bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evaluation of secretion volume and immunoglobulin A and G concentrations in sow colostrum from anterior to posterior teats
Authors: Ogawa Shohei , Tsukahara Takamitsu , Tsuruta Takeshi , Nishibayashi Ryoichiro , Okutani Mie , Nakatani Masako , Higashide Kaya , Iida Shiori , Nakanishi Nobuo , Ushida Kazunari , Inoue Ryo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAmong domestic animals, teat order is only observed in the pig. In order to achieve the healthy growth and weaning of piglets, it is important to elucidate if volume of colostrum secretion and immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG concentrations differ among the teats of a sow. Nine sows were used to evaluate the difference in colostrum secretion volume (CSV) and four of these sows were assessed for IgA and IgG concentrations from each teat. Samples were collected five times during 21 h following parturition. Teats were assigned anatomical locations of teat (1 to 7) from anterior to posterior. The CSV of anterior (locations 1 and 2) and middle teats (locations 3–5) was significantly higher than those of posterior teats (locations 6 and 7) throughout the experiment except for 18 h post‐parturition (P < 0.05). The CSV of the teats at location 1 was significantly higher at most collection times than those at locations 6 and 7. A positive correlation of CSV was observed with IgA and IgG concentrations from 12 h and 6 h post‐parturition, respectively (P < 0.05). The results suggest that anterior teats secrete greater volumes of colostrum and that these tend to contain higher IgA and IgG than posteriors teats.
Bovine growth hormone gene polymorphism affects stress response in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Tachi Noriko , Tanaka Sigefumi , Ardiyanti Astrid , Katoh Kazuo , Sato Shusuke 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe investigate the associations between growth hormone (GH) gene polymorphism and behavioral and physiological responses to stressors and learning ability in Japanese Black cattle. Flight distance test was conducted in the first experiment. Steers with haplotype C of GH gene polymorphism avoided human approaches at a significantly greater distance than ones without haplotype C (C: 1.9 ± 0.9, non‐C: 1.0 ± 0.2 m, P < 0.05). An open‐field test was conducted in the second experiment. Behavioral responses did not differ significantly between steers with and without haplotype C. Increases of heart rates to dropping of iron pipes was significantly higher in steers with haplotype C (C:161.7 ± 21.8, non‐C:130.7 ± 31.3%, P < 0.05). Despite basal serum concentrations not being different between steers with and without haplotype C, serum cortisol in blood sampling immediately after severe confinement in a race tended to be higher in steers with haplotype C (P = 0.1). The maze test was conducted as the third experiment. There was no difference in performance in the maze test between steers with and without haplotype C. It is concluded that genetic polymorphism of GH may affect stress responses through GH concentration in steers.
Effects of dietary supplementation of lipid‐encapsulated zinc oxide on colibacillosis, growth and intestinal morphology in weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli
Authors: Kwon Chang‐Hoon , Lee Chul Young , Han Seung‐ Jae , Kim Sung‐Jae , Park Byung‐Chul , Jang Insurk , Han Jeong‐Hee 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis study was aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of lipid‐encapsulated (coated) zinc oxideZnOon post‐weaning diarrhea (colibacillosis) in weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC). Thirty‐two 35‐day‐old weaned piglets were orally challenged with 3 × 1010colony forming units ofETEC K88 while eight piglets received no challenge (control). Each eight challenged piglets received a diet containing 100 ppmZnO(lowZnO), 2500 ppmZnO(highZnO) or 100 ppm of lipid (10%)‐coatedZnO(coatedZnO) for 7 days; control pigs received the lowZnOdiet. Daily gain, goblet cell density in the villi of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, and villus height in the jejunum and ileum, which decreased due to the challenge, were equally greater in the coatedZnOand highZnOgroups versus lowZnOgroup. Fecal consistency score, serum interleukin‐8 concentration, subjective score of fecalE. colishedding, and digestapHin the stomach, jejunum and ileum, which increased due to the challenge, were equally low in the coatedZnOand highZnOgroups versus lowZnO. Results suggest that a low level of coatedZnOmight well substitute for a pharmacological level of nativeZnOin dietary supplementation to alleviate colibacillosis of weaned piglets.
Prospective observational cohort study of the association between thromboelastometry, coagulation and platelet parameters and bleeding in patients with haematological malignancies‐ The ATHENA study
Authors: Estcourt Lise J. , Stanworth Simon J. , Harrison Paul , Powter Gillian , McClure Marianne , Murphy Michael F. , Mumford Andrew D. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryPrevious studies have shown that total platelet count (TPC) inadequately predicts bleeding in thrombocytopenic patients with haematological malignancies. This prospective cohort study evaluated whether rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), coagulation or other platelet parameters were more strongly associated with bleeding than TPC. Adults treated at two UK haematology centres for haematological malignancy were enrolled if they had thrombocytopenia (TPC ≤ 50 × 109/l) at beginning of, or during treatment (International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number 81226121). TPC and bleeding symptoms were recorded daily for up to 30 d or until platelet count recovery, hospital discharge or death. Blood samples were tested thrice weekly using ROTEM, Platelet Function Analyser (PFA)‐100®, coagulation and platelet cytometry assays. Bleeding symptoms and TPC from 49/50 enrolled participants who completed the study were recorded on 754/760 study days. Mean platelet volume and PFA‐100® closure times were frequently inestimatable because of thrombocytopenia. TPC, absolute immature platelet number (AIPN) and ROTEM maximum clot firmness were significantly associated with bleeding on the day after blood sampling. Only AIPN was associated with bleeding after adjustment of test results for TPC (Odds Ratio 0·52, 95% confidence interval 0·28–0·97; P = 0·038). In a predictive model, AIPN was superior to TPC for predicting bleeding. This study indicates that AIPN may be more clinically useful than TPC at predicting bleeding.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Omani Children
Authors: Al‐Sinani Siham , Sharef Sharef W. , Al‐Naamani Khalid , Al‐Sharji Hyatt 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the most common chronic bacterial infection in humans. Its prevalence in Omani adults and children is not known.ObjectiveTo report histology‐based H. pylori infection prevalence in Omani children.MethodsA retrospective study of biopsy proven H. pylori infection in children over a 3 year period in a single center. Age, gender, indication for endoscopy, history of recurrent abdominal pain, and anemia were compared between H. pylori‐positive and negative children.ResultsOf 143 patients who underwent endoscopy, gastric biopsies were available on 112. The overall prevalence of biopsy proven H. pylori infection was 25%. The prevalence in children with recurrent abdominal pain was 30% compared to 22% in children who underwent endoscopy for other indications (p = .382). The prevalence increased from 7% in children aged <5 years, to 33% in those aged between 5 and 10 years (p = .010). There was no significant difference in the prevalence between the 5–10 years age group (33%) and older age group (29%) (p = .814). There was no significant difference in gender or anemia between the two groups.ConclusionsThis study represents the first reported study on the prevalence of biopsy proven H. pylori infection in Omani children. H. pylori infection prevalence is 25%, is lower than regional and many Arab countries. The prevalence appears to increase till age of 5 years. There was no significant association between H. pylori and recurrent abdominal pain, gender, or anemia.
Inhibition of acidic sphingomyelinase reduces established hepatic fibrosis in mice
Authors: Quillin Ralph C. , Wilson Gregory C. , Nojima Hiroyuki , Freeman Christopher M. , Wang Jiang , Schuster Rebecca M. , Blanchard John A. , Edwards Michael J. , Gandhi Chandrashekhar R. , Gulbins Erich , Lentsch Alex B. 
Published: May 2014

AimLiver fibrosis occurs as a result of several chronic liver diseases and leads to portal hypertension, cirrhosis and liver failure, often requiring liver transplantation. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are known to contribute to liver fibrosis, but currently there are no effective therapies for the treatment of established liver fibrosis. Activation of the acidic sphingomyelinase (ASM) has been shown to be involved in HSC activation. In the present study we investigated whether treatment with the ASM inhibitor, amitriptyline (TCA), could prevent and/or reverse fibrosis induced in mice by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).MethodsMice were treated with CCl4 for 8 weeks to induce fibrosis. Concurrently, mice received drinking water with or without 180 mg/L TCA.ResultsMice receiving TCA in the water had decreased hepatic collagen deposition and reduced liver mRNA expression of the fibrogenic mediators, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1, collagen and tumor necrosis factor‐α. TCA treatment also reduced HSC activation determined by α‐smooth muscle actin staining. In a separate set of experiments, mice were treated with CCl4 for 5 weeks prior to treatment with TCA, to test whether TCA had any effect on established fibrosis. Remarkably, in mice with established fibrosis, treatment with TCA significantly reduced collagen deposition, HSC activation, and prevented portal hypertension and improved hepatic architecture. Treatment of isolated HSC in vitro with TCA completely inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced collagen expression and platelet‐derived growth factor‐β‐β‐induced proliferation.ConclusionThe data suggest that ASM is a critical signaling component in HSC for the development of liver fibrosis and represents an important therapeutic target.
Nanostructured Tin Oxide as a Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrate for the Detection of Nitroaromatic Compounds
Authors: Vijayarangamuthu Kalimuthu , Rath Shyama 
Published: May 2014

Sensing of low concentrations of two nitroaromatic compounds, 1,2‐dinitrotoluene and 2‐nitrophenol, is presented. The sensing mechanism is based on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using nanostructured tin oxide as the SERS‐active substrate. The SnOx nanostructures are synthesized by a simple solgel method and doped with Ag and Au. The Raman signal of a low concentration of the analyte, otherwise extremely weak, becomes significant when the analytes are attached to these substrates. Doping of SnOx nanopowders with Ag and Au leads to a further increase in the Raman intensities. This study demonstrates the scope of ceramic–metal nanocomposites as convenient solid‐state SERS sensors for low‐level detection.
Extramedullary Spinal Cysts in Dogs
Authors: Lowrie Mark L. , Platt Simon R. , Garosi Laurent S. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo (1) synthesize the terminology used to classify extramedullary spinal cysts in dogs to clarify some of the commonly reported misconceptions, and (2) propose a classification scheme to limit confusion with terminology.Study designLiterature review.MethodsAn online bibliographic search was performed in January 2013 for articles relating to extramedullary spinal cysts in dogs using PubMed (http://www.pubmed.gov/) and Google Scholar (http://scholar.google.com/) databases. Only peer‐reviewed clinical literature describing cystic lesions pertaining to the spinal cord and associated structures was included.ResultsFrom 1962 to 2013, 42 articles were identified; 25 (95 dogs) reported meningeal cysts, 10 (24 dogs) described 60 extradural cysts, 3 reports (18 dogs) described discal cysts or acute compressive hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusions (HNPE). Spinal cysts were categorized by location based on cross‐sectional imaging as meningeal or extradural non‐meningeal. Sub‐classification was then performed based on surgical findings and pathology. Meningeal cysts included arachnoid diverticulae and Tarlov (perineural) cysts. Extradural non‐meningeal cysts included intraspinal cysts of the vertebral joints, ligaments and discs. Discal cysts also fit this category and have been reported extensively in humans but appear rare in dogs.ConclusionsExtramedullary spinal cysts should be first classified according to location with a sub‐classification according to pathologic and surgical findings. Previous canine cases of discal cysts appear to represent a different disease entity and the term acute compressive HNPE is therefore preferred.
Rheological Properties of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) Juice Concentrates
Authors: Swami Hulle Nishant R. , Patruni Kiran , Rao P. Srinivasa 
Published: May 2014

AbstractFlow characteristics of aloe vera juice concentrates (1.5–5.5°Brix) were determined over a range of temperatures (15–55C) by using coaxial cylinder geometry. Aloe vera juice exhibited non‐Newtonian fluid behavior which was well described by power law model. Functional groups were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicating the presence of O‐acetyl and shifting of –CH bonds. Effect of test temperatures at different shear rates on viscosity was evaluated using Arrhenius‐type equation and the activation energy values were evaluated which ranged between 12.148 and 53.073 kJ/mol. Effect of concentration was evaluated using power type and exponential type equations. An expression for combined effect of temperature and concentration was developed. Small amplitude oscillation sweep measurement was also carried out and the frequency sweep test exhibited viscoelastic nature of juice.Practical ApplicationsAloe vera is commercially very important crop and is being used in food, medicines and cosmetics. Rheological properties are important parameters and are used to assess the functional and structural properties of food products. In this study, the flow and deformation characteristics of aloe vera juice concentrates were evaluated as a function of temperature and concentration. An expression for the combined effect of concentration and temperature on the viscosity was evaluated. Oscillatory sweep experiments can be used to assess the viscoelastic properties, which are useful to develop the products of desired functionalities. The changes in functional groups due to concentration can be assessed using FTIR spectroscopy analysis.
Mazes and Maps: Can Young Children Find Their Way?
Authors: Jirout Jamie J. , Newcombe Nora S. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTGames provide important informal learning activities for young children, and spatial game play (e.g., puzzles and blocks) has been found to relate to the development of spatial skills. This study investigates 4‐ and 5‐year‐old children's use of scaled and unscaled maps when solving mazes, asking whether an important aspect of spatial learning—the ability to use scaled representations—is related to children's play with scaled maps. Results show that almost all children used the maps to solve the mazes at least occasionally, and use them consistently across maze difficulty and different types of maps. Map use and more accurate spatial scaling were associated with better maze performance. We suggest that maze activities including scaled maps might provide an opportunity for developing children's spatial scaling through play, and discuss future research directions.
Comparative Safety of Periablation Anticoagulation Strategies for Atrial Fibrillation: Data from a Large Multicenter Study
Authors: ARSHAD AYSHA , JOHNSON CHRISTOPHER K. , MITTAL SUNEET , BUCH ERIC , HAMAM ISMAIL , TRAN THANH , SHAW RICHARD E. , MUSAT DAN , PREMINGER MARK , SICHROVSKY TINA , HERWEG BENGT , SHIVKUMAR KALYANAM , HUMMEL JOHN , STEINBERG JONATHAN S. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundThere are a variety of periprocedural anticoagulation strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, including the use of dabigatran. It is unclear which strategy is superior.ObjectiveTo compare the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation with uninterrupted warfarin, dabigatran, and warfarin with heparin bridging in patients undergoing ablation of AF at four experienced centers.Methods and ResultsIn this retrospective analysis, 882 patients (mean age: 61 ± 11 years) underwent ablation of AF using uninterrupted warfarin (n = 276), dabigatran (n = 374), or warfarin with heparin bridging (n = 232) for periprocedural anticoagulation. The rate of total complications was 23/276 (8.3%) in the uninterrupted warfarin group, 30/374 (8.0%) in the dabigatran group, and 29/232 (12.5%) in the bridged group (P = 0.15). Major complications were more frequent in the uninterrupted warfarin group 12/276 (4.3%) compared with 3/374 (0.8%) in dabigatran and 6/232 (2.6%) in the bridged group (P = 0.01). The most common major complication was the need for transfusion or occurrence of major bleeding. Minor complications did not differ among the three groups. On multivariate analysis, female gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.93, confidence interval [CI] 1.16–3.19, P = 0.011), bridging heparin (OR 2.13, CI 1.100–3.941, P = 0.016), use of triple antithrombotic therapy (OR 1.77, CI 1.05–2.98, P = 0.033), and prior myocardial infarction (OR 2.40, CI 1.01–5.67, P = 0.046) independently predicted total complications.ConclusionsWhen comparing the use of uninterrupted warfarin, dabigatran, and warfarin with heparin bridging in patients undergoing catheter ablation of AF, dabigatran was not associated with increased risk, major complications were more common in the uninterrupted warfarin group, and after adjustment, warfarin with bridging increased total complications.
An 8‐month exercise intervention alters frontotemporal white matter integrity in overweight children
Authors: Schaeffer David J. , Krafft Cynthia E. , Schwarz Nicolette F. , Chi Lingxi , Rodrigue Amanda L. , Pierce Jordan E. , Allison Jerry D. , Yanasak Nathan E. , Liu Tianming , Davis Catherine L. , McDowell Jennifer E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn childhood, excess adiposity and low fitness are linked to poor academic performance, lower cognitive function, and differences in brain structure. Identifying ways to mitigate obesity‐related alterations is of current clinical importance. This study examined the effects of an 8‐month exercise intervention on the uncinate fasciculus, a white matter fiber tract connecting frontal and temporal lobes. Participants consisted of 18 unfit, overweight 8‐ to 11‐year‐old children (94% Black) who were randomly assigned to either an aerobic exercise (n = 10) or a sedentary control group (n = 8). Before and after the intervention, all subjects participated in a diffusion tensor MRI scan. Tractography was conducted to isolate the uncinate fasciculus. The exercise group showed improved white matter integrity as compared to the control group. These findings are consistent with an emerging literature suggesting beneficial effects of exercise on white matter integrity.
OsABCB14 functions in auxin transport and iron homeostasis in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Xu Yanxia , Zhang Saina , Guo Haipeng , Wang Suikang , Xu Ligen , Li Chuanyou , Qian Qian , Chen Fan , Geisler Markus , Qi Yanhua , Jiang De An 
Published: May 2014

SummaryMembers of the ATP Binding Cassette B/Multidrug‐Resistance/P–glyco‐protein (ABCB/MDR/PGP) subfamily were shown to function primarily in Oryza sativa (rice) auxin transport; however, none of the rice ABCB transporters have been functionally characterized. Here, we describe that a knock‐down of OsABCB14 confers decreased auxin concentrations and polar auxin transport rates, conferring insensitivity to 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4–D) and indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA). OsABCB14 displays enhanced specific auxin influx activity in yeast and protoplasts prepared from rice knock‐down alleles. OsABCB14 is localized at the plasma membrane, pointing to an important directionality under physiological conditions. osabcb14 mutants were surprisingly found to be insensitive to iron deficiency treatment (–Fe). Their Fe concentration is higher and upregulation of Fe deficiency‐responsive genes is lower in osabcb14 mutants than in wild‐type rice (Nipponbare, NIP). Taken together, our results strongly support the role of OsABCB14 as an auxin influx transporter involved in Fe homeostasis. The functional characterization of OsABCB14 provides insights in monocot auxin transport and its relationship to Fe nutrition.
New Competence Creation in Multinational Company Subunits: The Role of International Knowledge
Authors: Cantwell John , Piscitello Lucia 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIt has been demonstrated that more creative innovative activities of subunits of multinational companies (MNCs) rely upon the munificence of local knowledge in the host country. Here, we argue that the strength of international business network connections of a host location influences the potential accessibility of international knowledge and hence tends to widen the domain of new knowledge search that can be successfully undertaken by anMNCsubunit. This in turn increases the likelihood of anMNCsubunit building new areas of competencies, that is, in fields of competencies which are relatively new to theMNC. Specifically, we suggest that the relevant international business network connections are those involving local actors in theMNCsubunit's relevant industry. Moreover, geographical proximity betweenMNCsubunits and their parent company has an inverse U‐shaped relationship with new competence creation by subunits. Using a balanced panel data set on innovative activities conducted abroad by 194 of the world's largest industrial firms from 1975 to 1995, we find support for our expectations.
Traveling wave solution of the Hele–Shaw model of tumor growth with nutrient
Authors: Perthame Benoît , Tang Min , Vauchelet Nicolas 
Published: May 2014

Several mathematical models of tumor growth are now commonly used to explain medical observations and predict cancer evolution based on images. These models incorporate mechanical laws for tissue compression combined with rules for nutrients availability which can differ depending on the situation under consideration, in vivo or in vitro. Numerical solutions exhibit, as expected from medical observations, a proliferative rim and a necrotic core. However, their precise profiles are rather complex, both in one and two dimensions. We study a simple free boundary model formed of a Hele–Shaw equation for the cell number density coupled to a diffusion equation for a nutrient. We can prove that a traveling wave solution exists with a healthy region separated from the progressing tumor by a sharp front (the free boundary) while the transition to the necrotic core is smoother. Remarkable is the pressure distribution which vanishes at the boundary of the proliferative rim with a vanishing derivative at the transition point to the necrotic core.