bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soybean isoflavone alleviates β‐amyloid 1‐42 induced inflammatory response to improve learning and memory ability by down regulation of Toll‐like receptor 4 expression and nuclear factor‐κB activity in rats
Authors: Ding B.J. , Ma W.W. , He L.L. , Zhou X. , Yuan L.H. , Yu H.L. , Feng J.F. , Xiao R. 
Published: April 2011

Abstractβ‐amyloid 1‐42 (Aβ1‐42)‐induced learning and memory impairment in rats is believed to be associated with inflammation. Cytokine production is a key pathologic event in the progression of inflammatory processes.In this rat study, soybean isoflavones (SIF) was used to investigate it's protective effects on inflammation caused by β‐amyloid 1‐42 (Aβ1‐42), which is associated with learning and memory impairment in Alzheimer disease. We characterized the learning and memory ability. cytokine profiles of circulating interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in the serum and the expression of Toll like receptor4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor‐κB p65 (NF‐κB p65) mRNA and protein in the brain tissue following intracerebroventricular administration of Aβ1‐42 by miniosmotic pump for 14 days. The results showed that functional deficits of learning and memory in SIF treatment groups were significantly improved compared to the control group without SIF treatment in water maze test. The serum IL‐1β and TNF‐α level were significantly increased, and the expressions of TLR4 and NF‐κB p65 mRNA and protein in the brain were up‐regulated, indicating inflammation response was initiated following administration of Aβ1‐42. After intragastric pre‐treatment with SIF, inflammatory cytokines was significantly reduced and also SIF reversed the Aβ1‐42 induced up‐regulation of TLR4 and NF‐κB p65 mRNA and protein expression in the brain and expression of NF‐κB p65 in nuclei. These results suggested that SIF reduced the cytokine cascade and inflammatory response induced by Aβ1‐42 which could result in the improvement of spatial learning and memory ability impairment in the rats.
Time to Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital Admission and Functional Outcomes of Stroke Patients
Authors: Wang Hua , Camicia Michelle , Terdiman Joe , Hung Yun‐Yi , Sandel M. Elizabeth 
Published: April 2011

ObjectiveTo study the association of time to inpatient rehabilitation hospital (IRH) admission and functional outcomes of patients who have had a stroke.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingA regional IRH.ParticipantsModerately (n = 614) and severely (n = 1294) impaired patients who had a stroke who were admitted to the facility between 2002 and 2006.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresChange in total, motor, and cognitive Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores between IRH admission and discharge.ResultsAfter controlling for patient demographics and initial medical conditions and functional status, shorter periods from stroke onset to IRH admission were significantly associated with greater functional gains for these patients during IRH hospitalization. Moderately impaired patients achieved a greater total FIM gain when admitted to an IRH within 21 days of stroke. Severely impaired patients showed a gradient relationship between time to IRH admission and total FIM gain, with significantly different functional gain if admitted to an IRH within 30 and 60 days after stroke diagnosis. Results of multiple regression analysis also showed that age, race/ethnicity, side of stroke, history of a previous stroke, functional measures at IRH admission, IRH length of stay, and selected medications were associated with total, motor, and cognitive FIM score changes. In addition, certain factors such as older age, diagnosis of a hemorrhagic stroke or a previous history of stroke, and initial functional status were associated with longer periods between diagnosis and admission to an IRH after the stroke occurred.ConclusionsOur findings are consistent with the hypothesis that earlier transfer to an IRH may lead to better functional improvement after stroke. However, certain factors such as age, race/ethnicity, initial medical conditions and functional status, and length of stay at an IRH contributed to functional gain. Factors affecting the time to IRH admission also were addressed.
Estimating phylogenetic relationships despite discordant gene trees across loci: the species tree of a diverse species group of feather mites (Acari: Proctophyllodidae)
Authors: KNOWLES LACEY L. , KLIMOV PAVEL B. 
Published: April 2011

SUMMARYWith the increased availability of multilocus sequence data, the lack of concordance of gene trees estimated for independent loci has focused attention on both the biological processes producing the discord and the methodologies used to estimate phylogenetic relationships. What has emerged is a suite of new analytical tools for phylogenetic inference – species tree approaches. In contrast to traditional phylogenetic methods that are stymied by the idiosyncrasies of gene trees, approaches for estimating species trees explicitly take into account the cause of discord among loci and, in the process, provides a direct estimate of phylogenetic history (i.e. the history of species divergence, not divergence of specific loci). We illustrate the utility of species tree estimates with an analysis of a diverse group of feather mites, thepinnatusspecies group (genusProctophyllodes). Discord among four sequenced nuclear loci is consistent with theoretical expectations, given the short time separating speciation events (as evident by short internodes relative to terminal branch lengths in the trees). Nevertheless, many of the relationships are well resolved in a Bayesian estimate of the species tree; the analysis also highlights ambiguous aspects of the phylogeny that require additional loci. The broad utility of species tree approaches is discussed, and specifically, their application to groups with high speciation rates – a history of diversification with particular prevalence in host/parasite systems where species interactions can drive rapid diversification.
An exploration of the Innovation Theory of Successful Ageing among older tourists
Authors: NIMROD GALIT , ROTEM ARIE 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThis article aims to examine patterns of innovation in older adults' tourism, and to explore whether innovation is associated with the benefits gained from the overall tourism experience. The study was based on a national mail survey of 298 retirees, who travelled abroad at least once in the year prior to the survey. Results indicated that participants' involvement in new experiences during their last travel abroad was quite high. Factor analysis of new experiences data identified two factors: ‘external innovation’, which included experiences that were associated with the external environment visited; and ‘internal innovation’, which consisted of experiences that were associated with some intrapersonal processes. Cluster analysis conducted on the new experiences' factors identified three groups of older tourists:non-innovators, external innovatorsandabsolute innovators. These groups were differentiated in terms of travel patterns and destination activities. In addition, theabsolute innovatorsreported a significantly higher level of agreement with various benefits statements than the other groups. Examining the findings through the lenses of the Innovation Theory of Successful Ageing helps to explain older adults' tourism experiences. Moreover, since the findings imply that experiencing ‘internal innovation’, rather than ‘external innovation’, amplified their overall tourism experience, this article suggests a new principle to the theory, which should be tested in future research.
A declarative framework for work process configuration
Authors: Mayer Wolfgang , Stumptner Markus , Killisperger Peter , Grossmann Georg 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis article describes the technical principles and representation of a constraint-based configuration method for work processes. Methods developed for the configuration of modular systems comprising components have traditionally adopted a representation where the properties and compatibility requirements are expressed as constraints associated with individual components. However, this representation does not accurately capture constraints on paths and subprocesses and is therefore unsuitable for process configuration. This article extends established constraint-based configuration methods with a constraint language for specifying properties of execution paths in work processes. A framework for semiautomated process customization is presented. It integrates the extended constraint language with a metamodel of the work processes in an organization and allows to adapt generic work processes to fit the requirements of specific development projects. Heuristic search methods are applied to build valid process configurations by incrementally resolving constraint violations. The declarative framework facilitates the adaptation of abstract work processes as well as the validation and repair of existing processes. The approach was developed in the context of a real-world system of complex design and development processes where it was shown that significant process improvements and reduction in effort required to edit process models can be achieved.
The impact of product configurators on lead times in engineering-oriented companies
Authors: Haug Anders , Hvam Lars , Mortensen Niels Henrik 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper presents a study of how the use of product configurators affects business processes of engineering-oriented companies. A literature study shows that only a minor part of product configuration research deals with the effects of product configuration, and that the ones that do are mostly vague when reporting the effects of configurator projects. Only six cases were identified, which provide estimates of the actual size of lead time reduction achieved from product configurators. To broaden this knowledge, this paper presents the results of a study of 14 companies concerning the impact of product configurators on business processes related to the creation of quotes and detailed product specifications. The study documents impressive results of the application of configurator technology. For example, in the data retrieved the use of configurators was estimated to have implied up to a 99.9% reduction of the quotation lead time with an average estimated reduction of 85.5%.
The allelic state at the major semi-dwarfing genes in a panel of Turkish bread wheat cultivars and landraces
Authors: Yediay F. E. , Andeden E. E. , Baloch F. S. , Börner A. , Kilian B. , Özkan H. 
Published: April 2011

Dwarfing genes play an important role in improving yield and adaptability of wheat cultivars in most production environments. Understanding the allelic distribution at dwarfing loci is very important for any wheat-breeding programmes. In this study, we reported the allelic constitution at microsatellite locusXgwm261and the two major height-reducing genesRht-B1andRht-D1among a set of 56 bread wheat cultivars and nine landraces, based on diagnostic polymerase chain reaction assays. With respect toRht-B1,37% of the accessions carried the dwarfing alleleRht-B1b, while atRht-D1,only one accession carried the dwarfing alleleRht-D1b. The allelic state atRht8was assayed indirectly by genotyping for the linked microsatellite locusXgwm261.About 26% of the accessions carried the 192 bp allele (linked withRht8gene in some cases), whereas 35 and 12% genotypes carried 165 and 174 bp allele at the microsatellite locusXgwm261. Cultivars released from 1980 onwards increasingly carried eitherRht-B1borRht8. This information should allow for a more rational use of this collection for the purpose of wheat improvement in Turkey.
Agronomic and molecular analysis of heterosis in alfalfa
Authors: Scotti C. , Carelli M. , Calderini O. , Panara F. , Gaudenzi P. , Biazzi E. , May S. , Graham N. , Paolocci F. , Arcioni S. 
Published: April 2011

Double ‘free-hybrids’ (DH) in alfalfa were obtained by crossing in a diallelic scheme, six multiplied simple hybrids (SH) derived from four partly inbred (S2) lines. Analysis of the specific combining ability demonstrated that the main source of variation was for dry matter yield (DMY) in DHs and supported heterosis values of DHs versus the best parent of an average +45% (ranging from +5 to +76%). Investigation at the molecular level was carried out by analysis of simple sequence repeat markers on the six parental SHs and 15 DH progenies and by comparison of gene expression profiles using microarrays of a single DH line to its parental lines. The variation of heterozygosity estimates of the DHs explained a small part (about 20%) of their variation in DMY, while the number of alleles was significantly related to DM performance (r = 0.61; P < 0.05). The microarray analysis identified genes with both significant additive and non-additive levels of expression in the hybrid compared with the parents. The majority of the variation in gene expression was additive (87%), but among the genes with a non-additive pattern of expression, the greater proportion of probe sets (86%) fell outside the parental range. Gene ontology analysis of these genes revealed the presence of a number of terms related to metabolism and genetic information processing.
Matrix-form Recursive Evaluation of the Aggregate Claims Distribution Revisited
Authors: Siaw Kok Keng , Wu Xueyuan , Pitt David , Wang Yan 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper aims to evaluate the aggregate claims distribution under the collective risk model when the number of claims follows a so-called generalised (a, b, 1) family distribution. The definition of the generalised (a, b, 1) family of distributions is given first, then a simple matrix-form recursion for the compound generalised (a, b, 1) distributions is derived to calculate the aggregate claims distribution with discrete non-negative individual claims. Continuous individual claims are discussed as well and an integral equation of the aggregate claims distribution is developed. Moreover, a recursive formula for calculating the moments of aggregate claims is also obtained in this paper. With the recursive calculation framework being established, members that belong to the generalised (a, b, 1) family are discussed. As an illustration of potential applications of the proposed generalised (a, b, 1) distribution family on modelling insurance claim numbers, two numerical examples are given. The first example illustrates the calculation of the aggregate claims distribution using a matrix-form Poisson for claim frequency with logarithmic claim sizes. The second example is based on real data and illustrates maximum likelihood estimation for a set of distributions in the generalised (a, b, 1) family.
Afghanistan: an historical and geographical appraisal
Authors: Maley William 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAfghanistan's current difficulties are in large measure the product of a troubled history and a troubled geographical location. These have combined to produce a debilitated state, open to meddling from a range of external powers, that has now experienced decades of trauma. The current insurgency that afflicts the country is sustained by the sanctuaries in Pakistan from which the Taliban operate. Unless and until there is progress on this front, the situation in Afghanistan will remain stalemated.
Die Globale Strategie zur Reduktion schädlichen Alkoholkonsums:
Authors: Rehm Jürgen 
Published: April 2011

Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol: First Step towards an Alcohol Framework Convention? English Summary: At the 61st World Health Assembly, the 193 member states discussed and ratified the global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. Firstly, 10 target areas have been identified within the strategy and alcohol policy should be structured according to these areas. The contribution of Anderson (2011) discusses these target areas with respect to supporting empirical evidence and policy implications. The final target area is Monitoring and Surveillance, and the other two contributions fall under this topic. Shield, Rehm, Patra & Rehm (2011) provide an overview of worldwide adult per capita consumption. Per capita consumption is associated indirectly to alcohol-related harm: as higher consumption generally leads to more harm, but the level of association varies according to economic indicators. Countries with lower GDP PPP experience more harm as they have more risks associated to alcohol such as infectious diseases like tuberculosis and/or a less developed health care system. The last contribution to this topic focuses solely on Germany and includes both health as well as social consequences ( Kraus, Piontek, Pabst & Bühringer, 2011 ). It needs to be recognized that the global strategy contains merely suggestions that are not binding to any of the member states. It is not yet shown whether this strategy is enough to combat the rising global alcohol-related harm and there have been suggestions to adopt a more binding form of international arrangement such as the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control.
Global and Country Specific Adult per capita Consumption of Alcohol, 2008
Authors: Shield Kevin D. , Rehm Maximillien , Patra Jaydeep , Sornpaisarn Bundit , Rehm Jürgen 
Published: April 2011

Aims: Alcohol is a substantial risk factor for mortality and the burden of disease globally. In accordance with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, we estimated recorded, unrecorded, tourist, and total adult per capita consumption by country and WHO sub-region for 2008, and characterized the association between per capita consumption of alcohol and gross domestic product (GDP-PPP) per capita. Methods: Using data from the Global Information System on Alcohol and Health database ( World Health Organization, 2010 a) and the 2005 Global Burden of Disease study ( Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2010 ) on adult per capita consumption of alcohol, we estimated recorded adult per capita consumption for 2008 through time series analyses for 189 countries within WHO sub-regions, and then from these estimates calculated recorded adult per capita consumption estimates for each of the WHO sub-regions. Estimates for populations were obtained for 2008 from the United Nations Populations Division. 2008 GDP-PPP data by country (N = 178) were obtained from the International Monetary Fund. Results: Adult per capita consumption of alcohol in 2008 is estimated to have been 6.04 litres (95 % CI: 4.43 to 7.65). This can be broken down into 4.39 l (95 % CI: 3.72 to 4.86) of recorded per capita consumption of alcohol, 1.75 l (95 %CI: 0.25 to 3.25) of unrecorded per capita consumption of alcohol, and 0.00 l (95 %CI: 0.00 to 0.129) per capita consumption of alcohol consumed by tourists. Adult per capita consumption was highest for the European regions and lowest for the Eastern Mediterranean region. Total adult per capita consumption of alcohol showed an increase as GDP-PPP increased until approximately 15,000 international dollars of GDP-PPP per capita. Recorded consumption showed a general increase with GDP-PPP. Unrecorded consumption showed a U-shaped association with GDP-PPP per capita, with countries with the lowest and highest GDP-PPPs per capita having the lowest unrecorded adult per capita consumption of alcohol. Conclusions: In accordance with the WHO’s global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, we present estimates of the recorded, unrecorded, tourist, and total adult per capita alcohol consumption for 189 countries and the 14 WHO sub-regions. Accurate and up-to-date estimates of alcohol consumption are imperative for monitoring and developing effective strategies to control the large and increasing global alcohol-attributable burden of disease and injury.
Spiders (Araneae) from Agricultural fields near foothill of Satpura Mountain ranges of Amravati District, Maharashtra, India.
Authors: Warghat Nanduwarghat , Gaur Anil , Sharma Navin , Chirde Sudhir , Pachalore Gajendra , Chandrakar Mamata 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper deals with the study of spider distribution in agricultural fields adjoining the Satpura Mountain Ranges of the Amravati district. The total collection of spiders comprises 12 families, 37 genera and 76 species. The Araneidae and Thomisidae families were dominant, followed by Saltisidae from the selected agricultural area. Lycosidae and Tetragnathidae were also found in a decreasing number of species due to their specific habitation. The analysis of guild structure revealed six feeding guilds. Orb web weavers and Ambushers constituted the dominant feeding guild representing 33% and 22% of the total collection respectively. Stalkers and ground runners represent 20% and 17% and foliage hunters and sheet web weavers represent 5% and 3% respectively. A new species of genus Sassacus (Beetle like spider), family Saltisidae was found for the first time in the Vidarbha region. The richness of spider diversity is a sign of the overall biodiversity which is a useful indicator of the species richness of the agro-ecosystem.
MicroRNA profiling in cancer
Authors: Munker Reinhold , Calin George A. 
Published: April 2011

The diagnosis of cancer has undergone major changes in the last 40 years. Once based purely on morphology, diagnosis has come to incorporate immunological, cytogenetic and molecular methods. Many cancers, especially leukaemias, are now defined by molecular markers. Gene expression profiling based on mRNA has led to further refinement of the classification and diagnosis of cancer. More recently, miRNAs (microRNAs), among other small non-coding RNA molecules, have been discovered and found to be major players in cell biology. miRNAs, having both oncogenic and tumour-suppressive functions, are dysregulated in many types of cancer. miRNAs also interfere with metastasis, apoptosis and invasiveness of cancer cells. In the present review, we discuss recent advances in miRNA profiling in human cancer. We discuss both frequent and rare tumour types and give an outlook on future developments.
KalignP: Improved multiple sequence alignments using position specific gap penalties in Kalign2
Authors: Shu Nanjiang , Elofsson Arne 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Summary: Kalign2 is one of the fastest and most accurate methods for multiple alignments. However, in contrast to other methods Kalign2 does not allow externally supplied position specific gap penalties. Here, we present a modification to Kalign2, KalignP, so that it accepts such penalties. Further, we show that KalignP using position specific gap penalties obtained from predicted secondary structures makes steady improvement over Kalign2 when tested on Balibase 3.0 as well as on a dataset derived from Pfam-A seed alignments.
Availability and Implementation: KalignP is freely available at http://kalignp.cbr.su.se. The source code of KalignP is available under the GNU General Public License, Version 2 or later from the same website.
Contact: arne@bioinfo.se
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.