bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic off‐clamp partial nephrectomy using soft coagulation
Authors: Hongo Fumiya , Kawauchi Akihiro , Ueda Takashi , Fujihara‐Iwata Atsuko , Nakamura Terukazu , Naya Yoshio , Kamoi Kazumi , Okihara Koji , Miki Tsuneharu 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of soft coagulation in off‐clamp laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.MethodsA total of 32 patients with renal tumors underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with off‐clamp using soft coagulation between May 2012 and September 2013. Tumor resection was carried out using a combination of bipolar forceps and a ball electrode using the soft coagulation system without hilar clamping. The outcomes of these patients were compared with those of 30 patients treated with hilar clamping.ResultsThis off‐clamp procedure was successfully completed in 31 cases. No significant differences were observed in the mean age (60 vs 61 years), sex (male/female; 25/7 vs 20/10), mean RENAL nephrometry score (5.7 vs 5.8), mean body mass index (24.4 vs 23) or tumor size (15 mm vs 16 mm) between the two groups. No significant differences were noted in positive surgical margins (0 vs 0) or blood loss (104 vs 115 cc) as well. In contrast, a significant difference was noted in the total operative time (278 vs 238 min). Serum creatinine percentage changes at 3 months were 6.4 versus 7.3% in the off‐clamp and hilum‐clamp groups, respectively, which were not significantly different.ConclusionsOff‐clamp laparoscopic partial nephrectomy can be safely carried out by using a soft coagulation technique.
Differential dependence on nuclear factor‐κB‐inducing kinase among natural killer T‐cell subsets in their development
Authors: Noma Haruka , Eshima Koji , Satoh Masashi , Iwabuchi Kazuya 
Published: May 2015

SummaryNatural killer T cells (NKT cells) are comprised of several subsets. However, the possible differences in their developmental mechanisms have not been fully investigated. To evaluate the dependence of some NKT subpopulations on nuclear factor‐κB‐inducing kinase (NIK) for their generation, we analysed the differentiation of NKT cells, dividing them into subsets in various tissues of alymphoplasia (aly/aly), a mutant mouse strain that lacks functional NIK. The results indicated that the efficient differentiation of both invariant NKT (iNKT) and non‐iNKT cells relied on NIK expression in non‐haematopoietic cells; however, the dependence of non‐iNKT cells was lower than that of iNKT cells. Especially, the differentiation of CD8+ non‐iNKT cells was markedly resistant to the aly mutation. The proportion of two other NKT cell subsets, NK1.1+ γδ T cells and NK1.1− iNKT cells, was also significantly reduced in aly/aly mice, and this defect in their development was reversed in wild‐type host mice given aly/aly bone marrow cells. In exerting effector functions, NIK in NKT‐αβ cells appeared dispensable, as NIK‐deficient NKT‐αβ cells could secrete interleukin‐4 or interferon‐γ and exhibit cytolytic activity at a level comparable to that of aly/+ NKT‐αβ cells. Collectively, these results imply that the NIK in thymic stroma may be critically involved in the differentiation of most NKT cell subsets (although the level of NIK dependence may vary among the subsets), and also that NIK in NKT‐αβ cells may be dispensable for their effector function.
Effects of guanethidine on the blood pressure response to splanchnic nerve stimulation in the rat: role of the adrenal medulla
Authors: CARPI A. , CARTONI CARLA 
Published: May 2015

Splanchnic nerve stimulation provokes a larger increase in blood pressure in intact rats than in rats previously demedullated by means of expression of the adrenals in situ and adrenalectomy followed by adrenocortical grafting.
Rats pretreated with guanethidine showed an attenuated albeit prolonged hypertensive response to splanchnic stimulation. Similar effects were exerted by guanethidine in rats demedullated by expression. In rats demedullated by grafting, smaller doses of guanethidine induced a more substantial depression of the blood pressure response without increasing its duration.
It is concluded that inhibition of the peripheral sympathetic endings induced by guanethidine was partially compensated by the enhancement of the cardiovascular effects of the mediators released by the adrenal medulla and that demedullation by expression did not completely eliminate chromaffin tissue.
Depressor responses to spinal stimulation in the pithed rat
Authors: DUSTING G. J. , RAND M. J. 
Published: May 2015

Summary
Electrical stimulation of the spinal nerves in the pithed rat preparation produces a pressor response due to sympathetic vasoconstriction.
When the vasoconstrictor effect of sympathetic stimulation is abolished by guanethidine or hexamethonium and the blood pressure is raised by noradrenaline infusion, spinal stimulation produces depressor responses or complex responses containing depressor components.
Contractions of skeletal muscle caused by stimulation of motor nerves result in complex changes in blood pressure consisting of a pressor component due to clamping of muscle blood vessels and a secondary depressor phase due to functional hyperaemia.
The depressor response is partly due to stimulation of cholinergic post‐ganglionic fibres. The acetylcholine released, which causes vasodilatation, may be the overflow from neuromuscular junctions or ganglionic synapses.
Stimulation of the nerves to the adrenal medulla causes release of adrenaline which has a vasodilator effect during noradrenaline infusion.
THE EFFECTS OF CYCLIC ADENOSINE 3′,5′‐MONOPHOSPHATE AND GUANOSINE 3′,5′‐MONOPHOSPHATE AND THEOPHYLLINE ON RENIN SECRETION IN THE ISOLATED PERFUSED KIDNEY OF THE RAT
Authors: PEART W.S. , QUESADA T. , TENYI I. 
Published: May 2015

The influence of cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cyclic AMP), cyclic guanosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cyclic GMP) and theophylline on renin secretion was examined in the isolated kidney of the rat perfused with Krebs dextran solution.
Neither cyclic AMP (10−6 to 10−4 M) nor dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10−5 M) produced an increase in renin secretion.
Cyclic GMP and 8 Br‐cyclic GMP caused a small rise in renin secretion in some experiments but this effect was independent of the dose and its physiological significance is uncertain.
Theophylline (10−6 to 10−4 M) caused a significant elevation in renin secretion which was not blocked by (+)‐propranolol. Theophylline with cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP did not produce an amplified effect.
Despite previous suggestions that cyclic AMP stimulated renin secretion, this could not be confirmed in the present preparation. Since there is no evidence that cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP (or their derivatives, dibutyryl cyclic AMP and 8 Br‐cyclic GMP) enter the cells, it will be necessary to study their activity in isolated juxtaglomerular cells to define a possible rǒle.
EFFECTS OF ACUTE COCAINE TREATMENT ON THE TURNOVER OF 5‐HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE IN THE RAT BRAIN
Authors: FRIEDMAN E. , GERSHON S. , ROTROSEN J. 
Published: May 2015

The effects of cocaine (20 mg/kg s.c.) on 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) turnover were examined in rats.
In vivo cocaine administration resulted in decreased turnover of 5‐HT, as indicated by the decreased accumulation of 5‐HT after pargyline administration and the decreased accumulation of 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) following probenecid injection.
A time‐related decrease in 5‐HIAA concentrations and a small fall in 5‐HT concentrations in the whole brain were observed following the acute administration of cocaine hydrochloride (20 mg/kg). Tryptophan levels were found to be slightly decreased in the brain.
Enhanced reactivity, but neither stereotypy nor hyperthermia, was observed following cocaine injection (20 mg/kg).
It is concluded that cocaine inhibits the turnover of brain 5‐HT and that this action of cocaine may be responsible for the differences in a number of pharmacological effects between cocaine and amphetamine.
ANTIDIURETIC EFFECT OF β‐ENDORPHIN AND MORPHINE IN BRATTLEBORO RATS: DEVELOPMENT OF TOLERANCE AND PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE AFTER CHRONIC MORPHINE TREATMENT
Authors: HUIDOBRO‐TORO J. PABLO 
Published: May 2015

β‐Endorphin (2 μg injected into the lateral ventricles) produced a significant decrease in the urine outflow and in the excretion of Na+ and K+ in Brattleboro rats, animals suffering from severe diabetes insipidus. Morphine intracerebrally also produced antidiuresis, as compared to saline‐treated controls.
Morphine injected intraperitoneally caused a dose‐dependent decrease in the urine outflow, and in the excretion of Na+ and K+.
Rats chronically treated with morphine (72 h of morphine pellet implantation) were less sensitive to the antidiuretic effect of a challenge dose of morphine than control Brattleboro rats implanted with placebo pellets, but otherwise treated similarly.
After chronic morphine administration, Brattleboro rats became dependent on morphine. Challenge with 1 mg/kg naloxone (s.c.) precipitated an abrupt opiate withdrawal syndrome characterized, among other symptoms, by increased urination in contrast to the antidiuresis observed before naloxone.
RESPONSE OF HUMAN ISOLATED BRONCHIAL AND LUNG PARENCHYMAL STRIPS TO SRS‐A AND OTHER MEDIATORS OF ASTHMATIC BRONCHOSPASM
Authors: GHELANI A.M. , HOLROYDE M.C. , SHEARD P. 
Published: May 2015

The responses of human isolated bronchial and lung parenchymal strips to cumulative doses of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS‐A), histamine, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and acetylcholine have been examined, after storing the tissues overnight in Krebs solution at 4°C.
Both tissues contracted to all four agonists. The order of potency (as determined by height of maximal contraction) was: bronchial strip: acetylcholine > histamine = PGF2α > SRS‐A, and parenchymal strip: PGF2α > histamine = SRS‐A > acetylcholine.
Maximal contractions to SRS‐A of both the human bronchial and parenchymal strips were approx. 30% of the maximal contractions produced by the most potent agonist on each tissue (PGF2α on the parenchymal strip and acetylcholine on the bronchial strip). SRS‐A, therefore, does not have a powerful direct contractile effect on either parenchymal or bronchial strip of human lung, and is approximately equipotent on both tissues. A part of the broncho‐constrictor activity of SRS‐A in vivo may be mediated via indirect pathways.
The selective SRS‐A antagonist, FPL 55712, was approximately equipotent in antagonizing contractions induced by SRS‐A on both human bronchial and parenchymal strips.
Phase Identification and Dopant Site Occupancy of Yellow‐Emitting Phosphor BaSrMg(PO4)2:Eu2+
Authors: Pan Zaifa , Hu Qingsong , Xu Yu , Wang Lili 
Published: May 2015

Substitution is widely employed to design single‐host phosphor with multiple sites for one activator, which could emit more than one band. BaSrMg(PO4)2:Eu2+ was reported as a potential single‐host white light‐emitting phosphor for white LEDs, possessing multiple sites for Eu2+ doping. However, different emission spectra were observed in this paper for the sample with same nominal formula. Therefore, XRD and Rietveld refinements were employed to investigate the crystal structure in detail and the results indicated that the sample contains Sr2P2O7 coexisting with the main phase BaSrMg(PO4)2. Meanwhile, BaSrMg(PO4)2 phase was identified to be isostructural with Ba2Mg(PO4)2 and was confirmed by TEM. Photoluminescence of the phosphor sintered at 900°C shows two emission bands peaking at 424 and 585 nm. Hence, different from the literature, the blue band was assigned to the 4f65d1→4f7 transition of Eu2+ occupying the Sr2+ sites in Sr2P2O7 and the yellow band to the Eu2+ occupying Sr2+ and Ba2+ sites in BaSrMg(PO4)2. The relative intensity ratio of yellow/blue bands is consistent with the content ratio of two phases in the samples with different synthesis temperatures, which is further proof for the original of the blue band. The results of the thermal quenching data demonstrated that the Sr2+‐substituted phosphor was better than Ba2Mg(PO4)2.
Spatial distribution patterns of plague hosts: point pattern analysis of the burrows of great gerbils in Kazakhstan
Authors: Wilschut Liesbeth I. , Laudisoit Anne , Hughes Nelika K. , Addink Elisabeth A. , de Jong Steven M. , Heesterbeek Hans A.P. , Reijniers Jonas , Eagle Sally , Dubyanskiy Vladimir M. , Begon Mike 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimThe spatial structure of a population can strongly influence the dynamics of infectious diseases, yet rarely is the underlying structure quantified. A case in point is plague, an infectious zoonotic disease caused by the bacteriumYersinia pestis. Plague dynamics within the Central Asian desert plague focus have been extensively modelled in recent years, but always with strong uniformity assumptions about the distribution of its primary reservoir host, the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus). Yet, while clustering of this species’ burrows due to social or ecological processes could have potentially significant effects on model outcomes, there is currently nothing known about the spatial distribution of inhabited burrows. Here, we address this knowledge gap by describing key aspects of the spatial patterns of great gerbil burrows in Kazakhstan.LocationKazakhstan.MethodsBurrows were classified as either occupied or empty in 98 squares of four different sizes: 200 m (side length), 250 m, 500 m and 590–1020 m. We used Ripley'sKstatistic to determine whether and at what scale there was clustering of occupied burrows, and semi‐variograms to quantify spatial patterns in occupied burrows at scales of 250 m to 9 km.ResultsSignificant spatial clustering of occupied burrows occurred in 25% and 75% of squares of 500 m and 590–1020 m, respectively, but not in smaller squares. In clustered squares, the clustering criterion peaked around 250 m. Semi‐variograms showed that burrow density was auto‐correlated up to a distance of 7 km and occupied density up to 2.5 km.Main conclusionsThese results demonstrate that there is statistically significant spatial clustering of occupied burrows and that the uniformity assumptions of previous plague models should be reconsidered to assess its significance for plague transmission. This field evidence will allow for more realistic approaches to disease ecology models for both this system and for other structured host populations.
Flooding and inundation collaborative mapping – use of the Crowdmap/Ushahidi platform in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Hirata E. , Giannotti M.A. , Larocca A.P.C. , Quintanilha J.A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe trend of using volunteered and collaborative data in the context of natural disasters has been increasing. This fact, together with floods and inundations, which occur in the city of Sao Paulo, makes it possible to explore the volunteered and collaborative way of generating and transmitting geographic data dynamically. This can be done by using technologies affordable to the population, such as the Internet, the global positioning system and other monitoring systems embedded in mobiles. This article aims to present the proposal of a conceptual scheme for a dynamic and collaborative mapping system of flooding points, whose data source comes from people equipped with mobile devices that allow identify their locations. The results correspond to the conceptual scheme of the system as well as the prototype ‘Flooding Points’ – a map available on the web showing the flooding points in the city, which were provided at the time of the event by ordinary people. The prototype was developed by using the free and open source Crowdmap/Ushahidi platform. The system was assessed by a questionnaire answered by the users, who gave their opinion about its feasibility, as well as the adjustments which must be made for the population's effective use. It was found that the application of system for subjects of inundation and flooding is complex in relation for other types of events due to its temporal dynamics characteristics. The results of the questionnaire, applied to evaluate the system, demonstrated the public utility of the application and the interest of the population for a dynamic system that enables the exchange of information on the problem of inundation and flooding in near real time in the city of Sao Paulo.
Picky eating and child weight status development: a longitudinal study
Authors: Antoniou E. E. , Roefs A. , Kremers S. P. J. , Jansen A. , Gubbels J. S. , Sleddens E. F. C. , Thijs C. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundChildren's picky eating behaviour has been linked both to being overweight and underweight. However, the role of parenting practices in this relationship has rarely been investigated. The present study aimed to clarify the direction of the association between picky eating and weight status and to examine the moderating role of food parenting practices.MethodsThe present study comprised a longitudinal study on the effects of picky eating on child weight status within the KOALA Birth Cohort Study, the Netherlands. Mothers and their children were included in the analyses. Children's picky eating behaviour and food parenting practices were assessed at baseline (child age 5 years). Their weight status was assessed repeatedly until age 9 years. Mixed effects linear and logistic regressions were used to compare picky eaters (n = 403) and non‐picky eaters (n = 621) on changes in weight status over the years.ResultsAt baseline of age 5 years, picky eaters were slightly shorter, more often underweight and less often overweight than non‐picky eaters, whereas energy intake in relation to body weight (kJ kg−1) was similar. Picky eaters with a normal weight at baseline had no increased risk of becoming underweight during follow‐up until age 9 years, and were less likely to become overweight compared to non‐picky eaters. There were no interactions with food parenting practices. The parents of picky eaters more often reported pressuring their child to eat and restrict unhealthy food intake compared to parents of non‐picky eaters.ConclusionsThe association between picky eating and child weight status was not influenced by parenting practices.
Asymmetric Information in the Home Insurance Market
Authors: Aarbu Karl Ove 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe test for the presence of asymmetric information in the home insurance market on a data set containing about half a million home insurance contracts, applying several different specifications of the conditional correlation test. Unlike earlier studies, we control for private information about risk aversion by having access to detailed administrative register information at the policyholder level. We find robust evidence of asymmetric information. Asymmetric information may stem from adverse selection or moral hazard. To disentangle moral hazard and adverse selection, we utilize an exogenous law reform that had an effect on the insurance price. Our test shows no indication of moral hazard.
Quality and fatty acid profile of the milk of indigenous goats subjected to different local diets in Tunisian arid lands
Authors: Ayeb N. , Addis M. , Fiori M. , Khorchani S. , Atigui M. , Khorchani T. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe study tested the hypothesis that certain pastoral forages and olive by‐products, available in arid areas, may positively influence fatty acid composition and physicochemical properties of goat's milk. Thirty indigenous goats (body weight = 25.2 kg; age = 4.1 years) were allocated to three groups. During 60 days, the goats received ad libitum either dried olive leaves + Stipa tenacissima (group OL), khortane grass hay (group Ko) or oat hay (control diet, group OH). Milk samples were collected and analysed for total solids, fat, protein, lactose and ash content and fatty acid profile. Average milk yield did not statistically differ among groups. Milk total solids from OL group were higher in comparison with Ko and C groups (15.3, 14.7 and 14.5%, respectively; p < 0.05). Fat content was also higher for the OL group as compared to the other groups (5.44 vs. 5.01 and 4.66%, respectively, for Ko and OH). No significant differences were observed for the milk content of lactose, protein and ash. The percentage of saturated fatty acids of total milk fat was higher in OL and Ko groups compared to the C group (p < 0.001); the milk whereof was characterized by the highest percentage of monounsaturated (p < 0.01) and total unsaturated fatty acids. Milk fat of Ko and C groups showed significantly higher proportions of rumenic (CLA cis‐9 trans‐11) and vaccenic acids (C18:1 trans‐11) compared to OL milk. The feeding system based on Stipa tenacissima and dried olive leaves resulted in the milk lowest proportion of trans‐fatty acids and the highest proportion of polyunsaturated ω3‐fatty acids (p < 0.05).
The association between the RAGE G82S polymorphism, sRAGE and chronic periodontitis in Taiwanese individuals with and without diabetes
Authors: Wu T.‐L. , Tsai C.‐C. , Wang Y.‐Y. , Ho K.‐Y. , Wu Y.‐M. , Hung H.‐C. , Lin Y.‐C. 
Published: May 2015

Background and ObjectiveThe present study investigated the association between the RAGE G82S polymorphism, the plasma levels of sRAGE and chronic periodontitis in subjects with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).Material and MethodsA total of 230 patients with DM and 264 non‐DM participants were recruited for this study. Genotyping of the RAGE G82S polymorphism was accomplished using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism, and associations were analyzed with the chi‐squared test and logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn the non‐DM group, the chi‐squared test showed that the frequency distributions of the G82S polymorphism were significantly different between chronic periodontitis and non‐chronic periodontitis subjects (χ2 = 8.39, p = 0.02). A multivariate logistic regression model showed that the (G82S + S82S) genotypes were associated with a significantly increased risk of chronic periodontitis development compared to the G82G genotype (adjusted odds ratio = 2.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–4.07). In the DM group, there was no association between the G82S polymorphism and chronic periodontitis development when a multivariate logistic regression was performed. Plasma levels of sRAGE were significantly higher in subjects with the G82G genotype compared to those with the (G82S + S82S) genotypes in both the non‐DM (856.6 ± 332.0 vs. 720.4 ± 311.4 pg/mL, p = 0.003) and DM groups (915.3 ± 497.1 vs. 603.5 ± 298.3 pg/mL, p < 0.0001). However, there was no difference in plasma sRAGE levels between chronic periodontitis and non‐chronic periodontitis subjects in both the DM and non‐DM groups. Moreover, when the subjects were further sub‐divided by the G82S polymorphism, the difference in plasma levels of sRAGE between chronic periodontitis and non‐chronic periodontitis subjects in the DM and non‐DM groups remained statistically insignificant.ConclusionsThe present study revealed that the RAGE G82S polymorphism was associated with chronic periodontitis in the non‐DM group but not in the DM group. Our results also showed that the plasma levels of sRAGE were significantly higher in subjects with the RAGE G82G genotype, and this correlation was not affected by the presence of chronic periodontitis in the DM and non‐DM groups.