bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Model for Contact Binary EP Andromedae
Authors: Manzoori Davood 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis paper presents the first comprehensive study of the EP And system, a contact binary. In this work the solution of the standard V light curve was obtained using the phoebe program (version 0.3c). Absolute parameters of the stellar components were then determined, enabling us to discuss the structure and evolutionary status of the close binary EP And. The times of minima data (‘O–C curve’) were analyzed. It was found that a third body with a period of 41.20 yr and mass 0.15 M⊙ is orbiting around the system. Also a modulating period of an 11.72-yr cycle along with a relative period increase of = 1.79 × 10−7 were obtained, which were attributed to the magnetic activity cycle and mass transfer with rate = 9.98 × 10−8 yr−1 between the components, respectively.
Absence of magnetism in Cr-doped In2O3: a case study of phase separation versus phase formation
Authors: Gaur Anand P S , Sahoo Satyaprakash , Katiyar R K , Rinaldi C , Scott J F , Katiyar R S 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Bulk ceramic Cr-doped In2O3 have been prepared using a solid-state reaction method at two different annealing temperatures. Room-temperature ferromagnetic behaviour is observed for all the compositions prepared at relatively low temperature. But from the Raman study the ferromagnetic oxide phase of CrO2 was identified. On the other hand, samples prepared at relatively high temperature show no detectable secondary phases as confirmed by x-ray diffraction and Raman study, but also no ferromagnetism. With increase in Cr content the paramagnetism state is merely enhanced. This is a strong indication that reports of ferromagnetism in Cr : In2O3 are due to a second phase, probably CrO2.
Evanescent coupling in buried planar waveguide arrays written by a femtosecond laser in neodymium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride (Nd : YLiF4)
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Qu Shiliang , Tan Yang , Chen Feng 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
We report on the fabrication of buried planar waveguide arrays in neodymium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride (Nd : YLiF4) by femtosecond laser writing. With optimized fabrication parameters, the individual waveguide modes are coupled to each other through the evanescent tails of adjacent guided fields, while the coupling constant is calculated to be 1.18 cm−1 at 633 nm based on coupled-mode theory, which shows good agreement with the experiment results. Micro-luminescence spectra reveal that the Nd3+ fluorescence properties are not significantly affected by the waveguide formation processing, which indicates a fairly good potential for further laser actions in a compact device.
The study of dislocation dynamics in thermally aged Fe–1%Cu–C alloys by internal friction measurements
Authors: Minov B , Dupré L , Konstantinović M J 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
The effect of copper precipitation and the role of carbon in the dislocation dynamics of thermally aged Fe–1%Cu–C alloys are studied by measuring the internal friction coefficient of non-deformed and cold-worked samples in the temperature range from 100 to 600 K. In non-deformed samples we observe a complex behaviour of the Snoek-relaxation peak intensity, which indicates the existence of carbon redistribution governed by the copper precipitation. In cold-worked samples, the behaviour of dislocation-related relaxation processes is explained through an increase in hardening due to copper precipitation at early precipitation stages, and through the carbon redistribution which seems to play a major role in the alloy softening at later precipitation stages.
Quantitative 3D refractive index decrement reconstruction using single-distance phase-contrast tomography data
Authors: Chen R C , Rigon L , Longo R 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
X-ray propagation-based phase-contrast imaging is an attractive phase-sensitive imaging technique that has found applications in many research fields. Here, we report the investigations of a method which can quantitatively reconstruct in 3D the refractive index decrement of a quasi-homogeneous object using single-distance phase-contrast tomography data. The method extends the Born-type approximation phase-retrieval algorithm, which is based on the phase-attenuation duality (ε = δ/β, with constant ε) and suitable for homogeneous objects, to tomography and we study its application to quasi-homogeneous objects. The noise performance and the phase-attenuation duality influences of the method are also investigated. In simulation, the method allows us to quantitatively reconstruct the 3D refractive index decrement for quasi-homogeneous and weakly absorbing samples and it performs well in the practical noise situation. Furthermore, it shows a substantial contrast increase and successfully distinguishes different materials in a quasi-homogeneous and weakly absorbing sample from experimental data, even with inappropriate ε value.
Association between the Apolipoprotein E4 and Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients Undergoing Intravenous Anesthesia and Inhalation Anesthesia
Authors: Cai Yingmin , Hu Haitao , Liu Pengbin , Feng Gaifeng , Dong Weijiang , Yu Bing , Zhu Yulin , Song Jinxin , Zhao Minggang 
Published: November 2011

Background
Intravenous and inhalation anesthesia are commonly used in the clinical setting. Recovery of cognitive function in elderly patients after surgery has received increased attention. In this study, the authors compared recovery of cognitive function in patients after different anesthesia techniques, and investigated which technique is safer. The authors also explored association between apolipoprotein E4 and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing general anesthesia.

Methods
A total of 2,000 patients were equally and randomly divided into intravenous and inhalation anesthesia groups. Total intravenous and inhalation anesthesia were used. Within 10 days after surgery, cognitive function was assessed daily using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Restriction fragment length polymorphism of apolipoprotein E gene was analyzed. The primary outcome was MMSE score, frequency distribution of apolipoprotein E alleles and genotypes. P < 0.01 was used as statistically significant.

Results
MMSE score in inhalation preoperative baseline group significantly decreased at day 3 after surgery compared with the preoperational and intravenous anesthesia group. The proportion of patients scoring less than 25 points was significantly greater in the inhalation anesthesia group than in the intravenous anesthesia group at 3 days after surgery. In the inhalation anesthesia group, the decrease in MMSE score was closely related with apolipoprotein E ε4 allele. In the intravenous anesthesia group, the decrease in MMSE score was not correlated with apolipoprotein E ε4 allele.

Conclusions
There was a strong association between the apolipoprotein E ε4 and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing inhalation anesthetics.
C‐Type natriuretic peptide forms in adult hyperthyroidism: correlation with thyroid hormones and markers of bone turnover
Authors: Schouten Belinda J. , Prickett Timothy C. , Hunt Penelope J. , Richards A. Mark , Geffner Mitchell E. , Olney Robert C. , Espiner Eric A. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryContext  Plasma C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP) forms correlate with linear growth velocity in juveniles. In hyperthyroid children, plasma CNP products fall in parallel with height velocity and thyroid hormones (TH) as euthyroidism is restored. The effect of TH on CNP forms after completion of endochondral growth is unknown.Objective  To determine the effect of restoring euthyroidism on plasma CNP forms and bone turnover markers (BTMs) in hyperthyroid adults.Design and setting  We performed a prospective observational study in 20 adults (19 women) with acquired hyperthyroidism before and during carbimazole treatment.Intervention and main outcomes  Blood levels of CNP, amino‐terminal propeptide of CNP (NTproCNP), TH and BTMs – bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, procollagen type 1 amino‐terminal propeptide and type 1 collagen C‐telopeptide (CTx) – were measured before and during the first 6 months of carbimazole treatment and correlations determined.Results  Both CNP and NTproCNP were significantly correlated with TH at baseline. As in children, decreases in CNP forms were closely associated with fall in TH. Significant associations were found between CNP forms and CTx.Conclusions  CNP production from tissues other than endochondral cartilage is responsive to TH. Strong temporal links with markers of bone resorption suggest that CNP may also participate in bone remodelling in the adult skeleton.
FGF23 contributes to insulin sensitivity in obese adolescents – preliminary results
Authors: Wojcik Malgorzata , Dolezal‐Oltarzewska Katarzyna , Janus Dominika , Drozdz Dorota , Sztefko Krystyna , Starzyk Jerzy B. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractFibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF23) is a hormonal regulator of circulating phosphate and vitamin D levels. Recent investigations revealed that besides a key role in the pathogenesis of calcium–phosphorus disorders, in some patients FGF23 may be an indicator of cardiovascular complications. As a ‘hormone‐like’ factor, it may also be involved in some metabolic processes, especially in the metabolism of glucose and fat. Its potential contribution to metabolic syndrome (MS) development has not been confirmed yet.Objective  The study was to examine the possible correlations between FGF23 serum levels and body composition, blood pressure and selected parameters of glucose, insulin and fat metabolism in adolescents with simple obesity.Patients and design  In 68 (35 female) adolescents (mean age 13·9 years) with simple obesity [mean BMI SDS 4·9 (95% CI 4·4–5·4)], the levels of FGF23, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. Standard oral glucose tolerance tests were performed with the assessment of fasting and after 120′ postload glucose and insulin levels; the insulin resistance index HOMA‐IR was calculated.Results  Regardless of gender, there was a significant inverse correlation between FGF23 and fasting insulin level (r = −0·3), as well as HOMA‐IR (r = −0·29). Multiple regression model showed the independent association between FGF23 and HOMA‐IR.Conclusion  FGF23 seems to be a novel factor contributing to insulin sensitivity. Further investigations are needed to define its role in the development of MS.
Limited effects of dominant ants on assemblage species richness in three Amazon forests
Authors: BACCARO FABRICIO BEGGIATO , DE SOUZA JORGE LUIZ P. , FRANKLIN ELIZABETH , LEMES LANDEIRO VICTOR , MAGNUSSON WILLIAM E. 
Published: November 2011

1. Ants are highly interactive organisms and dominant species are considered to be able to control the species richness of other ants via competitive exclusion. However, depending on the scale studied, inter‐specific competition may or may not structure biological assemblages. To date, ant dominance–richness relationships have only been studied in small sample units, where a few dominant colonies could plausibly control most of the sample unit.2. We conducted a comprehensive survey of terrestrial ant assemblages using bait, pitfall, and litter‐sorting methods in three sites in Brazilian Amazonia. Using a spatially structured rarefaction approach, based on sampling units with linear dimensions ranging from 25 to 250 m, the mesoscale patterns of ant dominance–richness relationships (sampling units covering hundreds of meters separated by kilometers) were investigated.3. Interference–competition models (parabolic or negative linear relationships between species richness and the abundance of dominant ants) tended to be more frequent in smaller sample units or in assemblages sampled with interactive methods, such as baits. Using more inclusive sampling methods, the relationship was generally asymptotic rather than parabolic, with no reduction in species diversity because of the presence of dominants. Random co‐occurrence patterns of species within sites support the interpretation of a limited role for present‐day competition in structuring these assemblages.4. Competition from dominant species may reduce species richness in small areas, especially when artificial baits are used, but appears to be less important than environmental constraints in determining ant species richness across scales of hectares and greater in these Amazon forests.
Detection of potentially pathogenic Aeromonas isolates from ready‐to‐eat seafood products by PCR analysis
Authors: Pinto Angela Di , Terio Valentina , Pinto Pietro Di , Tantillo Giuseppina 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThis study provides data on the prevalence of potentially pathogenic Aeromonas spp. in ready‐to‐eat (RTE) seafood products by evaluating the occurrence of Aeromonas spp. and the presence of virulence‐associated genes. Aeromonas spp. was detected in 57/81 (70.3%) RTE seafood samples. Specifically, Aeromonas spp. was highlighted in 19/21 (90.5%) sushi, in 18/21 (85.7%) sea salad, 11/12 (91.7%) surimi and 9/12 (75%) peeled shrimp samples. Aeromonas spp. was not observed in marinated anchovies and octopus salad samples. Then, PCRs aimed at the hlyA, aerA, alt and ast genes, encoding, respectively, haemolysin A, aerolysin, aeromonas labile temperature cytotonic enterotoxin and aeromonas stable temperature cytotonic enterotoxin, demonstrated a widespread distribution of these genes among Aeromonas isolates. The results underline the need to implement an adequate control plan performing an intensive and continuous monitoring to guarantee the human health.
Purification, characterisation and application of α‐l‐rhamnosidase from Penicillium citrinum MTCC‐8897
Authors: Yadav Sarita , Yadav Vinita , Yadav Sudha , Yadav Kapil D.S. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryAn α‐l‐rhamnosidase secreted by Penicillium citrinum MTCC‐8897 has been purified to homogeneity from the culture filtrate of the fungal strain using ammonium sulphate precipitation and cation‐exchange chromatography on carboxymethyl cellulose. The sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of the purified enzyme gave a single protein band corresponding to the molecular mass 51.0 kDa. The native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis also gave a single protein band confirming the enzyme purity. The Km and Vmax values of the enzyme for p‐nitrophenyl α‐l‐rhamnopyranoside were 0.36 mm and 22.54 μmole min−1 mg−1, respectively, and kcat value was 17.1 s−1 giving kcat/Km value of 4.75 × 104 m−1 s−1. The pH and temperature optima of the enzyme were 7.0 and 60 °C, respectively. The purified enzyme liberated l‐rhamnose from naringin, rutin, hesperidin and wine, indicating that it has biotechnological application potential for the preparation of l‐rhamnose and other pharmaceutically important compounds from natural glycosides containing terminal α‐l‐rhamnose and also in the enhancement of wine aroma.
Characterisation of natural honey proteins: implications for the floral and geographical origin of honey
Authors: Mohammed Seif Eldin A. , Azim M. Kamran 
Published: November 2011

SummaryCharacterisation of honey proteins has been considered advantageous for differentiating floral and geographical origin of honey. We analysed protein profiles of multi‐ and mono‐floral honey samples from different regions and harvest dates. The molecular masses of chromatographic peaks were in the range of 10–>200 kDa. Owing to comparable molecular masses, interesting correlation between profiles of honey proteins reported earlier and observed in this study could be established. Chromatograms of honey proteins revealed three novel peaks of molecular masses ∼220, 129 and 26 kDa. Statistical analysis of peak areas showed that the 84‐kDa peak was different among all honey samples and the 220‐kDa peak was important for differentiation between multi‐ and mono‐floral honey samples. Chromatograms of several‐year‐old honey samples were different from fresh samples because of depletion of high molecular mass peaks that indicated in situ proteolysis. The results supported the notion of applying gel filtration as cost‐effective and robust technique for honey protein characterisation.
Lipoprotein biosynthesis by prolipoprotein diacylglyceryl transferase is required for efficient spore germination and full virulence of Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Okugawa Shu , Moayeri Mahtab , Pomerantsev Andrei P. , Sastalla Inka , Crown Devorah , Gupta Pradeep K. , Leppla Stephen H. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryBacterial lipoproteins play a crucial role in virulence in some Gram‐positive bacteria. However, the role of lipoprotein biosynthesis in Bacillus anthracis is unknown. We created a B. anthracis mutant strain altered in lipoproteins by deleting the lgt gene encoding the enzyme prolipoprotein diacylglyceryl transferase, which attaches the lipid anchor to prolipoproteins. 14C‐palmitate labelling confirmed that the mutant strain lacked lipoproteins, and hydrocarbon partitioning showed it to have decreased surface hydrophobicity. The anthrax toxin proteins were secreted from the mutant strain at nearly the same levels as from the wild‐type strain. The TLR2‐dependent TNF‐α response of macrophages to heat‐killed lgt mutant bacteria was reduced. Spores of the lgt mutant germinated inefficiently in vitro and in mouse skin. As a result, in a murine subcutaneous infection model, lgt mutant spores had markedly attenuated virulence. In contrast, vegetative cells of the lgt mutant were as virulent as those of the wild‐type strain. Thus, lipoprotein biosynthesis in B. anthracis is required for full virulence in a murine infection model.
Influence of Recovery Methods and Extenders on Bull Epididymal Spermatozoa Quality
Authors: Turri F , Madeddu M , Gliozzi TM , Gandini G , Pizzi F 
Published: November 2011

ContentsThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of two extraction methods in combination with two different extenders in bull epididymal sperm collection. Testes from 23 sexually mature Limousine bulls were collected at the abattoir. Epididymal sperm recovery was performed using both the float‐up (FL) and the retrograde flushing (RF) technique. Within extraction methods, half testes were processed with a Tris egg yolk extender and half with a Tris egg yolk‐free extender. Sperm concentration, motility, viability and morphology were evaluated. Sperm concentration was not significantly different between methods. Flushing technique was significantly better than the FL method in terms of sperm quality, considering total motility (80.3 ± 2.3% vs 71.6 ± 2.0%, p < 0.001, respectively) and viability (84.5 ± 1.5% vs 77.2 ± 1.3%, p < 0.001, respectively). Egg yolk influenced positively motility and morphology in the FL method, whereas decreased viability in flushed samples. Results suggest the use of the RF technique to collect cattle epididymal sperm.
Reflections on the practice of facilitating group‐based antenatal education: Should a midwife wear a uniform in the hospital setting?
Authors: Wisanskoonwong Peeranan , Fahy Kathleen , Hastie Carolyn 
Published: November 2011

Wisanskoonwong P, Fahy K, Hastie C. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 628–635Reflections on the practice of facilitating group‐based antenatal education: Should a midwife wear a uniform in the hospital setting?The first author of this paper, a Thai midwife, conducted a feminist action research project aimed at collaboratively developing a model for group‐based antenatal education in Thailand. Should a midwife wear a uniform when facilitating midwife‐led group‐based antenatal education sessions in the hospital setting? This paper reports on a single example of reflection in and on midwifery practice that aimed to answer the guiding question. The practice and reflection occurred over a number of months at the beginning of the feminist action research project. The midwife should wear normal clothes when facilitating group‐based antenatal education as a symbol of equality in power relationships within the group. When power relationships between women and the midwife are equalized, women are more able to take responsibility for their health as they are less likely to defer to the ‘expert’. Reflection in and on practice is a powerful tool to allow the midwife to understand and change her own practice as required to meet those goals. Self‐change is a critical first step because there can be no change in the way maternity care is provided without each midwife being willing to be self‐aware and open to appropriate self‐change.
Developing risk management behaviours for nurses through medication incident analysis
Authors: Johnson Maree , Tran Duong Thuy , Young Helen 
Published: November 2011

Johnson M, Tran DT, Young H. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 548–555Developing risk management behaviours for nurses through medication incident analysisThe aim of this study was to define risk management behaviours related to medication safety. Mixed methods were used to analyze 318 nursing related medication incidents reported in an Australian metropolitan hospital. Most incidents did not result in patient harm (93%). Omission of medications was the most frequent often related to patient absences from the unit or nurses failing to sign for medications. Thematic analysis resulted in the Medication Safety Subscales including 29 behavioural statements within three domains—administering medications, storage and management of medications, managing adverse events related to medications. The Medication Safety Subscales can be used by managers, educators and clinicians to reinforce the importance of medication safety. Early action by nurses may reduce patient injury.
Fuels or microclimate? Understanding the drivers of fire feedbacks at savanna–forest boundaries
Authors: HOFFMANN WILLIAM A. , JACONIS SUSAN Y. , MCKINLEY KRISTEN L. , GEIGER ERIKA L. , GOTSCH SYBIL G. , FRANCO AUGUSTO C. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe higher flammability of tropical savanna, compared with forest, plays a critical role in mediating vegetation‐environment feedbacks, alternate stable states, and ultimately, the distribution of these two biomes. Multiple factors contribute to this difference in flammability, including microclimate, fuel amount and fuel type. To understand this transition in flammability, we studied fuel characteristics and microclimate across eight savanna–forest boundaries in south‐central Brazil. At each boundary, the environment was monitored for one week with automated measurements of near‐surface wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity and presence of dew. Manual measurements were performed to quantify fuel amounts and fuel moisture. These data were used to parameterize the fire behaviour model BehavePlus5 in order to simulate fire behaviour over the savanna–forest boundary. There were strong gradients across the boundary in all variables with the exception of total fuel load. During the day, savannas had higher wind speed and air temperature, and lower relative humidity and fuel moisture than forests. Although fuel loads were similar in savanna and forest, savanna was characterized by lower fuel bulk density, largely because of the presence of grasses. Based on these measurements, the fire behaviour model predicted savanna fires to be faster, more intense, and with greater flame lengths, relative to forest. A sensitivity analysis indicated that the primary cause of these differences was the low fuel bulk density characteristic of grassy fuels, with lesser contributions from wind speed, fuel moisture and total fuel load. These results indicate that the dominance of grassy fuels is the primary cause of the high flammability of savanna.