bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The importance of addressing heteroscedasticity in the reliability analysis of ratio‐scaled variables: an example based on walking energy‐cost measurements
Authors: BREHM MEREL‐ANNE , SCHOLTES VANESSA A , DALLMEIJER ANNET J , TWISK JOS W , HARLAAR JAAP 
Published: December 2011

Aim  When analysing the reliability of ratio‐scaled variables, such as walking energy cost, variability of the error term often increases with increasing mean values. This phenomenon is called heteroscedasticity, and it makes the analysis of reliability more complicated. This study presents an examination of heteroscedasticity for walking energy cost before analysing the reliability.Method  Walking energy cost was collected from 33 children with cerebral palsy (CP), with varying Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels (19 males; 14 females; mean age: 7y 6mo [SD 2y 6mo]; GMFCS levels I [n=16], II [n=7], and III [n=10]). It was assessed by measuring oxygen uptake during 10 minutes of resting and 5 minutes of walking at comfortable speed. Measurements were performed twice, within 4 to 6 weeks. Primary outcomes included gross energy cost, gross non‐dimensional energy cost, net energy cost, net non‐dimensional energy cost, speed, and non‐dimensional speed. Heteroscedasticity was analysed with Bland–Altman plots and Kendall’s tau.Results  Visual inspection of the Bland–Altman plots showed heteroscedasticity for gross energy cost, gross non‐energy cost, and net energy cost. This was confirmed by Kendall’s tau coefficients. Accordingly, data were logarithmically transformed, and reliability was assessed with ratio statistics. For speed, heteroscedasticity was not observed.Interpretation  Variability of gross energy cost, gross non‐energy cost, and net energy cost, assessed across different GMFCS levels in children with CP, was proportional to the mean, indicating the presence of heteroscedasticity. This finding emphasizes the importance of always performing a heteroscedasticity examination in reliability studies on energy cost and reporting the reliability statistics accordingly.
Functions of Aβ, sAPPα and sAPPβ : similarities and differences
Authors: Chasseigneaux Stéphanie , Allinquant Bernadette 
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120 (Suppl. 1), 99–108.AbstractAmyloid peptide (Aβ) is derived from the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP), which also generates the soluble peptide APPβ (sAPPβ). An antagonist and major APP metabolic pathway involves cleavage by alpha secretase, which releases sAPPα. Although soluble Aβ oligomers are neurotoxic, Aβ monomers share similar properties with sAPPα. These include neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, as well as stimulation of neural‐progenitor proliferation. The properties of Aβ monomers and the neurotrophic capacity of sAPPβ to stimulate axonal outgrowth suggest that Aβ production is not deleterious per se. Consequently, therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease that are targeted at Aβ‐cleaving enzymes should modulate rather than inhibit Aβ generation. These strategies should focus on the factors that induce the conversion of Aβ monomers into toxic soluble oligomers. Another interesting therapeutic approach is to focus on the mechanisms of the different properties of sAPPα. Indeed, increasing sAPPα levels could shift proliferating cells towards tumorigenesis. In contrast to its neuroprotective effects, sAPPα is also able to activate microglia, leading to neurotoxicity. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the different properties of sAPPα could therefore lead to the development of therapeutic strategies against Alzheimer’s disease, which could be curative as well as preventive.
The management of missed miscarriage in an outpatient setting: 800 versus 600 μg of vaginal misoprostol
Authors: BARCELÓ Francisco , DE PACO Catalina , LÓPEZ‐ESPÍN Jose J. , SILVA Yolanda , ABAD Lorenzo , PARRILLA Juan J. 
Published: December 2011

Background:  Many misoprostol regimens have been used to treat early pregnancy loss as an alternative to surgical evacuation, with differing adverse event and success rates.
Aims:  This study sought to compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of 800 and 600 μg of misoprostol administered vaginally for the treatment of early pregnancy failure in an outpatient setting.
Methods:  A retrospective, observational study of 946 women with a missed miscarriage <12 weeks’ gestation was performed: 487 women received 800 μg (group 1) and 459 women received 600 μg (group 2) of vaginal misoprostol every 24 h for two days. The first follow‐up was seven days after treatment. Women were asked about symptoms, and a transvaginal ultrasound was performed. If an incomplete miscarriage or gestational sac was still found, then an additional dose of intravaginal misoprostol was prescribed, and a second follow‐up visit was arranged for seven days later. Surgical evacuation was scheduled for women who did not wish to continue medical treatment after the first or second follow‐up visit.
Results:  The total rate of complete miscarriage was 90.6% after 800 μg and 87.8% after 600 μg of intravaginal misoprostol. The percentage of women who underwent surgical evacuation after medical treatment was 9.4% for group 1 and 12.2% for group 2.
Conclusions:  Complete uterine evacuation after a missed miscarriage was effectively induced by both 600 and 800 μg of misoprostol. The overall success of medical treatment with intravaginal misoprostol demonstrates that the treatment is safe in an outpatient setting.
In Vitro Studies of Composite Bone Filler Based on Poly(Propylene Fumarate) and Biphasic α‐Tricalcium Phosphate/Hydroxyapatite Ceramic Powder
Authors: Wu Chang‐Chin , Yang Kai‐Chiang , Yang Shu‐Hua , Lin Min‐Huei , Kuo Tzong‐Fu , Lin Feng‐Huei 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWhile many different filler materials have been applied in vertebral augmentation procedures, none is perfect in all biomechanical and biological characteristics. To minimize possible shortages, we synthesized a new biodegradable, injectable, and premixed composite made from poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and biphasic α‐tricalcium phosphate (α‐TCP)/hydroxyapatite (HAP) ceramics powder and evaluated the material properties of the compound in vitro. We mixed the PPF cross‐linked by N‐vinyl pyrrolidinone and biphasic α‐TCP/HAP powder in different ratios with benzoyl peroxide as an initiator. The setting time and temperature were recorded, although they could be manipulated by modulating the concentrations of hydroquinone and N,N‐dimethyl‐p‐toluidine. Degradation, cytocompatibility, mechanical properties, and radiopacity were analyzed after the composites were cured by a cylindrical shape. We also compared the study materials with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and PPF with pure HAP particles. Results showed that lower temperature during curing process (38–44°C), sufficient initial mechanical compressive fracture strength (61.1 ± 3.7 MPa), and gradual degradation were observed in the newly developed bone filler. Radiopacity in Hounsfield units was similar to PMMA as determined by computed tomography scan. Both pH value variation and cytotoxicity were within biological tolerable limits based on the biocompatibility tests. Mixtures with 70% α‐TCP/HAP powder were superior to other groups. This study indicated that a composite of PPF and biphasic α‐TCP/HAP powder is a promising, premixed, injectable biodegradable filler and that a mixture containing 70% α‐TCP/HAP exhibits the best properties.
Hall Effect in Electrolyte Flow Measurements: Introduction to Blood Flow Measurements
Authors: Szwast Maciej , Piatkiewicz Wojciech 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe Hall effect has been applied to electrolyte flow measurement. It has been proven that Hall voltage does not depend on electrolyte concentration; however, there is a linear relationship between Hall voltage and flow velocity. Obtained results for electrolyte allow us to suppose that Hall effect can be used to determine blood flow. Research on blood will be conducted as the next step.
Chronic Alcohol Exposure Alters Gene Expression in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Pochareddy Sirisha , Edenberg Howard J. 
Published: December 2011

Background:  The liver is the primary site of alcohol metabolism and is highly vulnerable to injuries due to chronic alcohol abuse. Several molecular mechanisms, including oxidative stress and altered cellular metabolism, have been implicated in the development and progression of alcoholic liver disease. We sought to gain further insight into the molecular pathogenesis by studying the effects of ethanol exposure on the global gene expression in HepG2 cells.Methods:  HepG2 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of 75 mM ethanol for 9 days, with fresh media daily. Global gene expression changes were studied using Affymetrix GeneChip® Human Exon 1.0 ST Arrays. Gene expression differences were validated for 13 genes by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. To identify biological pathways affected by ethanol treatment, differentially expressed genes were analyzed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software.Results:  Long‐term ethanol exposure altered the expression of 1,093 genes (false discovery rate ≤ 3%); many of these changes were modest. Long‐term ethanol exposure affected several pathways, including acute phase response, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and lipid metabolism.Conclusions:  Global measurements of gene expression show that a large number of genes are affected by chronic ethanol, although most show modest effect. These data provide insight into the molecular pathology resulting from extended alcohol exposure.
Callosal Thickness Reductions Relate to Facial Dysmorphology in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Yang Yaling , Phillips Owen R. , Kan Eric , Sulik Kathleen K. , Mattson Sarah N. , Riley Edward P. , Jones Kenneth L. , Adnams Colleen M. , May Philip A. , O’Connor Mary J. , Narr Katherine L. , Sowell Elizabeth R. 
Published: December 2011

Background:  Structural abnormalities of the corpus callosum (CC), such as reduced size and increased shape variability, have been documented in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). However, the regional specificity of altered CC structure, which may point to the timing of neurodevelopmental disturbances and/or relate to specific functional impairments, remains unclear. Furthermore, associations between facial dysmorphology and callosal structure remain undetermined.Methods:  One hundred and fifty‐three participants (age range 8 to 16) including 82 subjects with FASD and 71 nonexposed controls were included in this study. The structural magnetic resonance imaging data of these subjects was collected at 3 sites (Los Angeles and San Diego, California, and Cape Town, South Africa) and analyzed using classical parcellation schemes, as well as more refined surface‐based geometrical modeling methods, to identify callosal morphological alterations in FASD at high spatial resolution.Results:  Reductions in callosal thickness and area, specifically in the anterior third and the splenium, were observed in FASD compared with nonexposed controls. In addition, reduced CC thickness and area significantly correlated with reduced palpebral fissure length.Conclusions:  Consistent with previous reports, findings suggest an adverse effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on callosal growth and further indicate that fiber pathways connecting frontal and parieto‐occipital regions in each hemisphere may be particularly affected. Significant associations between callosal and facial dysmorphology provide evidence for a concurrent insult to midline facial and brain structural development in FASD.
Neural Mechanisms of Risk Taking and Relationships with Hazardous Drinking
Authors: Claus Eric D. , Hutchison Kent E. 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundImpulsivity, particularly risk taking, is believed to play a significant role in alcohol use disorders (AUDs). While risk taking has been measured using questionnaires, recent performance‐based tasks such as the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) have shown considerable promise in understanding risky decision‐making processes in drinkers. While the number of studies using the BART has grown significantly over the past decade, the neural mechanisms that underlie risky choices on the BART have only begun to be explored. The current study was designed to assess both the neural mechanisms of risk taking on the BART and to explore relationships between risk taking and hazardous drinking.MethodsSeventy‐nine individuals with an AUD completed an fMRI compatible version of the BART that required pumping simulated air into risky or nonrisky balloons to earn points on each trial, and deciding when to terminate pumping to earn points accumulated. Hazardous drinking was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT).ResultsComparison of risky and nonrisky decisions revealed differences in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), anterior insula, and striatum. Comparison of Cashout responses and Explosions revealed increased responses in lateral prefrontal cortex, insula, ACC, and middle temporal gyrus during Explosions and greater response in inferior parietal lobe and caudate during Cashouts. When examining relationships between hazardous drinking and neural measures of risk taking, we found significant negative relationships with insula, striatum, and dACC.ConclusionsThe current results suggest that risk taking is associated with increased response in the dACC and anterior insula, regions previously implicated in representing error likelihood and negative outcome magnitudes, respectively. In addition, hazardous drinking was associated with responses in the dACC, possibly suggesting a reduced ability to predict the likelihood of errors and to predict negative outcomes associated with risk taking.
Barium Neodymium Titanium Borate Glass‐Based High k Dielectrics
Authors: Lee Seung Min , Jo Yeon Hwa , Kim Hyo Eun , Mohanty Bhaskar C. , Cho Yong Soo 
Published: December 2011

A nonconventional high k glass based on BaO·Nd2O3·TiO2·B2O3, which is combined with typical fillers of Al2O3 and BaTiO3, has been investigated for the purpose of generating potential k (dielectric constant) ~20 and k ~ 40 dielectric materials as a result of densification at 850°C. Crystallization, densification, and dielectric properties depended strongly on the type and content of the fillers. Glass itself was crystallized mainly with BaTi(BO3)2. The Al2O3 filler did not seem to be directly involved in the crystallization process as only non Al‐containing crystalline phases, such as NdBO3, Nd2Ti4O11, and BaNd2Ti5O14, were observed. On the contrary, the BaTiO3 filler resulted in the crystallization of two phases, BaTi(BO3)2 and BaNd2Ti5O14. As an example of a promising dielectric candidate, a composite sample consisting of the glass and 30 wt% Al2O3 exhibited k ~ 22 and tan δ ~ 0.009 with nearly full densification at 850°C.
A Novel Oxidation Resistant SiC/B4C/C Nanocomposite Derived from a Carborane‐Containing Conjugated Polycarbosilane
Authors: Wang Canfeng , Huang Farong , Jiang Yun , Zhou Yan , Du Lei 
Published: December 2011

A novel oxidation resistant SiC/B4C/C nanocomposite was prepared by the pyrolysis of carborane‐containing poly(silyleneethynylenephenyleneethynylene) (CB‐PSEPE) at 1450°C in argon. The phase composition and microstructure of the carbon‐rich ceramic were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The β‐SiC (~12 nm) and B4C (~20 nm) nanocrystalline phases were formed during the pyrolysis process of CB‐PSEPE. The presence of boron in CB‐PSEPE promotes the growth of β‐SiC nanocrystals. The ceramic shows excellent thermooxidative stability based on thermogravimetric analysis in air. A borosilicate layer was formed on the surface of the ceramic after oxidation. This carborane‐containing conjugated polycarbosilane could be a potential precursor for oxidation resistant carbon‐based materials.
Effect of Electrical Field/Current on Sintering of Fully Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Baraki Raschid , Schwarz Sebastian , Guillon Olivier 
Published: December 2011

To highlight the peculiarities of sintering under electric field, 8 mol% yttria‐stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) specimens were tested in a sinter‐forging apparatus equipped with laser scanners and power supply. This enables to monitor axial and radial shrinkage under controlled ac field with current limitation. Current flow results in expansion related to an increase of several hundreds of °C. This proves that the whole specimen experiences, due to Joule heating, significantly higher temperatures than its environment.
Cross‐talk between DNA methylation and active histone modifications regulates aberrant expression of ZAP70 in CLL
Authors: Amin Shilu , Walsh Meagan , Wilson Caroline , Parker Anton E. , Oscier David , Willmore Elaine , Mann Derek , Mann Jelena 
Published: December 2011

AbstractZeta‐associated protein of 70 kD (ZAP70) is a recognized adverse prognostic marker in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) associated with enhanced B‐cell receptor signalling, significantly more aggressive disease course and poor overall survival. Zeta‐associated protein of 70 kD is ordinarily expressed in T cells where it has a crucial role in T‐cell receptor signalling, whereas its aberrant expression in CLL leads to enhanced B‐cell receptor signalling and significantly more aggressive disease course. Although much is known about the activation of ZAP70 following engagement of T‐cell receptor, there are little data on the regulation of ZAP70 gene expression in normal T cells or CLL. To understand the molecular events underpinning epigenetic regulation of ZAP70 gene in CLL, we have defined ZAP70 promoter region and outlined the regions crucial in regulating the gene activity. Following a direct comparison of ZAP70+ and ZAP70− primary CLLs, we show ZAP70 promoter in expressing CLLs to be associated with a spectrum of active histone modifications, some of which are tightly linked to aberrant DNA methylation in CLL. Cross‐talk between histone modifications and reduced DNA methylation culminates in transcriptional de‐repression of ZAP70. Moreover, treatment with histone deacetylase (HDAC) and DNA methylation inhibitors results in recovery of ZAP70 expression, which provides a possible explanation for the failure of HDAC inhibitors in CLL treatment and might serve as a cautionary warning for their future use in treatment of this leukaemia.
Complete mitochondrial genome of a carabid beetle, Damaster mirabilissimus mirabilissim (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: WAN Xinlong , HONG Mee Yeon , LIAO Aimei , KIM Man Il , KIM Ki‐Gyoung , HAN Yeon Soo , KIM Iksoo 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn the present study, we report the 16 823‐bp long complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of a carabid beetle, Damaster mirabilissimus mirabilissim (Coleoptera: Carabidae), which is endangered in Korea. The gene arrangement of D. m. mirabilissim mitogenome is identical to the most common type found in insects. The start codon of the D. m. mirabilissim COI gene is a typical ATN codon. On the other hand, the initiation codon for ND1 gene is TTG, instead of ATN. All transfer RNAs (tRNAs) exhibit a stable canonical clover‐leaf structure, except for tRNASer(AGN), the dihydrouridine arm of which forms a simple loop. The 1703‐bp long A+T‐rich region is the second longest among the complete adephagan mitogenome sequences, next to Macrogyrus oblongus belonging to Gyrinoidea. One of the unusual features of the genome is the presence of a tRNALeu(UUR)‐like sequence in the A+T‐rich region. This sequence displays the proper anticodon sequence and the potential to form secondary structures, but also harbors many mismatches in the stems.
Prediction of Crop Production using Drought indices at Different Time Scales and Climatic Factors to Manage Drought Risk1
Authors: Sadat Noori S.M. , Liaghat A.M. , Ebrahimi K. 
Published: December 2011

Sadat Noori, S.M., A.M. Liaghat, and K. Ebrahimi, 2011. Prediction of Crop Production Using Drought Indices at Different Time Scales and Climatic Factors to Manage Drought Risk. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(1): 1‐9. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00586.xAbstract:  Drought causes great damage to rainfed and irrigated farming. Therefore, prediction of crop production during the drought period is essential in order to manage drought risk. Thus, proceeding to agricultural drought risk management can be very useful. This study shows the results of early crop prediction using the combination of climate factors and drought indices at different time scales. The study region was Hamadan, a semiarid region in Iran. The methodology demonstrated here has allowed the prediction of production several months before harvest. Moreover, the predictive models constructed have explained 89% of the temporal variability of wheat production. This method could be very efficient for managing crop production. Moreover, having clear prediction, decision makers can plan better for overcoming drought impacts to reduce crop uncertainty for farmers in insurance companies.
Miss Milner's Return from the Crypt: Mourning in Elizabeth Inchbald's A Simple Story
Authors: O'CONNELL MICHELLE 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article argues that focusing more closely on the character of Elmwood in Elizabeth Inchbald's A Simple Story, particularly in volumes III and IV, offers new insights into the novel and demonstrates great sophistication on Inchbald's part in the creation of this figure. The article discloses Inchbald's complex exploration of Elmwood's frustrated grief, which is illuminated by reading it in the light of Freud's and Derrida's observations on the processes of mourning. This mourning is, in part, read in the light of recent critical investigations into eighteenth‐century masculinity and masculine sensibility.
A Matter of Honour: The Duel in Thomas Moore's Life of Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Authors: JONES ROBERT W. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractShortly after Sheridan's death in 1816, Thomas Moore (without previous experience in the field) agreed to write his biography. This was no small undertaking, as Sheridan had a reputation for sexual, political and financial infidelity. Moore's first task, however, was to account for Sheridan's early duels, memories of which had been revived in the Tory press. This essay examines how Moore attempted, using unpublished documents, to defend his protagonist. While the politics of this endeavour are important, attention is also paid to how Moore exploited a private archive to establish his own status as an author, confidant and moral guide.
Universal COI primers for DNA barcoding amphibians
Authors: CHE JING , CHEN HONG‐MAN , YANG JUN‐XIAO , JIN JIE‐QIONG , JIANG KE , YUAN ZHI‐YONG , MURPHY ROBERT W. , ZHANG YA‐PING 
Published: December 2011

AbstractDNA barcoding is a proven tool for the rapid and unambiguous identification of species, which is essential for many activities including the vouchering tissue samples in the genome 10K initiative, genealogical reconstructions, forensics and biodiversity surveys, among many other applications. A large‐scale effort is underway to barcode all amphibian species using the universally sequenced DNA region, a partial fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I COI. This fragment is desirable because it appears to be superior to 16S for barcoding, at least for some groups of salamanders. The barcoding of amphibians is essential in part because many species are now endangered. Unfortunately, existing primers for COI often fail to achieve this goal. Herein, we report two new pairs of primers (➀, ➁) that in combination serve to universally amplify and sequence all three orders of Chinese amphibians as represented by 36 genera. This taxonomic diversity, which includes caecilians, salamanders and frogs, suggests that the new primer pairs will universally amplify COI for the vast majority species of amphibians.