bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semantically interoperable three-dimensional scientific objects
Authors: Pitikakis Marios , Vavalis Manolis , Houstis Catherine 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn recent years, digital content of three-dimensional (3D) scientific objects has become widespread and is made available in a plethora of on-line scientific repositories. A systematic and formal approach becomes necessary to represent the knowledge/information related to these objects, in order to facilitate their search, retrieval and reuse. In this paper, we employ semantic interoperability to manage 3D scientific object content in a large-scale framework of scientific applications that consists of 3D shape models, associated tools and resources. We use an advanced ontological organization for their metadata, powerful reasoning engines for their search and retrieval and we elucidate several crucial issues in the design and implementation of 3D knowledge-based management systems.
Modeling knowledge dynamics in multi-agent systems based on informants
Authors: Tamargo Luciano H. , García Alejandro J. , Falappa Marcelo A. , Simari Guillermo R. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn this paper, we model knowledge dynamics in agents’ belief bases in a collaborative multi-agent system (MAS). Four change operators are introduced: expansion, contraction, prioritized revision, and non-prioritized revision. For all of them, both constructive definitions and an axiomatic characterization by representation theorems are given. We formally justify minimal change, consistency maintenance, and non-prioritization principles. These operators are based on an epistemic model for multi-source belief revision in which a rational way to weigh the beliefs using a credibility order among agents is developed. The defined operators can be seen as skills added to the agents improving the collective reasoning of a MAS.
Advance Targeted Transfusion in Anemic Cardiac Surgical Patients for Kidney Protection
Authors: Karkouti Keyvan , Wijeysundera Duminda N. , Yau Terrence M. , McCluskey Stuart A. , Chan Christopher T. , Wong Pui-Yuen , Crowther Mark A. , Hozhabri Siroos , Beattie W. Scott 
Published: February 2012

Introduction
: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication of cardiac surgery, and preoperative anemia and perioperative erythrocyte transfusion are important risk factors. Prophylactic erythrocyte transfusion in anemic patients may, therefore, protect against AKI.

Methods
: In this unblinded, parallel-group, randomized pilot trial, 60 anemic patients (hemoglobin 10-12 g/dL) undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were randomized (1:1) to prophylactic transfusion (2 units of erythrocytes transfused 1 to 2 days before surgery (n = 29) or standard of care (transfusions as indicated; n = 31). Between-group differences in severity of perioperative anemia, transfusion, and AKI (more than 25% drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate) were measured. The relationships between transfusion, iron levels, and AKI were also measured.

Results
: Perioperative anemia and erythrocyte transfusions were lower in the prophylactic transfusion group--median (25th, 75th percentiles) for nadir hemoglobin was 8.3 (7.9, 9.1) versus 7.6 (6.9, 8.2) g/dL (P = 0.0008) and for transfusion was 0 (0, 2) versus 2 (1, 4) units (P = 0.0002)--but between-group AKI rates were comparable (11 patients per group). In 35 patients with iron studies, perioperative transfusions were directly related to postoperative transferrin saturation (correlation coefficient 0.6; P = 0.0002), and high (more than 80%) transferrin saturation was associated with AKI (5/5 vs. 8/30; P = 0.005), implicating transfusion-related iron overload as a cause of AKI.

Conclusions
: In anemic patients, prophylactic erythrocyte transfusion reduces perioperative anemia and erythrocyte transfusions, and may reduce plasma iron levels. Adequately powered studies assessing the effect of this intervention on AKI are warranted.
Systematic Criteria for Type and Screen Based on Procedure's Probability of Erythrocyte Transfusion
Authors: Dexter Franklin , Ledolter Johannes , Davis Erika , Witkowski Thomas A. , Herman Jay H. , Epstein Richard H. 
Published: February 2012

Background
At many hospitals, the type and screen decision is guided by the hospital's maximum surgical blood order schedule, a document that includes for each scheduled (elective) surgical procedure a recommendation of whether a preoperative type and screen be performed. There is substantial heterogeneity in the scientific literature for how that decision should be made.

Methods
Anesthesia information management system data were retrieved from the 160,207 scheduled noncardiac cases in adults of 1,253 procedures at a hospital.

Results
Neither assuming a Poisson distribution of mean erythrocyte units transfused, nor grouping rare procedures into larger groups based on their anesthesia Current Procedural Terminology code, was reliable. In contrast, procedures could be defined to have minimal estimated blood loss (less than 50 ml) based on low incidence of transfusion and low incidence of the hemoglobin being checked preoperatively. Among these procedures, when the lower 95% confidence limit for erythrocyte transfusion was less than 5%, type and screen was shown to be unnecessary. The method was useful based on including multiple differences from the hospital's maximum surgical blood order schedule and clinicians' test ordering (greater than or equal to 29% fewer type and screen). Results were the same with a Bayesian random effects model.

Conclusions
We validated a method to determine procedures on the maximum surgical blood order schedule for which type and screen was not indicated using the estimated blood losses and incidences of transfusion.
Chronic Inflammatory Pure Sensory Polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A. , Wong Siew L. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
We describe a patient presenting with progressive upper limb numbness and sensory ataxia of the 4 limbs. Motor nerve conduction studies were completely normal. Sensory electrophysiology showed reduced/absent upper limb sensory action potentials (SAPs). In the lower limbs, SAPs were mostly normal. Sensory conduction velocities were normal. Forearm sensory conduction blocks were present for both median nerves on antidromic testing. The maximal recordable sural SAP was preserved in comparison to maximal recordable radial SAP, consistent with an “abnormal radial normal sural” pattern. Somatosensory evoked potentials were unrecordable for tibial and median nerves. Cerebrospinal fluid protein was raised (0.99 g/L). The patient worsened on oral corticosteroids but subsequently made substantial functional recovery on intravenous immunoglobulins. This case is different to those previously reported of sensory chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, given its exclusive sensory electrophysiologic presentation, presence of predominant upper limb reduced sensory amplitudes, and detection of sensory conduction blocks. These electrophysiologic features were of paramount importance in establishing diagnosis and effective therapy.
Critical role of the interleukin‐23//T‐helper 17 cell axis in the pathogenesis of psoriasis
Authors: NAKAJIMA Kimiko 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPsoriasis is an inflammatory disease with dynamic interactions between the immune system and the skin. Recent studies have demonstrated that the interleukin (IL)‐23//T‐helper (Th)17 cell axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Here, the biology and function of Th17 cells as well as the crucial role of IL‐23 in the context of the Th17 cell‐dependent chronic inflammation in psoriatic skins are reviewed. Recent study about the role of the IL‐23//Th17 axis in the pathogenesis of psoriasis‐like lesions in K5.Stat3C transgenic mice is also discussed. This model mouse for psoriasis not only verifies the therapeutic efficacies of biologics that specifically target the IL‐23//Th17 axis, but also clarifies the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Learning at the digital frontier: a review of digital literacies in theory and practice
Authors: Littlejohn A. , Beetham H. , McGill L. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis paper describes a literature review, institutional audit and analysis of practice in the area of digital literacy provision, based on research across the UK Higher Education sector. It concludes that institutions need to place greater value on ‘literacies of the digital’, and better prepare their students and their own organizational processes to thrive in an age of digital knowledge practices. It extends the debate about individual entitlement and provision to ask whether digital literacy offers an opportunity for the academy to redefine its relationship to knowledge in society.
Initial combination of linagliptin and metformin improves glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Haak T. , Meinicke T. , Jones R. , Weber S. , Eynatten M. von , Woerle H.‐J. 
Published: February 2012

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of initial combination therapy with linagliptin plus metformin versus linagliptin or metformin monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods: In this 24‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, Phase III trial, 791 patients were randomized to one of six treatment arms. Two free combination therapy arms received linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily (bid) + either low (500 mg) or high (1000 mg) dose metformin bid. Four monotherapy arms received linagliptin 5 mg once daily, metformin 500 mg or 1000 mg bid or placebo. Patients with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥11.0% were not eligible for randomization and received open‐label linagliptin + high‐dose metformin.Results: The placebo‐corrected mean (95% confidence interval) change in HbA1c from baseline (8.7%) to week 24 was −1.7% (−2.0, −1.4) for linagliptin + high‐dose metformin, −1.3% (−1.6, −1.1) for linagliptin + low‐dose metformin, −1.2% (−1.5, −0.9) for high‐dose metformin, −0.8% (−1.0, −0.5) for low‐dose metformin and −0.6 (−0.9, −0.3) for linagliptin (all p < 0.0001). In the open‐label arm, the mean change in HbA1c from baseline (11.8%) was −3.7%. Hypoglycaemia occurred at a similar low rate with linagliptin + metformin (1.7%) as with metformin alone (2.4%). Adverse event rates were comparable across treatment arms. No clinically significant changes in body weight were noted.Conclusions: Initial combination therapy with linagliptin plus metformin was superior to metformin monotherapy in improving glycaemic control, with a similar safety and tolerability profile, no weight gain and a low risk of hypoglycaemia.
Calibration of hybrid species distribution models: the value of general‐purpose vs. targeted monitoring data
Authors: De Cáceres Miquel , Brotons Lluís 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim  Temporally replicated observations are essential for the calibration and validation of species distribution models (SDMs) aiming at making temporal extrapolations. We study here the usefulness of a general‐purpose monitoring programme for the calibration of hybrid SDMs. As a benchmark case, we take the calibration with data from a monitoring programme that specifically surveys those areas where environmental changes expected to be relevant occur.Location  Catalonia, north‐east of Spain.Methods  We modelled the distribution changes of twelve open‐habitat bird species in landscapes whose dynamics are driven by fire and forest regeneration. We developed hybrid SDMs combining correlative habitat suitability with mechanistic occupancy models. We used observations from two monitoring programmes to provide maximum‐likelihood estimates for spread parameters: a common breeding bird survey (CBS) and a programme specifically designed to monitor bird communities within areas affected by wildfires (DINDIS).Results  Both calibration with CBS and DINDIS data yielded sound spread parameter estimates and range dynamics that suggested dispersal limitations. However, compared to calibration with DINDIS data, calibration with CBS data leads to biased estimates of spread distance for seven species and to a higher degree of uncertainty in predicted range dynamics for six species.Main conclusions  We have shown that available monitoring data can be used in the calibration of the mechanistic component of hybrid SDMs. However, if the dynamics of the target species occur within areas not well covered, general‐purpose monitoring data can lead to biased and inaccurate parameter estimates. To determine the potential usefulness of a given monitoring data set for the calibration of the mechanistic component of a hybrid SDM, we recommend quantifying the number of surveyed sites that are predicted to undergo habitat suitability changes.
Masting uncoupling: mast seeding does not follow all mast flowering episodes in a dioecious juniper tree
Authors: Montesinos Daniel , García‐Fayos Patricio , Verdú Miguel 
Published: February 2012

Evolutionary selective forces, like predator satiation and pollination efficiency, are acknowledged to be major causes of masting (the variable, periodic and synchronic production of seeds in a population). However, a number of recent studies indicate that resources might also play an important role on shaping masting patterns. Dioecious masting species offer a privileged framework to study the role of resources on masting variation, since male and female plants often experience different reproductive costs and selective pressures. We followed masting and reproductive investment (RI) of the dioecious tree Juniperus thurifera in two populations along 10 years and studied the different response of males and females to experimentally increased water and nutrient availability in a third population.Juniperus thurifera females invested in reproduction three times more resources than males. Such disparity generated different resource‐use strategies in male and female trees. Tree‐ring growth and water use efficiency (WUE) confirmed that sexes differed in their resource investment temporal pattern, with males using current resources for reproduction and females using resources accumulated during longer periods. Watered and fertilized female trees presented significantly higher flowering reproductive investments than males and experienced an extraordinary mast‐flowering event. However, seeding RI and mast seeding were not affected by the treatment. This suggests that although resource availability affects the reproductive output of this species, there are other major forces regulating masting on J. thurifera.During 10 years, J. thurifera male and female trees presented high and low flowering years more or less synchronously. However, not all mast flowering episodes resulted in mast seeding, leading to masting uncoupling between flowering and seeding. Since flowering costs represent only 1% of females’ total reproductive investments, masting uncoupling could be a beneficial bet‐hedging strategy to maximize reproductive output in spite of unpredictable catastrophic events.
A Mutation of OSOTP 51 Leads to Impairment of Photosystem I Complex Assembly and Serious Photo‐damage in Rice
Authors: Ye Jian‐Wei , Gong Zi‐Ying , Chen Chun‐Guang , Mi Hua‐Ling , Chen Gen‐Yun 
Published: February 2012

AbstractGene expression in chloroplasts is regulated by many nuclear‐encoded proteins. In this study, we isolated a rice (Oryza sativa subsp. japonica) mutant osotp51 with significant reduction in photosystem I (PSI). The osotp51 is extremely sensitive to light and accumulates a higher level of reactive oxygen species. Its leaves are almost albino when grown at 40 μmol photons/m2 per s. However, grown at 4 μmol photons/m2 per s, osotp51 has a similar phenotype to the wild‐type. 77K chlorophyll fluorescence analysis showed a blue shift in the highest peak emission from PSI in osotp51. In addition, the level of PSI and PSII dimer is dramatically reduced in osotp51. OSOTP 51 encodes a pentatricopeptide repeats protein, homologous to organelle transcript processing 51 in Arabidopsis. Loss‐of‐function OSOTP51 affects intron splicing of a number of plastid genes, particularly the ycf3 coding a protein involved in the assembly of PSI complex. OSOTP51 is functionally conserved in higher plants. The mutation of osotp51 indirectly leads to a widespread change in the structure and functions of PSI, results in severe photoinhibition, and finally dies, even when grown under very low light intensity.
Saquinavir Inhibits the Malaria Parasite's Chloroquine Resistance Transporter
Authors: Martin Rowena E. , Butterworth Alice S. , Gardiner Donald L. , Kirk Kiaran , McCarthy James S. , Skinner-Adams Tina S. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

The antiretroviral protease inhibitors (APIs) ritonavir, saquinavir, and lopinavir, used to treat HIV infection, inhibit the growth of
Plasmodium falciparum
at clinically relevant concentrations. Moreover, it has been reported that these APIs potentiate the activity of chloroquine (CQ) against this parasite
in vitro
. The mechanism underlying this effect is not understood, but the degree of chemosensitization varies between the different APIs and, with the exception of ritonavir, appears to be dependent on the parasite exhibiting a CQ-resistant phenotype. Here we report a study of the role of the
P. falciparum
chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) in the interaction between CQ and APIs, using transgenic parasites expressing different PfCRT alleles and using the
Xenopus laevis
oocyte system for the heterologous expression of PfCRT. Our data demonstrate that saquinavir behaves as a CQ resistance reverser and that this explains, at least in part, its ability to enhance the effects of CQ in CQ-resistant
P. falciparum
parasites.
Valuing Improvement in Value-Based Purchasing
Authors: Borden William B. , Blustein Jan 
Published: February 2012

Background—

Medicare will soon implement hospital value-based purchasing (VBP) using a scoring system that rewards both
achievement
(absolute performance) and
improvement
(performance increase over time). However
,
improvement is defined so as to give less credit to initial low performers than initial high performers. Because initial low performers are disproportionately hospitals in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, these institutions stand to lose under Medicare's VBP proposal.

Methods and Results—
We developed an alternative improvement scale and applied it to hospital performance throughout the United States. By using 2005 to 2008 Medicare process measures for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and heart failure (HF), we calculated hospital scores using Medicare's proposal and our alternative. Hospital performance scores were compared across 5 locational dimensions of socioeconomic disadvantage: poverty, unemployment, physician shortage, and high school and college graduation rates. Medicare's proposed scoring system yielded higher overall scores for the most locationally advantaged hospitals for 4 of 5 dimensions in AMI and 2 of 5 dimensions for HF. By using our alternative, differences in overall scores between hospitals in the most and least advantaged areas were attenuated, with locationally advantaged hospitals having higher overall scores for 3 of 5 dimensions for AMI and 1 of 5 dimensions for HF.

Conclusions—
Using an alternative VBP formula that reflects the principle of “equal credit for equal improvement” resulted in a more equitable distribution of overall payment scores, which could allow hospitals in both socioeconomically advantaged and disadvantaged areas to succeed under VBP.
Single beat 3D echocardiography for the assessment of right ventricular dimension and function after endurance exercise: Intraindividual comparison with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Schattke Sebastian , Wagner Moritz , Hättasch Robert , Schroeckh Sabrina , Durmus Tahir , Schimke Ingolf , Sanad Wasiem , Spethmann Sebastian , Scharhag Jürgen , Huppertz Alexander , Baumann Gert , Borges Adrian C , Knebel Fabian 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Our study compares new single beat 3D echocardiography (sb3DE) to cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) for the measurement of right ventricular (RV) dimension and function immediately after a 30 km run. This is to validate sb3DE against the "gold standard" CMR and to bring new insights into acute changes of RV dimension and function after endurance exercise.

Methods
21 non-elite male marathon runners were examined by sb3DE (Siemens ACUSON SC2000, matrix transducer 4Z1c, volume rates 10-29/s), CMR (Siemens Magnetom Avanto, 1,5 Tesla) and blood tests before and immediately after each athlete ran 30 km. The runners were not allowed to rehydrate after the race. The order of sb3DE and CMR examination was randomized.

Results
Sb3DE for the acquisition of RV dimension and function was feasible in all subjects. The decrease in mean body weight and the significant increase in hematocrit indicated dehydration. RV dimensions measured by CMR were consistently larger than measured by sb3DE.
Neither sb3DE nor CMR showed a significant difference in the RV ejection fraction before and after exercise. CMR demonstrated a significant decrease in RV dimensions. Measured by sb3DE, this decrease of RV volumes was not significant.

Conclusion
First, both methods agree well in the acquisition of systolic RV function. The dimensions of the RV measured by CMR are larger than measured by sb3DE. After exercise, the RV volumes decrease significantly when measured by CMR compared to baseline.
Second, endurance exercise seems not to induce acute RV dysfunction in athletes without rehydration.
University students and HIV in Namibia: an HIV prevalence survey and a knowledge and attitude survey
Authors: de Beer Ingrid H , Gelderblom Huub C , Schellekens Onno , Gaeb Esegiel , van Rooy Gert , McNally Alta , Wit Ferdinand W , Tobias Rinke de Wit F 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundWith an overall adult HIV prevalence of 15.3%, Namibia is facing one of the largest HIV epidemics in Africa. Young people aged 20 to 34 years constitute one of the groups at highest risk of HIV infection in Namibia. However, little is known about the impact of HIV on this group and its access to healthcare. The purpose of this study was to estimate HIV prevalence, to assess the knowledge of and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS, and to assess access to healthcare among university students in Namibia.MethodsWe assessed HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes, HIV prevalence and access to healthcare among students at the Polytechnic of Namibia and the University of Namibia. HIV prevalence was tested through anonymous oral fluid‐based tests.ResultsHalf (n = 2790/5568) of the university students and 45% (n = 2807/6302) of the Polytechnic students participated in the knowledge and attitudes surveys. HIV/AIDS knowledge was reasonable, except for misperceptions about transmission. Awareness of one's own HIV status and risks was low. In all, 55% (n = 3055/5568) of university students and 58% (n = 3680/6302) of Polytechnic students participated in the HIV prevalence survey; 54 (1.8%) university students and 103 (2.8%) Polytechnic students tested HIV positive. Campus clinics were not the major providers of healthcare to the students.ConclusionsMeaningful strategies addressing the gap between knowledge, attitude and young people's perception of risk of HIV acquisition should be implemented. HIV prevalence among Namibian university students appears relatively low. Voluntary counselling and testing should be stimulated. Efforts should be made to increase access to healthcare through the campus clinics.