bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid thermal annealing and crystallization mechanisms study of silicon nanocrystal in silicon carbide matrix
Authors: Wan Zhenyu , Huang Shujuan , Green Martin A , Conibeer Gavin 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn this paper, a positive effect of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) technique has been researched and compared with conventional furnace annealing for Si nanocrystalline in silicon carbide (SiC) matrix system. Amorphous Si-rich SiC layer has been deposited by co-sputtering in different Si concentrations (50 to approximately 80 v%). Si nanocrystals (Si-NC) containing different grain sizes have been fabricated within the SiC matrix under two different annealing conditions: furnace annealing and RTA both at 1,100°C. HRTEM image clearly reveals both Si and SiC-NC formed in the films. Much better "degree of crystallization" of Si-NC can be achieved in RTA than furnace annealing from the research of GIXRD and Raman analysis, especially in high-Si-concentration situation. Differences from the two annealing procedures and the crystallization mechanism have been discussed based on the experimental results.
A human cancer-predisposing polymorphism in Cdc25A is embryonic lethal in the mouse and promotes ASK-1 mediated apoptosis
Authors: Bahassi El Mustapha , Yin Moying , Robbins Susan B , Li Ya-Qin , Conrady Deborah G , Yuan Zhenyu , Kovall Rhett A , Herr Andrew B , Stambrook Peter J 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Failure to regulate the levels of Cdc25A phosphatase during the cell cycle or during a checkpoint response causes bypass of DNA damage and replication checkpoints resulting in genomic instability and cancer. During G1 and S and in cellular response to DNA damage, Cdc25A is targeted for degradation through the Skp1-cullin-β-TrCP (SCFβ-TrCP) complex. This complex binds to the Cdc25A DSG motif which contains serine residues at positions 82 and 88. Phosphorylation of one or both residues is necessary for the binding and degradation to occur.

Results
We now show that mutation of serine 88 to phenylalanine, which is a cancer-predisposing polymorphic variant in humans, leads to early embryonic lethality in mice. The mutant protein retains its phosphatase activity both in vitro and in cultured cells. It fails to interact with the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), however, and therefore does not suppress ASK1-mediated apoptosis.

Conclusions
These data suggest that the DSG motif, in addition to its function in Cdc25A-mediated degradation, plays a role in cell survival during early embyogenesis through suppression of ASK1-mediated apoptosis.
Reciprocal relationship between APP positioning relative to the membrane and PS1 conformation
Authors: Uemura Kengo , Farner Katherine C , Nasser-Ghodsi Navine , Jones Phill , Berezovska Oksana 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Several familial Alzheimer disease (FAD) mutations within the transmembrane region of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) increase the Aβ42/40 ratio without increasing total Aβ production. In the present study, we analyzed the impact of FAD mutations and γ-secretase modulators (GSMs) that alter the Aβ42/40 ratio on APP C-terminus (CT) positioning relative to the membrane, reasoning that changes in the alignment of the APP intramembranous domain and presenilin 1 (PS1) may impact the PS1/γ-secretase cleavage site on APP.

Results
By using a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based technique, fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), we show that Aβ42/40 ratio-modulating factors which target either APP substrate or PS1/γ-secretase affect proximity of the APP-CT to the membrane and change PS1 conformation.

Conclusions
Thus, we propose that there is a reciprocal relationship between APP-CT positioning relative to the membrane and PS1 conformation, suggesting that factors that modulate either APP positioning in the membrane or PS1 conformation could be exploited therapeutically.
Implications of ICU triage decisions on patient mortality: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Edbrooke David L , Minelli Cosetta , Mills Gary H , Iapichino Gaetano , Pezzi Angelo , Corbella Davide , Jacobs Philip , Lippert Anne , Wiis Joergen , Pesenti Antonio , Patroniti Nicolo , Pirracchio Romain , Payen Didier , Gurman Gabriel , Bakker Jan , Kesecioglu Jozef , Hargreaves Chris , Cohen Simon L , Baras Mario , Artigas Antonio , Sprung Charles L 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Intensive care is generally regarded as expensive, and as a result beds are limited. This has raised serious questions about rationing when there are insufficient beds for all those referred. However, the evidence for the cost effectiveness of intensive care is weak and the work that does exist usually assumes that those who are not admitted do not survive, which is not always the case. Randomised studies of the effectiveness of intensive care are difficult to justify on ethical grounds; therefore, this observational study examined the cost effectiveness of ICU admission by comparing patients who were accepted into ICU after ICU triage to those who were not accepted, while attempting to adjust such comparison for confounding factors.

Methods
This multi-centre observational cohort study involved 11 hospitals in 7 EU countries and was designed to assess the cost effectiveness of admission to intensive care after ICU triage. A total of 7,659 consecutive patients referred to the intensive care unit (ICU) were divided into those accepted for admission and those not accepted. The two groups were compared in terms of cost and mortality using multilevel regression models to account for differences across centres, and after adjusting for age, Karnofsky score and indication for ICU admission. The analyses were also stratified by categories of Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II predicted mortality (< 5%, 5% to 40% and >40%). Cost effectiveness was evaluated as cost per life saved and cost per life-year saved.

Results
Admission to ICU produced a relative reduction in mortality risk, expressed as odds ratio, of 0.70 (0.52 to 0.94) at 28 days. When stratified by predicted mortality, the odds ratio was 1.49 (0.79 to 2.81), 0.7 (0.51 to 0.97) and 0.55 (0.37 to 0.83) for <5%, 5% to 40% and >40% predicted mortality, respectively. Average cost per life saved for all patients was $103,771 (€82,358) and cost per life-year saved was $7,065 (€5,607). These figures decreased substantially for patients with predicted mortality higher than 40%, $60,046 (€47,656) and $4,088 (€3,244), respectively. Results were very similar when considering three-month mortality. Sensitivity analyses performed to assess the robustness of the results provided findings similar to the main analyses.

Conclusions
Not only does ICU appear to produce an improvement in survival, but the cost per life saved falls for patients with greater severity of illness. This suggests that intensive care is similarly cost effective to other therapies that are generally regarded as essential.
Influence of genetic variability at the surfactant proteins A and D in community-acquired pneumonia: a prospective, observational, genetic study
Authors: García-Laorden MIsabel , Rodríguez de Castro Felipe , Solé-Violán Jordi , Rajas Olga , Blanquer José , Borderías Luis , Aspa Javier , Briones M Luisa , Saavedra Pedro , Marcos-Ramos J Alberto , González-Quevedo Nereida , Sologuren Ithaisa , Herrera-Ramos Estefanía , Ferrer José M , Rello Jordi , Rodríguez-Gallego Carlos 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Genetic variability of the pulmonary surfactant proteins A and D may affect clearance of microorganisms and the extent of the inflammatory response. The genes of these collectins (SFTPA1, SFTPA2 and SFTPD) are located in a cluster at 10q21-24. The objective of this study was to evaluate the existence of linkage disequilibrium (LD) among these genes, and the association of variability at these genes with susceptibility and outcome of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We also studied the effect of genetic variability on SP-D serum levels.

Methods
Seven non-synonymous polymorphisms of SFTPA1, SFTPA2 and SFTPD were analyzed. For susceptibility, 682 CAP patients and 769 controls were studied in a case-control study. Severity and outcome were evaluated in a prospective study. Haplotypes were inferred and LD was characterized. SP-D serum levels were measured in healthy controls.

Results
The SFTPD aa11-C allele was significantly associated with lower SP-D serum levels, in a dose-dependent manner. We observed the existence of LD among the studied genes. Haplotypes SFTPA1 6A
2
(P = 0.0009, odds ration (OR) = 0.78), SFTPA2 1A
0
(P = 0.002, OR = 0.79), SFTPA1-SFTPA2 6A
2
-1A
0
(P = 0.0005, OR = 0.77), and SFTPD-SFTPA1-SFTPA2 C-6A
2
-1A
0
(P = 0.00001, OR = 0.62) were underrepresented in patients, whereas haplotypes SFTPA2 1A
10
(P = 0.00007, OR = 6.58) and SFTPA1-SFTPA2 6A
3
-1A (P = 0.0007, OR = 3.92) were overrepresented. Similar results were observed in CAP due to pneumococcus, though no significant differences were now observed after Bonferroni corrections. 1A
10
and 6A-1A were associated with higher 28-day and 90-day mortality, and with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) respectively. SFTPD aa11-C allele was associated with development of MODS and ARDS.

Conclusions
Our study indicates that missense single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes of SFTPA1, SFTPA2 and SFTPD are associated with susceptibility to CAP, and that several haplotypes also influence severity and outcome of CAP.
Shoaling in zebrafish: what we don’t know
Authors: Miller Noam Y. , Gerlai Robert 
Published: February 2011

AbstractZebrafish have been gaining increasing popularity in behavioral neuroscience. However, the number of behavioral test paradigms specifically designed for zebrafish, and in general the amount of information available on the behavior of this species, is relatively small when compared with classical laboratory model organisms such as the mouse, the rat, and the fruit fly. A particularly typical behavioral feature of zebrafish is shoaling, i.e., group formation. Given the importance of social behavior in our own species and the fact that zebrafish possess several characteristics similar to those of other vertebrates, including humans, at many levels of biological organization (e.g., neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, biochemical processes, and amino acid sequence of proteins or nucleotide sequence of genes), the zebrafish is expected to be an excellent tool not only for basic research but perhaps also for translational research. Briefly, we propose that once social behavior of the zebrafish is better characterized and once appropriate behavioral methods have been developed, this species can be utilized for the analysis of the mechanisms of social behavior of other vertebrates including our own. In this review, we discuss general principles of shoaling and highlight what we know and what we do not know about this behavior as it pertains to zebrafish.
Sleep and its regulation in zebrafish
Authors: Zhdanova Irina V. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The function of sleep remains a central enigma of modern biology, in spite of the obvious importance of sleep for normal physiology and cognition. The zebrafish has emerged as a promising new model for studying sleep, its changes with age, and the impact of sleep alterations on cognitive function. Recent studies of this diurnal vertebrate have provided new insights into the dual role of the pineal hormone melatonin and its receptors, regulating sleep in diurnal vertebrates through both homeostatic and circadian mechanisms. Research in zebrafish has also revealed interactions between melatonin and the hypocretin/orexin system, another important sleep-wake modulator. Future investigations should benefit from the conservation in zebrafish of mechanisms that regulate normal sleep, our extensive knowledge of their molecular biology, the availability of multiple transgenic and mutant phenotypes, and the feasibility of applying sensitive in vivo imaging techniques to record sleep-related neuronal activity in these optically transparent subjects. The established sensitivity of zebrafish to many pharmacological hypnotics should also contribute to the development of new, safe and effective sleep medications.
Psychiatric Consultation With Medical Evacuees of Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Bishop Leigh C. , Thornby John 
Published: February 2011

Objective To study the scope of clinical activities and the postoperational attitudes of mental health professionals responding emergently to a mass urban evacuation. Methods Eleven mental health care providers participating in a reception team for medical evacuees after Hurricane Katrina were asked to complete a survey seeking data regarding cases encountered, psychopharmacologic interventions, and mental health support for evacuated medical personnel. Participants rated their levels of agreement with statements characterizing various aspects of the clinical experience. Results Nine of 11 providers returned surveys, for a response rate of 82%. Among 35 evacuees requiring immediate psychiatric consultation, acute stress disorder and dementia, equally represented among these cases, accounted for half the diagnoses. Medication interventions were relatively uncommon. Consultants provided mental health support to 14 evacuated medical professionals. Although somewhat uncertain about their role, psychiatric consultants strongly agreed that they would be willing to serve in future disaster operations of this type. Conclusions In major disasters, psychiatric consultants are likely to play a critical role in providing emergency mental health services for both medical evacuees and evacuated medical professionals.
The Snow Snorkel: A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Windsor Jeremy S. , Hamilton Edwin , Grocott Michael P. , O’Dwyer Michael J. , Milledge James S. 
Published: February 2011

Objective To demonstrate that the Snow Snorkel can be used safely by healthy volunteers buried in snow for up to 1 hour. Methods Nine healthy male volunteers were placed in a shoulder-width trench and buried with snow to a depth of 30 to 40 cm. The study was divided into 2 stages. The first stage (Stage 1) was performed with the Snow Snorkel in operation (60-minute duration) and was then followed by a second stage (Stage 2) (15-minute duration) when the device was removed. Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), axillary temperature (T), and 3-lead electrocardiography (ECG) were monitored throughout the study. Results Of the 9 vol.nteers who were enrolled, 7 were able to complete Stage 1, while only 3 were able to complete Stage 2. In those who completed Stage 1, the mean HR fell by 14.1 beats/min ( P = .002), while RR ( P = .5) and SaO2 ( P = .7) remained unchanged compared to baseline measurements. There were no changes in T or ECG. Conclusions Simple systems such as the Snow Snorkel are effective during snow burial and warrant further investigation.
Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia: Overzealous Fluid Consumption
Authors: Rogers Ian R. , Hew-Butler Tamara 
Published: February 2011

Exercise-associated hyponatremia is hyponatremia occurring during or up to 24 hours after prolonged exertion. In its more severe form, it manifests as cerebral and pulmonary edema. There have now been multiple reports of its occurring in a wilderness setting. It can now be considered the most important medical problem of endurance exercise. The Second International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Conference gives an up-to-date account of the nature and management of this disease. This article reviews key information from this conference and its statement. There is clear evidence that the primary cause of exercise-associated hyponatremia is fluid consumption in excess of that required to replace insensible losses. This is usually further complicated by the presence of inappropriate arginine vasopressin secretion, which decreases the ability to renally excrete the excess fluid consumed. Women, those of low body weight, and those taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are particularly at risk. When able to be biochemically diagnosed, severe exercise-associated hyponatremia is treated with hypertonic saline. In a wilderness setting, the key preventative intervention is moderate fluid consumption based on perceived need (“ad libitum”) and not on a rigid rule. (Editor's Note: This paper was written at my request in an effort to increase awareness of this important clinical entity among members of the wilderness community, many of whom are involved in activities that place them at risk of its development. I thank the authors for their diligent efforts.)
Hypothermia Is a Significant Medical Risk of Mass Participation Long-Distance Open Water Swimming
Authors: Brannigan Domhnall , Rogers Ian R. , Jacobs Ian , Montgomery Amanda , Williams Aled , Khangure Nicole 
Published: February 2011

Objective To document the prevalence of hypothermia in a mass participation endurance open water swimming event and to determine demographic and individual factors that may predict failure to finish the race and hypothermia. Methods A prospective observational study in competitors in a 19.2-km open water swimming race in Perth, Western Australia. Pre-race information collected included age, sex, training and race experience, medical history, and body mass index (BMI). Body temperatures at 5 minutes postrace were measured using an equilibrated oral- or rectal-reading low-range glass mercury thermometer. Logistic regression was used to develop models predicting hypothermia (defined as a temperature of <35°C) and failure to finish the race. Results One hundred and nine competitors (70 male, 39 female) with a combined mean age of 38.4 ± 12.1 years were studied. Hypothermia was the most common race-related illness, identified in 26 of 35 swimmers screened as requiring temperature measurement, including 5 who required short-stay hospital care and 2 who required critical care transfer. Longer race duration (odds ratio [OR] 1.77, 95% CI 1.10–2.84, P = .018) was associated with an increased risk of hypothermia, and higher BMI (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41–0.79, P = .001) was associated with a decreased risk of hypothermia. Weak predictors of failure to finish were age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.11, P = .012) and hours spent training (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.16, P = .025). Conclusions Hypothermia is a common condition affecting mass participation long-distance open water swimmers. Increased BMI appears to be protective against hypothermia, while prolonged duration of the swim predicts an increased risk of hypothermia. The weak predictors of failing to finish are of questionable clinical significance.
Wilderness First Aid: Is There an “Industry Standard”?
Authors: Welch Thomas R. , Clement Kent , Berman Dene 
Published: February 2011

Objective To determine if an “industry standard” exists for wilderness first aid training and certification of outdoor adventure/education leaders. Methods Regulatory authorities, national organizations, and school/college groups were queried with regard to their requirements for first aid training of their wilderness trek leaders. Results Only 10 of the 22 states with guide licensure programs required any first aid training as a condition of licensure, and none specified a specific course. Of those programs requiring such training, the requirements ranged from a 6-hour standard first aid course to more structured “wilderness first responder” certification. Conclusions There exists no uniform industry standard for first aid training and certification of wilderness leaders. The epidemiology of backcountry injuries as well as what is currently known about clinical skills retention indicate that there may be little evidence basis for much of current practice.
Living with a Craniofacial Condition: Development of the Craniofacial Experiences Questionnaire (CFEQ) for Adolescents and Their Parents
Authors: Roberts Rachel M. , Shute Rosalyn 
Published: February 2011

Objective To develop a new instrument (the Craniofacial Experiences Questionnaire, CFEQ) to measure both stressors and positive aspects of living with a craniofacial condition from adolescent and parent perspectives, and to examine its validity and reliability. A secondary aim was to explore experiences reported according to age, gender, and diagnosis. Design Self-report and parent report questionnaires (CFEQ, Youth Self Report [YSR], Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL], Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale [BERS]) were completed by adolescents with congenital craniofacial conditions and their parents. Participants Fifty adolescents with craniofacial conditions and 55 of their parents. Results Internal reliability of the stressor and positive aspects scales was acceptable (.81 to .92) but was lower for some stressor subscales (.50–.86). Higher stressor scale scores were related to poorer adjustment (CBCL r = .55, YSR r = .37). There were no consistent differences in the stressful or positive experiences of young people with craniofacial conditions according to gender or age. There were no differences in stressors reported according to diagnosis. Conclusions The CFEQ shows promise as a clinical and research tool for investigating the stressors and positive experiences of young people with craniofacial conditions. Consistent with the literature on chronic pediatric conditions, there were few differences in experiences of young people according to diagnosis. Furthermore, the lack of gender or age differences supports the need for clinicians to comprehensively assess the experiences of young people regardless of demographic variables.
Influence of Timing of Hard Palate Repair in a Two-Stage Procedure on Early Speech Development in Danish Children with Cleft Palate
Authors: Willadsen Elisabeth 
Published: February 2011

Objective To investigate the influence of timing of hard palate closure on early speech development from 18 months to 3 years of age. Design A prospective, randomized clinical trial. Participants Thirty-four children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) with velum closure at 4 months of age, and hard palate closure at 12 months (early hard palate repair, EarlyHPR) or 36 months (late hard palate unrepaired, LateHPU) by random assignment. Thirty-five control children were matched for gender and age. Methods All children were video recorded during a play interaction with a parent at 18 months of age. These recordings were transcribed according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. At 36 months a single word naming test was administered. Results At 18 months the LateHPU group produced fewer labial stops and more velar stops than the EarlyHPR group. Unlike the EarlyHPR group, the LateHPU group produced fewer vocalizations, consonants, and consonants permissible in word-initial position than the control group. Additionally, both cleft palate groups had a smaller productive vocabulary than the control group, but unlike the EarlyHPR group, the LateHPU group produced a smaller number of word tokens in social interaction than the control group. By 3 years of age, the LateHPU group had a (severely) restricted phonological system and produced more cleft speech characteristics than the EarlyHPR group. Conclusions Surgical timing of hard palate repair in a two-stage procedure appears to have an influence on early speech development in children with cleft palate.