bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neural network classification of aggregates by means of line laser based 3D acquisition
Authors: Sinecen Mahmut , Topal Ali , Makinaci Metehan , Baradan Bulent 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis study focuses on the development of a new module for a more accurate determination of geometrical properties of aggregates. A laser‐based imaging system has been developed for the shape characterization of aggregates by using various digital image analysis techniques. By using this system it is possible to create a three‐dimensional (3D) image form of aggregate particles. The system has been optimized to minimize the possible errors during image capturing and processing. The aggregates were classified according to their shape properties as; round, flat, elongated, angular, sphere, and irregular during test procedures. Geometrical properties of each aggregate group were analysed in 3D spatial domain. 3D shape reconstruction and characterization of the aggregates were realized by using digital image processing and analysis techniques based on the laser imaging system. MatLab® Image Processing Toolbox and Neural Network Toolbox were used to extract typical features of the aggregates and classify them according to their geometrical properties. Among the classifier types, multi‐layered perceptron that has two hidden layers revealed the best performance (95.83%). The selection and production of appropriate shaped aggregate for various construction purposes seems to be possible by this developed method.
Late‐onset myasthenia not on the increase: a nationwide register study in Denmark, 1996–2009
Authors: Pedersen E. G. , Hallas J. , Hansen K. , Jensen P. E. H. , Gaist D. 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundAn increase in late‐onset myasthenia gravis (MG) has been reported. There are few large population‐based studies over longer periods of time reflecting recent developments in MG incidence.MethodsWe identified a nationwide cohort of patients with incident myasthenia in Denmark in 1996–2009. We used a validated algorithm to track subjects based on a combination of diagnosis and prescription (pyridostigmine) data from nationwide registers. Patients with myasthenia were classified into early onset (<50 years old) and late onset (50+ years). We calculated incidence rates (IRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals.ResultsWe identified 693 patients (362 women) with incident MG in the study period corresponding to an IR of 9.2 per million person‐years (8.5–9.9). Overall, 207 (29.9%) were classified as early‐onset and 486 (70.1%) as late‐onset MG. Women predominated in the early‐onset group (70.5%), but not in the late‐onset group (44.4%). The incidence rate of early‐onset MG was 4.2 (3.6–4.8) and late‐onset MG 18.9 (17.3–20.7) per million person‐years and it did not vary over time in the study period (P‐values for trend 0.54 and 0.15, respectively).ConclusionLate‐onset MG comprised a large proportion of all incident cases in Denmark, was more common in men than women, and occurred with a stable incidence in the 14‐year study period. Therefore, we speculate whether previous reports of a rise in late‐onset MG reflect a non‐biological phenomenon, that is, a gradual improvement in the diagnosis of MG in this age group in previous years.
Energetic consequences of a major change in habitat use: endangered Brent Geese Branta bernicla hrota losing their main food resource
Authors: Clausen Kevin Kuhlmann , Clausen Preben , Fælled Casper Cæsar , Mouritsen Kim Nørgaard 
Published: August 2012

Coastal seagrasses are declining at increasing rates worldwide, forcing herbivores previously reliant on these habitats to abandon them in search of alternative ways to fulfil their daily energy budgets. After two decades of declining seagrass abundance in Mariager Fjord, Denmark, the Svalbard breeding population of Light‐bellied Brent Geese Branta bernicla hrota has experienced substantial changes in habitat use at this traditional autumn staging area. Declines in seagrasses have caused birds to depend increasingly on Sea Lettuce Ulva lactuca in recent years, and forced birds into terrestrial habitats such as saltmarsh and winter wheat. In contrast to those birds exploiting aquatic habitats, birds relying on these new habitats showed higher energy expenditure and failed to balance their energy budget. Eelgrass (Zostera) was energetically superior to other food resources, with marine Ulva being second best. Predicted body mass development under two different scenarios indicate that present habitat use resulted in a midwinter body mass around 122 g lower than just 20 years ago, equivalent to c. 9.4% of Brent Goose body weight. Even after controlling for inter‐annual differences in thermoregulatory costs, the effect of changes in habitat use translated into a body mass reduction of c. 56 g, which could adversely affect survival and future reproduction. Flyway‐wide declines in Zostera abundance and further reductions in traditional habitats due to climate change give cause to reassess projected population trends and consequent management implications for the East Atlantic flyway population of Light‐bellied Brent Geese.
Use of Care Management Practices in Small‐ and Medium‐Sized Physician Groups: Do Public Reporting of Physician Quality and Financial Incentives Matter?
Authors: Alexander Jeffrey A. , Maeng Daniel , Casalino Lawrence P. , Rittenhouse Diane 
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of public reporting (PR) and financial incentives tied to quality performance on the use of care management practices (CMPs) among small‐ and medium‐sized physician groups.DataSurvey data from The National Study of Small and Medium‐sized Physician Practices were used. Primary data collection was also conducted to assess community‐level PR activities. The final sample included 643 practices engaged in quality reporting; about half of these practices were subject to PR.Study DesignWe used a treatment effects model. The instrumental variables were the community‐level variables that capture the level of PR activity in each community in which the practices operate.Findings(1) PR is associated with increased use of CMPs, but the estimate is not statistically significant; (2) financial incentives are associated with greater use of CMPs; (3) practices' awareness/sensitivity to quality reports is positively related to their use of CMPs; and (4) combined PR and financial incentives jointly affect CMP use to a greater degree than either of these factors alone.ConclusionSmall‐ to medium‐sized practices appear to respond to PR and financial incentives by greater use of CMPs. Future research needs to investigate the appropriate mix and type of incentive arrangements and quality reporting.
Lack of association between p53SNPand FISSin a cat population from Germany
Authors: Mucha D. , Laberke S. , Meyer S. , Hirschberger J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractOne recent study indicates a significant association between certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genomic sequence of feline p53 and feline injection‐site sarcoma (FISS). The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between a specific nucleotide insertion in p53 gene andFISSin a German cat population. Blood samples from 150 German cats were allocated to a control group consisting of 100 healthy cats and aFISS‐group consisting of 50 cats withFISS. All blood samples were examined for the presence of theSNPin the p53 gene. Results found the T‐insertion atSNP3 in 20.0% of the cats in theFISS‐group and 19.2% of cats in the control‐group. No statistically significant difference was observed in allelic distribution between the two groups. Further investigations are necessary to determine the association ofSNPsin the feline p53 gene and the occurrence ofFISS.
Serum neopterin levels in female dogs with malignant mammary tumours
Authors: Szczubiał M. , Dąbrowski R. , Łopuszyński W. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn this study, we have determined serum neopterin levels in female dogs with primary malignant mammary tumours. The study involved 50 female dogs which had a malignant mammary tumours removed surgically (32 animals with carcinoma, 12 animals with sarcoma and 6 animals with carcinosarcoma) and 10 clinically healthy female dogs. Serum neopterin levels were determined using a commercial ELISA kit. The mean neopterin levels were lower in the malignant tumour groups than in healthy animals but differences were statistically significant only in carcinoma and sarcoma groups. The decrease of neopterin levels in animals with malignant mammary tumours may suggest their decreased cellular immunity. Moreover, it might indicate that decreased activity of cellular mechanisms of the anti‐neoplastic response is one of the factors associated with the development and course of malignant mammary tumours in female dogs; however, further studies are necessary.
The growth of the canine glioblastoma cell line D‐GBM and the canine histiocytic sarcoma cell line DH82 is inhibited by the resveratrol oligomers hopeaphenol and r2‐viniferin
Authors: Empl M. T. , Macke S. , Winterhalter P. , Puff C. , Lapp S. , Stoica G. , Baumgärtner W. , Steinberg P. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractVineatrol®30 is a grapevine‐shoot extract, which contains resveratrol as well as considerable amounts of so‐called resveratrol oligomers such as hopeaphenol and r2‐viniferin. In this study, we analysed whether the two above‐mentioned resveratrol oligomers were able to inhibit the growth of the canine glioblastoma cell line D‐GBM and the canine histiocytic sarcoma cell line DH82, compared their potency to inhibit tumour cell growth with that of resveratrol and determined whether the induction of apoptosis via caspase 9 and 3/7 activation underlies the tumour cell growth‐inhibiting effect of hopeaphenol and r2‐viniferin. Vineatrol®30, resveratrol, hopeaphenol and r2‐viniferin inhibited the growth of D‐GBM and DH82 cells in a concentration‐dependent manner, whereby hopeaphenol and r2‐viniferin were more potent than resveratrol itself in inhibiting the growth of the canine tumour cell lines. Moreover, the anti‐proliferative effect of both resveratrol oligomers in D‐GBM cells is based on their capacity to induce caspase 9 and 3/7 activation.
Automatic Co‐Registration of Satellite Time Series
Authors: Gianinetto Marco 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In modern remote sensing applications the use of automatic image processing codes is becoming increasingly common. When dealing with satellite time series or multi‐source data, image co‐registration is a time‐consuming, but necessary, pre‐processing step. This study shows how a medium resolution satellite multitemporal dataset can be effectively processed using automatic data processing. Results on real and transformed ASTER data showed that, without human interaction, the automatic ground control points extraction (AGE) technique, developed at Politecnico di Milano, is able to obtain accuracies generally sufficient for practical applications and similar to those reported in other studies.
Postprison Release HIV‐Risk Behaviors in a Randomized Trial of Methadone Treatment for Prisoners
Authors: Wilson Monique E. , Kinlock Timothy W. , Gordon Michael S. , O’Grady Kevin E. , Schwartz Robert P. 
Published: August 2012

Background:
This secondary analysis examined the impact of methadone initiated in prison on postrelease HIV risk behaviors. The parent study was a three‐group randomized clinical trial in which participants received drug abuse counseling in prison and were randomly assigned to: (1) passive referral to substance abuse treatment upon release; (2) guaranteed methadone treatment admission upon release; and (3) methadone in prison and guaranteed continuation of methadone upon release.
Methods: Participants were 211 adult males with preincarceration histories of opiate dependence. The AIDS Risk Assessment was administered at baseline (in prison) and at 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month postrelease. Data were analyzed for the entire sample (N = 211) as well as the subsamples who reported injecting drugs in the 30 days prior to incarceration (n = 131) and who reported having unprotected sex in that time frame (n = 144) using generalized linear mixed model on an intent‐to‐treat basis.
Results:
There were no significant changes in sex‐ or drug‐risk by Condition over Time. There were significant Time and Condition main effects for the total sample as well as the injector subsample for drug‐risk behaviors. There were no significant Condition main effects for HIV sex‐risk behaviors, but there were significant Time main effects.
Conclusions: Methadone initiated in prison or immediately postrelease is associated with reduced HIV drug‐risk compared to counseling in prison without methadone and passive referral to treatment at release. Participation in several drug‐ and sex‐risk behaviors also showed significant declines during the postrelease time periods. (Am J Addict 2012;21:476–487)
GABRA2 Genotype, Impulsivity, and Body Mass
Authors: Bauer Lance O. , Yang Bao‐Zhu , Houston Rebecca J. , Kranzler Henry R. , Gelernter Joel 
Published: August 2012

Background:
The goal of this study was to test a hypothesis associating impulsivity with an elevated body mass index (BMI).
Methods:
To this end, we examined associations of BMI with putative genetic, neurophysiological, psychiatric, and psychological indicators of impulsivity in 78 women and 74 men formerly dependent on alcohol or drugs. A second analysis was designed to test the replicability of the genetic findings in an independent sample of 109 women and 111 men with a similar history of substance dependence.
Results:
The results of the first analysis showed that BMI was positively correlated with Total and Nonplanning Scale Scores on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and the number of childhood symptoms of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in women. It was also positively correlated, in women, with a GABRA2 variant previously implicated as a risk factor for substance dependence and an objective electroencephalographic feature previously associated with GABRA2 and relapse risk. The second analysis confirmed that the correlation between BMI and the substance‐dependence‐associated GABRA2 genotype was reliable and sex‐specific.
Conclusions: We conclude that an elevated BMI is associated with genetic, neurophysiological, psychiatric, and psychological indicators of impulsivity. The sex difference may be explained by greater opportunities to eat and overeat, a preference for higher calorie foods, a longer duration of alcohol/drug abstinence, or previous pregnancies in women. (Am J Addict 2012;21:404–410)
Genetic Association of GABA‐A Receptor Alpha‐2 and Mu Opioid Receptor with Cocaine Cue‐Reactivity: Evidence for Inhibitory Synaptic Neurotransmission Involvement in Cocaine Dependence
Authors: Smelson David , Yu Lei , Buyske Steven , Gonzalez Gerardo , Tischfield Jay , Deutsch Curtis K. , Ziedonis Douglas 
Published: August 2012

Background:
This pilot feasibility study examined the role of genetics in laboratory‐induced cocaine craving.
Methods: Thirty‐four African American, cocaine‐depend‐ ent male subjects underwent a baseline assessment, cue‐exposure session, and genetic analysis. Subjects were classified as either cue‐reactive or nonreactive.
Results:
Among single nucleotide polymorphism markers in 13 candidate genes examined for association with cocaine cue‐reactivity, two were statistically significant: GABRA2 (coding for GABA‐A receptor alpha‐2 subunit; rs11503014, nominal p= .001) and OPRM1 (coding for mu opioid receptor; rs2236256, nominal p= .03).
Conclusions: These pilot results suggest that cocaine craving shows variability among cocaine‐dependent subjects, and that GABRA2 and OPRM1 polymorphisms have differential influences on cocaine cue‐reactivity, warranting studies in future research. (Am J Addict 2012;21:411–415)
Epithelial mesenchymal transition traits in honey‐driven keratinocyte wound healing: Comparison among different honeys
Authors: Ranzato Elia , Martinotti Simona , Burlando Bruno 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHoney has been used since ancient times for wound repair, but the subjacent mechanisms are almost unknown. We have tried to elucidate the modulatory role of honey in an in vitro model of HaCaT keratinocyte re‐epithelialization by using acacia, buckwheat, and manuka honeys. Scratch wound and migration assays showed similar increases of re‐epithelialization rates and chemoattractant effects in the presence of different types of honey (0.1%, v/v). However, the use of kinase and calcium inhibitors suggested the occurrence of different mechanisms. All honeys activated cyclin‐dependent kinase 2, focal adhesion kinase, and rasGAP SH3 binding protein 1. However, vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein, integrin‐β3, cdc25C, and p42/44 mitogen activated protein kinase showed variable activation pattern. Re‐epithelialization recapitulates traits of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the induction of this process was evaluated by a polymerase chain reaction array, revealing marked differences among honeys. Manuka induced few significant changes in the expression of EMT‐regulatory genes, while the other two honeys acted on a wider number of genes and partially showed a common profile of up‐ and down‐regulation. In conclusion, our findings have shown that honey‐driven wound repair goes through the activation of keratinocyte re‐epithelialization, but the ability of inducing EMT varies sensibly among honeys, according to their botanical origin.
Low intensity laser therapy speeds wound healing in hemophilia by enhancing platelet procoagulant activity
Authors: Hoffman Maureane , Monroe Dougald M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractOur group has previously shown that cutaneous wound healing is delayed and histologically abnormal in a mouse model of hemophilia. Hemostasis is not only required to stop bleeding at the time of wounding, but also produces bioactive substances that promote appropriate inflammatory and proliferative responses during healing. Low intensity laser therapy (LILT) has been reported to enhance impaired wound healing in a variety of animal and human studies. The current studies were conducted to test the hypothesis that LILT can improve healing in a hemophilia B mouse model. Three daily treatments with 12 J/sq cm of 650 nm laser illumination reduced the time to closure of a 3‐mm cutaneous punch biopsy wound in the hemophilic mice. All wounds were closed at 13 days in the sham‐treated hemophilic mice, compared with 10 days in the LILT‐treated hemophilic mice, and 9 days in wild‐type mice. While LILT can speed healing by enhancing proliferation of cutaneous cells, we found that an additional mechanism likely contributes to the efficacy of LILT in the hemophilic mice. LILT enhanced the mechanical rigidity and platelet activity of clots formed from human platelet‐rich plasma. Illumination of isolated platelets increased the mitochondrial membrane potential and enhanced binding of coagulation factors to the surface of activated platelets. Thus, while LILT can directly promote proliferative responses during healing, it also appears to enhance hemostasis in an animal model with impaired coagulation. These data suggest that trials of LILT as an adjunct to the usual hemostatic therapies in hemophilia are warranted.
Hyperglycemia and Incidence of Frailty and Lower Extremity Mobility Limitations in Older Women
Authors: Kalyani Rita R. , Tian Jing , Xue Qian‐Li , Walston Jeremy , Cappola Anne R. , Fried Linda P. , Brancati Frederick L. , Blaum Caroline S. 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesTo determine the degree to which hyperglycemia predicts the development of frailty and lower extremity mobility limitations.DesignSecondary data analysis of longitudinal data collected in a prospective cohort study.SettingBaltimore, Maryland.ParticipantsThree hundred twenty‐nine women from the Women's Health and Aging Study II aged 70 to 79 at baseline who had all variables needed for analysis.MeasurementsGlycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at baseline, categorized as less than 5.5%, 5.5% to 5.9%, 6.0% to 6.4%, 6.5% to 7.9%, and 8.0% and greater, was the independent variable. The incidence of frailty and lower extremity mobility limitations (based on self‐reported walking difficulty, walking speed, and Short Performance Physical Battery score) was determined (follow‐up ≈ 9 years). Frailty was assessed using the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria. Covariates included demographic characteristics, body mass index, interleukin‐6 level, and clinical history of comorbidities. Statistical analyses included Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox regression models adjusted for important covariates.ResultsIn time‐to‐event analyses, HbA1c category was associated with incidence of walking difficulty (P = .049) and low physical performance (P = .001); association with incidence of frailty and low walking speed had a trend toward significance (both P = .10). In regression models adjusted for demographic characteristics, HbA1c of 8.0% or greater (vs < 5.5%) was associated with an approximately three‐times greater risk of incident frailty and three to five times greater risk of lower extremity mobility limitations (all P < .05). In fully adjusted models, HbA1c of 8.0% or greater (vs < 5.5%) was associated with incident frailty (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.24–8.93), walking difficulty (HR = 3.47, 95% CI = 1.26–9.55), low walking speed (HR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.19–6.71), and low physical performance (HR = 3.60, 95% CI = 1.52–8.53).ConclusionHyperglycemia is associated with the development of frailty and lower extremity mobility limitations in older women. Future studies should identify mediators of these relationships.
Improvement in Nutritional Status Reduces the Clinical Impact of Infections in Older Adults
Authors: Forster Sarah E. , Powers Hilary J. , Foulds Gemma A. , Flower Daniel J. , Hopkinson Kay , Parker Stuart G. , Young Tracey A. , Saxton John , Pockley Alan G. , Williams Elizabeth A. 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of a dietary intervention and micronutrient supplementation on self‐reported infections in older adults.DesignA randomized, placebo‐controlled intervention trial.SettingCommunity living older people in South Yorkshire, United Kingdom.ParticipantsTwo‐hundred seventeen older adults aged 65 to 85.InterventionParticipants were randomized to a dietary intervention, a daily micronutrient supplement, or placebo for 3 months, with a 3‐month follow‐up.MeasurementsSelf‐reported measures of infection were reported over the 6‐month study period. Secondary outcome measures were nutritional status, dietary intake, quality of life, and depression.ResultsSelf‐reported measures of infection over the 6‐month duration of the study were significantly different between the treatment groups. The number of weeks in which illness affected life and the number of general practitioner and hospital visits were significantly lower in the food and micronutrient groups than in the placebo group. The number of weeks in which symptoms of an infection were described was significantly lower in the food group than the placebo and micronutrient groups. Significant improvements in biomarkers of micronutrient status were achieved in the food and micronutrient groups and showed significantly greater change than observed in the placebo group. Significant improvement in dietary intakes was observed in the food group only.ConclusionImproving dietary intake and micronutrient status reduces the clinical impact of self‐reported infections in older adults.