bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Detection of Compressing Fascial Bands around the Ulnar Nerve within the FCU
Authors: Nagle Daniel J. , Patel Ronak M. , Paisley Sonya 
Published: November 2011

Background The aim of this study is to endoscopically evaluate the ulnar nerve proximal and distal to the cubital tunnel after in situ decompression to identify and eventually release fascial bands capable of compressing the ulnar nerve. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 16 ulnar nerve compression cases in 12 patients. Eight men and four women with a mean age of 52 years (range, 23-77 years) were clinically diagnosed and confirmed with neurophysiologic studies. A 4-6-cm curvilinear incision was made at the medial elbow, and the ulnar nerve was identified and decompressed at the cubital tunnel. Then, a 2.7-mm endoscope was passed 8 to 10 cm proximal and distal to the medial epicondyle allowing for visualization of the ulnar nerve and its surrounding soft tissues. Results The endoscopic evaluation of the 16 ulnar nerves demonstrated no compressive bands outside of the cubital tunnel. All patients had satisfactory outcomes. Conclusions The good results reported after in situ ulnar nerve decompression have questioned the need for endoscopically assisted decompression of the ulnar nerve proximal and distal to the cubital tunnel. Some authors suggest the existence of fascial bands within the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) capable of compressing the ulnar nerve. This study would suggest that fibrous bands deep in the FCU capable of compressing the ulnar nerve do not exist. Our satisfactory outcomes would support the perception that extensive decompression of the ulnar nerve beyond the cubital tunnel is not routinely needed.
The Role of Mixing Temperature on Microstructure and Rheological Properties of Butter Blends
Authors: Buldo Patrizia , Wiking Lars 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe present study demonstrated that the rheological properties of butter blends can be modified by the applied mixing temperature. Blends were prepared by mixing 10 or 25% of rapeseed oil (RO) with butter, at three different temperatures (13, 18 and 23 °C). Afterwards the blends were stored at 5 °C until analyzed. Microstructure, rheological properties, melting behavior and solid fat content (SFC) of the blends were examined. The viscoelastic properties of the blends were measured by rheological oscillation analysis. Mixing at 23 °C always resulted in the softest products, hence the lowest firmness, independently of the content of rapeseed oil. By increasing the percentage of RO and the mixing temperature, a decrease in melting point (Mp) and in SFC was observed in the blends. The microstructure of the blends was analyzed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), which explains the effect on the rheological behavior. The microstructure analysis showed that a high content of RO and high processing temperatures produce a less dense crystal network and a change in protein/water distribution. Furthermore, this study shows that the addition of RO to butter and the high mixing temperature solubilize some of the milk fat triacylglycerides (TAG), which are not able to re‐crystallize fully. A high mixing temperature is shown to inhibit the ability to rebuild the rigidity of the crystal network in butter blends.
Avons-nous percé le mystère de la globozoospermie ?
Authors: Ferfouri F. , Merdassi G. , Vialard F. 
Published: November 2011

Résumé
Si la première description de la globozoocéphalie date de 1971, il aura fallu plus de 35 ans pour identifier la première cause génétique (une altération du gène SPATA16), et cela malgré la création de nombreux modèles murins et la certitude d’une cause purement génétique à ce syndrome par l’observation de fratrie de patients atteints. Malgré l’identification récente de nouveaux gènes comme PICK1 et DPY19L2, la globozoocéphalie reste toujours un mystère. En effet, ce syndrome est probablement très polymorphe, comme le suggèrent les observations en microscopie électronique, et il est associé à un très mauvais taux de succès en assistance médicale à la procréation (AMP). Les prochaines études devront donc s’attacher à comprendre les mécanismes à l’origine de cette globozoocéphalie et à identifier des traitements pouvant contourner les déficits spermatiques majeurs associés à ce syndrome.
Coherent structures in uniformly sheared turbulent flow
Authors: Vanderwel Christina , Tavoularis Stavros 
Published: November 2011

AbstractUniformly sheared turbulent flow has been generated in a water tunnel and its instantaneous structure has been examined using flow visualization and particle image velocimetry. The shear-rate parameter was approximately equal to 13 and the streamwise turbulence Reynolds number was approximately 150. The flow was found to consist of regions with nearly uniform velocity, which were separated by regions of high shear containing large vortices. The concentration of vortices and the distributions of their directions of rotation, strengths, sizes and shapes have been determined. These results demonstrate that horseshoe/hairpin-shaped vortices were prevalent, even though wall effects were negligible in this flow. Both ‘upright’ and ‘inverted’ vortices have been observed, in contrast to turbulent boundary layers, in which only ‘upright’ vortices can be found, suggesting that the presence of the wall may suppress the development of ‘inverted’ structures. Our observations demonstrate that the dominant coherent structures of fully developed uniformly sheared flow are very different from the structures observed in the flow exiting the shear-generating apparatus, which points to an insensitivity of the former to initial effects.
Effects of feeding polydextrose on faecal characteristics, microbiota and fermentative end products in healthy adult dogs
Authors: Beloshapka Alison N. , Wolff Amanda K. , Swanson Kelly S. 
Published: November 2011

Polydextrose is a potential prebiotic, but has not been well tested in dogs. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine the effects of polydextrose on faecal characteristics, microbial populations and fermentative end products in healthy adult dogs. A total of eight adult hound dogs (3·5 (sem0·5) years; 20 (sem0·5) kg) were randomly allotted to one of four test diets containing the following concentrations of polydextrose: (1) 0 % (control); (2) 0·5 %; (3) 1·0 %; or (4) 1·5 %. A Latin square design was used, with each treatment period lasting 14 d (days 0–10 adaptation; days 11–14 fresh and total faecal collection). All dogs were fed to maintain body weight. Data were evaluated for linear and quadratic effects using SAS software. Although apparent total tract DM digestibility was unaffected, total tract crude protein digestibility tended to decrease (P < 0·10) linearly with increasing dietary polydextrose concentrations. Fresh faecal DM percentage tended to decrease (P < 0·10) linearly, while faecal scores increased (P < 0·05; looser stools) with increasing dietary concentrations of polydextrose. Faecal acetate, propionate and total SCFA concentrations increased (P < 0·05) linearly with increased dietary polydextrose. Faecal pH decreased (P < 0·05) linearly with increasing polydextrose. Faecal indole tended to decrease (P < 0·10) linearly with increasing polydextrose, but other faecal protein catabolites were not changed. FaecalClostridium perfringenslinearly decreased (P < 0·05) with increasing dietary polydextrose concentrations, butEscherichia coli,Lactobacillusspp. andBifidobacteriumspp. were not affected. Based on the present results, polydextrose appears to act as a highly fermentable fibre, but requires further research to test its potential as a prebiotic in dogs.
Association of total body and visceral fat mass with iron deficiency in preadolescents: the Healthy Growth Study
Authors: Moschonis George , Chrousos George P. , Lionis Christos , Mougios Vassilis , Manios Yannis 
Published: November 2011

The aim of the present study was to examine the associations of obesity, percentage body fat and visceral fat mass with body Fe status in a representative sample of 1493 schoolchildren aged 9–13 years. Anthropometric, body composition, biochemical, clinical (Tanner stage, age of menarche) and dietary intake data were collected. Fe deficiency (ID) was defined as transferrin saturation (TS) < 16 %; and Fe-deficiency anaemia (IDA) as ID with Hb < 120 g/l. Obese boys and girls and those in the highest quartiles of percentage body fat mass had significantly higher levels of serum ferritin (P ≤ 0·05) compared to their normal-weight peers and those in the corresponding lowest quartiles. Similarly, obese boys and girls and those in the highest quartiles of percentage body fat and visceral fat mass had significantly lower levels of TS (P ≤ 0·05) compared to normal-weight children and those in the corresponding lowest quartiles. The prevalence of ID and IDA was significantly higher in boys and girls in the highest quartiles of percentage body fat than in peers in the lowest quartile. Higher quartiles of percentage body fat and visceral fat mass were the main significant predictors of ID in boys, after controlling for other important confounders, with OR of 2·48 (95 % CI, 1·26, 4·88) and 2·12 (95 % CI, 1·07, 4·19), respectively. Similar significant associations were observed for girls. In conclusion, percentage body fat and visceral fat mass were positively associated with ID in both sexes of preadolescents. These associations might be attributed to the chronic inflammation induced by excess adiposity.
Guided self-help concreteness training as an intervention for major depression in primary care: a Phase II randomized controlled trial
Authors: Watkins E. R. , Taylor R. S. , Byng R. , Baeyens C. , Read R. , Pearson K. , Watson L. 
Published: November 2011

BackgroundThe development of widely accessible, effective psychological interventions for depression is a priority. This randomized trial provides the first controlled data on an innovative cognitive bias modification (CBM) training guided self-help intervention for depression.MethodOne hundred and twenty-one consecutively recruited participants meeting criteria for current major depression were randomly allocated to treatment as usual (TAU) or to TAU plus concreteness training (CNT) guided self-help or to TAU plus relaxation training (RT) guided self-help. CNT involved repeated practice at mental exercises designed to switch patients from an unhelpful abstract thinking habit to a helpful concrete thinking habit, thereby targeting depressogenic cognitive processes (rumination, overgeneralization).ResultsThe addition of CNT to TAU significantly improved depressive symptoms at post-treatment [mean difference on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) 4.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29–7.26], 3- and 6-month follow-ups, and for rumination and overgeneralization post-treatment. There was no difference in the reduction of symptoms between CNT and RT (mean difference on the HAMD 1.98, 95% CI −1.14 to 5.11), although CNT significantly reduced rumination and overgeneralization relative to RT post-treatment, suggesting a specific benefit on these cognitive processes.ConclusionsThis study provides preliminary evidence that CNT guided self-help may be a useful addition to TAU in treating major depression in primary care, although the effect was not significantly different from an existing active treatment (RT) matched for structural and common factors. Because of its relative brevity and distinct format, it may have value as an additional innovative approach to increase the accessibility of treatment choices for depression.
Nuclease colicins and their immunity proteins
Authors: Papadakos Grigorios , Wojdyla Justyna A. , Kleanthous Colin 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIt is more than 80 years since Gratia first described ‘a remarkable antagonism between two strains ofEscherichia coli’. Shown subsequently to be due to the action of proteins (or peptides) produced by one bacterium to kill closely related species with which it might be cohabiting, such bacteriocins have since been shown to be commonplace in the internecine warfare between bacteria. Bacteriocins have been studied primarily from the twin perspectives of how they shape microbial communities and how they penetrate bacteria to kill them. Here, we review the modes of action of a family of bacteriocins that cleave nucleic acid substrates inE. coli, known collectively as nuclease colicins, and the specific immunity (inhibitor) proteins that colicin-producing organisms make in order to avoid committing suicide. In a process akin to targeting in mitochondria, nuclease colicins engage in a variety of cellular associations in order to translocate their cytotoxic domains through the cell envelope to the cytoplasm. As well as informing on the process itself, the study of nuclease colicin import has also illuminated functional aspects of the host proteins they parasitize. We also review recent studies where nuclease colicins and their immunity proteins have been used as model systems for addressing fundamental problems in protein folding and protein–protein interactions, areas of biophysics that are intimately linked to the role of colicins in bacterial competition and to the import process itself.
Depression and related factors in older people in China: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Yu , Hicks Allan , While Alison E. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryChina has an increasing ageing population. Depression, as one of the most common problems in older people, is a concern that merits attention. This paper reviewed published studies of the prevalence of depression and its related factors in older people in China. Seventeen papers were identified by searching the following electronic databases: Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, China Academic Journal and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals. Whilst prevalence varied across studies, health status, social support, financial status, living arrangements and some demographic factors were consistently related to older people's depression. Further well-designed studies are needed to explore depression in older people in China to identify more culture-specific contributors to maximize well-being.
Wireless communicating nodes at 60 GHz integrated on flexible substrate for short-distance instrumentation in aeronautics and space
Authors: Jatlaoui Mohamed Mehdi , Dragomirescu Daniela , Ercoli Mariano , Krämer Michael , Charlot Samuel , Pons Patrick , Aubert Hervé , Plana Robert 
Published: November 2011

This paper presents the research done at LAAS-CNRS and in the context of “NANOCOMM” project. This project aims to demonstrate the potential of nanotechnology for the development of reconfigurable, ultra-sensitive, low consumption, and easy installation sensor networks with high performance in terms of reliability in line with the requirements of aeronautics and space. Each node of the sensor network is composed of nano-sensors, transceiver, and planar antenna. In this project, three-dimensional (3D) heterogeneous integration of these different components, on flexible polyimide substrate, is planned. Two types of sensors are selected for this project: strain gauges are used for the structure health monitoring (SHM) application and electrochemical cells are used to demonstrate the ability to detect frost phenomenon. After processing, sensors data are processed and transmitted to the reader unit using an ultra-wide band (UWB) transceiver. (digital baseband and radiofrequency (RF) head). The design and implementation of reconfigurable wireless communication architectures are provided according to the application requirements using nanoscale 65 nm CMOS technology. It is proposed to integrate on flexible substrate the transceiver using the flip-chip technique. A 60 GHz planar antenna is connected to the transceiver for the wireless data transmission. This paper is focused on the 3D integration techniques and the technological process used for the realization of such communicating nano-objects on polyimide substrate. The first assembly tests were carried out. Tests of interconnections quality and electrical contacts (Daisy Chain, calibration kit, etc.) were also performed with good results. A bumps contact resistance of 15 mΩ is measured.
Investigation of double tropopause spatial and temporal global variability utilizing High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder temperature observations
Authors: Peevey Tanya R. , Gille John C. , Randall Cora E. , Kunz Anne 
Published: November 2011

This study examines the seasonal variation of the double tropopause (DT) using data from the High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder. The combination of high data density and high vertical resolution available with this satellite instrument allows for the detailed analysis of fine‐scale structures such as the DT. The spatial distribution of DT frequency is examined for all seasons from 2005 to 2007. Global analysis of this distribution reveals that DTs have a strong tendency to follow the zonal wind pattern and are present all year over the Andes. Moreover, during Northern Hemisphere winter/spring, there is a 15% decrease in the DT frequency over the eastern Pacific and western Atlantic, two regions of wave breaking produced from a weakening of the zonal flow. Significant DT thickness values are also present over these regions, but are found to extend further poleward than the corresponding frequency pattern. A time series of DT frequencies is analyzed and shows an increase in daily frequencies during 2006 that highlights the interannual variability of this thermal structure. For the first time, DT duration is investigated in the extratropics utilizing a Hovmöller diagram of DT frequency. This representation highlights two preferred regions of formation, the Pacific and Atlantic. The slope of the feature gives it a speed of 18 m/s in the Northern Hemisphere and a slightly faster speed for the Southern Hemisphere. These speeds and the corresponding structures highlight a potential connection between upper tropospheric waves and DTs.
Generalized time-frequency coherency for assessing neural interactions in electrophysiological recordings
Authors: Mehrkanoon Saeid , Breakspear Michael , Daffertshofer Andreas , Boonstra Tjeerd 
Published: November 2011

AbstractTime-frequency coherence has been widely used to quantify statistical dependencies in bivariate data and has proven to be vital for the study of neural interactions in electrophysiological recordings. Conventional methods establish time-frequency coherence by smoothing the cross and power spectra using identical smoothing procedures. Smoothing entails a trade-off between time-frequency resolution and statistical consistency and is critical for detecting instantaneous coherence in single-trial data. Here, we propose a generalized method to estimate time-frequency coherency by using different smoothing procedures for the cross spectra versus power spectra. This novel method has an improved trade-off between time resolution and statistical consistency compared to conventional methods, as verified by two simulated data sets. The methods are then applied to single-trial surface encephalography recorded from human subjects for comparative purposes. Our approach extracted robust alpha- and gamma-band synchronization over the visual cortex that was not detected by conventional methods, demonstrating the efficacy of this method.
QSAR studies on Withanolide analogs for anticancer activity
Authors: Yadav Dharmendra Kumar , Khan Feroz , Sangwan Rajender S. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWithanolides are a group of pharmacologically active compounds present in most prodigal amounts in roots and leaves of Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng), one of the most important medicinal plants of Indian systems of medicine. Withanolides are basically steroidal lactones (highly oxygenated C-28 phytochemicals) and similar to ginsenosides activity. Some of the withanolides that have been reported possess immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities. In the present investigation, a quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) model based on forward stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) has been developed against the MCF7, MCF7/BUS, and SK-Br-3 human solid tumor breast cancer cell lines. Relationship correlation coefficient (r2) and cross validation correlation coefficient (r2CV) of QSAR model were 0.77 and 0.73 for MCF7, 0.91 and 0.85 for MCF7/BUS, 0.93 and 0.90 for SK-Br-3 respectively. Developed QSAR model was also evaluated for prediction accuracy through internal, external and randomization validation methods. The QSAR study indicates that chemical descriptors viz., atom count (all atoms), connectivity index (order 2, standard), for MCF7, Connectivity Index (order 0, standard), Dipole Vector X (debye), Molar Refractivity, Shape Index (basic kappa, order 2) for SK-Br-3 and Atom Count (all atoms), Dielectric Energy (kcal/mole), Total Energy (Hartree), Heat of Formation (kcal/mole) for MCF7/BUS are correlate well with the breast cancer activity, Moreover, on the basis of screening for oral bioavailability, in silico ADME and toxicity risk assessment, we concluded that compounds W3, W4, W8 have markedly higher anticancer activity compared to control. These results can offer useful references for directing the molecular design of lead compound(s) based on withanolide or analogous template with improved activity.
Identification of Unique proteins of Candida albicans as Antifungal Drug Targets
Authors: Tripathi Himanshu , Meena Abha , Khan Feroz , Luqman Suaib 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThere are growing examples of drug resistance in the fungal pathogens to evade antifungal drugs by developing mutation in the key targeted enzymes and high expression of drug transporter genes including ABC transporters and MFS transporters. This led to the urgent need to identify novel (unique or essential to fungus) targets that can be used in development of potential antifungal drugs. We have used a comparative genomics approach to find out novel targets in opportunistic fungus, Candida albicans responsible for severe infection in immunocompromised humans. To identify novel targets we have analyzed available total 14,633 protein sequences (proteome) of C. albicans [SC5314] retrieved through RefSeq, an experimentally curated reference sequence database at NCBI, USA. To explore the unique proteins, proteome of C. albicans was first compared against human proteome and then with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Yeast) through BLAST program (NCBI). Results showed that out of the available 14,633 protein sequences of C. albicans, 4,568 were identified unique when compared against human, while 2,955 were identified unique when compared against S. cerevisiae. Further work is ongoing to explore functionally known and unknown, unique or essential proteins/genes of C. albicans. Predicted as well as experimental data has been compiled in the form of a database namely, ‘CaTargetDB’, available at local internet LAN network of CIMAP.