bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Notes on English used as a lingua franca as an object of study
Authors: Mortensen Janus 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
This article discusses how English used as a lingua franca (ELF) can be defined as an object of study. It offers a critical appraisal of a high-profile definition of ELF (the VOICE/Seidlhofer definition), and argues that definitions of this kind, whether purposely or not, in effect invite conceptualizations of ELF as a reified entity. This kind of reification is shown to entail a number of problems, the main one being that reified conceptualizations of ELF as an object of study are at odds with the available empirical evidence. On the basis of this critique, the article suggests an alternative approach to the conceptualization of ELF where ELF is defined in straightforward functional terms as the use of English in a lingua franca language scenario. This definition underscores the complexity and breadth of ELF as an object of study, and highlights that researchers in the field of ELF studies need to acknowledge this complexity and adopt structured methods in dealing with it. Using well-known examples from the literature, the article shows that Dell Hymes's SPEAKING heuristic may be employed as one such tool.
A Sarcomere-Mimetic Gel: Gelation of Astral-Shaped Actin Filaments with Their Plus End Connected on Photopolymer Beads by Myosin Filaments
Authors: Ikawa Taiji , Shiozawa Masahito , Mouri Makoto , Narita Mamiko , Watanabe Osamu 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTWe have developed a method of a stepwise construction of a gel consisting of (i) astral-shaped actin filaments with their plus end connected on photo-responsive polymer beads and (ii) bipolar myosin filaments as linkers in order to mimic sarcomeric structure, the basic unit of a muscle. In the method, firstly, 4 μm diam. beads were prepared from an acrylate polymer containing azobenzene moiety by a good-solvent evaporation technique. Next, gelsolin, which servers and remains bound to the plus end of an actin filament, was adsorbed and then immobilized on the bead surface by exposure to light from blue light-emitting diodes, and then fluorescent actin filaments were mixed with the beads. Formation of star-like, astral actin filaments on the beads were observed in fluorescent microscopy. Finally, the beads with actin filaments were mixed with myosin mini filaments with ca. 1 μm in length. Dozens of the beads were observed to be assembled into a gel form in optical microscopy. After adding adenosine triphosphate to the gel solution, the gel was slowly contract up to 60% comparing with its original volume, suggesting that linker myosin filaments moved on the actin filaments toward the plus end on the beads.
Reduction of Female Mating Receptivity after Injection of Male-Derived Extracts inTrigonotylus caelestialium(Heteroptera: Miridae)
Authors: Yamane Takashi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe effects of male-derived extracts on female receptivity to remating were investigated in Trigonotylus caelestialium (Kirkaldy) (Heteroptera: Miridae). The aqueous extracts of male reproductive tracts were observed to reduce receptivity both at 3 h and at 1 d after injection into the abdomens of females. Next, ultrafiltration was used to divide the aqueous extracts of the male reproductive tracts into three molecular-weight (MW) fractions: &lt;3.5 kDa, 3.5–14 kDa, and &gt;14 kDa. The filtrate containing the MW substances &lt;3.5 kDa reduced female receptivity 3 h after injection, whereas the fraction containing MW substances &gt;14 kDa inhibited receptivity at 1 and 2 d after injection. Finally, the male reproductive tract organs were divided into the accessory glands, testes, and the remaining reproductive organs, including the seminal vesicles. Aqueous extracts of the accessory glands reduced the receptivity of females both at 3 h and 2 d after injection, whereas those of the testes decreased the receptivity of females at 3 h after injection. Together, the results indicate that more than one mechanism may be involved in the effects of male-derived substances on female receptivity in T. caelestialium. The findings suggest that low-MW male-derived substances in the accessory glands and testes cause short-term inhibition and that the high-MW substances in the accessory gland inhibit female mating at a later period.
Identification of Two Cryptic Species within the Praon abjectum Group (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) using Molecular Markers and Geometric Morphometrics
Authors: Mitrovski—Bogdanović Ana , Petrović Andjeljko , Mitrović Milana , Ivanović Ana , Žikić Vladimir , Starý Petr , Vorburger Christoph , Tomanović Željko 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The genus Praon represents a large group of aphid endoparasitoids and is exemplary for the problems encountered in their taxonomy because of a great variability of morphological characters. To investigate the intraspecific variability and to ascertain cryptic speciation within the Praon abjectum Haliday group, biotypes in association with the aphid hosts Aphis sambuci L., Longicaudus trirhodus Walker, and Rhopabsiphum spp. were examined. We combined molecular and geometric morphometric analyses, that is, partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and nuclear 28SD2 genes and the shape of the forewing. Low variation of 28SD2 sequences confirmed the close relatedness of species from the genus Praon. Analysis of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences however identified three separate taxa within the P. abjectum group with substantial genetic divergence. The biotype of P. abjectum associated with L. trirhodus differed from those associated with Rhopabsiphum sp. and A. sambuci by 5.4–6.5% and 7.7% sequence divergence, respectively, while the genetic distance between the latter two biotypes ranged from 9.5 to 10%. The main changes in the forewing shape that discriminate these three biotypes as revealed by geometric morphometrics are related to the stigma shape and the position of the radial nerve. Based on the differences determined in mitochondrial sequences and in the shape of the wing, we describe two new cryptic species within the P. abjectum group as follows: P. sambuci sp. n. in association with A. sambuci/S. nigra and P. longicaudus sp. n. in association with L. trirhodus/T. aquilegifolium.
Podapolipus khorasanicus n. sp. (Acari: Podapolipidae), an Ectoparasite of Opatroides punctulatus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), with Notes on World Distribution and Host Range of the Beetle-Associates of Podapolipus spp.
Authors: Hajiqanbar Hamidreza 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The ectoparasitic mite Podapolipus khorasanicus Hajiqanbar n. sp. (Acari: Heterostigmatina: Podapolipidae), detached from abdominal tergites of Opatroides punctubtus Brulle, 1832 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in northeastern Iran, is described and compared with related species. A key to world species of the coleopteran parasites of the genus Podapolipus Rovelli & Grassi (1888) is provided, and their distribution and host range are discussed.
Temperature-Dependent Development, Survival, Longevity, and Fecundity of Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Papanikolaou Nikos E , Milonas Panagiotis G , Kontodimas Dimitris C , Demiris Nikos , Matsinos Yiannis G 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The effect of temperature on the development, survival, longevity, and fecundity of the 14-spotted ladybird beetle, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) reared on bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae) was determined at six constant temperatures (17, 20, 25, 30, 32.5, and 35 ± 1°C) in the laboratory. Results showed a temperature—dependent development of the coccinellid. An appropriate linear model indicated that 218.0 degree days above a threshold of 10.2°C were needed to complete immature development from egg to adult emergence. Data were fitted to the nonlinear Briere model, which for total immature period estimated the upper developmental threshold at 36.0°C, the lower threshold at 12.2°C and the temperature for maximum developmental rate at 30.3°C. Survival of immature stages varied significantly across temperatures with the lowest survival of just 14% occurring at 32.5°C and the highest (96%) at 25°C. In addition temperature showed a profound effect on female longevity over this viable range of temperatures, as it decreased from 123.06 d at 17°C to 33.53 d at 30°C. The highest fecundity (724.6 eggs/female) was recorded at 25°C. These results might be useful tools for the prediction of P. quatuordecimpunctata phenology and the interaction with its prey.
Resveratrol Decreases Periodontal Breakdown and Modulates Local Levels of Cytokines During Periodontitis in Rats
Authors: Casati Marcio Z. , Algayer Carolina , Cardoso da Cruz Geisa , Ribeiro Fernanda V. , Casarin Renato C.V. , Pimentel Suzana P. , Cirano Fabiano R. 
Published: March 2013

Background: Resveratrol (3,4′,5‐trihydroxystilbene) is a naturally occurring product found in numerous plants. Among its biologic properties, resveratrol may promote immunomodulatory effects on the host response. This study investigates the effect of continuous administration of resveratrol on the progression of experimental periodontitis in rats.Methods: Periodontitis was induced in rats in one of the first molars chosen to receive a ligature. Animals were assigned to one of two groups: 1) daily administration of the placebo solution (control group) or 2) 10 mg/kg resveratrol (RESV group). The therapies were administered systemically for 30 days: for 19 days before periodontitis induction and then for another 11 days. Then, the specimens were processed for morphometric analysis of bone loss, and the gingival tissue surrounding the first molar was collected for quantification of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, and IL‐17 using a multiplexing assay.Results: Intergroup comparisons of the morphometric outcomes revealed higher bone loss values in ligated molars and unligated teeth in the control group than the RESV group (P <0.05). The immunoenzymatic assay of the gingival tissue showed a lower concentration of IL‐17 in the RESV group than the control group (P <0.05), whereas no differences in the IL‐1β and IL‐4 levels of the groups were observed (P >0.05).Conclusions: Continuous administration of resveratrol may decrease periodontal breakdown induced experimentally in rats. In addition, lower levels of IL‐17 were found in the RESV group. Future studies are important to confirm the mechanism through which resveratrol exerts its effects.
Burst and Collapse Responses of Production Casing in Thermal Applications
Authors: Dall'Acqua D. , Hodder M. , Kaiser T.M.V. 
Published: March 2013

Summary
American Petroleum Institute (API) design equations describing burst and collapse limits of tubulars do not address pipe body response when axial stress in the casing exceeds the material yield strength. However, casing yielding commonly occurs in thermal operations in western Canada, where steam-assisted gravity-drainage (SAGD) and cyclic-steam-stimulation (CSS) operating temperatures generally range from 200 to 350°C. Cemented production casing is subject to both passive and active loading conditions during operation: thermally induced strain-based cyclic axial loading occurs in conjunction with net internal or external differential pressure. A sound engineering basis for selecting tubular configurations that considers the combined loading state in this situation and establishes an appropriate design margin does not currently exist.
This paper describes numerical analyses for combined post-yield loading conditions and provides a starting point for burst and collapse design for thermal casing. Burst analysis of axially constrained casing indicates that, contrary to what might be inferred from elastic-strength calculations, an initial thermally induced axial compressive strain does not substantially reduce the burst (rupture) pressure. By contrast, even low net external pressures can lead to ovalization and loss of wellbore access when combined with thermally induced axial strain if the cement sheath does not offer adequate radial support. Sensitivity studies demonstrate the strong influence of pipe diameter-to-thickness ratio (D/t) and pressure ratios and pipe material mechanical properties on ovalization response. Analysis results are compared with API burst and collapse predictions, thermal operating experience at Shell Canada's Peace River project, and available physical testing results for similar loading conditions.
Association of BP Variability with Mortality among African Americans with CKD
Authors: McMullan Ciaran J. , Bakris George L. , Phillips Robert A. , Forman John P. 
Published: March 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Increased systolic BP visit-to-visit variability (SBV) may be associated with higher overall mortality and cardiovascular events. However, few studies have examined these associations in patients with CKD, and the relation of SBV with CKD progression and ESRD has not been shown. This study analyzed the association of SBV with overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular events, and renal events among individuals enrolled in the African American Study of Kidney Disease (AASK) trial.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This was a prospective observational study of 908 participants during the trial phase of the AASK study, with at least 1 year of BP measurements available and followed for 3–6.4 years. SBV was calculated as the SD of the systolic pressure from five visits occurring 3–12 months after randomization. The association of SBV with risk of overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality, a composite of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, and a composite of renal events was assessed using proportional hazards regression and adjusting for multiple potential confounders.

Results
Greater SBV was associated with higher overall mortality. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was 2.82 (1.14–6.95) comparing the highest with lowest tertile of SBV. A similar comparison revealed that greater SBV was also associated with cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.91; 1.12–21.50). SBV was associated with both the cardiovascular renal composite endpoints in unadjusted but not adjusted analyses.

Conclusions
In African Americans with CKD, SBV is strongly and independently associated with overall and cardiovascular mortality.
Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes in the Metabolically Healthy Obese Phenotype
Authors: Appleton Sarah L. , Seaborn Christopher J. , Visvanathan Renuka , Hill Catherine L. , Gill Tiffany K. , Taylor Anne W. , Adams Robert J. ,   on behalf of the North West Adelaide Health Study Team
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE
To determine the correlates of the “metabolically healthy obese” (MHO) phenotype and the longitudinal risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD)/stroke associated with this phenotype.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The North West Adelaide Health Study is a prospective cohort study of 4,056 randomly selected adults aged ≥18 years. Participants free of CVD/stroke and not underweight (n = 3,743) were stratified by BMI categories and metabolic risk, defined as having two or more International Diabetes Federation metabolic syndrome criteria, excluding waist circumference.

RESULTS
Correlates of the MHO (n = 454 [12.1%]) included smoking, socioeconomic disadvantage, and physical inactivity. Compared with metabolically healthy normal-weight subjects (n = 1,172 [31.3%]), the MHO were more likely to develop metabolic risk (15.5 vs. 33.1%, P &lt; 0.001) and incident diabetes (odds ratio 2.09 [95% CI 0.87–5.03]) but not CVD/stroke (1.16 [0.58–2.29]) during 5.5–10.3 years of follow-up. These risks were not seen in MHO subjects maintaining metabolic health (n = 188 [67%]). Sustained metabolic health in obese participants was associated with age ≤40 years and lower waist circumference. Compared with the metabolically at-risk obese, MHO women demonstrated a significantly higher (mean [SE]) percentage of leg fat (49.9 [0.5] vs. 53.2 [0.7]) and lower waist circumference (104 [0.6] vs. 101 cm [0.8]), despite no significant differences in overall adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS
“Healthy” obesity was a transient state for one-third of subjects. Persistence of a MHO phenotype, which was associated with favorable outcomes, was related to younger age and a more peripheral fat distribution. The MHO phenotype may be sustained by promoting lower waist circumferences.
HbA1c Variability as an Independent Correlate of Nephropathy, but Not Retinopathy, in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Penno Giuseppe , Solini Anna , Bonora Enzo , Fondelli Cecilia , Orsi Emanuela , Zerbini Gianpaolo , Morano Susanna , Cavalot Franco , Lamacchia Olga , Laviola Luigi , Nicolucci Antonio , Pugliese Giuseppe ,   for the Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events (RIACE) Study Group
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE
To examine the association of hemoglobin (Hb) A1c variability with microvascular complications in the large cohort of subjects with type 2 diabetes from the Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events (RIACE) Italian Multicenter Study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Serial (3–5) HbA1c values collected in a 2-year period before enrollment were available from 8,260 subjects from 9 centers (of 15,773 patients from 19 centers). HbA1c variability was measured as the intraindividual SD of 4.52 ± 0.76 values. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) was assessed by dilated funduscopy. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined based on albuminuria, as measured by immunonephelometry or immunoturbidimetry, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated from serum creatinine.

RESULTS
Median and interquartile range of average HbA1c (HbA1c-MEAN) and HbA1c-SD were 7.57% (6.86–8.38) and 0.46% (0.29–0.74), respectively. The highest prevalence of microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria, reduced eGFR, albuminuric CKD phenotypes, and advanced DR was observed when both HbA1c parameters were above the median and the lowest when both were below the median. Logistic regression analyses showed that HbA1c-SD adds to HbA1c-MEAN as an independent correlate of microalbuminuria and stages 1–2 CKD and is an independent predictor of macroalbuminuria, reduced eGFR, and stages 3–5 albuminuric CKD, whereas HbA1c-MEAN is not. The opposite was found for DR, whereas neither HbA1c-MEAN nor HbA1c-SD affected nonalbuminuric CKD.

CONCLUSIONS
In patients with type 2 diabetes, HbA1c variability affects (albuminuric) CKD more than average HbA1c, whereas only the latter parameter affects DR, thus suggesting a variable effect of these measures on microvascular complications.
Randomized Assessment of Ticagrelor Versus Prasugrel Antiplatelet Effects in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Alexopoulos Dimitrios , Xanthopoulou Ioanna , Mavronasiou Eleni , Stavrou Katerina , Siapika Argyro , Tsoni Evropi , Davlouros Periklis 
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE
It has been postulated that prasugrel might be the preferred treatment option in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to compare the pharmacodynamic action of ticagrelor versus prasugrel.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In a prospective, single-center, single-blind, crossover study, 30 consecutive ACS patients with DM who had been pretreated with clopidogrel were randomized to either 90 mg ticagrelor twice daily or 10 mg prasugrel once daily with a 15-day treatment period. Platelet reactivity (PR) was assessed with the VerifyNow P2Y12 function assay, measured in P2Y12 reaction units (PRU).

RESULTS
PR was significantly lower after ticagrelor (45.2 PRU [95% CI 27.4–63.1]) compared with prasugrel (80.8 PRU [63.0–98.7]), with a least squares mean difference of –35.6 PRU (−55.2 to −15.9, P = 0.001). High PR rate was 0% for ticagrelor and 3.3% for prasugrel (P = 1.0).

CONCLUSIONS
In DM patients with ACS who had been pretreated with clopidogrel and who undergo PCI, ticagrelor achieves a significantly higher platelet inhibition than prasugrel. Both antiplatelet agents effectively treat high PR. The relevance of these findings to the clinical efficacy and safety of ticagrelor and prasugrel in DM patients needs further elucidation.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Pasteurella Multocida Strains Isolated from Pigs in Poland
Authors: Stępniwska Katarzyna , Markowska-Daniel Iwona 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A total of 319 Pasteurella multocida (Pm) strains isolated from pigs in Poland were examined. Phenotypic characterisation included: biochemical tests (to determine species, subspecies, and biovar), capsular typing, and antimicrobial susceptibility. Genotypic characterisation included detection of the toxA gene by PCR. All tested Pm strains were classified as Pm subsp. multocida: 87.2% biovar 3, 10.7%-2 and 0.9%-12. One strain was classified as biovar 1. Three strains of Pm did not suit any of the biovars. Using capsular typing methods, 77% of Pm strains isolated from nasal swabs belonged to type D and 33% to type A. Among Pm strains isolated from internal organs, 59.5% belonged to type A and 40.5% to type D. All the isolates showed a high susceptibility to β-lactams: ampicillin and amoxicilin with clavulonic acid (97.8%), penicillin (86.7%), doxicilline (100%), oxytetracycline (97.8%), and tetracycline (93.2%). It was found that all strains were susceptible to norfloxacin, 97.8% to enrofloxacin, and 95.6% to SxT. 24.4% and 15.6% of the strains were resistant to linco-spectin and tiamulin, respectively. The presence of toxA gene was confirmed by PCR in 20.8% of the strains isolated from nasal swabs and 29.1% of isolates from internal organs.
Elastase, Myeloperoxidase, and Alkaline Phosphatase Release and Free Radical Generation in Neutrophils Isolated from Blood of Sows at Different Stages of Oestrous Cycle
Authors: Wessely-Szponder Joanna , Bobowiec Ryszard 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the oestrous cycle phase on neutrophil secretory activity and to extrapolate it to susceptibility to uterine infections. The obtained results indicate that the highest enzyme release seen in the late follicular phase (elastase release was 42.18 ±3.11% of maximal release, myeloperoxidase was 45.0 ±5.12%, and alkaline phosphatase was 44.75 ±9.0%) was related to the level of 17β-oestradiol in plasma. Similarly, a free radical generation was also the most enhanced during this phase. Significantly lower values were obtained from sows during the luteal phase in regard to both enzyme release (36.62 ±3.58% for elastase, 27.87 ±8.7% for myeloperoxidase, and 22.12 ±2.4% for alkaline phosphatase), and that of free radicals (2.28 1.6 μM/106 cells for nitric oxide and 2.47 0.6 nM/106 cells for superoxide).