bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post‐stroke subjective cognitive impairment is associated with acute lacunar infarcts in the basal ganglia
Authors: Narasimhalu K. , Wiryasaputra L. , Sitoh Y.‐Y. , Kandiah N. 
Published: November 2012

Background and purposeWhile recent studies have examined neuroimaging correlates of post‐stroke mild cognitive impairment (MCI), no studies have examined neuroimaging correlates of post‐stroke subjective cognitive impairment (SCI).MethodsConsecutive patients with magnetic resonance imaging‐confirmed acute lacunar strokes at a tertiary institute were recruited for this cross‐sectional study. All patients underwent cognitive testing, and those with MCI were excluded from these analyses. Two independent neuroradiologists ascertained data on the number and location of any infarcts, as well as the degree of white matter hyperintensities. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to study the association between neuroimaging markers and SCI. Only variables that were significant in the univariate stage and clinically relevant potential confounders were included in multivariable analyses.ResultsOf 145 patients evaluated, 48 patients with MCI were excluded from the study. Of the remaining 97 patients, 30 patients had SCI. In multivariable analyses, only mini‐mental state examination (OR 0.61; CI 0.38–0.98) and basal ganglia infarcts (OR 8.19; CI 1.18–56.6) were significant predictors of SCI.ConclusionIn patients with acute lacunar strokes, we find that basal ganglia infarcts are associated with SCI. As the basal ganglia have been previously shown to be involved with learning of tasks, we hypothesize that infarcts in basal ganglia may affect learning speeds thereby contributing to the development of SCI. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
Reconciliation in Male Stump‐tailed Macaques (Macaca arctoides): Intolerant Males Care for Their Social Relationships
Authors: de la O Claudio , Mevis Lieke , Richter Christin , Malaivijitnond Suchinda , Ostner Julia , Schülke Oliver 
Published: November 2012

AbstractRecent research has shown that social relationships may exert positive effects on fitness. Therefore, it is expected that animals make efforts to develop and preserve close social bonds. Reconciliation is a conflict resolution mechanism, which allows buffering the negative effects of aggressive conflict on social relationships. As socioecological theories claim that intrasexual competition and conflict‐shaped social interactions among macaque males, postconflict behaviour should reflect the effects of these evolutionary forces. Here, we present the results of a study on a provisioned group ofMacaca arctoidesinThailand focusing exclusively on male postconflict behaviour. Through an Information Theory–Model Selection approach, we evaluated the relative support for three predictions about the occurrence of reconciliation and the quality of the opponents' social relationships. The strength of the opponents' affiliative relationship was the only variable predicting reconciliation occurrence. This agrees with the main prediction of the valuable relationship hypothesis for the function and distribution of reconciliation, which states that the opponents sharing high‐quality relationships are more likely to reconcile, and this interaction is aimed to repair the disturbing effects of previous aggression on their relationship. The conciliatory tendency found among these wild males is much lower than reported previously for this species from captive conditions, matching more closely the rates reported for species with an intolerant‐despotic dominance style. The results offer strong support for the importance of developing and preserving valuable relationships, even among rather intolerant males.
Identification of transcription factor binding sites usingGaussian mixture models
Authors: Karabulut Mustafa , Ibrikci Turgay 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIdentification of transcription factor binding sites still remains a challenging problem even though many computational tools have been proposed in the literature for this specific task. In this study, a method to discover such DNA subsequences, that is, motifs, is proposed. The method usesGaussian mixture models with expectation‐maximization algorithm. In order to show the potential of the proposed method, experiments are conducted by use of data sets extracted from theDNAsequences of various organisms. The proposed method is also compared with four other methods:MEME,MDScan,SOMBREROand the fuzzyC‐means based motif finder. As a result, the proposed method proves itself as a promising tool in identifying over‐representedDNAmotifs.
Unified characterisation of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane constraint based on crack‐tip equivalent plastic strain
Authors: YANG J. , WANG G. Z. , XUAN F. Z. , TU S. T. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTConstraint can be divided into two conditions of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane, and each of them has its own parameter to characterize. However, in most cases, there exists a compound change of both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane constraint in structures, a unified measure that can reflect both of them is needed. In this paper, the finite element method (FEM) was used to calculate the equivalent plastic strain (ɛp) distribution ahead of crack tips for specimens with different in‐plane and out‐of‐plane constraints, and the FEM simulations based on Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman (GTN) damage model and a small number of tests were used to obtain fracture toughness for the specimens with different constraints. Unified measure and characterisation parameter of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane constraints based on crack‐tip equivalent plastic strain has been investigated. The results show that the area APEEQ surrounded by the ɛp isoline ahead of crack tips can characterize both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane constraints. Based on the area APEEQ, a unified constraint characterisation parameter Ap was defined. It was found that there exists a sole linear relation between the normalised fracture toughness JIC/Jref and regardless of the in‐plane constraint, out‐of‐plane constraint and the selection of the ɛp isolines. The unified JIC/Jref−reference line can be used to determine constraint‐dependent fracture toughness of materials. The FEM simulations with the GTN damage model (local approach) can be used in obtaining the unified JIC/Jref−reference line for materials with ductile fracture.
Gravel dredging alters diversity and structure of riverine fish assemblages
Authors: FREEDMAN JONATHAN A. , CARLINE ROBERT F. , STAUFFER JAY R. 
Published: November 2012

Summary1. Human activities affect fish assemblages in a variety of ways. Large‐scale and long‐term disturbances such as in‐stream dredging and mining alter habitat and hydrodynamic characteristics within rivers which can, in turn, alter fish distribution. Habitat heterogeneity is decreased as the natural riffle–pool–run sequences are lost to continuous pools and, as a consequence, lotic species are displaced by lentic species, while generalist and invasive species displace native habitat specialists. Sediment and organic detritus accumulate in deep, dredged reaches and behind dams, disrupting nutrient flow and destroying critical habitat for habitat specialist species.2. We used standard ecological metrics such as species richness and diversity, as well as stable isotope analysis of δ13C and δ15N, to quantify the differences in fish assemblages sampled by benthic trawls among dredged and undredged sites in the Allegheny River, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.3. Using mixed‐effects models, we found that total catch, species richness and diversity were negatively correlated with depth (P < 0.05), while species richness, diversity and proportion of species in lithophilic (‘rock‐loving’) reproductive guilds were lower at dredged than at undredged sites (P < 0.05).4. Principal components analysis and manova revealed that taxa such as darters in brood hider and substratum chooser reproductive guilds were predominantly associated with undredged sites along principal component axis 1 (PC1 and manovaP < 0.05), while nest spawners such as catfish and open substratum spawners including suckers were more associated with dredged sites along PC2 (P < 0.05).5. Stable isotope analysis of δ13C and δ15N revealed shifts from reliance on shallow water and benthic‐derived nutrients at undredged sites to reliance on phytoplankton and terrestrial detritus at deep‐water dredged sites. Relative trophic positions were also lower at dredged sites for many species; loss of benthic nutrient pathways associated with depth and dredging history is hypothesised.6. The combination of ecological metrics and stable isotope analysis thus shows how anthropogenic habitat loss caused by gravel dredging can decrease benthic fish abundance and diversity, and that species in substratum‐specific reproductive guilds are at particular risk. The effects of dredging also manifest by altering resource use and nutrient pathways within food webs. Management and conservation decisions should therefore consider the protection of relatively shallow areas with suitable substratum for spawning for the protection of native fishes.
Congenital von Willebrand's disease and clinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Hassan S. , Qureshi W. , Donthireddy V. , Kuriakose P. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryData from case reports and systematic reviews suggest an association of Hypothyroidism and Acquired von Willebrand's syndrome. It is not known if congenital von Willebrand's disease is associated with hypothyroidism in a similar way. The aim of this study was to identify the association of congenital von Willebrand's disease (VWD) with clinical hypothyroidism. A total of 350 cases of congenital VWD were initially screened from our institution database from 1985 to 2010. A careful review of patient records was carried out to see if patients truly had congenital VWD and coexisting clinical hypothyroidism. Patients with uncertain diagnoses or other bleeding disorders were excluded, leading to 197 patients remaining in the final sample. A random age‐ and sex‐matched parallel control group was also obtained from the hospital database. Of 197 patients (mean age 43.8 ± 17.5 years, women 72%) of congenital VWD, 32/197 (16%) were diagnosed with clinical hypothyroidism, while only 11/197 (5.6%) of the matched controls were clinically hypothyroid. Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that VWD was an independent predictor of developing clinical hypothyroidism (OR 3.45; 95% CI 1.65–7.22, P = 0.001). The proportion of patients diagnosed with clinical hypothyroidism was more in the VWD group (P < 0.0001). Our analysis shows a strong association of clinical hypothyroidism in patients with congenital VWD, but future studies will be required to delineate a pathological mechanism. In our opinion, clinicians should consider checking thyroid function in the newly diagnosed and established cases of congenital VWD.
Impact of baseline HIV‐1 RNA levels on initial highly active antiretroviral therapy outcome: a meta‐analysis of 12,370 patients in 21 clinical trials*
Authors: Stephan C , Hill A , Sawyer W , van Delft Y , Moecklinghoff C 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundIndividual randomized trials of first‐line antiretroviral treatment do not consistently show an association between higher baseline HIV‐1 RNA and lower efficacy.MethodsA MEDLINE search identified 21 HIV clinical trials with published analyses of antiretroviral efficacy by baseline HIV‐1 RNA, using a standardized efficacy endpoint of HIV‐1 RNA suppression <50 copies/mL at week 48.ResultsAmong 21 clinical trials identified, eight evaluated only nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based combinations, eight evaluated only protease inhibitor‐based regimens and five compared different treatment classes. Ten of the trials included tenofovir (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) as only nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) backbone, in addition but not restricted to abacavir (ABC)/lamivudine (3TC) (n = 7), zidovudine (ZDV)/3TC (n = 4) and stavudine (d4T)/3TC (n = 1). Across trials, the mean percentage of patients achieving HIV‐1 RNA < 50 copies/mL at week 48 was 81.5% (5322 of 6814) for patients with baseline HIV‐1 RNA < 100 000, vs. 72.6% (3949 of 5556) for patients with HIV‐1 RNA > 100 000 copies/mL. In the meta‐analysis, the absolute difference in efficacy between low and high HIV‐1 RNA subgroups was 7.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.9–8.9%; P < 0.001]. This difference was consistent in trials of NNRTI‐based treatments (difference = 6.9%; 95% CI 4.3–9.6%), protease inhibitor‐based treatments (difference = 8.4%; 95% CI 6.0–10.8%) and integrase or chemokine (C‐C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5)‐based treatments (difference = 6.0%; 95% CI 2.1–9.9%) and for trials using TDF/FTC (difference = 8.4%; 95% CI 6.0–10.8%); there was no evidence for heterogeneity of this difference between trials (Cochran's Q test; not significant).ConclusionsIn this meta‐analysis of 21 first‐line clinical trials, rates of HIV‐1 RNA suppression at week 48 were significantly lower for patients w ith baseline HIV‐1 RNA > 100 000 copies/mL (P < 0.001). This difference in efficacy was consistent across trials of different treatment classes and NRTI backbones.
The molecular characterization of a catalase from Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Wang M. , Wang L. , Zhou Z. , Gao Y. , Wang L. , Shi X. , Gai Y. , Mu C. , Song L. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryCatalase (CAT) is an antioxidant enzyme and plays a significant role in the protection against oxidative stress by reducing hydrogen peroxide. The CAT cDNA of Eriocheir sinensis (EsCAT) was cloned via RACE technique. The complete sequence of EsCAT cDNA consisted of a 5′ untranslated regions (UTR) of 224 bp, a 3′ UTR of 1287 bp with a poly (A) tail and an open reading frame (ORF) of 1542 bp, which encoded a polypeptide of 513 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of approximately 58.86 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 6.880. The deduced amino acid sequence of EsCAT contained a highly conserved proximal active‐site signature motif (60FDRERIPERVVHAKGAL76) and a proximal heme–ligand signature motif (350RLFSYNDTH358) and exhibited high similarity with other reported CATs. In the phylogenetic tree, EsCAT was clustered with the CATs from Scylla serrata and Portunus trituberculatus. The EsCAT transcripts were constitutively expressed in haepatopancreas, haemocytes, gill, gonad, muscle and heart, with highest expression level in haepatopancreas. The relative expression level of EsCAT mRNA in haemocytes was continuously up‐regulated and reached the peak level at 48 h post‐Vibrio anguillarum challenge. The purified recombinant EsCAT protein displayed antioxidant activity against hydrogen peroxide with high thermal stability and broad spectrum of pH values. All these results demonstrated that EsCAT was an efficient antioxidant enzyme and potentially involved in the regulation of redox and innate immune response of crabs.
Laser‐assisted pulpotomy in primary teeth: a systematic review
Authors: De Coster Peter , Rajasekharan Sivaprakash , Martens Luc 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveThe purpose of this systematic review was to identify high‐quality articles comparing laser with conventional pulpotomy procedures, and to assess whether laser treatment may offer an appreciable benefit over conventional approaches.MethodsA systematic search was implemented for MEDLINE, WEB of SCIENCE and Cochrane's CENTRAL databases (1980–2012) to identify eligible studies. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the articles (Κ = 0.89) using specific study design‐related quality assessment forms (Dutch Cochrane Collaboration).ResultsSeven articles met the inclusion criteria, of which five randomized control trials (RCT) and two case series (CS), involving Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, CO2 and 632/980 nm diode lasers. Although heterogeneity between pulpotomy studies was high, odds ratios (OR) were generally <1, indicating that laser is less successful than conventional pulpotomy techniques.ConclusionGiven the paucity and high heterogeneity of high‐quality articles, general recommendations for the clinical use of laser in pulpotomy in primary teeth can yet not be formulated.
Chronic venous ulceration of leg associated with peripheral arterial disease: an underappreciated entity in developing country
Authors: Nag Falguni , De Abhishek , Hazra Avijit , Chatterjee Gobinda , Ghosh Arghyaprasun , Surana Trupti V 
Published: November 2012

AbstractChronic venous ulcer can often be associated with asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which usually remains undiagnosed adding significantly to the morbidity of these patients. The Ankle‐Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) is suggested for PAD evaluation. Many PAD studies were conducted in western countries, but there is a scarcity of data on the prevalence of PAD in clinical venous ulcer patient in developing countries. We conducted a study in a tertiary care hospital of eastern part of India to find out the prevalence of PAD in venous ulcer patients, and also to find the sensitivity of ABPI as a diagnostic tool in these patients. We evaluated clinically diagnosed patients with venous ulcer using ABPI and Colour Doppler study for the presence of PAD. Possible associations such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking, hypertension and atherosclerosis were studied. All results were analysed using the software Statistica version 6. PAD was present in 23 (27·71%) patients. Older age, longer duration, smoking, high BMI and hypertension were found to be significantly associated with PAD. A very strong level of agreement was found between venous Doppler and ABPI. Assessment for the presence of PAD is important in all clinically diagnosed venous ulcer patients. ABPI being a simple, non‐invasive outpatient department (OPD)‐based procedure, can be routinely used in cases of venous ulcer to find out the hidden cases of PAD even in developing countries.
Marital power process of Korean men married to foreign women: A qualitative study
Authors: Kim Miyoung , Park Gyeong Sook , Windsor Carol 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis study explored how Korean men married to migrant women construct meaning around married life. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews with 10 men who had had been married to migrant women for ≥ 2 years. Data collection and analysis were performed concurrently using a grounded theory approach. The core category generated was the process of sustaining a family unit. The men came to understand the importance of a distribution of power within the family in sustaining the family unit. Constituting this process were four stages: recognizing an imbalance of power, relinquishing power, empowering, and fine‐tuning the balance of power. This study provides important insight into the dynamics of marital power from men's point of view by demonstrating a link between the way people adjust to married life and the process by which married couples adjust through the distribution and redistribution of power.
Is social movement unionism still relevant? The case of the South African federation COSATU
Authors: Dibben Pauline , Wood Geoffrey , Mellahi Kamel 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTIs adopting a social movement role the most effective organisational strategy for organised labour or is it little more than an ideal, in an age of austerity and union defensiveness? This article draws on a national survey of Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) members to test perceptions of union activities and finds that COSATU unions largely embrace a social movement role. However, in the context of insecurity, unions need to address the central challenge of declining formal sector employment and precarious jobs.
Union‐division: on the paradoxes of purpose and membership scope in union mergers
Authors: Bednarek Rebecca , Blumenfeld Stephen , Riad Sally 
Published: November 2012

AbstractUnion mergers raise central questions about a union's raison d'être and the range of constituents it can serve effectively. Whereas the challenges posed by union purpose and scope of membership have long engaged researchers, few studies have fleshed out the contradictory issues that engage committed members and leaders during a merger. We argue that in mergers, fundamental themes in unionism intersect in paradoxical ways. We analyse a merger of tertiary education unions in New Zealand and situate its debates within a changing context for industrial relations. The case provides insight into the tensions inherent in union mergers by addressing the drivers for integration and differentiation as well as the role of leaders in shaping these. The findings elucidate paradoxical dynamics inherent in mergers: the paradox of purpose confronts the tension between industrial and craft unionism and the paradox of membership scope considers critical mass and communities of interest. The conclusion reflects on identity, leadership and context during mergers and poses contributions to research and practice.
Convergence of the Economic Sentiment Cycles in the Eurozone: A Time‐Frequency Analysis
Authors: Aguiar‐Conraria Luís , Martins Manuel M.F. , Soares Maria Joana 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn this article, wavelet tools and economic sentiment indicators are used to study the similarity and synchronization of economic cycles in the eurozone. The time‐varying and frequency‐varying patterns of business cycles synchronization are assessed and the impact of the creation of the European monetary union (EMU) in 1999 is tested. Among several results, it is found that: the EMU is associated with a significant increase in the similarity and synchronization of the economic sentiment in the eurozone; and the hard‐peg of its currency to the euro led to a comparable effect on Denmark's economic sentiment after 1999, different from what happened in the United Kingdom.
Determining intensive care unit nurses' perceptions and practice levels of spiritual care in Turkey
Authors: Turan Türkan , Yavuz Karamanoğlu Ayla 
Published: November 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Spiritual Care Perceptions and Practices Scale and to evaluate factors that may be effective in providing spiritual care by general intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.Background: Spiritual needs are necessary to offset spiritual deficiencies or support moral strength. During hospitalization, patients with critical conditions and their families tend to become anxious because of fear of the unknown and an uncertain future. Spiritual issues become prominent concerns for these patients and their families.Method: The data of the study were collected from a university hospital, two public hospitals and two private hospitals. A total of 170 nurses were in the ICU of these hospitals, and 123 nurses (79·4%), agreed to participate and, were included in this study. Prior to the study, an information sheet was provided to all nurses to explain the purpose and procedures of the survey. The demographic data form of ICU nurses and the Nurses' Spiritual Care Perceptions and Practices Scale were used for data collection.Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the marital status of the nurses and the total scale mean score. It was also determined that ICU nurses are in a better position regarding their perception levels of spiritual care compared to their practice levels of spiritual care, and nurses with a higher perception of spiritual care also have higher scores in the practice of spiritual care.Conclusions: ICU nurses were found to be inadequate in spiritual care practices. Study findings may be used to improve the support of nurses, to ensure sensitive spiritual care in their daily practices.Relevance to clinical practice:: ICU nurses should be aware of the importance of spiritual care and develop tools for assessing the spiritual needs of patients.