bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased expression of the endothelial cell-derived factor EGFL7 in systemic sclerosis: potential contribution to impaired angiogenesis and vasculogenesis
Authors: Manetti Mirko , Guiducci Serena , Romano Eloisa , Avouac Jérôme , Rosa Irene , Ruiz Barbara , Lepri Gemma , Bellando-Randone Silvia , Ibba-Manneschi Lidia , Allanore Yannick , Matucci-Cerinic Marco 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Microvascular damage and defective angiogenesis and vasculogenesis have a major role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (EGFL7) is a proangiogenic molecule which is predominantly expressed and secreted by endothelial cells and their progenitors and controls vascular development and integrity. In this study, we investigated the possible involvement of EGFL7 in SSc.

Methods
Serum EGFL7 levels from 60 patients with SSc and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were examined by colorimetric sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of EGFL7 in forearm skin biopsies (n = 16 SSc, n = 10 controls), cultured dermal microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) (n = 3 SSc, n = 3 controls) and late-outgrowth peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-derived endothelial cells (n = 15 SSc, n = 8 controls) was investigated by immunofluorescence and Western blotting.

Results
Serum EGFL7 levels were detectable in 68.6% of healthy controls and 45% of SSc cases (P < 0.05). Circulating levels of EGFL7 were significantly decreased in SSc patients compared with healthy controls (P = 0.01). Serum levels of EGFL7 were significantly lower in both limited cutaneous SSc and diffuse cutaneous SSc patients than in controls (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively). In SSc, decreased serum EGFL7 levels were significantly correlated with the severity of nailfold capillary abnormalities. Patients with the most severe capillary changes and digital ulcers had serum EGFL7 levels significantly lower than healthy controls, while the EGFL7 levels did not differ significantly between controls and SSc patients with less capillary damage and lack of digital ulcers. Endothelial EGFL7 expression was strongly downregulated or even almost completely undetectable in SSc-affected dermis compared with controls (P < 0.001). In cultured SSc dermal MVECs and late-outgrowth peripheral blood EPC-derived endothelial cells, EGFL7 was significantly downregulated compared with cells obtained from healthy subjects (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that the loss of EGFL7 expression in endothelial cells and their progenitors might play a role in the development and progression of peripheral microvascular damage and the defective vascular repair process characteristic of SSc.
Long-term incidence of depression and predictors of depressive symptoms in older stroke survivors
Authors: Allan Louise M. , Rowan Elise N. , Thomas Alan J. , Polvikoski Tuomo M. , O'Brien John T. , Kalaria Raj N. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundDepression is common and an important consequence of stroke but there is limited information on the longer-term relationship between these conditions.AimsTo identify the prevalence, incidence and predictors of depression in a secondary-care-based cohort of stroke survivors aged over 75 years, from 3 months to up to 10 years post-stroke.MethodDepression was assessed annually by three methods: major depression by DSM-IV criteria, the self-rated Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the observer-rated Cornell scale.ResultsWe found the highest rates, 31.7% baseline prevalence, of depressive symptoms with the GDS compared with 9.7% using the Cornell scale and 1.2% using DSM-IV criteria. Incidence rates were 36.9, 5.90 and 4.18 episodes per 100 person years respectively. Baseline GDS score was the most consistent predictor of depressive symptoms at all time points in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Other predictors included cognitive impairment, impaired activities of daily living and in the early period, vascular risk factor burden and dementia.ConclusionsOur results emphasise the importance of psychiatric follow-up for those with early-onset post-stroke depression and long-term monitoring of mood in people who have had a stroke and remain at high risk of depression.
Adsorption of Trimethylphosphine Oxide on Silicalite Studied by Solid-State NMR
Authors: Hayashi Shigenobu , Jimura Keiko , Kojima Natsuko 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The adsorption state of trimethylphosphine oxide (TMPO) on siliceous MFI-type zeolite, silicalite, has been studied by solid-state NMR. TMPO was loaded by vapor as well as the solvent methods, and 31P and 1H magic-angle-spinning (MAS) NMR spectra were measured. Most of the 31P signals are located at lower frequency than that of crystalline TMPO, among which the 30-ppm signal is the largest. This is the first case of which the signal at about 30 ppm is dominant. The observation of the 30-ppm signal is independent of the TMPO introduction method, vapor or solvent. The dominant signal at about 30 ppm in the sample prepared by vapor shifts to about 37 ppm for ten months, being accompanied by increase in the spinning sideband intensities. This fact indicates that TMPO molecules move to a more stable site with a smaller space, resulting in suppression of the molecular motion. The temperature increase leads to increase in the fraction of mobile TMPO molecules giving a 31P signal at 33.0 ppm. Comparison with the results of silica nanoparticle and mesoporous silica leads to the conclusion that the signals in the frequency range lower than crystalline TMPO are attributed to TMPO molecules confined in the micropores of the MFI-type framework and not interacting with Brønsted acid sites.
An Efficient Way to Synthesize Hiroshima University Silicate-1 (HUS-1) and the Selective Adsorption Property of Ni2+ from Seawater
Authors: Honda Koutaro , Ide Yusuke , Tsunoji Nao , Torii Masato , Sadakane Masahiro , Sano Tsuneji 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
An alternative and efficient way to synthesize HUS-1 (Hiroshima University Silicate-1, Si10O24H8·2[(CH3)4N]), and a new notable function of HUS-1 are reported. HUS-1, which is an ast-type layered silicate, was originally synthesized through a complicated process from two kinds of dealuminated zeolites, FAU and *BEA, with tetramethylammonium (TMA) and benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxides, respectively. In this article, the synthesis of HUS-1 by using only amorphous silica and TMA as a silica source and a structure directing reagent, respectively, with varied temperature, time, and composition of a starting mixture containing water, TMA hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and amorphous silica, in the presence or the absence of a seed crystal was examined to find that HUS-1 successfully formed for a wide range of NaOH/SiO2 (0.2–0.6) and TMA/SiO2 (0.2–0.8) ratios and reaction time (3–21 days) at a H2O/SiO2 ratio of 5.5 and reaction temperature of 140 °C in the presence and the absence of a seed crystal. The particle size and crystallinity of HUS-1 varied depending on the synthetic conditions. The obtained HUS-1 selectively adsorbed Ni2+ from a mixed electrolytes solution mimicking seawater. The maximum amount of the adsorbed Ni2+ on HUS-1 was dependent on the synthetic conditions.
Synthesis of HOMSi Reagents by Pd/Cu-Catalyzed Silylation of Bromoarenes with Disilanes
Authors: Minami Yasunori , Shimizu Kenta , Tsuruoka Chisato , Komiyama Takeshi , Hiyama Tamejiro 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Silylation of aryl bromides with disilanes of type {[2-(PGOCH2)C6H4]Me2Si}2 (PG: protecting group) successfully takes place in the presence of a Pd/Ruphos or Davephos/CuI catalytic system to afford HOMSi reagents containing various functional groups in good yields. BisHOMSi reagents were also prepared directly from the corresponding arylene dibromides.
Multimelting Behavior and Glass Transition of Monotropic Polymorphs of 3,5-Diphenyl-4-hydroxyphenyl-substituted Galvinol
Authors: Takahashi Mai , Ogino Hiroki , Kobayashi Keiji 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
A galvinol derivative bearing the 3,5-diphenyl-4-hydroxyphenyl substituent exists in three polymorphic forms, i.e., I (melting point, 208 °C), II (203 °C), and III (138 °C), which are interrelated as monotropic polymorphs. Of these forms, III exhibits multiple melting behavior. The relative thermodynamic stability of the three forms was determined and is represented in a semischematic energy/temperature diagram. All three forms, once melted and cooled, solidify to form glass with a glass-transition temperature of 109 °C.
Newborn Blood Spot Screening for Sickle Cell Disease by Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Implementation of a Protocol to Identify Only the Disease States of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Moat Stuart J , Rees Derek , King Lawrence , Ifederu Adeboye , Harvey Katie , Hall Kate , Lloyd Geoff , Morrell Christine , Hillier Sharon 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The currently recommended technologies of HPLC and isoelectric focusing for newborn blood spot screening for sickle cell disease (SCD) identify both the disease and carrier states, resulting in large numbers of infants being followed up unnecessarily. Analysis of blood spot tryptic peptides performed by using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is an alternative technology to detect hemoglobin (Hb) variant disorders.

METHODS
We analyzed 2154 residual newborn blood spots and 675 newborn blood spots from infants with Hb variants by using MS/MS after trypsin digestion. Screening cutoffs were developed by using the ratio between the variant peptide–to–wild-type peptide abundance for HbS, C, DPunjab, OArab, Lepore, and E peptides. A postanalytical data analysis protocol was developed using these cutoffs to detect only the disease states of SCD and not to identify carrier states. A parallel study of 13 249 newborn blood spots from a high-prevalence SCD area were analyzed by both MS/MS and HPLC.

RESULTS
Screening cutoffs developed distinguished the infants with the disease states of SCD, infants who were carriers of SCD, and infants with normal Hb. In the parallel study no false-negative results were identified, and all clinically relevant cases were correctly identified using the MS/MS protocol. Unblinding the data revealed a total of 328 carrier infants that were successfully excluded by the protocol.

CONCLUSIONS
The screening protocol developed correctly identified infants with the disease states of SCD. Furthermore, large numbers of sickle cell carrier infants were successfully not identified, thereby avoiding unnecessary follow-up testing and referral for genetic counseling.
Esterification of wood with citric acid: The catalytic effects of sodium hypophosphite (SHP)
Authors: Feng Xinhao , Xiao Zefang , Sui Shujuan , Wang Qingwen , Xie Yanjun 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Sodium hypophosphite (SHP) has been recognized as the most efficient catalyst in the esterification reaction of cellulosic fabrics with citric acid (CA), but both the high cost and the environmentally harmful property of SHP call for optimization of its application. In this study poplar wood (Populus adenopoda Maxim.) was treated with CA to various weight percent gains (WPGs) and the effect of SHP on the resulting properties of treated wood was investigated. Esterification with CA can occur also in the absence of SHP, as evidenced by the resistance to water leaching of CA. Wood treated with CA alone to 36% WPG exhibited 7% bulking, 50% anti-swelling efficiency, 30% reductions of the modulus of rupture, and 50% lower impact strength. Treatments with CA in the presence of SHP provided wood properties comparable to wood treated with CA alone. Thus the application of SHP can be questioned from the point of view of an economic production and environmental protection.
A Comparison of Hand‐arm Vibration Syndrome between Malaysian and Japanese Workers
Authors: Su Anselm Ting , Fukumoto Jin , Darus Azlan , Hoe Victor CW , Miyai Nobuyuki , Isahak Marzuki , Takemura Shigeki , Bulgiba Awang , Yoshimasu Kouichi , Maeda Setsuo , Miyashita Kazuhisa 
Published: October 2013

A Comparison of Hand‐arm Vibration Syndrome between Malaysian and Japanese Workers: Anselm Ting SU, et al. Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Malaya, Malaysia—The evidence on hand‐arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) in tropical environments is limited. The legislation for the control of occupational vibration exposure has yet to be established in Malaysia.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of HAVS in a tropical environment in comparison with a temperate environment.MethodsWe conducted a series medical examinations among the forestry, construction and automobile industry workers in Malaysia adopting the compulsory medical examination procedure used by Wakayama Medical University for Japanese vibratory tools workers. We matched the duration of vibration exposure and compared our results against the Japanese workers. We also compared the results of the Malaysian tree fellers against a group of symptomatic Japanese tree fellers diagnosed with HAVS.ResultsMalaysian subjects reported a similar prevalence of finger tingling, numbness and dullness (Malaysian=25.0%, Japanese=21.5%, p=0.444) but had a lower finger skin temperature (FST) and higher vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) values as compared with the Japanese workers. No white finger was reported in Malaysian subjects. The FST and VPT of the Malaysian tree fellers were at least as bad as the Japanese tree fellers despite a shorter duration (mean difference=20.12 years, 95%CI=14.50, 25.40) of vibration exposure.ConclusionsAlthough the vascular disorder does not manifest clinically in the tropical environment, the severity of HAVS can be as bad as in the temperate environment with predominantly neurological disorder. Hence, it is essential to formulate national legislation for the control of the occupational vibration exposure.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Figure-of-merit at Room Temperature in Bulk Bi(Sb)Te(Se) With Grain Size of ∼100nm
Authors: Chan Tsung-ta E. , Venkatasubramanian Rama , LeBeau James M. , Thomas Peter , Stuart Judy , Koch Carl C. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTGrain boundaries are known to be able to impede phonon transport in the material. In the thermoelectric application, this phenomenon could help improve the figure-of-merit (ZT) and enhance the thermal to electrical conversion. Bi2Te3 based alloys are renowned for their high ZT around room temperature but still need improvements, in both n- and p-type materials, for the resulting power generation devices to be more competitive. To implement high density of grain boundaries into the bulk materials, a bottom-up approach is employed in this work: consolidations of nanocrystalline powders into bulk disks. Nanocrystalline powders are developed by high energy cryogenic mechanical alloying that produces Bi(Sb)Te(Se) alloy powders with grain size in the range of 7 to 14 nm, which is about 25% finer compared to room temperature mechanical alloying. High density of grain boundaries are preserved from the powders to the bulk materials through optimized high pressure hot pressing. The consolidated bulk materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope for their composition and microstructure. They mainly consist of grains in the scale of 100 nm with some distributions of finer grains in both types of materials. Preliminary transport property measurements show that the thermal conductivity is significantly reduced at and around room temperature: about 0.65 W/m-K for the n-type BiTe(Se) and 0.85 W/m-K for the p-type Bi(Sb)Te, which are attributed to increased phonon scattering provided by the nanostructure and therefore enhanced ZT about 1.35 for the n-type and 1.21 for the p-type are observed. Detailed transport properties, such as the electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient and power factor as well as the resulting ZT as a function of temperature will be described.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of Al-doped ZnO thin films
Authors: Mele P. , Saini S. , Abe H. , Honda H. , Matsumoto K. , Miyazaki K. , Hagino H. , Ichinose A. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTWe have prepared 2% Al doped ZnO (AZO) thin films on SrTiO3 and Al2O3 substrates by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technique at various deposition temperatures (Tdep = 300 °C – 600 °C). Transport and thermoelectric properties of AZO thin films were studied in low temperature range (300 K - 600 K). AZO/STO films present superior performance respect to AZO/Al2O3 films deposited at the same temperature, except for films deposited at 400 °C. Best film is the fully c-axis oriented AZO/STO deposited at 300 °C, with electrical conductivity 310 S/cm, Seebeck coefficient -65 μV/K and power factor 0.13 × 10-3 Wm-1K-2 at 300 K. Its performance increases with temperature. For instance, power factor is enhanced up to × 10-3 Wm-1K-2 at 600 K, surpassing the best AZO film previously reported in literature.
Urine Creatinine Excretion and Clinical Outcomes in CKD
Authors: Di Micco Lucia , Quinn Robert Ross , Ronksley Paul Everett , Bellizzi Vincenzo , Lewin Adriane Marlene , Cianciaruso Bruno , Ravani Pietro 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Twenty-four–hour urine creatinine excretion is a reliable approximation of muscle mass. Whether changes in urine creatinine predict clinical outcomes in persons with CKD is unknown. This work studied the relationship between urine creatinine and patient and renal survival in people with CKD not requiring renal replacement therapy.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This longitudinal cohort study included incident stages 3–5 CKD patients referred to the renal clinic at the University Federico II in Naples between January of 1995 and December of 2005. Clinical data and urine creatinine were updated at each visit. Main outcomes were all-cause mortality and kidney failure requiring dialysis.

Results
This study enrolled 525 individuals and followed them for a median of 6 years (range of 4 months to 15 years). Urine creatinine excretion declined by 16 mg/d per year (95% confidence interval, 14 to 19) in participants with CKD stages 3a, 3b, and 4, and it remained stable in participants with stage 5 CKD. Per each 20 mg/d decline in urine creatinine, mortality increased by 3% (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.05), and the risk of initiating dialysis increased by 2% (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.03). These associations were independent of body mass index and GFR.

Conclusions
In persons with CKD stages 3 and 4, urine creatinine declines at a rate of 16 mg/d per year. Lower urine creatinine excretion predicts greater risk of kidney failure and patient mortality.
Facial development disorders due to inhibition to endochondral ossification of mandibular condyle process caused by malnutrition
Authors: Martín Adrián E. , Pani Maria del R. , Holgado Nora Ruiz , López Miranda Laura I. , Meheris Héctor E. , Garat Juan A. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTObjective:To analyze the effect of protein restriction on histomorphometric parameters of bone remodeling in mandibular condyle process and its possible influence in facial development in growing rats.Materials and Methods:Wistar rats weaned at the age of 21 days were assigned to one of the following groups: control (fed a regular hard diet ad libitum) and protein restricted (PR) (fed a hard diet lacking in protein ad libitum). The animals were euthanized on day 35 after the onset of the experiment. Mandibles were resected, fixed in 10% formalin, hemisected at the symphysis, and then radiographed in order to perform cephalometric studies of the condylar process length and the height of the lower alveolar process. Mandibles were then processed for light microscopy, and histomorphometric determinations were performed on histologic sections of the condylar process subchondral bone.Results:The PR group showed a significantly lower body weight than control group at the end of the experiment. The length of the condylar process was lower in the PR group; however, the diet used in this study did not affect the height of the lower alveolar process. The histomorphometric analysis showed that the PR group exhibited a statistically significant decrease in bone formation and bone volume in condylar process subchondral bone.Conclusion:Protein restriction inhibits bone formation and longitudinal growth in the mandibular condylar process. This result suggest that protein restriction can alter normal facial development.
Mediated amperometry reveals two distinct modes of yeast responses to glucose
Authors: Garjonyte Rasa , Melvydas Vytautas , Paškevičius Algimantas , Rašomavičius Valerijus , Malinauskas Albertas 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Mediated amperometry was exploited to monitor intracellular redox activity without cell disruption. Continuous measurements of menadione-mediated glucose currents at carbon paste electrodes with various immobilized intact wild type yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida pulcherrima, Clavispora lusitaniae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Pichia guilliermondii, Kluyveromyces lactis var. lactis, Debaryomyces hansenii, Candida zeymolaydes and Candida tropicalis) revealed two distinct and previously unreported modes of development of the currents during the first 2 to 3 min. after subjection to glucose. A correlation among the values of the currents and the capacities of wild type yeasts to secrete various substances was observed.
C-5 palsy after cervical laminoplasty with instrumented posterior fusion
Authors: Yamanaka Kazuhiro , Tachibana Toshiya , Moriyama Tokuhide , Okada Fumiaki , Maruo Keishi , Inoue Shinichi , Horinouchi Yutaka , Yoshiya Shinichi 
Published: October 2013

Object
Postoperative C-5 palsy is known as a common complication after cervical laminoplasty. The authors of this article have encountered postoperative C-5 palsy more often when laminoplasty was combined with instrumented posterior spinal fusion than when it was performed alone. The purpose of this clinical study was to examine the incidence of fifth cervical nerve root palsy (C-5 palsy) and surgical results in patients with cervical myelopathy who had undergone laminoplasty with or without instrumented spinal fusion.

Methods
The authors retrospectively studied patients with cervical myelopathy who had undergone laminoplasty with or without instrumented posterior spinal fusion.

Results
Clinical data on 58 patients were evaluated and analyzed. Preoperative diagnoses were cervical spondylotic myelopathy or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine. Twenty-four patients with spondylolisthesis or kyphosis underwent laminoplasty combined with posterior spinal fusion using instrumented lateral mass fixation (fusion group), while the remaining 34 patients underwent laminoplasty without posterior spinal fusion (no-fusion group). In the fusion group, C-5 palsy developed in 6 patients; in the no-fusion group, it occurred in only 1 patient. There was a significant difference in the rate of this complication between the 2 groups. In the fusion group, local kyphosis and spondylolisthesis level were reduced at the fusion level, and all patients with C-5 palsy underwent C4–5 spinal fusion.

Conclusions
The incidence of postoperative C-5 palsy is significantly higher after laminoplasty when it is combined with spinal fusion. Correction of kyphosis and spondylolisthesis using posterior instrumentation may be a risk factor for iatrogenic intervertebral foraminal stenosis leading to C-5 palsy.