bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The development of solar salt ponds along the Pilbara Coast, Western Australia – a coastline of global geoheritage significance used for industrial purposes
Authors: Brocx M. , Semeniuk V. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The Pilbara Coast, in NW Australia, stands unique as the most geologically/geomorphologically diverse arid coast globally and, as such, it is a coastline of Global Significance. Ideally, it should have been listed as a site of World Heritage. While there are a variety of coastal forms along the Pilbara Coast, a ubiquitous feature of the region is the development of extensive salt flats landward of mangrove-fringed coastlines, and leeward of barrier limestone ridges and barrier dunes. The aridity of the Pilbara Coast and the occurrence of extensive salt flats lend themselves to exploitation for development of solar salt production ponds but this has resulted in the destruction of unique coastal geomorphology, salt flat habitats, ‘sand island ecology’ and the natural diagenesis of arid-zone coastal geology. This contribution explores the significance of solar salt pond development along a globally unique coastline, and highlights that there needs to be a component of geoethics in government decision-making that considers all the values of a site.
Exposure to Parental Smoking in Childhood Is Associated With Increased Risk of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque in Adulthood
Authors: West Henry W. , Juonala Markus , Gall Seana L. , Kähönen Mika , Laitinen Tomi , Taittonen Leena , Viikari Jorma S.A. , Raitakari Olli T. , Magnussen Costan G. 
Published: March 2015

Background—
The association between passive smoking exposure in childhood and adverse cardiovascular health in adulthood is not well understood. Using a 26-year follow-up study, we examined whether childhood exposure to passive smoking was associated with carotid atherosclerotic plaque in young adults.

Methods and Results—

Participants were from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study (n=2448). Information on childhood exposure to parental smoking was collected in 1980 and 1983. Carotid ultrasound data were collected in adulthood in 2001 or 2007. Childhood serum cotinine levels from 1980 were measured from frozen samples in 2014 (n=1578). The proportion of children with nondetectable cotinine levels was highest among households in which neither parent smoked (84%), was decreased in households in which 1 parent smoked (62%), and was lowest among households in which both parents smoked (43%). Regardless of adjustment for potential confounding and mediating variables, the relative risk of developing carotid plaque in adulthood increased among those children with 1 or both parents who smoked (relative risk, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–2.8;
P
=0.04). Although children whose parents exercised good “smoking hygiene” (smoking parents whose children had nondetectable cotinine levels) had increased risk of carotid plaque compared with children with nonsmoking parents (relative risk, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.6–4.0;
P
=0.34), children of smoking parents with poor smoking hygiene (smoking parents whose children had detectable serum cotinine levels) had substantially increased risk of plaque as adults (relative risk, 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–9.8;
P
=0.002).

Conclusions—
Children of parents who smoke have increased risk of developing carotid atherosclerotic plaque in adulthood. However, parents who exercise good smoking hygiene can lessen their child’s risk of developing plaque.
Plasma Pro‐Endothelin‐1 Peptide Concentrations Rise in Chronic Kidney Disease and Following Selective Endothelin A Receptor Antagonism
Authors: Dhaun Neeraj , Yuzugulen Jale , Kimmitt Robert A. , Wood Elizabeth G. , Chariyavilaskul Pajaree , MacIntyre Iain M. , Goddard Jane , Webb David J. , Corder Roger 
Published: March 2015

Background
Endothelin 1 (ET‐1) contributes to chronic kidney disease (CKD) development and progression, and endothelin receptor antagonists are being investigated as a novel therapy for CKD. The proET‐1 peptides, endothelin‐like domain peptide (ELDP) and C‐terminal pro‐ET‐1 (CT‐proET‐1), are both potential biomarkers of CKD and response to therapy with endothelin antagonists.

Methods and Results

We assessed plasma and urine ELDP and plasma CT‐proET‐1 in CKD patients with minimal comorbidity. Next, in a randomized double‐blind crossover study of 27 subjects with proteinuric CKD, we examined the effects of 6 weeks of treatment with placebo, sitaxentan (endothelin A antagonist), and nifedipine on these peptides alongside the primary end points of proteinuria, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness. Plasma ELDP and CT‐proET‐1 increased with CKD stage (both
P
<0.0001), correlating inversely with estimated glomerular filtration rate (both
P
<0.0001). Following intervention, placebo and nifedipine did not affect plasma and urine ELDP or plasma CT‐proET‐1. Sitaxentan increased both plasma ELDP and CT‐proET‐1 (baseline versus week 6±SEM: ELDP, 11.8±0.5 versus 13.4±0.6 fmol/mL; CT‐proET‐1, 20.5±1.2 versus 23.3±1.5 fmol/mL; both
P
<0.0001). Plasma ET‐1 was unaffected by any treatment. Following sitaxentan, plasma ELDP and CT‐proET‐1 correlated negatively with 24‐hour urinary sodium excretion.

Conclusions

ELDP and CT‐proET‐1 increase in CKD and thus are potentially useful biomarkers of renal injury. Increases in response to endothelin A antagonism may reflect
EDN1
upregulation, which may partly explain fluid retention with these agents.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
www.clinicalTrials.gov
Unique identifier: NCT00810732
Differentiating the Functional Contributions of Resting Connectivity Networks to Memory Decision-making: fMRI Support for Multistage Control Processes
Authors: Mill Ravi D. , Cavin Ian , O'Connor Akira R. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Neural substrates of memory control are engaged when participants encounter unexpected mnemonic stimuli (e.g., a new word when told to expect an old word). The present fMRI study (n = 18) employed the likelihood cueing recognition task to elucidate the role of functional connectivity (fcMRI) networks in supporting memory control processes engaged by these unexpected events. Conventional task-evoked BOLD analyses recovered a memory control network similar to that previously reported, comprising medial prefrontal, lateral prefrontal, and inferior parietal regions. These were split by their differential affiliation to distinct fcMRI networks (“conflict detection” and “confirmatory retrieval” networks). Subsequent ROI analyses clarified the functional significance of this connectivity differentiation, with “conflict” network-affiliated regions specifically sensitive to cue strength, but not to response confidence, and “retrieval” network-affiliated regions showing the opposite pattern. BOLD time course analyses corroborated the segregation of memory control regions into “early” conflict detection and “late” retrieval analysis, with both processes underlying the allocation of memory control. Response specificity and time course findings were generalized beyond task-recruited ROIs to clusters within the large-scale fcMRI networks, suggesting that this connectivity architecture could underlie efficient processing of distinct processes within cognitive tasks. The findings raise important parallels between prevailing theories of memory and cognitive control.
Cognitive Network Neuroscience
Authors: Medaglia John D. , Lynall Mary-Ellen , Bassett Danielle S. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Network science provides theoretical, computational, and empirical tools that can be used to understand the structure and function of the human brain in novel ways using simple concepts and mathematical representations. Network neuroscience is a rapidly growing field that is providing considerable insight into human structural connectivity, functional connectivity while at rest, changes in functional networks over time (dynamics), and how these properties differ in clinical populations. In addition, a number of studies have begun to quantify network characteristics in a variety of cognitive processes and provide a context for understanding cognition from a network perspective. In this review, we outline the contributions of network science to cognitive neuroscience. We describe the methodology of network science as applied to the particular case of neuroimaging data and review its uses in investigating a range of cognitive functions including sensory processing, language, emotion, attention, cognitive control, learning, and memory. In conclusion, we discuss current frontiers and the specific challenges that must be overcome to integrate these complementary disciplines of network science and cognitive neuroscience. Increased communication between cognitive neuroscientists and network scientists could lead to significant discoveries under an emerging scientific intersection known as cognitive network neuroscience.
Purification and characterization of the polyphenoloxidase (PPO) isolated from Solenocera crassicornis (H. Milne Edwards, 1837)
Authors: Xiang X. W. , Zhou Y. F. , Hao Y. B. , Yang H. C. , Ma H. W. , Zheng B. 
Published: March 2015

Polyphenoloxidase (PPO) from Solenocera crassicornis (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) was partially purified through ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography, and its enzymatic properties were also characterized using l-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) as the specific substrate. The molecular mass of PPO in SDS-PAGE is about 66.5 kDa, and the PPO molecule isolated by HPLC, is 133 kDa, implying it is a homodimeric protein. The optimal pH and temperature of PPO activity was 6.5 and 40°C, and the value was 3.80 and 8.12 on L-DOPA and on catechol, respectively. It was found that the purified PPO could only catalyse o-diphenol substrates, inferring that it belongs to the catechol-oxidase family. The PPO was very sensitive to phenylthiourea, ascorbic acid, citric acid and cysteine. The PPO activity was strongly inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Cu2+ and Zn2+, indicating that Solenocera crassicornis PPO is most probably a copper-containing metalloenzyme.
Estimating the Fraction of Winter Orographic Precipitation Produced under Conditions Meeting the Seeding Criteria for the Wyoming Weather Modification Pilot Project
Authors: Ritzman Jaclyn M. , Deshler Terry , Ikeda Kyoko , Rasmussen Roy 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAnnual precipitation increases of 10% or more are often quoted for the impact of winter orographic cloud seeding; however, establishing the basis for such values is problematic for two reasons. First, the impact of glaciogenic seeding of candidate orographic storms has not been firmly established. Second, not all winter precipitation is produced by candidate “seedable” storms. Addressing the first question motivated the Wyoming state legislature to fund a multiyear, crossover, randomized cloud-seeding experiment in southeastern Wyoming to quantify the impact of glaciogenic seeding of wintertime orographic clouds. The crossover design requires two barriers, one randomly selected for seeding, for comparisons of seeded and nonseeded precipitation under relatively homogeneous atmospheric conditions. Addressing the second question motivated the work here. The seeding criteria—700-hPa temperatures ≤−8°C, 700-hPa winds between 210° and 315°, and the presence of supercooled liquid water—were applied to eight winters to determine the percent of winter precipitation that may fall under the seeding criteria. Since no observational datasets provide precipitation and all of the atmospheric variables required for this study, a regional climate model dynamical downscaling of historical data over 8 years was used. The accuracy of the model was tested against several measurements, and the small model biases were removed. On average, ~26% of the time between 15 November and 15 April atmospheric conditions were seedable over the barriers in southeastern Wyoming. These seedable conditions were accompanied by precipitation ~12%–14% of the time, indicating that ~27%–30% of the winter precipitation resulted from seedable clouds.
North Atlantic Storm-Track Sensitivity to Warming Increases with Model Resolution
Authors: Willison Jeff , Robinson Walter A. , Lackmann Gary M. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Mesoscale condensational heating can increase the sensitivity of modeled extratropical cyclogenesis to horizontal resolution. Here a pseudo global warming experiment is presented to investigate how this heating-enhanced sensitivity to resolution changes in a warmer and thus moister atmosphere. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model with 120- and 20-km grid spacing is used to simulate current and future climates. It is found that the North Atlantic storm-track response to global warming is amplified at the higher model resolution. The most dramatic changes occur over the northeastern Atlantic, where resolution typical of current general circulation models (GCMs) results in a smaller global warming response in comparison with that in the 20-km simulations. These results suggest that caution is warranted when interpreting projections from coarse-resolution GCMs of future cyclone activity over the northeastern Atlantic.
Novel Mutations in GRXCR1 at DFNB25 Lead to Progressive Hearing Loss and Dizziness
Authors: Mori Kentaro , Miyanohara Ikuyo , Moteki Hideaki , Nishio Shin-ya , Kurono Yuichi , Usami Shin-ichi 
Published: March 2015

Objective: We identified 2 patients in 1 family who had novel mutations in GRXCR1, which caused progressive hearing loss. Methods: One thousand one hundred twenty Japanese hearing loss patients with sensorineural hearing loss from unrelated families were enrolled in this study. Targeted genomic enrichment with massively parallel sequencing of all known nonsyndromic hearing loss genes was used to identify the genetic causes of hearing loss. Results: In this study, 2 affected individuals with compound heterozygous mutations—c.439C>T (p.R147C) and c.784C>T (p.R262X)—in GRXCR1 were identified. The proband had moderate to severe hearing loss and suffered from dizziness with bilateral canal paralysis. Conclusion: Our cases are the first identified in the Japanese population and are consistent with previously reported cases. The frequency of mutations in GRXCR1 seems to be extremely rare. This study underscores the importance of using comprehensive genetic testing for hearing loss. Furthermore, longitudinal audiologic assessment and precise vestibular testing are necessary for a better understanding of the mechanisms of hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction caused by GRXCR1 mutations.
Origin of Vocal Fold Stellate Cells in the Human Macula Flava
Authors: Kurita Takashi , Sato Kiminori , Chitose Shun-Ichi , Fukahori Mioko , Sueyoshi Shintaro , Umeno Hirohito 
Published: March 2015

Objectives: There is growing evidence that vocal fold stellate cells (VFSCs) in the human maculae flavae are tissue stem cells of the human vocal fold and that the maculae flavae are a stem cell niche. The origin of the cells in the human maculae flavae (CHMF) and the relationship with bone marrow–derived cells were investigated. Methods: Five human adult vocal fold mucosae were investigated. The CHMF were subcultured and morphological features were assessed. Immunoreactivity to antibodies directed to cytokeratin, desmin, GFAP, vimentin, CD34, CD45, and collagen type I was investigated. Results: Cultured CHMF formed a colony-forming unit, indicating they are mesenchymal stem cells or stromal stem cells in the bone marrow. The CHMF expressed hematopoietic markers (CD34, CD45) and collagen type I, which are the major makers for bone marrow–derived circulating fibrocytes. The cultured CHMF expressed epithelium-associated, muscle-associated, neural-associated, and mesenchymal cell–associated proteins, indicating the CHMF are undifferentiated and express proteins of all 3 germ layers. Conclusions: The CHMF are undifferentiated cells derived from the differentiation of bone marrow cells. The results of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that the VFSCs are tissue stem cells or progenitor cells of the human vocal fold mucosa.
Average of delta: a new quality control tool for clinical laboratories
Authors: Jones Graham RD 
Published: March 2015

Background Average of normals is a tool used to control assay performance using the average of a series of results from patients’ samples. Delta checking is a process of identifying errors in individual patient results by reviewing the difference from previous results of the same patient. This paper introduces a novel alternate approach, average of delta, which combines these concepts to use the average of a number of sequential delta values to identify changes in assay performance. Methods Models for average of delta and average of normals were developed in a spreadsheet application. The model assessed the expected scatter of average of delta and average of normals functions and the effect of assay bias for different values of analytical imprecision and within- and between-subject biological variation and the number of samples included in the calculations. The final assessment was the number of patients’ samples required to identify an added bias with 90% certainty. Results The model demonstrated that with larger numbers of delta values, the average of delta function was tighter (lower coefficient of variation). The optimal number of samples for bias detection with average of delta was likely to be between 5 and 20 for most settings and that average of delta outperformed average of normals when the within-subject biological variation was small relative to the between-subject variation. Conclusions Average of delta provides a possible additional assay quality control tool which theoretical modelling predicts may be more valuable than average of normals for analytes where the group biological variation is wide compared with within-subject variation and where there is a high rate of repeat testing in the laboratory patient population.
A comparison between the Static Balance Test and the Berg Balance Scale: validity, reliability, and comparative resource use
Authors: Pickenbrock Heidrun Maria , Diel Andrea , Zapf Antonia 
Published: March 2015

Objective: Within a sample of acute post-stroke patients, to compare the score on the Berg Balance Scale and the Static Balance Test for validity, inter-rater reliability, and the expenditure of time. Design: Prospective, intra-individual, cross-sectional evaluation study. Setting: Acute stroke unit of a university hospital in Germany. Participants: A total of 53 patients with acute stroke who did not have other pathology affecting their balance. Main outcome measure: For intra-individual comparisons of the Berg Balance Scale and the Static Balance Test, Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated. For inter-rater reliability, Bland Altman plots were drawn and the corresponding mean difference and limits of agreement were calculated. Results: The Static Balance Test took three to five minutes; the Berg Balance Scale 20–30 minutes. There was a high correlation between the scores on the Berg Balance Scale and the Static Balance Test (r = 0.91). For the Berg Balance Scale, the mean difference between the two raters was 0.13 and the limits of agreement were small (–0.25; 0.51). For the Static Balance Test, the mean difference between the two raters was −0.02 and also the limits of agreement (–0.06; 0.02) were even smaller than for the Berg Balance Scale. Both scales showed excellent inter-rater reliability. Conclusion: The Static Balance Test was compared with the Berg Balance Scale and turned out to be equally valid, more reliable, and takes much less time. For the moment, the scale can be recommended for the use in acute stroke care, especially for the daily routine therapy.
Dignity and patient-centred care for people with palliative care needs in the acute hospital setting: A systematic review
Authors: Pringle Jan , Johnston Bridget , Buchanan Deans 
Published: March 2015

Background: A core concept behind patient-centred approaches is the need to treat people with, and preserve, dignity in care settings. People receiving palliative care are one group who may have particularly sensitive needs in terms of their condition, symptoms and life expectancy. Dignity is more likely to be violated in hospital settings. Given the high percentage of people with palliative care needs who are admitted to hospital during their last year of life, the provision of dignity enhancing and preserving care in that setting is of vital importance. Aim: To examine international evidence relating to dignity and person-centred care for people with palliative care needs in the acute hospital setting. Design: A systematic literature review was conducted, incorporating data extraction, analysis and quality appraisal of included papers. Data sources: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ASSIA, EMBASE, Cochrane Database and Web of Science. Inclusion dates: 1 January 2000–1 April 2014. Eligibility criteria: Adult palliative care, acute care setting, dignity or person-centred care. Results: In all, 33 papers met the inclusion criteria for the review. Papers highlighted the many and varied potential threats to dignity for people with palliative care needs in acute settings, including symptom control and existential distress, approaches and models in care provision and healthcare settings and design. Conclusion: Acute hospital staff require adequate training, including symptom control, and the correct environment in which to deliver dignified and person-centred end-of-life care. Specific models/approaches to care can be beneficial, if adequate training regarding implementation is given. The needs of family members also require consideration, particularly following bereavement.
Feasibility and efficacy of primary tractography during percutaneous catheter drainage
Authors: Hyun Dongho , Park Kwang Bo , Park Hong Suk , Shin Sung Wook , Cho Sung Ki , Do Young Soo , Lim Seong Joo 
Published: March 2015

Background The indication of percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) has expanded with the development of guiding modalities. Since serious complications still occur, efforts and new techniques have been continuously searched for safer PCD. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of primary tractography for establishing a safe needle pathway during PCD. Material and Methods A total of 42 patients (20 men, 22 women; mean age, 50.7 years) who underwent primary tractography during PCD were prospectively enrolled between April 2009 and August 2013. The locations of fluid collection included sub-phrenic ( n = 8), between bowel loops ( n = 21), pelvic cavity ( n = 8), within solid organ ( n = 2), and others ( n = 3). The interposed anatomic structures were analyzed on the basis of primary tractography findings. Complications related to PCD or primary tractography were evaluated. Results Interposition of any significant anatomic structure was confirmed in 10 of 42 patients (23.8%). The entrapped anatomic structures were the omental vessel ( n = 4), bowel ( n = 2), pleura ( n = 2), bile duct ( n = 2), and a branch of the left inferior epigastric artery ( n = 1). In one patient, both the pleura and bile duct were interposed simultaneously. The technical and clinical success rates of PCD were 97.6% and 97.6%, respectively. No complications related to PCD or primary tractography occurred during the follow-up period. Conclusion Primary tractography is a simple and feasible method to evaluate the entrapment of normal anatomic structure during PCD. This method may aid in preventing possible serious PCD-related complications, such as bleeding and fistula.