bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Storage capacity comparison of neural network models for memory recall
Authors: Patterson Kate 
Published: January 2009

The physiology of how the human brain recalls memories is not well understood. Neural networks have been used in an attempt to model this process.
Two types of networks have been used in several models of temporal sequence memory for simple sequences of randomly generated and also of structured patterns: auto- and hetero-associative networks. Previous work has shown that a model with coupled auto- and hetero-associative continuous attractor networks can robustly recall learned simple sequences. In this paper, we compare Hebbian learning and pseudo-inverse learning in a model for recalling temporal sequences in terms of their storage capacities. The pseudo-inverse learning method is shown to have a much higher storage capacity, making the new network model 700% more efficient by reducing calculations.
Identification of Nonlinear Behavior in Transient Climate Change Projections of Soil Moisture over the United States
Authors: Anderson Bruce T. , Reifen Catherine , Toumi Ralf 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
While most projections of climate change and its regional impacts focus on overall changes in the state of the climate system, useful information can also be found in the evolution of the climate system from one state to another. Here the authors introduce one method for identifying regions in which significant and systematic long-term nonlinear evolutions may be present, even given quasi-linear anthropogenic forcing. Using climate change projections taken from simulations of NCAR’s Community Climate System Model, version 3 (CCSM3), the authors then employ the technique to isolate systematic nonlinear behavior of soil moisture variations over the United States. While the projections presented here only represent the results from one model system, it is argued that such nonlinear behavior is an important characteristic of future climate change that should be considered when discussing both short-term and long-term impacts of anthropogenic climate forcing.
Does behaviour modification affect post-stroke risk factor control? Three-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: McManus Julie Ann , Craig Alison , McAlpine Christine , Langhorne Peter , Ellis Graham 
Published: January 2009

Objective: Little is known about the long-term effectiveness after stroke of interventions for behaviour modification and ensuring concordance with therapies. We describe a follow-up study of a previous randomized controlled trial of a brief period of behaviour modification. The aim of this study was to determine outcomes three years after the initial intervention. Design: Survivors of the original cohort were contacted and asked to attend for follow-up interview, within a geriatric day hospital. This study was carried out in the Geriatric Day Hospital at Stobhill Hospital, Balornock Road, Glasgow. Interventions: Details of risk factor control, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels and diabetic control, were assessed. Questionnaires used in the initial study were repeated including the Geriatric Depression Scale score, Euroqol Perceived Health Status and Stroke Services Satisfaction Questionnaire. Main measures: Primary outcome was collective risk factor control. Clinical outcomes including recurrent cerebrovascular events, medication persistence and perceived health status were also recorded. Results: Mean length of follow-up was 3.6 years (SD 0.43). Of the 205 patients enrolled in the initial study, 102 patients attended for repeat interview (49 intervention/53 control). There were no significant differences in the percentage of controlled risk factors between groups (intervention 51.7% versus control 55.9%, P = 0.53). Similarities were observed in the number of recurrent clinical events and medication persistence between groups. No overall difference was observed in perceived health status, satisfaction with care or depression scores. Conclusions: Brief intervention with respect to behaviour modification and risk factor control does not appear to have any long-term benefit. These results must be cautiously interpreted in light of the small study number and further research is required.
The effects of two different auditory stimuli on functional arm movement in persons with Parkinson's disease: a dual-task paradigm
Authors: Ma Hui-Ing , Hwang Wen-Juh , Lin Keh-Chung 
Published: January 2009

Objective: To examine, in a dual-task paradigm, the effect of auditory stimuli on people with Parkinson's disease. Design: A counterbalanced repeated-measures design. Setting: A motor control laboratory in a university setting. Subjects: Twenty individuals with Parkinson's disease. Experimental conditions: Each participant did two experiments (marching music experiment and weather forecast experiment). In each experiment, the participant performed an upper extremity functional task as the primary task and listened to an auditory stimulus (marching music or weather forecast) as the concurrent task. Each experiment had three conditions: listening to the auditory stimulus, ignoring the auditory stimulus and no auditory stimulus. Main measures: Kinematic variables of arm movement, including movement time, peak velocity, deceleration time and number of movement units. Results: We found that performances of the participants were similar across the three conditions for the marching music experiment, but were significantly different for the weather forecast experiment. The comparison of condition effects between the two experiments indicated that the effect of weather forecast was (marginally) significantly greater than that of marching music. Conclusions: The results suggest that the type of auditory stimulus is important to the degree of interference with upper extremity performance in people with Parkinson's disease. Auditory stimuli that require semantic processing (e.g. weather forecast) may distract attention from the primary task, and thus cause a decline in performance.
Just shopping?
Authors: Brusdal Ragnhild , Lavik Randi 
Published: January 2009

There is a lot of concern about young people and shopping. Sometimes it is even argued that all young people do is shop and spend money while neglecting school and doing little else. This article takes a closer look at shopping and what characterizes different shoppers. Our analysis indicates that shopping is part of everyday life for most young people, that it is one of many activities that young people are involved in. Age is of little importance when we look at shopping frequency, but it has a stronger impact when it comes to the money spent. Our study shows that shopping is a gendered activity. Girls are the big shoppers, but the boys are closing in. We also find that money spent on clothes increases with shopping frequency but whether you are oriented towards friends or home and family has an impact on the amount of money spent on clothes. The data material is drawn from the rather comprehensive survey ‘Young in Norway 2002’ collected by NOVA, Norwegian Social Research. Approximately 12,000 pupils were included in the survey; 6,048 respondents in Norwegian secondary school (ages 13–15) and 5,880 in high school (ages 16–19).
Age- and Gender-Specific Normative Data of Grip and Pinch Strength in a Healthy Adult Swiss Population
Authors: WERLE S. , GOLDHAHN J. , DRERUP S. , SIMMEN B. R. , SPROTT H. , HERREN D. B. 
Published: January 2009

Assessment of hand strength is used in a wide range of clinical settings especially during treatment of diseases affecting the function of the hand. This investigation aimed to determine age- and gender-specific reference values for grip and pinch strength in a normal Swiss population with special regard to old and very old subjects as well as to different levels of occupational demand. Hand strength data were collected using a Jamar dynamometer and a pinch gauge with standard testing position, protocol and instructions. Analysis of the data from 1023 tested subjects between 18 and 96 years revealed a curvilinear relationship of grip and pinch strength to age, a correlation to height, weight and significant differences between occupational groups. Hand strength values differed significantly from those of other populations, confirming the thesis that applying normative data internationally is questionable. Age- and gender-specific reference values for grip and pinch strength are presented.
The Deep (Motor) Branch of the Ulnar Nerve: A Detailed Examination of its Course and the Clinical Significance of its Damage
Authors: ATKINS S. E. , LOGAN B. , MCGROUTHER D. A. 
Published: January 2009

The deep (motor) branch of the ulnar nerve is not frequently seen during surgery, but is vulnerable to penetrating injury and may be injured during surgery. Its anatomy is poorly described and its three-dimensional configuration is poorly appreciated. In this study, dissections of ten cadaveric specimens have been performed to demonstrate the branching pattern of the nerve and its skeletal relations have been clarified by superimposing images on radiographs. The deep branch passes downwards (anatomical posterior) through a hypothenar fibro-muscular tunnel and courses radially on the surface of the interossei. It has four major divisions that are consistent and readily identifiable. Twenty branches were documented supplying hypothenar muscles, medial two lumbricals, interossei, adductor pollicis, all the carpometacarpal and the ring and little metacarpophalangeal joints, and opponens pollicis in 40% and flexor pollicis brevis in 20% of subjects.
Gene expression profiling of ATL patients: compilation of disease-related genes and evidence for TCF4 involvement in BIRC5 gene expression and cell viability
Authors: Pise-Masison Cynthia A. , Radonovich Michael , Dohoney Kathleen , Morris John C. , O'Mahony Deirdre , Lee Min-Jung , Trepel Jane , Waldmann Thomas A. , Janik John E. , Brady John N. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive and fatal disease. We have examined 32 patients with smoldering, chronic, lymphoma and acute leukemia using Affymetrix HG-U133A2.0 arrays. Using the BRB array program, we identified genes differentially expressed in leukemia cells compared with normal lymphocytes. Several unique genes were identified that were overexpressed in leukemic cells, including TNFSF11, RGS13, MAFb, CSPG2, C/EBP-α, and TCF4; 200 of the most highly overexpressed ATL genes were analyzed by the Pathway Studio, version 4.0 program. ATL leukemia cells were characterized by an increase in genes linked to “central” genes CDC2/cyclin B1, SYK/LYN, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and BIRC5. Because of its potential therapeutic importance, we focused our studies on the regulation and function of BIRC5, whose expression was increased in 13 of 14 leukemia samples. TCF4 reporter assays and transfection of DN-TCF4 demonstrated that TCF4 regulates BIRC5 gene expression. Functionally, transfection of ATL cells with BIRC5 shRNA decreased BIRC5 expression and cell viability 80%. Clinical treatment of ATL patients with Zenapax or bortezomib decreased BIRC5 expression and cell viability. These experiments represent the first direct experimental evidence that BIRC5 plays an important role in ATL cell viability and provides important insight into ATL genesis and potential targeted therapies.
The role of cytogenetic abnormalities as a prognostic marker in primary myelofibrosis: applicability at the time of diagnosis and later during disease course
Authors: Tam Constantine S. , Abruzzo Lynne V. , Lin Katherine I. , Cortes Jorge , Lynn Alice , Keating Michael J. , Thomas Deborah A. , Pierce Sherry , Kantarjian Hagop , Verstovsek Srdan 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Although cytogenetic abnormalities are important prognostic factors in myeloid malignancies, they are not included in current prognostic scores for primary myelofibrosis (PMF). To determine their relevance in PMF, we retrospectively examined the impact of cytogenetic abnormalities and karyotypic evolution on the outcome of 256 patients. Baseline cytogenetic status impacted significantly on survival: patients with favorable abnormalities (sole deletions in 13q or 20q, or trisomy 9 ± one other abnormality) had survivals similar to those with normal diploid karyotypes (median, 63 and 46 months, respectively), whereas patients with unfavorable abnormalities (rearrangement of chromosome 5 or 7, or ≥ 3 abnormalities) had a poor median survival of 15 months. Patients with abnormalities of chromosome 17 had a median survival of only 5 months. A model containing karyotypic abnormalities, hemoglobin, platelet count, and performance status effectively risk-stratified patients at initial evaluation. Among 73 patients assessable for clonal evolution during stable chronic phase, those who developed unfavorable or chromosome 17 abnormalities had median survivals of 18 and 9 months, respectively, suggesting the potential role of cytogenetics as a risk factor applicable at any time in the disease course. Dynamic prognostic significance of cytogenetic abnormalities in PMF should be further prospectively evaluated.
Compliance in sleep apnoea therapy: influence of home care support and pressure mode
Authors: Damjanovic D. , Fluck A. , Bremer H. , Müller-Quernheim J. , Idzko M. , Sorichter S. 
Published: January 2009

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrom (OSAS) but therapy adherence is often low. The hypothesis that CPAP-adherence and clinical outcomes can be improved by either using an autoadjusting-CPAP (APAP) device or an intensive support was tested.A controlled parallel group study was performed with 100 newly diagnosed OSAS patients, randomised into 4 groups (n = 25 each): standard or intensive support plus either APAP or CPAP. Intensive support included education and monthly home visits for 6 months. Clinical outcome was monitored by polysomnography at CPAP initiation and, after 3 and 9 months, compliance data were downloaded from the CPAP devices.After 9 months, intensively supported patients returned for follow-up in 88versus68% in the standard-support-group. Daily usage (mean±sem5.7±0.2 for intensive supportversus4.6±0.4 h for standard support), percentage of days used (80.4±2.8versus57.0±5.9%) and proportion of individual sleep time (80.6±3.2versus64.9±6.2%) were also higher. There was no significant difference between APAP or CPAP, (daily usage 5.2±0.4versus5.1±0.3 h, percentage of days 67.9±5.0versus69.2±4.9%, proportion of sleep time 72.5±5.0%versus72.1±5.2%, for APAP and CPAP) but retention rate was higher with CPAP.In summary, intensive support after continuous positive airway pressure initiation, rather than the application of autoadjusting-continuous positive airway pressure, increased therapy adherence.
Inspiratory duty cycle responses to flow limitation predict nocturnal hypoventilation
Authors: Schneider H. , Krishnan V. , Pichard L. E. , Patil S. P. , Smith P. L. , Schwartz A. R. 
Published: January 2009

Upper airway obstruction (UAO) can elicit neuromuscular responses that mitigate and/or compensate for the obstruction. It was hypothesised that flow-limited breathing elicits specific timing responses that can preserve ventilation due to increases in inspiratory duty cycle rather than respiratory rate.By altering nasal pressure during non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep, similar degrees of UAO were induced in healthy males and females (n = 10 each). Inspiratory duty cycle, respiratory rate and minute ventilation were determined for each degree of UAO during non-REM sleep and compared with the baseline nonflow-limited condition.A dose-dependent increase in the inspiratory duty cycle and respiratory rate was observed in response to increasing severity of UAO. Increases in the inspiratory duty cycle, but not respiratory rate, helped to acutely maintain ventilation. Heterogeneity in these responses was associated with variable degrees of ventilatory compensation, allowing for the segregation of individuals at risk for hypoventilation during periods of inspiratory airflow limitation.Upper airway obstruction constitutes a unique load on the respiratory system. The inspiratory duty cycle, but not the respiratory rate, determine the individual's ability to compensate for inspiratory airflow limitation during sleep, and may represent a quantitative phenotype for obstructive sleep apnoea susceptibility.
Proactive integrated care improves quality of life in patients with COPD
Authors: Koff P. B. , Jones R. H. , Cashman J. M. , Voelkel N. F. , Vandivier R. W. 
Published: January 2009

Self-management strategies improve a variety of health-related outcomes for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These strategies, however, are primarily designed to improve chronic disease management and have not focused on early detection and early treatment of exacerbations. In COPD, the majority of exacerbations go unreported and treatment is frequently delayed, resulting in worsened outcomes. Therefore, a randomised clinical trial was designed to determine whether integration of self-management education with proactive remote disease monitoring would improve health-related outcomes.A total of 40 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage 3 or 4 COPD patients were randomised to receive proactive integrated care (PIC) or usual care (UC) over a 3-month period. The primary and secondary outcomes were change in quality of life, measured by the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and change in healthcare costs.PIC dramatically improved SGRQ by 10.3 units, compared to 0.6 units in the UC group. Healthcare costs declined in the PIC group by US$1,401, compared with an increase of US$1,709 in the UC group, but this was not statistically significant. PIC uncovered nine exacerbations, seven of which were unreported.Therefore, proactive integrated care has the potential to improve outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients through effects of self-management, as well as early detection and treatment of exacerbations.
Indeterminate results of QuantiFERON TB-2G test performed in routine clinical practice
Authors: Kobashi Y. , Sugiu T. , Mouri K. , Obase Y. , Miyashita N. , Oka M. 
Published: January 2009

The present authors assessed risk factors that can promote indeterminate results of QuantiFERON TB-2G (QFT-2G; Cellestis Ltd, Carnegie, Australia) tests.The subjects were 704 patients with suspected tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection between January 2005 and December 2007. The QFT-2G test and the tuberculin skin test (TST) were performed for all subjects. If the results of the QFT-2G test were indeterminate, the test was repeated within 1 month.In total, 72 (10.2%) patients showed indeterminate results on the QFT-2G test. Indeterminate results were due to positive control failure in 68 (88.9%) patients and negative control failure in four patients. The results of the TST were negative for 64 patients showing indeterminate results, the remaining eight patients showed a positive response to the TST. Indeterminate results were significantly associated with elderly and immunocompromised patients. Lymphocytopaenia and hypoalbuminaemia were significantly associated with indeterminate laboratory findings. When the QFT-2G test was repeated for all patients showing indeterminate results, 12 (16.7%) patients demonstrated determinate results on the subsequent test.Indeterminate results of the QuantiFERON TB-2G test under routine clinical practice are not infrequent. When scoring QuantiFERON TB-2G test results for elderly and immunocompromised patients, one must be careful because the possibility of obtaining determinate results may be low even if the test is repeated.
Cigarette smoke extract reduces VEGF in primary human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Thaikoottathil J. V. , Martin R. J. , Zdunek J. , Weinberger A. , Rino J. G. , Chu H. W. 
Published: January 2009

Reduced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been reported in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lungs of severe emphysema patients. Airway epithelial cells (AEC) are exposed to various environmental insults like cigarette smoke and bacterial infections, but their direct effect on VEGF production in well-differentiated primary human AEC remains unclear.The current authors determined the effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) alone and in combination withMycoplasma pneumoniae(Mp) on VEGF production in well-differentiated primary normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) and small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) in air–liquid interface cultures. Secretion and expression of VEGF were determined by ELISA and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Cell growth, apoptosis, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and protein kinase (PK)C signalling pathways were evaluated to further dissect VEGF regulation under CSE treatment.CSE significantly reduced VEGF secretion in NHBE and SAEC. In SAEC,Mpalone significantly increased the VEGF, while the presence of CSE attenuatedMp-induced VEGF production. While ERK inhibitor reduced VEGF secretion only in NHBE, a PKC inhibitor significantly decreased VEGF secretion in both NHBE and SAEC.In conclusion, direct cigarette smoke extract exposure significantly reduced vascular endothelial growth factor production in well-differentiated primary human airway epithelial cells, in part through modifying extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and protein kinase C signalling pathways.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Allergies in Turkey (PARFAIT): results of a multicentre cross-sectional study in adults
Authors: Kurt E. , Metintas S. , Basyigit I. , Bulut I. , Coskun E. , Dabak S. , Deveci F. , Fidan F. , Kaynar H. , Uzaslan E.Kunt , Onbasi K. , Ozkurt S. , Karakis G.Pasaoglu , Sahan S. , Sahin U. , Oguzulgen K. , Yildiz F. , Mungan D. , Yorgancioglu A. , Gemicioglu B. ,   A.Fuat Kalyoncu for the PARFAIT Study of the Turkish Thoracic Society Asthma and Allergy Working Group
Published: January 2009

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Allergies in Turkey (PARFAIT) study was planned to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for asthma and allergic diseases in Turkey.The present analysis used data from 25,843 parents of primary school children, obtained from a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.A total of 25,843 questionnaires from 14 centres were evaluated. In rural areas, the prevalences asthma, wheezing, allergic rhinitis and eczema in males were: 8.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.9–9.1%), 13.5% (95% CI 12.8–14.2%), 17.5% (95% CI 16.7–18.2%) and 10.8% (95% CI 10.2–11.4%), respectively; and in females were: 11.2% (95% CI 10.9–11.8%), 14.7% (95% CI 14.3–15.1%), 21.2% (95% CI 20.4–22.0%) and 13.1% (95% CI 12.4–13.8%), respectively. In urban areas, the corresponding prevalences in males were: 6.2% (95% CI 5.8–6.6%), 10.8% (95% CI 10.3–11.3%), 11.7% (95% CI 11.4–12.0%) and 6.6% (95% CI 6.2–7.0%), respectively; and in females were: 7.5 % (95% CI 7.9–7.1%), 12.0% (95% CI 11.7–12.3%), 17.0% (95% CI 16.4–17.6%) and 7.3% (95% CI 6.9–7.7%), respectively. Having an atopic first-degree relative or any other atopic diseases had significant effects on the prevalence of allergic diseases. Housing conditions, such as living in a shanty-type house, visible moulds at home and use of wood or biomass as heating or cooking material were associated with one or more allergic diseases.Although genetic susceptibility is strongly associated, country- and population-based environmental factors may contribute to increased prevalence rates of allergic diseases.