bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zinc uptake kinetics in the low and high‐affinity systems of two contrasting rice genotypes
Authors: Meng Fanhua , Liu Di , Yang Xiaoe , Shohag M. J. I. , Yang Juncheng , Li Tingqiang , Lu Lingli , Feng Ying 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars differ widely in their susceptibility to zinc (Zn) deficiency. The physiological basis of Zn efficiency (ZE) is not clearly understood. In this study, the effects of Zn‐sufficient and Zn‐deficient pretreatments on the time and concentration‐dependent uptake kinetics of Zn were examined at low (0–160 nM) and high Zn supply levels (0–80 μM) in two contrasting rice genotypes (Zn‐efficient IR36 and Zn‐inefficient IR26). The results show that 65Zn2+ influx rate was over 10 times greater for the Zn‐deficient pretreatment plants than for the Zn‐sufficient pretreatment plants. At low Zn supply, significant higher 65Zn2+ influx rates were found for the Zn‐efficient genotype than for the inefficient genotype, with a greater difference (over three‐fold) at Zn supply > 80 nM in the Zn‐deficient pretreatments. At high Zn supply levels, however, a difference (2.5‐fold) in 65Zn2+ influx rate between the two genotypes was only noted in the Zn‐deficient pretreatments. Similarly, the 65Zn2+ accumulation in the roots and shoots of Zn‐efficient IR36 pretreated with Zn‐deficiency were sharply increased with time and higher than that in the Zn‐inefficient IR26 with an over four‐fold difference at 2 h absorption time. However, with Zn‐deficient pretreatments, the Zn‐efficient genotype showed a higher shoot : root 65Zn ratio at higher Zn supply. Remarkable differences in root and shoot 65Zn2+ accumulation were noted between the two genotypes in the Zn‐deficiency pretreatment, especially at low Zn level (0.05 μM), with 2–3 times higher values for IR36 than for IR26 at an uptake time of 120 min. There appear to be two separate Zn transport systems mediating the low and high‐affinity Zn influx in the efficient genotype. The low‐affinity system showed apparent Michaelis–Menten rate constant (Km) values ranging from 10 to 20 nM, while the high‐affinity uptake system showed apparent Km values ranging from 6 to 20 μM. The Vmax value was significantly elevated in IR36 and was 3–4‐fold greater for IR36 than for IR26 at low Zn levels, indicating that the number of root plasma membrane transporters in low‐affinity uptake systems play an important role for the Zn efficiency of rice.
Prevention of esophagopharyngeal reflux by augmenting the upper esophageal sphincter pressure barrier
Authors: Shaker Reza , Babaei Arash , Naini Sohrab R. 
Published: April 2014

Objectives/HypothesisIncompetence of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is fundamental to the occurrence of esophagopharyngeal reflux (EPR), and development of supraesophageal manifestations of reflux disease (SERD). However, therapeutic approaches to SERD have not been directed to strengthening of the UES barrier function. Our aims were to demonstrate that EPR events can be experimentally induced in SERD patients and not in healthy controls, and ascertain if these events can be prevented by application of a modest external cricoid pressure.Study DesignIndividual case control study.MethodsWe studied 14 SERD patients (57 ± 13 years, 8 females) and 12 healthy controls (26 ± 3 years, 7 females) by concurrent intraesophageal slow infusion and pharyngoscopic and manometric technique without and with the application of a sustained predetermined cricoid pressure to induce, detect, and prevent EPR, respectively.ResultsSlow esophageal infusion (1 mL/s) of 60 mL of HCl resulted in a total of 16 objectively confirmed EPR events in none patients and none in healthy controls. All patients developed subjective sensation of regurgitation. Sustained cricoid pressure resulted in a significant UES pressure augmentation in all participants. During application of sustained cricoid pressure, slow intraesophageal infusion resulted in only one EPR event (P < .01).ConclusionsSlow esophageal liquid infusion unmasks UES incompetence evidenced as the occurrence of EPR. Application of 20 to 30 mm Hg cricoid pressure significantly increases the UES intraluminal pressure and prevents pharyngeal reflux induced by esophageal slow liquid infusion. These techniques can be useful in diagnosis and management of UES incompetence in patients suffering from supraesophageal manifestations of reflux disease.Level of Evidence3b Laryngoscope 124:2268–2274, 2014
Defining the biomechanical properties of the rabbit trachea
Authors: Jones Matthew C. , Rueggeberg Frederick A. , Faircloth Hunter A. , Cunningham Aaron J. , Bush Carrie M. , Prosser John D. , Waller Jennifer L. , Postma Gregory N. , Weinberger Paul M. 
Published: April 2014

Objectives/HypothesisSurgical advancements rely heavily on validated animal models. The New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit is a widely used model for airway research, including regenerative medicine applications. Currently, the biomechanical properties of the normal rabbit trachea are not known. Our objective was to define these properties to assist in the standardization and understanding of future airway research using this model.Study DesignLaboratory‐based study.MethodsFresh tracheas from four adult NZW rabbits were dissected into 20 segments. To examine the biomechanical properties, segments were subjected to uniaxial tension (n = 9) and compression (n = 11) testing. Yield and maximum load (tension) and force at 50% displacement (compression) were recorded, and differences between segments were examined using analysis of covariance.ResultsNormative data for native rabbit trachea show mean maximum load = 6.44 newtons (N), yield load = 5.93 N, and compressive strength = 2.10 N. In addition to establishing the baseline measurements, statistically significant differences in tensile measures based on location along the trachea and diameter were identified. Proximal segments had significantly higher maximum load (P = .0029) and yield load (P = .0062) than distal segments. Association between diameter and both maximum load (P = .0139) and yield load (P = .0082) was observed.ConclusionsThe adult NZW rabbit trachea is intrinsically less able to withstand tensile and compressive forces, compared to other airway models such as sheep or cadaveric human. Establishment of normative values will enable future research into changes in tracheal biomechanical properties during regenerative medicine manipulation and processing.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope124:2352–2358, 2014
The prevalence of voice problems among adults in the United States
Authors: Bhattacharyya Neil 
Published: April 2014

Objectives/HypothesisDetermine the prevalence of voice problems and types of voice disorders among adults in the United States.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis of a national health survey.MethodsThe 2012 National Health Interview Survey was analyzed, identifying adult cases reporting a voice problem in the preceding 12 months. In addition to demographic data, specific data regarding visits to healthcare professionals for voice problems, diagnoses given, and severity of the voice problem were analyzed. The relationship between voice problems and lost workdays was investigated.ResultsAn estimated 17.9 ± 0.5 million adults (mean age, 49.1 years; 62.9% ± 1.2% female) reported a voice problem (7.6% ± 0.2%). Overall, 10.0% ± 0.1% saw a healthcare professional for their voice problem, and 40.3% ± 1.8% were given a diagnosis. Females were more likely than males to report a voice problem (9.3% ± 0.3% vs. 5.9% ± 0.3%, P < .001). Overall, 22% and 11% reported their voice problem to be a moderate or a big/very big problem, respectively. Infectious laryngitis was the most common diagnosis mentioned (685,000 ± 86,000 cases, 17.8% ± 2.0%). Gastroesophageal reflux disease was mentioned in 308,000 ± 54,000 cases (8.0% ± 1.4%). The mean number of days affected with the voice problem in the past year was 56.2 ± 2.6 days. Respondents with a voice problem reported 7.4 ± 0.9 lost workdays in the past year versus 3.4 ± 0.1 lost workdays for those without (contrast, +4.0 lost workdays; P < .001).ConclusionsVoice problems affect one in 13 adults annually. A relative minority seek healthcare for their voice problem, even though the self‐reported subjective impact of the voice problem is significant.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope 124:2359–2362, 2014
A Fourier‐series‐based virtual fields method for the identification of 2‐D stiffness distributions
Authors: Nguyen T.T. , Huntley J.M. , Ashcroft I.A. , Ruiz P.D. , Pierron F. 
Published: April 2014

SUMMARYThe virtual fields method (VFM) is a powerful technique for the calculation of spatial distributions of material properties from experimentally determined displacement fields. A Fourier‐series‐based extension to the VFM (the F‐VFM) is presented here, in which the unknown stiffness distribution is parameterised in the spatial frequency domain rather than in the spatial domain as used in the classical VFM. We present in this paper the theory of the F‐VFM for the case of elastic isotropic thin structures with known boundary conditions. An efficient numerical algorithm based on the two‐dimensional Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is presented, which reduces the computation time by three to four orders of magnitude compared with a direct implementation of the F‐VFM for typical experimental dataset sizes. Artefacts specific to the F‐VFM (ringing at the highest spatial frequency near to modulus discontinuities) can be largely removed through the use of appropriate filtering strategies. Reconstruction of stiffness distributions with the F‐VFM has been validated on three stiffness distribution scenarios under varying levels of noise in the input displacement fields. Robust reconstructions are achieved even when the displacement noise is higher than in typical experimental fields.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular scale simulations on thermoset polymers: A review
Authors: Li Chunyu , Strachan Alejandro 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThis article reviews the field of molecular simulations of thermoset polymers. This class of polymers is of interest in applications ranging from structural components for aerospace to electronics packaging and predictive simulations of their response is playing an increasing role in understanding the molecular origin of their properties and complementing experiments in the search for tailored materials for specific applications. It focuses on modeling and simulation of the process of curing to predict the molecular structure of these polymers and their thermomechanical response by all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations. Results from Monte Carlo and coarse‐grained simulations are briefly summarized. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2015,53, 103–122
The relationship between geographic remoteness and intentions to use a telephone support service among Australian men following radical prostatectomy
Authors: Corboy Denise , McLaren Suzanne , Jenkins Megan , McDonald John 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe objective is to investigate the influence of characteristics related to place of residence (self‐reliance and stoicism) on men's intentions to use a telephone support service following radical prostatectomy.MethodsA community sample of 447 prostate cancer patients (31% response), recruited via Medicare Australia, completed a survey to assess levels of self‐reliance and stoicism, and beliefs about addressing emotional distress through using telephone support services.ResultsResults indicated that the model was a partially mediated model. Geographic remoteness was directly related to intention, and indirectly related through stoicism and subjective norms.ConclusionMen from rural and remote areas in Australia might face particular challenges in seeking support following treatment for prostate cancer. These challenges appear to relate to the influence of stoic attitudes and normative expectations, than to issues of access and availability. Addressing stoic attitudes in the clinical setting, through normalising emotional reactions to cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the act of help‐seeking for emotional support, may be beneficial. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Respiratory muscle function in infants with spinal muscular atrophy type I
Authors: Finkel Richard S. , Weiner Daniel J. , Mayer Oscar H. , McDonough Joseph M. , Panitch Howard B. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo determine the feasibility and safety of respiratory muscle function testing in weak infants with a progressive neuromuscular disorder.RationaleRespiratory insufficiency is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in infants with spinal muscular atrophy type I (SMA‐I).HypothesisTests of respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and breathing patterns can be performed safely in SMA‐I infants. Useful data can be collected which parallels the clinical course of pulmonary function in SMA‐I.Study design and subject selectionAn exploratory study of respiratory muscle function testing and breathing patterns in seven infants with SMA‐I seen in our neuromuscular clinic. Measurements were made at initial study visit and, where possible, longitudinally over time.MethodologyWe measured maximal inspiratory (MIP) and transdiaphragmatic pressures, mean transdiaphragmatic pressure, airway occlusion pressure at 100 msec of inspiration, inspiratory and total respiratory cycle time, and aspects of relative thoracoabdominal motion using respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP). The tension time index of the diaphragm and of the respiratory muscles, phase angle (Φ), phase relation during the total breath, and labored breathing index were calculated.ResultsAge at baseline study was 54–237 (median 131) days. Reliable data were obtained safely for MIP, phase angle, labored breathing index, and the invasive and non‐invasive tension time indices, even in very weak infants. Data obtained corresponded to the clinical estimate of severity and predicted the need for respiratory support.ConclusionsThe testing employed was both safe and feasible. Measurements of MIP and RIP are easily performed tests that are well tolerated and provide clinically useful information for infants with SMA‐I. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:1234–1242. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term outcome of parapneumonic effusions in children: Lung function and exercise tolerance
Authors: Kontouli Kalliopi , Hatziagorou Elpis , Kyrvasilis Fotis , Roilides Emmanuel , Emporiadou Maria , Tsanakas John 
Published: April 2014

SummaryObjectivesa: To evaluate the long‐term outcome of parapneumonic effusions (PPE) in children regarding lung function and exercise tolerance, (b) to investigate the role of bronchial asthma in the outcome of PPE.MethodsThe design of the study included 51 children with PPE, at least 2 years after the initial infection. They were divided in two groups. Group A (38 children) consisted of children with PPE but without asthma prior initial infection. Group B (13 children) included children with PPE and asthma prior infection. Thirty‐six children were taken as healthy controls (group C). All children performed spirometry and a maximal incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test on cycle ergometer.ResultsChildren of both groups (A and B) showed statistically significant lower values in FVC%, FEV1%, and FEV1/FVC compared to controls (group C). Children of group B had also significant lower FEF25–75% values compared to controls. Children of group B had significant lower FEV1/FVC values compared to group A. All children of the three groups showed no differences in maximal exercise capacity (VO2max). Children of group A had higher respiratory equivalent to oxygen (VE/VO2) during exercise compared to healthy subjects.ConclusionsThere are small effects on lung function and exercise capacity in the long‐term, among children with PPE, but of no clinical importance. Pre‐existing bronchial asthma doesn't influence the outcome significantly. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:615–620. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pulmonary exacerbations and parent‐reported outcomes in children <6 years with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Brumback Lyndia C. , Baines Arthur , Ratjen Felix , Davis Stephanie D. , Daniel Stephen L. , Quittner Alexandra L. , Rosenfeld Margaret ,   for the ISIS Study Group
Published: April 2014

SummaryPulmonary exacerbations (PEs) are used as clinical endpoints in infants and preschool children with cystic fibrosis (CF); however, their characteristics and impact in this age range are poorly understood. We used data from the Infant Study of Inhaled Saline, a multicenter trial of inhaled hypertonic versus isotonic saline, to describe PEs in children with CF <6 years and evaluate associations between PEs and parent‐reported outcomes assessed by a weekly parent questionnaire (10 items) and three scales of the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire‐Revised (CFQ‐R), and other participant characteristics. There were 659 PEs among 253 of the 321 ISIS participants (mean age 2.3 years) during 287 participant‐years follow‐up. Of the 659 PEs, 636 (97%) were treated with oral and 45 (7%) with IV antibiotics (not mutually exclusive). Among 222 participants with PEs who had completed parent questionnaires during a PE and at baseline, 9 of the 10 symptoms were each present in a statistically significantly higher proportion of participants during a PE than at baseline. Lower (worse) baseline Respiratory Symptom and Physical Functioning CFQ‐R scores were significantly associated with higher PE rate: rate ratio 1.08 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.14) and 1.21 (1.07, 1.36) per 10 point lower score in respective scale. A higher PE rate was also significantly associated with worse CFQ‐R Respiratory Symptom and Physical Functioning scores at the end of the study, adjusted for baseline scores. Though most PEs did not require IV antibiotics, PEs appeared to have a negative impact on parent‐reported health outcomes in infants and preschoolers with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:236–243. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A search for an \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \mathcal{N} =2 $\end{document} inflaton potential
Authors: Ceresole A. , Dall'Agata G. , Ferrara S. , Trigiante M. , Van Proeyen A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe consider \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \mathcal{N} =2 $\end{document} supergravity theories that have the same spectrum as the R + R2 supergravity, as predicted from the off‐shell counting of degrees of freedom. These theories describe standard \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \mathcal{N} =2 $\end{document} supergravity coupled to one or two long massive vector multiplets. The central charge is not gauged in these models and they have a Minkowski vacuum with \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \mathcal{N} =2 $\end{document} unbroken supersymmetry. The gauge symmetry, being non‐compact, is always broken. α‐deformed inflaton potentials are obtained, in the case of a single massive vector multiplet, with α = 1/3 and 2/3. The α = 1 potential (i.e. the Starobinsky potential) is also obtained, but only at the prize of having a single massive vector and a residual unbroken gauge symmetry. The inflaton corresponds to one of the Cartan fields of the non‐compact quaternionic‐Kähler cosets.
Automated Aufbau of antibody structures from given sequences using Macromoltek's SmrtMolAntibody
Authors: Berrondo Monica , Kaufmann Susana , Berrondo Manuel 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThis study was a part of the second antibody modeling assessment. The assessment is a blind study of the performance of multiple software programs used for antibody homology modeling. In the study, research groups were given sequences for 11 antibodies and asked to predict their corresponding structures. The results were measured using root‐mean‐square deviation (rmsd) between the submitted models and X‐ray crystal structures. In 10 of 11 cases, the results using SmrtMolAntibody show good agreement between the submitted models and X‐ray crystal structures. In the first stage, the average rmsd was 1.4 Å. Average rmsd values for the framework was 1.2 Å and for the H3 loop was 3.0 Å. In stage two, there was a slight improvement with an rmsd for the H3 loop of 2.9 Å. Proteins 2014; 82:1636–1645. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparative analysis of infrared luminescence spectra of ZnSe:Yb, ZnSe:Gd, and ZnSe:Cr crystals
Authors: Colibaba Gleb , Goncearenco Evghenii , Nedeoglo Dmitrii , Nedeoglo Natalia 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPhotoluminescent and optical properties of ZnSe crystals doped with Yb and Gd rare‐earth elements (REEs) and Cr impurity are investigated in infrared (IR) spectral range. The influence of stoichiometric deviation on photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the crystals is investigated and the structure of complex IR PL bands is analysed. The good coincidence between the IR PL spectra of the samples doped with Yb, Gd, and Cr is shown. Correlation between the component parts of the bands at 1 and 2 µm is found and possibility to control the composition of IR PL spectra by enrichment of the samples with Zn or Se is discussed. The model that explains the formation of associative centres based on the REEs and background Cu impurity fixed in the nodes of crystal lattice with tetrahedral symmetry, which are responsible for IR PL bands, is proposed. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Enhanced dielectric properties of nitrogen doped epitaxial Gd2O3 thin films on Si
Authors: Chaudhuri Ayan Roy , Fissel A. , Osten H. Jörg 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe impact of nitrogen doping on the growth electronic band structure and electrical properties of epitaxial Gd2O3 thin films on Si (111) has been investigated. Epitaxial layers of Gd2O3:N were grown on p‐type Si (111) substrates by solid source molecular beam epitaxy technique using molecular N2O as the nitridation agent. Substitutional nitrogen incorporation into the dielectric layer was confirmed by secondary ion mass spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Significant reduction of the leakage current density and disappearance of capacitance‐voltage hysteresis in the Gd2O3:N layers indicate that nitrogen doping in Gd2O3 successfully eliminates the adverse effects of the oxygen vacancy induced defects in the oxide layer. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical resistivity and its thermal coefficient of TiW alloy thin films prepared by two different sputtering systems
Authors: Sakurai Yutaka , Takeda Yuya , Ikeda Shinji , Sakamoto Yoshinori 
Published: April 2014

AbstractElectrical resistivity and its thermal coefficient (TCR) of TiW alloy thin films which were prepared by using two different sputtering systems have been investigated. System A is a DC‐magnetron sputtering system equipped with a single composite‐target that allows the contents controllable by an external field of solenoid as reported in previous papers (Sakurai and Takeda, Abstract of E‐MRS 2005 Fall Meeting [1] and Sakurai et al., Solid State Phenom. 154, 175 (2009) [2]). The system A prepared specimens with the range of 21.6 to 36.6 at% of W‐contents. The TCR varies from minus to plus at 32 at% of W‐content. On the other hand, System B is a RF‐magnetron sputtering system equipped with multi‐targets and multi‐sputtering‐sources. The system B covered the whole binary composition ranges by controlling power ratio for two independent sputtering sources. The resistivity characteristics show a parabolic curve with the maximum value on Ti‐rich contents. The TCR decreases at the contents that shows the maximum resistivity, but the TCR is always plus and does not cross zero. Difference of the properties by using the two systems will be discussed. In the system A, the background is exhausted by an oil diffusion pump and the pressure is higher (lower vacuum degree) than the background in the system B with a turbo molecular pump. This suggests that zero TCR would be achieved by introducing the controlled impurities (O2 or N2) into the binary alloy films. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)