bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II AT1 receptor blockers as treatments for inflammatory brain disorders
Authors: Saavedra Juan M. 
Published: July 2012

The effects of brain AngII (angiotensin II) depend on AT1 receptor (AngII type 1 receptor) stimulation and include regulation of cerebrovascular flow, autonomic and hormonal systems, stress, innate immune response and behaviour. Excessive brain AT1 receptor activity associates with hypertension and heart failure, brain ischaemia, abnormal stress responses, blood–brain barrier breakdown and inflammation. These are risk factors leading to neuronal injury, the incidence and progression of neurodegerative, mood and traumatic brain disorders, and cognitive decline. In rodents, ARBs (AT1 receptor blockers) ameliorate stress-induced disorders, anxiety and depression, protect cerebral blood flow during stroke, decrease brain inflammation and amyloid-β neurotoxicity and reduce traumatic brain injury. Direct anti-inflammatory protective effects, demonstrated in cultured microglia, cerebrovascular endothelial cells, neurons and human circulating monocytes, may result not only in AT1 receptor blockade, but also from PPARγ (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ) stimulation. Controlled clinical studies indicate that ARBs protect cognition after stroke and during aging, and cohort analyses reveal that these compounds significantly reduce the incidence and progression of Alzheimer's disease. ARBs are commonly used for the therapy of hypertension, diabetes and stroke, but have not been studied in the context of neurodegenerative, mood or traumatic brain disorders, conditions lacking effective therapy. These compounds are well-tolerated pleiotropic neuroprotective agents with additional beneficial cardiovascular and metabolic profiles, and their use in central nervous system disorders offers a novel therapeutic approach of immediate translational value. ARBs should be tested for the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular Alzheimer's disease, affective disorders, such as co-morbid cardiovascular disease and depression, and traumatic brain injury.
Perspectives of High Tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication Users With Cerebral Palsy at the Post-Secondary Level
Authors: Chung Yoosun , Behrmann Michael , Bannan Brenda , Thorp Eva 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn this qualitative case study, we investigated the perspectives of users of high tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems regarding their AAC systems, suggestions for others, and their successes and barriers. The five participants in this study had cerebral palsy and were at the postsecondary education level or the employment status. We found 5 main themes during the investigation: (a) day-to-day challenges; (b) experiences with AAC; (c) perceptions of preferable features and future AAC; (d) suggestions to others, including communication partners, professionals in the AAC field, and/or potential AAC users; and (e) adopted strategies. We will interpret these findings from three perspectives: (a) the participants' perspectives on AAC; (b) their perspectives on other people; and (c) their personal insights on themselves. Overall, participants indicated that AAC systems were indispensable in their daily lives, school settings, and work environments. However, all of the participants preferred to use their natural speech if possible, and thought that their AAC device was not a replacement for speech. Rather, they perceived their AAC device as a tool for useful and flexible communication.
THE HALO OCCUPATION DISTRIBUTION OF SDSS QUASARS
Authors: Richardson Jonathan , Zheng Zheng , Chatterjee Suchetana , Nagai Daisuke , Shen Yue 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT
We present an estimate of the projected two-point correlation function (2PCF) of quasars in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) over the full range of one- and two-halo scales, 0.02 h
−1 Mpc < rp
< 120 h
−1 Mpc. This was achieved by combining data from SDSS DR7 on large scales and Hennawi et al. (with appropriate statistical corrections) on small scales. Our combined clustering sample is the largest spectroscopic quasar clustering sample to date, containing ∼48, 000 quasars in the redshift range 0.4 ≲ z ≲ 2.5 with median redshift 1.4. We interpret these precise 2PCF measurements within the halo occupation distribution (HOD) framework and constrain the occupation functions of central and satellite quasars in dark matter halos. In order to explain the small-scale clustering, the HOD modeling requires that a small fraction of z ∼ 1.4 quasars, f
sat = (7.4 ± 1.4) × 10−4, be satellites in dark matter halos. At z ∼ 1.4, the median masses of the host halos of central and satellite quasars are constrained to be M
cen = 4.1+0.3
− 0.4 × 1012
h
−1
M
☉ and M
sat = 3.6+0.8
− 1.0 × 1014
h
−1
M
☉, respectively. To investigate the redshift evolution of the quasar-halo relationship, we also perform HOD modeling of the projected 2PCF measured by Shen et al. for SDSS quasars with median redshift 3.2. We find tentative evidence for an increase in the mass scale of quasar host halos—the inferred median mass of halos hosting central quasars at z ∼ 3.2 is M
cen = 14.1+5.8
− 6.9 × 1012
h
−1
M
☉. The cutoff profiles of the mean occupation functions of central quasars reveal that quasar luminosity is more tightly correlated with halo mass at higher redshifts. The average quasar duty cycle around the median host halo mass is inferred to be f
q = 7.3+0.6
− 1.5 × 10−4 at z ∼ 1.4 and f
q = 8.6+20.4
− 7.2 × 10−2 at z ∼ 3.2. We discuss the implications of our results for quasar evolution and quasar–galaxy co-evolution.
RILogo: visualizing RNA–RNA interactions
Authors: Menzel Peter , Seemann Stefan E. , Gorodkin Jan 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Summary: With the increasing amount of newly discovered non-coding RNAs, the interactions between RNA molecules become an increasingly important aspect for characterizing their functionality. Many computational tools have been developed to predict the formation of duplexes between two RNAs, either based on single sequences or alignments of homologous sequences. Here, we present RILogo, a program to visualize inter- and intramolecular base pairing between two RNA molecules. The input for RILogo is a pair of structure-annotated sequences or alignments. In the latter case, RILogo displays the alignments in the form of sequence logos, including the mutual information of base paired columns. We also introduce two novel mutual information based measures that weigh the covariance information by the evolutionary distances of the aligned sequences. We show that the new measures have an increased accuracy compared with previous mutual information measures.
Availability and implementation: RILogo is freely available as a stand-alone program and is accessible via a web server at http://rth.dk/resources/rilogo.
Contact: pmenzel@gmail.com
Supplementary Information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Fine‐scale biogeographical and temporal diversification processes of peacock swallowtails (Papilio subgenus Achillides) in the Indo‐Australian Archipelago
Authors: Condamine Fabien L. , Toussaint Emmanuel F.A. , Cotton Adam M. , Genson Gwenaelle S. , Sperling Felix A.H. , Kergoat Gael J. 
Published: July 2012

© The Willi Hennig Society 2012.AbstractExplanations for the high species diversity of the Indo‐Australian Archipelago are often challenged by the region’s complex climatic and geological histories. Here, we investigated the evolutionary history of swallowtail butterflies of the Papilio subgenus Achillides, comprising up to 25 recognized species and about 100 subspecies distributed across the Indo‐Australian Archipelago. To estimate the relative contributions of factors influencing their biodiversity, we used DNA sequences to infer the phylogeny and species limits of 22 species including most of their subspecies. We recovered a highly resolved and well‐supported phylogeny for the subgenus, and clarified some taxonomic ambiguities at the species level. The corresponding DNA‐based species phylogeny was then employed to reconstruct their historical biogeography using relaxed‐clock and parametric‐based analyses. Molecular dating and biogeographical analyses showed that Achillides originated around 19 Ma in Sunda + Wallacea. Biogeographical reconstructions indicated that geological vicariance shaped the early evolutionary history of Achillides whereas dispersal influenced late diversification. Birth–death likelihood analyses allowed exploration of their tempo and mode of diversification. We detected several shifts in diversification rates that are attributable to past climate‐induced biogeographical events. By assessing both regional and fine‐scale biodiversity patterns, this study brings new findings to a biogeographical understanding of the Indo‐Australian Archipelago.
Characterization of norovirus infections in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Park Sanghun , Jung Jihun , Oh Seah , Jung Hyowon , Oh Younghee , Cho Seokju , Cho SeogJu , Cho Sungja , Park Hyongsug , Jo Namsook , Bae Kyungwon , Choi Sungmin , Kim Bogsoon , Kim Junghun , Chae Youngzoo , Jung Haesook , Cheon Doosung , Kim Hyunsoo 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThe present study has determined the detection rate of norovirus (NoV) with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in hospitalized children and describes the molecular epidemiology of NoV circulating in Seoul, Korea. Six hundred and eighty‐three (9.8%) of samples were positive for NoV. Of these, the NoV GII genogroup was the most commonly found, with a prevalence of 96.2% (683 of 710). Only 27 samples were positive for the NoV GI genogroup. Ten kinds of GI genotype (GI/1, GI/2, GI/3, GI/4, GI/5, GI/6, GI/7, GI/9, GI/12, and GI/13) and eight kinds of GII genotype (GII/2, GII/3, GII/4, GII/8, GII/14, GII/15, GII/16, and GII/17) were identified in children with AGE during the years 2008–2011.
Dried blood spots and sparse sampling: a practical approach to estimating pharmacokinetic parameters of caffeine in preterm infants
Authors: Patel Parul , Mulla Hussain , Kairamkonda Venkatesh , Spooner Neil , Gade Sonya , Della Pasqua Oscar , Field David J. , Pandya Hitesh C. 
Published: July 2012

AimsDried blood spots (DBS) alongside micro‐analytical techniques are a potential solution to the challenges of performing pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in children. However, DBS methods have received little formal evaluation in clinical settings relevant to children. The aim of the present study was to determine a PK model for caffeine using a ‘DBS/microvolume platform’ in preterm infants.MethodsDBS samples were collected prospectively from premature babies receiving caffeine for treatment of apnoea of prematurity. A non‐linear mixed effects approach was used to develop a population PK model from measured DBS caffeine concentrations. Caffeine PK parameter estimates based on DBS data were then compared with plasma estimates for agreement.ResultsThree hundred and thirty‐eight DBS cards for caffeine measurement were collected from 67 preterm infants (birth weight 0.6–2.11 kg). 88% of cards obtained were of acceptable quality and no child had more than 10 DBS samples or more than 0.5 ml of blood taken over the study period. There was good agreement between PK parameters estimated using caffeine concentrations from DBS samples (CL = 7.3 ml h−1 kg−1; V = 593 ml kg−1; t1/2 = 57 h) and historical caffeine PK parameter estimates based on plasma samples (CL = 4.9–7.9 ml h−1 kg−1; V = 640–970 ml kg−1; t1/2 = 101–144 h). We also found that changes in blood haematocrit may significantly confound estimates of caffeine PK parameters based on DBS data.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that DBS methods can be applied to PK studies in a vulnerable population group and are a practical alternative to wet matrix sampling techniques.
Treatment of young patients with Philadelphia chromosome‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia using increased dose of imatinib and deintensified chemotherapy before allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ribera Josep‐María , García Olga , Montesinos Pau , Brunet Salut , Abella Eugenia , Barrios Manuel , González‐Campos José , Bravo Pilar , Amigo Maria‐Luz , Hernández‐Rivas Jesús‐María 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe main outcomes of the Programa Español para Tratamiento de Hemopatías (PETHEMA)‐acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)‐Ph‐08 trial were described and compared with those of the historical PETHEMA‐CSTIBES02 trial. The trials differed in imatinib dose (600 vs. 400 mg/d) and amount of chemotherapy (one vs. two consolidation cycles) before stem cell transplantation (SCT). All patients (n = 29) enrolled in the ALL‐Ph‐08 trial achieved complete remission (CR) (vs. 90% in CSTIBES02), and SCT was performed in CR in 90% (vs. 78%). The reduction in early death, relapse before SCT and transplant‐related mortality observed in the ALL‐Ph‐08 trial resulted in an improved 2‐year event‐free survival (63% vs. 37%, P = 0·009).
Contrasting effects of climatic variability on the demography of a trans‐equatorial migratory seabird
Authors: Genovart Meritxell , Sanz‐Aguilar Ana , Fernández‐Chacón Albert , Igual Jose M. , Pradel Roger , Forero Manuela G. , Oro Daniel 
Published: July 2012

Summary

Large‐scale seasonal climatic indices, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index or the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), account for major variations in weather and climate around the world and may influence population dynamics in many organisms. However, assessing the extent of climate impacts on species and their life‐history traits requires reliable quantitative statistical approaches.
We used a new analytical tool in mark–recapture, the multi‐event modelling, to simultaneously assess the influence of climatic variation on multiple demographic parameters (i.e. adult survival, transient probability, reproductive skipping and nest dispersal) at two Mediterranean colonies of the Cory's shearwater
Calonectris diomedea, a trans‐equatorial migratory long‐lived seabird. We also analysed the impact of climate in the breeding success at the two colonies.
We found a clear temporal variation of survival for Cory's shearwaters, strongly associated to the large‐scale SOI especially in one of the colonies (up to 66% of variance explained). Atlantic hurricane season is modulated by the SOI and coincides with shearwater migration to their wintering areas, directly affecting survival probabilities. However, the SOI was a better predictor of survival probabilities than the frequency of hurricanes; thus, we cannot discard an indirect additive effect of SOI via food availability. Accordingly, the proportion of transients was also correlated with SOI values, indicating higher costs of first reproduction (resulting in either mortality or permanent dispersal) when bad environmental conditions occurred during winter before reproduction.
Breeding success was also affected by climatic factors, the NAO explaining c. 41% of variance, probably as a result of its effect in the timing of peak abundance of squid and small pelagics, the main prey for shearwaters. No climatic effect was found either on reproductive skipping or on nest dispersal.
Contrarily to what we expect for a long‐lived organism, large‐scale climatic indexes had a more pronounced effect on survival and transient probabilities than on less sensitive fitness parameters such reproductive skipping or nest dispersal probabilities. The potential increase in hurricane frequency because of global warming may interact with other global change agents (such as incidental bycatch and predation by alien species) nowadays impacting shearwaters, affecting future viability of populations.
Seasonal variation in competition and coexistence ofAedesmosquitoes: stabilizing effects of egg mortality or equalizing effects of resources?
Authors: O'Neal Paul A. , Juliano Steven A. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryTheory shows that fluctuation of environmental conditions can produce temporal niches for inferior competitors that mitigate effects of interspecific competition and facilitate long‐term persistence of poor competitors.In southFlorida, the mosquitoesAedes albopictusandAedes aegyptioften co‐occur in water‐filled containers despiteA. albopictusbeing competitively superior toA. aegypti. We tested the hypothesis that seasonal fluctuation in environmental conditions reduces or reverses competitive asymmetry between the species and contributes to persistence of the poorer competitor via stabilizing or equalizing effects.During theFlorida wet and dry seasons, we manipulated mosquito egg exposure to desiccation before inducing hatching and allowing surviving larvae to compete for 59 days. The effect of season also incorporated seasonal fluctuations in resource input to experimental containers.For both species, composite index of population performance (λ') was greater in the dry season than in the wet season, indicating strong seasonal effects on population dynamics.Aedes albopictuswas not affected by competition in either season.Aedes aegyptiwas negatively affected by interspecific competition in the wet season.Aedes aegyptiegg survival was unaffected by exposure to the different experimental environments. There was a small reduction inA. albopictusegg survival in the wet season, but this reduction was unrelated to effects onλ', indicating fluctuation in the egg environment did not contribute to dry season release from competition.Detritus resource inputs were over three times greater in the dry season than in the wet season. Given the relatively small effect of environment on egg survival, these results suggest that seasonal differences in population performance are driven primarily by per‐capita food availability.Large inputs of detritus in the dry season appear to reduce competition and produce similar responses in both species. This result suggests that seasonal variation contributes to coexistence ofA. albopictusandA. aegyptias a fitness‐equalizing factor.
Parent and child experiences using a hydrophilic or reused PVC catheter for intermittent catheterisation
Authors: Chick Hope E , Hunter Kathleen F , Moore Katherine N 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  To highlight the challenges faced in adjusting to intermittent catheterisation for families and children affected by spina bifida.Background.  Toileting is a particular issue for children with spina bifida resulting in difficulty emptying their bladder. Management of incomplete emptying is intermittent catheterisation, which is now part of routine clinical care. The physical benefits of intermittent catheterisation are critical to renal health, and significant attention has been paid to this; less attention has been given to the personal aspects for the family or older child.Design.  A descriptive study of satisfaction with two products for intermittent catheterisation: polyvinyl chloride and hydrophilic catheters based on data obtained from a randomised controlled trial on urinary tract infections in catheter users.Methods.  At the end of each of the polyvinyl chloride and hydrophilic study arms, parents or older children completed a ‘Satisfaction Questionnaire’ and then participated in a follow‐up interview. Data were analysed for emerging themes.Conclusions.  Three themes emerged: adjustment, ease of use and self‐reliance. Key findings include: increased independence and confidence of the child catheterising using the hydrophilic catheter, self‐management strategies to successfully manipulate the slippery hydrophilic catheter and reasons for the lack of success, and identification of participants who preferred polyvinyl chloride catheters. Descriptive data revealed potential areas where a hydrophilic catheter could improve the lives of the family and child as well as noting the need for user choice in product selection.Relevance to clinical practice.  Listening to the stories of children and families increases the nurse’s ability to act as a guide as families struggle to assist their children in reaching their potential. Incontinence has been demonstrated to be the cause of self‐isolation potentially leading to a decreased sense of self‐worth. Ambulatory care nurses play a large role in helping families find the routine and resources necessary to reduce the incidence of incontinence, in children with spina bifida.
In‐hospital mortality after serious adverse events on medical and surgical nursing units: a mixed methods study
Authors: De Meester Koen , Van Bogaert Peter , Clarke Sean P , Bossaert Leo 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  To investigate the circumstances of nursing care eight hours before serious adverse events (=SAE’s) on medical and surgical nursing units with subsequent in‐hospital mortality in order to identify the extent to which these SAE’s were potentially preventable.Background.  The prevention of SAE ‘s in acute care is coming under increasing scrutiny, while the role nursing care plays in the prevention of acute critical deterioration of patients is unclear.Methods.  Retrospective review of patient records of 63 SAE’s in a Belgian teaching hospital where death was the final outcome following a cardiac arrest team call or unplanned ICU admission from an acute care unit. Data from chart reviews were combined with data regarding working conditions on the nursing unit at the time of the events and experts’ opinions regarding the preventability of the outcomes. Finally, a pilot survey of staff nurses about their experiences with deteriorating patients and knowledge of vital signs and call criteria was conducted independently of the chart abstractions and case reviews.Results.  Experts were almost five times more likely to designate a case as potentially preventable when a cardiac arrest team call was the terminal event and were 40% less likely to designate a case as potentially preventable when more observations were documented in patient records. Survey results revealed that nurses were often unaware that their patients were deteriorating before the crisis. Nurses also reported threshold levels for concern for abnormal vital signs that suggested they would call for assistance relatively late in clinical crises.Conclusion.  Renewed attention to accurate recording, documentation and interpretation of vital signs in hospital nursing practice appears needed.Relevance to clinical practice.  Timely detection of deteriorating patients to assist staff to improve their outcomes appears to be jeopardised by a number of practices and factors and merits deeper study.