bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experience-dependent Hemispheric Specialization of Letters and Numbers Is Revealed in Early Visual Processing
Authors: Park Joonkoo , Chiang Crystal , Brannon Elizabeth M. , Woldorff Marty G. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Recent fMRI research has demonstrated that letters and numbers are preferentially processed in distinct regions and hemispheres in the visual cortex. In particular, the left visual cortex preferentially processes letters compared with numbers, whereas the right visual cortex preferentially processes numbers compared with letters. Because letters and numbers are cultural inventions and are otherwise physically arbitrary, such a double dissociation is strong evidence for experiential effects on neural architecture. Here, we use the high temporal resolution of ERPs to investigate the temporal dynamics of the neural dissociation between letters and numbers. We show that the divergence between ERP traces to letters and numbers emerges very early in processing. Letters evoked greater N1 waves (latencies 140–170 msec) than did numbers over left occipital channels, whereas numbers evoked greater N1s than letters over the right, suggesting letters and numbers are preferentially processed in opposite hemispheres early in visual encoding. Moreover, strings of letters, but not single letters, elicited greater P2 ERP waves (starting around 250 msec) than numbers did over the left hemisphere, suggesting that the visual cortex is tuned to selectively process combinations of letters, but not numbers, further along in the visual processing stream. Additionally, the processing of both of these culturally defined stimulus types differentiated from similar but unfamiliar visual stimulus forms (false fonts) even earlier in the processing stream (the P1 at 100 msec). These findings imply major cortical specialization processes within the visual system driven by experience with reading and mathematics.
Three-Dimensional Structure and Evolution of the MJO and Its Relation to the Mean Flow
Authors: Adames Ángel F. , Wallace John M. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The two leading principal components of the daily 850- minus 150-hPa global velocity potential in the Interim European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) (1979–2011) data are used as time-varying Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) indices. Regression maps and meridional cross sections based on these indices are used to document the structure and evolution of the zonal wind (u) and geopotential height (Z) anomalies in the MJO cycle. The data are daily, and they are not separated by season. At upper-tropospheric levels the MJO signature is dominated by eastward-propagating planetary wave packets consisting of equatorial Kelvin waves flanked by Rossby waves centered along 28°N/S, for which the westerly jet streams serve as waveguides. At lower-tropospheric levels the pattern more closely resembles the response to a pulsating heat source over the Maritime Continent, where the Andes block the eastward-propagating Kelvin wave pulse. The contrasting upper- and lower-tropospheric patterns are made up of the same building blocks: a deep, baroclinic modal structure with a node at the 400-hPa level, which dominates the tropical signature, and a barotropic residual field consisting mainly of extratropical wave trains oriented along great circles. The extratropical wave trains emanate from the flanking Rossby waves in the baroclinic modal structure. The strongest of them, which resembles the Pacific–North America (PNA) pattern, extracts kinetic energy from the climatological-mean flow in the jet exit region. At other longitudes the jet stream seems to act as a barrier to the poleward propagation of MJO-related wave activity.
A Numerical Study on the Combined Effect of Midlatitude and Low-Latitude Systems on the Abrupt Track Deflection of Typhoon Megi (2010)
Authors: Shi Wenli , Fei Jianfang , Huang Xiaogang , Cheng Xiaoping , Ding Juli , He Yiqiang 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In 2010, Supertyphoon Megi experienced an abrupt track deflection in the South China Sea (SCS) after traversing Luzon Island. To reveal the physical processes responsible for the timing and location of the sudden track deflection, the potential vorticity (PV) diagnosis and numerical simulations with initial strength perturbations are applied to investigate the individual and combined effects of environmental systems on Megi’s motion based on the steering flow theory. Results indicate that Megi’s northward track deflection was mainly determined by the effect of the midlatitude circulation, or rather, the break of the high pressure belt joined by the continental high (CH) and the Pacific subtropical high (SH). The retraction of CH played a particularly critical role in the break of the high pressure belt, making it the most important feature of the midlatitude circulation to determine Megi’s deflection. In addition, a small low-latitude anticyclone (SA) southeast of Megi was crucial in affecting the timing and location of the deflection, although the steering effect provided by SA itself was relatively weak. The development of SA was associated with both the tropical cyclone energy dispersion and the activity of an easterly wave. This study suggests that the abrupt track deflection of Megi was attributed to the combined effect of the midlatitude and low-latitude systems, in addition to the combined effects of the large-scale and small-scale systems.
A Fish Way Out of Water
Authors: Gantwerker Eric A. , Hamilton Steven S. , Casper Keith A. 
Published: March 2014

Background: Since the time of Chevalier Jackson, innumerable unique foreign bodies have been documented and removed. Advances in endoscopic airway management have revolutionized the types of foreign bodies that we are able to remove without open surgery. The literature on fish aspiration has mostly encompassed fish bones and parts, not whole live fish. Objective: This study aimed to describe the airway management of a high-risk airway foreign body including the mobilization and coordination of multiple specialty teams and anesthetic management. Case Report: We report a case of a 40-year-old man who aspirated a live bluegill fish while attempting to use it as bait. The spike-like nature of the bluegill dorsal fin in conjunction with mediastinal air prompted a higher level of concern for potential airway compromise and complication with extraction. We detail the preparation and management of this patient from notification to transportation and ultimately operative intervention. Focus is placed on coordination between anesthesia, otolaryngology, and cardiothoracic surgery, and the key management decisions. Conclusion: High-risk airway foreign bodies are always a challenge. When dealing with a live, lodged whole fish, one must have creative management ideas. Close coordination and excellent communication must occur between teams involved to optimize and maintain control of the situation for the best patient outcome.
The Effects of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on the Postoperative Outcomes of Open Rhinoplasty
Authors: Kim Ji Heui , Cho Gye Song , Cheang Pei-Pei , Jang Yong Ju 
Published: March 2014

Objective: Several studies have advocated concurrent endoscopic sinus surgery and rhinoplasty. However, concerns about increased surgical risk, complications, and unsuccessful cosmetic outcomes following the concurrent procedures have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the overall safety of concurrent endoscopic sinus surgery and rhinoplasty and to specifically examine the effect of endoscopic sinus surgery on cosmetic outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 57 patients who underwent concurrent open rhinoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). We then selected a control group of patients, who underwent rhinoplasty only and were matched with a study group for age, sex, external nose deformity, and implant graft material. The postoperative outcomes of the 2 groups were compared. Results: Fifty-seven patients underwent concurrent open rhinoplasty and ESS. Postoperative assessment showed that a successful outcome was achieved in 82.5% of the patients who underwent concurrent procedures and in 87.7% of the patients who underwent rhinoplasty only ( P = .56). The rate of revision due to a dissatisfied outcome was 5 patients (8.7%) in the concurrent surgery group and 3 patients (5.3%) in the rhinoplasty-only group ( P = .36). Minor complications occurred in 6 patients (10.5%) from the group who underwent the concurrent procedures and 5 patients (8.8%) from the rhinoplasty-only group ( P = .76). Conclusion: Combined rhinoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery achieves a similar aesthetic outcome to rhinoplasty only, with no significant increase in rates of revision or complication.
Sex-Specific Characteristics of Anthropometry in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Lim Young-Hyo , Choi Jihye , Kim Kyung Rae , Shin Jinho , Hwang Kyung Gyun , Ryu Seungho , Cho Seok Hyun 
Published: March 2014

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the sex-specific effects of anthropometric profiles on the occurrence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: We evaluated 151 patients with suspected OSA undergoing polysomnography and anthropometric measurements such as body mass index (BMI), neck and waist circumference (NC and WC), and waist–hip ratio (WHR). Results: In men, NC ( P = .006), WC ( P = .035), and WHR ( P = .003) were significantly increased in OSA and all were significantly correlated with apnea hypopnea index (AHI). However, in female OSA patients, BMI ( P = .05), WC ( P = .008), and WHR ( P = .001) were elevated, but only WHR was significantly correlated with AHI. Correlation analyses showed significant correlations between NC and other anthropometric indexes in men but not in women. The receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that NC and WHR in men, and WHR in women, were significant in both model 1 (AHI ≥ 5) and model 2 (AHI ≥ 15). Conclusion: Waist–hip ratio is the most reliable correlate of OSA in both sexes. Neck circumference is an independent risk factor for male, but not for female, OSA patients. These different aspects of obesity may contribute to the pathogenesis of OSA and provide helpful guidance in the screening of OSA.
Developing Culturally Targeted Diabetes Educational Materials for Older Russian-Speaking Immigrants
Authors: Van Son Catherine R. 
Published: March 2014

Purpose Older adults who immigrate late in life face many challenges adapting to a new country. Immigrants bring their cultural beliefs and behaviors with them, which can influence their ability to make dietary changes required when they have type 2 diabetes. Culturally targeted patient education materials are needed to improve immigrants’ health literacy and abilities to self-manage diabetes. Currently, there is a scarcity of diabetes patient education materials to meet the educational needs of the Russian-speaking immigrant group. The purpose of this article is to describe a project in which culturally targeted diabetes education materials for older Russian-speaking immigrants were designed and developed. Conclusions Culturally targeted patient education materials are essential if they are to be accepted and used by clients from different ethnic minority populations. The creation of culturally relevant materials requires a team effort and community stakeholder input. The availability of materials on the internet facilitates access and use by health care providers. Culturally targeted education materials are an important component in addressing health literacy in ethnic minority populations. Next steps require that these materials be evaluated to test their impact on diabetes self-management behaviors and clinical outcomes such as adherence, amount of physical activity, and blood glucose levels.
Core stability exercise is as effective as task-oriented motor training in improving motor proficiency in children with developmental coordination disorder: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Au Mei K , Chan Wai M , Lee Lin , Chen Tracy MK , Chau Rosanna MW , Pang Marco YC 
Published: March 2014

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of a core stability program with a task-oriented motor training program in improving motor proficiency in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Design: Randomized controlled pilot trial. Setting: Outpatient unit in a hospital. Participants: Twenty-two children diagnosed with DCD aged 6-9 years were randomly allocated to the core stability program or the task-oriented motor program. Intervention: Both groups underwent their respective face-to-face training session once per week for eight consecutive weeks. They were also instructed to carry out home exercises on a daily basis during the intervention period. Main measures: Short Form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (Second Edition) and Sensory Organization Test at pre- and post-intervention. Results: Intention-to-treat analysis revealed no significant between-group difference in the change of motor proficiency standard score ( P=0.717), and composite equilibrium score derived from the Sensory Organization Test ( P=0.100). Further analysis showed significant improvement in motor proficiency in both the core stability (mean change (SD)=6.3(5.4); p=0.008) and task-oriented training groups (mean change(SD)=5.1(4.0); P=0.007). The composite equilibrium score was significantly increased in the task-oriented training group (mean change (SD)=6.0(5.5); P=0.009), but not in the core stability group (mean change(SD) =0.0(9.6); P=0.812). In the task-oriented training group, compliance with the home program was positively correlated with change in motor proficiency (ρ=0.680, P=0.030) and composite equilibrium score (ρ=0.638, P=0.047). Conclusion: The core stability exercise program is as effective as task-oriented training in improving motor proficiency among children with DCD.
Clinical feasibility of the Nintendo Wii™ for balance training post-stroke: a phase II randomized controlled trial in an inpatient setting
Authors: Bower Kelly J , Clark Ross A , McGinley Jennifer L , Martin Clarissa L , Miller Kimberly J 
Published: March 2014

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and potential efficacy of the Nintendo Wii™ for balance rehabilitation after stroke. Design: Phase II, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation facility. Subjects: Thirty adults (mean age 63.6 (14.7) years) undergoing inpatient rehabilitation who were less than three months post-stroke and able to stand unsupported. Interventions: Participants were allocated to a Balance Group, using the ‘Wii Fit Plus’ in standing, or Upper Limb Group, using the ‘Wii Sports/Sports Resort’ in sitting. Both groups undertook three 45 minute sessions per week over two to four weeks in addition to standard care. Main measures: The primary focus was feasibility, addressed by recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability and safety. Efficacy was evaluated by balance, mobility and upper limb outcomes. Results: Twenty-one percent of individuals screened were recruited and 86% ( n = 30) of eligible people agreed to participate. Study retention and session adherence was 90% and > 99%, respectively, at two weeks; dropping to 70% and 87% at four weeks due to early discharge. All participants reported enjoying the sessions and most felt they were beneficial. No major adverse events occurred. Wii use by the Balance Group was associated with trends for improved balance, with significantly greater improvement in outcomes including the Step Test and Wii Balance Board-derived centre of pressure scores. The Upper Limb Group had larger, non-significant changes in arm function. Conclusions: A Wii-based approach appears feasible and promising for post-stroke balance rehabilitation. A larger randomized controlled trial is recommended to further investigate efficacy.
Body awareness therapy in persons with stroke: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lindvall Mialinn A , Forsberg Anette 
Published: March 2014

Objective: To investigate the effects of body awareness therapy on balance, mobility, balance confidence, and subjective health status in persons with stroke. Design: A pilot randomized controlled study with follow-up at one and 4–6 weeks after the intervention period. Setting: Four primary healthcare centres in Örebro County Council. Subjects: Persons more than six months post stroke, with walking ability of 100 metres. Intervention: The experimental intervention was body awareness therapy in groups once a week for eight weeks. The controls were instructed to continue their usual daily activities. Main measures: Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Timed Up and Go Test with a cognitive component, 6-minute walk test, and Timed-Stands Test. Self-rated balance confidence was assessed using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, and subjective health status using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Results: A total of 46 participants were included (mean age 64 years); 24 in the experimental intervention group and 22 in the control group. No significant differences in changed scores over time were found between the groups. Within the experimental intervention group, significant improvements over time was found for the tests Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go cognitive, and 6-minute walk test. Within the control group, significant improvements over time were found for the Timed Up and Go Cognitive, and the Timed-Stands Test. Conclusion: In comparison to no intervention, no effects were seen on balance, mobility, balance confidence, and subjective health status after eight weeks of body awareness therapy.
Altered white matter microstructural connectivity in cluster headaches: A longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Chou Kun-Hsien , Yang Fu-Chi , Fuh Jong-Ling , Huang Chu-Chung , Lirng Jiing-Feng , Lin Yung-Yang , Lee Pei-Lin , Kao Hung-Wen , Lin Ching-Po , Wang Shuu-Jiun 
Published: March 2014

Background Functional and structural disruptions to the pain matrix, which may involve changes in white matter (WM) pathways connecting the pain-processing system and hypothalamus, have been implicated in the pathophysiology of cluster headache (CH). However, previous studies have obtained inconclusive results regarding WM changes in CH, and WM variations between “in-bout” and “out-of-bout” periods of CH remain to be determined. Methods Multiple diffusivity indices obtained by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and post-hoc probabilistic tractography were used to elucidate CH pathophysiology. Results Compared to healthy participants, in-bout CH patients showed regionally higher absolute (radial and mean) diffusivities in the left medial frontal gyrus and frontal sub-gyrus and lower absolute (axial, radial and mean) diffusivities in the right parahippocampal gyrus of the limbic lobe. These changes during the in-bout period generally persisted in the out-of-bout period, except for the left cerebellar tonsil. Post-hoc probabilistic tractography showed highly consistent anatomical connections between these altered areas and the hypothalamus across participants. Conclusions Distinct WM changes were observed in episodic CH. Connections between the pain-modulation areas and hypothalamus may be involved in CH pathophysiology.
Ovarian reserve in women with primary antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Yamakami LYS , Serafini PC , de Araujo DB , Bonfá E , Leon EP , Baracat EC , Silva CA 
Published: March 2014

Objective The objective of this paper is to evaluate ovarian reserve in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) women and the association between ovarian reserve tests and clinical and laboratorial parameters, and anti-corpus luteum antibody (anti-CoL). Methods We screened 85 female patients between 18 to 40 years old with APS. Of these, 67 patients were excluded because of association with other autoimmune diseases ( n = 42), contraindication or unwillingness to stop hormonal contraceptive ( n = 21), current pregnancy or breastfeeding ( n = 3) and previous ovarian surgery ( n = 1). Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 18 PAPS patients and 24 healthy women. They were evaluated at early follicular phase with measurement of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and sonographic antral follicle count (AFC). Serum measurement of anti-CoL was determined by immunoblot analysis. All analyses were performed after at least six months from the last intake of hormonal contraceptive and resumption of menstruation. Results The mean age was comparable in PAPS and controls (33.0 ± 5.0 vs. 30.4 ± 7.0 years; p = 0.19). Regarding ovarian reserve tests, the frequencies of low AFC (≤10) (56% vs. 22%, p = 0.04) and very low AFC (≤5) (37% vs. 9%, p = 0.04) were significantly higher in PAPS patients than controls. Trends of higher frequencies of reduced (<1.0 ng/ml), low (<0.5 ng/ml) and negligible (<0.2 ng/ml) AMH levels were found in PAPS patients ( p = 0.08, p = 0.07 and p = 0.07, respectively). FSH, LH and estradiol were similar in patients and controls. There was no association between low ovarian reserve and specific types of antiphospholipid antibodies. Anti-CoL was solely observed in PAPS patients (11% vs. 0%; p = 0.177) and was not related to ovarian reserve tests. Conclusion Women suffering from PAPS possessed reduced ovarian reserve, with prevalence greater than 50%.
A proteomic analysis of excreted and circulating proteins from obese patients following two different weight-loss strategies
Authors: Alfadda Assim A , Turjoman Abdullah Arif , Moustafa Amr S , Al-Naami Mohammed Y , Chishti Muhammad A , Sallam Reem M , Gibson David , Duncan Mark W 
Published: March 2014

Bariatric surgery is the most successful therapeutic approach to weight loss, but how it leads to weight loss, and how it resolves obesity-related complications, including type-2 diabetes, are poorly understood. This study, comprising two groups of individuals, one on a low-calorie diet ( n = 5) and one undergoing bariatric surgery ( n = 7), used both targeted and untargeted proteomic approaches to determine changes in protein levels pre- and post-intervention (i.e. 3–6 months later). Changes were observed in both circulating and excreted proteins following weight loss. Targeted multiplexed biochip arrays measured 12 plasma peptides/proteins involved in metabolism and inflammation: C-peptide, ferritin, interleukin-6, interleukin-1 alpha, resistin, insulin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, leptin, plasminogen-activator inhibitor-1, adiponectin, cystatin C, and C-reactive protein. Following a low-calorie diet, plasma insulin and C-reactive protein levels were significantly reduced ( P = 0.045 and P = 0.030, respectively); adiponectin increased and leptin decreased following surgery ( P = 0.014 and P = 0.005, respectively). Untargeted proteomic analysis employing 2D difference in-gel electrophoresis (DIGE) showed 28 protein spots with ≥1.5-fold changes in expression following weight loss by a low-calorie diet; comparison of pre- and post-intervention urine samples from the bariatric surgery group showed changes in excretion of 110 protein spots. The combination of targeted protein analysis by multiplexed arrays and an exploratory (i.e. an unbiased or discovery) proteomic assessment of hundreds of proteins offers valuable insights into the mechanistic differences between alternative weight-loss strategies. This is a powerful hypothesis-generating approach to study complex, multifactorial syndromes such as obesity. The findings that arise from these studies can then be validated in targeted, hypothesis-directed investigations.