bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the accuracy of autofluorescence imaging in identifying non‐polypoid colorectal neoplastic lesions when reviewed by trainees? A pilot study
Authors: Odagaki Tomoyuki , Sakamoto Taku , Sekiguchi Masau , Sato Chiko , Tamai Naoto , Otake Yosuke , Nakajima Takeshi , Matsuda Takahisa , Saito Yutaka
Published: December 2012

Background and Aim

Non‐polypoid colorectal neoplasms are difficult to identify using conventional white light (WL) colonoscopy. The aim of the present pilot study was to compare an autofluorescence imaging (AFI) system with conventional WL colonoscopy for the identification of non‐polypoid neoplasms by trainees in a colonoscopic observational situation.

Methods

We selected clear images with both AFI and WL in the same field taken by experts at the National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, from December 2009 to November 2010. One hundred and eighty sets of images (137 non‐polypoid neoplasms and 43 without neoplasm) were selected. The images were reviewed by two trainees without AFI experience. After attending a short educational lecture on the AFI system, the reviewers determined the presence of lesions in the randomly arranged images. The accuracy of AFI and WL for identifying non‐polypoid neoplasms by trainees was assessed.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity for identifying non‐polypoid neoplasms by trainees was not significantly different between AFI and WL. However, the specificity tended to be lower in AFI images than in WL images.

Conclusions

False‐positive results tended to be more frequent for the AFI images than for the WL images. Further improvements in the technology and resolution are necessary for the AFI system to be useful for the detection of colorectal neoplasms. At present, clinical application of the AFI system may require more extensive structured training to improve its accuracy in the identification of non‐polypoid colorectal neoplasms.
A CENTURY OF HUMAN CAPITAL AND HOURS
Authors: RESTUCCIA DIEGO , VANDENBROUCKE GUILLAUME
Published: December 2012

An average person born in the United States in the second half of the 19th century completed 7 years of schooling and spent 58 hours a week working in the market. In contrast, an average person born at the end of the 20th century completed 14 years of schooling and spent 40 hours a week working. In the span of 100 years, completed years of schooling doubled and working hours decreased by 30%. What explains these trends? We consider a model of human capital and labor supply to quantitatively assess the contribution of exogenous variations in productivity (wage) and life expectancy in accounting for the secular trends in educational attainment and hours of work. We find that the observed increase in wages and life expectancy accounts for 80% of the increase in years of schooling and 88% of the reduction in hours of work. Rising wages alone account for 75% of the increase in schooling and almost all the decrease in hours in the model, whereas rising life expectancy alone accounts for 25% of the increase in schooling and almost none of the decrease in hours of work. In addition, we show that the mechanism emphasized in the model is consistent with other trends at a more disaggregate level such as the reduction in the racial gap in schooling and the decrease in the cross‐sectional dispersion in hours. (JEL E1, I25, J11, O4)
INCIDENCE AND CONSEQUENCES OF RISK‐TAKING BEHAVIOR IN TOURNAMENTS—EVIDENCE FROM THE NBA
Authors: GRUND CHRISTIAN , HÖCKER JAN , ZIMMERMANN STEFAN
Published: December 2012

We empirically explore the relevance and efficiency of risk‐taking behavior in tournaments. We use data from the National Basketball Association (NBA) and measure risk‐taking by the fraction of three‐point shots in basketball games. We examine how point differences between teams during games affect their subsequent risk‐taking behavior. It is found that teams that are trailing are more likely to increase their use of three‐point shots. We additionally analyze the consequences of this change in behavior. Enhanced risk‐taking is inefficient in the vast majority of cases and is only beneficial if a team is trailing by a rather large margin. We discuss possible explanations for these decision errors. (JEL M5, D81, J30)
Performance profiles of German university dermatology departments
Authors: Beikert Florian C. , Stadler Rudolf , Kaufmann Roland , Augustin Matthias
Published: December 2012

Background: German university medical centers are important institutions for scientific research, academic teaching and patient care representing crucial components of academic education, medical specialist training and health services research. The aim was to analyze the structure and performance of the dermatology departments at German university medical centers.

Patients and methods: Nationwide survey of the heads of the dermatology departments at German university medical centers (n = 35) using a standardized questionnaire on the departmentís performance profiles in inpatient and outpatient care, financial remuneration, research output and the anticipated development of the department.

Results: Data from 2010 on 33 of 35 (94.3%) dermatology departments at German university medical centers were analyzed. The mean number of inpatient beds of the departments was 57 (range 24–133) with a utilization of bed capacity of 86% on average. The mean case mix of the 2,494 inpatient cases per year was 1,748, the reported mean case mix index was 0.83. On average, 21,973 cases (range 5,284–92,547) were treated at university outpatient clinics. Of the 33 participating departments of dermatology 22 were placed within the top third of their faculty regarding research funding. The most important components of patient care included surgical dermatology (31.4%), dermato‐oncology (16.9%) and general dermatology (32.1%).

Conclusions: Covering the whole spectrum of dermatology, the dermatology departments of German university medical centers show extraordinary performances in both patient care and scientific research. They considerably contribute to the overall performance and the economic outcome of the German university medical centers and are an integral part of these institutions.
Comparative study between dental caries prevalence of Down syndrome children and their siblings
Authors: Macho Viviana , Palha Miguel , Macedo Ana Paula , Ribeiro Orquídea , Andrade Casimiro
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this epidemiological study was to determine the differences in the prevalence of caries between individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and their siblings. A sibling‐matched, population‐based and cross‐sectional survey was performed. This study involved 138 (62%) children with DS and 86 (38%) siblings, aged 2–26. The children were compared in different subgroups: [2, 6], [6, 12], and [13, 26]. Data was gathered through the use of a complete questionnaire and clinical observation. Data analysis was performed by using SPSS® v.18.0 software with any p value <.05 considered as significant. The DS group presented a significantly higher percentage of children within the caries‐free group: 72% versus 46% of the siblings group (p < .001). In the age gap [2, 6[the median value of DMFT was the same in both groups (p = .918). In the age gap [6, 12] the median value of DMFT in the DS group was 0 and in the siblings group was 1 (p = .004). In the age gap [13, 26] the median value of DMFT in the DS group was 0, whereas in the siblings group the median value was 3, which constitutes a significantly high difference (p = .003). The results of this study suggest that Portuguese children with DS have lower caries prevalence than their siblings.
Changes following Premarital Education for Couples with Differing Degrees of Future Marital Risk
Authors: Barton Allen W. , Futris Ted G. , Bradley Renay C.
Published: December 2012

The present study explored changes in individuals' relationship cognitions and behaviors following premarital education for couples with different risk profiles. The sample consisted of 63 couples who completed the PREPARE program and were classified for future marital risk based on dyadic information. A significant interaction effect was found between risk and time, with individuals in relationships classified as high risk exhibiting greater change at 4 weeks postprogram compared to low‐risk individuals. Perceived helpfulness of topics also varied by couple type. Findings provide support for adapting premarital education programs for high‐risk couples and offer clinicians and educators specific insights for areas of emphasis when working with different types of couples.
Barriers to nurses providing psychosocial care in the Australian rural context
Authors: Kenny Amanda , Allenby Ann
Published: December 2012

This study in Victoria, Australia examined issues that rural nurses face in the provision of psychosocial care. Researchers, across a diversity of fields, have argued that psychosocial care is inadequate. Current knowledge of psychosocial care in rural areas is limited, despite the centrality of nurses in the provision of this care. Using an interpretive descriptive design, four focus groups were conducted with 22 nurses from five rural hospitals. Thematic analysis resulted in the emergence of five organising themes that impact on the provision of psychosocial care: constructive relationships, professional isolation, multiskilling expectations, client interaction, and competing demands. The global theme, “Managing multiple roles, demands and relationships” reflected the notion that the provision of psychosocial care is impacted on by the multiple roles and tasks that rural nurses undertake and the impact of contextual and interpersonal relationships. Strategies are needed to support nurses in their role and while clinical supervision has been identified as potentially useful, attention must be given to strong leadership, the development of a positive culture, recognition of the centrality of client care, and evidence‐based education.
Leflunomide therapy for BK virus allograft nephropathy after pediatric kidney transplantation
Authors: Jung Young H. , Moon Kyung C. , Ha Jong W. , Kim Sang‐Joon , Ha Il‐Soo , Cheong Hae I. , Kang Hee G.
Published: December 2012

The BK virus (BKV) can be reactivated with immunosuppressive treatment in renal allograft recipients, which can result in interstitial nephritis (BKV‐associated nephropathy, BKVAN) and lead to renal allograft failure. Recently, leflunomide has been reported in some case series of BKVAN with favorable results. Most studies have included only adult patients, we herein report a pediatric case and include a literature review. The patient was a nine‐yr‐old female with end‐stage renal disease due to hypoxic kidney injury. A deceased donor renal transplant was performed and good initial allograft function was achieved following treatment with prednisolone, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. The serum Cr level increased to 1.6 mg/dL over the following four‐month period. A kidney biopsy revealed pathologic findings of acute cellular rejection and BK nephropathy. After methylprednisolone pulse therapy was administered to control acute rejection, the tacrolimus dose was reduced, and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment and leflunomide therapy were administered to control the BKVAN. Over the following 18 months, the viral load steadily decreased and remained below 100 copies/mL in the plasma. Leflunomide therapy in addition to a reduction of the immunosuppressive therapies resulted in a significant decline in the BK viral load without further deterioration of renal function.
Improving Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing Predictions—Part II: Comparison of Measured and Predicted Rotor-Pad Transfer Functions for a Rocker-Pivot Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing
Authors: Wilkes Jason C. , Childs Dara W.
Published: December 2012

As described in Part I (Wilkes et al., 2012, “Improving Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing Predictions—Part I: Model Development and Impact of Rotor Excited Versus Bearing Excited Impedance Coefficients,” ASME J. Eng. Gas Turb. Power, 135(1), p. 012503), most analytical models for tilting-pad journal bearing (TPJBs) are based on the assumption that explicit dependence on pad motion can be eliminated by assuming harmonic rotor motion such that the amplitude and phase of pad motions resulting from radial and transverse rotor motions are predicted by rotor-pad transfer functions. In short, these transfer functions specify the amplitude and phase of pad motion (angular, radial, translational, etc.) in response to an input rotor motion. Direct measurements of pad motion during test excitation were recorded to produce measured transfer functions between rotor and pad motion, and a comparison between these measurements and predictions is given. Motion probes were added to the loaded pad (having the static load vector directed through its pivot) of a 5-pad TPJB to obtain accurate measurement of pad radial and tangential motion, as well as tilt, yaw, and pitch. Strain gauges were attached to the side of the loaded pad to measure static and dynamic bending strains, which were then used to determine static and dynamic changes in pad curvature (pad clearance).
RNF4-Dependent Hybrid SUMO-Ubiquitin Chains Are Signals for RAP80 and Thereby Mediate the Recruitment of BRCA1 to Sites of DNA Damage
Authors: Guzzo Catherine M. , Berndsen Christopher E. , Zhu Jianmei , Gupta Vibhor , Datta Ajit , Greenberg Roger A. , Wolberger Cynthia , Matunis Michael J.
Published: December 2012

DNA repair proteins find sites of damage marked by hybrid SUMO-ubiquitin chains.
Estrogen Represses Liver Tumors
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: December 2012

Estrogen signaling suppresses the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by preventing alternative activation of tumor-associated macrophages.
Overexpression of Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2 Impairs T
H
1 Responses
Authors: Yang Tianshu , Ramocki Melissa B. , Neul Jeffrey L. , Lu Wen , Roberts Luz , Knight John , Ward Christopher S. , Zoghbi Huda Y. , Kheradmand Farrah , Corry David B.
Published: December 2012

Duplication of the
MECP2
gene in humans and mice results in immune dysregulation due in part to the suppression of IFN-γ production from T helper cells.
Surprise After the Prize: Innate Immune Signaling Required for Pluripotency
Authors: Nahrendorf Matthias
Published: December 2012

Signaling through the Toll-like receptor TLR3 is necessary for generation of induced pluripotent stem cells
Real-time situation awareness assessment in critical illness management: adapting the situation present assessment method to clinical simulation
Authors: Shelton Clifford Leigh , Kinston Ruth , Molyneux Adrian John , Ambrose Lucy Jane
Published: December 2012

Background

Situation awareness (SA) is a human factor of critical importance to patient safety. Simulation training aims to examine and debrief human factors; however, SA cannot be directly observed. This has led to the development of SA measurement tools. The Situation Present Assessment Method (SPAM) measures SA in real-time without the need to pause the scenario. The SPAM process involves the delivery of queries to the participant who must answer them accurately and quickly. The latency between the query being asked and answer being received represents SA.

Method

Two query delivery procedures are described in the literature: query delivery by telephone and in person. These procedures were piloted in simulation teaching with final-year medical students. The scenarios were videotaped and reviewed by the investigators to evaluate each procedure.

Our evaluation of the existing SPAM procedures led us to adapt the method by developing a bespoke application, which delivers queries via a personal digital assistant (PDA), calculates the latency data and presents it to the instructor.

Results

Presented by telephone, queries tended to disrupt the ‘flow’ of the simulation. The ‘in person’ procedure was not disruptive; however, participants found it difficult to distinguish queries from other dialogue. The PDA represented a compromise between these two techniques: generating data without disrupting the scenario.

Conclusions

The use of SPAM is feasible in clinical simulation. By using handheld technology, SA data are made available to the instructor for use in debrief; this expands the utility of SPAM to the field of medical education.
Double balloon enteroscopy in children: a case series highlighting risks, and a review of the literature
Authors: Jensen Melissa , Mysore Krupa , El-Abiad Rami , Rahhal Riad
Published: December 2012

Aim

Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is a relatively new endoscopic technique that allows endoscopic access into the small intestine. It has been studied in adults, but the literature remains scarce in the paediatric age group.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed our experience with DBE in children.

Results

We describe four procedures performed on three patients. The diagnostic yield was high (100%) with one major complication (perforation) encountered. A review of the benefits and risks in this cohort, and the available literature is included.

Conclusions

DBE is a promising endoscopic modality in children, but some aspects remain unanswered. There is a great need for a prospective study to better assess benefit and risk in this population.
Evaluation of a new anaesthetist-led propofol sedation service for endoscopy within a UK day-case setting
Authors: Murugesan Senthil V , Davies Mark W , Nicholson Jill , Hughes Mark , Haslam Neil , Smart Howard L , Sarkar Sanchoy
Published: December 2012

Introduction

The use of propofol in endoscopy is becoming more prevalent both in Europe and North America. Potential advantages over conscious sedation include controlled deep sedation for therapeutic endoscopy and improved patient satisfaction. A new anaesthetist-led propofol-based day-case sedation service was introduced within the endoscopy unit at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in April 2011.

Aims

To evaluate this new service of anaesthetist-led propofol-based sedation for safety, compliance with current guidelines and satisfaction (patient, anaesthetist and endoscopist).

Design

A prospective, service evaluation audit of a new, weekly, anaesthetist-led propofol-based sedation service. Administrative records, anaesthetic notes and satisfaction scores (1=very dissatisfied; 5=very satisfied; patients, anaesthetists, endoscopists) and the ‘patient journey’ were evaluated for 40 consecutive patients treated over 18 weeks. Outcomes were measured against current British Society of Gastroenterology/Royal College of Anaesthetists guidelines.

Results

All procedures were completed (100% intention-to-treat rate), all patients were discharged on the day of the procedure and none were readmitted within 7 days. Adverse events were minor (10%) and there were no deaths within 30 days. The median satisfaction score was 5 for patients, anaesthetists and endoscopists. The additional cost for provision of such a service included the services of the anaesthetist (one programmed activity) and operating department personnel and for drugs (propofol). The demand for the service rapidly increased.

Conclusions

Anaesthetist-led propofol-assisted endoscopy is safe in a day-case endoscopy unit and is associated with high satisfaction scores for patients, anaesthetists and endoscopists. There is a high demand for this service in this UK endoscopy day-case unit.
Graduated driver licensing and motor vehicle crashes involving teenage drivers: an exploratory age-stratified meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Motao , Cummings Peter , Chu Haitao , Coben Jeffrey H , Li Guohua
Published: December 2012

Objective

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) has been implemented in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA and Israel. We conducted an exploratory summary of available data to estimate whether GDL effects varied with age.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and other sources from 1991–2011. GDL evaluation studies with crashes resulting in injuries or deaths were eligible. They had to provide age-specific incidence rate ratios with CI or information for calculating these quantities. We included studies from individual states or provinces, but excluded national studies. We examined rates based on person-years, not license-years.

Results

Of 1397 papers, 144 were screened by abstract and 47 were reviewed. Twelve studies from 11 US states and one Canadian province were selected for meta-analysis for age 16, eight were selected for age 17, and four for age 18. Adjusted rate ratios were pooled using random effects models. The pooled adjusted rate ratios for the association of GDL presence with crash rates was 0.78 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.84) for age 16 years, 0.94 (95% CI 0.93 to 0.96) for 17 and 1.00 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.04) for 18. The difference between these three rate ratios was statistically significant: p<0.001.

Conclusions

GDL policies were associated with a 22% reduction in crash rates among 16-year-old drivers, but only a 6% reduction for 17-year-old drivers. GDL showed no association with crashes among 18-year-old drivers. Because we had few studies to summarise, particularly for older adolescents, our findings should be considered exploratory.
Development of a specific exercise programme for professional orchestral musicians
Authors: Chan Cliffton , Driscoll Tim , Ackermann Bronwen
Published: December 2012

Background

Musculoskeletal problems are common in professional orchestral musicians, and little is known about effective prevention strategies. Exercise is suggested to help in reducing work-related upper limb disorders and accordingly a trial of a specific exercise programme for this population was planned. Formative and process evaluation procedures were undertaken during the development of the programme to ensure high methodological credibility.

Methods

Literature reviews on exercise interventions for musicians as well as for neck, shoulder, abdominal, lower back and hip/pelvic body regions were undertaken. Current preventative and rehabilitation models were reviewed including undergraduate curriculums, postgraduate training programmes, and opinion from academic and clinical physiotherapists. Five series of progressive exercises were developed as a result. These were reviewed by expert physiotherapists who were blinded to the proposed progression difficulty of the exercises. A revised draft was produced for further review. This final programme was pilot trialed and feedback from the participants and physiotherapist instructors were obtained.

Results

No evidence-based literature regarding an exercise programme for professional orchestral musicians was found. An exercise programme was subsequently developed with progressive stages that followed an adapted exercise prevention and rehabilitation model. The blinded ranking of each exercise series produced varied results particularly in the abdominal and shoulder series. Feedback from the participants and instructors in the pilot study resulted in changes to the exercise difficulty, and the class format and structure.

Conclusions

Using available evidence on exercise prescription in collaboration with clinical consensus and current best practice, a specific exercise programme was developed to prevent and/or reduce occupational injuries in professional orchestral musicians.
Smoking and intention to quit in deprived areas of Glasgow: is it related to housing improvements and neighbourhood regeneration because of improved mental health?
Authors: Bond Lyndal , Egan Matt , Kearns Ade , Clark Julie , Tannahill Carol
Published: December 2012

Background

People living in areas of multiple deprivation are more likely to smoke and less likely to quit smoking. This study examines the effect on smoking and intention to quit smoking for those who have experienced housing improvements (HI) in deprived areas of Glasgow, UK, and investigates whether such effects can be explained by improved mental health.

Methods

Quasi-experimental, 2-year longitudinal study, comparing residents’ smoking and intention to quit smoking for HI group (n=545) with non-HI group (n=517), adjusting for baseline (2006) sociodemographic factors and smoking status. SF-12 mental health scores were used to assess mental health, along with self-reported experience of, and General Practitioner (GP) consultations for, anxiety and depression in the last 12 months.

Results

There was no relationship between smoking and HI, adjusting for baseline rates (OR=0.97, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.67, p=0.918). We found an association between intention to quit and HI, which remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographics and previous intention to quit (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.12 to 4.16, p=0.022). We found no consistent evidence that this association was attenuated by improvement in our three mental health measures.

Conclusions

Providing residents in disadvantaged areas with better housing may prompt them to consider quitting smoking. However, few people actually quit, indicating that residential improvements or changes to the physical environment may not be sufficient drivers of personal behavioural change. It would make sense to link health services to housing regeneration projects to support changes in health behaviours at a time when environmental change appears to make behavioural change more likely.
Wheat CBF gene family: identification of polymorphisms in the CBF coding sequence
Authors: Mohseni Sara , Che Hua , Djillali Zakia , Dumont Estelle , Nankeu Joseph , Danyluk Jean
Published: December 2012

Expression of cold-regulated genes needed for protection against freezing stress is mediated, in part, by the CBF transcription factor family. Previous studies with temperate cereals suggested that the CBF gene family in wheat was large, and that CBF genes were at the base of an important low temperature tolerance trait. Therefore, the goal of our study was to identify the CBF repertoire in the freezing-tolerant hexaploid wheat cultivar Norstar, and then to examine if the coding region of CBF genes in two spring cultivars contain polymorphisms that could affect the protein sequence and structure. Our analyses reveal that hexaploid wheat contains a complex CBF family consisting of at least 65 CBF genes of which 60 are known to be expressed in the cultivar Norstar. They represent 27 paralogous genes with 1–3 homeologous copies for the A, B, and D genomes. The cultivar Norstar contains two pseudogenes and at least 24 additional proteins having sequences and (or) structures that deviate from the consensus in the conserved AP2 DNA-binding and (or) C-terminal activation-domains. This suggests that in cultivars such as Norstar, low temperature tolerance may be increased through breeding of additional optimal alleles. The examination of the CBF repertoire present in the two spring cultivars, Chinese Spring and Manitou, reveals that they have additional polymorphisms affecting conserved positions in these domains. Understanding the effects of these polymorphisms will provide additional information for the selection of optimum CBF alleles in Triticeae breeding programs.
A versatile method for the synthesis of γ-pyrones
Authors: Beye Garrison E. , Karagiannis Athanasios , Kazemeini Alieh , Ward Dale E.
Published: December 2012

A versatile three-step procedure to annulate a γ-pyrone onto a methylene ketone was developed involving (i) aldol reaction with a dithiolane-protected β-ketoaldehyde, (ii) oxidation of the aldol adduct to a β-diketone, and (iii) treatment of the resulting dithiolane-protected 1,3,5-trione with 2-iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (triflic acid; TfOH) in acetonitrile at ambient temperature to give the corresponding γ-pyrone. Cyclization proceeded with IBX alone, but significantly improved yields were obtained with added acid, particularly triflic acid. A dithiolane was more effective than a dithiane or acyclic dithioacetal protecting group. The method was amenable to the preparation of a variety of substituted γ-pyrones simply by altering the initial aldol reactants. Overall yields of 50%–60% were obtained in six examples. The method was applied to prepare a key fragment for the total synthesis of baconipyrones A and C and siphonarin B.
Enantioselective synthesis of (R)-tolterodine using lithiation/borylation–protodeboronation methodology
Authors: Roesner Stefan , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: December 2012

The synthesis of the pharmaceutical (R)-tolterodine is reported using lithiation/borylation–protodeboronation of a homoallyl carbamate as the key step. This step was tested with two permutations: an electron-neutral aryl Li-carbamate reacting with an electron-rich boronic ester and an electron-rich aryl Li-carbamate reacting with an electron-neutral boronic ester. It was found that the latter arrangement was considerably better than the former. Further improvements were achieved using magnesium bromide in methanol leading to a process that gave high yield and high enantioselectivity in the lithiation/borylation reaction. The key step was used in an efficient synthesis of (R)-tolterodine in a total of eight steps in a 30% overall yield and 90% ee.
A FORMALIZATION OF RECORD LINKAGE AND ITS APPLICATION TO DATA PROTECTION
Authors: TORRA VICENÇ , STOKES KLARA
Published: December 2012

Re-identification and record linkage are tools used to measure disclosure risk in data privacy. Given two data files, record linkage establishes links between those records that correspond to the same individual. These links are often expressed in terms of probability distributions.

This paper presents a review of a formalization of re-identification in terms of compatible belief functions. This formalization makes it possible to define the set of methods for re-identification that are relevant for the estimation of disclosure risk in privacy protection. Any re-identification method that does not fulfill the criteria for being in this set, may be discarded in a theoretical disclosure risk analysis.

The focus in this paper is on providing examples of how this formalization can be applied in a few different scenarios in data privacy
ON ASSESSING THE DISCLOSURE RISK OF CONTROLLED ADJUSTMENT METHODS FOR STATISTICAL TABULAR DATA
Authors: CASTRO JORDI
Published: December 2012

Minimum distance controlled tabular adjustment is a recent perturbative approach for statistical disclosure control in tabular data. Given a table to be protected, it looks for the closest safe table, using some particular distance. Controlled adjustment is known to provide high data utility. However, the disclosure risk has only been partially analyzed using theoretical results from optimization. This work extends these previous results, providing both a more detailed theoretical analysis, and an extensive empirical assessment of the disclosure risk of the method. A set of 25 instances from the literature and four different attacker scenarios are considered, with several random replications for each scenario, both for L1 and L2 distances. This amounts to the solution of more than 2000 optimization problems. The analysis of the results shows that the approach has low disclosure risk when the attacker has no good information on the bounds of the optimization problem. On the other hand, when the attacker has good estimates of the bounds, and the only uncertainty is in the objective function (which is a very strong assumption), the disclosure risk of controlled adjustment is high and it should be avoided.
Families of Algorithms for Reducing a Matrix to Condensed Form
Authors: Van Zee Field G. , van de Geijn Robert A. , Quintana-Ortí Gregorio , Elizondo G. Joseph
Published: December 2012

In a recent paper it was shown how memory traffic can be diminished by reformulating the classic algorithm for reducing a matrix to bidiagonal form, a preprocess when computing the singular values of a dense matrix. The key is a reordering of the computation so that the most memory-intensive operations can be “fused.” In this article, we show that other operations that reduce matrices to condensed form (reduction to upper Hessenberg form and reduction to tridiagonal form) can be similarly reorganized, yielding different sets of operations that can be fused. By developing the algorithms with a common framework and notation, we facilitate the comparing and contrasting of the different algorithms and opportunities for optimization on sequential architectures. We discuss the algorithms, develop a simple model to estimate the speedup potential from fusing, and showcase performance improvements consistent with the what the model predicts.
Algorithm 925
Authors: Yamashita Makoto , Fujisawa Katsuki , Fukuda Mituhiro , Nakata Kazuhide , Nakata Maho
Published: December 2012

A SemiDefinite Programming (SDP) problem is one of the most central problems in mathematical optimization. SDP provides an effective computation framework for many research fields. Some applications, however, require solving a large-scale SDP whose size exceeds the capacity of a single processor both in terms of computation time and available memory. SDPARA (SemiDefinite Programming Algorithm paRAllel package) [Yamashita et al. 2003b] was designed to solve such large-scale SDPs. Its parallel performance is outstanding for general SDPs in most cases. However, the parallel implementation is less successful for some sparse SDPs obtained from applications such as Polynomial Optimization Problems (POPs) or Sensor Network Localization (SNL) problems, since this version of SDPARA cannot directly handle sparse Schur Complement Matrices (SCMs). In this article we improve SDPARA by focusing on the sparsity of the SCM and we propose a new parallel implementation using the formula-cost-based distribution along with a replacement of the dense Cholesky factorization. We verify numerically that these features are key to solving SDPs with sparse SCMs more quickly on parallel computing systems. The performance is further enhanced by multithreading and the new SDPARA attains considerable scalability in general. It also finds solutions for extremely large-scale SDPs arising from POPs which cannot be obtained by other solvers.
Simulation of Exercise-Induced Syncope in a Heart Model with Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis
Authors: Sever Matjaž , Ribarič Samo , Kordaš Marjan
Published: December 2012

Severe aortic valve stenosis (AVS) can cause an exercise-induced reflex syncope (RS). The precise mechanism of this syncope is not known. The changes in hemodynamics are variable, including arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia, and one of the few consistent changes is a sudden fall in systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures (suggesting a reduced vascular resistance) followed by a decline in heart rate. The contribution of the cardioinhibitory and vasodepressor components of the RS to hemodynamics was evaluated by a computer model. This lumped-parameter computer simulation was based on equivalent electronic circuits (EECs) that reflect the hemodynamic conditions of a heart with severe AVS and a concomitantly decreased contractility as a long-term detrimental consequence of compensatory left ventricular hypertrophy. In addition, the EECs model simulated the resetting of the sympathetic nervous tone in the heart and systemic circuit during exercise and exercise-induced syncope, the fluctuating intra-thoracic pressure during respiration, and the passive relaxation of ventricle during diastole. The results of this simulation were consistent with the published case reports of exertional syncope in patients with AVS. The value of the EEC model is its ability to quantify the effect of a selective and gradable change in heart rate, ventricular contractility, or systemic vascular resistance on the hemodynamics during an exertional syncope in patients with severe AVS.
Herb-Drug Interaction ofPaullinia cupana(Guarana) Seed Extract on the Pharmacokinetics of Amiodarone in Rats
Authors: Rodrigues Márcio , Alves Gilberto , Lourenço Nulita , Falcão Amílcar
Published: December 2012

Paullinia cupanais used in weight-loss programs as a constituent of medicinal/dietary supplements. This study aimed to assess a potential herb-drug interaction among a standardized (certified)Paullinia cupanaextract and amiodarone (narrow therapeutic index drug) in rats. In a first pharmacokinetic study rats were simultaneously coadministered with a single dose ofPaullinia cupana(821 mg/kg, p.o.) and amiodarone (50 mg/kg, p.o.), and in a second study rats were pretreated during 14 days withPaullinia cupana(821 mg/kg/day, p.o.) receiving amiodarone (50 mg/kg, p.o.) on the 15th day. Rats of the control groups received the corresponding volume of vehicle. Blood samples were collected at several time points after amiodarone dosing, and several tissues were harvested at the end of the experiments (24 h after dose). Plasma and tissue concentrations of amiodarone and its major metabolite (mono-N-desethylamiodarone) were measured and analysed. A significant reduction in the peak plasma concentration (73.2%) and in the extent of systemic exposure (57.8%) to amiodarone was found in rats simultaneously treated withPaullinia cupanaand amiodarone; a decrease in tissue concentrations was also observed. This paper reports for the first time an herb-drug interaction betweenPaullinia cupanaextract and amiodarone, which determined a great decrease on amiodarone bioavailability in rats.
Topical Application of Herbal Mixture Extract Inhibits Ovalbumin- or 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Kim Soon Re , Choi Han-Seok , Seo Hye Sook , Choi Youn Kyung , Shin Yong Cheol , Ko Seong-Gyu
Published: December 2012

KM110329 is four traditional herbal medicine mixtures with anti-inflammatory properties. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease associated with enhanced T-helper2 (Th2) lymphocyte response to allergens that results in elevated serum eosinophil and Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and leukocyte infiltration in atopic skin sites. In this study, we investigated the effect of topical application of KM110329 ethanol extract on the ovalbumin (OVA) or 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene- (DNCB-) induced AD mouse models. For that purpose, we observed the effects of KM110329 on blood eosinophils, skin mast cells, production of serum IgE, and expression of cytokine mRNA in the atopic dermatitis skin lesions of OVA allergen- or DNCB-treated BALB/c mice. KM110329 significantly reduced blood eosinophils cell numbers in OVA or DNCB-treated BALB/c mice. Histological analyses demonstrated decreased mast cell count as well as dermal infiltration by inflammatory cells. In the skin lesions, mRNA expression of interleukine (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-17 was inhibited by KM110329. KM110329 also suppressed the production of serum IgE level in both the OVA- and DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis model. Taken together, our results showed that topical application of KM110329 extracts exerts beneficial effects in AD symptoms, suggesting that KM110329 might be a useful candidate for the treatment of AD.
Response to Modified Antitubercular Drug Regime and Antiretroviral Therapy in a Case of HIV Infection with Disseminated Tuberculosis with Isoniazid Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Swami Abhijit , Gupta Bhaskar , Bhattacharjee Prithwiraj
Published: December 2012

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by widespread erythema, necrosis, and bullous detachment of the epidermis and mucous membranes. Without proper management,TEN can cause sepsis leading to death of the patient. Though TEN is commonly drug induced, Isoniazid (INH) has been uncommonly associated with TEN. As INH is one of the first line drugs in treatment of tuberculosis, TEN induced INH needs modification of antitubercular therapy (ATT) with withdrawal of INH from the treatment regime along with other supportive treatments. Patients with HIV infection and disseminated tuberculosis need to be urgently initiated on an effective ATT on diagnosis of tuberculosis. However, if the patient develops potential life-threatening toxicity to first line antitubercular drugs like INH, an alternative effective ATT combination needs to be started as soon as the condition of the patient stabilizes as most of these patients present in advanced stage of HIV infection and this is to be followed by antiretroviral therapy (ART) as per guidelines. The present case reports the effectiveness of an ATT regime comprising Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol, and Levofloxacin along with ART in situations where INH cannot be given in disseminated tuberculosis in HIV patients.
Convergence of the Euler Method of Stochastic Differential Equations with Piecewise Continuous Arguments
Authors: Zhang Ling , Song Minghui
Published: December 2012

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the strong convergence of the Euler method to stochastic differential equations with piecewise continuous arguments (SEPCAs). Firstly, it is proved that the Euler approximation solution converges to the analytic solution under local Lipschitz condition and the bounded pth moment condition. Secondly, the Euler approximation solution converge to the analytic solution is given under local Lipschitz condition and the linear growth condition. Then an example is provided to show which is satisfied with the monotone condition without the linear growth condition. Finally, the convergence of numerical solutions to SEPCAs under local Lipschitz condition and the monotone condition is established.
A Finite Element Variational Multiscale Method Based on Two Local Gauss Integrations for Stationary Conduction‐Convection Problems
Authors: Jiang Yu , Mei Liquan , Wei Huiming , Tian Weijun , Ge Jiatai
Published: December 2012

A new finite element variational multiscale (VMS) method based on two local Gauss integrations is proposed and analyzed for the stationary conduction‐convection problems. The valuable feature of our method is that the action of stabilization operators can be performed locally at the element level with minimal additional cost. The theory analysis shows that our method is stable and has a good precision. Finally, the numerical test agrees completely with the theoretical expectations and the “ exact solution,” which show that our method is highly efficient for the stationary conduction‐convection problems.
Solvability of Nonlinear Integral Equations of Volterra Type
Authors: Liu Zeqing , Lee Sunhong , Kang Shin Min
Published: December 2012

This paper deals with the existence of continuous bounded solutions for a rather general nonlinear integral equation of Volterra type and discusses also the existence and asymptotic stability of continuous bounded solutions for another nonlinear integral equation of Volterra type. The main tools used in the proofs are some techniques in analysis and the Darbo fixed point theorem via measures of noncompactness. The results obtained in this paper extend and improve essentially some known results in the recent literature. Two nontrivial examples that explain the generalizations and applications of our results are also included.
Melody Valve Implant Within Failed Bioprosthetic Valves in the Pulmonary Position
Authors: Gillespie Matthew J. , Rome Jonathan J. , Levi Daniel S. , Williams Ryan J. , Rhodes John F. , Cheatham John P. , Hellenbrand William E. , Jones Thomas K. , Vincent Julie A. , Zahn Evan M. , McElhinney Doff B.
Published: December 2012

Background—

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation using the Melody valve has emerged as an important therapy for the treatment of postoperative right ventricular outflow tract dysfunction. Melody-in-bioprosthetic valves (BPV) is currently considered an off-label indication. We review the combined experience with transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation within BPVs from 8 centers in the United States and discuss technical aspects of the Melody-in-BPV procedure.

Methods and Results—

A total of 104 patients underwent Melody-in-BPV in the pulmonary position at 8 US centers from April 2007 to January 2012. Ten different types of BPVs were intervened on, with Melody valve implantation at the intended site in all patients. Following Melody valve implant, the peak right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery gradient decreased from 38.7±16.3 to 10.9±6.7 mm Hg (
P
<0.001), and the right ventricular systolic pressure fell from 71.6±21.7 to 46.7±15.9 mm Hg (
P
<0.001). There was no serious procedural morbidity, and no deaths related to the catheterization or implant. At a median follow-up of 12 months (1–46 months), no patients had more than mild regurgitation, and 4 had a mean right ventricular outflow tract gradient ≥30 mm Hg. During follow-up, there were 2 stent fractures, 3 cases of endocarditis (2 managed with surgical explant), and 2 deaths that were unrelated to the Melody valve.

Conclusions—

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation using the Melody valve within BPVs can be accomplished with a high rate of success, low procedure-related morbidity and mortality, and excellent short-term results. The findings of this preliminary multicenter experience suggest that the Melody valve is an effective transcatheter treatment option for failed BPVs.
Phosphorylation and Assembly of Glutamate Receptors After Brain Ischemia
Authors: Zhang Fan , Guo Ailan , Liu Chunli , Comb Micheal , Hu Bingren
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—

Overassembly of synaptic glutamate receptors leads to excitotoxicity. The goal of this study is to investigate phosphorylation and assembly of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors after brain ischemia with reperfusion (I/R).

Methods—

Rats were subjected to 15 minutes of global ischemia followed by 0.5, 4, and 24 hours of reperfusion. Phosphotyrosine peptides of glutamate receptors in synaptosomal fraction after I/R were identified and quantified by state-of-the-art immuno-affinity purification of phosphotyrosine peptides followed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis (immunoaffinity purification-coupled liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry). Glutamate receptor phosphorylation and synaptic assembly after I/R were studied by biochemical methods.

Results—

Numerous phosphotyrosine-sites of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate were upregulated by approximately 2- to 37-fold after I/R. A core glutamate receptor kinase, Src kinase, was significantly activated. GluR2/3 and NR2A/B were rapidly clustered from extrasynaptic to synaptic membrane fractions after I/R. GluR2/3 was then translocated into the intracellular pool, whereas NR2A/B remained in the synaptic fraction for as long as 24 hours. Consistently, trafficking-related phosphorylation of GluR2/3-S880 was significantly but transiently upregulated, whereas NR2A/B-Y1246 and NR2A/B-Y1472 were significantly and persistently upregulated after I/R.

Conclusions—

Phosphorylation of glutamate receptors at synapses may lead to overassembly of glutamate receptors, probably via activation of Src family kinases, after I/R. This study provides global proteomic information about glutamate receptor tyrosine phosphorylation after brain ischemia.