bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual Response Surface Optimization with Hard-to-Control Variables for Sustainable Gasifier Performance
Authors: Coetzer R. L. J. , Rossouw R. F. , Lin D. K. J. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryDual response surface optimization of the Sasol–Lurgi fixed bed dry bottom gasification process was carried out by performing response surface modelling and robustness studies on the process variables of interest from a specially equipped full-scale test gasifier. Coal particle size distribution and coal composition are considered as hard-to-control variables during normal operation. The paper discusses the application of statistical robustness studies as a method for determining the optimal settings of process variables that might be hard to control during normal operation. Several dual response surface strategies are evaluated for determining the optimal process variable conditions. It is shown that a narrower particle size distribution is optimal for maximizing gasification performance which is robust against the variability in coal composition.
Identifying and Diagnosing Population Declines: A Bayesian Assessment of Lapwings in the UK
Authors: King Ruth , Brooks Stephen P. , Mazzetta Chiara , Freeman Stephen N. , Morgan Byron J. T. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryWe combine data from separate ring recovery and survey studies to provide indices of estimated abundance for the UK lapwing Vanellus vanellus population. Using a descriptive state space model, we demonstrate the observed decline in population size in relation to directly interpretable parameters describing the demographic characteristics of the population. The Bayesian approach readily provides information that is directly relevant to the conservation of this important bird species. The method proposed extends previous work in this area in several ways. Restrictive normality assumptions that have traditionally been imposed are removed, in addition to the assumption of constant measurement error by using information relating to the index variability across time to account fully for this source of uncertainty within the model. We also provide model-averaged inference to help to inform management policy and uses.
Heat transport at boiling, near‐critical conditions
Authors: COUMOU D. , DRIESNER T. , HEINRICH C. A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTwo‐phase flow and near‐critical phenomena are likely to enhance energy transport in high‐temperature hydrothermal systems. We present a series of two‐dimensional simulations of two‐phase flow of pure water at near‐critical conditions. The results show that at near‐critical conditions, two‐phase convection can be more efficient in transporting energy than single‐phase convection. The highest heat fluxes are attained when two‐phase heat‐pipes form near the bottom boundary, recharging the root of the upflow zone and thereby enabling the formation of broad upflow regions. When the system becomes more vapor‐dominated, it loses this ability, upflow zones become narrower and the energy efficiency drops to more moderate values.
Psychiatric and behavioural symptoms and the use of psychotropic medication in Special Care Units and Regular Units in Norwegian nursing homes
Authors: Selbæk Geir , Kirkevold Øyvind , Engedal Knut 
Published: September 2008

Background:  In a number of countries Special Care Units (SCUs) have been established to meet the particular needs of patients with dementia. The criteria for SCUs are poorly defined and often not met.Aim:  To assess the frequency distributions of dementia, psychiatric and behavioural symptoms and the use of psychotropic medication in SCUs and Regular Units (RUs) across different regions.Methods and material:  By means of a structured interview, comprising the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale and Lawton’s Physical Self‐maintenance scale, a representative sample of 1163 nonselected nursing home patients was assessed. In addition, information was collected from the patients’ records.Results:  Overall SCU patients were significantly more likely to be younger, to have higher level of functioning, to have dementia, to exhibit clinically significant psychiatric and behavioural symptoms and to receive psychotropic medication. There were significant differences across regions in terms of psychiatric and behavioural symptoms and the use of psychotropic medication. The ratio of accommodation in SCUs to that in RUs varied across the regions.Conclusion:  Patients in SCUs and patients in RUs are distinct nursing home populations. Regional differences, which might be due to diverse ratios of SCUs, are evident.
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid and aspirin increase lifespan of genetically heterogeneous male mice
Authors: Strong Randy  , Miller Richard A.  , Astle Clinton M.  , Floyd Robert A.  , Flurkey Kevin  , Hensley Kenneth L.  , Javors Martin A.  , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan  , Nelson James F.  , Ongini Ennio  , Nadon Nancy L.  , Warner Huber R.  , Harrison David E.  
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe National Institute on Aging's Interventions Testing Program was established to evaluate agents that are purported to increase lifespan and delay the appearance of age‐related disease in genetically heterogeneous mice. Up to five compounds are added to the study each year and each compound is tested at three test sites (The Jackson Laboratory, University of Michigan, and University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio). Mice in the first cohort were exposed to one of four agents: aspirin, nitroflurbiprofen, 4‐OH‐α‐phenyl‐N‐tert‐butyl nitrone, or nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). Sample size was sufficient to detect a 10% difference in lifespan in either sex, with 80% power, using data from two of the three sites. Pooling data from all three sites, a log‐rank test showed that both NDGA (p = 0.0006) and aspirin (p = 0.01) led to increased lifespan of male mice. Comparison of the proportion of live mice at the age of 90% mortality was used as a surrogate for measurement of maximum lifespan; neither NDGA (p = 0.12) nor aspirin (p = 0.16) had a significant effect in this test. Measures of blood levels of NDGA or aspirin and its salicylic acid metabolite suggest that the observed lack of effects of NDGA or aspirin on lifespan in females could be related to gender differences in drug disposition or metabolism. Further studies are warranted to find whether NDGA or aspirin, over a range of doses, might prove to postpone death and various age‐related outcomes reproducibly in mice.
Phase equilibria modelling of kyanite‐bearing anatectic paragneisses from the central Grenville Province
Authors: INDARES A. , WHITE R. W. , POWELL R. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractKyanite‐bearing paragneisses from the Manicouagan Imbricate Zone and its footwall (high‐P belt of the central Grenville Province) preserve evidence of partial melting with development of metamorphic textures involving biotite–garnet ± kyanite ± plagioclase ± K‐feldspar–quartz. Garnet in these rocks displays a variety of zoning patterns with respect to Ca. Pseudosection modelling in the Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–O (NCKFMASHTO) system using measured bulk rock compositions accounts for the textural evolution of two aluminous and two sub‐aluminous samples from the presumed thermal peak to conditions at which retained melt solidified. The prograde features are best explained by pseudosections calculated with compositions to account for melt loss. The intersection of isopleths of grossular content and Fe/(Fe + Mg) relating to large porphyroblasts of garnet provide constraints on the P–T conditions of the metamorphic peak. These P–T estimates are considered to be minima because of the potential for diffusional modification of the composition of garnet at high‐T and during the early stages of cooling. However, they are consistent with textural observations and pseudosection topology, with peak assemblages best preserved in rocks for which the calculated pseudosections predict only small changes in mineral proportions in the P–T interval, in which retrograde reactions are inferred to have occurred between the thermal peak and the solidus. Maximum P–T conditions (14.5–15.5 kbar and 840–890 °C) and steep retrograde P–T paths inferred for rocks from the Manicouagan Imbricate Zone are comparable with those determined for mafic rocks from the same area. In contrast, maximum P–T conditions of 12.5–13 kbar and 815–830 °C and flatter P–T paths are inferred for the rocks of the footwall to the Manicouagan Imbricate Zone. The general consistency between textures, mineral compositions and the topologies of the calculated pseudosections suggests that the pseudosection approach is an appropriate tool for inferring the P–T evolution of high‐P anatectic quartzo‐feldspathic rocks.
Effect of sleep stage on interictal high‐frequency oscillations recorded from depth macroelectrodes in patients with focal epilepsy
Authors: Bagshaw Andrew P. , Jacobs Julia , LeVan Pierre , Dubeau François , Gotman Jean 
Published: September 2008

SummaryPurpose:  To investigate the effect of sleep stage on the properties of high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) recorded from depth macroelectrodes in patients with focal epilepsy.Methods:  Ten‐minute epochs of wakefulness (W), stage 1–2 non‐REM (N1‐N2), stage 3 non‐REM (N3) and REM sleep (R) were identified from stereo‐electroencephalography (SEEG) data recorded at 2 kHz in nine patients. Rates of spikes, ripples (>80 Hz), and fast ripples (>250 Hz) were calculated, as were HFO durations, degree of spike–HFO overlap, HFO rates inside and outside of spikes, and inside and outside of the seizure‐onset zone (SOZ).Results:  Ripples were observed in nine patients and fast ripples in eight. Spike rate was highest in N1‐N2 in 5 of 9 patients, and in N3 in 4 of 9 patients, whereas ripple rate was highest in N1‐N2 in 4 of 9 patients, in N3 in 4 of 9 patients, and in W in 1 of 9 patients. Fast ripple rate was highest in N1‐N2 in 4 of 8 patients, and in N3 in 4 of 8 patients. HFO properties changed significantly with sleep stage, although the absolute effects were small. The difference in HFO rates inside and outside of the SOZ was highly significant (p < 0.000001) in all stages except for R and, for fast ripples, only marginally significant (p = 0.018) in W.Conclusions:  Rates of HFOs recorded from depth macroelectrodes are highest in non‐REM sleep. HFO properties were similar in stages N1‐N2 and N3, suggesting that accurate sleep staging is not necessary. The spatial specificity of HFO, particularly fast ripples, was affected by sleep stage, suggesting that recordings excluding REM sleep and wakefulness provide a more reliable indicator of the SOZ.
Infantile spasms in tuberous sclerosis complex: Prognostic utility of EEG
Authors: Muzykewicz David A. , Costello Daniel J. , Halpern Elkan F. , Thiele Elizabeth A. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryPurpose:  To assess cognitive and epilepsy outcomes in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) patients with a history of infantile spasms (IS), in relation to spasm history, electroencephalography (EEG) characteristics, genetic mutation, and treatment history.Methods:  The authors conducted a retrospective review of 45 children and adults with TSC and a history of IS. EEG reports from the time of spasms were evaluated for all patients, and EEG tracings were accessible and evaluated for 20 patients.Results:  Clinical outcome was unfavorable for the majority of patients. However, 33% had experienced at least one year of seizure freedom at follow‐up, and 24% of those tested had IQs above 70. Hypsarrhythmia severity scores varied widely, with some EEGs severely hypsarrhythmic and others essentially normal. Lower IQ was significantly associated with higher hypsarrhythmia severity scores on EEG report, the presence of background disorganization on EEG report, the absence of normal sleep patterns on EEG, and a lower degree of treatment success on vigabatrin. A relationship between poor cognitive outcome and poor epilepsy outcome was confirmed. The correlation between poor epilepsy outcome and a greater degree of background disorganization on EEG approached significance, as did the association between subsequent intractable epilepsy and an older age at IS cessation. A greater than expected ratio of TSC2 to TSC1 patients was observed across this IS population.Discussion:  Early detection and successful treatment portend a more favorable outcome in TSC patients with IS. Although EEG findings in these patients vary, specific characteristics may serve as clinically useful prognostic markers.
Gene Therapy Reduces Ethanol Intake in an Animal Model of Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Ocaranza Paula , Quintanilla María Elena , Tampier Lutske , Karahanian Eduardo , Sapag Amalia , Israel Yedy 
Published: September 2008

Background: Some gene polymorphisms strongly protect against the development of alcoholism. A large proportion of East Asians carry a protective inactivating mutation in aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2*2). These subjects display high levels of blood acetaldehyde when consuming alcohol, a condition that exerts a 66 to 99% protection against alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Present knowledge allows the incorporation of therapeutic genes that can modify the expression of disease predisposing genes, an effect that can last from months to years. In line with the above, we have tested if inhibiting the expression of the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (ALDH2) by an anti‐Aldh2antisense gene can curtail the drive of alcohol‐dependent animals to consume alcohol.Methods: Wistar‐derived rats bred as high alcohol drinkers (UChB; Universidad de Chile Bibulous) were rendered alcohol dependent by a 2‐month period of voluntary ethanol (10%) intake, subjected to a 3‐day withdrawal period and further allowed access to 10% ethanol for only 1 hour each day. This condition results in a high ethanol intake (1.2 g/kg/60 min) which is 10 times higher than that of naïve UChB rats.Results: The single intravenous administration of an anti‐Aldh2antisense gene carried by an adenoviral vector reduced liver ALDH2 activity by 85% (p < 0.002) and inhibited voluntary ethanol intake by 50% (ANOVAp < 0.005) for 34 days.Conclusions: This proof‐of‐principle study indicates that gene therapy approaches can be employed to achieve a long‐term reduction of alcohol intake in alcohol‐dependent animals and suggests that gene vectors may be developed as long‐lasting therapeutic adjuncts for the treatment of alcoholism.
Naltrexone Is Associated With Reduced Drinking by Alcohol Dependent Patients Receiving Antidepressants for Mood and Anxiety Symptoms: Results From VA Cooperative Study No. 425, “Naltrexone in the Treatment of Alcoholism”
Authors: Krystal John H. , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Cramer Joyce , Collins Joseph , Rosenheck Robert ,   The VA CSP No. 425 Study Team
Published: September 2008

Background:  It is not clear whether naltrexone is effective in reducing alcohol consumption among patients with clinically significant mood symptoms and whether naltrexone favorably interacts with antidepressant medications when they are co‐prescribed.Methods:  This study reflects a secondary analysis of the first 13 weeks of VA CSP #425, a study that evaluated the efficacy of naltrexone 50 mg/d in 627 alcohol dependent military veterans receiving Twelve Step Facilitation therapy at 20 VA Medical Centers. This study included patients with comorbid mood and anxiety disorders, providing they did not need treatment for these comorbid conditions at the time of study entry. Sixty patients developed sufficiently severe mood symptoms while on study medication that they required antidepressant treatment. This analysis evaluated whether the efficacy of naltrexone and placebo was influenced by the prescription of antidepressant medications to some study patients for their mood and anxiety symptoms.Results:  In patients randomized to placebo (n = 209), prescription of antidepressants was associated with a significantly higher percentage of drinking days (lsmean = 24.4, se = 4.85 vs. lsmean = 12.9, se = 1.69, p = 0.02). Although the group of patients receiving naltrexone (n = 418) was larger than the group assigned to placebo, there were no significant differences in drinking‐related outcomes in the groups who did or did not receive antidepressants (lsmean = 11.5, se = 1.18 vs. lsmean = 12.9, se = 1.69, p = 0.47). Among the group of patients receiving antidepressants, naltrexone prescription was associated with a reduction in the percent drinking days compared to placebo [lsmean = 10.1, se = 3.47 vs. lsmean = 24.4, se = 4.85, F(1,556) = 5.84, p = 0.02].Conclusions:  Further investigation will be needed to determine whether naltrexone is efficacious among depressed alcohol dependent patients and whether naltrexone and antidepressant medications show interactive efficacy for treating alcohol dependence.
Time Trends in Heavy Drinking Among Middle‐Aged and Older Adults in Denmark
Authors: Bjørk Christina , Thygesen Lau Caspar , Vinther‐Larsen Mathilde , Grønbæk Morten N. 
Published: September 2008

Background:  Studies have indicated an increasing proportion of heavy drinking among middle‐aged and older Danes. Trends in consumption are often extremely sensitive to influence from various components of the time trends but only few have explored the age, period and cohort‐related influences on late life alcohol consumption. By using age, period, and cohort modeling this study explores the time trends in heavy drinking.Methods:  Data derive from five National Health and Morbidity Surveys conducted by the Danish National Institute of Public Health in 1987, 1994, 2000, 2003, and 2005. A total of 15,144 randomly selected Danes between the age of 50 and 74 were interviewed about their alcohol intake on the last weekday and their alcohol intake in the last week. By applying the age‐period‐cohort model the probability of heavy alcohol drinking is estimated to separate the influence of age, period (calendar time) and cohort (year of birth).Results:  The unadjusted probability of heavy drinking declines by age and increases by calendar year and year of birth for both men and women. However, the negative effect of age is attenuated for women when adjusted for birth cohort, indicating that the proportion of heavy drinking women increases in younger birth cohorts. This trend is not observed for men as their drinking pattern mainly increase slightly by calendar year.Conclusions:  Our Danish observations for older aged individuals correspond to the social and cultural changes in the 1960s and 1970s that possibly have affected the drinking behavior of the cohorts. Time trend analyses, such as this may serve as an excellent opportunity to extrapolate and forecast alcohol mortality and morbidity.
The Effects of Ethanol Consumption on Vasculogenesis Potential in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Williams J. Koudy , Baptista Pedro M. , Daunais James B. , Szeliga Kendall T. , Friedman David P. , Soker Shay 
Published: September 2008

Background:  Vasculogenesis is essential to the preservation and repair of damaged or diseased vessels. Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug among young adults, but its effects on vessel growth and repair are unknown. The basis of vascular repair is endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) recruitment to assist in the formation of new vascular network (vasculogenesis). Therefore, the objective of this study was to measure the effects of ethanol consumption on the production, mobilization and vasculogenesis potential EPCs in nonhuman primates.Methods:  Four to five year‐old (young adult) male rhesus monkeys consumed monkey chow and water (Control, n = 7), or chow and water + ethanol (Alcohol, 2.45 g/d, n = 7) for 12 months. Peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples were collected for fluorescence‐activated cell‐sorting analysis of cell surface antigens (CD45, CD31, CD44, CD133, VEGF‐R2 – or KDR); and for capillary formation on Matrigel‐coated plates.Results:  There were greater numbers of nonhematopoeitic stromal cells (CD45−) and putative mesenchymal progenitor cells (CD45−/CD44+) in the PB and BM of Alcohol versus Control monkeys (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were greater numbers of EPCs (CD45−/CD133+/KDR+) in the BM and PB of Alcohol versus Control monkeys (p < 0.05). However, the EPCs of Alcohol monkeys were less likely to form capillaries on matrigel‐coated plates than Control monkeys (p < 0.05).Conclusions:  Ethanol consumption in monkeys markedly increased the production and mobilization of EPCs, but decreased their ability to form capillaries. The pathophysiologic consequences of such effects are unclear, but may represent an ethanol‐induced chronic stress on the BM, resulting in EPC.
Normal Acute Behavioral Responses to Moderate/High Dose Ethanol in GABAAReceptor α4 Subunit Knockout Mice
Authors: Chandra Dev , Werner David F. , Liang Jing , Suryanarayanan Asha , Harrison Neil L. , Spigelman Igor , Olsen Richard W. , Homanics Gregg E. 
Published: September 2008

Background: γ‐Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAA‐Rs) have been implicated in mediating some of the behavioral effects of ethanol (EtOH), but the contribution of specific GABAA‐R subunits is not yet fully understood. The GABAA‐R α4 subunit often partners with β2/3 and δ subunits to form extrasynaptic GABAA‐Rs that mediate tonic inhibition. Several in vitro studies have suggested that these extrasynaptic GABAA‐Rs may be particularly relevant to the intoxicating effects of low doses of EtOH. In α4 subunit knockout mice, tonic inhibition was greatly reduced, as were the potentiating effects of EtOH. We therefore hypothesized that those behavioral responses to EtOH that are mediated by α4‐containing GABAA‐Rs would be diminished in α4 knockout mice.Methods: We investigated behavioral responses to acute administration of moderate/high dose EtOH or pentylenetetrazol in α4 subunit knockout mice. We compared behavioral responses to EtOH in α4 knockout and wild‐type littermates in the elevated plus maze (0.0, 1.0 g/kg EtOH), screen test (1.5, 2.0 g/kg), hypothermia (1.5, 2.0 g/kg), fixed speed rotarod (1.5, 2.0, 2.5 g/kg), open field (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 g/kg), radiant tail flick (2.0 g/kg), loss of righting reflex (3.5 g/kg), and EtOH metabolism and clearance assays. Sensitivity to pentylenetetrazol‐induced seizures was also analyzed.Results: No differences were observed between α4 knockout mice and wild‐type controls in terms of the baseline behavior in the absence of EtOH treatment or in the behavioral effects of EtOH in the assays tested. In contrast, α4 knockout mice were significantly more sensitive to pentylenetetrazol‐induced seizures.Conclusions: We conclude that GABAA‐Rs containing the α4 subunit are not absolutely required for the acute behavioral responses to moderate/high dose EtOH that were assessed with the elevated plus maze, screen test, hypothermia, fixed speed rotarod, open field, radiant tail flick, and loss of right reflex assays. We further suggest that these findings are complicated by the demonstrated compensatory alterations in synaptic GABAA‐R EtOH sensitivity and function in α4 knockout mice.