bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of protein marker in vaginal wall tissues of women with stress urinary incontinence by protein chip array
Authors: Wen Yan , Whitin John , Yu Tom , Cohen Harvey , Polan Mary Lake , Chen Bertha 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim:  We sought to investigate protein biomarkers for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in vaginal tissues using surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF MS) and examine if this is a reliable methodology to examine proteins in small tissue specimens.Material and Methods:  We compared protein expression profile of vaginal tissue from women with SUI and continent controls. A 22.6 kDa peak was identified by subsequent weak cation‐exchange, reverse‐phase fractionation, gel electrophoresis, and trypsin digestion, then analyzed by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) and MALDI MS‐MS. Biomarker identity and expression level were confirmed by Western‐blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results:  Expression of the 22.6 kDa protein, identified as SM‐22α, was significantly higher in women with SUI versus controls. A 3 × 3‐mm tissue sample was sufficient for identification. Western‐blot/immunohistochemistry confirmed the SELDI‐TOS MS findings.Conclusion:  SM‐22α, a marker for myofibroblasts, was identified as a biomarker of SUI. Differential protein profiling by SELDI‐TOF MS is a powerful and reliable tool for urogynecological research as it allows us to study an array of proteins simultaneously using small tissue samples.
Aromatase inhibitors in the treatment of recurrent ovarian granulosa cell tumors: Brief report and review of the literature
Authors: AlHilli Mariam M. , Long Harry J. , Podratz Karl C. , Bakkum‐Gamez Jamie N. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractGranulosa cell tumors are ovarian sex cord stromal cancers that are unique for their indolent nature and late recurrence. Standard treatment regimens utilized include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, hormonal suppression with aromatase inhibitors, which have shown promising results, may be a viable alternative to these modalities. We present a heavily pre‐treated, multi‐operated patient who experienced significant tumor shrinkage following treatment with an aromatase inhibitor for her recurrent granulosa cell tumor.
Estimates of induced abortion in South Korea: Health facilities survey
Authors: Ahn Hyeong Sik , Seol Hyun‐Joo , Lim Ji‐Eun , Hong Sung‐hee , Lee Sun Young , Park Moon‐Il , Kim Soon Duck , Kim Hai‐Joong 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to estimate the national rates of induced abortion in South Korea, where no quantitative national studies of abortion exist because the procedure is illegal.Materials and Methods:  A survey of 25 hospitals and 176 private clinics that provide induced abortions was conducted in 2005. The data were analyzed to estimate the nationwide rate of induced abortion. Indirect estimation methodology was used to calculate the number of annual induced abortions.Results:  In 2005, an estimated 342 433 induced abortions were performed in South Korea at a rate of 29.8 per 1000 women aged 15–44 years. We observed that the abortion rate was higher in single women (31.6 per 1000 women) than in married women (28.6 per 1000 women).Conclusions:  A significant number of induced abortions occur in both cohorts of married and unmarried women. To prevent serious physical harm to patients, the government should reconsider the practicality of the current statutes that prohibit women from seeking abortions from a qualified provider.
Performance Pay in China: Gender Aspects
Authors: Xiu Lin , Gunderson Morley 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWe provide an in‐depth analysis of gender differences in performance pay in China based on a unique dataset — the Life Histories and Social Change in Contemporary China — that provides information on the different components of pay including performance pay and base pay as well as a wide array of pay determining characteristic. The share of performance pay is documented and its determinants, including gender, analysed. Particular attention is paid to gender differences in the different dimensions of performance pay: the probability of receiving it; the magnitude conditional upon receiving it; and their product being the overall unconditional magnitude. Gender differences in these dimensions are decomposed into components due to male–female differences in the endowments of characteristics that explain these dimensions of pay, and gender differences that arise even when men and women have the same endowments of such characteristics with the later component, often taken to reflect discrimination.
Serum cholesterol levels and survival after rtPA treatment in acute stroke
Authors: Roquer J. , Cuadrado‐Godia E. , Rodríguez‐Campello A. , Jiménez‐Conde J. , Martínez‐Rodríguez J. E. , Giralt E. , Ois A. 
Published: December 2011

Background:  According to the reverse epidemiology hypothesis, high cholesterol levels might be protective and associated with greater survival rates under certain conditions. In stroke patients, a clear correlation between lipid levels and mortality after ischaemic and hemorrhagic strokes has been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of lipid levels on 3‐month mortality in patients with ischaemic stroke (IS) homogeneously treated with intravenous rtPA and admitted to a monitored acute stroke unit.Methods:  Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of 220 patients with an IS treated with rtPA within the first 4.5 h in a single tertiary hospital from January 2005 to August 2010.Results:  Mortality at 3 months was 15.0%. Univariate analysis showed that age, NIHSS at admission, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation were directly related to 3‐month mortality; cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein were inversely associated. The death rate by cholesterol level was 5.5% for the highest tertile (>192 mg/dl), 13.7% for the middle (192–155 mg/dl), and 25.7% for the lowest (<155 mg/dl), P = 0.003. Multivariate analysis showed that amongst the lipid determinations, only cholesterol [OR: 0.985 (95% CI: 0.972–0.998), P = 0.021] was inversely associated with 3‐month mortality. The ‘protective’ effect of cholesterol was independent of stroke severity and remained significant in non‐lacunar strokes.Conclusions:  Survival of stroke patients receiving current, most effective medical treatment is related to blood cholesterol levels, with an inverse relationship between cholesterol and mortality. The mechanism of this apparently paradoxical situation remains unexplained but merits further research.
All professionals are equal but some professionals are more equal than others? Dominance, status and efficiency in Swedish interprofessional teams
Authors: Thylefors Ingela 
Published: December 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 505–512All professionals are equal but some professionals are more equal than others? Dominance, status and efficiency in Swedish interprofessional teamsThis study explored status differences in interprofessional teams and their link with efficiency. In total, 62 teams (423 individuals) from occupational health‐care, psychiatry, rehabilitation and school health‐care responded to a questionnaire. Fifty‐four of those teams (360 individuals) also participated in an observation session simulating problem‐solving team meetings. Data were reduced to a number of indexes: self‐assessed/perceived equality, functional influence and efficiency; and observed verbal dominance/activity and problem‐solving capacity. Perceived status differences within the teams appeared moderate, irrespective of professional belonging. With respect to verbal dominance during meetings, however, the findings revealed a hierarchy with psychologists, physicians and social workers at the top together with special education teachers. No relationship was found between self‐assessed efficiency and actual problem‐solving nor between observed verbal activity and problem‐solving. The findings suggest that different problems may demand different prerequisites to be solved effectively: successful solving of simple convergent problems correlated negatively with equality, whereas functional influence was a predictor of success with respect to divergent, complex problem‐solving. The findings raise questions about leadership and procedures during team meetings.
Hyperosmolar glucose induces vasoconstriction through Rho/Rho‐kinase pathway in the rat aorta
Authors: Ün İsmail , Kurt A. Hakan , Büyükafşar Kansu 
Published: December 2011

AbstractRho/Rho‐kinase signalling pathway plays a substantial role in vascular contractions. In this study, we investigated any roles of Rho/Rho‐kinase pathway in the vasoconstriction of the rat conductance and capacitance vessels by hyperosmolar glucose solution. Isolated aortic, mesenteric and renal rings were suspended and exposed to hyperosmolar glucose, sucrose and NaCl in the organ chambers filled with Krebs solution gassed with 95% O2 and 5% CO2 and maintained at 37 °C. The effect of a Rho‐kinase inhibitor, (+)‐(R)‐trans‐4‐(1‐aminoethyl)‐N‐(4‐pyridyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride monohydrate (Y‐27632, 10−5 m), was tested on the contraction induced by hypertonic solutions. Endothelial integrity was also assessed after hyperosmolar glucose exposure. Moreover, the activity and expression of Rho‐kinase (ROCK‐2) as well as RhoA translocation were detected by Western blotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay‐based RhoA activity detection method detection kit. The vessels produced substantial contractions in response to hyperosmolar solutions. Y‐27632 significantly reduced hyperosmolarity‐induced vasoconstrictions (P < 0.05). Phosphorylation of myosin‐phosphatase target 1 increased after hyperosmolar glucose exposure, and this phosphorylation was significantly decreased by Y‐27632 (P < 0.05) in the aorta. Furthermore, RhoA translocation but not ROCK‐2 expression markedly increased by hyperosmolar glucose solution. These results may indicate that hyperosmolarity could induce vasoconstriction through Rho/Rho‐kinase signalling.
Overexpression of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in visceral adipose tissue and portal hypercortisolism in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Candia Roberto , Riquelme Arnoldo , Baudrand Rene , Carvajal Cristian A. , Morales Mauricio , Solís Nancy , Pizarro Margarita , Escalona Alex , Carrasco Gonzalo , Boza Camilo , Pérez Gustavo , Padilla Oslando , Cerda Jaime , Fardella Carlos E. , Arrese Marco 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe enzyme 11β‐hydroxysteroid‐dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) catalyses the reactivation of intracellular cortisol. We explored the potential role of 11β‐HSD1 overexpression in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) assessing sequential changes of enzyme expression, in hepatic and adipose tissue, and the occurrence of portal hypercortisolism in obese mice. 11β‐HSD1 expression was also assessed in tissues from obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.MethodsPeripheral and portal corticosterone levels and liver histology were assessed in ob/ob mice at two time points (8–12 weeks of age). 11β‐HSD1 tissue expression was assessed in by RT‐pcr in ob/ob mice and in 49 morbidly obese patients.ResultsPortal corticosterone serum levels were higher in obese mice with a 26% decrease between 8 and 12 weeks of age (controls: 78.3 ± 19.7 ng/ml, 8‐week‐old ob/ob: 167.5 ± 14.5 ng/ml and 12‐week‐old ob/ob: 124.3 ± 28 ng/ml, P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in peripheral corticosterone serum levels. Expression of 11β‐HSD1 was lower in the liver [–45% at 8 weeks and –35% at 12‐weeks (P = 0.0001)] and highly overexpressed in VAT in obese mice, compared to controls (128‐fold higher in 8‐week‐old ob/ob and 41‐fold higher in 12‐week‐old ob/ob, P < 0.01). No significant differences were seen in the expression of 11β‐HSD1 in subcutaneous adipose tissue. In multivariate analysis, human 11β‐HSD1 expression in VAT (OR: 1.385 ± 1.010–1.910) was associated with NAFLD.ConclusionMurine NAFLD is associated with portal hypercortisolism and11β‐HSD1 overexpression in VAT. In humans, 11β‐HSD1 VAT expression was associated with the presence of NAFLD. Thus, local corticosteroid production in VAT may contribute to NAFLD pathogenesis.
Health‐related qualıty of lıfe, sleep qualıty, and depressıon in peritoneal dialysis and hemodıalysıs patıents
Authors: Turkmen Kultigin , Yazici Raziye , Solak Yalcin , Guney Ibrahim , Altintepe Lutfullah , Yeksan Mehdi , Tonbul Halil Zeki 
Published: December 2011

AbstractHealth‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and sleep quality (SQ) were impaired in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). The impairment of both HRQoL and SQ and being in a depressive mood were found to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. We aimed to investigate the association between SQ, HRQoL, and depression, and to define independent predictors of SQ and depression in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients. Ninety HD patients (41 females, 49 males with mean age 50 ± 15.7 years) and 64 PD patients (27 females, 37 males with mean age 52.4 ± 15.3 years) receiving renal replacement therapy for at least 3 months were screened for the assessment of SQ, HRQoL, and depression in this cross‐sectional study. A modified postsleep inventory, Short Form of Medical Outcomes Study (SF‐36) and Beck depression inventory (BDI) were applied to all patients for evaluating SQ, HRQoL, and depression, respectively. HD and PD patients had similar total SQ scores. Physical and mental component scale of HRQoL were found to be significantly higher in HD patients (p < 0.001). PD patients were found to be much more in depressive mood when compared with HD patients (p < 0.001). Independent predictors of depression in patients were mental component scale of HRQoL, gender (being female), and dialysis modality (being PD patient). Physical component scale was also found to be an independent predictor of SQ. This study showed that despite similar SQ scores between two groups, HD patients had better HRQoL and less depression than PD patients.
RACE/A: An Architectural Account of the Interactions Between Learning, Task Control, and Retrieval Dynamics
Authors: van Maanen Leendert , van Rijn Hedderik , Taatgen Niels 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article discusses how sequential sampling models can be integrated in a cognitive architecture. The new theory Retrieval by Accumulating Evidence in an Architecture (RACE/A) combines the level of detail typically provided by sequential sampling models with the level of task complexity typically provided by cognitive architectures. We will use RACE/A to model data from two variants of a picture–word interference task in a psychological refractory period design. These models will demonstrate how RACE/A enables interactions between sequential sampling and long‐term declarative learning, and between sequential sampling and task control. In a traditional sequential sampling model, the onset of the process within the task is unclear, as is the number of sampling processes. RACE/A provides a theoretical basis for estimating the onset of sequential sampling processes during task execution and allows for easy modeling of multiple sequential sampling processes within a task.
Ecology of Time: Calendar of the Human Body in the Pamir Mountains
Authors: Bulbulshoev Umed , Kassam Karim-Aly , Ruelle Morgan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractVillagers in the Pamir Mountains of Afghanistan and Tajikistan integrated the human body into the seasons and rhythms of their ecological relations to generate “calendars of the human body.” These calendars illustrate that culture does not exist outside of its ecological foundation (i.e. nature), but is firmly situated within it. Farmers undertook agro-pastoral and hunting activities using their own bodies not only for labor, but as a measure of the changing tempo of the seasons. Their bodies both interacted with life on the land and acted as organic clocks to mark the passage of time. While these calendars are no longer widely used, memory of their usage survives, and words from the calendars marking specific ecological events in local languages are still in use. This paper (1) investigates the historical presence and human ecological significance of a calendar of the human body; (2) illustrates the diversity of these calendars based on the specific context of their use from valley to valley in the region; (3) demonstrates the complex connectivity of the users (agro-pastoralists) within their habitat; and, (4) explores the efficacy of this calendar in developing anticipatory capacity among villagers in order to reduce anxiety associated with climate change. The calendar of the human body not only measures time, but gives it meaning.
The Story of the Button on the Jacket—Substances of Very High Concern in Complex Products
Authors: Hoppenbrouwers Marianne 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSubstances of Very High Concern (SVHC) are subject to specific rules in the REACH regulation. For example, once the concentration of SVHCs in articles exceeds 0,1% weight by weight notification to ECHA and communication in the supply chain is obligatory. However, many products are in fact complex articles, consisting of many articles sometimes with SVHCs. The calculation of the concentration of SVHC in complex articles is open for interpretation due to the lack of clear definitions in the legal text of REACH. Two formulas, one defended by ECHA and the other by six Member States exist. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice is not clear cut. is article tries to shed light on the issues and gives a beginning of a solution.
Disaster Strikes: Regulatory Barriers to the Effective Delivery of International Disaster Assistance within the EU
Authors: Williams Sarah , Stefanelli Justine N. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article considers the European Union's legal framework and its ability to facilitate – or hinder – international assistance for natural disasters occurring within the European Union. At a time when the frequency and severity of natural disasters in the EU appears to be increasing, and when it is more likely that affected EU Member States are required to seek assistance from outside their borders, or even outside the EU, it is important to ensure that international assistance is able to reach its intended target. Member State domestic legal frameworks may delay, obstruct or prevent international assistance from reaching those in need, often due to a failure to consider the special situation of disasters when drafting, interpreting and applying legislative regimes. For example, immigration, customs, food and transport laws may not contain sufficient exemptions for emergency personnel, materials and goods, and domestic licensing requirements and quality standards may prevent a nation from accepting assistance. At the same time, there is a need to ensure that any assistance accepted by an affected Member State is subject to appropriate quality standards without unduly impeding the delivery of assistance.
Radar Scattering from Ice Aggregates Using the Horizontally Aligned Oblate Spheroid Approximation
Authors: Hogan Robin J. , Tian Lin , Brown Philip R. A. , Westbrook Christopher D. , Heymsfield Andrew J. , Eastment Jon D. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe assumed relationship between ice particle mass and size is profoundly important in radar retrievals of ice clouds, but, for millimeter-wave radars, shape and preferred orientation are important as well. In this paper the authors first examine the consequences of the fact that the widely used “Brown and Francis” mass–size relationship has often been applied to maximum particle dimension observed by aircraftDmaxrather than to the mean of the particle dimensions in two orthogonal directionsDmean, which was originally used by Brown and Francis. Analysis of particle images reveals thatDmax≃ 1.25Dmean, and therefore, for clouds for which this mass–size relationship holds, the consequences are overestimates of ice water content by around 53% and of Rayleigh-scattering radar reflectivity factor by 3.7 dB. Simultaneous radar and aircraft measurements demonstrate that much better agreement in reflectivity factor is provided by using this mass–size relationship withDmean. The authors then examine the importance of particle shape and fall orientation for millimeter-wave radars. Simultaneous radar measurements and aircraft calculations of differential reflectivity and dual-wavelength ratio are presented to demonstrate that ice particles may usually be treated as horizontally aligned oblate spheroids with an axial ratio of 0.6, consistent with them being aggregates. An accurate formula is presented for the backscatter cross section apparent to a vertically pointing millimeter-wave radar on the basis of a modified version of Rayleigh–Gans theory. It is then shown that the consequence of treating ice particles as Mie-scattering spheres is to substantially underestimate millimeter-wave reflectivity factor when millimeter-sized particles are present, which can lead to retrieved ice water content being overestimated by a factor of 4.
Phenotyping Summer Dormancy in Tall Fescue
Authors: Bhamidimarri S. , Saha M. C. , Payton M. E. , Hopkins A. A. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTSummer dormancy enables tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) to survive hot and dry summers. Phenotyping summer dormancy in the field can be problematic owing to the confounding effects of heat and drought. The objective therefore was to develop a method for phenotyping summer dormancy in tall fescue. Three genotypes (summer active [SA], moderately summer dormant [MSD], and strongly summer dormant [SSD]) were grown in four growth chambers under long day (LD) and high temperature (HT), LD and optimum temperature (OT), short day (SD) and HT, and SD and OT conditions. Within each chamber, two levels of moisture (well watered [+W] or drought [–W]) and vernalization (vernalized [+V] or nonvernalized [–V]) were also tested. Under SD, OT, +W, and +V conditions, SSD had equal or greater growth compared to SA genotype, as measured by number of tillers, plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight. The SSD genotype grew less than the SA as measured by number of tillers (8.6 vs. 15.8), fresh weight (6.0 vs. 16.0 g), and dry weight (3.1 vs. 8.8 g) under LD, OT, +W, and +V conditions. The MSD genotype had intermediate responses. Plant height of genotypes followed a similar pattern during two consecutive regrowth periods. Dormancy of plants could not be classified under drought or without prior vernalization. Dormancy of genotypes could be differentiated by comparing growth under favorable (SD, OT, +W, and +V) versus LD, OT, +W, and +V conditions.
A Modified Colorimetric Method for Selection of Soybean Phytate Concentration
Authors: Burleson Sarah A. , Shang Chao , Rosso M. Luciana , Maupin Laura M. , Rainey Katy M. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTDetermining seed phytate concentration in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is important for screening germplasm and for selection of modified‐phosphorus (P) lines with stable low‐phytate expression. Accurate quantitative phytate assays and simple colorimetric assays have been developed; however, a high‐throughput colorimetric phytate assay is needed. The objectives of this study were to develop a cost‐ and time‐effective modified Fe colorimetric phytate assay, and to demonstrate that the assay can be used for direct selection of phytate concentration in soybean seeds. The new modified Fe colorimetric assay was tested on 192 samples from eight lines from three germplasm sources (normal‐P composition, and two different modified‐P composition mutants) produced in 12 environments. Compared to other quantitative and colorimetric methods of phytate determination, this assay is faster, less expensive, and simpler, which meets the needs of breeders for selection among modified‐P soybean lines over environments.