bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loop Current Growth and Eddy Shedding Using Models and Observations: Numerical Process Experiments and Satellite Altimetry Data
Authors: Chang Yu-Lin , Oey L.-Y. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Recent studies on Loop Current’s variability in the Gulf of Mexico suggest that the system may behave with some regularity forced by the biannually varying trade winds. The process is analyzed here using a reduced-gravity model and satellite data. The model shows that a biannual signal is produced by vorticity and transport fluctuations in the Yucatan Channel because of the piling up and retreat of warm water in the northwestern Caribbean Sea forced by the biannually varying trade wind. The Loop grows and expands with increased northward velocity and cyclonic vorticity of the Yucatan Current, and eddies are shed when these are near minima. Satellite sea surface height (SSH) data from 1993 to 2010 are analyzed. These show, consistent with the reduced-gravity experiments and previous studies, a (statistically) significant asymmetric biannual variation of the growth and wane of Loop Current: strong from summer to fall and weaker from winter to spring; the asymmetry being due to the asymmetry that also exists in the long-term observed wind. The biannual signal is contained in the two leading EOF modes, which together explain 47% of the total variance, and which additionally describe the eddy shedding and westward propagation from summer to fall. The EOFs also show connectivity between Loop Current and Caribbean Sea’s variability by mass and vorticity fluxes through the Yucatan Channel.
Effects of Anti-Fatigue Mats on Perceived Discomfort and Weight-Shifting During Prolonged Standing
Authors: Wiggermann Neal , Keyserling W. Monroe 
Published: November 2012

Objective: The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of anti-fatigue mats on perceived discomfort and behavioral responses (weight-shifting between the feet) during prolonged standing. Background: Prolonged standing is a common requirement in the workplace and is a well-known cause of discomfort. Anti-fatigue mats have been shown to reduce discomfort resulting from standing, but no study has identified a particular mat that performs better than others or examined the relationship between discomfort and weight-shifting. Methods: Participants stood for 4 hours on four commercially available “anti-fatigue” mats and a hard surface (control condition). Subjective ratings of discomfort were measured, and in-shoe pressure was recorded and used to evaluate weight-shifting during standing. Results: Compared to the control condition, after 4 hours of standing discomfort was reduced by three of the four mats, but discomfort ratings did not significantly differ among mats. However, significant differences among mats were found in the frequency of weight-shifting, and weight-shifting was positively correlated to discomfort. Conclusion: These results suggest that subjective reports of discomfort were not sufficiently sensitive to detect differences among mats for the experimental conditions tested. Behavioral responses, specifically weight-shifting between feet, may provide a more sensitive alternative to subjective reports.
Interrater reliability and construct validity of the Posture and Postural Ability Scale in adults with cerebral palsy in supine, prone, sitting and standing positions
Authors: Rodby-Bousquet Elisabet , Ágústsson Atli , Jónsdóttir Guðný , Czuba Tomasz , Johansson Ann-Christin , Hägglund Gunnar 
Published: November 2012

Objective: To evaluate reliability, internal consistency and construct validity of the Posture and Postural Ability Scale for adults with cerebral palsy. Design: Psychometric evaluation of a clinical assessment tool. Setting: Rehabilitation centres in Sweden and Iceland. Subjects: Thirty adults with cerebral palsy aged 19–22 years, six people at each level I–V of the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Main measures: The Posture and Postural Ability Scale contains a 7-point ordinal scale for postural ability in supine, prone, sitting and standing, and items for assessment of posture. Posture and postural ability was rated from photos and videos by three independent assessors. Interrater reliability was calculated using weighted kappa. Internal consistency was analysed with Cronbach’s alpha if item deleted and corrected item–total correlation. Construct validity was evaluated based on known groups, using Jonckheere Terpstra for averaged values of the three raters relative to the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Results: There was an excellent interrater reliability (kappa = 0.85–0.99) and a high internal consistency (alpha = 0.96–0.97, item–total correlation = 0.60–0.91). Median values differed ( P < 0.02) between known groups represented by the levels of gross motor function, showing construct validity for all items. Conclusion: The Posture and Postural Ability Scale showed an excellent interrater reliability for experienced raters, a high internal consistency and construct validity. It can detect postural asymmetries in adults with cerebral palsy at all levels of gross motor function.
Physical, cognitive and social activity levels of stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation within a mixed rehabilitation unit
Authors: Janssen Heidi , Ada Louise , Bernhardt Julie , McElduff Patrick , Pollack Michael , Nilsson Michael , Spratt Neil 
Published: November 2012

Objective: To determine physical, cognitive and social activity levels of stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation, and whether these changed over time. Design: Observational study using behavioural mapping techniques to record patient activity over 12 hours on one weekday and one weekend day at baseline (week 1) and again two weeks later (week 2). Setting: A 20-bed mixed rehabilitation unit. Subjects: Fourteen stroke patients. Interventions: None. Main measures: Percentage of day spent in any activity or physical, cognitive and social activities. Level of independence using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and mood using the Patient Health Questionniare-9 (PHQ-9). Results: The stroke patients performed any activity for 49%, social activity for 32%, physical activity for 23% and cognitive activity for 4% of the day. Two weeks later, physical activity levels had increased by 4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1 to 8), but levels of any activity or social and cognitive activities had not changed significantly. There was a significant: (i) positive correlation between change in physical activity and change in FIM score ( r = 0.80), and (ii) negative correlation between change in social activity and change in PHQ-9 score ( r = −0.72). The majority of activity was performed by the bedside (37%), and most physical (47%) and cognitive (54%) activities performed when alone. Patients undertook 5% (95% CI 2 to 9) less physical activity on the weekends compared with the weekdays. Conclusions: Levels of physical, cognitive and social activity of stroke patients were low and remained so even though level of independence and mood improved. These findings suggest the need to explore strategies to stimulate activity within rehabilitation environments.
Intra-articular Hip Injuries in National Hockey League Players
Authors: Epstein David M. , McHugh Malachy , Yorio Michael , Neri Brian 
Published: November 2012

Background: Intra-articular hip injuries are thought to be common in professional ice hockey; however, injury incidence and missed playing time have not been previously documented. Furthermore, it is not known if injury incidence differs between player positions. Hypothesis: The incidence of symptomatic intra-articular hip injuries in goaltenders is higher than that of other position players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A database containing the injury surveillance of National Hockey League (NHL) players from the years 2006 to 2010 was used to identify athletes who had sustained a hip or groin injury. From this database, players diagnosed with an intra-articular hip injury were identified. The incidence of intra-articular hip injuries per 1000 player-hours played and per 1000 player-game appearances was compared between goaltenders, defensemen, and forwards. Results: Ninety-four hip injuries, accounting for 10.6% (94/890) of all hip and groin injuries, were identified as intra-articular in nature during the time of the surveillance. Most injuries occurred during the regular season (71.2%; 67/94) and during a game (44.6%; 42/94). Players who sustained intra-articular hip injuries had significantly higher total man-games missed compared with those with all other groin injuries (mean ± SD, 8.5 ± 23.0 vs 1.2 ± 4.2 missed games; P = .0001). The most frequent intra-articular hip diagnoses made in this cohort were hip labral tear (69.1%), followed by hip osteoarthritis (13.8%), hip loose body (6.3%), and hip femoroacetabular impingement (5.3%). The incidence of intra-articular hip injuries per 1000 player-game hours was not different between goaltenders (1.97) and other on-ice players (defensemen, 1.43; forwards, 1.38) (relative risk [RR], 1.40; 95% CI, 0.86-1.40; P = .22). However, injuries per 1000 player-game appearances were significantly higher in goaltenders (1.84) compared with other on-ice players (defensemen, 0.47; forwards, 0.34) (RR, 4.78; 95% CI, 2.94-7.76; P < .0001). Conclusion: Hip labral tears are the most frequently encountered intra-articular hip injury in the NHL player and can lead to an average of 8 man-games missed per injury. Goaltenders were not at higher risk when measuring injuries per hours played but were at significantly greater risk of an intra-articular hip injury than other on-ice players (RR, 4.7) when measured per game played.
The Circulation of Bank Capital and the General Rate of Interest
Authors: Saros Daniel E. 
Published: November 2012

Marxian economists have long asserted the impossibility of discovering an economic law at work in capitalist economies that determines a natural rate of interest. Without contradicting Marx’s claim that it is competition in the money capital market that determines the interest rate, it is possible to identify the general rate of interest with greater precision. To make this argument, this article investigates the connection between two interlocking circuits of finance capital. JEL classification: B51; E11
Association of the interleukin-10 gene polymorphism (–1082A/G) with systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou M , Ding L , Peng H , Wang B , Huang F , Xu W-D , Li J-H , Ye X-R , Pan H-F , Ye D-Q 
Published: November 2012

Objective: The interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene polymorphism (–1082A/G) has been shown to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but ﬁndings are not consistent across studies. The aim of our meta-analysis was to assess the association between the –1082A/G polymorphism in the IL-10 gene and SLE. Methods: We searched all publications on the association between the IL-10 (−1082A/G) polymorphism and SLE in PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang (Chinese). Meta-analysis was conducted using software Stata version 10.1. Meta-odds ratios (ORs) and 95% conﬁdence intervals (CIs) based on ﬁxed-/random-effects models depended on Cochran’s Q-statistic and I2 values. Results: A total of 17 studies with 2396 cases and 3653 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was performed for genotypes GG versus AA, GG + AG versus AA, GG versus AG + AA, and G allele versus A allele. Significant differences were found in genotype distribution between SLE and normal controls in whole-population GG versus AA (OR = 1.428, 95% CI = 1.006–2.208). Similar results were detected in the dominant genetics effect of the G allele (OR = 1.202, 95% CI = 1.030–1.403). No significant association was found in allele distribution in whole-population G versus A (OR = 1.125, 95% CI = 0.998–1.269). In subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant association was found when GG + AG versus AA was performed in a European population (OR = 1.240, 95% CI = 1.022–1.503) and GG versus AG + AA was performed in an Asian population (OR = 3.596, 95% CI = 1.389–9.311). Significant association was found between genotype distribution in Asians (OR = 4.491, 95% CI = 1.552–13.000). Publication year was detected as the source of heterogeneity. In the stratified analysis by publication year, the pooled OR was 1.049 (95% CI = 0.940–1.171; Pheterogeneity = 0.431; I2 = 0.4%) in subgroup 1 (publication years 1999–2004). No significant association was found between the IL-10 (−1082 G) allele and SLE in subgroup 1 ( Z = 0.85, p = 0.431). In subgroup 2 (publication years 2005–2011), the pooled OR was 1.327 (95% CI = 1.125–1.565; Pheterogeneity = 0.143; I2 = 35.8%). Significant association was found between the IL-10 (−1082 G) allele and SLE ( Z = 3.36, p = 0.001). Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrates the association between the IL-10 (−1082A/G) polymorphism and SLE. However, further studies are needed for a definitive conclusion.
Abnormalities in gamma-band responses to language stimuli in first-degree relatives of children with autism spectrum disorder: an MEG study
Authors: McFadden Kristina L , Hepburn Susan , Winterrowd Erin , Schmidt Gwenda L , Rojas Donald C 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundSynchronous neural oscillatory activity in the gamma range (30–80 Hz) has been shown to be abnormal in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their first-degree relatives in response to simple auditory stimuli. Gamma-band abnormalities in ASD probands have been seen in response to language stimuli, but this has not been investigated in first-degree relatives. This is of particular interest given that language impairments are a core symptom of ASD and may be part of the broad autism phenotype (BAP) seen in relatives.MethodsMagnetoencephalography recordings during a continuous word recognition task were obtained for 23 parents of a child with ASD (pASD) and 28 adult control participants. Total and evoked gamma-band activity, as well as inter-trial phase-locking factor (PLF), were measured in response to the task. Beta-band activity was also measured, due to its suggested role in language processing. Participants completed a series of language measures to assess the relationship between brain activity and language function, and lateralization of task-related activity was assessed.ResultsThe pASD group showed increased evoked gamma and beta activity, while controls had decreased evoked activity. Additionally, while both groups showed a reduction in total gamma power (commonly seen in language tasks), this reduction was more prominent in the control group. The pASD group demonstrated significantly worse performance on a measure of phonology compared to controls. Significant but distinct relationships were found between gamma/beta activity and language measures within the two groups. In addition, while the overall task generally elicited left lateralized responses, pASD showed greater left lateralization than controls in some regions of interest.ConclusionsAbnormalities in oscillatory responses to language were seen in pASD that are consistent with previous findings in ASD probands. Gamma-band responses to language stimuli have not previously been assessed in first-degree relatives of ASD probands and these findings are supportive of gamma-band activity as a heritable, neurophysiological biomarker of ASD. The possible relationship seen between language function and neural activity in the current study should be investigated further to assess if oscillatory response abnormalities may contribute to behavioural manifestations of the BAP.
Unusual stent after ureteral substitution. A first case
Authors: Fiorini Girolamo , Pomara Giorgio , Manassero Francesca , Mogorovich Andrea , Faggioni Lorenzo , Selli Cesare 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
To the best of our knowledge this is the first case where a Silastic drain is used in ureteral surgery instead of a common urological stent. Patients coming from other institutions, especially in peripheral areas, can be treated with non conventional devices and if traditional imaging is inconclusive, computed tomography (CT) can provide valuable information to make the right diagnosis.

Case presentation
We present the unusual case of a 32F Silastic drain found inside the urinary tract in a female patient who had previously undergone ileal loop replacement of the left ureter for post-hysterectomy stricture at another Institution, and had subsequently repeated surgery due to persistent hydronephrosis. Radiological findings on plain abdominal X-ray were quite misleading, while CT allowed a correct assessment of the drain features.

Conclusion
While double J stents of different lengths, sizes and materials are used in ureteral surgery, the use of Silastic drains has not been previously reported. In light of the present experience we don’t suggest its routinely use.
A Plasmodium falciparum copper-binding membrane protein with copper transport motifs
Authors: Choveaux David L , Przyborski Jude M , Goldring JP Dean 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Copper is an essential catalytic co-factor for metabolically important cellular enzymes, such as cytochrome-c oxidase. Eukaryotic cells acquire copper through a copper transport protein and distribute intracellular copper using molecular chaperones. The copper chelator, neocuproine, inhibits Plasmodium falciparum ring-to-trophozoite transition in vitro, indicating a copper requirement for malaria parasite development. How the malaria parasite acquires or secretes copper still remains to be fully elucidated.

Methods
PlasmoDB was searched for sequences corresponding to candidate P. falciparum copper-requiring proteins. The amino terminal domain of a putative P. falciparum copper transport protein was cloned and expressed as a maltose binding fusion protein. The copper binding ability of this protein was examined. Copper transport protein-specific anti-peptide antibodies were generated in chickens and used to establish native protein localization in P. falciparum parasites by immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results
Six P. falciparum copper-requiring protein orthologs and a candidate P. falciparum copper transport protein (PF14_0369), containing characteristic copper transport protein features, were identified in PlasmoDB. The recombinant amino terminal domain of the transport protein bound reduced copper in vitro and within Escherichia coli cells during recombinant expression. Immunolocalization studies tracked the copper binding protein translocating from the erythrocyte plasma membrane in early ring stage to a parasite membrane as the parasites developed to schizonts. The protein appears to be a PEXEL-negative membrane protein.

Conclusion

Plasmodium falciparum parasites express a native protein with copper transporter characteristics that binds copper in vitro. Localization of the protein to the erythrocyte and parasite plasma membranes could provide a mechanism for the delivery of novel anti-malarial compounds.
A population pharmacokinetic model of piperaquine in pregnant and non-pregnant women with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Sudan
Authors: Hoglund Richard M , Adam Ishag , Hanpithakpong Warunee , Ashton Michael , Lindegardh Niklas , Day Nicholas PJ , White Nicholas J , Nosten Francois , Tarning Joel 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of developing a malaria infection and a higher risk of developing severe malaria. The pharmacokinetic properties of many anti-malarials are also altered during pregnancy, often resulting in a decreased drug exposure. Piperaquine is a promising anti-malarial partner drug used in a fixed-dose combination with dihydroartemisinin. The aim of this study was to investigate the population pharmacokinetics of piperaquine in pregnant and non-pregnant Sudanese women with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Method
Symptomatic patients received a standard dose regimen of the fixed dose oral piperaquine-dihydroartemisinin combination treatment. Densely sampled plasma aliquots were collected and analysed using a previously described LC-MS/MS method. Data from 12 pregnant and 12 non-pregnant women were analysed using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling. A Monte Carlo Mapped Power (MCMP) analysis was conducted based on a previously published study to evaluate the power of detecting covariates in this relatively small study.

Results
A three-compartment disposition model with a transit-absorption model described the observed data well. Body weight was added as an allometric function on all clearance and volume parameters. A statistically significant decrease in estimated terminal piperaquine half-life in pregnant compared with non-pregnant women was found, but there were no differences in post-hoc estimates of total piperaquine exposure. The MCMP analysis indicated a minimum of 13 pregnant and 13 non-pregnant women were required to identify pregnancy as a covariate on relevant pharmacokinetic parameters (80% power and p=0.05). Pregnancy was, therefore, evaluated as a categorical and continuous covariate (i.e. estimate gestational age) in a full covariate approach. Using this approach pregnancy was not associated with any major change in piperaquine elimination clearance. However, a trend of increasing elimination clearance with increasing gestational age could be seen.

Conclusions
The population pharmacokinetic properties of piperaquine were well described by a three-compartment disposition model in pregnant and non-pregnant women with uncomplicated malaria. The modelling approach showed no major difference in piperaquine exposure between the two groups and data presented here do not warrant a dose adjustment in pregnancy in this vulnerable population.
Genetic characterization of a reptilian calicivirus (Cro1)
Authors: Sandoval-Jaime Carlos , Parra Gabriel I , Smith Alvin W , Green Kim Y , Sosnovtsev Stanislav V 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundVesiviruses in the familyCaliciviridaeinfect a broad range of animal hosts including mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles. The vesivirus Cro1 strains were isolated from diseased snakes in the San Diego zoo in 1978 and reported as the first caliciviruses found in reptiles. The goal of this study was to characterize the Cro1 strain 780032I that was isolated in cell culture from a rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus)in the original outbreak.ResultsWe re-amplified the original virus stock in Vero cells, and determined its full-length genome sequence. The Cro1 genome is 8296 nucleotides (nt) in length and has a typical vesivirus organization, with three open reading frames (ORF), ORF1 (5643 nt), ORF2 (2121 nt), and ORF3 (348 nt) encoding a nonstructural polyprotein, the major capsid protein precursor, and a minor structural protein, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the full-length genome sequence revealed that the Cro1 virus clustered most closely with the VESV species of the genusVesivirus, but was genetically distinct (82-83% identities with closest strains).ConclusionsThis is the first description of a full-length genome sequence from a reptile calicivirus (Cro1). The availability of the Cro1 genome sequence should facilitate investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in Cro1 virus evolution and host range.