bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Turbulence effects on phytoplankton morphofunctional traits selection
Authors: Fraisse Stéphane , Bormans Myriam , Lagadeuc Yvan 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTurbulence can regulate phytoplankton community structure in aquatic ecosystems by affecting sedimentation and nutrient acquisition. In rivers, nutrient concentrations are often high enough to sustain phytoplankton growth without limitation. Hence, turbulence mainly acts on phytoplankton by controlling its vertical position in such ecosystems. We conducted a laboratory experiment to see if the response of phytoplankton to turbulence could be predicted from morphofunctional traits related to sinking velocity and maximum growth rate. Turbulence was generated by horizontally oscillating grid systems in three 5 L chambers, which also constituted three chemostats. Two turbulence levels typical of lowland rivers (ɛ = 7.9 × 10−5 m2 s−3 and ɛ = 7.8 × 10−3 m2 s−3) were tested on an experimental community composed of six species from different taxonomic lineages. The species selected displayed different values for five morphofunctional traits related to sinking velocity and maximum growth rate (S : V ratio, algal unit size, density, shape, and motility). We showed that community structure could be partly predicted from morphofunctional traits. Under low turbulence (LT) (ɛ = 7.9 × 10−5 m2 s−3), species displaying traits leading to high sinking velocity (i.e., large size and high density) were unable to sustain stable populations, whereas species which displayed the opposite traits (i.e., small size, flattened shape, or low density) dominated the community. Furthermore, one of the six species exhibited phenotypic plasticity in size and could adapt to both high and LT conditions.© 2014 Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography
Tuning of Sol–Gel Transition in the Mixed Polymer Micelle Solutions of Copolymer Mixtures Consisting of Enantiomeric Diblock and Triblock Copolymers of Polylactide and Poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Hsu Yu‐I. , Masutani Kazunari , Yamaoka Tetsuji , Kimura Yoshiharu 
Published: February 2015

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is partially furanylated with different feed ratios of furfuryl isocyanate and used as the macro initiator of ring‐opening polymerization of l‐ and d‐lactides to synthesize copolymer mixtures of furan‐terminated AB diblock and ABA triblock copolymers (poly(oxyethylene)–poly(l‐lactide)/poly(l‐lactide)–poly(oxyethylene)–poly(l‐lactide) and poly(oxyethylene–poly(d‐lactide)/poly(d‐lactide)–poly(oxyethylene)–poly‐(d‐lactide)) having different diblock/triblock ratios. The mixed micelle solutions of these enantiomeric copolymer mixtures undergo sol‐to‐gel or gel‐to‐sol transition depending on the diblock/triblock ratio of the copolymer mixtures. The rheological properties of the mixed micelle solutions could also be controlled by changing the diblock/triblock ratios or the initial furanylation ratio of PEG.
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Effects of the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor Tadalafil on bladder function in a rat model of partial bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Kawai Yuko , Oka Michiko , Yoshinaga Ryohei , Fuchikami Chiaki , Oyama Tatsuya 
Published: February 2015

AimsTo investigate the effect of the phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor Tadalafil on bladder blood flow and bladder function in a rat model of partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).MethodsFemale 14–15‐week‐old Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups. BOO was surgically induced in rats by placing a rubber ring around the urethra. BOO rats were administered daily oral Tadalafil (BOO‐Tadalafil) or vehicle (BOO‐Vehicle), while sham‐operated animals were treated with vehicle (Sham). On the 14th day after surgery, micturition behavior was recorded for 24 hr by using a metabolic cage. On the 15th day after surgery, bladder blood flow and bladder weight were measured. The expression of PDE5 mRNA in the vesical and iliac arteries of intact rats was measured by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction.ResultsBOO led to a significant decrease in bladder blood flow and a significant increase in bladder weight. These changes were partially suppressed by Tadalafil treatment. The number of micturitions in the BOO group was significantly increased and the average micturition volume was significantly decreased, without affecting the total micturition volume. Repeated Tadalafil treatment markedly inhibited the increase in micturition frequency and the decrease in average micturition volume. PDE5 mRNA was expressed in the vesical and iliac arteries.ConclusionTadalafil suppressed the reduction in bladder blood flow caused by BOO in rats and improved urinary function. This action of Tadalafil may contribute to its amelioration of bladder function. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:444–449, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative Determination of Secoiridoids and Phenylpropanoids in Different Extracts of Ligustrum Vulgare L. Leaves by a Validated HPTLC–Photodensitometry Method
Authors: Czerwińska Monika E. , Ziarek Marlena , Bazylko Agnieszka , Osińska Ewa , Kiss Anna K. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe genus Ligustrum (Oleaceae) is distributed in Europe and Asia (south China and Korea), where it is used to prevent hypertension, sore throats, inflammation and diabetes. The main groups of compounds in extracts of Ligustrum vulgare are biologically active secoiridoids and phenylpropanoids.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was primarily the development and validation of a HPTLC–photodensitometry method for separation and determination of secoiridoids (oleacein, oleuropein) and phenylpropanoids (echinacoside) in different extracts prepared from leaves of L. vulgare. A secondary issue was the quantitative screening of oleacein, oleuropein and echinacoside in extracts from leaves collected at different stages of plant growth (from May to September).MethodsA HPTLC–photodensitometry method was developed and validated for quantification of oleuropein, oleacein and echinacoside in plant extracts (aqueous and ethanolic extract, decoction, infusion). Silica gel was used as the stationary phase and dichloromethane:methanol:formic acid:water (80:25:1.5:4, v/v/v/v) as the mobile phase.ResultsThe HPTLC–photodensitometry method developed for quantification of oleacein, oleuropein and echinacoside was specific, accurate and precise. The presence of oleacein was detected in aqueous extracts, whereas oleuropein was present, in particular, in ethanolic extracts, decoctions and infusions. Echinacoside was detected in all the extracts prepared. The content of secoiridoids was variable from May to September, whereas the amount of echinacoside increased in this term.ConclusionThe developed and validated HPTLC–photodensitometry method allowed performing fast screening of quantitative profiles of oleacein, oleuropein and echinacoside in preparations of privet leaves. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidental prostate cancer in Asian men: High prevalence of incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma in Chinese patients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy for treatment of bladder cancer and selection of candidates for prostate‐sparing cystectomy
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Monn M. Francesca , Liu Libo , Liu Yuli , Su Jinwei , Lyu Tianjing , Gong Yanqing , Wang Lisha , Davidson Darrell D. , Cheng Liang 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundPrevious studies report a low prevalence of incidental prostate cancer in Chinese patients (3–7%). We evaluated incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa) and urothelial carcinoma (UCa) involvement of the prostate in cystoprostatectomy specimens.MethodsWe analyzed 340 cystoprostatectomy specimens from patients who underwent radical cystoprostatectomy for the treatment of bladder cancer in China from 2004 to 2014. None of the patients had known prostate cancer prior to cystoprostatectomy.ResultsOverall, 180 (53%) patients had either PCa or UCa in the prostate. We found that 95 (28%) had PCa and 115 (34%) had UCa involvement of prostate. The rate of incidental prostate cancer was 21% and 31%, respectively, from two study periods (2004–2008 and 2009–2014). Among the 95 patients with PCa, 19 (20%) had Gleason score of ≥7, nine (10%) had PCa tumor volume >0.5 cc, and eight (8.4%) had extracapsular extension. Of the 115 with prostatic UCa, 61 had prostatic urethra and/or periurethral prostatic duct involvement only, while 54 had prostatic stromal invasion. Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, P = 0.001), increasing stage of bladder tumor (OR = 1.28, P = 0.005), multifocal tumors of bladder (OR = 3.22, P < 0.001), carcinoma in situ (CIS) in the bladder (OR = 5.52, P < 0.001), and bladder neck involvement (OR = 6.12, P < 0.001) were strongly associated with prostatic UCa.ConclusionsThe rate of incidental PCa in cystoprostatectomy specimens in China has increased over the last decade. Patients with advanced age, elevated serum PSA level, advanced bladder tumor stage, multifocal bladder tumors, CIS in the bladder, and tumor location at the bladder neck should be excluded as candidates for prostate‐sparing cystectomy. Prostate 75:845–854, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A virtual reality‐based method of decreasing transmission time of visual feedback for a tele‐operative robotic catheter operating system
Authors: Guo Jin , Guo Shuxiang , Tamiya Takashi , Hirata Hideyuki , Ishihara Hidenori 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundAn Internet‐based tele‐operative robotic catheter operating system was designed for vascular interventional surgery, to afford unskilled surgeons the opportunity to learn basic catheter/guidewire skills, while allowing experienced physicians to perform surgeries cooperatively. Remote surgical procedures, limited by variable transmission times for visual feedback, have been associated with deterioration in operability and vascular wall damage during surgery.MethodsAt the patient's location, the catheter shape/position was detected in real time and converted into three‐dimensional coordinates in a world coordinate system. At the operation location, the catheter shape was reconstructed in a virtual‐reality environment, based on the coordinates received. The data volume reduction significantly reduced visual feedback transmission times.ResultsRemote transmission experiments, conducted over inter‐country distances, demonstrated the improved performance of the proposed prototype. The maximum error for the catheter shape reconstruction was 0.93 mm and the transmission time was reduced considerably.ConclusionsThe results were positive and demonstrate the feasibility of remote surgery using conventional network infrastructures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans Negatively Modulate Spinal Cord Neural Precursor Cells by Signaling Through LAR and RPTPσ and Modulation of the Rho/ROCK Pathway
Authors: Dyck Scott M. , Alizadeh Arsalan , Santhosh Kallivalappil T. , Proulx Evan H. , Wu Chia-Lun , Karimi-Abdolrezaee Soheila 
Published: February 2015

AbstractMultipotent adult neural precursor cells (NPCs) have tremendous intrinsic potential to repair the damaged spinal cord. However, evidence shows that the regenerative capabilities of endogenous and transplanted NPCs are limited in the microenvironment of spinal cord injury (SCI). We previously demonstrated that injury-induced upregulation of matrix chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) restricts the survival, migration, integration, and differentiation of NPCs following SCI. CSPGs are long-lasting components of the astroglial scar that are formed around the lesion. Our recent in vivo studies demonstrated that removing CSPGs from the SCI environment enhances the potential of transplanted and endogenous adult NPCs for spinal cord repair; however, the mechanisms by which CSPGs regulate NPCs remain unclear. In this study, using in vitro models recapitulating the extracellular matrix of SCI, we investigated the direct role of CSPGs in modulating the properties of adult spinal cord NPCs. We show that CSPGs significantly decrease NPCs growth, attachment, survival, proliferation, and oligodendrocytes differentiation. Moreover, using genetic models, we show that CSPGs regulate NPCs by signaling on receptor protein tyrosine phosphate sigma (RPTPσ) and leukocyte common antigen-related phosphatase (LAR). Intracellularly, CSPGs inhibitory effects are mediated through Rho/ROCK pathway and inhibition of Akt and Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Downregulation of RPTPσ and LAR and blockade of ROCK in NPCs attenuates the inhibitory effects of CSPGS. Our work provide novel evidence uncovering how upregulation of CSPGs challenges the response of NPCs in their post-SCI niche and identifies new therapeutic targets for enhancing NPC-based therapies for SCI repair. Stem Cells 2015;33:2550–2563
Prediction of small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates: screening by fetal biometry at 19–24 weeks
Authors: Lesmes C. , Gallo D. M. , Panaiotova J. , Poon L. C. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the value of fetal biometry at 19–24 weeks' gestation in the prediction of delivery of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates, in the absence of pre‐eclampsia (PE), and examine the potential value of such assessment in deciding whether the third‐trimester scan should be at 32 and/or 36 weeks' gestation.MethodsThis was a screening study in 88 187 singleton pregnancies, including 5003 (5.7%) that delivered SGA neonates with birth weight < 5th percentile (SGA < 5th). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine if screening by a combination of maternal characteristics and medical history and Z‐scores of fetal head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) had significant contribution in predicting SGA neonates. A model was developed for selecting the gestational age for third‐trimester assessment, at 32 and/or 36 weeks, based on the results of screening at 19–24 weeks.ResultsCombined screening by maternal factors and fetal biometry at 19–24 weeks, predicted 76%, 58% and 44% of SGA < 5th delivering < 32, 32–36 and ≥ 37 weeks' gestation, respectively, at a false‐positive rate (FPR) of 10%. The detection rate (DR) of SGA < 5th delivering at 32–36 weeks improved from 58% to 82% with screening at 32 weeks rather than at 19–24 weeks. Similarly, the DR of SGA < 5th delivering ≥ 37 weeks improved from 44% with screening at 19–24 weeks to 61% and 76% with screening at 32 and 36 weeks, respectively. In a hypothetical model, it was estimated that if the desired objective of prenatal screening is to predict about 80% of the cases of SGA < 5th, it would be necessary to select 28% of the population at the 19–24‐week assessment to be reassessed at 32 weeks and 41% to be reassessed at 36 weeks; in 59% of pregnancies there would be no need for a third‐trimester scan.ConclusionPrenatal prediction of a high proportion of SGA neonates necessitates the undertaking of screening in the third trimester of pregnancy, in addition to assessment in the second trimester, and the timing of such screening, either at 32 and/or 36 weeks, should be contingent on the results of the assessment at 19–24 weeks. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Public Policy in Early Childhood Education and Care
Authors: Hasan Abrar 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The paper has two main objectives. First, it presents an analytical framework for examining and developing policies for early childhood education and care (ECEC) in advanced industrialized countries. This framework highlights the link between the fundamental determinants of ECEC policy in terms of society’s view of childhood and their implications for the respective roles of the family and the state, on the one hand, and the relative importance accorded to education versus care, on the other. Second, the paper applies this analytical framework to the policy experience gathered from two rounds of the Thematic Review of ECEC Policy conducted by the OECD in 20 countries. Policy questions of what (types and quality of provision), for whom (access and participation trends), how (level of investment and governance mechanisms), and who pays are examined. The analysis is supplemented by data (mostly referring to 2005) drawn from the second round of the Review and published in Starting Strong II.
Policy Developments in Pre-School Education in Singapore: A Focus on the Key Reforms of Kindergarten Education
Authors: Ting Tan Ching 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Since 2000, the pre-school landscape in Singapore has been evolving and changing more rapidly than before. The interest of raising the quality of pre-school education is evident in the introduction of new policies and implementation of new initiatives in the last six years. These policy developments have resulted in significant changes in various aspects of the quality standards of pre-school education in Singapore. This paper presents the context of pre-school education policy and practice in Singapore and highlights recent key reforms introduced by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in order to promote quality kindergarten education.
Analysis of the Provision of the Early Childhood Services: A Comparative and Experimental Study of an Under-populated and an Urban Area in Japan
Authors: Kitano Sachiko , Uda Jun 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Early childhood care and education are not separate issues, but must be considered holistically. The Japanese government started to accredit and promote integrated institutions called Kodomo-en. In order to make political decisions to locate institutions, the provision of the services in local areas needs to be examined. The present study reports the results of experimental and comparative research analyzing how the services are distributed in Akiotacho (an under-populated, intermediate and mountainous area) and Hakataku (an urban area) in Japan. Using a spatial information system, information about the location of the institutions, the distribution maps of the 0–5 year-old population, and characteristics of services provided were computerized. The results made it clear that in Akiotacho, the biggest problem for services was accessibility; the opportunity to get services in convenience. In Hakataku, the main problem was the limited nature of services owing to density of population. In addition, though there are many institutions in Hakataku, it was made clear that the characteristics of services provided in the area are limited even compared to Akiotacho. Our study suggests that more policy studies should be promoted specially dealing with integration and that aspects from local should be promoted.
How Can Public Policy Improve Quality of Early Care and Education?
Authors: Huston Aletha C. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The major purpose of this paper is to suggest ways that public policy can improve the quality of child care and early education for children from infancy to school age. Quality can be defined by such structural features as group composition, caregiver qualifications, and health and safety practices, and by such process indicators as sensitive, responsive, stimulating activities and interactions. Both predict children’s development. Among the structural indicators, specific training in early education is the most consistent predictor of children’s development, but small ratios and group sizes may also be important, especially for infants and toddlers. Early care and education policies in the U.S. have two means of affecting quality: providing funds and regulation or setting standards. When government agencies fund programs directly, they can hold the programs to structural and process quality standards. Regulations and standards can affect quality largely by dictating such structural features as teacher qualifications, child-to-adult ratios, and group sizes. Quality in all programs for young children can be enhanced by integrating child care and early education into a single system of early education and care.
Dynamic and Uncertain Pathways between Early Childhood Inclusion Policy and Practice
Authors: Onaga Esther E. , Martoccio Tiffany L. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
In the United States, early childhood inclusion dates back to the civil rights movement with the 1954 case of Brown v. The Board of Education, an issue of segregation by race in schools and followed by the Americans for Disability Act (ADA). A Free Appropriate Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), from Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has influenced inclusive practices. Both the IDEA and the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) provide language supporting early childhood inclusion, but the implementation of inclusion has been uneven. Many factors influence practice, including changes overtime in the interpretation of existing laws, definitions of what is inclusion and research outcomes of inclusive practices. Local infrastructure for serving young children, funding, qualified personnel, motivated leadership and teachers, and informed parents are also factors impeding or facilitating early childhood inclusion. The complexity involved suggests a dynamic process with uncertain pathways from policy to practice.
Preschool Quality and Young Children’s Learning in Sweden
Authors: Samuelsson Ingrid Pramling , Sheridan Sonja 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
With a background in key factors supplied by European stakeholders within early childhood education and care (ECEC), Swedish policy is described. Sweden has a longstanding policy of equity and equality in which ECEC is the hub of the family, society and the life of the children themselves. While Swedish ECEC is ranked as one of the ‘best’ in the world, an empirical study shows a significant variation in preschool quality as regards the environment created for young children’s (1 to 3 years) learning. The qualities of a country’s ECEC is much more diverse and complex than it would appear from the national comparisons carried out by various agencies
Early Childhood Care and Education in Cambodia
Authors: Rao Nirmala , Pearson Veronica 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
This paper analyses child care and education policy in Cambodia, a country where there is currently a strong commitment to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). This is done by (i) providing an overview of national statistics related to the health and development of young Cambodian children and information about their access to ECCE programs; (ii) considering government policy, administrative structures, and funding for ECCE; and (iii) discussing the different models of preschool provision (state preschools, community preschools, home-based programs and private preschools) that are available. Recent initiatives and research findings are discussed and the implications of the analysis for policy development and young children’s well-being are considered.
The Integration of Early Childhood Systems within Education
Authors: Bennett John , Kaga Yoshie 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The rationale for this study sprang from the dissatisfaction expressed in many countries during the OECD reviews about the split in services. Because of the split, ministries had ceased to talk with each other: early education had tended to become a junior school and care a question of baby-sitting while mothers worked. In particular, the low qualifications of staff in child care and the suppression of children’s natural learning strategies in kindergarten had become matters of concern. Examples of integrated systems were already available in the Nordic countries to show that such oppositions were not necessary. The integration of early education and childcare is often considered a question of auspices or administration. To the contrary, our analysis shows that to be successful, integrations must go deeper than this. As examples, integration is examined in some countries, in particular, in the forerunners, such as New Zealand and Sweden, and then in some of the newcomers, such as Brazil and Slovenia. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are provided.