bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Miscanthus × giganteus and Arundo donax shoot and rhizome tolerance of extreme moisture stress
Authors: Mann J. Jeremiah , Barney Jacob N. , Kyser Guy B. , Di Tomaso Joseph M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractCrops grown for bioenergy production are a mandated component of the United States energy portfolio. Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) is a leading bioenergy crop similar in habit to the invasive plant giant reed (Arundo donax). To characterize the environmental tolerance of giant miscanthus, we compared the soil moisture stress tolerance of giant miscanthus and giant reed under glasshouse conditions. We subjected both species to soil moisture conditions of severe drought (−4.2 MPa), mild drought (−0.5 MPa), field‐capacity (control), and flooded soils. These conditions were applied to two cohorts: one in which soil moisture conditions were imposed on newly planted rhizome fragments, and one in which conditions were imposed on established plants after 8 weeks of growth in field‐capacity soil. After 16 weeks, we harvested all plants, measured above‐ and belowground biomass, and evaluated the reproductive viability of rhizome fragments. The total biomass of each species under flooded conditions was not different from the field‐capacity control groups regardless of cohort. However, drought did affect the two cohorts differently. In the cohort treated after 8 weeks of growth, mild and severe drought conditions resulted in 56% and 66% reductions in biomass, averaged over both species, compared with the controls. In the cohort treated for the entire 16 weeks, mild and severe drought conditions resulted in 92% and 94% reductions in biomass. Rhizome fragments from both species and both cohorts showed 100% viability following flooded and control treatments; drought treatments reduced rhizome viability in both species, with a greater impact on giant miscanthus. Although giant miscanthus does not appear to have the potential to escape and establish in relatively dry upland ecosystems, it does show tolerance to flooded conditions similar to giant reed.
Controlled Dismantlement of the Eurozone: A Strategy to Save the European Union and the Single European Market
Authors: Kawalec Stefan , Pytlarczyk Ernest 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The problems with a single currency in Europe are neither temporary nor curable. Any persistent defence of the euro will result in a long-lasting recession and high unemployment in countries using fiscal austerity to pursue ‘internal devaluation’. It may lead to a revival of populist and nationalist movements, political collapse and disorderly eurozone break-up. This article argues for a controlled segmentation of the eurozone via the exit of the most competitive countries and an agreement on a new European currency coordination system.
Antimicrobial activity and surface properties of an acrylic resin containing a biocide polymer
Authors: Compagnoni Marco A. , Pero Ana C. , Ramos Stella M. M. , Marra Juliê , Paleari André G. , Rodriguez Larissa S. 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antimicrobial activity and surface properties of an acrylic resin containing the biocide polymer poly (2‐tert‐butylaminoethyl) methacrylate (PTBAEMA).BackgroundSeveral approaches have been proposed to prevent oral infections, including the incorporation of antimicrobial agents to acrylic resins.Materials and methodsSpecimens of an acrylic resin (Lucitone 550) were divided into two groups: 0% (control) and 10% PTBAEMA. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by adherence assay of one of the microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Surface topography was characterised by atomic force microscopy and wettability properties determined by contact angle measurements.ResultsData of viable cells (log (CFU + 1)/ml) for S. aureus (control: 7.9 ± 0.8; 10%: 3.8 ± 3.3) and S. mutans (control: 7.5 ± 0.7; 10%: 5.1 ± 2.7) showed a significant decrease with 10% of PTBAEMA (Mann–Whitney, p < 0.05). For C. albicans (control: 6.6 ± 0.2; 10%: 6.6 ± 0.4), there was no significant difference between control and 10% of PTBAEMA (Kruskal–Wallis, p > 0.05). Incorporating 10% PTBAEMA increased surface roughness and decreased contact angles.ConclusionIncorporating 10% PTBAEMA into acrylic resins increases wettability and roughness of acrylic resin surface; and decreases the adhesion of S. mutans and S. aureus on acrylic surface, but did not exhibit antimicrobial effect against C. albicans.
Weakening processes in thrust faults: insights from the Monte Perdido thrust fault (southern Pyrenees, Spain)
Authors: Lacroix B. , Leclère H. , Buatier M. , Fabbri O. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe Monte Perdido thrust fault (southern Pyrenees) consists of a 6‐m‐thick interval of intensely deformed clay‐bearing rocks. The fault zone is affected by a pervasive pressure solution seam and numerous shear surfaces. Calcite extensional‐shear veins are present along the shear surfaces. The angular relationships between the two structures indicate that shear surfaces developed at a high angle (70°) to the local principal maximum stress axis σ1. Two main stages of deformation are present. The first stage corresponds to the development of calcite shear veins by a combination of shear surface reactivation and extensional mode I rupture. The second stage of deformation corresponds to chlorite precipitation along the previously reactivated shear surfaces. The pore fluid factor λ computed for the two deformation episodes indicates high fluid pressures during the Monte Perdido thrust activity. During the first stage of deformation, the reactivation of the shear surface was facilitated by a suprahydrostatic fluid pressure with a pore fluid factor λ equal to 0.89. For the second stage, the fluid pressure remained still high (with a λ value ranging between 0.77 and 0.84) even with the presence of weak chlorite along the shear surfaces. Furthermore, evidence of hydrostatic fluid pressure during calcite cement precipitation supports that incremental shear surface reactivations are correlated with cyclic fluid pressure fluctuations consistent with a fault‐valve model.
High frequency of calcification in basal ganglia on brain computed tomography images in Japanese older adults
Authors: Yamada Megumi , Asano Takahiko , Okamoto Kouichirou , Hayashi Yuichi , Kanematsu Masayuki , Hoshi Hiroaki , Akaiwa Yasuhisa , Shimohata Takayoshi , Nishizawa Masatoyo , Inuzuka Takashi , Hozumi Isao 
Published: December 2012

AimTo investigate the frequency of calcification in the basal ganglia and the dentate nuclei in the cerebellum, and compare the difference in age and area, we examined the brain computed tomography (CT) images of all patients in two representative university hospitals in Japan.MethodsWe examined the brain CT images of 2526 patients in Gifu University Hospital (UH) and 2573 patients in Niigata UH. These patients were examined in these hospitals from October 2009 to September 2010.ResultsPunctate calcification of the basal ganglia was observed in 435 of 2526 patients (17.2%) in Gifu UH and 530 of 2573 patients (20.6%) in Niigata UH. The frequency of calcification increased with age. Patchy calcification of the basal ganglia was observed in 32 (1.3%) and 50 patients (1.9%) in Gifu UH and Niigata UH, respectively. Among patients aged over 65 years, 24 (2.1%) and 34 (3.1%) patients showed patchy calcification in Gifu UH and Niigata UH, respectively. Calcification of the cerebellar dentate nuclei was detected in just seven and four patients in Gifu UH and Niigata UH, respectively.ConclusionCompared with previous reports, the frequency of calcification of the basal ganglia in this study markedly increased. This might be because of the increased number of older adults and the increased sensitivity of CT. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 706–710.
Evaluation of chewing ability and its relationship with activities of daily living, depression, cognitive status and food intake in the community‐dwelling elderly
Authors: Kimura Yumi , Ogawa Hiroshi , Yoshihara Akihiro , Yamaga Takayuki , Takiguchi Tomoya , Wada Taizo , Sakamoto Ryota , Ishimoto Yasuko , Fukutomi Eriko , Chen Wenling , Fujisawa Michiko , Okumiya Kiyohito , Otsuka Kuniaki , Miyazaki Hideo , Matsubayashi Kozo 
Published: December 2012

AimThe aim of this study was to assess chewing ability using color‐changeable chewing gum and to show the association between chewing ability and geriatric functions, as well as dietary status in the community‐dwelling elderly.MethodsThe study population consisted of 269 community‐dwelling elderly aged ≥75 living in Tosa, Japan. Assessment of chewing ability was carried out by a dentist using color‐changeable chewing gum. Activities of daily living (ADL), depression and subjective quality of life (QOL) were assessed by questionnaire. Cognitive status was assessed by; Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised (HDS‐R) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) during the check‐up. Food diversity was assessed using the 11‐item Food Diversity Score Kyoto (FDSK‐11).ResultsNumber of teeth was significantly related to chewing ability (P < 0.001). The participants with low chewing ability had significantly lower ADL scores in the items of self‐maintenance (P = 0.029) and intellectual activity (P = 0.021). There was a significant association between low chewing ability and depression (P < 0.001). Lower cognitive functions were significantly related to low chewing ability; MMSE (P = 0.022), HDSR (P = 0.017) and FAB (P = 0.002). The participants with low chewing ability had lower food variety (P < 0.001), and less frequent intake of beans, vegetables, seaweed and nuts, than the participants with high chewing ability.ConclusionLow chewing ability evaluated by color‐changeable gum was associated with lower ADL, lower cognitive functioning, depression and food insufficiency in the community‐dwelling elderly. More attention should be paid to assessing chewing ability of elderly persons in community settings. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 718–725.
Preoperative prediction of macrophage infiltration by 3‐D tomographic ultrasound in endoarterectomized carotid plaques in elderly patients
Authors: Koyama Shun‐ichi , Hashimoto Takao , Umahara Takahiko , Akai Tomotaka , Watanabe Daisuke , Akimoto Jiro , Nagao Toshitaka , Uchihara Toshiki , Haraoka Jo , Iwamoto Toshihiko 
Published: December 2012

AimAssessment of plaque characteristics is important for the optimal treatment of carotid stenosis, particularly in elderly patients. Macrophage infiltration is reported to be involved in carotid plaque instability. However, immunohistochemical assessment of the detailed localization of macrophage infiltration in carotid plaques remains limited. We attempted to elucidate this using 3‐D ultrasonography (3D‐US). We compared findings of the detailed localization of macrophage infiltration with findings from the newly developed tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI).MethodsWe obtained specimens of carotid arteries from 18 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA), and investigated the localization of macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells. Their localization obtained from 11 patients was compared with their preoperative TUI findings.ResultsWe classified the localization of macrophage infiltration into four types: (i) focal infiltration in the thick fibrous cap (12 cases); (ii) subendothelial zonal infiltration (2 cases); (iii) peripheral infiltration around the lipid core (8 cases); and (iv) local infiltration near the shoulder of the fibrous cap (2 cases). Among them, preoperative TUI was available in 11 CEA cases for histological comparison. We identified two sites of focal macrophage infiltration that corresponded to local echogenic lesions without an acoustic shadow on TUI. The proliferation of smooth muscle cells failed to show an apparent echogenicity.ConclusionsTUI could not only evaluate the morphological features, but also showed the two types of focal macrophage infiltration relevant to plaque instability as an echogenic focus. TUI carried out by 3D‐US is an easily applicable and non‐invasive method that is considered useful for evaluating carotid plaques in elderly patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 834–841.
Higher Glutamate to Glutamine Ratios in Occipital Regions in Women With Migraine During the Interictal State
Authors: González de la Aleja Jesús , Ramos Ana , Mato‐Abad Virginia , Martínez‐Salio Antonio , Hernández‐Tamames Juan A. , Molina José Antonio , Hernández‐Gallego Jesús , Álvarez‐Linera Juan 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundGlutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln) are strongly compartmentalized (in neurons for Glu and in astrocytes for Gln). The visual cortex is the brain region with a higher neuron/astrocyte ratio (the highest neuronal density and the relatively lowest density of astrocytes). Elevations in extracellular Glu or potassium above certain thresholds are likely candidates to be the final common steps in the multiple distinct processes that can lead to cortical spreading depression. Astrocytes play a key role in this phenomenon, by acting as a sink for extracellular Glu and potassium, as well as generally acting as a buffer for the ionic and neurochemical changes that initiate and propagate cortical spreading depression.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to quantify Glu and Gln to generate Glu/Gln ratios in women with migraine during the interictal state compared with healthy control women.MethodsTwenty‐seven patients with migraine (8 with aura and 19 without aura) and 19 matched healthy controls were included in the study. We performed proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the anterior paracingulate cortex and occipital cortex (OC). Spectral analysis was performed by LCModel, allowing a separation of Glu and Gln using a 3T machine.ResultsThe main result was a significantly higher Glu/Gln ratio in the OC of migraine patients compared with healthy control subjects (4.87 for migraineurs [standard deviation (SD) = 2.74] and 3.42 for controls [SD = 1.52], P = .042). We also observed higher Glu levels (6.98 for migraineurs [SD = 0.85] and 6.22 for controls [SD = 0.97], P = .007) and Glu/creatine + phosphocreatine ratio (1.18 for migraineurs [SD = 0.18] and 1.00 for controls [SD = 0.16], P = .001) in anterior paracingulate cortex in migraine patients but saw no differences in Glu/Gln ratio (2.79 for migraineurs [SD = 1.11] and 2.63 for controls [SD = 1.61], P = .68).ConclusionThese findings are consistent with glutamatergic differences in migraine patients during the interictal period compared with healthy controls. We hypothesize that an increased Glu/Gln ratio could arise from neuronal–glial coupling of glutamatergic metabolism differences or an increased neuron/astrocyte ratio in the OC.
Serum oxidative–anti‐oxidative stress balance is dysregulated in patients with hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nishimura Mamoru , Takaki Akinobu , Tamaki Naofumi , Maruyama Takayuki , Onishi Hideki , Kobayashi Sayo , Nouso Kazuhiro , Yasunaka Tetsuya , Koike Kazuko , Hagihara Hiroaki , Kuwaki Kenji , Nakamura Shinichiro , Ikeda Fusao , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Tomofuji Takaaki , Morita Manabu , Yamamoto Kazuhide 
Published: December 2012

AimOxidative stress is associated with progression of chronic liver disease (CLD). This association is best established in chronic hepatitis C. However, the anti‐oxidative state is not well characterized. The objective of the present study was to investigate the balance of oxidative and anti‐oxidative stress in CLD patients.MethodsWe recruited a study population of 208 patients, including healthy volunteers (HV; n = 15), patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related CLD without or with hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV‐non‐HCC, n = 25, and HBV‐HCC, n = 50, respectively), and patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related CLD without or with HCC (HCV‐non‐HCC, n = 49, and HCV‐HCC, n = 69, respectively). Serum levels of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) and anti‐oxidative markers (OXY‐adsorbent test; OXY) were determined, and the balance of these values was used as the oxidative index. Correlations among ROM, OXY, oxidative index and clinical characteristics were investigated.ResultsPatients with CLD exhibited elevated ROM and oxidative index compared to HV. Among patients with CLD, HCV positive status correlated with increased ROM. In CLD, HCV‐HCC patients exhibited the highest ROM levels. Among HCV‐related CLD patients, lower OXY correlated with HCC positive status, but was recovered by eradication of HCC. In HCV‐HCC, lower OXY correlated with high PT‐INR.ConclusionHCV positive CLD patients displayed higher oxidative stress and HCV‐HCC patients displayed lower anti‐oxidative state. Anti‐oxidative state depression was associated with liver reservoir‐related data in HCV‐HCC and could be reversed with HCC eradication.
Towards antibacterial endodontic sealers using quaternary ammonium nanoparticles
Authors: Kesler Shvero D. , Abramovitz I. , Zaltsman N. , Perez Davidi M. , Weiss E. I. , Beyth N. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimTo change and characterize the antibacterial properties of endodontic sealers by incorporating low concentrations of insoluble antibacterial nanoparticles (IABN).MethodologyThe antibacterial effect againstEnterococcus faecaliswas evaluated by (i) agar diffusion test (ADT), (ii) direct contact test (DCT) and (iii) scanning electron microscopy (SEM).IABNwere incorporated intoAHPlus (Dentsply, DeTrey Konstanz, Germany) and GuttaFlow (Coltène Whaledent, Langenau, Germany) at concentrations of 0.5%, 1% or 2% weight/weight. Bacterial growth rates were analysed usingANOVAfollowed by Tukey's test.ResultsThe antibacterial tests demonstrated total bacterial growth inhibition usingAHPlus samples incorporating 2% weight/weightIABNafter 4 weeks (P < 0.005).DCTshowed total growth inhibition of up to 6 logs in viable count inAHPlus samples incorporatingIABNand up to 4 log in count in GuttaFlow incorporatingIABN(P < 0.005). Significant differences were found between the unmodified sealers and the experimental groups. No antibacterial effect was observed in theADT, indicatingIABNwere not diffusing into the agar. Furthermore,SEMindicated bacterial cell wall damage and lysis.ConclusionsAHPlus and GuttaFlow incorporating low concentrations ofIABNexhibited significant and stable antimicrobial properties.
16th IHIW: Anti‐HLA alloantibodies of the of IgA isotype in re‐transplant candidates
Authors: Arnold M.‐L. , Heinemann F. M. , Horn P. , Ziemann M. , Lachmann N. , Mühlbacher A. , Dick A. , Ender A. , Thammanichanond D. , Fischer G. F. , Schaub S. , Hallensleben M. , Mytilineos J. , Hitzler W. E. , Seidl C. , Doxiadis I. I. N. , Spriewald B. M. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryIn this multicentre study, sera from 803 retransplant candidates, including 775 kidney transplant recipients, were analysed with regard to the presence and specificity of anti‐HLA alloantibodies of the IgA isotype using a modified microsphere‐based platform. Of the kidney recipients, nearly one‐third (n = 237, 31%) had IgA alloantibodies. Mostly, these antibodies were found in sera that also harboured IgG alloantibodies that could be found in a total of 572 (74%) of patients. Interestingly, IgA anti‐HLA antibodies were preferentially targeting HLA class I antigens in contrast to those of the IgG isotype, which targeted mostly both HLA class I and II antigens. Donor specificity of the IgA alloantibodies could be established for over half of the 237 patients with IgA alloantibodies (n = 124, 52%). A further 58 patients had specificities against HLA‐C or HLA‐DP, for which no information regarding donor typing was available. In summary, these data showed in a large cohort of retransplant candidates that IgA alloantibodies occur in about one‐third of patients, about half of these antibodies being donor specific.
16th IHIW: Analysis of HLA Population Data, with updated results for 1996 to 2012 workshop data (AHPD project report)
Authors: Riccio M. E. , Buhler S. , Nunes J. M. , Vangenot C. , Cuénod M. , Currat M. , Di D. , Andreani M. , Boldyreva M. , Chambers G. , Chernova M. , Chiaroni J. , Darke C. , Di Cristofaro J. , Dubois V. , Dunn P. , Edinur H. A. , Elamin N. , Eliaou J.‐F. , Grubic Z. , Jaatinen T. , Kanga U. , Kervaire B. , Kolesar L. , Kunachiwa W. , Lokki M. L. , Mehra N. , Nicoloso G. , Paakkanen R. , Voniatis D. Papaioannou , Papasteriades C. , Poli F. , Richard L. , Romón Alonso I. , Slavčev A. , Sulcebe G. , Suslova T. , Testi M. , Tiercy J.‐M. , Varnavidou A. , Vidan‐Jeras B. , Wennerström A. , Sanchez‐Mazas A. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryWe present here the results of the Analysis of HLA Population Data (AHPD) project of the 16th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop (16IHIW) held in Liverpool in May–June 2012. Thanks to the collaboration of 25 laboratories from 18 different countries, HLA genotypic data for 59 new population samples (either well‐defined populations or donor registry samples) were gathered and 55 were analysed statistically following HLA‐NET recommendations. The new data included, among others, large sets of well‐defined populations from north‐east Europe and West Asia, as well as many donor registry data from European countries. The Gene[rate] computer tools were combined to create a Gene[rate] computer pipeline to automatically (i) estimate allele frequencies by an expectation‐maximization algorithm accommodating ambiguities, (ii) estimate heterozygosity, (iii) test for Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), (iv) test for selective neutrality, (v) generate frequency graphs and summary statistics for each sample at each locus and (vi) plot multidimensional scaling (MDS) analyses comparing the new samples with previous IHIW data. Intrapopulation analyses show that HWE is rarely rejected, while neutrality tests often indicate a significant excess of heterozygotes compared with neutral expectations. The comparison of the 16IHIW AHPD data with data collected during previous workshops (12th–15th) shows that geography is an excellent predictor of HLA genetic differentiations for HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 loci but not for HLA‐DQ, whose patterns are probably more influenced by natural selection. In Europe, HLA genetic variation clearly follows a north to south‐east axis despite a low level of differentiation between European, North African and West Asian populations. Pacific populations are genetically close to Austronesian‐speaking South‐East Asian and Taiwanese populations, in agreement with current theories on the peopling of Oceania. Thanks to this project, HLA genetic variation is more clearly defined worldwide and better interpreted in relation to human peopling history and HLA molecular evolution.