bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining geometric morphometrics, molecular phylogeny, and micropaleontology to assess evolutionary patterns in Mallomonas (Synurophyceae: Heterokontophyta)
Authors: Siver P. A. , Wolfe A. P. , Rohlf F. J. , Shin W. , Jo B. Y. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractSynurophytes, also known as scaled chrysophytes, are ecologically important algae that produce an array of siliceous structures upon which their taxonomy is based. Despite occupying a key position within the photosynthetic heterokonts, the evolutionary history of synurophytes remains poorly constrained. Here, modern and Middle Eocene siliceous scales of the morphotaxon Mallomonas insignis are used as a model to investigate synurophyte evolutionary patterns. Structural details of scale morphology were examined comparatively with scanning electron microscopy and scored for geometric morphometric analyses to assess the stability of shape characters. Although consistent size differences exist (modern scales are larger than Eocene counterparts), the populations cannot be differentiated on the basis of shape or microstructural detail, implying considerable evolutionary stasis in scale morphology. A time‐calibrated relaxed molecular clock analysis using a three‐gene concatenated data set (27 strains) suggests that the M. insignis lineage predates the available fossil record, having diverged from closest congeneric taxa in the Cretaceous (≥94 Ma). However, the molecular analysis also implies that considerable genetic variability is present within several morphotaxa of Mallomonas, implying that substantial genetic variability has arisen despite the retention of uniform scale morphologies, and resulting in the widespread occurrence of cryptic taxa. Results from the synurophyte lineage are consistent with the notion of protracted ghost ranges (>10 Ma) implied by the molecular phylogenies of other algal groups, together pointing to the paucity of the fossil record of these organisms on these timescales.
Biochar in bioenergy cropping systems: impacts on soil faunal communities and linked ecosystem processes
Authors: McCormack Sarah A. , Ostle Nick , Bardgett Richard D. , Hopkins David W. , Vanbergen Adam J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBiochar amendment of soil and bioenergy cropping are two eco‐engineering strategies at the forefront of attempts to offset anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Both utilize the ability of plants to assimilate atmospheric CO2, and are thus intrinsically linked with soil processes. Research to date has shown that biochar and bioenergy cropping change both aboveground and belowground carbon cycling and soil fertility. Little is known, however, about the form and function of soil food webs in these altered ecosystems, or of the consequences of biodiversity changes at higher trophic levels for soil carbon sequestration. Hitherto studies on this topic have been chiefly observational, and often report contrasting results, thus adding little mechanistic understanding of biochar and bioenergy cropping impacts on soil organisms and linked ecosystem processes. This means it is difficult to predict, or control for, changes in biotic carbon cycling arising from biochar and bioenergy cropping. In this study we explore the potential mechanisms by which soil communities might be affected by biochar, particularly in soils which support bioenergy cropping. We outline the abiotic (soil quality‐mediated) and biotic (plant‐ and microbe‐mediated) shifts in the soil environment, and implications for the abundance, diversity, and composition of soil faunal communities. We offer recommendations for promoting biologically diverse, fertile soil via biochar use in bioenergy crop systems, accompanied by specific future research priorities.
Markers of inflammation and CD8 T‐cell activation, but not monocyte activation, are associated with subclinical carotid artery disease in HIV‐infected individuals
Authors: Longenecker CT , Funderburg NT , Jiang Y , Debanne S , Storer N , Labbato DE , Lederman MM , McComsey GA 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to explore the relationships between lymphocyte and monocyte activation, inflammation, and subclinical vascular disease among HIV‐1‐infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART).MethodsBaseline mean common carotid artery (CCA) intima‐media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaque (IMT > 1.5cm) were evaluated in the first 60 subjects enrolled in the Stopping Atherosclerosis and Treating Unhealthy Bone with Rosuvastatin in HIV (SATURN‐HIV) trial. All subjects were adults on stable ART with evidence of heightened T‐cell activation (CD8+CD38+HLA‐DR+ ≥ 19%) or increased inflammation (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein ≥ 2mg/L). All had fasting low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ≤ 130mg/dL.ResultsSeventy‐eight per cent of patients were men and 65% were African‐American. Median (interquartile range) age and CD4 count were 47 (43, 52) years and 648 (511, 857) cells/μL, respectively. All had HIV‐1 RNA < 400 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL. Mean CCA‐IMT was correlated with log‐transformed CD8+CD38+HLA‐DR+ percentage (r = 0.326; P = 0.043), and concentrations of interleukin‐6 (r = 0.283; P = 0.028), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM; r = 0.434; P = 0.004), tumour necrosis factor‐α receptor‐I (TNFR‐I; r = 0.591; P < 0.0001) and fibrinogen (r = 0.257; P = 0.047). After adjustment for traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, the association with TNFR‐I (P = 0.007) and fibrinogen (P = 0.033) remained significant. Subjects with plaque (n = 22; 37%) were older [mean (standard deviation) 51 (7.7) vs. 43 (9.4) years, respectively; P = 0.002], and had a higher CD8+CD38+HLA‐DR+ percentage [median (interquartile range) 31% (24, 41%) vs. 23% (20, 29%), respectively; P = 0.046] and a higher sVCAM concentration [mean (standard deviation) 737 (159) vs. 592 (160) ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.008] compared with those without plaque. Pro‐inflammatory monocyte subsets and serum markers of monocyte activation (soluble CD163 and soluble CD14) were not associated with CCA‐IMT or plaque.ConclusionsParticipants in SATURN‐HIV have a high level of inflammation and immune activation that is associated with subclinical vascular disease despite low serum LDL cholesterol.
Estimating abundance of the federally endangeredMitchell's satyr butterfly using hierarchical distance sampling
Authors: Hamm Christopher A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractEstimates of animal abundance are essential to conservation biology and are sorely lacking for many endangered species in the United States of America. This lack of knowledge may disproportionately affect butterflies in theUSA, which form the largest group of federally protected insects (20 of 62 species).The Mitchell's satyr butterfly,Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii, is a federally endangered species found at 18 highly isolated sites in the EasternUSA. Currently, surveys are conducted by meandering through habitat and recording the number of butterflies observed. These surveys are efficient in terms of staffing and time, but the data from these surveys cannot be used to estimate abundance. Mark release recapture surveys generate estimates of demographic parameters and have been conducted, albeit infrequently, and require high staffing levels and weeks of fieldwork to generate estimates with reasonable error.I employed hierarchical distance sampling along line transects to estimateN. m. mitchelliiabundance at one site in lower Michigan,USA. This method requires one observer to traverse a series of transects at a walking pace and record the number of butterflies observed and their perpendicular distance to the transect line. My results suggest that this method is as cost efficient as meander surveys, but generates reasonable estimates of butterfly abundance.
Novel Layered Hydroxyapatite/Tri‐Calcium Phosphate–Zirconia Scaffold Composite with High Bending Strength for Load‐Bearing Bone Implant Application
Authors: Yang Jing‐Zhou , Sultana Rumana , Hu Xiao‐Zhi , Ichim Paul 
Published: January 2013

The integration of biological and mechanical requirements remains a challenge in developing porous hydroxyapatite (HA) and tri‐calcium phosphate (TCP) scaffolds for load‐bearing bone implant application. With the newly developed slip‐deposition and coating‐substrate co‐sintering technique, a strong layered HA/TCP‐zirconia scaffold composite structure was successfully fabricated. The bending strength (321 MPa) of this composite can match upper strength limit of the natural compact bone. The HA‐based scaffold coating has multiple scale porous structures with pore size ranging 1–10 and 20–50 μm. The zirconia‐based substrate is also porous with submicropores. Focus ion beam micrographs show most of the micropores in the coating are interconnected. Microindentation and primarily adhesive strength tests demonstrate that the scaffold coating strongly bonds with the zirconia based substrate. In vitro cell culture study indicates that the coatings have no cytotoxicity. It is evident that the strong layered HA–zirconia scaffold composite offers new implant options for bone repairs requiring immediate load bearing capacity.
A review to inform understanding of the use of food safety messages on food labels
Authors: Hall Clare , Osses Felipe 
Published: January 2013

AbstractFood labels are central for communicating information about food products to consumers, and thus are important for imparting food safety messages, particularly as a high proportion of food‐borne illnesses are caused by poor domestic food handling practices. This paper reviews studies investigating consumers' responses to labels, emphasizing findings related to food safety messages. The evidence is contradictory but consumers do use labels. However, as labels contain so much diverse information it can be difficult for consumers to identify the important food safety messages. There is some confusion over terms relating to spoilation dates, and information such as cooking guidelines that are generally ignored. Like many behaviours, use of labels is influenced by a wide range of factors including attitudes, knowledge, experience, socio‐demographic characteristics, trust in message providers and label design. Recommendations are for more research into the use of food safety information on labels, observational studies to inform understanding of this issue and clarification for consumers about what information is important to food safety.
Current status of long‐term indwelling urinary catheter management by visiting nurses
Authors: Maeda Shuko , Takiuti Takako , Komatsu Taeko , Kohno Yumiko , Kyuji Kazuyo 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTPatients with indwelling catheters at home are more likely to receive home‐visit nursing care. However, the condition of patients with indwelling catheters among those receiving home‐visit nursing care, as well as the actual status of catheter management practised by visiting nurses, has not been studied. The aim of this study was to study the condition of long‐term indwelling urinary catheter users receiving home‐visit nursing care and the status of catheter management by visiting nurses. Thirty visiting nurses with experience in home‐visit nursing care for patients with long‐term indwelling catheters participated in this study. The questionnaire covered (1) attributes of visiting nurses, (2) the condition of indwelling catheter users, and (3) the state of implementation of catheter management by visiting nurses and difficulties experienced. It was found that patients receiving home‐visit nursing care had used indwelling catheters for a prolonged period for both disease management and other reasons, and they developed various abnormal symptoms and complications such as urinary tract infection. A high percentage of visiting nurses implemented all the items of observation, practice, guidance and cooperation in catheter management. Items of catheter management that caused difficulty for visiting nurses included detection of urinary tract infection or other complications, catheter insertion, obtaining catheter replacement supplies, encouraging ingestion of water and cooperation with physicians. This study concludes by throwing light on the condition of long‐term indwelling urinary catheter users receiving home‐visit nursing care, and the status of catheter management by visiting nurses.
Nurse assessment of residents' pain in a long‐term care facility
Authors: Ben Natan M. , Ataneli M. , Admenko A. , Har Noy R. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundChronic pain experienced by residents in long‐term care is a common complaint that is often underdiagnosed and inadequately treated. This in part may be due to poor nursing practice in pain assessment.AimTo identify factors predicting nurses' performance of pain assessment among older long‐term care residents. Furthermore, it will examine the relationship between ageist attitudes and practices and attitudes about pain assessment of older adults.MethodsA descriptive correlation survey was carried out among 104 nurses working in a long‐term care facility. The survey measured nurses' pain assessment practices and attitude about pain assessment, and attitudes to older people. Linear regression was used to examine associations between the variables.FindingsOur results show that nurse assessment is directly and positively correlated with their general knowledge about pain obtained in pre‐service nursing studies, but not with knowledge obtained during in‐service training. Nurses with a positive, non‐ageist attitude towards older adults are more likely to have higher levels of awareness of the need to perform pain assessment.Key conclusions and implications for practiceConcerning implementation, we suggest increasing pain assessment training as part of pre‐service nursing education. The necessary training should focus on improving attitudes towards older adults, removing negative myths associated with them and increasing appreciation of the importance of pain assessment.
Clinical utility of the prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) urine assay in Japanese men undergoing prostate biopsy
Authors: Ochiai Atsushi , Okihara Koji , Kamoi Kazumi , Oikawa Takehiro , Shimazui Toru , Murayama Shin‐Ichiro , Tomita Kyoichi , Umekawa Tohru , Uemura Hirotsugu , Miki Tsuneharu 
Published: January 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
It is known that a prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) urine assay is superior to serum PSA level or PSA‐related indices for predicting a positive biopsy result in European and US men.
This is the first report on PCA3 in a large cohort of Japanese men. The diagnostic value of the PCA3 score in Japanese men was similar to those reported in European and US men. The study concludes that a combination of PSA density and PCA3 score may be useful for selecting patients who could avoid an unnecessary biopsy.
Objective
To examine the diagnostic performance of the prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) score for prostate cancer in Japanese men undergoing prostate biopsy.
Patients and Methods
This Japanese, multicentre study included 647 Asian men who underwent extended prostate biopsy with elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and/or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE).
Urine samples were collected after DRE.
The PCA3 score was determined using a PROGENSA PCA3 assay and correlated with biopsy outcome. Its diagnostic accuracy was compared with that of serum PSA level, prostate volume (PV), PSA density (PSAD), and free/total PSA ratio (f/t PSA).
Results
A total of 633 urine samples were successfully analysed (the informative rate was 98%). Median PSA was 7.6 ng/mL.
Biopsy revealed cancer in 264 men (41.7%). The PCA3 score for men with prostate cancer was significantly higher than that for men with negative biopsies (median PCA3 score: 49 vs. 18; P < 0.001). The rate of positive biopsy was 16.0% in men with a PCA3 score of <20 and 60.6% in those with a PCA3 score of ≥50.
Using a PCA3 score threshold of 35, sensitivity and specificity were 66.5 and 71.6%, respectively.
The area under the curve of the PCA3 score was significantly higher than that of the f/t PSA in men with PSA 4–10 ng/mL (0.742 vs 0.647; P < 0.05).
In men with PSAD < 0.15 and PCA3 < 20, only three (4.2%) out of 72 men had prostate cancer.
Conclusions
The PCA3 score was significantly superior to f/t PSA in predicting a positive biopsy result for prostate cancer in Japanese men with PSA 4–10 ng/mL.
The combination of PSAD and PCA3 score may be useful for selecting patients who could avoid an unnecessary biopsy.
Transfer Payments without Growth: Evidence for German Regions, 1992–2005
Authors: Koetter Michael , Wedow Michael 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAfter German reunification, interregional subsidies accounted for approximately 4% of gross fixed capital investment in the new federal states (i.e. those which were formerly part of the German Democratic Republic). We show that, between 1992 and 2005, infrastructure and corporate investment subsidies had a negative net impact on regional economic growth and convergence. This result is robust to both the specification of spatially weighted control variables and the use of instrumental variable techniques to control for the endogeneity of subsidies. Our results suggest that regional redistribution was ineffective, potentially due to a lack of spatial concentration to create growth poles.
Intratracheal Antitumor Necrosis Factor‐α Antibody Attenuates Lung Tissue Damage Following Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Qi Danni , Gao Ming‐Xin , Yu Yang 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of antitumor necrosis factor‐α antibody (TNF‐α Ab) on lung tissue injury after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Twenty‐eight healthy New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Group I received only an open chest operation. Groups II–IV all received CPB. Furthermore, groups III and IV received post‐CPB endotracheal intubation with phosphate buffered saline or TNF‐α Ab (2400 pg/kg), respectively. Perioperative blood neutrophil count, TNF‐α level, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in both the right and left atriums. Lung water content, TNF‐α messenger RNA, protein, apoptosis in situ, and pathomorphological changes were also measured. The results show that TNF‐α Ab can significantly inhibit leukocyte accumulation, reduce secretion of TNF‐α and MDA, decrease lung tissue apoptosis, and attenuate post‐CPB pathomorphological changes. TNF‐α Ab administration, however, cannot suppress the expression of TNF‐α, suggesting that the protective effects of TNF‐α Ab originate from inhibiting the numerous biological functions of TNF‐α. Intratracheal TNF‐α Ab administration demonstrates a notable protective effect against lung injury after CPB.
Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT Pathway Reduces Tumor Necrosis Factor‐Alpha Production in the Cellular Response to Wear Particles In Vitro
Authors: Huang Jian‐bin , Ding Yue , Huang Dong‐sheng , Liang An‐jing , Zeng Wei‐ke , Zeng Zhan‐peng , Qin Chu‐qiang , Barden Bertram 
Published: January 2013

AbstractJoint replacement is the most effective treatment for end‐stage osteoarticular disease. However, macrophage‐mediated aseptic loosening of joint prosthesis severely hampers the clinical effects of joint replacement. Until now, the mechanism by which macrophages regulate the secretion of inflammatory cytokines after particle stimulation is not clear. It is well known that the PI3K/AKT pathway participates in multiple cellular processes, including cell growth, survival, and inflammation. However, whether the PI3K/AKT pathway participates in the proinflammatory response of macrophages after particle stimulation and secondary aseptic loosening is still unknown. In this study, ceramic and titanium particles of different sizes were prepared to stimulate macrophages. LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI3K, was pretreated prior to particle stimulation. The expression of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and all the subunits of PI3K and AKT were detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blot. The result showed that LY294002 could suppress the RNA and protein expression of TNF‐α in RAW264.7 cells after stimulation of different particles. The subunits of PI3K (p110β and p85β), followed by activation of phosphor‐AKT (Ser473), participated in the regulation of activating macrophages by wear particles, ultimately resulting in the secretion of TNF‐α.
Transforming the Norwegian Dwelling Stock to Reach the 2 Degrees Celsius Climate Target
Authors: Pauliuk Stefan , Sjöstrand Karin , Müller Daniel B. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryResidential buildings account for about one‐third of the final energy demand in Norway. Many cost‐effective measures for reducing heat losses in buildings are known, and their implementation may make the building sector one of the largest contributors to climate change mitigation.To determine the sectoral emission reduction potential, we model a complete transformation of the dwelling stock by 2050 by applying both renovation and reconstruction with different energy standards. We propose a new dynamic stock model with an optimization routine to identify and prioritize buildings with the highest energy saving potential. We combine material flow analysis (MFA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) techniques to extend the sectoral boundary beyond direct household emissions.Despite an expected population growth of almost 50% between 2000 and 2050, sectoral carbon emissions in that period may drop between 30% and 40% for scenarios where the stock is completely transformed by either reconstruction or renovation to the passive house standard. Due to its lower upstream impact, renovation leads to a lower sectoral carbon footprint than reconstruction.Full transformation, however, is not sufficient to achieve an emissions reduction of 50% or more, as required on average to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, because hot water generation, appliances, and lighting will dominate the sectoral footprint once the stock has been transformed. A first estimate of the additional impact of realistic energy efficiency and lifestyle changes in the nonheating part of the sector reveals a maximal total reduction potential of about 75%.
Racial Disparities in Left Main Stenting: Insights from a Real World Inner City Population
Authors: MOHAMAD TAMAM , PANAICH SIDAKPAL S. , ALANI ANAS , BADHEKA APURVA , SHENOY MAITHILI , MOHAMAD BASHAR , KANAAN EYAS , ALI OMAIMA , ELDER MAHIR , SCHREIBER THEODORE L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundLeft main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is associated with significant cardiovascular mortality. The data on patient characteristics' predicting outcomes after LMCA revascularization is sparse.MethodsA retrospective study of 227 patients with LMCA disease documented on coronary angiography from March 2000 to December 2008. Data included demographic variables, co‐morbidities, cardiac function, and medications. Race was self‐identified. The study outcome was a composite end‐point including myocardial infarction (MI) and all‐cause mortality. Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to study the effect of various patient attributes including race and gender on the composite end‐point.ResultsBaseline characteristics were specifically compared between individuals who had the study outcome versus those who did not. Mean age was higher in the group with study outcomes when compared to the group without any outcomes (64.3 ± 11.8 years versus 59.2 ± 13.6 years; p = 0.013). After the final multivariate regression analysis, only African American (AA) race and age were found to be independent predictors of adverse cardiac outcome at the end of the first year (race—hazard ratio (HR) 3.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–10.62, p = 0.010; age—HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04–1.13, p < 0.001) and at the end of the study (race—HR 2.71, 95% CI 1.44–5.10, p = 0.002; age—HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.08, p = 0.017).ConclusionIn our study of patients with unprotected LMCA disease, AA race, and age were significantly predictive of poor prognosis following revascularization, while gender had no predictive value in prognosticating cardiovascular mortality.