bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between vitamin K status and haemostatic and inflammatory biomarkers in community-dwelling adults
Authors: Cushman Mary , Booth Sarah , Burke Gregory , Chen Haiying , Kritchevsky Stephen , Shea Kyla 
Published: May 2014

SummaryVitamin K is integral to haemostatic function, and in vitro and animal experiments suggest that vitamin K can suppress production of inflammatory cytokines. To test the hypothesis that higher vitamin K status is associated with lower haemostatic activation and inflammation in community-dwelling adults, we analysed the cross-sectional association between serum phylloquinone (vitamin K1) with haemostatic and inflammatory biomarkers in 662 participants in the Multi- Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) [mean (SD) age=62 (10) years; 46% female; 37% Caucasian, 25% African-American, 25% Hispanic, 13% Chinese-American]. Following adjustment for demographic and lifestyle characteristics, medication use, triglycerides and body mass index, those in the highest quartile of serum phylloquinone had significantly lower circulating interleukin-6 [adjusted mean (SEM) pmol/l: quartile 4 (Q4)=1.22 (0.07), quartile 1 (Q1)=1.45 (0.07); p-trend<0.01], C-reactive protein [adjusted mean (SEM) mg/dl: Q4=1.57 (0.11), Q1=2.08 (0.18); p-trend=0.02], soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [adjusted mean (SEM) ng/ml: Q4=247 (11), Q1=288 (11); p-trend=0.02], and plasmin-antiplasmin complex [adjusted mean (SEM) nmol/l: Q4=4.02 (0.1), Q1=4.31 (0.1), p-trend=0.04]. We detected an interaction between age and serum phylloquinone with respect to factor VIII and D-dimer (interaction p-values=0.03 and 0.09, respectively). Among participants ≥70 years, serum phylloquinone was inversely associated with factor VIII activity (p-trend=0.06) and positively associated with D-dimer (p-trend=0.01), but was not associated with either marker among participants <70 years (both p≥0.38). In contrast, dietary phylloquinone intake was not associated with any inflammatory or haemostatic biomarker evaluated (all p-trend>0.11). These findings are consistent with laboratorybased studies that suggest a possible anti-inflammatory role for vitamin K. Whether or not these associations predict clinical outcomes linked to elevated inflammation or haemostatic activation remains to be determined.
The Challenge of Moroccan Cultural Journals of the 1960s
Authors: Parrilla Gonzalo Fernández 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
A few years after Morocco’s much longed-for achievement of independence (1956), a new generation of intellectuals too young to have participated in what is widely called the nationalist movement burst onto the cultural and political scenes, and shifted the focus of debate from the “glorious” past towards social and international realities. The 1960s witnessed the appearance of a diverse group of political, scientific and especially cultural and literary journals that changed the course of intellectual life in Morocco. The creation of these new channels of expression out of the emerging institutions of independent Morocco meant a rupture with the prevailing patterns dominated by nationalist and salafī ideals. This article intends to highlight the role and spirit of these generally overlooked journals within their contextual and historical framework.
Middle Persian abāz-handāxtan
Authors: Saadat Yusef 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
the verb abāz-handāxtan is used in Dēnkard IV. Different definitions of the verb caused two divergent interpretations of the history of the Zoroastrians scriptures during Sasanian era. This article does not attempt to provide a third category of meaning, but tries to suggest a subtle modification to the traditionally accepted meaning of ‘to collate’. The new nuanced meaning is derived from New Persian texts, which include similar usage of the verb and were written not much later than Middle Persian ones. The suggested meaning is ‘to (re-)measure’.
New Findings on the Sensitivity of Free-Operant Timing Behaviour to 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor Stimulation
Authors: Body S. , Cheung T. H. C. , Bezzina G. , Hampson C. L. , Fone K. C. F. , Bradshaw C. M. , Glennon J. C. , Szabadi E. 
Published: May 2014

Timing performance maintained under the free-operant psychophysical procedure (FOPP) is sensitive to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1A and 5-HT2A receptor stimulation. Agonists of these receptors displace the psychometric function towards shorter durations, reducing , the index of central tendency of timing. Here we report the effects of Ro-600175, a selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist, and mCPP, a 5-HT receptor agonist with high affinity for 5-HT2C receptors and lower affinity for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT2A receptors, on timing behaviour. Rats were trained under the FOPP to press two levers (A and B) in 50-s trials in which reinforcers were provided intermittently for responding on A in the first half, and B in the second half of the trial. Percent responding on B (%B) was recorded in successive 5-s epochs of the trials; logistic psychometric curves were fitted to the data from each rat under each treatment condition for derivation of timing indices [ (time corresponding to %B = 50%), Weber fraction]. The rats received systemic treatment with Ro-600175, mCPP, and mCPP in combination with antagonists of 5-HT1A (WAY-100635), 5-HT1B (isamoltane), 5-HT2A (MDL-100907) or 5-HT2C (SB-242084) receptors. mCPP (2.5 mg kg−1 i.p.), but not Ro-600175 (1, 2, 4 mg kg−1 i.p.), reduced . SB-242084 (0.6 mg kg−1 i.p.) potentiated mCPP’s effect on . mCPP’s effect on was not altered by isamoltane (8.0 mg kg−1 i.p.), but was attenuated by MDL-100907 (1.0 mg kg−1 i.p.) and WAY-100635 (0.1 mg kg−1 s.c.). The results suggest that mCPP’s effect on timing is mediated by an agonistic action at 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A, but not 5-HT1B, receptors. The role of 5-HT2C receptors is unclear, in view of SB-242084’s ability to potentiate the effect of mCPP, while Ro-600175 had no effect on . The possibility is considered that 5-HT2C receptors may counteract 5-HT1A and/or 5-HT2A receptor-mediated effects on timing performance.
Improving Parallel Performance of a Finite-Difference AGCM on Modern High-Performance Computers
Authors: Liu Li , Li Ruizhe , Yang Guangwen , Wang Bin , Li Lijuan , Pu Ye 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The rapid development of science and technology has enabled finer and finer resolutions in atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs). Parallelization becomes progressively more critical as the resolution of AGCMs increases. This paper presents a new parallel version of the finite-difference Gridpoint Atmospheric Model of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP)–State Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Atmospheric Sciences and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (LASG; GAMIL) with various parallel optimization strategies, including two-dimensional hybrid parallel decomposition; hybrid parallel programming; parallel communications for coupling the physical packages, land surface, and dynamical core; and a cascading solution to the tridiagonal equations used in the dynamical core. The new parallel version under two different horizontal resolutions (1° and 0.25°) is evaluated. The new parallel version enables GAMIL to achieve higher parallel efficiency and utilize a greater number of CPU cores. GAMIL1° achieves 37.8% parallel efficiency using 960 CPU cores, while GAMIL0.25° achieves 57.5% parallel efficiency.
ISO-Modulating Effects on the East Asian Summer Monsoon Circulation Patterns Associated with Southern Taiwan’s Monsoon Rainfall
Authors: Ko Ken-Chung , Chiu Po-Sheng 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this study, the circulation patterns of the summer monsoon associated with monsoon rainfall in southern Taiwan were analyzed and two types of monsoon patterns were defined. The first type was characterized by a broad low pressure area extending northeastward from a low pressure center near southern China to southern Japan. Strong southwesterly flows were observed over the southern flank of the monsoon trough. The second type of monsoon pattern was characterized by a strong westward-extending anticyclone in the area north of Taiwan (including central China, South Korea, and Japan), and a weaker east–west-elongated monsoon trough south of Taiwan, driving the easterly flow to southern Taiwan. The modulating effect of intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs) on these monsoon flow patterns indicates that as ISOs propagate northwestward toward southern China, they create favorable conditions for developing and strengthening southwesterly flows and convection. However, because of the latitudinal limit of northwestward-propagating ISOs, only the edge of the strongest convection over the southern flank of the ISO cyclonic circulation reaches southern Taiwan during the westerly phase. Thus, although the westerly ISO pattern appears to be stronger than the easterly pattern, it brings less rainfall to southern Taiwan. Through the tightening of pressure gradients, the ISO typically generates anomalous cyclones (anticyclones) that can affect the southwesterly and northeasterly flows near its southern (northern) and northern (southern) rims. Therefore, fluctuations in the low-frequency background flow can exert a notable effect on the monsoon rainfall and associated circulation systems near Taiwan.
A study of the inter-rater reliability of a test battery for use in patients after total hip replacement
Authors: Mikkelsen Lone Ramer , Mikkelsen Søren , Søballe Kjeld , Mechlenburg Inger , Petersen Annemette Krintel 
Published: May 2014

Objective: To assess the within-day inter-rater reliability of a test battery of functional performance, muscle strength and leg extension power on total hip replacement patients. Design: A test–retest design was used. Setting: Orthopaedic department at a Regional Hospital in Denmark. Subjects: Two convenience samples of 20 total hip replacement patients were included. Intervention: The tests were performed three months after total hip replacement. Two raters performed test and re-test, with two hours rest in-between. Main measures: The test battery included: sit-to-stand performance, 20-metre maximum walking speed, stair climb performance, isometric muscle strength (hip abduction/flexion), and leg extension power. Absolute reliability was assessed with Bland Altman plots, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change. Relative reliability was assessed with intra-class correlation coefficient. Results: Systematic differences between testers were seen in tests of walking speed (0.32 seconds p = 0.03) and stair climb performance (0.18 seconds p = 0.003). In per cent of the grand mean, the standard error of measurement was 3%–10%, indicating the measurement error on a group level, and the minimal detectable change was 10%–27%, indicating the measurement error on an individual level. The intra-class correlation coefficients were above 0.80 in all tests (range 0.83–0.95). Conclusions: The tests showed acceptable relative and absolute inter-rater reliability on a group level, but not on an individual level (except from test of walking speed and stair climb performance). Systematic differences between testers were considered clinically irrelevant (0.3 and 0.2 seconds).
Combining physical training with transcranial direct current stimulation to improve gait in Parkinson’s disease: a pilot randomized controlled study
Authors: Kaski D , Dominguez RO , Allum JH , Islam AF , Bronstein AM 
Published: May 2014

Objective: To improve gait and balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease by combining anodal transcranial direct current stimulation with physical training. Design: In a double-blind design, one group (physical training; n = 8) underwent gait and balance training during transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; real/sham). Real stimulation consisted of 15 minutes of 2 mA transcranial direct current stimulation over primary motor and premotor cortex. For sham, the current was switched off after 30 seconds. Patients received the opposite stimulation (sham/real) with physical training one week later; the second group (No physical training; n = 8) received stimulation (real/sham) but no training, and also repeated a sequential transcranial direct current stimulation session one week later (sham/real). Setting: Hospital Srio Libanes, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Subjects: Sixteen community-dwelling patients with Parkinson’s disease. Interventions: Transcranial direct current stimulation with and without concomitant physical training. Main measures: Gait velocity (primary gait outcome), stride length, timed 6-minute walk test, Timed Up and Go Test (secondary outcomes), and performance on the pull test (primary balance outcome). Results: Transcranial direct current stimulation with physical training increased gait velocity (mean = 29.5%, SD = 13; p < 0.01) and improved balance (pull test: mean = 50.9%, SD = 37; p = 0.01) compared with transcranial direct current stimulation alone. There was no isolated benefit of transcranial direct current stimulation alone. Although physical training improved gait velocity (mean = 15.5%, SD = 12.3; p = 0.03), these effects were comparatively less than with combined tDCS + physical therapy ( p < 0.025). Greater stimulation-related improvements were seen in patients with more advanced disease. Conclusions: Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation during physical training improves gait and balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Power calculations revealed that 14 patients per treatment arm (α = 0.05; power = 0.8) are required for a definitive trial.
Effectiveness and Complications Associated With Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Augmentation of Foot and Ankle Fusions and Fracture Nonunions
Authors: Rearick Timothy , Charlton Timothy P. , Thordarson David 
Published: May 2014

Background: Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has been used to augment bone healing and fusion in a variety of orthopaedic conditions. However, there is a paucity of data evaluating the potential benefits of its use in foot and ankle surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and associated complications with the use of rhBMP-2 in high-risk foot and ankle fusions and fracture nonunions. Methods: A total of 51 cases in 48 patients undergoing foot and ankle fusions or fracture nonunion revisions and considered at high risk for subsequent nonunion were identified through a retrospective review in which rhBMP-2 was used as an augment for bone healing. Rate of union, time to union, and associated complications were evaluated. Results: Forty-seven of 51 high-risk cases treated with rhBMP-2 united for a per-case union rate of 92.2%. Seventy-eight of 82 individual sites treated with rhBMP-2 united for a per-site union rate of 95.1%. Of the successful unions, the mean time to union was 111 days (95% confidence interval, 101-121). There were no statistically significant differences in time to union with regard to supplementation with bone allograft or autograft or size of rhBMP-2 kit used. Complication rates were low. Conclusion: rhBMP-2 was a safe and apparently effective adjunct to bony union in high-risk foot and ankle surgeries. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
GAP-Seq: a method for identification of DNA palindromes
Authors: Yang Hui , Volfovsky Natalia , Rattray Alison , Chen Xiongfong , Tanaka Hisashi , Strathern Jeffrey 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Closely spaced long inverted repeats, also known as DNA palindromes, can undergo intrastrand annealing to form DNA hairpins. The ability to form these hairpins results in genome instability, difficulties in maintaining clones in Escherichia coli and major problems for most DNA sequencing approaches. Because of their role in genomic instability and gene amplification in some human cancers, it is important to develop systematic approaches to detect and characterize DNA palindromes.

Results
We developed a new protocol to identify palindromes that couples the S1 nuclease treated Cot0 DNA (GAPF) with high-throughput sequencing (GAP-Seq). Unlike earlier protocols, it does not involve restriction enzymatic digestion prior to DNA snap-back thereby preserving longer DNA sequences. It also indicates the location of the novel junction, which can then be recovered. Using MCF-7 breast cancer cell line as the proof-of-principle analysis, we have identified 35 palindrome candidates and physically characterized the top 5 candidates and their junctions. Because this protocol eliminates many of the false positives that plague earlier techniques, we have improved palindrome identification.

Conclusions
The GAP-Seq approach underscores the importance of developing new tools for identifying and characterizing palindromes, and provides a new strategy to systematically assess palindromes in genomes. It will be useful for studying human cancers and other diseases associated with palindromes.
Allergen specific immunotherapy has no influence on standard chemistry and hematology laboratory parameters in clinical studies
Authors: Häfner Dietrich , Gödicke Viola , Narkus Annemie 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundA set of standard clinical chemistry and hematology parameters are usually measured during clinical studies. The major outcome of these standard tests is to control that the drug investigated does not lead to pathophysiological changes in respective organs or blood. In some cases based on scientific rationale such tests may not be needed.In this paper we report on a standard set of clinical chemistry and hematology laboratory parameters measured before and after treatment in three different immunotherapy studies, representing different routes of administration and different formulations.MethodsThirteen hematological laboratory parameters and eight clinical chemistry parameters were evaluated from three double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, multi‐centre, phase III studies. The three studies include one with sublingual immunotherapy (n = 185), one subcutaneous immunotherapy trial with an aluminium hydroxide‐adsorbed recombinant hypoallergenic Bet v1‐FV (n = 211) and one with pre‐seasonal subcutaneous immunotherapy with a 6‐grass pollen allergoid (n = 154).ResultsAllergen specific immunotherapy with both administration forms and formulations respectively did not show any influence on any of the 21 laboratory parameters analyzed. Few patients had a change in laboratory parameters from within normal range at baseline to either below or above at end‐of‐treatment. No differences between active and placebo were seen with respect to number of patients with such a change.ConclusionsThis study with different preparations and routes of application indicates that the value of repeated measurements of standard clinical chemistry and hematology parameters during allergen immunotherapy should be discussed further.
Evaluating the Implementation Strategy for Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Reporting in Manitoba: The Effect on Referral Numbers, Wait Times, and Appropriateness of Consults
Authors: Hingwala Jay , Bhangoo Sandip , Hiebert Brett , Sood Manish M , Rigatto Claudio , Tangri Navdeep , Komenda Paul 
Published: May 2014

Background: Chronic kidney disease screening using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reporting is standard in many regions. With its implementation, many centres have had higher referral rates and increased wait times to see nephrologists. Objective: Manitoba began eGFR reporting in October 2010. We measured the effect of eGFR reporting on referral rates, wait times, and appropriateness of referrals after an educational intervention. Design: An interrupted time series design was used. Setting: This study took place in Manitoba, Canada. Patients: All referrals to the Manitoba Renal Program in the period prior to eGFR reporting between April 1, 2010 and September 30, 2010 were compared with a post period between January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2011. Measurements: Data on demographics, co-morbidities, referral numbers and wait times were compared between periods. Appropriateness of consults was also measured after eGFR implementation. Methods: Prior to eGFR reporting, primary care physicians underwent educational interventions on eGFR interpretation and referral guidelines. Referral rates and wait times were compared between periods using generalized linear models. Chart audits of a random sample of 232 patients in the pre period and 239 patients in the post period were performed. Results: The pre and post eGFR reporting referral rate was 116 and 152 referrals/month, respectively. Average wait times in the pre and post eGFR reporting was 113 and 115 days, respectively. Non-urgent referral wait times increased by 40 days immediately post reporting, while urgent median referral wait times had a more gradual increase. Despite our intervention, inappropriate consultations post eGFR reporting was 495/790 (62.7%). Limitations: Our study did not measure the intervention's success on primary care providers, which may have affected our appropriateness data. Our time series design was not powered to find a statistically significant difference in referral numbers. Residual confounding of our results was possible given the retrospective nature of our study. Conclusion: Despite our educational intervention, the inappropriate referrals remained high, and wait times increased. Other systemic interventions should be considered to attenuate the potential negative effects of eGFR reporting and ensure timely access for patients needing specialist consultation.
A patient with features of albright hereditory osteodystrophy and unusual neuropsychiatric findings without coding Gsalpha mutations
Authors: Hasani-Ranjbar Shirin , Jouyandeh Zahra , Amoli Mahsa Mohammad , Soltani Akbar , Arzaghi Seyed Masoud 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Background
Pseudohypoparathyroidism(PHP) is a heterogeneous group of rare metabolic disorders characterized by hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia resulting from PTH resistance. Different forms of PHP have been reported based on biochemical and clinical manifestation and genetic findings. Most of these forms are caused by defects in GNAS, an imprinted gene locus with multiple subunits. We reported a 12- year- old girl with unusual clinical manifestations of Pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism(PPHP).

Methods
After clinical and biochemical evaluations, the patients’ genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes using salting out method. The whole coding sequences of GNAS gene including 13 exons were amplified by PCR. Quantitative PCR reactions were performed too.

Findings
We described a 12- year- old girl with Albright Hereditory osteodystrophy (AHO) phenotype, poor school performance, some abnormal movements, TSH resistance with normal serum calcium and phosphorus levels and normal Gsα bioactivity with no mutation in GNAS exons. Unusual neuropsychiatric findings in this patient were compatible with Asperger syndrome.

Conclusions
According to our findings this patient could not be categorized in any of PHP subgroups. Identifying of such individuals may be useful to discover different genetic patterns in pseudohypoparathyroidism and pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism. It is important to identify patients in whom PHP is caused by novel GNAS mutations, as careful investigations of these findings will likely further our knowledge of this complex and this unique disorder. In addition this case presented with unusual neuropsychiatric findings which has not been reported up to now.