bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Derived sperm morphology in the interstitial sea cucumber Rhabdomolgus ruber, with observations on oogenesis and spawning behavior
Authors: Eckelbarger Kevin J. , Riser Nathan W. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSome life history features of the interstitial sea cucumber Rhabdomolgus ruber are described from intertidal specimens collected from the northern coast of Maine. Histological studies suggest that the population consists of hermaphrodites with gametogenesis being initiated in April and reproduction beginning in May and continuing through the summer months. Sexually mature adults possess a single, blind‐ended gonadal tubule that functions as an ovotestis by producing both eggs and sperm. The ovotestis wall consists of an outer peritoneum composed of flagellated epithelial cells and muscles; an inner germinal epithelium of germ and somatic cells; and a middle connective tissue (hemal) compartment bounded by the basal laminas of the peritoneum and germinal epithelium. During the reproductive season, the gonadal tubule contains all stages of oocyte development. Vitellogenesis appears to involve the biosynthetic activities of the Golgi complex and rough endoplasmic reticulum. A few specimens had transitional ovotestes with mature sperm in the gonad lumen and asynchronously developing oocytes and a small number of spermatocytes within the germinal epithelium. The mature spermatozoon is an ent‐aquasperm with ultrastructural features significantly different from those described from other echinoderm classes including a highly elongated acrosome, a large periacrosomal region between the acrosome and nucleus, numerous unfused mitochondria in the midpiece, and a cytoplasmic sleeve or collar extending posteriorly along the proximal portion of the flagellum. The sperm head reaches 11.5 μm in length (combined midpiece, nucleus, periacrosomal region, acrosome), making it the longest yet reported from the Holothuroidea and among the longest in the Echinodermata. Some elements of this derived morphology could be attributed to fertilization biology, but others may have phylogenetic significance. Spawning behavior was observed in which two individuals appeared to pseudocopulate by intertwining their oral tentacles for several minutes before one of them abruptly secreted an egg mass containing three eggs.
Sand martin (Riparia riparia) populations in south‐west Scania, Sweden, 1964 to 1984
Authors: Persson Christer 
Published: August 2013

The breeding Sand martins of a census area covering c. 1075 km2 in Scania, southern Sweden, have been counted between 1964 and 1984. Owing to natural barriers (sea, wooded mountain) the study population is practically self‐contained. The average density figure of the census area, 2.54 pairs/km2, should be valid for as much as 2,500 km2 of south‐west Scania.During the same period the population has exhibited a remarkably consistent pattern of fluctuation that suggests a stable limit cycle with a period of c. 11 years. Populationand colony developments conform. The cyclic pattern may apply to a much larger area than southern Scania.
Electrospun ZnO Nanofibers‐Based Ultraviolet Detector with High Responsivity
Authors: Zhu Linghui , Gu Xuehui , Qu Fengdong , Zhang Jiaqi , Feng Caihui , Zhou Jingran , Ruan Shengping , Kang Bonan 
Published: August 2013

In this report, a metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) ultraviolet photodetector based on ZnO nanofiber film with Au electrodes was demonstrated. The ZnO nanofibers were synthesized via effective electrospinning process and characterized by means of XRD, SEM, XPS, and UV–visible absorption spectra. At 5 V bias, the dark current of the device was 17.8 nA. Under the irradiation of 260 nm ultraviolet light, the photocurrent could reach 11.5 μA and a high responsivity of 790 A/W was achieved due to the large internal gain. The mechanism of the high internal photoconductive gain was discussed in the article. The experiment presented a general and simple approach to integrate electrospun nanomaterials into photodevices directly.
Relaxor Characteristics of the Phase Transformation in (1 − x)BaTiO3–xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 Perovskite Ceramics
Authors: Triamnak Narit , Yimnirun Rattikorn , Pokorny Jan , Cann David P. 
Published: August 2013

The single‐phase solid solutions of the (1 − x)BaTiO3–(x)Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 (BT–BZT) where x = 0.02–0.15 were prepared to investigate dielectric properties. Crystal structure of samples was obtained by using an X‐ray diffraction technique and Raman spectroscopy. For compositions with x ≤ 0.08, the solid solutions exhibited clear tetragonal symmetry and transitioned to pseudocubic symmetry as the content of BZT increased. The dielectric response exhibited a sharp phase transition within the BT‐rich region and the composition 0.92BT–0.08BZT was characterized by the onset of relaxor characteristics. As the concentration of BZT increased, the phase transition exhibited broader and more diffuse behavior. The polarization as a function of electric field (P–E) of these solid solutions also exhibited the same trend. The BT‐rich compositions showed a normal ferroelectric P–E response with a decrease in loop area as the BZT content increased. The composition at x = 0.08 exhibited a pinched hysteresis loop and with further increase in BZT content, the P–E response was characterized by slim loops.
Control of Electrical Resistivity in Silicon Carbide Ceramics Sintered with Aluminum Nitride and Yttria
Authors: Kim Kwang Joo , Lim Kwang‐Young , Kim Young‐Wook 
Published: August 2013

The electrical properties of β‐SiC ceramics were found to be adjustable through appropriate AlN–Y2O3 codoping. Polycrystalline β‐SiC specimens were obtained by hot pressing silicon carbide (SiC) powder mixtures containing AlN and Y2O3 as sintering additives in a nitrogen atmosphere. The electrical resistivity of the SiC specimens, which exhibited n‐type character, increased with AlN doping and decreased with Y2O3 doping. The increase in resistivity is attributed to Al‐derived acceptors trapping carriers excited from the N‐derived donors. The results suggest that the electrical resistivity of the β‐SiC ceramics may be varied in the 104–10−3 Ω·cm range by manipulating the compensation of the two impurity states. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the specimens was found to evolve with the addition of dopants. The presence of N‐donor and Al‐acceptor states within the band gap of 3C–SiC could be identified by analyzing the PL data.
Uncertainty in distribution forecasts caused by taxonomic ambiguity under climate change scenarios: a case study with two newt species in mainland Spain
Authors: Romero David , Olivero Jesús , Márquez Ana Luz , Báez José C. , Real Raimundo 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimTo analyse a source of uncertainty when forecasting the possible effects of climate change on species distributions, which may appear when the species studied have doubtful taxonomy or are subdivided into subspecies with different environmental requirements.LocationMainland Spain.MethodsIberian newts (Triturus pygmaeus and Triturus marmoratus, a recently identified species) were used as examples. Environmental favourability models were performed on the occurrence of the newts according to two taxonomic options: (1) the two species separately; and (2) the two species together, as they were considered a single species by taxonomists until recently. The models were projected to three time periods between 2011 and 2100 within a context of climate change, using two different general circulation models and two emission scenarios. We calculated the discrepancy between forecasts produced with the different taxonomic options and their consistency under the same climate change scenario.ResultsThe model based on the two species together did not distinguish between particular environmental requirements of either of the two species. Discrepancy values between taxonomic options increased over time. A reduction in areas favourable to T. pygmaeus and its north‐eastward displacement were only predicted when this species was analysed separately. Nevertheless, the uncertainty derived from taxonomic ambiguity barely affected the predictions for T. marmoratus.Main conclusionsQualitatively and quantitatively different distribution forecasts for two newt species in mainland Spain were obtained depending on the taxonomic option considered. Taxonomic uncertainty also affected other sources of uncertainty. Some guidelines are suggested to aid in similar cases.
Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐related protein expression in biliary epithelial cells associated with hepatolithiasis
Authors: Sung Rohyun , Lee Sang Hwa , Ji Meiying , Han Joung‐Ho , Kang Min Ho , Kim Ji Hoon , Choi Jae‐Woon , Kim Young Chul , Park Seon Mee 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimEpithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of biliary epithelial cells (BECs) plays major roles in many cholangiopathies. This study evaluated whether EMT of BECs has a role in hepatolithiasis‐induced biliary fibrosis and types of BECs that are involved.MethodsThe expression of EMT‐related proteins and epidermal growth factor receptor was evaluated by immunohistochemistry of liver tissues from 102 patients with hepatolithiasis, 32 patients with post‐hepatitis cirrhosis, and 48 normal livers. Antibodies against E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, and cytokeratin were used to identify epithelial cells and antibodies against vimentin, S100A4, podoplanin, and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were used to identify mesenchymal cells. The relationship between clinical and histological parameters and immunohistochemistry findings in BECs, and the surrounding stroma were evaluated.ResultsLoss of E‐cadherin and acquisition of S100A4 and vimentin were observed in BECs. In all BECs, cytokeratin and β‐catenin expression were unchanged, while podoplanin and α‐SMA were not expressed. Although hepatic fibrosis was more severe in post‐hepatitis cirrhosis, EMT of BECs was more widespread in hepatolithiasis. In hepatolithiasis, EMT‐related proteins were more highly expressed in small bile ducts than in medium or large bile ducts. Their expression was associated with the severity of biliary fibrosis and the expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor. Expression of α‐SMA in fibroblasts from the portal space was closely linked to pathological changes in small bile ducts and EMT‐related protein expressions in BECs.ConclusionsProliferating cholangiocytes that form small bile ducts may contribute to cholangiopathies in hepatolithiasis through an EMT‐like phenomenon or through interactions with stromal myofibroblasts.
Does Reducing Length of Stay Increase Rehospitalization of Medicare Fee‐for‐Service Beneficiaries Discharged to Skilled Nursing Facilities?
Authors: Unruh Mark A. , Trivedi Amal N. , Grabowski David C. , Mor Vincent 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesTo analyze the relationship between length of stay and rehospitalization.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingSix thousand five hundred thirty‐seven hospitals nationwide from January 1999 through September 2005.ParticipantsMedicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries associated with 2,101,481 hospitalizations.MeasurementsThirty‐day rehospitalization derived from Medicare hospital claims using the implementation of Medicare's post‐acute care transfer policy as a quasi‐experiment.ResultsMedicare's post‐acute care transfer policy led to immediate declines in length of stay. A 1‐day decrease in length of stay was associated with an absolute increase in 30‐day rehospitalization of 1.56 percentage points (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.30–2.82) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with major complications and 0.81 percentage points (95% CI = 0.03–1.60) for kidney infection or urinary tract infection (UTI) without major complications. Individuals hospitalized for AMI without major complications, heart failure, or kidney infection or UTI with major complications had no increase in 30‐day rehospitalization.ConclusionA 1‐day reduction in hospital length of stay was not consistently associated with a higher rate of rehospitalization.
Impact of excessive occlusal load on successfully‐osseointegrated dental implants: a literature review
Authors: Chang Michael , Chronopoulos Vasileios , Mattheos Nikos 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to review the available evidence on the response of the peri‐implant bone when subjected to excessive occlusal forces. The search strategy included papers published in English in the Medline database and the Wiley Online Library from January 1991 to December 2011. Experimental or review papers reporting the conditions of the peri‐implant bone of dental implants submitted to excessive occlusal loading in the presence of a controlled oral hygiene regime were eligible for inclusion. The knowledge regarding the response of the peri‐implant bone when the dental implant is excessively loaded is limited, and the level of evidence is poor. With animal experimental studies showing conflicting results, it is unclear whether occlusal overload might cause marginal bone loss or total loss of osseointegration to already osseointegrated dental implants when the applied load exceeds the biologically‐acceptable limit. This biological limit is also unknown. Furthermore, higher remodeling activity of the peri‐implant bone is found around implants subjected to high loading forces.
Using Total Material Requirement to Evaluate the Potential for Recyclability of Phosphorous in Steelmaking Dephosphorization Slag
Authors: Yamasue Eiji , Matsubae Kazuyo , Nakajima Kenichi , Hashimoto Seiji , Nagasaka Tetsuya 
Published: August 2013

SummaryUrban ores can be classified into two types—those made up of items that were in the possession of consumers, such as end‐of‐life home appliances, and those that were not, such as manufacturing wastes. The dephosphorization slag generated at some steelmaking plants is an example of a manufacturing waste. In this study, the potential for this slag to become a new phosphorous resource is evaluated in terms of total material requirement (TMR). To do this, we compare two types of TMR—natural ore TMR (NO‐TMR) and urban ore TMR (UO‐TMR)—defined respectively as the TMR to obtain or recycle 1 kilogram of phosphoric acid from natural phosphate ore or dephosphorization slag.In the dephosphorization slag process, the slag is magnetically separated into a phosphorous‐rich (PR) phase and an iron‐rich (IR) phase, and the phosphorous in the PR phase is subsequently converted to phosphoric acid. We included case studies that considered generation of potentially useful by‐products, such as phosphogypsum and the IR phase. The effect of declines in natural phosphate ore grade on the potential recyclability of phosphoric acid from dephosphorization slag was also explored. In addition, the effect of changes in the slag's contribution to the UO‐TMR of phosphoric acid was considered.We found that, in many scenarios, the UO‐TMR for phosphoric acid was lower than its NO‐TMR. This indicates that dephosphorization slag has the potential to be a new phosphorous resource. We also found that recycling of the IR phase by recharging it to the blast furnace plays an important role in improving the potential feasibility of slag as a new phosphorous resource. The value of the slag stream, relative to the value of the pig iron stream, is also a key parameter, with low relative values improving the potential for production of phosphoric acid. Evaluating the UO‐TMR of materials recovered from manufacturing waste streams promises to be a useful tool for assessing the potential of these waste streams to serve as urban ores.
GalR3 activation promotes adult neural stem cell survival in response to a diabetic milieu
Authors: Mansouri Shiva , Barde Swapnali , Ortsäter Henrik , Eweida Mohamed , Darsalia Vladimer , Langel Ülo , Sjöholm Åke , Hökfelt Tomas , Patrone Cesare 
Published: August 2013

AbstractType 2 diabetes impairs adult neurogenesis which could play a role in the CNS complications of this serious disease. The goal of this study was to determine the potential role of galanin in protecting adult neural stem cells (NSCs) from glucolipotoxicity and to analyze whether apoptosis and the unfolded protein response were involved in the galanin‐mediated effect. We also studied the regulation of galanin and its receptor subtypes under diabetes in NSCs in vitro and in the subventricular zone (SVZ) in vivo. The viability of mouse SVZ‐derived NSCs and the involvement of apoptosis (Bcl‐2, cleaved caspase‐3) and unfolded protein response [C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) Glucose‐regulated protein 78/immunoglobulin heavy‐chain binding protein (GRP78/BiP), spliced X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK) phosphorylation] were assessed in the presence of glucolipotoxic conditions after 24 h. The effect of diabetes on the regulation of galanin and its receptor subtypes was assessed on NSCs in vitro and in SVZ tissues isolated from normal and type 2 diabetes ob/ob mice. We show increased NSC viability following galanin receptor (GalR)3 activation. This protective effect correlated with decreased apoptosis and CHOP levels. We also report how galanin and its receptors are regulated by diabetes in vitro and in vivo. This study shows GalR3‐mediated neuroprotection, supporting a potential future therapeutic development, based on GalR3 activation, for the treatment of brain disorders.
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Adult neurogenesis impairment in diabetes could play a role in the development of neurological complications. GalR3 activation counteracts glucolipotoxicity in adult neural stem cells (NSCs) in the subventricular zone (SVZ) by decreasing apoptosis. At least part of the protective effect mediated by GalR3 activation occurs through modulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling in the endoplasmic reticulum. The data support a potential therapeutic development for treatment of diabetic brain disorders, based on increased neurogenesis by GalR3 activation. CB, cerebellum; LV, lateral ventricle; OB, olfactory bulb.
Trehalose rescues Alzheimer's disease phenotypes in APP/PS1 transgenic mice
Authors: Du Jing , Liang Yu , Xu Feng , Sun Bing , Wang Zhao 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Objective
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is well characterized by the accumulated Aβ plaque in hippocampus and cerebral cortex concomitant with markedly reduced study and learning ability. Trehalose, a natural disaccharide, has been shown to have neural protective properties and exhibited therapeutic effects in animal models of several neural degenerative disorders. However, the effect of trehalose on AD pathology remains largely unknown.

Methods
In this study, we evaluated the effects of trehalose in APP/PS1 transgenic mice through behaviour tests and biochemical analyses.

Key findings
We found that the impaired cognitive and learning ability was improved and Aβ deposit in hippocampus was reduced.

Conclusions
These results suggested that trehalose could be a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of AD.
Modified-release ointment with nitroglycerin β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex for treatment of anal fissures
Authors: Centkowska Katarzyna , Sznitowska Malgorzata 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The aim was to evaluate ointments for local treatment of anal fissures. Nitroglycerin (NTG) was complexed with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) to provide prolonged NTG release, with the intention of decreasing systemic drug absorption and thus reducing side effects.

Methods
Gels, creams and anhydrous water-emulsifying (AWE) ointment with NTG-CD were compared with preparations containing uncomplexed NTG (diluted with crospovidone, NTG-cP). The in-vitro NTG release and ex-vivo skin absorption were studied.

Key findings
The prolonged-release ointment with the NTG-CD complex was formulated using AWE base or w/o cream (20% water); release of NTG from a hydrogel was very fast with both the complexed and uncomplexed forms. From the AWE ointment base, 16.4% or 4.5% of the total NTG dose was released after 6 h when NTG-cP or NTG-CD was incorporated, respectively. With the complexed form, NTG absorption to the skin after a 5-h application was 18.1 or 11.1 μg/g from AWE ointment or cream, respectively; absorption of the uncomplexed NTG was higher: 52.3 or 21.9 μg/g from AWE ointment and cream, respectively.

Conclusions
Complexation with β-CD results in prolonged release of NTG from AWE ointment and w/o cream, which was confirmed by the ex-vivo skin absorption results.
Studying the association of microRNA‐210 level with chronic hepatitis B progression
Authors: Song G. , Jia H. , Xu H. , Liu W. , Zhu H. , Li S. , Shi J. , Li Z. , He J. , Chen Z. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryWe studied the relationship between hypoxia and microRNA‐210 (miR‐210) levels, the miR‐210 levels in patients with hepatitis B and the roles of miR‐210 in liver inflammation. We used the concanavalin A (Con A) murine hepatitis model and inflammation, hypoxia and miR‐210 levels were examined. In these patients, we studied serum miR‐210 levels and clinical indexes related to hepatitis in 90 patients with different stages of chronic hepatitis B and 30 controls. Two functional assays of miR‐210 in vitro under hypoxic condition were conducted. The animal experiments indicated that the liver and serum miR‐210 levels significantly increased with liver hypoxia and inflammation. In humans, serum miR‐210 levels enhanced with hepatitis severity and were related to serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TB) and prothrombin activity (PTA) levels. The miR‐210 functional assays showed that miR‐210 elevation might be related to the decreases in HepG2.2.15 cell dehydrogenase activity and HBV replication under hypoxic conditions. Because the liver inflammation causes liver hypoxia which also results in liver and serum miR‐210 level elevation, the serum miR‐210 level may serve as a molecular biomarker for the severity of hepatitis and increases in liver miR‐210 that we see may be a response of hepatocytes to hypoxia during hepatitis progression.
Radiographic analysis of vocal tract length and its relation to overall body size in two canid species
Authors: Plotsky K. , Rendall D. , Riede T. , Chase K. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBody size is an important determinant of resource and mate competition in many species. Competition is often mediated by conspicuous vocal displays, which may help to intimidate rivals and attract mates by providing honest cues to signaler size. Fitch proposed that vocal tract resonances (or formants) should provide particularly good, or honest, acoustic cues to signaler size because they are determined by the length of the vocal tract, which in turn, is hypothesized to scale reliably with overall body size. There is some empirical support for this hypothesis, but to date, many of the effects have been either mixed for males compared with females, weaker than expected in one or the other sex, or complicated by sampling issues. In this paper, we undertake a direct test of Fitch's hypothesis in two canid species using large samples that control for age‐ and sex‐related variation. The samples involved radiographic images of 120 Portuguese water dogs Canis lupus familiaris and 121 Russian silver foxes Vulpes vulpes. Direct measurements were made of vocal tract length from X‐ray images and compared against independent measures of body size. In adults of both species, and within both sexes, overall vocal tract length was strongly and significantly correlated with body size. Effects were strongest for the oral component of the vocal tract. By contrast, the length of the pharyngeal component was not as consistently related to body size. These outcomes are some of the clearest evidence to date in support of Fitch's hypothesis. At the same time, they highlight the potential for elements of both honest and deceptive body signaling to occur simultaneously via differential acoustic cues provided by the oral versus pharyngeal components of the vocal tract.