bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of elevated CO2 and increased temperature on Japanese beetle herbivory
Authors: Niziolek Olivia K. , Berenbaum May R. , DeLucia Evan H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTo examine how the major elements of global change affect herbivory in agroecosystems, a multifactorial experiment was conducted where soybeans were grown at two levels of carbon dioxide and temperature, including those predicted for 2050, under otherwise normal field conditions. Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica Newman) were enclosed on foliage for 24 h, after which the beetle survivorship, total and per capita leaf consumption, and leaf protease inhibitor activity were measured. The direct effect of temperature on beetle consumption and survivorship also was measured under controlled environmental conditions. No differences in total foliage consumption were observed; however, beetles forced to feed at elevated temperature in the field demonstrated greater per capita consumption and reduced survivorship compared to beetles feeding at ambient temperature. Survivorship was also greater for beetles that consumed foliage grown under elevated CO2, but there were no interactive effects of CO2 and temperature, and no differences in leaf chemistry were resolved. Leaf consumption by beetles increased strongly with increasing temperature up to ∼37° C, above which increased mortality caused a precipitous decrease in consumption. An empirical model based on the temperature dependence of leaf consumption and flight suggests that the 3.5°C increase in temperature predicted for 2050 will increase the optimal feeding window for the Japanese beetle by 290%. Elevated temperature and CO2 operating independently have the potential to greatly increase foliage damage to soybean by chewing insects, such as Popillia japonica, potentially affecting crop yields.
Influence of asthma definition on the asthma-obesity relationship
Authors: Cetlin Andrea Antunes , Gutierrez Manoel Romeu , Bettiol Heloísa , Barbieri Marco Antônio , Vianna Elcio Oliveira 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundEpidemiological studies suggest an association between obesity and asthma in adults and children. Asthma diagnosis criteria are different among studies. The aim of this study was to test the influence of asthma definition on the asthma-obesity relationship.MethodsIn a cross-sectional analysis of 1922 men and women, subjects completed a translated questionnaire from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey and underwent spirometry and a bronchial challenge test. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess the association of variables related to obesity and asthma. Asthma was defined either by the presence of symptoms with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) or by a self-report of a physician-made diagnosis. The following variables were separately tested for associations with asthma: socioeconomic characteristics, schooling, physical activity, smoking status, anthropometry and spirometry.ResultsNo association was detected between asthma confirmed by BHR and obesity indicators, odds ratio (OR) = 1.08 (95% confidence interval: 0.69 - 1.68) for obesity assessed by body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2; OR = 1.02 (0.74 - 1.40) for obesity assessed by abnormal waist-to-height ratio; and, OR = 0.96 (0.69 - 1.33) for abnormal waist circumference. On the contrary, a previous diagnosis of asthma was associated with obesity, OR = 1.48 (1.01 - 2.16) for body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2; OR = 1.48 (1.13 - 1.93) for abnormal waist-to-height ratio; and, OR = 1.32 (1.00 – 1.75) for abnormal waist circumference. Female gender, schooling ≥ 12 years and smoking were associated with BHR-confirmed asthma. Physically inactive subjects were associated with a previous diagnosis of asthma.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the relationship between asthma and obesity in epidemiological studies depends on the definition adopted. Certain components of asthma, for instance, symptoms may be more prone to the obesity influence than other ones, like bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
The stress signalling pathway nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 is activated in the liver of sows during lactation
Authors: Rosenbaum Susann , Ringseis Robert , Hillen Sonja , Becker Sabrina , Erhardt Georg , Reiner Gerald , Eder Klaus 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
It has recently been shown that the lactation-induced inflammatory state in the liver of dairy cows is accompanied by activation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which regulates the expression of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes and thereby protects tissues from inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The present study aimed to study whether the Nrf2 pathway is activated also in the liver of lactating sows.

Findings
Transcript levels of known Nrf2 target genes, UGT1A1 (encoding glucuronosyltransferase 1 family, polypeptide A1), HO-1 (encoding heme oxygenase 1), NQO1 (encoding NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1), GPX1 (encoding glutathione peroxidase), PRDX6 (encoding peroxiredoxin 6), TXNRD1 (encoding thioredoxin reductase 1), and SOD (encoding superoxide dismutase), in the liver are significantly elevated (between 1.7 and 3.1 fold) in lactating sows compared to non-lactating sows. The inflammatory state in the liver was evidenced by the finding that transcript levels of genes encoding acute phase proteins, namely haptoglobin (HP), fibrinogen γ (FGG), complement factor B (CFB), C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), were significantly higher (2 to 8.7 fold) in lactating compared to non-lactating sows.

Conclusions
The results of the present study indicate that the Nrf2 pathway in the liver of sows is activated during lactation. The activation of Nrf2 pathway during lactation in sows might be interpreted as a physiologic means to counteract the inflammatory process and to protect the liver against damage induced by inflammatory signals and ROS.
Critical review of laboratory investigations in clinical practice guidelines: proposals for the description of investigation
Authors: Aakre Kristin M. , Langlois Michel R. , Watine Joseph , Barth Julian H. , Baum Hannsjörg , Collinson Paul , Laitinen Païvi , Oosterhuis Wytze P. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background: Correct information provided by guidelines may reduce laboratory test related errors during the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phase and increase the quality of laboratory results.

Methods: Twelve clinical practice guidelines were reviewed regarding inclusion of important laboratory investigations. Based on the results and the authors’ experience, two checklists were developed: one comprehensive list including topics that authors of guidelines may consider and one consisting of minimal standards that should be covered for all laboratory tests recommended in clinical practice guidelines. The number of topics addressed by the guidelines was related to involvement of laboratory medicine specialists in the guideline development process.

Results: The comprehensive list suggests 33 pre- analytical, 37 analytical and 10 post-analytical items. The mean percentage of topics dealt with by the guidelines was 33% (median 30%, range 17%–55%) and inclusion of a laboratory medicine specialist in the guideline committee significantly increased the number of topics addressed. Information about patient status, biological and analytical interferences and sample handling were scarce in most guidelines even if the inclusion of a laboratory medicine specialist in the development process seemingly led to increased focus on, e.g., sample type, sample handling and analytical variation. Examples underlining the importance of including laboratory items are given.

Conclusions: Inclusion of laboratory medicine specialist in the guideline development process may increase the focus on important laboratory related items even if this information is usually limited. Two checklists are suggested to help guideline developers to cover all important topics related to laboratory testing.
Quantification of Grain, Pore, and Fluid Microstructure of Unsaturated Sand from X-Ray Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Willson Clinton S. , Lu Ning , Likos William J. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
A comprehensive series of three-dimensional x-ray computed tomography (XCT) imaging experiments was conducted to quantitatively assess the multiphase particle- and pore-scale properties of fine Ottawa (F-75) sand. The specimens were prepared to saturations ranging from approximately 5 % to 80 %. Specimens were doped with 10 % CsCl pore fluid solution and imaged using a monochromatic synchrotron x-ray source at energies below and above the Cs x-ray absorption k-edge to allow for high contrast between the solid, liquid, and air phases. Multiphase properties quantified from the XCT images included individual particle sizes and areas, as well as grain size distribution, pore shape and size distribution, water menisci distribution, solid, liquid, and gas surface areas, and particle contact coordination number. At low saturations, pore water is distributed primarily in the form of pendular rings and liquid bridges located between individual grains and in the smallest pore throats and bodies. A highly discontinuous water phase is evident as a large number of separately identifiable water units having very small volume. As the water saturation increases, the number of individual water units decreases; as expected, the average volume of these units increases significantly as the pore water coalesces into larger and larger units. Results obtained using SEM imaging and conventional geotechnical testing methods for particle-size distribution and soil–water retention were compared with those derived from analysis of the XCT images. Results compare very well in each case, typically within a few %. It is shown that the XCT is a reliable and non-destructive method to quantify pore-scale information vital to advance understanding of the hydrologic and mechanical behavior of unsaturated soils at the macroscale.
Testing of a Bridge Weigh-in-Motion Algorithm Utilising Multiple Longitudinal Sensor Locations
Authors: González Arturo , Dowling Jason , O’Brien Eugene J. , Žnidarič Aleš 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
A new bridge weigh-in-motion (WIM) algorithm is developed which makes use of strain sensors at multiple longitudinal locations of a bridge to calculate axle weights. The optimisation procedure at the core of the proposed algorithm seeks to minimise the difference between static theory and measurement, a procedure common in the majority of bridge WIM algorithms. In contrast to the single unique value calculated for each axle weight in common Bridge WIM algorithms, the new algorithm provides a time history for each axle based on a set of equations formulated for each sensor at each scan. Studying the determinant of this system of equations, those portions of the time history of calculated axle weights for which the equations are poorly conditioned are removed from the final reckoning of results. The accuracy of the algorithm is related to the ability to remove dynamics and the use of a precise influence line. These issues are addressed through the use of a robust moving average filter and a calibration procedure based on using trucks from ambient traffic. The influence of additional longitudinal sensor locations on the determinant of the system of equations is discussed. Sensitivity analyses are carried out to analyse the effect of a misread axle spacing or velocity on the predictions, and as a result, the algorithm reveals an ability to identify potentially erroneous predictions. The improvement in accuracy of the calculated axle weights with respect to common approaches is shown, first using numerical simulations based on a vehicle-bridge interaction finite-element model, and second using experimental data from a beam-and-slab bridge in Slovenia.
An Elderly Patient with Chronic Hyponatremia
Authors: Berl Tomas 
Published: October 2012

Summary
Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder. With the aging of the population and the greater propensity of the elderly to develop hyponatremia, this electrolyte disorder is of increasing importance to the practicing nephrologist. In this Attending Rounds, an illustrative patient with hyponatremia is presented. The reasons for the increased incidence and prevalence of hyponatremia in the elderly are discussed, with emphasis on the effects of aging on urinary dilution, the frequently multifactorial nature of hyponatremia in this population, and the absence of a definite cause for inappropriate and persistent vasopressin release in many such patients. The rationale for treating the hyponatremia, even when apparently asymptomatic, is discussed, with attention to cognitive function, gait, and bone structure disturbances that increase the risk for fractures. The various available treatment approaches, including water restriction, demeclocycline, loop diuretics with NaCl supplementation, urea, and vasopressin antagonists are summarized, with emphasis on the efficacy and limitations of each of these therapies.
Dose-dependent facilitation of peripheral nerve regeneration by bone marrow–derived mononuclear cells: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Raheja Amol , Suri Vaishali , Suri Ashish , Sarkar Chitra , Srivastava Arti , Mohanty Sujata , Jain Krishan G. , Sharma Meher C. , Mallick Hruda N. , Yadav Pradeep K. , Kalaivani Mani , Pandey Ravindra M. 
Published: October 2012

Object
Bone marrow–derived stem cells enhance the rate of regeneration of neuronal cells leading to clinical improvement in nerve injury, spinal cord injury, and brain infarction. Recent experiments in the local application of bone marrow–derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) in models of sciatic nerve transection in rats have suggested their beneficial role in nerve regeneration, although the effects of variable doses of stem cells on peripheral nerve regeneration have never been specifically evaluated in the literature. In this paper, the authors evaluated the dose-dependent role of BM-MNCs in peripheral nerve regeneration in a model of sciatic nerve transection in rats.

Methods
The right sciatic nerve of 60 adult female Wistar rats (randomized into 2 test groups and 1 control group, 20 rats in each group) underwent transection under an operating microscope. The cut ends of the nerve were approximated using 2 epineural microsutures. The gap was filled with low-dose (5 million BM-MNCs/100 μl phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]) rat BM-MNCs in one group, high-dose (10 million BM-MNCs/100 μl PBS) rat BM-MNCs in another group, and only PBS in the control group, and the approximated nerve ends were sealed using fibrin glue. Histological assessment was performed after 30 days by using semiquantitative and morphometric analyses and was done to assess axonal regeneration, percentage of myelinated fibers, axonal diameter, fiber diameter, and myelin thickness at distal-most sites (10 mm from site of repair), intermediate distal sites (5 mm distal to the repair site), and site of repair.

Results
The recovery of nerve cell architecture after nerve anastomosis was far better in the high-dose BM-MNC group than in the low-dose BM-MNC and control groups, and it was most evident (p < 0.02 in the majority of the parameters [3 of 4]) at the distal-most site. Overall, the improvement in myelin thickness was most significant with incremental dosage of BM-MNCs, and was evident at the repair, intermediate distal, and distal-most sites (p = 0.001).

Conclusions
This study emphasizes the role of BM-MNCs, which can be isolated easily from bone marrow aspirates, in peripheral nerve injury and highlights their dose-dependent facilitation of nerve regeneration.
Incidence, severity and management of cancer chemotherapy related oral mucositis in Eastern Cape and Western Cape
Authors: Maree Johanna E. , Combrink Margaretha J. , De Lange Tanya , Toerien Andrea S. , Bedeker Minette 
Published: October 2012

This study explored the incidence, duration and severity of oral mucositis in patients receiving chemotherapy in the Eastern and Western Cape, how this symptom was managed and whether the patients considered the management to be effective. An exploratory, contextual, quantitative survey was conducted. The sampling method was convenience. One hundred and sixty patients were recruited, with 106, (66.3%) participating. Data were collected by means of self-reports, using a self-administered questionnaire. Oral mucositis was a common problem, with 71.7% (n = 76) reporting to have had mucositis. Pain was not effectively managed, as 69.8% (n = 53) of respondents experienced pain whilst only 17.1% (n = 13) reported to have used analgesics. More than half of the respondents used prescribed mouth and throat preparations, whilst 28.9% (n = 22) used non-prescribed self-care measures including potentially harmful products. A significant difference was found between using non-prescribed self-care measures and the duration of oral mucositis (χ² = 0.81; p = 0.01). The reported grade of mucositis did not influence the use of non-prescribed self-care measures, whilst the more pain patients experienced the less inclined they were to use these measures. The management of oral mucositis remains a challenge. Failure to palliate this distressing symptom can lead to the use of potentially harmful self-care measures. Die studie het die insidensie, tydsduur en intensiteit van orale mukositis in Oos en Wes Kaapse pasiënte wat kankerchemoterapie ontvang verken asook hoe hierdie simptoom hanteer is en die sukses hiervan volgens die pasiënte. ‘n Kwantitatiewe, ekploratiewe, kontekstuele opname is onderneem. ‘n Gerieflikheidsteekproef is gebruik om die deelnemers te verkry. Een hondered en sestig persone is genader en 66.3% (n = 106) het aan die studie deelgeneem. Die datainsamelingsmetode was self-rapportering met behulp van ’n vraelys en beskrywende statistiek is gebruik om die data te verwerk. Orale mukositis was ’n algemene probleem, aangesien 71.7% (n = 76) van die respondente die simptoom ondervind het. Pyn was nie goed beheer nie, aangesien 69.8% (n = 53) pyn ondervind het terwyl slegs 17.1% (n = 13) aangedui het dat hulle analgetika gebruik het. Meer as die helfte van die respondente het voorgeskrewe mond en keel preparate gebruik, terwyl 28.9% (n = 22) self gemedikeer het wat potensiële nadelige preparate ingesluit het. ’n Beduidende verskil is tussen die gebruik van nie voorgeskrewe medikasie en die duur van mukositis bevind (χ² = 0.81; p = 0.01). Die graad van die mukositis het nie die gebruik van die self-medikasie beinvloed nie. Hoe meer pyn ondervind is, hoe minder was die neiging om die mukositis self te behandel. Die hantering van orale mukositis bly ’n uitdaging. Die onsuksesvolle palliasie van hierdie simptoom kan tot die gebruik van potensieel nadelige self-sorg maatreëls lei.
Robust adaptive observers for unknown linear exosystems
Authors: Marino Riccardo , Tomei Patrizio 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYGiven a measured scalar signal generated by an unknown linear exosystem with simple eigenvalues on the imaginary axis whose order is unknown, we address the problem of designing a robust adaptive exosystem of fixed order that is able to reproduce the measured signal within an error. The magnitude of such an error clearly depends on the unmodeled dynamics and vanishes if the order of the adaptive exosystem is greater than or equal to the order of the unknown exosystem. Adaptive exosystems are useful for prediction purposes, to generate successive time derivatives of the measured signal for control purposes (PID, model predictive control and feedback linearization) and in the design of regulators. The posed problem can also be interpreted as an adaptive synchronization problem in the presence of high frequency unmodeled dynamics for linear systems. It can also be viewed as the design of an estimator of m frequencies, amplitudes and phases by processing a signal constituted by the sum of r ≥ m sinusoidal terms. The posed problem will be solved by using the theory of robust adaptive observers and the key concept of persistency of excitation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ullmann Homocoupling Catalysed by Gold Nanoparticles in Water and Ionic Liquid
Authors: Monopoli Antonio , Cotugno Pietro , Palazzo Gerardo , Ditaranto Nicoletta , Mariano Bruno , Cioffi Nicola , Ciminale Francesco , Nacci Angelo 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe gold‐catalysed Ullmann‐type homocoupling of aryl halides is carried out with two different methodologies: (i) under micellar catalysis conditions in water and (ii) using a molten tetralkylammonium ionic liquid as the reaction medium. Glucose is used as a clean and renewable reductant. Morphology, size, and chemical composition of the gold nanoparticles were ascertained by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analyses. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed.
Disorders of sterol synthesis: Beyond Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome
Authors: Herman Gail E. , Kratz Lisa 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSince the discovery in 1993 that Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a disorder of cholesterol biosynthesis, human disorders associated with additional enzymes involved in the conversion of lanosterol to cholesterol have been identified. This review will focus primarily on the clinical aspects of these disorders, highlighting newly described syndromes, such as SC4MOL deficiency and CK syndrome. We will also provide clinical descriptions of additional cases for extremely rare disorders, such as desmosterolosis. We will compare and contrast the findings with those found in SLOS and briefly discuss possible mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment of Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome and other sterol disorders
Authors: Svoboda Melissa D. , Christie Jill M. , Eroglu Yasemen , Freeman Kurt A. , Steiner Robert D. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSmith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive genetic condition with a broad phenotype that results from deficiency of the final enzyme of the cholesterol synthesis pathway. This defect causes low or low‐normal plasma cholesterol levels and increased 7‐ and 8‐dehydrocholesterol (DHC) levels. Many therapies for SLOS and other disorders of sterol metabolism have been proposed, and a few of them have been undertaken in selected patients, but robust prospective clinical trials with validated outcome measures are lacking. We review the current literature and expert opinion on treatments for SLOS and other selected sterol disorders, including dietary cholesterol therapy, statin treatment, bile acid supplementation, medical therapies, and surgical interventions, as well as directions for future therapies and treatment research. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.