cells. Further study will be required to determine whether these alterations in lymphocyte subsets are directly involved in the pathophysiology of these disorders, or are secondary effects of the causal agent(s).