bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implicit Contextual Learning in Prodromal and Early Stage Huntington's Disease Patients
Authors: van Asselen Marieke , Almeida Inês , Júlio Filipa , Januário Cristina , Campos Elzbieta Bobrowicz , Simões Mário , Castelo-Branco Miguel 
Published: May 2012

AbstractHuntington's disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder affecting the basal ganglia. These subcortical structures are particularly important for motor functions, response selection and implicit learning. In the current study, we have assessed prodromal and symptomatic HD participants with an implicit contextual learning task that is not based on motor learning, but on a purely visual implicit learning mechanism. We used an implicit contextual learning task in which subjects need to locate a target among several distractors. In half of the trials, the positions of the distractors and target stimuli were repeated. By memorizing this contextual information, attention can be guided faster to the target stimulus. Nine symptomatic HD participants, 16 prodromal HD participants and 22 control subjects were included. We found that the responses of the control subjects were faster for the repeated trials than for the new trials, indicating that their visual search was facilitated when repeated contextual information was present. In contrast, no difference in response times between the repeated and new trials was found for the symptomatic and prodromal HD participants. The results of the current study indicate that both prodromal and symptomatic HD participants are impaired on an implicit contextual learning task. (JINS, 2012, 18, 1–8)
Overnutrition and associated factors among adults aged 20 years and above in fishing communities in the urban Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Pereko Kingsley KA , Setorglo Jacob , Owusu William B , Tiweh Joyce M , Achampong Emmanuel K 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe study aimed to highlight the determinants of overnutrition (overweight plus obesity) in fishing communities and establish if these were the same as reported elsewhere in Ghana.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe study was conducted in Idun, Ola and Duakor fishing communities in Cape Coast, Ghana.SubjectsAdults (n 252) aged 20 to 50 years.ResultsResults showed that 32 % of participants were overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25·0 kg/m2). Participants’ mean age was 31·7 (sd 1·0) years, they had 13·7 (sd 8·1) mean years of formal education, their median monthly income was $US 7·4 (interquartile range $US 3·3, 20·0) and their median daily energy intake was 7·3 (interquartile range 5·3, 9·8) MJ. Significant associations (P < 0·05) were found between BMI and gender, age, years of education, fat intake and marital status. Females were almost eight times more likely to be overweight/obese than males (adjusted OR = 7·7; 95 % CI 3·6, 16·4). Persons aged ≥40 years were about six times more likely to be overweight/obese than those aged 20–29 years (adjusted OR = 6·1; 95 % CI 2·6, 14·1). Married people were nearly three times more likely to be overweight/obese than singles (adjusted OR = 2·8; 95 % Cl 1·4, 5·7). People with more than 13 years of formal education (adjusted OR = 0·3; 95 % CI 0·1, 0·9) and people with >30 % fat contribution to daily energy intake (adjusted OR = 0·3; 95 % CI 0·1, 0·6) had reduced odds of being overweight/obese.ConclusionsOvernutrition was prevalent in the fishing communities and associated with factors such as age, gender, marital status, educational status and fat intake.
Heat-Induced Antigen Retrieval Applied in Zebrafish: Whole-Mount In Situ Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Lin Chuang-yu , Su Wen-ta , Li Li-tzu 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWhole-mount immunofluorescence technique provides a way to reveal integrated expression patterns of biological molecules in individuals. Well-documented morphological preservation ability in biology makes aldehydes the fixative of choice. Cross-linking among biocomponents and aldehydes is the key for maintaining morphology but masks the biological molecules for immunodetection. This study performs an easily accessible method by applying heat-induced retrieval, which can rescue the antigenicity of the proteins and also enhance the labeling sensitivity of the fluorescence dye in overfixed zebrafish embryos. The results show that the immunoreactivities of antibodies to myosin in the muscles, green fluorescent protein in the blood vessels and the nuclei in the cells can be recovered significantly, and the morphology of the zebrafish embryos, even the fragile mutants, is at the same time well maintained. Therefore, we provide a choice for antigen retrieval, which is effective for whole-mount immunofluorescence microscopy.
In Situ Analytical Electron Microscopy Studies of Redox Reactions at a YSZ/Pt Interface
Authors: Tavabi Amir Hossein , Arai Shigeo , Tanji Takayoshi 
Published: May 2012

AbstractRedox reactions were studied at a single yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)/Pt electrode interface, in parallel with pure YSZ with no catalyst electrode, by in situ analytical electron microscopy at elevated temperatures and in an oxygen atmosphere. In situ electron holography showed that the oxide underwent reduction at elevated temperatures in a vacuum and was consequently reoxidized upon exposure to an oxygen flux at the same temperature. In situ energy loss spectroscopy measurements were in agreement with in situ electron holography observations and indicated that the oxidation state of the host cation zirconium was altered in the reduced state of the YSZ to the metastable state Zr3+.
M‐sequence geomagnetic polarity time scale (MHTC12) that steadies global spreading rates and incorporates astrochronology constraints
Authors: Malinverno Alberto , Hildebrandt Jordan , Tominaga Masako , Channell James E. T. 
Published: May 2012

Geomagnetic polarity time scales (GPTSs) have been constructed by interpolating between dated marine magnetic anomalies assuming uniformly varying spreading rates. A strategy to obtain an optimal GPTS is to minimize spreading rate fluctuations in many ridge systems; however, this has been possible only for a few spreading centers. We describe here a Monte Carlo sampling method that overcomes this limitation and improves GPTS accuracy by incorporating information on polarity chron durations estimated from astrochronology. The sampling generates a large ensemble of GPTSs that simultaneously agree with radiometric age constraints, minimize the global variation in spreading rates, and fit polarity chron durations estimated by astrochronology. A key feature is the inclusion and propagation of data uncertainties, which weigh how each piece of information affects the resulting time scale. The average of the sampled ensemble gives a reference GPTS, and the variance of the ensemble measures the time scale uncertainty. We apply the method to construct MHTC12, an improved version of the M‐sequence GPTS (Late Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous, ∼160–120 Ma). This GPTS minimizes the variation in spreading rates in a global data set of magnetic lineations from the Western Pacific, North Atlantic, and Indian Ocean NW of Australia, and it also accounts for the duration of five polarity chrons established from astrochronology (CM0r through CM3r). This GPTS can be updated by repeating the Monte Carlo sampling with additional data that may become available in the future.
Evaluating the Success of Arkansas Darter Translocations in Colorado: An Occupancy Sampling Approach
Authors: Groce Matthew C. , Bailey Larissa L. , Fausch Kurt D. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractLike many fishes native to western Great Plains streams, the Arkansas darter Etheostoma cragini has declined, apparently in response to changes in flow regimes and habitat fragmentation. We investigated the effectiveness of translocation as a management strategy to conserve this threatened species in the Arkansas River basin of southeastern Colorado. We used a multiscale design to sample the darter and several attributes of its habitat at the local 10‐m site scale, the 3.25‐km translocation segment scale, and the 10‐km riverscape scale in all 19 streams where it had been previously translocated. The darter was captured in 11 of the 19 streams, although 5 were completely dry when visited. Arkansas darters had reproduced in 10 of the 11 streams (one criterion in the state recovery plan), and 6 streams also met a second criterion for abundance (>500 individuals). However, the populations in only two streams unequivocally met a third criterion of being self‐sustaining, because the other four streams had been stocked annually with hatchery‐reared Arkansas darters. We used multistate occupancy estimation, based on two consecutive dipnetting surveys, to determine the habitat characteristics correlated with site occupancy and the detectability of Arkansas darters at the local site scale. The probability of detection for the darter at occupied sites was high for both age‐groups, 92% for age‐0 darters and 75% for age‐1 darters, and was a function of day of year (age 0) and habitat depth (age 1). Cool stream temperature (a site‐scale variable) and sufficient length of available habitat (a riverscape‐scale variable) were the strongest predictors of site occupancy for both age‐groups. The models are useful in identifying new sites for translocations and factors that may place current populations at risk. Effective conservation will require land management practices that conserve, protect, and restore contiguous stream segments with cool temperatures that can sustain Arkansas darters.
Infrared reflectance study of 3C-SiC epilayers grown on silicon substrates
Authors: Dong Lin , Sun Guosheng , Zheng Liu , Liu Xingfang , Zhang Feng , Yan Guoguo , Zhao Wanshun , Wang Lei , Li Xiguang , Wang Zhanguo 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
We measure the infrared reflectance spectra of 3C-SiC epilayers on silicon substrates from 400 to 4000 cm−1. An ideal model assuming smooth interfaces and a modified model containing an interfacial conducting layer and Gaussian rough interfaces are separately used for fits of the measured spectra. Although the fitted curve generated by the ideal model can basically agree with the measured one, it fails to reproduce some unusual spectral features. Instead, good fits are obtained by the modified model, from which the epilayer thicknesses, carrier concentrations, surface and interface roughnesses, and the information on the conducting layer are obtained. In comparison with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results, we show that the infrared reflectance method can precisely determine the epilayer thicknesses. The estimated surface roughnesses are confirmed by atomic force microscopy measurements. The infrared reflectance analyses and SEM observations show that the interfacial roughness and conducting layer are related to the carbonization process. These results indicate that the infrared reflectance technique provides a nondestructive and fast method to evaluate 3C-SiC epilayers and then improve the epitaxial growth process.
Application of a mode-locked fiber laser for highly time resolved broadband absorption spectroscopy and laser-assisted breakdown on micro-plasmas
Authors: Niermann B , Budunoğlu I L , Gürel K , Böke M , Ilday F Ö , Winter J 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Absorption spectroscopy is known to be a powerful tool to gain spatially and temporally resolved information on excited and reactive species in a plasma discharge. Furthermore, the interaction of the discharge with short intense laser pulses can trigger the ignition and the transition into other transient states of the plasma. In this context laser-assisted ‘pump-probe’ experiments involving simultaneously generated supercontinuum radiation yield highly temporally resolved and spatially well-defined information on the transient phenomena. In this paper we demonstrate the possibility for ‘pump–probe’ experiments by initiating breakdown on a picosecond time scale (‘pump’) with a high-power beam and measuring the broadband absorption with the simultaneously provided supercontinuum (‘probe’). Since both pulses are generated from the same mode-locked master oscillator, they have a strong level of synchronization.
Growth fold controls on carbonate distribution in mixed foreland basins: insights from the Amiran foreland basin (NW Zagros, Iran) and stratigraphic numerical modelling
Authors: Saura Eduard , Embry Jean‐Christophe , Vergés Jaume , Hunt David W. , Casciello Emilio , Homke Stéphane 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe evolution from Late Cretaceous to early Eocene of the well dated Amiran foreland basin in the NW Iranian Zagros Mountains is studied based on the reconstruction of successive thickness, palaeobathymetry and subsidence maps. These maps show the progressive forelandwards migration of the mixed carbonate‐siliciclastic system associated with a decrease in creation of accommodation. Carbonate facies variations across the basin suggest a structural control on the carbonate distribution in the Amiran foreland basin, which has been used as initial constraint to study the control exerted by syndepositional folding in basin architecture and evolution by means of stratigraphic numerical modelling. Modelled results show that shallow bathymetries on top of growing folds enhance carbonate production and basin compartmentalization. As a consequence, coarse clastics become restricted to the internal parts of the basin and only the fine sediments can by‐pass the bathymetric highs generated by folding. Additionally, the development of extensive carbonate platforms on top of the anticlines favours the basinwards migration of the depositional system, which progrades farther with higher fold uplift rates. In this scenario, build‐ups on top of anticlines record its growth and can be used as a dating method. Extrapolation of presented modelling results into the Amiran foreland basin is in agreement with an early folding stage in the SE Lurestan area, between the Khorramabad and Kabir Kuh anticlines. This folding stage would enhance the development of carbonate platforms on top of the anticlines, the south‐westward migration of the system and eventually, the complete filling of the basin north of the Chenareh anticline at the end of the Cuisian. Incremental thickness maps are consistent with a thin (0.4–2 km) ophiolite complex in the source area of the Amiran basin.
The addition of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor, tipifarnib, to low dose cytarabine does not improve outcome for older patients with AML
Authors: Burnett Alan K. , Russell Nigel H. , Culligan Dominic , Cavanagh Jamie , Kell Jonathan , Wheatley Keith , Virchis Andra , Hills Robert K. , Milligan Donald ,   on behalf of the AML Working Group of the UK National Cancer Research Institute
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe AML16 trial evaluated the combination of the farnesyltransferase inhibitor, tipifarnib, and low dose cytarabine (LDAC) in older acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients in a ‘Pick a Winner’ design. The aim was to double remission rates compared to LDAC, with initial evaluation after 100 patients. Failure to improve remission would result in discontinuation. A total of 65 patients, median age 74 years (range 62–86), were randomized. After reviewing the first 45 patients, the Data Monitoring Committee concluded that the overall aspirations would not be met and recommended closure. The addition of tipifarnib had no effect on response, toxicity or survival.
Characteristics of type I Gaucher disease associated with persistent thrombocytopenia after treatment with imiglucerase for 4–5 years
Authors: Hollak Carla E. M. , Belmatoug Nadia , Cole J. Alexander , vom Dahl Stephan , Deegan Patrick B. , Goldblatt Jack , Rosenbloom Barry , van Dussen Laura , Tylki‐Szymańska Anna , Weinreb Neal J. , Zimran Ari , Cappellini Maria Domenica 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe characteristics of Gaucher disease (GD) associated with persistent thrombocytopenia despite imiglucerase enzyme therapy in type 1 GD (GD1) were investigated by retrospective analysis of International Collaborative Gaucher Group (ICGG) Registry data. The study involved 1016 GD1 patients with an intact spleen for whom date of diagnosis, therapy initiation, and platelet counts were known, and who received continuous imiglucerase therapy for 4 to 5 years. These patients were stratified by last platelet count: ≥120 × 109/l (n = 772); ≥100 to <120 × 109/l (n = 94); ≥80 to <100 × 109/l (n = 80); and <80 × 109/l (n = 70; 20 with <60 × 109/l) and characterized by initial and cumulative average imiglucerase dose, body mass index, platelet count, anaemia, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and skeletal assessments at baseline and after 4–5 years of therapy. Statistically significant associations were found between persistent thrombocytopenia and baseline platelet count (<80 × 109/l), splenomegaly, and anaemia (all P < 0·0001). After 4–5 years, statistically significant associations were found with splenomegaly (P < 0·0001), anaemia (P < 0·0001), white blood cell count (P = 0·049), hepatomegaly (P = 0·004) and bone pain (P = 0·035). Exponential platelet decay in relation to splenomegaly suggests that platelets increase only when spleen volume decreases substantially.
The safety and efficacy of red cell transfusions in neonates: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Venkatesh Vidheya , Khan Rizwan , Curley Anna , Hopewell Sally , Doree Carolyn , Stanworth Simon 
Published: May 2012

SummaryPremature neonates commonly receive red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. This study systematically identified and appraised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where the intervention was ‘transfusion of red blood cells’ from searches of multiple databases. Primary review outcomes were mortality, neurodevelopmental and respiratory endpoints. Two reviewers extracted data and assigned overall quality. Twenty‐seven RCTs were identified and grouped into four predefined categories: trials comparing RBC transfusion versus no transfusion/placebo (n = 3); different thresholds for transfusion (n = 6); differing doses or administration schedule (n = 4), or different types or products of RBC (n = 14). In the threshold group of trials, enrolling 679 neonates, no significant differences in mortality (relative risk 1·22, 95% confidence interval 0·84–1·75) or chronic lung disease were found. Only two trials assessed neurodevelopment outcomes, both within the threshold group, but with differing results. The largest subgroup of RCTs by number evaluated different media for storage of red cells (n = 7), enrolling 221 neonates. The methodological quality of many RCTs was poor. The design of future RCTs can be informed by the lessons from this review. Many trials failed to report on outcomes that would be considered of primary importance to clinicians. Consistent reporting of adverse events is required, and endpoints need to include neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Ocean acidification weakens the structural integrity of coralline algae
Authors: Ragazzola Federica , Foster Laura C. , Form Armin , Anderson Philip S.L. , Hansteen Thor H. , Fietzke Jan 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe uptake of anthropogenic emission of carbon dioxide is resulting in a lowering of the carbonate saturation state and a drop in ocean pH. Understanding how marine calcifying organisms such as coralline algae may acclimatize to ocean acidification is important to understand their survival over the coming century. We present the first long‐term perturbation experiment on the cold‐water coralline algae, which are important marine calcifiers in the benthic ecosystems particularly at the higher latitudes. Lithothamnion glaciale, after three months incubation, continued to calcify even in undersaturated conditions with a significant trend towards lower growth rates with increasing pCO2. However, the major changes in the ultra‐structure occur by 589 μatm (i.e. in saturated waters). Finite element models of the algae grown at these heightened levels show an increase in the total strain energy of nearly an order of magnitude and an uneven distribution of the stress inside the skeleton when subjected to similar loads as algae grown at ambient levels. This weakening of the structure is likely to reduce the ability of the alga to resist boring by predators and wave energy with severe consequences to the benthic community structure in the immediate future (50 years).
Feasibility of using thrombin generation assay (TGA) for monitoring of haemostasis during supplementation therapy in haemophilic patients without inhibitors
Authors: Ay Y. , Balkan C. , Karapinar D. Y. , Akin M. , BilenoĞlu B. , Kavakli K. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryMonitoring factor replacement treatment and observing concordance with clinical haemostasis is crucial in vital haemorrhages and major surgeries in haemophilic patients. We aimed to investigate the value of the thrombin generation assay (TGA) and thromboelastography (TEG) for monitoring haemostasis in haemophilic patients during factor replacement treatment. The study group consisted of 29 patients (21 haemophilia A, 8 haemophilia B). All the patients FVIII‐inhibitor were negative. A total of 35 bleeding episodes and/or surgical interventions were evaluated. aPTT, FVIII/FIX activity, TEG and TGA tests were conducted before and after factor therapy during the bleeding episode or surgical prophylaxis of haemophilic patients. Correlations among these tests were evaluated and compared with clinical responses. No correlation was found among aPTT, factor activities and clinical outcome. There were also no correlation found between TEG parameters and clinical outcome. The only significant correlation found between TGA parameters and clinical outcome was the correlation between peak thrombin. In conclusion, we found superiority of TGA‐peak thrombin over other traditional tests for monitoring haemostasis in haemophilic patients in this study.
The first national pressure ulcer prevalence survey in county council and municipality settings in Sweden
Authors: Gunningberg Lena , Hommel Ami , Bååth Carina , Idvall Ewa 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim  To report data from the first national pressure ulcer prevalence survey in Sweden on prevalence, pressure ulcer categories, locations and preventive interventions for persons at risk for developing pressure ulcers.Methods  A cross‐sectional research design was used in a total sample of 35 058 persons in hospitals and nursing homes. The methodology used was that recommended by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel.Results  The prevalence of pressure ulcers was 16.6% in hospitals and 14.5% in nursing homes. Many persons at risk for developing pressure ulcers did not receive a pressure‐reducing mattress (23.3–27.9%) or planned repositioning in bed (50.2–57.5%).Conclusions  Despite great effort on the national level to encourage the prevention of pressure ulcers, the prevalence is high. Public reporting and benchmarking are now available, evidence‐based guidelines have been disseminated and national goals have been set. Strategies for implementing practices outlined in the guidelines, meeting goals and changing attitudes must be further developed.