bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased CO2 stimulates reproduction in a coral reef fish
Authors: Miller Gabrielle M. , Watson Sue‐Ann , McCormick Mark I. , Munday Philip L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractOcean acidification is predicted to negatively impact the reproduction of many marine species, either by reducing fertilization success or diverting energy from reproductive effort. While recent studies have demonstrated how ocean acidification will affect larval and juvenile fishes, little is known about how increasing partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and decreasing pH might affect reproduction in adult fishes. We investigated the effects of near‐future levels of pCO2 on the reproductive performance of the cinnamon anemonefish, Amphiprion melanopus, from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Breeding pairs were held under three CO2 treatments [Current‐day Control (430 μatm), Moderate (584 μatm) and High (1032 μatm)] for a 9‐month period that included the summer breeding season. Unexpectedly, increased CO2 dramatically stimulated breeding activity in this species of fish. Over twice as many pairs bred in the Moderate (67% of pairs) and High (55%) compared to the Control (27%) CO2 treatment. Pairs in the High CO2 group produced double the number of clutches per pair and 67% more eggs per clutch compared to the Moderate and Control groups. As a result, reproductive output in the High group was 82% higher than that in the Control group and 50% higher than that in the Moderate group. Despite the increase in reproductive activity, there was no difference in adult body condition among the three treatment groups. There was no significant difference in hatchling length between the treatment groups, but larvae from the High CO2 group had smaller yolks than Controls. This study provides the first evidence of the potential effects of ocean acidification on key reproductive attributes of marine fishes and, contrary to expectations, demonstrates an initially stimulatory (hormetic) effect in response to increased pCO2. However, any long‐term consequences of increased reproductive effort on individuals or populations remain to be determined.
Prevalence of and factors related to pain among elderly Japanese residents in long‐term healthcare facilities
Authors: Takai Yakari , Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko , Ko Ayako 
Published: May 2013

AimWe aimed to examine the pain prevalence among residents who stayed at healthcare facilities for the elderly requiring long‐term care in Japan, and explore factors related to self‐reported pain.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study. All residents in nine healthcare facilities in Japan were asked to participate in the present study, with the exclusion of short‐term and temporary residents. Demographic data were collected from participating residents' medical records. The residents were evaluated using the Barthel Index, the Folstein Mini‐Mental State Examination and Self‐Rated Health measures. After/during patients underwent a body movement protocol, self‐reported pain/Abbey Pain Scale scores were obtained. The χ2‐test, t‐test and logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors related to pain.ResultsData were obtained from 246 residents. The prevalence of pain among the residents was 47.2%. Self‐rated health status and history of fracture were significantly associated with self‐reported pain. Logistic regression analysis showed that self‐rated health status (odds ratio [OR] 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28–0.88), mental health diagnoses (OR 9.18, 95%CI 1.27–66.52) and respiratory diagnoses (OR 0.16; 95%CI 0.03–0.97) were associated with pain experienced by residents.ConclusionsNearly half of the residents suffered from pain on movement. The pain of these elderly residents should be managed in order to improve their health status. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 14: 481–489.
Use of global assays to understand clinical phenotype in congenital factor VII deficiency
Authors: Greene L. A. , Goldenberg N. A. , Simpson M. L. , Villalobos‐Menuey E. , Bombardier C. , Acharya S. S. , Santiago‐Borrero P. J. , Cambara A. , DiMichele D. M. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryCongenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is characterized by genotypic variability and phenotypic heterogeneity. Traditional screening and factor assays are unable to reliably predict clinical bleeding phenotype and guide haemorrhage prevention strategy. Global assays of coagulation and fibrinolysis may better characterize overall haemostatic balance and aid in haemorrhagic risk assessment. We evaluated the ability of novel global assays to better understand clinical bleeding severity in congenital FVII deficiency. Subjects underwent central determination of factor VII activity (FVII:C) as well as clot formation and lysis (CloFAL) and simultaneous thrombin and plasmin generation (STP) global assay analysis. A bleeding score was assigned to each subject through medical chart review. Global assay parameters were analysed with respect to bleeding score and FVII:C. Subgroup analyses were performed on paediatric subjects and subjects with FVII ≥1 IU dL−1. CloFAL fibrinolytic index (FI2) inversely correlated with FVII:C while CloFAL maximum amplitude (MA) and STP maximum velocity of thrombin generation (VTmax) varied directly with FVII:C. CloFAL FI2directly correlated with bleeding score among subjects in both the total cohort and paediatric subcohort, but not among subjects with FVII ≥1 IU dL−1. Among subjects with FVII ≥1 IU dL−1, STP time to maximum velocity of thrombin generation and time to maximum velocity of plasmin generation inversely correlated with bleeding score. These preliminary findings suggest a novel potential link between a hyperfibrinolytic state in bleeding severity and congenital FVII deficiency, an observation that should be further explored.
Specific miRNA expression profiles of non‐tumor liver tissue predict a risk for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Utsunomiya Tohru , Ishikawa Daichi , Asanoma Michihito , Yamada Shinichiro , Iwahashi Shuichi , Kanamoto Mami , Arakawa Yusuke , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Morine Yuji , Imura Satoru , Ishibashi Hiroki , Takasu Chie , Shimada Mitsuo 
Published: May 2013

AimIt is reasonable to investigate non‐tumor liver tissues to predict a risk for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A molecular analysis of chronically damaged liver tissues may identify specific miRNA expression profiles associated with a risk for multicentric (MC) HCC.MethodsTwenty HCC patients, who underwent a curative hepatectomy were classified into two groups: a non‐MC group (no MC recurrence in more than 3 years, n = 10) and an MC group (MC recurrence within 3 years after hepatectomy, n = 10). An miRNA microarray (955 probes) was used to compare the miRNA expression patterns of the non‐cancerous liver tissues between the two groups. This study identified the differentially expressed miRNA related to MC recurrence in the liver remnant.ResultsNo differences were observed between the two groups in the liver function tests and pathological variables including both tumor factors and non‐tumor liver tissues. The investigation selected 20 differentially expressed miRNA related to MC recurrence. Eighteen miRNA were downregulated, while two miRNA were upregulated in the MC group. A hierarchical clustering analysis identified a cluster that may be associated with risk of the MC recurrence of HCC. The MC recurrence‐related miRNA included let‐7d*, miR‐328 and miR18a*, which potentially regulate K‐ras gene expression. A significant inverse correlation between the miR‐18a* expression and the K‐ras mRNA expression was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.ConclusionSpecific miRNA expression signatures in non‐cancerous liver tissue may help to predict the risk for de novo development of HCC.
The relationship between oral hygiene status and obesity among preschool children in Hong Kong
Authors: Peng SM , McGrath C , Wong HM , King NM 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo explore the association between oral hygiene status and obesity among preschool children in Hong Kong.MethodsThree hundred and twenty‐four 5‐year‐old children in Hong Kong were recruited. Their oral hygiene status was recorded using visible plaque index (VPI). Body height, body weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference and triceps skinfold thickness (TRSKF) were measured to assess general adiposity (weight/height ratio, W/H; body mass index, BMI), central adiposity (WC; waist/hip ratio, WHR) and peripheral adiposity (TRSKF). The relationships between VPI and W/H, BMI, WC, WHR and TRSKF were examined in bivariate and regression analyses.ResultsFifty‐six per cent of the children were considered to have high VPI (VPI ≥ 65.0%). Logistic regression analyses identified that W/H z‐score (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.01–1.61) and WC z‐score (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.00–1.58) were associated with high VPI. No association was found after adjusted for socio‐demographic status (P > 0.05).ConclusionOral hygiene status was not associated with obesity among 5‐year‐old children in Hong Kong after controlling for socio‐demographic factors.
Quality of fresh‐cut purple‐fleshed sweet potatoes after X‐ray irradiation treatment and refrigerated storage
Authors: Oner Manolya E. , Wall Marisa M. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe effect of X‐ray irradiation on the quality of fresh‐cut, refrigerated purple‐fleshed sweet potato (PFSP) cubes was investigated. Packaged sweet potato cubes were treated with 0, 250, 500, 750 or 1000 Gy X‐ray irradiation and stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 14 days. After 14 days, total aerobic bacteria counts were 4.1 and 3.2 log10 CFU g−1, and mould–yeast counts were 3.3 and 3.0 log10 CFU g−1 in 750 and 1000 Gy treated samples, respectively. Doses up to 1000 Gy did not affect the firmness, moisture content and anthocyanin content of PFSP cubes throughout storage. PFSP cubes' flesh colour did not change during the first week of storage, but lightness (L*) increased after 14 days. Also, irradiation doses at 750 and 1000 Gy decreased saturation (C*) significantly, producing duller flesh colour than controls. Results indicate that X‐ray irradiation treatment at doses up to 1000 Gy can reduce microbial populations while maintaining the physical quality and anthocyanin content of PFSP cubes up to 14 days of storage.
Implications of game theory for theoretical underpinning of cooperative relations in workplace partnership
Authors: Trif Aurora , Brady Malcolm 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis article clarifies the ongoing debate over the key factors underpinning cooperative relations between management and trade unions by drawing on the once‐off and repeated prisoner's dilemma models. It argues that the lower the risk to achieve a ‘win‐win’ outcome and the longer the time horizon for workplace partnership, the more likely is for the two parties to cooperate.
The business case for equal opportunities
Authors: Riley Rebecca , Metcalf Hilary , Forth John 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIt has long been argued that equality of opportunity brings business benefits and that it is in employers' interest to implement policy to promote equality of opportunity. Our analysis of the Workplace Employment Relations Survey 2004 found neither large and widespread business benefits, nor large and widespread costs associated with Equal Opportunities policies amongst the establishments that implement these. Given the net benefits to society of equal opportunities policies, this suggests that public and private benefits are likely to differ substantially and points to the need for policy intervention.
The influence of internal union factions on union renewal strategies: the case of the Finnish Paper Workers' Union
Authors: Jonker‐Hoffrén Paul 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn 2008, the collective agreement of the Finnish paper industry was significantly rewritten. This case study analyses the influence of internal factions on the capability of the Finnish Paper Workers' Union to shift to a strategy of partnership. It is shown that resistance to change was especially strong with longer‐serving shop stewards, and the strong division into factions implies limits to the extent of partnership in the Finnish paper industry.
Neglected Rural Public Health Issue: The Case of Intestinal Roundworms
Authors: Zhang Linxiu , Cai Yingping , Wang Xiaobing , Ma Xiaochen , Medina Alexis , Smith D. Scott , Rozelle Scott 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDespite increasing institutional and financial support, certain public health issues are still neglected by the Chinese Government. The present paper examines the soil‐transmitted helminth (STH) infection and reinfection rates by conducting a survey on 1724 children in Guizhou Province, China. Our results indicate that 37.5 percent of children had been infected with one or more of the three types of tested STH. However, only 50.4 percent of children reported having taken deworming medicine during the 18‐month period before the survey. Of those who reported being dewormed, 34.6 percent tested positive for STH infections. Poverty and number of siblings are significantly and positively correlated with infection and reinfection, and parental education is significantly and negatively correlated with infection and reinfection. Given the ineffectiveness of treatment in these areas to date, for anthelminthic campaigns to actually succeed, China must pay more attention to local‐level incentives to improve children's health.
Impact of a Senior High School Tuition Relief Program on Poor Junior High School Students in Rural China
Authors: Chen Xinxin , Shi Yaojiang , Mo Di , Chu James , Loyalka Prashant , Rozelle Scott 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA significant gap remains between rural and urban students in the rate of admission to senior high school. One reason for this gap might be the high levels of tuition and fees for senior high school. By reducing students' expectations of attending high school, high levels of tuition and fees could be reducing student academic performance in junior high schools. In this paper we evaluate the impacts of a senior high tuition relief program on the test scores of poor rural seventh grade students in China. We surveyed three counties in Shaanxi Province and exploited the fact that, while the counties are adjacent to one another and share similar characteristics, only one of the three implemented a tuition relief program. Using several alternative estimation strategies, including difference‐in‐differences, propensity score matching and difference‐in‐differences matching, we find that the tuition program has a statistically significant and positive impact on the mathematics scores of seventh grade students. More importantly, this program is shown to have a statistically significant and positive effect on the poorest students in the treatment group compared to their wealthier peers.
Precise Determination of Sm and Nd Concentrations and Nd Isotopic Compositions in Highly Depleted Ultramafic Reference Materials
Authors: Chu Zhuyin , Guo Jinghui , Yang Yueheng , Qi Liang , Li Chaofeng 
Published: May 2013

In this study, a high‐precision method for the determination of Sm and Nd concentrations and Nd isotopic composition in highly depleted ultramafic rocks without a preconcentration step is presented. The samples were first digested using the conventional HF + HNO3 + HClO4 method, followed by the complete digestion of chromite in the samples using HClO4 at 190–200 °C and then complete dissolution of fluoride formed during the HF decomposition step using H3BO3. These steps ensured the complete digestion of the ultramafic rocks. The rare earth elements (REEs) were separated from the sample matrix using conventional cation‐exchange chromatography; subsequently, Sm and Nd were separated using the LN columns. Neodymium isotopes were determined as NdO+, whereas Sm isotopes were measured as Sm+, both with very high sensitivity using single W filaments with TaF5 as an ion emitter. Several highly depleted ultramafic rock reference materials including USGS DTS‐1, DTS‐2, DTS‐2b, PCC‐1 and GSJ JP‐1, which contain extremely low amounts of Sm and Nd (down to sub ng g−1 level), were analysed, and high‐precision Sm and Nd concentration and Nd isotope data were obtained. This is the first report of the Sm‐Nd isotopic compositions of these ultramafic rock reference materials except for PCC‐1.
PATIENT INDEPENDENCE IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND ANAEMIA: IMPLICATIONS OF THE 2012 KDIGO GUIDELINE
Authors: Bennett Lesley 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundA common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is anaemia; how well this is treated may influence a patient's independence. The use and the time‐consuming nature of intravenous (IV) iron therapies can impose considerable challenges for patients. Time spent receiving and travelling to receive IV iron treatment can impact a patient's feelings of independence. By recommending increased prescription of IV iron and minimising erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent use, the recent Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Guideline on anaemia in CKD may compound this situation by increasing the number of hospital visits for therapy.MethodsTo assess the potential influence of the KDIGO Guideline on patient independence, this review explores factors that can impact the independence of a person with CKD and proposes how these potential issues may be addressed in the light of this new set of guidelines.ConclusionsAlthough the KDIGO Guideline has the potential to reduce patient independence, by acknowledging the needs of the individual early on and employing a multi‐disciplinary approach, a balance can be found between utilising the most recent guidelines and meeting the needs of the individual to ensure their on‐going independence.
Effects of testosterone treatment on bone mineral density in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome
Authors: Rodriguez‐Tolrà J. , Torremadé J. , di Gregorio S. , del Rio L. , Franco E. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe decline in testosterone levels found in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is associated with a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). To study the safety profile and efficacy of testosterone treatment on BMD in patients with TDS. In this 2‐year prospective open‐label study, patients were administered 50 mg of testosterone gel daily (adjustable after 3 months up to 75–100 mg or down to 25 mg) for 12 months, followed by treatment with 1000 mg of testosterone undecanoate every 2–3 months from months 12–24. Outcome measures were as follows: (i) Changes in clinical chemistry safety parameters and total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin and calculated free testosterone (cFT) levels; (ii) Changes in Aging Males′ Symptoms Scale (AMS) and International Prostate Symptom Score scores; and (iii) Changes in lumbar spine and hip BMD. A total of 50 men aged 50–65 years with TDS (AMS >26 and cFT <0.250 nmol/mL) took part in the study. There was no significant impact of testosterone on safety. Prostate‐specific antigen and haematopoietic parameters increased significantly, although the changes were not clinically significant. Total and cFT increased significantly after 3 months (p < 0.001) and there were significant improvements after 3 months in AMS scores (p < 0.001). BMD improved significantly in L2–L4 (2.90 and 4.5%), total femur (0.74 and 3%) and trochanter (1.09 and 3.2%) at 12 and 24 months respectively. Testosterone treatment in men with TDS has a good safety profile, leads to significant improvement in lumbar spine and hip BMD, and improves symptoms, as assessed by the AMS questionnaire.
Conversion of Valence State and Coordination State of Fe in Transparent Glass‐Ceramics ContainingLi2ZnSiO4Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhuang Yixi , Tanabe Setsuhisa 
Published: May 2013

Transparent glass‐ceramics containingLi2ZnSiO4:Fe nanocrystals were prepared by melt‐quenching method followed by post‐heat‐treatment process. The as‐prepared glasses and glass‐ceramics showed red to near‐infrared photoluminescence centered at 730 nm, ascribed toFe3+ions in tetrahedral coordination. The intensity of the photoluminescence was enhanced by two technologically simple techniques—the valence state of irons was controlled fromFe2+toFe3+ions using oxidizing agents, whereas the coordination state was compulsorily converted from octahedral to tetrahedral symmetry by performing a ceramization process. The presence ofFe2+ions was considered a major origin forFe3+photoluminescence quenching. Oxidation ofFe2+and conversion ofFe2+ions into tetrahedral symmetry contribute to suppression of energy transfer fromFe3+emitters toFe2+quenching centers.
Morphometric features of corneal epithelial basal cells, and their relationship with corneal nerve pathology and clinical factors in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ishibashi Fukashi , Kawasaki Asami , Yamanaka Emi , Kosaka Aiko , Uetake Harumi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionWe compared the morphometric features of corneal epithelial basal cells between patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy controls, and analyzed the relationship of these features with corneal nerve fiber pathology and clinical factors in the patients.Materials and MethodsCorneal epithelial basal cells and corneal nerve fibers were visualized by corneal confocal microscopy in 75 patients with type 2 diabetes and 42 age‐matched controls. Density, area and area variability of corneal epithelial basal cells, as well as the width of the intercellular space between neighboring cells, were evaluated for both groups.ResultsPatients showed decreased density (P < 0.02) and area (P < 0.0001), larger area variability (P < 0.0001) and a wider intercellular space (P < 0.0001) compared with controls. Density correlated inversely with area (P < 0.0001), width of intercellular space (P < 0.03) and beading frequency (P < 0.03), whereas it correlated directly with prothrombin time (P < 0.002) and activated partial thromboplastin time (P < 0.03). Area correlated inversely with duration of diabetes (P < 0.05) and coefficient of variation of area (P < 0.01), whereas it correlated directly with beading frequency (P < 0.05). Area variability correlated inversely with area (P < 0.01) and prothrombin time (P < 0.01), whereas it correlated directly with fibrinogen level (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsType 2 diabetes induces morphometric changes in corneal epithelial basal cells; this seems to be related to the morbid period of diabetes, beading frequency of corneal nerve fibers and blood coagulation state.
Selection and Characterization of a Novel Photoperiod‐Sensitive Male Sterile Line in Upland Cotton
Authors: Ma Jianhui , Wei Hengling , Liu Ji , Song Meizhen , Pang Chaoyou , Wang Long , Zhang Wenxiang , Fan Shuli , Yu Shuxun 
Published: May 2013

AbstractUpland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) shows strong heterosis. However, heterosis is not widely utilized owing to the high cost of hybrid seed production. Creation of a photoperiod‐sensitive genetic male sterile line could substantially reduce the cost of hybrid seed production in upland cotton. Such a mutant with virescent marker was found by space mutation in near‐earth orbit and its traits had been stable after 4 years of selection in Anyang and Sanya, China. This mutant was fertile with an 11–12.5 h photoperiod when the temperature was higher than 21.5 °C and was sterile with a 13–14.5 h photoperiod. Genetic analysis indicated that both traits were controlled by a single recessive gene or two closely linked genes. Also, the cytological observations and transcriptome profiling analysis showed that the degradation of pollen grain cytoplasm should be the primary reason why the mutant line were male sterile under long‐day conditions.