bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Textures and processes of laminated travertines formed by unicellular cyanobacteria in Myoken hot spring, southwestern Japan
Authors: Okumura Tomoyo , Takashima Chizuru , Kano Akihiro 
Published: July 2013

AbstractLamina‐forming processes of moderately thermophilic (∼55°C) unicellular cyanobacteria were identified for the carbonate travertine in the Myoken Hot Spring, Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan. Continuous 28‐h monitoring of surface textures clearly showed a diurnal pattern in sub‐millimeter order lamination, comprised of daytime dark colored aragonite layers, and night‐time light colored calcite layers. The layering was controlled principally by daily cycles of unicellular cyanobacteria closely related to Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP‐1. During a day, cyanobacteria migrated to the surface, and formed a dark green biofilm, in which CaCO3 is precipitated as radial aggregates of needle aragonite. After sunset, calcite precipitation formed dendritic aggregates of rhombic crystals that cover the biofilm. Physicochemical conditions of the ambient water were stable throughout a day; therefore CaCO3 polymorphs (aragonite/calcite) were controlled by the presence/absence of certain microbial effects, such as extracellular polymeric substances secreted by cyanobacteria. When travertine growth reached the water level, a yellow‐green microbial mat developed on the subaerially exposed surface. Here, filamentous cyanobacteria joined in the microbial community under lowered temperature (∼40°C). Aragonite crystal precipitation occurring in the microbial mat supported the microbial effects on CaCO3 polymorphs. Geomicrobiological processes, effects, and the environmental conditions demonstrated in this travertine provide insights into a further understand of microbial textures in ancient carbonate sediments.
Doping Effects on the Crystal Structure and Electrochemical Performance of LiFePO4/C
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Kezhi , Li Hejun 
Published: July 2013

LiFe0.98M0.02PO4/C (M = Mg, Ni, Co, Sr) composite materials were prepared by solid‐state synthesis method using Fe2O3 as one of the starting materials. The structures and electrochemical performance of samples were carried out by means of XRD, SEM, TEM, and constant‐current charge–discharge method. The results showed that the ion doping did not change the crystal structure and morphology of LiFePO4. Unit‐cell volume gradually increased, which was good for embedding and disembedding of Li+, and improving conductivity and charge–discharge performance. The electrical conductivity of powders was increased by carbon coating and ion doping. The initial discharge capacity of Ni2+‐doped sample reached 156.6 mA·h/g and 149.4 mA·h/g at 0.2C and 1C rate. After 30 cycles, the capacity retention rate was still 98.8% and 97.2%.
Comparison between Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on the Risk of Stroke Recurrence and Longitudinal Progression of White Matter Lesions and Silent Brain Infarcts on MRI (CEREBRAL Study): Rationale, Design, and Methodology
Authors: Yamano Shigeru , Horii Manabu , Takami Takeshi , Sakuma Mio , Morimoto Takeshi , Okada Sadanori , Taoka Toshiaki , Kichikawa Kimihiko , Sasamura Hiroyuki , Itoh Hiroshi , Furuya Yoshiko , Ueno Satoshi , Imamura Tomoaki , Sugiyama Seigo , Ogawa Hisao , Saito Yoshihiko 
Published: July 2013

Objectives Patients with a history of ischemic stroke are known to develop new ischemic stroke. While asymptomatic, the presence and progression of silent brain infarcts and white matter lesions on magnetic resonance imaging are associated with an increased risk of future strokes. Both angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers are recommended for the primary and secondary prevention of stroke, but there are no direct comparisons of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors versus angiotensin II receptor blockers regarding their cerebroprotective effects, including their effect on asymptomatic cerebral lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging. Methods Elderly (65 years or older) patients with essential hypertension who underwent cerebral magnetic resonance imaging and were found to have any cerebral ischemic lesions, such as cerebral infarction, silent brain infarct, or white matter lesion, were enrolled in this CEREBRAL study. Patients who agreed to participate were enrolled in the randomized controlled trial portion. Patients who did not agree to participate in the randomized controlled trial were enrolled in the cohort study portion. After two-years of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blockers treatment, follow-up magnetic resonance imaging examination will be performed. The primary end-point is the composite of ( 1 ) occurrence of a fatal or nonfatal cerebrovascular event or ( 2 ) progression of cerebrovascular lesions as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging, including white matter lesions or silent brain infarcts. After enrollment, cognitive function was evaluated, if possible, using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Conclusions Our study will clarify whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers are more effective for preventing primary and recurrence of ischemic stroke, including the progression of asymptomatic cerebral lesions on magnetic resonance imaging, in elderly hypertensive patients.
Outcomes for People with Atrial Fibrillation in an Australian National Audit of Stroke Care
Authors: Andrew Nadine , Kilkenny Monique , Harris Dawn , Price Chris , Cadilhac Dominique A. 
Published: July 2013

Background Atrial fibrillation is associated with poorer outcomes poststroke. It is unclear how the quality of stroke care in hospitals influences outcomes in these patients. Aims The study aims to compare outcomes in stroke patients with and without atrial fibrillation and identify hospital processes of care associated with poor outcomes. Methods Data were collected using retrospective, consecutive medical record audits from participating hospitals in the 2009 and 2011 National Stroke Foundation acute services audit program. Patient characteristics, stroke severity, and hospital management data were compared for those with and without atrial fibrillation. Multiple regression analyses for outcomes of in-hospital death, dependency at discharge (modified Rankin Score 3–5), and discharge destination were undertaken, adjusted for patient clustering by hospital. Results Atrial fibrillation status was known for 5473 (80%) cases; 2049 had atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (aOR 1·46, 95% CI 1·06, 2·02). Management on a stroke unit (aOR 0·57, 95% CI 0·40, 0·80) and having a swallow assessment within 24 h (aOR 0·71, 95% CI 0·51, 0·98) were associated with increased survival among all stroke types, as was receiving aspirin within 48 h poststroke (aOR 0·65, 95% CI 0·44, 0·97), for patients with an ischemic stroke. Stroke patients with atrial fibrillation were less likely to receive important processes of care associated with reduced mortality. Conclusions Hospital processes of care can influence outcomes in stroke patients with atrial fibrillation. The greater in-hospital mortality experienced by stroke patients with atrial fibrillation may be attenuated by admission to a stroke unit, and for ischemic stroke, early administration of aspirin.
Effects of Carotid Endarterectomy or Stenting on Hemodynamic Complications in the International Carotid Stenting Study: A Randomized Comparison
Authors: Altinbas Aysun , Algra Ale , Brown Martin M. , Featherstone Roland L. , Kappelle L. Jaap , de Borst Gert Jan , Mali Willem P. Th. M. , van der Worp H. Bart ,   for the International Carotid Stenting Study Investigators
Published: July 2013

Background Carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting are frequently complicated by hemodynamic instability. Aims The study aims to compare the incidence of hemodynamic complications between carotid artery stenting and carotid endarterectomy in the International Carotid Stenting Study (ISRCTN25337470). Methods Patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis were randomly allocated to carotid artery stenting or carotid endarterectomy. The occurrence of peri-procedural hemodynamic depression (severe bradycardia, asystole, or hypotension requiring treatment) and hypertension requiring treatment was assessed in a per-protocol analysis. We compared the rate of hemodynamic complications, determined independent predictors thereof, and assessed their relation with the composite outcome of all-cause death, stroke, and myocardial infarction within 30 days of treatment. Results A number of 766 carotid artery stenting and 819 carotid endarterectomy patients had a single completed intervention. Hemodynamic depression occurred in 13·8% after carotid artery stenting and in 7·2% after carotid endarterectomy (relative risk 1·9, 95% confidence interval 1·4–2·6, P < 0·0001). Hypertension requiring treatment occurred less often after carotid artery stenting than after carotid endarterectomy (relative risk 0·2, 95% confidence interval, 0·1–0·4, P < 0·0001). In carotid artery stenting patients, a history of cardiac failure was the strongest independent predictor of hemodynamic depression (relative risk 2·4, 95% confidence interval 1·3–4·8, P = 0·009). There was no statistically significant association between hemodynamic complications and the occurrence of the composite outcome. Conclusion Hemodynamic depression occurs more often after carotid artery stenting and severe hypertension more often after carotid endarterectomy, but these complications are not responsible for the excess of major perioperative events after carotid artery stenting.
Health of adults living with a clinically significant haemoglobinopathy in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Crowther H. J. , Lindeman R. , Ho P. J. , Allen E. , Waite C. , Matthews S. , Jobburn K. , Teo J. , Day S. , Seldon M. , Rosenfeld D. , Kerridge I. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo comprehensively review the health needs of patients living with clinically significant haemoglobinopathies (thalassaemia and sickle‐cell disease (SCD)) in New South Wales, Australia.MethodsA survey‐based health needs assessment was undertaken in outpatients cared for at five tertiary institutions in metropolitan and regional centres. Sixty‐three of 121 adults (approximately 80–90% of adult patients with transfusion‐requiring haemoglobinopathies in New South Wales) completed an in‐house and commercial health‐related quality assessment survey (SF‐36v2).ResultsSubjects came from more than eight world regions, with those with SCD being more likely to be born outside of Australia than subjects with thalassaemia (P < 0.001, likelihood ratio 20.64) as well as more likely to have been refugees (26% vs 2%). The population contained socially disadvantaged subjects with 13 subjects (20.6%) having incomes below the Australian poverty line. Complications of thalassaemia were comparable to previous international reports although our subjects had a high rate of secondary amenorrhea (>12 months = 27%) and surgical splenectomy (55.6%). Use of hydroxyurea in SCD was less than expected with only 46.6% of subjects having prior use. Lack of universal access to magnetic resonance imaging‐guided chelation (international best practice) was evident, although 65.5% had been able to access magnetic resonance imaging through clinical trial, or self‐funding.ConclusionsPatients with SCD and thalassaemia experience considerable morbidity and mortality and require complex, multidisciplinary care. This study revealed both variance from international best practice and between specialist units. The results of this research may provide the impetus for the development of clinical and research networks to enable the uniform delivery of health services benchmarked against international standards.
Development and ultra‐structure of an ultra‐thin silicone epidermis of bioengineered alternative tissue
Authors: Wessels Quenton , Pretorius Etheresia 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBurn wound care today has a primary objective of temporary or permanent wound closure. Commercially available engineered alternative tissues have become a valuable adjunct to the treatment of burn injuries. Their constituents can be biological, alloplastic or a combination of both. Here the authors describe the aspects of the development of a siloxane epidermis for a collagen‐glycosaminoglycan and for nylon‐based artificial skin replacement products. A method to fabricate an ultra‐thin epidermal equivalent is described. Pores, to allow the escape of wound exudate, were punched and a tri‐filament nylon mesh or collagen scaffold was imbedded and silicone polymerisation followed at 120°C for 5 minutes. The ultra‐structure of these bilaminates was assessed through scanning electron microscopy. An ultra‐thin biomedical grade siloxane film was reliably created through precision coating on a pre‐treated polyethylene terephthalate carrier.
Ovarian development status and population characteristics of Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) and Nilaparvata lugens (Stål): implications for pest forecasting
Authors: Zheng D. B. , Hu G. , Yang F. , Du X. D. , Yang H. B. , Zhang G. , Qi G. J. , Liang Z. L. , Zhang X. X. , Cheng X. N. , Zhai B. P. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractMigratory behaviour in insects correlates with reproductive development in females, and migration often occurs during the pre‐reproductive stage of adults. The relationship between ovarian development and population status of the white‐backed planthopper Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) and the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) was evaluated. Females of both species were captured in rice fields and light traps and then dissected in double‐season rice‐farming regions of southern China. The ovarian development of S. furcifera and N. lugens was divided into five levels, following previous studies. The population statuses of both species were examined based on the ovarian development of female adults caught in rice paddies. The ovarian development in N. lugens females caught in light traps mostly ranged from level I to level II, whereas that in S. furcifera females caught in light traps mostly ranged from level I to level III. During peak immigration, ovarian development in N. lugens females was mainly at level II, whereas that in S. furcifera females was mainly at level II and sporadically at level III. During peak emigration, both S. furcifera and N. lugens showed level I ovarian development. The temporal dynamics of ovarian development in light trap catches revealed that (i) significant emigration and partial immigration periods occur in S. furcifera, with ovarian development mainly at level I and sporadically from level II to level III and (ii) numerous immigrants of N. lugens were detected during sedentary and local breeding periods. The temporal dynamics of ovarian development provides more information than does the paddy population. Thus, this study proposes another method for pest forecasting, which is more precise and efficient than conventional forecasting methods such as light trap catching and monitoring population dynamics in rice fields.
Resilient parenting of preschool children at developmental risk
Authors: Ellingsen R. , Baker B. L. , Blacher J. , Crnic K. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundGiven the great benefits of effective parenting to child development under normal circumstances, and the even greater benefits in the face of risk, it is important to understand why some parents manage to be effective in their interactions with their child despite facing formidable challenges. This study examined factors that promoted effective parenting in the presence of child developmental delay, high child behaviour problems, and low family income.MethodData were obtained from 232 families at child age 3 and 5 years. Using an adapted ABCX model, we examined three risk domains (child developmental delay, child behaviour problems, and low family income) and three protective factors (mother's education, health, and optimism). The outcome of interest was positive parenting as coded from mother–child interactions.ResultsLevels of positive parenting differed across levels of risk. Education and optimism appeared to be protective factors for positive parenting at ages 3 and 5, and health appeared to be an additional protective factor at age 5. There was an interaction between risk and education at age 3; mothers with higher education engaged in more positive parenting at higher levels of risk than did mothers with less education. There was also an interaction between risk and optimism at age 3; mothers with higher optimism engaged in more positive parenting at lower levels of risk than did mothers with less optimism. The risk index did not predict change in positive parenting from age 3–5, but the protective factor of maternal health predicted positive changes.ConclusionsThis study examined factors leading to positive parenting in the face of risk, a topic that has received less attention in the literature on disability. Limitations, future directions, and implications for intervention are discussed.
Analyses of muscle spindles in the soleus of six inbred mouse strains
Authors: Lionikas Arimantas , Smith Colin J. , Smith Tracey L. , Bünger Lutz , Banks Robert W. , Bewick Guy S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAdult muscle size and fibre‐type composition are heritable traits that vary substantially between individuals. We used inbred mouse strains in which soleus muscle mass varied by an order of magnitude to explore whether properties of muscle spindles can also be influenced by genetic factors. Skip‐serial cross‐sections of soleus muscles dissected from 15 male mice of BEH, BEL, C57BL/6J, DUH, LG/J and SM/J strains were analysed for number of muscle spindles and characteristics of intrafusal and extrafusal fibres following ATPase staining. The BEL and DUH strains determined the range of: soleus mean size, a 10‐fold difference from 2.1 to 22.3 mg, respectively; the mean number of extrafusal fibres, a 2.5‐fold difference from 497 to 1249; and mean fibre‐cross‐sectional area, three‐fold difference, e.g. for type 1 fibres, from 678 to 1948 μm2. The range of mean proportion of type 1 fibres was determined by C57BL/6J (31%) and DUH (64%) strains. The mean number of spindles per muscle ranged between nine (LG/J) and 13 (BEL) (strain effect P < 0.02). Genetic correlations between spindle count and muscle weight or properties of extrafusal fibres were weak and not statistically significant. However, there was a strong correlation between the proportion of spindles with more than one bag2 fibre and the proportion of extrafusal fibres that were of type 1, and strain‐dependent variation in the numbers of such spindles was statistically significant. The numbers of intrafusal fibres per spindle ranged from 2 to 8, with the most common complement of four found in 75.6% of spindles. There were no significant differences between the strains in the mean numbers of intrafusal fibres; however, the variance of the number was significantly less for the C57BL/6J strain than for any of the others. We conclude that abundance of muscle spindles and their intrafusal‐fibre composition are substantially determined by genetic factors, which are different from those affecting muscle size and properties of the extrafusal fibres.
Immunohistochemical localization of translationally controlled tumor protein in the mouse digestive system
Authors: Sheverdin Vadim , Jung Jiwon , Lee Kyunglim 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTranslationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a housekeeping protein, highly conserved among various species. It plays a major role in cell differentiation, growth, proliferation, apoptosis and carcinogenesis. Studies reported so far on TCTP expression in different digestive organs have not led to any understanding of the role of TCTP in digestion, so we localized TCTP in organs of the mouse digestive system employing immunohistochemical techniques. Translationally controlled tumor protein was found expressed in all organs studied: tongue, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver and pancreas. The expression of TCTP was found to be predominant in epithelia and neurons of myenteric nerve ganglia; high in serous glands (parotid, submandibular, gastric, intestinal crypts, pancreatic acini) and in neurons of myenteric nerve ganglia, and moderate to low in epithelia. In epithelia, expression of TCTP varied depending on its type and location. In enteric neurons, TCTP was predominantly expressed in the processes. Translationally controlled tumor protein expression in the liver followed porto‐central gradient with higher expression in pericentral hepatocytes. In the pancreas, TCTP was expressed in both acini and islet cells. Our finding of nearly universal localization and expression of TCTP in mouse digestive organs points to the hitherto unrecognized functional importance of TCTP in the digestive system and suggests the need for further studies of the possible role of TCTP in the proliferation, secretion, absorption and neural regulation of the digestive process and its importance in the physiology and pathology of digestive process.
Hypoxia alters pharmacokinetics of argirein because of mitochondrial dysfunction that is alleviated by apocynin
Authors: Zhang Yu-Mao , Yu Feng , Dai De-Zai , Gao Jie , Cong Xiao-Dong , Dai Yin 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Pharmacokinetics (PK) of argirein might be changed in response to mitochondrial (MITO) dysfunction and activated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) on hypoxia. We hypothesized that hypoxic changes in MITO and NOX could alter PK and tissue distribution of argirein. We tested if these changes in PK of argirein by hypoxia could be relieved by apocynin (APO), a blocker of NOX, through normalizing MITO and NOX.

Methods
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to hypoxia (O2 10% ± 5% 8 h per day) for 7 days and treated with APO (80 mg/kg, i.g.) in the last 4 days. The PK and tissue distribution of argirein were monitored by measuring its main metabolite rhein using HPLC analysis. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and NOX were assayed.

Key findings
The PK parameters and concentrations of rhein in the kidney, liver, heart and testes were significantly altered under hypoxia, accompanied with a reduced MnSOD and upregulated NOX compared with the normal. Altered argirein PK and distribution in these organs were relieved following APO administration.

Conclusion
Abnormal PK and distribution of argirein by assaying its metabolite rhein are significant, consequent to hypoxic injury that is significantly ameliorated by APO through normalizing MITO and NOX.