bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of ceruloplasmin isoforms in the cerebrospinal fluid of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients
Authors: Conti Antonio , Iannaccone Sandro , Sferrazza Barbara , De Monte Lucia , Cappa Stefano , Franciotta Diego , Olivieri Stefano , Alessio Massimo 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) a fatal degenerative disease that selectively affects motor neurons, likely results from a complex interplay among oxidative injury, excitotoxic stimulation, protein aggregation and genetic factors. Ceruloplasmin (Cp) protein is a ferroxidase that oxidizes toxic ferrous iron to its nontoxic ferric form, protecting the central nervous system (CNS) from iron deposition. Cp is thus considered as one of the main systems dedicated to the protection of the CNS from oxidative stress damage. We investigated Cp protein behaviour in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ALS patients of recent onset. An increased expression of Cp was observed in ALS (n = 16) compared to two control groups (healthy subjects, n = 11 and peripheral neuropathy patients, n = 10). 2‐DE analysis revealed a differential expression of Cp isoforms in ALS patients compared to controls. ALS samples showed an increase in the relative abundance of more basic Cp forms, corresponding to the nonsialylated proteins. Despite the increase in protein expression, ferroxidase activity evaluated in the CSF of ALS patients was comparable to that of the controls, indicating a Cp functional impairment. Ceruloplasmin isoforms profile may be proposed as disease feature that could provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of ALS pathogenesis.
Quantitative Determination of ε‐phase in polymorphic HNIW using X‐ray Diffraction Patterns
Authors: Chen Huaxiong , Chen Shusen , Li Lijie , Jin Shaohua 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAn X‐ray diffraction method was applied for the quantitative determination of the ε‐Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) in polymorphs of HNIW. The XRD patterns of four polymorphs illustrate the unique nonoverlapping peak at 19.9° which belongs to ε‐HNIW. The intensity ratio of the peak at 19.9° of ε‐HNIW to the peak at 79.6° of α‐Al2O3 is proportional to the weight ratio of standard ε‐HNIW to the internal standard of α‐Al2O3, which enables the internal standard method. When the particle size of the sample is less than 10 μm, the content of ε‐HNIW ranging from 70 to 100 wt.‐% can be determined with an absolute error below 2.0%.
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization quadrupole ion trap time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐QIT‐TOF)‐based imaging mass spectrometry reveals a layered distribution of phospholipid molecular species in the mouse retina
Authors: Hayasaka Takahiro , Goto‐Inoue Naoko , Sugiura Yuki , Zaima Nobuhiro , Nakanishi Hiroki , Ohishi Kentaro , Nakanishi Setsuko , Naito Takayuki , Taguchi Ryo , Setou Mitsutoshi 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe recently developed a matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization quadrupole ion trap time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐QIT‐TOF)‐based imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) system. This system enables us to perform structural analyses using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), as well as to visualize phospholipids and peptides in frozen sections. In the retina, phototransduction is regulated by the light‐sensitive interaction between visual pigment‐coupled receptor proteins, such as rhodopsin, and G proteins, such as transducin. There are some reports that the conformation of rhodopsin is influenced by the composition of phospholipids in the lipid bilayer membrane. However, these results were based on in vitro experiments and have not been analyzed in vivo. In this study, we visualized and identified phospholipids in mouse retinal sections with the MALDI‐QIT‐TOF‐based IMS system. From a spectrum obtained by raster‐scanned analysis of the sections, ions with high signal intensities were selected and analyzed by MS/MS. As a result, sixteen ions were identified as being from four diacyl‐phosphatidylcholine (PC) species, i.e., PC (16:0/16:0), PC (16:0/18:1), PC (16:0/22:6), and PC (18:0/22:6), with different ion forms. The ion images revealed different distributions on the retinal sections: PC (16:0/18:1) was distributed in the inner nuclear layer and outer plexiform layer, PC (16:0/16:0) in the outer nuclear layer and inner segment, and both PC (16:0/22:6) and PC (18:0/22:6) in the outer segment and pigment epithelium. In conclusion, our in vivo IMS analyses demonstrated a three‐zone distribution of PC species on the retinal sections. This approach may be useful for analyzing lipid changes and their contribution to phototransduction in the retina. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Explanation in science trade books recommended for use with elementary students
Authors: Smolkin Laura B. , McTigue Erin M. , Donovan Carol A. , Coleman Julianne M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractGiven concerns with the low levels of explanation in science education classrooms, it has been suggested that text may supply a higher percentage of explanatory discourse than do classroom teachers. However, given that textbooks have been shown to differ little from teacher discourse in percentages of explanation, the present study sought to examine explanatory aspects of highly recommended trade books teachers might use in their science instruction. To that end, we examined a total of 43 trade books, 24 life science and 19 physical science, 7182 clauses in all, for the presence of explanation. We found significantly higher percentages (32.87) of explanatory clauses in physical science trade books than in life science (23.34) trade books. This trend was particularly pronounced in the physical science trade books targeted for the primary‐grade audience. Our results suggest that trade books may represent an option for infusing more focus on explanation in the science classroom. However, we also caution that teacher background may limit the effectiveness of this larger presence of explanation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Sci Ed93:587–610, 2009
Analysis of multi‐user detection of multi‐rate transmissions in multi‐cellular CDMA
Authors: Smida Besma , Affes Sofiène 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we address the issue of multi‐user receiver design in realistic multi‐cellular and multi‐rate CDMA systems based on performance analysis. We consider the multi‐user detection (MUD) technique, denoted interference subspace rejection (ISR), because it offers a wide range of canonic suppression modes that range in performance and complexity between interference cancellers and linear receivers. To further broaden our study, we propose a modified ISR scheme called hybrid ISR to cope better with multi‐rate transmissions. The performance analysis, which is based on the Gaussian assumption (GA) and validated by simulations, takes into account data estimation errors, carrier frequency mismatch, imperfect power control, identification errors of time‐varying multipath Rayleigh channels and intercell interference. This analysis enables us to optimize the selection of the MUD mode for multi‐rate transmissions in different operating conditions. The effectiveness of interference cancellation is indeed investigated under different mobile speeds, numbers of receiving antennas, near‐far situations, channel estimation errors, and out‐cell to in‐cell interference ratios. This investigation suggests that the out‐of‐cell interference, the residual in‐cell interference, the noise enhancement as well as low mobility favor the simplest MUD modes as they offer the best performance/complexity tradeoffs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the effect of reservation period on performance of IEEE 802.16 R‐MAC protocol
Authors: Doha Ahmed , Hassanein Hossam , Takahara Glen 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe IEEE 802.16 standard is gaining broad consideration to serve the expanding demand for broadband access networks. In this standard, the best effort traffic uses the reservation multiple access control (MAC) mechanism, which is widely adopted in recent broadband network technologies. The goal of this paper is to study the performance of the MAC protocol of the best effort traffic in the IEEE 802.16 standard with emphasis on the size of the reservation period. We use a two‐stage Markov chain model to capture all possible events on the reservation and service periods. This allows the computation of the inflow and outflow of bandwidth requests (BWRs) and their associated data packets which leads to the delay and throughput formulas. By means of illustrative examples and numerical results, validated through simulation, we investigate the key importance of the size of reservation period. We highlight potential performance improvement, through opportunistic dynamic control of the size of the reservation period to enhance the performance of reservation MAC protocol. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐Time Intraoperative Assessment of Residual Liver Functional Reserve Using Pulse Dye Densitometry
Authors: Akita Hirofumi , Sasaki Yo , Yamada Terumasa , Gotoh Kunihito , Ohigashi Hiroaki , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Yano Masahiko , Ishikawa Osamu , Imaoka Shingi 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundFor a safe major hepatectomy, preoperative methods that can reliably estimate postoperative liver function are necessary. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of ICG‐R15 measured by pulse dye densitometry to predict residual liver function prior to hepatectomy.Patients and methodIn 29 patients who underwent various types of hepatectomies, indocyanine green (ICG)‐R15 was measured by pulse dye densitometry at the time of opening the abdomen (laparotomy phase), clamping the Glisson’s pedicles to cutting (clamping phase), and closing abdomen after hepatectomy (resection phase). The relationships among these measurements and postoperative liver function were examined.ResultsThe mean ICG‐R15 was 12.3 ± 6.0% preoperatively (±SD), 9.3 ± 7.0% at laparotomy, 18.8 ± 11.6% at clamping, and 20.1 ± 10.9% at resection. The preoperative and laparotomy and the clamping and resection ICG‐R15 values correlated significantly. Eleven (38%) patients developed postoperative hyperbilirubinemia [total bilirubin (T‐Bil) >3.0 mg/dl]. The postoperative peak T‐Bil correlated significantly with clamping ICG‐R15 (r = 0.637, p = 0.0002), but not with preoperative ICG‐R15 (r = 0.283, p = 0.137), total clamp time (r = 0.005, p = 0.975), and blood loss (r = 0.097, p = 0.615). Multivariate analysis identified ICG‐R15 measured at clamping as the only determinant of postoperative peak T‐Bil (r = 0.612). ICG‐R15 measured at clamping correlated with the postoperative hospital stay (p = 0.046).ConclusionsICG‐R15 can be measured in real time during surgery by pulse dye densitometry. ICG‐R15 measured by this technique before hepatectomy provides a direct and reliable measure of postoperative residual liver function, thus helping in surgical decision making regarding the extent of hepatectomy.
Decisions About Testing and Termination of Pregnancy for Different Fetal Conditions: A Qualitative Study of European White and Pakistani Mothers of Affected Children
Authors: Ahmed Shenaz , Hewison Jenny , Green Josephine M. , Cuckle Howard S. , Hirst Janet , Thornton Jim G. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study is to explore reasons for and against prenatal testing and termination for a range of conditions in women from two different ethnic backgrounds. A total of 19 Pakistani and European women in West Yorkshire, UK, who either had a child with a genetic condition or had terminated a pregnancy for one, completed a questionnaire about their attitudes regarding prenatal testing and termination for 30 different fetal conditions and were interviewed about their reasons for their responses. There were more similarities than differences between the Pakistani and European white women. The most important factor in most women's decisions about termination of pregnancy was their perception of the quality of the life of a child with the genetic condition, in particular, whether the child would be “suffering.” This was described as either physical suffering, as a result of medical treatment, or as emotional suffering, as a result of psychological and/or social factors. These findings highlight the need for detailed information about the potential quality of life for the child and the child's family to enable parents to make informed choices, particularly the extent to which the child is likely to suffer, the nature of such potential “suffering” and the extent to which the child could lead a “normal” life. The findings also challenge stereotypes about cultural differences in attitudes about termination of pregnancy.
The prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Sowemimo Oluyomi A. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA study of gastrointestinal parasites in 269 faecal samples from dogs (Canis familiaris) collected from Ile-Ife, Nigeria between January and December 2004, revealed seven helminth species:Toxocara canis33.8%,Ancylostomasp. 34.6%,Toxascaris leonina3.3%,Trichuris vulpis3.7%,Dipylidium caninum4.1%,Uncinaria stenocephala0.7% andTaeniasp. 1.1%. The faecal egg intensities, determined as mean eggs per gram of faeces ( ± SEM) were:T. canis393.8 ± 83.4,Ancylostomasp. 101.5 ± 32.8,T. leonina14.3 ± 7.9,T. vulpis3.4 ± 1.5,D. caninum2.2 ± 0.8,U. stenocephala0.2 ± 0.2. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in dogs of age 0–6 months than in older age groups. There was no significance difference in overall prevalence of intestinal helminth parasites between male (58.3%) and female (50.0%) dogs (P>0.05). The prevalence of helminth parasites was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in free-ranging than in kennelled dogs. The prevalence of helminth parasites was also significantly higher (P < 0.05) in African shepherds than in Alsatians and other exotic breeds. Each helminth parasite had similar prevalences and intensities among both genders (P>0.05) except inT. vulpis. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites may continue to rise due to lack of functional veterinary clinics for dog care in Ile-Ife. Therefore, there is the need to establish a veterinary facility in Ile-Ife.
Successful ageing among low-income older people in South Korea
Authors: CHUNG SOONDOOL , PARK SOO-JUNG 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to investigate ‘successful ageing’ among low income elderly people in the Republic of Korea (South Korea). A sample of men and women aged 65 or more years who received welfare benefits and social welfare services from senior welfare centres and who had good cognition were identified and recruited by the staff of eight such centres in Seoul, the capital city of the country. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a structured questionnaire using measures and instruments that were selected following a literature review and previous studies of low-income older people. The survey instrument was pre-tested with seven subjects to ensure the comprehensibility of the items, and 220 main interviews were conducted in the respondents' homes and at senior welfare centres during October and November 2006. Factor analysis identified three factors in successful ageing: ‘a positive attitude towards life’, ‘success of adult children’, and ‘relationships with others’. Men reported higher scores on successful ageing than women. It was concluded that the concept of ‘successful ageing’ does apply to low-income elderly people in Korean, although its components have little to do with material or social success as conceived by previous studies of the general elderly population in either western or Asian countries.
Older people's sense of coherence: relationships with education, former occupation and living arrangements
Authors: CIAIRANO SILVIA , RABAGLIETTI EMANUELA , MARTINI ROBERTA DE , GILETTA MATTEO 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTFew studies have explored the combination of individual and contextual conditions that influence psychological health among older people. This study aimed to analyse the sense of coherence (SOC) in a sample of Italian senior citizens in relation to gender, educational level, living arrangements and former employment, when controlling for age. The short version of the SOC scale (Antonovsky 1987), which has items for the ‘comprehensibility’, ‘manageability’ and ‘meaningfulness’ components, was administered to a sample of 198 senior citizens of both genders and with an average age of 68.5 years. The findings showed that: (a) senior citizens with a higher level of education and who had retired from jobs with a high level of responsibility perceived reality as more controllable, manageable and meaningful; (b) with greater age, the perception that life's challenges are worth facing decreased; and (c) there was an interaction between living arrangements and education level,viz. those with higher education, and those with lower education living with a spouse or partner, perceived reality as more meaningful and their life challenges as worth facing. It is important to investigate further the activities that help maintain a high sense of coherence throughout the life span, and to design social policies that support senior citizens who live alone, because they appear psychologically weaker than others.
Determinants of older and younger workers' job satisfaction and organisational commitment in the contrasting labour markets of Belgium and Sweden
Authors: CLAES RITA , VAN DE VEN BART 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTThroughout the industrialised world, promoting the retention of older workers is high on the agenda of governments, employers, unions and the media, but not at any price. If persuading older workers to stay at work longer is to benefit companies and wider society, then the employees should be committed and satisfied with their decision. This study explores the factors that keep older workers satisfied and committed at work by contrasting samples of older (aged 50 or more years) and younger workers (up to 25 years) in favourable (Sweden) and unfavourable labour markets (Belgium). The core research question is whether the influential factors are different for the two age groups, after controlling for country, gender, educational level, employment sector, supervisory position, and the employee's financial contribution to the household. The predictors included workers' self-reports of skill discretion (i.e. the range of skills used on the job), organisational fairness, and perceived job insecurity. Hierarchical linear regressions revealed that, across age groups, skill discretion and organisational fairness predicted both job satisfaction and organisational commitment. For older workers there was a negative impact of perceived job insecurity on job satisfaction and organisational commitment. The national context only affected younger workers. In the unfavourable Belgian labour market, they were more satisfied and committed to their organisation.
Magnetic resonance imaging methods in developmental science: A primer
Authors: Hunt Ruskin H. , Thomas Kathleen M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractStructural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are increasingly common research methods among investigators interested in typically and atypically developing populations. However, the effective use of these tools requires an understanding of the basis of the magnetic resonance signal, as well as some of the additional experimental complications that arise when collecting MRI data from developmental populations. This primer provides a foundation for investigators who wish to utilize MRI methods in their research and whose primary interest involves typically and atypically developing populations. The basic concepts of MRI physics are introduced, as well as the typical MRI scanner components and their role in MRI data acquisition. In addition, a variety of scan types (structural, functional, diffusion tensor) are discussed, along with a number of important experimental design factors that can impact the quality and utility of the data collected. Special consideration is given to working with pediatric and special populations.
Charting the typical and atypical development of the social brain
Authors: Pelphrey Kevin A. , Carter Elizabeth J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe describe recent progress in our program of research that aims to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify and delineate the brain systems involved in social perception and to chart the development of those systems and their roles as mechanisms supporting the development of social cognition in children, adolescents, and adults with and without autism. This research program was initiated with the intention of further specifying the role of the posterior superior temporal sulcus (STS) region in the network of neuroanatomical structures comprising the social brain. Initially, this work focused on evaluating STS function when typically developing adults were engaged in the visual analysis of other people's actions and intentions. We concluded that that the STS region plays an important role in social perception via its involvement in representing and predicting the actions and social intentions of other people from an analysis of biological–motion cues. These studies of typically developing people provided a set of core findings and a methodological approach that informed a set of fMRI studies of social perception dysfunction in autism. The work has established that dysfunction in the STS region, as well as reduced connectivity between this region and other social brain structures including the fusiform gyrus and amygdala, play a role in the pathophysiology of social perception deficits in autism. Most recently, this research program has incorporated a developmental perspective in beginning to chart the development of the STS region in children with and without autism.
Neurodevelopment and executive function in autism
Authors: O'Hearn Kirsten , Asato Miya , Ordaz Sarah , Luna Beatriz 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAutism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communication deficits, and repetitive behavior. Studies investigating the integrity of brain systems in autism suggest a wide range of gray and white matter abnormalities that are present early in life and change with development. These abnormalities predominantly affect association areas and undermine functional integration. Executive function, which has a protracted development into adolescence and reflects the integration of complex widely distributed brain function, is also affected in autism. Evidence from studies probing response inhibition and working memory indicate impairments in these core components of executive function, as well as compensatory mechanisms that permit normative function in autism. Studies also demonstrate age-related improvements in executive function from childhood to adolescence in autism, indicating the presence of plasticity and suggesting a prolonged window for effective treatment. Despite developmental gains, mature executive functioning is limited in autism, reflecting abnormalities in wide-spread brain networks that may lead to impaired processing of complex information across all domains.