bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co‐treatment with the non‐steroidal anti‐androgen drug, flutamide and the natural estrogen, 17β‐estradiol does not lead to additive reproductive impairment in juvenile Murray rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis)
Authors: Bhatia Harpreet , Kumar Anupama , Du Jun , Chapman John C. , McLaughlin Mike J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate if the anti‐androgen, flutamide, and the estrogen, 17β‐estradiol work together to feminize juvenile Murray rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis). Fish (60 days post‐hatch) were exposed to 25 ng/L 17β‐estradiol (E2), 25 µg/L flutamide (Flu low), 250 µg/L flutamide (Flu high), E2 + Flu low and E2 + Flu high. After 35 days of exposure, concentrations of sex steroid hormones, 17β‐estradiol and 11‐keto testosterone (11‐KT), were determined in the head; and vitellogenin (VTG) concentration was measured in the tail. The abdomens were used for histological investigation of the gonads. Treatment with E2 + Flu high resulted in reduction in body weights and lengths in males and condition factor in females. Intersex was noted in Flu high and E2 + Flu high treatments. Exposures to E2 and/or Flu (low and high) resulted in precocious oocyte development but inhibited sperm development. The 17β‐estradiol levels decreased significantly in the heads of both sexes after exposures to E2 and/or Flu (high and low). Flu high and E2 alone increased the 11‐KT levels in both sexes. However, E2 + Flu low decreased 11‐KT levels in males and increased them in females. Flutamide (low and high) induced VTG protein in the tails of both sexes. In males, VTG was not induced in the tail after exposure to E2. No significant effect of flutamide on E2‐induced VTG concentration was noted. We conclude that co‐treatment with flutamide and 17β‐estradiol does not lead to additive reproductive impairment in juvenile Murray rainbowfish. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability of pradigastat, a novel diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 inhibitor in overweight or obese, but otherwise healthy human subjects
Authors: Meyers Charles D. , Amer Ahmed , Majumdar Tapan , Chen Jin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPradigastat is a potent and selective inhibitor of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, an enzyme highly expressed in the small intestine that plays a key role in postprandial triglyceride synthesis. This first‐in‐human study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability of pradigastat administered at single and multiple doses in overweight or obese healthy subjects. In single‐dose cohorts (n = 72), subjects were randomized sequentially to receive single doses of pradigastat (1, 3, 10, 30, 100, or 300 mg) or placebo under fasted condition and prior to breakfast. In multiple‐dose cohorts (n = 106), subjects were randomized to receive pradigastat (1, 5, 10, or 25 mg) or placebo prior to breakfast for 14 days. Following a single oral dosing, pradigastat was absorbed slowly, with a median tmax of ∼10 hours and eliminated slowly with a long half‐life. With multiple oral doses, a 10‐ to17‐fold higher systemic exposure was observed. Pradigastat treatment (single and multiple doses) led to dose‐dependent suppression of postprandial triglyceride excursions over 9 hours following a high‐fat meal test. In addition, pradigastat suppressed postprandial glucose and insulin and increased plasma glucagon‐like peptide‐1 levels. Overall, pradigastat was safe and tolerated at single and multiple doses in healthy subjects.
Effect of ceralifimod (ONO‐4641) on lymphocytes and cardiac function: Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with an open‐label fingolimod arm
Authors: Krösser Sonja , Wolna Peter , Fischer Tanya Z. , Boschert Ursula , Stoltz Randall , Zhou Meijian , Darpo Borje 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 6‐arm, parallel‐design study investigated cardiac and hematological pharmacodynamic effects of ceralifimod (ONO‐4641), a selective sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator, over a broad dose range in direct comparison with the nonselective S1P modulator fingolimod. Healthy subjects were assigned to ceralifimod (0.01, 0.025, 0.05, or 0.10 mg), fingolimod (0.5 mg), or placebo once daily for 14 days (n = 24 per group). After 14 days of treatment, mean absolute lymphocyte count percentage change from baseline was greatest in the fingolimod (‐62%) and ceralifimod 0.10 mg (‐56%) groups. On treatment cessation, lymphocyte recovery was faster in the ceralifimod versus the fingolimod group. Ceralifimod showed dose‐ and concentration‐dependent chronotropic effect. Cardiac effects in the fingolimod group were dependent on fingolimod‐P concentrations. Maximum mean heart rate (HR) effect on day 1 was larger with fingolimod (placebo‐adjusted change from time‐matched baseline HR [ΔΔHR], −14.9 beats per minute [bpm]) versus ceralifimod (ΔΔHR, −6.2 and −12.0 bpm for the 0.05‐ and 0.10‐mg doses, respectively). Ceralifimod's effect on the PR interval was minor. Safety biomarker results suggest that potential therapeutic doses of ceralifimod, in particular the 0.05‐mg dose, might result in reduced occurrence of bradycardia, atrioventricular block absolute lymphocyte count and grade 3/4 lymphopenia compared with fingolimod 0.5 mg.
Regional cancer centre demonstrates voluntary conformity with the national Radiation Oncology Practice Standards
Authors: Manley Stephen , Last Andrew , Fu Kenneth , Greenham Stuart , Kovendy Andrew , Shakespeare Thomas P. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractRadiation Oncology Practice Standards have been developed over the last 10 years and were published for use in Australia in 2011. Although the majority of the radiation oncology community supports the implementation of the standards, there has been no mechanism for uniform assessment or governance. North Coast Cancer Institute's public radiation oncology service is provided across three main service centres on the north coast of NSW. With a strong focus on quality management, we embraced the opportunity to demonstrate conformity with the Radiation Oncology Practice Standards. The Local Health District's Clinical Governance units were engaged to perform assessments of our conformity with the standards and this was signed off as complete on 16 December 2013. The process of demonstrating conformity with the Radiation Oncology Practice Standards has enhanced the culture of quality in our centres. We have demonstrated that self‐assessment utilising trained auditors is a viable method for centres to demonstrate conformity. National implementation of the Radiation Oncology Practice Standards will benefit individual centres and the broader radiation oncology community to improve the service delivered to our patients.
Observed trends in the timing of wet and dry season in China and the associated changes in frequency and duration of daily precipitation
Authors: Ma Shuangmei , Zhou Tianjun 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTAn understanding of the changes in precipitation timing, wet days (WD) and duration of extreme wet (dry) spells (WS/DS) is of great significant merit in the management of water resources and agricultural activities. In this study, the spatial features of trends in these precipitation characteristics over China during 1960–2013 were investigated. The timing of wet‐/dry‐season exhibited significant shift across the whole China. The timings of wet season showed significant delaying trends over the middle and lower Yangtze River basins and earlier onset trends over northern China, with the rate up to 1 month per 50‐years, which is partly due to the changes in East Asian summer monsoon circulation. Meanwhile, the timings of dry season over the middle and lower Yangtze River basins exhibited prominent earlier trends, combined with the delayed trends of wet season occurrence, resulted in a reduced transition period from wet season to dry season. Accompanying the pronounced shift of the occurrence time of wet‐/dry‐seasons, WD and duration of extreme WS/DS in wet‐/dry‐seasons also showed significant change. Predominantly negative trends of wet‐season WD largely contributed to the deceasing annual WD in the regions east of 100°E. The shortening of extreme dry‐season DS was evident over Northeast China and lower Yangtze River; while the decrease of extreme wet‐season WS was observed over the southern China, and these changes may help to reduce the corresponding risk of drought and flood, respectively. Southwest China showed robust less WD and prolonging DS on both annual and seasonal basis, and thus may enhance the risk of drought in this region.
Impact of revised cloud microphysical scheme in CFSv2 on the simulation of the Indian summer monsoon
Authors: Hazra Anupam , Chaudhari H. S. , Rao S. A. , Goswami B. N. , Dhakate A. , Pokhrel S. , Saha S. K. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTRole of the cloud parameterization scheme and critical relative humidity (RHcrit) for large‐scale precipitation is examined for simulating Indian summer monsoon (ISM) by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) climate forecast system version 2 (CFSv2). The major biases of the model simulations namely dry bias over the major continents, cold tropospheric temperature (TT) bias and cold sea surface temperature (SST) bias are related to biases in distribution of clouds. This study evaluates the role of variable RHcrit to get better simulation of high level clouds and reduce TT bias and cloud microphysical parameterization to improve the meridional gradient of TT towards achieving better simulation of south Asian monsoon precipitation. Sensitivity experiments of CFSv2 with the modified RHcrit and cloud microphysical scheme compared to the control simulation show that while the RHcrit leads to some development of the cloud distribution and contributes to some progress of the dry bias over India, the cloud microphysics changes lead to a significant improvement of the cloud simulations. Particularly, revised cloud microphysics scheme coupled with modified RHcrit results in a much improved global distribution of cloud fraction with zonal mean cloud fraction being close to observation. This leads to significant improvement in the meridional gradient of TT leading to rainfall over south Asian monsoon region. The dry bias is not only reduced over the Indian subcontinent but also over other regions of global tropics such as the central Africa and the northern South America. The annual cycle of all India rainfall is in good agreement with observation not only in amount but also in the onset and withdrawal phases. Thus, modifications in the cloud microphysical parameterization scheme in CFSv2 have played a vital role in simulation of the ISM in particular. The sensitivity experiments demonstrate the betterment of the mean monsoon and may lead to help improve monsoon forecasts.
Soil redistribution in abandoned raised fields in French Guiana assessed by radionuclides
Authors: Pfahler Verena , Glaser Bruno , McKey Doyle , Klemt Eckehard 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPre‐Columbian agricultural raised fields are widespread in Neotropical wetlands. Many seasonally flooded coastal savannahs of French Guiana are dotted with thousands of small, round mounds, which current research indicates are vestiges of raised fields. It is surprising that these elevated structures persist under the erosive force of heavy tropical rainfall. One hypothesis for this stability is that “engineer” organisms such as plants, earthworms, termites and ants colonize abandoned raised fields and maintain the raised structures against erosion. This “erosion/deposition balance” hypothesis assumes that the landscape is subject to non‐negligible rates of erosion, but that actions of engineer organisms reduce the erodibility of mounds, compensate for erosion by transporting materials to mounds, or both. The hypothesis also predicts greater bioturbation on mounds than in other parts of the landscape. To test these assumptions and predictions, we estimated soil erosion and bioturbation rates in abandoned raised fields in a seasonally flooded savannah in French Guiana by using two radionuclides (137Cs and unsupported 210Pb) as tracers for soil redistribution. Analysis of the vertical and horizontal distribution of radionuclides at the study site showed that soil erosion in the mounds either occurs at a rather low rate or that organisms counteract erosion, or both. We also showed that mounds were heavily influenced by bioturbation. These results validate the fundamental assumptions of the erosion/deposition balance hypothesis.
Soil pH is a good predictor of the dominating N2O production processes under aerobic conditions
Authors: Cheng Yi , Zhang Jin‐Bo , Wang Jing , Cai Zu‐Cong , Wang Shen‐Qiang 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIt is commonly believed that nitrification is the dominant process for N2O production under aerobic conditions. However, this has been challenged by recent studies on acidic soils, where denitrification has been found to dominate N2O production. Analyzing the data collected from peer‐reviewed literature, we found that pH was a critical factor regulating N2O production pathways under aerobic conditions. There is a pH threshold of approx. 4.4, below which denitrification dominated N2O production and vice versa. A decrease in soil pH can significantly increase the contribution of denitrification to N2O production. Overall, this mini‐review increases our understanding of N2O sources in soils under aerobic conditions.
Evaluation of Surface Runoff Prediction by AnnAGNPS Model in a Large Mediterranean Watershed Covered by Olive Groves
Authors: Zema Demetrio Antonio , Denisi Pietro , Taguas Ruiz Encarnación V. , Gómez José Alfonso , Bombino Giuseppe , Fortugno Diego 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe distributed parameter and continuous simulation Annualized Agricultural Non‐Point Source (AnnAGNPS) model was implemented in the watershed Anzur (Spain) covered by olive groves, to assess its prediction capability of surface runoff at the large watershed scale in semi‐arid conditions. A 5‐year database reporting hydrological, geomorphological and land use characteristics of the watershed allowed model implementation. Almost 180 surface runoff events were modelled by AnnAGNPS and compared with the corresponding observations through statistical indexes and grouping the runoff events in order to evaluate the model at different temporal scales (event, monthly and seasonal). AnnAGNPS evaluation showed that, in general, runoff was estimated by the default model with low accuracy at all the investigated time scales, likely, as a result of a simple representation of spatial variability. Calibration (by reducing initial curve numbers (CN) of the olive groves) provided more accurate and satisfactory predictions of event, monthly and seasonal runoff volumes with a low effort in the parameterisation approach. The best model performance was achieved at the event scale. The runoff prediction reliability may be attributable to the AnnAGNPS inaccuracy in adjusting CN values during the continuous simulation of the soil moisture conditions, because estimations of daily evapotranspiration values are quite realistic. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photosensitive Functionalized Surface‐Modified Quantum Dots for Polymeric Structures via Two‐Photon‐Initiated Polymerization Technique
Authors: Krini Redouane , Ha Cheol Woo , Prabhakaran Prem , Mard Hicham El , Yang Dong‐Yol , Zentel Rudolf , Lee Kwang‐Sup 
Published: April 2015

In this paper, the surface modification of CdSe‐ and CdZnS‐based quantum dots (QDs) with a functional silica shell is reported. Functionalized silica shells are prepared by two routes: either by ligand exchange and a modified Stöber process or by a miniemulsion process with amphiphilic poly(oxyethylene) nonylphenylether also know as Igepal CO‐520 (IG) as oligomeric amphiphile and modified silica precursors. The polymerizable groups on the functionalized silica shell allow covalent bonding to a polymer matrix and prevent demixing during polymerization and crosslinking. This allows the homogeneous incorporation of QDs in a crosslinked polymer matrix. This paper furthermore demonstrates that the resulting QDs, which are i) shielded with a proper silica shell and ii) functionalized with crosslinkable groups, can be used in two‐photon‐initiated polymerization processes in combination with different photoresists to obtain highly luminescent 3D structures. The resulting luminescent structures are attractive candidates for photonics and metamaterials research.
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Minimal change multiple system atrophy: An aggressive variant?
Authors: Ling Helen , Asi Yasmine T. , Petrovic Igor N. , Ahmed Zeshan , Prashanth L. K. , Hazrati Lili‐Naz , Nishizawa Masatoyo , Ozawa Tetsutaro , Lang Anthony , Lees Andrew J. , Revesz Tamas , Holton Janice L. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundGlial cytoplasmic inclusions containing α‐synuclein are the pathological hallmark of multiple system atrophy (MSA). Minimal change (MC‐MSA) is an unusual MSA subtype with neuronal loss largely restricted to the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus.MethodsImmunohistochemistry on selected brain regions and semiquantitative assessment were performed on six MC‐MSA and eight MSA control cases.ResultsMore neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions were seen in the caudate and substantia nigra in MC‐MSA than in MSA controls (P = 0.002), without any statistical difference in glial cytoplasmic inclusion load in any region. Severe glial cytoplasmic inclusion load was found in the ventrolateral medulla (P = 1.0) and nucleus raphe obscurus (P = 0.4) in both groups. When compared with MSA controls, the three MC‐MSA cases who had died of sudden unexpected death had an earlier age of onset (mean: 38 vs. 57.6 y, P = 0.02), a numerically shorter disease duration (mean: 5.3 vs. 8 y, P = 0.2) and a more rapid clinical progression with most of the clinical milestones reached within 3 y of presentation, suggesting an aggressive variant of MSA. Another three MC‐MSA cases, who had died of unrelated concurrent diseases, had an age of onset (mean: 57.7 y) and temporal course similar to controls, had less severe neuronal loss and gliosis in the medial and dorsolateral substantia nigra subregions (P < 0.05) than in MSA controls, and could be considered as a unique group with interrupted pathological progression. Significant respiratory dysfunction and early orthostatic hypotension were observed in all MC‐MSA cases.ConclusionsOur findings could suggest that α‐synuclein–associated oligodendroglial pathology may lead to neuronal dysfunction sufficient to cause clinical symptoms before overt neuronal loss in MSA. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Conservative treatment for incontinence in women in rest home care in Christchurch: Outcomes and cost
Authors: Arnold Edwin Paterson , Milne Dorothy Joan , English Sharon 
Published: April 2015

AimsTo assess if conservative therapy can reduce urinary leakage and pad usage and improve quality of life in elderly incontinent women living in a rest home setting; and if so at what additional cost.MethodsSixty‐eight elderly women with urinary incontinence, and preserved cognitive ability, living in 26 rest homes were identified. Clinical evaluation, included bladder diary, pad weigh tests, pad usage, and quality of life and activities questionnaires (FIM: Functional Impairment Measure; EQ‐5D: Euroquol 5 dimension score; ICIQ‐SF: International Consultation on Incontinence‐Short Form). A specialist Continence Advisor Nurse provided conservative treatment according to the needs of each participant. Outcomes were recorded after 12 weeks of treatment by repeating above evaluations, and the costs involved were measured.ResultsLeakage was reduced by a mean of 60 ml per 24 hr, and four fewer pads were required per week. The ICIQ‐SF improved significantly. The EQ‐5D did not demonstrate significant improvement, so a cost‐utility analysis was not possible. The mean cost of the Advisor's time and mileage in providing the 12 week course was $247.75 per participant.ConclusionConservative therapies tailored to each individual, can improve the severity of leakage in the short term, even in this elderly group of women with preserved cognitive function, at modest additional cost. Measuring quality of life and the impact of incontinence, has challenges in this age group. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:636–641, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generation Y New Zealand Registered Nurses’ views about nursing work: a survey of motivation and maintenance factors
Authors: Jamieson Isabel , Kirk Ray , Wright Sarah , Andrew Cathy 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this article was to report on the analysis of qualitative, open text data, received from a national on‐line survey of what factors Generation Y New Zealand Registered Nurses wish to change about nursing and consideration of the potential policy and practice impacts of these requests on their retention.BackgroundPrior to the economic recession of 2007–2010, the growing shortage of nurses in New Zealand presented a serious concern for the healthcare workforce. Given the ageing New Zealand nursing workforce, an ageing population and the increasing demands for health care, it is imperative that issues of retention of Generation Y nurses are resolved prior to the imminent retirement of more experienced nurses.DesignA descriptive exploratory approach using a national wide, on‐line survey, eliciting both quantitative and qualitative data was used.MethodThe survey, conducted from August 2009–January 2010, collected data from Generation Y New Zealand Registered Nurses (n = 358) about their views about nursing, work and career. Herzberg's Motivation‐Hygiene theory was used as the framework for the analysis of the open text data.ResultsThe factors that nurses wanted changed were skewed towards Herzberg's hygiene‐maintenance factors rather than motivating factors. This is of concern because hygiene‐maintenance factors are considered to be dissatisfiers that are likely to push workers to another employment option.
The impact of age and race on longevity in pediatric astrocytic tumors: A population‐based study
Authors: Samaan M. Constantine , Akhtar‐Danesh Noori 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveDespite improvements in pediatric brain tumor outcomes, the survivors of childhood brain tumor are burdened by multiple comorbidities. This work reports on the relative survival ratios and excess mortality rate in children with astrocytic tumors over the past four decades.MethodsSurvival analysis was conducted using flexible parametric model to estimate relative survival and excess mortality rate for non‐white and white children (0–19 years old) using the Surveillance, Epidemiology & End Results (SEER) database. We incorporated age group and year of diagnosis into the model to estimate these indices for the period of 1973–2010.ResultsProgressive decline in relative survival ratios was noted over time. Non‐white children had lower survival rates than white children, and these survival patterns persisted over the four‐decade span of the study. Fifty percent of non‐white survivors were deceased 30 years post diagnosis, compared to 35 years in white survivors.ConclusionsSurvivors of childhood brain tumors have progressively lower survival rates as they get older, and this is higher in non‐white when compared to white children. Future research efforts need to focus on understanding the factors mediating the effect of the tumor or its treatment on survival in these patients, and the ethnic variations that derive these survival trends. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1567–1571. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.