bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceived breathlessness and psychological distress among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their spouses
Authors: Al‐Gamal Ekhlas , Yorke Janelle 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to describe the impact of breathlessness on Jordanian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their spouses' perception of the patients' breathlessness. A cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational design was used with a sample of 67 Jordanian patients with COPD related breathlessness and their spouses. The Dyspnoea 12 Scale (D‐12) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered to both patients and spouses. There was a significant positive correlation between total patients' D‐12 scores and total HADS scores. Spouses who perceived the patients to have more severe breathlessness affect (D‐12 affect subscale) were more likely to experience a higher level of psychological distress (HADS total). Both patients and spouses reported clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression. There was no statistical difference in total D‐12 and HADS scores between COPD patients and their spouses. The finding of this study indicates the importance of healthcare providers in supporting both patients with breathlessness and their spouses and the need to develop family‐centred services.
Abdominal pain is associated with anxiety and depression scores in a sample of the general adult population with no signs of organic gastrointestinal disease
Authors: Walter S. A. , Jones M. P. , Talley N. J. , Kjellström L. , Nyhlin H. , Andreasson A. N. , Agréus L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundAbdominal pain is common in the community, but only a subset meet diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although anxiety and depression have been linked to IBS, the role of mood disturbances in the remainder with symptoms remains unclear. We aimed to study the associations between abdominal pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in the general population who were free of organic colonic disease by colonoscopy.MethodsTwo hundred and seventy‐two randomly selected subjects from the general population, mean age 54 years (27–71), were clinically evaluated, had a colonoscopy and laboratory investigations to exclude organic gastrointestinal (GI) disease. All subjects completed GI symptom diaries for 1 week, the Rome II modular questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Short Form 36.Key ResultsTwenty‐two subjects were excluded due to organic disease; 1532 daily symptom records were available for analysis in the remainder. Thirty‐four percent (n = 83) recorded at least one episode of abdominal pain on the diary. Twelve percent fulfilled Rome II criteria for IBS. Both anxiety and depression scores were higher in subjects who reported abdominal pain vs those who did not (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.0005). Anxiety and depression scores independently from IBS diagnosis (Rome II) predicted pain reporting and also correlated positively with pain burden. Quality of life scores were generally lower in subjects with abdominal pain.Conclusions & InferencesAnxiety and depression are linked to functional abdominal pain, not only in subjects with IBS but also in otherwise healthy people with milder, subtle GI symptoms.
The cannabinoid‐1 receptor inverse agonist taranabant reduces abdominal pain and increases intestinal transit in mice
Authors: Fichna J. , Sibaev A. , Sałaga M. , Sobczak M. , Storr M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundConstipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐C) is a common functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder with abdominal pain and decreased motility. Current treatments of IBS‐C are insufficient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential application of taranabant, a cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) inverse agonist using mouse models mimicking the symptoms of IBS‐C.MethodsChanges in intestinal contractile activity were studied in vitro, using isolated mouse ileum and colon and intracellular recordings. In vivo, whole gastrointestinal transit (WGT) and fecal pellet output (FPO) were measured under standard conditions and with pharmacologically delayed GI transit. The antinociceptive effect was evaluated in mustard oil‐ and acetic acid‐induced models of visceral pain. Forced swimming and tail suspension tests were performed and locomotor activity was measured to evaluate potential central side effects.Key ResultsIn vitro, taranabant (10−10–10−7 mol L−1) increased contractile responses in mouse ileum and blocked the effect of the CB agonist WIN 55,212‐2. Taranabant had no effect on the amplitude of electrical field stimulation (EFS)‐evoked junction potentials. In vivo, taranabant (0.1–3 mg kg−1, i.p. and 3 mg kg−1, p.o.) increased WGT and FPO in mice and reversed experimental constipation. The effect of taranabant was absent in CB1−/− mice. Taranabant significantly decreased the number of pain‐related behaviors in animal models. At the doses tested, taranabant did not display mood‐related adverse side effects typical for CB1 receptor inverse agonists.Conclusions & InferencesTaranabant improved symptoms related to slow GI motility and abdominal pain and may become an attractive template in the development of novel therapeutics targeting IBS‐C.
Improved fixation quality provided by a Bessel beacon in an adaptive optics system
Authors: Lambert Andrew J , Daly Elizabeth M , Dainty Christopher J 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeWe investigate whether a structured probe beam that creates the beacon for use in a retinal imaging adaptive optics system can provide useful side effects. In particular we investigate whether a Bessel beam that is seen by the subject as a set of concentric rings has a dampening effect on fixation variations of the subject under observation. This calming effect would allow longer periods of observation, particularly for patients with abnormal fixation.MethodAn experimental adaptive optics system developed for retinal imaging is used to monitor the fluctuations in aberrations for artificial and human subjects. The probe beam is alternated between a traditional beacon and one provided by a Bessel beam created by SLM.ResultsTime‐frequency analysis is used to indicate the differences in power and time variation during fixation depending on whether the Bessel beam or the traditional beacon is employed. Comparison is made with the response for an artificial eye to discount systemic variations.ConclusionSignificant evidence is accrued to indicate the reduced fluctuations in fixation when the Bessel beam is employed to create the beacon.
The influence of stress distribution in four different fixation systems used in treatment of mandibular angle fractures – a three‐dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Rangan V. , Raghuveer H.P. , Rayapati D.K. , Shobha E.S. , Prashanth N.T. , Sharma R. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimTo study and compare the stress distribution fields in four fixative materials used commonly in the treatment of angle of the mandible fractures using finite element analysis (FEA).Materials and methodsUsing commercially available FEA software, four three‐dimensional models of the mandibular angle region were created by graphical representation, and an oblique unfavourable fracture was simulated. A conventional titanium miniplate, a three‐dimensional titanium miniplates, a locking titanium miniplates and a bioresorbable plate were modelled three‐dimensionally and applied to the mandibular angle region of the model, and stress distribution fields of each were analysed under similar loading conditions.ResultsThe locking titanium plate and the three‐dimensional titanium plate had favourable stress distribution when compared with the conventional titanium miniplating system and the bioresorbable plating system, showing that they were superior to the latter in terms of post‐fixation stability.ConclusionThe locking titanium miniplate and the three‐dimensional titanium miniplate would offer better fixation stability in the post‐fixation period when compared with the conventional titanium miniplate and the bioresorbable plating system.
Ultrasound‐Guided Paravertebral Neurolytic Block: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Malik Tariq 
Published: May 2013

AbstractParavertebral block is commonly used in the treatment for acute and chronic pain. The duration of paravertebral block could theoretically be prolonged with neurolytic agents. We report two cases of ultrasound‐guided neurolytic paravertebral blocks in patients suffering from intense cancer‐related thoracic pain. Ultrasound was used to identify the space and plane of injection at the mid‐thoracic level. Absolute alcohol was used to block the nerves at different segments. The two patients had great pain relief. Neurolytic paravertebral block can be a useful technique in patients with intractable cancer pain. Because of the risk of complication, it is recommended that this technique should be limited to relief of intractable pain in cancer patients with a poor prognosis.
Linguistic Analysis of Face‐to‐Face Interviews with Patients with An Explicit Request for Euthanasia, their Closest Relatives, and their Attending Physicians: the Use of Modal Verbs in Dutch
Authors: Dieltjens Sylvain M. , Heynderickx Priscilla C. , Dees Marianne K. , Vissers Kris C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe literature, field research, and daily practice stress the need for adequate communication in palliative care. Although language is of the utmost importance in communication, linguistic analysis of end‐of‐life discussions is scarce.AimsOur aim is 2‐fold: We want to determine what the use of 4 significant Dutch modal verbs expressing volition, obligation, possibility, and permission reveals about the concept of unbearable suffering and about physicians' communicative style.MethodsWe quantitatively (TextStat) and qualitatively (bottom‐up approach) analyzed the use of the modal verbs in 15 interviews, with patients requesting euthanasia or physician‐assisted suicide, their physicians, and their closest relatives.ResultsAn essential element of unbearable suffering is the patient's incapacity to perform certain tasks. Further, the physician's preference for particular modal verbs reveals whether his attitude toward patients is more or less patronizing and more or less appreciative.ConclusionsLinguistic analysis can help medical professionals to better understand their communicative skills, styles, and approach to patients in end‐of‐life situations. We have shown how linguistic analysis can contribute to a better understanding of physician–patient interaction. Moreover, we have illustrated the usefulness of interdisciplinary research in the medical domain.
Genome expression control during the photoperiodic response of aphids
Authors: LE TRIONNAIRE GAEL , WUCHER VALENTIN , TAGU DENIS 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAphids are major crop pests and show a high level of phenotypic plasticity. They display a seasonal, photoperiodically‐controlled polyphenism during their life cycle. In spring and summer, they reproduce efficiently by parthenogenesis. At the end of summer, parthenogenetic individuals detect the transition from short nights to long nights, which initiates the production of males and oviparous females within their offspring. These are the morphs associated with the autumn season. Deciphering the physiological and molecular events associated with this switch in reproductive mode in response to photoperiodic conditions is thus of key interest for understanding and explaining the remarkable capacity of aphids to adapt to fluctuations in their environment. The present review aims to compile earlier physiological studies, focussing on the neuroendocrine control of seasonal photoperiodism, as well as a series of large‐scale transcriptomic approaches made possible by the recent development of genomic resources for the model aphid species: the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum. These analyses identify genetic programmes putatively involved in the control of the initial steps of detection and transduction of the photoperiodic signal, as well as in the regulation of the switch between asexual and sexual oogenesis within embryonic ovaries. The contribution of small RNAs pathways (and especially microRNAs) in the post‐transcriptional control of gene expression, as well as the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of genome expression associated with the photoperiodic response, is also summarized.
Establishing Cool‐Season Grasses on a Degraded Arid Rangeland of the Colorado Plateau
Authors: Bernstein Eli J. , Albano Christine M. , Sisk Thomas D. , Crews Timothy E. , Rosenstock Steve 
Published: May 2013

AbstractReestablishing cool‐season (C3) grass communities on low elevation rangelands of the Colorado Plateau is notoriously difficult, raising questions about the viability of restoring native species and continuing to actively graze these landscapes. We conducted a seeding experiment on an arid (15.4 cm rain/year), historically heavily‐grazed rangeland in Northern Arizona to test the effects of seeding technique and simulated seasonal climate scenarios on germination and recruitment of four species of native, cool‐season bunchgrasses: Achnatherum hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata, Poa secunda, and Elymus elymoides. Initial results indicated that C3 grasses germinated significantly more in drill‐seeded treatments under simulated high precipitation years than in other treatment types. Five years post‐treatment, P. secunda and E. elymoides were not observed but simulated drill‐seeded treatments, had significantly higher densities of A. hymenoides and H. comata recruits relative to most other treatment types. Simulated drill seeding also increased soil disturbance which increased the establishment of the invasive weed Salsola tragus in year 1, but not thereafter. Although it appears critical to coordinate effective seeding techniques with high winter–spring precipitation, predicting such events may not be possible at some sites, suggesting that seeding low elevation, arid rangelands of the Colorado Plateau may not always be realistic under a future climate that is drier and less predictable.
Missing Ordinal Covariate with Informative Selection
Authors: Miranda Alfonso , Rabe-Hesketh Sophia 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe paper considers the problem of parameter estimation in a model for a continuous response variable Y when an ordinal explanatory variable X is missing for a substantial proportion of the sample and the selection mechanism (non-deletion from the sample) S depends on unobservables after conditioning on all explanatory variables—i.e. there is selection on unobservables, or data are not missing at random. We suggest addressing this endogenous selection problem by joint modelling of the selection mechanism, the ordinal explanatory variable X and the response variable Y. The method is illustrated by re-examining the problem of ethnic gaps in educational achievement at age 16 years in England.
Characterization of novel CD55 isoforms expression in normal and neoplastic tissues
Authors: Vainer E. D. , Meir K. , Furman M. , Semenenko I. , Konikoff F. , Vainer G. W. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCD55 (decay‐accelerating factor, DAF) is overexpressed in several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. Because of its inhibitory effect on the complement system, it has been suggested as a possible target for cancer immunotherapy. However, CD55 is also expressed in normal tissues, body fluids and stroma, limiting the use of anti‐CD55 therapeutic antibodies. Two novel CD55 splice variants or isoforms have recently been identified. These have been shown to contain part or all of intron 7 (CD55int7+), in contrast to the previously identified splice variants (CD55wt), which do not contain intron 7. Our aim was to determine the pattern of expression of the CD55int7+ isoforms in normal and cancer tissues and to compare it to CD55wt. We found that while CD55's isoforms levels vary directly, CD55wt is much more abundant (on average 48 times more) than CD55int7+. Moreover, colon cancers that express high CD55wt mRNA levels tend to upregulate CD55int7+ to a further extent. Finally, we compared the protein levels of CD55int7+ to CD55wt by immunohistochemistry in various colorectal pathological conditions including neoplasia, and found that the levels of both isoforms were elevated in all types of colonic pathology. These results show that the levels of CD55int7+ in normal tissue are much lower than CD55wt, while in tumors it is restricted to the epithelial structures unlike CD55wt. Thus, CD55int7+ may be a more suitable target for cancer immunotherapy.
Combining the Arc Marine Framework with Geographic Metadata to Support Ocean Acoustic Modeling
Authors: Isenor Anthony W. , Spears Tobias W. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA data model for use in a rapid environmental assessment system is constructed. The data model is used in an information layer that supports acoustic assessments of the ocean environment. Such an assessment requires use of both historic and real‐time oceanographic data. The foundation of the data model is Arc Marine, a framework specification for geospatial oceanographic databases that provides structures for containing the basic data types used in oceanographic research. Arc Marine also allows design extensions to account for application specific data structures as demonstrated through incorporation of aspects of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 19115 Geographic Information–Metadata standard. The ISO 19115 standard provides structures for recording the historic processing of the data sets. The data model is used to construct a database in the open source database management system (DBMS) PostgreSQL. The resulting system also incorporates the concept of user exits, the seamless extension of the DBMS through inclusion of application‐specific software.
An Algebra for Spatiotemporal Data: From Observations to Events
Authors: Ferreira Karine Reis , Camara Gilberto , Monteiro Antônio Miguel Vieira 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRecent technological advances in geospatial data gathering have created massive data sets with better spatial and temporal resolution than ever before. These large spatiotemporal data sets have motivated a challenge for Geoinformatics: how to model changes and design good quality software. Many existing spatiotemporal data models represent how objects and fields evolve over time. However, to properly capture changes, it is also necessary to describe events. As a contribution to this research, this article presents an algebra for spatiotemporal data. Algebras give formal specifications at a high‐level abstraction, independently of programming languages. This helps to develop reliable and expressive applications. Our algebra specifies three data types as generic abstractions built on real‐world observations: time series, trajectory and coverage. Based on these abstractions, it defines object and event types. The proposed data types and functions can model and capture changes in a large range of applications, including location‐based services, environmental monitoring, public health, and natural disasters.
Dative alternation in Indian English: A corpus‐based analysis
Authors: DE CUYPERE LUDOVIC , VERBEKE SAARTJE 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe dative alternation refers to the alternation between two constructions that denote some type of transfer: the double object construction (I give my sister a book) vs. the to‐dative construction (I give a book to my sister). We examined the motivations behind the dative alternation in Indian English. A corpus study was performed based on a sample of N = 943 sentences that were drawn from the Kolhapur corpus. Using a mixed‐effects logistic regression analysis, we evaluated the effect of 14 predictors that are known to influence the dative alternation in other macro‐regional varieties of English. Three predictors were found to be significant: the sentence verb (modeled as a random intercept), the pronominality of the Recipient and the difference in length between the Recipient and the Theme. Our results further corroborate earlier findings that the to‐dative construction is more frequently used in Indian English than in other varieties. We argue that the latter tendency may be associated with a transfer from Hindi.
Being ‘neutral’? English pronunciation among Norwegian learners
Authors: RINDAL ULRIKKE , PIERCY CAROLINE 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the pronunciation of English among Norwegian adolescents by applying sociolinguistic methods in a second language context. Results from an auditory analysis of seven phonological variables show a blended use of linguistic features from American English and British English, with some additional pronunciations, forming a hybrid and variable L2 accent. The participants’ pronunciation aligns with their self‐expressed target accents. However, American English is the dominant pronunciation, suggesting influence from imported American media. Although the majority of learners aim towards a native accent, a large minority report a wish to avoid native accents and use aneutralvariety of English. The variability in the local appropriation of English reflects the transitional status of English in Norway, and contributes to the increasing diversity in the development of English as a global language. The results have implications for English language educators, who must meet the needs of proficient learners in transitional second language environments.
Rationality of fields of invariants for some representations of SL2 × SL2
Authors: Ma Shouhei 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe prove that the quotient by ${\mathrm{SL} }_{2} \times {\mathrm{SL} }_{2} $ of the space of bidegree $(a, b)$ curves on ${ \mathbb{P} }^{1} \times { \mathbb{P} }^{1} $ is rational when $ab$ is even and $a\not = b$.
Transrectal electrical impedance tomography of the prostate: Spatially coregistered pathological findings for prostate cancer detection
Authors: Wan Yuqing , Borsic Andrea , Heaney John , Seigne John , Schned Alan , Baker Michael , Wason Shaun , Hartov Alex , Halter Ryan 
Published: May 2013

Purpose:Prostate cancer ranks as one of the most common malignancies and currently represents the second leading cancer‐specific cause of death in men. The current use of single modality transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) for biopsy guidance has a limited sensitivity and specificity for accurately identifying cancerous lesions within the prostate. This study introduces a novel prostate cancer imaging method that combines TRUS with electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and reports on initial clinical findings based onin vivo measurements.Methods:The ultrasound system provides anatomic information, which guides EIT image reconstruction. EIT reconstructions are correlated with semiquantitative pathological findings. Thin plate spline warping transformations are employed to overlay electrical impedance images and pathological maps describing the spatial distribution of prostate cancer, with the latter used as reference for data analysis. Clinical data were recorded from a total of 50 men prior to them undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer treatment. Student' st‐tests were employed to statistically examine the electrical property difference between cancerous tissue and benign tissue as defined through histological assessment of the excised gland.Results:Example EIT reconstructions are presented along with a statistical analysis comparing EIT and pathology. An average transformation error of 1.67% is found when 381 spatially coregistered pathological images are compared with their target EIT reconstructed counterparts. At EIT signal frequencies of 0.4, 3.2, and 25.6 kHz, paired‐testing demonstrated that the conductivity of cancerous regions is significantly greater than that of benign regions ( p < 0.0304).Conclusions:These preliminary clinical findings suggest the potential benefits electrical impedance measurements might have for prostate cancer detection.