bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collective Crowd Formation Transform with Mutual Information–Based Runtime Feedback
Authors: Xu Mingliang , Wu Yunpeng , Ye Yangdong , Farkas Illes , Jiang Hao , Deng Zhigang 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis paper introduces a new crowd formation transform approach to achieve visually pleasing group formation transition and control. Its core idea is to transform crowd formation shapes with a least effort pair assignment using the Kuhn–Munkres algorithm, discover clusters of agent subgroups using affinity propagation and Delaunay triangulation algorithms and apply subgroup‐based social force model (SFM) to the agent subgroups to achieve alignment, cohesion and collision avoidance. Meanwhile, mutual information of the dynamic crowd is used to guide agents' movement at runtime. This approach combines both macroscopic (involving least effort position assignment and clustering) and microscopic (involving SFM) controls of the crowd transformation to maximally maintain subgroups' local stability and dynamic collective behaviour, while minimizing the overall effort (i.e. travelling distance) of the agents during the transformation. Through simulation experiments and comparisons, we demonstrate that this approach is efficient and effective to generate visually pleasing and smooth transformations and outperform several existing crowd simulation approaches including reciprocal velocity avoidances, optimal reciprocal collision avoidance and OpenSteer.
Lenti‐GDNF Gene Therapy Protects Against Alzheimer's Disease‐Like Neuropathology in 3xTg‐AD Mice and MC65 Cells
Authors: Revilla Susana , Ursulet Suzanna , Álvarez‐López María Jesús , Castro‐Freire Marco , Perpiñá Unai , García‐Mesa Yoelvis , Bortolozzi Analía , Giménez‐Llort Lydia , Kaliman Perla , Cristòfol Rosa , Sarkis Chamsy , Sanfeliu Coral 
Published: August 2014

SummaryAimsGlial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is emerging as a potent neurotrophic factor with therapeutic potential against a range of neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD). We assayed the effects of GDNF treatment in AD experimental models through gene‐therapy procedures.MethodsRecombinant lentiviral vectors were used to overexpress GDNF gene in hippocampal astrocytes of 3xTg‐AD mice in vivo, and also in the MC65 human neuroblastoma that conditionally overexpresses the 99‐residue carboxyl‐terminal (C99) fragment of the amyloid precursor protein.ResultsAfter 6 months of overexpressing GDNF, 10‐month‐old 3xTg‐AD mice showed preserved learning and memory, while their counterparts transduced with a green fluorescent protein vector showed cognitive loss. GDNF therapy did not significantly reduce amyloid and tau pathology, but rather, induced a potent upregulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor that may act in concert with GDNF to protect neurons from atrophy and degeneration. MC65 cells overexpressing GDNF showed an abolishment of oxidative stress and cell death that was at least partially mediated by a reduced presence of intracellular C99 and derived amyloid β oligomers.ConclusionsGDNF induced neuroprotection in the AD experimental models used. Lentiviral vectors engineered to overexpress GDNF showed to be safe and effective, both as a potential gene therapy and as a tool to uncover the mechanisms of GDNF neuroprotection, including cross talk between astrocytes and neurons in the injured brain.
Interobserver variability of cervical cytology in HIV‐infected women
Authors: Heard I. , Potard V. , Bergeron C. , Cartier I. , Costagliola D. 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesOur objectives were to determine the reproducibility of cytological specimen interpretation between two pathologists in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected women (from the VIHGY, ANRS CO17 study of human papillomavirus genital pathology among HIV‐positive women) and to analyse the improvement, if any, between conventional and liquid‐based cytology (LBC) interpretations.Materials and methodsA sample of all abnormal and 40% of randomly selected normal Papanicolaou (Pap) tests was randomly ordered and read blindly by a second pathologist using the revised Bethesda terminology 2001. For both conventional and liquid‐based preparations, unweighted and Cicchetti–Allison‐weighted kappa and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Kappa values were then compared using the Altman rule to classify the reproducibility of cytological specimen interpretation.ResultsTwo hundred and seventy‐seven conventional Pap tests were reviewed, including 79 abnormal and 10 unsatisfactory results. Overall agreement between the two observers was 78%, with an estimated Cicchetti–Allison‐weighted kappa of 0.69 (95%CI, 0.61–0.77). The corresponding values for the 268 LBCs, including 123 abnormal and two unsatisfactory results, were 84% and 0.82 (95%CI, 0.76–0.87), respectively. The reproducibility of LBC interpretations was significantly higher than that of conventional preparations (P = 0.009) and, for both laboratories, the percentages of unsatisfactory results were significantly lower for LBC.ConclusionIn HIV‐infected women in the combination antiretroviral therapy era, the strength of agreement was better for LBCs than for conventional preparations, with a lower percentage of unsatisfactory results. When available, LBC should be preferred because of its higher reproducibility.
Effect of hyoscine N‐butylbromide on adenoma detection rate: Meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Madhoun Mohammad F. , Ali Tauseef , Tierney William M. , Maple John T. 
Published: August 2014

Background and AimAnti‐spasmodic drugs may facilitate mucosal inspection during colonoscopy. The impact of hyoscine N‐butylbromide (HBB) on polyp detection rate (PDR) and adenoma detection rate (ADR) is unclear.MethodsWe conducted a reproducible literature search of multiple databases. Two reviewers independently compared manuscripts for PDR, ADR, advanced adenoma detection rate (AADR), and rates of complications. Pooling was conducted by fixed‐effects and random‐effects models. Relative risk (RR) estimates were calculated (95% confidence interval). I2 index assessed heterogeneity.ResultsPatient demographics were comparable. The pooled analysis showed a trend toward improving PDR and ADR among the HBB group compared with the placebo group but failed to reach statistical significance, (46% vs 43%, RR = 1.08 [0.94, 1.25], P = 0.27), (31% vs 28%, RR = 1.12 [0.97, 1.29], P = 0.11) respectively.ConclusionHBB during colonoscopy may provide marginal improvements in ADR and PDR. However, heterogeneity in the available data precludes firm conclusions at this time.
The potential risks of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer with GLP‐1‐based therapies are far outweighed by the proven and potential (cardiovascular) benefits
Authors: Ryder R. E. J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractRecent suggestions that glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1)‐based therapies could cause pancreatitis, and even pancreatic cancer, are based on:Animal studiesThe worrying histological changes are not reproduced in all studies and are unexpectedly variable with different GLP‐1‐based therapies.An observational studySingh's findings that pancreatitis is doubled with GLP‐1‐based therapies could relate to their use in obese patients who are prone to pancreatitis risk factors—gallstones and hypertriglyceridaemia. The other observational studies do not find an association between GLP‐1‐based therapies and pancreatitis.US Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting systemThe increased reports of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer are likely to be attributable to ‘notoriety bias’.A study of organ donor pancreasesButler's findings for those on GLP‐1‐based therapies vs. those not, could have other explanations. Meanwhile:Meta analysisRandomized control trials with GLP‐1‐based therapies do not find increased pancreatitis risk. Meta‐analysis of 53 randomized controlled trials including 20 212 dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor‐treated patients found a significantly reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events [odds ratio 0.689 (0.528–0.899), P = 0.006] for dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors compared with control subjects.Cardiovascular riskThe evidence suggests that there is more than a possibility that some of the GLP‐1 receptor agonists, and possibly also some dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors, may be associated with reduced cardiovascular events. Eight ongoing long‐term cardiovascular randomized controlled trials will report from September 2013 onwards. These trials should resolve the issue of pancreatitis risk and substantiate the extent of benefit.ConclusionWhilst we should remain vigilant, currently the balance of evidence is strongly in support of GLP‐1‐based therapy, with benefits far outweighing potential risks.
Youth depression alleviation: the Fish Oil Youth Depression Study (YoDA‐F): A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled treatment trial
Authors: Rice Simon M. , Hickie Ian B. , Yung Alison R. , Mackinnon Andrew , Berk Michael , Davey Christopher , Hermens Daniel F. , Hetrick Sarah E. , Parker Alexandra G. , Schäfer Miriam R. , McGorry Patrick D. , Amminger G. Paul 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimUS authorities have recommended ‘black‐box’ warnings for antidepressants because of the increased risk of suicidality for individuals up to age 25. There is thus a clinical and ethical imperative to provide effective treatment for youth depression with an acceptable risk–benefit balance. Long‐chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play an important role in a range of physiological processes in living organisms. Supplementation with omega‐3 PUFAs has been shown to have a range of beneficial effects on both physical and mental health, and results of previous trials suggest that omega‐3 PUFAs may be a safe and effective treatment for depression. However, conclusions from these trials have been limited by their relatively small sample sizes.MethodsThis trial will test the effectiveness of a 12‐week parallel group, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of 1.4 g day−1 omega‐3 PUFAs in help seeking 15‐ to 25‐year‐olds (N = 400) presenting with major depressive disorder. The primary hypothesis is that young people will show greater improvement of depressive symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment with omega‐3 PUFAs plus cognitive behavioural case management compared with treatment with placebo plus cognitive behavioural case management.ConclusionBecause of using a large sample, results from this study will provide the strongest evidence to date to inform the use of omega‐3 PUFAs as first‐line therapy in young people presenting with major depressive disorder. The study also heralds an important step towards indicated prevention of persistent depression, which may reduce the burden, stigmatization, disability and economic consequences of this disorder.
Validation of diagnosis of aplastic anaemia in La Rioja (Spain) by International Classification of Diseases codes for case ascertainment for the Spanish National Rare Diseases Registry
Authors: Ruiz Elena , Ramalle‐Gómara Enrique , Quiñones Carmen , Rabasa Pilar , Pisón Carlos 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse the validity of diagnosis of aplastic anaemia (AA) by International Classification of Diseases codes in hospital discharge data (MBDS) and the mortality registry (MR) of La Rioja to detect cases to be included in the Spanish National Rare Diseases Registry.MethodsInternational Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes were used to detect AA cases during the period 2007–2012 from two administrative databases: the MBDS and the MR of La Rioja (Spain). Medical records of population selected by merging both databases were used to confirm true AA cases. The annual mean incidence rate of AA was calculated using confirmed incident cases.ResultsBy merging both databases, 62 hypothetical AA incident patients were detected during the period 2007–2012. The medical records of the 89% of them could be revised, and they confirmed that only the 15% of the patients actually suffered AA. The annual mean AA incidence in La Rioja was 4.17 per million inhabitants (6.23 per million, males; 2.10 per million, females).ConclusionsThe MBDS and the MR are not in themselves sufficient to ascertain AA cases in La Rioja and medical records should be reviewed to confirm true AA cases to be included in the Spanish National Rare Diseases Registry.
Cannabinoid modulation of alpha2 adrenergic receptor function in rodent medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Cathel Alessandra M. , Reyes Beverly A. S. , Wang Qin , Palma Jonathan , Mackie Kenneth , Van Bockstaele Elisabeth J. , Kirby Lynn G. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractEndocannabinoids acting at the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) are known to regulate attention, cognition and mood. Previous studies have shown that, in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), CB1R agonists increase norepinephrine release, an effect that may be attributed, in part, to CB1Rs localised to noradrenergic axon terminals. The present study was aimed at further characterising functional interactions between CB1R and adrenergic receptor (AR) systems in the mPFC using in vitro intracellular electrophysiology and high‐resolution neuroanatomical techniques. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings of layer V/VI cortical pyramidal neurons in rats revealed that both acute and chronic treatment with the synthetic CB1R agonist WIN 55,212‐2 blocked elevations in cortical pyramidal cell excitability and increases in input resistance evoked by the α2‐adrenergic receptor (α2‐AR) agonist clonidine, suggesting a desensitisation of α2‐ARs. These CB1R–α2‐AR interactions were further shown to be both action potential‐ and gamma‐aminobutyric acid‐independent. To better define sites of cannabinoid–AR interactions, we localised α2A‐adrenergic receptors (α2A‐ARs) in a genetically modified mouse that expressed a hemoagglutinin (HA) tag downstream of the α2A‐AR promoter. Light and electron microscopy indicated that HA‐α2A‐AR was distributed in axon terminals and somatodendritic processes especially in layer V of the mPFC. Triple‐labeling immunocytochemistry revealed that α2A‐AR and CB1R were localised to processes that contained dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase, a marker of norepinephrine. Furthermore, HA‐α2A‐AR was localised to processes that were directly apposed to CB1R. These findings suggest multiple sites of interaction between cortical cannabinoid–adrenergic systems that may contribute to understanding the effect of cannabinoids on executive functions and mood.
Comparison of HCF life prediction methods based on different critical planes under multiaxial variable amplitude loading
Authors: Wang C. , Shang D.‐G. , Wang X.‐W. , Chen H. , Liu J.‐Z. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractHigh‐cycle fatigue life prediction methods based on different critical planes, including the maximum shear stress (MSS) plane, the weighted average shear stress plane and the Maximum Variance shear stress plane, are compared by two multiaxial cycle counting methods, i.e. the main and auxiliary channels (MAC) counting and the relative equivalent stress counting. A modified damage model is used to calculate the multiaxial fatigue damage. Compared with the experimental lives for 7075‐T651 aluminium alloy, the predicted results show that the MSS method together with MAC counting is suitable for the multiaxial fatigue life prediction.
Variables Affecting L2 Gains During Study Abroad
Authors: Baker‐Smemoe Wendy , Dewey Dan P. , Bown Jennifer , Martinsen Rob A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractSecond language (L2) gains during study abroad have been related to several variables including length of stay (Llanes, 2011), language use (Martinsen, Baker, Dewey, Bown, & Johnson, 2010), and social network development (Isabelli‐García, 2006), among others. However, most studies have investigated only a few predictors in single study abroad programs. While these findings are helpful, larger scale studies are needed to better understand the variables that contribute to L2 gains across several different cultures and learner groups. The current study examines predictors of L2 gain of more than 100 native English speakers who participated in study abroad in Mexico, Spain, France, Egypt, Russia, and China. Participants were asked to complete an ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview at the beginning and end of their study abroad program. Participants were then divided into “gainers” and “non‐gainers,” or those who did or did not make significant language gains from pre‐ to posttest. Their language gains from pre to posttest were compared to several predictors: personality (measured by the NEO Five‐Factor Inventory), social networks (size, dispersion, density, etc.), intercultural sensitivity (measured by the Intercultural Development Inventory), amount of second language use, gender, and age. Results suggest that many students were able to make gains in language, in each of the programs, and that the strongest predictors of L2 gains were cultural sensitivity and social network variables.
Ecological mechanisms underpinning climate adaptation services
Authors: Lavorel Sandra , Colloff Matthew J. , Mcintyre Sue , Doherty Michael D. , Murphy Helen T. , Metcalfe Daniel J. , Dunlop Michael , Williams Richard J. , Wise Russell M. , Williams Kristen J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractEcosystem services are typically valued for their immediate material or cultural benefits to human wellbeing, supported by regulating and supporting services. Under climate change, with more frequent stresses and novel shocks, 'climate adaptation services', are defined as the benefits to people from increased social ability to respond to change, provided by the capability of ecosystems to moderate and adapt to climate change and variability. They broaden the ecosystem services framework to assist decision makers in planning for an uncertain future with new choices and options. We present a generic framework for operationalising the adaptation services concept. Four steps guide the identification of intrinsic ecological mechanisms that facilitate the maintenance and emergence of ecosystem services during periods of change, and so materialise as adaptation services. We applied this framework for four contrasted Australian ecosystems. Comparative analyses enabled by the operational framework suggest that adaptation services that emerge during trajectories of ecological change are supported by common mechanisms: vegetation structural diversity, the role of keystone species or functional groups, response diversity and landscape connectivity, which underpin the persistence of function and the reassembly of ecological communities under severe climate change and variability. Such understanding should guide ecosystem management towards adaptation planning.
Acute adiponectin delivery is cardioprotective in the aged female rat heart
Authors: Tomicek Nanette J , Hunter J Craig , Machikas Alexandra M , Lopez Veronica , Korzick Donna H 
Published: August 2014

AimThe aged, post‐menopausal female heart is characterized by reduced ischemic tolerance, and few therapies currently exist to limit ischemic damage. Adiponectin (APN), a cytokine produced in adipose tissue, limits infarct size and improves functional recovery after ischemia/reperfusion injury in adult hearts. The aim of the present study was to extend these previous studies and determine the cardioprotective efficacy of APN treatment in aged female rats.MethodsHearts were isolated from adult (age 6–7 months; n = 10), aged (age 23 months; n = 14) and aged ovariectomized (n = 10) female rats, and subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury. On ischemia, hearts were infused with 9 μg of APN or vehicle. Adiponectin receptor 1, adiponectin receptor 2 and adenosine monophosphate‐dependent kinase (AMPK) were assessed by western blotting, tumor necrosis factor‐α and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase levels by real time polymerase chain reaction. Non‐reducing western blotting for APN multimers in visceral adipose was also carried out.ResultsAPN infusion successfully improved post‐ischemic left ventricular developed pressure (∼10–15%) and attenuated the rise in end diastolic pressure in all groups (P < 0.05). With ischemia/reperfusion injury, phospho‐AMPK increased in all groups with additive effects of APN on increasing phospho‐AMPK abundance in aged ovary‐intact female rats only (P < 0.001). Age‐associated increases in pre‐ischemic tumor necrosis factor‐α mRNA were unaffected by APN, whereas nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 mRNA levels were attenuated by APN in adult and aged ovariectomized female rats. An age‐associated decrease in cardiac adiponectin receptor 2 was observed in conjunction with elevated high molecular weight APN in adipose.ConclusionsThe present data suggest that APN might be a relevant therapy for protecting the aging female heart, albeit through divergent mechanisms that are likely influenced by age‐associated estrogen availability. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 636–646.
The Dutch String-of-Pearls Stroke Study: Protocol of a Large Prospective Multicenter Genetic Cohort Study
Authors: Nederkoorn Paul J. , van Dijk Ewoud J. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Luijckx Gert-Jan , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Visser Marieke C. , Wermer Marieke J. H. , Ruigrok Ynte M. , Algra Ale , Kappelle L. Jaap 
Published: August 2014

Background In the last couple of years, genome-wide association studies have largely altered the scope in genetic research in diseases in which both environmental and genetic risk factors contribute to the disease. To date, the genetic risk loci identified in stroke have lagged behind those in other complex diseases, possibly because of the heterogeneity of stroke phenotypes. Sufficiently large cohorts with well-defined and detailed phenotyping of stroke patients are needed to identify additional genetic risk loci. Design The String-of-Pearls Institute is a unique partnership between all eight University Medical Centers in the Netherlands. It was established in 2007 by the Netherlands Federation of University Medical Centers, and it conducts a large prospective cohort study in which comprehensive clinical data, detailed phenotyping of stroke, imaging data, and biomaterials are collected in a large cohort of stroke patients. Aims The study aims ( 1 ) to collect a sufficiently large prospective cohort of stroke patients, with well-defined phenotypes; ( 2 ) to collect blood samples and DNA in a standardized infrastructure, allowing for storing and analyzing the samples in a uniform way; ( 3 ) to investigate associations between genetic risk loci and stroke; ( 4 ) to create possibilities to perform epidemiological studies in a well-defined hospital-based cohort of stroke patients; and ( 5 ) to allow for pooling data with other large ongoing genetic stroke studies.