bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards a framework for multiple artificial neural network topologies validation by means of statistics
Authors: Gonzalez‐Carrasco Israel , Garcia‐Crespo Angel , Ruiz‐Mezcua Belen , Lopez‐Cuadrado Jose Luis , Colomo‐Palacios Ricardo 
Published: August 2012

AbstractArtificial neural networks (ANNs) are flexible computing tools that have been applied to a wide range of domains with a notable level of accuracy. However, there are multiple choices of ANNs classifiers in the literature that produce dissimilar results. As a consequence of this, the selection of this classifier is crucial for the overall performance of the system. In this work, an integral framework is proposed for the optimization of different ANN classifiers based on statistical hypothesis testing. The framework is tested in a real ballistic scenario. The new quality measures introduced, based on the Student t‐test, and employed throughout the framework, ensure the validity of results from a statistical standpoint; they reduce the appearance of experimental errors or the appearance of possible randomness. Results show the relevance of this framework, proving that its application improves the performance and efficiency of multiple classifiers.
Probing the Modulation of Acute Ethanol Intoxication by Pharmacological Manipulation of the NMDAR Glycine Co‐Agonist Site
Authors: DeBrouse Lauren , Hurd Benita , Kiselycznyk Carly , Plitt Aaron , Todaro Alyssa , Mishina Masayoshi , Grant Seth G. N. , Camp Marguerite , Gunduz‐Cinar Ozge , Holmes Andrew 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundStimulating the glycineB binding site on the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate ionotropic glutamate receptor (NMDAR) has been proposed as a novel mechanism for modulating behavioral effects of ethanol (EtOH) that are mediated via the NMDAR, including acute intoxication. Here, we pharmacologically interrogated this hypothesis in mice.MethodsEffects of systemic injection of the glycineB agonist, d‐serine, the GlyT‐1 glycine transporter inhibitor, ALX‐5407, and the glycineB antagonist, L‐701,324, were tested for the effects on EtOH‐induced ataxia, hypothermia, and loss of righting reflex (LORR) duration in C57BL/6J (B6) and 129S1/SvImJ (S1) inbred mice. Effects of the glycineB partial agonist, d‐cycloserine (DCS), the GlyT‐1 inhibitor, N‐[3‐(4′‐fluorophenyl)‐3‐(4′‐phenylphenoxy)propyl]sarcosine (NFPS), and the glycineB antagonist, 5,7‐dichlorokynurenic (DCKA), on EtOH‐induced LORR duration were also tested. Interaction effects on EtOH‐induced LORR duration were examined via combined treatment with d‐serine and ALX‐5407, d‐serine and MK‐801, d‐serine and L‐701,324, as well as L‐701,324 and ALX‐5407, in B6 mice, and d‐serine in GluN2A and PSD‐95 knockout mice. The effect of dietary depletion of magnesium (Mg), an element that interacts with the glycineB site, was also tested.ResultsNeither d‐serine, DCS, ALX‐5407, nor NFPS significantly affected EtOH intoxication on any of the measures or strains studied. L‐701,324, but not DCKA, dose‐dependently potentiated the ataxia‐inducing effects of EtOH and increased EtOH‐induced (but not pentobarbital‐induced) LORR duration. d‐serine did not have interactive effects on EtOH‐induced LORR duration when combined with ALX‐5407. The EtOH‐potentiating effects of L‐701,324, but not MK‐801, on LORR duration were prevented by d‐serine, but not ALX‐5407. Mg depletion potentiated LORR duration in B6 mice and was lethal in a large proportion of S1 mice.ConclusionsGlycineB site activation failed to produce the hypothesized reduction in EtOH intoxication across a range of measures and genetic strains, but blockade of the glycineB site potentiated EtOH intoxication. These data suggest endogenous activity at the glycineB opposes EtOH intoxication, but it may be difficult to pharmacologically augment this action, at least in nondependent subjects, perhaps because of physiological saturation of the glycineB site.
Association between Serum Total Antioxidant Status and Coronary Microvascular Functions in Patients with SLE
Authors: Yılmaz Sema , Caliskan Mustafa , Kulaksızoglu Sevsen , Ciftci Ozgur , Caliskan Zuhal , Gullu Hakan , Guven Aytekin , Muderrisoglu Haldun 
Published: August 2012

Mortality from cardiovascular disease has been found to be increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Coronary flow reserve (CFR) measurement is used both to assess epicardial coronary arteries and to examine the integrity of coronary microvascular circulation. Oxidative stress, enhancing modification of plasma lipids, is also associated with atherosclerotic events in lupus patients. Impairment of CFR and TAS has been shown to be an early manifestation of coronary atherosclerosis. Forty patients with SLE and 33 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Echocardiographic examination included left ventricular myocardial velocity measurements and coronary flow reserve (CFR) measurement. Serum total antioxidant status levels (TAS) also were measured using TAS kit. Lateral myocardial early peak velocity (Em) and lateral Em/Am ratio did not differ between the groups, but lateral myocardial atrial peak velocity (Am) was significantly higher in SLE group than the control group. Baseline coronary diastolic peak flow velocity (DPFV) of left anterior descending was similar in both the groups. However, hyperemic DPFV and CFR (2.50 ± 0.42 vs. 3.09 ± 0.45, P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the SLE group than in the control group. CFR significantly and inversely correlated with CRP and significantly correlated with TAS. Subclinical coronary microvascular dysfunction can occur in SLE patients without traditional cardiovascular risk factors, probably associated with underlying inflammation and impairment of TAS.
Role of Different Replacement Fluids During Extracorporeal Treatment in a Pig Model of Sepsis
Authors: Sauer Martin , Altrichter Jens , Mencke Thomas , Klöhr Sven , Thomsen Maren , Kreutzer Hans J. , Nöldge‐Schomburg Gabriele , Mitzner Steffen R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn an extracorporeal combination therapy, the impact of different replacement fluids on survival was tested in a bacterial sepsis model in pigs. In an animal study 19 pigs, weighing 7.5–11.1 kg, were included. All groups received an intravenous lethal dose of live Staphylococcus aureus over 1 h. The animals were treated by an extracorporeal circuit consisting of online centrifugation and subsequent plasma filtration for 4 h. The extracorporeal circuit was pre‐filled with 400 mL replacement fluid. In the P0 group 100% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 was used as replacement fluid; in the P30 group 30% pig plasma and 70% hydroxyethyl starch; and in the P100 group 100% pig plasma. The observation time was 7 days. All animals of the group P100 survived, while all animals of group P0 and five out of seven animals of the P30 group died during the observation time. Extracorporeal therapy consisting of online centrifugation and plasma filtration with 100% pig plasma as replacement fluid significantly improved survival in a pig model of sepsis. Further studies with this approach are encouraged.
Reinventing mutualism between humans and wild fauna: insights from vultures as ecosystem services providers
Authors: Gangoso Laura , Agudo Rosa , Anadón José Daniel , de la Riva Manuel , Suleyman Ahmed Saeed , Porter Richard , Donázar José Antonio 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn parallel with economic and social changes, mutualism in human‐vulture relations has virtually disappeared worldwide. Here, we describe the mutualistic relationship between humans and the globally threatened Egyptian vulture in Socotra, Yemen. By analyzing both the spatial distribution of vultures and the amount of human byproducts they consume, we show that human activities enable the maintenance of the densest population of this rare scavenger, whereas vultures provide a key regulating service by disposing of up to 22.4% of the organic waste annually produced in towns. Globalization is impacting the archipelago, and therefore policies that better integrate societal needs and biodiversity conservation are urgently needed. We propose a win‐win solution that relies on the restructuring of the mutualism, shifting from regulating services toward cultural services. Our study highlights the necessity of reconciling trade‐offs between biodiversity conservation and economic development in a framework of global change affecting Middle Eastern countries.
Lessons learnt from the Wenchuan earthquake: performance evaluation of treatment of critical injuries in hardest‐hit areas
Authors: Jiang Jie , LI Youping , Huang Xiaolin , Li Bing , Su Lin , Zhong Dake , Shi Chenghu , Li Mingxu , Shan Juan , Chen Yin 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectives: Critical injury treatment in the hardest‐hit areas after a great earthquake was retrospectively analyzed to determine how best to reduce mortality and disability and increase the rehabilitation rate through postquake medical relief.Methods: Retrospective analysis, primary sources, and secondary sources were comprehensively retrieved and analyzed.Results: According to incomplete data, 30,620 injured were rescued by themselves among the hardest‐hit areas in the 72 hours immediately following the earthquake. Critically injured patients accounted for 22% of total inpatients. Mortality rates declined with greater distance from the epicenter: rates were 12.21% for municipal healthcare centers in the hardest‐hit areas, 4.50% for municipal medical units in peripheral quake‐hit areas, 2.50% for provincial medical units in peripheral quake‐hit areas, and 2.17% for Ministry of Health‐affiliated hospitals in peripheral quake‐hit areas. The number of injured with fractures on body, limbs or unknown‐parts, severe conditions as well as other kinds of non‐traumatic diseases received in second‐line hospitals was much more than those treated in first‐line hospitals with more severe injuries. Among 10,373 injured in stable condition transferred to third‐line hospitals, 99.07% were discharged from hospitals within four months, while the mortality rate was 0.017%.Conclusions: The medical relief model of “supervising body helping subordinate unit, severely stricken areas assisting hardest‐hit areas, least‐hit areas supporting both hardest‐hit and severely stricken areas, and self help and mutual assistance applied between hardest‐hit areas” was roughly established for injured from severely stricken areas after the Wenchuan Earthquake. The “four‐centralization” treatment principle, which referred to concentrating patients, experts, resources and treatment for those injured in critical condition effectively reduced the mortality from 15.06% to 2.9%. Timely, scientific, and standard on‐site triage and postmedical transfer guided by accurate injury information determine rescue effect for the injured, while there is large space to fulfill as for treatment for critical diseases among the hardest‐hit areas under extreme conditions after the Wenchuan earthquake.
Efficacy and safety of acarbose chewable tablet in patients with type 2 diabetes: a multicentre, randomized, double‐blinded, double‐dummy positive controlled trial
Authors: Wu Qian Lin , Liu Yu Ping , Lu Ju Ming , Wang Chang Jiang , Yang Tao , Dong Ji Xiang , Li Cheng Jiang , Ma Jian Hua , Xue Yao Ming , Sun Rui Hua , Wei Dong , Tian Hao Ming 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the effect and safety of HbA1c and glycemic control of acarbose chewable tablets in patients with type 2 diabetic.Method: A multicentre, randomized, double‐blinded, double‐dummy, positive controlled clinical trial was conducted. Two hundred thirty‐four Chinese patients with type 2 diabetic were enrolled in eight clinical centres, who were divided randomly into the acarbose chewable tablet group (experimental group, n = 116) and the acarbose treatment group (control group, n = 118).Results: Two hundred seven patients (88.5%) took part in the 12‐week trial. At the beginning and end of the clinical trial, HbA1c and blood glucose as well as safety indexes were measured. After the treatment, the level of finger two‐hour postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) was decreased 4.15 mmol/L (26.82%) and 3.54 mmol/L (22.77%), respectively, in the experiment group and the control group. The levels of venous two‐hour PPBG in the experiment group and the control group were decreased 4.04 mmol/L (25.38%) and 2.75 mmol/L (17.26%), respectively, with the means of HbA1c lowering 11.67% and 12.44%, respectively. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) also was reduced significantly in both groups. Patients in both groups showed obvious weight reduction (P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups.Conclusion: In summary, acarbose chewable tablets have a definite curative effect in treating type 2 diabetic patients as HbA1c and blood glucose levels decreased significantly after the 12‐week treatment.
Research on the relationships between pancreatic cancer and hyperglycemia in Chinese populations
Authors: Huang Shan , Ye Hongying , Wu Wei , Chen Cheng , Li Ji , Fu Deliang , Li Yiming 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAims/IntroductionPancreatic cancer (PC) is related to diabetes. Long‐standing diabetes should be a prerequisite, whereas new‐onset hyperglycemia might be a result of PC. However, the association between diabetes and PC is still in dispute.Materials and MethodsWe investigated the relationship between glucose metabolism and other factors by retrospectively analyzing the clinical data of 331 PC patients. Any histopathological type was eligible. The patients were divided into three groups: group A, normal glucose metabolism; group B, hyperglycemia duration≤6 months; and group C, diabetes duration >24 months.ResultsThe prevalence of hyperglycemia was 59.5%. Most patients were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus either concomitantly with cancer (39.0%) or within 6 months before cancer diagnosis (6.9%). There were more females in group C than group A (P = 0.005) and B (P = 0.018). Patients in group A were younger (A vs B, P < 0.001; A vs C, P = 0.032) and thinner (A vs B, P = 0.013; A vs C, P = 0.027). In group C, more individuals shared a family history of diabetes (A vs C, P = 0.004; B vs C, P = 0.023), but fewer smoked (A vs C, P = 0.027; B vs C, P = 0.020). Patients in group C had a larger proportion of poorly differentiated cancer (A vs C, P = 0.002; B vs C, P = 0.012). No differences in glucose metabolism were found among the different histological types.ConclusionsWe further support the notion that diabetes duration >24 months might not be cancer related. Older and fatter PC patients were more likely to develop hyperglycemia. More patients with long‐standing diabetes had poor tumor differentiation. We speculate that smoking and alcohol intake might advance PC onset.
Toe modifications in hind feet shoes optimise hoof‐unrollment in soundWarmblood horses at trot
Authors: Spaak B. , van Heel M. C. V. , Back W. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studyIt was shown that rolled‐toe shoes smooth hoof‐unrollment and thereby reduce peak loading of forelimbs in trotting Warmblood horses. Shoe design and shoeing technique for hind feet have been modified over recent decades from fully fitted, toe‐clipped shoes to set‐back, side‐clipped shoes.ObjectivesTo study the effects of different shoe modifications on loading and movement of the hind hoof.MethodsTen clinically sound Warmblood horses were shod with 3 types of hind shoe: first, fully fitted, toe‐clipped shoes, followed randomly by side‐clipped shoes without a rolled toe that were set back by half the thickness of the hoof wall in the plantar direction and identical side‐clipped shoes with a rolled toe, with 2 days between shoeing sessions to adapt to the shoes. Then horses were trotted in a straight line over a pressure‐force plate combination. Hoof dynamics were compared statistically with the fully fitted shoe condition using a general linear model repeated measures test (P<0.05).ResultsThere were no significant differences in the characteristics of limb timing, such as stance time and breakover duration nor the peak vertical and horizontal ground reaction force. By setting back the hind shoes, the centre of pressure at toe‐off was positioned less dorsally. The rolled toe resulted in a smoother shift of the centre of pressure and thus more fluent hoof‐unrollment. Both alternative types of shoe allowed a more lateral orientation of the centre of pressure at toe‐off.Conclusions and potential relevanceToe modifications of hind shoes can influence hindlimb kinematics positively. Setting the hind shoe back and rolling the toe leads to smoother hoof‐unrollment, which enables the horse to coordinate movement correctly without loss of propulsion. Thus, shoe modifications might facilitate movement and thereby help prevent overload injuries.
In‐office treatment for dentin hypersensitivity: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Po‐Yen , Cheng Ya‐Wen , Chu Chia‐Yi , Chien Kuo‐Liong , Lin Chun‐Pin , Tu Yu‐Kang 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimDentin hypersensitivity, caused by the exposure and patency of dentinal tubules, can affect patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review and a network meta‐analysis, comparing the effectiveness in resolving dentin hypersensitivity among different in‐office desensitizing treatments.Materials and MethodsA literature search was performed with electronic databases and by hand until December 2011. The included trials were divided into six treatment groups as placebo, physical occlusion, chemical occlusion, nerve desensitization, laser therapy and combined treatments. The treatment effects between groups were estimated with standardized mean differences by using a Bayesian network meta‐analysis.ResultsForty studies were included. The standardized mean difference between placebo and physical occlusion was −2.57 [95% credible interval (CI): −4.24 to −0.94]; placebo versus chemical occlusion was −2.33 (95% CI: −3.65 to −1.04); placebo versus nerve desensitization was −1.72 (95% CI: −4.00 to 0.52); placebo versus laser therapy was −2.81 (95% CI: −4.41 to −1.24); placebo versus combined treatment was −3.47 (95% CI: −5.99 to −0.96). The comparisons of the five active treatments showed no significant differences.ConclusionsThe results from network meta‐analysis showed that most active treatment options had significantly better treatment outcome than placebo.
Streptococcus pneumoniaeR6 interspecies transformation: genetic analysis of penicillin resistance determinants and genome‐wide recombination events
Authors: Sauerbier Julia , Maurer Patrick , Rieger Martin , Hakenbeck Regine 
Published: August 2012

SummaryInterspecies gene transfer has been implicated as the major driving force for the evolution of penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Genomic alterations of S. pneumoniae R6 introduced during four successive transformations with DNA of the high‐level penicillin‐resistant Streptococcus mitis B6 with beta‐lactam selection have now been determined and the contribution of genes to high resistance levels was analysed genetically. Essential for high level resistance to penicillins of the transformant CCCB was the combination of murMB6 and the 3′ region of pbp2bB6. Sequences of both genes were detected in clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae, confirming the participation of S. mitis in the global gene pool of beta‐lactam resistance determinants. The S. mitis PBP1b gene which contains an authentic stop codon within the transpeptidase domain is now shown to contribute only marginal to resistance, but it is possible that the presence of its transglycosylase domain is important in the context of cognate PBPs. The genome sequence of CCCB revealed 36 recombination events, including deletion and acquisition of genes and repeat elements. A total of 78 genes were affected representing 67 kb or 3.3% of the genome, documenting extensive alterations scattered throughout the genome.
Elucidation of the multiple roles of CheD in Bacillus subtilis chemotaxis
Authors: Glekas George D. , Plutz Matthew J. , Walukiewicz Hanna E. , Allen George M. , Rao Christopher V. , Ordal George W. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryChemotaxis by Bacillus subtilis requires the CheD protein for proper function. In a cheD mutant when McpB was the sole chemoreceptor in B. subtilis, chemotaxis to asparagine was quite good. When McpC was the sole chemoreceptor in a cheD mutant, chemotaxis to proline was very poor. The reason for the difference between the chemoreceptors is because CheD deamidates Q609 in McpC and does not deamidate McpB. When mcpC‐Q609E is expressed as the sole chemoreceptor in a cheD background, chemotaxis is almost fully restored. Concomitantly, in vitro McpC activates the CheA kinase poorly, whereas McpC‐Q609E activates it much more. Moreover, CheD, which activates chemoreceptors, binds better to McpC‐Q609E compared with unmodified McpC. Using hydroxyl radical susceptibility in the presence or absence of CheD, the most likely sites of CheD binding were the modification sites where CheD, CheB and CheR carry out their catalytic activities. Thus, CheD appears to have two separate roles in B. subtilis chemotaxis – to bind to chemoreceptors to activate them as part of the CheC/CheD/CheYp adaptation system and to deamidate selected residues to activate the chemoreceptors and enable them to mediate amino acid chemotaxis.
Drosophila mauve Mutants Reveal a Role of LYST Homologs Late in the Maturation of Phagosomes and Autophagosomes
Authors: Rahman Mokhlasur , Haberman Adam , Tracy Charles , Ray Sanchali , Krämer Helmut 
Published: August 2012

AbstractChediak–Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a lethal disease caused by mutations that inactivate the lysosomal trafficking regulator protein (LYST). Patients suffer from diverse symptoms including oculocutaneous albinism, recurrent infections, neutropenia and progressive neurodegeneration. These defects have been traced back to over‐sized lysosomes and lysosome‐related organelles (LROs) in different cell types. Here, we explore mutants in the Drosophila mauve gene as a new model system for CHS. The mauve gene (CG42863) encodes a large BEACH domain protein of 3535 amino acids similar to LYST. This reflects a functional homology between these proteins as mauve mutants also display enlarged LROs, such as pigment granules. This Drosophila model also replicates the enhanced susceptibility to infections and we show a defect in the cellular immune response. Early stages of phagocytosis proceed normally in mauve mutant hemocytes but, unlike in wild type, late phagosomes fuse and generate large vacuoles containing many bacteria. Autophagy is similarly affected in mauve fat bodies as starvation‐induced autophagosomes grow beyond their normal size. Together these data suggest a model in which Mauve functions to restrict homotypic fusion of different pre‐lysosomal organelles and LROs.