bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of the palm Euterpe edulismartius in landscape units managed by migrants of German origin in Southern Brazil
Authors: Milanesi Lucas de Souza , Peroni Nivaldo , dos Reis Maurício Sedrez 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundPeople influence their environments through the manipulation of landscapes and species. Human influence on the landscape may lead to the development of differentiated landscape units that originate from past use and may be related to the presence of certain species. This study investigated the presence of the palmEuterpe edulisand its current and past importance in landscape units established by a community of German descendants located in southern Brazil. The objectives of this study were to characterize the use of the species, to identify the importance ofE.edulisfor the German immigrant community, to identify past and current uses ofE.edulis, to describe the historical use of the landscape, and lastly, to identify landscape units in whichE.edulisis found.MethodsThe researched community is composed of people of German descent residing in southern Brazil. A variety of research tools were used to achieve the objectives of the research. Semi-structured interviews and free-listings were conducted in all family units. The interviews focused on groups of people in the community who had current or historical connection with the species. Group workshops and guided tours were conducted to identify different landscape units. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, use-value index, citation frequency, salience index, and informant perception analysis.ResultsOver the historical period studied, the community demonstrated changes with respect to economic activities. These changes are reflected in the transformation of the landscape. The speciesE.eduliswas and still is very important for people in the community; its importance is reflected in its high use value, citation frequency and salience. The species is found within various landscape units in the community as well as in homegardens and in secondary forests.ConclusionsThe landscape heterogeneity of this community is influenced by changes in economic activities and by the relationship with the conservation unit. Landscape units resulting from this relationship may be identified. The speciesE.edulisis found within these landscape units and is integrated into the livelihood of the community.
Age-dependent differences in diabetes and acute hyperglycemia between men and women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a cohort study
Authors: Otten Amber M , Ottervanger Jan Paul , Timmer Jorik R , van ’t Hof Arnoud WJ , Dambrink Jan-Henk E , Gosselink AT Marcel , Hoorntje Jan CA , Suryapranata Harry , Maas Angela HEM 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Both acute hyperglycemia as diabetes results in an impaired prognosis in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. It is unknown whether there is a different prevalence of diabetes and acute hyperglycemia in men and women within age-groups.

Methods
Between 2004 and 2010, 4640 consecutive patients (28% women) with STEMI, were referred for primary PCI. Patients were stratified into two age groups, < 65 years (2447 patients) and ≥65 years (2193 patients). Separate analyses were performed in 3901 patients without diabetes. Diabetes was defined as known diabetes or HbA1c ≥6.5 mmol/l at admission.

Results
The prevalence of diabetes was comparable between women and men in the younger age group (14% vs 12%, p = 0.52), whereas in the older age group diabetes was more prevalent in women (25% vs 17% p < 0.001). In patients without diabetes, admission glucose was comparable between both genders in younger patients (8.1 ± 2.0 mmol/l vs 8.0 ± 2.2 mmol/l p = 0.36), but in older patients admission glucose was higher in women than in men (8.7 ± 2.1 mmol/l vs 8.4 ± 2.1 mmol/l p = 0.028). After multivariable analyses, the occurrence of increased admission glucose was comparable between men and women in the younger age group (OR 1.1, 95%CI 0.9-1.5), but increased in women in the older age group (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.7). Both diabetes and hyperglycemia were associated with a higher one-year mortality in both men and women.

Conclusions
The differences between men and women in hyperglycemia and diabetes in patients with STEMI are age dependent and can only be observed in older patients. This may have implications for medical treatment and should be investigated further.
The significance of diagnosing associated clonal mast cell diseases in patients with venom‐induced anaphylaxis and the role of bone marrow investigation
Authors: Gülen Theo , Dahlén Barbro , Sander Birgitta , Hägglund Hans , Nilsson Gunnar 
Published: July 2013

AbstractHymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) represents a particular risk for exceptionally severe anaphylactic sting reactions in patients with clonal mast cell disorders (CMD). Nevertheless, conventional investigations are not sufficient to do accurate risk assessments. Increased levels of baseline serum tryptase (sBT) (>11.4 μg/L) is highly associated with severe anaphylactic reactions and with a possible underlying CMD. The measurement of baseline serum tryptase, thus, has opened the possibility to screen for CMD. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether bone marrow evaluation provides more accurate diagnosis in patients with HVA.Three patients of the same sex and similar age with HVA were enrolled in this clinical study. The patients underwent comprehensive allergy work‐up including skin prick testing, measurements of serum total IgE concentrations and baseline serum tryptase. Bone‐marrow biopsies were also performed in all three patients to assess underlying CMD.We evaluated characteristics of the bone marrow mast cells by pathology, flow cytometry and detection of D816V mutation by using current WHO‐criteria, which led to changes in the final diagnosis compared to the assessments done by classical allergy work‐up and measurements of sBT. Three distinct diagnostic outcomes including systemic mastocytosis, monoclonal mast cell activation syndrome and non‐clonal HVA were revealed.We conclude that a bone marrow investigation is required for the correct diagnosis of hymenoptera venom‐induced anaphylactic reactions in patients with elevated baseline tryptase levels (>11.4 μg/L), and this has important implications for management strategies.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisRpfB drives Th1-type T cell immunity via a TLR4-dependent activation of dendritic cells
Authors: Kim Jong-Seok , Kim Woo Sik , Choi Han-Gyu , Jang Byungki , Lee Keehoon , Park Jong-Hwan , Kim Hwa-Jung , Cho Sang-Nae , Shin Sung Jae 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe failure of Mycobacterium bovis BCG as a TB vaccine against TB reactivation suggests that latency-associated proteins should be included in alternative TB vaccine development. Further, antigens known to generate protective immunity against the strong Th1 stimulatory response to reactivated TB should be included in novel vaccine design. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of Rpfs from Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the reactivation process and cellular immunity. However, little is known about how RpfB mediates protective immunity against M. tuberculosis. Here, we investigated the functional roles and signaling mechanisms of RpfB in DCs and its implications in the development of T cell immunity. DCs treated with RpfB displayed features of mature and functional status, with elevated expression of cell surface molecules (CD80, CD86, and MHC class I and II) and proinflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12p70). Activation of DCs was mediated by direct binding of RpfB to TLR4, followed by MyD88/TRIF-dependent signaling to MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways. Specifically, we found that the RpfB G5 domain is the most important part in RpfB binding to TLR4. RpfB-treated DCs effectively polarized naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to secrete IFN-γ and IL-2. Importantly, RpfB induced the expansion of memory CD4+/CD8+CD44highCD62Llow T cells in the spleen of M. tuberculosis-infected mice. Our data suggest that RpfB regulates innate immunity and activates adaptive immunity through TLR4, a finding that may help in the design of more effective vaccines.
Role of Metabolic Factors in the Association Between Osteocalcin and Testosterone in Chinese Men
Authors: Liao Ming , Guo Xuefeng , Yu Xiaoxiang , Pang Guijian , Zhang Shijun , Li Jianling , Tan Aihua , Gao Yong , Yang Xiaobo , Zhang Haiying , Qin Xue , Mo Linjian , Lu Zheng , Wu Chunlei , Mo Zengnan 
Published: July 2013

Objective:
Osteocalcin can regulate energy metabolism and increase testosterone production. Although previous studies have shown the positive association between osteocalcin and testosterone, the effect of metabolic factors in the association is unclear.

Design and Setting:
Osteocalcin, testosterone, and metabolic factors were accessed in 2400 men aged 20 to 69 years, who participated in the population-based Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey in Guangxi province of China from September 2009 to December 2009.

Main Outcome Measures:
Metabolic syndrome was defined based on the updated report of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Serum total osteocalcin, total testosterone (TT), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured, whereas free testosterone (FT) and bioavailable testosterone (BT) were calculated based on Vermeulen's formula. The multivariable linear regression analysis was used.

Results:
Osteocalcin was positively associated with TT, FT, and BT in the unadjusted model (all P &lt; .001). After adjusting for age, the positive association between osteocalcin and TT remained statistically significant (β = .17, 95% confidence interval = 0.14–0.20) and was not attenuated in each MetS subgroup including hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, elevated blood pressure, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while in the group of central obesity (waist circumstance ≥90 cm), the association appeared significantly stronger (β = 0.21, 95% confidence interval = 0.12–0.30). After further adjusting for SHBG, osteocalcin was positively associated with TT, FT, and BT in men with central obesity or men with any two MetS components (all P &lt; .05).

Conclusions:
Serum total osteocalcin is positively associated with testosterone, which is probably modified by SHBG and central obesity.
Synthesis and Photovoltaic Properties of Phenylethynyl-substituted Diazaporphyrin
Authors: Kurotobi Kei , Kawamoto Kyosuke , Toude Yuuki , Fujimori Yamato , Kinjo Yuriko , Ito Seigo , Matano Yoshihiro , Imahori Hiroshi 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Carboxyphenylethynyl-substituted diazaporphyrin has been synthesized to assess the utility of diazaporphyrins in dye-sensitized solar cells for the first time. The diazaporphyrin-sensitized TiO2 cell exhibited photocurrent generation in the visible region of 400–700 nm together with a power conversion efficiency of 0.08%.
Introducing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate alongside transurethral resection of the prostate improves outcomes of each procedure
Authors: Wilson N , Mikhail M , Acher P , Lodge R , Young A 
Published: July 2013

Introduction Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is recognised as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). HoLEP has been demonstrated to be at least as effective as TURP with less morbidity but its introduction to practice has been limited in part by the learning curve of a novel procedure. This study examined the effects of introducing HoLEP alongside an established practice of TURP on early morbidity and length of hospital stay (LOS). Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent HoLEP and TURP between April 2007 and July 2011 was undertaken. HoLEP was introduced in April 2008; patients undergoing TURP before this were considered as a historical control group. Data were collected concerning resection/enucleation weight, blood transfusions and LOS. Results Overall, 772 patients underwent HoLEP or TURP within the 52-month study period: 164 underwent TURP prior to the introduction of HoLEP (TURP-A), 425 had TURP after the introduction of HoLEP (TURP-B) and 183 underwent HoLEP. The mean removed weight was 24g (standard deviation [SD]: 21g) for TURP-A, 19g for TURP-B (SD: 16g) and 38g (SD: 32g) for HoLEP (p<0.005). Blood transfusion rates were 5.5%, 2.2% and 1.6% for the TURP-A, TURP-B and HoLEP groups respectively (p<0.05). For TURP-A patients, the mean LOS was 5.6 days (SD: 3.5 days, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3–6.0 days). The mean LOS for TURP-B patients was 4.4 days (SD: 4.4 days, 95% CI: 4.2–4.8 days). HoLEP patients had a mean LOS of 3.0 days (SD: 3.0 days, 95% CI: 2.6–3.4 days). Conclusions The introduction of HoLEP alongside TURP is associated with lower rates of blood transfusion and shorter LOS for all patients. This is likely to be due to the use of HoLEP rather than TURP in patients with larger prostates, who are more likely to have complications.
The impact of the mass density on selected optical and non-optical properties of oxide coatings
Authors: Stenzel Olaf 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The density of optical coatings is one of the most crucial material-related parameters in interference coating science and technology. It has an impact on the refractive index, the transparency range, and the mechanical stress of a coating material. This tutorial provides a background on the classical theory relating the coating density to the mentioned parameters. Simple models are presented that highlight the correlations between optical constants, stress, and shifting behavior of different oxide coatings. Comparison with the experiment is performed on the basis of numerous experimental data, which stem from hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, tantalum pentoxide, and silicon dioxide.
Age, Human Capital, and the Quality of Work: New Evidence from Old Masters
Authors: Bayer Thomas , Page John , Raviv Yaron , Rosett Joshua 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The links between individual ability, human capital investment, and quality of output are generally hard to examine because in most situations output results from multiple inputs and often through complex contracting processes. We overcome these problems by examining life-cycle artistic output quality as reflected in art auction prices. First, we observe an inverted U-shaped age-quality of work profile similar to the conventional age–wage profile. Second, we find that the degree of concavity increases for those with higher native ability. Third, we find that working for a patron rather than selling directly to the market is associated with a flatter age profile. Fourth, we find evidence that formal education increases the concavity of the age-quality of work profile. These results are consistent with the theory and demonstrate that artists respond to incentives to invest in human capital.
Economic Perspectives on Personalized Health Care and Prevention
Authors: Phillips Kathryn A. , Sakowski Julie Ann , Liang Su-Ying , Ponce Ninez A. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of economic evaluation of personalized medicine, focusing particularly on the use of cost-effectiveness analysis and other methods of valuation. We draw on insights from the literature and our work at the University of California, San Francisco Center for Translational and Policy Research on Personalized Medicine (TRANSPERS). We begin with a discussion of why personalized medicine is of interest and challenges to adoption, whether personalized medicine is different enough to require different evaluation approaches, and what is known about the economics of personalized medicine. We then discuss insights from TRANSPERS research and six areas for future research:

Develop and Apply Multiple Methods of Assessing Value

Identify Key Factors in Determining the Value of Personalized Medicine

Use Real World Perspectives in Economic Analyses

Consider Patient Heterogeneity and Diverse Populations in Economic Analyses

Prepare for Upcoming Challenges of Assessing Value of Emerging Technologies

Incorporate Behavioral Economics into Value Assessments
Groups described by element numbers
Authors: Heineken Hermann , Russo Francesco G. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Let G be a finite group and

L
e

(
G
)

=

{
x
∈
G
∣

x
e

=
1
}

$L_e(G)=\lbrace x \in G \mid x^e=1\rbrace $

, where e is a positive integer dividing

|
G
|

$\vert G\vert $

. How do bounds on

|

L
e

(
G
)

|

$\vert L_e(G)\vert $

influence the structure of G?
Meng and Shi [Arch. Math. (Basel) 96 (2011), 109–114] have answered this question for

|

L
e

(
G
)

|
≤
2
e

$\vert L_e(G)\vert \le 2e$

. We generalize their contributions, considering the inequality

|

L
e

(
G
)

|

≤

e
2

$\vert L_e(G)\vert \le e^2$

and finding a new class of groups of whose we study the structural properties.
Synthesis of some novel bis-1,2,4-triazole and bis-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives from terephthaloyl and isophthaloyl chlorides
Authors: Mobinikhaledi Akbar , Foroughifar Naser , Rafiee Abdolhossein 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
An efficient synthesis of novel bis-1,2,4-triazole and bis-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives starting from terephthaloyl and isophthaloyl chlorides is described. Terephthaloyl or isophthaloyl chloride was allowed to react with hydrazine hydrate in refluxing ethanol to give a corresponding bis-hydrazide derivative. Further reaction of these compounds with isothiocyanates gave bis-thiosemicarbazide derivatives, which then underwent cyclization to bis-1,3,4-thiadiazoles in the presence of sulfuric acid. The cyclization of these compounds in the presence of sodium hydroxide resulted in the formation of bis-1,2,4-triazole-3-thioles. The structure of these compounds was characterized by IR, NMR, and elemental analysis.
Synthesis and photochromism of aryl(heteroaryl)- and diheteroarylethenes – coumarin derivatives
Authors: Traven Valerii F. , Bochkov Andrei Y. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In this review, we discuss the synthesis and photochromism of aryl(heteroaryl)- and diheteroarylethenes, containing pyrane ring of coumarin as part of the photosensitive hexatriene system or bearing a coumarin unit as a substituent outside of hexatriene. Coumarinylethenes with noncyclic double bond as well as coumarinyl(thienyl)thiazoles, coumarinyl(thienyl)maleic anhydride (or maleimide) derivatives, and 3,4-bis(thiazolyl)coumarins possess both photochromism and fluorescence switching properties upon UV/vis irradiation.
The role of steroids in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation: molecular and clinical perspectives
Authors: Salloum Rony H. , Rubin J. Peter , Marra Kacey G. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells capable of either self-regeneration or differentiation into more mature cell types, depending on the environmental stimuli. MSCs originate from the mesoderm and differentiate readily into mesodermal tissue. The tissues most studied in that respect are bone, fat and cartilage, and the key molecular elements in these three differentiation pathways are RUNX2, PPARγ and SOX9, respectively. Steroidal molecules play an important role in determining the fate of MSCs, mainly by altering the expression of key cellular molecules. Not all steroids exert the same effects on these cells. This review discusses the effects of sex steroids and glucocorticoids on the proliferative capacity and differentiation patterns of MSCs. With stem-cell-based therapy gaining worldwide attention, we explore the role of steroids in modulating MSCs for clinical and therapeutic purposes. The ease with which some MSCs, such as adipose-derived stem cells, can be harvested from the body and manipulated in the laboratory may lead to increased interest in this era of stem cells.
Brain structural and functional changes in adolescents with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Miguel-Hidalgo José Javier 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
During adolescence, hormonal and neurodevelopmental changes geared to ensuring reproduction and achieving independence are very likely mediated by the growth of neural processes, remodeling of synaptic connections, increased myelination in prefrontal areas and maturation of connecting subcortical areas. These processes, greatly accelerated in adolescence, follow an asynchronous pattern in different brain areas. Neuroimaging research using functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging has produced most of the insights regarding brain structural and functional neuropathology in adolescent psychiatric disorders. In schizophrenia, first episodes during adolescence are linked to greater-than-normal losses in gray matter density and white matter integrity and show a divergence of maturational trajectories from normative neural development in a progression similar to that of adult-onset schizophrenia. Anxiety and mood disorders in adolescence have been linked to abnormally increased activity in the amygdala and ventral prefrontal cortical areas, although some data suggest that neural abnormalities in the amygdala and anxiety maybe particularly more frequent in adolescents than in adults. Alcohol misuse in adolescence results in reduced integrity in the white matter and reduced gray matter density that, given the high intensity of adolescent synaptic and myelin remodeling, may result in persistent and profound changes in circuits supporting memory and emotional and appetitive control. The interaction of persistent changes due to prenatal exposure with the contemporaneous expression of genetic factors and disturbing environmental exposure may be an important factor in the appearance of psychiatric disorders in adolescence. Further progress in understanding adolescent psychopathology will require postmortem research of molecular and cellular determinants in the adolescent brain.
Solids Suspension Study in a Side-Entering Stirred Tank Through CFD Modeling
Authors: Chen Jia , Xiao Wende 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique was employed to study solids suspension in a stirred tank equipped with three side-entering impellers. Simulations of solid–liquid flow were performed by using an Eulerian-Granular Multiphase (EGM) model coupling with standard k–ε mixture turbulence model and Reynolds stress model, respectively. A multiple reference frame (MRF) approach was used to model the impeller rotation. The CFD predictions have been verified by comparing the predicted results with the experimental just suspended impeller speed and solid sediment pattern at the tank bottom. The solid distribution and liquid-phase velocity vectors throughout the tank for two cases with and without solid phase were investigated to understand the characteristics of solid–liquid flow. The solid suspension quality has been assessed by employing three criterions: the just suspended impeller speed Njs, cloud height h, and suspension homogeneity. The effects of impeller agitation speed, particle size, and solid loading on suspension quality have been investigated. The computational model and results discussed in this study would be useful to understand the solid–liquid dispersion process in side-entering stirred tanks and extend the application of CFD models for equipment design and process optimization.