bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preconceptional folic acid supplement use in Lebanon
Authors: Tamim H , Harrison G , Atoui M , Mumtaz G , El-Kak F , Seoud M , Yunis K ,   for the National Collaborative Perinatal Neonatal Network (NCPNN)
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of preconceptional folic acid supplement use among pregnant women in Lebanon.Design/setting/subjectsThe study was a descriptive epidemiological study. Analysis was performed on 5280 deliveries admitted to twelve member hospitals of the National Collaborative Perinatal Neonatal Network during the period September 2003–January 2005. Information on folic acid intake and maternal and neonatal characteristics were obtained from obstetric charts along with direct interviews performed by trained personnel. Logistic regression was performed to determine the predictors of preconceptional folic acid use.ResultsThe overall use of preconceptional folic acid supplementation was 14·0 % (18·6 % in urban hospitals v. 2·7 % in rural hospitals). Higher socio-economic status, lower parity and having a history of previous spontaneous abortions were significantly associated with preconceptional folic acid use.ConclusionOur study shows that Lebanon currently has a low rate of preconceptional folic acid supplement use. Intervention through the means of awareness campaigns needs to be implemented on a national level.
Identifying ‘unhealthy’ food advertising on television: a case study applying the UK Nutrient Profile model
Authors: Jenkin Gabrielle , Wilson Nick , Hermanson Nicole 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility of the UK Nutrient Profile (NP) model for identifying ‘unhealthy’ food advertisements using a case study of New Zealand television advertisements.DesignFour weeks of weekday television from 15.30 hours to 18.30 hours was videotaped from a state-owned (free-to-air) television channel popular with children. Food advertisements were identified and their nutritional information collected in accordance with the requirements of the NP model. Nutrient information was obtained from a variety of sources including food labels, company websites and a national nutritional database.ResultsFrom the 60 h sample of weekday afternoon television, there were 1893 advertisements, of which 483 were for food products or retailers. After applying the NP model, 66 % of these were classified as advertising high-fat, high-salt and high-sugar (HFSS) foods; 28 % were classified as advertising non-HFSS foods; and the remaining 2 % were unclassifiable. More than half (53 %) of the HFSS food advertisements were for ‘mixed meal’ items promoted by major fast-food franchises. The advertising of non-HFSS food was sparse, covering a narrow range of food groups, with no advertisements for fresh fruit or vegetables.ConclusionsDespite the NP model having some design limitations in classifying real-world televised food advertisements, it was easily applied to this sample and could clearly identify HFSS products. Policy makers who do not wish to completely restrict food advertising to children outright should consider using this NP model for regulating food advertising.
Logic programming with social features
Authors: BUCCAFURRI FRANCESCO , CAMINITI GIANLUCA 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn everyday life it happens that a person has to reason out what other people think and how they behave, in order to achieve his goals. In other words, an individual may be required to adapt his behavior by reasoning about the others' mental state. In this paper we focus on a knowledge-representation language derived from logic programming which both supports the representation of mental states of individual communities and provides each with the capability of reasoning about others' mental states and acting accordingly. The proposed semantics is shown to be translatable into stable model semantics of logic programs with aggregates.
Effects of 5‐HT6 receptor antagonism and cholinesterase inhibition in models of cognitive impairment in the rat
Authors: Marcos B , Chuang T T , Gil‐Bea F J , Ramirez M J 
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:The beneficial effect of 5‐HT6 receptor antagonism in cognition remains controversial. This study has been undertaken to reassess the cognition enhancing properties of acute vs subchronic treatment with the selective 5‐HT6 receptor antagonist SB‐271046 in unimpaired rats, as well as against scopolamine (cholinergic‐) or MK‐801 (glutamatergic‐mediated) deficits.Experimental approach:The Morris water maze was used, measuring behaviour acquisition and retention, and swim speed. Other behavioural measures included yawning and motor activity. SB‐271046 was given acutely before each trial or subchronically for 7 days before the trials. The AChE inhibitor galanthamine was also used alone or in combination with SB‐271046.Key results:Subchronic treatment with SB‐271046 improved acquisition in the Morris water maze, while the acute treatment only improved retention. Neither acute nor subchronic SB‐271046 treatment reversed scopolamine‐induced learning deficits. MK‐801 induced learning impairment associated with a behavioural syndrome, reversed by acute, but not subchronic, SB‐271046 treatment. Interestingly, combined treatment with galanthamine and SB‐271046 reversed the scopolamine‐ or MK‐801‐induced learning impairments. Subchronic treatment with SB‐271046 did not modify motor activity or the increased number of yawns, a cholinergic‐mediated behaviour, induced by single administration of SB‐271046.Conclusions and implications:These data suggest a potential therapeutic role of 5‐HT6 receptor antagonists such as SB‐271046, alone or in combination with galanthamine, in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction, such as those seen in Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 434–440; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.281; published online 14 July 2008
Carbon sequestration in soil.
Authors: Lal R. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Carbon (C) sequestration in soil implies transfer and secure storage of atmospheric CO
2
into the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool as recalcitrant humus/biochar and into the soil inorganic carbon (SIC) pool as secondary carbonates. Its importance lies in the urgent need to offset increases in atmospheric enrichment of CO
2
(from 280 ppm in 1750 to 385 ppm in 2008) and its benefits to agronomic yield and soil quality. The soil C sink capacity, created by historic land use and soil degradation, is estimated at 78±12 Pg or 10-60 Mg/ha (Lal, 1999). Principal strategies of SOC sequestration involve: (i) restoration of degraded/desertified soils through conversion to a perennial land use, and (ii) adoption of recommended management practices including no-till farming, manuring, agroforestry and use of biochar as a soil amendment. The mean rate of C sequestration is 300-500 kg/ha/yr for SOC and 2-10 kg/ha/yr for SIC. Accelerated soil erosion is a net source of atmospheric CO
2
and must be effectively controlled. Soil C sequestration is also enhanced by adoption of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and trading of C credits. Avoidance of deforestation, and afforestation of degraded/desertified soils are cost-effective and have a large potential to offset emissions, influence the global C cycle and stabilize the atmospheric CO
2
. Soil C sequestration is a win-win-win strategy because it advances food security, improves the environment and mitigates global warming.
Biodiversity and ecosystem function in constructed ecosystems.
Authors: Ranalli M. , Lundholm J. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Constructed ecosystems are engineered to perform functions, such as bioremediation of contaminants, and are increasingly viewed as green alternatives to conventional technologies. Augmenting biodiversity of managed systems such as agroecosystems has been shown to improve yields and other functions such as nutrient uptake, but manipulation of organismal diversity linked to the functioning of constructed ecosystems is an emerging field that has not been reviewed. Here, we summarize current understandings of the relationships between biodiversity and the functions (services) of constructed ecosystems such as green roofs, sewage treatment wetlands and bioreactors, by reviewing theoretical expectations and experimental results. There are several ways in which increased plant species diversity is expected to improve functioning on green roofs. A positive effect of functional composition on water runoff retention has been demonstrated in one system. In wastewater treatment wetland systems, there are a handful of studies showing positive relationships between species diversity and nutrient uptake, but many showing no effect of species diversity. Studies on bioreactors and biofilms suggest that functional redundancy in microbial communities is a consequence of high biodiversity and can promote temporal stability in system performance. The inevitability of variable environmental conditions suggests that the insurance derived from biodiversity is likely important in most constructed ecosystems, but more experimental manipulations of biodiversity are necessary to test whether ecosystem functions can be optimized or stabilized in any system.
Reader accuracy and confidence in diagnosing diffuse lung disease on high-resolution computed tomography of the lungs: impact of sampling frequency
Authors: Sundaram B. , Gross B. H. , Oh E. , Müller N. , Myles J. D. , Kazerooni E. A. 
Published: July 2008

Background: The accuracy of the number of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images necessary to diagnose diffuse lung disease (DLD) is not well established. Purpose: To evaluate the impact of HRCT sampling frequency on reader confidence and accuracy for diagnosing DLD. Material and Methods: HRCT images of 100 consecutive patients with proven DLD were reviewed. They were: 48 usual interstitial pneumonia, 22 sarcoidosis, six hypersensitivity pneumonitis, five each of desquamative interstitial pneumonitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and nine others. Inspiratory images at 1-cm increments throughout the lungs and three specified levels formed complete and limited examinations. In random order, three experts (readers 1, 2, and 3) ranked their top three diagnoses and rated confidence for their top diagnosis, independently and blinded to clinical information. Results: Using the complete versus limited examinations for correct first-choice diagnosis, accuracy for reader 1 (R1) was 81% versus 80%, respectively, for reader 2 (R2) 70% versus 70%, and for reader 3 (R3) 64% versus 59%. Reader accuracy within their top three choices for complete versus limited examinations was: R1 91% versus 91% of cases, respectively, R2 84% versus 83%, and R3 79% versus 72% of cases. No statistically significant differences were found between the diagnosis methods ( P=0.28 for first diagnosis and P=0.17 for top three choices). The confidence intervals for individual raters showed considerable overlap, and the point estimates are almost identical. The mean interreader agreement for complete versus limited HRCT for both top and top three diagnoses were the same (moderate and fair, respectively). The mean intrareader agreement between complete and limited HRCT for top and top three diagnoses were substantial and moderate, respectively. Conclusion: Overall reader accuracy and confidence in diagnosis did not significantly differ when fewer or more HRCT images were used.
Diagnostic value of ex-vivo three-dimensional micro-computed tomography imaging of primary nonhematopoietic human bone tumors: osteosarcoma versus chondrosarcoma
Authors: Langheinrich A. C. , Stolle C. , Kampschulte M. , Lommel D. , Rau W. S. , Bassaly B. 
Published: July 2008

Background: Osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma are the most common nonhematopoietic primary malignancies of bone. However, unusual radiographic appearances can lead to delay in diagnosis and confusion with benign diseases. Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of micro-computed tomography (CT) for the analysis of primary, nonhematopoietic human bone tumors ex vivo. Material and Methods: Samples from 12 human bone specimens (osteosarcoma, n=6; chondrosarcoma, n=6) obtained for diagnostic purposes were scanned using industrial X-ray film without amplifier foil and scanned with micro-CT (7- and 12-µm-cubic voxels). Trabecular bone CT “density” and tumor matrix CT “density” were determined, and results were compared with those obtained from a detailed conventional histopathologic analysis of corresponding cross-sections. The significance of differences in grayscale measurements was tested with analysis of variance. Results: Micro-CT provided quantitative information on bone morphology equivalent to histopathological analysis. We established grayscale measurements by which tumor matrices of chondrosarcoma and osteosarcoma could be radiographically categorized following histological classifications ( P<0.001). Conclusion: Micro-CT is feasible for the analysis and differentiation of human osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma.
A novel radiofrequency thermocoagulation method for treatment of lower back pain: thermal conduction after instillation of saline solution into the nucleus pulposus—preliminary results
Authors: Azulay N. , Forgerit M. , Alava E. G. , Deplas A. , Vialle R. , Ragot S. , Tasu J.-P. 
Published: July 2008

Background: Radiofrequency heating of the intervertebral disc has been proposed for the treatment of chronic low back pain using two methods: a flexible needle inserted into the annulus fibrosus achieving a full 360° penetration, or a rigid needle inserted into the nucleus pulposus. The first technique is effective on pain, but the clinical benefit of the second is uncertain. Purpose: To evaluate a technique for radiofrequency heating of the lumbar intervertebral disc by a needle placed into the nucleus pulposus. Material and Methods: The method was tested in 17 patients according to the criteria used in previous intradiscal radiofrequency studies. Before and after treatment, disability was assessed by the Oswestry disability score. A pain reduction of at least 50% was considered a success. Results: Fifteen patients were responders at 1 month (88%), nine at 3 months (53%), and 12 at 6 months (70.6%). No complications were observed. Conclusion: A new method of providing discal radiofrequency treatment for lower back pain had a substantial clinical benefit in 71% of the observed patients. A prospective study comparing this new method with placebo should be conducted to confirm these initial results.
Bayesian survival analysis in genetic association studies
Authors: Tachmazidou Ioanna , Andrew Toby , Verzilli Claudio J. , Johnson Michael R. , De Iorio Maria 
Published: July 2008

AbstractMotivation: Large-scale genetic association studies are carried out with the hope of discovering single nucleotide polymorphisms involved in the etiology of complex diseases. There are several existing methods in the literature for performing this kind of analysis for case-control studies, but less work has been done for prospective cohort studies. We present a Bayesian method for linking markers to censored survival outcome by clustering haplotypes using gene trees. Coalescent-based approaches are promising for LD mapping, as the coalescent offers a good approximation to the evolutionary history of mutations.Results: We compare the performance of the proposed method in simulation studies to the univariate Cox regression and to dimension reduction methods, and we observe that it performs similarly in localizing the causal site, while offering a clear advantage in terms of false positive associations. Moreover, it offers computational advantages. Applying our method to a real prospective study, we observe potential association between candidate ABC transporter genes and epilepsy treatment outcomes.Availability: R codes are available upon request.Contact: ioanna.tachmazidou@imperial.ac.ukSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
First Report of Impatiens necrotic spot virus Infecting Lettuce in California
Authors: Koike S. T. , Kuo Y.-W. , Rojas M. R. , Gilbertson R. L. 
Published: July 2008

Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV; family Bunyaviridae, genus Tospovirus) is an important pathogen of ornamental plants in North America and Europe, particularly in the greenhouse industry (2,3). However, INSV is now emerging as a pathogen of vegetable crops. During the 2006 and 2007 growing seasons, lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in Monterey County, CA showed necrotic spotting, leaf chlorosis, and plant stunting typical of symptoms induced by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Significant and damaging outbreaks of these disease symptoms were found in numerous romaine, greenleaf, redleaf, butterhead, and iceberg lettuce fields in Monterey and San Benito counties. Samples from symptomatic plants from 21 of 27 fields in Monterey County were negative when tested with TSWV immunostrips (Agdia, Elkhart, IN); however, tests of the TSWV-negative samples with INSV immunostrips were positive. In most fields where INSV was detected, disease development was limited to the edges of fields and disease incidence was <5%; however, some fields had incidences >50% and crop loss was experienced. The virus causing the tospovirus symptoms in the TSWV-negative lettuce was sap transmitted to Nicotiana benthamiana and lettuce, where it induced chlorosis and necrosis. Symptoms in N. benthamiana were consistent with INSV infection, and those in lettuce were similar to symptoms observed in the field. Immunostrip tests confirmed that symptomatic N. benthamiana and lettuce plants were infected with INSV. To further confirm the identity of this virus, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis was conducted with an INSV primer pair that directs the amplification of a ~1.3-kb fragment from the small RNA of INSV (4). The 1.3-kb fragment was amplified from RNA from symptomatic lettuce plants that were INSV positive with immunostrips, and not from asymptomatic lettuce. A total of 38 of 54 samples showing tospovirus-like symptoms were confirmed to be infected with INSV by RT-PCR. Sequences of two representative 1.3-kb DNA fragments were 98 to 99% identical with sequences of INSV isolates from Japan, Italy, and The Netherlands (GenBank Accession Nos. AB109100, DQ425096, and X66972). Taken together with the previous identification of the INSV vector, the western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), in central California lettuce (1), these results confirm that INSV induced tospovirus symptoms in lettuce fields in Monterey County in 2007. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of INSV infecting lettuce in California. References: (1) W. E. Chaney. Annu. Rep. California Lettuce Res. Board. 2006. (2) M. Daughtrey et al. Plant Dis. 81:1220, 1997. (3) M. D. Law and J. W. Moyer. J. Gen. Virol. 71:933, 1990. (4) R. A. Naidu et al. Online publication. doi: 10.1094/PHP-2005-0727-01-HN. Plant Health Progress, 2005.
First Report of Fruit Rot of Strawberry Caused by an Alternaria sp. in Taiwan
Authors: Ko Y. , Chen C. Y. , Yao K. S. , Liu C. W. , Maruthasalam S. , Lin C. H. 
Published: July 2008

In March 2005, a fruit rot disease was found in several commercial strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) fields at Fongyuan, 24.25°N, 120.72°E, in Taichung County in central Taiwan. The disease was rare and was negligible in most cultivated areas. However, disease incidence has increased by 4 to 5% over the last 2 years and causes significant postharvest losses. In storage, symptoms on berries include light brown-to-black, sunken, irregularly shaped lesions. The lesions gradually enlarge and become firm with a dark green-to-black, velvety surface composed of mycelia, conidiophores, and conidia. Twelve single conidial isolates (AF-1 to AF-12) of a fungus were isolated by placing portions of symptomatic fruit from four locations onto acidified potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubating at 24 ± 1°C. One isolate from each of the four locations, AF-2, 6, 9, and 12, was selected for identification and pathogenicity studies. The fungus was identified as an Alternaria sp. according to the morphological descriptions of A. tenuissima (2,3). Conidiophores were simple or branched, straight or flexuous, septate, pale to light brown, 3.0 to 5.0 μm in diameter, and bore two to six conidia in a chain. Conidia were dark brown, obclavate or oval, and multicellular with seven transverse (in most cases) and numerous longitudinal septa. Conidia were 15.5 to 56.5 μm (average 35.0 μm) long × 6.0 to 15.0 μm (average 11.0 μm) wide at the broadest point. The pathogen was consistently isolated from berries in the field or in storage. Pathogenicity tests were conducted by inoculating 12 surface-sterilized berries with each of the four isolates. Approximately 300 μl of a spore suspension (2 × 105 conidia per ml) was placed at two points on the uninjured surface of each fruit and allowed to dry for 5 min. Control fruits were treated with sterile water. The berries were then enclosed in a plastic bag and incubated at 24 ± 1°C for 2 days. Disease symptoms similar to those described above were observed on 95% of inoculated berries 3 days after inoculation, while no symptoms developed in control berries. Reisolation from the inoculated berries consistently yielded the Alternaria sp. described above. Pathogenicity tests were performed three times. Previously, strawberry fruit rot caused by A. tenuissima was reported from Florida (2) and Malaysia (1), however, to our knowledge, this is the first report of fruit rot of strawberry caused by a species of Alternaria in Taiwan. References: (1) W. D. Cho et al. List of Plant Diseases in Korea. Korean Society of Plant Pathology, 2004. (2) C. M. Howard and E. E. Albregts. Phytopathology 63:938, 1973. (3) R. D. Milholland. Phytopathology 63:1395, 1973.