bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Woulda, coulda, shoulda: The evaluation and the impact of the alternative outcome
Authors: Gu Ruolei , Wu Tingting , Jiang Yang , Luo Yue‐Jia 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe alternative outcome refers to the outcome of the unselected option in decision‐making tasks, which has significant influence on the chosen outcome evaluation. Most paradigms have presented the alternative outcome either after or simultaneous with the chosen outcome, which complicates the observation on the brain activity associated with the alternative outcome. To circumvent this perceived shortcoming, we modified the classic paradigm designed by Yeung and Sanfey (2004) such that the alternative outcome was presented before the chosen outcome in each trial while an electroencephalogram was recorded. The feedback‐related negativity (FRN) elicited by the positive alternative outcome was larger than that elicited by the negative alternative outcome, suggesting that the participants evaluated the positive alternative outcome as negative feedback. Moreover, the FRN and the P3 elicited by the chosen outcome were influenced by the valence of the alternative outcome. The current study reveals that the alternative outcome is treated as important information even though it is economically neutral.
Detection ofN‐acetyl methionine in human and murine brain and neuronal and glial derived cell lines
Authors: Smith Tara , Ghandour M. Said , Wood Paul L. 
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)118, 187–194.AbstractDespite the fact thatN‐acetyl methionine (NAM) supplementation has long been reported as a bioavailable source of methionine in humans, and known to reduce liver toxicity after acetaminophen overdose, its cellular endogenous presence has never been investigated. We demonstrate for the first time that NAM is present in both human and mouse tissues and cells in culture. A wide variety of cultured cells, including a number of brain derived cell types, as well as mouse and human brain tissue all have clearly detectable levels of NAM. Methionine is rapidly acetylated to form NAM in cultured human oligodendroglioma cells with an initial rate of 0.44 ± 0.064 atom percent excess per minute. The presence of measurable quantities of NAM in brain cells in combination with its rapid formation point to a potential physiological role forN‐acetylated methionine in the brain. Aminoacylase 1 is responsible for metabolism of NAM to methionine and acetate. Deficiencies in aminoacylase 1 have been linked to a variety of neurological disorders; however, it is unclear whether and how the brain is affected by this defect. The reported presence of NAM in the human brain may provide an invaluable key to discovering the link between aminoacylase 1 mutations and neurological problems.
A community‐based exercise programme to improve functional ability in people with Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vreugdenhil Anthea , Cannell John , Davies Andrew , Razay George 
Published: May 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 12–19

A community‐based exercise programme to improve functional ability in people with Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized controlled trialRationale:  Dementia is a common neurodegenerative condition in older age associated with functional decline across multiple domains. This decline impacts not only on the person with dementia, but also on their informal carers and health and aged care systems. With the number of people with dementia rapidly increasing and few effective treatments, there is now a critical need for interventions to improve functional ability in those with the condition.Aims and objective:  This study assesses the effectiveness of a community‐based home exercise programme in improving cognitive and physical function and independence in activities of daily living (ADL) in people with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.Methods:  In a 4‐month randomized controlled trial, 40 community‐dwelling patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and their informal carers were randomly allocated to either the treatment (exercise plus usual treatment) or control (usual treatment) group. The exercise programme consisted of daily exercises and walking under the supervision of their carer. Patients were assessed at baseline and 4‐months follow‐up by a blinded assessor on primary outcome measures of cognitive and physical function and ADL using standardized assessment scales.Results:  Sixteen men and 24 women diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease participated in the study. They had a mean age of 74.1 years (range 51–89) and a mean Mini Mental State Examination score of 22.0 (range 10–28), indicating mild to moderate dementia. At 4‐months follow‐up, patients who exercised, compared with controls, had improved cognition (increased Mini Mental State Examination scores by 2.6 points, p < 0.001), better mobility (2.9 seconds faster on Timed Up and Go, p = 0.004) and increased Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scores by 1.6 (p = 0.007).Conclusion:  This study suggests that participation in a community‐based exercise programme can improve cognitive and physical function and independence in ADL in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Is mechanical soil aeration a strategy to alleviate soil compaction and decrease phosphorus and suspended sediment losses from irrigated and rain‐fed cattle‐grazed pastures?
Authors: Curran Cournane F. , Mcdowell R. W. , Littlejohn R. P. , Houlbrooke D. J. , Condron L. M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAgriculture is a major source of phosphorus (P) and suspended sediment (SS) losses to aquatic ecosystems promoting eutrophication. Mechanical soil loosening equipments such as topsoil looseners or aerators have been reported to improve the physical quality and infiltration of soils susceptible to livestock damage resulting from treading. We hypothesized that soil aeration would significantly decrease the volume of surface runoff and consequent losses of P and SS compared with non‐aerated soil (control) in cattle‐grazed pasture on a poorly structured silt‐loam soil. Hydrologically isolated plots (2 m long × 1 m wide × 0.15 m deep) were installed in aerated and control plots to collect surface runoff following irrigation or rainfall and analysed for P and SS losses for 1 year. Soil physical properties [% macroporosity, bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (Kunsat at −1kPa)] were measured in the aerated and control treatments and taken before each irrigation event (n = 12). Six months after mechanical aeration was employed, but before cattle grazing commenced, no significant differences in soil physical quality were found between aerated and control treatments, with the exception of a minor increase in Kunsat for the control plots. This lack of treatment difference continued after grazing and was largely attributed to the re‐settling of the poorly structured and dispersive soil. Flow‐weighted mean concentrations and annual loads of dissolved reactive P (DRP) on the mechanically aerated soil (2.24 kg DRP/ha) were approximately double those from the control treatment (1.20 kg DRP/ha). However, no significant differences were observed between treatments for surface runoff volumes and losses of total P and total SS, which may reflect the similar soil physical conditions exhibited between treatments throughout most of the trial. As observed elsewhere, time (days) since grazing or fertilizer application was found to influence P and/or SS losses. We conclude that aeration did not decrease P and SS losses. Any changes in soil physical properties such as macroporosity were short‐lived and therefore unlikely to influence surface runoff and subsequent P and SS losses for this soil type.
Effects of conservation agriculture on runoff, soil loss and crop yield under rainfed conditions in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Araya Tesfay , Cornelis W. M. , Nyssen J. , Govaerts B. , Bauer H. , Gebreegziabher Tewodros , Oicha Tigist , Raes D. , Sayre K. D. , Haile Mitiku , Deckers J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe aim of conservation agriculture (CA) is to improve soil quality and crop yield whilst reducing runoff and topsoil erosion. An experiment was carried out in a rainfed field using a permanent raised bed planting system for 3 yr (2005–2007) in Adigudem, northern Ethiopia in order to evaluate the effect of CA on runoff, soil loss and crop yield. CA practices were introduced in fields with Vertisols in a randomized complete block design on permanent 5 × 19 m plots. Three treatments were evaluated: (1) conventional tillage (CT) with a minimum of three tillage operations and removal of crop residues, (2) terwah (TER) that was similar to CT except that contour furrows were included at 1.5 m intervals, and (3) derdero+ (DER+), which consists of permanent raised beds with a furrow and bed system, retention of 30% of standing crop residues and zero tillage on the top of the bed. All ploughing as well as the maintenance of the furrows of the permanent raised beds was done using a local ard plough called maresha. Results from monitoring over 3 yr showed that soil loss and runoff were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in CT followed by TER and DER+. Average soil losses of 5.2, 20.1 and 24.2 t/ha were recorded from DER+, TER and CT, respectively. Runoff was 46.3, 76.3 and 98.1 mm from DER+, TER and CT, respectively. Grain yield was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in DER+ under teff in 2006, probably due to the high sensitivity of teff to weeds. The yield of wheat in 2007 was significantly higher in DER+ followed by TER. The terwah system is recommended as a first measure for wider adoption to reduce runoff and soil loss and to increase crop yield. The long‐term goal is to achieve a derdero+ system, i.e. a permanent raised bed planting system along with the application of crop residues.
Impact of horse grazing and feeding on phosphorus concentrations in soil and drainage water
Authors: Parvage Muhammad Masud , Kirchmann Holger , Kynkäänniemi Pia , Ulén Barbro 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe number of horses in Sweden has increased, from 77 300 in 1970 to 283 000 in 2003 (ca. 250%). These horses are kept on 300 000 ha, which represents 10% of total agricultural land in Sweden. Maximum recommended livestock density in Sweden is 2.5 units/ha for grazed pasture, but no limits have yet been set for outdoor keeping and feeding areas (paddocks) for horses. This study characterized the potential risk of phosphorus (P) losses from a horse paddock established on a heavy clay soil with a stocking rate of 3.75 livestock units/ha compared with nearby arable land. The horse paddock received 15 kg P/ha/yr and 75 kg N/ha/yr through horse excreta, while annual input of P and N to the adjacent arable land was 13 and 112 kg/ha, respectively. There was no significant difference in water‐soluble P (WSP) in fresh and dried soil samples between the horse paddock (mean values: 0.62 and 0.43 mg/100 g soil; n = 15) and the arable field (mean values: 0.52 and 0.37 mg/100 g soil; n = 5). In contrast, phosphorus extractable in ammonium acetate lactate (extractable P) in the topsoil of the horse paddock (mean: 15 mg/100 g soil) was significantly higher (P = 0.03; n = 15) than in the arable land, whereas total P extracted with nitric acid (total P) showed no statistically significant differences. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in lactate‐extractable iron and aluminium (extractable Fe and Al), organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N) or phosphorus sorption index between the two parcels of land. However, the degree of P saturation in soil was significantly higher (P = 0.02; n = 15) in the horse paddock. Extractable Al and Fe were highly correlated to extractable P (P < 0.001; n = 69), the correlation being negative for Al. No relationship was found with calcium, but soil C content was found to be correlated with extractable P (P < 0.001; n = 69). Over the past 8 yr, high P concentrations (up to 1.5 mg/L), mainly in dissolved reactive form, have been recorded in drainage water from the grazed catchment. We concluded that horse grazing at high stocking rates (>2.5 livestock units/ha) may pose a risk of high P losses to nearby water bodies.
New information on Hauffiosaurus (Reptilia, Plesiosauria) based on a new species from the Alum Shale Member (Lower Toarcian: Lower Jurassic) of Yorkshire, UK
Authors: BENSON ROGER B. J. , KETCHUM HILARY F. , NOÈ LESLIE F. , GóMEZ‐PéREZ MARCELA 
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  An almost complete, three‐dimensionally preserved plesiosaurian from the Hildoceras bifrons Zone of the Alum Shale Member (Whitby Limestone Formation; Lower Toarcian) of Yorkshire, UK, is described in detail. This represents a new species of Hauffiosaurus, H. tomistomimus, distinguished from H. zanoni (Harpoceras serpentinum Zone, Lower Toarcian, Germany) by the proportionally shorter neck and strongly concave preaxial margin of the tibia. It differs from H. longirostris (previously ‘Macroplata’longirostris; Har. serpentinum Zone, Yorkshire) by the absence of prominent midline ridges on the dorsal surface of the premaxillae and ventral surface of the mandibular symphysis, and the absence of midline pterygoid contact ventral to the basioccipital. Several synapomorphies support a monophyletic Hauffiosaurus: broad longitudinal troughs occupy the dorsolateral surface of the maxilla and the posterior half of the lateral surface of the dentary; basicranial fontanelle bounded laterally by posterolaterally elongate projections of an undetermined ossification; and the neural arch contacts the rib facet in all postaxial cervical vertebrae. However, the systematic position of Hauffiosaurus, as a pliosauroid or basal plesiosauroid, remains uncertain. There is little evidence for geographic differentiation of Lower Toarcian plesiosaurian faunas in the United Kingdom and Germany as minor differences between abundant taxa may arise from temporal offset of fossils from these regions, and marked taxonomic differences are confined to rare taxa whose absence in one or other area may be attributable to incomplete sampling. Lack of consensus on the relationships of Lower Jurassic plesiosaurians requires further detailed description of Lower Jurassic taxa.
Assessment of a point‐of‐care cardiac troponin I test to differentiate cardiac from noncardiac causes of respiratory distress in dogs
Authors: Payne Edward E. , Roberts Brian K. , Schroeder Nick , Burk Ronald L. , Schermerhorn Thomas 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectives
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To (1) determine a reference interval for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) using a point‐of‐care device in normal dogs and compare the results with those published by the manufacturer and (2) determine if cTnI differs among dogs with cardiogenic and noncardiogenic respiratory distress.Design
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Prospective observational study.Setting
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Emergency and referral veterinary hospital.Animals
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Twenty‐six clinically normal dogs and 67 dogs in respiratory distress.Interventions
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All dogs underwent whole blood sampling for cTnI concentrations.Measurements and Results
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Normal dogs had a median cTnI concentration of 0.03 ng/mL (range 0–0.11 ng/mL). Thirty‐six dogs were diagnosed with noncardiogenic respiratory distress with a median cTnI concentration of 0.14 ng/mL (range 0.01–4.31 ng/mL). Thirty‐one dogs were diagnosed with cardiogenic respiratory distress with a median cTnI concentration of 1.74 ng/mL (range 0.05–17.1 ng/mL).A significant difference between cTnI concentrations in normal dogs and dogs with noncardiogenic respiratory distress was not detected. Significant differences in cTnI concentrations were found between normals versus cardiogenic and cardiogenic versus noncardiogenic respiratory distress groups. Significant differences in cTnI concentrations were identified in >10 when compared with the <5 and the 5–10 years of age groups. Receiver operating curve analysis identified cTnI concentrations >1.5 ng/mL as the optimal “cut‐off point” having a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 51.5%. The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.72. Overall test accuracy was 65%.Conclusions
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cTnI concentrations were significantly increased in dogs with cardiogenic respiratory distress versus dogs with noncardiogenic respiratory distress and normal dogs. A significant difference between normal dogs and dogs with noncardiogenic causes of respiratory distress was detected. Although highly sensitive when cTnI concentrations exceed 1.5 ng/mL, the test has low specificity. Assessment of cTnI by the methodology used cannot be recommended as the sole diagnostic modality for evaluating the cause of respiratory distress in dogs.
Myasthenia gravis in dogs with an emphasis on treatment and critical care management
Authors: Khorzad Roxanna , Whelan Megan , Sisson Allen , Shelton G. D. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective –To review the human and veterinary literature on the pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis (MG) and describe treatment options for clinical use in people and animals.Data Sources –Human and veterinary clinical reports, studies and reviews, textbooks, and recent research findings in MG from 1996 present, with a focus on treatment and patient management.Human Data Synthesis –MG is a well‐described condition in people with new research and treatment options available. Many of the newest therapeutic options available in veterinary medicine for MG are based on current strategies used in people with this condition. Seronegative MG is well described in people and provides insight to clinical cases encountered in veterinary medicine when the index of suspicion is high though serologic tests are negative.Veterinary Data Synthesis –Previous studies in veterinary medicine focused on the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors as the main form of treatment in canine MG. Recent studies, mainly case series and case reports, emphasize the use of immunomodulatory treatments as an alternative for long‐term treatment. However, there are no randomized, controlled studies on treatment with immunomodulatory therapy for MG in dogs available to assess the efficacy of this treatment strategy.Conclusions –Although early recognition of clinical signs is most important in the outcome of patients with MG, further understanding the pathophysiology of MG may lead to earlier diagnosis and novel treatment strategies. The discovery of additional autoantibodies against striated muscle proteins in dogs, should enhance our understanding of diseases affecting the neuromuscular junction. In addition, clinical data for canine MG could be applied to other autoimmune disorders.
The flavonoid scaffold as a template for the design of modulators of the vascular Cav1.2 channels
Authors: Saponara S , Carosati E , Mugnai P , Sgaragli G , Fusi F 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEPrevious studies have pointed to the plant flavonoids myricetin and quercetin as two structurally related stimulators of vascular Cav1.2 channel current (ICa1.2). Here we have tested the proposition that the flavonoid structure confers the ability to modulate Cav1.2 channels.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHTwenty‐four flavonoids were analysed for their effects on ICa1.2in rat tail artery myocytes, using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp method.KEY RESULTSMost of the flavonoids stimulated or inhibited ICa1.2in a concentration‐ and voltage‐dependent manner with EC50values ranging between 4.4 µM (kaempferol) and 16.0 µM (myricetin) for the stimulators and IC50values between 13.4 µM (galangin) and 100 µM [(±)‐naringenin] for the inhibitors. Key structural requirements for ICa1.2stimulatory activity were the double bond between C2 and C3 and the hydroxylation pattern on the flavonoid scaffold, the latter also determining the molecular charge, as shown by molecular modelling techniques. Absence of OH groups in the B ring was key in ICa1.2inhibition. The functional interaction between quercetin and either the stimulator myricetin or the antagonists resokaempferol, crysin, genistein, and 5,7,2′‐trihydroxyflavone revealed that quercetin expressed the highest apparent affinity, in the low µM range, for Cav1.2 channels. Neither protein tyrosine kinase nor protein kinase Cα were involved in quercetin‐induced stimulation of ICa1.2.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSQuercetin‐like plant flavonoids were active on vascular Cav1.2 channels. Thus, the flavonoid scaffold may be a template for the design of novel modulators of vascular smooth muscle Cav1.2 channels, valuable for the treatment of hypertension and stroke.
Combined argatroban and anti‐oxidative agents prevents increased vascular contractility to thrombin and other ligands after subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Kameda Katsuharu , Kikkawa Yuichiro , Hirano Mayumi , Matsuo Satoshi , Sasaki Tomio , Hirano Katsuya 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Increased vascular contractility plays a fundamental role in cerebral vasospasm in subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). We investigated the role of thrombin and its receptor, proteinase‐activated receptor 1 (PAR1), and other G protein‐coupled receptors in the increased contractility, and examined the preventive effects of the thrombin inhibitor, argatroban, and anti‐oxidative agents, vitamin C and tempol.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A rabbit model of SAH was utilized. Contractile responses of the isolated basilar artery and the level of oxidative stress of brain tissues were evaluated.KEY RESULTS Contractile responses to thrombin and PAR1‐activating peptide (PAR1‐AP) were enhanced and prolonged after SAH. The thrombin‐induced contraction persisted even after terminating thrombin stimulation. When sequentially stimulated with PAR1‐AP, the second response was maintained in SAH, while it was substantially attenuated in the control. Only a combination of argatroban with vitamin C or tempol prevented both the enhancement and prolongation of the contractile response to PAR1‐AP and restored the reversibility of the thrombin‐induced contraction. The responses to angiotensin II, vasopressin and PGF2α were enhanced and prolonged after SAH to varying degrees, and responded differently to the treatment. The response to vasopressin exhibited a similar phenomenon to that seen with PAR1‐AP. Oxidative stress was increased in SAH, and normalized by the treatment with argatroban, vitamin C or their combination.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Increased vascular reactivity to agonists in SAH was attributable to the enhancement and prolongation of the contractile response. A combination of argatroban and anti‐oxidative agents was required to prevent both the enhancement and prolongation of the contractile response.LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Hollenberg, pp. 103–105 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01564.x
A Concept Analysis of Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Sun Fan‐Ko 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT Objective:Suicidal behavior is a significant global public health problem. Despite this, many health care professionals remain unaware of the distinction among suicidal behavior, self‐mutilation, and deliberate self‐harm. The aim of this study was to conduct a concept analysis of suicidal behavior.Method:Walker and Avant's 8‐step method of concept analysis was used to examine the concept of suicidal behavior. Sources for analysis were identified using a systematic search of Medline, CINAHL, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source, and the reference lists of related journal articles.Results:Suicidal behavior was found to be associated with a constellation of external hazards and internal crises, lack of coping mechanisms and social support structures, and degree of suicidal intent, which, in the worst‐case scenario, results in successful suicide. The antecedents of suicidal behavior are vulnerability characteristics that make painful events seem unbearable, and the consequences are death or failed suicide. In cases of failure, the medical consequences may be serious and long lasting.Conclusions:Defining the concept of suicidal behavior provides a basis for public health nurses to better understand suicidal behavior, thus improving their ability to care for suicidal patients during home visits.