bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Cost and Outcome Among US Patients With Stroke Hospitalized in 1990 to 1991 and Those Hospitalized in 2000 to 2001
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I. , Suri M. Fareed K. , Nasar Abu , Kirmani Jawad F. , Ezzeddine Mustapha A. , Divani Afshin A. , Giles Wayne H.
Published: May 2007

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of new treatments by examining the changes between 1990 to 1991 and 2000 to 2001 in in-hospital mortality rates and hospital charges in adult patients with stroke.

Methods—

From the Nationwide Inpatient Survey, the largest all-payer inpatient care database in the United States, patients with stroke admitted in 1990 to 1991 or 2000 to 2001 were studied. We analyzed hospital charges (adjusted for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index of the Bureau of Labor Statistics) and patient outcomes by type of institution: rural, urban nonteaching, and urban teaching in 1990 to 1991 and in 2000 to 2001.

Results—

In 1990 to 1991, there were 1 736 352 admissions for cerebrovascular diseases, and in 2000 to 2001, there were 1 958 018 admissions. The number of admissions in urban teaching hospitals increased by 13%, 19%, and 25%, for ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage, respectively. The overall in-hospital mortality rate relatively declined by 36% for ischemic stroke, by 6% for intracerebral hemorrhages, and by 10% for subarachnoid hemorrhage. The mean hospital charges increased from $10 500 to $16 200 for patients with ischemic stroke, from $18 300 to $28 800 for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, and from $37 400 to $65 900 for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Mortality rates among patients admitted after ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage were all lower in urban teaching hospitals than in rural and urban nonteaching hospitals and the mean charges per admission were all higher.

Conclusions—

There has been an increase in the inflation-adjusted hospital charges for all patients with stroke and a reduction in mortality rates for all stroke subtypes probably related to an increase in the proportion of patients with stroke admitted to urban teaching hospitals.
Neurocognitive Outcomes Are Not Improved by 17β-Estradiol in Postmenopausal Women Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Hogue Charles W. , Freedland Kenneth , Hershey Tamara , Fucetola Robert , Nassief Abullah , Barzilai Benico , Thomas Betsy , Birge Stanley , Dixon David , Schechtman Kenneth B. , Dávila-Román Victor G.
Published: May 2007

Background and Purpose—

Neurocognitive dysfunction is an important source of patient morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery that may disproportionately affect postmenopausal women. 17β-Estradiol limits the extent of ischemic neuronal injury in a variety of experimental models. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether perioperative administration of 17β-estradiol to postmenopausal women reduces the frequency of neurocognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery.

Methods—

One hundred seventy-four postmenopausal women not on estrogen replacement therapy who were undergoing primary coronary artery bypass graft surgery and/or valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were prospectively randomized to receive in a double-blinded manner either 17β-estradiol or placebo beginning the day before surgery and continuing for 5 days postoperatively. The patients were evaluated before and after surgery with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and a psychometric test battery.

Results—

There were no differences in the frequency of neurocognitive dysfunction (primary outcome) between patients randomized to perioperative 17β-estradiol (n=86) and those randomized to placebo (n=88) 4 to 6 weeks after surgery (17β-estradiol, 22.4% versus placebo, 21.4%,
P
=0.45). The mean scores on tests of psychomotor speed were worse in women in the 17β-estradiol group than in the placebo group at the 4- to 6-week (
P
=0.005) postoperative testing sessions.

Conclusions—

Perioperative treatment with 17β-estradiol did not result in improved neurocognitive outcomes in postmenopausal women undergoing cardiac surgery.
Retinal Microvascular Signs, Cognitive Function, and Dementia in Older Persons
Authors: Baker Michelle L. , Marino Larsen Emily K. , Kuller Lewis H. , Klein Ronald , Klein Barbara E.K. , Siscovick David S. , Bernick Charles , Manolio Teri A. , Wong Tien Yin
Published: May 2007

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral microvascular disease may be a risk factor for the development of dementia in elderly persons. We describe the association of retinal microvascular signs with cognitive function and dementia among older individuals.

Methods—

In the population-based Cardiovascular Health Study, 2211 persons aged 69 to 97 years at recruitment had retinal photography. Photographs were evaluated for retinopathy (eg, microaneurysms, retinal hemorrhages), focal arteriolar narrowing, arteriovenous nicking, and retinal arteriolar and venular caliber. Cognitive status was determined from the Digit–Symbol Substitution Test and Modified Mini-Mental State Examination. Participants were also further evaluated for the presence of dementia with detailed neuropsychological testing. Persons with a prior stroke or taking antipsychotic or antidepressant medications were excluded.

Results—

After adjusting for age, gender, race, field center, education level, internal carotid intima-media thickness, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, and cigarette smoking status, persons with retinopathy had lower mean Digit–Symbol Substitution Test scores but not Modified Mini-Mental State Examination than those without retinopathy (39 versus 41,
P
=0.002). In hypertensive persons, retinopathy (multivariable-adjusted OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.04 to 4.24) and focal arteriolar narrowing (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.51 to 6.02) were associated with dementia. These associations were not present in individuals without hypertension.

Conclusions—

In older persons, our study shows a modest cross-sectional association between retinopathy signs with poorer cognitive function and, in persons with hypertension, with dementia. These data support a possible role of cerebral microvascular disease in the pathogenesis of impaired cognitive function and dementia in older hypertensive persons.
The Effect of the Galápagos Islands on the Equatorial Pacific Cold Tongue
Authors: Karnauskas Kristopher B. , Murtugudde Raghu , Busalacchi Antonio J.
Published: May 2007

A reduced-gravity ocean general circulation model of the tropical Pacific Ocean is used to determine potential improvements to the simulated equatorial Pacific cold tongue region through choices in horizontal resolution and coastline geometry—in particular, for the Galápagos Islands. Four simulations are performed, with identical climatological forcing. Results are compared between model grids with and without the Galápagos Islands, with coarse and fine resolutions. It is found that properly including the Galápagos Islands results in the obstruction of the Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC), which leads to improvements in the simulated spatial structure of the cold tongue, including a basinwide warming of up to 2°C in the east-central Pacific. The obstruction of the EUC is directly related to the improvements east of the Galápagos Islands, and for the basinwide reduction of the tropical cold bias through an equatorial dynamical adjustment. The pattern of SST warming resulting from the inclusion of the Galápagos Islands is similar to that of the known cold biases in ocean models and the current National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Forecast System. It is thought that such an improvement would have a considerable impact on the ability of coupled ocean–atmosphere and ocean–ecosystem models to produce realistic clouds, precipitation, surface ocean bioproductivity, and carbon cycling in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
Interpreting Eddy Fluxes
Authors: Eden Carsten , Greatbatch Richard J. , Olbers Dirk
Published: May 2007

A generalization of the transformed Eulerian and temporal residual means is presented. The new formulation uses rotational fluxes of buoyancy, and the full hierarchy of statistical density moments, to reduce the cross-isopycnal eddy flux to the physically relevant component associated with the averaged water mass properties. The resulting eddy-induced diapycnal diffusivity vanishes for adiabatic, statistically steady flow, and is related to either the growth or decay of mesoscale density variance and/or the covariance between small-scale forcing (mixing) and density fluctuations, such as that associated with the irreversible removal of density variance by dissipation. The relationship between the new formulation and previous approaches is described and is illustrated using results from an eddying channel model. The formalism is quite general and applies to all kinds of averaging and to any tracer (not just density).
Where Are the Leaders? Music, Culture, and Contemporary Feminism
Authors: Reger Jo
Published: May 2007

This article examines how cultural dynamics shape leaders' agency by investigating who is seen as articulating contemporary feminism. The author finds that many contemporary feminists have difficulty identifying leaders visible beyond their own communities, and when asked to identify those who are articulating contemporary feminism, many identify nationally known music icons. This results in “emotional mobilization,” empowering feminists, but does not translate into wide-scale mobilization or into the development of widely recognized leaders. This work investigates how leadership in contemporary feminism departs from standard sociological ideas about how leaders shape and influence movements, with some of the most influential contemporary feminists taking an antileadership stance.
Does Experience Matter?
Authors: Potter Philip B. K.
Published: May 2007

This article demonstrates that the probability of an international crisis involving the United States declines as a presidential administration gains time in office. This finding invalidates three widely held theories about the relationship between the American democratic cycle and foreign policy that (1) there might be a honeymoon period immediately following election in which new presidents are unlikely to become involved in foreign crises, (2) presidents might systematically use the ``rally round the flag'' effect to bolster their electoral prospects, or that more generally, (3) foreign policy might be primarily tied to the democratic constraints of the electoral cycle. This finding also stands in partial contrast to recent work suggesting that, globally, leadership experience does not influence the likelihood of a militarized interstate dispute, while leader age does. The differing conclusions are the result of both the unique American case and the differing formulations of conflict.
Personality Traits and Foreign Policy Attitudes in German Public Opinion
Authors: Schoen Harald
Published: May 2007

This article examines the effects of personality traits on attitudes toward foreign policy issues among the German public. Building on previous research, it argues that personality characteristics shape an individual's motivation, goals, and values, thereby providing criteria to evaluate external stimuli and affecting foreign policy opinions. An analysis of survey data from a random sample of Germans eligible to vote confirms that the personality traits play a role in attitudes toward foreign policy issues. By and large, personality affects foreign policy opinions roughly as strongly as traditional factors such as partisanship, ideology, and social background. Among the traits studied, agreeableness and openness render persons more supportive of international cooperation and more skeptical of the use of military force, whereas conscientiousness exhibits reverse effects. Thus, personality traits merit serious attention in analyses of public opinion on foreign policy.
Development of Three-dimensional Body Scan Method in Measuring Body Surface
Authors: Kim M.H. , Nam Y.J. , Cho D.H. , Kang T.J.
Published: May 2007

A new camera calibration with regard to a slit laser projection method has been developed to calibrate the camera system that has its own intrinsic problems of aberration and distortion. This method using digital image processing techniques can accurately measure a human body as three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates with a typical optical triangulation method. Therefore it can overcome many difficulties in a traditional inaccurate and time-consuming tactic measurement method such as Martin measurement using rulers and gauges. In comparison with other commercialized scanners, this system can obtain a relatively wide range of data by special scanning processes in which vertical or horizontal laser line profiles are simultaneously acquired by two opposite side charge-coupled device cameras. The measurement method of body dimension for 3-D pattern design using scanned body data is presented. The algorithm of shadow moiré type without its complex installation can successfully generate the moiré patterns on 3-D measured data for an efficient human body measurement with no contact.
Simulation of Cusick Drapemeter Using Particle-based Modeling: Stability Analysis of Explicit Integration Methods
Authors: Hwan Sul In , Jin Kang Tae , Min Kim Sung , Chi Yong-Seung
Published: May 2007

Particle-based modeling has been a popular method for modeling fabric deformations due to its fast calculation speed. However, it is still difficult to control material properties of fabrics and to prevent calculations from diverging. This study explored and uncovered stability regions among time step and physical forces for stable cloth simulation for various explicit integration methods. We used a triangular mesh with a new bending model to control the bending stiffness. The Cusick drapemeter test was simulated and drape coefficients showed a linear relationship with experiments.
Methodological and Dispositional Predictors of Congruence Between Implicit and Explicit Need for Achievement
Authors: Thrash Todd M. , Elliot Andrew J. , Schultheiss Oliver C.
Published: May 2007

In this research, the authors questioned the statistical independence of implicit and explicit motives. Their first aim was to identify a methodological factor that may have weakened implicit—explicit motive correlations in past research. Their second aim was to identify personality traits that moderate implicit—explicit motive congruence. They found that implicit and explicit need for achievement (nAch) are significantly correlated, but only if the implicit and explicit measures are matched in content. Three traits were found to uniquely moderate the relationship between implicit and explicit nAch: private body consciousness, self-monitoring, and preference for consistency. These findings indicate that implicit and explicit nAch are systematically related and suggest that some individuals may use implicit nAch as a foundation for the development of explicit nAch.
Spectrum of Visual Disorders in Children With Cerebral Visual Impairment
Authors: Fazzi Elisa , Signorini Sabrina Giovanna , Bova Stefania Maria , La Piana Roberta , Ondei Paola , Bertone Chiara , Misefari Walter , Bianchi Paolo Emilio
Published: May 2007

Cerebral visual impairment is a visual function deficit caused by damage to the retrogeniculate visual pathways in the absence of any major ocular disease. It is the main visual deficit in children in the developed world. Preperinatal hypoxic-ischemic damage is the most frequent cause of cerebral visual impairment, but the etiology is variable. The authors set out to evaluate the presence of visual disorders not attributable to any major ocular pathology in a sample of children with central nervous system disease and to describe the clinical picture of cerebral visual impairment in this cohort. One hundred twenty-one patients with central nervous system damage and visual impairment underwent a protocol developed at the authors' center that included neurologic, neurophthalmologic, and neuroradiologic assessments (brain magnetic resonance imaging). Reduced visual acuity was found in 105 of 121 patients, reduced contrast sensitivity in 58, abnormal optokinetic nystagmus in 88, and visual field deficit in 7. Fixation was altered in 58 patients, smooth pursuit in 95, and saccadic movements in 41. Strabismus was present in 88 patients, and abnormal ocular movements were found in 43 patients. Of the 27 patients in whom they could be assessed, visual-perceptual abilities were found to be impaired in 24. Fundus oculi abnormalities and refractive errors were frequently associated findings. This study confirms that the clinical expression of cerebral visual impairment can be variable and that, in addition to already well-documented symptoms (such as reduced visual acuity, visual field deficits, reduced contrast sensitivity), the clinical picture can also be characterized by oculomotor or visual-cognitive disorders. Cerebral visual impairment is often associated with ophthalmologic abnormalities, and these should be carefully sought. Early and careful assessment, taking into account both the neurophthalmologic and the ophthalmologic aspects, is essential for a correct diagnosis and the development of personalized rehabilitation programs.
Characteristics of Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalogram in Premature Infants
Authors: Kuint Jacob , Turgeman Avigail , Torjman Amram , Maayan-Metzger Ayala
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study is to evaluate and characterize amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram tracings in preterm infants at varying gestational ages. Eighty-six amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram traces (1.5-9 hours in duration each) were recorded in 32 preterm infants (24-41 weeks of postconception age) during the study period (July 1, 2001, through August 31, 2002). A stepwise rather than gradual progression was detected, with the first step at 24 to 30 weeks, the second at 31 to 34 weeks, and the third at 35 to 41 weeks. The cyclic pattern amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram typical of healthy full-term infants was not detected in the first step, which was marked by a very low baseline and a wide continuous band width of up to 98.5 µV, with a mean of 74.2 µV (SD = 23.3). The first appearance of cycles was in the second group (31-34 weeks), with a mean intercycle band width of 38.3 µV (SD = 26.3) and a cycle band width of 51 µV (SD = 18). The third step (35-41 weeks) differed from the second, having a mean intercycle band width of 16 µV (SD = 3.5; P ≤ .001), with quite a similar cycle band width of 43.8 µV (SD = 19.2). The number of cycles per hour increased from a mean of 0.44 (SD = 0.33) per hour to 0.58 (SD = 0.25) per hour in the second and third steps, respectively ( P ≤ .001). Amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram is a feasible and reliable brain-monitoring tool in healthy preterm infants. Its features are age dependency and stepwise progression. Its real-time clinical significance and prognostic value in healthy and sick preterm infants are yet to be determined.
Iatrogenic Epidermoid Tumor: Late Complication of Lumbar Puncture
Authors: Per Hüseyin , Kumandaş Sefer , Gümüs Hakan , Yikilmaz Ali , Kurtsoy Ali
Published: May 2007

Intraspinal epidermoid tumors can be congenital and acquired. Acquired intraspinal epidermoid tumors are extremely rare. Epidermal elements are implanted into the arachnoid space by trauma, spinal anesthesia, surgery, bullet wounds, myelography, or lumbar puncture. Approximately 40% of acquired epidermoid tumors are considered a late complication of lumbar puncture. The authors report the case of an 8-year-old boy who presented with a 1-year history of back and hip pain and radiating pain to both thighs posterior. Lumbar puncture was performed in the neonatal intensive care unit to rule out meningitis in the patient's past medical history. The patient underwent total surgical excision of the epidermoid tumor. Pathologic examination revealed the diagnosis of epidermoid tumor. Keywords: intraspinal epidermoid tumor; lumbar puncture; children
Serum Retinol and β-Carotene Levels in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
Authors: Gungor Serdal , Olmez Akgun , Pinar Arikan Firat  , Haliloğlu Goknur , Anlar Banu
Published: May 2007

Reduced serum levels of vitamin A affect morbidity and mortality in measles. The authors' newly diagnosed subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (n = 21) and age-matched control groups (n = 20) had mean serum β-carotene levels of 1.12 ± 0.56 and 1.50 ± 0.52 µg/mL, respectively. Serum retinol <20 µg/dL was observed in 6 of 21 subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and 0 of 20 control cases ( P < .05). Vitamin A deficiency can accompany subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: its contribution to the pathogenesis or course of the disease warrants further investigations.
Stenting for Coarctation of the Aorta Precipitating Migraine With Aura
Authors: Staals Juliana E. A. , Braun Kees P. J. , van Loo-Maurus Kristien E. H. , Vles Johan S. H.
Published: May 2007

The case of a 16-year-old girl with hypertension and coarctation of the aorta is presented. She underwent endovascular balloon dilation and stenting of the coarctation. Two days after this uncomplicated procedure, she started suffering from migraine with aura. Initially, the diagnosis of transient ischemic attacks was briefly considered, but extensive further assessment revealed no abnormalities. It is known that endovascular procedures, such as cerebral angiography or embolization of an intracranial vascular malformation, can induce migraine. To our knowledge, this is the first report of migraine with aura precipitated by an extracranial endovascular procedure: stenting for coarctation of the aorta. Series on both short-term results and long-term outcome of endovascular management of aortic coarctation have never reported migraine as a complication. Although the mechanism responsible for the onset of migraine in our patient remains unclear, it is conceivable that there was a relative intracranial hypertension before and a relative hypotension leading to hypoperfusion after dilation of the aorta. This acute disturbance of the cerebral hemodynamic balance may have set off the neurovascular mechanism leading to migraine attacks with aura.
“Unity Admirable But Not Necessarily Heeded”
Authors: Mullaney Jamie L.
Published: May 2007

Drawing on interviews, this article examines how the third wave of the straight edge (sXe) hardcore music scene can promote a gender-progressive image in light of evidence that suggests men's continued advantage over women in the scene. The author argues that this discrepancy can be explained by straight edgers' use of going rate comparisons (to its previous waves, to other times and places, and to gender relations as a whole) that highlight the scene's “doings” and “not-doings” in ways that portray sXe favorably. By insisting that gender is no longer relevant, straight edgers (sXers) then set up a going rate of authenticity that is purportedly attainable by men and women. This going rate, however, ultimately reinstates gender boundaries sXers claim to erase. The author concludes the article by discussing the larger implications of doings and not-doings in going rate constructions and the performance of gender.
The Nature and Causes of the U-Shaped Charitable Giving Profile
Authors: James Russell N. , Sharpe Deanna L.
Published: May 2007

The U -shaped income-giving profile, where those in the lower and higher income brackets give higher percentages of their income to charity, has been the subject of much dispute. Examining data from 16,442 households, the authors find clear evidence of a U -shaped relationship. Previous findings contradicting the U -shaped profile are shown to suffer from selection bias that systematically deflates reported lower-income giving levels. Although the U -shaped profile is an appropriate descriptor, it does not reflect typical household behavior. Instead, it is driven almost entirely by the 5% of households that contribute one tenth or more of their after-tax income. Traditionally, the presence of so many highly committed, low-income households has been attributed to religious sect affiliation by the poor. The authors find an additional explanation in that these highly committed, lower-income households are dramatically wealthier than other members of their income classification, in part reflecting the presence of lower-income, higher-asset, retirement-aged households.
The Growth of Donor Control: Revisiting the Social Relations of Philanthropy
Authors: Ostrander Susan A.
Published: May 2007

Building on an earlier social relations conceptualization of philanthropy as a two-way, mutual, interactive relationship between donors and recipient groups, this article explores the current growth of donor control. Arguing that philanthropy has moved in the opposite direction from what a social relations theory posited, the article identifies and examines organizational forms that provide donors today with opportunities for increased control by creating new relationships of (a) donor exclusivity (donor networks, giving circles), (b) donor intermediaries between donors and philanthropic advisors and providers of other services including donor-advised funds, and (c) donor oversight between “social investors” and their nonprofit “partners” in high-engagement philanthropy. These categories emerged from a critical review of recent literature. The article concludes with an explanation for increased donor control that is then applied to suggest how to elevate the influence of recipient groups over charitable gifts and bring greater balance into the social relationship between donor and recipient groups.
Is Today's Philanthropy Failing Beneficiaries? Always a Risk, But Not for the Most Part
Authors: Schervish Paul G.
Published: May 2007

In this commentary, the author highlights some ideas contained in his paper with Ostrander that Ostrander does not explore but that undergird and support their thinking about why the issue of control is so consequential. Philanthropy is in fact donor led and thus always potentially open to donor control rather than care. Second, the author addresses the criterion whereby philanthropy and the supply-side influence can eventuate in care rather than control if philanthropy meets the true needs of the beneficiaries. The author next offers an array of observations that make him hesitant about Ostrander's argument. He agrees with Ostrander on the importance of donors meeting the true needs of recipients but is not convinced that she is correct about this not happening regularly, even in regard to the new forms of philanthropy and advisement she analyzes.
Effect of Geometry on the Characteristics of a Drum Actuator
Authors: Chengliang Sun  , Lam K.H. , Lu S.G. , Chan H.L.W. , Zhao X.-Z. , Choy C.L.
Published: May 2007

This study presents a large displacement, piezoceramic and metal composite-based actuator, named drum piezoceramic-actuator. The drum actuator consists of a short, thick-walled steel cylinder sandwiched by two thin composite disks, which are fabricated from a brass disk bonded with one piezoceramic disk. The piezoceramic disk polarized in its thickness direction is of a large diameter to thickness ratio, thus, produces a large radial displacement under an applied voltage in the thickness direction, and consequently results in a large transverse deflection of the composite disks in the drum. Some original results are obtained in the drums with the geometrical changes in the short, thick-walled steel cylinder. The drum (outer diameter: 12.0 mm) demonstrates displacement output 7 times as large as that of a cymbal actuator with the same ceramic material and comparable dimensions under the same DC driving voltage of 78 V. The effective piezoelectric charge coefficient d33 of the drum is measured and is about 3 times as large as that reported for the cymbal. The drums also showed first resonance frequency of the transducer from 15.68 to 32.57 kHz and faster response time of about tens microseconds which are mainly based on the dimensions of the short, thick-walled steel cylinder.
Application of Active Micro-vibration Control System using a Giant Magnetostrictive Actuator
Authors: Nakamura Yoshiya , Nakayama Masanao , Kura Masayuki , Yasuda Masashi , Fujita Takafumi
Published: May 2007

In various leading-edge technology areas, such as semiconductor manufacturing, the requirement for micro-vibration control is increasing. The authors have developed an active six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) micro-vibration control system using an off the shelf, giant magnetostrictive (GMS) actuator. The efficiency of the active micro-vibration control system using a GMS actuator has been verified through several control experiments. However, the active micro-vibration control approach has not previously been applied to actual precision measuring equipment. Therefore, the control performance of such systems has not been verified on a practical application. In this study, an active 6-DOF micro-vibration control system using GMS actuators is developed and applied to buildings in order to provide micro-level-vibration-free space for a focused ion beam (FIB). The outline of the system, the design of the control system, and the results of experimental verification are described. In this application of the active micro-vibration control system, the design of the active micro-vibration control system is carried out taking several factors into consideration. Vibration measurements made after adjusting the micro-vibration control system confirm that the table satisfies the specified requirement and that a clear FIB image is obtained under high-magnification observation.
A Three-dimensional Stress Analysis of a Penny-shaped Crack Interacting with a Spherical Inclusion
Authors: Lee H.K. , Ju J.W.
Published: May 2007

A three-dimensional elastic stress analysis is performed on an infinite solid to study the interaction between a penny-shaped crack and a spherical inclusion. In our derivation, a two-step superposition scheme is utilized to obtain the stress field over the imaginary crack site. The Duhamel—Neuman analogy is employed to transform an elasticity problem of a heterogeneous solid into an equivalent problem of a homogeneous solid in which the inclusion is replaced by the void and the boundary conditions modified accordingly. The effect of the inclusion and the crack—inclusion interaction on crack propagation is interpreted in terms of the stress intensity factor for a penny-shaped crack. Finally, the proposed analytical approximations are compared with the noninteracting solution, the exact solution, and other theoretical approximations to validate the current framework.
Recanalization of Concomitant Iliac Artery and Common Femoral Artery Occlusions Using an Antegrade Hybrid (Open/Endovascular) Approach
Authors: Dosluoglu Hasan H. , Harris Linda M. , Cherr Gregory S.
Published: May 2007

The endovascular treatment of patients with bulky iliofemoral occlusions usually requires a femoral endarterectomy, coupled with iliac recanalization. This requires crossing the occlusions with a guidewire, which is usually attempted in a retrograde fashion. If this fails, then a surgical inflow procedure is necessary. Antegrade crossing of an iliac occlusion either from the contralateral femoral or transbrachial approach and retrieval of the guidewire during the ensuing femoral endarterectomy obviates the need for luminal reentry, ensures inflow by endovascular recanalization of the iliac artery, and avoids the need for surgical bypass. This underused technique should be considered in such situations, and its details are described.
Stent Graft Repair of Traumatic Vertebral Pseudoaneurysm with Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Barkhordarian Siamak
Published: May 2007

Traumatic vertebral pseudoaneurysm is a rare occurrence. Such case with an enlarging symptomatic vertebral arteriovenous (AV) fistula was successfully treated with a covered endostent. Presentation, diagnosis and different acceptable treatment plans to this condition are further discussed. Stentgrafts can play an important and effective role in therapy of traumatic vertebral pseudoaneurysm with a concomitant AV fistula.
Modular Branched Endograft System for Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Evaluation in a Human Cadaver Circulation Model
Authors: Linsen Matteus A.M. , Floris Vos A.W. , Diks Jeroen , Rauwerda Jan A. , Wisselink Willem
Published: May 2007

A circulation model was created in 6 nonaneurysmal human cadavers to evaluate the deliverability, deployment, and acute performance of a modular branched endograft system for treatment of aortic aneurysms containing essential branch vessels. Two fenestrations were created in an appropriately sized aortic main endograft. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the main endograft was advanced to the target site and the fenestrations were aligned with the ostia of the renal arteries. Branch grafts were placed through the fenestrations into the renal arteries. The outcome was evaluated by post implant angiography and autopsy. Eleven branch grafts were deployed at the target site. All targeted renal arteries showed good patency. At autopsy, all main endografts were adequately deployed, and 10 of 11 branch grafts were locked in place. In this model, deliverability and deployment of the modular branch graft system is feasible in a reliable, predictable, and timely fashion.
RETRACTED: Targeting MEK induces myeloma-cell cytotoxicity and inhibits osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Tai Yu-Tzu , Fulciniti Mariateresa , Hideshima Teru , Song Weihua , Leiba Merav , Li Xian-Feng , Rumizen Matthew , Burger Peter , Morrison Aileen , Podar Klaus , Chauhan Dharminder , Tassone Pierfrancesco , Richardson Paul , Munshi Nikhil C. , Ghobrial Irene M. , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: May 2007

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier's Article Correction, Retraction and Removal Policy Article withdrawal | Elsevier policy.

Tai Y-T, Fulciniti M, Hideshima T, Song W, Leiba M, Li X-F, Rumizen M, Burger P, Morrison A, Podar K, Chauhan D, Tassone P, Richardson P, Munshi NC, Ghobrial IM, Anderson KC. Targeting MEK induces myeloma-cell cytotoxicity and inhibits osteoclastogenesis. Blood 2007;110(5):1656-1663.

This article has been retracted at the request of the Editors and authors.

Within the paper, image issues were identified in Figures 1, 4, and 6. Images within these figures show duplication, modification, or unmarked splices.

The authors state that these figures cannot be used to support the conclusions of the paper.

Authors Tai, Fulciniti, Song, Li, Morrison, Chauhan, Tassone, Ghobrial, and Anderson approve the retraction. Authors Hideshima, Leiba, Rumizen, Burger, Podar, Richardson, and Munshi did not respond.
Identification of hot regions in protein-protein interactions by sequential pattern mining
Authors: Hsu Chen-Ming , Chen Chien-Yu , Liu Baw-Jhiune , Huang Chih-Chang , Laio Min-Hung , Lin Chien-Chieh , Wu Tzung-Lin
Published: May 2007

Background

Identification of protein interacting sites is an important task in computational molecular biology. As more and more protein sequences are deposited without available structural information, it is strongly desirable to predict protein binding regions by their sequences alone. This paper presents a pattern mining approach to tackle this problem. It is observed that a functional region of protein structures usually consists of several peptide segments linked with large wildcard regions. Thus, the proposed mining technology considers large irregular gaps when growing patterns, in order to find the residues that are simultaneously conserved but largely separated on the sequences. A derived pattern is called a cluster-like pattern since the discovered conserved residues are always grouped into several blocks, which each corresponds to a local conserved region on the protein sequence.

Results

The experiments conducted in this work demonstrate that the derived long patterns automatically discover the important residues that form one or several hot regions of protein-protein interactions. The methodology is evaluated by conducting experiments on the web server MAGIIC-PRO based on a well known benchmark containing 220 protein chains from 72 distinct complexes. Among the tested 218 proteins, there are 900 sequential blocks discovered, 4.25 blocks per protein chain on average. About 92% of the derived blocks are observed to be clustered in space with at least one of the other blocks, and about 66% of the blocks are found to be near the interface of protein-protein interactions. It is summarized that for about 83% of the tested proteins, at least two interacting blocks can be discovered by this approach.

Conclusion

This work aims to demonstrate that the important residues associated with the interface of protein-protein interactions may be automatically discovered by sequential pattern mining. The detected regions possess high conservation and thus are considered as the computational hot regions. This information would be useful to characterizing protein sequences, predicting protein function, finding potential partners, and facilitating protein docking for drug discovery.
A population study of the minicircles in Trypanosoma cruzi: predicting guide RNAs in the absence of empirical RNA editing
Authors: Thomas Sean , Martinez LL Isadora Trejo , Westenberger Scott J , Sturm Nancy R
Published: May 2007

Background

The structurally complex network of minicircles and maxicircles comprising the mitochondrial DNA of kinetoplastids mirrors the complexity of the RNA editing process that is required for faithful expression of encrypted maxicircle genes. Although a few of the guide RNAs that direct this editing process have been discovered on maxicircles, guide RNAs are mostly found on the minicircles. The nuclear and maxicircle genomes have been sequenced and assembled forTrypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, however the complement of 1.4-kb minicircles, carrying four guide RNA genes per molecule in this parasite, has been less thoroughly characterised.

Results

Fifty-four CL Brener and 53 Esmeraldo strain minicircle sequence reads were extracted fromT. cruziwhole genome shotgun sequencing data. With these sequences and all publishedT. cruziminicircle sequences, 108 unique guide RNAs from all knownT. cruziminicircle sequences and two guide RNAs from the CL Brener maxicircle were predicted using a local alignment algorithm and mapped onto predicted or experimentally determined sequences of edited maxicircle open reading frames. For half of the sequences no statistically significant guide RNA could be assigned. Likely positions of these unidentified gRNAs inT. cruziminicircle sequences are estimated using a simple Hidden Markov Model. With the local alignment predictions as a standard, the HMM had an ~85% chance of correctly identifying at least 20 nucleotides of guide RNA from a given minicircle sequence. Inter-minicircle recombination was documented. Variable regions contain species-specific areas of distinct nucleotide preference. Two maxicircle guide RNA genes were found.

Conclusion

The identification of new minicircle sequences and the further characterization of all published minicircles are presented, including the first observation of recombination between minicircles. Extrapolation suggests a level of 4% recombinants in the population, supporting a relatively high recombination rate that may serve to minimize the persistence of gRNA pseudogenes. Characteristic nucleotide preferences observed within variable regions provide potential clues regarding the transcription and maturation ofT. cruziguide RNAs. Based on these preferences, a method of predictingT. cruziguide RNAs using only primary minicircle sequence data was created.
Asymmetric lateral inhibitory neural activity in the auditory system: a magnetoencephalographic study
Authors: Okamoto Hidehiko , Kakigi Ryusuke , Gunji Atsuko , Pantev Christo
Published: May 2007

Background

Decrements of auditory evoked responses elicited by repeatedly presented sounds with similar frequencies have been well investigated by means of electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography (MEG). However the possible inhibitory interactions between different neuronal populations remains poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effect of proceeding notch-filtered noises (NFNs) with different frequency spectra on a following test tone using MEG.

Results

Three-second exposure to the NFNs resulted in significantly different N1m responses to a 1000 Hz test tone presented 500 ms after the offset of the NFNs. The NFN with a lower spectral edge closest to the test tone mostly decreased the N1m amplitude.

Conclusion

The decrement of the N1m component after exposure to the NFNs could be explained partly in terms of lateral inhibition. The results demonstrated that the amplitude of the N1m was more effectively influenced by inhibitory lateral connections originating from neurons corresponding to lower rather than higher frequencies. We interpret this effect of asymmetric lateral inhibition in the auditory system as an important contribution to reduce the asymmetric neural activity profiles originating from the cochlea.
A review of the methodological features of systematic reviews in maternal medicine
Authors: Sheikh Lumaan , Johnston Shelley , Thangaratinam Shakila , Kilby Mark D , Khan Khalid S
Published: May 2007

Background

In maternal medicine, research evidence is scattered making it difficult to access information for clinical decision making. Systematic reviews of good methodological quality are essential to provide valid inferences and to produce usable evidence summaries to guide management. This review assesses the methodological features of existing systematic reviews in maternal medicine, comparing Cochrane and non-Cochrane reviews in maternal medicine.

Methods

Medline, Embase, Database of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE) and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) were searched for relevant reviews published between 2001 and 2006. We selected those reviews in which a minimum of two databases were searched and the primary outcome was related to the maternal condition. The selected reviews were assessed for information on framing of question, literature search and methods of review.

Results

Out of 2846 citations, 68 reviews were selected. Among these, 39 (57%) were Cochrane reviews. Most of the reviews (50/68, 74%) evaluated therapeutic interventions. Overall, 54/68 (79%) addressed a focussed question. Although 64/68 (94%) reviews had a detailed search description, only 17/68 (25%) searched without language restriction. 32/68 (47%) attempted to include unpublished data and 11/68 (16%) assessed for the risk of missing studies quantitatively. The reviews had deficiencies in the assessment of validity of studies and exploration for heterogeneity. When compared to Cochrane reviews, other reviews were significantly inferior in specifying questions (OR 20.3, 95% CI 1.1–381.3, p = 0.04), framing focussed questions (OR 30.9, 95% CI 3.7- 256.2, p = 0.001), use of unpublished data (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.9–16.4, p = 0.002), assessment for heterogeneity (OR 38.1, 95%CI 2.1, 688.2, p = 0.01) and use of meta-analyses (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.3–10.8, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

This study identifies areas which have a strong influence on maternal morbidity and mortality but lack good quality systematic reviews. Overall quality of the existing systematic reviews was variable. Cochrane reviews were of better quality as compared to other reviews. There is a need for good quality systematic reviews to inform practice in maternal medicine.
Characterizing the expression of the human olfactory receptor gene family using a novel DNA microarray
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , De la Cruz Omar , Pinto Jayant M , Nicolae Dan , Firestein Stuart , Gilad Yoav
Published: May 2007

Background

Olfactory receptor (OR) genes were discovered more than a decade ago, when Buck and Axel observed that, in rats, certain G-protein coupled receptors are expressed exclusively in the olfactory epithelium. Subsequently, protein sequence similarity was used to identify entire OR gene repertoires of a number of mammalian species, but only in mouse were these predictions followed up by expression studies in olfactory epithelium. To rectify this, we have developed a DNA microarray that contains probes for most predicted human OR loci and used that array to examine OR gene expression profiles in olfactory epithelium tissues from three individuals.

Results

We detected expression of 437 (76%) human OR genes in these olfactory epithelia. Interestingly, we detected widespread expression of OR pseudogenes, an observation that may shed light on the mechanism of OR gene choice in the olfactory sensory neurons. To address the hypothesis that OR genes may carry out additional functions, we also characterized the expression of OR genes in a number of non-olfactory tissues.

Conclusion

While our results corroborate the functional annotation of the majority of predicted human odorant receptors, we find that a large number of putative human OR genes are expressed in non-olfactory tissues, sometimes exclusively so. Our evolutionary analysis of ectopically expressed human OR genes does not lend support to the hypothesis that these genes have alternative functions.
Peripheral Infusion of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Increases the Number of Newborn Oligodendrocytes in the Cerebral Cortex of Adult Hypophysectomized Rats
Authors: Åberg N. David , Johansson Ulf E. , Åberg Maria A. I. , Hellström Nina A. K. , Lind Johan , Bull Cecilia , Isgaard Jörgen , Anderson Michelle F. , Oscarsson Jan , Eriksson Peter S.
Published: May 2007

We have previously shown that recombinant human (rh) IGF-I induces cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the hippocampus of hypophysectomized rats. In the current investigation, we determined the effects of rhIGF-I on proliferation and differentiation in the cerebral cortex. Adult hypophysectomized rats were injected with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to label newborn cells (once a day for the first 5 d), and rhIGF-I was administered peripherally for 6 or 20 d. In the cerebral cortex, the number of BrdU-labeled cells increased after 20 d but not after 6 d of rhIGF-I infusion. This suggests that rhIGF-I enhances the survival of newborn cells in the cerebral cortex. Using BrdU labeling combined with the oligodendrocyte-specific markers myelin basic protein and 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase, we demonstrated an increase in oligodendrogenesis in the cerebral cortex. The total amount of myelin basic protein and 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase was also increased on Western blots of homogenates of the cerebral cortex, confirming the immunohistochemical findings. Also, we observed an increase in the number of capillary-associated BrdU-positive cells, although total capillary area was not increased. rhIGF-I treatment did not affect cortical astrogliogenesis and neurogenesis was not observed. The ability of rhIGF-I to induce cortical oligodendrogenesis may have implications for the regenerative potential of the cortex.