bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP): a new generation of innovative gene amplification technique; perspectives in clinical diagnosis of infectious diseases
Authors: Parida Manmohan , Sannarangaiah Santhosh , Dash Paban Kumar , Rao P. V. L. , Morita Kouichi 
Published: August 2008

AbstractLoop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a powerful innovative gene amplification technique emerging as a simple rapid diagnostic tool for early detection and identification of microbial diseases. The whole procedure is very simple and rapid wherein the amplification can be completed in less than 1 h under isothermal conditions employing a set of six specially designed primers spanning eight distinct sequences of a target gene, by incubating all the reagents in a single tube. Gene amplification products can be detected by agarose gel electrophoresis as well as by real‐time monitoring in an inexpensive turbidimeter. Gene copy number can also be quantified with the help of a standard curve generated from different concentrations of gene copy number plotted against time of positivity with the help of a real‐time turbidimeter. Alternatively, gene amplification can be visualised by the naked eye either as turbidity or in the form of a colour change when SYBR Green I, a fluorescent dsDNA intercalating dye, is employed. LAMP does not require a thermal cycler and can be performed simply with a heating block and/or water bath. Considering the advantages of rapid amplification, simple operation and easy detection, LAMP has potential applications for clinical diagnosis as well as surveillance of infectious diseases in developing countries without requiring sophisticated equipment or skilled personnel. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Score and profile likelihood confidence intervals for contingency table parameters
Authors: Lang Joseph B. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA straightforward approach to computing score and profile likelihood confidence intervals for contingency table parameters is described. The computational approach herein avoids two main limitations of existing methods: (1) Compared with existing methods, this paper's approach is applicable to a much broader class of parameters. (2) Unlike existing methods, this paper's approach is not case‐specific and, hence, lends itself to a general, yet very simple, computational algorithm. This paper describes the ‘sliding quadratic’ computational algorithm and illustrates its use on examples that have not been previously considered in the literature. A small‐scale simulation study highlights the advantage of using score and profile likelihood intervals rather than Wald intervals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aripiprazole and its human metabolite OPC14857 reduce, through a presynaptic mechanism, glutamate release in rat prefrontal cortex: Possible relevance to neuroprotective interventions in schizophrenia
Authors: Yang Tsung‐Tsair , Wang Su‐Jane 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAripiprazole is a novel atypical antipsychotic drug with neuroprotective properties. As excessive glutamate release is now considered to be part of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, the objective of this study was to use an in vitro assay system to investigate the effect of aripiprazole and its human metabolite OPC14857 on the release of endogenous glutamate from isolated nerve terminals (synaptosomes), freshly prepared from rat prefrontal cortex. Both aripiprazole and OPC13857 potently inhibited 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP)‐evoked glutamate release in a concentration‐dependent manner. Inhibition of glutamate release by aripiprazole and OPC13857 was associated with a reduction of 4AP‐evoked Na+ influx and depolarization, as well as downstream elevation of cytoplasmic free calcium concentration mediated via N‐ and P/Q‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs). Release induced by direct Ca2+ entry with Ca2+ ionophore (ionomycin) was unaffected by aripiprazole or OPC13857, indicating that the inhibitory effect of aripiprazole or OPC13857 is not due to directly interfering with the release process at some point subsequent to Ca2+ influx. In addition, the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol and the 5‐HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 all effectively blocked the aripiprazole or OPC13857‐mediated inhibition of 4‐AP‐evoked glutamate release. Moreover, aripiprazole or OPC13857 modulation of 4‐AP‐evoked glutamate release appears to involve a protein kinase A (PKA) signaling cascade, insofar as pretreatment of synaptosomes with the PKA inhibitor H89 suppressed the inhibitory effect of aripiprazole or OPC13857. Together, these results suggest that aripiprazole and its human metabolite OPC14857 inhibit glutamate release from rat prefrontocortical nerve terminals, likely by the activation of dopamine D2 and 5‐HT1A receptors, which subsequently results in the reduction of nerve terminal excitability and downstream VDCC activation through a signaling cascade involving PKA. These actions of aripiprazole may contribute to its neuroprotective effect in excitotoxic injury. Synapse 62:804–818, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the Weather Research and Forecasting model on forecasting low‐level jets: implications for wind energy
Authors: Storm Brandon , Dudhia Jimy , Basu Sukanta , Swift Andy , Giammanco Ian 
Published: August 2008

AbstractNocturnal low‐level jet (LLJ) events are commonly observed over the Great Plains region of the USA, thus making this region more favorable for wind energy production. At the same time, the presence of LLJs can significantly modify vertical shear and nocturnal turbulence in the vicinities of wind turbine hub height, and therefore has detrimental effects on turbine rotors. Accurate numerical modeling and forecasting of LLJs are thus needed for precise assessment of wind resources, reliable prediction of power generation and robust design of wind turbines. However, mesoscale numerical weather prediction models face a challenge in precisely forecasting the development, magnitude and location of LLJs. This is due to the fact that LLJs are common in nocturnal stable boundary layers, and there is a general consensus in the literature that our contemporary understanding and modeling capability of this boundary‐layer regime is quite poor. In this paper, we investigate the potential of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in forecasting LLJ events over West Texas and southern Kansas. Detailed observational data from both cases were used to assess the performance of the WRF model with different model configurations. Our results indicate that the WRF model can capture some of the essential characteristics of observed LLJs, and thus offers the prospect of improving the accuracy of wind resource estimates and short‐term wind energy forecasts. However, the core of the LLJ tended to be higher as well as slower than what was observed, leaving room for improvement in model performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical Factors Influencing Outcomes in Patients Resected for Cancer of the Esophagus or Gastric Cardia
Authors: Sundelöf Martin , Lagergren Jesper , Ye Weimin 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundSurgery is the treatment of choice for localized esophageal and gastric cardia cancer. Our aim was to evaluate factors influencing postoperative short‐term morbidity, 30‐day mortality, and long‐term prognosis.MethodsWe identified 232 patients who had undergone surgical resection from a Swedish nationwide case control study of cancer of the esophagus and cardia between December 1, 1994 and December 31, 1997. Patients’ demographics, tumor characteristics, preoperative investigations, and treatments were reviewed. Patients were followed up through linkage to the Death Registry until December 2004. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan‐Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to derive hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe overall 5‐year survival rate was 25%. Tumor stage was the most prominent prognostic factor for long‐term survival. Low‐volume hospital (HR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.0–1.9), low‐volume surgeon (HR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0‐2.0), and postoperative need for respirator support (HR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0–1.9), were associated with a worse prognosis. Patients treated at low‐volume hospitals or by low‐volume surgeons needed respirator support more often or stayed longer at intensive care units after surgery.ConclusionPatients with esophageal cancer have a modestly poorer prognosis when operated on at low‐volume centers or by surgeons with less experience with esophageal cancer surgery.
On the coexistence of three predatory stonefly species in a central Japanese stream
Authors: Genkai‐Kato Motomi , Miyasaka Hitoshi 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThree large‐bodied stonefly species (Paragnetina tinctipennis, Oyamia lugubris, and Kamimuria tibialis) coexist in a central Japanese stream. These species have been classified as predators. Here we study their microhabitat use while focusing on the physical environments, physiological activity, and food resources. We show that Paragnetina uses a niche with faster currents than other species throughout the year. Oyamia has seasonal flexibility in microhabitat preference, physiological activity, and food resources. Kamimuria is a rather stable species, independent of seasonal patterns.
The effect of positive mood induction on emotional processing in euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder and controls
Authors: Roiser J. , Farmer A. , Lam D. , Burke A. , O'Neill N. , Keating S. , Smith G. Powell , Sahakian B. , McGuffin P. 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundMany studies have used negative mood induction techniques to investigate the effect of emotional state on cognitive performance but positive mood induction paradigms have been used less frequently. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of positive mood induction on emotional processing in euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) and controls.MethodPreviously, we reported that positive mood induction using a novel technique based on feedback produced a longer-lasting effect in euthymic individuals with BD than controls (Farmer et al.2006). Here we report the effect of mood induction on two tests of emotional processing, the Affective Go/No-go test (AGNG) and the Cambridge Gamble task (CGT), on which BD patients in the manic phase differ in their performance from controls.ResultsFollowing positive mood induction, bipolar cases exhibited a positive emotional bias on the AGNG and performed more slowly than controls on the CGT, particularly when making more difficult decisions.ConclusionsThese data confirm that positive mood induction is more effective in individuals with BD than controls. They also suggest that alterations in decision making and attentional biases occur even with transient and subtle changes in mood in bipolar disorder.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): gender- and age-related differences in neurocognition
Authors: Bálint S. , Czobor P. , Komlósi S. , Mészáros Á. , Simon V. , Bitter I. 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundDespite the growing recognition that the clinical symptom characteristics associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) persist into adulthood in a high proportion of subjects, little is known about the persistence of neurocognitive deficits in ADHD. The objective was twofold: (1) to conduct a meta-analysis of neuropsychological studies to characterize attentional performance in subjects with adult ADHD by examining differences in ADHDversusnormal control subjects; and (2) to investigate whether these differences vary as a function of age and gender.MethodTwenty-five neuropsychological studies comparing subjects with adult ADHD and healthy controls were evaluated. Statistical effect size was determined to characterize the difference between ADHD and control subjects. Meta-regression analysis was applied to investigate whether the difference between ADHD and control subjects varied as a function of age and gender across studies.ResultsTests measuring focused and sustained attention yielded an effect size with medium to large magnitude whereas tests of simple attention resulted in a small to medium effect size in terms of poorer attention functioning of ADHD subjectsversuscontrols. On some of the measures (e.g. Stroop interference), a lower level of attention functioning in the ADHD groupversusthe controls was associated with male gender.ConclusionsAdult ADHD subjects display significantly poorer functioningversushealthy controls on complex but not on simple tasks of attention, and the degree of impairment varies with gender, with males displaying a higher level of impairment.
On the Selmer groups of abelian varieties over function fields of characteristic p > 0
Authors: OCHIAI TADASHI , TRIHAN FABIEN 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe study a (p-adic) geometric analogue for abelian varieties over a function field of characteristic p of the cyclotomic Iwasawa theory and the non-commutative Iwasawa theory for abelian varieties over a number field initiated by Mazur and Coates respectively. We will prove some analogue of the principal results obtained in the case over a number field and we study new phenomena which did not happen in the case of number field case. We also propose a conjecture (Conjecture 1.6) which might be considered as a counterpart of the principal conjecture in the case over a number field.
A Systematic Approach to Identifying Protein-Ligand Binding Profiles on a Proteome Scale
Authors: Xie Li , Buchmeier Nancy , Xie Lei , Bourne Philip 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIdentification of protein-ligand interaction networks on a proteome scale is crucial to address a wide range of biological problems such as correlating molecular functions to physiological processes and designing safe and efficient therapeutics. We have developed a novel computational strategy to identify ligand binding profiles of proteins across gene families and applied it to predicting protein functions, elucidating molecular mechanisms of drug adverse effects, and repositioning safe pharmaceuticals to treat different diseases.
DESCRIPTION DE LA ZOOÉPIBIOSE DE L’ÉCREVISSE SIGNAL (PACIFASTACUS LENIUSCULUS, DANA) EN ASTACICULTURE
Authors: CUELLAR M. C. , GARCIA-CUENCA I. , FONTANILLAS J. C. 
Published: August 2008

Des recherches ont été effectuées concernant la zooépibiose de l’écrevisse signal (Pacifastacus leniusculus, D.), provenant d’un centre d’astaciculture espagnol, au cours de la période 1997-1998.
Les organismes épibiotiques dominants trouvés sur l’exosquelette appartiennent aux groupes zoologiques d’Invertébrés suivants : Mastigophora (Bodo), Cilliophora (Stentor, Epistylis, Zoothamnium, Acineta), Turbelaria (Temnocephala), Rotifera (Brachionus), Annelida (Branchiobdella), Acarina (Hygrobates) et Ostracode (Eucypris ou Enthocytera), on souligne le nombre élevé de Branchiobdellides de l’espèce Branchiobdella instabilia M., dont les quantités minimum et maximum, en mâles et femelles, oscillent de 12 à 139 et de 7 à 130, respectivement.
Les hyperbranchiobdelloses provoquent des automutilations, des décollements des pinces et autres appendices, des mues anormales, des lésions cuticulaires, de l’hémocytopénie et des changements éthologiques.
Les colonisations maximales d’Ostracodes de l’espèce Eucypris virens, J.O., Enthocytera heterodonta, R., dans les poches d’incubation des femelles donnent lieu à une coloration rougeâtre des oeufs et à leur perte postérieure.
Compte tenu de leur nombre limité et de la période d’épibiose, les genres des sous-types Mastigophora, Ciliophora, Turbelaria, Rotifera et Arachnida ne représentent aucun danger pour les écrevisses.
En ce qui concerne la zooépibiose associée aux appendices et aux régions du corps des écrevisses du Pacifique, les chélipèdes ou pinces constituent le substrat où se place de préférence le genre Branchiobdella ; le céphalothorax sert de support à tous les groupes taxonomiques d’épibiontes identifiés.
APPROCHE MORPHOLOGIQUE DE L’ÉCREVISSE ASTACUS ASTACUS L. 1758 ASSOCIÉE À L’IMAGERIE (TOMOSCANNER ET ÉCHO-DOPPLER) ET AUX TECHNIQUES IMMUNOHISTOCHIMIQUES
Authors: BENYAHIA T. M. , BELABBAS A. M. , BENSAID H. , AMRANI M. , BENJELLOUN A. , SEMLALI A. 
Published: August 2008

Après avoir souligné, d’une manière concrète, les difficultés de la dissection et le repérage par les méthodes classiques, nous avons essayé dans ce travail d’aborder l’apport de la macroscopie indirecte de l’animal grâce à la radiologie (échographie, tomoscanner, lavement baryté) afin de vérifier les donnés anatomiques sur l’écrevisse à pattes rouges, complété par des techniques microscopiques.
Dans notre travail, l’adaptation pour l’écrevisse de techniques nouvelles de radiologie (tomoscanner et échographie) complétées par les études d’histologie (colorations et immunohistochimie) ont permis de se rendre compte des possibilités qu’elles offrent pour l’exploration dynamique et le repérage précis des organes et pour le diagnostic de maladies histopathologiques et ceci sans porter atteinte à l’animal.
Le but de cette approche est de mettre au point des moyens d’investigation sur l’animal vivant pour mieux cerner les éventuels états pathologiques touchant surtout ses organes profonds et contribuer ainsi à préserver cette espèce menacée par la pollution des milieux astacicoles et par la sécheresse persistante que connaît le Maroc ces dernières années.
A fast and accurate computational approach to protein ionization
Authors: Spassov Velin Z. , Yan Lisa 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe report a very fast and accurate physics‐based method to calculate pH‐dependent electrostatic effects in protein molecules and to predict the pK values of individual sites of titration. In addition, a CHARMm‐based algorithm is included to construct and refine the spatial coordinates of all hydrogen atoms at a given pH. The present method combines electrostatic energy calculations based on the Generalized Born approximation with an iterative mobile clustering approach to calculate the equilibria of proton binding to multiple titration sites in protein molecules. The use of the GBIM (Generalized Born with Implicit Membrane) CHARMm module makes it possible to model not only water‐soluble proteins but membrane proteins as well. The method includes a novel algorithm for preliminary refinement of hydrogen coordinates. Another difference from existing approaches is that, instead of monopeptides, a set of relaxed pentapeptide structures are used as model compounds. Tests on a set of 24 proteins demonstrate the high accuracy of the method. On average, the RMSD between predicted and experimental pK values is close to 0.5 pK units on this data set, and the accuracy is achieved at very low computational cost. The pH‐dependent assignment of hydrogen atoms also shows very good agreement with protonation states and hydrogen‐bond network observed in neutron‐diffraction structures. The method is implemented as a computational protocol in Accelrys Discovery Studio and provides a fast and easy way to study the effect of pH on many important mechanisms such as enzyme catalysis, ligand binding, protein–protein interactions, and protein stability.
Effects of target concentration infusion of propofol and tracheal intubation on QTc interval*
Authors: Kim D. H. , Kweon T. D. , Nam S. B. , Han D. W. , Cho W. Y. , Lee J. S. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThis study was designed to evaluate the effect of target controlled infusion of propofol on QTc interval and tracheal intubation. Twenty‐five unpremedicated, ASA class I or II patients were selected and target concentration infusion of propofol at 5 μg.ml−1 was used throughout the study. The QTc interval was measured before anaesthetic induction (baseline, T1), 10 min after propofol infusion (T2), immediately after tracheal intubation (T3), and 1 min after tracheal intubation (T4). The QTc interval increased significantly at 10 min after the propofol infusion started compared to baseline (p = 0.003). After tracheal intubation, the QTc interval was further increased when compared to that at T2 (p < 0.0001). The increased QTc interval was within normal limit and no patient had an arrhythmia. In conclusion, although statistically significant, the increase in QTc interval was too small to be clinically significant during propofol infusion. However, the combination of propofol and tracheal intubation must be used carefully in patients with prolonged QTc interval.
Evaluation of bag‐valve‐mask ventilation in simulated toxic environments*
Authors: Brinker A. , Stratling W. M. , Schumacher J. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryBag‐valve‐mask ventilation is a key component of life support, but only one handheld resuscitator is designed to operate in contaminated or toxic atmospheres. Following Institutional Review Board approval we determined the efficacy of this device. Twenty anaesthetists ventilated a modified manikin, either with or without a combination filter attached to the resuscitator inlet. The mean (SD) maximum minute volume achieved without the filter was 9.3 (3.1) l.min‐1. Use of the inlet filtration system reduced the maximum minute volume significantly to 6.4 (2.2) l.min−1 (reduction of 30%, p = 0.0017). The achieved maximum minute volumes ranged from 13.4 to 4 l.min−1 in the controls and from 9.5 to 3 l.min−1 in the filter group. The delay in refilling of the self‐inflatable bag may have resulted in reduced achievable minute volumes. The range of the maximum minute volumes in both groups highlights the need for continuous bag‐valve‐mask ventilator training.
The effect of temperature on bougies: a photographic and manikin study*
Authors: Mingo O. , Suaris P. , Charman S. , Ferguson C. , Patel A. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryWe investigated the effect of temperature on single use and reuseable bougies. In a photographic study, three bougies (Portex® Venn reuseable (R), Portex single use (S) and Breathesafe™ single use (B)) were exposed to increasing temperatures and sequential photographs were taken of the bougies uncoiling from a preformed curve. Bougie type was associated with rate of uncoiling, type R maintaining its curve the longest but changing temperature did not affect this. In a randomised cross‐over manikin study, 16 anaesthetists attempted to pass two bougies (Portex reuseable (R) and Portex single use (S)) at three temperatures (10, 20 and 30 °C) into the trachea of a manikin. Type R was significantly associated with higher success rate of tracheal placement compared to type S. Change of temperature was significant with success rate increasing with lower temperature. The odds of success at 10 °C was six times that at 30 °C (OR (95%) 6.7 (1.7, 25.7)). We concluded that both bougies performed best at 10 °C.
Multiple organ failure and severe bone marrow dysfunction in two 18 year‐old Caucasian patients: Epstein–Barr virus and the haemophagocytic syndrome
Authors: Berry P. A. , Bernal W. , Pagliuca A. , Sizer E. , Salisbury J. R. , Wendon J. A. , Auzinger G. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryHaemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to viral infection is an unusual but well recognised cause of bone marrow dysfunction and multiple organ failure in young patients. Two 18 year‐old patients were admitted to a tertiary liver unit with features of acute liver failure, cardio‐respiratory collapse and pancytopenia. Serological tests and bone marrow examination with in‐situ hybridisation revealed severe acquired haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to acute Epstein–Barr virus infection. Both patients died despite full supportive therapy; the first due to pulmonary haemorrhage, the second due to acute respiratory distress syndrome refractory to high frequency oscillatory ventilation. The clinical spectrum, diagnostic features and current evidence based recommendations for treatment of this condition are explored. The diagnosis of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis should be considered in young patients with marked bone marrow dysfunction and multiple organ failure. Further research into appropriate therapy for patients with acute severe forms of the disease who require intensive organ support is required.