bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of Barth syndrome using a novel LC‐MS/MS method for leukocyte cardiolipin analysis
Authors: Bowron Ann , Frost Robert , Powers Vicki E. C. , Thomas Paul H. , Heales Simon J. R. , Steward Colin G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBarth syndrome (BTHS) is an X‐linked disorder characterised by cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy, growth retardation, neutropenia and 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria. It is caused by mutations in the TAZ gene which codes for tafazzin, a protein with acyl transferase activity involved in synthesis of cardiolipin. Monolysocardiolipin (MLCL) is an intermediate in this process. Diagnosis of BTHS is difficult, as clinical and biochemical features are variable and numerous TAZ mutations have been described. These factors, together with lack of a straightforward diagnostic test are thought to have contributed to under‐diagnosis of the condition. A novel method for cardiolipin analysis by reversed‐phase ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) is reported which is less complicated and faster than previously described methods and uses a readily available sample type. The equipment, reagents and expertise required are found in most clinical laboratories performing metabolic investigations. Leukocytes were prepared from whole blood, phospholipids extracted and tetralinoleyl cardiolipin (CL4) and MLCL analysed by UPLC‐MS/MS. Reference values were derived from analysis of 76 control and 23 BTHS samples as follows: CL4 in controls >132 (95 % CI 100–169), BTHS <30.2 (21.3–40.4) pmol/mg protein; MLCL/CL4 ratio in controls <0.006 (0.004–0.009) and >2.52 (1.51–4.22) in BTHS patients. We describe an improved method for CL4 and MLCL/CL4 analysis which can be incorporated into the routine work of a clinical biochemistry laboratory. It shows 100 % sensitivity and specificity for BTHS, making it a suitable diagnostic test.
UVB Radiation Variably Affects n‐3 Fatty Acids but Elevated Temperature Reduces n‐3 Fatty Acids in Juvenile Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Arts Michael T. , Palmer Michelle E. , Skiftesvik Anne Berit , Jokinen Ilmari E. , Browman Howard I. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTemperature and ultraviolet B radiation (UVB 290–320 nm) are inextricably linked to global climate change. These two variables may act separately, additively, or synergistically on specific aspects of fish biochemistry. We raised Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) parr for 54 days in outdoor tanks held at 12 and 19 °C and, at each temperature, we exposed them to three spectral treatments differing in UV radiation intensity. We quantified individual fatty acid (FA) mass fractions in four tissues (dorsal muscle, dorsal and ventral skin, and ocular tissue) at each temperature × UV combination. FA composition of dorsal muscle and dorsal and ventral skin was not affected by UV exposure. Mass fractions of 16:0, 18:0, and saturated fatty acids (SFA) were greater in dorsal muscle of warm‐reared fish whereas 18:3n‐3, 20:2, 20:4n‐6, 22:5n‐3, 22:6n‐3, n‐3, n‐6, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and total FA were significantly higher in cold‐reared fish. Mass fractions of most of the FA were greater in the dorsal and ventral skin of warm‐reared fish. Cold‐reared salmon exposed to enhanced UVB had higher ocular tissue mass fractions of 20:2, 20:4n‐6, 22:6n‐3, n‐3, n‐6, and PUFA compared to fish in which UV had been removed. These observations forecast a host of ensuing physiological and ecological responses of juvenile Atlantic Salmon to increasing temperatures and UVB levels in native streams and rivers where they mature before smolting and returning to the sea.
How to Control the Recombinant Prion Protein Adhesion for Successful Storage Through Modification of Surface Properties
Authors: Vrlinic T. , Debarnot D. , Legeay G. , Coudreuse A. , El Moualij B. , Zorzi W. , Perret-Liaudet A. , Quadrio I. , Mozetic M. , Poncin-Epaillard F. 
Published: October 2012

Depletion of neuroproteins on the inner walls of storage tubes influences the accuracy of tests used for identification of various neurodegenerative disorders. In this paper, a strategy is described for surface modification of Eppendorf tubes leading to non-adhesive properties towards the recombinant human prion proteins (PrPrechum). Tubes were pre-activated by helium plasma and grafted with three diverse coatings: pure poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), PNIPAM admixed with either neutral PEG(20)sorbitan monolaurate (PEG(20)) or positively charged cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) at varying plasma activation times and polymer to surfactant ratios. New functionalized surfaces were analyzed by goniometry, streaming potential measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, whereas the protein adhesion was monitored by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays and confocal microscopy. The mapping of PrPrechum adhesion associated with surface analyses enabled us to determine that no or negligible depletion of PrPrechum can be obtained by surfaces possessing basic component in the range between 50 and 60 mJ m−2 and streaming potential ζ7.4 ~ −50 mV.
Are Motor-free Visual Perception Skill Constructs Predictive of Visual-motor Integration Skill Constructs?
Authors: Brown Ted 
Published: October 2012

Background Theoretical perspectives vary in considering whether visual perceptual skills and visual-motor integration (VMI) skills are related, interdependent skill sets, or two discrete skill constructs. Objective This study investigated whether motor-reduced/free visual perceptual skill constructs were predictive of motor-enhanced VMI skill constructs. Method A total of 45 typically developing children aged 6–12 years completed the Developmental Test of Visual Perception-Second Edition (DTVP-2) and the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills-Third Edition (TVPS-3). Four multiple linear regression analyses were completed with the four DTVP-2 motor-enhanced VMI subscales being the dependent (criterion) variables and the seven TVPS-3 motor-reduced subscales being the independent variables. Results The total variance accounted for in the four DTVP-2 VMI skill constructs by all the seven TVPS-3 skill constructs ranged from 29.3% to 60.10%. In the first regression analysis, the TVPS-3 Visual Sequential Memory and TVPS-3 Visual FigureGround constructs explained 5.40% and 4.90%, respectively, of the variance in the DTVP-2 Eye Hand Coordination construct. In the second regression, the TVPS-3 Visual Sequential Memory and TVPS-3 Visual Figure–Ground constructs accounted for 5.60% and 3.10%, respectively, of the DTVP-2 Copying construct's variance. The third analysis revealed that the TVPS-3 Visual Memory and TVPS-3 Visual Form Constancy constructs represented 6.20% and 7.90%, respectively, of the DTVP-2 Spatial Relations construct's variance. In the fourth and final regression analysis, the TVPS-3 Visual Sequential Memory and TVPS-3 Visual Figure–Ground construct explained 14.60% and 4.90%, respectively, of the variance in the DTVP-2 Visual-Motor Speed construct. Conclusion In the four regression analyses, specific types of motor-reduced visual perception constructs were predictive of the four specific types of motor-enhanced VMI constructs. Visual Sequential Memory and Visual FigureGround, specific types of motor-reduced visual perceptual constructs, were frequent and significant predictors of VMI skill constructs in children. It would appear that motor-reduced visual perceptual skills and motor-enhanced VMI skills as theoretical constructs are related and dependent on one another.
The effects of Six Sigma on corporate performance: An empirical investigation
Authors: Shafer Scott M. , Moeller Sara B. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of adopting Six Sigma on corporate performance. Although there is a fairly large and growing body of anecdotal evidence associated with the benefits of implementing Six Sigma, there is very little systematic and rigorous research investigating these benefits. This research extends previous research in several important ways including utilizing a sample of 84 Six Sigma firms that represent a wide variety of industries and firm characteristics, utilizing rigorously constructed control groups to ensure the validity of our comparisons and conclusions, and investigating the impact of adopting Six Sigma on corporate performance over a ten year period. To carry out this investigation, the event study methodology is employed. The ten year period consists of three years prior to Six Sigma implementation, the event year corresponding to the year Six Sigma is adopted, and six years post Six Sigma implementation. To assess the impact of adopting Six Sigma on corporate performance we utilize commonly used measures including Operating Income/Total Assets (OI/A), Operating Income/Sales (OI/S), Operating Income/Number of Employees (OI/E), Sales/Assets (S/A), and Sales/Number of Employees (S/E). The sample Six Sigma firms are compared to different benchmarks including the overall industry performance and to the performance of carefully selected portfolios of control firms. The results of the study indicate that adopting Six Sigma positively impacts organizational performance primarily through the efficiency with which employees are deployed. More specifically, enhanced employee productivity results were observed in both static analyses that assessed the performance of the sample Six Sigma firms relative to their control groups at discrete points in time and dynamic analyses of the Six Sigma firms’ rate of improvement relative to the rate of improvement of their control groups. Benefits in terms of improved asset efficiency were not observed. Finally, there was no evidence that Six Sigma negatively impacts corporate performance.
Repetition counts: repeated exposure increases intake of a novel vegetable in UK pre-school children compared to flavour–flavour and flavour–nutrient learning
Authors: Caton Samantha J. , Ahern Sara M. , Remy Eloise , Nicklaus Sophie , Blundell Pam , Hetherington Marion M. 
Published: October 2012

Children are not consuming sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables in their habitual diet. Methods derived from associative learning theories could be effective at promoting vegetable intake in pre-school children. The objective of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of different learning strategies in promoting the intake of a novel vegetable. Children aged between 9 and 38 months were recruited from UK nurseries. The children (n72) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (repeated exposure, flavour–flavour learning or flavour–nutrient learning). Each child was offered ten exposures to their respective version of a novel vegetable (artichoke). Pre- and post-intervention measures of artichoke purée and carrot purée (control vegetable) intake were taken. At pre-intervention, carrot intake was significantly higher than artichoke intake (P< 0·05). Intake of both vegetables increased over time (P< 0·001); however, when changes in intake were investigated, artichoke intake increased significantly more than carrot intake (P< 0·001). Artichoke intake increased to the same extent in all three conditions, and this effect was persistent up to 5 weeks post-intervention. Five exposures were sufficient to increase intake compared to the first exposure (P< 0·001). Repeated exposure to three variants of a novel vegetable was sufficient to increase intake of this vegetable, regardless of the addition of a familiar taste or energy. Repetition is therefore a critical factor for promoting novel vegetable intake in pre-school children.
Stratigraphy of Cretaceous to Lower Pliocene sediments in the northern part of Cyprus based on comparative 87Sr/86Sr isotopic, nannofossil and planktonic foraminiferal dating
Authors: MCCAY GILLIAN A. , ROBERTSON ALASTAIR H. F. , KROON DICK , RAFFI ISABELLA , ELLAM ROBERT M. , NECDET MEHMET 
Published: October 2012

AbstractNew age data from Sr isotope analysis and both planktonic foraminifera and nannofossils are presented and discussed here for the Upper Eocene–Upper Miocene sedimentary rocks of the Değirmenlik (Kythrea) Group. New dating is also given of some Cretaceous and Pliocene sediments. In a revised stratigraphy the Değirmenlik (Kythrea) Group is divided into ten formations. Different Upper Miocene formations are developed to the north and south of a regionally important, E–W-trending syn-sedimentary fault. The samples were dated wherever possible by three independent methods, namely utilizing Sr isotopes, calcareous nannofossils and planktonic foraminifera. Some of the Sr isotopic dates are incompatible with the nannofossil and/or the planktonic foraminiferal dates. This is mainly due to reworking within gravity-deposited or current-affected sediments. When combined, the reliable age data allow an overall biostratigraphy and chronology to be erected. Several of the boundaries of previously defined formations are revised. Sr data that are incompatible with well-constrained biostratigraphical ages are commonly of Early Miocene age. This is attributed to a regional uplift event located to the east of Cyprus, specifically the collision of the Anatolian (Eurasian) and Arabian (African) plates during Early Miocene time. This study, therefore, demonstrates that analytically sound Sr isotopic ages can yield geologically misleading ages, particularly where extensive sediment reworking has occurred. Convincing ages are obtained when isotopic dating is combined with as many forms of biostratigraphical dating as possible, and this may also reveal previously unsuspected geological events (e.g. tectonic uplift or current activity).
Contribution from recoiling atoms in secondary electron emission induced by slow highly charged ions from tungsten surface
Authors: Zeng Lixia , Xu Zhongfeng , Zhao Yongtao , Wang Yuyu , Wang Jianguo , Cheng Rui , Zhang Xiaoan , Ren Jieru , Zhou Xianming , Wang Xing , Lei Yu , Li Yongfeng , Yu Yang , Liu Xueliang , Xiao Guoqing , Li Fuli 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe electron emission yield γ induced by Ne2+ and O2+ impacting on a clean tungsten surface has been measured. The range of projectile energy is from 3 keV/u to 14 keV/u. The total electron yield gradually increases with the projectile velocity. It is found simultaneously that the total electron yield for O2+ is larger than the total electron yield for Ne2+, which is opposite to the results for higher projectile velocity. After considering the contribution from recoiling atoms to the energy distribution and electron emission yield, we find that recoiling atoms are of crucial importance in electron emission in our energy range. Thus, the unexpected results in our experiment can be explained successfully.
The Meaning of a Positive Client-Nurse Relationship for Senior Home Care Clients with Chronic Disease
Authors: Turpin Liza J. , McWilliam Carol L. , Ward-Griffin Catherine 
Published: October 2012

RÉSUMÉCette étude a exploré la signification d’une relation positive client-infirmière pour les personnes âgées atteintes de maladies chroniques qui reçoivent les soins à domicile. Pour les besoins de cette étude phénoménologique, huit participants âgés de 65 à 86 ont été sélectionnés à partir du Sud-Ouest Centre communautaire d’accès aux soins [or retain as Southwest Community Care Access Centre (SW-CCAC)]? à London, Ontario. Des données narratives ont été recueillies par des entrevues en profondeur capturé sur cassette audio, tout en utilisant un guide d’entretien semi-structuré. L’analyse et l’interprétation des entrevues ont révélé que le sens d’une relation client-infirmière positive de ces personnes âgées englobait deux tendances de sens: avoir de confort, et étant relié au sein de cette relation. Ces deux modèles ont été contextualisés par être une personne âgée avec une maladie chronique et ont été socialement construits à travers l’expérience d’avoir créé un rapport positif. Bien que des recherches supplémentaires sont nécessaires, les connaissances acquises ajouter à ce que l’on sait déjà au sujet de la théorie et la pratique de la promotion de la santé relationnelle pour les personnes âgées vivant avec des maladies chroniques et recevant les soins à domicile.
Exclusion of aldose reductase as a mediator of ERG deficits in a mouse model of diabetic eye disease
Authors: SAMUELS IVY S. , LEE CHIEH-ALLEN , PETRASH J. MARK , PEACHEY NEAL S. , KERN TIMOTHY S. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractStreptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes is associated with reductions in the electrical response of the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to light. Aldose reductase (AR) is the first enzyme required in the polyol-mediated metabolism of glucose, and AR inhibitors have been shown to improve diabetes-induced electroretinogram (ERG) defects. Here, we used control andAR−/−mice to determine if genetic inactivation of this enzyme likewise inhibits retinal electrophysiological defects observed in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes. STZ was used to induce hyperglycemia and type 1 diabetes. Diabetic and age-matched nondiabetic controls of each genotype were maintained for 22 weeks, after which ERGs were used to measure the light-evoked components of the RPE (dc-ERG) and the neural retina (a-wave, b-wave). In comparison to their nondiabetic controls, wildtype (WT) andAR−/−diabetic mice displayed significant decreases in the c-wave, fast oscillation, and off response components of the dc-ERG but not in the light peak response. NondiabeticAR−/−mice displayed larger ERG component amplitudes than did nondiabetic WT mice; however, the amplitude of dc-ERG components in diabeticAR−/−animals were similar to WT diabetics. ERG a-wave amplitudes were not reduced in either diabetic group, but b-wave amplitudes were lower in WT andAR−/−diabetic mice. These findings demonstrate that the light-induced responses of the RPE and outer retina are disrupted in diabetic mice, but these defects are not due to photoreceptor dysfunction, nor are they ameliorated by deletion of AR. This latter finding suggests that benefits observed in other studies utilizing pharmacological inhibitors of AR might have been secondary to off-target effects of the drugs.
Intakes of milk and alternatives among on-reserve First Nations youth in northern and southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Gates Michelle , Hanning Rhona M , Gates Allison , Martin Ian D , Tsuji Leonard JS 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the adequacy of milk and alternatives, Ca and vitamin D intakes in First Nations (FN) youth in Ontario, Canada. Intakes were compared with the general population and dietary standards. Variation in intakes by community (proxy for remoteness) and BMI was examined.DesignData were collected by 24 h recall between November 2003 and June 2010. Intakes were analysed descriptively. Variation in intakes, by community and BMI category, was assessed using ANOVA.SettingFive remote FN communities of the Mushkegowuk Territory (northern Ontario, Canada) and two less-remote southern Ontario FN communities.SubjectsSchoolchildren (n457) in grades 6 to 12.ResultsCompared with Canada's Food Guide recommendations, 72·6 to 84·7 % had an inadequate intake of milk and alternatives depending on age and sex group; 86·2 % of individuals fell below the RDA for Ca; 96·4 % fell below the RDA for vitamin D. Community variation in intakes was detected, although in all cases Fort Albany had higher intakes, even when it was the more northern (remote) community. A BMI × sex interaction was found for intake of milk and alternatives (P= 0·041): an inverse relationship between intake and BMI was seen in females; in males, those who were overweight had the highest intake, followed by normal-weight and obese youth.ConclusionsThe nutritional inadequacies parallel the results of other Canadian studies of Aboriginal populations. Population health interventions to improve intakes are warranted. Moreover, community variation in intakes exists among FN youth in the present study (Fort Albany pairs only), but results were not as expected.
Association of family income with BMI from childhood to adult life: a birth cohort study
Authors: Gigante Denise P , Victora Cesar G , Matijasevich Alícia , Horta Bernardo L , Barros Fernando C 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association of family income at birth with BMI among young adults who have been followed since birth.DesignA birth cohort study.SettingIn 1982, all children born in Pelotas, southern Brazil, were included in a perinatal survey and visited at ages 1, 2, 4, 15, 18–19 and 23 years.SubjectsCohort members (n 4297) were traced and interviewed in 2004–2005. In all follow-ups, participants were weighed and measured, and BMI and prevalence of obesity were calculated for each age. Family income was obtained in minimum wages in 1982 and as a continuous variable, in reais, in later follow-ups. Skin colour was self-reported in 2004–2005.ResultsMean BMI and prevalence of obesity differed between males and females. In males, a direct relationship was found throughout life and among females this relationship was modified by age. During childhood, BMI was higher among girls from higher income groups and this association was inversed at age 23 years. At this same age, mean BMI among black women was 1·3 kg/m2 higher than among white women, even after adjustment for current family income.ConclusionsThe findings show in men that the relationship between income and BMI is similar to that seen in less developed areas, whereas among adult women the relationship is similar to that observed in developed countries. In addition to the effect of socio-economic status, skin colour also has an influence on the BMI of adult women.
The problem of the ‘prebiotic and never born proteins’
Authors: Marsh Gerald E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIt has been argued that the limited set of proteins used by life as we know could not have arisen by the process of Darwinian selection from all possible proteins. This probabilistic argument has a number of implicit assumptions that may not be warranted. A variety of considerations are presented to show that the number of amino acid sequences that need to have been sampled during the evolution of proteins is far smaller than assumed by the argument.
Density stratification in an estuary with complex geometry: Driving processes and relationship to hypoxia on monthly to inter‐annual timescales
Authors: Codiga Daniel L. 
Published: October 2012

The density field in Narragansett Bay (NB), a northeast U.S. estuary with complex geometry that suffers hypoxia, is described and related to driving factors using monthly means from time series observations at 9 sites during late spring to early fall 2001–2009. Stratification (deep‐shallow density difference) is dominated by salinity and strongest (4–7 kg m−3 in late spring) near rivers in the north and east. Shallow horizontal density gradients are about 0.2 kg m−3 km−1; deep densities have minor spatial and seasonal variations. Geographic structure in density, and its inter‐annual anomalies, is weaker than expected based on the complex geometry and large size relative to the internal deformation radius. Inter‐annual variability is primarily driven by river flow and weakly influenced by winds, contrasting nearby systems (Chesapeake Bay, Long Island Sound), likely due to reduced fetch and/or unfavorable alignment with prevailing winds. Stratification response to river flow follows 2/3 power scaling despite that the theory omits important NB attributes (complex geometry, depth‐varying horizontal gradients). Contrasting other systems (Delaware Bay, San Francisco Bay), horizontal gradients are at least as responsive to river forcing as theoretical 1/3 power scaling; depth‐dependent horizontal gradients or finite basin constraint of intrusion length may be responsible. Bay‐wide inter‐annual variations in seasonal hypoxia correlate with late spring stratification, though stratification peaks in the north and east with hypoxia most severe in the north and west. Long‐term response of stratification, and thus its role in hypoxia, to climate‐driven increases in river flow and temperatures will be dominated by the former.