bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brief communication: Dynamic plantar pressure distribution during locomotion in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Hirasaki Eishi , Higurashi Yasuo , Kumakura Hiroo 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTo better place the form and motion of the human foot in an evolutionary context, understanding how foot motions change when quadrupeds walk bipedally can be informative. For this purpose, we compared the pressures beneath the foot during bipedal and quadrupedal walking in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). The pressure at nine plantar regions was recorded using a pressure mat (120 Hz), while the animals walked on a level walkway at their preferred speeds. The results revealed substantial differences in foot use between the two modes of locomotion, and some features observed during bipedal walking resembled human gait, such as the medial transfer of the center of pressure (COP), abrupt declines in forefoot pressures, and the increased pressure beneath the hallux, all occurring during the late‐stance phase. In particular, the medial transfer of the COP, which is also observed in bonobos (Vereecke et al.: Am J Phys Anthropol 120 (2003) 373–383), was due to a biomechanical requirement for a hind limb dominant gait, such as bipedal walking. Features shared by bipedal and quadrupedal locomotion that were quite different from human locomotion were also observed: the heel never contacted the ground, a foot longitudinal arch was absent, the hallux was widely abducted, and the functional axis was on the third digit, not the second. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone Density Distribution Patterns in the Rostrum of Delphinids and Beaked Whales: Evidence of Family‐Specific Evolutive Traits
Authors: Cozzi Bruno , Panin Mattia , Butti Camilla , Podestà Michela , Zotti Alessandro 
Published: December 2009

AbstractToothed whales have undergone a profound telescopic rearrangement of the skull, with elongation of facial bones and formation of a hollow rostrum, filled in vivo by the mesorostral cartilage. In most species of the family Ziphiidae, this latter cartilage becomes secondarily ossified, producing in some cases the densest bone existing in nature. Starting from this observation, we wanted to investigate the patterns of distribution of bone mineral density (BMD) in the rostrum of two families of toothed whales with different ecological and behavioral traits: Delphinidae and Ziphiidae. We analyzed BMD non invasively by means of the dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry technology, and found two different density distribution patterns that distinctly set the two families apart. Namely, BMD values decrease from the proximal to the distal region of the rostrum in delphinids, whereas the beaked whales show a BMD peak in the central region. Possible functions such as ballast or protection against clashes might be likely, although more data about the species of both families is needed to give better evidence. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neonatal Gonocyte Differentiation in Mongolian GerbilMeriones unguiculatusInvolves Asynchronous Maturation of Seminiferous Cords and Rapid Formation of Transitional Cell Stage
Authors: Pinto Maria Etelvina , Botta Lívia Silva , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Góes Rejane Maira 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis study describes the neonatal differentiation of the Mongolian gerbil gonocytes, focusing on the relationship between its relocation to the basement membrane, apoptosis and postrelocation changes and also the distribution of androgen receptors (AR). Testes of gerbils from 1 to 35 days of age (d) were examined by high resolution light microscopy and immunocytochemistry for proteins PCNA, VASA, and AR as well as by the TUNEL method. Gonocytes were quantified according to degree of relocation into nonrelocated, relocating and relocated. Most of them were found in the center of seminiferous cords at 1 d but a small number of relocating and relocated gonocytes were already visible in the first postnatal day. After relocation, gonocytes change phenotypically to a transitional stage designated herein prospermatogonia. Both gonocyte relocation and transformation into spermatogonial lineage occur asynchronously in the seminiferous cords, mainly after 7 d. Gonocyte proliferation began before but peak after their relocation to basement membrane at the prospermatogonia stage. Higher levels of gonocyte apoptosis were found at 7 d and 21 d. From this time onward gonocytes were not found. Gonocytes and prospermatogonia showed high amounts of AR in their cytoplasm contrary to spermatogonial subtypes, indicating a possible AR inactivation in these cells. In conclusion, the process of gonocyte relocation in the gerbil extends until the second postnatal week, leads to their rapid differentiation into prospermatogonia and occurs simultaneously with the loss of androgen sensitivity. Differently from other laboratory rodents, the events regarding gonocyte maturation in the gerbil last longer and occur asynchronously in seminiferous cords. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A stochastic model for a general load‐sharing system under overload condition
Authors: Yun Won Young , Cha Ji Hwan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA load‐sharing parallel system functions if at least one unit in the system is functioning and the surviving units share the load. In most of research on load‐sharing system, the performance of the system has been studied only for the case when the lifetimes of components in the system follow exponential distributions. In this paper a load‐sharing parallel system is considered when the lifetimes of the units in the system are any continuous random variables. The reliability function of the system is derived and the problem of load allocation is also considered. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signal processing interpolation educational workbench
Authors: Costa M. I. , Barroso J. , Soares S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis article presents an educational tool to be used in signal processing interpolation‐related subjects. The aim is to contribute to the better consolidation of acquired theoretical knowledge, allowing students to test signal reconstruction algorithms and visualize the results obtained by the usage of such algorithms, and how several parameters affect their convergence and performance. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 356–363, 2012
N‐terminal Prohormone Brain Natriuretic Peptide‐proBNP Levels in Ventricular Arrhythmias in Children
Authors: Mazurek Bogusław , Szydłowski Lesław , Giec‐Fuglewicz Grażyna , Markiewicz‐Łoskot Grażyna 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundVentricular arrhythmias are the most common consequences of structural and functional heart diseases, but cases with no evident pathology are also observed. A parameter indicating asymptomatic circulatory failure could support decisions related to possible treatment of ventricular arrhythmias.HypothesisThe study objective was the evaluation of N‐terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels in children with ventricular arrhythmias and an attempt to determine if this parameter may be used for diagnosis and prognosis of ventricular arrhythmias.Material and methodsThe study population was comprised of 36 children age 5 to 17.5 years old with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (Group B) graded mild or potentially malignant; 29 patients with mild ventricular arrhythmias were included into Group B1; and 7 patients with potentially malignant cases into Group B2. In all the patients, NT‐proBNP assays were performed.ResultsThe NT‐proBNP levels in Groups B, B1, B2 and the control group (Group K) were as follows: 41.5 ± 15.1 pg/mL, 35.5 ± 18.5 pg/mL, 66.3 ± 24.9 pg/mL and 31.5 ± 15.1 pg/mL, respectively. Between the groups with and without arrhythmias (Group B vs Group K), no statistically significant differences in NT‐proBNP levels were found. However, markedly higher NT‐proBNP levels were shown in the children with potentially malignant arrhythmias (Group B2) compared to the patients with mild arrhythmias (B1) and the control group (Group K).ConclusionsThe level of NT‐proBNP increases with the severity of ventricular arrhythmia. NT‐proBNP assays can be helpful for diagnosing and grading the severity of ventricular arrhythmias. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conflict of Interest
Authors: Richard Conti C. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractConflicts of interest are mainly financial when it comes to physician/industry relationships. Financial relationships are those in which a person benefits by receiving money in any amount in the previous 12 months. The Accreditation Council of Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) defines conflict of interest as, “when an individual has an opportunity to affect CME content about products or services of a commercial interest with which he/she has a financial relationship.” Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of clay suspensions on the precipitation of CaCO3 in seawater
Authors: Karoui H. , Tlili M. M. , Riffault B. , Ben Amor M. , Mosrati H. , Mosrati R. , Gil O. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe effect of montmorillonite and kaolinite, most common clay in marine water, on nucleation and growth of calcium carbonate in standard sea water was studied. Crystallization was induced by the degasification of the dissolved carbonic gas. It was shown by XRD and SEM analysis that CaCO3 crystallize under its aragonite polymorph some either the clay concentration or type. It was also found that tested clays inhibited significantly the crystallization of calcium carbonate, especially for concentrations higher than 25 mgL–1. From the fine analyses of the formed solid, it was suggested that the tested clays have an indirect effect on nucleation and growth of aragonite by increasing the Mg ions concentration, strong inhibitor of CaCO3 formation, in the neighbourhood of clay particles where supersaturation is the higher and than crystallization can occur. In addition to its indirect role, kaolinite can interact with aragonite by adsorbing on their faces and blocking growth sites (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polymorphism and solvates of 3,3'‐dihydroxy‐ß,ß‐carotene‐4,4'‐dione: Screening and their thermodynamics
Authors: Guo J. , Ulrich J. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract3,3'‐dihydroxy‐ß,ß‐carotene‐4,4'‐dione (DCD) is a carotenoid used for the pink coloration in animal and fish foods. Two nonsolvated and two solvated forms of this compound have been discovered and characterized using different analytical techniques. The thermodynamic stability of the relevant polymorphs is revealed. The transformation rate depends strongly on the selection of solvent medium. Moreover, different chemical stability refers to the shelf life is studied correlating to the different polymorphs. The results show the possibilities to improve the pigmentation efficiency and chemical stability by a changing in the crystal polymorphs. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preparation, structure, and photoluminescence properties of Ga2O3/SnO2 coaxial nanowires
Authors: Jin Changhyun , Kim Hyunsoo , Baek Kyungjoon , Kim Hyoun Woo , Lee Chongmu 
Published: December 2009

AbstractGa2O3/SnO2 coaxial nanowires were synthesized by thermal evaporation of GaN powders and then atomic layer deposition of SnO2. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis results indicate that the Ga2O3 cores and the SnO2 shells of the coaxial nanowires after thermal annealing are single crystals with monoclinic and simple orthorhombic structures, respectively, although the SnO2 shells are amorphous before annealing. Our results also show that photoluminescence (PL) emission can be enhanced by thermal annealing in an H2/N2 atmosphere. EDX concentration profile suggests that the enhancement in the bluish green emission is due to the increase in the concentration of the Ga vacancies in the cores during the H2/N2 annealing. On the other hand, a red emission is newly formed while the bluish green emission is degraded by annealing in an oxygen or nitrogen atmosphere (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mothers' concentrations of oxytocin following close, physical interactions with biological and nonbiological children
Authors: Bick Johanna , Dozier Mary 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe current study examined the concentration of mothers' peripherally produced oxytocin after close physical interactions with their biological and nonbiological children. Each of 35 mothers and children participated in a computer game that promoted physical contact. In one interaction context, mothers interacted with their own children, and in the other context, mothers interacted with unfamiliar children. After the activity, urine samples were collected from the mothers and were assayed for oxytocin. Data from 26 mothers were available for oxytocin analyses. Oxytocin levels were higher among mothers following interactions with unfamiliar children than following interactions with their own children. Possible explanations for the differences in oxytocin levels across contexts are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 52: 100–107, 2010
Orthogonal Signal Correction for Voltammetry
Authors: Jakubowska Małgorzata 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe paper presents orthogonal signal correction (OSC) as a useful algorithm to remove undesired signals distortions, connected with the application of solid electrodes in voltammetry which currently replace toxic mercury sensors due to metal toxicity. It was proven that the influence of additive, multiplicative and typical non‐linearity perturbations of the signal for a calibration model may be substantially limited. Additionally, a noticeable arrangement of the curves was observed which improves the exploration of the analytical system under consideration. The ability of OSC to remove undesirable background effects and improve the quality of results was demonstrated with simulated and experimental data sets.
A Cheap Amperometric and Optical Sensor for Glucose Determination
Authors: Scavetta E. , Ballarin B. , Tonelli D. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA cheap amperometric and optical sensor for glucose, based on an ITO electrode coated with electrodeposited Co/Al hydrotalcite (HT) is described. Cobalt based HT shows a reversible electrochromic behavior which can be exploited for the development of an optical sensor. Working in the optical mode, the linearity range of the sensor is between 0.008 and 0.13 mM with a sensitivity of 1.14 mM−1⋅cm−2, whereas when working in the amperometric mode, the linearity ranges from 0.002 to 1.5 mM with a sensitivity of 4.24×10−4 A⋅mM−1⋅cm−2. The sensor has been successfully employed for the determination of glucose in a serum sample.
Changes in pentachlorophenol (PCP) metabolism and physicochemical characteristics by granules responding to different oxygen availability
Authors: Chen Yuancai , Lin Che‐Jen , Lan Huaixia , Fu Shiyu , Zhan Huaiyu 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe effects of oxygen availability on the degradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) by coupled sludge granules and the granules' physicochemical characteristics were studied in batch experiments. Results indicated that the quantity of available oxygen in serum bottles had a significant effect on the metabolism of PCP. The mass balance analysis of various intermediates (chlorinated phenols and release of chloride ion) indicated that reductive dechlorination was the pathway for the PCP degradation under the studied conditions. The highest degree of mineralization of PCP (95%) was achieved at 40% initial headspace oxygen percentage (IHOP), producing trichlorophenol (TCP), dichlorophenol (DCP), and monochlorophenol (MCP) as the intermediates and chloride as one of the final products in a 3‐day incubation period. Under strictly anaerobic or slightly oxidative conditions (0 and 20 IHOP), the reductive dechlorination of PCP caused an accumulation of TCP. Under aerobic conditions (80 and 100 IHOP), PCP degradation was less significant due to the hindered reductive chlorination in the presence of excess oxygen. A positive correlation exists among hydrophobicity, settling velocity, and protein (PN) concentration. The hydrophobicity and PN decreased from 85%, 3.5 mg g−1 VSS to 70%, 1.3 mg g−1 VSS as IHOP increased from 0 to 60, and then increased to 82%, 2.8 mg g−1 VSS as IHOP increased to 100. Oxygen‐limited conditions caused an inferior settling characteristic of the granules. Because of a combination of reductive and oxidative degradation mechanisms, aerobic or facultative bacteria were found to oxidize the PCP degradation intermediates produced by methanogens during the metabolism. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010
Shape of hexagonal hydrostatic menisci
Authors: Pozrikidis C. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA numerical method is implemented for computing the shape of an infinite, hexagonal, doubly periodic, hydrostatic meniscus originating from contact lines whose projections in the horizontal plane are circles. The contact lines themselves may lie on vertical cylinders or spherical objects. The Laplace–Young equation determining the meniscus shape is solved by a finite‐difference method in orthogonal curvilinear coordinates generated by conformal mapping. The elevation of the contact lines is either prescribed or computed as part of the solution to ensure a specified contact angle. The results illustrate that the contact line spacing has an important effect on the contact angle or contact line distribution. Meniscus shapes exist only for a limited range of pressure differences between the upper and lower fluid that depend on the capillary length. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulatory T cells control macrophage accumulation and activation in lymphoma
Authors: Galani Ioanna E. , Wendel Marco , Stojanovic Ana , Jesiak Maria , Müller Margareta M. , Schellack Carola , Suri‐Payer Elisabeth , Cerwenka Adelheid 
Published: December 2009

AbstractStrategies of manipulating immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Treg) in cancer patients are currently evaluated in clinical trials. Treg suppress immune responses of tumor‐specific T cells; yet, relatively little is known about the impact of Treg on innate immune cells in tumor models in vivo. Many tumors lose expression of MHC class I. Therefore, our study aimed at defining strategies to strengthen immune responses against a high tumor burden of the MHC class I‐deficient mouse lymphoma RMA‐S. We demonstrate that Treg depletion in mice led to tumor rejection that was dependent on T cells, NK cells and IFN‐γ. In the absence of Treg elevated levels of IFN‐γ were produced by tumor‐infiltrating T cells and NK cells. Tumor rejection observed in the absence of Treg correlated with a substantial IFN‐γ‐dependent increase in the numbers of tumor‐infiltrating leukocytes. The most abundant cell population in the tumors was macrophages. Tumor‐infiltrating macrophages from Treg‐depleted mice expressed increased amounts of MHC class II, produced highly enhanced levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and inhibited tumor cell proliferation. It was reported that tumor‐infiltrating macrophages have multi‐faceted functions promoting or counteracting tumor growth. In our study, high numbers of macrophages infiltrating RMA‐S tumors in the absence of Treg correlated with tumor rejection suggesting that macrophages are additional targets for Treg‐mediated immune suppression in cancer.
Granzyme B is expressed in urothelial carcinoma and promotes cancer cell invasion
Authors: D'Eliseo Donatella , Pisu Paola , Romano Chiara , Tubaro Andrea , De Nunzio Cosimo , Morrone Stefania , Santoni Angela , Stoppacciaro Antonella , Velotti Francesca 
Published: December 2009

AbstractGranzyme B (GrB) is a serine proteinase known to be expressed by cytotoxic lymphocytes and to induce, in presence of perforin (Pf), apoptosis in target cells. Recently, GrB expression has been shown (often in absence of Pf) in nonlymphoid cells, but its function is not defined. In our study, we investigated GrB and Pf expression in bladder cancer cell lines and in urothelial carcinoma (UC) tissues by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blot, ELISA, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. We also assessed the function of GrB in UC cells; the in vitro function of GrB was examined by loss‐of‐function experiments. Our results revealed that GrB is expressed, in absence of Pf, in UC cells. Significant differences were found between GrB expression and both increasing pathological tumor spreading and high‐grade vs. low‐grade pTa tumors. Notably, GrB in UC tissues was concentrated at the cancer invasion front and was expressed in neoplastic cells undergoing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, a key event in carcinoma invasion. Indeed, GrB‐positive cells also expressed Snail, N‐cadherin or were negative for E‐cadherin. GrB expressed in tumor cell lines was enzymatically active and capable of vitronectin cleavage, implying extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling by GrB. Inhibition of GrB activity or Stealth RNA interference‐mediated GrB gene silencing markedly suppressed bladder cancer cell invasion through matrigel. This data provides the first evidence for a role of GrB in promoting cancer cell invasion. Taken together, our findings suggest that GrB, via ECM degradation, contributes to the establishment of the UC invasive phenotype.
Domestic vs external sovereign debt servicing: an empirical analysis
Authors: Kohlscheen Emanuel 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis paper analyzes the incidence of domestic and external debt crises for a sample of 53 emerging economies between 1980 and 2005. Even though there is substantial time variation in the default rates during the period, sovereign default rates for domestic debts are typically lower than those for external debts. The incidence of both types of defaults is explained by means of the estimation of independent and simultaneous limited‐dependent variable models. The results show that while there is considerable evidence that external defaults trigger domestic defaults, evidence for the reverse link disappears when default propensities are estimated in a simultaneous equation model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevention of Rh sensitization in the context of trauma: Two case reports
Authors: Werch Jochewed B. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground:Transfusion of D+ red blood cells (RBCs) to D− recipients can be accidental or necessary due to D− RBC shortage. Alloimmunization can complicate future transfusions; implications for women of childbearing age are compounded by possible hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Rh immunoprophylaxis is effective, and indicated, for preventing alloimmunization. Reports of massive D+ mismatch (e.g., in the case of fetal‐maternal bleed) are limited, and standard recommendations for managing these rare events are lacking. The cases discussed herein of women of childbearing age who suffered severe trauma requiring emergency surgery illustrate the dilemma of determining the ideal strategy for Rh immunoprophylaxis.Case reports:The first patient received two units of mismatched RBCs and was treated with intravenous Rh immune globulin (IV RHIG; Rhophylac®, CSL Behring, Kankakee, IL) monotherapy beginning 49 h postsurgery. For the second patient, who received three units of D+ RBCs, partial RBC exchange transfusion, followed 48 h later by IV RHIG, was deemed appropriate based on the large volume of RHIG needed and concerns of hemolytic transfusion reaction and hyperbilirubinemia. Both patients recovered in full without further intervention; the first patient delivered a healthy child ∼11 months posttreatment.Conclusions:Rh immunoprophylaxis is effective, and indicated, for preventing alloimmunization in women of childbearing age to protect the mother, fetus, and newborn. For the general population, a case‐by‐case approach is recommended. The availability of IV RHIG improves patient safety by facilitating the delivery of such treatment. RBC exchange should be considered for large volume mismatches. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.