bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anterior Olfactory Nucleus
Authors:   Allen Institute for Brain Science, Solan Beth , Ng Lydia , Guillozet-Bongaarts Angela 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis report contains a gene expression summary of the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON), derived from the Allen Brain Atlas (ABA) in situ hybridization mouse data set. The structure's location and morphological characteristics in the mouse brain are described using the Nissl data found in the Allen Reference Atlas. Using an established algorithm, the expression values of the AON were compared to the values of the macro/parent-structure, in this case the olfactory areas, for the purpose of extracting regionally selective gene expression data. The genes with the highest ranking selectivity ratios were manually curated and verified. 50 genes were then selected and compiled for expression characterization. The experimental data for each gene may be accessed via the links provided; additional data in the sagittal plane may also be accessed using the ABA. Correlations between gene expression in the AON and the rest of the brain, across all genes in the coronal dataset (~4300 genes), were derived computationally. A gene ontology table (derived from DAVID Bioinformatics Resources 2007) is also included, highlighting possible functions of the 50 genes selected for this report.
Effectiveness of vocabulary learning via mobile phone
Authors: Lu M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWhereas the penetration of mobile phones in Asian countries keeps climbing, little research has explored the application of the short message service (SMS) in second language learning. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of SMS vocabulary lessons of limited lexical information on the small screens of mobile phones. Thirty high school students were randomly distributed into two groups and given two sets of English words either on paper or through SMS messages during two weeks. Students recognized more vocabulary during the post‐test after reading the regular and brief SMS lessons than they did after reading the relatively more detailed print material. Qualitative data from interviews offer information about the learning process as well as the benefits and limitations of m‐learning. Results of the questionnaires show that students in general hold positive attitudes towards learning vocabulary via mobile phone. On the other hand, technological limitations, unfamiliar presentations and learning activities may prevent students from reading SMS lessons.
The impact of combination therapy with peginterferon alfa‐2a and ribavirin on the energy intake and body weight of adult hepatitis C patients
Authors: Hamer C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground It is recognized that interferon therapy has an adverse effect on the appetite and nutritional status of children with hepatitis B and C. No similar studies have been undertaken in adults. The aim of the present study was to determine if and how combination therapy with peginterferon alfa‐2a and ribavirin affects energy intake and body weight in adult hepatitis C patients. A secondary aim was to investigate whether any changes are related to the presence of perceived side effects of treatment.Methods The energy intake of 15 adult hepatitis C patients was measured using a 3‐day food diary. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to investigate patients’ perception of fatigue, appetite and nausea. These measurements and body weight were taken before the start of treatment and at weeks 1, 3, 11, 24 and 28 in order to assess changes at intervals throughout interferon therapy.Results Fourteen patients (93%) lost weight during therapy. The greatest rate of mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] weight loss occurred at week 1 [1.64% (0.95–2.33)]. Weight loss continued until week 24. The greatest decrease in mean (95% CI) energy intake occurred at week 1 [9.74% (0.78–18.70)]. Mean VAS scores for fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea increased at week 1 and remained above pretreatment levels throughout the study period.Conclusion Adult hepatitis C patients treated with a combination of peginterferon alfa‐2a and ribavirin are likely to experience decreased energy intake and weight loss during treatment. This may be related to the impact of side effects of treatment and may require dietetic intervention.
Rationalizing blood transfusion in cardiac surgery: the impact of a red cell volume‐based guideline on blood usage and clinical outcome
Authors: Slight R. D. , O'Donohoe P. , Fung A. K. Y. , Alonzi C. , McClelland D. B. L. , Mankad P. S. 
Published: July 2008

Background and Objectives  Cardiac surgery is currently considered one of the heaviest users of red blood cells. An explanation may be found, in part, in considering the effect of the heavy clear fluid load associated with cardiopulmonary bypass. This may result in the artificial depression of haemoglobin concentration, overestimating the requirement for red cell transfusion if this is the sole parameter considered. To address this issue, we examined the impact of a red cell volume‐based transfusion guideline on transfusion requirement.Materials and Methods  This was a single‐centre, randomized controlled trial. The cohort of 86 patients was allocated to receive red cells as per the red cell volume guideline (group RCV) or standard haemoglobin concentration‐based departmental policy (group C). Outcome measures were red cell transfusion and clinical outcome.Results  All preoperative data were comparable between the two groups. A significantly fewer percentage of patients in group RCV were transfused red cells (RCV = 32·6% vs. C = 53·5%, P = 0·05). No significant difference was found between any of the outcome measures with the exception of median hospital stay (RCV = 5·9 days vs. C = 6·8 days, P = 0·02).Conclusion  In elective cardiac surgery patients, considering haemoglobin concentration alone may overestimate the requirement for red cell transfusion. More research is required to determine the impact of restrictive transfusion policies on clinical outcome following cardiac surgery.
Reconstructing the demise of Tethyan plants: climate‐driven range dynamics of Laurus since the Pliocene
Authors: Rodríguez‐Sánchez Francisco , Arroyo Juan 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTAim  Climate changes are thought to be responsible for the retreat and eventual extinction of subtropical lauroid species that covered much of Europe and North Africa during the Palaeogene and early Neogene; little is known, however, of the spatial and temporal patterns of this demise. Herein we calibrate ecological niche models to assess the climatic requirements of Laurus L. (Lauraceae), an emblematic relic from the Tethyan subtropical flora, subsequently using these models to infer how the range dynamics of Laurus were affected by Plio‐Pleistocene climate changes. We also provide predictions of likely range changes resulting from future climatic scenarios.Location  The Mediterranean Basin and Macaronesian islands (Canaries, Madeira, Azores).Methods  We used a maximum‐entropy algorithm (Maxent) to model the relationship between climate and Laurus distribution over time. The models were fitted both to the present and to the middle Pliocene, based on fossil records. We employed climatic reconstructions for the mid‐Pliocene (3 Ma), the Last Glacial Maximum (21 ka) and a CO2‐doubling future scenario to project putative species distribution in each period. We validated the model projections with Laurus fossil and present occurrences.Results  Laurus preferentially occupied warm and moist areas with low seasonality, showing a marked stasis of its climatic niche. Models fitted to Pliocene conditions successfully predicted the current species distribution. Large suitable areas existed during the Pliocene, which were strongly reduced during the Pleistocene, but humid refugia within the Mediterranean Basin and Macaronesian islands enabled long‐term persistence. Future climate conditions are likely to re‐open areas suitable for colonization north of the current range.Main conclusions  The climatic requirements of Laurus remained virtually unchanged over the last 3 Myr. This marked niche conservatism imposed largely deterministic range dynamics driven by climate conditions. This species's relatively high drought tolerance might account for the survival of Laurus in continental Europe throughout the Quaternary whilst other Lauraceae became extinct. Climatic scenarios for the end of this century would favour an expansion of the species's range towards northern latitudes, while severely limiting southern populations due to increased water stress.
Self‐esteem and cognitive development in the era of the childhood obesity epidemic
Authors: Wang F. , Veugelers P. J. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryConsequences of obesity for mental health and cognitive development are not established to the same degree as those for chronic diseases. This study aims to document the interrelationships between body weight, self‐esteem and school performance in childhood. Height and weight measurements and self‐report of self‐esteem, diet quality and physical activity of 4945 grade 5 students were linked with standardized literacy test results. Structural equation models were applied to confirm hypothesized relationships between body weight, self‐esteem and school performance, and revealed that body weight affected self‐esteem negatively and that school performance affected self‐esteem positively. Body weight did not affect school performance, and self‐esteem did affect neither body weight nor school performance. Subsequent multi‐level logistic regression showed that obese students, relative to normal weight students, were more likely (1.44; 95% CI: 1.12–1.84), and students with good school performance, relative to those performing poor, were less likely (0.39; 95% CI: 0.26–0.58), to have low self‐esteem. Diet quality and active living had positive effects on both school performance and self‐esteem. The study findings further establish obesity as a risk factor for low self‐esteem and add to the rationale to promote healthy eating and active living among children and youth as this will prevent chronic diseases and improve mental health and cognitive development.
Investment, subsidies, and pro‐poor growth in rural India
Authors: Fan Shenggen , Gulati Ashok , Thorat Sukhadeo 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis article reviews the trends in government subsidies and investments in and for Indian agriculture; develops a conceptual framework and a model to assess the impact of various subsidies and investments on agricultural growth and poverty reduction; and presents reform options with regard to re‐prioritizing government spending. Subsidies in credit, fertilizer, and irrigation have been crucial for small farmers to adopt new technologies particularly during the initial stage of the green revolution in the late 1960s and 1970s. But it is now investments in agricultural research, education, and rural roads that are the three most effective public spending items in promoting agricultural growth and reducing poverty.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Evaluation of Semen Detection in Vaginal Secretions: Comparison of Four Methods
Authors: Culhane Jennifer Flatow , Nyirjesy Paul , McCollum Kelly , Casabellata Giorgia , Di Santolo Manuela , Cauci Sabina 
Published: July 2008

Problem  To determine the best method to detect semen in human vaginal secretions.Method of study  Vaginal secretions from 302 pregnant women at mean 11.8 weeks’ gestation were analyzed. Semen detection was assessed with: (i) measurement of total prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), (ii) acid phosphatase activity, (iii) microscopic measurement of spermatozoa on Gram stain, and (iv) self‐reported sexual intercourse in the past 2 days. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each technique in comparison with PSA levels.Results  A total of 119 (39.4%) women had a detectable PSA. Compared with measurable PSA, the sensitivity and specificity for other methods were: acid phosphatase (26.9%, 98.4%), Gram stain (36.1%, 98.4%), and self‐report of intercourse in the past 48 hr (41.9%, 88.8%).Conclusion  Compared with PSA levels, commonly used assays for recent semen exposure are inaccurate. This inaccuracy may affect the results of studies, which measure vaginal immune factors like cytokines or retrieve DNA from vaginal specimens.
Neutrophil chemokines GCP‐2 and GRO‐α in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: ALZOGHAIBI Mohammed A , AL‐MOFLEH Ibramim A , AL‐JEBREEN Abdulrhman M 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE:  To measure the serum levels of neutrophils chemokine granulocyte chemotactic protein‐2 (GCP‐2) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and compare them with serum levels of growth‐related oncogene (GRO‐α).METHODS:  Forty‐two patients with inflammatory bowel disease (24 CD and 18 UC) and 38 matched healthy subjects were recruited. Their serum GCP‐2, IL‐8 and GRO‐α were measured by a specific enzyme immunoassay kit.RESULTS:  The serum levels of GCP‐2 were significantly higher in the CD than the UC patients but lower than in the healthy subjects. The GCP‐2 in the UC patients were significantly lower than in the healthy subjects. The GRO‐α levels were significantly higher in the IBD patients than in the healthy subjects. The IL‐8 levels were under the detectable limit in both the IBD and the healthy subjects.CONCLUSION:  In this group of patients, GCP‐2 did not participate in the inflammatory response in IBD. GRO‐α could be an important factor that enhances the inflammatory state in IBD.
MRCP vs ERCP in the evaluation of biliary pathologies: Review of current literature
Authors: HEKIMOGLU Koray , USTUNDAG Yucel , DUSAK Abdurrahim , ERDEM Zuhal , KARADEMIR Bulent , AYDEMIR Selim , GUNDOGDU Sadi 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE:  Recently developed magnetic resonance (MR) techniques permit fast and correct imaging of the entire biliary tree with a high spatial resolution. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic potential of one of these new MR sequences in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) procedure and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with review of current literatures.METHODS:  A total of 295 patients were enrolled in this study prospectively. Of these, 11 were excluded from the study due to inadequate MRCP image quality and 15 more were excluded due to unsuccessful cannulation during ERCP. Thus, finally 269 patients (124 men and 145 women with a mean age of 57 years; range: 23–92 years) were included. The MRCP procedure was performed before the ERCP in all cases. All MRCP studies were performed with recently developed new MR technique using a heavily T2‐weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence. This TSE sequence is currently one of the most widely used multiplanar 3‐D MR technique, having a high spatial resolution and fast imaging capacity.RESULTS:  The study participants were classified into four main groups; normal into group I, stone disease into group II, tumor into group III and others into group IV. Group I consisted of 228 patients who had a normal pancreaticobiliary tree on both the MRCP and ERCP examinations. In group II there were 18 patients, for whom the MRCP had a 88.9% sensitivity and a 100% specificity for diagnosing biliary stone disease. Its positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy rates were 100%, 99.2% and 99.2%, respectively. The MRCP had a 100% sensitivity and a 100% specificity for 20 patients in group III. It also had 100% PPV, 100% NPV, and 100% total accuracy rates in this group. In three patients in group IV, the MRCP had a 100% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. Its PPV, NPV and accuracy were 100%, 100% and 100%, respectively.CONCLUSION:  MRCP is used with increasing frequency as a non‐invasive alternative to ERCP and the diagnostic results of MRCP with a heavily T2‐weighted TSE MR sequence and ERCP are comparable with high accuracy in various hepatobiliary pathologies.
Protein Kinase G Phosphorylates Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase on Serine 64 and Inhibits Its Activity
Authors: Zhou Zongmin , Sayed Nazish , Pyriochou Anastasia , Roussos Charis , Fulton David , Beuve Annie , Papapetropoulos Andreas 
Published: July 2008

Objective—Binding of nitric oxide (NO) to soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) leads to increased cGMP synthesis that activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). Herein, we tested whether sGC activity is regulated by PKG.Methods and Results—Overexpression of a constitutively active form of PKG (ΔPKG) stimulated32P incorporation into the α1 subunit. Serine to alanine mutation of putative sites revealed that Ser64 is the main phosphorylation site for PKG. Using a phospho-specific antibody we observed that endogenous sGC phosphorylation on Ser 64 increases in cells and tissues exposed to NO, in a PKG-inhibitable manner. Wild-type (wt) sGC coexpressed with ΔPKG exhibited lower basal and NO-stimulated cGMP accumulation, whereas the S64A α1/β1 sGC was resistant to the PKG-induced reduction in activity. Using purified sGC we observed that the S64D α1 phosphomimetic /β1 dimer exhibited lower Vmax; moreover, the decrease in Km after NO stimulation was less pronounced in S64D α1/β1 compared to wild-type sGC. Expression of a phosphorylation-deficient sGC showed enhanced responsiveness to endothelium-derived NO, reduced desensitization to acute NO exposure, and allowed for greater VASP phosphorylation.Conclusions—We conclude that PKG phosphorylates sGC on Ser64 of the α1 subunit and that phosphorylation inhibits sGC activity, establishing a negative feedback loop.
A Composite View of Surface Signatures and Interior Properties of Nonlinear Internal Waves: Observations and Applications
Authors: Chang Ming-Huei , Lien Ren-Chieh , Yang Yiing Jang , Tang Tswen Yung , Wang Joe 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSurface signatures and interior properties of large-amplitude nonlinear internal waves (NLIWs) in the South China Sea (SCS) were measured during a period of weak northeast wind (∼2 m s−1) using shipboard marine radar, an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP), a conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD) profiler, and an echo sounder. In the northern SCS, large-amplitude NLIWs propagating principally westward appear at the tidal periodicity, and their magnitudes are modulated at the spring–neap tidal cycle. The surface scattering strength measured by the marine radar is positively correlated with the local wind speed when NLIWs are absent. When NLIWs approach, the surface scattering strength within the convergence zone is enhanced. The sea surface scattering induced by NLIWs is equivalent to that of a ∼6 m s−1 surface wind speed (i.e., 3 times greater than the actual surface wind speed). The horizontal spatial structure of the enhanced sea surface scattering strength predicts the horizontal spatial structure of the NLIW. The observed average half-amplitude full width of NLIWs λη/2 is 1.09 ± 0.2 km; the average half-amplitude full width of the enhanced scattering strength λI/2 is ∼0.57 λη/2. The average half-amplitude full width of the enhanced horizontal velocity convergence of NLIWs λ∂xu/2 is approximately equal to λI/2. The peak of the enhanced surface scattering leads the center of NLIWs by ∼0.46 λη/2. NLIW horizontal velocity convergence is positively correlated with the enhancement of the surface scattering strength. NLIW amplitude is positively correlated with the spatial integration of the enhancement of the surface scattering strength within the convergence zone of NLIWs. Empirical formulas are obtained for estimating the horizontal velocity convergence and the amplitude of NLIWs using radar measurements of surface scattering strength. The enhancement of the scattering strength exhibits strong asymmetry; the scattering strength observed from behind the propagating NLIW is 24% less than that observed ahead, presumably caused by the skewness and the breaking of surface waves induced by NLIWs. Above the center of NLIWs, the surface scattering strength is enhanced slightly, associated with isotropic surface waves presumably induced or modified by NLIWs. This analysis concludes that in low-wind conditions remote sensing measurements may provide useful predictions of horizontal velocity convergences, amplitudes, and spatial structures of NLIWs. Further applications and modification of the presented empirical formulas in different conditions of wind speed, surface waves, and NLIWs or with other remote sensing methods are encouraged.
Spatial Weighting and Iterative Projection Methods for EOFs
Authors: Baldwin Mark P. , Stephenson David B. , Jolliffe Ian T. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Often there is a need to consider spatial weighting in methods for finding spatial patterns in climate data. The focus of this paper is on techniques that maximize variance, such as empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs). A weighting matrix is introduced into a generalized framework for dealing with spatial weighting. One basic principal in the design of the weighting matrix is that the resulting spatial patterns are independent of the grid used to represent the data. A weighting matrix can also be used for other purposes, such as to compensate for the neglect of unrepresented subgrid-scale variance or, in the form of a prewhitening filter, to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of EOFs. The new methodology is applicable to other types of climate pattern analysis, such as extended EOF analysis and maximum covariance analysis. The increasing availability of large datasets of three-dimensional gridded variables (e.g., reanalysis products and model output) raises special issues for data-reduction methods such as EOFs. Fast, memory-efficient methods are required in order to extract leading EOFs from such large datasets. This study proposes one such approach based on a simple iteration of successive projections of the data onto time series and spatial maps. It is also demonstrated that spatial weighting can be combined with the iterative methods. Throughout the paper, multivariate statistics notation is used, simplifying implementation as matrix commands in high-level computing languages.
Impaired nuclear import and viral incorporation of Vpr derived from a HIV long-term non-progressor
Authors: Caly Leon , Saksena Nitin K , Piller Sabine C , Jans David A 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
We previously reported an epidemiologically linked HIV-1 infected patient cohort in which a long-term non-progressor (LTNP) infected two recipients who then exhibited normal disease progression. Expression of patient-derived vpr sequences from each of the three cohort members in mammalian cells tagged with GFP revealed a significant reduction in Vpr nuclear import and virion incorporation uniquely from the LTNP, whereas Vpr from the two progressing recipients displayed normal localisation and virion incorporation, implying a link between efficient Vpr nuclear import and HIV disease progression. Importantly, an F72L point mutation in the LTNP was identified for the first time as being uniquely responsible for decreased Vpr nuclear import.