bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host specificity and in vivo infectivities of the mouse coccidian parasites Eimeria krijgsmanni
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuki , Tanaka Tetsuya , Matsubayashi Makoto , Endo Kyoko , Umemiya-Shirafuji Rika , Matsui Toshihiro , Matsuo Tomohide 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn the present study, infection experiments of E. krijgsmanni using various hosts were conducted to elucidate the host specificity among some animals and the infectivity to mouse strains. According to the results, the infection was not found in most animals, except for rats, in which some oocyst shedding was detected, and there was no significant difference in infectivity among mouse strains. Additionally, oocyst shedding was hardly detectable in a secondary infection to immunocompetent mice, although it was found in immunodeficient mice. These results indicated that only immunocompetent mice could develop adaptive immunity against reinfection by stimuli of the primary infection. Furthermore, the infection experiments were performed with splenic macrophage (Mφ)-depleted mice with a reagent and Beige (Bg) mice known to be a strain of mice with low NK cell activity. No significant effect was found in primary or secondary infections in the Mφ-depleted mice, whereas the mortality rate was clearly increased in Bg mice inoculated with a large number of oocysts. Their oocyst shedding was similar to that of immunocompetent hosts. Taken together, these results suggested that Mφ has only a minor role in the immune response, but the NK cell has an important function in resistance to primary infection of E. krijgsmanni.
A comparison of two different methods for formation of the beta phase in nanocomposites based on vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer
Authors: Borisova Lyudmila , Kiryakova Dimitrina , Atanassov Atanas 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Nanocomposite materials based on vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer and organically modified montmorillonite Cloisite®15A were prepared by two different methods: melt mixing and co-precipitation. The changes taking place in crystalline structure, tensile strength, thermal behavior and the formation of piezoelectric b-phase as a result of the polymer system dissolution in dimethyl sulfoxide were studied. The technological specificity of each method has certain effect on the properties of the obtained nanocomposites. The highest content of b-phase — 95 % was achieved by co-precipitation from the solution of vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer in dimethyl sulfoxide and 6 mass % content of Cloisite®15A. Despite the common view that the use of solvents and prolonged technological procedure lead to overall higher expenses, the obtained nanocomposites could be promising for the preparation of new piezo-materials.
Pd/GaN(0001) interface properties
Authors: Grodzicki M. , Mazur P. , Zuber S. , Pers J. , Ciszewski A. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This report concerns the properties of an interface formed between Pd films deposited onto the surface of (0001)-oriented n-type GaN at room temperature (RT) under ultrahigh vacuum. The surface of clean substrate and the stages of Pd-film growth were characterized in situ by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and low energy electron diffraction (LEED).
As-deposited Pd films are grainy, cover the substrate surface uniformly and reproduce its topography. Electron affinity of the clean n-GaN surface amounts to 3.1 eV. The work function of the Pd-film is equal to 5.3 eV. No chemical interaction has been found at the Pd/GaN interface formed at RT. The Schottky barrier height of the Pd/GaN contact is equal to 1.60 eV.
Study on process development and property evaluation of sol-gel derived magnesia stabilized zirconia minispheres
Authors: Judes J. , Kamaraj V. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In order to overcome limitations in the processing parameters of powder compaction method, a novel processing technique based on sol-gel route has been developed to produce near-net-shaped prototype fine zirconia minispheres with required properties that could potentially be used as grinding media. Impact of magnesia concentration and sintering temperature on the final product has been analyzed in detail. Zirconia minispheres have been characterized to establish a correlation between physical, structural and mechanical properties. Sintering temperature, soaking period, heating rate and viscosity of the sol apparently influence the characteristics of the magnesia stabilized zirconia minispheres. The phase identification, density variation, chemical decomposition, functional group specification, surface area, porosity, shrinkage and microstructural features of the dried and sintered final product have been studied. It has been observed that magnesia content, sintering temperature, density and the grain size of the sintered minispheres have a significant impact on the mechanical properties of the final product.
CVD synthesis of graphene nanoplates on MgO support
Authors: Jugade Ravin , Sharma Shalini , Gokhale Suresh 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Synthesis of graphene directly on MgO has been carried out and the structural properties of the obtained material have been investigated. Few-layered graphene was produced by simple thermal decomposition of methane over MgO powder at 950 °C in a CVD reactor. The samples were purified by 10 N HNO3 treatment, and studied by TEM, Raman spectroscopy, EDAX and SEM. TEM clearly indicated the formation of graphene. EDAX showed that the purified sample contained only carbon and no traces of MgO. The characteristic Raman features of graphene were also seen as D-band at 1316 cm−1, G-band at 1602 cm−1, and a small 2D-band at 2700 cm−1 in the Raman spectra. The strong D-band suggests that the graphene possess large number of boundary defects. The small 2D-band indicates the formation of few-layered graphene.
Heterologous expression of an alligatorweed high‐affinity potassium transporter gene enhances salinity tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Song Zhizhong , Yang Shunying , Zhu Hong , Jin Man , Su Yanhua 
Published: May 2014

• Premise of the study: The potassium cation (K+), one of the most abundant cations in cells, improves plant tolerance to various abiotic stresses. Alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) is well known for its strong capacity to accumulate K+. The distinctive K+ accumulation capability of alligatorweed is linked to a high‐affinity K+ transport facilitated by K+‐uptake transporters (ApKUPs).• Methods: A putative K+ transporter gene, ApKUP4, was isolated from alligatorweed using degenerate primers and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) techniques. Gene expression profiles were performed by quantitative real time PCR and northern blot analysis. Moreover, we introduced ApKUP4 into Arabidopsis to determine its function in improving crop nutrition and NaCl stress tolerance.• Key results: ApKUP4 was localized throughout the entire alligatorweed plant, and its expression was stimulated in the stems and roots under K+ deficiency, osmotic stress, and salinity stress. Northern blot analysis revealed that ApKUP4 was present in all tested organs of transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Compared with the wild type, Arabidopsis plants overexpressing ApKUP4 showed improved growth and K+ homeostasis. Moreover, ApKUP4 overexpression in Arabidopsis plants enhanced plant tolerance to salinity stress, as evidenced by reduced water loss and ROS generation, associated with enhanced photosynthesis, nutritional status, and enzymatic antioxidants.• Conclusions: The present study provides direct evidence that the alligatorweed K+ transporter gene, ApKUP4, contributes to salinity tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings, demonstrating the essentiality of potassium homeostasis for plant salinity tolerance.
Les enseignants face aux élèves en difficulté scolaire : l'intérêt des Groupes de Parole et d'Analyse de Pratique (GPAP)
Authors: Montagne Yves-Félix 
Published: May 2014

Les Groupe de Parole et d’Analyse de Pratique (GPAP) tels qu’ils sont présentés ici permettent de pointer certaines causes subjectives des nouveaux malaises de la relation éducative présentés dans le numéro 182 (Mars 2007) de la revue Éducation et Formation ; « Les représentations de la grande difficulté scolaire par les enseignants ». Les hypothèses explicatives avancées à ces embarras font écho à la question d’un jeune professeur de l’Académie de Paris rencontré dans un GPAP : « Pourquoi est-ce aussi difficile d’être professeur en face de certains élèves ? ». La position épistémologique de la psychanalyse, qui soutient ce propos permet d’avancer que c’est du lieu de l’enseignant qui parle à d’autres, que les causes des difficultés rencontrées en classe face à certains élèves en difficulté peuvent, en partie, se révéler et parfois s’amoindrir. De plus, dans le discours des enseignants se dessine un peu de leur « être professeur », ce qu’ils sont comme Sujet en classe. Se jouent ici une autre conception et un autre usage de la parole à et pour l’école.
Vers de nouvelles formes hybrides de coordination en santé mentale : entre conformité et innovation
Authors: Bartoli Annie , Gozlan Guy 
Published: May 2014

Cet article étudie les caractéristiques et besoins de la coordination dans le champ de la santé mentale et montre les apports d’une nouvelle forme de configuration organisationnelle qualifiée de « réseau intégré de services ». S’appuyant sur le concept d’organisation hybride de Williamson et sur l’étude du cas Prepsy, il met en évidence quelques conditions de réussite organisationnelles et stratégiques de ce type de dispositif.
Bald Eagle Lead Exposure in the Upper Midwest
Authors: Warner Sarah E. , Britton Edward E. , Becker Drew N. , Coffey Michael J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn 2012, we examined lead exposure in 58 bald eagles Haliaeetus leucocephalus found dead in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. We determined lead concentrations in livers, examined differences in exposure among ages and between sexes, and recorded clinical signs consistent with lead poisoning. Most (60%) of the bald eagles had detectable lead concentrations, and 38% of the 58 had concentrations within the lethal range for lead poisoning. We found no differences in exposure based on sex or age, but we did find an inverse relationship between body and liver mass and liver lead concentration. The high percentage of lead-exposed bald eagles encouraged us to further examine potential sources of lead in our local environment. We initiated a study on the Fish and Wildlife Service's Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge to investigate if discarded offal piles from hunter-killed deer were a potential source of lead exposure to scavenging wildlife such as the bald eagle. Radiographs showed that 36% of offal piles in our sample area contained lead fragments ranging from 1 to 107 particles per pile. Our study indicated that 1) lead exposure rates for bald eagles found dead in our Upper Midwest study area were high, 2) more than one-third of the bald eagles found dead in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin had liver lead concentrations consistent with lead poisoning, and 3) discarded offal piles from deer shot with lead ammunition can be a potential source of lead exposure for bald eagles.
Personal Health Records for Patients with Chronic Disease
Authors: Rozenblum R. , Park A. , Dunn M. , Bates D.W. , Wells S. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackground: Personal health records (PHRs) connected to a physician’s electronic health record system hold substantial promise for supporting and engaging patients with chronic disease. Objectives: To explore how U.S. health care organizations are currently utilizing PHRs for chronic disease populations.Methods: A mixed methods study including semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire was conducted. A purposive sample was developed of health care organizations which were recognized as exemplars for PHRs and were high performers in national patient satisfaction surveys (H-CAHPS or CAHPS). Within each organization, participants were health IT leaders or those managing high-risk or chronic disease populations.Results: Interviews were conducted with 30 informants and completed questionnaires were received from 16 organizations (84% response rate). Most PHRs allowed patients to access health records and educational material, message their provider, renew prescriptions and request appointments. Patient generated data was increasingly being sought and combined with messaging, resulted in greater understanding of patient health and functioning outside of the clinic visit. However for chronic disease populations, there was little targeted involvement in PHR design and few tools to help interpret and manage their conditions beyond those offered for all. The PHR was largely uncoupled from high risk population management interventions and no clear framework for future PHR development emerged.Conclusion: This technology is currently underutilized and represents a major opportunity given the potential benefits of patient engagement and shared decision making. A coherent patient-centric PHR design and evaluation strategy is required to realize its potential and maximize this natural hub for multidisciplinary care co-ordination.Citation: Wells S, Rozenblum R, Park A, Dunn M, Bates DW. Personal health records for patients with chronic disease: A major opportunity. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 416–429 http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-01-RA-0002
Prostate Brachytherapy: Oncological and Functional Results after 400 Cases
Authors: Gastaldi Emilio , Chiono Luciano , Gallo Fabrizio , Giberti Claudio 
Published: May 2014

Introduction Brachytherapy (BT) with real-time technique for the treatment of low and medium risk prostate cancer (CaP) has been a well known practice for over 25 years in the USA and for over 15 years in Italy However, it is an uncommon procedure, because of problems related to the organization and cooperation among urologists, radiotherapists and physics, to the competition of alternative therapies, to dogmatic and educational beliefs, and to the poor knowledge of this technique. Methods Between May 1999 and July 2013, 400 patients with low and medium risk CaP underwent I 125 BT using a “real-time” approach. The seeds implantation was performed using a Mick applicator in the first 190 patients and the “QuickLink” technique in the last 210 cases. Oncologic results were reported for the first 250 cases with a mean follow-up of 10 years, while functional outcomes and complications were assessed in 350 patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Results A good quality implantation was assessed in 90% of the patients (D90>145 Gy). A biochemical failure was assessed, based on Phoenix criteria, in 12 patients (4.8%). Out of these patients, 10 underwent prostate biopsy (the other 2 patients showed a systemic disease). The biopsy showed a CaP in 6/10 patients who underwent retropubic radical prostatectomy (4 patients) and external radiotherapy (2 patients) respectively. The remaining 4/10 patients with negative biopsy were treated with total androgen blockade (3 patients) and watchful waiting (1 patient) respectively. Functional results showed an incidence of postoperative irritative disorders in 70% of the patients during the first six months and a good recovery of erectile function in 78.8% and 68.2% of the patients after one and five years from BT respectively. Conclusions Brachytherapy is a good alternative to radical prostatectomy in the low and medium risk prostatic cancers with excellent oncologic and functional results.
Incidence and Distribution of Lymphoid Neoplasm of the Urinary Tract and Male Genital Organs in an Urban Area of Northern Italy in the Last Decade
Authors: Vedovo Francesca , Pavan Nicola , Liguori Giovanni , Bussani Rossana , Siracusano Salvatore , Trombetta Carlo 
Published: May 2014

Introduction Lymphoid neoplasms of the urinary tract and male genital organs are relatively rare, comprising less than 5% of all primary extranodal lymphomas; only a handful of small case series and isolated case reports have been published to describe their predominant sites and subtypes. Material and Methods We searched our institution's electronic archive of pathology reports from 2001 to 2012. We considered lymphoid neoplasms involving the kidney, bladder, testes and prostate. Patient age at diagnosis, sex, clinical history, and outcome were recorded using the relevant electronic medical records. Results We identified 25 patients with lymphoid neoplasms of the urogenital tract. 11 cases out of 40 were primary genitourinary lymphomas. Mean age at diagnosis was 61.7 years (range 13–87 years). Among bladder lymphomas cases, a male predominance was noted. As regards the types of lymphoid neoplasms, the following subtypes were observed: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (32%), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (24%), small lymphocytic lymphoma (20%), Malt lymphoma (8%), Burkitt lymphoma (4%), follicular lymphoma (4%); diffuse large B-cell ALK+ (4%) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (4%). Conclusions Genitourinary tract lymphomas most commonly occurred in the kidney. B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas were predominant, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma being the most common subtype in the entire group. Although this study confirms the predominance of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in extranodal sites, the findings also highlight the variety of lymphomas that may occur in the genitourinary tract. This diversity of subtypes affirms the importance of fully characterizing lymphomas by immunohistochemistry and other modalities, which are indispensable for accurate diagnosis.
Ruolo Clinico Predittivo e Decisionale Dello Stato Dei Margini Chirurgici Dopo Cistectomia Radicale per Neoplasia Vescicale
Authors: Colombo Renzo , Moschini Marco 
Published: May 2014

The value of surgical margins for clinical predictions and decisions following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer Radical cystectomy completed with an extended pelvic lymph node dissection represents the most adequate curative treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. After surgery, the tumor should be considered as completely removed only if the pathologist finds negative surgical margins. However, although the presence of positive surgical margins (PSM) intuitively appears as a factor conditioning a poor prognosis, the studies published at data could not definitively confirm this relationship. This fact may be mainly attributed to the lack of statistical independence between the presence of PSM and other pathologic factors such as tumor stage and lymph node status, that are themselves well known predictors of poor prognosis. The incidence of PSM has been estimated to be 3-9%. Although the persistence of tumor at both urethral and ureteral margins has been correlated with an increased risk of local recurrence, only perivesical soft tissue PSM have been associated with a significantly reduced risk of cancer-specific survival. Female gender, locally advanced cancer, presence of vascular invasion and rare/mixed histology have been recognized as consistent risk factors for soft tissue PSM. Although, to date, the predictive role of both number and location of PSM remains totally to be investigated, there is general agreement that patients found with soft tissue PSM at the time of radical cystectomy should be proposed for adjuvant strategies, including radiation and chemotherapy. In this direction, many recent studies suggest to include the status of surgical margins in the pathologic report of any radical cystectomy.
Confronto Nel follow-up di Due Pazienti con Persistente Elevazione del PSA e Biopsia Prostatica Negativa
Authors: Sciarra Alessandro , Panebianco Valeria 
Published: May 2014

Comparison in the follow-up of two patients with persistent elevated PSA and negative prostate biopsy Purpose To compare two clinical cases on the follow-up of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia at risck of progression, negative prostate biopsy and persistent elevated PSA levels. Materials After a first negative prostate biopsy for elevated PSA levels, Case A received dutasteride therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia, whereas Case B continued his therapy without dutasteride. In both cases, other diagnostic procedures or other biopsies were decided on the basis of PSA level modifications. Results Case A showed a stabilization of PSA levels with a new nadir; the patient did not undergo new biopsies or other diagnostic procedures till the presence (24 months of follow-up) of a PSA elevation despite dutasteride therapy. A new biopsy, then, showed a prostate adenocarcinoma. Case B showed persistent and progressive PSA elevation; the patient underwent other diagnostic procedures and 2 new negative biopsies. Only after 26 months of follow-up a further biopsy showed a prostate adenocarcinoma. Conclusions 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can reduce the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies.
Effect of Kemzyme - Bentonite Co-supplementation on Cecal Fermentation and Metabolic Pattern in Rabbit
Authors: Abdl-Rahman M. A. , Sawiress F. A. R. , Y. Saleh Sohair 
Published: May 2014

With the objective of improving the impact of multi-enzymes feed additives on cecal fermentation pattern and rabbit metabolism, sodium bentonite was co-supplemented with “Kemzyme”, a multi-enzyme blend of Kemin Agrifoods Europe. Co-supplementation decreased cecal pH value, increased total VFAs concentration, increased propionates at the expence of acetates and butyrates, increased fermentation efficieny and VFAs utilization. Additionally, co-supplementation increased serum glucose concentration and decreased serum triglycerides and cholesterol concentration. Cecal ammonia nitrogen and serum urea concentration were also decreased by co-supplementation while no change was recorded in serum total proteins concentration. The study therefore, suggested that, coupling bentonite to multi-enzyme feed additives could improve the impact of such enzymes on cecal fermentation pattern and rabbit metablism.
Trends in Agriculturally-Relevant Rainfall Characteristics for Small-scale Agriculture in Northern Ghana
Authors: Yengoh Genesis , Armah Frederick , Onumah Edward , Odoi Justice 
Published: May 2014

This study set out to investigate the trends of agriculturally-relevant rainfall characteristics among small-scale farmers in the rainfall-sensitive dry savanna agro ecological zone of northern Ghana. Interviews are used to identify characteristics of rainfall which are deemed by the farmers as important in their food production. Time series daily rainfall data from 1960-2007 is then used to identify trends in these variables which include the amount and temporal distribution of rainfall, occurrence of extreme daily rainfall events, the onset of rains, risk of dry spells and coefficient of variability of rains. The risk of dry spells for varying number of days following the planting period is computed using first-order Markov chain modeling. We find that there is a significant increase in mean rainfall per rain day and the coefficient of variation or summer rainfall amounts. No significant change in the onset of rains, the annual rainfall amount and maximum rainfall days are established. However, a significant decrease in the number of rain days and the probability of dry spells of up to seven and eleven days in the first four weeks of the planting season is revealed. There is need for development of an agricultural policy framework designed to understand the growing risks associated with agricultural production among small-scale farmers, and to improve management practices to accommodate and adapt to the new challenges of varying rainfall.