bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in breaststroke swimming performances in national and international athletes competing between 1994 and 2011 –a comparison with freestyle swimming performances
Authors: Wolfrum Mathias , Rüst Christoph Alexander , Rosemann Thomas , Lepers Romuald , Knechtle Beat 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
The purpose of the present study was to analyse potential changes in performance of elite breaststroke swimmers competing at national and international level and to compare to elite freestyle swimming performance.

Methods
Temporal trends in performance of elite breaststroke swimmers were analysed from records of the Swiss Swimming Federation and the FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) World Swimming Championships during the 1994–2011 period. Swimming speeds of elite female and male breaststroke swimmers competing in 50 m, 100 m, and 200 m were examined using linear regression, non-linear regression and analysis of variance. Results of breaststroke swimmers were compared to results of freestyle swimmers.

Results
Swimming speed in both strokes improved significantly (p < 0.0001-0.025) over time for both sexes, with the exception of 50 m breaststroke for FINA men. Sex differences in swimming speed increased significantly over time for Swiss freestyle swimmers (p < 0.0001), but not for FINA swimmers for freestyle, while the sex difference remained stable for Swiss and FINA breaststroke swimmers. The sex differences in swimming speed decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) with increasing race distance.

Conclusions
The present study showed that elite male and female swimmers competing during the 1994–2011 period at national and international level improved their swimming speed in both breaststroke and freestyle. The sex difference in freestyle swimming speed consistently increased in athletes competing at national level, whereas it remained unchanged in athletes competing at international level. Future studies should investigate temporal trends for recent time in other strokes, to determine whether this improvement is a generalized phenomenon.
Synthesis and characterization of molecularly imprinted polymers for the remediation of PCBs and dioxins in aqueous environments
Authors: Sikiti Phumile , Msagati Titus AM , Mamba Bhekie B , Mishra Ajay K 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This paper, reports on the approach devised to remediate water sources contaminated with PCBs and dioxins. The approach reported is based on the synthesis of highly selective molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). The paper elaborates the materials, procedures and protocols devised and followed for the synthesis of MIPs. The characterization of the synthesized MIPs and NIPs were performed using a number of techniques, such as FTIR, SEM, etc. The FTIR results show a broad OH stretching vibration peaks associated with methacrylic acid carboxylic group (COOH). at 3710 cm-1 for NIP and 3588 cm-1 for MIP, -CH2 stretching peak at 2953 cm-1for NIP, peaks due to the presence of methylene group in both MAA and EDMA appearing at 2951 cm-1 for MIP. The carbonyl group C = O stretching peak was observed in both MIP and NIP at 1721 cm-1 and this might have originated from MAA and EDMA respectively in both MIP and NIP. Weak combination bands from 1637 cm-1 to 1249 cm-1 and sharp bands at 1143 cm-1 specifically on MIPs spectra indicated the presence of aromatic ring of the template. The surface area of MIP was found to be 74.0010 m2/g, thus larger than that for NIP which was 58.6519 m2/g due to the presence of cavities on MIPs. The fit of the Langmuir model was found to be r 2 = 0.5842 while Freundlich model were found to be r2 = 0.3241, signifying that better correlation was with Langmuir than Freundlich.
New insights into the mechanisms involved in B-type natriuretic peptide elevation and its prognostic value in septic patients
Authors: Papanikolaou John , Makris Demosthenes , Mpaka Maria , Palli Eleni , Zygoulis Paris , Zakynthinos Epaminondas 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Elevated plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with critical sepsis (severe sepsis and septic shock) may indicate septic cardiomyopathy. However, multiple heterogeneous conditions may also be involved in increased BNP level. In addition, the prognostic value of BNP in sepsis remains debatable. In this study, we sought to discover potential independent determinants of BNP elevation in critical sepsis. The prognostic value of BNP was also evaluated.

Methods
In this observational study, we enrolled mechanically ventilated, critically septic patients requiring hemodynamic monitoring through a pulmonary artery catheter. All clinical, laboratory and survival data were prospectively collected. Plasma BNP concentrations were measured daily for five consecutive days. Septic cardiomyopathy was assessed on day 1 on the basis of left and right ventricular ejection fractions (EF) derived from echocardiography and thermodilution, respectively. Mortality was recorded at day 28.

Results
A total of 42 patients with severe sepsis (N = 12) and septic shock (N = 30) were ultimately enrolled. Daily BNP levels were significantly elevated in septic shock patients compared with those with severe sepsis (P ≤0.002). Critical illness severity (assessed by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and maximum Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores), and peak noradrenaline dose on day 1 were independent determinants of BNP elevation (P <0.05). Biventricular EFs were inversely correlated with longitudinal BNP measurements (P <0.05), but not independently. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PCWP) and volume expansion showed no correlation with BNP. In septic shock, increased central venous pressure (CVP) and CVP/PCWP ratio were independently associated with early BNP values (P <0.05).
Twenty-eight-day mortality was 47.6% (20 of 42 patients). Daily BNP values poorly predicted outcome; BNP on day 1 > 800 pg/ml (the best cutoff point) fairly predicted mortality, with a sensitivity%, specificity% and area under the curve values of 65, 64 and 0.70, respectively (95% confidence interval = 0.54 to 0.86; P = 0.03). Plasma BNP levels declined faster in survivors than in nonsurvivors in both critical sepsis and septic shock (P ≤0.002). In septic shock, a BNP/CVP ratio >126 pg/mmHg/ml on day 2 and inability to reduce BNP <500 pg/ml implied increased mortality (P ≤0.036).

Conclusions
The severity of critical illness, rather than septic cardiomyopathy, is probably the major determinant of BNP elevation in patients with critical sepsis. Daily BNP values are of limited prognostic value in predicting 28-day mortality; however, fast BNP decline over time and a decrease in BNP <500 pg/ml may imply a favorable outcome.
Histological characterization of the lateral root primordium development in rice
Authors: Ni Jun , Shen Yan-Xia , Zhang Yan-Yan , Liu Yu 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Lateral root constitutes an important part of root system either in tap root plants or fibrous root plants. The development of lateral root primordium (LRP) in Arabidopsis, which has a tap root system with simple radial structure of primary root, has been well characterized. However, limited knowledge has been acquired on the plants with fibrous root system, such as rice. This is mainly due to their multiple cell layers coated on root, which disturb the observation of LRP.

Results
We used an easy and quick method to strip the epidermal and cortex tissues of primary root so that the LRP can be easily observed under microscope. In this way, we observed the developmental processes of LRP in rice. In addition, we described the expression dynamics of several root development related genes, especially OsPINs (PIN-FORWMED), during the process of LRP development.

Conclusions
We reported an easy and quick method for LRP observation in rice and suggested a “fountain” model of auxin transport in LRP of rice, which is similar with that in Arabidopsis.
The TLR signaling adaptor TRAM interacts with TRAF6 to mediate activation of the inflammatory response by TLR4
Authors: Verstak Brett , Stack Julianne , Ve Thomas , Mangan Matthew , Hjerrild Kathryn , Jeon Jannah , Stahl Rainer , Latz Eicke , Gay Nick , Kobe Bostjan , Bowie Andrew G , Mansell Ashley 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTLRs act as sentinels in professional immune cells to detect and initiate the innate immune response to pathogen challenge. TLR4 is a widely expressed TLR, responsible for initiating potent immune responses to LPS. TRAM acts to bridge TLR4 with TRIF, orchestrating the inflammatory response to pathogen challenge. We have identified a putative TRAF6-binding motif in TRAM that could mediate a novel signaling function for TRAM in TLR4 signaling. TRAM and TRAF6 association was confirmed by immunoprecipitation of endogenous, ectopically expressed and recombinant proteins, which was ablated upon mutation of a key Glu residue in TRAM (TRAM E183A). TRAF6 and TRAM were observed colocalizing using confocal microscopy following ectopic expression in cells and the ability of TRAM and TRAM E183A to activate luciferase-linked reporter assays was determined in HEK293 and TRAF6-deficient cells. Importantly, TRAM-deficient macrophages reconstituted with TRAM E183A display significantly reduced inflammatory TNF-α, IL-6, and RANTES protein production compared with WT TRAM. These results demonstrate a novel role for TRAM in TLR4-mediated signaling in regulating inflammatory responses via its interaction with TRAF6, distinct from its role as a bridging adaptor between TLR4 and TRIF.
Retrieval of reflections from ambient noise recorded in the Mizil area, Romania
Authors: Panea Ionelia , Draganov Deyan , Almagro Vidal Carlos , Mocanu Victor 
Published: May 2014

We applied seismic interferometry (SI) by crosscorrelation to ambient-noise panels recorded in the Mizil area, Romania, aiming to retrieve body-wave reflections. To achieve this goal, surface waves in the noise panels input to SI should be suppressed. We did this by selecting for input to SI-only noise panels that are not dominated by surface waves; the selection was either after visual inspection in the time domain or after automatic slowness evaluation on crosscorrelated panels. The latter used the slowness of arrivals passing through the virtual-source position at time 0 s. We discovered that the automatic slowness-evaluation method allows better retrieval of reflections. From the retrieved reflection gathers, we obtained stacked images of the subsurface. Comparing the SI images to a stacked image from active-source data, we concluded that some retrieved events correspond to reflectors in the active seismic section, including known geologic markers. In a previous application of SI to ambient noise, the retrieved reflections exhibited frequency content lower than that of active data. In our results, the frequency content of the SI retrieved data was comparable to the one of the active data.
Effects of a mindfulness-based psychoeducation programme for Chinese patients with schizophrenia: 2-year follow-up
Authors: Chien Wai Tong , Thompson David R. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundPsychoeducation programmes for people with schizophrenia are shown to reduce relapses but few studies have indicated significant improvements in patients' illness awareness and insight, functioning, symptom severity or rates of readmission to hospital.AimsTo examine the effects of a mindfulness-based psychoeducation programme for Chinese people with schizophrenia.MethodA multisite randomised controlled trial was conducted with 107 out-patients with schizophrenia: 36 and 35 received a 6-month mindfulness-based psychoeducation and a conventional psychoeducation programme, respectively, and 35 received routine care alone. Patient outcome measures were psychiatric symptom severity, psychosocial functioning, social support, insight into illness/treatment, and frequency and duration of readmissions to hospital (ClinicalTrials.gov: trial registration NCT01667601).ResultsThe mindfulness-based psychoeducation group reported significantly greater improvements in psychiatric symptoms, psychosocial functioning, insight into illness/treatment and duration of readmissions to hospital over 24 months when compared with the other two groups.ConclusionsMindfulness-based psychoeducation appears to be a promising approach to treatment for Chinese patients with schizophrenia.
Phospholipase C-related catalytically inactive protein (PRIP) controls KIF5B-mediated insulin secretion
Authors: Asano Satoshi , Nemoto Tomomi , Kitayama Tomoya , Harada Kae , Zhang Jun , Harada Kana , Tanida Isei , Hirata Masato , Kanematsu Takashi 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTWe previously reported that phospholipase C-related catalytically inactive protein (PRIP)-knockout mice exhibited hyperinsulinemia. Here, we investigated the role of PRIP in insulin granule exocytosis using Prip-knockdown mouse insulinoma (MIN6) cells. Insulin release from Prip-knockdown MIN6 cells was higher than that from control cells, and Prip knockdown facilitated movement of GFP-phogrin-labeled insulin secretory vesicles. Double-immunofluorescent staining and density step-gradient analyses showed that the KIF5B motor protein co-localized with insulin vesicles in Prip-knockdown MIN6 cells. Knockdown of GABAA-receptor-associated protein (GABARAP), a microtubule-associated PRIP-binding partner, by Gabarap silencing in MIN6 cells reduced the co-localization of insulin vesicles with KIF5B and the movement of vesicles, resulting in decreased insulin secretion. However, the co-localization of KIF5B with microtubules was not altered in Prip- and Gabarap-knockdown cells. The presence of unbound GABARAP, freed either by an interference peptide or by Prip silencing, in MIN6 cells enhanced the co-localization of insulin vesicles with microtubules and promoted vesicle mobility. Taken together, these data demonstrate that PRIP and GABARAP function in a complex to regulate KIF5B-mediated insulin secretion, providing new insights into insulin exocytic mechanisms.
Zebrafish yolk lipid processing: a tractable tool for the study of vertebrate lipid transport and metabolism
Authors: Miyares Rosa Linda , de Rezende Vitor Bortolo , Farber Steven Arthur 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Dyslipidemias are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world, particularly in developed nations. Investigating lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in experimentally tractable animal models is a critical step toward understanding and treating human dyslipidemias. The zebrafish, a well-established embryological model, is emerging as a notable system for studies in lipid metabolism. Here, we describe the value of the lecithotrophic, or yolk metabolizing, stages of the zebrafish as a model for studying lipid metabolism and lipoprotein transport. We demonstrate methods to assay yolk lipid metabolism in embryonic and larval zebrafish. These methods promote efficient uptake of yolk-delivered labeled fatty acids into the circulation. Using a genetic model for abetalipoproteinemia, we show that uptake of labeled fatty acids into the circulation is dependent on lipoprotein production. Further, we examine the metabolic fate of exogenously delivered fatty acids by assaying their incorporation into complex lipids. Moreover, we demonstrate that this technique is amenable to genetic and pharmacologic studies.
Phenotypic rescue of aDrosophilamodel of mitochondrial ANT1 disease
Authors: Vartiainen Suvi , Chen Shanjun , George Jack , Tuomela Tea , Luoto Kaisa R. , O'Dell Kevin M. C. , Jacobs Howard T. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA point mutation (stress-sensitive B1, sesB1 in the Drosophila gene coding for the major adult isoform of the adenine nuclear translocase (ANT) represents a model for human diseases associated with ANT insufficiency. We characterized the organismal, bioenergetic and molecular phenotype of sesB1, then tested strategies to compensate the mutant phenotype. In addition to developmental delay and bang-sensitivity, sesB1 manifests impaired response to sound, defective male courtship, female sterility and curtailed lifespan. These phenotypes, apart from the last two, are shared with the tko25t mutant in mitoribosomal protein S12. Mitochondria from sesB1 adults showed a decreased respiratory control ratio and downregulation of cytochrome oxidase. sesB1 adults exhibited ATP depletion, lactate accumulation, and changes in gene expression consistent with a metabolic shift towards glycolysis, with activation of lactate dehydrogenase and anaplerotic pathways. Females also showed downregulation of many genes required for oogenesis, and their eggs, though fertilized, failed to develop to the larval stages. The sesB1 phenotypes of developmental delay and bang-sensitivity were alleviated by altered mtDNA background. Female sterility was substantially rescued by somatic expression of the alternative oxidase (AOX) from Ciona intestinalis, whereas AOX did not alleviate developmental delay. Our findings illustrate the potential of different therapeutic strategies for ANT-linked diseases, based on increasing mitochondrial bioenergy production, or on alleviating metabolic stress.
Preparation and Morphology Variation of Lipophilic Polyelectrolyte Brush Functioning in Nonpolar Solvents
Authors: Yamada Taihei , Kokado Kenta , Higaki Yuji , Takahara Atsushi , Sada Kazuki 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Herein, we describe the preparation of lipophilic polyelectrolyte brush (LPB) and its morphology variation induced by immersing in various organic solvents. In particular, the use of 1,2-dichloroethane resulted in twining of large fibers due to the extension of polymer chains, caused by both good compatibility of nonionic moiety and dissociation of ionic moiety. To our best knowledge, this is the first example for PE brush functioning in nonpolar organic media.
Sumanenetrione Anions Generated by Electrochemical and Chemical Reduction
Authors: Higashibayashi Shuhei , Shrestha Binod Babu , Morita Yuki , Ehara Masahiro , Ohkubo Kei , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Sakurai Hidehiro 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The electrochemical reduction of sumanenetrione by cyclic voltammetry showed stepwise multielectron reduction. Cyclic voltammograms of the stepwise first and second one-electron reduction exhibited reversible waves with associated reduction potentials that were almost equivalent to those of C60. EPR studies of the chemically generated monoanion and dianion of sumanenetrione, in conjunction with theoretical calculations, revealed their structures. The radical anion exhibited C3v symmetric spin delocalization over the entire bowl structure. The radical anion exhibited several absorption bands covering the whole visible to near-IR region. The nature of excitations was assigned by SAC/SAC-CI SD-R calculations. The dianion has a singlet ground state with a large energy gap between the singlet and triplet states. The dianion, too, has C3v symmetry with delocalization over the bowl structure. The major contributing structure of the dianion is the closed-shell configuration rather than the open-shell biradical configuration.
Synthesis of Biodiesel Using a Two-compartments Electrochemical Cell
Authors: Shibano Shuhei , Ivandini Tribidasari A , Terashima Chiaki , Nakata Kazuya , Einaga Yasuaki 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
An electrochemical method was developed for biodiesel, i.e., fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), production. A two-compartment cell completed with a cation-exchange separating membrane was utilized to minimize recombination between protons and hydroxide or methoxide ions, which leads to the low product yield. In addition to the product yield increase, the method was found to reduce the requirement of organic salt to be only in the cathode chamber. Electrolysis at low voltage (4.6 V) resulting high product yield (ca. 94% in 2 h) at Pt as well as a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode as the cathode, suggested the system was free from the dependence on electrode types.
Synthesis and Redox Response of Insulated Molecular Wire Elongated through Iron–Terpyridine Coordination Bonds
Authors: Terao Jun , Hosomi Takuro , Masai Hiroshi , Matsuda Wakana , Seki Shu , Fujihara Tetsuaki , Tsuji Yasushi 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
We synthesized an insulated bridging ligand consisting of a π-conjugated backbone sheathed by permethylated α-cyclodextrin and terpyridyl moieties at either end. This bridging ligand was able to coordinate with Fe2+ to afford an insulated metallopolymer that was elongated through coordination bonds. The molecular wire exhibited a reversible response to a chemical redox stimulus.
Chitosan-supported Zinc Nitrate: Preparation and Catalyst for Condensation Reaction of Aldehydes, Amines, and Terminal Alkynes Leading to the Formation of Propargylamines
Authors: Qiu Yunfeng , Qin Yuyang , Ma Zhuo , Xia Wujiong 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Efficient synthesis of various propargylamines through the coupling reaction of aldehydes, alkynes, and amines in the presence of chitosan/Zn(NO3)2 was developed in this study. The catalysts could be easily and quantitatively recycled without loss of activity. Chitosan is abundant in nature, and commercially available zinc salts are cheap. This produces highly active catalysts with superior performance for potential applications in industry.
Clumped or Piecewise? Evidence on Preferences for Information
Authors: Zimmermann Florian 
Published: May 2014

In this paper we examine individuals' attitudes toward the timing of information. We test a theoretical prediction that people prefer to get information “clumped together” rather than piecewise. We conduct a controlled lab experiment where subjects participate in a lottery and can choose between different resolutions of uncertainty (clumped or piecewise) and analyze which kind of resolution is preferred. Two additional treatments allow us to get a quantitative measure of subjects' preferences over different information structures. Our data provide little support for a systematic aversion to piecewise information on the aggregate level. In additional treatment conditions, we demonstrate the robustness of our findings and explore potential explanations. Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1884 . This paper was accepted by John List, behavioral economics.
Customizing new-age hospitality: An exploratory study of Sedona
Authors: Poulston Jill , Pernecky Tomas 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
As there is increasing interest in New Age ideas, the New Age market segment deserves more attention in the field of hospitality studies than it currently receives. This exploratory study examines a New Age destination, Sedona (Arizona, USA), to determine how products and services are customized to meet the needs of this specialized market. It considers whether New Age hospitality exists as a definable experience and concludes that the heterogeneity of the phenomenon makes it difficult for a range of hospitality providers to meet individual needs in a specialized domain. The results of this study should be of interest to providers of New Age products and services, who are likely to find the observations and customization ideas useful. The study should also prove useful to hospitality researchers interested in the New Age phenomenon and customization.