bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complete history of the observable 21 cm signal from the first stars during the pre-reionization era
Authors: Fialkov Anastasia , Barkana Rennan , Pinhas Arazi , Visbal Eli 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
We present the first complete calculation of the history of the inhomogeneous 21 cm signal from neutral hydrogen during the era of the first stars. We use hybrid computational methods to capture the large-scale distribution of the first stars, whose radiation couples to the neutral hydrogen emission, and to evaluate the 21 cm signal from z ∼ 15–35. In our realistic picture, large-scale fluctuations in the 21 cm signal are sourced by the inhomogeneous density field and by the Lyα and X-ray radiative backgrounds. The star formation is suppressed by two spatially varying effects: negative feedback provided by the Lyman–Werner radiative background, and supersonic relative velocities between the gas and dark matter. Our conclusions are quite promising: we find that the fluctuations imprinted by the inhomogeneous Lyα background in the 21 cm signal at z ∼ 25 should be detectable with the Square Kilometre Array.
Comprehension of sarcasm, metaphor and simile in Williams syndrome
Authors: Godbee Kali , Porter Melanie 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlthough people with Williams syndrome (WS) are often characterized as friendly and sociable with relatively good general language abilities, there is emerging evidence of pragmatic difficulties and trouble comprehending aspects of non‐literal language.AimsThe main aim was to investigate the comprehension of sarcasm, metaphor and simile in WS relative to typically developing controls. A secondary aim was to examine the association between non‐literal language comprehension and a range of other cognitive abilities, both in WS and in the typically developing population.Methods & ProceduresTwenty‐six participants with WS were compared with 26 typically developing chronological age‐matched controls (TDCA) and 26 typically developing mental age‐matched controls (TDMA). Participants listened to stories in which characters made non‐literal comments. They were then asked what each character meant by their comment. In order to investigate the second aim of the study, cognitive abilities were also assessed using the Woodcock–Johnson (Revised) Tests of Cognitive Ability, including expressive vocabulary, verbal working memory, perceptual integration, inferential reasoning and overall cognitive ability.Outcomes & ResultsComprehension of non‐literal language in WS was significantly below TDCA levels, but was not significantly different to TDMA levels. For typically developing controls, each of the cognitive measures was strongly correlated with each of the measures of non‐literal language comprehension. The same relationships were not always found for participants with WS. In particular, sarcasm comprehension in WS was not significantly correlated with any of the assessed cognitive abilities, and expressive vocabulary was not significantly correlated with any measure of non‐literal comprehension.Conclusions & ImplicationsComprehension of simile in WS is below TDCA levels but seems on par with their mental age level. It appears that comprehension of sarcasm and metaphors is above the cognitive capabilities and mental age level of most individuals with WS. Further, the pattern of correlations between non‐literal comprehension and cognitive abilities in WS relative to controls suggests that perhaps the linguistic and cognitive systems that underpin non‐literal language comprehension in typically developing individuals interact and integrate in different ways in WS.
Democracy or Stability? European Approaches to Justice in Peace and Transitional Processes
Authors: Rangelov Iavor 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDebates over justice for gross human rights violations in active conflicts and transitions are often framed as a dilemma that emphasizes perceived tensions between human rights and democracy on one side and peace and stability on the other. Despite the prominence of the justice dilemma in the scholarly literature, little attention has been directed to examining its significance for global policy making. Beyond the rhetoric, it is unclear whether the dilemma frames the issues for key international actors and how it shapes their policies. This article addresses this gap by investigating the role of the justice dilemma in the foreign policy of the EU. First, it traces the origins of the dilemma and highlights important continuities in its framing over time. It then demonstrates how in pursuing ‘democratization’ and ‘stabilization’ approaches to justice, the EU often reproduces the underlying assumptions, perceived tensions and conventional solutions that circulate in scholarly and policy discussions. The final section examines the implications of the justice dilemma for European policy making. The article argues that the EU's preoccupation with the dilemma limits its ability to develop effective and innovative policies in this important field.
Ultrasound‐guided compared to conventional treatment in gestational diabetes leads to improved birthweight but more insulin treatment: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Balsells Montserrat , García‐Patterson Apolonia , Gich Ignasi , Corcoy Rosa 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing ultrasound‐guided versus conventional management in women with a broad severity‐spectrum of gestational diabetes mellitus.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis of trials published until August 2012.SettingPubMed and Web of Science databases.Study selection and methodsEighteen studies were reviewed in full text. Eligibility criteria were (i) randomized controlled trials comparing metabolic management in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and ultrasound‐based vs. the conventional management to assess fetal growth, (ii) representative of the whole spectrum of hyperglycemia and fetal growth, (iii) data on perinatal outcomes. Review Manager 5.0 was used to summarize the results.ResultsTwo studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. The ultrasound‐guided group had a lower rate of large‐for‐gestational age newborns (relative risk 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.99), macrosomia (relative risk 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.11–0.95) and abnormal birthweight (small/large‐for‐gestational age, relative risk 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.45–0.93) and a higher rate of insulin treatment (relative risk 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.14–2.20). The number of women with gestational diabetes with a need to treat to prevent an additional newborn with abnormal birthweight was 10.ConclusionsIn women with a broad severity‐spectrum of gestational diabetes mellitus, ultrasound‐guided management improves birthweight distribution, but increases the need for insulin treatment. More research is needed in this area because results are derived from a limited number of patients.
L‐3‐n‐butylphthalide protects rats' cardiomyocytes from ischaemia/reperfusion‐induced apoptosis by affecting the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway
Authors: Wang Y.‐G. , Li Y. , Wang C.‐Y. , Ai J.‐W. , Dong X.‐Y. , Huang H.‐Y. , Feng Z.‐Y. , Pan Y.‐M. , Lin Y. , Wang B.‐X. , Yao L.‐L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimsThis study investigated the role of L‐3‐n‐Butylphthalide (NBP) in cardiac protection.MethodsThe left anterior descending coronary arteries (LAD) of the rats were occluded for 30 min following by 2‐h reperfusion to make the ischaemia/reperfusion models. Neonatal cardiomyocytes were cultured and subjected to hypoxia. L‐3‐n‐Butylphthalide was administered intraperitoneally 2 h before the surgery and right after the reperfusion in the in vivo experiments or added to the culture medium in vitro. Haemodynamic parameters were recorded to evaluate the cardiac functions, triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) and Evens blue staining were used to determine the area of risk and infarct area, apoptotic cell numbers were counted with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining. Western blotting was used to determine the apoptotic protein levels and immune staining to determine the translocation of Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) protein.ResultsOur research showed for the first time that L‐3‐n‐Butylphthalide had great effects in improving cardiac hemodynamic function and decreasing cardiac infarct areas and apoptotic cell numbers in the peri‐infarct areas. The apoptotic signals investigation showed that L‐3‐n‐Butylphthalide affected the mitochondrial pathway including Bcl‐2 protein expression, inhibition of caspase 3 activation and cytochrome C releasing. Besides, Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase protein translocation was inhibited by L‐3‐n‐Butylphthalide treatment, and this effect was mediated by endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS).ConclusionL‐3‐n‐Butylphthalide protects cardiomyocytes from ischaemia/reperfusion‐induced apoptosis by antioxidant effect and affecting mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
Advances in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: A review on NOTES and transanal extraction of specimen
Authors: Leung Alex Lik Hang , Cheung Hester Yui Shan , Li Michael Ka Wah 
Published: October 2013

AbstractLaparoscopic colorectal surgery has rapidly developed since the 1980s. Relative to open surgery, it offers the benefits of less invasiveness and earlier recovery. However, when a mini‐laparotomy wound is needed to retrieve the specimen, the benefits of minimally invasive surgery may be compromised as a result of pain‐ and wound‐related complications. The introduction of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) makes “scarless” surgery a possibility; pain‐ and wound‐related complications are totally abolished. However, a number of technical issues need to be overcome before this technique can be used widely. The development of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery abandons the need for a specimen‐retrieval incision and helps overcome the technical hurdles of NOTES. As a bridge between true “scarless” surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery, hybrid procedures combining laparoscopic resection and natural orifice specimen extraction surgery currently play an important role in minimally invasive colorectal surgery.
Predicting bipolar disorder on the basis of phenomenology: implications for prevention and early intervention
Authors: Malhi Gin S , Bargh Danielle M , Coulston Carissa M , Das Pritha , Berk Michael 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveBipolar disorder is a multifaceted illness and there is often a substantial delay between the first onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Early detection has the potential to curtail illness progression and disorder‐associated burden but it requires a clear understanding of the initial bipolar prodrome. This article summarizes the phenomenology of bipolar disorder with an emphasis on the initial prodrome, the evolution of the illness, and the implications for prevention and early intervention.MethodsA literature review was undertaken using Medline, Web of Science, and a hand search of relevant literature using keywords (e.g., phenomenology, initial or early symptoms, risk factors, and predictors/prediction). Findings from the literature were reviewed and synthesized and have been put into a clinical context.ResultsBipolar disorder is a recurrent, persistent, and disabling illness that typically develops in adolescence or early adulthood. The literature search yielded 28 articles, in which mood lability, nonspecific, non‐mood symptoms, and cyclothymic temperament were the most cited prodromal features.ConclusionsA small number of key prospective studies have provided evidence in support of an initial bipolar prodrome; however, methodological differences across studies have prohibited its clear delineation. It is, therefore, not currently possible to anticipate those who will develop bipolar disorder solely on the basis of early phenomenology. Accurate characterization of the bipolar disorder prodrome through high‐quality, prospective research studies with adequate control groups will ultimately facilitate prompt and accurate diagnosis.
Differential interactions of antiretroviral agents with LXR, ER and GR nuclear receptors: potential contributing factors to adverse events
Authors: Svärd J , Blanco F , Nevin D , Fayne D , Mulcahy F , Hennessy M , Spiers J P 
Published: October 2013

Background and PurposeAntiretroviral (ARV) drugs activate pregnane X receptors and constitutive androstane receptors, increasing the risk of drug interactions due to altered drug metabolism and disposition. The closely related liver X receptors (LXRα/β), oestrogen receptors (ERα/β) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulate many endogenous processes such as lipid/cholesterol homeostasis, cellular differentiation and inflammation. However, ARV drug activation of these nuclear receptors has not been thoroughly investigated.Experimental ApproachThe ability of an ARV drug library to activate LXRα/β, ERα/β and GR was assessed using a combined in silico and in vitro approach encompassing computational docking and molecular descriptor filtering, cell‐free time‐resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer co‐activator assays to assess direct binding to ligand‐binding domains (LBDs), cell‐based reporter assays and target gene expression.Key ResultsDirect LBD interactions with LXRα and/or LXRβ were predicted in silico and confirmed in vitro for darunavir, efavirenz, flavopiridol, maraviroc and tipranavir. Likewise, efavirenz was also predicted and confirmed as a ligand of ERα‐LBD. Interestingly, atazanavir and ritonavir also activated LXRα/β in reporter assays, while tipranavir enhanced transcriptional activity of ERα. Effects on ER and LXR target gene expression were confirmed for efavirenz and tipranavir.Conclusions and ImplicationsThere was good agreement between in silico predictions and in vitro results. However, some nuclear receptor interactions identified in vitro were probably due to allosteric effects or nuclear receptor cross‐talk, rather than direct LBD binding. This study indicates that some of the adverse effects associated with ARV use may be mediated through ‘off‐target’ effects involving nuclear receptor activation.
Constitutive activation of AMPK α1 in vascular endothelium promotes high‐fat diet‐induced fatty liver injury: role of COX‐2 induction
Authors: Liang Yan , Huang Bosheng , Song Erfei , Bai Bo , Wang Yu 
Published: October 2013

Background and PurposeAMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), an important regulator of energy metabolism, comprises three (α, β and γ) subunits, each with a unique tissue distribution. As AMPK has a wide range of protein and gene targets, defining its role has been difficult. Here, we have studied a transgenic mouse model overexpressing the constitutively active α1 subunit of AMPK in endothelial cells (EC‐AMPK) to elucidate its role in energy homeostasis.Experimental ApproachWild‐type and EC‐AMPK mice were fed with a high fat diet for 16 weeks. Drugs (or vehicles) were given daily by oral gavage. Body weight, fat mass composition, glucose and lipid levels were monitored regularly. Tissues including aortae and liver were collected for quantitative RT‐PCR, Western blotting, elisa, histological and biochemical evaluations.Key ResultsCompared with wild‐type animals, high fat diet caused more severe metabolic defects in EC‐AMPK mice, which exhibited increased body weight and fat mass, elevated blood pressure, augmented glucose and lipid levels, impaired glucose tolerance, hepatomegaly and steatohepatitis. Constitutive activation of AMPK α1 in endothelial cells induced COX‐2 expression and arterial inflammation. Genes involved in lipid metabolism were down‐regulated in aortae and livers of EC‐AMPK mice. Chronic treatment with selective COX‐2 inhibitors, celecoxib or nimesulide, significantly ameliorated arterial inflammation, steatohepatitis and hyperlipidaemia in EC‐AMPK mice, without altering their blood pressure or clotting.Conclusions and ImplicationsConstitutive activation of endothelial AMPK α1 promotes vascular inflammation and the development of obesity‐induced fatty livers largely via induction of COX‐2.
A Multidimensional Analysis of Public Environmental Concern in Canada
Authors: Zhou Min 
Published: October 2013

Cet article aborde la question du souci de l'environnement chez les Canadiennes et Canadiens à partir des données du World Values Survey 2006. Les résultats démontrent qu'il existe une relation significative entre d'une part l’éducation, le niveau de connaissance par rapport aux problèmes environnementaux et l'allégeance politique, et d'autre part le niveau de souci de l'environnement. Les individus ayant un plus haut niveau d’éducation et une plus grande connaissance des problèmes environnementaux sont plus susceptibles de se soucier de l'environnement. Le niveau de souci de l'environnement est de plus polarisé selon l'allégeance politique, en ce sens que les individus s'identifiant comme étant politiquement de gauche montrent un plus haut niveau de souci de l'environnement que ceux qui s'identifient comme de droite. L'analyse met également de l'avant le caractère multi‐dimensionnel du souci de l'environnement : alors que certaines personnes montrent une plus grande conscience des menaces à l'environnement ou encore une plus grande disposition à débourser de l'argent pour assurer la protection de l'environnement, d'autres sont plus enclines à participer directement aux activités d'organisations environnementalistes.This article uses the 2006 World Values Survey data to examine which Canadians are most concerned about the environment. The results show that those individuals who have more education and greater knowledge of global environmental degradation are more likely to be concerned about the environment. Environmental concern in Canada is also politicized in that liberals are more concerned about the environment than conservatives. The results also show that environmental concern is multidimensional. Although some Canadians show more awareness of environmental threat and more willingness to pay for environmental protection, others are more likely to directly participate in environmental organizations.
The psychological and social impact of camp for children with chronic illnesses: a systematic review update
Authors: Moola F. J. , Faulkner G. E. J. , White L. , Kirsh J. A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAdvances in medicine have reduced mortality among children with complex medical conditions, resulting in a growing number of young patients living with chronic illnesses. Despite an improved prognosis, these children experience significant psychosocial morbidity, such as depression and anxiety. Therapeutic summer recreation camps have been proposed as an intervention to enhance quality of life among these children. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the psychosocial impact of camp for children with chronic illnesses. A systematic review of central databases was undertaken using key words, and a rating tool – the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies – was employed to rate methodological quality. 21 studies were included in this systematic review. Although overall methodological quality was weak, camp participation appeared to offer short‐term psychosocial benefits on some parameters in children with a variety of chronic illnesses. There was some consistency in improved social outcomes, such as social interaction and acceptance. Based on the available evidence, it is premature to make robust claims regarding the psychosocial impact of camp as a therapeutic intervention. Theoretically informed camp programs, long‐term follow‐up, and incorporating camp‐based messaging into routine hospital care, may enhance the utility of camp as a potential psychosocial intervention in paediatrics.
Effect of midazolam on cardiopulmonary function during colonoscopy with conscious sedation
Authors: Kim Young Hoon , Kim Ji Won , Lee Kook Lae , Joo Sae Kyung , Lee Jaekyung , Koh Seong‐Joon , Kim Byeong Gwan , Park Chan‐Kuk 
Published: October 2013

Background and AimConscious sedation of patients with midazolam reduces anxiety and pain and improves colonoscopy success rates. However, it may lead to adverse effects such as hypoxia and hypotension. The present study investigated the effects of midazolam on cardiopulmonary function during colonoscopy with conscious sedation.MethodsBetween January 2011 and September 2011, 126 consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy were enrolled and divided into two groups: (i) sedation with midazolam (midazolam group, n = 65); and (ii) no sedation (control group, n = 61). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), were recorded before, during and after the endoscopic procedure.ResultsIn the midazolam group, SBP and DBP decreased more during colonoscopy than in the control group. However, the frequency of a significant change in SBP was similar in both groups. During colonoscopy, HR and SpO2 decreased significantly in the midazolam group compared to those in the control group. SpO2 levels returned to normal after the procedure.ConclusionsMidazolam induced decreases in SBP, DBP, HR and SpO2 during colonoscopy. Clinically significant changes in SBP, HR, and SpO2, however, were similar in the midazolam and control groups. These results suggest that midazolam has a tolerable effect on cardiopulmonary function and may be safely used during colonoscopy.
Structural reforms and growth in transition
Authors: Babecky Jan , Havranek Tomas 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe present fiscal difficulties of many countries amplify the call for structural reforms. To provide stylized facts on how reforms worked in the past, we quantitatively review 60 studies estimating the relationship between reforms and growth. These studies examine structural reforms carried out in 26 transition countries around the world. Our results show that an average reform caused substantial costs in the short run, but had strong positive effects on long‐run growth. Reforms focused on external liberalization proved to be more beneficial than others in both the short and long run. The findings hold even after correction for publication bias and misspecifications present in some primary studies.
TMS reveals a direct influence of spinal projections from human SMAp on precise force production
Authors: Entakli Jonathan , Bonnard Mireille , Chen Sophie , Berton Eric , De Graaf Jozina B. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe corticospinal (CS) system plays an important role in fine motor control, especially in precision grip tasks. Although the primary motor cortex (M1) is the main source of the CS projections, other projections have been found, especially from the supplementary motor area proper (SMAp). To study the characteristics of these CS projections from SMAp, we compared muscle responses of an intrinsic hand muscle (FDI) evoked by stimulation of human M1 and SMAp during an isometric static low‐force control task. Subjects were instructed to maintain a small cursor on a target force curve by applying a pressure with their right precision grip on a force sensor. Neuronavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to stimulate either left M1 or left SMAp with equal induced electric field values at the defined cortical targets. The results show that the SMAp stimulation evokes reproducible muscle responses with similar latencies and amplitudes as M1 stimulation, and with a clear and significant shorter silent period. These results suggest that (i) CS projections from human SMAp are as rapid and efficient as those from M1, (ii) CS projections from SMAp are directly involved in control of the excitability of spinal motoneurons and (iii) SMAp has a different intracortical inhibitory circuitry. We conclude that human SMAp and M1 both have direct influence on force production during fine manual motor tasks.