bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Alu repeats drive the evolution of the primate transcriptome?
Authors: Urrutia Araxi O , Ocaña Leandro Balladares , Hurst Laurence D 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Background
Of all repetitive elements in the human genome, Alus are unusual in being enriched near to genes that are expressed across a broad range of tissues. This has led to the proposal that Alus might be modifying the expression breadth of neighboring genes, possibly by providing CpG islands, modifying transcription factor binding, or altering chromatin structure. Here we consider whether Alus have increased expression breadth of genes in their vicinity.

Results
Contrary to the modification hypothesis, we find that those genes that have always had broad expression are richest in Alus, whereas those that are more likely to have become more broadly expressed have lower enrichment. This finding is consistent with a model in which Alus accumulate near broadly expressed genes but do not affect their expression breadth. Furthermore, this model is consistent with the finding that expression breadth of mouse genes predicts Alu density near their human orthologs. However, Alus were found to be related to some alternative measures of transcription profile divergence, although evidence is contradictory as to whether Alus associate with lowly or highly diverged genes. If Alu have any effect it is not by provision of CpG islands, because they are especially rare near to transcriptional start sites. Previously reported Alu enrichment for genes serving certain cellular functions, suggested to be evidence of functional importance of Alus, appears to be partly a byproduct of the association with broadly expressed genes.

Conclusion
The abundance of Alu near broadly expressed genes is better explained by their preferential preservation near to housekeeping genes rather than by a modifying effect on expression of genes.
Antidepressant medicationsv.cognitive therapy in people with depression with or without personality disorder
Authors: Fournier Jay C. , DeRubeis Robert J. , Shelton Richard C. , Gallop Robert , Amsterdam Jay D. , Hollon Steven D. 
Published: February 2008

BackgroundThere is conflicting evidence about comorbid personality pathology in depression treatments.AimsTo test the effects of antidepressant drugs and cognitive therapy in people with depression distinguished by the presence or absence of personality disorder.MethodRandom assignment of 180 out-patients with depression to 16 weeks of antidepressant medication or cognitive therapy. Random assignment of medication responders to continued medication or placebo, and comparison with cognitive therapy responders over a 12-month period.ResultsPersonality disorder status led to differential response at 16 weeks; 66%v.44% (antidepressantsv.cognitive therapy respectively) for people with personality disorder, and 49%v.70% (antidepressantsv.cognitive therapy respectively) for people without personality disorder. For people with personality disorder, sustained response rates over the 12-month follow-up were nearly identical (38%) in the prior cognitive therapy and continuation-medication treatment arms. People with personality disorder withdrawn from medication evidenced the lowest sustained response rate (6%). Despite the poor response of people with personality disorder to cognitive therapy, nearly all those who did respond sustained their response.ConclusionsComorbid personality disorder was associated with differential initial response rates and sustained response rates for two well-validated treatments for depression.
The classification of depression: are we still confused?
Authors: Cole James , McGuffin Peter , Farmer Anne E. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryRecent developments in the classification of major depressive disorder are reviewed in light of the predictions made by Kendell in the 1970s. Particularly, the institution of operational diagnoses along with the contentious issues of subdividing major depressive disorder and its characterisation on a dimensional as opposed to a categorical scale.
Cross-national prevalence and risk factors for suicidal ideation, plans and attempts
Authors: Nock Matthew K. , Borges Guilherme , Bromet Evelyn J. , Alonso Jordi , Angermeyer Matthias , Beautrais Annette , Bruffaerts Ronny , Chiu Wai Tat , de Girolamo Giovanni , Gluzman Semyon , de Graaf Ron , Gureje Oye , Haro Josep Maria , Huang Yueqin , Karam Elie , Kessler Ronald C. , Lepine Jean Pierre , Levinson Daphna , Medina-Mora Maria Elena , Ono Yutaka , Posada-Villa José , Williams David 
Published: February 2008

BackgroundSuicide is a leading cause of death worldwide; however, the prevalence and risk factors for the immediate precursors to suicide – suicidal ideation, plans and attempts – are not well-known, especially in low- and middle-income countries.AimsTo report on the prevalence and risk factors for suicidal behaviours across 17 countries.MethodA total of 84 850 adults were interviewed regarding suicidal behaviours and socio-demographic and psychiatric risk factors.ResultsThe cross-national lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts is 9.2% (s.e.=0.1), 3.1% (s.e.=0.1), and 2.7% (s.e.=0.1). Across all countries, 60% of transitions from ideation to plan and attempt occur within the first year after ideation onset. Consistent cross-national risk factors included being female, younger, less educated, unmarried and having a mental disorder. Interestingly, the strongest diagnostic risk factors were mood disorders in high-income countries but impulse control disorders in low- and middle-income countries.ConclusionThere is cross-national variability in the prevalence of suicidal behaviours, but strong consistency in the characteristics and risk factors for these behaviours. These findings have significant implications for the prediction and prevention of suicidal behaviours.
Olanzapine plus carbamazepinev.carbamazepine alone in treating manic episodes
Authors: Tohen Mauricio , Bowden Charles L. , Smulevich Anatoly B. , Bergstrom Richard , Quinlan Tonya , Osuntokun Olawale , Wang Wei V. , Oliff Heather S. , Martenyi Ferenc , Kryzhanovskaya Ludmila A. , Greil Waldemar 
Published: February 2008

BackgroundCombinations of olanzapine and carbamazepine are often used in clinical practice in the management of mania.AimsTo assess the efficacy and safety of olanzapine plus carbamazepine in mixed and manic bipolar episodes.MethodRandomised, double-blind, 6-week trial of olanzapine (10–30 mg/day) plus carbamazepine (400–1200 mg/day;n=58)v.placebo plus carbamazepine (n=60) followed by open-label, 20-week olanzapine (10–30 mg/day) plus carbamazepine (400–1200 mg/day,n=86), with change in manic symptoms as main outcome measure. Safety and pharmacokinetics were also evaluated.ResultsThere were no significant differences (baseline to endpoint) in efficacy measures between treatment groups, but at 6 weeks triglyceride levels were significantly higher (P=0.008) and potentially clinically significant weight gain (⩾7%) occurred more frequently (24.6%v.3.4%,P=0.002) in the combined olanzapine and carbamazepine group. Carbamazepine reduced olanzapine concentrations but olanzapine had no effect on carbamazepine concentrations.ConclusionsThe combination of olanzapine and carbamazepine did not have superior efficacy to carbamazepine alone. The increases in weight and triglycerides observed during combination treatment are a matter of concern.
Recruitment in a heterogeneous population of motor neurons that innervates the depressor muscle of the crayfish walking leg muscle
Authors: Hill Andrew A. V. , Cattaert Daniel 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYAccording to the size principle the fine control of muscle tension depends on the orderly recruitment of motor neurons from a heterogeneous pool. We took advantage of the small number of excitatory motor neurons (about 12) that innervate the depressor muscle of the crayfish walking leg to determine if the size principle applies to this muscle. We found that in accordance with the size principle, when stimulated by proprioceptive input, neurons with small extracellular spikes were recruited before neurons with medium or large spikes. Because only a small fraction of the motor neurons responded strongly enough to sensory input to be recruited in this way, we extended our analysis to all neurons by characterizing properties that have classically been associated with recruitment order such as speed of axonal conduction and extracellular spike amplitude. Through a combination of physiological and anatomical criteria we were able to identify seven classes of excitatory depressor motor neurons. The majority of these classes responded to proprioceptive input with a resistance reflex, while a few responded with an assistance reflex, and yet others did not respond. Our results are in general agreement with the size principle. However, we found qualitative differences between neuronal classes in terms of synaptic input and neuronal structure that would in theory be unnecessary, according to a strict interpretation of the size principle. We speculate that the qualitative heterogeneity observed may be due to the fact that the depressor is a complex muscle, consisting of two muscle bundles that share a single insertion but have multiple origins.
Development of vocalization, auditory sensitivity and acoustic communication in the Lusitanian toadfishHalobatrachus didactylus
Authors: Vasconcelos Raquel O. , Ladich Friedrich 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThe ontogenetic development of acoustic communication has so far only been investigated in one fish species. In order to determine whether detectability of conspecific sounds changes during growth in a species with limited hearing abilities (generalist), we investigated the development of auditory sensitivity and agonistic vocalizations in the Lusitanian toadfish Halobatrachus didactylus. Agonistic grunts were recorded, their sound pressure levels determined, and auditory sensitivities measured in five different size groups ranging from 3 to 32 cm standard length. Hearing thresholds were obtained using the auditory evoked potentials (AEP) recording technique. Dominant frequency, sound duration and number of pulses decreased,whereas pulse period and sound level increased with increasing fish size. The best hearing was below 300 Hz in all groups. Lower hearing sensitivity was found in the smallest juveniles at 100 Hz as well as at higher frequencies(800 and 1000 Hz). Comparisons between audiograms and sound spectra within the same-sized fish revealed that smaller juveniles would be barely able to detect agonistic grunts, while these vocalizations were clearly perceived by larger fish. In the latter, the main energy of sounds was found at the most sensitive frequencies. This study demonstrates that acoustic communication in the Lusitanian toadfish might be absent in early developmental stages and seems to start when juveniles are able to generate grunts of higher sound level and lower dominant frequency.
Angular momentum in human walking
Authors: Herr Hugh , Popovic Marko 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY
Angular momentum is a conserved physical quantity for isolated systems where no external moments act about a body's center of mass (CM). However, in the case of legged locomotion, where the body interacts with the environment(ground reaction forces), there is no a priori reason for this relationship to hold. A key hypothesis in this paper is that angular momentum is highly regulated throughout the walking cycle about all three spatial directions [\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(|{\vec{L}}(t)|{\approx}0\) \end{document}], and therefore horizontal ground reaction forces and the center of pressure trajectory can be explained predominantly through an analysis that assumes zero net moment about the body's CM. Using a 16-segment human model and gait data for 10 study participants, we found that calculated zero-moment forces closely match experimental values (\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(R_{x}^{2}=0.91\) \end{document}; \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(R_{y}^{2}=0.90\) \end{document}). Additionally, the centroidal moment pivot (point where a line parallel to the ground reaction force, passing through the CM, intersects the ground) never leaves the ground support base,highlighting how closely the body regulates angular momentum. Principal component analysis was used to examine segmental contributions to whole-body angular momentum. We found that whole-body angular momentum is small, despite substantial segmental momenta, indicating large segment-to-segment cancellations (∼95% medio-lateral, ∼70% anterior–posterior and∼80% vertical). Specifically, we show that adjacent leg-segment momenta are balanced in the medio-lateral direction (left foot momentum cancels right foot momentum, etc.). Further, pelvis and abdomen momenta are balanced by leg,chest and head momenta in the anterior–posterior direction, and leg momentum is balanced by upper-body momentum in the vertical direction. Finally, we discuss the determinants of gait in the context of these segment-to-segment cancellations of angular momentum.
Production of different phenotypes from the same genotype in the same environment by developmental variation
Authors: Vogt Günter , Huber Martin , Thiemann Markus , van den Boogaart Gerald , Schmitz Oliver J. , Schubart Christoph D. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThe phenotype of an organism is determined by the genes, the environment and stochastic developmental events. Although recognized as a basic biological principle influencing life history, susceptibility to diseases, and probably evolution, developmental variation (DV) has been only poorly investigated due to the lack of a suitable model organism. This obstacle could be overcome by using the recently detected, robust and highly fecund parthenogenetic marbled crayfish as an experimental animal. Batch-mates of this clonal crayfish, which were shown to be isogenic by analysis of nuclear microsatellite loci,exhibited surprisingly broad ranges of variation in coloration, growth,life-span, reproduction, behaviour and number of sense organs, even when reared under identical conditions. Maximal variation was observed for the marmorated coloration, the pattern of which was unique in each of the several hundred individuals examined. Variation among identically raised batch-mates was also found with respect to fluctuating asymmetry, a traditional indicator of the epigenetic part of the phenotype, and global DNA methylation, an overall molecular marker of an animal's epigenetic state. Developmental variation was produced in all life stages, probably by reaction–diffusion-like patterning mechanisms in early development and non-linear, self-reinforcing circuitries involving behaviour and metabolism in later stages. Our data indicate that, despite being raised in the same environment, individual genotypes can map to numerous phenotypes viaDV, thus generating variability among clone-mates and individuality in a parthenogenetic species. Our results further show that DV, an apparently ubiquitous phenomenon in animals and plants, can introduce components of randomness into life histories, modifying individual fitness and population dynamics. Possible perspectives of DV for evolutionary biology are discussed.
Visual fields of four batoid fishes: a comparative study
Authors: McComb D. Michelle , Kajiura Stephen M. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThe visual fields of elasmobranch fishes are not well characterized even though this is a fundamental element of the visual system. The batoid fishes(skates, rays) form a monophyletic clade within the subclass Elasmobranchii and exhibit a broad range of morphologies and corresponding ecologies. We hypothesized that their visual field characteristics would reflect their diverse morphology and ecology. This was tested by quantifying the monocular,binocular and cyclopean horizontal and vertical visual fields of four batoid species (Raja eglanteria, Urobatis jamaicensis, Dasyatis sabina and Rhinoptera bonasus) that encompassed a range from a basal skate to a more derived ray. The horizontal and vertical visual fields differed significantly among species; however, all species possessed horizontal anterior and dorsal binocular overlaps. Urobatis jamaicensis, a small reef-associated stingray, demonstrated a 360° panoramic visual field in the horizontal plane, and R. bonasus, a schooling benthopelagic ray,a 360° panoramic view in the vertical plane. Large anterior binocular overlaps were measured in D. sabina (72°) and R. bonasus(46°) but came at the expense of large posterior blind areas. The anterior binocular overlaps in R. eglanteria (28°) and U. jamaicensis (34°) were smaller but were coupled with large monocular fields that provided expansive peripheral views. The most phylogenetically basal species, the clearnose skate (Raja eglanteria), had the most reduced visual field in contrast to the more derived ray species. To our knowledge, this study represents the first comparative assessment of visual fields in basal vertebrates.
Use of the Centaur TnI-Ultra Assay for Detection of Myocardial Infarction and Adverse Events in Patients Presenting With Symptoms Suggestive of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Apple Fred S , Smith Stephen W , Pearce Lesly A , Ler Ranka , Murakami MaryAnn M 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Background: We determined the diagnostic accuracy of the Advia Centaur TnI-Ultra assay for detecting myocardial infarction (MI) and assessing risk of adverse events in patients presenting with ischemic symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome.
Methods: We measured cardiac troponin I (cTnI) on admission and 6–24 h after admission (follow-up) in plasma specimens from 371 consecutive patients. The end point was the first of cardiac event or death within 60 days. We estimated survival curves using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared groups with the log rank statistic.
Results: MI was established in 49 patients (13%). Clinical sensitivities and specificities for MI based on the 99th percentile (0.04 μg/L) were 74% and 84%, respectively, on admission and 94% and 81% at follow-up. ROC curves showed significantly higher accuracy for MI in the follow-up specimen compared with admission (P = 0.001). Overall there were 2 cardiac deaths, 1 noncardiac death, 49 MIs, 7 coronary artery bypass grafts, and 36 percutaneous coronary interventions in 59 patients during follow-up. The event rate in those with cTnI &lt;0.006 μg/L was significantly lower than in groups with cTnI 0.006–0.04 μg/L, &gt;0.04–0.10 μg/L, or &gt;0.10 μg/L (2.8% vs 11.1%, 24.1%, 55.1%, respectively; P &lt;0.0001). Relative risks for the increasing cTnI cutoff groups were 3.9 (95% CI 1.2–13), 8.9 (2.4–34), and 25 (7.3–82) after adjustment for age, diabetes, history of hypertension, previous MI, and estimated glomerular filtration rate.
Conclusions: The TnI-Ultra assay is a sensitive, early diagnostic biomarker for MI and an independent predictor of adverse events at any measurable cTnI in patients with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome.
Age of Alcohol Use Initiation, Suicidal Behavior, and Peer and Dating Violence Victimization and Perpetration Among High-Risk, Seventh-Grade Adolescents
Authors: Swahn Monica H. , Bossarte Robert M. , Sullivent Ernest E. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE. We examined the cross-sectional associations between reports of an early age of alcohol use initiation and suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and peer and dating violence victimization and perpetration among high-risk adolescents.
METHOD. Data were obtained from the Youth Violence Survey conducted in 2004 and administered to all public school students enrolled in grades 7, 9, and 11/12 (N = 4131) in a high-risk school district in the United States. Our analyses were limited to seventh-grade students who either began drinking before the age of 13 or were nondrinkers, with complete information on all covariates (n = 856). Cross-sectional logistic and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between early alcohol use and each of the 6 outcome behaviors (dating violence victimization and perpetration, peer violence victimization and perpetration, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts) while controlling for demographic characteristics and other potential confounders (ie, heavy episodic drinking, substance use, peer drinking, depression, impulsivity, peer delinquency, and parental monitoring).
RESULTS. In our study, 35% of students reported alcohol use initiation before 13 years of age (preteen alcohol use initiators). Students who reported preteen alcohol use initiation reported involvement in significantly more types of violent behaviors (mean: 2.8 behaviors), compared with nondrinkers (mean: 1.8 behaviors). Preteen alcohol use initiation was associated significantly with suicide attempts, relative to nondrinkers, controlling for demographic characteristics and all other potential confounders.
CONCLUSIONS. Early alcohol use is an important risk factor for involvement in violent behaviors and suicide attempts among youths. Increased efforts to delay and to reduce early alcohol use among youths are needed and may reduce both violence and suicide attempts.
Barriers to Palliative Care for Children: Perceptions of Pediatric Health Care Providers
Authors: Davies Betty , Sehring Sally A. , Partridge J. Colin , Cooper Bruce A. , Hughes Anne , Philp Julie C. , Amidi-Nouri Aara , Kramer Robin F. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to explore barriers to palliative care experienced by pediatric health care providers caring for seriously ill children.
METHODS. This study explored pediatric provider perceptions of end-of-life care in an academic children's hospital, with the goal of describing perceived barriers to end-of-life care for children and their families. The report focuses on the responses of nurses (n = 117) and physicians (n = 81).
RESULTS. Approximately one half of the respondents reported 4 of 26 barriers listed in the study questionnaire as frequently or almost always occurring, that is, uncertain prognosis (55%), family not ready to acknowledge incurable condition (51%), language barriers (47%), and time constraints (47%). Approximately one third of respondents cited another 8 barriers frequently arising from problems with communication and from insufficient education in pain and palliative care. Fourteen barriers were perceived by &gt;75% of staff members as occasionally or never interfering with pediatric end-of-life care. Comparisons between physicians and nurses and between ICU and non-ICU staff members revealed several significant differences between these groups.
CONCLUSIONS. Perceived barriers to pediatric end-of-life care differed from those impeding adult end-of-life care. The most-commonly perceived factors that interfered with optimal pediatric end-of-life care involved uncertainties in prognosis and discrepancies in treatment goals between staff members and family members, followed by barriers to communication. Improved staff education in communication skills and palliative care for children may help overcome some of these obstacles, but pediatric providers must realize that uncertainty may be unavoidable and inherent in the care of seriously ill children. An uncertain prognosis should be a signal to initiate, rather than to delay, palliative care.