bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Microstructure on the Thermal Expansion Coefficient of Sintered Cordierite Prepared from Sol Mixtures
Authors: Kobayashi Yuichi , Katayama Masaki , Kato Makiko , Kuramochi Shingo 
Published: April 2013

Dense cordierite ceramics were prepared from a sol mixture of alumina, silica, and magnesia, and the relationship between microstructure and thermal expansion was clarified for sinters with relative density greater than 97%. In the dense cordierite ceramics, submicrometer‐sized primary cordierite crystals aligned in the same crystal orientation and constituted the domain structure. We discovered that these domain structures could be easily observed by optical polarizing microscopy and quantified by digital image analysis of the photographs. The occurrence of microcracks between domains larger than 40 μm was induced by the thermal expansion anisotropy of the cordierite crystal axes. As a result, the mean thermal expansion coefficient of the cordierite ceramics decreased to 0.4 × 10−6 K−1 from the average value of the crystal axes of 1.7 × 10−6 K−1. This lower thermal expansion coefficient could be theoretically explained by partial microcracking.
Accuracy of genomic prediction using different models and response variables in theNordicRed cattle population
Authors: Gao H. , Lund M.S. , Zhang Y. , Su G. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryBreeding animals can be accurately evaluated using appropriate genomic prediction models, based on marker data and phenotype information. In this study, direct genomic values (DGV) were estimated for 16 traits of Nordic Total Merit (NTM) Index in Nordic Red cattle population using three models and two different response variables. The three models were as follows: a linear mixed model (GBLUP), a Bayesian variable selection model similar to BayesA (BayesA*) and a Bayesian least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model (Bayesian Lasso). The response variables were deregressed proofs (DRP) and conventional estimated breeding values (EBV). The reliability of genomic predictions was measured on bulls in the validation data set as the squared correlation between DGV and DRP divided by the reliability of DRP. Using DRP as response variable, the reliabilities of DGV among the 16 traits ranged from 0.151 to 0.569 (average 0.317) for GBLUP, from 0.152 to 0.576 (average 0.318) for BayesA* and from 0.150 to 0.570 (average 0.320) for Bayesian Lasso. Using EBV as response variable, the reliabilities ranged from 0.159 to 0.580 (average 0.322) for GBLUP, from 0.157 to 0.578 (average 0.319) for BayesA* and from 0.159 to 0.582 (average 0.325) for Bayesian Lasso. In summary, Bayesian Lasso performed slightly better than the other two models, and EBV performed slightly better than DRP as response variable, with regard to prediction reliability of DGV. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, using EBV as response variable would result in problems with the scale of the resulting DGV and potential problem due to double counting.
Cyclical stretch induces structural changes in atrial myocytes
Authors: De Jong Anne Margreet , Maass Alexander H. , Oberdorf‐Maass Silke U. , De Boer Rudolf A. , Van Gilst Wiek H. , Van Gelder Isabelle C. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) often occurs in the presence of an underlying disease. These underlying diseases cause atrial remodelling, which make the atria more susceptible to AF. Stretch is an important mediator in the remodelling process. The aim of this study was to develop an atrial cell culture model mimicking remodelling due to atrial pressure overload. Neonatal rat atrial cardiomyocytes (NRAM) were cultured and subjected to cyclical stretch on elastic membranes. Stretching with 1 Hz and 15% elongation for 30 min. resulted in increased expression of immediate early genes and phosphorylation of Erk and p38. A 24‐hr stretch period resulted in hypertrophy‐related changes including increased cell diameter, reinduction of the foetal gene program and cell death. No evidence of apoptosis was observed. Expression of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide and growth differentiation factor‐15 was increased, and calcineurin signalling was activated. Expression of several potassium channels was decreased, suggesting electrical remodelling. Atrial stretch‐induced change in skeletal α‐actin expression was inhibited by pravastatin, but not by eplerenone or losartan. Stretch of NRAM results in elevation of stress markers, changes related to hypertrophy and dedifferentiation, electrical remodelling and cell death. This model can contribute to investigating the mechanisms involved in the remodelling process caused by stretch and to the testing of pharmaceutical agents.
Obstacles and solutions to screening psoriasis patients for cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Wang E.C.E. , Ker K.J. , Chuah S.Y. , Pan J.Y. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis has been linked with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), including the metabolic syndrome, yet many patients with psoriasis remain unscreened.ObjectiveTo assess the reasons for lack of screening for CVRFs in psoriasis patients, and the impact of an education programme targeting these deficiencies.MethodsAll patients with psoriasis, regardless of severity, and all dermatologists working at the National Skin Centre (NSC) in Singapore were surveyed over a 2‐month period on their attitudes and knowledge regarding psoriasis and cardiovascular risk. This was followed by a targeted programme which was implemented over 2 months to address these identified deficiencies. Patients and doctors were surveyed a second time to assess the effects of the intervention.ResultsObstacles to screening included lack of patient knowledge, patients not considering screening important, and lack of time during the clinic consultation. After the intervention, there was a significant increase in the proportion of patients who were aware of increased cardiovascular risk in psoriasis (33.0% to 62%), with more patients attending screening (39.1% to 63.2%). While the level of doctors' knowledge did not significantly increase, there was an increase in the proportion of patients who were screened post‐intervention (37.1% to 66.2%), and more doctors reported that they were more likely to screen psoriatic patients from an earlier age (30.2% to 58.1%).ConclusionsThe obstacles in implementing universal screening for CVRFs in psoriasis patients stem from patient, doctor and system factors. A comprehensive programme targeting all aspects of this ecosystem helps to achieve holistic care for patients with psoriasis.
A multi‐centre audit on genital Lichen sclerosus in the North West of England
Authors: Raj G. , Bell H. K. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundGuidelines for the management of genital Lichen sclerosus (LS) have recently been updated.ObjectiveTo look at the audit points suggested by the updated guidelines: performance of biopsies in active LS not responding to treatment; clear follow‐up arrangements for patients with active disease; patient awareness of need to report suspicious lesions; and use of an appropriate topical steroid regieme.MethodPatients with a diagnosis of genital LS seen over the preceding 12 months were identified from eight hospital Trusts. In this study, 194 patients participated, 178 females and 16 males.ResultsThe diagnosis was purely clinical in 62 patients – the remainder required biopsies. The commonest reason for performing a biopsy was to clarify the diagnosis (116), followed by to rule out malignancy (11). The majority (98%) were offered follow‐up after the initial consultation and only 19 patients were discharged to primary care. In this study, 37% patients had documented evidence that a patient information leaflet had been given. 112 were treated with the clobetasol propionate 0.05% regieme quoted in the guideline.ConclusionWe conclude biopsies should be done as indicated in the guideline and the reason for biopsy documented. Discharge may be possible at 6 months for stable uncomplicated disease, although this may prove difficult if adequate follow‐up arrangements are not available in the community. We advocate that all patients should receive a patient information leaflet and must be made aware of the increased risk of SCC. Topical corticosteroid treatment should be simplied to the regieme documented in the guidelines unless contraindicated.
Circannual variation in blood parasitism in a sub‐Saharan migrant passerine bird, the garden warbler
Authors: Hellgren O. , Wood M. J. , Waldenström J. , Hasselquist D. , Ottosson U. , Stervander M. , Bensch S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractKnowing the natural dynamics of pathogens in migratory birds is important, for example, to understand the factors that influence the transport of pathogens to and their transmission in new geographical areas, whereas the transmission of other pathogens might be restricted to a specific area. We studied haemosporidian blood parasites of the generaPlasmodium, HaemoproteusandLeucocytozoonin a migratory bird, the garden warblerSylvia borin. Birds were sampled in spring, summer and early autumn at breeding grounds in Sweden, on migration at Capri, Italy and on arrival and departure from wintering staging areas in West Africa: mapping recoveries of garden warblers ringed in Fennoscandia and Capri showed that these sites are most probably on the migratory flyway of garden warblers breeding at Kvismaren. Overall, haemosporidian prevalence was 39%, involving 24 different parasite lineages. Prevalence varied significantly over the migratory cycle, with relatively high prevalence of blood parasites in the population on breeding grounds and at the onset of autumn migration, followed by marked declines in prevalence during migration both on spring and autumn passage. Importantly, we found that when examining circannual variation in the different lineages, significantly different prevalence profiles emerged both between and within genera. Our results suggest that differences in prevalence profiles are the result of either different parasite transmission strategies or coevolution between the host and the various parasite lineages. When separating parasites into common vs. rare lineages, we found that two peaks in the prevalence of rare parasites occur; on arrival at Swedish breeding grounds, and after the wintering period in Africa. Our results stress the importance of appropriate taxonomic resolution when examining host‐parasite interactions, as variation in prevalence both between and within parasite genera can show markedly different patterns.
Skin pathology in Hawaiian goldring surgeonfish, Ctenochaetus strigosus (Bennett)
Authors: Work T M , Aeby G S 
Published: April 2013

AbstractTwenty‐eight goldring surgeonfish, Ctenochaetus strigosus (Bennett), manifesting skin lesions and originating from the north‐western and main Hawaiian Islands were examined. Skin lesions were amorphous and ranged from simple dark or light discolouration to multicoloured tan to white sessile masses with an undulant surface. Skin lesions covered 2–66% of the fish surface, and there was no predilection for lesions affecting a particular part of the fish. Males appeared over‐represented. Microscopy revealed the skin lesions to be hyperplasia, melanophoromas or iridophoromas. The presence of skin tumours in a relatively unspoiled area of Hawaii is intriguing. Explaining their distribution, cause and impact on survivorship of fish all merit further study because C. strigosus is an economically important fish in the region.
Necrotizing endometritis and isolation of an alpha‐toxin producing strain ofClostridium septicumin a wild sooty mangabey from Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Kirchner S. , Mätz‐Rensing K. , Dorner M.B. , Leendertz F.H. , Dorner B.G. , Leendertz S.A.J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractFew lethal pathogens in wild‐living primates have been described, and little is known about infectious diseases of the reproductive tract and their possible impact on health and reproduction. This report describes the pathology and isolation of an alpha‐toxin producing strain ofClostridium septicumin a case of necrotizing endometritis in a wild sooty mangabey found dead in a tropical rainforest of West Africa.
Evaluation of New Packaging Formats for Dry‐Cured Meat Products Using Conjoint Analysis: An Application to Dry‐Cured Iberian Ham
Authors: Mesías Francisco J. , Pulido Francisco , Escribano Miguel , Gaspar Paula , Pulido Ángel F. , Escribano Alfredo , Rodríguez‐Ledesma Antonio 
Published: April 2013

AbstractDry‐cured Iberian pork products have long been a traditional and highly appreciated delicacy in Spain, and because of their excellent sensorial and nutritional qualities, their market is now growing rapidly worldwide. They are usually marketed in a whole‐piece format or sliced in vacuum‐packed trays, but both of these formats present problems for the consumer (difficulty of slicing the whole piece, loss of sensory properties once the vacuum‐packed tray is opened …). This paper uses conjoint analysis to examine a new packaging format (called “slice slab”) for dry‐cured meat products that aims to overcome these problems. The product selected for analysis was Iberian dry‐cured ham, as it is the most frequently consumed Iberian pork product. Data were collected by means of a survey conducted with 320 Spanish consumers from January to May 2010. Overall, the consumers preferred Iberian mast‐fed ham, conventionally sliced and at the lowest price (5 €/100 g). Three well‐defined preference‐based clusters were identified: traditional consumers (n = 114), price‐insensitive consumers (n = 113) and innovative consumers (n = 93). Analysis of the clusters indicated that sliced slab ham may be an interesting alternative for the most innovative consumers, who are willing to pay a premium for this packaging format.Practical ApplicationsThis study has presented a methodological guideline to analyze the importance of packaging in shaping consumers' preferences. In this context, the use of conjoint analysis may have a great potential for testing and evaluating both the acceptance and the economic feasibility of new packaging formats in the food market. Its results can also be used for a preference‐based segmentation, which would allow target markets to be identified in which consumers' willingness‐to‐pay can be evaluated beforehand.The present work may therefore constitute a starting point in the search for new forms of presentation for both cured meat products and other foodstuffs that will be well accepted by the consumer. In particular, it opens the way for further research into sensory analysis in the context of testing and improving in the presentation of new foodstuff formats.
Does Viewing Explain Doing? Assessing the Association Between Sexually Explicit Materials Use and Sexual Behaviors in a Large Sample of Dutch Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Hald Gert Martin , Kuyper Lisette , Adam Philippe C.G. , de Wit John B.F. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Concerns have been voiced that the use of sexually explicit materials (SEMs) may adversely affect sexual behaviors, particularly in young people. Previous studies have generally found significant associations between SEM consumption and the sexual behaviors investigated. However, most of these studies have focused on sexual behaviors related to sexually transmitted infections or sexual aggression and/or failed to adequately control for relevant covariates. Thus, research more thoroughly investigating the association between SEM consumption and a broader range of sexual behaviors is needed.

Aims
The study aims to investigate SEM consumption patterns of young people, and to assess the strength of the association between SEM consumption and a range of sexual behaviors, controlling for a comprehensive array of variables previously shown to affect these relationships.

Methods
Online cross-sectional survey study of 4,600 young people, 15–25 years of age, in The Netherlands was performed.

Main Outcomes Measures
The main outcome measures were self-reported SEM consumption and sexual practices.

Results
The study found that 88% of men and 45% of women had consumed SEM in the past 12 months. Using hierarchical multiple regression analyses to control for other factors, the association between SEM consumption and a variety of sexual behaviors was found to be significant, accounting for between 0.3% and 4% of the total explained variance in investigated sexual behaviors.

Conclusions
This study suggests that, when controlling for important other factors, SEM consumption influences sexual behaviors. The small to moderate associations that emerged between SEM consumption and sexual behavior after controlling for other variables suggest that SEM is just one factor among many that may influence youth sexual behaviors. These findings contribute novel information to the ongoing debates on the role of SEM consumption in sexual behaviors and risk, and provide appropriate guidance to policy makers and program developers concerned with sexual education and sexual health promotion for young people.
Population pharmacokinetics of valnemulin in swine
Authors: Zhao D. H. , Zhang Z. , Zhang C. Y. , Liu Z. C. , Deng H. , Yu J. J. , Guo J. P. , Liu Y. H. 
Published: April 2013

This study was carried out in 121 pigs to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model by oral (p.o.) administration of valnemulin at a single dose of 10 mg/kg. Serum biochemistry parameters of each pig were determined prior to drug administration. Three to five blood samples were collected at random time points, but uniformly distributed in the absorption, distribution, and elimination phases of drug disposition. Plasma concentrations of valnemulin were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS). The concentration–time data were fitted to PPK models using nonlinear mixed effect modeling (NONMEM) with G77 FORTRAN compiler. NONMEM runs were executed using Wings for NONMEM. Fixed effects of weight, age, sex as well as biochemistry parameters, which may influence the PK of valnemulin, were investigated. The drug concentration–time data were adequately described by a one‐compartmental model with first‐order absorption. A random effect model of valnemulin revealed a pattern of log‐normal distribution, and it satisfactorily characterized the observed interindividual variability. The distribution of random residual errors, however, suggested an additive model for the initial phase (<12 h) followed by a combined model that consists of both proportional and additive features (≥12 h), so that the intra‐individual variability could be sufficiently characterized. Covariate analysis indicated that body weight had a conspicuous effect on valnemulin clearance (CL/F). The featured population PK values of Ka, V/F and CL/F were 0.292/h, 63.0 L and 41.3 L/h, respectively.
Dust production of comet 21P/Giacobini‐Zinner using broadband photometry
Authors: Blaauw Rhiannon C. , Suggs Robert M. , Cooke William J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPresented here are results from photometric analysis on broadband images taken of comet 21P/Giacobini‐Zinner from May 24, 2011 to October 24, 2011. As the parent body of the Draconids, a meteor shower known for outbursting, 21P was studied for its dust production activity, Afρ, focusing on how it changes with heliocentric distance. An expected increase in dust production with a decrease in heliocentric distance was observed. The comet went from heliocentric distance of 3.05 –1.77 AU during the observed time that corresponded to an apparent magnitude of 19.61 to 15.72 and Afρ of 16.48 cm to 284.17 cm. These values can be extrapolated to estimate a peak Afρ value at perihelion of 3824 cm. The images were obtained using a 0.5‐meter f/8.1 Ritchey‐Chrétien telescope located in Mayhill, New Mexico.
An ER‐directed transcriptional response to unfolded protein stress in the absence of conserved sensor‐transducer proteins in Giardia lamblia
Authors: Spycher Cornelia , Herman Emily K. , Morf Laura , Qi Weihong , Rehrauer Hubert , Aquino Fournier Catharine , Dacks Joel B. , Hehl Adrian B. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe protozoan Giardia lamblia has a minimized organelle repertoire, and most strikingly lacks a classical stacked Golgi apparatus. Nevertheless, Giardia trophozoites constitutively secrete variant surface proteins, and dramatically increase the volume of protein secretion during differentiation to cysts. Eukaryotic cells have evolved an elaborate system for quality control (QC) of protein folding and capacity in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Upon ER‐overload, an unfolded protein response (UPR) is triggered on transcriptional/translational level aiming at alleviating ER stress. In Giardia, a minimized secretory machinery and absence of glycan‐dependent QC suggests that a genetically conserved UPR (or functional equivalent) to cope with insults to the secretory system has been eliminated. We tested this hypothesis of UPR elimination by profiling the transcriptional response during induced ER‐folding stress. We show that on the contrary, ER‐folding stress triggers a stressor‐specific, ER‐directed response with upregulation of only ∼ 30 genes, with different kinetics and scope compared with the UPR of other eukaryotes. Computational genomics revealed conserved cis‐acting motifs in upstream regions of responder genes capable of stressor‐specific gene regulation in transfected cells. Interestingly, the sensors/transducers of folding stress, well conserved in model eukaryotes, are absent in Giardia suggesting the presence of a novel version of this essential eukaryotic function.
The state of the science of family caregiver‐care receiver mutuality: a systematic review
Authors: Park Esther O , Schumacher Karen L 
Published: April 2013

This review critically examines the current state of the science on the concept of family caregiver–care receiver mutuality, summarizes accomplishments and gaps and identifies directions for future theory development and research. Mutuality between family caregivers and care receivers is of increasing interest to researchers. However, no analysis of the current state of the science of this important concept has been published. Our literature search revealed 34 research articles that met inclusion criteria. The studies were assessed in terms of conceptualization of mutuality, instrument development, populations studied, research designs and methods and findings. Significant scientific progress during the past 30 years includes the development of clear definitions and new instruments, expansion of research beyond the clinical populations in which mutuality was first studied, the use of a variety of research designs, and increasingly sophisticated methods of data analysis. Growing evidence suggests that mutuality is associated with caregiver emotional health outcomes and may decrease over time in the context of chronic illness. Directions for future research include development of new theoretical frameworks grounded in relational theory, development of theory on the dynamics of mutuality over time, exploration of mutuality in diverse cultures and populations, and intervention studies aimed at enhancing mutuality.