bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A nonparametric frequency domain EM algorithm for time series classification with applications to spike sorting and macro‐economics
Authors: Goerg Georg M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractI propose a frequency domain adaptation of the Expectation Maximization algorithm to group a family of time series in classes of similar dynamic structure. It does this by viewing the magnitude of the discrete Fourier transform of each signal (or power spectrum) as a probability density/mass function (pdf/pmf) on the unit circle: signals with similar dynamics have similar pdfs; distinct patterns have distinct pdfs. An advantage of this approach is that it does not rely on any parametric form of the dynamic structure, but can be used for nonparametric, robust and model‐free classification. This new method works for non‐stationary signals of similar shape as well as stationary signals with similar auto‐correlation structure. Applications to neural spike sorting (non‐stationary) and pattern recognition in socioeconomic time series (stationary) demonstrate the usefulness and wide applicability of the proposed method. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 4: 590–603, 2011
Third grade African American students' views of the nature of science
Authors: Walls Leon 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis study examined the nature of science (NOS) views of lower elementary grade level students, including their views of scientists. Participants were 23 third‐grade African American students from two Midwest urban settings. A multiple instrument approach using an open‐ended questionnaire, semi‐structured interviews, a modified version of the traditional Draw‐A‐Scientist Test (DAST), and a simple photo eliciting activity, was employed. The study sought to capture not only the students' views of science and scientists, but also their views of themselves as users and producers of science. The findings suggest that the young African American children in this study hold very distinct and often unique views of what science is and how it operates. Included are traditional stereotypical views of scientists consistent with previous research. Additionally, participants expressed excitement and self‐efficacy in describing their own relationship with science, in and outside of their formal classrooms. Implications for teaching and learning NOS as it relates to young children and children of color are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 1–37, 2012
Genetic Counseling and Testing for FSHD (Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy) in the Israeli Population
Authors: Yanoov‐Sharav Miri , Leshinsky‐Silver Esther , Cohen Sarit , Vinkler Chana , Michelson Marina , Lerman‐Sagie Tally , Ginzberg Mira , Sadeh Menahem , Lev Dorit 
Published: November 2011

AbstractFacioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), is a dominantly inherited, late onset, progressive disease. At present, no treatment or prevention of symptoms are available. There is considerable clinical variability, even within families. The gene whose defect causes FSHD has not been identified, but molecular diagnosis can be made by analyzing D4Z4 repeat length on chromosome 4q35. The results can support or rule out the clinical diagnosis of FSHD, but there are also “gray zone”, non‐conclusive results. During the years 2000–6, 66 individuals (including 7 asymptomatic individuals), were tested in our institute for D4Z4 repeat number. In 77% of the cases the results were conclusive: two thirds of them supported a diagnosis of FSHD while in a third this diagnosis was ruled out. In 23% the results were in the gray zone. Cognitive involvement was rare, occurring only when the D4Z4 repeat size was very small (<15 kb). Maximal utilization of the existing molecular test for FSHD demands detailed clinical and family pedigree information. We recommend that comprehensive genetic counseling always be given before and after molecular testing for FSHD, in addition to the neurological follow‐up. Presymptomatic testing should only be offered when complete molecular evaluation can be offered, including 4qA and 4qB variant analysis.
Different Reasons, Different Results: Implications of Migration by Gender and Family Status
Authors: Geist Claudia , McManus Patricia A. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Previous research on migration and gendered career outcomes centers on couples and rarely examines the reason for the move. The implicit assumption is usually that households migrate in response to job opportunities. Based on a two-year panel from the Current Population Survey, this article uses stated reasons for geographic mobility to compare earnings outcomes among job migrants, family migrants, and quality-of-life migrants by gender and family status. We further assess the impact of migration on couples’ internal household economy. The effects of job-related moves that we find are reduced substantially in the fixed-effects models, indicating strong selection effects. Married women who moved for family reasons experience significant and substantial earnings declines. Consistent with conventional models of migration, we find that household earnings and income and gender specialization increase following job migration. Married women who are secondary earners have increased odds of reducing their labor supply following migration for job or family reasons. However, we also find that migrating women who contributed as equals to the household economy before the move are no more likely than nonmigrant women to exit work or to work part-time. Equal breadwinner status may protect women from becoming tied movers.
The impact of a palliative care unit on mortality rate and length of stay for medical intensive care unit patients
Authors: Digwood Glen , Lustbader Dana , Pekmezaris Renee , Lesser Martin L. , Walia Rajni , Frankenthaler Michael , Hussain Erfan 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjective: This study evaluates the impact of a 10-bed inpatient palliative care unit (PCU) on medical intensive care unit (MICU) mortality and length of stay (LOS) for terminally ill patients following the opening of an inpatient PCU. We hypothesized that MICU mortality and LOS would be reduced through the creation of a more appropriate location of care for critically ill MICU patients who were dying.Method: We performed a retrospective electronic database review of all MICU discharges from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2009 (5,035 cases). Data collected included MICU mortality, MICU LOS, and mean age. The PCU opened on January 1, 2008. We compared location of death for MICU patients during the 2-year period before and the 2-year period after the opening of the PCU.Results: Our data showed that the mean MICU mortality and MICU LOS both significantly decreased following the opening of the PCU, from 21 to 15.8% (p = 0.003), and from 4.6 to 4.0 days (p = 0.014), respectively.Significance of results: The creation of an inpatient PCU resulted in a statistically significant reduction in both MICU mortality rate and MICU LOS, as terminally ill patients were transitioned out of the MICU to the PCU for end-of-life care. Our data support the hypothesis that a dedicated inpatient PCU, capable of providing care to patients requiring mechanical ventilation or vasoactive agents, can protect terminally ill patients from an ICU death, while providing more appropriate care to dying patients and their loved ones.
Corticofugal projections from the anterior olfactory nucleus target olfactory bulb principal cells
Authors: Illig Kurt 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe anterior olfactory nucleus (AON) is a cortical structure reciprocally connected with the olfactory bulb (OB) and the piriform cortex. Here, using small extracellular and intracellular injections to trace the terminal projections in the OB from individual cells in the rat AON, and examining the morphology and distribution of these projections, I report that these projections appear to preferentially target and directly synapses with mitral cells. These findings suggests that the AON acts to modulate incoming olfactory information based on ongoing processing, perhaps in a way that tunes the OB to signal the presence of particular odors.
The Metalloproteases Meprin α and β: Pathophysiological Roles in Inflammation, Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and Fibrosis
Authors: Becker-Pauly Christoph 
Published: November 2011

The metalloproteases meprin α and β exhibit unique functions in health and disease. Belonging to the metzincin superfamily, the meprins are two out of seven astacin zinc-endopeptidases in humans, representing the largest secreted protease known (oligomerized meprin α) and the only membrane-bound family member (meprin β).
Meprins activate or release growth factors (e.g. IL-1β, IL-18, TGFα, and VEGF-A) and other biologically active peptides, and are involved in inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
In vitro, both proteases exhibit gelatinolytic activity, revealing a possible link to tumor progression and metastasis. This is supported by cellular evidence from meprin β knockout mice, in which macrophage migration through the extracellular matrix was diminished. However, in fibrotic skin it has been demonstrated that meprin α and β enhance matrix assembly, by cleaving off the propeptides of fibrillar collagen. Hence, fundamental knowledge of their biological activity is necessary to assess meprin metalloproteases as therapeutic targets.
For example, the meprin inhibitor actinonin, a naturally occurring hydroxamate derivate, has been shown to be protective against acute renal failure, a pathology strongly related to meprin activity.
Mesoscale β diversity and spatial nestedness of crustacean larvae in the coastal zone off central southern Chile: population and community implications
Authors: Díaz-Cabrera Ernesto , Hernández-Miranda Eduardo , Hernández Cristián E. , Quiñones Renato A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractDíaz-Cabrera, E., Hernández-Miranda, E., Hernández, C. E., and Quiñones, R. A. 2012. Mesoscale β diversity and spatial nestedness of crustacean larvae in the coastal zone off central southern Chile: population and community implications. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 429–438. Spatial connectivity among populations is one of the central themes in marine ecology. This study evaluates the presence of mesoscale spatial patterns in meroplanktonic stages of decapods and stomatopods. The hypothesis is that β diversity increases with geographic distance at a mesoscale level. Seven oceanographic cruises were conducted in central southern Chile between May 2006 and February 2008. Samples were collected using a bongo net (300 µm) towed through the top 15 m of the water column. To test the hypothesis, (i) the β diversity of early stages of decapods and stomatopods was quantified, (ii) a linear model was fitted between β diversity and the geographic distance among all possible pairs of sampling sites, and (iii) a nestedness analysis of species richness was performed to evaluate the effect of local transport on species diversity. There was a positive relationship between β diversity and geographic distance, and a nestedness pattern in most sampling periods, suggesting that a source–sink dynamic dominates between nearby sites and that larval dispersion is limited, inducing low levels of population connectivity.
Predictors of Clinically Significant Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Among Children With Hematemesis
Authors: Freedman Stephen B. , Stewart Charles , Rumantir Maggie , Thull‐Freedman Jennifer D. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of the study was to determine the proportion of children with hematemesis who experience a clinically significant upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) and to identify variables predicting their occurrence.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. All of the emergency department visits by children ages 0 to 18 years who presented with hematemesis between 2000 and 2007 were reviewed. The primary aim of the study was to determine the proportion of children who developed a clinically significant UGIH; the secondary aim was to identify risk factors predictive of a clinically significant UGIH. A significant UGIH was defined by any of the following: hemoglobin drop >20 g/L, blood transfusion, or emergent endoscopy or surgical procedure.Results:Twenty‐seven of 613 eligible children (4%; 95% confidence interval 3%–6%) had a clinically significant UGIH. Clinically significant hemorrhages were associated with older age (9.7 vs 2.9 years; P < 0.001), vomiting moderate to large amounts of fresh blood (58% vs 20%; P < 0.001), melena (37% vs 5%; P < 0.001), significant medical history (63% vs 24%; P < 0.001), unwell appearance (44% vs 6%; P < 0.001), and tachycardia (41% vs 10%; P < 0.001). The frequency of laboratory investigations increased with age (P < 0.001). The hemoglobin level was the only laboratory investigation whose results differed between those with and without significant bleeds. The presence of any one of the following characteristics identified all of the children with a clinically significant hemorrhage: melena, hematochezia, unwell appearance, or a moderate to large volume of fresh blood in the vomitus, sensitivity 100% (95% confidence interval 85%–100%).Conclusions:The occurrence of a clinically significant UGIH was uncommon among children with hematemesis, especially in well‐appearing children without melena, hematochezia, or who had not vomited a moderate to large amount of fresh blood.
Asthma, atopy and exhaled nitric oxide in a cohort of 6‐yr‐old New Zealand children
Authors: Crane Julian , Lampshire Philippa , Wickens Kristin , Epton Michael , Siebers Robert , Ingham Tristram , Pattemore Philip , Town Ian ,   The Year Six New Zealand Asthma and Allergy Cohort Study Group (NZAACS6)
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Crane J, Lampshire P, Wickens K, Epton M, Siebers R, Ingham T, Pattemore P, Town GI and The Year Six New Zealand Asthma and Allergy Cohort Study Group (NZAACS6). Asthma, atopy and exhaled nitric oxide in a cohort of 6‐yr‐old New Zealand children. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 59–64.AbstractBackground:  Exhaled nitric oxide has been promoted as a non‐invasive measure of airway inflammation, with clinical utility for the diagnosis and management of asthma.Aim:  We studied associations between exhaled nitric oxide, asthma and atopy in a variety of clinically relevant phenotypes in a cohort of 6‐yr‐old children.Method:  Asthma was defined using standard questionnaire criteria, atopy was measured using skin prick tests (SPT) and specific IgE to common allergens, and exhaled nitric oxide was measured using a chemiluminescence analyser according to American and European Thoracic Society criteria.Results:  Exhaled nitric oxide was strongly related to atopy and in particular to sensitization to house dust mites. Children with non‐allergic asthma had no increase in exhaled nitric oxide compared with non‐asthmatic children. Compared with children who never wheezed both late onset and persistent, wheezing was associated with increased FENO, while early transient wheezing was not. Elevated levels of exhaled nitric oxide amongst children with allergic asthma were almost entirely explained by their levels of specific IgE to aeroallergens, predominantly D pteronyssinus.Conclusion:  Airway inflammation as measured by exhaled nitric oxide in young New Zealand children is related to their level of specific IgE to aeroallergens. This has implications for the utility of nitric oxide as a diagnostic and management tool in childhood asthma and for the importance of specific IgE as a marker of asthma severity.
Breastfeeding modulates neonatal innate immune responses: a prospective birth cohort study
Authors: Belderbos M. E. , Houben M. L. , van Bleek G. M. , Schuijff L. , van Uden N. O. P. , Bloemen‐Carlier E. M. , Kimpen J. L. L. , Eijkemans M. J. C. , Rovers M. , Bont L. J. 
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Belderbos ME, Houben ML, van Bleek GM, Schuijff L, van Uden NOP, Bloemen‐Carlier EM, Kimpen JLL, Eijkemans MJC, Rovers M, Bont LJ. Breastfeeding modulates neonatal innate immune responses: a prospective birth cohort study. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 65–74.AbstractBackground:  Neonatal Toll‐like receptor (TLR) responses are biased toward Th2‐polarizing responses at birth and rapidly mature toward more balanced responses during the first month of life. Postnatal TLR maturation may be guided by environmental exposure.Aims:  To determine the environmental determinants of neonatal TLR function.Materials and Methods:  A prospective birth cohort study was performed in 291 healthy term neonates. Mode of delivery, breastfeeding, birth month, siblings, pets and parental smoking were analyzed in relation to neonatal innate immune parameters at the age of 1 month. Whole blood concentrations of innate immune cells were measured by flow cytometry. In vitro TLR‐mediated cytokine production was determined by ELISA.Results:  Breastfeeding was the major determinant of neonatal innate immunity, associated with 5 (31%) of neonatal innate immune parameters, of which the association with TLR7‐mediated IL‐10 production was most significant (76 pg/ml in breastfed neonates vs. 293 pg/ml in formula‐fed neonates, p = 0.001). Of innate immune variables, TLR3‐mediated IL‐12p70 production was highly associated with environmental exposures (pets, breastfeeding and mode of delivery), whereas TLR9‐mediated cytokine responses were not associated with any environmental factor.Conclusion:  Neonatal innate immune responses are differentially modulated by environmental exposure in the first month of life. The protective effect of breastfeeding against subsequent infections and atopy might be explained by its innate immune modulatory effects in the first month of life.
Energy requirements of puppies of two different breeds for ideal growth from weaning to 28 weeks of age
Authors: Dobenecker B. , Endres V. , Kienzle E. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryTo ensure an optimal growth is crucial in raising healthy dogs, especially in large and giant breeds. Dogs with a moderate growth velocity tend to have lesser problems with developmental orthopaedic diseases than those with forced or maximum weight gain. In this study, the energy needs of growing dogs from two different breeds (Beagles as a medium‐size breed and Foxhound crossbreds as a large‐size breed) to ensure a growth development as recommended by the National Research Council (NRC) were determined at the age of 6–28 weeks. After weaning at the age of 6 weeks, the food rations sufficient to meet the energy requirements of each individual puppy were adjusted every other day according to growth level, guaranteeing a development consistent with the recommended weight curve for the respective breed size. The food and therefore energy intake of the puppies was registered daily; it ranged from 0.72 to 2.34 times the maintenance requirements with little effect of age. During the whole period, however, there was a consistent breed difference: Foxhound‐Boxer‐Ingelheim Labrador crossbreds (FBIs) had higher energy intakes expressed as multiples of maintenance than Beagles, suggesting that during the major period of growth, the energy requirement is not a function of age. Adult Beagles and FBIs showed similar differences in energy requirements as already during growth as shown in this study. This indicates that breed differences in energy requirements have already to be taken into account during growth. On the other hand, the results showed clearly lower energy needs for growth in these two different breeds than recommended in the NRC.
Diet segregation between two colonies of little penguins Eudyptula minor in southeast Australia
Authors: CHIARADIA ANDRÉ , FORERO MANUELA G. , HOBSON KEITH A. , SWEARER STEPHEN E. , HUME FIONA , RENWICK LEANNE , DANN PETER 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe studied foraging segregation between two different sized colonies of little penguins Eudyptula minor with overlapping foraging areas in pre‐laying and incubation. We used stomach contents and stable isotope measurements of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) in blood to examine differences in trophic position, prey‐size and nutritional values between the two colonies. Diet of little penguins at St Kilda (small colony) relied heavily on anchovy while at Phillip Island (large colony), the diet was more diverse and anchovies were larger than those consumed by St Kilda penguins. Higher δ15N values at St Kilda, differences in δ13C values and the prey composition provided further evidence of diet segregation between colonies. Penguins from each colony took anchovies from different cohorts and probably different stocks, although these sites are only 70 km apart. Differences in diet were not reflected in protein levels in the blood of penguins, suggesting that variation in prey between colonies was not related to differences in nutritional value of the diet. Anchovy is currently the only available prey to penguins throughout the year and its absence could have a negative impact on penguin food supply, particularly at St Kilda where the diet is dominated by this species. While it is difficult to establish whether diet segregation is caused by inter‐ or intra‐colony competition or spatial differences in foraging areas, we have shown that colonies with broadly overlapping foraging ranges could have significant differences in trophic position, diet composition and prey size while maintaining a diet of similar nutritional value.
Consequences of grazing on the vertical transmission of a fungal Neotyphodium symbiont in an annual grass population
Authors: GARCÍA PARISI PABLO A. , CASAS CECILIA , GUNDEL PEDRO E. , OMACINI MARINA 
Published: November 2011

AbstractSymbiosis between cool‐season grasses and vertically transmitted fungal endophytes are common and significantly impact on ecosystem function. This makes the understanding of the underlying mechanisms to symbiotic individuals frequency in local populations much more interesting. Most studies have been focused on the differential fitness between symbiotic and non‐symbiotic counterparts (relative fitness), barely considering other mechanisms. We performed a microcosms experiment to evaluate whether grazing alters the dynamics of the endophyte Neotyphodium occultans in the annual grass Lolium multiflorum by simultaneously modifying the relative fitness and the endophyte efficiency to be transmitted from host plants to seeds. Grazing was simulated by means of clipping and trampling on symbiotic and non‐symbiotic plants growing separately, in soils obtained from paddocks, differing in their agronomic management history (natural grassland vs. ryegrass promotion). Seed production showed a complex pattern as it depended on the symbiotic status of the plants, the level of grazing and the agro‐ecological context. Grazed plants produced three times fewer seeds than ungrazed plants only in microcosms with endophyte‐symbiotic plants in soils from ryegrass promotion. Endophyte benefits on seed production were exclusively observed in ungrazed plants in the same soil. Symbiotic plants produced symbiotic and non‐symbiotic seeds in all the treatments. While the production of non‐symbiotic seeds by these plants was not affected by grazing and the soil, grazing reduced the production of symbiotic seeds in both contexts. Grazing negative effect on the density of fully infected spikes determined a significant increment in the transmission failures which were not modified by agro‐ecological contexts. Therefore, grazing can modulate symbiosis dynamics through reducing seed production and endophyte transmission efficiency. Transmission has been disregarded, but it is a context‐dependent process that could lead to a gradual reduction in the symbiotic plants frequency in a population if the mutualism effectiveness does not outweigh transmission failures.