bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using the genetic algorithm to enhance nonnegative matrix factorization initialization
Authors: Rezaei Masoumeh , Boostani Reza 
Published: May 2013

AbstractNonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithms have been utilized in a wide range of real applications; however, the performance of NMF is highly dependent on three factors including: (1) choosing a problem dependent cost function; (2) using an effective initialization method to start the updating procedure from a near‐optimal point; and (3) determining the rank of factorized matrices prior to decomposition. Due to the nonconvex nature of the NMF cost function, finding an analytical‐based optimal solution is impossible. This paper is aimed at proposing an efficient initialization method to modify the NMF performance. To widely explore the search space for initializing the factorized matrices in NMF, the island genetic algorithm (IGA) is employed as a diverse multiagent search scheme. To adapt IGA for NMF initialization, we present a specific mutation operator. To assess how the proposed IGA initialization method efficiently enhances NMF performance, we have implemented state‐of‐the‐art initialization methods and applied to the Japanese Female Facial Expression dataset to recognize the facial expression states. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach to the compared methods in terms of relative error and fast convergence.
Survival, reproduction and population growth of the bee pollinator, Osmia rufa (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), along gradients of heavy metal pollution
Authors: Moroń Dawid , Szentgyörgyi Hajnalka , Skórka Piotr , Potts Simon G. , Woyciechowski Michał 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Bees are one of the most important groups of pollinators in the temperate zone. Although heavy metal pollution is recognised to be a problem affecting large parts of the European Union, we currently lack insights into the effects of heavy metals on wild bee survival and reproduction.

We investigated the impact of heavy metal pollution on the wild bee Osmia rufa (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) by comparing their survival, reproduction and population dynamics along two independent gradients of heavy metal pollution, one in Poland and the other in the United Kingdom. We used trap nests to evaluate the response of fitness and survival parameters of O. rufa. To quantify the levels of pollution, we directly measured the heavy metal concentration in provisions collected by O. rufa.

We found that with increasing heavy metal concentration, there was a steady decrease in number of brood cells constructed by females and an increase in the proportion of dead offspring. In the most polluted site, there were typically 3–4 cells per female with 50–60% dead offspring, whereas in unpolluted sites there were 8 to 10 cells per female and only 10–30% dead offspring. Moreover, the bee population growth rate (R0) decreased along the heavy metal pollution gradients. In unpolluted sites, R0 was above 1, whereas in contaminated sites, the values tended to be below 1.

Our findings reveal a negative relationship between heavy metal pollution and several fitness parameters of the wild bee O. rufa, and highlight a mechanism whereby the detrimental effects of heavy metal pollution may severely impact wild bee communities.
Confocal microscopy assessment of filling material remaining on root canal walls after retreatment
Authors: Rached‐Júnior F. A. , Sousa‐Neto M. D. , Bruniera J. F. B. , Duarte M. A. H. , Silva‐Sousa Y. T. C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimThe percentage of Endofill remaining on canal walls after retreatment with different techniques was evaluated using confocal microscopy and qualitative analysis of the interface between the filling material/dentine.MethodologySixty‐four root canals of incisors were prepared with ProTaper, filled with gutta‐percha and Endofill mixed with 0.1% rhodamine B. The roots were thermocycled and distributed into groups according to the method of evaluation: GI – direct viewing (DV) and GII – operating microscope (OM) and according to the removal technique: A) ProTaper retreatment (PR), B) PR/xylol, C) ultrasound and D) ultrasound/xylol. The root canals were then refilled with gutta‐percha and AH Plus with 0.1% fluorescein and sectioned at 2, 4 and 6 mm from the apex. The percentage of remaining Endofill was analysed by confocal microscopy. Additionally, 16 roots were prepared with a ProTaper F5 instrument and were filled with Endofill + 0.1% rhodamine B/gutta‐percha (negative control group) (n = 8), and the positive control group (n = 8) were filled with AH Plus with 0.1% fluorescein/gutta‐percha.ResultsThree‐way anova demonstrated differences in the method of evaluation, removal techniques and their interaction (P < 0.05). OM (26.15 ± 12.16%) had a smaller percentage of remaining sealer than DV (32.77 ± 14.47%). The Tukey's test revealed that ultrasound/xylol (15.77 ± 7.15%) led to lower percentages of remaining sealer, significantly different from the PR group (35.25 ± 13.63%), PR/xylol (33.03 ± 11.64%) and ultrasound (33.79 ± 11.71%), which were similar (P > 0.05). Qualitative analysis detected that ultrasound had lower remaining Endofill than PR, particularly when combined with xylol. Operating microscope resulted in lower residual sealer, regardless of the removal technique.ConclusionsNone of the protocols was associated with complete removal of the filling material; however, the use of ultrasound/xylol under an OM provided better results.
Identification of a specific haptoglobin C‐terminal fragment in arthritic synovial fluid and its effect on interleukin‐6 expression
Authors: Park Hyo Jung , Oh Mi‐Kyung , Kim Nam‐Hoon , Cho Mi‐La , Kim In‐Sook 
Published: May 2013

SummaryHaptoglobin (Hp), a major acute‐phase plasma protein, has been found in arthritic synovial fluid (SF). However, the function and structural modifications of Hp in arthritic SF are unknown. To investigate in vivo generation of modified Hp associated with inflammatory disease, we examined a new Hp isoform in SF from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Specific Hp fragments of 28 000 and 15 000 molecular weight were identified in SF of patients with RA, and the two polypeptides were presumed to be fragments of the Hp β‐chain (43 000 MW) produced by cleavage with plasmin. The 15 000 MW fragment, which is a C‐terminal region of Hp, was observed at higher frequency and levels in RA than in osteoarthritis. Plasmin activity was also higher in SF of RA patients. A recombinant 15 000 MW Hp fragment up‐regulated interlukin‐6 expression in monocytic cells. These findings indicate that the C‐terminal Hp fragment is generated by plasmin in local inflammatory environments and acts as an inflammatory mediator. They further suggest that a specific Hp fragment might be applied as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of inflammatory diseases such as RA.
Distribution and severity of molar hypomineralisation: trial of a new severity index
Authors: Oliver Kelly , Messer Louise B. , Manton David J. , Kan Karen , Ng Fiona , Olsen Christopher , Sheahan John , Silva Margarita , Chawla Narisha 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundCurrent molar hypomineralisation (MH) indices do not guide clinicians in management of affected dentitions, and treatment is based on individual judgment.AimThe aims of this study were to describe characteristics of MH and molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) and trial the new Molar Hypomineralisation Severity Index (MHSI).DesignFirst permanent molars (FPMs) and permanent incisors (PIs) in 283 affected children were examined for hypomineralisation characteristics [defect colour, location, post‐eruptive breakdown (PEB); restorations placed/replaced/atypical; sensitivity]. The MHSI scores were compared with treatment received (152 children).ResultsMean (SD) affected teeth/dentition were as follows: FPMs: 3.2 (1.0) and PIs: 1.6 (1.6). Affected FPMs showed no arch or quadrant predilection; maxillary central PIs were affected particularly. As affected FPMs/dentition increased, MIH diagnoses also increased (P = 0.009). Among FPMs, defects most prevalent were brown (47%) and cuspal (74%); 67% showed PEB. Before study entry, 43% of FPMs had restorations placed/replaced. Among PIs, white defects were common (65%) on smooth surfaces; sensitivity was rare. Affected FPMs received more restorations and extractions than unaffected FPMs (P = 0.0001). As MHSI scores increased, FPM treatments/dentition increased (number, invasiveness). All characteristics were significant in predicting treatment (logistic regression model).ConclusionsA spectrum from MH to MIH occurred. The MHSI characteristics were predictive of the treatment of affected FPMs and can guide management.
Morphology of the fifth sternal glands of Neotropical social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae)
Authors: Samacá Ernesto , Billen Johan , Sarmiento Carlos E. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractGlands play a central role in the social behavior of insects, and comparative analysis of their structure may provide insights about their evolution and their role in insect social biology. Here, we describe the glands of the fifth metasomal sternite of ten polistine wasps with different social behaviors. The glands of foragers of these species were studied using semithin sections of Araldite‐embedded tissue, and scanning electron microscopy. The structure of the glands observed was mostly similar to what has previously been reported for independent‐founder and swarm‐founder species, respectively. Scale‐shaped modifications in the fifth sternite are reported for the first time for members of the genera Synoeca and Epipona. Two previously unreported glands in the fifth sternite are also described. A more restrictive definition of the name Richards' gland is proposed, applying to the class 3 cells associated with scale modifications of the fifth sternite, based on structural differences between the glands observed, homology requirements, and functional evidence. Previous phylogenetic reconstructions of this character suggest that it appeared early in the Vespidae and disappeared four times, with a single reappearance in the genus Vespula. The restricted definition of Richards' gland suggests that this structure is an exclusive trait of the Epiponini, with two reversals.
US Presidential Elections: Two Centuries of Constitutional Continuity and Political Change—With an Analysis of the Political Geography of Barack Obama's Re‐election Campaign
Authors: Dunne Michael 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe system for electing the President of the United States remains essentially as it was prescribed in the Federal Constitution drafted in 1787. The individual 50 states (plus the District of Columbia) are accorded a number of votes in the (so‐called) Electoral College; each state's Electoral College vote is then attributed to the candidate gaining a plurality (most) of the popular vote in that state; and the candidate with a majority (50% + 1) of these aggregated Electoral College votes is declared the incoming president. What has changed have been the methods of nominating the candidates, chief of which are the political parties from the nineteenth century with their stage‐managed quadrennial conventions and the primary/caucus campaigns from the twentieth century which precede and now determine the formal nomination. President Obama's 2012 re‐election campaign showed both the crucial importance of the much‐maligned Electoral College in winning the presidency and the demographic divisions hidden in the larger American political landscape.
Atypical mismatch negativity to distressful voices associated with conduct disorder symptoms
Authors: Hung An‐Yi , Ahveninen Jyrki , Cheng Yawei 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundAlthough a general consensus holds that emotional reactivity in youth with conduct disorder (CD) symptoms arises as one of the main causes of successive aggression, it remains to be determined whether automatic emotional processing is altered in this population.MethodsWe measured auditory event‐related potentials (ERP) in 20 young offenders and 20 controls, screened for DSM‐IV criteria of CD and evaluated using the youth version of Hare Psychopathy Checklist (PCL:YV), State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Barrett Impulsiveness Scale (BIS‐11). In an oddball design, sadly or fearfully spoken ‘deviant’ syllables were randomly presented within a train of emotionally neutral ‘standard’ syllables.ResultsIn young offenders meeting with CD criteria, the ERP component mismatch negativity (MMN), presumed to reflect preattentive auditory change detection, was significantly stronger for fearful than sad syllables. No MMN differences for fearful versus sad syllables were observed in controls. Analyses of nonvocal deviants, matched spectrally with the fearful and sad sounds, supported our interpretation that the MMN abnormalities in juvenile offenders were related to the emotional content of sounds, instead of purely acoustic factors. Further, in the young offenders with CD symptoms, strong MMN amplitudes to fearful syllables were associated with high impulsive tendencies (PCL:YV, Factor 2). Higher trait and state anxiety, assessed by STAI, were positively correlated with P3a amplitudes to fearful and sad syllables, respectively. The differences in group‐interaction MMN/P3a patterns to emotional syllables and nonvocal sounds could be speculated to suggest that there is a distinct processing route for preattentive processing of species‐specific emotional information in human auditory cortices.ConclusionsOur results suggest that youths with CD symptoms may process distressful voices in an atypical fashion already at the preattentive level. This auditory processing abnormality correlated with increased impulsivity and anxiety. Our results may help to shed light on the neural mechanisms of aggression.
The Beneficial Effects of Early Short‐Term Exercise in the Offspring of Obese Mothers are Accompanied by Alterations in the Hypothalamic Gene Expression of Appetite Regulators and FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity Associated) Gene
Authors: Caruso V. , Bahari H. , Morris M. J. 
Published: May 2013

Maternal overnutrition is implicated in the development of adult metabolic disease, and has been shown to alter the expression of genes involved in energy homeostasis. In the present study, we aimed to test whether a short period of voluntary exercise, followed by a sedentary period, would regulate hypothalamic markers involved in appetite. Adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were fed either normal chow or high‐fat diet (HFD) ad lib. for 5 weeks, mated and continued on their assigned diet during gestation/lactation. At weaning males, were separated into chow or HFD groups; half were exercised (running wheels), whereas the remainder were sedentary. At week 10, wheels were removed and rats remained sedentary for 5 weeks, prior to tissue collection. Maternal obesity increased offspring adiposity at 15 weeks and this was exacerbated by postnatal HFD (P < 0.05). Body weight and fat mass were reduced in offspring of obese mothers if they exercised, and this was maintained even after 5 weeks without exercise. At 15 weeks, fasting plasma insulin, leptin and triglyceride concentrations were significantly reduced by exercise in offspring of lean and obese mothers consuming chow, with little benefit in those consuming HFD. Hypothalamic mRNA expression of pro‐opiomelanocortin was increased by exercise but only in offspring of lean mothers. Exercise reduced hypothalamic FTO (fat mass and obesity associated) mRNA in offspring of lean dams regardless of diet. A short period of exercise early in life had lasting beneficial effects on body weight, adiposity and hormone profile of male offspring from obese and lean dams, despite being followed by a period of inactivity. The effects of exercise on hypothalamic appetite regulators were more marked in offspring of lean dams.
Similar Circuits but Different Connectivity Patterns Between The Cerebellum, Basal Ganglia, and Supplementary Motor Area In Early Parkinson's Disease Patients and Controls During Predictive Motor Timing
Authors: Husárová Ivica , Mikl Michal , Lungu Ovidiu V. , Mareček Radek , Vaníček Jiří , Bareš Martin 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe cerebellum, basal ganglia (BG), and other cortical regions, such as supplementary motor area (SMA) have emerged as important structures dealing with various aspects of timing, yet the modulation of functional connectivity between them during motor timing tasks remains unexplored.METHODSWe used dynamic causal modeling to investigate the differences in effective connectivity (EC) between these regions and its modulation by behavioral outcome during a motor timing prediction task in a group of 16 patients with early Parkinson's disease (PD) and 17 healthy controls. Behavioral events (hits and errors) constituted the driving input connected to the cerebellum, and the modulation in connectivity was assessed relative to the hit condition (successful interception of target).RESULTSThe driving input elicited response in the target area, while modulatory input changed the specific connection strength. The neuroimaging data revealed similar structure of intrinsic connectivity in both groups with unidirectional connections from cerebellum to both sides of the BG, from BG to the SMA, and then from SMA to the cerebellum. However, the type of intrinsic connection was different between two groups. In the PD group, the connection between the SMA and cerebellum was inhibitory in comparison to the HC group, where the connection was activated. Furthermore, the modulation of connectivity by the performance in the task was different between the two groups, with decreased connectivity between the cerebellum and left BG and SMA and a more pronounced symmetry of these connections in controls. In the same time, there was an increased EC between the cerebellum and both sides of BG with more pronounced asymmetry (stronger connection with left BG) in patients. In addition, in the PD group the modulatory input strengthened inhibitory connectivity between the SMA and the cerebellum, while in the HC group the excitatory connection was slightly strengthened.CONCLUSIONSOur findings indicate that although early PD subjects and controls use similar functional circuits to maintain a successful outcome in predictive motor timing behavior, the type and strength of EC and its modulation by behavioral performance differ between these two groups. These functional differences might represent the first step of cortical reorganization aimed at maintaining a normal performance in the brain affected by early Parkinson's disease and may have implications for the neuro‐rehabilitation field.
Nonanaplastic Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma with Meningeal Dissemination Presenting with Bilateral Visual Loss
Authors: Delgado‐Alvarado Manuel , Gómez‐Román Javier , Sánchez‐Salmón Elena , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Eloy , Polo José M. , García‐Castaño Almudena , Berciano José 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTPleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a brain neoplasm included in the astrocytic group, exceptionally manifesting with meningeal dissemination. We described a 27‐year‐old patient presented with acute bilateral visual loss and papilledema with normal brain computed tomography scan, initially mimicking idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study revealed a subtle area of hyperintensity of the gyri surrounding the left central sulcus, and contrast enhancement of the thoracic leptomeninges. Brain biopsy of the parietal lesion revealed nonanaplastic PXA. Treatment with temozolomide was given. Yearly control MRI demonstrated new brain lesions and marked progression of leptomeningeal spinal enhancement. In spite of this, the patient has remained stable with no new symptoms. Nonanaplastic PXA may present with widespread meningeal dissemination with acute visual loss and papilledema mimicking IIH, and no clinical progression at 3 years.
Mental health nurses in primary care: quantitative outcomes of the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program
Authors: Lakeman R. , Bradbury J. 
Published: May 2013

Accessible summary
The Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) is a funding scheme in Australia that enables mental health nurses to work in primary care settings with people with complex mental health problems for as long as necessary. This study examined the outcomes of the programme as reported by nurses.
Nurses provided profiles of 64 people with whom they worked, including measures of symptoms and problems on admission to the programme and at a second point in time.
The findings showed that people had high levels of symptom severity and distress on admission, and they experienced significant improvements in all problem areas except physical health over their time working with the nurse.
The MHNIP appears to be addressing the needs of people with highly complex needs, but more sensitive measures of outcome ought to be routinely collected.
AbstractThe Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) provides a funding mechanism for credentialed mental health nurses to work in primary care settings in Australia with people with complex and serious psychosocial and mental health problems. This project explored the extent to which the programme contributed to positive outcomes. Sixty‐four service user profiles were provided by nurses working within the programme, including the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS), on admission and at the last review point. Mean total HoNOS scores on admission were higher than those typically seen on admission to inpatient care in Australia. Significant reductions in all problem areas except physical health problems were found at the last review point for this sample. These findings support the viewpoint that MHNIP is addressing the needs of people with the most complex needs in primary care and is achieving clinically significant outcomes.
Rural, Suburban, and Urban Differences in Factors That Impact Physician Adherence to Clinical Preventive Service Guidelines
Authors: Khoong Elaine C. , Gibbert Wesley S. , Garbutt Jane M. , Sumner Walton , Brownson Ross C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeRural‐urban disparities in provision of preventive services exist, but there is sparse research on how rural, suburban, or urban differences impact physician adherence to clinical preventive service guidelines. We aimed to identify factors that may cause differences in adherence to preventive service guidelines among rural, suburban, and urban primary care physicians.MethodsThis qualitative study involved in‐depth semistructured interviews with 29 purposively sampled primary care physicians (10 rural, 10 suburban, 9 urban) in Missouri. Physicians were asked to describe barriers and facilitators to clinical preventive service guideline adherence. Using techniques from grounded theory analysis, 2 coders first independently conducted content analysis then reconciled differences in coding to ensure agreement on intended meaning of transcripts.FindingsPatient epidemiologic differences, distance to health care services, and care coordination were reported as prominent factors that produced differences in preventive service guideline adherence among rural, suburban, and urban physicians. Epidemiologic differences impacted all physicians, but rural physicians highlighted the importance of occupational risk factors in their patients. Greater distance to health care services reduced visit frequency and was a prominent barrier for rural physicians. Care coordination among health care providers was problematic for suburban and urban physicians. Patient resistance to medical care and inadequate access to resources and specialists were identified as barriers by some rural physicians.ConclusionsThe rural, suburban, or urban context impacts whether a physician will adhere to clinical preventive service guidelines. Efforts to increase guideline adherence should consider the barriers and facilitators unique to rural, suburban, or urban areas.