bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal trend of cadmium exposure in the United States population suggests gender specificities
Authors: Ferraro P. M. , Sturniolo A. , Naticchia A. , D'Alonzo S. , Gambaro G. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground:  Over the years, environmental cadmium exposure has been linked to increased mortality. Over the years, the use of cadmium has generally decreased.Aims:  Although even relatively low levels of cadmium have been associated with increased mortality in the general population, whether this applies to blood cadmium is not well understood.Methods:  The authors analysed data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to study the temporal trend of cadmium exposure in the period 1988–2006 and the risk of all‐cause, cancer and cardiovascular mortality associated with blood cadmium levels.Results:  Urinary cadmium decreased significantly over time in males (0.58 (0.01) mcg/g to 0.41 (0.01) mcg/g; P < 0.001) but not in females (0.71 (0.09) mcg/g to 0.63 (0.08) mcg/g; P= 0.66). All‐cause mortality was significantly higher in the highest quartiles compared with the lowest quartile of blood cadmium in both males (hazard ratio 1.89, 95% confidence interval 1.22, 2.89; P= 0.005) and females (hazard ratio 2.03, 95% confidence interval 1.06, 3.89; P= 0.035) after adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, smoke status, alcohol intake, annual household income and body mass index. There was also a significant association with cardiovascular mortality in females (P= 0.025).Conclusions:  Our data show that elevated blood cadmium levels are associated with elevated mortality, that there seem to be gender differences in temporal trends of cadmium exposure and that blood cadmium is a proxy of chronic cadmium exposure.
AnalysingEmotions inSchubert'sErlkönig:aComputationalApproach
Authors: EEROLA TUOMAS 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThe present article provides an outline of the computational prediction of emotions expressed by music. A recent model based on the extraction of acoustic features derived from film music is used to demonstrate each phase of the model's construction, and the musical relevance and predictive accuracy of such models are discussed. This model, as well as a stylistically more appropriate model based on piano performances, is applied to a segmented analysis of Schubert's LiedDer Erlkönig. The predictions are compared to analytical insights provided by Spitzer in this issue. The two approaches, music analytical interpretation and computational analysis of expressed emotions, yield often coinciding emotional nuances, particularly when the stylistically appropriate computational model based on piano performances is used. The potential synergies, especially those related to a more comprehensive analysis of timbral characters via computer tools as well as the more refined interpretations that only a music analyst is able to draw, are discussed.
Mapping theHumanHeart:aHolisticAnalysis ofFear inSchubert
Authors: SPITZER MICHAEL 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThis article analyses two works by Schubert, the first movement of hisUnfinishedSymphony andDer Erlkönig, in terms of the basic emotional category of Fear. Proceeding from the set of acoustic cues associated with the expression of Fear in musical materials, the article explores this emotional category both as an affective state and as a system of action tendencies enacted by the musical persona through a work's formal behaviours. Schubert's emotional processes are analysed from two standpoints: (1) as pathways through the affect space of Russell's circumplex model and (2) as ecological affordances of Öhman's fear‐imminence trajectory. The article aims at a holistic approach insofar as it explores the continuum between empirical and aesthetic approaches to musical emotion: between psychological and physiological measurements of Fear evinced by sonic features, and philosophical concepts of Fear inherent in the musical sublime, as unfolded by substantial works of art music.
Translation of Evidence‐Based Clinical Standards into a New Prehospital Resuscitation Policy in Los Angeles County
Authors: Grudzen Corita R. , Richardson Lynne D. , Koenig William J. , Hoffman Jerome R. , Lorenz Karl A. , Asch Steven M. 
Published: October 2011

ObjectiveTo translate a set of evidence‐based clinical standards designed to allow paramedics to forgo unnecessary and potentially harmful resuscitation attempts into a feasible new policy.Data Sources/SettingPolicy documents, meeting minutes, and personal communications between a large urban Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency serving all of Los Angeles County (LAC) and a research group were reviewed over 12 months.Study DesignLAC EMS and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) formed a partnership (the EMS‐UCLA Collaborative) to develop and translate the standards into new EMS protocols. Clinical indicators considered appropriate and feasible by an expert panel were submitted to the agency for inclusion in the new policy.FindingsThe Collaborative submitted the results to the LAC EMS Commission and a physician advisory group for review. Of the 41 indicators approved by the expert panel, 22 would have resulted in changes to the current policy. All six involved asking family members about or honoring written and verbal Do Not Attempt Resuscitate requests, but only 4 of the 16 indicators based on clinical characteristics were included in the new policy. Ultimately, 10 of the 22 indicators that would have changed policy were approved and implemented.ConclusionsBy collaboration, a large EMS agency and a research team were able to develop and implement a revised resuscitation policy within 1 year.
Differentiation between amnestic‐mild cognitive impairment and early‐stage Alzheimer's disease using the Frontal Assessment Battery test
Authors: YAMAO Ayumi , NAGATA Tomoyuki , SHINAGAWA Shunichiro , NUKARIYA Kazutaka , OCHIAI Yusuke , KASAHARA Hiroo , NAKAYAMA Kazuhiko 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground:  Previous research has described the executive dysfunction that occurs in patients with amnestic‐mild cognitive impairments (A‐MCI) and early‐stage Alzheimer's disease (EAD), which are comparatively similar stages of dementia. The aim of the present cross‐sectional study is to evaluate executive dysfunction using the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) screening test in two groups and to investigate the interaction with other cognitive impairments.Methods:  Among 170 consecutive patients with Alzheimer's disease or A‐MCI, we recruited 48 subjects who were under 75 years of age and had been diagnosed as having either A‐MCI or EAD. We then compared the total and the subtest scores of the mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) and the FAB between the two groups. Moreover, we investigated the statistical interactive associations of the FAB subtest scores with the influential MMSE subtest scores or the diagnosis (A‐MCI or EAD).Results:  No significant differences in the age, sex ratio, duration of illness, and education years were observed between the two groups. However, significant differences in the FAB total and subtest scores (conflicting instructions and go/no‐go) were found between the two groups. Furthermore, significant differences in the MMSE total and subtest scores (orientation, memory delayed recall, and attention and calculation) were also noted between the two groups. In a generalized linear model analysis, only two FAB subtest scores (conflicting instructions and go/no‐go) were significantly influenced by the diagnosis (A‐MCI or EAD) in a manner that was independent of the interaction with the orientation or memory delayed recall.Conclusion:  The present findings suggest that the FAB total score and subtest scores reflecting interference performances (conflicting instructions and go/no‐go) significantly declined in patients with EAD, independent of the disorientation and memory disorder. Such characteristics of neuropsychological screening test scores may be useful to clinicians for differentiating EAD and A‐MCI at bedside.
Comparing dementia patients’ nighttime objective movement indicators with staff observations
Authors: YAMAKAWA Miyae , SUTO Shunji , SHIGENOBU Kazue , KUNIMOTO Kyomi , MAKIMOTO Kiyoko 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground:  Pharmacological and non‐pharmacological approaches are commonly used to treat patients’ institutionalised for nighttime wandering. Actigraphy and other scales have been used to evaluate the efficacy of these treatments. However, in clinical settings, nursing records are often the sole source of daily observation of nighttime wandering. Thus, physicians rely on nursing records to evaluate pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatments. This study examined nighttime movements of patients with dementia, comparing the results of integrated circuit tag monitoring with hourly nighttime nursing records. We tested which factors were associated with agreement rates between the two data sources.Methods:  The study hospital was a general hospital in Osaka, Japan. Monitoring was conducted in a closed 60‐bed dementia care unit. An integrated circuit tag monitoring system was used to monitor the movement of institutionalised dementia patients for over half a year. The distance moved per hour by subjects was measured using the monitoring system, and the data were compared with hourly nighttime nursing records. Agreement rates were calculated between the two data sources.Results:  Thirty‐five patients were monitored. Between 10–30% of subjects moved at any given hour during the night. The overall agreement rate between sources of movement data was 39%. Agreement rates were significantly correlated with the interquartile of the distance moved, changes in medication, physical conditions, and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia measured during the day.Conclusions:  Although the agreement rate was low, staff appeared to pay more attention to patients associated with notable events during the day and patients exhibiting variability in distance moved.
High‐Temperature Tribological and Self‐Lubricating Behavior of Copper Oxide‐Doped Y‐TZP Composite Sliding Against Alumina
Authors: Valefi Mahdiar , de Rooij Matthijn , Schipper Dirk J. , Winnubst Louis 
Published: October 2011

The tribological behavior of 5 wt% copper oxide‐doped tetragonal zirconia polycrystal composite has been investigated while it slides against an alumina counterface under high temperature conditions. The effects of load (1, 2.5, and 5 N) and velocity (0.05 and 0.1 m/s) on the wear mechanism have been investigated. The results were compared with undoped zirconia at 595°C. A coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.35 and a specific wear rate less than 10−6 mm3/Nm were obtained at 595°C when copper oxide was added to zirconia. Further, it has been observed that a self‐lubricating layer is formed at the interface. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy have been used to investigate the formation of the self‐lubricating copper‐rich layer at the interface between the disk and counterface materials. The formation of a self‐lubricating layer, as well as the wear mechanisms at different operational conditions (load and velocity) are discussed. It appears that plastic deformation of copper‐rich phase at higher temperature is responsible for the decrease in friction and wear.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)—A Precursor Steroid or an Active Hormone in Human Physiology (CME)
Authors: Traish Abdulmaged M. , Kang H. Paco , Saad Farid , Guay Andre T. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe circulation of large amounts of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated derivative (DHEA-S) suggests a physiological role in human physiology. In the central nervous system, DHEA is considered a neurosteroid with a wide range of functions.AimThe goal of this review is to discuss metabolism, biochemical, and physiological mechanism of DHEA action and the potential role of DHEA in aging and in ameliorating a host of pathological conditions, associated with aging.MethodsWe examined preclinical and clinical data reported in various studies from the available literature concerning the effects of DHEA in normal and pathological conditions.Main Outcome MeasuresData reported in the literature were analyzed, reviewed, and discussed.ResultsDHEA mediates its action via multiple signaling pathways involving specific membrane receptors and via transformation into androgen and estrogen derivatives (e.g., androgens, estrogens, 7α and 7β DHEA, and 7α and 7β epiandrosterone derivatives) acting through their specific receptors. These pathways include: nitric oxide synthase activation, modulation of γ-amino butyric acid receptors, N-methyl D-aspartate, receptors sigma receptors (Sigma-1), differential expression of inflammatory factors, adhesion molecules and reactive oxygen species, among others. Clinical and epidemiological studies suggested that low DHEA levels might be associated with ischemic heart disease, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, bone loss, inflammatory diseases, and sexual dysfunction. Most importantly, no significant adverse or negative side effects of DHEA were reported in clinical studies of men and women.ConclusionDHEA modulates endothelial function, reduces inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, blood flow, cellular immunity, body composition, bone metabolism, sexual function, and physical strength in frailty and provides neuroprotection, improves cognitive function, and memory enhancement. DHEA possesses pleiotropic effects and reduced levels of DHEA and DHEA-S may be associated with a host of pathologies; however, the clinical efficacy of DHEA supplementation in ameliorating patho-physiological symptoms remains to be evaluated.
Aptness of Beauveria bassiana and enhanced diatomaceous earth (DEBBM) for control of Rhyzopertha dominica F.
Authors: WAKIL Waqas , RIASAT Tahira , GHAZANFAR M. Usman , KWON Yong Jung , SHAHEEN Farid Asif 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA diatomaceous earth formulation enhanced with bitterbarkomycin (DEBBM) combined with Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin was evaluated against lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica F. (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) under laboratory conditions. DEBBM was applied at the rates of 15 and 30 ppm alone as well as in combination with 6.69 × 106, 6.69 × 108 and 6.69 × 1010 conidia/kg of wheat. Mortality of treated adults was recorded after 5, 10 and 15 days of exposure. Bioassays were carried out at 20, 25 and 30°C with 55 and 75% relative humidity. The emergence of progeny was also assessed 60 days post exposure. The combined use of DEBBM and B. bassiana considerably increased adult mortality especially at increasing temperatures and longer exposure intervals compared with DEBBM and B. bassiana alone. Progeny production was less in wheat treated with high dose rates of DEBBM +B. bassiana. The per cent mycosis in the cadavers was maximum where B. bassiana was applied at low dose rates. The results of the present study indicated that a combination of DEBBM and B. bassiana may provide effective control of R. dominica.
Paleoecology of Early Ordovician Reefs in the Yichang Area, Hubei: a Correlation of Organic Reefs Between Early Ordovician and Jurassic
Authors: XIAO Chuantao , LI Meng , YANG Wei , HU Mingyi , LI Chao 
Published: October 2011

Abstract:The Early Ordovician System is composed mainly of a series of carbonate platform deposits interbedded with shale and is especially characterized by a large number of organic reefs or buildups that occur widely in the research area. The reefs have different thicknesses ranging from 0.5 m to 11.5 m and lengths varying from 1 m to 130 m. The reef‐building organisms include Archaeoscyphia, Recepthaculitids, Batostoma, Cyanobacteria and Pulchrilamina. Through the research of characteristics of the reef‐bearing strata of the Early Ordovician in the Yichang area, four sorts of biofacies are recognized, which are (1) shelly biofacies: containing Tritoechia‐Pelmatozans community and Tritoechia‐Pomatotrema community; (2) reef biofacies: including the Batostoma, Calathium‐Archaeoscyphia, Pelmatozoa‐Batostoma, Archeoscyphia and Calathium‐Cyanobacteria communities; (3) standing‐water biofacies: including the Acanthograptus‐Dendrogptus and Yichangopora communities; and (4) allochthonous biofacies: containing Nanorthis‐Psilocephlina taphocoense community. The analysis of sea‐level changes indicates that there are four cycles of sea‐level changes during the period when reef‐bearing strata were formed in this area, and the development of reefs is obviously controlled by the velocity of sea‐level changes and the growth of accommodation space. The authors hold that reefs were mostly formed in the high sea level periods. Because of the development of several subordinate cycles during the sea‐level rising, the reefs are characterized by great quantity, wide distribution, thin thickness and small scale, which are similar to that of Juassic reefs in northern Tibet. The research on the evolution of communities shows that succession and replacement are the main forms. The former is favorable to the development of reefs and the latter indicates the disappearance of reefs.
Amplitude Variation with Offset Responses Modeling Study of Walkaway Vertical Seismic Profile Data at CO2Geological Storage Site, Ketzin, Germany
Authors: YANG Can , KAZEMEINI Sayed Hesammoddin , FAN Wenfang , JUHLIN Christopher , LIU Dameng 
Published: October 2011

Abstract:An important component of any CO2sequestration project is seismic monitoring for tracking changes in subsurface physical properties, such as velocity and density. Different reservoirs have different amplitude variation with offset (AVO) responses, which can define underground conditions. In the present paper we investigate walkaway vertical seismic profile (VSP) AVO response to CO2injection at the Ketzin site, the first European onshore CO2sequestration pilot study dealing with research on geological storage of CO2. First, we performed rock physics analysis to evaluate the effect of injected CO2on seismic velocity using the Biot‐Gassmann equation. On the basis of this model, the seismic response for different CO2injection saturation was studied using ray tracing modeling. We then created synthetic walkaway VSP data, which we then processed. In contrast, synthetic seismic traces were created from borehole data. Finally, we found that the amplitude of CO2injected sand layer with different gas saturations were increased with the offset when compared with the original brine target layer. This is the typical class III AVO anomaly for gas sand layer. The AVO responses matched the synthetic seismic traces very well. Therefore, walkaway VSP AVO response can monitor CO2distribution in the Ketzin area.
Soil‐derived trace gas fluxes from different energy crops – results from a field experiment in Southwest Germany
Authors: Gauder Martin , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus , Graeff‐Hönninger Simone , Claupein Wilhelm , Wiegel Regina 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWillow coppice, energy maize and Miscanthus were evaluated regarding their soil‐derived trace gas emission potential involving a nonfertilized and a crop‐adapted slow‐release nitrogen (N) fertilizer scheme. The N application rate was 80 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for the perennial crops and 240 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for the annual maize. A replicated field experiment was conducted with 1‐year measurements of soil fluxes of CH4, CO2 and N2O in weekly intervals using static chambers. The measurements revealed a clear seasonal trend in soil CO2 emissions, with highest emissions being found for the N‐fertilized Miscanthus plots (annual mean: 50 mg C m−² h−1). Significant differences between the cropping systems were found in soil N2O emissions due to their dependency on amount and timing of N fertilization. N‐fertilized maize plots had highest N2O emissions by far, which accumulated to 3.6 kg N2O ha−1 yr−1. The contribution of CH4 fluxes to the total soil greenhouse gas subsumption was very small compared with N2O and CO2. CH4 fluxes were mostly negative indicating that the investigated soils mainly acted as weak sinks for atmospheric CH4. To identify the system providing the best ratio of yield to soil N2O emissions, a subsumption relative to biomass yields was calculated. N‐fertilized maize caused the highest soil N2O emissions relative to dry matter yields. Moreover, unfertilized maize had higher relative soil N2O emissions than unfertilized Miscanthus and willow. These results favour perennial crops for bioenergy production, as they are able to provide high yields with low N2O emissions in the field.
Education and Empowerment: Lessons and History of the Christian Education Network in Israel and Palestine
Authors: Frantzman Seth 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBeginning in the 1850s, Christian missionary organizations established schools in Ottoman Palestine. A variety of networks developed over the years, principally those of the Anglicans and Catholics. Initially, these schools provided an education emphasizing European Christian values and subjects. Over time, however, a slow process of indigenization occurred. The first fruits of this process are illustrated by young leaders like Emil Tume and Tewfik Tubi who were prominent in the political opposition in Israel's first years of statehood. Another generation produced such notables as author Raja Shehadeh and Hanan Ashwari. In today's Israel and the Palestinian territories, the best schools, from a standpoint of matriculation, are Christian private schools that are open to all communities. Through this history, the article examines the development of a Christian school network and the political activism, involvement, and empowerment they engendered. It also provides a case study of the Rosary Sisters' school system.
Co-deposition of a triple therapy drug formulation for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using solution-based pressurised metered dose inhalers
Authors: Adi Handoko , Young Paul M , Traini Daniela 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Objectives
The formulation of multi-drug pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) opens up exciting therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We have investigated the formulation of a solution-based triple therapy pMDI containing ipratropium, formoterol, budesonide and ethanol as co-solvent.

Methods
This system was characterised for in-vitro performance and compared with marketed pMDIs (Atrovent and Symbicort).

Key findings
No significant difference was found in the stage deposition of each drug from the triple therapy formulation, suggesting that the droplets contained a fixed ratio of the three components used. Stage deposition of formoterol and budesonide from the suspension-based marketed Symbicort were significantly different, suggesting that the two drugs were deposited as separate entities. Calculation of the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of each formulation suggested Atrovent (ipratropium, MMAD = 0.9 ± 0.0 µm) to have a small particle size, similar to the triple therapy formulation. Atrovent, like the triple therapy formulation was solution based and it contained ethanol as a co-solvent (triple therapy formulation, MMAD = 1.3 ± 0.0 µm).

Conclusions
This study demonstrated the feasibility of formulating a solution-based pMDI containing a triple therapy with identical deposition pattern for the treatment of several respiratory diseases where multi-drug cell targeting is required.