bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the effects of climatic variables and reservoir on the incidence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Huludao City, China: a 17-year data analysis based on structure equation model
Authors: Guan Peng , Huang Desheng , He Miao , Shen Tiefeng , Guo Junqiao , Zhou Baosen 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
HFRS is a serious public health problem in China and the study on HFRS is important in China for its large population. The present study aimed to explore the impact of climatic variables and reservoir on the incidence of HFRS in Huludao City, an epidemic focus of the disease in northeastern China.

Methods
Structure Equation Model (SEM), a statistical technique for testing and estimating causal relationships, was conducted based on climatic variables, virus-carrying index among rodents, and incidence of HFRS in the city during the period 1990 to 2006. The linear structural relationships (LISREL) software (Scientific Software International, Lincolnwood, IL) was used to fit SEMs.

Results
Temperature, precipitation, relative humidity and virus-carrying index among rodents have shown positive correlations with the monthly incidence of HFRS, while air pressure had a negative correlation with the incidence. The best-fit SEM model fitted well with the data-based correlation matrix, P value was more than 0.56, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) equaled to 0, goodness-of-fit index (GFI) was more than 0.99.

Conclusion
Climate and reservoirs have affected the incidence of HFRS in Huludao City, located in northeastern China. Climate affects HFRS incidence mainly through the effect on reservoir in the study area. HFRS prevention and control should give more consideration to rodent control and climate variations.
Co-morbidities of vertiginous diseases
Authors: Warninghoff Jan C , Bayer Otmar , Ferrari Uta , Straube Andreas 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Co-morbidities of vertiginous diseases have so far not been investigated systematically. Thus, it is still unclear whether the different vertigo syndromes (e.g. benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease (MD), vestibular migraine and phobic vertigo (PPV)) have also different spectrums of co-morbidities.

Methods
All patients from a cohort of 131 participants were surveyed using a standardised questionnaire about the co-morbidities hypertension, diabetes mellitus, BMI (body mass index), migraine, other headache, and psychiatric diseases in general and the likelihood of a depression in particular.

Results
We noted hypertension in 29.0% of the cohort, diabetes mellitus in 6.1%, migraine in 8.4%, other headache in 32.1%, psychiatric diseases in 16.0%, overweight and obesity in 33.6% and 13.7% respectively, as well as a clinical indication for depression in 15.9%.

Conclusion
In general, we did not detect an increased prevalence of the co-morbidities diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, migraine, other headache and obesity compared to the general population. There was an increased prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity in patients with PPV, and the prevalence of hypertension was elevated in patients with MD.
Mutations in many genes affect aggressive behavior in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Edwards Alexis C , Zwarts Liesbeth , Yamamoto Akihiko , Callaerts Patrick , Mackay Trudy FC 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background

Aggressive behavior in animals is important for survival and reproduction. Identifying the underlying genes and environmental contexts that affect aggressive behavior is important for understanding the evolutionary forces that maintain variation for aggressive behavior in natural populations, and to develop therapeutic interventions to modulate extreme levels of aggressive behavior in humans. While the role of neurotransmitters and a few other molecules in mediating and modulating levels of aggression is well established, it is likely that many additional genetic pathways remain undiscovered. Drosophila melanogaster has recently been established as an excellent model organism for studying the genetic basis of aggressive behavior. Here, we present the results of a screen of 170 Drosophila P-element insertional mutations for quantitative differences in aggressive behavior from their co-isogenic control line.

Results

We identified 59 mutations in 57 genes that affect aggressive behavior, none of which had been previously implicated to affect aggression. Thirty-two of these mutants exhibited increased aggression, while 27 lines were less aggressive than the control. Many of the genes affect the development and function of the nervous system, and are thus plausibly relevant to the execution of complex behaviors. Others affect basic cellular and metabolic processes, or are mutations in computationally predicted genes for which aggressive behavior is the first biological annotation. Most of the mutations had pleiotropic effects on other complex traits. We characterized nine of these mutations in greater detail by assessing transcript levels throughout development, morphological changes in the mushroom bodies, and restoration of control levels of aggression in revertant alleles. All of the P-element insertions affected the tagged genes, and had pleiotropic effects on brain morphology.

Conclusion

This study reveals that many more genes than previously suspected affect aggressive behavior, and that these genes have widespread pleiotropic effects. Given the conservation of aggressive behavior among different animal species, these are novel candidate genes for future study in other animals, including humans.
Development of an automated speech recognition interface for personal emergency response systems
Authors: Hamill Melinda , Young Vicky , Boger Jennifer , Mihailidis Alex 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Demands on long-term-care facilities are predicted to increase at an unprecedented rate as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age. Aging-in-place (i.e. aging at home) is the desire of most seniors and is also a good option to reduce the burden on an over-stretched long-term-care system. Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERSs) help enable older adults to age-in-place by providing them with immediate access to emergency assistance. Traditionally they operate with push-button activators that connect the occupant via speaker-phone to a live emergency call-centre operator. If occupants do not wear the push button or cannot access the button, then the system is useless in the event of a fall or emergency. Additionally, a false alarm or failure to check-in at a regular interval will trigger a connection to a live operator, which can be unwanted and intrusive to the occupant. This paper describes the development and testing of an automated, hands-free, dialogue-based PERS prototype.

Methods
The prototype system was built using a ceiling mounted microphone array, an open-source automatic speech recognition engine, and a 'yes' and 'no' response dialog modelled after an existing call-centre protocol. Testing compared a single microphone versus a microphone array with nine adults in both noisy and quiet conditions. Dialogue testing was completed with four adults.

Results and discussion
The microphone array demonstrated improvement over the single microphone. In all cases, dialog testing resulted in the system reaching the correct decision about the kind of assistance the user was requesting. Further testing is required with elderly voices and under different noise conditions to ensure the appropriateness of the technology. Future developments include integration of the system with an emergency detection method as well as communication enhancement using features such as barge-in capability.

Conclusion
The use of an automated dialog-based PERS has the potential to provide users with more autonomy in decisions regarding their own health and more privacy in their own home.
A novel virus that infecting hypovirulent strain XG36-1 of plant fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Zhang Liyan , Fu Yanping , Xie Jiatao , Jiang Daohong , Li Guoqing , Yi Xianhong 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundSclerotinia sclerotiorumis a notorious plant fungal pathogen which spreads across the world. Hypovirulence is a phenomenon where the virulence of fungal pathogens is decreased, even lost, due to mycovirus infection. The potential of hypoviruses for biological control of the chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica) has attracted much interest, and has led to discovery of new hypovirulent strains in other fungi.ResultsA hypovirulent strain, strain XG36-1, was isolated from a typical lesion on the stem of rapeseed (Brassica napus) caused bySclerotinia sclerotiorum. Strain XG36-1 grew on PDA very slowly (average 2.5 ± 0.1 mm/d) with sectoring, and developed abnormal colony morphology with few sclerotia. Unlike health strains (such as wildtype strain XG-13), it was unable to induce lesions on detached leaves of rapeseed. Sclerotia of strain XG36-1 produced apothecia rarely. A sexual progeny test showed that the phenotypes of all 104 sexual progeny were not different from wildtype strain XG-13 which shows normal phenotype ofS. sclerotiorum, and protoplast regeneration tests showed that 25.5% of the regenerants of strain XG36-1 were recovered fully. Furthermore, the hypovirulence and its associated traits could be transmitted to XG36-1A34R, a hygromycin-resistance gene labelled sexual progeny of strain XG36-1, by hyphal anastomosis. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation showed that the cytoplasm of strain XG36-1 was destroyed and granulated; the membranes of nuclei and mitochondria were disintegrated; and mitochondrial cristae were cavitated. Viral particles (about 40 nm) in hyphae of strain XG36-1, but not in its sexual progeny and wildtype strain XG-13, could be observed with TEM, and several virus-like particles were uniquely enveloped by single layer membrane in the cells of strain XG36-1. Furthermore, the viral particles could be co-transmitted with the hypovirulence traits through hyphal anastomosis.ConclusionHypovirulence and its associated traits of strain XG36-1 could be mediated by a fungal virus. Currently, we could not know the characteristic of this virus, but it likely represent a new type of mycovirus inS. sclerotiorum, and possibly in fungi.
Association between C-Reactive Protein and Adiposity in Women
Authors: Bochud Murielle , Marquant Fabienne , Marques-Vidal Pedro-Manuel , Vollenweider Peter , Beckmann Jacques S. , Mooser Vincent , Paccaud Fred , Rousson Valentin 
Published: July 2009

Context: The link between C-reactive protein (CRP) and adiposity deserves to be further explored, considering the controversial diabetogenic role of CRP.
Objective: We explored the potential causal role of CRP on measures of adiposity.
Design: We used a Mendelian randomization approach with the CRP and LEPR genes as instrumental variables in a cross-sectional Caucasian population-based study comprising 2526 men and 2836 women. Adiposity was measured using body mass index (BMI), fat and lean mass estimated by bioelectrical impedance, and waist circumference.
Results: Log-transformed CRP explained by the rs7553007 single-nucleotide polymorphism tagging the CRP gene was significantly associated with BMI [regression coefficient: 1.22 (0.18; 2.25), P = 0.02] and fat mass [2.67 (0.65; 4.68), P = 0.01] but not with lean mass in women, whereas no association was found in men. Log-transformed CRP explained by the rs1805096 LEPR single-nucleotide polymorphism was also positively associated, although not significantly, with BMI or fat mass. The combined CRP-LEPR instrument explained 2.24 and 0.77% of CRP variance in women and men, respectively. Log-transformed CRP explained by this combined instrument was significantly associated with BMI [0.98 (0.32; 1.63), P = 0.004], fat mass [2.07 (0.79; 3.34), P = 0.001], and waist [2.09 (0.39; 3.78), P = 0.01] in women but not men.
Conclusion: Our data suggest that CRP is causally and positively related to BMI in women and that this is mainly due to fat mass. Results on the combined CRP-LEPR instrument suggest that leptin may play a role in the causal association between CRP and adiposity in women. Results in men were not significant.
Results in this study suggest that C-reactive protein is causally related to body mass index in women, and that this is mainly due to fat mass.
Development of an Off-axis Sample Introduction System for Use in Multiphoton Ionization/Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Uchimura Tomohiro , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Imasaka Totaro 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
An off-axis sample introduction technique was developed for improvement of mass resolution in multiphoton ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The direction of the capillary for sample introduction was inclined 30° relative to the axis of ion trajectory in the time-of-flight tube for both selective and sensitive detection. This approach suppressed the excessive collisions between analyte ions and carrier gas molecules that is responsible for degradation of mass resolution.
Synthesis and Structure of Pentacoordinate Hypervalent Boron Compounds Bearing a 1,8-Dimethoxy-10-methylacridinium Skeleton
Authors: Yano Tomoyuki , Yamaguchi Torahiko , Yamamoto Yohsuke 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Pentacoordinate hypervalent boron compounds 4a and 4b with a newly prepared 1,8-dimethoxy-10-methylacridinyl ligand were synthesized. X-ray crystallography revealed that the distances between the central boron and both oxygen atoms of the tridentate ligand were in the range of 2.37–2.53 Å, showing the pentacoordinate structure. Cyclic voltammetry of 4b showed that the potential of the reduction (E1⁄2=−0.57 V in CH2Cl2, vs. SCE) is much lower than that of the corresponding Gabbaï’s system 5 (−0.28 V), probably due to the difference in coplanarity between the boryl group and the acridinyl skeleton in 4b and 5 (twist angle = 44.8° in 5 and 88.2° in 4b).
Chlorophyll-derived Thermochromic Sensor Based on α-Amino Alcohol Adduct Formation via Reversible Intramolecular Cyclization
Authors: Sasaki Shin-ichi , Kotegawa Yuki , Azuma Kimiko , Kunieda Michio , Tamiaki Hitoshi 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
3-Trifluoroacetylchlorin possessing an ω-aminoalkyl chain at the 17-propionate residue was prepared to realize a chlorophyll-based supramolecule acting as a thermochromic switch. A THF solution of the synthetic sensor molecule appeared brown, while the solution color became purple at lower temperature due to the conversion of the trifluoroacetyl group to its α-amino alcohol adduct form in a molecule.
Photoluminescent Liquid Crystals Based on Trithienylphosphine Oxides
Authors: Kimura Masaomi , Hatano Tsukasa , Yasuda Takuma , Morita Jun , Akama Yusuke , Minoura Kiyoshi , Shimomura Takeshi , Kato Takashi 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Trithienylphosphine oxides tethering three π-conjugated oligothiophene arms self-assemble into columnar liquid-crystalline structures that show high photoluminescent properties at ambient temperature.
Thermosensitive Spherical Organosilicate Hybrid Particles with a Multilayered Structure
Authors: Jung Chan Yoon , Kim Ha Young , Chang Tae Sun , Koo Sang Man 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
A simple one-pot synthesis of thermosensitive spherical organosilicate hybrid particles is described. These organosilicate hybrid particles exhibit solid–liquid transition behaviors whose temperature can be changed by the modification of interdigitated arrays of long alkyl chains.
Effect of KBr on the FTIR Spectra of NO3−LDHs (Layered Double Hydroxides)
Authors: Iyi Nobuo , Geng Fengxia , Sasaki Takayoshi 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Anion exchange of NO3−LDH with Br− of KBr, which leads to the formation of Br−LDH and NO3−-doped KBr, was found to occur during the preparation of KBr pellets for FTIR measurement, and the obtained spectra were composed of characteristic features of NO3− bands in NO3−LDH and in NO3−-doped KBr mixed in variable proportions depending on pellet preparation conditions.
Agreement Between Pharmacists for Problem Identification: An Initial Quality Measurement of Cognitive Services
Authors: LaFleur Joanne , Larson Bryan S , Gunning Karen M , Stoddard Gregory J , Madden CarrieAnn , Oderda Lynda , Steinvoort Carin , Oderda Gary M 
Published: July 2009

Background: Recent changes in national reimbursement policies expand the ability of pharmacists to seek reimbursement for cognitive services. The quality of pharmacist-provided cognitive services has, until now, remained unassessed. Pharmacists should demonstrate the quality and value of their work to ensure the continued and expanded acceptance of reimbursement for their services. A preliminary step in assessing quality is to compare agreement between pharmacists for basic problem identification. Objective: To quantify agreement between pharmacist reviewers for problem identification among Utah Medicaid recipients. Methods: Five pharmacists retrospectively reviewed drug regimens, patient characteristics, diagnosis codes, and procedures for 80 Medicaid patients in September 2008 and identified drug-related problems (DRPs) in 15 predetermined categories. Data for each patient were reviewed twice, and each combination of 2 pharmacists reviewed the same 8 patients' information. We calculated a reliability coefficient to compare the number of DRPs identified and used prevalence and bias adjusted κ (PABAK) to determine interrater reliability for the presence of a specific DRP. Results: Of the 15 DRPs categorized by pharmacist reviewers, 1 (untreated indications) had a PABAK coefficient of 0.20, indicating a relatively low level of agreement between reviewers. All other DRP categories had good to excellent agreement, with PABAK coefficients ranging between 0.43 and 0.98. Conclusions: Pharmacist reviewers exhibited less variability in DRP identification or categorization than had been expected for most categories. This work supports the conclusion that pharmacists in our center provide a basic and necessary level of quality for problem assessment. Future work is needed to document the impact of this quality on patient outcomes.
New Drug Approvals: Clevidipine: An Ultra Short-Acting Calcium Channel Antagonist for Acute Hypertension
Authors: Kenyon Kenneth W 
Published: July 2009

Objective: To review the safety, efficacy, and pharmacologic characteristics of clevidipine, a new ultra short-acting intravenous antihypertensive agent for the treatment of moderate-to-severe hypertension. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted through MEDLINE (1966–March 2009), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–March 2009), and EMBASE (1988–March 2009) using the search terms clevidipine, H324/38, hypertension, and hypertensive crisis. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Available studies, abstracts, and review articles published in English that evaluated the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical efficacy of clevidipine were reviewed and critically evaluated. Data Synthesis: Clevidipine is a new third-generation dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker available for intravenous management of moderate-to-severe hypertension. Clevidipine is an ultra short-acting, selective arteriolar vasodilator that acts similar to other L-type dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers by inhibiting influx of extracellular calcium into the vascular smooth muscle. Its safety and efficacy have been primarily evaluated in the perioperative setting in patients undergoing cardiac surgery requiring management of elevated blood pressure. In comparison to most other intravenous antihypertensives, clevidipine has a rapid onset of action, is ultra short-acting, easily titratable with a predictable dose response, and is void of drug–drug interactions and need for dose adjustment in patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency, thus making it a valuable antihypertensive in both the intraoperative and critical care settings. In clinical trials, clevidipine was well tolerated at infusion rates from 2–32 mg per hour, for up to 72 hours. Conclusions: Clevidipine is the first intravenous antihypertensive approved by the Food and Drug Administration in nearly a decade. Based on available published clinical trials, clevidipine appears to be safe and effective in the acute management of moderate-to-severe elevations in blood pressure and a viable alternative to other agents such as nitroglycerin, sodium nitroprusside, and nicardipine.
Current Concepts in Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Pharmacotherapeutic Implications
Authors: Rojas-Fernandez Carlos H , Moorhouse Paige 
Published: July 2009

Objective: To review evolution of the vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) construct, including diagnosis, pharmacotherapeutic implications, and address challenges that will shape future developments. Data Sources: Literature retrieval was accessed through PubMed, from 1966 to December 2008, using the terms vascular cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, post-stroke dementia, vascular cognitive disorder, mild cognitive impairment, criteria, disease progression, outcomes, treatment, prevention, biomarkers, and neuroimaging. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles in published English identified from the data sources were evaluated for inclusion. Regarding pharmacotherapy, prospective double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were included as well as extensions or relevant post hoc analyses. Data Synthesis: In the 1970s, “senile dementia due to hardening of the arteries” was used to describe dementia due to vascular causes. This was a narrow view of what is now known to be a common form of cognitive impairment in older people. Multiple infarct dementia (MID) was first proposed to describe dementia attributable to multiple cerebral infarcts, followed by the vascular dementia (VaD) construct, itself meant to be an improvement over MID. The VaD construct had limitations, not the least of which was that, by the time a patient was diagnosed with VaD, the opportunity for prevention was lost. Thus arose the concept of VCI, representing a group of heterogeneous disorders that share presumed vascular causes. The importance of VCI is centered on the fact that vascular risk factors are treatable, and thus should lead to a reduction in the incidence of cognitive impairment due to vascular causes. There is evidence that treatment of hypertension can lead to a reduction in the incidence of cognitive impairment and dementia, and that treatment of VaD with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors may be beneficial. Conclusions: Careful attention needs to be given to controlling vascular risk factors in at-risk patients. Pharmacists should play an active role in this important area of geriatric pharmacotherapy.