bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Effects of a Single Intra‐Articular Injection of 2% Lidocaine or 0.5% Bupivacaine on Articular Cartilage of Normal Horses
Authors: Piat Perrine , Richard Hélène , Beauchamp Guy , Laverty Sheila 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of an intra‐articular (IA) lidocaine or bupivacaine injection on synovial fluid (SF) biomarkers of cartilage metabolism.Study DesignExperimental.AnimalsHorses (n = 6).MethodsThe study had 2 components, each with an identical design: the first arm assessed the effects of bupivacaine (0.5%) IA in the intercarpal joints and, after a 2‐week washout period, the second was conducted to evaluate the effects of IA lidocaine (2%) in the tarsocrural joints. The mares were randomly assigned to receive the test local anesthetic in the target joint or the placebo (0.9% NaCl) in the contralateral joint. After a 2‐week washout period, treatments were reversed, yielding 6 joints for each treatment. SF samples were collected for measurement of biomarkers of cartilage metabolism.ResultsIA bupivacaine or lidocaine induced a significant increase in both markers of cartilage matrix synthesis (CS846–aggrecan and CPII–type II collagen) suggesting an anabolic effect. Bupivacaine also resulted in an unanticipated decrease in both collagen degradation markers (C2C and C1,2C).ConclusionsThese results reveal an anabolic effect of single IA injections of local anesthetics on cartilage metabolism. Although collagen degradation biomarker results were not increased, it is possible that the anabolic response is because of an undetected cartilage insult, and requires further investigation.
Myxomas in All Cardiac Chambers
Authors: Toufan Mehrnoush , Jodati Ahmadreza , Safaei Naser , Kazemi Babak , Pourafkari Leili 
Published: September 2012

Mini‐AbstractA 24‐year‐old previously healthy man presented with aphasia and right‐sided hemiparesis during a workout session. Echocardiography for evaluation of the embolic source revealed multiple large masses in the right and left atria, right ventricle, left ventricular apex, and outflow tract and entrance of the superior vena cava. Surprisingly, the patient had been asymptomatic prior to his current presentation with cerebral embolism. He underwent urgent surgery and six cardiac tumors were resected. Pathologic examination of the lesions was compatible with myxoma. At a follow‐up 10 months later, the patient was noted to have some neurologic sequelae. No cardiac masses were reported on repeat echocardiography. The present case is unique for simultaneous occurrence of multiple myxomas in all cardiac chambers.
Atorvastatin Treatment Improves Myocardial and Peripheral Blood Flow in Familial Hypercholesterolemia Subjects without Evidence of Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: Lario Fabio C. , Miname Marcio H. , Tsutsui Jeane M. , Santos Raul D. , Kowatsch Ingrid , Sbano João C.N. , Ramires Jose A.F. , Filho Roberto Kalil , Mathias Wilson 
Published: September 2012

Background: Hypercholesterolemia induces early microcirculatory functional and structural alterations that are reversible by cholesterol reduction. Real time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE) and vascular ultrasound evaluate the effects of hyperlipidemia on peripheral and central blood flow reserve. This study investigated the effects of lipid‐lowering therapy on coronary and peripheral artery circulation in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Methods: RTMCE and vascular ultrasound were performed in 10 healthy volunteers (validation group) at baseline and after 12‐week clinical observation, and in 16 age‐ and sex‐matched FH patients without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) by computed tomography angiography at baseline and after 12‐week atorvastatin treatment. Indexes of relative myocardial blood flow (MBF) were obtained at rest and during adenosine infusion. Results: In validation group, there was no significant difference between flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) at baseline and after 12 weeks (0.15 ± 0.02 vs. 0.14 ± 0.03; P = 0.39). Similarly, no differences were observed in MBF reserve at baseline and after 12 weeks (3.31 ± 0.63 vs. 3.48 ± 0.89; P = 0.89). FMD was blunted in FH patients, at baseline, as compared with validation group (0.08 ± 0.04 vs. 0.15 ± 0.02; P < 0.001) and became similar to that group (0.13 ± 0.05 vs. 0.14 ± 0.03; P = 0.07) after treatment. MBF reserve was blunted at baseline in FH patients in comparison with the validation group (2.78 ± 0.71 vs. 3.31 ± 0.63; P = 0.003). After treatment, MBF reserve values were no longer different (3.43 ± 0.66 and 3.48 ± 0.89; P = 0.84, respectively, for FH and validation groups). Conclusion: Patients with FH and no obstructive CAD have blunted MBF reserve and lower FMD values as compared with healthy volunteers. Both FMD and MBF reserve were normalized after atorvastatin treatment.
Hydrophobic Group Functionalization of Polyethyleneimine for Controlling Dispersion Behavior of Silicon Carbide Nanoparticles in Aqueous Suspension
Authors: Nomura Yosuke , Iijima Motoyuki , Kamiya Hidehiro 
Published: September 2012

Polyethyleneimine (PEI) functionalized with hydrophobic toluoyl groups (T‐PEI) was used to control the viscosity of silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticle aqueous suspensions. The effects of the toluoyl group ratio and molecular weight (MW) of the dispersant on the suspension viscosity were examined. For T‐PEIs (MW = 1800), the suspension viscosities decreased as the toluoyl group ratios increased, whereas for T‐PEIs (MW = 10000), the suspension viscosities were remarkably reduced when the toluoyl group ratios were 15% and 30%. To discuss these changes, the adsorption ratios of the dispersants on particles and the interaction forces between SiC nanoparticles were characterized using thermogravimetric‐differential thermal analysis and colloidal probe atomic force microscopy, respectively. The dispersant adsorption ratio increased dramatically with the introduction of toluoyl groups on PEI. For T‐PEIs (MW = 1800), a steric repulsive force between particles began to appear, and its strength increased as the toluoyl group ratio increased. However, for T‐PEIs (MW = 10 000), whereas a large repulsive force was generated when the toluoyl group ratios were 15% and 30%, a weak repulsive force was observed when the ratio was 40%. The adsorption structure of the dispersant was suggested based on these changes in particle interaction behaviors.
Coping with systemic risk in index‐based crop insurance
Authors: Shen Zhiwei , Odening Martin 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe implementation of index‐based crop insurance is often impeded by the existence of systemic risk of insured losses. We assess the effectiveness of two strategies for coping with systemic risk: regional diversification and securitization with catastrophe (CAT) bonds. The analysis is conducted in an equilibrium pricing framework which allows the optimal price of the insurance and the number of traded contracts to be determined. We also explore the role of basis risk and risk aversion of market agents. The model is applied to a hypothetical area yield insurance for rice producers in northeast China. If yields in two regions are positively correlated, we find that enlarging the insured area leads to higher insurance premiums. Unless capital market investors are very risk averse, a CAT bond written on an area yield index outperforms regional diversification in terms of certainty equivalents of both farmers and insurers.
Microvascular regulatory role and increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 in experimental gingivitis
Authors: Gyurkovics M. , Lohinai Z. , Győrfi A. , Bodor C. , Székely A. D. , Dinya E. , Rosivall L. 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate the possible microvascular regulatory role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 (VEGFR2) in experimental gingivitis in rats.BackgroundOur previous results demonstrated that functionally active VEGFR2s are located in the venules of rat gingiva. While there is no remarkable endogenous gingival VEGF production under normal circumstances, exogenous VEGF, via VEGFR2, shows venodilatory effects. We assumed that VEGF plays an important role in vasoregulatory processes (vasodilation, increased permeability, angiogenesis) of gingival inflammation.MethodsGingivitis was induced by placing ligatures and composite material around and between the lower incisors of anesthetized Wistar rats next to the gingival margin. Seven days later, VEGFR2 antagonist (ZM323881), was dripped upon the labial gingiva next to the lower incisors. Diameter changes of the selected gingival venules were measured by vital microscopy. Animals with healthy gingiva served as controls. Venule diameter changes were compared to the baseline and to control groups (no ligature). Immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis for VEGFR2 were utilized.ResultsAfter 15, 30 and 60 min of local application of ZM323881, there was a significant venoconstriction in the inflamed gingiva compared to the baseline, while no change was recorded in controls. Endothelium, smooth muscle cells and pericytes of the gingivitis group showed increased VEGFR2 expression.ConclusionOur findings suggest that there is an increased VEGF production in gingivitis, which may play an important role in vasodilation of rat gingival venules.
Intensification of domestic ungulate grazing delays secondary forest succession: evidence from exclosure plots
Authors: Laskurain N.A. , Aldezabal A. , Olano J.M. , Loidi J. , Escudero A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractQuestionsWhat is the relative importance of direct herbivory compared to microsite modification in ungulate impacts on secondary forest succession? Do domestic ungulate impacts differ between small‐seeded pioneers and large‐seeded late successional species?LocationBirch–beech secondary forest (Betula celtiberica and Fagus sylvatica), Bizkaia, Northern Spain.MethodsWe conducted a detailed spatial analysis of 216 permanent 1‐m2 subplots that were distributed among six plots, of which three were fenced (each plot was 3600‐m2) and three were unfenced (each plot was 1296‐m2). Within each subplot, the emergence and survival rates of all tree, shrub and vine species were monitored. In total, 21 censuses of the subplots were conducted across 4 yr (1998–2001). Ungulate abundance was measured by using the pellet counting method. Structural equation models were applied to model the entire recruitment process.ResultsEmergence and survival rates differed between small‐ and large‐seeded species, and the effect of domestic ungulates (primarily sheep) on these rates depended on seed traits. Sheep did not affect the emergence of large‐seeded species (e.g. beech and ivy), but did result in a decline in their survival. In contrast, the emergence of small‐seeded species (e.g. birch) was promoted through an increase in bare soil cover because of trampling by the ungulates, but no significant effect on survival was observed. Interestingly, the sheep prompted differences in the role of the understorey vegetation: the understorey composition was able to promote the survival of large‐seeded species growing in unfenced conditions by reducing the risk of herbivore predation, but had a negative effect on the survival of small‐seeded species because of low light availability under the shaded shrub canopies.ConclusionsOur results clearly highlight that sheep can change the seedling bank structure in a secondary temperate forest, thereby affecting the dynamics and structure of forest remnants. This impact should be included as a critical driver in current predictive models of forest dynamics in temperate regions, since herbivore pressure is increasing in forests across Europe due to an increase in wild ungulate populations and livestock.
Inadequate acute hospital beds and the limits of primary care and prevention
Authors: Cunningham Paul , Sammut Jeremy 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMetropolitan Australia is suffering from a serious shortage of acute hospital beds. Simplistic comparisons with the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development bed numbers are misleading because of the hybrid Australian public/private hospital system. The unavailability of most private beds for acute emergency cases and urban/rural bed imbalances have not been adequately considered. There is a lack of advocacy for acute bed availability. This attitude permeates government, health professions and the health bureaucracy. Planners, politicians, analysts and the media have adopted false hopes of reducing acute demand by prevention and primary care strategies, vital as these services are to a balanced healthcare system. This paper directly challenges the ideology that says Australia depends too heavily on hospital‐based healthcare. Rebuilding the bed base requires recognition of the need for an adequate acute hospital service and strong advocacy for bed‐based care in the medical and nursing professionals who should be driving policy. The forces opposing bed‐based care are strong and solutions might include legislative definition of bed numbers and availability.
Dielectric Properties and Low‐Temperature Sintering of the Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 Ceramics with B2O3/CuO Additions
Authors: Jiang Hai Tao , Zhai Ji Wei , Zhang Jing Ji , Yao Xi 
Published: September 2012

The sintering behaviors and dielectric properties of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 ceramics were investigated as a function of B2O3 and CuO content. The addition of both B2O3 and CuO reduced the sintering temperature of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 about 500°C. It was suggested that a liquid phase BaCu(B2O5) was formed and assisted the densification of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 ceramics. Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 ceramics co‐doped with 3.0 mol% B2O3, and 2.0 mol% CuO, sintered at 950°C for 5 h, had a dense microstructure and showed good microwave dielectric properties of a moderate dielectric constant (ε = 1048), low dielectric loss (0.0090) and high tunability (42.2%) at dc electric field of 30 kV/cm.
Very long baseline interferometry detection of the Galactic black hole binary candidate MAXI J1836—194
Authors: Yang Jun , Xu Yonghua , Li Zhixuan , Paragi Zsolt , Campbell Robert M. , Gurvits Leonid I. , Shen Zhiqiang , Hong Xiaoyu , Xia Bo , Shu Fengchun 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The X-ray transient MAXI J1836—194 is a newly identified Galactic black hole binary candidate. As most X-ray transients, it was discovered at the beginning of an X-ray outburst. After the initial canonical X-ray hard state, the outburst evolved into a hard intermediate state and then went back to the hard state. The existing RATAN-600 radio monitoring observations revealed that it was variable on a time-scale of days and had a flat or inverted spectrum, consistent with optically thick synchrotron emission, possibly from a self-absorbed jet in the vicinity of the central compact object. We observed the transient in the hard state near the end of the X-ray outburst with the European very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) Network (EVN) at 5 GHz and the Chinese VLBI Network (CVN) at 2.3 and 8.3 GHz. The 8.3-GHz observations were carried out at a recording rate of 2048 Mbps using the newly developed Chinese VLBI data acquisition system, twice higher than the recording rate used in the other observations. We successfully detected the low-declination source with a high confidence level in both observations. The source was unresolved (≤0.5 mas), which is in agreement with an au-scale compact jet.
Can R Coronae Borealis stars form from the merger of two helium white dwarfs?
Authors: Zhang Xianfei , Jeffery C. Simon 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Due to orbital decay by gravitational wave radiation, some close binary helium white dwarfs are expected to merge within a Hubble time. The immediate merger products are believed to be He-rich subdwarf O (sdO) stars, essentially helium main-sequence stars. We present new evolution calculations for these post-merger stars beyond the core He-burning phase. The most massive He-rich sdO stars develop a strong He-burning shell and evolve to become He-rich giants. We include nucleosynthesis calculations following the merger of 0.4 M⊙ He white dwarf pairs with metallicities Z= 0.0001, 0.004, 0.008 and 0.02. The surface chemistries of the resulting giants are in partial agreement with the observed abundances of R Coronae Borealis (R CrB) and extreme He stars. Such stars might represent a third, albeit rare, evolution channel for the latter, in addition to the CO+He white dwarf merger and the very late thermal pulse channels proposed previously. We confirm a recent suggestion that Li seen in R CrB stars could form naturally during the hot phase of a merger in the presence of 3He from the donor white dwarf.
Effect of Sucrose and Halophilic Lactic Acid Bacterium Tetragenococuus halophilus on Chemical Characteristics and Microbial Proliferation during Fish Sauce Fermentation
Authors: Shozen Kei‐Ichi , Satomi Masataka , Yano Yutaka , Yoshida Mitsuhiro , Fukui Yohei , Takano Takashi , Funatsu Yasuhiro 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to make use of underutilized red‐flesh fishes and produce safe and high‐quality condiment, which have a low histamine level and a rich taste. Three kinds of fish sauces were produced on a small industrial scale from the deep‐sea smelt, using not only koji mold but also sucrose (S) [S sample] or halophilic lactic acid bacterium Tetragenococcus halophilus (T) [T sample] or both S and T [S plus T sample] at room temperature for 224 days. A control fish sauce (Control) was prepared using neither S nor T. In comparison with 5 log/g or more of MPN count level, the short term of histamine‐producing bacterial proliferation (approximately 30 days) and low level of histamine accumulation (<50 ppm) during fermentation were found in the S plus T sample. However, the long period of histamine‐producing bacterial proliferation (approximately 75–100 days) and high level of histamine accumulation (>1,000 ppm) during fermentation were found in the S and T samples and the Control. Moreover, free amino acid levels in the fish sauce mash at the end of fermentation were higher in S plus T sample than in the other samples.Practical ApplicationsRecently, the demand for fish sauces has been increasing in Japan year after year for the purpose of efficient utilization of underutilized or non‐utilized fishes and discharge of wastes from fish processing factories. Consumers also have requested safe and secure high‐grade condiments from marine mammalian sources since the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy. It is clear that pH value in the fish sauce mash using both sucrose and halophilic lactic acid bacterium T. halophilus quickly declined to 4.8 at initial stage of fermentation. As a result, histamine‐producing bacterial proliferation and histamine accumulation were restrained and high levels of taste‐active components and essential amino acid of the fish sauce mash at the end of fermentation were obtained.
Obesity Prevention in Young Schoolchildren: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Manger William M. , Manger Lynn S. , Minno Alexander M. , Killmeyer Mike , Holzman Robert S. , Schullinger John N. , Roccella Edward J. 
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity occur in 17% of children in the United States. Complications of excess weight in Americans cause 216,000 to 300,000 deaths yearly and cost $147 billion.METHODS: A convenience sample of 14 intervention and 15 control schools in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh was used. A program to improve lifestyle (Values Initiative Teaching About Lifestyle [VITAL®]), was implemented in young children to encourage healthy eating and appropriate physical activity. Students had annual evaluations of height and weight over a 2‐year period, and teachers participating in VITAL completed questionnaires regarding the program. Changes in age‐ and sex‐adjusted body mass index (BMI) percentiles in control and intervention groups were compared using linear mixed models regression.RESULTS:
VITAL was highly rated by teachers and was popular with children. Over the 2‐year period, adjusted mean BMI percentiles declined from 66.1 to 65.0 in control children and from 62.8 to 58.9 in intervention children. The rates of change in the 2 groups were significantly different (p = .015).CONCLUSION:
VITAL improves lifestyle of young schoolchildren, is inexpensive, easy to implement, and should be expanded to improve health and reduce healthcare's financial burden.
A Menu for Health: Changes to New York City School Food, 2001 to 2011*
Authors: Perlman Sharon E. , Nonas Cathy , Lindstrom Lauren L. , Choe‐Castillo Julia , McKie Herman , Alberti Philip M. 
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of obesity puts children at risk for chronic diseases, increases health care costs, and threatens to reduce life expectancy. As part of the response to this epidemic, the New York City (NYC) Department of Education (DOE)—the nation's largest school district—has worked to improve the appeal and nutritional quality of school food. This article highlights some of the structural and policy changes that have improved the school food environment over the past decade, with the aim to share lessons learned and provide recommendations and resources for other districts interested in making similar modifications.METHODS: This article details changes DOE has implemented over 10 years, including revised nutrition standards for school meals and competitive foods; new school food department staffing; food reformulations, substitutions, and additions; and transitions to healthier beverages.RESULTS: NYC's revised nutrition standards and hiring of expert staff increased availability of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low‐fat dairy and decreased sugary beverages, and foods high in saturated fats and added sugars—the major contributors to discretionary calorie intake. DOE also introduced healthier beverages: switching from high‐calorie, high‐fat whole milk to low‐fat milk and increasing access to water.CONCLUSIONS: NYC has successfully improved the quality of its school food environment and shown that healthier food service is possible, even under budgetary constraints. Several broad factors facilitated these efforts: fostering community partnerships and inter‐agency collaboration, implementing policies and initiatives that target multiple sectors for greater impact, and working to make incremental improvements each year.
Evaluation of Thrombi‐Stat MC1 for whole blood and plasma international normalized ratio in comparison with a laboratory method
Authors: Tantanate C. , Tientadakul P. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryIntroductionThe precision and comparability of the international normalized ratio (INR) analyzed by the Thrombi‐Stat MC1 coagulation testing system were evaluated before using as a point‐of‐care testing.MethodsThree levels of control materials were used for within‐run and between‐run precision study. Comparison study of INR determination from citrated whole blood (INR‐WB) and citrated plasma (INR‐PL) analyzed by the Thrombi‐Stat MC1 with those by the validated method, Sysmex® CS‐2100i (INR‐CS), was performed.ResultsThe within‐run coefficient of variations (CVs) of INR by the Thrombi‐Stat MC1 were 3.60% to 4.80%. For between‐run precision, the CVs were 4.26 to 4.93%. Fifty‐four plasmas from patients receiving warfarin were included for comparability testing. There were good correlation and agreement between both INR‐WB and INR‐PL compared with INR‐CS. Eighty‐seven percent of INR‐WB and 100% of INR‐PL were within ± 0.5 units of the INR‐CS. Given that the therapeutic range was INR‐CS of 2–3, 3.7% of INR‐WB and 5.56% of INR‐PL were discordant with the INR‐CS.ConclusionThe precision and comparability to validated method of the Thrombi‐Stat MC1 were acceptable. Either citrated whole blood or plasma may be used as samples in this system. Impact on the management of patients must be taken into consideration prior to the implementation of this system.