bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium dynamics in microbialite‐forming exopolymer‐rich mats on the atoll of Kiritimati, Republic of Kiribati, Central Pacific
Authors: Ionescu D. , Spitzer S. , Reimer A. , Schneider D. , Daniel R. , Reitner J. , de Beer D. , Arp G. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMicrobialite‐forming microbial mats in a hypersaline lake on the atoll of Kiritimati were investigated with respect to microgradients, bulk water chemistry, and microbial community composition. O2, H2S, and pH microgradients show patterns as commonly observed for phototrophic mats with cyanobacteria‐dominated primary production in upper layers, an intermediate purple layer with sulfide oxidation, and anaerobic bottom layers with sulfate reduction. Ca2+ profiles, however, measured in daylight showed an increase of Ca2+ with depth in the oxic zone, followed by a sharp decline and low concentrations in anaerobic mat layers. In contrast, dark measurements show a constant Ca2+ concentration throughout the entire measured depth. This is explained by an oxygen‐dependent heterotrophic decomposition of Ca2+‐binding exopolymers. Strikingly, the daylight maximum in Ca2+ and subsequent drop coincides with a major zone of aragonite and gypsum precipitation at the transition from the cyanobacterial layer to the purple sulfur bacterial layer. Therefore, we suggest that Ca2+ binding exopolymers function as Ca2+ shuttle by their passive downward transport through compression, triggering aragonite precipitation in the mats upon their aerobic microbial decomposition and secondary Ca2+ release. This precipitation is mediated by phototrophic sulfide oxidizers whose action additionally leads to the precipitation of part of the available Ca2+ as gypsum.
Gestational weight gain according to Institute of Medicine recommendations in relation to infant size and body composition
Authors: Henriksson P. , Eriksson B. , Forsum E. , Löf M. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBackgroundIntrauterine life may be a critical period for programming childhood obesity; however, there is insufficient knowledge concerning how gestational weight gain (GWG) affects infant fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM).ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate relationships between GWG according to Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations and infant size, FM and FFM. We also investigated if the associations were different for normal‐weight and overweight/obese women.MethodsThis study included 312 healthy Swedish mother–infant pairs. Infant body composition at 1 week of age was assessed using air‐displacement plethysmography. Maternal GWG was defined as below, within or above the 2009 IOM recommendations. Multiple regression analyses were used.ResultsCompared with women whose weight gain was within IOM recommendations, women with weight gain below the recommendations had infants that were shorter (−0.7 cm, P = 0.008) when adjusting for confounders. Normal‐weight women exceeding IOM recommendations had infants with higher FM (+58 g, P = 0.008) compared with normal‐weight women who gained within the recommendations. No corresponding association was observed for overweight/obese women.ConclusionsInadequate GWG was associated with shorter infants, while excessive GWG was associated with greater infant FM for women who were of normal weight before pregnancy.
In-vitro evidence of enhanced breast cancer resistance protein-mediated intestinal urate secretion by uremic toxins in Caco-2 cells
Authors: Lu Yang , Nakanishi Takeo , Hosomi Atsushi , Komori Hisakazu , Tamai Ikumi 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Objectives
It has been reported that intestinal urate excretion is increased at chronic kidney disease (CKD) state. In this report, whether uremic toxins are involved in the upregulation of intestinal breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), an intestinal urate exporter, was examined.

Methods
Uremic toxins that were increased at least 15-fold at CKD state were selected for investigation. Caco-2 cells were exposed to these uremic toxins at clinically relevant concentrations. mRNA was quantified by real-time PCR, and flow cytometry was utilized to measure BCRP protein and function in Caco-2 cells. Transcellular secretory transport of [14C]urate was determined utilizing Transwell studies after uremic toxin exposure.

Key findings
Indoxyl sulfate (IS) treatment alone resulted in ∼3-fold increase in BCRP mRNA in Caco-2 cells. Membrane protein expression of BCRP in Caco-2 cells also was increased by 1.8-fold after treatment with IS. Intracellular accumulation of pheophorbide A, a selective BCRP substrate, was decreased by 22% after IS treatment for 3 days. Consistent with these findings, transcellular secretory transport of urate across Caco-2 cell monolayers was increased by 22%.

Conclusion
Intestinal urate secretion may be increased at CKD state partially by upregulation of intestinal BCRP by uremic toxins such as IS.
Orally administered novel cyclic pentapeptide P-317 alleviates symptoms of diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Zielińska Marta , Chen Chunqiu , Mokrowiecka Anna , Cygankiewicz Adam I , Zakrzewski Piotr K , Sałaga Maciej , Małecka-Panas Ewa , Wlaź Piotr , Krajewska Wanda M , Fichna Jakub 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Objective
The aim of our study was to characterize the effect of P-317, a novel cyclic derivative of morphiceptin, on gastrointestinal (GI) motility and abdominal pain in mouse models mimicking symptoms of diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D).

Methods
The effect of P-317 on mouse intestinal motility was characterized in vitro and in vivo in physiological and pathopysiological conditions. The antinociceptive action of P-317 was characterized in the mustard oil-induced abdominal pain model and the writhing test. Locomotor activity and grip-strength tests were used to evaluate the effect of P-317 in the central nervous system (CNS). To translate our study to clinical conditions, the semi-quantitative expression of μ-opioid receptors (MOP) and κ-opioid receptors (KOP) messenger RNA (mRNA) in human colonic samples from IBS-D patients was quantified.

Key findings
In vitro, P-317 (10−10–10−6 M) inhibited colonic and ileal smooth muscle contractions in a concentration-dependent, β-funaltrexamine and nor-binaltorphimine-reversible manner. In vivo, P-317 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p. and 1 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited GI transit, displayed a potent antinociceptive action in abdominal pain tests and did not influence the CNS.

Conclusion
P-317 produced a potent analgesic and antidiarrhoeal action in the mouse GI tract after oral administration. Given lower expression of MOP and KOP mRNA in IBS-D patients, P-317 is a promising peptide-based drug candidate for IBS-D therapy.
Mammal carcasses attract a swarm of mussels in the deep Atlantic: insights into colonization and biogeography of a chemosymbiotic species
Authors: Génio Luciana , Rodrigues Clara F. , Guedes Inês F. , Almeida Hélio , Duperron Sébastien , Hilário Ana 
Published: December 2014

AbstractFive mammal carcasses were experimentally deployed at 1000 m depth in the Setubal Canyon (NE Atlantic) in March 2011 and the remaining bones were collected after 18 and 28 months. High numbers (1.92–6.27 individuals·cm2) of small mussels were found among a diverse invertebrate assemblage colonizing surfaces, crevices and cavities in the trabecular matrix of bones. In this study we characterized the mussel population and their associated bacteria and investigated population structure and settlement patterns. The results of molecular analysis indicated that the mussels are conspecific with the widely distributed bathymodiolin species ‘Idas’ simpsoni and harbor sulfur‐oxidizing bacterial symbionts. Modal decomposition of length‐frequency distributions and estimated shell growth rate suggested that settlement of ‘I.’ simpsoni is continuous and that post‐settlement mortality affects the population structure. This study reports the highest densities and fastest growth rates within bathymodiolin mussels occurring on organic substrates yet recorded and provides evidence for effective mussel recruitment in organic falls in the NE Atlantic Ocean. These results highlight the importance of ephemeral habitats on the biogeographic distribution and dispersal of chemosymbiotic species in deep‐sea ecosystems.
Factors affecting actualisation of the WHO breastfeeding recommendations in urban poor settings in Kenya
Authors: Kimani‐Murage Elizabeth W. , Wekesah Frederick , Wanjohi Milka , Kyobutungi Catherine , Ezeh Alex C. , Musoke Rachel N. , Norris Shane A. , Madise Nyovani J. , Griffiths Paula 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPoor breastfeeding practices are widely documented in Kenya, where only a third of children are exclusively breastfed for 6 months and only 2% in urban poor settings. This study aimed to better understand the factors that contribute to poor breastfeeding practices in two urban slums in Nairobi, Kenya. In‐depth interviews (IDIs), focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with women of childbearing age, community health workers, village elders and community leaders and other knowledgeable people in the community. A total of 19 IDIs, 10 FGDs and 11 KIIs were conducted, and were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded in NVIVO and analysed thematically. We found that there was general awareness regarding optimal breastfeeding practices, but the knowledge was not translated into practice, leading to suboptimal breastfeeding practices. A number of social and structural barriers to optimal breastfeeding were identified: (1) poverty, livelihood and living arrangements; (2) early and single motherhood; (3) poor social and professional support; (4) poor knowledge, myths and misconceptions; (5) HIV; and (6) unintended pregnancies. The most salient of the factors emerged as livelihoods, whereby women have to resume work shortly after delivery and work for long hours, leaving them unable to breastfeed optimally. Women in urban poor settings face an extremely complex situation with regard to breastfeeding due to multiple challenges and risk behaviours often dictated to them by their circumstances. Macro‐level policies and interventions that consider the ecological setting are needed.
Deep peri‐implantitis: two cases treated with implant apicoectomy with follow‐up of at least 7 years
Authors: Kalyvas D. , Tarenidou M. , Zorogiannidis G. , Tsetsenekou E. , Grous A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimDeep periimplantitis is a lesion located in the periapical region of an osseointegtated implant. The aim of this study was to present 2 cases of this feature treated with apicoectomy.Materials and methodsTwo cases of deep periimplantitis located in the maxillary premolar region are presented in this report. Both the lesions were situated in the apical segment of otherwise osseointegrated and long (15 mm) implants. They were treated with surgical debridement, apicoectomy, bone substitute and antibiotics.ResultsBone overheating, proximity to periapical lesions or previous inflammation seem to be the three possible causes of the lesions in the cases presented. The follow‐up period of 7 and 10 years indicates that implant apicoectomy is a safe and reliable treatment choice.ConclusionsThe treatment of choice for deep periimplantitis is implant apicoectomy, unless the implant is mobile, where implant removal is preferable.
Clinical efficacy of lamotrigine and changes in the dosages of concomitantly used psychotropic drugs in Alzheimer's disease with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: a preliminary open‐label trial
Authors: Suzuki Hidenobu , Gen Keishi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimWe investigated the clinical efficacy and changes in the dosages of concomitantly used psychotropic drugs in lamotrigine therapy in Alzheimer's disease with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).MethodsThis study was a 16‐week, preliminary open‐label trial. The subjects were 40 inpatients. The outcome measures assessed were BPSD and cognitive function. BPSD was assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and cognitive function was assessed with the Mini‐Mental State Examination. The changes in the dosages of concomitant psychotropic drugs were also assessed.ResultsAlthough the mean changes from baseline NPI scores and the two NPI subscales (anxiety and irritability) were significantly lower within the lamotrigine therapy group, no significant differences were found when we compared the lamotrigine therapy group to the control group. The mean decrease from baseline on the NPI agitation subscale, however, was significantly greater in the lamotrigine therapy group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mean decrease from baseline in the diazepam‐equivalent dose was significantly greater in the lamotrigine therapy group than in the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that the administration of lamotrigine to patients with severe Alzheimer's disease with BPSD may be effective and may make it possible to avoid increasing the dosage of antipsychotic medications prescribed to elderly patients.
ON THE GENERAL EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO RADIUM ON METABOLISM AND TUMOUR GROWTH IN THE RAT AND THE SPECIAL EFFECTS ON TESTIS AND PITUITARY
Authors: Mottram J. C. , Cramer W. 
Published: December 2014

When small doses of radiation from radium are applied over long periods to young male rats certain general changes are produced. These animals put on weight more rapidly than the controls and become very obese. The testes show intense atrophy of the seminiferous tubules and hypertrophy of the interstitial cells. The pituitary gland also shows changes in all three parts of the gland. The experimental analysis of these phenomena leads to the following conclusions :The primary effect is the atrophy of the seminiferous tubules. The resulting shrinkage of these tubules allows the interstitial cells to hypertrophy. Comparison with the effects of castration shows that the elimination of the functional activity of the seminal epithelium does not lead to obesity. It only produces certain definite changes in the anterior portion of the pituitary gland. The obesity is, in this condition at any rate, the direct or indirect result of the hypertrophy of the interstitial cells, which also produces changes in the intermediate and posterior portions of the pituitary.The observations show that the two component tissues of the testis, the spermatogenetic tissue and the interstitial tissue, have two distinct and independent effects on the organism, and that of these two effects that of the interstitial cells is the more profound one. Even in the absence of the spermatogenetic tissue they furnish an internal secretion which produces definite changes in the intermediate and nervous portions of the pituitary and which, through its action on this gland and possibly also some other endocrine organs, affects the metabolism. These effects on endocrine organs and metabolism represent probably the actual basis of the general changes stated by Steinach to occur after implantation of testicular tissue and, when induced in a senile organism, described vaguely as rejuvenescence.The interrelationship of obesity and sterility is discussed and an explanation is given of the possible mode of production of the symptom complex of dystrophia adiposo‐genitalis.Resection of the vasa deferentia produces no very obvious changes in either testis or pituitary, and does not produce obesity.Rats which have been rendered obese by exposure to radium are more resistant to the growth of transplantable tumours.
THE EFFECT ON THE STOMACH OF STIMULATION OF THE PERIPHERAL END OF THE SPLANCHNIC NERVE
Authors: M'Crea E. D'A. , M'Swiney B. A. 
Published: December 2014

Stimulation of the peripheral cut end of either splanchnic nerve will, if the organ be in a state of “hypotonus,” bring about a rise in the entogastric pressure. Should the viscus be initially in a condition of “hypertonus” a fall of entogastric pressure takes place and existing movements cease.Our chief results may be summarised as follows:—1. The primary effect of stimulation of the peripheral cut end of the splanchnic nerve on the stomach is dependent on the existing condition of the peripheral mechanism (“tonus”), and may be inhibitor or augmentor.2. The inhibitor or augmentor effect may involve both “tonus” and movement.The expenses of this investigation were in part defrayed from a grant from the Government Grant Committee of the Royal Society.
THE MECHANISM OF CAPILLARY CONTRACTION
Authors: Sanders A. G. , Ebert R. H. , Florey H. W. 
Published: December 2014

(1) From this series of experiments carried out under good optical conditions, in one case as good as present lenses allow, we conclude that capillary contraction occurs in the rabbit's ear‐chamber, that this contraction is under the control of the sympathetic nervous system, and that endothelial swelling causes the obliteration of the vessels. No positive evidence was obtained of the participation of Rouget cells in this contraction.(2) “Spikes” on the endothelium of slightly injured veins have been noted. Red corpuscles hang on these, often for several seconds.The chambers have been made in the laboratory by Mr. S. W. Bush, to whose skill we are greatly indebted. Mr. J. Kent has had charge of the animals. The drawing is by Mr. H. Axtell.
PULMONARY VASOMOTOR RESPONSES OF ISOLATED PERFUSED CAT LUNGS TO ANOXIA AND HYPERCAPNIA
Authors: Duke Helen N. 
Published: December 2014

1. A method for perfusing isolated cats' lungs with the animal's own heparinized blood is described, with some observations on the condition of the lungs during and after perfusion.2. The pulmonary vasomotor responses to inhalation of various gas mixtures have been studied during perfusion of the pulmonary vessels at constant volume inflow.3. Inhalation of gas mixtures containing 5–10 per cent. CO2 produces pulmonary vasoconstriction, as shown by an increase of pulmonary arterial pressure.4. Inhalation of gas mixtures containing less than 15 per cent. O2 also produces a pressor response.5. Ventilation of the lungs with pure O2 has no effect under the conditions of the experiments.6. Ventilation of the lungs with pure neon or H2 produces similar effects to that produced by pure N2.7. The pulmonary vasomotor responses to CO2 and O2 lack are not abolished by dihydroergotamine or atropine.
State‐dependent radial elasticity of attached cross‐bridges in single skinned fibres of rabbit psoas muscle
Authors: Xu Sengen , Brenner Bernhard , Yu Leepo C. 
Published: December 2014

1. In a single skinned fibre of rabbit psoas muscle, upon attachment of cross‐bridges to actin in the presence of ADP or pyrophosphate (PPi), the separation between the contractile filaments, as determined by equatorial X‐ray diffraction, is found to decrease, suggesting that force is generated in the radial direction.2. The single muscle fibres were subjected to compression by 0‐8% of dextran T500. The changes in lattice spacings by dextran compression were compared with changes induced by cross‐bridge attachment to actin. Based on this comparison, the magnitude and the direction of the radial force generated by the attached cross‐bridges were estimated. The radial cross‐bridge force varied with filament separation, and the magnitude of the radial cross‐bridge force reached as high as the maximal axial force produced during isometric contraction.3. One key parameter of the radial elasticity, i.e. the equilibrium spacing where the radial force is zero, was found to depend on the ligand bound to the myosin head. In the presence of ADP, the equilibrium spacing was 36 nm. In the presence of MgPPi the equilibrium spacing shifted to 35 nm and Ca2+ had little effect on the equilibrium spacing.4. The equilibrium spacing was independent of the fraction of cross‐bridges attached to actin. The fraction of cross‐bridges attached in rigor was modulated from 100% to close to 0% by adding up to 10 mM of ATPγS in the rigor solution. The lattice spacing remained at 38 nm, the equilibrium spacing for nucleotide‐free cross‐bridges at μ = 170 mM.5. Radial force generated by cross‐bridges in rigor at large lattice spacings (38 nm ≤ d10 ≤ 46 nm) appeared to vary linearly with lattice spacing.6. The titration of ATPγS to fibres in rigor provided a correlation between the radial stiffness of the nucleotide‐free cross‐bridges and the equatorial intensities. The relation between the equatorial intensity ratio I11/I10 and radial stiffness appeared to be approximately linear.7. The fibres under different conditions showed a wide range of radial stiffness, which was not proportional to the apparent axial stiffness of the fibre. If the apparent axial stiffness is a measure of the fraction of cross‐bridges bound to actin, it follows that the radial elastic constant is state dependent; or vice versa.8. Differences in equilibrium lattice spacing and in radial elastic constant, most probably reflect differences in the molecular structure of the acto‐myosin complex and there is more than one single conformation of the various strongly bound cross‐bridge states.9. Determining equilibrium spacings of the radial elasticity appears to be an effective new approach in detecting structural differences among the attached cross‐bridges, since this approach is independent of the fraction of cross‐bridges attached, a factor that frequently encumbers the interpretation of structural studies of attached cross‐bridge states.
Conjugate Heat Transfer Performances for Gaseous Flows in Short Micro Channels
Authors: Croce Giulio , Coppola Michele A. , Rovenskaya Olga 
Published: December 2014

A fully conjugate heat transfer analysis of gaseous flow, within slip flow regime, in short microchannels is presented. A Navier Stokes code, coupled with Maxwell slip and Smoluchowski temperature jump models, is adopted.
The main focus is on the interaction between compressibility and heat transfer; in particular, due to the link between temperature and velocity field in highly compressible flow, it is important to recast the channel performance parameters in order to take into account the flow cooling due to the conversion between internal and kinetic energy. Results are presented for Nusselt number and a corrected heat sink thermal resistance, as well as resulting wall temperature.
Single-Phase Cryogenic Flows Through Microchannel Heat Sinks
Authors: Rasouli Erfan , Narayanan Vinod 
Published: December 2014

Cryogenic fluids are used widely in several thermal management applications such as in regenerative cooling of rocket engine combustor liners, missile warning receivers, satellite tracking systems and cryo-adsorbent hydrogen storage systems. Single phase laminar flow and heat transfer rate of liquid nitrogen in microchannels is studied experimentally in this paper.
The performance of two distinct geometries of microchannel heat sinks are evaluated and compared for simultaneous developing laminar flow in the Reynolds number range from 180 to 610. The first geometry pertains to parallel microchannels while the second corresponds to a staggered microscale pin fin array. Two parallel microchannel geometries having identical widths of 140μm and identical laminar thermal resistances but with different aspect ratios of 4.7 and 7.6 are compared. The pin fin heat sink consisted of square pins of 395μm side and oriented at 45 degrees to the flow. All three heat sinks have identical heat source surface area.
Results are presented in a non-dimensional form in terms of the friction factor, Nusselt, Reynolds numbers and compared with the predictions of existing correlations in the literature for parallel microchannels and micro pin fin heat sinks.