bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Patterns and Alcohol‐Related Birth Defects and Growth Deficiencies: A Prospective Study
Authors: Sawada Feldman Haruna , Lyons Jones Kenneth , Lindsay Suzanne , Slymen Donald , Klonoff‐Cohen Hillary , Kao Kelly , Rao Smriti , Chambers Christina
Published: January 2012

Background:  The physical features of fetal alcohol syndrome include smooth philtrum, thin vermillion border, short palpebral fissures, microcephaly, and growth deficiencies on weight and height. However, little is known about the specific quantities of alcohol exposure, pattern of drinking, timing of exposure, and magnitude of risk for each of these features.

Methods:  Using data on 992 subjects collected prospectively in California between 1978 and 2005, we examined the patterns and timing of alcohol exposure in relation to these features. Structural features were assessed by a dysmorphologist who performed a blinded physical examination of all infants. Patterns of drinking were evaluated by drinks per day, number of binge episodes, and maximum number of drinks. Timing of exposure was evaluated 0 to 6 weeks postconception, 6 to 12 weeks postconception, first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester.

Results:  Higher prenatal alcohol exposure in every pattern was significantly associated with the incidence of smooth philtrum but not with short palpebral fissures. The strongest associations were with timing of exposure in the second half of the first trimester (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.36 for average number of drinks per day; RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.26 for maximum number of drinks in 1 episode). Similarly, thin vermillion border was most strongly associated with exposure in the second half of the first trimester. Findings with respect to timing of exposure were similar for microcephaly and reduced birth weight. However, reduced birth length was increased with exposure in any trimester. These associations were linear, and there was no evidence of a threshold.

Conclusions:  Reduced birth length and weight, microcephaly, smooth philtrum, and thin vermillion border are associated with specific gestational timing of prenatal alcohol exposure and are dose‐related without evidence of a threshold. Women should continue to be advised to abstain from alcohol consumption from conception throughout pregnancy.
Li‐Rich/Li‐Poor Vapor Transport Equilibration Time Dependence of Surface Composition of Congruent LiNbO3 Crystal
Authors: Wang Zhen , Hua Ping‐Rang , Chen Bei , Yu Dao‐Yin , Pun Edwin Yue‐Bun , Zhang De‐Long
Published: January 2012

The influence of Li‐rich/Li‐poor vapor transport equilibration (VTE) at 1100°C on surface Li2O‐content of 1 mm thick, congruent X‐ and Z‐cut LiNbO3 crystal plates was studied against VTE duration. The VTE‐induced surface Li2O‐content alteration was determined from measured birefringence. The results show that the induced surface Li2O‐content alteration has a square root dependence on the VTE duration for both cases of Li‐rich and Li‐poor VTE. The dependence shows a slight effect of cut of plate and is stronger for the Z‐cut plate. The Li‐rich VTE duration required for surface composition reaching the stoichiometric boundary is similar to 20.0/15.6 h for the X‐/Z‐cut plate. In contrast, the Li‐poor VTE is a much slower process than the Li‐rich VTE. The Li‐poor duration required to reach the Li‐deficient boundary is 400/323 h for the X‐/Z‐cut plate. Based upon the known VTE duration dependence of surface Li2O‐content, a mathematical model is established and the solution to the diffusion equation, an integral of error function complement, is obtained and verified by previously reported experimental results on Li‐poor VTE.
Synthesis and Microstructure of Zirconium Diboride Formed from Polymeric Precursor Pyrolysis
Authors: Xie Changming , Chen Mingwei , Wei Xi , Ge Min , Zhang Weigang
Published: January 2012

Zirconium diboride was synthesized by pyrolysis of a novel polymeric precursor. Phase compositions and microstructures of the formed ceramic were characterized. It was found that a precursor with B/Zr molar ratio of 2 can completely transform into zirconium diboride by heating in an inert atmosphere with temperatures above 1500°C. However, the initial formation temperature of zirconium diboride was as low as 1300°C whereas zirconium oxide was also produced from the precursor at 1100°C, the mixture was finally transformed into pure zirconium diboride at the elevated temperature. Zirconium diboride particles, dispersed relatively uniformly with characteristic dimension less than 100 nm, were found to be formed following a liquid phase reaction mechanism.
Normalization of Vital Signs Does Not Reduce the Probability of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Symptomatic Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Kline Jeffrey A. , Corredor Diane M. , Hogg Melanie M. , Hernandez Jackeline , Jones Alan E.
Published: January 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:11–17 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  In a patient with symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE), the presence of an elevated pulse, respiratory rate, shock index, or decreased pulse oximetry increases pretest probability of PE. The objective of this study was to evaluate if normalization of an initially abnormal vital sign can be used as evidence to lower the suspicion for PE.

Methods:  This was a prospective, noninterventional, single‐center study of diagnostic accuracy conducted on adults presenting to an academic emergency department (ED), with at least one predefined symptom or sign of PE and one risk factor for PE. Clinical data, including the first four sets of vital signs, were recorded while the patient was in the ED. All patients underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and had 45‐day follow‐up as criterion standards. Diagnostic accuracy of each vital sign (pulse rate, respiratory rate, shock index, pulse oximetry) at each time was examined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results:  A total of 192 were enrolled, including 35 (18%) with PE. All patients had vital signs at triage, and 174 (91%), 135 (70%), and 106 (55%) had second to fourth sets of vital signs obtained, respectively. The initial pulse oximetry reading had the highest AUC (0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50 to 0.76) for predicting PE, and no other vital sign at any point had an AUC over 0.60. Among patients with an abnormal pulse rate, respiratory rate, shock index, or pulse oximetry at triage that subsequently normalized, the prevalences of PE were 18, 14, 19, and 33%, respectively.

Conclusions:  Clinicians should not use the observation of normalized vital signs as a reason to forego objective testing for symptomatic patients with a risk factor for PE.
Do stakeholders in wound care prefer evidence‐based wound care products? A survey in the Netherlands
Authors: Eskes Anne M , Storm‐Versloot Marja N , Vermeulen Hester , Ubbink Dirk T
Published: January 2012

For several wound products compelling evidence is available on their effectiveness, for example, from systematic reviews. The process of buying, prescribing and applying wound materials involve many stakeholders, who may not be aware of this evidence, although this is essential for uniform and optimum treatment choice. In this survey, we determined the general awareness and use of evidence, based on (Cochrane) systematic reviews, for wound products in open wounds and burns among wound care stakeholders, including doctors, nurses, buyers, pharmacologists and manufacturers. We included 262 stakeholders. Doctors preferred conventional antiseptics (e.g. iodine), while specialised nurses and manufacturers favoured popular products (e.g. silver). Most stakeholders considered silver‐containing products as evidence‐based effective antiseptics. These were mostly used by specialised nurses (47/57; 82%), although only few of them (9/55; 16%) thought using silver is evidence‐based. For burns, silver sulfadiazine and hydrofibre were most popular. The majority of professionals considered using silver sulfadiazine to be evidence‐based, which contradicts scientific results. Awareness and use of the Cochrane Library was lower among nurses than among doctors (P < 0·001). Two thirds of the manufacturers were unaware of, or never used, the Cochrane Library. Available compelling evidence in wound care is not equally internalised by stakeholders, which is required to ensure evidence‐based decision making.
Influence of AlF3 Concentration on Microstructures and Energy Storage Properties of Barium Strontium Titanate Glass Ceramics
Authors: Wang Xiangrong , Zhang Yong , Ma Tao , Yuan Zongbao , Zhang Qian , Deng Changsheng , Liang Tongxiang
Published: January 2012

The effect of AlF3 concentration on the microstructures and energy storage properties of barium strontium titanate glass ceramics was studied. Scanning electron microscopy investigations revealed that the addition of AlF3 significantly changed the microstructure morphology of the glass ceramics. Dielectric measurements indicated that the dielectric constant has a maximum value at 2 mol% AlF3 concentration. Using polarization‐electric field measurements, the energy storage properties were found to be influenced strongly by the AlF3 concentration. The correlation between the microstructure and the dielectric property in the barium strontium titanate glass ceramics with different AlF3 concentrations was qualitatively discussed.
Use of Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Dialysis Tables to Compare the Local and National Incidence of Dialysis
Authors: Wakasugi Minako , Kazama Junichiro James , Narita Ichiei
Published: January 2012

The Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy generates many tables of data on dialysis patients in their annual reports. These tables, derived from over 37 000 patients who started dialysis in 2008, allow comparison of the local incidence of new dialysis patients with the national incidence by estimating a standardized incidence ratio and confidence interval. Since this method adjusts for age and gender, it may be useful to evaluate local strategies for managing chronic kidney disease, including the response to campaigns and local quality assurance. Furthermore, the end‐stage renal disease population of other countries can also be directly compared by this method. That is, the age‐ and gender‐adjusted incidence of dialysis can be calculated for another country and compared with the national data for Japan. This might be one step toward improving local care and preventing the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Effects of Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System Blockade on Chlorhexidine Gluconate‐Induced Sclerosing Encapsulated Peritonitis in Rats
Authors: Koçak Gülay , Azak Alper , Astarcı Hesna Müzeyyen , Huddam Bülent , Karaca Gökhan , Çeri Mevlüt , Can Murat , Sert Mehmet , Duranay Murat
Published: January 2012

Sclerosing encapsulated peritonitis (SEP) is a rare complication of long term peritoneal dialysis. Renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) may play a role in the development of peritoneal fibrosis in CAPD patients. We aimed to evaluate the effect of aliskiren, valsartan, and aliskiren + valsartan therapy on SEP. The study included 30 Wistar albino rats which were divided into five groups: I (Control) SF solution i.p.; II (CG group) chlorhexidine gluconate i.p.; III aliskiren oral plus CG i.p.; IV valsartan oral plus CG i.p.; and V aliskiren oral, valsartan oral and CG i.p. On the twenty‐first day, all of the rats were sacrificed. All of the groups were analyzed in terms of peritoneal thickness, degree of inflammation, vasculopathy, neovascularization and fibrosis. Also, the parietal peritoneal tissue samples were evaluated for matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) using the ELISA method. Peritoneal thickness and fibrosis scores were lower in the valsartan group compared to the CG group (P < 0.05). Peritoneal fibrosis scores were lower in the aliskiren group compared to CG group (P < 0.05) but no difference was observed between the peritoneal thickness scores of the two groups (P > 0.05). Tissue MMP‐2 levels were significantly higher in the CG group compared other groups (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the aliskiren, valsartan and aliskiren + valsartan groups according to the tissue MMP‐2 levels. Due to the antifibrotic properties of valsartan, it is thought to be a possible choice to prevent SEP development. We found no positive impact of aliskiren or aliskiren + valsartan combination compared to valsartan alone.
Leptin regulates sugar and amino acids transport in the human intestinal cell line Caco‐2
Authors: Fanjul C. , Barrenetxe J. , Iñigo C. , Sakar Y. , Ducroc R. , Barber A. , Lostao M. P.
Published: January 2012

Aim

Studies in rodents have shown that leptin controls sugars and glutamine entry in the enterocytes by regulating membrane transporters. Here, we have examined the effect of leptin on sugar and amino acids absorption in the human model of intestinal cells Caco‐2 and investigated the transporters involved.

Methods

Substrate uptake experiments were performed in Caco‐2 cells, grown on plates, in the presence and the absence of leptin, and the expression of the different transporters in brush border membrane vesicles was analysed by Western blot.

Results

Leptin inhibited 0.1 mm α‐methyl‐D‐glucoside uptake after 5 or 30 min treatment and decreased SGLT1 protein abundance in the apical membrane. Uptake of 20 μm glutamine and 0.1 mm phenylalanine was also inhibited by leptin, indicating sensitivity to the hormone of the Na+‐dependent neutral amino acid transporters ASCT2 and B0AT1. This inhibition was accompanied by a reduction in the transporters expression at the brush border membrane. Leptin also inhibited 1 mm proline and β‐alanine uptake in Na+ medium at pH 6, conditions for optimal activity of the H+‐dependent neutral amino acid transporter PAT1. In this case, abundance of PAT1 in the brush border membrane after leptin treatment was not modified. Interestingly, leptin inhibitory effect on β‐alanine uptake was reversed by the PKA inhibitor H‐89 suggesting involvement of PKA pathway in leptin's regulation of PAT1 activity.

Conclusion

These data show in human intestinal cells that leptin can rapidly control the activity of physiologically relevant transporters for rich‐energy molecules, that is, D‐glucose (SGLT1) and amino acids (ASCT2, B0AT1 and PAT1).
PCR Detection and Identification of Histamine‐Forming Bacteria in Filleted Tuna Fish Samples
Authors: Ferrario Chiara , Pegollo Chiara , Ricci Giovanni , Borgo Francesca , Fortina M. Grazia
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Total of 14 filleted yellowfin tuna fish (Thunnus albacares) sold in wholesale fish market and supermarkets in Milan, Italy, were purchased and tested to determine microbial count, histamine level, histamine‐forming bacteria, and their ability to produce histamine in culture broth. Although histamine level was less than 10 ppm, many samples showed high total viable bacterial and enterobacterial counts that reached dangerous levels after temperature abuse for short periods of time. A PCR assay targeting a 709‐bp fragment of the histidine decarboxylase gene (hdc) revealed that 30.5% of the 141 enteric bacteria isolated from samples were positive and potentially able to produce histamine. The hdc positive strains were mainly isolated from fish bought at wholesale fish market, where we observed several possible risk factors, such as handling in poor and non‐refrigerated conditions during fillet preparation. These positive strains were identified as Citrobacter koseri/Enterobacter spp. and Morganella morganii, by 16S/23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer amplification and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The strains showed a variable ability of histamine production, with Morganella morganii being the most active histamine‐producing species. A direct DNA extraction from fish and a PCR targeting the hdc gene showed a high degree of concordance with the results obtained through microbiological and chemical analyses, and could aid in the prompt detection of potentially contaminated fish products, before histamine accumulates.

Practical Application:  The use of methods for the early and rapid detection of bacteria producing biogenic amines is important for preventing accumulation of these toxic substances in food products. In this study, we used a molecular approach for the detection of histamine‐forming bacteria in fish. PCR‐based methods require expensive equipment and a high degree of training for the user, but are fast (< 24 h) and reliable. They now represent the best predictive methods to identify a potential risk factor in fish products during processing, storage, and marketing and can be used in the investigation of risk reduction strategies.
Rapid Detection of E. coli O157:H7 on Turnip Greens Using a Modified Gold Biosensor Combined with Light Microscopic Imaging System
Authors: Park Mi‐Kyung , Oh Jun‐Hyun
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  This research aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a modified gold biosensor to detect E. coli O157:H7 in leafy turnip greens. The gold biosensor was modified with dithiobis‐succinimidyl propionate (DSP) and/or protein A or G. The gold biosensor modified with DSP (Gold‐DSP) was combined with a light microscopic imaging system (LMIS). The optimal concentration and specificity of anti‐E. coli O15 polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) on the biosensor were determined. The reliability of Gold‐DSP biosensor was investigated by determining the sensitivity, specificity, and limit of detection (LOD) of the Gold‐DSP combined with LMIS. The Gold‐DSP combined with LMIS was applied to turnip greens for E. coli O157:H7 detection. The modification of Gold biosensor with DSP significantly increased the detected number of E. coli O157:H7. The specificity of pAbs was sufficient to react with target E. coli O157:H7 among the tested bacterial culture. The optimum concentration of pAbs was determined as 200 μg/mL. The sensitivity, specificity, and LOD of Gold‐DSP combined with LMIS were determined as 100%, 90%, and 103 CFU/25 mm2, respectively. When applied to turnip greens, the Gold‐DSP combined with LMIS could detect 2641 ± 394 and 15383 ± 3853 cell/mm2 with the initial concentrations of 101 and 102 CFU/25 g turnip greens, respectively, after 10 h‐enrichment. Overall, this research suggested that the Gold‐DSP combined with LMIS could be used to detect E. coli O157:H7 on turnip greens qualitatively and quantitatively.
Reviewing the somatic genetics of melanoma: from current to future analytical approaches
Authors: Dutton‐Regester Ken , Hayward Nicholas K.
Published: January 2012

Metastatic melanoma has traditionally been difficult to treat, and although molecularly based targeted therapies have shown promising results, they have yet to show consistent improvements in overall survival rates. Thus, identifying the key mutation events underlying the etiology of metastatic melanoma will no doubt lead to the improvement of existing therapeutic approaches and the development of new treatment strategies. Significant advances toward understanding the complexity of the melanoma genome have recently been achieved using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. However, identifying those mutations driving tumorigenesis will continue to be a challenge for researchers, in part because of the high rates of mutation compared to other cancers. This article will review the catalog of mutations identified in melanoma through a variety of approaches, including the use of unbiased exome and whole‐genome NGS platforms, as well discuss complementary strategies for identifying driver mutations. The promise of personalized medicine afforded by better understanding these mutation events should provide impetus for increased activity and rapid advances in this field.
Shakedown Analysis Combined With the Problem of Heat Conduction
Authors: Simon Jaan-Willem , Chen Min , Weichert Dieter
Published: January 2012

This paper deals with the computation of shakedown loads of engineering structures subjected to varying loads. In particular, we focus on thermal loading and the resulting heat conduction problem in combination with shakedown analysis. The analysis is based on the lower bound shakedown theorem by Melan. The calculation is carried out by use of an interior-point algorithm. Emphasis is placed on the presentation of theoretical derivations, whereas numerical aspects are out of scope. The methodology is illustrated by application to a simplified model of a tube sheet in heat exchangers.
Radiation characteristics of multiple and single sound hole vihuelas and a classical guitar
Authors: Bader Rolf
Published: January 2012

Two recently built vihuelas, quasi-replicas of the Spanish Renaissance guitar, one with a small body and one sound hole and one with a large body with five sound holes, together with a classical guitar are investigated. Frequency dependent radiation strengths are measured using a 128 microphone array, back-propagating the frequency dependent sound field upon the body surface. All three instruments have a strong sound hole radiation within the low frequency range. Here the five tone holes vihuela has a much wider frequency region of strong sound hole radiation up to about 500 Hz, whereas the single hole instruments only have strong sound hole radiations up to about 300 Hz due to the enlarged radiation area of the sound holes. The strong broadband radiation of the five sound hole vihuela up to about 500 Hz is also caused by the sound hole phases, showing very consistent in-phase relations up to this frequency range. Also the radiation strength of the sound holes placed nearer to the center of the sound box are much stronger than those near the ribs, pointing to a strong position dependency of sound hole to radiation strength. The Helmholtz resonance frequency of the five sound hole vihuela is influenced by this difference in radiation strength but not by the rosettas, which only have a slight effect on the Helmholtz frequency.
Analysis and manipulation of modal ratios of cylindrical drums
Authors: Richardson Phillip G. M. , Robert Toulson E. , Nunn Douglas J. E.
Published: January 2012

This paper uses modal analysis to investigate the effect of manipulating drumhead tension on the modal frequency ratios of a cylindrical drum with two drumheads. This analysis evaluates a drum’s free vibration after excitation. It is shown that the frequency of the (01) mode of the drum is the same on both heads, whereas the frequency of each (11) mode has a decreased dependence on that of the opposite drumhead. This allows manipulation of the ratios for the (11) modes of the batter and resonant heads with respect to the overall (01) mode. This manipulation is shown to allow a range of tunings such that the (11) mode of the batter head can be tuned to a ratio of 1.5× that of the (01) mode.
Mapping auditory nerve firing density using high-level compound action potentials and high-pass noise masking
Authors: Earl Brian R. , Chertoff Mark E.
Published: January 2012

Future implementation of regenerative treatments for sensorineural hearing loss may be hindered by the lack of diagnostic tools that specify the target(s) within the cochlea and auditory nerve for delivery of therapeutic agents. Recent research has indicated that the amplitude of high-level compound action potentials (CAPs) is a good predictor of overall auditory nerve survival, but does not pinpoint the location of neural damage. A location-specific estimate of nerve pathology may be possible by using a masking paradigm and high-level CAPs to map auditory nerve firing density throughout the cochlea. This initial study in gerbil utilized a high-pass masking paradigm to determine normative ranges for CAP-derived neural firing density functions using broadband chirp stimuli and low-frequency tonebursts, and to determine if cochlear outer hair cell (OHC) pathology alters the distribution of neural firing in the cochlea. Neural firing distributions for moderate-intensity (60 dB pSPL) chirps were affected by OHC pathology whereas those derived with high-level (90 dB pSPL) chirps were not. These results suggest that CAP-derived neural firing distributions for high-level chirps may provide an estimate of auditory nerve survival that is independent of OHC pathology.
Non-line-of-sight sound source localization using matched-field processing
Authors: Singh Victor , Knisely Katherine E. , Yönak Serdar H. , Grosh Karl , Dowling David R.
Published: January 2012

Acoustic diffraction allows sound to travel around opaque objects and therefore may allow beyond-line-of-sight sensing of remote sound sources. This paper reports simulated and experimental results for localizing sound sources based on fully shadowed microphone array measurements. The generic geometry includes a point source, a solid 90° wedge, and a receiving array that lies entirely in the shadow defined by the source location and the wedge. Source localization performance is assessed via matched-field (MF) ambiguity surfaces as a function of receiving array configuration, and received signal-to-noise ratio for the Bartlett and minimum variance distortionless (MVD) MF processors. Here, the sound propagation model is developed from a Green’s function integral treatment. A simple 16 element line array of microphones is tested in three mutually orthogonal orientations. The experiments were conducted using an approximate 50-to-1-scaled tabletop model of a blind city-street intersection and produced ambiguity surfaces from source frequencies between 17.5 and 19 kHz that were incoherently summed. The experimental results suggest that a sound source may be localized by the MVD processor when using fully shadowed arrays that have significant aperture parallel to the edge of the wedge. However, this performance is reduced significantly for signal-to-noise ratios below 40 dB.
Age-related changes in talker recognition with reduced spectral cues
Authors: Vongpaisal Tara , Trehub Sandra E. , Glenn Schellenberg E. , van Lieshout Pascal
Published: January 2012

Temporal information provided by cochlear implants enables successful speech perception in quiet, but limited spectral information precludes comparable success in voice perception. Talker identification and speech decoding by young hearing children (5–7 yr), older hearing children (10–12 yr), and hearing adults were examined by means of vocoder simulations of cochlear implant processing. In Experiment 1, listeners heard vocoder simulations of sentences from a man, woman, and girl and were required to identify the talker from a closed set. Younger children identified talkers more poorly than older listeners, but all age groups showed similar benefit from increased spectral information. In Experiment 2, children and adults provided verbatim repetition of vocoded sentences from the same talkers. The youngest children had more difficulty than older listeners, but all age groups showed comparable benefit from increasing spectral resolution. At comparable levels of spectral degradation, performance on the open-set task of speech decoding was considerably more accurate than on the closed-set task of talker identification. Hearing children’s ability to identify talkers and decode speech from spectrally degraded material sheds light on the difficulty of these domains for child implant users.
Restraining Dangerous Neighbors
Authors: Adler Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2012

Exosomal secretion of microRNAs from noncancerous cells can inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
Adapted by Methylation
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: January 2012

Methylation of two adaptor proteins by a bacterial effector protein prevents activation of the NF-κB pathway.
Onyx embolization of an extensive mandibular arteriovenous malformation via a dual lumen balloon catheter: a technical case report
Authors: Fifi Johanna , Niimi Yasunari , Berenstein Alejandro
Published: January 2012

The first known use of Onyx delivered via a dual lumen balloon catheter is reported. A mandibular arteriovenous malformation was successfully embolized with Onyx via an Ascent balloon catheter.

Case presentation

A teenage girl presented with facial deformity and episodes of oral bleeding. Angiogram showed an extensive left mandibular arteriovenous malformation with ectatic intraosseous venous pouches. A dual lumen Ascent balloon catheter was placed in the inferior alveolar artery. With balloon inflation, Onyx was injected transarterially with excellent penetration into the venous puches. There was closure of over 80% of the lesion with reduction in arteriovenous shunting.

Conclusion

Onyx embolization via a dual lumen balloon catheter allows for great penetration without the necessity of the long plug creation process for the usual ‘plug and push technique’ or the use of detachable tip microcatheters. The technique is limited by the deliverability of the balloon catheter, and is safest in the external carotid circulation.
BLR-D
Authors: Basu Sumit , Dunagan John , Duh Kevin , Muniswamy-Reddy Kiran-Kumar
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we address a pattern of diagnosis problems in which each of
J
entities produces the same
K
features, yet we are only informed of overall faults from the ensemble. Furthermore, we suspect that only certain entities and certain features are leading to the problem. The task, then, is to reliably identify which entities and which features are at fault. Such problems are particularly prevalent in the world of computer systems, in which a datacenter with hundreds of machines, each with the same performance counters, occasionally produces overall faults. In this paper, we present a means of using a constrained form of bilinear logistic regression for diagnosis in such problems. The bilinear treatment allows us to represent the scenarios with
J+K
instead of
JK
parameters, resulting in more easily interpretable results and far fewer false positives compared to treating the parameters independently. We develop statistical tests to determine which features and entities, if any, may be responsible for the labeled faults, and use false discovery rate (FDR) analysis to ensure that our values are meaningful. We show results in comparison to ordinary logistic regression (with L1 regularization) on two scenarios: a synthetic dataset based on a model of faults in a datacenter, and a real problem of finding problematic processes/features based on user-reported hangs.
Moving towards maturity
Authors: Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Weerakkody Vishanth , Janssen Marijn
Published: January 2012

The implementation, diffusion and adoption of e-government in the public sector has been a topic that has been debated by the research community for some time. In particular, the limited adoption of e-government services is attributed to factors such as the heterogeneity of users, lack of user-orientation, the limited transformation of public sector and the mismatch between expectations and supply. In this editorial, we review theories and factors impacting implementation, diffusion and adoption of e-government. Most theories used in prior research follow mainstream information systems concepts, which can be criticized for not taking into account e-government specific characteristics. The authors argue that there is a need for e-government specific theories and methodologies that address the idiosyncratic nature of e-government as the well-known information systems concepts that are primarily developed for business contexts are not equipped to encapsulate the complexities surrounding e-government. Aspects like accountability, digital divide, legislation, public governance, institutional complexity and citizens' needs are challenging issues that have to be taken into account in e-government theory and practices. As such, in this editorial we argue that e-government should develop as an own strand of research, while information systems theories and concepts should not be neglected.
Buyer acceptance of g2b e-government services
Authors: Hung Shin-Yuan , Chang Chia-Ming , Chen Kuanchiun , Tang King-Zoo , Chou Chin-Hua
Published: January 2012

The traditional focus of e-government services research has been on individuals rather than institutional users; however, buyer-accepted G2B e-government services are critical for an effective e-government services market. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that determine buyer acceptance of G2B e-government services in the context of inter-entity supply contracts. Based primarily on an adapted version of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), a sample of 185 organizational buyers of real G2B e-government services in Taiwan was examined. The findings show that perceived usefulness, perceived risk, external influence, interpersonal influence, self-efficacy, and facilitating conditions are critical factors in determining buyer acceptance. The resulting implications and recommendations for G2B e-government services research and practice are also discussed.
Hobbits for Haskell
Authors: Westbrook Edwin , Frisby Nicolas , Brauner Paul
Published: January 2012

Adequate encodings are a powerful programming tool, which eliminate whole classes of program bugs: they ensure that a program cannot generate ill-formed data, because such data is not part of the representation; and they also ensure that a program is well-defined, meaning that it cannot have different behaviors on different representations of the same piece of data. Unfortunately, it has proven difficult to define adequate encodings of programming languages themselves. Such encodings would be very useful in language processing tools such as interpreters, compilers, model-checking tools, etc., as these systems are often difficult to get correct. The key problem in representing programming languages is in encoding binding constructs; previous approaches have serious limitations in either the operations they allow or the correcness guarantees they make. In this paper, we introduce a new library for Haskell that allows the user to define and use higher-order encodings, a powerful technique for representing bindings. Our library allows straightforward recursion on bindings using pattern-matching, which is not possible in previous approaches. We then demonstrate our library on a medium-sized example, lambda-lifting, showing how our library can be used to make strong correctness guarantees at compile time.
Embedded parser generators
Authors: Duregård Jonas , Jansson Patrik
Published: January 2012

We present a novel method of embedding context-free grammars in Haskell, and to automatically generate parsers and pretty-printers from them. We have implemented this method in a library called BNFC-meta (from the BNF Converter, which it is built on). The library builds compiler front ends using metaprogramming instead of conventional code generation. Parsers are built from labelled BNF grammars that are defined directly in Haskell modules. Our solution combines features of parser generators (static grammar checks, a highly specialised grammar DSL) and adds several features that are otherwise exclusive to combinatory libraries such as the ability to reuse, parameterise and generate grammars inside Haskell.

To allow writing grammars in concrete syntax, BNFC-meta provides a
quasi-quoter
that can parse grammars (embedded in Haskell files) at compile time and use metaprogramming to replace them with their abstract syntax. We also
generate
quasi-quoters so that the languages we define with BNFC-meta can be embedded in the same way. With a minimal change to the grammar, we support adding
anti-quotation
to the generated quasi-quoters, which allows users of the defined language to mix concrete and abstract syntax almost seamlessly. Unlike previous methods of achieving anti-quotation, the method used by BNFC-meta is simple, efficient and avoids polluting the abstract syntax types.
Lexical, Morphological, and Syntactic Characteristics of Verbs in the Spontaneous Production of Italian Children
Authors: D'Odorico Laura , Fasolo Mirco , Cassibba Rosalinda , Costantini Alessandro
Published: January 2012

This study investigates from a developmental point of view the lexical, morphological, and syntactic characteristics of verb production during the first stages of language acquisition. The spontaneous productions of children with different mean length of utterance (MLU) were analysed, examining the relative production of different types of verbs (transitive, intransitive, and mixed), the arguments expressed or omitted in the utterances containing a verb, the morphological inflections produced by the children for each verb, and the generalisation of the syntactic construction with which specific verbs were produced. Data are interpreted in support of the hypothesis that children have a limited abstract knowledge of verbs in the early period of multiword utterance production and that the process of abstractness and generalisation develops gradually on the basis of linguistic experience.
Normality Criteria of Meromorphic Functions That Share a Holomorphic Function
Authors: Ding Jie , Qi Jianming , Zhu Taiying
Published: January 2012

Let ℱ be a family of meromorphic functions defined in D, let , a0, a1, …, ak−1 be holomorphic functions in D, and let k be a positive integer. Suppose that, for every function f ∈ ℱ, f ≠ 0, P(f) = f(k) + ak−1f(k−1) + ⋯+a1f′ + a0f ≠ 0 and, for every pair functions (f, g) ∈ ℱ, P(f), P(g) share ψ, then ℱ is normal in D.
Effects of Exercise and B Vitamins on Homocysteine and Glutathione in Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Trial
Authors: DiFrancisco-Donoghue Joanne , Lamberg Eric M. , Rabin Ely , Elokda Ahmed , Fazzini Enrico , Werner William G.
Published: January 2012

Background: Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have decreased glutathione levels and elevated homocysteine levels. These substances are considered markers of health, and an inverse relationship has been suggested through the transsulfuration pathway. This experiment tested the effects of exercise and B vitamin supplementation on homocysteine and glutathione levels, and if a relationship was present between these two markers in those with PD. Secondary aims included examining the impact of the interventions on aerobic efficiency and strength. Methods: Thirty-six subjects were randomly assigned to 4 groups. The Vit group received vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid daily for 6 weeks. The Ex group received aerobic and strength training twice weekly for 6 weeks. The Vit + Ex group received both interventions. A control group received no intervention. Subjects were tested prior to and after intervention on the following measures: glutathione and homocysteine levels, strength measures and oxygen consumption. Results: Subjects who received 6 weeks of B vitamin supplementation had lowered homocysteine levels. Subjects who received 6 weeks of exercise training had increased glutathione levels, strength and aerobic capacity. The combination of vitamin and exercise did not yield greater changes than the separate intervention. The control subjects did not change on any measures. Conclusion: Positive results were realized with each intervention; however, the expected relationship between glutathione and homocysteine was not found in this sample of subjects with PD. Homocysteine and glutathione levels can be improved independently in individuals with PD with exercise or vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid supplementation.
α-Secretase-Derived Cleavage of Cellular Prion Yields Biologically Active Catabolites with Distinct Functions
Authors: Guillot-Sestier M.-V. , Checler F.
Published: January 2012

The cellular prion protein (PrPc) undergoes α-secretase-derived processing by disintegrins. This cleavage occurs within the 106–126 putative toxic domain of PrPc, yielding two complementary N- and C-terminal fragments referred to as N1 and C1, respectively. Here we review our recent data showing that these two PrPc-derived products harbor distinct p53-dependent functions. Thus, C1 potentiates staurosporine (STS)-induced caspase-3 activation by upregulating p53 transcription, mRNA levels and activity. Conversely, N1 is protective both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, N1 inhibits STS-induced caspase-3 activation by downregulating p53 in various cell systems and protects rat retinal ganglion cells from hypoxia-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, N1 protects cells against C1-induced toxicity. Therefore, our data show that disintegrin-associated processing of PrPc gives rise to two fragments that display opposite effects on p53-dependent cell death and that can functionally interact.
Innate Immunity and the Etiology of Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Eikelenboom Piet , van Exel Erik , Veerhuis Rob , Rozemuller Annemieke J.M. , van Gool Willem A. , Hoozemans Jeroen J.M.
Published: January 2012

Background: Neuropathological studies supported by experimental animal studies show that the constituents of the innate immunity are intimately involved in the early steps of the pathological cascade of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objectives: To show the evidence that constituents of the innate immunity contribute to the etiology of late-onset AD. Methods: Evaluation of the relationship between the constituents of the innate immunity and genetic risk factors for late-onset AD. Results: Complement activation and activated microglia are early neuropathogical events in AD brains. Genome-wide association studies have demonstrated gene loci that are linked to the complement system. The production capacity for inflammatory cytokines is under genetic control and the offspring with a parental history of late-onset AD have a higher production capacity for inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: Epidemiological and genetic data suggest that the innate immunity is involved in the etiology of late-onset AD.
Linking the National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI Registry With Medicare Claims Data
Authors: Brennan J. Matthew , Peterson Eric D. , Messenger John C. , Rumsfeld John S. , Weintraub William S. , Anstrom Kevin J. , Eisenstein Eric L. , Milford-Beland Sarah , Grau-Sepulveda Maria V. , Booth Michael E. , Dokholyan Rachel S. , Douglas Pamela S.
Published: January 2012

Background—

The National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI Registry was recently linked with longitudinal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) claims data. The degree to which this linked cohort is representative of the overall CathPCI Registry and CMS PCI populations is unknown.

Methods and Results—

CathPCI Registry records were linked to CMS inpatient claims using indirect identifiers. We examined the degree to which hospitals and patients in the linked cohort are representative of the elderly (≥65 years) CathPCI Registry and CMS populations. From 2004 to 2006, 1492 hospitals filed CMS PCI claims and 663 contributed CathPCI Registry data. Of these hospitals, 643 (97%) were linked across data sources. Compared with all CMS PCI hospitals, the linked data set contained fewer governmental, northeastern, southern, and low-volume (<200 beds) sites. Among CMS beneficiaries, 993 351 PCI procedures were performed, including 398 508 (40.1%) at centers in the linked database. Of these, 341 916 (86%) were linked to CathPCI Registry records. Linked and unlinked CMS patients had similar demographic and clinical features. In the CathPCI Registry database, 477 456 elderly patients underwent PCI, with 359 077 (75%) linked to CMS claims. Linked and unlinked National Cardiovascular Data Registry patients were similar, except for less commercial or health maintenance organization insurance in the linked cohort.

Conclusions—

By using deterministic matching strategies, a large and representative cohort with detailed clinical data from the CathPCI Registry and longitudinal follow-up from CMS claims has been created.
Kebabche, Caviar or Hot Dogs? Consuming the Cold War at the Plovdiv Fair 1947–72
Authors: Neuburger Mary
Published: January 2012

For the duration of the Cold War, hundreds of thousands of people descended on Plovdiv, Bulgaria for at least two weeks out of every year as spectators and consumers. During these weeks the Plovdiv International Fair grounds were like a portal through which the Iron Curtain was permeated and East-West interaction and exchange took place. The fair offered an array of images and goods that broadcast messages of power and plenty from a variety of states, most notably Soviet but also American. Bulgarian socialism, however, was really the main thing on display, and for all its failings it didn’t fail to impress domestic and international visitors on and off the fair grounds. While much remains to be studied about how visitors experienced the various exhibits at the fair, the trials and achievements of the annual Plovdiv International Fair readily illustrate how central spectacles of plenty and consumption were to East-West engagement.
Sporadic hemiplegic migraine with normal imaging as the initial manifestation of CADASIL
Authors: Monteiro Cecília , Barros José , Taipa Ricardo , Pereira-Monteiro José
Published: January 2012

Background: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) can be present with negative family history and, especially in younger patients, with normal brain magnetic resonance. For this reason, those CADASIL patients that present only with migraine may be misdiagnosed. In the case of migraine with motor aura, sporadic hemiplegic migraine (SHM) is one of the possible misdiagnoses.

Case results: We present a case of a patient who, in the first years of her disease, met the clinical criteria for SHM. A diagnosis of CADASIL was considered only when her sister presented with headache and an unknown leukoencephalopathy.

Conclusions: This case illustrates the need for a careful review of the clinical and family history during the follow-up of primary headaches.
Experimental analysis of the low-GWP refrigerant R1234yf as a drop-in replacement for R134a in a typical mobile air conditioning system
Authors: Zhao Yu , Qi Zhaogang , Chen Jiangping , Xu Baixing , He Bin
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the performance of a typical mobile air conditioning system using R134a and R1234yf as the working fluids under different working conditions. The system is composed of a microchannel parallel flow condenser, a laminated plate evaporator, a variable displacement compressor, and a thermal expansion valve. The different working cycles of each refrigerant were comprehensively compared. The optimum refrigerant charge amount of the R1234yf system was approximately 95% of the R134a system during drop-in tests. The performance of the R134a system was a little higher than that of the R1234yf system. The cooling capacity and system coefficient of performance of the R134a system were 12.4% and 9% larger, respectively. This result is mainly because of the thermophysical property differences between the two refrigerants and the improper expansion valve opening of R1234yf. Analysis on the whole cycle revealed that the R1234yf system could obtain a higher evaporating pressure and a larger superheat and subcooling. Redesigning the expansion valve for R1234yf could improve performance of the system.
Design of impact angle control guidance laws via high-performance sliding mode control
Authors: Lee Chang-Hun , Kim Tae-Hun , Tahk Min-Jea
Published: January 2012

In this article, a new impact angle control guidance law for a stationary or slowly moving target is developed using the high-performance sliding mode control methodology. The law can produce various missile trajectories by changing the damping ratio of the guidance loop motion during interception in order to achieve not only the satisfaction of the terminal impact angle constraint but also the additional guidance objectives. Since the proposed guidance law is given using the general function term, different forms of guidance laws can be designed by choosing specific functions. It can also lead to zero magnitude of the guidance command at the terminal time. The first-order lag system and acceleration disturbances such as measurement noise are considered in the guidance law design. These properties can provide the advantages for the guidance operation, whereas other impact angle control guidance laws may not easily allow this. Numerical simulations are performed to investigate the characteristics and performance of the proposed guidance law. Some application results of the proposed guidance law are also shown.