bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Record of climatic fluctuations and high pH weathering conditions in a thick Ordovician palaeosol developed in rhyolite of the Dunn Point Formation, Arisaig, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: JUTRAS P. , LEFORTE M. J. , HANLEY J. J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA thick Ordovician intra-rhyolitic palaeosol was studied to investigate the peculiarities of early Palaeozoic continental environments, shortly before the development of vascular plants, and to compare its pedogenic patterns with those of previously studied intra-basaltic profiles from the same succession. Well-defined K-eluviation from the top of the palaeosol is proportionally met by K-illuviation at the base of the profile, a pedogenic behaviour that was masked in the underlying intra-basaltic profiles due to subsequent eodiagenetic K-enrichment associated with rhyolite emplacement. Greater stability of K (and eventually Mg) than Si in the intra-rhyolitic profile suggests high pH soil water at the time of pedogenesis despite the low base contents of the acidic host rock, and despite evidence for humid weathering conditions. We also observe that, at the base and at the top of the profile, Al2O3/Zr ratios are substantially lower than those of the host rock, suggesting Al-leaching and therefore extreme weathering conditions, whereas the middle portion of the profile shows Al2O3/Zr ratios that are similar to those of the host rock, suggesting Al stability and therefore less extreme conditions. We interpret these variations in Al2O3/Zr ratios as signatures of a cyclic change from sub-humid periods during which Al was stable throughout the profile, to more humid periods with a well-defined seasonality, during which only the juvenile zone of weathering at the base of the profile could have developed sufficiently high pH during dry seasons for Al to be leached, leaving the Al2O3/Zr signatures from previous stages untouched higher in the profile.
Distribution and histopathological changes induced by cysts ofTaenia soliumin the brain of pigs from Tanzania
Authors: Mkupasi E.M. , Ngowi H.A. , Sikasunge C.S. , Leifsson P.S. , Johansen M.V. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractNeurocysticercosis (NCC) caused byTaenia soliumcysts is a frequent but neglected parasitic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe anatomical locations of cysts in the CNS and the corresponding inflammation. A total of 17 naturally infected pigs were used to evaluate the distribution of cysts and, of these, seven were used to evaluate the corresponding inflammation further, through histopathology. Clinical signs in the pigs included dullness, sluggishness, somnolence, apathy and loss of consciousness. Cysts were distributed in all cerebral lobes, i.e. 39.7% in the frontal lobe, 20.3% in the parietal lobe, 20.0% in the occipital lobe and 19.7% in the temporal lobe, and only 0.4% in the cerebellum. No cysts were found in the spinal cord. Cysts were localized as follows: 47.9% in the dorsal subarachnoid, 46.9% in the parenchyma, 4.4% in the subarachnoid base and 0.9% in the ventricles. The results of the histopathology revealed lesions in an early inflammatory stage, i.e. stage I, in all anatomical locations except for two, which showed more of an inflammatory reaction, stage III, in one pig. It was concluded that clinical signs in pigs were neither pathognomonic nor consistent. These signs, therefore, cannot be used as a reliable indicator of porcine NCC. Furthermore,T. soliumcysts were found to be in abundance in all cerebral lobes, and only a few were found in the cerebellum. Regarding the inflammatory response, no significant differences were found in the location and total number of cysts. Thus, further studies are needed to explain the determinants of cyst distribution in the CNS and assess in detail clinical signs associated with porcine NCC.
Three-dimensional temporal bone reconstruction from histological sections
Authors: Ahmad N , Wright A 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjective:To produce a high-resolution, three-dimensional temporal bone model from serial sections, using a personal computer.Method:Digital images were acquired from histological sections of the temporal bone. Image registration, segmentation and three-dimensional volumetric reconstruction were performed using a personal computer. The model was assessed for anatomical accuracy and interactivity by otologists.Results:An accurate, high-resolution, three-dimensional model of the temporal bone was produced, containing structures relevant to otological surgery. The facial nerve, labyrinth, internal carotid artery, jugular bulb and all of the ossicles were seen (including the stapes footplate), together with the internal and external auditory meati. Some projections also showed the chorda tympani nerve.Conclusion:A high-resolution, three-dimensional computer model of the complete temporal bone was produced using a personal computer. Because of the increasing difficulty in procuring cadaveric bones, this model could be a useful adjunct for training.
High incidence of norovirus GII.4 outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes in Catalonia (Spain), 2010–2011
Authors: GODOY P. , FERRRUS G. , TORNER N. , CAMPS N. , SALA M.R. , GUIX S. , BARTOLOMÉ R. , MARTÍNEZ A. , SIMÓN M. DE , DOMÍNGUEZ A. 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYA descriptive study was performed between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2011 to estimate the incidence of norovirus outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes in Catalonia (Spain). Epidemiological surveys were done for each outbreak. Norovirus was confirmed using RT–PCR. The incidence of outbreaks/106 person-years by centre, and the attack rate, were calculated. Statistically significant differences were calculated using odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Person-to-person transmission was responsible for 81·5% (22/27) of outbreaks. The incidence in the population was 156·7 outbreaks/106 person-years. The incidence by centre was 1·3% per year and was greater in hospitals (2·6%) than in nursing homes (0·9%) (OR 3·2, 95% CI 1·5–6·9). The global attack rate in residents and staff was 34·7% (816/2348). The mortality rate was 0·25% (2/816). Genogroup GII.4 caused 66·7% of outbreaks. Norovirus GII.4 outbreaks cause significant morbidity affecting both patients and staff.
APOE Moderates the Association between Lifestyle Activities and Cognitive Performance: Evidence of Genetic Plasticity in Aging
Authors: Runge Shannon K. , Small Brent J. , McFall G. Peggy , Dixon Roger A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe current study examined independent and interactive effects between Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and two types of cognitively-stimulating lifestyle activities (CSLA)—integrated information processing (CSLA-II) and novel information processing (CSLA-NI)—on concurrent and longitudinal changes in cognition. Three-wave data across 6 years of follow-up from the Victoria Longitudinal Study (n=278; ages 55–94) and linear mixed model analyses were used to characterize the effects of APOE genotype and participation in CSLA-II and CSLA-NI in four cognitive domains. Significant CSLA effects on cognition were observed. More frequent participation in challenging activities (i.e., CSLA-NI) was associated with higher baseline scores on word recall, fact recall, vocabulary and verbal fluency. Conversely, higher participation in less cognitively-challenging activities (i.e., CSLA-II) was associated with lower scores on fact recall and verbal fluency. No longitudinal CSLA-cognition effects were found. Two significant genetic effects were observed. First, APOE moderated CSLA-II and CSLA-NI associations with baseline verbal fluency and fact recall scores. Second, APOE non-ɛ4 carriers’ baseline performance were more likely to be moderated by CSLA participation, compared to APOE-ɛ4 carriers. Our findings suggest APOE may be a “plasticity” gene that makes individuals more or less amenable to the influence of protective factors such as CSLA. (JINS, 2014,20, 1–9)
Literature research of the Nutrition Improvement Programme for Rural Compulsory Education Students in China
Authors: Zhang Fan , Hu Xiaoqi , Tian Zuyin , Zhang Qian , Ma Guansheng 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the Nutrition Improvement Programme for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) in China and to share the experiences of developing and implementing nationwide school meal programmes with other countries.DesignThe article is based on a literature review of technical documents and reports of NIPRCES and relevant national legislation, technical reports and studies on school nutrition, minutes of meetings and national conferences, and official documents of the National Office of Student Nutrition and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.SettingPeople’s Republic of China.SubjectsPublished papers, national policies, legislation and unpublished official documents.ResultsA total of 23 million rural compulsory education students were covered by NIPRCES. In the development and implementation process of NIPRCES, fifteen ministries and national committees were involved and an efficient collaborative mechanism was established. All NIPRCES-covered schools were required to serve meals on a daily basis. By the end of June 2012, the proportions of students choosing ‘school feeding’, ‘food package’ and ‘family feeding’ modes were respectively 64·0 %, 32·0 % and 4·0 %. The central government subsidized school meals annually by more than $US 2·5 billion and invested $US 4·8 billion on school kitchens to support this programme.ConclusionsThe NIPRCES is a significant movement of governmental nutritional intervention in China. Food safety, financial security, decentralization and other potential concerns should be considered and lessons can be learned from other countries. Further relevant research and a nationwide monitoring and evaluation programme are needed.
A life-cycle approach to food and nutrition security in India
Authors: Rai Rajesh Kumar , Kumar Sandhya , Sekher Madhushree , Pritchard Bill , Rammohan Anu 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIndia’s poor performance on critical food and nutrition security indicators despite substantial economic prosperity has been widely documented. These failings not only hamper national progress, but also contribute significantly to the global undernourished population, particularly children. While the recently passed National Food Security Act 2013 adopts a life-cycle approach to expand coverage of subsidized food grains to the most vulnerable households and address food security, there remains much to be desired in the legislation. Access to adequate food for 1·24 billion people is a multifaceted problem requiring an interconnected set of policy measures to tackle the various factors affecting food and nutrition security in India. In the present opinion paper, we discuss a fivefold strategy that incorporates a life-cycle approach, spanning reproductive health, bolstering citizen participation in existing national programmes, empowering women, advancing agriculture and better monitoring the Public Distribution System in order to fill the gaps in both access and adequacy of food and nutrition.
Dietary supplement use among participants of a databank and biorepository at a comprehensive cancer centre
Authors: Luc LeQuyen , Baumgart Charlotte , Weiss Edward , Georger Lesley , Ambrosone Christine B , Zirpoli Gary , McCann Susan E 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveWe assessed the prevalence, patterns and predictors of dietary supplement use among participants of the databank and biorepository (DBBR) at a comprehensive cancer centre in western New York.DesignArchived epidemiological questionnaire data were obtained from the DBBR at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression explored the prevalence, patterns and predictors of lifetime use of four common supplements (multivitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and calcium) and use of multivitamins, sixteen single vitamins/minerals and eighteen herbal/specialty supplements within the previous 10 years.SettingWestern New York, USA.SubjectsDBBR participants (n 8096) enrolled between December 2003 and July 2012 were included in these analyses: 66·9 % (n 5418) with cancer, 65·6 % (n 5309) women, mean age for patients v. cancer-free controls 59·9 (sd 12·6) years and 50·7 (sd 15·4) years, respectively.ResultsOverall, 54·4 % of DBBR participants reported lifetime use of one or more supplements and 63·1 % reported use of one or more supplements within the previous 10 years (excluding multivitamins). Multivitamin use was high in this sample (lifetime: 64·1 %; 10 years: 71·3 %; current: 51·8 %). Supplementation was higher among cancer-free controls than cancer patients. Vitamin C, calcium and fish oil were the most common single vitamin, mineral and specialty product, respectively.ConclusionsA consistently high and increasing proportion of dietary supplement use over time remains clear. Supplementation is prevalent among cancer patients and may even be higher than predicted in cancer-free individuals. Further studies should assess the safety and efficacy of specific supplements in reducing disease risk.
UNIFORM INTERPOLATION IN SUBSTRUCTURAL LOGICS
Authors: ALIZADEH MAJID , DERAKHSHAN FARZANEH , ONO HIROAKIRA 
Published: May 2014

AbstractUniform interpolation property of a given logic is a stronger form of Craig’s interpolation property where both pre-interpolant and post-interpolant always exist uniformly for any provable implication in the logic. It is known that there exist logics, e.g., modal propositional logic S4, which have Craig’s interpolation property but do not have uniform interpolation property. The situation is even worse for predicate logics, as classical predicate logic does not have uniform interpolation property as pointed out by L. Henkin.In this paper, uniform interpolation property of basic substructural logics is studied by applying the proof-theoretic method introduced by A. Pitts (Pitts, 1992). It is shown that uniform interpolation property holds even for their predicate extensions, as long as they can be formalized by sequent calculi without contraction rules. For instance, uniform interpolation property of full Lambek predicate calculus, i.e., the substructural logic without any structural rule, and of both linear and affine predicate logics without exponentials are proved.
Multi‐band VCO PLL with continuously maintained optimum VCO control voltage
Authors: Park Young‐Seok , Kwon Dae‐hyun , Choi K.‐C. , Choi Woo‐Young 
Published: May 2014

A new architecture for a multi‐band voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) phase‐locked loop (PLL) is presented, which can continuously maintain the optimum VCO sub‐band and the VCO control voltage even with severe supply voltage variation. A prototype 2 GHz PLL with the new architecture is successfully demonstrated in 0.13 µm CMOS technology.
Preparation of silica supported nanoscale zero valence iron and its feasibility in viscosity reduction of heavy oil
Authors: Yang Zhancun , Liu Xueliang , Li Xiaohong , Zhao Mengyun , Zhang Zhijun , Su Changming 
Published: May 2014

Conventional solvent and thermal enhanced oil recovery techniques are less competitive, because of the presence of resin and asphaltene components which are difficult to remove; therefore it is imperative to develop new types of catalysts for the efficient recovery of heavy oil. In this reported research, silica‐supported nanoscale zero valence iron (denoted as SiO2/nanoFe) is adopted as a catalyst to break the C–S bonds of resin and asphaltenes so as to reduce the viscosity of heavy oils and acquire enhanced oil recovery. A target SiO2/nanoFe catalyst was prepared via liquid‐phase reduction of ferric chloride hexahydrate by sodium borohydride in the presence of surface‐modified silica as a support. The as‐prepared SiO2/nanoFe catalyst was characterised by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The dispersibility of as‐prepared SiO2/nanoFe catalyst in various organic solvents was evaluated, and its specific surface area was determined using classic Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller isotherm method. Moreover, the catalytic performance of the SiO2/nanoFe catalyst for the aquathermolysis process of a heavy oil sample collected from Shengli Oilfield (Dongying, China) was evaluated. It was found that as‐prepared SiO2/nanoFe, composed of silica with an average size of about 10 nm and zero valence iron nanoparticles with an average size of several nanometers, exhibits good anti‐oxidation stability. The SiO2/nanoFe catalyst also exhibits good catalytic performance for the aquathermolysis process of heavy oils; in particular, at a mass fraction of 1.0%, it can significantly reduce the viscosity of a tested heavy oil from 184 to 42 Pa·s, showing promising potential in the industrial production of heavy oils.
Size‐ and Sex‐Specific Capture and Harvest Selectivity of Walleyes from Tagging Studies
Authors: Myers Ransom A. , Smith Matthew W. , Hoenig John M. , Kmiecik Neil , Luehring Mark A. , Drake Melissa T. , Schmalz Patrick J. , Sass Greg G. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEstimates of size‐ and sex‐specific gear selectivity are important for making informed management decisions. Sex‐specific selectivity curves may be needed for two‐sex statistical catch‐at‐age models when information about sex ratios in the catch is unavailable. We used data from three tagging programs in Minnesota and Wisconsin to estimate the size‐ and sex‐specific selectivity of angling and spearing for Walleyes Sander vitreus. We estimated capture selectivity (the relative catchability of each component of the population) and harvest selectivity (the combined effect of capture selectivity and the decision to retain or release a fish from a given component). These components are of interest because (1) the hooking mortality of released fish contributes substantially to total mortality, so that it is important to know how harvest and release vary by size; and (2) capture selectivity is likely similar across lakes, such that data from other lakes may provide information on capture selectivity for the lake of interest, while harvest selectivity is lake specific. Estimates were obtained using generalized linear models to determine the significance of the individual and interactive effects of length and sex on selectivity. Angling capture and harvest selectivity were both greater for females than males of every length. In contrast, spearing harvest selectivity was greater for males. For both sexes, harvest selectivity for angling and spearing peaked at around 400–450 mm. The capture selectivity of anglers peaked at 350–375 mm. The interaction between sex and size was significant for capture selectivity for angling, with the sex effect for small fish being less than that for large fish. Above 400 mm, spearing selectivity did not appear to vary with length for either sex, but at lengths below that it was lower for males.
Using Cure Models for Analyzing the Influence of Pathogens on Salmon Survival
Authors: Ray R. Adam , Perry Russell W. , Som Nicholas A. , Bartholomew Jerri L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractParasites and pathogens influence the size and stability of wildlife populations, yet many population models ignore the population‐level effects of pathogens. Standard survival analysis methods (e.g., accelerated failure time models) are used to assess how survival rates are influenced by disease. However, they assume that each individual is equally susceptible and will eventually experience the event of interest; this assumption is not typically satisfied with regard to pathogens of wildlife populations. In contrast, mixture cure models, which comprise logistic regression and survival analysis components, allow for different covariates to be entered into each part of the model and provide better predictions of survival when a fraction of the population is expected to survive a disease outbreak. We fitted mixture cure models to the host–pathogen dynamics of Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and Coho Salmon O. kisutch and the myxozoan parasite Ceratomyxa shasta. Total parasite concentration, water temperature, and discharge were used as covariates to predict the observed parasite‐induced mortality in juvenile salmonids collected as part of a long‐term monitoring program in the Klamath River, California. The mixture cure models predicted the observed total mortality well, but some of the variability in observed mortality rates was not captured by the models. Parasite concentration and water temperature were positively associated with total mortality and the mortality rate of both Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon. Discharge was positively associated with total mortality for both species but only affected the mortality rate for Coho Salmon. The mixture cure models provide insights into how daily survival rates change over time in Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon after they become infected with C. shasta.
Inhibition of N-myc Downstream–regulated Gene-2 Is Involved in an Astrocyte-specific Neuroprotection Induced by Sevoflurane Preconditioning
Authors: Li Xin , Luo Peng , Wang Feng , Yang Qianzi , Li Yan , Zhao Mingming , Wang Shiquan , Wang Qiang , Xiong Lize 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background:
Mechanism of sevoflurane preconditioning–induced cerebral ischemic tolerance is unclear. This study investigates the role of N-myc downstream–regulated gene-2 (NDRG2) in the neuroprotection of sevoflurane preconditioning in ischemic model both in vivo and in vitro.

Methods:
At 2 h after sevoflurane (2%) preconditioning for 1 h, rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion for 120 min. Neurobehavioral scores (n = 10), infarct volumes (n = 10), cellular apoptosis (n = 6), and NDRG2 expression (n = 6) were determined at 24 h after reperfusion. In vitro, cultural astrocytes were exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation for 4 h. Cellular viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and NDRG2 expression (n = 6) were evaluated in the presence or absence of NDRG2-specific small interfering RNA or NDRG2 overexpression plasmid.

Results:
Sevoflurane preconditioning decreased apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated 2’-deoxyuridine 5’-triphosphate nick-end labeling–positive cells reduced to 31.2 ± 5.3% and cleaved Caspase-3 reduced to 1.42 ± 0.21 fold) and inhibited NDRG2 expression (1.28 ± 0.15 fold) and nuclear translocation (2.21 ± 0.29 fold) in ischemic penumbra. Similar effects were observed in cultural astrocytes exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation. NDRG2 knockdown by small interfering RNA attenuated oxygen–glucose deprivation–induced injury (cell viability increased to 80.5 ± 4.1%; lactate dehydrogenase release reduced to 30.5 ± 4.0%) and cellular apoptosis (cleaved Caspase-3 reduced to 1.55 ± 0.21 fold; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated 2’-deoxyuridine 5’-triphosphate nick-end labeling–positive cells reduced to 18.2 ± 4.3%), whereas NDRG2 overexpression reversed the protective effects of sevoflurane preconditioning. All the data are presented as mean ± SD.

Conclusion:
Sevoflurane preconditioning inhibits NDRG2 up-regulation and nuclear translocation in astrocytes to induce cerebral ischemic tolerance via antiapoptosis, which represents one new mechanism of sevoflurane preconditioning and provides a novel target for neuroprotection.