bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Working Memory Development Is Related to Structural Maturation of Frontal and Parietal Cortices
Authors: Tamnes Christian K. , Walhovd Kristine B. , Grydeland Håkon , Holland Dominic , Østby Ylva , Dale Anders M. , Fjell Anders M. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Parallels between patterns of brain maturation and cognitive development have been observed repeatedly, but studies directly testing the relationships between improvements in specific cognitive functions and structural changes in the brain are lacking. Working memory development extends throughout childhood and adolescence and likely plays a central role for cognitive development in multiple domains and in several neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuroimaging, lesion, and electrophysiological studies indicate that working memory emerges from coordinated interactions of a distributed neural network in which fronto-parietal cortical regions are critical. In the current study, verbal working memory function, as indexed by performance on the Keep Track task, and volumes of brain regions were assessed at two time points in 79 healthy children and adolescents in the age range of 8–22 years. Longitudinal change in cortical and subcortical volumes was quantified by the use of Quantitative Anatomical Regional Change. Improvement in working memory was related to cortical volume reduction in bilateral prefrontal and posterior parietal regions and in regions around the central sulci. Importantly, these relationships were not explained by differences in gender, age, or intelligence level or change in intellectual abilities. Furthermore, the relationships did not interact with age and were not significantly different in children, young adolescents, and old adolescents. The results provide the first direct evidence that structural maturation of a fronto-parietal cortical network supports working memory development.
Influence of the Southern Annular Mode on Projected Weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Spooner Peter T. , Johnson Helen L. , Woollings Tim J. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Coupled climate models predict density-driven weakening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) under greenhouse gas forcing, with considerable spread in the response between models. There is also a large spread in the predicted increase of the southern annular mode (SAM) index across these models. Regression analysis across model space using 11 non-eddy-resolving models suggests that up to 35% of the intermodel spread in the AMOC response may be associated with uncertainty in the magnitude of the increase in the SAM. Models with a large, positive SAM index response generally display a smaller weakening of the AMOC under greenhouse gas forcing. The initial AMOC strength is also a major cause of intermodel spread in its response to climate change. The increase in the SAM acts to reduce the weakening of the AMOC over the next century by around ⅓, through increases in wind stress over the Southern Ocean, northward Ekman transport, and upwelling around Antarctica. The SAM response is also related to an increase in the northward salt flux across 30°S and to salinity anomalies in the high-latitude North Atlantic. These provide a positive feedback by further reinforcement of the AMOC. The results suggest that, compared with the real ocean where eddies oppose wind-driven changes in Southern Ocean circulation, climate models underestimate the effects of anthropogenic climate change on the AMOC.
A rare variant of alpha 1 antitrypsin mutations detected in Vietnamese children with liver disease
Authors: Hoàng Thu Hà , Phạm Thiên Ngọc , Nguyễn Gia Khánh , Lê Quang Huấn 
Published: June 2013

Background Alpha 1 antitrypsin (A1AT) is the major plasma serine protease inhibitor that is produced in liver cells. A1AT deficiency is recognized globally as a common genetic cause of liver disease in children, which results from mutations in the SERine Protease INhibitor A1 (SERPINA1) gene. The importance of A1AT deficiency in Viet Nam is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the A1AT variants present in paediatric patients with liver diseases in order to clarify whether A1AT deficiency is present in Viet Nam. Methods A1AT studies were carried out in 130 children with liver disease of indeterminate aetiology. A1AT levels were determined by immunoturbidimetry. Phenotype analysis of A1AT was performed by isoelectric focusing (IEF) in all patients. Genotype analyses to determine A1AT mutations were performed by direct sequencing. Results We identified a rare variant of A1AT named Zbristol. The Zbristol appeared to be deficient in the plasma to about the same degree as the PI S protein resulting in low concentration of A1AT in one of these two Vietnamese patients. No other deficient A1AT allele was detected, although 11 patients (8.5%) showed a reduced serum concentration of A1AT. Conclusions These are the first two cases of a rare A1AT deficiency allele to be found in Viet Nam clearly inferring that A1AT deficiency is not just a disease of Caucasians. As such, the laboratory diagnosis of A1AT deficiency including A1AT concentration determination and phenotype and genotype testing should form part of the routine differential diagnosis of paediatric liver disease of indeterminate aetiology in Vietnamese patients.
Neural predictive control for single-speed ground source heat pumps connected to a floor heating system for typical French dwelling
Authors: Salque T , Marchio D , Riederer P 
Published: June 2013

Ground source heat pumps connected to a floor heating system can offer high efficiency for heating and cooling. However, the inertia of the floor heating creates a thermal lag that can lead to discomfort with conventional controllers. For this reason, a neural predictive controller for single-speed ground source heat pumps systems was developed. The objective of the controller is to minimize the energy consumption and maintain a good comfort level anticipating the thermal behavior of the building and external disturbances. A new neural network module for the heating power prediction of a single-speed ground source heat pumps system is proposed. The operation of the controller has been tested by simulation on a typical French dwelling during the month of March. In addition to an increase of comfort, numerical results showed that the predictive controller can provide up to 18% energy savings with the studied building in comparison with conventional controllers. Practical Implications: Ground source heat pumps are currently equipped with conventional controllers that are not necessarily suited for such systems, leading to overconsumption and discomfort. In the medium term, ground source heat pumps could be equipped as standard with predictive controllers as presented here. Further work needs to be done to evaluate the feasibility of such an implementation as regards the return on investment and the controller’s robustness.
Derivation of a universal elevator round trip time formula under incoming traffic
Authors: Al-Sharif Lutfi , Alqumsan Ahmad M Abu , Khaleel Rasha 
Published: June 2013

The design of vertical transportation systems still heavily relies on the calculation of the round trip time (τ). The round trip time (τ) is defined as the average time taken by an elevator to complete a full trip around a building. There are currently two methods for calculating the round trip time: the conventional analytical calculation method and the Monte Carlo simulation method. The conventional analytical method is based on calculating the expected number of stops and the expected highest reversal floor and then substituting the values in the main formula for the round trip time. This method makes some assumptions as to the existence of some special conditions (such as equal floor heights and a single entrance). Where these assumptions are not true in a building, this invalidates the use of the analytical formula the use of which will lead to errors in the result. The conventional analytical equation can be further developed to cover some of the special conditions in the building, but they do not cover all these special conditions and also do not cover combinations of these special conditions. The simplest round trip time equation makes the following assumptions: equal floor heights, a single entrance, equal floor populations and that the rated speed is attained in one floor jump. The case of unequal floor populations can be accounted for by amending the values of the probable number of stops and the highest reversal by using the formulae for the unequal floor population case. The work presented in this piece of work identifies the most important four special conditions (out a total of nine conditions) that are assumed in the classical round trip time analytical equation. It then develops analytical formulae for calculating the round trip time equation for any of the four special conditions or any combination of these conditions under incoming traffic conditions. A numerical example is given and verified using Monte Carlo simulation. Practical application: This piece of work presents new equations that allow the designer to evaluate the value of the round trip time. The equations can deal with special cases such as top speed not attained in one floor journey, multiple entrances, unequal floor heights and unequal floor populations. Once the value of the round trip time is obtained, the elevator system can be designed, providing the required number of elevators, their speed and capacity.
Outcomes Analysis in Epistaxis Management: Development of a Therapeutic Algorithm
Authors: Shargorodsky Josef , Bleier Benjamin S. , Holbrook Eric H. , Cohen Jeffrey M. , Busaba Nicolas , Metson Ralph , Gray Stacey T. 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveThis study explored the outcomes of epistaxis treatment modalities to optimize management and enable the development of a therapeutic algorithm.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care hospital.Subjects and MethodsAdult patients presenting between 2005 and 2011 with epistaxis underwent cauterization, tamponade, and/or proximal vascular control. Outcomes of treatment modalities were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for coagulopathy, hypertension, and bleeding site.ResultsThe population included 147 patients (94 men, 53 women). For initial epistaxis, nondissolvable packing demonstrated the highest initial treatment failure rate of 57.4% (OR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.33‐8.59 compared with cautery). No significant differences were noted among initial posterior epistaxis treatment modalities. Length of nondissolvable pack placement for 3, 4, or 5 days had no significant impact on recurrence. Among patients who failed initial management, those who next underwent cautery or proximal vascular control required a significantly shorter inpatient stay of 5.3 vs 6.8 days compared with those who underwent packing (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04‐0.68). There were no treatment failures following surgical arterial ligation.ConclusionInitial management of anterior epistaxis with chemical cautery had a higher success rate and a lower number of total required interventions than did nondissolvable packing. Duration of packing did not affect recurrence. In patients who failed initially, progression to cautery or proximal vascular control led to significantly shorter inpatient stays than did packing.
Roles of family cohesiveness, marital adjustment, and child temperament in predicting child behavior with mothers and fathers
Authors: Shigeto Aya , Mangelsdorf Sarah C. , Brown Geoffrey L. 
Published: June 2013

The current study explored how family characteristics (i.e., family cohesiveness and marital adjustment) and child characteristics (i.e., temperament) assessed when the child was 13 months old predicted child behavior with mothers and fathers at 36 months. Mother–father–child interaction was observed to assess family cohesiveness at 13 months. Mothers and fathers also completed questionnaires assessing their perceptions of marital adjustment and their child’s temperament at 13 months. Based on dyadic parent–child interactions at 36 months, under-controlled behavior and positive engagement were examined as outcome variables. Results indicated that observed family cohesiveness predicted positive engagement with both parents. Moreover, in families with high cohesiveness at 13 months, child behavior was significantly consistent across mother–child and father–child interactions, whereas in families with low cohesiveness, consistency of child behavior was not observed. Results also revealed that fathers’ perceptions of marital adjustment directly predicted child behavior with fathers, while the combination of low family cohesiveness/low marital adjustment and difficult temperament predicted child behavior with mothers.
Palliative care for advanced renal disease:  A summary of the evidence and future direction
Authors: Kane Pauline M , Vinen Katie , Murtagh Fliss EM 
Published: June 2013

Background: Patients with end-stage kidney disease can have a significant symptom burden with complex co-morbidities. Compounding this is the choice between dialysis and conservative management. Need for supportive and palliative care: For individuals with end-stage kidney disease, palliative care can provide support with symptom management, advance care planning and psychological support and education for both patients and their families. Optimum management may be achieved through collaboration between renal and palliative care professionals, combining their different skills in addressing symptom and medication management. Palliative and supportive care must be patient-centred to be effective. Multidisciplinary cross-organisational input is central to address the complex care needs of these patients, particularly for those in the community. What is known/what is not known: There is growing awareness of the need for research into the palliative care needs of those with end-stage kidney disease. Research has shown that patients receiving dialysis may prioritise quality of life over survival time, partly due to the constraints that they feel dialysis imposes on them. Systematic study of those opting for a conservative management pathway rather than dialysis is beginning to happen. Research implications: Research is required into what underpins the preferences and priorities of patients with end-stage kidney disease to provide them with the best palliative and supportive care. Policy and practice: As more patients opt to follow the conservative pathway for their advanced renal disease, a change in service provision is required, with greater regular inclusion of palliative and supportive needs to address the gap in the care provision for this growing group.
The components of the angiotensin-(1-7) system are differentially expressed during follicular wave in cattle
Authors: Barreta Marcos Henrique , Gasperin Bernardo Garziera , Ferreira Rogério , Rovani Monique , Pereira Gabriel Ribas , Bohrer Rodrigo C , de Oliveira João Francisco , Gonçalves Paulo Bayard Dias 
Published: June 2013

Introduction: This study was based on the hypothesis that some components of the angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) system are differentially expressed during follicular development and can be involved in the follicular health/atresia transition in bovine. Material and methods: The largest (F1) and second largest follicles (F2) were collected from cows before (Day 2), during (Day 3), or after (Day 4) the expected moment of follicular deviation. In the second experiment, F1 was induced to atresia through intrafollicular injection of fulvestrant (estrogen receptor-antagonist) and, in both experiments, mRNA expression of the Mas receptor, ACE2, NEP, and PEP was evaluated in the granulosa and theca cells. Results: The mRNA expression of Mas receptor was upregulated in the granulosa cells of F2 after the establishment of follicular deviation, while PEP mRNA increased during and after the deviation process. The mRNA expression of ACE2 was upregulated in the granulosa cells of F1 during and after the follicular deviation. The mRNA expression of NEP was not regulated in F1 and F2. Mas receptor expression increased in the F1 induced to atresia. Conclusions: mRNA for Mas receptor, ACE2, and PEP are differentially expressed in granulosa cells throughout follicular development and the Mas receptor can be involved with the establishment of follicular dominance.
In vitro comparison of bradykinin degradation by aliskiren, a renin inhibitor, and an inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme
Authors: Joseph Kusumam , Tholanikunnel Tracy E , Kaplan Allen P 
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors cause angioedema due to diminished degradation of bradykinin. Angiotensin receptor blockers may occasionally cause angioedema but the mechanism is unknown, and are generally considered safe, even in those who have reacted to ACE inhibitors. We determined whether aliskiren, a renin inhibitor, has an effect on the rate of bradykinin degradation. Methods: The ability of renin to metabolize bradykinin was studied and the rate of bradykinin degradation compared in the presence or absence of aliskiren. Enalapril, a known ACE inhibitor that causes angioedema served as positive control. Results: Renin was unable to digest bradykinin, indicating that a renin inhibitor is unlikely to affect the rate of bradykinin degradation. In a plasma system, aliskiren had no effect on the rate of bradykinin degradation while enalapril inhibited it appreciably. An inhibitory effect of aliskiren on the rate of bradykinin degradation by human pulmonary endothelial cells was observed, estimated to be about 5% of that of enalapril. Conclusion: Aliskiren has no effect upon the rate of bradykinin degradation in plasma and a minimal effect employing vascular endothelial cells. The latter suggests inhibition of a non-renin enzyme that is a minor contributor to bradykinin degradation.
Lessons learned from a resident-led clinical trial in obstetrics
Authors: Costescu Dustin JW , Cullimore Amie J 
Published: June 2013

Background Completion of a randomised controlled trial is one way by which the resident research requirement can be met in Canadian obstetrics and gynaecology programmes. However, little is known about the specific challenges of performing clinical trials within the specialty, let alone as a resident project. Purpose A resident-led randomised controlled trial comparing two methods of labour induction at term was halted due to insufficient patient enrolment. A structured review of the study design and recruitment process was conducted to identify factors contributing to poor recruitment. Methods In addition to completing a literature review and internal review by the research team, we surveyed obstetricians and residents regarding recruitment efforts and barriers to participation. We solicited feedback on trial design and the expectations of clinicians with respect to participation in research studies. Results Eight obstetricians (67%) and 13 residents (93%) responded to the survey. All were able to identify eligible patients, though only 60% had invited one or more patients to participate during the recruitment period. Failure to consider trial participation and excessive clinical workload were the most commonly cited barriers for clinicians. Resistance to the test intervention was the major barrier to patient participation. Several residents cited a lack of personal incentive to recruit patients as a significant barrier. Limitations The research team was unable to contact patients directly, thus limiting the scope of our review to our internal methods and feedback from clinicians. Conclusions Poor recruitment in a resident-led clinical trial in obstetrics resulted from multiple coexisting factors. A structured review provided valuable insight for the research team. Academic clinicians and trainees in all specialties should be encouraged to share their experiences in the hope of improving the likelihood of success in future research endeavours.
Correlates of Hypertension in Patients with AIDS in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Krauskopf Katherine , Natta Mark L. Van , Danis Ronald P. , Gangaputra Sapna , Ackatz Lori , Addessi Adrienne , Federman Alex D. , Branch Andrea D. , Meinert Curtis L. , Jabs Douglas A. 
Published: June 2013

Background: It is unclear whether HIV-related factors modify risk of hypertension (HTN). In a cohort of patients with AIDS, the authors determined HTN incidence and prevalence and assessed associated traditional, HIV-specific, and retinal vasculature factors. Methods: Prospective observational cohort included 2390 patients with AIDS (1998-2011). Univariate analysis was used to assess the impact of traditional- and AIDS-related risk factors for HTN prevalence and incidence. Multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the adjusted impact of these factors. Results: Hypertension prevalence was 22% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21%-24%) and was associated with traditional HTN risk factors (age, black race, and higher weight) as well as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, time since AIDS diagnosis, and higher CD4 counts. Hypertension incidence was 64.1 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 58.7/1000-69.9/1000). Age, race, weight, and diabetes were associated with incident HTN but HIV-specific factors were not. Conclusions: Hypertension, a prevalent cardiovascular risk factor in patients with AIDS, is associated with traditional and metabolic risk factors.
Comparing cost-effectiveness of standardised tuberculosis treatments given varying drug resistance
Authors: Law Stephanie , Benedetti Andrea , Oxlade Olivia , Schwartzman Kevin , Menzies Dick 
Published: June 2013

There is a growing need to identify appropriate standardised treatment strategies that will adequately treat various forms of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) and prevent multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB.A Markov model estimated treatment-related acquired MDR-TB, mortality, disability-adjusted life years and costs in settings with different prevalence of isoniazid monoresistant TB and MDR-TB. We compared four treatment strategies: 1) the standard World Health Organization recommended treatment strategy; 2) adding ethambutol throughout the 6-month treatment of new cases; 3) using a strengthened standardised retreatment regimen; and 4) using standardised MDR treatment for failures of initial treatment. Treatment-related outcomes were derived from the published literature, and costs from direct surveys.A strengthened retreatment regimen, which could achieve lower failure, relapse and acquired MDR rates in isoniazid monoresistant cases, was predicted to be the most cost-effective strategy in all modelled settings. Empirical MDR treatment of failures of initial treatment was the most costly strategy but resulted in the fewest deaths. Adding ethambutol throughout initial treatment would be most effective in preventing acquired MDR, but would lead to excess cases of blindness.A high priority should be given to improving the standardised retreatment regimen, as this is predicted to produce greater benefits than other recently recommended strategies.