bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An automated method for the calculation of P–T paths from garnet zoning, with application to metapelitic schist from the Kootenay Arc, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Moynihan D. P. , Pattison D. R. M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAn automated method for the calculation of P–T paths based on garnet zoning is presented and used to interpret zoning in metapelitic schist from the southern Canadian Cordillera. The approach adopted to reconstruct the P–T path is to match garnet compositions along a radial transect with predictions from thermodynamic forward models, while iteratively modifying the composition to account for fractional crystallization. The method is applied to a representative sample of garnet‐ and staurolite‐bearing schist from an amphibolite facies Barrovian belt in the southern Canadian Omineca belt. Garnet zoning in these schists is concentric and largely continuous from core to rim. Three zones are present, the first two of which coincide with sector‐zoned cores of garnet crystals. Similar zoning is developed in rocks that contain or lack staurolite, respectively, suggesting garnet growth was restricted to the initial part of the prograde P–T path prior to the development of staurolite. Growth zoning in large garnet crystals has not been significantly modified by diffusion. This interpretation is based on zoning characteristics of garnet crystals and is further supported by results of a forward model incorporating the effects of simultaneous fractional crystallization and intracrystalline diffusion. The P–T path calculated for this rock includes an initial, linear stage with a high dP/dT, and a later stage dominated by heating. The approach adopted in this study may have application to other garnet‐bearing rocks in which growth zoning is preserved.
Nurse practitioner prescribing practices: the most frequently prescribed medications
Authors: Buckley Thomas , Cashin Andrew , Stuart Meg , Browne Graeme , Dunn Sandra V 
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore which medications Australian nurse practitioners most frequently prescribe.BackgroundAlthough nurse practitioners in Australia have prescriptive authority, little is known about which specific medications nurse practitioners are prescribing and how frequently they do so.DesignDescriptive electronic survey.MethodsA total of 209 nurse practitioners reported current prescribing practices. Medications reported were categorised according to the Australian Medicines Handbook major drug classifications and frequencies presented.ResultsSeventy‐eight per cent of respondents reported prescribing medications as part of their Nurse Practitioner practice. In total, participants reported prescribing 234 separate medications from most Australian Medicines Handbook major drug classifications. Medications from the classification anti‐infective drugs were most frequently prescribed followed by medications from analgesic, psychotropic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, genitourinary and gastrointestinal classifications.ConclusionThe majority of nurse practitioners in Australia prescribe medications in their clinical practice, although the proportion of nurse practitioners prescribing has not changed significantly in the past four years. The medications prescribed are comparable with those most frequently prescribed by all prescribers in Australia and highlight the diversity in scope of practice among nurse practitioners.Relevance to clinical practiceFindings highlight the importance of Nurse Practitioner's a capacity to prescribe wide variety of medications, especially in practice areas such acute, primary and emergency care. The unique role nurse practitioners in relation to management of patients with infective processes and patients requiring pain relief is highlighted. Insight into current Nurse Practitioner prescribing trends informs future Nurse Practitioner curricular and future continuing education programmes. Findings give unique insight for future service planning, especially service providers considering introducing nurse practitioners to their service. The finding that nurse practitioners prescribing patterns are similar to other non‐nurse practitioner prescribers in Australia highlights the potential for service providers to introduce new models of care that are Nurse Practitioner lead.
Tadalafil Once Daily Improves Ejaculatory Function, Erectile Function, and Sexual Satisfaction in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Suggestive of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Erectile Dysfunction: Results from a Randomized, Placebo- and Tamsulosin-Controlled, 12-Week Double-Blind Study
Authors: Giuliano François , Oelke Matthias , Jungwirth Andreas , Hatzimouratidis Konstantinos , Watts Steven , Cox David , Viktrup Lars 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Tadalafil, a long-acting phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, is approved for treating signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED); tamsulosin, an alpha-blocker, is approved for treating signs and symptoms of BPH.

Aim
To determine the effects of tadalafil or tamsulosin on sexual function, including ejaculation and orgasm, satisfaction, and erectile function, in sexually active men with ED and lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of BPH (LUTS/BPH).

Methods
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of tadalafil 5mg once daily for 12 weeks in men with LUTS/BPH; tamsulosin 0.4mg once daily was an active control.

Main Outcome Measures
The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was administered at baseline and 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Analysis of orgasm and ejaculation was post hoc based on the IIEF-Orgasmic Function (OF) domain (IIEF-Q9 [ejaculatory frequency] and Q10 [orgasmic frequency]). Other measures included IIEF-Intercourse Satisfaction (IS), Overall Satisfaction (OS), and Erectile Function (EF) domains. Changes from baseline to 12 weeks (or last observation) vs. placebo were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Higher IIEF scores indicate better functioning.

Results
Of 511 study participants, 310 (60.7%) had ED and were sexually active. The IIEF-OF increased significantly through 12 weeks with tadalafil vs. placebo (P =0.048), as did IIEF-Q9 (P =0.045) but not IIEF-Q10 (P =0.100). Compared with placebo, IIEF-OF, Q9, and Q10 decreased significantly with tamsulosin (all P &lt;0.05). The IIEF-IS and OS increased significantly at end point with tadalafil (both P &lt;0.001); for tamsulosin, change was not significant for IS, while OS decreased significantly (P =0.009). The IIEF-EF domain increased significantly vs. placebo with tadalafil (P &lt;0.001) but not tamsulosin (P =0.699).

Conclusions
Tadalafil 5mg once daily significantly improved ejaculation and orgasm, intercourse and overall satisfaction, and erectile function. Men receiving tamsulosin 0.4mg once daily experienced a decrease in both ejaculatory/orgasmic frequency and overall satisfaction vs. placebo, with no significant effect on erectile function.
Seeing the unseen by remote sensing: satellite imagery applied to species distribution modelling
Authors: Rocchini Duccio 
Published: January 2013

AbstractRemotely‐sensed proxies have been acknowledged as powerful tools for estimating species’ spatial distributions, whatever the taxonomic group being considered. Jiang et al. (2013) provide a robust example of seeing the unseen by remote sensing, predicting the distribution of epiphyllous liverworts from SPOT Vegetation remotely‐sensed data.
Development of the Thai healthy aging model: A grounded theory study
Authors: Thiamwong Ladda , McManus Michael S. , Suwanno Jom 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTo develop a model of healthy aging from the perspective of Thais, a grounded theory approach, including in‐depth interviews and focus groups, was used. A purposive sample of 39 community‐dwelling adults aged 40–85 years old was interviewed. The Thai healthy aging model composed of three themes: normality, nature, and dharma. In Thai, they are called tham‐ma‐da, tham‐ma‐chat, and tham‐ma, or “Thai 3Ts”. The theme of normality encompasses subthemes of staying physically active by being involved in plenty of physical activities, and being mentally active with creative and thoughtful hobbies and work. The theme of nature encompasses subthemes of living simply and being careful with money. The theme of dharma encompasses subthemes of enjoyment through helping family and participating in community activities, staying away from stress and worries by talking openly and honestly with someone, making merit, and helping other people without expecting anything in return. A greater understanding of healthy aging is a benefit for older adults and healthcare providers in an intervention‐design process. Research can contribute valuable information to shape policy for healthy aging as well.
Informed decision making regarding antenatal screening for fetal abnormality in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study of parents and professionals
Authors: Barr Owen , Skirton Heather 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore the views of parents and health professionals regarding informed decision making for antenatal screening for Down syndrome. This qualitative study was based on thematic analysis and conducted in England, where screening for Down syndrome is universally offered to all pregnant women. Four focus groups were held with pregnant women and/or their partners (n = 22), and another four groups were held with health professionals who offer antenatal screening (n = 22). Data were analyzed through coding of the transcribed focus group discussions and extraction of main themes. Extracted themes were: information overload, gaps in information, challenges in providing information and involvement of both parents in the decision. Parents and professionals believed that burdening parents with untimely information on a wide range of topics in the first trimester detracted from decision making about screening. Many parents also reported they were not sufficiently informed and wanted individualized discussion with a health professional. To ensure parents make informed decisions, information on screening should be provided at the appropriate time, with opportunity for personal discussion with a knowledgeable health professional.
Molecular evolution and expression divergence of the Populus polygalacturonase supergene family shed light on the evolution of increasingly complex organs in plants
Authors: Yang Zhi‐Ling , Liu Hai‐Jing , Wang Xiao‐Ru , Zeng Qing‐Yin 
Published: January 2013

Summary

Plant polygalacturonases (PGs) are involved in cell separation processes during many stages of plant development. Investigation into the diversification of this large gene family in land plants could shed light on the evolution of structural development.

We conducted whole‐genome annotation, molecular evolution and gene expression analyses of PG genes in five species of land plant: Populus, Arabidopsis, rice, Selaginella and Physcomitrella.

We identified 75, 44, 16 and 11 PG genes from Populus, rice, Selaginella and Physcomitrella genomes, respectively, which were divided into three classes. We inferred rapid expansion of class I PG genes in Populus, Arabidopsis and rice, while copy numbers of classes II and III PG genes were relatively conserved in all five species. Populus, Arabidopsis and rice class I PG genes were under more relaxed selection constraints than class II PG genes, while this selective pressure divergence was not observed in Selaginella and Physcomitrella PG families. In addition, class I PG genes underwent marked expression divergence in Populus, rice and Selaginella.

Our results suggest that PG gene expansion occurred after the divergence of the lycophytes and euphyllophytes, and this expansion was likely paralleled by the evolution of increasingly complex organs in land plants.
Contrast sensitivity in the ‘good eye’ of adult patients with severe impairment in the other eye
Authors: Giannakopoulou Trisevgeni , Plainis Sotiris , Pallikaris Ioannis G , Tsilimbaris Miltiadis K 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPurposeIt is widely accepted that monocular deprivation results in improved visual performance in the non‐pathological eye. The current study investigates the effect of deprivation due to severe impairment in one eye during late childhood or adulthood, on the spatial performance of the fellow ‘good’ eye.MethodsTwenty patients (age: 29 ± 9 years) with severe visual impairment in one eye (visual acuity equal or worse than count fingers at 1 m), for a period longer than 2 years, participated in the study. Only patients with an age less than 50 years and monocular deprivation onset greater than 9 years were included. On the basis of the time of deprivation the patients were categorised into two subgroups: (i) long‐past deprivation (N = 8, age 28 ± 8 years, 9–20 years of deprivation) and recent deprivation (N = 12, age 30 ± 11 years, 2–4 years of deprivation). Eighteen more participants (age: 28 ± 5 years) with normal binocular vision served as the control group. Best‐corrected contrast sensitivity was evaluated using reversing (2 Hz) vertical sinusoidal gratings. Seven spatial frequencies (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24 c/deg) were tested. Performance of the control group was tested both monocularly (dominant eye) and binocularly.ResultsIn normal subjects, binocular viewing improved contrast sensitivity on average by 4.2 dB (corresponding to a 70% improvement in contrast threshold) compared to monocular recordings. Average contrast sensitivity in subjects with impaired vision in one eye was found to be higher by 5.0 dB (corresponding to an 83% improvement in contrast threshold) compared with the dominant eye of the control group. The increase in sensitivity was independent of spatial frequency. No differences were observed between the two subgroups with recent and long‐past deprivation.ConclusionsNotable improvement in contrast sensitivity was found in the non‐pathological eye of patients with severe impairment in the other eye at an age after the “critical” period of visual development. These findings are consistent with growing evidence supporting functional changes as a result of altered experience or injury in the adult vision system.
The effects of a stimulating intron on the expression of heterologous genes in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Emami Shahram , Arumainayagam Dinah , Korf Ian , Rose Alan B. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryIntrons are often added to transgenes to increase expression, although the mechanism through which introns stimulate gene expression in plants and other eukaryotes remains mysterious. While introns vary in their effect on expression, it is unknown whether different genes respond similarly to the same stimulatory intron. Furthermore, the degree to which gene regulation is preserved when expression is increased by an intron has not been thoroughly investigated. To test the effects of the same intron on the expression of a range of genes, GUS translational fusions were constructed using the promoters of eight Arabidopsis genes whose expression was reported to be constitutive (GAE1, CNGC2 and ROP10), tissue specific (ADL1A, YAB3 and AtAMT2) or regulated by light (ULI3 and MSBP1). For each gene, a fusion containing the first intron from the UBQ10 gene was compared to fusions containing the gene's endogenous first intron (if the gene has one) or no intron. In every case, the UBQ10 intron increased expression relative to the intronless control, although the magnitude of the change and the level of expression varied. The UBQ10 intron also changed the expression patterns of the CNGC2 and YAB3 fusions to include strong activity in roots, indicating that tissue specificity was disrupted by this intron. In contrast, the regulation of the ULI3 and MSBP1 genes by light was preserved when their expression was stimulated by the intron. These findings have important implications for biotechnology applications in which a high level of transgene expression in only certain tissues is desired.
Tracking source materials of Phanerozoic granitoids in South Korea by zircon Hf isotopes
Authors: Cheong Chang‐sik , Yi Keewook , Kim Namhoon , Lee Tae‐Ho , Lee Seung Ryeol , Geng Jian‐zhen , Li Huai‐kun 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPhanerozoic granitoids in South Korea are classified into four primary spatiotemporal groups showing geochemical and isotopic diversity. This study presents the first in situ Hf isotope data for zircons extracted from representative outcrops of each granitoid group. The core‐to‐rim variation in εHf values observed in some zircon grains provides evidence for open‐system processes influenced by the input of more primitive melts or interactions with pre‐existing crustal materials. A general core‐to‐rim decrease in Lu/Hf and Th/U ratios indicates a progressive compositional change in the melts during magmatic differentiation. Contrasting evolutionary paths demonstrated by zircon εHf values suggest that the Neoproterozoic to Palaeozoic crust including the Permian granitoids was recycled during the Cretaceous to Palaeogene magmatism in south‐eastern Korea, whereas the Palaeoarchaean to Palaeoproterozoic crust provided major source material for the Triassic to Jurassic granitoids in central Korea.
Seropositivity Rates for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella IgG and Costs Associated with Testing and Revaccination
Authors: Shirts Brian H. , Welch Ryan J. , Couturier Marc Roger 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTRetrospective analysis of IgG test results and patterns for measles, mumps, and rubella revealed generally high seropositivity rates, with that of mumps being the lowest. A simplified cost analysis shows that when there is a suspicion of nonimmunity, serological testing may be cheaper than vaccination.
Unusual Patterns of IgG Avidity in Some Young Children following Two Doses of the Adjuvanted Pandemic H1N1 (2009) Influenza Virus Vaccine
Authors: Yam Karen K. , Gupta Jyotsana , Brewer Angela , Scheifele David W. , Halperin Scott , Ward Brian J. ,   Public Health Agency of Canada/Canadian Institute of Health Research, Influenza Research Network (PCIRN) Rapid Trial Study 3 (RT-03) Investigators
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
During the 2009-2010 H1N1 influenza pandemic, an adjuvanted monovalent vaccine containing ∼25% of the normal antigen dose and AS03 adjuvant was widely used in Canada. This vaccine was found to be well-tolerated and immunogenic in young children (D. W. Scheifele et al., Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. 30:402–407, 2011). We report here additional analyses to further characterize the humoral response to this vaccine. We measured standard hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) and microneutralization (MN) titers, as well as influenza virus-specific IgG avidity and subclass distribution by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 73 subjects. Sera were collected before (day 0) and 3 weeks after each dose of vaccine (days 21 and 42). Most children (55/73) had undetectable HAI and MN titers at day 0 (presumed to be antigen naive) and mounted good responses at days 21 and 42. The majority of these children (43/55) had the expected pattern of an increasing IgG avidity index (AI) after each dose of vaccine (not detected [ND], 0.30, and 2.97 at days 0, 21, and 42, respectively). The avidity responses in the remaining children (12/55) were quite different, with AIs increasing abruptly after the first dose and then declining after the second dose of vaccine (ND, 8.83, and 7.15, respectively). These children also had higher concentrations of influenza virus-specific IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies at day 21. Although the antibody titers were similar, some antigen-naive children demonstrated an unusual pattern of avidity maturation after two immunizations with AS03-adjuvanted, low-dose influenza virus vaccine. These data suggest the presence of subtle differences in the quality of the antibodies produced by some subjects in response to this vaccine.
Identification of VAR2CSA Domain-Specific Inhibitory Antibodies of the Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 Using a Novel Flow Cytometry Assay
Authors: Obiakor Harold , Avril Marion , MacDonald Nicholas J. , Srinivasan Prakash , Reiter Karine , Anderson Charles , Holmes Kevin L. , Fried Michal , Duffy Patrick E. , Smith Joseph D. , Narum David L. , Miller Louis H. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTVAR2CSA, a member of thePlasmodium falciparumerythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family, is a leading candidate for use in vaccines to protect first-time mothers from placental malaria (PM). VAR2CSA, which is comprised of a series of six Duffy binding-like (DBL) domains, binds chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) on placental syncytiotrophoblast. Several recombinant DBL domains have been shown to bind CSA. In order to identify and develop recombinant proteins suitable for clinical development, DBL2X and DBL3X, as well as their respective third subdomain (S3) from the FCR3 parasite clone, were expressed inEscherichia coli, refolded, and purified. All but DBL3X-S3 recombinant proteins bound to CSA expressed on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells but not to CHO-pgsA745 cells, which are CSA negative as determined by flow cytometry. All but DBL3X-S3 bound to CSA on chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) as determined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. Purified IgG from rats and rabbits immunized with these four recombinant proteins bound homologous and some heterologous parasite-infected erythrocytes (IE). Using a novel flow cytometry inhibition-of-binding assay (flow-IBA), antibodies against DBL3X-S3 inhibited 35% and 45% of IE binding to CSA on CHO-K1 cells compared to results for soluble CSA (sCSA) and purified multigravida (MG) IgG, respectively, from areas in Tanzania to which malaria is endemic. Antibodies generated against the other domains provided little or no inhibition of IE binding to CSA on CHO-K1 cells as determined by the flow cytometry inhibition-of-binding assay. These results demonstrate for the first time the ability to identify antibodies to VAR2CSA DBL domains and subdomains capable of inhibiting VAR2CSA parasite-IE binding to CSA by flow cytometry. The flow cytometry inhibition-of-binding assay was robust and provided an accurate, reproducible, and reliable means to identify blocking of IE binding to CSA and promises to be significant in the development of a vaccine to protect pregnant women.
Development of a Panel of Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assays for Detection of Biothreat Agents
Authors: Euler Milena , Wang Yongjie , Heidenreich Doris , Patel Pranav , Strohmeier Oliver , Hakenberg Sydney , Niedrig Matthias , Hufert Frank T. , Weidmann Manfred 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Syndromic panels for infectious disease have been suggested to be of value in point-of-care diagnostics for developing countries and for biodefense. To test the performance of isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assays, we developed a panel of 10 RPAs for biothreat agents. The panel included RPAs for
Francisella tularensis
,
Yersinia pestis
,
Bacillus anthracis
, variola virus, and reverse transcriptase RPA (RT-RPA) assays for Rift Valley fever virus, Ebola virus, Sudan virus, and Marburg virus. Their analytical sensitivities ranged from 16 to 21 molecules detected (probit analysis) for the majority of RPA and RT-RPA assays. A magnetic bead-based total nucleic acid extraction method was combined with the RPAs and tested using inactivated whole organisms spiked into plasma. The RPA showed comparable sensitivities to real-time RCR assays in these extracts. The run times of the assays at 42°C ranged from 6 to 10 min, and they showed no cross-detection of any of the target genomes of the panel nor of the human genome. The RPAs therefore seem suitable for the implementation of syndromic panels onto microfluidic platforms.