bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lower limb vascular conductance and resting popliteal blood flow during head‐up and head‐down postural challenges
Authors: Villar Rodrigo , Hughson Richard L. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThis study hypothesized that central and local reflex mechanisms affecting vascular conductance (VC) through the popliteal artery compensated for the reduction in muscle perfusion pressure (MPP) to maintain popliteal blood flow (PBF) during head‐down tilt (35˚ HDT), but not in head‐up tilt (45˚ HUT). Resting measurements were made on 15 healthy men in prone position to facilitate the access to the popliteal artery, on two separate days in random order during horizontal (HOR), HDT or HUT. In each body position, the body was supported, and the ankles were maintained in relaxed state so that there was no muscle tension, as with normal standing. Popliteal blood flow velocity and popliteal arterial diameter were measured by ultrasound, and PBF was calculated. MPP was corrected to mid‐calf from measured finger cuff pressure, and VC was estimated by dividing PBF by MPP. The MPP in HDT (48 ± 2 mmHg) was ~100mmHg less than in HUT (145 ± 2 mmHg). PBF was similar between HOR (51 ± 18 ml min−1) and HDT (47 ± 13 ml min−1), but was lower in HUT (30 ± 9 ml min−1). VC was different between HDT (1·0 ± 0·3 ml min−1 mmHg−1), HOR (0·6 ± 0·2 ml min−1 mmHg−1) and HUT (0·2 ± 0·1 ml min−1 mmHg−1). In conclusion, the interactions of central and local regulatory mechanisms resulted in a disproportionate reduction of VC during HUT lowering PBF even though MPP was higher, while in HDT, increased VC contributed to maintain PBF at the same level as the HOR control condition.
Prognostic relevance of BRD7 expression in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Wu Wen‐Jing , Hu Kai‐Shun , Chen Dong‐Liang , Zeng Zhao‐Lei , Luo Hui‐Yan , Wang Feng , Wang De‐Shen , Wang Zhi‐Qiang , He Fan , Xu Rui‐Hua 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundBRD7 is a member of bromodomain‐containing protein and was found to be a cofactor of P53. Down‐regulation of BRD7 has been shown in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines and tissues. However, the clinical role of BRD7 in colorectal cancer remains unknown.Materials and methodsReal‐time PCR, Western blotting analysis and immunohistochemistry were employed to examine BRD7 expression in CRC cell lines/tissues compared with normal epithelia cells/adjacent non‐tumorous tissues. In addition, statistical analyses were applied to evaluate the diagnostic value and associations of BRD7 expression with clinical parameters of patient samples.ResultsBRD7 was down‐regulated in colorectal cancer cell lines and cancerous tissues compared with that in normal colon epithelial cells and adjacent noncancerous tissue samples. BRD7 protein expression was positively correlated with clinical stage (P  <  0·001), T classification (P  =  0·001), N classification (P  <  0·001), M classification (P <  0·001) and pathologic differentiation (P =  0·008). Patients with low/none BRD7 expression had shorter overall survival time than those with higher BRD7 expression. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated BRD7 expression was an independent prognostic factor (P < 0·001).ConclusionBRD7 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker of human colorectal cancer.
GsmR, a response regulator with an HD‐related output domain in Xanthomonas campestris, is positively controlled by Clp and is involved in the expression of genes responsible for flagellum synthesis
Authors: Liu Yu‐Fan , Liao Chao‐Tsai , Song Wan‐Ling , Hsu Pei‐Chi , Du Shin‐Chiao , Lo Hsueh‐Hsia , Hsiao Yi‐Min 
Published: November 2012

In prokaryotes, two‐component signal transduction systems, consisting of a histidine kinase and a response regulator, play a critical role in regulating a range of cellular functions. A recent study suggests that XCC3315, a response regulator with a CheY‐like receiver domain attached to an uncharacterized HD‐related output domain (HDOD domain), plays a role in the general stress response of the Gram‐negative bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), the causal agent of black rot in cruciferous plants. Here, we demonstrated genetically that XCC3315, designated as gsmR (general stress and motility regulator), is involved in the expression of genes responsible for flagellum synthesis, including rpoN2, flhF, flhB, and fliC. Site‐directed mutagenesis revealed that Glu9 and Arg100 in the receiver domain and Gly205, Asp263, His287, Trp298 and His311 in the HDOD are critical amino acids for GsmR function in cell motility regulation. The gsmR transcription initiation site was mapped. Promoter analysis and gel retardation assay revealed that the expression of gsmR is positively controlled by the global transcriptional regulator Clp in a direct manner, and is subject to catabolite repression. Our findings not only extend the previous work on Clp regulation to show that it influences the expression of gsmR in Xcc, but are also the first to characterize the expression of this response regulator gene in this phytopathogen. Furthermore, GsmR is the first HDOD‐containing protein of bacteria in which key amino acids have been experimentally identified and characterized.
Invasive grasses, climate change, and exposure to storm‐wave overtopping in coastal dune ecosystems
Authors: Seabloom Eric W. , Ruggiero Peter , Hacker Sally D. , Mull Jeremy , Zarnetske Phoebe 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe world's coastal habitats are critical to human well‐being, but are also highly sensitive to human habitat alterations and climate change. In particular, global climate is increasing sea levels and potentially altering storm intensities, which may result in increased risk of flooding in coastal areas. In the Pacific Northwest (USA), coastal dunes that protect the coast from flooding are largely the product of a grass introduced from Europe over a century ago (Ammophila arenaria). An introduced congener (A. breviligulata) is displacing A. arenaria and reducing dune height. Here we quantify the relative exposure to storm‐wave induced dune overtopping posed by the A. breviligulata invasion in the face of projected multi‐decadal changes in sea level and storm intensity. In our models, altered storm intensity was the largest driver of overtopping extent, however the invasion by A. breviligulata tripled the number of areas vulnerable to overtopping and posed a fourfold larger exposure than sea‐level rise over multi‐decadal time scales. Our work demonstrates the importance of a transdisciplinary approach that draws on insights from ecology, geomorphology, and civil engineering to assess the vulnerability of ecosystem services in light of global change.
The combined effects of water level reduction and an increase in ammonia concentration on organic matter processing by key freshwater shredders in alluvial wetlands
Authors: Dehedin Arnaud , Maazouzi Chafik , Puijalon Sara , Marmonier Pierre , Piscart Christophe 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn a global change context, the intensity and the frequency of drastic low flow periods or drought events will most likely increase to a substantial extent over the coming decades, leading to a modification in the abiotic characteristics of wetlands. This change in environmental parameters may induce severe shifts in plant and animal communities and the functioning of ecosystems. In this study, we experimentally estimated the effect of drought and the accumulation of ammonia (NH3) on the feeding activities of three generalist macroinvertebrates (i.e. Gammarus pulex, Gammarus roeselii and Asellus aquaticus) on three types of organic matter: leaves of Berula erecta growing in submerged conditions, leaves of the same species growing in emerged conditions and dead leaves of Alnus glutinosa. We observed a modification in the biomechanical and stoichiometric characteristics of the plants as a result of the emersion of the aquatic plants. This shift produced a substantial decrease in organic matter recycling by invertebrates and in their associated physiological ability (i.e. the energy stores of the animals) to face conditions associated with environmental change. Moreover, the accumulation of NH3 amplified the negative effect of emersion. This snowball effect on invertebrates may profoundly modify the functioning of ecosystems, particularly in terms of organic matter production/degradation and carbon mineralization.
Evaluation of the Liver Fibrosis Index calculated by using real‐time tissue elastography for the non‐invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases
Authors: Tomeno Wataru , Yoneda Masato , Imajo Kento , Suzuki Kaori , Ogawa Yuji , Shinohara Yoshiyasu , Mawatari Hironori , Fujita Koji , Shibata Wataru , Kirikoshi Hiroyuki , Maeda Shin , Nakajima Atsushi , Saito Satoru 
Published: November 2012

AimA rapid and non‐invasive method of detecting fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases is of major clinical interest. The purpose of this study was to comparatively investigate the effectiveness of the Liver Fibrosis Index (LF Index) calculated using real‐time tissue elastography (RTE) in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).MethodsTwenty‐seven patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD and 93 patients with biopsy‐proven CHC were included. They underwent transient elastography (TE), serum liver fibrosis marker testing and RTE to calculate the LF Index.ResultsThe LF Index showed a stepwise increase with increasing histological severity of fibrosis in CHC patients (P = 0.0102), whereas no significant correlation of the LF Index with the histological severity of liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients (P = 0.852). There was a significant correlation between the LF Index and liver stiffness measured by TE in CHC patients (r = 0.319, P = 0.0009). On the other hand, no such correlation was observed in NAFLD patients. While in CHC patients, the LF Index was correlated with the FIB‐4 index, no such correlation was observed in NAFLD patients.ConclusionThe LF Index calculated by RTE is effective for assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with CHC. On the other hand, it is not useful in patients with NAFLD. This is the first study to compare the clinical usefulness of RTE as non‐invasive assessment of liver fibrosis between CHC and NAFLD. Further investigations are required to refine statistical assessment of RTE.
Effects of stump extraction on saproxylic beetle diversity in Swedish clear‐cuts
Authors: Victorsson Jonas , Jonsell Mats 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Stump extraction for bio energy is a new forestry activity and before large‐scale implementation occurs, it is important to analyse its consequences. Saproxylic beetles depend on dead trees and stump extraction will reduce the amount of habitat available for this group.

Early warning signs of impending regional species extinctions were looked for in areas where stump harvest has only been conducted for about 3 years. In a paired design (N = 8), the beetle fauna was sampled in stumps on ordinary clear‐cuts and on clear‐cuts from which stumps had been extracted. Sampling in extraction clear‐cuts was possible because 25% of the stump volume was retained. Samples were collected by bark sieving ten Norway spruce, Picea abies, stumps per clear‐cut.

In total, 6959 individuals of 46 species were found. Several early warning signs were seen: stump extraction reduced the number of species per stump and per clear‐cut and reduced the species evenness in individual stumps.

Species at higher trophic levels (predators and fungivores), in particular, suffered negative effects. Stump extraction reduced the number of species of fungivores and facultative predators/fungivores at the clear‐cut level and reduced the relative abundance of predators at the stump level.

These results indicate that if stumps are extracted from a high proportion of the clear‐cuts in a region, the present recommendations of leaving 15–25% of the stump volume will be insufficient for preserving the beetle fauna in the stumps. Further studies are needed to identify levels of stump retention that do not lead to species loss.
Study of Lanthanum Aluminum Silicate Glasses for Passive and Active Optical Fibers
Authors: Litzkendorf Doris , Grimm Stephan , Schuster Kay , Kobelke Jens , Schwuchow Anka , Ludwig Anne , Kirchhof Johannes , Leich Martin , Jetschke Sylvia , Dellith Jan , Auguste Jean‐Louis , Humbert Georges 
Published: November 2012

We are reporting onSiO2‐Al2O3‐La2O3glasses—with and withoutYb2O3—suitable for nonlinear and fiber laser applications. We will also be presenting successful supercontinuum generation and fiber laser operation around 1060 nm in step‐index fibers. We optimized the glass compositions in terms of thermal and optical requirements for both a highLa2O3andYb2O3concentration and good compatibility with a silica cladding. We also produced bulk samples, unstructured fibers, and structured fibers with aSiO2‐Al2O3‐La2O3core and silica cladding for this purpose.
The medicines use review in patients with chronic skin diseases: are pharmacists doing them and how confident are they?
Authors: Tucker Rod 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of the study was to explore the range of dermatology medicines use reviews (MURs) undertaken by pharmacists and their confidence in dealing with the provision of advice to patients with skin problems.

Method
A self-completion questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 3500 community pharmacies in England and Wales, UK.

Key findings
A total of 870 pharmacists responded to the survey giving a response rate of 25% (870/3500). Nearly half of respondents (44%, n = 866) had undertaken a dermatology MUR with eczema/dermatitis and psoriasis being the main conditions encountered. The mean confidence score (on a five-point scale) at conducting dermatology MURs was 3.5 (SD 1.0).

Conclusion
Many pharmacists currently undertake dermatology MURs and rate themselves as confident in this role. Further work is needed to establish if such reviews lead to improvements in disease specific outcomes.
Emotional intelligence as a predictor of academic performance in first‐year accelerated graduate entry nursing students
Authors: Fernandez Ritin , Salamonson Yenna , Griffiths Rhonda 
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectives.  To examine the association between trait emotional intelligence and learning strategies and their influence on academic performance among first‐year accelerated nursing students.Design.  The study used a prospective survey design.Methods.  A sample size of 81 students (100% response rate) who undertook the accelerated nursing course at a large university in Sydney participated in the study. Emotional intelligence was measured using the adapted version of the 144‐item Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire. Four subscales of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire were used to measure extrinsic goal motivation, peer learning, help seeking and critical thinking among the students. The grade point average score obtained at the end of six months was used to measure academic achievement.Results.  The results demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between emotional intelligence scores and critical thinking (r = 0.41; p < 0·001), help seeking (r = 0.33; p < 0·003) and peer learning (r = 0.32; p < 0·004) but not with extrinsic goal orientation (r = −0.05; p < 0·677). Emotional intelligence emerged as a significant predictor of academic achievement (β = 0.25; p = 0·023).Conclusion.  In addition to their learning styles, higher levels of awareness and understanding of their own emotions have a positive impact on students’ academic achievement. Higher emotional intelligence may lead students to pursue their interests more vigorously and think more expansively about subjects of interest, which could be an explanatory factor for higher academic performance in this group of nursing students.Relevance to clinical practice.  The concepts of emotional intelligence are central to clinical practice as nurses need to know how to deal with their own emotions as well as provide emotional support to patients and their families. It is therefore essential that these skills are developed among student nurses to enhance the quality of their clinical practice.
Utilizing confocal microscopy to measure refractive index of articular cartilage
Authors: WANG K. , WU J. , DAY R.E. , KIRK T.B. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThis study proposes a method for measuring the refractive index of articular cartilage within a thin and small specimen slice. The cartilage specimen, with a thickness of about 50 μm, was put next to a thin film of immersion oil of similar thickness. Both the articular cartilage and immersion oil were scanned along the depth direction using a confocal microscope. The refractive index mismatch between the cartilage and the immersion oil induced a slight axial deformation in the confocal images of the cartilage specimen that was accurately measured by a subpixel edge‐detection‐based technique. A theoretical model was built to quantify the focal shift of confocal microscopy caused by the refractive index mismatch. With the quantitative deformations of cartilage images and the quantified function of focal shift, the refractive index of articular cartilage was accurately interpolated. At 561 nm, 0.1 MPa and 20 °C, the overall refractive index of the six cartilage plugs was 1.3975 ± 0.0156. The overall coefficient of variation of all cartilage specimens was 0.68%, which indicated the high repeatability of our method. The verification experiments using distilled water showed a minimal relative error of 0.02%.
Orbitofrontal Dysfunction and Medication Overuse in Patients With Migraine
Authors: Biagianti Bruno , Grazzi Licia , Gambini Orsola , Usai Susanna , Muffatti Riccardo , Scarone Silvio , Bussone Gennaro 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveOrbitofrontal cortex (OFC) dysfunction and poor decision making have been described in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse. These neurobiological underpinnings might explain dependency‐like behaviors often described in this condition, such as loss of control over painkillers, high rates of relapse after detoxification, and compromised social functioning. We investigate whether the OFC impairment was a persistent trait in migraine, independent of clinical and affective features, a dynamic result of the need to cope with the increased pain and disability, or a temporary consequence of medication overuse.MethodsFor this purpose, we compared 40 chronic migraineurs with medication overuse, 40 episodic migraineurs, and 40 matched healthy controls. The examination consisted of a clinical interview, Anxiety and Depression Hamilton Scales, Severity of Dependence Scale, and Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire. A neuropsychological assessment of orbitofrontal function was made through the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Chronic migraineurs with medication overuse were followed for a year after detoxification.ResultsWe found an impaired decision‐making performance among chronic and episodic migraineurs that seems independent of the patients' clinical and affective status. Contrary to the psychiatric and clinical improvement shown 1 year after the detox, CM patients exhibited a persistent IGT deficit. No significant differences in OFC functioning were found between the CM patients who relapsed into medication overuse after detox and those who did not.ConclusionsThe present findings suggest the presence of a persistent OFC dysfunction in migraine as a psychobiologic trait that is not influenced by the presence of medication overuse, the clinical severity of the disease, or the patient's affective status. Further studies are needed to elucidate the etiopathological role of OFC in migraine and medication overuse.
Déjà‐vu all over again: using simulation to evaluate the impact of shorter shelf life for red blood cells at Héma‐Québec
Authors: Blake John T. , Hardy Matthew , Delage Gilles , Myhal Geneviève 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundSince the 1970s red blood cells (RBCs) have had a rated shelf life of 42 days. Recently, studies have suggested poorer patient outcomes when older blood is transfused. However, shortening the shelf life of RBCs may increase costs and lead to greater instances of outdates and shortages.Study Design and MethodsA simulation method to evaluate the impact of a shorter shelf life for RBCs on a regional blood network was developed. A network model of the production and distribution system in the province of Quebec was built and validated.ResultsThe model suggests that a shelf life of 21 or 28 days will have modest impact on outdate and shortage rates. A shelf life of 14 days will create significant challenges for both blood suppliers and hospitals and will result in systemwide outdate rates of 6.64% and shortage rates of 2.75%. The impact of a shorter shelf life for RBCs will disproportionately affect smaller and midsize hospitals.ConclusionA shelf life of 28 or 21 days is feasible without excessive increases to systemwide outdate, shortage, or emergency ordering rates. Large hospitals will see minimal impact; smaller hospitals will see larger increases and may be unable to find inventory policies that maintain both low outdate and shortage rates. Reducing the shelf life to 14 days, or lower, results in significant challenges for suppliers and hospitals of all sizes. All hospitals will see an impact on outdate and shortage rates; overall systemwide outdate rates (6% or more) will reach levels that would currently be considered unacceptably high.
Relationship betweenABOgenotype andAantigen expression on platelets
Authors: DeLelys Michelle E. , Ochoa Gorka , Cserti‐Gazdewich Christine M. , Vietz Christine , Preffer Frederic I. , Dzik Walter 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundAlthough platelets (PLTs) are known to expressABHantigens, the extent of expression is different onPLTscompared with red blood cells and the relationship betweenPLT ABHexpression and genotype has not been thoroughly investigated.Study Design and MethodsWe measured blood groupHandAantigens onPLTsfrom 100 normal volunteers using fluorescent‐conjugated reagents and flow cytometry. Individuals were also genotyped at theABOlocus using a commercially available genotyping system.ResultsExpression ofAandHantigen varied widely onPLTsfrom different individuals. Among groupAandABpersons,Hantigen expression was significantly greater thanAantigen (p < 0.0001). The ratio ofH‐to‐Aantigen expression varied more than 100‐fold in a predictable fashion according to genotype with values lowest inA1/A1 < A1/O < A2/A2 < A2/O.HandAantigen expression was unaffected by secretor status. The proportion ofPLTswith highAexpression also varied directly according to genotype.ConclusionsBlood groupAandHantigen expression onPLTsvaries in a predictable fashion according to genotype. Flow cytometry and genotyping identify individuals who strongly expressAantigens, a finding that may be relevant to clinicalPLTtransfusion acrossABObarriers.
Transmissibility of Broad bean wilt virus 1 by aphids: influence of virus accumulation in plants, virus genotype and aphid species
Authors: Ferriol I. , Rubio L. , Pérez‐Panadés J. , Carbonell E. A. , Davino S. , Belliure B. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBroad bean wilt virus 1 (BBWV‐1) is transmitted by several aphid species in a non‐persistent manner. Transmission efficiency by vectors is a key factor for understanding virus epidemiology and applying disease control measures based on limiting virus spread. We evaluated the transmission rates of two genetically divergent BBWV‐1 isolates (PV‐132 from USA and Ben from Spain) infecting broad bean (Vicia faba L.) by isofemale lines of nine aphid species from eight different genera collected in Spain. Our analyses showed that: (a) the virus concentration in the source plant was a key factor in BBWV‐1 transmissibility; (b) The Spanish isolate Ben was transmitted more efficiently than the American isolate PV‐132 by most aphid species, but this was only due to the higher accumulation of Ben in plants, as both isolates had similar transmissibility after adjusting virus concentration and (c) The transmission rate varied greatly between the different aphid species.