bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diffusion tensor imaging in schizophrenia
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Marinos , Bargiotas Theodoros , Barker Gareth J. , Frangou Sophia 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a magnetic resonance imaging technique that is increasingly being used for the non-invasive evaluation of brain white matter abnormalities. In this review, we discuss the basic principles of DTI, its roots and the contribution of European centres in its development, and we review the findings from DTI studies in schizophrenia. We searched EMBASE, PubMed, PsychInfo, and Medline from February 1998 to December 2006 using as keywords ‘schizophrenia’, ‘diffusion’, ‘tensor’, and ‘DTI’. Forty studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria of this review were included and systematically reviewed. White matter abnormalities in many diverse brain regions were identified in schizophrenia. Although the findings are not completely consistent, frontal and temporal white matter seems to be more commonly affected. Limitations and future directions of this method are discussed.
Involvement of the vascular wall in regenerative processes after CA1 ischemic neuronal death
Authors: Salazar‐Colocho Pablo , Del Río Joaquín , Frechilla Diana 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe involvement of vascular wall in response to neuronal death was challenged here using a transient forebrain ischemia model in gerbil, which causes CA1 neuronal death and trigger neurogenesis in hippocampus. We found an important vascular reaction in CA1 5 days after ischemia evaluated by Von Willebrand factor and Vimentin immunoreactivity, as well as increased expression of angiogenic and neurogenic regulators: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2). Analysing the morphology and cell phenotype by confocal microscopy, we confirmed the colocalization of the neurogenic markers (bromodeoxyuridine–neuronal nuclei–TOPRO‐3) in newborn cells associated to vascular walls in CA1 and dentate gyrus of hippocampus 32 days after ischemia. The results indicate that vascular tissues may participate in neurogenesis after brain ischemia, reinforce the notion that blood vessels represent a source of neuronal progenitor cells in damaged brain areas and suggest that molecular and cellular manipulation of the vascular wall may expand the possibilities of novel regenerative therapies.
The noncommutative geometry of k-graph C*-algebras
Authors: Pask David , Rennie Adam , Sims Aidan 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis paper is comprised of two related parts. First we discuss which k-graph algebras have faithful traces. We characterise the existence of a faithful semifinite lower-semicontinuous gauge-invariant trace on C* (Λ) in terms of the existence of a faithful graph trace on Λ.Second, for k-graphs with faithful gauge invariant trace, we construct a smooth (k,∞)-summable semifinite spectral triple. We use the semifinite local index theorem to compute the pairing with K-theory. This numerical pairing can be obtained by applying the trace to a KK-pairing with values in the K-theory of the fixed point algebra of the Tk action. As with graph algebras, the index pairing is an invariant for a finer structure than the isomorphism class of the algebra.
Women, Labour, and Public Policy: Female Labour Market Integration in OECD Countries. A Comparative Perspective
Authors: STADELMANN-STEFFEN ISABELLE 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis article investigates the influence of political measures and instruments on women's employment in OECD countries. The policy dimension builds the central explanatory category filling the ‘black box’ between political institutions and the decision-making process on the one hand, and policy outcome on the other. Unlike former comparative studies on the relationship between women's employment and public policies, this article analyses a much larger country sample, looking at 28 OECD countries as well as a broader range of policies. Additionally, path analyses are conducted, modelling direct and indirect causal effects on women's labour market integration. The analyses show that while the cultural, economic and political framework can create a positive environment for women's employment in general, ‘women-friendly’ public policies are important, and are necessary for the more intensive and egalitarian labour market integration of women compared to that of men.
Outcome in infants less than 3 kilograms for placement of saphenous venous homografts as systemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunts
Authors: Erez Eldad , Bush David , Tam Vincent K.H. , Doublin Nancy A. , Stakes Jeanie 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundEstablishing stable and adequate flow of blood to the lungs using a systemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunt in infants with low birth weight may involve significant morbidity and mortality. We reviewed our experience with this procedure in patients weighing less than 3 kilograms.MethodsBetween June, 2002, and June, 2007, we placed systemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunts in 32 infants weighing less than 3 kilograms, the range being 1.8 to 2.86 kg, with a median of 2.5 kg. The median age at placement of the shunt was 8 days, with a range from 2 to 70 days. In 17 patients (53%), the anatomic defects had produced a functionally univentricular heart, while 15 (47%) had defects which permitted staging to biventricular repair. Patients staged to univentricular palliation were much more likely to have a circulation dependent on the arterial duct as compared with those staged to biventricular palliation (p < 0.001). The latter patients tended to have smaller pulmonary arteries, significantly the left pulmonary artery, which has a median diameter of 3.6 versus 2.0 mm, p = 0.01. In all patients a saphenous venous homograft was used as the conduit, its size ranging in diameter from 2.5 to 4 mm, with a median of 3.0 mm.ResultsThe overall hospital mortality rate for the entire cohort was 6.25%, with 2 patients dying. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to length of stay in intensive care or hospital. Follow-up has ranged from 3 months to 4.7 years, with a mean of 2.1 years). Of those with functionally univentricular hearts, 3 have subsequently died, along with 1 patient having a biventricular circulation (p = 0.3). All deaths occurred before takedown of the shunt. A trend toward longer survival was noted in those with biventricular as compared to functionally univentricular circulations (p = 0.06).ConclusionSystemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunts can be constructed safely in infants with biventricular physiology born with low weight. Those having functionally univentricular circulations carry an increased rate of mortality for the period of shunting. Using the saphenous venous homograft permits use of smaller grafts, which does not significantly increase the risk for thrombosis or survival when compared to previous studies using polytetrafluoroethylene grafts.
Definitional and human constraints on structural annotation of English
Authors: SAMPSON GEOFFREY , BABARCZY ANNA 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe limits on predictability and refinement of English structural annotation are examined by comparing independent annotations, by experienced analysts using the same detailed published guidelines, of a common sample of written texts. Three conclusions emerge. First, while it is not easy to define watertight boundaries between the categories of a comprehensive structural annotation scheme, limits on inter-annotator agreement are in practice set more by the difficulty of conforming to a well-defined scheme than by the difficulty of making a scheme well defined. Secondly, although usage is often structurally ambiguous, commonly the alternative analyses are logical distinctions without a practical difference – which raises questions about the role of grammar in human linguistic behaviour. Finally, one specific area of annotation is strikingly more problematic than any other area examined, though this area (classifying the functions of clause-constituents) seems a particularly significant one for human language use. These findings should be of interest both to computational linguists and to students of language as an aspect of human cognition.
Diversity and abundance of diazotrophic microorganisms in the South China Sea during intermonsoon
Authors: Moisander Pia H , Beinart Roxanne A , Voss Maren , Zehr Jonathan P 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The spatial heterogeneity of diversity and abundance of diazotrophs were investigated off the Vietnamese coast in the South China Sea (SCS). The study area extended from the Mekong River plume to the shelf region and beyond to stations extending to 1700 m depth. The SCS diazotroph community, based on nifH gene diversity, had components closely related to sequences from open ocean, estuarine, saltmarsh and microbial mat communities. Rarefaction analysis suggested that by using a 97% similarity operational taxonomic unit definition, the majority of nifH sequence diversity in the samples was covered by the 384 nifH clones obtained. The majority of the nifH sequences recovered fell into two clusters: one comprised of Trichodesmium sequences and the other an α-proteobacterial group. Unicellular cyanobacterial groups A and B, and symbiotic filamentous cyanobacterial diazotrophs were detected sporadically. Trichodesmium was by far the most abundant diazotroph, with up to 6 × 105nifH gene copies per liter. Quantitative PCR probe–primer sets were designed and used to quantify two proteobacterial groups, revealing abundances up to 103–104nifH gene copies per liter, with the highest abundances in the photic zone. Major components of the clone library were also revealed by a nifH microarray and multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis. MDS showed that samples from the &gt;10 μm size fraction from 0- to 5-m depths clustered separately from the rest of the samples, primarily due to the abundance of Trichodesmium sequences. The SCS diazotroph community has a relatively low diversity and is a mixture of both estuarine and oceanic fingerprints.
Prolactin and Insulin Ultradian Secretion and Adipose Tissue Lipoprotein lipase Expression in Severely Obese Women After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Mingrone Geltrude , Manco Melania , Iaconelli Amerigo , Gniuli Donatella , Bracaglia Roberto , Leccesi Laura , Calvani Menotti , Nolfe Giuseppe , Basu Subhabrata , Berria Rachele 
Published: June 2008

Background: Hyperprolactinemia is associated with obesity. Furthermore, in human adipose tissue cultured in vitro, prolactin (PRL) inhibited lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity via functional PRL receptors.Objective: Tostudy PRL and insulin ultradian rhythm and subcutaneous adipose tissue LPL mRNA and protein expressions in severely obese women before and after malabsorptive bariatric surgery.Methods and Procedures: Seven severely obese, fertile women were studied twice, once before and the second time 1 year after bilio‐pancreatic diversion (BPD), when the weight was stable for at least 3 months. Metabolizable energy intake and 24‐h energy expenditure (EE) were measured. Fourier and PULSEFIT analyses were applied to 24‐h hormonal time‐series to study daily fluctuations and hormonal clearance. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp. Quantitative‐competitive reverse transcriptase‐PCR and western blot analysis were used to measure LPL gene expression.Results: Spontaneous 24‐h PRL secretion was significantly reduced after BPD (mean‐daily release, 128.4 ± 28.1 μg/l vs. 67.2 ± 9.2 μg/l distribution volume (Vd/l·24 h), P = 0.02); insulin secretion also was significantly reduced (499.9 ± 204.0 μg/Vd/l·24 h vs. 85.6 ± 21.0 μg/Vd/l·24 h, P = 0.0001). Metabolizable energy/kgFFM did not change significantly after BPD. Twenty‐four‐hour EE, but not 24‐h EE/FFM, was significantly decreased after BPD (P < 0.05). Insulin sensitivity significantly (P < 0.0001) increased after BPD from 21.41 ± 1.92 to 68.62 ± 5.03 μmol/kgFFM/min. LPL mRNA concentration (from 42.63 ± 4.21% to 19.00 ± 2.74% of cyclophilin mRNA, P = 0.001) as well as LPL protein level (from 8.94 ± 2.73 to 3.16 ± 1.05 as ratios of protein of interest vs. housekeeping protein, P = 0.038) significantly decreased after BPD. The major determinant of PRL secretion was insulin secretion, whereas the best predictors of LPL expression were insulin and PRL secretion rates.Discussion: The restriction of lipid metabolizable energy rather than weight loss seems to be responsible for both reduction in PRL circulating levels and normalization of its secretion rhythm after bariatric surgery. Furthermore, the reduced adipose tissue LPL expression, being significantly correlated with the decrease in insulin and PRL, suggests a role of hyperinsulinemia and hyperprolactinemia in inducing and sustaining obesity.
MicroRNA signatures characterize diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas and follicular lymphomas
Authors: Roehle Anja , Hoefig Kai P. , Repsilber Dirk , Thorns Christoph , Ziepert Marita , Wesche Kai O. , Thiere Marlen , Loeffler Markus , Klapper Wolfram , Pfreundschuh Michael , Matolcsy András , Bernd Heinz‐Wolfram , Reiniger Lila , Merz Hartmut , Feller Alfred C. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryMicroRNAs (miRNA, miR) are negative regulators of gene expression that play an important role in diverse biological processes such as development, cell growth, apoptosis and haematopoiesis, suggesting their association with cancer. Here we analysed the expression signatures of 157 miRNAs in 58 diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 46 follicular lymphoma (FL) and seven non‐neoplastic lymph nodes (LN). Comparison of the possible combinations of DLBCL‐, FL‐ and LN resulted in specific DLBCL‐ and FL‐signatures, which include miRNAs with previously published function in haematopoiesis (MIRN150 and MIRN155) or tumour development (MIRN210, MIRN10A, MIRN17‐5P and MIRN145). As compared to LN, some miRNAs are differentially regulated in both lymphoma types (MIRN155, MIRN210, MIRN106A, MIRN149 and MIRN139). Conversely, some miRNAs show lymphoma‐specific aberrant expression, such as MIRN9/9*, MIRN301, MIRN338 and MIRN213 in FL and MIRN150, MIRN17‐5P, MIRN145, MIRN328 and others in DLBCL. A classification tree was computed using four miRNAs (MIRN330, MIRN17‐5P, MIRN106a and MIRN210) to correctly identify 98% of all 111 cases that were analysed in this study. Finally, eight miRNAs were found to correlate with event‐free and overall survival in DLBCL including known tumour suppressors (MIRN21, MIRN127 and MIRN34a) and oncogenes (MIRN195 and MIRNLET7G).
Goal Attainment Scaling in paediatric rehabilitation: a report on the clinical training of an interdisciplinary team
Authors: Steenbeek D. , Ketelaar M. , Galama K. , Gorter J. W. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground  Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is a responsive method for individual goal setting and treatment evaluation. However, current knowledge about its reliability when used in paediatric rehabilitation treatment is insufficient and depends highly on standardization of the GAS method. A training programme was developed to introduce GAS to a team of 27 professionals from five disciplines. The purpose of the paper is to share the experiences of professionals and parents during this training.Methods  The training consisted of three 2‐h general discussion sessions and intensive individual feedback from the study leader (i.e. the first author). Feedback was given until the GAS scales met predetermined criteria of ordinality, described specific, measurable, acceptable, realistic abilities and activities in a single dimension, used the ‘can‐do’ principle and could be scored within 10 min. Therapists and parents were asked to give their opinion by completing a questionnaire.Results  One hundred and fifteen GAS scales were developed and scored by professionals. The development of a GAS scale remained a time‐consuming procedure, despite the training: 45 (SD = 27) minutes per scale. The content criteria of GAS were found to be useful by all participants. Common issues requiring revision of the initial scales were equal scale intervals, specificity, measurability and selection of a single variable. After the training, 70% of the therapists and 60% of the parents regarded GAS as a suitable tool to improve the quality of rehabilitation treatment. Examples of GAS scales developed by the various disciplines are presented and discussed.Conclusions  The experiences reported in this paper support the further development of training procedures for GAS before it can be used as an outcome measure in effect studies. The findings may be helpful in introducing GAS in the field of childhood disability.
Relationships among coping, comorbidity and stress in patients having haemodialysis
Authors: Yeh Shu‐Chuan Jennifer , Huang Chia‐Hsiung , Chou Hsueh‐Chih 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTitle.  Relationships among coping, comorbidity and stress in patients having haemodialysis. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to examine relationships among stress, coping and comorbidity and test the interaction effect of comorbidity.Background.  Haemodialysis imposes a variety of physical and psychosocial stressors that challenge patients. Comorbidity is a risk factor for many health outcomes. Research on how comorbidity influences the relationship between coping and stress is limited.Method.  In this cross‐sectional study, conducted from October 2002 to January 2003, 2642 patients, who had been having haemodialysis for at least 3 months, were interviewed by nursing managers in the 27 participating centres. The Haemodialysis Stressor Scale measured stressors and the Jalowiec Coping Scale were used to measure coping strategies. Hierarchical regression was used to analyse the data.Results.  Haemodialysis patients with comorbidities were found to have higher levels of stress. Comorbidity had a moderating effect between choice of problem‐oriented responses and isolated thoughts as coping strategies. These findings show that haemodialysis patients with comorbidities often choose positive coping strategies.Conclusion.  Comorbidity not only has a direct impact on stress but also has a moderating effect on the relationship between coping and stress. Comorbidity may hold the key to healthcare professionals’ understanding of why patients having haemodialysis perceive different levels of stress and use various coping strategies. A personalized programme may be needed for each patient based on their different levels of comorbidity.
Gap‐phase dynamics and coexistence of a long‐lived pioneer and shade‐tolerant tree species in the canopy of an old‐growth coastal temperate rain forest of Chiloé Island, Chile
Authors: Gutiérrez Alvaro G. , Aravena Juan Carlos , Carrasco‐Farías Natalia V. , Christie Duncan A. , Fuentes Mauricio , Armesto Juan J. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryAim  A major question with regard to the ecology of temperate rain forests in south‐central Chile is how pioneer and shade‐tolerant tree species coexist in old‐growth forests. We explored the correspondence between tree regeneration dynamics and life‐history traits to explain the coexistence of these two functional types in stands apparently representing a non‐equilibrium mixture.Location  This study was conducted in northern Chiloé Island, Chile (41.6° S, 73.9° W) in a temperate coastal rain forest with no evidence of stand disruption by human impact.Methods  We assessed stand structure by sampling all stems within two 50 × 20 m and four 5 × 100 m plots. A 600‐m long transect, with 20 uniformly spaced sampling points, was used to quantify seedling and sapling densities, obtain increment cores, and randomly select 10 tree‐fall gaps. We used tree‐ring analysis to assess establishment periods and to relate the influences of disturbances to the regeneration dynamics of the main canopy species.Results  Canopy emergent tree species were the long‐lived pioneer Eucryphia cordifolia and the shade‐tolerant Aextoxicon punctatum. Shade‐tolerant species such as Laureliopsis philippiana and several species of Myrtaceae occupied the main canopy. The stem diameter distribution for E. cordifolia was distinctly unimodal, while for A. punctatum it was multi‐modal, with all age classes represented. Myrtaceae accounted for most of the small trees. Most tree seedlings and saplings occurred beneath canopy gaps. Based on tree‐ring counts, the largest individuals of A. punctatum and E. cordifolia had minimum ages estimated to be > 350 years and > 286 years, respectively. Shade‐tolerant Myrtaceae species and L. philippiana had shorter life spans (< 200 years). Most growth releases, regardless of tree species, were moderate and have occurred continuously since 1750.Main conclusions  We suggest that this coastal forest has remained largely free of stand‐disrupting disturbances for at least 450 years, without substantial changes in canopy composition. Release patterns are consistent with this hypothesis and suggest that the disturbance regime is dominated by individual tree‐fall gaps, with sporadic multiple tree falls. Long life spans, maximum height and differences in shade tolerance provide a basis for understanding the long‐term coexistence of pioneer and shade‐tolerant tree species in this coastal, old‐growth rain forest, despite the rarity of major disturbances.
The effect of age and gender on arterial stiffness in healthy Caucasian Canadians
Authors: Noon Joseph P , Trischuk Timothy C , Gaucher Sylvia A , Galante Sean , Scott Roger L 
Published: June 2008

Aims and objectives.  We aimed to investigate age and gender differences in arterial stiffness, and whether this cardiovascular risk factor was detectable in healthy Caucasians before established disease was manifest.Background.  A growing number of risk factors including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, smoking and age have been linked to the adverse cardiovascular end‐points of myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure. These risk factors lead to an increase in arterial stiffness. Measuring this stiffness at an early age may identify candidates for primary preventative intervention strategies by nurses.Methods.  Caucasian Canadians (n = 176) were recruited. Peripheral and central blood pressure, pulse pressure, augmentation pressure, arterial compliance (augmentation index and pulse wave velocity) and sub‐endocardial viability ratio (SEVR), were assessed using applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor® system). Blood was drawn for fasting lipid and glucose profiling.Results.  Women participants had significantly stiffer arteries than men (augmentation index: 28 SEM = 1% vs. 18 SEM = 2% respectively; p < 0·001). Pulse wave velocity, however, was not different (7·7 SEM = 0·2 m/s vs. 8·3 SEM = 0·1 m/s respectively; p < 0·001). Age was a strong predictor of arterial stiffening in both genders, but the effect was greater in women.Conclusions.  Women having stiffer arteries than men, thus at greater cardiovascular risk, may require earlier screening. The effect might be postmenopausal, and mechanisms require further investigation. However, both middle‐aged men and women considering themselves ‘healthy’ may benefit from more proactive primary prevention.Relevance to clinical practice.  Applanation tonometry, used extensively by nurses, provides early detection of central haemodynamic changes and vascular compliance at all ages. Knowledge of arterial stiffness could guide the management of primary prevention in the nursing cardiovascular risk reduction clinic.