bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Decrease in the Percentage of CD3+ Cells Is Correlated With Clinical Improvement During Plasmapheresis in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Chien Pei‐Ju , Yeh Jiann‐Horng , Shih Chwen‐Ming , Hsueh Yu‐Mei , Chen Mei‐Chieh , Chiu Hou‐Chang 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPlasmapheresis not only removes circulating antibodies but also modulates cellular immunity, including lymphocyte subsets. To investigate the effect of double‐filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) on the ratio of lymphocyte subsets in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), we examined the percentages of B‐cells, T‐cells, T helper (Th) cells, T suppressor (Ts) cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, and Th/Ts ratio before and after a single DFPP session and after a course of DFPP. A total of 26 patients were recruited; their peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were assayed using flow cytometry. After a single session of DFPP treatment, the percentages of T‐cells (P = 0.0200), Th cells (P = 0.0178), and the Th/Ts ratio (P = 0.0309) decreased significantly, whereas the percentage of NK cells (P = 0.0007) increased significantly. More importantly, after one course of DFPP treatment, the reduced clinical quantitative MG (QMG) score was correlated with the decrease of the percentage of T‐cells (r = 0.5005, P = 0.0092). Fourteen thymectomized MG patients had decreased percentages of T‐cells (P = 0.0304) and Th cells (P = 0.0444), whereas they had increased NK cells (P = 0.0197) after a single DFPP session. Here, transiently decreased percentages of T‐cells after the full DFPP course could enhance the effectiveness of plasmapheresis for MG patients.
Effect of Minimized Perfusion Circuit on Brain Injury Markers Carnosinase and Brain‐Type Fatty Binding Protein in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patients
Authors: Pahari Dipak R. , Gu Y. John , van Oeveren Willem , El‐Essawi Aschraf , Harringer Wolfgang , Brouwer René M.H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA minimized perfusion circuit (MPC) has proven to be superior to the conventional circulatory perfusion bypass (CCPB) as it reduces the blood–material interaction and hemodilution. Until now not much is known about impact these different perfusion systems have on the brain. The objective of this study is to determine carnosinase and brain‐type fatty binding protein (BFABP) activity as novel specific biomarkers for ischemic brain tissue damage and how their activity differs during and after MPC and CCPB as well as to compare the inflammatory response of both perfusion systems. In a prospective pilot study, 28 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were randomly divided into an MPC group (n = 14) and a CCPB group (n = 14). Blood samples were taken before, during, and after operation until the fifth postoperative day. The brain biomarker carnosinase was determined by measuring the rate of histidine production from the substrate homocarnosine, whereas BFABP and interleukin‐6 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). C‐reactive protein (CRP) and endothelin‐1 were determined by enzyme immunoassay. The mean serum carnosinase activity was significantly higher in MPC (0.57 ± 0.34 nM histidine/mL/min) as compared with the CCPB group (0.36 ± 0.13 nM histidine/mL/min) at the end of operation (P = 0.02). The BFABP did not show any difference between the two groups in the immediate postoperative period until the second postoperative day. From that time point onward, it showed a steep increase in the CCPB group (581.3 ± 157.11 pg/mL) as compared with the concentrations in the MPC group (384.6 ± 39 pg/mL) (P = 0.04). The inflammation markers interleukin‐6 and CRP showed a similar pattern in both groups without significant difference. In contrast, the leukocyte count on operation day and endothelin‐1 on the first postoperative day were significantly higher in the CCPB group (P = 0.01, P = 0.03, respectively). MPC showed a significant higher and stable serum carnosinase activity during extracorporeal circulation as compared with the CCPB due to less hemodilution and a better preserved oxygen capacity. As a consequence, the antioxidant stress during MPC is limited as compared with CCPB, which means less brain tissue damage reflected by a lower BFABP release. Except endothelin‐1 and leukocyte count, the inflammatory response of the MPC and CCPB was equal.
Internal Reduction of Ni2+ in ZrO2 Stabilized with 10 mol% Y2O3 Examined with VSM and SQUID Magnetometry
Authors: White Joshua T. , Reimanis Ivar E. , Tong Jianhua , O'Brien James R. , Morrissey Amy 
Published: October 2012

The internal reduction of Ni2+ ions dissolved in 10YSZ (10 percent by mole Y2O3‐ stabilized ZrO2) was studied using magnetometry. Chemical methods were used to produce specimens with varying amounts of NiO (0.01–11.8% by mol), below and above the solubility limit of NiO in 10YSZ. The solubility limit was determined using x‐ray diffraction measurements in which the change in lattice parameter was correlated to the amount of Ni2+ ions in solution. Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) was used to unequivocally establish that NiO does not exist as a second phase for specimen compositions less than or equal to 0.5 m/o NiO. Specimens with compositions 0.5, 0.1, and 0.01 m/o NiO in YSZ were then prepared and heat treated in Ar – 2% H2 at 1273 K for times ranging from 1 to 20 h. The ferromagnetic response of the reduced specimens was measured using SQUID magnetometry at 100 K to quantify the amount of Ni metal formed as a function of time. SQUID magnetometry measurements of the same specimens were performed at 5 K where the paramagnetic response may be used to quantify the decrease of Ni2+ ions during reduction. The two SQUID measurements agree well and revealed parabolic growth law kinetics. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that internal reduction in these specimens proceeds by the formation of Ni0 along the YSZ grain boundaries. The results indicate that there are two stages of internal reduction in polycrystalline NiO‐containing YSZ. For short times, precipitation of Ni occurs at grain‐boundary regions, and for longer times, it occurs inside the grains.
High Temperature Structural, Dielectric, and Ion Conduction Properties of Orthorhombic InVO4
Authors: Katari Vasundhara , Patwe Sadequa J. , Achary Srungarpu N. , Tyagi Avesh K. 
Published: October 2012

Orthorhombic InVO4 was prepared by solid‐state reaction method and characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The frequency‐dependent dielectric and conductivity properties were studied from 300 to 973 K by impedance spectroscopy. A significantly enhanced conductivity was observed at higher temperature whereas almost no conduction was observed below 723 K. Appreciable grain boundary conductivity was observed at higher temperature. The activation energies for grain and grain boundary conductivities are 0.87 and 1.28 eV, respectively. The relative permittivity of ~35 was observed in a wider range of frequencies and temperatures. The frequency dispersion dielectric studies indicated thermally activated hopping conduction process. The high temperature structural studies revealed no significant change in structural parameters except a gradual increasing trend in the unit cell parameters and amplitude of isotropic thermal parameters with increasing temperature.
Porous Tungsten Carbide Nanoplates Derived from Tungsten Trioxide Nanoplates
Authors: Chen Deliang , Zhai Haitao , Chen Huimin , Zhang Yi , Fan Bingbing , Wang Hailong , Lu Hongxia , Li Zhengxin , Zhang Rui , Sun Jing , Gao Lian 
Published: October 2012

Porous WC nanoplates (PWCPs) were synthesized by a nitridization‐carbonization process using WO3 nanoplates as the precursor for morphological control. The WO3 nanoplates were derived from tungstate‐based inorganic‐organic hybrid belts. The synthesis of PWCPs involved a nitridization reaction of WO3 nanoplates in NH3 at 650°C for 2 h, followed by a carbonization reaction in a CO/CO2 (10:1, v/v) mixture at 750°C for 10 h. The as‐obtained product is a pure hexagonal WC phase with a plate‐like and porous morphology. The aggregates of the PWCPs with dimensions of (100–300) × (10–30) nm form a house‐of‐card structure with open channels and high‐specific surface areas, and can act as potential supports of electrocatalysts for high‐performance fuel cells.
Effect of Hydrothermal Synthesis Conditions on the Morphology and Negative Thermal Expansivity of Zirconium Tungstate Nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Hongchao , Badrinarayanan Prashanth , Kessler Michael R. 
Published: October 2012

Zirconium tungstate (ZrW2O8) is a unique ceramic material that exhibits isotropic negative thermal expansion behavior, which can be produced at relatively low temperatures using hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent heat treatment. In this work, the effect of reaction conditions on morphology and crystallite size of ZrW2O8 nanoparticles is characterized through careful selection of initial reactants, acid types and concentration, reaction time, and temperature. Three types of ZrW2O8 nanoparticles with distinct morphologies and crystallite size scales were chosen to characterize and compare thermal and physical properties. Nano‐sized ZrW2O8 particles for two of the morphologies exhibit a negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is about 30% larger than the CTE of bulk ZrW2O8 in the α‐phase (ca. −11.4 vs.−8.8 ppm/°C). A dependence of CTE on crystallite size and crystalline structure is demonstrated. It is also found that the morphology of the zirconium tungstate has a significant effect on the pore structure and level of hydration in the nanoparticles.
Assessment of facial asymmetry in growing subjects with a three‐dimensional laser scanning system
Authors: Primozic J. , Perinetti G. , Zhurov A. , Richmond S. , Ovsenik M. 
Published: October 2012

Primozic J., Perinetti G., Zhurov A., Richmond S., Ovsenik M.  Assessment of facial asymmetry in growing subjects with a three‐dimensional laser scanning system  Orthod Craniofac Res 2012;15:237–244. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/SStructured AbstractAuthors –  Primozic J, Perinetti G, Zhurov A, Richmond S, Ovsenik MObjectives –  To evaluate facial asymmetry in growing subjects with no malocclusion on three‐dimensional laser facial scans.Setting and Sample Population –  Twenty‐seven healthy Caucasian children (15 boys and 12 girls, aged 5.4 ± 0.3 years) in the primary dentition without malocclusion were randomly selected from a local kindergarten in Slovenia.Material and Methods –  Surface facial images were obtained using a three‐dimensional laser scanning system at baseline and at 18, 30, 42 and 54 months of follow‐up. Facial asymmetry was assessed quantitatively by measuring the average distance between facial image and mirrored image. Further, the percentage of asymmetry was calculated as the percentage of image to mirrored image not coinciding within 0.5 mm. Qualitative assessment was performed on colour deviation maps by recording the predominant side of the face for the upper, middle and lower parts of the face separately. Nonparametric tests were used for data analysis.Results –  No face was perfectly symmetric. The average distance between the mirrored images for the whole face ranged 0.22–0.85 mm and the percentage of asymmetry 7.8–66.9. There were no significant gender differences (p > 0.05), and no significant change was found over the observed period. The upper part of the face was the least asymmetric, while the lower and middle parts showed similar degrees of asymmetry.Conclusion –  Facial asymmetry is already present at an early developmental stage and does not show any tendency to increase or decrease with growth in the pre‐pubertal period.
Improving methods in gap ecology: revisiting size and shape distributions using a model selection approach
Authors: de Lima Renato Augusto F. , Prado Paulo Inácio , Martini Adriana Maria Z. , Fonseca Leandro J. , Gandolfi Sérgius , Rodrigues Ricardo R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractQuestionsWe assess gap size and shape distributions, two important descriptors of the forest disturbance regime, by asking: which statistical model best describes gap size distribution; can simple geometric forms adequately describe gap shape; does gap size or shape vary with forest type, gap age or the method used for gap delimitation; and how similar are the studied forests and other tropical and temperate forests?LocationSoutheastern Atlantic Forest, Brazil.MethodsAnalysing over 150 gaps in two distinct forest types (seasonal and rain forests), a model selection framework was used to select appropriate probability distributions and functions to describe gap size and gap shape. The first was described using univariate probability distributions, whereas the latter was assessed based on the gap area–perimeter relationship. Comparisons of gap size and shape between sites, as well as size and age classes were then made based on the likelihood of models having different assumptions for the values of their parameters.ResultsThe log‐normal distribution was the best descriptor of gap size distribution, independently of the forest type or gap delimitation method. Because gaps became more irregular as they increased in size, all geometric forms (triangle, rectangle and ellipse) were poor descriptors of gap shape. Only when small and large gaps (> 100 or 400 m2depending on the delimitation method) were treated separately did the rectangle and isosceles triangle become accurate predictors of gap shape. Ellipsoidal shapes were poor descriptors. At both sites, gaps were at least 50% longer than they were wide, a finding with important implications for gap microclimate (e.g. light entrance regime) and, consequently, for gap regeneration.ConclusionsIn addition to more appropriate descriptions of gap size and shape, the model selection framework used here efficiently provided a means by which to compare the patterns of two different types of forest. With this framework we were able to recommend the log‐normal parameters μ and σ for future comparisons of gap size distribution, and to propose possible mechanisms related to random rates of gap expansion and closure. We also showed that gap shape varied highly and that no single geometric form was able to predict the shape of all gaps, the ellipse in particular should no longer be used as a standard gap shape.
Renaissance Humanism and the Future of the Humanities
Authors: Summit Jennifer 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe academic humanities trace their origins to the Renaissance. Yet recent discussions of the humanities despite their profusion and visibility, have ignored recent scholarship on Renaissance humanism, which challenges long‐held ideas about the humanities’ historical origins and meanings. This essay surveys both bodies of work, asking what recent scholarship on Renaissance humanism can offer our current understanding of the humanities, their purposes and functions, and their future.
Divergent sympatric lineages of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean crinoid Tropiometra carinata
Authors: Torrence Kathleen G. , Correia Monica D. , Hoffman Eric A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe shallow water comatulid crinoid Tropiometra carinata is native to both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, a distribution anomalous among shallow water crinoids and many other broadcast spawning species. Given this species' short pelagic larval duration, the findings of previous work that suggest that the Benguela upwelling is a significant barrier to gene flow in broadcast spawning species, and T. carinata's unexpected geographic distribution, we predicted that the crinoids presently recognized as T. carinata consisted of a species complex. To test this prediction, we sequenced a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene from 30 individuals of T. carinata collected from Brazil, the Mozambique Channel, Madagascar, and Reunion Island. We found that nucleotide divergence ranged 0.02–3.10% among haplotypes. Moreover, while a Bayesian phylogenetic tree indicated that there were two substantially divergent genetic lineages, there was no evidence to support that T. carinata is comprised of a species complex due to isolation‐by‐distance. Surprisingly, both lineages were found in sympatry in both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Likewise, a 95% parsimony haplotype network revealed that identical haplotypes are found in both oceans, suggesting that a species complex may indeed exist, just not one caused by geographic isolation. We discuss possible explanations for this unexpected genetic structure, such as natural dispersal or human‐mediated movement, and how the genetic structure found here is relevant to other marine organisms and to cryptic speciation.
Effort and Contribution of T‐DNA Insertion Mutant Library for Rice Functional Genomics Research in China: Review and Perspective
Authors: Chang Yuxiao , Long Tuan , Wu Changyin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWith the completion of the rice (Oryza sativa L.) genome‐sequencing project, the rice research community proposed to characterize the function of every predicted gene in rice by 2020. One of the most effective and high‐throughput strategies for studying gene function is to employ genetic mutations induced by insertion elements such as T‐DNA or transposons. Since 1999, with support from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China for Rice Functional Genomics Programs, large‐scale T‐DNA insertion mutant populations have been generated in Huazhong Agricultural University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Currently, a total of 372,346 mutant lines have been generated, and 58,226 T‐DNA or Tos17 flanking sequence tags have been isolated. Using these mutant resources, more than 40 genes with potential applications in rice breeding have already been identified. These include genes involved in biotic or abiotic stress responses, nutrient metabolism, pollen development, and plant architecture. The functional analysis of these genes will not only deepen our understanding of the fundamental biological questions in rice, but will also offer valuable gene resources for developing Green Super Rice that is high‐yielding with few inputs even under the poor growth conditions of many regions of Africa and Asia.
Nicotine hair concentrations in dogs exposed to environmental tobacco smoke: a pilot study
Authors: Knottenbelt C. M. , Bawazeer S. , Hammond J. , Mellor D. , Watson D. G. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between dog hair nicotine concentration and owner‐reported exposure to environmental tobacco smoke to establish whether dogs are exposed to significant, detectable amounts of environmental tobacco smoke in the home.MethodsHair was collected from 23 dogs exposed to environmental tobacco smoke and from 15 dogs reportedly not exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Hair was washed to remove adhered nicotine, digested in 1 M NaOH and extracted using solid phase extraction. Nicotine concentration was measured by high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Results were analysed using a Kruskall‐Wallis test and post hoc pair‐wise comparisons using a Mann–Whitney test to assess significance between exposure groups.ResultsThe different exposure groups were significantly different (P < 0·001) for both hair and surface nicotine. Pair‐wise comparisons were significant at P < 0·05 for all categories except unexposed and occasionally exposed groups (P = 0·076).Clinical SignificanceDog hair nicotine concentration appears to be strongly associated with reported exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The range and median of hair nicotine concentration in dogs exposed to environmental tobacco smoke was similar to those reported in children. This suggests that dog hair could provide a useful method of determining the amount of environmental tobacco smoke exposure in all environments common to pets and children.
Does the Domestic Value Added Induced by China's Exports Really Belong to China?
Authors: Duan Yuwan , Yang Cuihong , Zhu Kunfu , Chen Xikang 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSince 2001, the exports of foreign‐invested enterprises (FIEs) have accounted for more than 50 percent of China's total exports. As foreign capital occupies a high proportion of the total capital of FIEs, most FIEs' capital gains are foreign factor income. Although these gains are calculated as a part of China's GDP, they do not belong to China's national income. To determine the real contribution of exports to China's welfare, the present paper analyses the impact of exports on China's national income using a non‐competitive input–output model capturing processing trade. The results show that every US$1000 of China's exports generates US$506.8 of national income. The real contribution of exports to China's welfare is much smaller than what we expected. This suggests that China should endeavor to improve the gains from international markets or find another engine to maintain its economic growth.
Effect of microplasmin on the clearance of vitreous haemorrhage from an experimental model in rabbits
Authors: Gad Elkareem Ashraf M. , de Smet Marc D. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  Microplasmin is known to alter the structure of the vitreous gel. The current experiments were designed to assess its ability to enhance clearance of an experimentally induced vitreous haemorrhage, and to compare it to ovine hyaluronidase.Methods:  Twenty‐five rabbits were used for this experiment, divided into five groups; groups 1–3 are microplasmin‐treated eyes with 25, 75 and 125 μg, respectively. Group 4 treated with 55 IU of hyaluronidase, while group 5 was treated with normal saline (control). Eyes were injected in the mid‐vitreous with 0.05 ml of autologous blood obtained from the marginal ear vein. One week later, all the groups were injected with the test solution injected in mid‐vitreous as stated above. Clearance of the vitreous haemorrhage was assessed weekly indirect ophthalmoscopy for 8 weeks.Results:  Microplasmin‐treated eyes showed a significant clearance of the vitreous haemorrhage in a dose‐dependent fashion, where group 3 (125 μg) had the highest clearance rate in comparison with control eyes. Hyaluronidase‐treated eyes showed a similar clearance rate as group 3. In addition, group 3 showed a complete posterior vitreous detachment, which did not develop in hyaluronidase‐treated eyes.Conclusion:  Microplasmin may be a useful agent to accelerate the clearance of vitreous haemorrhage.