bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐neurofascin antibody in combined central and peripheral demyelination
Authors: Yamasaki Ryo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNeurofascin (NF), a cell adhesion molecule expressed in both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), plays important roles in developing and maintaining neural structures. There are several subtypes of NF resulting from post‐translational modifications: NF155, 166, 180 and 186. Among them, NF155 and NF186 are expressed in the mature CNS/PNS. NF155 is present on the oligodendroglial cell surface in the CNS and on the Schwann cell surface in the PNS at paranodes, where it tightly connects with contactin and caspr on the axonal surface of the paranode, and acts as a stabilizer of the nodes of Ranvier. NF186 exists on the axonal surface at the nodes of Ranvier. NF186 is associated with voltage‐gated Na channels (Nav), whereas both NF186 and Nav are anchored by ankyrin G. NF186 contributes to the clustering of Nav at the node. Combined central and peripheral demyelination (CCPD) is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder affecting both the CNS and PNS tissues. Distinct mechanisms including multiple sclerosis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy have been hypothesized to play a role in this condition on the basis of distinctive clinical and laboratory findings. We detected anti‐NF155 antibody by cell‐based assay, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and western blot in both the sera and cerebrospinal fluids of CCPD patients at high frequencies, but did not detect it in patients with other neurological disease or healthy controls. Herein, basic aspects and the clinical significance of NF as indispensable regulators and autoimmune target molecules are summarized.
Bone Formation in a Local Defect around Dental Implants Coated with Extracellular Matrix Components
Authors: de Barros Raquel R.M. , Novaes Arthur B. , Korn Paula , Queiroz Adriana , de Almeida Adriana L.G. , Hintze Vera , Scharnweber Dieter , Bierbaum Susanne , Stadlinger Bernd 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurposeThe coating of implant surfaces with components of the extracellular matrix offers an approach to influence peri‐implant bone healing. In this study, bone healing around coated implants is analyzed in a peri‐implant defect model.Materials and MethodsEight months after extraction of the premolar teeth, six dogs received 48 implants (eight per animal) in the mandible. Implant surfaces were sandblasted and acid‐etched, and some were additionally coated with collagen type II and chondroitin sulfate (collagen/CS). On each side of the mandible, implants either had no peri‐implant defect (control side) or a vertical defect of 5 mm in depth and 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mm in width. Implants healed submerged for 8 weeks. Fluorochrome staining, histology, and histomorphometry were used to analyze implant osseointegration.ResultsFluorochrome labels showed an increased mineralization around collagen/CS‐coated surfaces at 4 weeks (p = .031). Histomorphometry generally showed lower vertical and horizontal bone apposition with increasing gap size for both surface types. In gapless sites and 0.5‐mm gaps, collagen/CS coated implants showed increased bone volume in areas directly adjacent to the implant, in comparison with uncoated implants (p < .05).ConclusionThe width of the peri‐implant gap influences peri‐implant bone formation. Complete filling of all gaps by newly formed bone could not be observed around either surface. In proximity to the surface, implant surface coating by collagen/CS positively influenced bone formation.
Use of transoral endoscopy for pharyngeal examination: Cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Tsuji Kunihiro , Doyama Hisashi , Takeda Yasuhito , Takemura Kenichi , Yoshida Naohiro , Kito Yosuke , Asahina Yoshiro , Ito Renma , Nakanishi Hiroyoshi , Hayashi Tomoyuki , Inagaki Satoko , Tominaga Kei , Waseda Yohei , Tsuji Shigetsugu , Yamada Shinya , Hino Shoryoku , Okada Toshihide 
Published: November 2013

Background and AimTransoral endoscopy with narrow band imaging (NBI) is useful for identifying early‐stage head and neck cancer. However, the screening capability of transoral upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has not yet been systematically evaluated. We evaluated the usefulness of transoral upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for pharyngeal examination.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study evaluated 480 patients. All endoscopic pharyngeal examinations with NBI were carried out in accordance with prescribed procedures, consisting of 10 images each and all images were assessed by a blinded reviewer. We examined the association between the diagnostic usefulness of pharyngeal examination and other factors.ResultsMedian subject age was 64 years (range 22–90 years), and 64% were male. Almost all patients (98%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status of 0 or 1.Butylscopolamine bromide was given to 382 patients (80%), and a sedative was given to 460 (96%) patients. Median observation time was 74 s (range, 16–362 s), resulting in a mean of 9.0 usable images per patient. However, photographs of the right and left pyriform sinuses were consistently poor. Ordered logistic regression analysis showed that quality images were positively correlated with increased patient age.ConclusionsTransoral endoscopic examination was possible in most patients for screening of the head and neck. However, results were poor in the pyriform sinuses, indicating that additional improvements of examination methods and instruments are needed to enhance screening accuracy.
Inverted‐U shaped effects of D1 dopamine receptor stimulation in the medial preoptic nucleus on sexually motivated song in male European starlings
Authors: Riters Lauren V. , Pawlisch Benjamin A. , Kelm‐Nelson Cynthia A. , Stevenson Sharon A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPast studies in songbirds have highlighted a central role for the medial preoptic nucleus (mPOA) in context‐appropriate vocal communication. During the breeding season, male songbirds sing primarily to attract females (sexually motivated song) and to repel competitors (agonistically motivated song). Past data have linked dopamine and D1 dopamine receptors in the mPOA to sexually motivated but not agonistically motivated song; however, direct effects of dopamine receptor manipulations in the mPOA on song have not been experimentally tested. Here, we tested the hypothesis that D1 receptor stimulation in the mPOA selectively influences sexually motivated male song, and the possibility that the effects of D1 receptor agonism differ at low and high doses. In a first study, breeding‐condition male European starlings received infusions of saline or a single dose of the D1 receptor agonist SKF 38393 on separate test days into the mPOA or hypothalamic control areas. Stimulation of D1 receptors in the mPOA triggered sexually motivated but not agonistically motivated song. A second study showed inverted‐U shaped dose–response effects of the agonist, such that low levels of sexually motivated song were observed at low and high levels of D1 receptor activation. A third study showed that the effects of the D1 receptor agonist were blocked by the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390. These findings suggest that an optimal level of D1 receptor stimulation in the mPOA is needed to facilitate sexually motivated vocal production. The results support a central, context‐specific role for the mPOA in vocal communication, and more broadly demonstrate a complex, modulatory influence of D1 receptors in the mPOA on sexually motivated behavior.
Scent gland apparatus in the Western conifer seed bug Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann (Heteroptera: Coreidae)
Authors: Benelli Giovanni , Canale Angelo , Santini Luciano , Lucchi Andrea 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe coreid Leptoglossus occidentalis is a Nearctic bug responsible for severe seed losses to pine orchards. When disturbed, adults and nymphs emit a defensive secretion deemed an allomone. Here we describe the gross morphology of the scent gland apparatus and the related evaporatory structures in nymphs and adults of L. occidentalis, through light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Adults of both sexes possess a metathoracic scent gland complex (MTG) including a central orange‐yellow reservoir and a pair of white lateral glands, connected by ducts to the reservoir. The MTG belongs to the diastomian type, with two ostioles located on the metathorax associated with a microsculptured cuticular accumulation area, i.e. evaporatory area, which can prevent the spread of the secretion on to non‐evaporative cuticle and increase scent fluid evaporation. A high number of male‐specific sternal gland pores were observed. These pores and associated glands are likely the source of an attractant pheromone, which could be extremely useful in monitoring and combating this invasive pest. In nymphs, MTG is replaced by two dorsal abdominal scent glands (DAGs) located between the 4th and the 6th urotergites. DAGs are reddish cuticle‐lined sacs with gland cells forming the gland wall; the scent substances are released through two orifices lying on the mid‐dorsal abdominal line between urotergites IV–V and V–VI. Also in nymphs, peculiar cuticular evaporatory areas surround both orifices.
Risk sensitivity and the behaviour of fishing vessels
Authors: Dowling Natalie A , Wilcox Chris , Mangel Marc 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRisk sensitivity is an important component of fisher behaviour, yet its impact on fisher decision‐making and utility is poorly understood. Here, we incorporate various forms of risk in a model of location choice by fishing vessels targeting broadbill swordfish, Xiphias gladius, and evaluate the importance of risk sensitivity for predicting location, perceived utility and profit over a fishing season. We consider short‐term, or trip‐level, risk as natural, social or endogenous. Longer‐term, or seasonal, risk includes accumulated profit as a state variable. When considering only short‐term risk, endogenous and social risks are predicted to have the largest impact on profit, while natural risk also is predicted to impact on location choice. When longer‐term (seasonal) risk was considered, the impacts of short‐term (trip‐level) risks on profit were reduced. Model results were somewhat sensitive to assumed input parameters. The model allows users to quantify the extent of risk interaction and the relative sensitivity of perceived utility, location choice and profit. By providing a utility function capturing the fisher decision‐making process, the model provides a platform for the consideration of simultaneous forms of risk under different circumstances.
Variability in reproductive traits in Jatropha curcas L. accessions during early developmental stages under warm subtropical conditions
Authors: Nietsche Silvia , Vendrame Wagner A. , Crane Jonathan H. , Pereira Marlon C. T. , Costa Anne , Reis Sidnei T. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractVariability in floral, fruit, and seed characteristics, and oil content of 15 accession of Jatropha curcas during early development were assessed during two flowering periods in south Florida subtropical climate. The two flowering periods had leaf flushing in March. Field evaluation using 18 quantitative traits showed significant variation among accessions. The number of female flowers and female : male flower ratio ranged from 1 to 15 and 1 : 8.8 to 1 : 67.8, respectively. Fruit set by natural pollination was 89 and 66% during the first (1st) and second (2nd) flowering periods, respectively. A higher number of female‐type inflorescences were observed during summer. There were significant differences in seed traits, except for number of seeds per fruit. Accession TREC 31 had the highest individual seed dry weight and 100‐seed weight (0.83 g and 79.7 g, respectively). The oil content varied from 19.30% to 35.62%. Seed dry weight had positive correlation with seed fresh weight, seed length, seed thickness, seed width, and 100‐seed weight, but negative correlation with oil content. Based on the cluster analysis using 15 morphological traits, jatropha accessions were grouped into five main clusters and accessions from different geographic regions grouped together in a cluster. Principal component analyses (PCA) revealed morphological variation. The first three components explained 73.5% of the total variation and seed dry weight, 100‐seed weight, total flowers per inflorescence, male flowers per inflorescence and fruit set can be used to distinguish accessions. The PCA also indicated that flowering traits were more influenced by seed origin while seed traits were affected by flowering spans. Although evaluations were performed in plants during the juvenile phase, accessions TREC 31 and TREC 55 had superior averages for almost all characters evaluated. These results provide a preliminary assessment of the high variability in jatropha accessions evaluated and their potential for use in breeding and genetic improvement programs.
Evaluating seasonal variation in mineral concentration of cool‐season pasture herbage
Authors: Jones G. B. , Tracy B. F. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPasture herbage is a major source of minerals for livestock in pasture‐based production systems. Herbage mineral concentrations vary throughout the growing season, whereas mineral supplementation to livestock is often constant. The study objectives were to analyse the seasonal variation in herbage mineral concentrations in tall fescue [Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub]‐based pasture with regard to beef cattle mineral requirements and to create a statistical model to predict variation in herbage mineral concentrations across the growing season. Pasture herbage was analysed from 12 grazing systems in Virginia to determine its mineral concentration from April to October of 2008–2012. The pasture herbage, grown without fertilization, contained adequate macronutrient concentrations to meet the requirements of dry beef cows through the growing season and the requirements of lactating beef cows in April. Phosphorus supplementation appeared to be unnecessary for dry beef cows given adequate concentrations in pasture herbage. A model using month of harvest, soil moisture and relative humidity explained 75% of the variation in an aggregated mineral factor. The 90% prediction intervals indicated that N, P, K, S and Cu concentrations could be predicted within 1·35, 0·08, 0·80 and 0·07% and 3·83 mg kg−1 respectively. Prediction of herbage mineral concentrations could help to improve livestock health, reduce costs to producers and limit nutrient losses to the environment.
Severe congenital factor XIII deficiency caused by novel W187X and G273V mutations in the F13A gene; diagnosis and classification according to the ISTH/SSC guidelines
Authors: Souri M. , Biswas A. , Misawa M. , Omura H. , Ichinose A. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryFactor XIII (FXIII) consists of the A and B subunits (FXIII‐A and FXIII‐B) and stabilizes fibrin clots. Defects in either the FXIII‐A or FXIII‐B gene lead to congenital FXIII deficiency, which manifests a life‐long haemorrhagic tendency. Thus, prophylactic FXIII replacement therapy is recommended. To establish a management plan for a 30‐year‐old male patient with ‘indefinite’ FXIII deficiency (<40% of the normal FXIII), he was characterized by state‐of‐the‐art techniques as guided by the FXIII/Fibrinogen subcommittee of ISTH/SSC. FXIII activity turned out to be virtually undetectable by three functional assays. Four immunological assays detected essentially no FXIII protein, FXIII‐A antigen, and A2B2 antigen, but normal FXIII‐B antigen. Accordingly, he was diagnosed as a ‘severe’ FXIII‐A deficiency case. He had no anti‐FXIII antibodies, because a 1:1 cross‐mixing test (ammonia release assay) and a five‐step mixing test (amine incorporation assay) between his plasma and normal plasma demonstrated deficiency patterns. Furthermore, a dosing test using plasma‐derived FXIII concentrates revealed its normal recovery. DNA sequencing analysis identified two novel mutations, W187X & G273V, in the F13A gene. Genetic analyses confirmed that he was a compound heterozygote and his mother and sister were heterozygotes of either one of these mutations, indicating the hereditary nature of this disorder. Molecular modelling predicted that the G273V mutation would cause clashes with the surrounding residues in the core domain of FXIII‐A, and ultimately would result in the instability of the mutant molecule. Detailed characterization of ‘indefinite’ FXIII deficiency made it possible to make its definite diagnosis and best management plan.
Is the Give Youth a Voice questionnaire an appropriate measure of teen‐centred care in paediatric oncology: a Rasch measurement theory analysis
Authors: Klassen Anne F , Cano Stefan J. , Sinha Roona , Shahbaz Areej , Klaassen Robert , Dix David 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundAdolescents have their own views about the cancer care they receive and how they feel they are treated, but their opinions are rarely solicited.ObjectiveTo determine whether the 56‐item Give Youth a Voice (GYV‐56), its subscales and its 20‐item short‐form, are clinically meaningful and psychometrically sound instruments that can be used to measure teen‐centred care (TCC) in paediatric oncology.DesignQualitative interviews and a questionnaire survey.Setting and participantsQualitative interviews with 38 childhood cancer survivors. GYV‐56 data collected from 200 paediatric cancer patients and survivors.Main outcome measureThe GYV‐56, which measures the following four aspects of service delivery: Supportive and respectful relationships; Information sharing and communication; Supporting independence; and Teen‐centred services.ResultsQualitative data provided broad support for the TCC conceptual framework and GYV‐56 items. After post‐hoc reduction of the response options from 7 to 3 (to correct for disordered thresholds), fit to the Rasch model was good, most items showed acceptable fit residuals and chi‐square P‐values, scale reliability were supported and item locations defined a continuum for TCC that was well‐targeted to the sample. By calibrating the items for each subscale and the short‐form to the full scale, the scores obtained on each measure are directly comparable.ConclusionOur study found initial support for use of the GYV with a reduced response option format for examining TCC in the adolescent oncology patients. in this paediatric population. Further research using the GYV is needed to elaborate upon our findings.
Optimisation of spray drying process parameters for low‐fat honey‐based milk powder with antioxidant activity
Authors: Bansal Vikas , Sharma Harish Kumar , Nanda Vikas 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to optimise process parameters to prepare spray‐dried honey‐based milk powder containing functional properties of honey. Experimental design with temperature (180 to 200 °C), honey concentration (5–15%) and feed flow rate (8–10 rpm) as independent variables was studied to investigate the effect on product responses. Results showed that increasing the temperature resulted in powder with lower moisture, bulk density, antioxidant activity, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents and higher water solubility index. Increasing feed flow rate resulted in higher moisture, bulk density, antioxidant activity, reduced water solubility index, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content, whereas increasing honey concentration resulted in increase in antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. The moisture content, bulk density, water solubility index, DPPH scavenging activity, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were 3.27%, 0.44 g cc−1, 96.67 g g−1, 17.45%, 2.54 GAE g−1 powder and 1.40 RE g−1 powder, respectively.
How do children with amelogenesis imperfecta feel about their teeth?
Authors: Parekh Susan , Almehateb Mohammad , CunnIngham Sue J. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundAmelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is an inherited dental condition affecting enamel, which can result in significant tooth discolouration and enamel breakdown, requiring lifelong dental care. The possible impact of this condition on children and adolescents from their perspectives is not fully understood.AimsThe aim of the study was to explore the impact of AI on children and adolescents through in‐depth interviewing. The information derived from this was then used to construct a questionnaire to distribute to a larger cohort of AI patients.DesignThis research involved semistructured in‐depth interviews with seven AI patients, and common themes and concepts were then identified using framework analysis. A questionnaire was developed based on the themes and subthemes identified, and completed by 40 AI patients at various stages of treatment.ResultsChildren and adolescents with AI exhibited concerns regarding aesthetics and function. Patients also expressed a high level of concern regarding comments by other people and self‐consciousness associated with this. A small number of AI patients highlighted the effect of their dental treatment and health on their personal life.ConclusionThe results indicate that there are marked impacts on children and adolescents as a result of AI, including aesthetics, function, and psychosocial.
Workplace bullying in the context of organisational change: the significance of pluralism
Authors: D'Cruz Premilla , Noronha Ernesto 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe presence of depersonalised bullying during organisational change, highlighted through empirical research on lay‐off procedures in India's information technology sector, underscores the rhetoric of unitarist human resource management and reinforces the importance of union action and co‐worker mobilisation. The findings support the emergent view that collectivisation is the only solution to workplace bullying.
Une définition à variables multiples de l'adéquation: défis et opportunités
Authors: Brimblecombe Simon 
Published: November 2013

RésuméL'adoption de la recommandation (no 202) sur les socles de protection sociale, 2012, de l'Organisation internationale du Travail montre l'importance que revêt l'extension de la couverture de la sécurité sociale au niveau mondial. Pour que l'extension de la couverture ait un maximum d'effets positifs, il est nécessaire que les prestations et les services de sécurité sociale soient fournis au plus grand nombre de personnes et couvrent le plus grand nombre de risques, mais aussi que les prestations soient adéquates. Même si cela ne va pas sans difficultés, il est possible de définir et de mesurer le niveau de couverture. En revanche, la définition du concept de «prestation adéquate» est souvent moins claire, une seule mesure – le taux de remplacement – étant généralement utilisée pour déterminer l'adéquation relative des prestations monétaires. Compte tenu des multiples objectifs des systèmes de sécurité sociale, l'utilisation d'une mesure plus large de l'adéquation, au‐delà du niveau des prestations monétaires, est non seulement plus appropriée, mais nécessaire. Dans un monde où le poids des contraintes financières n'a sans doute jamais été aussi lourd, le présent article examine l'importance de l'adéquation, en montrant pourquoi il est nécessaire de se placer dans une perspective élargie permettant de mesurer les autres aspects de la fourniture de prestations et de services. Il décrit la façon de construire un tel instrument d'analyse à variables multiples et les difficultés que cela pose. En essayant de déterminer si les autres objectifs de la fourniture de prestations sont atteints – notamment la qualité de service, les objectifs en matière d'emploi, la sécurité des prestations et l'interaction avec les parties prenantes –, cet article se propose de contribuer à élargir le débat sur la question de l'adéquation.