bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Care of People With Type 2 Diabetes in Eight European Countries
Authors: Stone Margaret A. , Charpentier Guillaume , Doggen Kris , Kuss Oliver , Lindblad Ulf , Kellner Christiane , Nolan John , Pazderska Agnieszka , Rutten Guy , Trento Marina , Khunti Kamlesh ,   On behalf of the GUIDANCE Study Group
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine levels of adherence in eight European countries to recommendations for the management of type 2 diabetes and to investigate factors associated with key intermediate outcomes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

GUIDANCE was a cross-sectional study including retrospective data extraction from the medical records of people with type 2 diabetes recruited, using a shared protocol, from primary and specialist care sites in the following eight European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The dataset for analysis comprised 7,597 cases. Proportions meeting process and outcome criteria were determined, including between-country variations. Logistic regression was used to investigate potential predictors of meeting targets for HbA1c, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol.

RESULTS

In the total sample, adherence to process recommendations was high for some measures, for example, HbA1c recorded in past 12 months in 97.6% of cases. Target achievement for intermediate outcome measures was lower, with only 53.6% having HbA1c <7%. Considerable between-country variation was identified for both processes and outcomes. The following characteristics were associated with an increased likelihood of meeting targets for all three measures considered (HbA1c, blood pressure, LDL cholesterol): shorter diagnosis of diabetes; having one or more macrovascular complications; lower BMI; being prescribed lipid-lowering medication; and no current antihypertensive prescribing.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with earlier reports, we have suggested some encouraging positive trends in Europe in relation to meeting targets for the management of people with type 2 diabetes, but there is still scope for further improvement and greater between-country consistency.
Receiver Operating Characteristic Analysis of HLA, CTLA4, and Insulin Genotypes for Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Valdes Ana M. , Varney Michael D. , Erlich Henry A. , Noble Janelle A.
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the ability to distinguish between type 1 diabetes–affected individuals and their unaffected relatives using HLA and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eight models, ranging from only the high-risk DR3/DR4 genotype to all significantly associated HLA genotypes and two SNPs mapping to the cytotoxic T-cell–associated antigen-4 gene (CTLA4) and insulin (INS) genes, were fitted to high-resolution class I and class II HLA genotyping data for patients from the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium collection. Pairs of affected individuals and their unaffected siblings were divided into a “discovery” (n = 1,015 pairs) and a “validation” set (n = 318 pairs). The discriminating performance of various combinations of genetic information was estimated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

The use of only the presence or absence of the high-risk DR3/DR4 genotype achieved very modest discriminating ability, yielding an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.62 in the discovery set and 0.59 in the validation set. The full model—which included HLA information from the class II loci DPB1, DRB1, and DQB1; selected alleles from HLA class I loci A and B; and SNPs from the CTLA4 and INS genes—increased the AUC to 0.74 in the discovery set and to 0.71 in the validation set. A cost-effective alternative is proposed, using genotype information equivalent to typing four SNPs (DR3, DR4-DQB1*03:02, CTLA-4, and INS), which achieved an AUC of 0.72 in the discovery set and 0.69 in the validation set.

CONCLUSIONS

Genotyping data sufficient to tag DR3, DR4-DQB1*03:02, CTLA4, and INS were shown to distinguish between subjects with type 1 diabetes and their unaffected siblings adequately to achieve clinically utility to identify children in multiplex families to be considered for early intervention.
Synthesis of terbium(III) complex with a biscoumarin derivative and its immobilization in PMMA-based composite thin films with fluorescent properties
Authors: Elenkova Denitsa , Getsova Miroslava , Zaharieva Joana , Manolov Ilia , Milanova Maria
Published: April 2013

An amorphous complex of Tb(III) with the biscoumarin derivative 3,3′-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methylene)]bis-(4-hydroxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one), Tb(H2L)3, was successfully synthesized and characterized. IR- and 1H-NMR-spectroscopy were used to investigate the coordination of the ligand around the Tb(III) ion. Values for the quantum yield and the life time of the excited state of the complex were obtained. The complex was immobilized in transparent and flexible PMMA-based films by a simple casting technique. PMMA/chloroform solutions were used in synthetic procedures that resulted in both glass-supported and self-supporting nanocomposite films. The morphology of the films was studied by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, showing the formation of crack-free films. The presence of the Tb(III) complex in the matrix was proven by the presence of characteristic bands in the IR spectra. Fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated the promising optical properties of the films showing the characteristic emission bands of the Tb(III) ions. The longer life time of the excited state of the immobilized complex confirmed the protective role of the PMMA matrix on the optical properties of the complex. The composite films possessing optical properties have the potential for application as active components in optical devices.
Sono-extraction as a pretreatment approach for the screening evaluation of element mobility of sediment samples
Authors: Blašková Jana , Vojteková Viera , Nováková Jarmila , Mackových Daniela , Bazeľ Yaroslav , Lapčík Lubomír , Poperníková Zuzana , Abusenaina Ashraf
Published: April 2013

Application of economically important and time saving pretreatment for the screening element mobility evaluation of contaminated sediments is presented. Ultrasonically-assisted single-step extraction (USAE) was carried out by EDTA solution. The extraction time of USAE was optimized and obtained results were compared with results estimated by conventional (EDTA extraction) and by sequential extraction (modified BCR protocol). The original three step BCR protocol was modified by addition of the first step (water leaching) and the fifth step, total digestion of sediment residue (acid mixture with HF). Zn, Cu and Pb have been determined in extracts by ICP-OES. Good conformity of the ultrasonically-extracted element contents and sum of contents, extracted during first three steps (water-soluble, acid-extractable, reducible — i.e., the most mobile fractions) of sequential extraction, was found. The sono-extraction reduced operating time of the first three steps of sequential extraction from 48 h to 15 min. Thus, USAE can serve as a rapid screening assessment of the mobile and potentially mobile element portions in sediments and other similar solid state environmental media. Analytical quality control was realized by comparison of the sums of element contents obtained at individual (five) extraction steps. Total element contents were also determined by an independent method (XRF).
Application of the calibration surfaces method in quantitative analysis of water — ethanol — methanol mixture
Authors: Sawicka Marta , Soroka Jacek
Published: April 2013

The simple and quick calibration surfaces method has been applied to the quantitative analysis of water — ethanol — methanol mixtures. The refractive index, viscosity, boiling point, density, and position of the absorption band of the solvatochromic dye and the absorbance of the band corresponding to a particular wavelength were used as measured magnitudes which are functionally related to the quantitative composition of the mixture. The 3rd order surface equation was fitted to the experimental data via the multidimensional regression method. Various pairs of macroscopic features were tested to obtain the best results. To find the solution, the set of three equations were calculated, in which two equations were the mathematical description of particular macroscopic features; the third one resulted from the definition of mass fraction. The detection and determination limits as well as the error of the method were determined which proved that the refractive index and the density were the most adequate pair of macroscopic features.
Optimization methodology based on neural networks and genetic algorithms applied to electro-coagulation processes
Authors: Piuleac Ciprian , Curteanu Silvia , Rodrigo Manuel , Sáez Cristina , Fernández Francisco
Published: April 2013

An optimization methodology based on neural networks and genetic algorithms was developed and used to optimize a real world process — an electro-coagulation process involving three pollutants at different concentrations: kaolin (250–1000 mg L−1), Eriochrome Black T solutions (50–200 mg L−1), and oil/water emulsion (1500–4500 mg L−1). Feed-forward neural networks using heterogeneous combination of transfer functions were developed, leading to good results in the validation stage (relative error about 8%). The parameters of the process (concentration of pollutant, time, pH0, conductivity and current density) were optimized handling the genetic algorithm parameters, in order to obtain a maximum removal efficiency for each pollutant. Therefore, the optimization methodology combines neural networks as modeling tools with genetic algorithms as solving method. Validation of the optimization results using supplementary experimental data reveals errors under 11%.
A lower bound for the packing chromatic number of the Cartesian product of cycles
Authors: Jacobs Yolandé , Jonck Elizabeth , Joubert Ernst
Published: April 2013

Let G = (V, E) be a simple graph of order n and i be an integer with i ≥ 1. The set X
i ⊆ V(G) is called an i-packing if each two distinct vertices in X
i are more than i apart. A packing colouring of G is a partition X = {X
1, X
2, …, X
k} of V(G) such that each colour class X
i is an i-packing. The minimum order k of a packing colouring is called the packing chromatic number of G, denoted by χρ(G). In this paper we show, using a theoretical proof, that if q = 4t, for some integer t ≥ 3, then 9 ≤ χρ(C
4 □ C
q). We will also show that if t is a multiple of four, then χρ(C
4 □ C
q) = 9.
A gradient-projective basis of compactly supported wavelets in dimension n > 1
Authors: Battle Guy
Published: April 2013

A given set W = {W X } of n-variable class C 1 functions is a gradient-projective basis if for every tempered distribution f whose gradient is square-integrable, the sum $\sum\limits_\chi {(\int_{\mathbb{R}^n } {\nabla f \cdot } \nabla W_\chi ^* )} W_\chi $ converges to f with respect to the norm \(\left\| {\nabla ( \cdot )} \right\|_{L^2 (\mathbb{R}^n )} \) . The set is not necessarily an orthonormal set; the orthonormal expansion formula is just an element of the convex set of valid expansions of the given function f over W. We construct a gradient-projective basis W = {W x } of compactly supported class C 2−ɛ functions on ℝn such that

where X has the structure \(\chi = (\tilde \chi ,\nu )\) , ν ∈ ℤ. W is a wavelet set in the sense that the functions indexed by \(\tilde \chi \) are generated by an averaging of lattice translations with wave propagations, and there are two additional discrete parameters associated with the latter. These functions indexed by \(\tilde \chi \) are the unit-scale wavelets. The support volumes of our unit-scale wavelets are not uniformly bounded, however. While the practical value of this construction is doubtful, our motivation is theoretical. The point is that a gradient-orthonormal basis of compactly supported wavelets has never been constructed in dimension n > 1. (In one dimension the construction of such a basis is easy — just anti-differentiate the Haar functions.)
Impact of Movement Sequencing on Sciatic and Tibial Nerve Strain and Excursion During the Straight Leg Raise Test in Embalmed Cadavers
Authors: Boyd Benjamin S. , Topp Kimberly S. , Coppieters Michel W.
Published: April 2013

Study Design

Laboratory study, repeated-measures design.

Objectives

To quantify differences in sciatic and tibial nerve biomechanics (strain and excursion) during common variations of the straight leg raise (SLR) test.

Background

Hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion are the primary movement components of the SLR. It has been suggested that the nervous system is loaded differently when ankle dorsiflexion is added before or after hip flexion. There are, however, no data to either support or refute this suggestion.

Methods

Strain and excursion in the sciatic and tibial nerve were measured in the hip, knee, and ankle regions during 2 movement sequences for the SLR test in 10 embalmed cadavers. The proximal-to-distal sequence consisted of hip flexion followed by ankle dorsiflexion; the distal-to-proximal sequence consisted of ankle dorsiflexion followed by hip flexion.

Results

In the SLR end position, strain and excursion were comparable for both sequences for the sciatic and tibial nerve at the knee (P>.24). Strain in the tibial nerve at the ankle was greater with the proximal-to-distal sequence (P = .008), but the actual difference was small (0.8%). The pattern of strain increase and nerve excursion varied between sequences (P≤.009), with nerve strain increasing earlier and being maintained longer in regions closest to the joint that was moved first in the movement sequence.

Conclusion

Varying the movement sequence does not substantially impact excursion and strain in the end position of the SLR. Therefore, if neurodynamic test sequencing is useful in the differential diagnosis of neuropathies, it is not likely due to differences in strain in the end position of testing. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(6):398–403. Epub 30 April 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4413
Concurrent Validity of Calipers and Ultrasound Imaging to Measure Interrecti Distance
Authors: Chiarello Cynthia M. , McAuley J. Adrienne
Published: April 2013

Study Design

Clinical measurement, concurrent validity criterion standard.

Objective

To determine the concurrent validity of digital nylon calipers in comparison to ultrasound imaging (USI) for the measurement of interrecti distance (IRD).

Background

Diastasis rectus abdominis is the abnormal increase in the width of the linea alba, measured as IRD. A diastasis rectus abdominis can compromise mechanical trunk function in both genders. IRD has been accurately measured with USI but requires costly equipment and extensive examiner training. Digital nylon calipers are inexpensive and easy to use, but their use to measure IRD has not been validated.

Methods

A sample of convenience of 56 individuals (11 men, 45 women) was measured. A single examiner was assigned to each tool (calipers or USI), and IRD was measured at 2 locations (above and below the umbilicus) under 2 conditions (abdominal muscles at rest and abdominal muscles contracted). All measurements were made during a single session, and examiners were blinded to measurements with the other tool.

Results

Above the umbilicus, the measurements of IRD with calipers were similar to those made with USI, with intraclass correlation coefficients (model 3,2) of 0.79 with abdominal muscles at rest and 0.71 with abdominal muscles contracted. The absolute mean difference between the caliper and USI measurements of IRD above the umbilicus was 0.03 cm larger with the calipers when the abdominal muscles were at rest and 0.03 cm smaller when the abdominal muscles were contracted. The values of IRD obtained with the caliper and USI techniques were not comparable when obtained below the umbilicus.

Conclusion

The calipers are a valid tool for measuring IRD above the umbilicus in males and females. Measuring IRD with calipers below the umbilicus should not be considered valid, using USI as the criterion standard. This may reflect anatomical variation of the linea alba or a limitation of the calipers to assess IRD at the same depth as USI. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(7):495–503. Epub 30 April 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4449
Varro and the epistemological status of etymology
Authors: Blank D.
Published: April 2013

Varro relies heavily on etymology as a tool, despite the notorious arbitrariness of etymology and Socrates’ preference, in Plato’s Cratylus, for finding out about things by investigating the things themselves, rather than their names. In this paper I argue that Varro has chosen this method because he is investigating and trying to reconstruct things which are not available for study themselves, as they either belong to the murky Roman past or to the obscurity attaching to things divine. His etymological method, as described and exemplified in De Lingua Latina V-VI, does not regard words themselves and their origins so much as the things from which and for which things are named, especially the relations among these things and, consequently, among their names. This method may go back to an epistemological strategy attributable to Varro’s teacher, Antiochus of Ascalon.
A Re-Evaluation of Burial Customs in the Pre- Pottery Neolithic B in light of Paleodemographic Analysis of the Human Remains from Kfar HaHoresh, Israel
Authors: Eshed Vered , Hershkovitz Israel , Goring-Morris A. Nigel
Published: April 2013

Des traits paléodémographiques particuliers observés dans la population de Kfar HaHoresh, un site PPNB de Basse-Galilée, sont comparés avec ce que l’on connaît de la population du Sud du Levant. Ce grand échantillon de squelettes provient d’une fouille conduite sur le long terme dans des niveaux PPNB moyen et récent. La courbe de mortalité de la population de Kfar HaHoresh présente des différences significatives avec celle de cinq sites PPNB du Centre et du Sud du Levant, celle de la population côtière de Atlit Yam et celle de 'Ain Ghazal (PPNB). À Kfar HaHoresh, la mortalité se caractérise par un taux élevé de décès entre 20 et 29 ans. Ce profil inhabituel vient confirmer d’autres observations et montre ainsi que le site de Kfar HaHoresh a pu jouer un rôle de centre régional où s’accomplissaient des pratiques mortuaires cultuelles ou rituelles.
Tell Feres al Sharqi : un site Late Chalcolithic dans le Khabur (Syrie)
Authors: Forest Jean-Daniel , Vallet Régis
Published: April 2013

In order to understand what happened in Northern Syria during the 4th millennium BC, a period that appears to be a turning point, extensive excavations have been undertaken at Tell Feres, a small site near Tell Brak that provides a direct development into the Late Chalcolithic sequence. Two seasons, in 2006 and 2007, have provided promising results, among which a large LC4 compound and a hypostyle LC1 public building are noteworthy.
Evolution de la politique intérieure et des institutions chinoises depuis la Révolution culturelle (1966-1973)
Authors: Tche-hao Tsien
Published: April 2013

Cette étude non polémique et basée essentiellement sur les documents officiels chinois de première main se propose de montrer l'évolution des institutions et de la politique intérieure chinoise à partir de la révolution culturelle, en 1966, jusqu'à mai 1973.

La politique intérieure chinoise ne varie pas autant qu'il peut le paraître. Elle repose sur des principes immuables. Les variations que l'on observe sont conjoncturelles et ne portent que sur les méthodes d'application des principes.

La révolution culturelle a eu pour but de remettre à l'honneur des principes plus ou moins négligés. Elle s'est traduite par une lutte de tendance dite « lutte entre les deux lignes », la rectification de l'erreur de droite ayant abouti à une erreur « de gauche » qu'il convient de rectifier à son tour afin de se maintenir dans « la ligne juste ».

L'essentiel réside dans la formation d'un homme responsable et conscient, capable d'analyser correctement la situation et de ne pas se laisser abuser par les différentes lignes erronées, pratiquant la modestie, la prudence et la franchise et sachant se soumettre à une discipline intelligente et librement consentie.

Fortement perturbé par les purges, le parti communiste chinois s'est lentement reconstitué après le IXe congrès en 1969. Les Comités du parti deviennent les rouages essentiels de toute l'organisation. Les membres du parti doivent remplir « les cinq conditions pour être un bon continuateur de la révolution ». Une insistance particulière est mise sur l'unité de direction qui s'oppose au polycentrisme et à l'anarchisme.

Les comités révolutionnaires ont remplacé les anciens organes administratifs. Le gouvernement a procédé à une grande réforme administrative dans le sens de la simplification et de la réduction du personnel. Les cadres se recyclent dans les « écoles du 7 mai » où le travail manuel les remet en contact avec les réalités de la vie quotidienne en les « rapprochant de la masse ».

L'armée qui joua un rôle peut-être exagéré durant la révolution culturelle est petit à petit ramenée à sa véritable place. C'est toujours « le parti qui commande aux fusils » même si « le pouvoir est au bout du fusil ».
L'Europe et la nouvelle politique des Etats-Unis envers la Chine
Authors: Reisky de Dubnic Vladimir
Published: April 2013

Le lien géopolitique objectif entre la Chine et l'Europe est fondé sur le fait que l'une et l'autre sont les voisines d'une Union Soviétique en expansion. Ce lien a pris de la réalité quand la Chine est devenue une puissance nucléaire et quand la diplomatie des Etats-Unis l'eut introduite en force dans le système international. La nouvelle politique chinoise des Etats-Unis implique un rôle plus modeste des deux super-puissances ce dont l'Europe ne peut que bénéficier.

L'adhésion de l'Europe à cette nouvelle politique des Etats-Unis se fonde sur divers facteurs : 1) l'intérêt d'un nouvel équilibre mondial des forces ; 2) l'aspiration à jouer le rôle de « troisième force » ; 3) des considérations de sécurité ; 4) des sentiments « revanchistes » en Europe de l'Est ; 5) l'espoir d'un renforcement de la paix. Les facteurs négatifs sont centrés sur des considérations idéologiques, le désir de préserver la paix pendant la période de transition du système bi-polaire à un système international multi-polaire et les critiques adressées aux Etats-Unis pour n'avoir pas consulté auparavant leurs alliés.

La nouvelle politique des Etats-Unis envers la Chine renforce la situation internationale de ce pays, ce qui, en retour, transforme la position stratégique de PU.R.S.S. Que Moscou soit obligé de redéfinir sa stratégie globale à la suite du rapprochement sino-américain est d'un intérêt vital pour les pays est-européens. Bien que la Chine ne puisse contribuer directement à une odification du statu-quo en Europe, elle est la seule grande puissance dont la politique avouée est de contribuer à mettre fin à la suprématie soviétique en Europe de l'Est. L'Europe occidentale craint une détente entre les Etats-Unis et l'U.R.S.S., éventuellement assurée à ses dépens ; mais une détente sino-américaine est de l'intérêt de l'Europe, car elle peut entraîner un nouvel équilibre mondial des forces où l'Europe pourra jouer un rôle de troisième force, à condition que son processus d'intégration s'accélère.
Testing, testing, testing: an insidious hypereosinophilia
Authors: Robbiolo Livia , Carbone Annalisa , Favales Fabrizio , Spelta Barbara , Colombo Fabrizio
Published: April 2013

Aim of the study: This case focuses on the difficulty in recognizing this rare entity characterized by systemic vasculitis in patients with history of asthma. Clinical case: We report a case of a 46-year-old man with history of allergic rhinitis and referred episodes of shortness of breath recognizing as acute bronchitis who presented with fever, skin eruption, peripheral eosonophilia, muscle weakness, abdominal pain and progressively dyspnea. Methods: Chest radiograph and computed tomography on admission showed consolidation in both lung fields and pericardial effusion. P-serum ANCA were positive. Neurological examination revealed mononeuritis multiplex. A skin biopsy was performed with presence of eosinophil granulocytes. The condition did not respond to antibiotics. He was supposed to have vasculitis and steroid treatment was started at a dose of 1 mg/kg; eosinophilia decreased but there was no clinical improvement. Abdominal pains were progressively more severe; emergency laparotomy revealed ileum infiammation, histopathological examination was consistent with Churg-Strauss syndrome.
Assumption of drugs with self-injurer purpose: a retrospective study about 111 patients hospitalized in Policlinico of Modena
Authors: Brugioni Lucio , Magnani Paola , Berti Eleonora , Gozzi Cristina , De Niederhausern Francesca , Zandomeneghi Renato
Published: April 2013

AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this work was to evaluate the epidemiology of suicidal attempts by ingestion of drugs in our area. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective study considering all patients admitted to the hospital between January 2004 and December 2006 for suicidal attempts using drugs. RESULTS A total of 111 patients were seen in our Department in the evaluated period. The large majority of patients were women (75%). Suicidal attempt was more common in individuals aged 31 to 40 years. The more common drugs used were: BDZ (28%), anti-depressive (21%), anti-psychotics (10%) and anti-epileptics (8%). A gastric washout was performed in 65.8% of all patients admitted to the hospital. The most used antidote was flumazenil. Alterations of laboratory exams were seen only in a small percentage of the cases. In the majority of cases, suicide was at the first attempt. 71% of patients were followed by psychiatrist and were taking daily psychiatric pharmacologic therapy; 5% had a history of previous admission to the hospital in a psychiatric ward; only 24% had no a history of a prior mental illness. 43% of patients were admitted to a psychiatric ward after intensive treatment in our department. Self-discharging was not usual (10%), and only few patients were restrained against their will (3%). CONCLUSIONS Our study has identified some risk factors for a suicidal attempt. Family doctors should have a stronger control of their patients with mental illness especially during the first period of treatment. In future it should be very helpful to create an informatic network connecting all departments involved in the care of these patients. Moreover, it is crucial to increase the role of family doctors in the care of psychiatric patients after their hospitalization.
Ethical aspects in the management of antibacterial agents utilization
Authors: Malta Renato , Di Rosa Salvatore , D’Alessandro Natale
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Antibacterial prescribing practices between 2004 and 2008 were investigated in the P. Giaccone University Hospital in Palermo, Italy to provide a foundation for critical analysis of the appropriateness of health-care resource usage. Materials and methods: Antibiotic prescribing practices between 2004 and 2008 were analyzed in the hospital as a whole and in different specialty areas. Results were expressed as defined daily doses (DDD) as a function of bed-days, number of admissions, and Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) points. Results: During the study period, increases were observed in the overall DDD per 100 bed-days (68.7 vs. 91.3) and the DDD per admission (4.53 vs. 5.54), but less variation was observed in the DDD/DRG score (3.55 vs. 3.63). Use of metronidazole, carbapenems, and glycopeptides increased, while use of third-generation cephalosporins, quinolones, and oral penicillins remained fairly stable. The drugs most commonly used in 2008 were (% of total DDD): levofloxacin (18.08%), amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (13.32%), ceftriaxone (9.01%), ciprofloxacin (8.21%), clarithromycin (5.74%), metronidazole (5.36%), ceftazidime (5.16%), amoxicillin (4.92%), gentamicin (1.88%), and meropenem (1.80%). An overall trend toward the prescription of newer wide-spectrum antibacterial agents was noted. National guidelines on chemoprophylaxis in surgery were observed in only 3/17 (17.7%) units. The prevalence of nosocomial infections was lower than those reported in the literature. Discussion: Although the cases treated in the hospital have become more complex over the years, the DDD documented in our study are far too high with respect to the actual clinical needs. These findings point to a trend toward the practice of excessively defensive medicine. Greater responsibility among physicians and the promotion of primary and secondary measures of preventive hygiene are fundamental to reduce the prescriptive pressure, a goal that should also have beneficial effects on health-care costs.
An instrument of quality
Authors: D’Amore Francesco
Published: April 2013

Not available
Angiographic Patterns of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Dysfunction and Interventional Approaches to Shunt Revision
Authors: Parvinian Ahmad , Omene Benedictta O. , Bui James T. , Knuttinen Martha Grace , Minocha Jeet , Gaba Ron C.
Published: April 2013

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an established and effective treatment for the complications of portal hypertension. The non-trivial rates of shunt dysfunction inherent to TIPS mandate familiarity with the imaging diagnosis and endovascular management of this phenomenon. Herein, we present a pictorial review of the various angiographic patterns of TIPS dysfunction and illustrate traditional and innovative technical approaches to shunt revision.
Unusual Enterocytozoon bieneusi Genotypes and Cryptosporidium hominis Subtypes in HIV-Infected Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Akinbo Frederick O. , Okaka Christopher E. , Omoregie Richard , Adamu Haileeyesus , Xiao Lihua
Published: April 2013

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons are commonly infected with Cryptosporidium species and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in both developed and developing countries, particularly patients with CD4+ cell counts below 200 cells/μL; 285 HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were enrolled in this study, and both stool and blood specimens were collected from participants. The stool specimens were analyzed and typed for E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. CD4 count was analyzed using flow cytometry. E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium were detected in 18 (6.3%) and 4 (1.4%) patients, respectively. The E. bieneusi detected mostly belonged to a new genotype group that, thus far, has only been found in a few humans: genotype Nig4 in 2 patients and two new genotypes related to Nig4 in 12 patients. The Cryptosporidium detected included C. hominis (two patients), C. parvum (one patient), and C. felis (one patient), with the two C. hominis infections belonging to an unusual subtype family. Additional studies are required to determine whether some E. bieneusi genotypes and C. hominis subtypes are more prevalent in HIV patients on HAART.
Wintertime controls on summer stratification and productivity at the western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Venables Hugh J. , Clarke Andrew , Meredith Michael P.
Published: April 2013

We report results collected year‐round since 1998 in northern Marguerite Bay, just inside the Antarctic Circle. The magnitude of the spring phytoplankton bloom is much reduced following winters with reduced sea‐ice cover. In years with little winter sea‐ice the exposed sea surface leads to deep mixed layers in winter, and reduced water‐column stratification the following spring. Summer mixed‐layer depths are similar, however, so the change is not in overall light availability but toward a less stable water column with greater vertical mixing and increased variability in the light conditions experienced by phytoplankton. Macronutrient concentrations are replete at all times, but the increased vertical mixing likely reduces iron availability. The timing of bloom initiation is similar between heavy and light ice years, occurring soon after light returns in early spring, at a mixed‐layer averaged light level of < 1 mol photon m−2 d−1. Ongoing regional climate change in the WAP area, and notably the ongoing loss of winter sea‐ice, is likely to drive a downward trend in the magnitude of phytoplankton blooms in this region of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Nutrient subsidies from nekton in salt marsh intertidal creeks
Authors: Allen Dennis M. , Luthy Stacy A. , Garwood Jason A. , Young Robert F. , Dame Richard F.
Published: April 2013

Motile organisms are thought to play a role in biogeochemical cycles in tidal systems, but few studies have addressed links between animal activities and dissolved nutrients. Our observations and experiments indicated that movements, feeding, and excretion by fishes and shrimps resulted in subsidies of and to intertidal salt marsh creeks. During low tide, isolated pools inhabited by nekton became biogeochemical hotspots with up to fivefold increases in water column nutrient concentrations. In field experiments, simultaneous measurements in artificial pools and an adjacent natural intertidal pool demonstrated that nekton were sources of during day and night, contributing 17–109% of the net increase in and 3–18% of the in the natural intertidal pool. Nekton residing in intertidal pools generated the equivalent of 5% of the total imported to the creek. At night, nekton in pools contributed the equivalent of 12% of the and 4% of the imported from the subtidal channel. As the tide flooded the intertidal creek, nutrient enriched pool water was pulsed up the creek and into the intertidal basin. Tidally controlled patterns of nekton movements and feeding result in retention and reintroduction of nutrients to the upper reaches of intertidal creek basins. Accordingly, nekton contribute to the recycling of nutrients through a positive feedback loop that may enhance primary production and invertebrate prey within salt marsh creek basins. We conclude that nekton can be important and underappreciated contributors of dissolved nutrients in tidal systems.
RANGE AND IMAGE DATA INTEGRATION FOR MAN-MADE OBJECT RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: Nex F. , Remondino F.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The extraction of information from image and range data is one of the main research topics. In literature, several papers dealing with this topic has been already presented. In particular, several authors have suggested an integrated use of both range and image information in order to increase the reliability and the completeness of the results exploiting their complementary nature. In this paper, an integration between range and image data for the geometric reconstruction of man-made object is presented. In particular, the focus of this paper is on the edge extraction procedure performed in an integrated way exploiting the information provided by both range and image data. Both terrestrial and aerial applications have been analysed for the façade extraction in terrestrial acquisitions and the roof outline extraction from aerial data. The algorithm and the achieved results are described and discussed in detail.
CALIBRATION EVALUATION AND CALIBRATION STABILITY MONITORING OF FRINGE PROJECTION BASED 3D SCANNERS
Authors: Bräuer-Burchardt C. , Breitbarth A. , Munkelt C. , Heinze M. , Kühmstedt P. , Notni G.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. In this work a simple new method for calibration evaluation and calibration stability monitoring of fringe projection based 3D scanners is introduced. This method is based on high precision point correspondence finding of fringe projection sensors using phase values in two perpendicular directions and epipolar geometry concerning calibration data of stereo sensors. The calibration evaluation method can be applied in the measurement process and does not require any additional effort or equipment. It allows the evaluation of the current set of calibration parameters and consideration of the stability of the current calibration over certain temporal progression. Additionally, the quality of distortion correction can be scored. The behavior of three fringe projection based 3D stereo scanner types was analyzed by experimental measurements. Results of the different types of scanners show that calibration may be stable over a long time period. On the other hand, suddenly occurring disturbances may be detected well. Additionally, the calibration error usually shows a significant drift in the warm-up phase until the operating temperature is achieved.
REFLECTANCE ESTIMATION FROM URBAN TERRESTRIAL IMAGES: VALIDATION OF A SYMBOLIC RAY-TRACING METHOD ON SYNTHETIC DATA
Authors: Coubard F. , Brédif M. , Paparoditis N. , Briottet X.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Terrestrial geolocalized images are nowadays widely used on the Internet, mainly in urban areas, through immersion services such as Google Street View. On the long run, we seek to enhance the visualization of these images; for that purpose, radiometric corrections must be performed to free them from illumination conditions at the time of acquisition. Given the simultaneously acquired 3D geometric model of the scene with LIDAR or vision techniques, we face an inverse problem where the illumination and the geometry of the scene are known and the reflectance of the scene is to be estimated. Our main contribution is the introduction of a symbolic ray-tracing rendering to generate parametric images, for quick evaluation and comparison with the acquired images. The proposed approach is then based on an iterative estimation of the reflectance parameters of the materials, using a single rendering pre-processing. We validate the method on synthetic data with linear BRDF models and discuss the limitations of the proposed approach with more general non-linear BRDF models.
FAST AND ACCURATE VISIBILITY COMPUTATION IN URBAN SCENES
Authors: Vallet B. , Houzay E.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. This paper presents a method to efficiently compute the visibility of a 3D model seen from a series of calibrated georeferenced images. This is required to make methods aimed at enriching 3D models (finer reconstruction, texture mapping) based on such images scalable. The method consists in rasterizing the scene on the GPU from the point of views of the images with a known mapping between colors and scene elements. This pixel based visibility information is then made higher level by defining a set of geometric rules to select which images should be used when focusing on a given scene element. The visibility relation is finally used to build a visibility graph allowing for efficient sequential processing of the whole scene
ACCURACY EVALUATION FOR A PRECISE INDOOR MULTI-CAMERA POSE ESTIMATION SYSTEM
Authors: Götz C. , Tuttas S. , Hoegner L. , Eder K. , Stilla U.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Pose estimation is used for different applications like indoor positioning, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), industrial measurement and robot calibration. For industrial applications several approaches dealing with the subject of pose estimation employ photogrammetric methods. Cameras which observe an object from a given point of view are utilized as well as cameras which are firmly mounted on the object that is to be oriented. Since it is not always possible to create an environment that the camera can observe the object, we concentrate on the latter option. A camera system shall be developed which is flexibly applicable in an indoor environment, and can cope with different occlusion situations, varying distances and density of reference marks. For this purpose in a first step a conception has been designed and a test scenario was created to evaluate different camera configurations and reference mark distributions. Both issues, the theoretical concept as well as the experimental setup are subject of this document.
Prediction of bed-leaving behaviors using piezoelectric non-restraining sensors
Authors: Madokoro H. , Shimoi N. , Sato K.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. This paper presents a sensor system to predict behavior patterns that occur when patients leave their beds. We originally developed plate-shaped sensors using piezoelectric elements. Existing sensors such as clip sensors and mat sensors require restraint of patients. Moreover, these sensors present privacy problems. The features of our sensors are that they require no power supply or patient restraint. We evaluated our system using a basic experiment to predict seven behavior patterns. We obtained a result of predicted behavior patterns related to bed-leaving using only six sensors installed under a bed. Especially, our system can correctly detect behavior patterns of lateral sitting, which is a position that occurs when a patient tries to leave from the bed, and terminal sitting, which is the position immediately before bed-leaving. They were discerned from other behavior patterns.
Train to Pyongyang: Imagination, Utopia, and Korean Unification
Authors: Collins Samuel Gerald
Published: April 2013

This essay is motivated by the seeming contradiction that Korean unification is sought after by most Koreans yet speculations about the social and cultural changes it might bring are almost absent. This may be because Korean unification denotes a series of differences contrasted to the present—because it is a potent “master symbol” with one foot in utopian speculation and the other in policy studies. In this essay, I outline some of the complexities, starting with an examination of illustrations of unification in textbooks for the tensions and contradictions they introduce. I then turn to fiction and film, sketching not only what some South Koreans hope (or fear) will happen after unification with the North but, indeed, the limits of their imagination regarding what the future will hold for South Korea. In the end, I concur with Grinker that representations of unification are “utopian,” but I object to the association of “utopia” with a socially engineered straitjacket. On the contrary, the utopias projected here suggest stepping off a precipice into worlds unknown, futures defined by their radical difference from today. The end of the essay locates these more imaginative dimensions of Korean unification in the “hope” of Ernst Bloch.
Trace for Differential Pencils on a Star-Type Graph
Authors: Yang Chuan-Fu
Published: April 2013

In this work, we consider the spectral problem for differential pencils on a star-type graph with a Kirchhoff-type condition in the internal vertex. The regularized trace formula of this operator is established with the contour integration method in complex analysis.
Time for a change
Authors: Sanchez Sabrina E , Yanovsky Marcelo J
Published: April 2013

The circadian clock of Arabidopsis, a popular model organism for plants, is more complex than expected, with negative feedback loops based on the repression of gene expression having a less exclusive role than previously thought.
One‐Dimensional CdS Nanostructures: A Promising Candidate for Optoelectronics
Authors: Li Huiqiao , Wang Xi , Xu Junqi , Zhang Qi , Bando Yoshio , Golberg Dmitri , Ma Ying , Zhai Tianyou
Published: April 2013

As a promising candidate for optoelectronics, one‐dimensional CdS nanostructures have drawn great scientific and technical interest due to their interesting fundamental properties and possibilities of utilization in novel promising optoelectronical devices with augmented performance and functionalities. This progress report highlights a selection of important topics pertinent to optoelectronical applications of one‐dimensional CdS nanostructures over the last five years. This article begins with the description of rational design and controlled synthesis of CdS nanostructure arrays, alloyed nanostructucures and kinked nanowire superstructures, and then focuses on the optoelectronical properties, and applications including cathodoluminescence, lasers, light‐emitting diodes, waveguides, field emitters, logic circuits, memory devices, photodetectors, gas sensors, photovoltaics and photoelectrochemistry. Finally, the general challenges and the potential future directions of this exciting area of research are highlighted.
A newly recognized autosomal recessive syndrome affecting neurologic function and vision
Authors: Salih Mustafa A. , Tzschach Andreas , Oystreck Darren T. , Hassan Hamdy H. , AlDrees Abdulmajeed , Elmalik Salah A. , El Khashab Heba Y. , Wienker Thomas F. , Abu‐Amero Khaled K. , Bosley Thomas M.
Published: April 2013

Genetic factors represent an important etiologic group in the causation of intellectual disability. We describe a Saudi Arabian family with closley related parents in which four of six children were affected by a congenital cognitive disturbance. The four individuals (aged 18, 16, 13, and 2 years when last examined) had motor and cognitive delay with seizures in early childhood, and three of the four (sparing only the youngest child) had progressive, severe cognitive decline with spasticity. Two affected children had ocular malformations, and the three older children had progressive visual loss. The youngest had normal globes with good functional vision when last examined but exhibited the oculodigital sign, which may signify a subclinical visual deficit. A potentially deleterious nucleotide change (c.1A>G; p.Met1Val) in the C12orf57 gene was homozygous in all affected individuals, heterozygous in the parents, and absent in an unaffected sibling and >350 normal individuals. This gene has no known function. This family manifests a autosomal recessive syndrome with some phenotypic variability that includes abnormal development of brain and eyes, delayed cognitive and motor milestones, seizures, and a severe cognitive and visual decline that is associated with a homozygous variant in a newly identified gene. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI: A predominantly cardiac phenotype associated with homozygosity for p.R152W mutation in the ARSB gene
Authors: Jurecka Agnieszka , Zakharova Ekaterina , Cimbalistiene Loreta , Gusina Nina , Kulpanovich Anna , Golda Adam , Opoka‐Winiarska Violetta , Piotrowska Ewa , Voskoboeva Elena , Tylki‐Szymańska Anna
Published: April 2013

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) is a rare lysosomal, autosomal recessive storage disorder caused by deficient activity of N‐acetylgalactosamine‐4‐sulfatase (ARSB). Approximately, 140 ARSB gene mutations have been identified; however, most are private mutations making genotype–phenotype correlation for most MPS VI patients difficult. The aim of this study was to describe the natural clinical course in patients homozygous for the p.R152W mutation from eight unrelated families. From our database of 70 patients with MPS VI, we selected 10 patients homozygous for the p.R152W mutant allele (median age 27.5 years, range 18–38 years). We performed a cross‐sectional observational study characterizing the onset and prevalence of clinical manifestations. First signs of the disease, such as cardiac valve disease, slightly decreased joint range of motion and mild growth retardation, were observed in mid‐adolescent years (median 15 years). Within the disease course, the most common clinical feature in all the patients was progressive heart disease of predominantly valve origin leading to symptoms of heart failure. Other typical MPS VI features were subtle and not present in all the patients. Delays up to 23 years (median 8.5 years) intervened between symptom onset and disease diagnosis. Patients homozygous for the p.R152W mutation present a cardiac variant of MPS VI characterized by progressive cardiac valve disease leading to serious cardiac complications including abrupt death due to cardiac failure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.