bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ammonotely in a neotropical frugivorous bat as energy intake decreases
Authors: Herrera M. L. Gerardo , Osorio M. Jazmín , Mancina G. Carlos A. 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARY
We tested the role of increased ammonia in urine as an energy- and/or nitrogen (N)-saving mechanism in the great fruit-eating bat Artibeus lituratus (Phyllostomidae). We compared N excretion in two groups of bats fed energy-rich (2.75 kJ g–1 wet mass) or energy-poor diets (0.7 kJ g–1 wet mass). Within each diet, bats were assigned to different N contents. In order to function as an energy-saving mechanism, ammonia production should increase with decreasing energy intake. To function as an N-saving mechanism, ammonia production should increase with decreasing N intake. Because we varied both diet energy density and N content, our study design allowed us to test these two possibilities simultaneously. Bats had higher food intake rate and, consequently, higher N intake rate on the energy-poor diet, but energy intake rate was lower. Most bats on the energy-rich diet were ureotelic whereas on the energy-poor diet bats were ureotelic, ammonotelic or ureo-ammonotelic. Bats fed the energy-poor diet had a higher excretion rate of ammonia and a higher percent of N excreted as ammonia. Percent N ammonia and ammonia excretion rate were inversely related to energy intake, but they were not related to N intake. By favoring ammonia production over urea, bats on the energy-poor diet may save up to 1% of their basal metabolic rate. Consumption of energy-dilute fruits by fruit bats might affect the way in which N wastes are excreted, favoring the excretion of ammonia N when food intake is accompanied by the ingestion of large volumes of water.
Athen – Eine wehrhafte Demokratie? Überlegungen zum Stasisgesetz Solons und zum Ostrakismos
Authors: Schmitz Winfried 
Published: October 2011

Zusammenfassung
Zu den politischen Reformen Solons gehört das Stasisgesetz, das in der Forschung unterschiedlich gedeutet wird, meist als Versuch Solons, einen Bürgerkrieg im Keim zu ersticken, weil opponierende Adelige damit rechnen mußten, daß sich ihnen die Mehrheit der attischen Bürger entgegenstellte. Eine Untersuchung der frühen Belege für stásis zeigt, daß das Wort den Bürgerkrieg bezeichnen kann, häufig aber einen Konflikt meint, eine Spaltung der Bürgerschaft in einer politisch brisanten Situation, die durch eine Abstimmung entschieden wurde, so daß eine gewaltsame Auseinandersetzung vermieden werden konnte. In einen solchen Kontext gestellt ist das Stasisgesetz kein Aufruf an die Bürger, bei einem Bürgerkrieg zu den Waffen zu greifen, sondern kann als Verpflichtung gedeutet werden, in einer politisch brisanten Situation an einer Abstimmung teilzunehmen. Der Kontext, in dem das Gesetz überliefert ist, legt nahe, daß sich das Gesetz auf Anklagen vor dem Areopag bezieht. Bei einem Tyrannisversuch, einem Kampf um die Ämter oder einem scharfen politischen Konflikt wurden also die Areopagiten verpflichtet, bei der Abstimmung durch Stimmabgabe Stellung für die eine oder andere Seite zu beziehen. Das Stasisgesetz kann daher als geringer formalisierte Vorform des Ostrakismos verstanden werden. Möglicherweise weil sich das Entscheidungsverfahren im Areopag nicht bewährt hatte, übertrug Kleisthenes die Entscheidung am Ende des 6. Jh. vom Areopag auf das Volk und ersetzte die Verpflichtung zur Stimmabgabe durch ein Mindestquorum.
Weakly sufficient quantum statistics
Authors: Lubnauer Katarzyna , Łuczak Andrzej , Podsędkowska Hanna 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Some aspects of weak sufficiency of quantum statistics are investigated. In particular, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a weakly sufficient statistic for a given family of vector states, investigate the problem of its minimality, and find the relation between weak sufficiency and other notions of sufficiency employed so far.
Landing Pattern Modification to Improve Patellofemoral Pain in Runners: A Case Series
Authors: Cheung Roy T.H. , Davis Irene S. 
Published: October 2011

Study Design Case series. Background Patellofemoral pain is a common overuse injury in runners. Recent findings suggest that patellofemoral pain is related to high-impact loading associated with a rearfoot strike pattern. This case series describes the potential training effects of a landing pattern modification program to manage patellofemoral pain in runners. Case Description Three female runners with unilateral patellofemoral pain who initially presented with a rearfoot strike pattern underwent 8 sessions of landing pattern modification program using real-time audio feedback from a force sensor placed within the shoe. Ground reaction forces during running were assessed with an instrumented treadmill. Patellofemoral pain symptoms were assessed using 2 validated questionnaires. Finally, running performance was measured by self-reported best time to complete a 10-km run in the previous month. The runners were assessed before, immediately after, and 3 months following training. Outcomes The landing pattern of runners was successfully changed from a rearfoot to a nonrearfoot strike pattern after training. This new pattern was maintained 3 months after the program. The vertical impact peak and rates of loading were shown to be reduced. Likewise, the symptoms related to patellofemoral pain and associated functional limitations were improved. However, only 1 of the participants reported improved running performance after the training. Discussion This case series provided preliminary data to support further investigation of interventions leading to landing pattern modification in runners with patellofemoral pain. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(12):914–919, Epub 25 October 2011. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3771
Stabilization of coxo-femoral luxation using tenodesis of the deep gluteal muscle
Authors: Rochereau P. , Bernardé A. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryThis retrospective study documents deep gluteal tenodesis (DGT) used to stabilize coxofemoral luxation (CFL) in dogs and cats, and to report reluxation rate and clinical outcome after DGT.Medical records (1995–2008) of 65 dogs and cats with traumatic CFL treated by capsulorrhaphy and DGT were reviewed. Animals with radiographic evidence of pre-existing hip dysplasia or articular fractures had been excluded. Reluxation rate and outcome were assessed by clinical examination, performed two and ten weeks postoperatively.Surgical treatment was performed between one and 20 days after the initiating event. No perioperative complications occurred. All hip joints were correctly reduced and stabilized immediately after DGT completion. Except for five patients, placement of the screw was considered correct. In two of these patients, the screws were too long and were protruding into the pelvic canal. In two dogs, the screws were not tightened adequately, and in one dog the screw was too short. Twenty-six dogs and eight cats were re-examined between eight and 13 weeks postoperatively. Reluxation did not occur in any of them. Outcomes were good in two cases and excellent in 32 cases; all but two had a normal range-of-motion of the reconstructed hip, and were free of lameness and did not show any signs of pain.Traumatic CFL can be stabilized safely and effectively by DGT in dogs and cats. This technique should be considered among other capsular reinforcement techniques in the presence of an intact deep gluteal muscle.Presented in part at the 19th Annual Scientific Meeting ECVS, Helsinki, Finland, July 1–3, 2010
A Study of the Clinical and Biochemical Profile of Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid Low in Glucose Degradation Products
Authors: Lai Kar Neng , Lam Man Fai , Leung Joseph C.K. , Chan Loretta Y. , Lam Christopher W.K. , Chan Iris H.S. , Chan Hoi Wong , Li Chun Sang , Wong Sunny S.H. , Ho Yiu Wing , Cheuk Au , Tong Matthew K.L. , Tang Sydney C.W. 
Published: November 2011

Objective Although peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a widely accepted form of renal replacement therapy, concerns remain regarding the bioincompatible nature of standard PD fluid (PDF). Short-term studies of new biocompatible PDFs low in glucose degradation products (GDPs) reveal divergent results with respect to peritoneal integrity. Methods We studied 125 patients on maintenance PD who were assigned, by simple randomization, to receive either conventional or low-GDP PDF at PD initiation. Parameters of dialysis adequacy and peritoneal transport of small solutes were determined at initiation and after a period of maintenance PD at the time when serum and overnight effluent dialysate were simultaneously collected and assayed for various cytokines, chemokines, adipokines, and cardiac biomarkers. All patients were further followed prospectively for an average of 15 months from the day of serum and effluent collection to determine patient survival and cardiovascular events. Results Patients treated with conventional or low-GDP PDF were matched for sex, age, duration of dialysis, dialysis adequacy, and incidence of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. After an average of 2.3 years of PD treatment, the weekly total and peritoneal creatinine clearance, and the total and peritoneal Kt/V were comparable in the groups. However, urine output was higher in patients using low-GDP PDF despite there having been no difference between the groups at PD initiation. Patients using low-GDP PDF also experienced a slower rate of decline of residual glomerular filtration and urine output than did patients on conventional PDF. Compared with serum concentrations, effluent concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α, hepatocyte growth factor, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, interleukins 8 and 6, C-reactive protein, and leptin were found to be higher in both groups of patients after long-term PD, suggesting that the peritoneal cavity was the major source of those mediators. Compared with patients on low-GDP PDF, patients on conventional fluid showed elevated leptin and reduced adiponectin levels in serum and effluent. The effluent concentration of interleukin 8 was significantly lower in patients using low-GDP PDF. The survival rate and incidence of cardiovascular complications did not differ between these groups after maintenance PD for an average of 3.6 years. Conclusions It appears that low-GDP PDF results in an improvement of local peritoneal homeostasis through a reduction of chronic inflammatory status in the peritoneum.
Quasispecies Analysis and In Vitro Susceptibility of HBV Strains Isolated from HIV–HBV-Coinfected Patients with Delayed Response to Tenofovir
Authors: Lada Olivier , Gervais Anne , Branger Michel , Peytavin Gilles , Roquebert Benedicte , Collin Gilles , Fraqueiro Gil , Moucari Rami , Leclerc Laurence , Martinot-Peignoux Michelle , Matheron Sophie , Marcellin Patrick 
Published: November 2011

Background Among 141 HIV–HBV-coinfected patients treated with tenofovir in our centre, 87% were good-responders to therapy. Seven patients showed a delayed response to tenofovir. The present study was performed to evaluate the quasispecies variability and the in vitro drug susceptibility to approved antiviral drugs of HBV genomes directly isolated from patients’ sera. Methods After purification of DNA from serum samples, full-length HBV DNA was amplified by PCR, cloned and sequenced. Drug sensitivity of HBV strains isolated from four delayed responders and five good-responders was assessed and compared to a wild-type HBV strain after transfection of the full genome into HepG2 cells. Results Delayed responders, compared with good responders, showed a higher incidence of lamivudine-resistant mutations (71% and 35%, respectively; P=0.021) and a higher proportion of HBV genotype G (57% versus 16%, respectively; P=0.026). Clonal analysis demonstrated a higher variability of HBV quasispecies in delayed reponders than in good responders. In vitro analysis showed a lower efficacy of adefovir and tenofovir in delayed reponders. Furthermore, HBV genotype G strains showed a mild to weak susceptibility to tenofovir. Conclusions The reason for the slow decline in HBV DNA level observed during therapy in delayed responders is not clear. Delayed responders showed higher quasispecies variability, a higher proportion of HBV genotype G and a mild in vitro decreased susceptibility to tenofovir and adefovir. A combination of these factors in heavily treatment-experienced HIV-infected patients could explain the lower tenofovir activity. These patients must be closely monitored to prevent prospective emergence of resistance to approved antiviral drugs.
Measuring Opsonic Phagocytosis via Fcγ Receptors and Complement Receptors on Macrophages
Authors: Mosser David M. , Zhang Xia 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPhagocytosis is a cellular process that plays crucial roles in the removal of dead or dying cells, tissue remodeling, and host defense against invading pathogens. Most eukaryotic cells are decorated with glycoproteins containing terminal sialic acids, whose negative charges tend to repel cells, making so‐called “nonspecific” phagocytosis a relatively inefficient process. Professional phagocytes are so designated because they express two major classes of receptors on their surfaces that are primarily involved in phagocytosis. Paradoxically, these receptors do not recognize microbes directly, but rather endogenous proteins that become tethered to microbes and target them for destruction. These are the Fcγ receptors that bind to the Fc portion of IgG and the complement receptors (CRs), which bind primarily to cleavage products of the third component of complement, C3. This unit describes assays that are used to measure these two types of macrophage phagocytosis. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 95:14.27.1‐14.27.11. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis in the Mouse
Authors: Wu Bo , Goluszko Elzbieta , Huda Ruksana , Tüzün Erdem , Christadoss Premkumar 
Published: November 2011

AbstractMyasthenia gravis (MG) is a T cell–dependent antibody‐mediated autoimmune neuromuscular disease. Antibodies to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) destroy the AChR, thus leading to defective neuromuscular transmission of electrical impulse and to muscle weakness. This unit is a practical guide to the induction and evaluation of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) in the mouse, the animal model for MG. Protocols are provided for the extraction and purification of AChR from the electric organs of Torpedo californica, or the electric ray. The purified receptor is used as an immunogen to induce autoimmunity to AChR, thus causing EAMG. The defect in neuromuscular transmission can also be measured quantitatively by electromyography. In addition, EAMG is frequently characterized by the presence of serum antibodies to AChR, which are measured by radioimmunoassay and by a marked antibody‐mediated reduction in the number of muscle AChRs. AChR extracted from mouse muscle is used in measuring serum antibody levels and for quantifying muscle AChR content. Another hallmark of the disease is complement and IgG deposits located at the neuromuscular junction, which can be visualized by immunofluorescence techniques. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 95:15.23.1‐15.23.26. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Systematic review of the epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus in the Asia‐Pacific region: Prevalence, incidence, clinical features, and mortality
Authors: Jakes Rupert W. , Bae Sang‐Cheol , Louthrenoo Worawit , Mok Chi‐Chiu , Navarra Sandra V. , Kwon Namhee 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectiveSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease with a wide spectrum of manifestations, shows considerable variation across the globe, although there is little evidence to indicate its relative prevalence in Asia. This review describes its prevalence, severity, and outcome across countries in the Asia‐Pacific region.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature search using 3 groups of terms (SLE, epidemiology, and Asia‐Pacific countries) of EMBase and PubMed databases and non–English language resources, including Chinese Wanfang, Korean KMbase, Korean College of Rheumatology, Japana Centra Revuo Medicina, Taiwan National Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, and Taiwanese, Thai, and Vietnamese journals.ResultsThe review showed considerable variation in SLE burden and survival rates across Asia‐Pacific countries. Overall crude incidence rates (per 100,000 per year) ranged from 0.9–3.1, while crude prevalence rates ranged from 4.3–45.3 (per 100,000). Higher rates of renal involvement, one of the main systems involved at death, were observed for Asians (21–65% at diagnosis and 40–82% over time) than for whites. While infections and active SLE were leading causes of death, a substantial proportion (6–40%) of deaths was due to cardiovascular involvement. The correlation between the Human Development Index and 5‐year survival was 0.83.ConclusionThis review highlights the need to closely monitor Asian SLE patients in Asian countries for renal and cardiovascular involvement, especially those who may not receive proper treatment and are therefore at greater risk of severe disease. We hope this will encourage further research specific to this region and lead to improved clinical management.
Novel 3D Wollastonite‐Based Scaffolds from Preceramic Polymers Containing Micro‐ and Nano‐Sized Reactive Particles
Authors: Bernardo Enrico , Colombo Paolo , Dainese Emil , Lucchetta Giovanni , Bariani Paolo F. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWollastonite (CaSiO3) ceramics are well known biomaterials which can be produced using many different techniques. The present paper illustrates an innovative processing method employing preceramic polymers (silicone resins) containing CaCO3 micro‐ and nano‐sized particles, which act as reactive fillers. Silica from the decomposition of the silicone resins reacts at low temperature with the CaO deriving from the fillers, yielding wollastonite ceramics. Hydroxyapatite powders can also be added, to modify the biological response of the material. This approach enables the fabrication of 3D scaffolds via fused deposition or via conventional hot extrusion.
Mineralization of Collagen‐Coated Electrospun Poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) Nanofibrous Mesh to Enhance Growth and Differentiation of Osteoblasts and Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Lao Lihong , Zhu Yang , Zhang Yuying , Gao Zhenyu , Zhou Feng , Chen Longkun , Ouyang Hongwei , Gao Changyou 
Published: November 2011

AbstractTo obtain the biomimetic scaffolding materials for bone tissue engineering, poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) nanofibrous mesh (NFM) was mineralized in a 5× simulated body fluid (SBF) for different time after it was treated by air plasma for 15 min and subsequent collagen coating. The apatite particles were nucleated on the surface of individual nanofibers, gradually grew up, and finally covered the whole NFM surface. The mineral aggregates were mainly composed of tiny hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles, whose content reached a constant value of 54 µg · cm−2 after 9 days. The collagen coating and apatite deposition enhanced the NFM strength pronouncedly too. In vitro cell culture demonstrated that the non‐ or less mineralized NFMs were more beneficial of cell spreading and proliferation than those highly mineralized NFMs, but the latter ones could strongly promote secretion of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by osteoblasts after cultured for 14 days. Moreover, the highly mineralized NFMs also could significantly up‐regulated ALP activity and calcium synthesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), demonstrating that these NFMs are more favorable of the osteoblast phenotype expression and osteogenic induction. Therefore, the biomimetic apatite deposited PLGA/collagen NFM could be a promising candidate scaffold for bone tissue engineering.
Electrostatic Spray Deposition of Biomimetic Nanocrystalline Apatite Coatings onto Titanium
Authors: Iafisco Michele , Bosco Ruggero , Leeuwenburgh Sander C. G. , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P. , Jansen John A. , Prat Maria , Roveri Norberto 
Published: November 2011

AbstractTitanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used to manufacture orthopedic and dental implants due to their excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Although these materials are bioinert, improvement of biological properties (e.g., bone implant contact) can be obtained by the application of a coating made of nanostructured apatite. The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of the electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) technique for the deposition of nanostructured apatite coatings onto commercially pure (cp) Ti substrates at room temperature. To that end, poorly crystalline, nano‐sized, carbonate‐apatite plate‐like particles with dimensions similar to the nanocrystals present in bone were synthesized using wet‐chemical precipitation techniques and their physicochemical properties were subsequently characterized thoroughly. The apatite suspensions were optimized for the ESD process in terms of dispersion, aggregation, and stability. Furthermore, relevant ESD processing parameters, including nozzle‐to‐substrate distance, relative humidity in the deposition chamber and deposition time were varied in order to study their effects on coating morphology. Porous films made of agglomerates of nano‐sized apatite particles of ≈50 nm were generated, demonstrating the feasibility of the ESD technique for the deposition of thin apatite coatings with a nano‐sized surface morphology onto titanium substrates. The ability of these nanocrystals to bind therapeutic agents for bone diseases and the capability of ESD to produce coating at physiological conditions makes this work a first step toward the set‐up of coatings for bone implants based on surface‐activated apatite with improved functionality.
A novel method for the synthesis of polyhydrazide and polythiohydrazide from urea and thiourea
Authors: Abdolmaleki Amir 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA novel technique based on microwave irradiation was developed to synthesize polyhydrazide and polythiohydrazide. These polymers were readily synthesized by the reaction of aromatic and aliphatic dihydrazides with urea and thiourea. The effects of microwave irradiation time, power, solvent nature, and solid content of monomers on the inherent viscosity of the polymers were investigated. The polymers were characterized by 1H‐NMR and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of carbon nanotubes on dynamic mechanical properties, TGA, and crystalline structure of polypropylene
Authors: Razavi‐Nouri Mohammad 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis paper is devoted to the preparation of thermoplastic nanocomposites of polypropylene (PP) and different amounts of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in the range 0.25–2 wt %. The effect of SWNT content on the dynamic mechanical behavior, thermal degradation, crystalline structure, and the kinetic crystallizability of PP were studied. The results obtained from dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA) showed that the maximum storage modulus was achieved when 1 wt % SWNT was added into the pristine polymer. Thermal stability of the nanocomposites was measured by thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). From the TGA results, it was found that the weight fraction of PP which was located at the interface for the nanocomposite containing 0.5% SWNT was about 60%, and this value did not change much with the addition of higher amounts of SWNT. Moreover, the thickness of the interface between PP and SWNT was estimated to be of the order of 101 nm which is very close to the radii of gyration of PP molecular chains. Wide angle X‐ray diffractometer (WAXD) was used to explore the crystalline structure of water and slow‐cooled samples. It was found that the crystallization of PP in 040 lattice plane increased for the nanocomposites compared with PP for both cooling rates studied. It was also found that the kinetic crystallizability values were nearly the same for PP and the nanocomposites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012