bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different Approaches for Dealing with Social Security
Authors: Gramlich Edward M
Published: September 2011

This paper discusses the report of the 1994 Quadrennial Advisory Council on Social Security, of which the author was chair. The system is out of long-term actuarial balance and, as a maturing defined benefit pay-as-you-go system, is giving younger cohorts ever lower returns on their payroll contributions. The council suggested three approaches--each of which involves higher national saving and a way to get some retirement funds invested in equities. One of these approaches preserves the present benefit structure, one shifts to large-scale individual accounts, and one is a hybrid.
Bargaining and Distribution in Marriage
Authors: Lundberg Shelly , Pollak Robert A
Published: September 2011

The standard economic model of the family is a ‘common preference’ model that assumes that a family maximizes a single utility function and implies that family behavior is independent of which individuals receive income or control resources. In recent years, this model has been challenged by game-theoretic models of marriage that do not impose ‘pooling’ and are, therefore, consistent with empirical evidence that income controlled by husbands and wives does have different effects on family behavior. In this paper, the authors review a number of simple bargaining models and relevant empirical evidence, and discuss their implications for distribution within marriage.
The American Economic Association Dues Structure
Authors: Beil Richard O , Laband David N
Published: September 2011

Because consumers have an incentive to misrepresent their incomes and accurate information about consumers' incomes is costly for sellers to obtain, income-based pricing of goods or services seems unlikely to survive for long. Indeed, income-based pricing is extremely rare. However, the American Economic Association's dues structure in which members voluntarily pay dues according to income has survived for twenty years. The authors’ survey results reveal that while some ‘cheating’ does occur, there is substantial compliance with the income-based dues structure. They offer several explanations for their findings.
Symposium on Primary and Secondary Education
Authors: Blau Francine D
Published: September 2011

This article introduces the ‘Symposium on Primary and Secondary Education.’ It points out that considerable controversy surrounds the issues treated by the articles in the symposium: the effect of the level of resources invested in education on student outcomes, and the educational financing structure that would optimize desirable outcomes of the system, including allocative and productive efficiency and equity. Given rising wage inequality in the labor market associated with increasing demands for skill, concerns over slow U.S. productivity growth, and burgeoning public school enrollments, resolving these issues has become increasingly important.
Predicting superficial venous incompetence with strain gauge plethysmography
Authors: Skeik N , Kalsi H , Wysokinski W E , Heaser T V , Wennberg P W
Published: September 2011

Background

With currently available effective interventional methods to treat superficial venous insufficiency, it becomes particularly important to have a simple and reliable method to evaluate the location and severity of venous reflux. To date, there are few studies that evaluated plethysmography with and without tourniquet application to differentiate superficial from deep venous incompetence.

Objectives

To determine if strain gauge plethysmography (SGP) with and without tourniquet application can be used to distinguish between the superficial and deep venous components of venous incompetence.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study using SGP with and without tourniquet application and duplex ultrasound (duplex US) to assess the severity and location of venous incompetence in 62 patients (85 limbs, 42 women, with an age range of 32–81 years) referred to our vascular laboratory for haemodynamic evaluation. Based on duplex US results, patients were diagnosed with superficial (SVI), deep and superficial (mixed) and deep vein incompetence (DVI).

Results

Mixed incompetence was the most common type. Twenty-three out of 33 limbs in the SVI group normalized their refill rate (RR) with tourniquet application (69.6%). Normalization of the RR with tourniquet application was less common in the mixed ( n: 17 out of 40, 42.5%) and DVI ( n: 2 out of 6, 33.3%) groups.

Conclusion

SGP with tourniquet application is a simple and fast technique that can identify patients with SVI, based on RR improvement, who probably would benefit more from ablation procedures. Further studies evaluating impact of SGP with tourniquet test results on clinical outcome of SVI invasive treatment are warranted
Interface pressure and stiffness in different combinations of compression material
Authors: Hirai M , Koyama A , Miyazaki K , Iwata H , Kominami Y
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To compare the interface pressure and stiffness between various combinations of compression material.

Methods

Using a stiffness-determining device, the interface pressure and stiffness were determined in several combinations of five elastic stockings and two elastic bandages.

Results

In the double stockings system, the interface pressure increased significantly and the highest stiffness was observed in double short-stretch stockings. When short-stretch bandages were applied over either short- or long-stretch stockings, a significant increase in stiffness was observed at any initial pressure compared with the single use of short-stretch stockings. In double bandage systems, when short-stretch bandages were applied over either short- or long-stretch bandages, the stiffness increased significantly. When long-stretch bandages were used over short-stretch bandages, the stiffness decreased significantly.

Conclusions

The stiffness is changeable according to the combinations of material, such as double stockings, double bandages and the wearing of bandages over stockings. The use of short-stretch bandages as the outside layer produces the highest stiffness at a high initial pressure.
Role of biomarkers in cardioncology
Authors: Cardinale Daniela , Salvatici Michela , Sandri Maria T.
Published: September 2011

Cardiotoxicity is a serious adverse effect of anticancer drugs, impacting on quality of life and overall survival of cancer patients. According to the current standard for monitoring cardiac function, cardiotoxicity is usually detected only when a functional impairment has already occurred, precluding any chance of preventing its development. Over the last decade, however, a new approach, based on the use of cardiac biomarkers, has emerged, and has proven to be an effective alternative strategy for early detection of subclinical cardiac injury. In particular, the role of troponin I in identifying patients at risk of cardiotoxicity and of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in preventing left ventricular ejection fraction reduction and late cardiac events represent an effective tool for the prevention of this complication.
β-Thalassemia mutations in subjects with borderline HbA2 values: a pilot study in North India
Authors: Rangan Aruna , Sharma Prashant , Dadu Tina , Saxena Renu , Verma Ishwar C. , Bhargava Manorama
Published: September 2011

Interpreting hemoglobin high performance liquid chromatograms with borderline

We tested for underlying β-thalassemia mutations in 25 subjects with borderline

A β-globin gene defect was identified in 8 (32%) of the 25 cases with

Mutation analysis should be offered to all at-risk couples with borderline
Pubertal development and sexuality in female adolescents born preterm: a review of the literature
Authors: Paul Alexandra , Deans Rebecca , Viner Russell , Creighton Sarah M.
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Premature infants, especially very low birth weight infants, and fetal growth restriction are a challenge for healthcare professionals alike owing to the consequences of these conditions.

Objective: To provide information for gynecologists, pediatricians and neonatologists to identify correct outcome expectations to help them plan their preventive and therapeutic actions. Searches were made on the MEDLINE database.

Results: According to several follow-up studies, there is an increasing evidence for a link between early life exposures (prenatal and postnatal) and long-term outcomes. An adverse in utero environment will induce fetal reprogramming of neuroendocrine axes with permanent alterations of the physiology and metabolism of various body structures and functioning of neuroendocrine axes in later life, leading to a variety of different conditions, such as persistence of neurodevelopmental disability, changes in growth pattern, in body metabolism, in pubertal development, lower educational achievement and even psychological disturbances with possible alterations of sexual behavior in female adolescents and young adults. In addition, short-term transitory consequences can be also present, such as anomalies in genital appearance.

Conclusions: Outcome studies on the impact that prematurity, low birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction have on pubertal development, sexuality and fertility are still scarce. Long-term outcomes of small for gestational age or preterm adolescents are complex and multifactorial, with interactions between genetic and environmental influences involving different pathways of adaptive responses during crucial phases of prenatal growth.
Effect of different levels of short-term feed intake on folliculogenesis and follicular fluid and plasma concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, and hormones in Hu sheep during the luteal phase
Authors: Ying Shijia , Wang Ziyu , Wang Changlong , Nie Haitao , He Dongyang , Jia Ruoxin , Wu Yongcong , Wan Yongjie , Zhou Zhengrong , Yan Yibo , Zhang Yanli , Wang Feng
Published: September 2011

This study investigated the effects of short-term food restriction or supplementation on folliculogenesis and plasma and intrafollicular metabolite and hormone concentrations. Ewes were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group received a maintenance diet (M) while the supplemented group and restricted group received 1.5×M and 0.5×M respectively on days 6–12 of their estrous cycle. Estrus was synchronized by intravaginal progestogen sponges for 12 days. On days 7–12, blood samples were taken. After slaughter, the ovarian follicles were classified and the follicular fluid was collected. Compared with restriction, supplementation shortened the estrous cycle length, decreased the number of follicles 2.5–3.5 mm and follicular fluid estradiol (E2) concentration, increased the number of follicles >3.5 mm and plasma glucose, insulin and glucagon concentrations, and augmented the volume of follicles >2.5 mm. Restricted ewes had higher intrafollicular insulin concentration, but it was similar to that of supplemented ewes. Compared with follicles ≤2.5 mm, the intrafollicular glucose and E2concentrations were increased and the testosterone, insulin, and glucagon concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were decreased in follicles >2.5 mm. Only in restricted ewes were intrafollicular LDH and testosterone concentrations in follicles ≤2.5 mm not different from those in follicles ≤2.5 mm. In conclusion, the mechanism by which short-term dietary restriction inhibits folliculogenesis may involve responses to intrafollicular increased E2, testosterone, and LDH levels in late-stage follicles. This may not be due to the variation of intrafollicular insulin level but rather due to decreased circulating levels of glucose, insulin, and glucagon.
Wetting Pattern on TiO2Nanostructure Films and its Application as a Template for Selective Materials Growth
Authors: Lai Y. K. , Yang Y. , Huang Y. X. , Lin Z. Q. , Tang Y. X. , Gong D. G. , Lin C. J. , Chen Z.
Published: September 2011

The present paper describes an unconventional approach to fabricate superhydrophilic-superhydrophobic template on the TiO2nanotube structured film by a combination of electrochemical anodization and photocatalytic lithography. Based on template with extreme wetting contrast, various functional nanostructures micropattern with high resolution have been successfully fabricated. The resultant micropattern has been characterized with scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is shown that functional nanostructures can be selectively grown at superhydrophilic areas which are confined by the hydrophobic regions, indicating that the combined process of electrochemically self-assembly and photocatalytic lithography is a very promising approach for constructing well-defined templates for various functional materials growth.
Application of Magnetic Susceptibility for Wetlands Delineation
Authors: Simms Janet E. , Lobred Anthony R.
Published: September 2011

Wetlands are natural resources that are protected under federal regulations; therefore, the delineation of wetlands is necessary to ensure their protection. Standard methods used for delineating wetlands can be time consuming, or a wetland could be problematic, i.e., lacking hydrophytic vegetation or hydric soil indicators, or periodically lacking hydrologic indicators. A magnetic susceptibility study could be an additional technique used to aid in the delineation process. A study using magnetic susceptibility was undertaken in central Mississippi to identify the transitional zone or boundary between non-hydric (uplands) and hydric (wetlands) soils. The soils were silt loam with a minor percentage of sand. A survey line that traversed the transitional zone between wetland and upland on each end of the transect was revisited four times during a single year and once two years later. One survey was conducted a few weeks after the winter inundation (moderately wet soil conditions), one was conducted several months after inundation but immediately after some heavy rainfall (moderately wet soil conditions), and two were conducted several weeks or months after inundation or significant rainfall (dry soil conditions). There were measurable differences between the magnetic susceptibility values collected in the upland and wetland regions during each survey. One transitional zone was easily identified using magnetic susceptibility, exhibiting a sharp decrease in susceptibility values between the upland and wetland. The other transitional zone contained an intermediate ridge, which made demarcation of the zone less obvious. The measured magnetic susceptibility values were comparable for the respective upland, transition, and wetland regions, and the characteristics of the curves were similar for all time-periods. Overall, magnetic susceptibility proved to be a successful method for delineating a wetland in this area.
Evaluation of the Influence of 2-D Electrical Resistivity on Magnetic Resonance Sounding
Authors: Braun Martina , Yaramanci Ugur
Published: September 2011

Magnetic resonance sounding (MRS) or surface nuclear magnetic resonance (SNMR) is used for groundwater exploration and aquifer characterization. The method performs NMR measurements with large surface coils (diameter range of [Formula: see text]) to measure the induced decay of the spin of protons of water molecules. The main property of interest is water content. For a reliable analysis of the measurement, the electrical resistivity in the subsurface must be taken into account. The extent of resistivity influence on MRS depends on the size of the coil. So far, the influence of the resistivity has been considered only for stratified 1-D subsurfaces. We explore the influence of 2-D resisitivity models on the MRS signal by comparing the signal calculated for 2-D models to the signal calculated for layered 1-D models. The results indicate that a 1-D approximation is valid if the midpoint of the loop is at least one diameter away from the 2-D structure, or if the extension of the 2-D structure is twice as wide as the loop diameter. For cases in which the 1-D layer approximation is invalid, the substitution of a 2-D resistivity with a 1-D equivalent layer model has been found impossible because of the different 2-D kernel functions and corresponding sensitivities.
Splitting of the Umbilical Cord in a 13-Week-Old Fetus
Authors: Peres Luiz Cesar
Published: September 2011

There is an increasing interest in the physiology and pathology of the umbilical cord because it is recognized as an important source of placental and, consequently, fetal problems. During the postmortem examination of a severely macerated 13-week-old fetus, a split umbilical cord was noted. This rare finding was seen in the middle segment of the cord, the fetal and placental ends both being normal. The pathogenesis of this lesion is not fully understood, and it is possible that it results through focal degeneration of previously formed Wharton's jelly or secondary loss of Wharton's jelly due to incomplete fusion or hypoplasia of the amniotic covering. Whatever the pathogenesis, it is assumed that an umbilical vessel devoid of its protective Wharton's jelly is more prone to compression and thrombosis with all its deleterious effects. Death in this case was probably associated with the congenital heart defect also presented by the fetus. The rarity of this lesion is probably explained by the fact that it represents the end of the spectrum of longitudinal deficiency of Wharton's jelly, a relatively common finding.
High Prevalence of Lipid Abnormalities among Antiretroviral-Naive HIV-Infected Asian Children with Mild-To-Moderate Immunosuppression
Authors:   the PREDICT study group, Kanjanavanit Suparat , Puthanakit Thanyawee , Vibol Ung , Kosalaraksa Pope , Hansudewechakul Rawiwan , Ngampiyasakul Chaiwat , Wongsawat Jurai , Luesomboon Wicharn , Wongsabut Jiratchaya , Mahanontharit Apicha , Suwanlerk Tulathip , Saphonn Vonthanak , Ananworanich Jintanat , Ruxrungtham Kiat
Published: September 2011

Background

Dyslipidaemia is a common complication among HIV-infected children after antiretroviral therapy (ART); however, HIV itself can cause abnormal lipid metabolism. There is limited information of lipid profiles among Asian HIV-infected children naive to ART.

Methods

A total of 274 HIV-infected ART-naive Thai and Cambodian children aged 1-12 years with CD4% between 15% and 24% were included. Patients were fasted for ≥4 h before blood was drawn. Abnormal lipid levels were defined as triglyceride (TG)>130 mg/dl, total cholesterol (TC)>200 mg/dl, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)>130 mg/dl and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)≤40 mg/dl.

Results

The mean (±sd) was 76.6 (33.8) months for age and -1.3 (1.0) for weight Z-score. Mean (±sd) CD4% was 19.9 (4.8) % and HIV RNA was 4.6 (0.6) log10 copies/ml. The median (±sd) fasting time was 13.0 (2.7) h. Mean (±sd) for lipids were 116 (62) mg/dl for TG, 139 (29) mg/dl for TC, 73 (29) mg/dl for LDL and 45 (19) mg/dl for HDL. Overall 63.9% had dyslipidaemia with hypertriglyceridaemia and hypo-HDL being the most common (28% and 45%, respectively), while 2% had hypercholesterolaemia or hyper-LDL. After adjusting for age, having HIV RNA>5 log10 copies/ml was associated with hypo-HDL with ORs of 8.1 (95% CI 2.7–24.3).

Conclusions

Up to two-thirds of ART-naive, HIV-infected Asian children with mild-to-moderate immune suppression had dyslipidaemia. Low HDL was the most common and was associated with high HIV viraemia. The long-term consequence of low HDL deserves further investigation in children.
Open-Label Phase 1B Pilot Study to Assess the Antiviral Efficacy of Simvastatin Combined with Sertraline in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients
Authors: Patel Keyur , Lim Seng G , Cheng Chow W , Lawitz Eric , Tillmann Hans L , Chopra Narinder , Altmeyer Ralf , Randle John CR , McHutchison John G
Published: September 2011

Background

3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors inhibit HCV replication in vitro. The combination of sertraline and simvastatin has synergistic antiviral activity in vitro, but there are no prior in vivo studies. Our aims were to prospectively assess the antiviral efficacy and safety of this drug combination in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.

Methods

A total of 15 CHC adults (including 1 control subject) that were treatment-naive or prior partial responders/relapsers to standard-of-care therapy were enrolled at four centres (2 in Singapore and 2 in the US). Patients received simvastatin 40 mg once daily and sertraline 50 mg once daily for 7 days, and then 80 mg once daily and 100 mg once daily, respectively, for another 21 days with a 14-day follow-up.

Results

Of the 15 CHC patients, 13 completed the study. Subjects were mostly Caucasian (8/15), mean age 49.1 ±9 years and the genotype distribution was 1=10, 2=2 and 3=3. No subject discontinued dosing due to adverse events. Mean HCV RNA change from baseline was from -0.005 to -0.236 log10 IU/ml across study intervals. Three subjects had transient >1 log10 HCV RNA declines. No subject achieved >2 log10 HCV RNA decline.

Conclusions

The combination of sertraline and simvastatin is well-tolerated over the short-term, but has no significant antiviral or anti-inflammatory response in CHC patients. This may reflect in vivo differences in synergy between statin and/or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and incomplete inhibition of membrane protein prenylation with statin therapy.
New non-evidence for the name of Babrius
Authors: Vaio John
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Elenco de nombres personales (P. Palau Rib. inv. 202 II/IIIp)
Authors: O’Callaghan José
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
El léxico peculiar del traductor Aquila
Authors: Busto Saiz José Ramón
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Euripides’ Alkestis: a reading
Authors: Bell J. M.
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
El carácter temporal de la oposición infectum/perfectum y el testimonio del verbo hitita
Authors: González Julián
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Tres grafías arcadias
Authors: Lillo Alcaraz Antonio
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
La fábula de la golondrina de Grecia a la India y la Edad Media
Authors: Adrados Francisco R.
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
El legado de Wilhelm Crönert
Authors: Gangutia Elícegui Elvira
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Sappho and the ὄλισβος
Authors: Giangrande Giuseppe
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Nota sobre la etimología cyathus ‘chato’
Authors: Sánchez Real José
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Notas textuales al Panegírico de Justino de Coripo
Authors: Ramírez de Verger Antonio
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
La expresión intemerata dei virgo como metáfora del periodo gramatical en Paciano de Barcelona (Ep. I 3, 1)
Authors: Anglada Ángel
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Pandora and Dike in Hesiod’s Works and days
Authors: Olstein Katherine
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Further considerations on the phonetics and morphologizations of Hi and Hu̯ in Indoeuropean
Authors: Adrados Francisco R.
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Consideraciones sobre el influjo hebreo en el latín bíblico
Authors: García de la Fuente Olegario
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
¿Mateo Evangelista en Macrobio, Sat. II 4, 11?
Authors: Granados Fernández Consolación
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Una venta de códices griegos de Andrés Darmarius en Madrid en 1571
Authors: De Andrés Gregorio
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Tácito y la decadencia del imperio
Authors: Santos Yanguas Narciso
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Cyclica (I)
Authors: Bernabé Alberto
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
La glosa de Hesiquio ζείναμεν· σβέννυμεν: una aporía fonética y morfológica
Authors: García Ramón J. L.
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Asclepiades, Ap. V 210
Authors: Baldwin Barry
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
El sufijo latino -ulentus
Authors: Pariente Ángel
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Zu Livius IV 56, 13 (Textkritik)
Authors: Pötscher Walter
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
La /̆a/ en indoeuropeo. I. Análisis de la * ̆a- en posición inicial de raíz
Authors: Mendoza Julia M.
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Orden de palabras en hebreo, griego, latín y romanceamiento castellano medieval de Joel (I)
Authors: García de la Fuente Olegario
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Sobre los períodos de la vida humana en la lírica arcaica y la tragedia griega (I)
Authors: Vílchez Mercedes
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
En torno a algunos mss. de Apolonio de Rodas conservados en bibliotecas españolas: notas de paleografía
Authors: Bravo García Antonio
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
θέσις, ὑπόθεσις, περίστασις in Apollodoro di Pergamo
Authors: Granatelli Rossella
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Nota a Virgilio, Eneida VI 802
Authors: Fortuny Filomena
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Intento de explicación de la pasiva personal en latín
Authors: Sánchez Salor Eustaquio
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
A note on the eclecticism of Hippocrates
Authors: Davies J. C.
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Status ubi inuenitur? (Fort., Rhet. I 28)
Authors: Granatelli Rossella
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
«Las ranas pidiendo rey»: origen y evolución de una fábula política
Authors: Adrados Francisco R.
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Sistema y realización en la métrica: bases antiguas de una doctrina moderna
Authors: Luque Moreno Jesús
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
El enigma del oráculo de Apolo sobre Plotino
Authors: Igal J.
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Aspectos actuales de la literatura griega clásica
Authors: Alsina José
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Los indefinidos en la Biblia latina
Authors: García de la Fuente Olegario
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
La poesía como causalidad en la Poética de Aristóteles
Authors: Díaz Tejera Alberto
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Aristóteles en el «Comentario al Cratilo» de Proclo
Authors: Ruiz Yamuza Emilia
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
The slaves' chorus in Petronius
Authors: Baldwin Barry
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Las fuentes de la Historia de Herodiano
Authors: Gascó Fernando
Published: September 2011

No disponible.
Debate on Bruce Bimber´s Book Information and American Democracy. Cambridge University Press, 2003
Authors: Robles José Manuel , Bimber Bruce , Livingston Steven , Garcia José Luís , Gang Liu , Mosca Lorenzo , Karpf David , Robles José Manuel
Published: September 2011

Presentation
José Manuel Robles

Abstract of Information and American Democracy. Cambridge University Press, 2003
Bruce Bimber

From Regimes to Ecologies: Globalizing Bruce Bimber’s Model of Information and Politics
Steven Livingston

Internet, new forms of power and democracy
José Luís Garcia

Internet: A Technological Tool and Changes in Political Power
Liu Gang

Information and American Democracy in the era of web 2.0
Lorenzo Mosca

What Comes Next?: Bimber’s Information Revolutions and Institutional Disruptions
David Karpf

Online Political Information and Online Political Participation
José Manuel Robles

Digital Media and Political Change: A Response to Garcia, Karpf, Livingston, Liu, Mosca, and Robles
Bruce Bimber
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension among Saudi Adult Population: A National Survey
Authors: Saeed Abdalla A. , Al-Hamdan Nasser A. , Bahnassy Ahmed A. , Abdalla Abdelshakour M. , Abbas Mostafa A. F. , Abuzaid Lamiaa Z.
Published: September 2011

This cross-sectional study aimed at estimating prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and predictors of hypertension among Saudi adult population. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select 4758 adult participants. Three blood pressure measurements using an automatic sphygmomanometer, sociodemographics, and antihypertensive modalities were obtained. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 25.5%. Only 44.7% of hypertensives were aware, 71.8% of them received pharmacotherapy, and only 37.0% were controlled. Awareness was significantly associated with gender, age, geographical location, occupation, and comorbidity. Applying drug treatment was significantly more among older patients, but control was significantly higher among younger patients and patients with higher level of physical activity. Significant predictors of hypertension included male gender, urbanization, low education, low physical activity, obesity, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. In conclusion prevalence is high, but awareness, treatment, and control levels are low indicating a need to develop a national program for prevention, early detection, and control of hypertension.
Validation of Automated White Matter Hyperintensity Segmentation
Authors: Smart Sean D. , Firbank Michael J. , O'Brien John T.
Published: September 2011

Introduction. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are a common finding on MRI scans of older people and are associated with vascular disease. We compared 3 methods for automatically segmenting WMHs from MRI scans.Method. An operator manually segmented WMHs on MRI images from a 3T scanner. The scans were also segmented in a fully automated fashion by three different programmes. The voxel overlap between manual and automated segmentation was compared.Results. Between observer overlap ratio was 63%. Using our previously described in-house software, we had overlap of 62.2%. We investigated the use of a modified version of SPM segmentation; however, this was not successful, with only 14% overlap.Discussion. Using our previously reported software, we demonstrated good segmentation of WMHs in a fully automated fashion.
Duct Excision is Still Necessary to Rule out Breast Cancer in Patients Presenting with Spontaneous Bloodstained Nipple Discharge
Authors: Foulkes R. E. , Heard G. , Boyce T. , Skyrme R. , Holland P. A. , Gateley C. A.
Published: September 2011

Introduction. Spontaneous nipple discharge is the third most common reason for presentation to a symptomatic breast clinic. Benign and malignant causes of spontaneous nipple discharge continue to be difficult to distinguish. We analyse our experience of duct excisions for spontaneous nipple discharge to try to identify features that raise suspicion of breast cancer and to identify features indicative of benign disease that would be suitable for nonoperative management.Methods. Details of one hundred and ninety-four patients who underwent duct excision for spontaneous nipple discharge between 1995 and 2005 were analysed.Results. Malignant disease was identified in 11 (5.7%) patients, 4 invasive and 7 insitu, which was 10.2% of those presenting with bloodstained discharge. All patients with malignant disease had bloodstained discharge. Discharge due to malignant disease was more likely to be bloodstained than that due to benign causes (Fisher's exact test, 2-tailedPvalue = 0.00134).Conclusion. Our findings do not support a policy of conservative management of spontaneous bloodstained nipple discharge. Cases of demonstrable spontaneous bloodstained nipple discharge should undergo duct excision to prevent malignant lesions being missed.
Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Autosomal Dominant Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Ben Amor I. Mouna , Glorieux Francis H. , Rauch Frank
Published: September 2011

Osteogenesis imperfecta, discussed in Baldridge et al. 2008 is an inherited bone fragility disorder with a wide range of clinical severity that in the majority of cases is caused by mutations in COL1A1 or COL1A2, the genes that encode the two collagen type I alpha chains. Here we describe genotype-phenotype correlations in OI patients who have mutations affecting collagen type I. This paper is based on findings in a large single-centre OI population and a review of the literature.
Pure Infiniteness of the Crossed Product of an AH-Algebra by an Endomorphism
Authors: Thomsen Klaus
Published: September 2011

It is shown that simplicity of the crossed product of a unital AH-algebra with slow dimension growth by an endomorphism implies that the algebra is also purely infinite, provided only that the endomorphism leaves no trace state invariant and takes the unit to a full projection.
Poisson Brackets with Prescribed Casimirs
Authors: Damianou Pantelis A. , Petalidou Fani
Published: September 2011

We consider the problem of constructing Poisson brackets on smooth manifolds M with prescribed Casimir functions. If M is of even dimension, we achieve our construction by considering a suitable almost symplectic structure on M, while, in the case where M is of odd dimension, our objective is achieved using a convenient almost cosymplectic structure. Several examples and applications are presented.
Maternal Anemia in Benin: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Association with Low Birth Weight
Authors: Bodeau-Livinec Florence , Briand Valerie , Berger Jacques , Xiong Xu , Massougbodji Achille , Day Karen P. , Cot Michel
Published: September 2011

We studied the prevalence of anemia during pregnancy and its relationship with low birth weight (LBW; birth weight < 2,500 g) in Benin. We analyzed 1,508 observations from a randomized controlled trial conducted from 2005 to 2008 showing equivalence on the risk of LBW between two drugs for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of malaria during pregnancy (IPTp). Despite IPTp, helminth prophylaxis, and iron and folic acid supplementations, the proportions of women with severe anemia (hemoglobin [Hb] concentration < 80 g/L) and anemia (Hb < 110 g/L) were high throughout pregnancy: 3.9% and 64.7% during the second and 3.7% and 64.1% during the third trimester, but 2.5% and 39.6% at the onset of labor, respectively. Compared with women without anemia (Hb ≥ 110 g/L) during the third trimester, women with severe anemia (Hb < 80 g/L) were at higher risk of LBW after adjustment for potential confounding factors (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.8; 95% confidence interval [1.4–5.6]).
Social Ecological Analysis of an Outbreak of Pufferfish Egg Poisoning in a Coastal Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam M. Saiful , Luby Stephen P. , Rahman Mahmudur , Parveen Shahana , Homaira Nusrat , Begum Nur Har , Dawlat Khan A. K. M. , Sultana Rebeca , Akhter Shammi , Gurley Emily S.
Published: September 2011

Recurrent outbreaks of marine pufferfish poisoning in Bangladesh highlight the need to understand the context in which the outbreaks occurred. In a recent outbreak investigation, a multidisciplinary team conducted a mixed-method study to identify the demography and clinical manifestation of the victims and to explore different uses of pufferfish, and local buying, selling, and processing practices. The outbreak primarily affected a low income household where an elderly woman collected and cooked pufferfish egg curry. Nine persons consumed the curry, and symptoms developed in 6 (67%) of these persons. Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, paresis, and tingling sensation; 2 (22%) persons died. The unstable income of the affected family, food crisis, and the public disposal of unsafe pufferfish byproducts all contributed to the outbreak. A multi-level intervention should be developed and disseminated with the participation of target communities to discourage unsafe discarding of pufferfish scraps and to improve the community knowledge about the risk of consuming pufferfish.
Identification of Virulence-Associated Plasmids in Rhodococcus equi in Humans with and without Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Márcio Garcia , Takai Shinji , de Vargas Agueda Castagna , Mattos-Guaraldi Ana Luiza , Ferreira Camello Thereza Cristina , Ohno Ryoko , Okano Hajime , Silva Aristeu Vieira da
Published: September 2011

Virulence of Rhodococcus equi strains from 20 humans in Brazil was investigated by using a polymerase chain reaction to characterize isolates as virulent (VapA), intermediately virulent (VapB), and avirulent. Nine isolates were obtained from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–positive patients, six from HIV-negative patients, and five from patients of unknown status. Five isolates were VapB positive, four were VapA positive, and eleven were avirulent. Among the nine isolates from HIV-positive patients, five contained VapB plasmids and two contained VapA plasmids. Five VapB-positive isolates had the type 8 virulence plasmid. Eleven of the patients had a history of contact with livestock and/or a farm environment, and none had contact with pigs.
Gender Differences in Tuberculosis Notification in Pakistan
Authors: Codlin Andrew J. , Khowaja Saira , Chen Zhongxue , Rahbar Mohammad H. , Qadeer Ejaz , Ara Ismat , McCormick Joseph B. , Fisher-Hoch Susan P. , Khan Aamir J.
Published: September 2011

Worldwide, the male to female ratio of new smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) cases is approximately two to one. However, in Pakistan, this is not the case. Rates of notified TB cases are 20–30% higher in young females compared with males, and female rates remain high regardless of increasing age. This is in stark contrast to neighboring India, which is characterized by an excess of male TB cases. It is currently unknown why rates of notified TB are so high in females in Pakistan, but it is clear that this epidemiology is a public health issue of importance that impacts transmission dynamics and disease control initiatives.
Malaria in the Republic of Djibouti, 1998–2009
Authors: Ollivier Lénaïck , Nevin Remington L. , Darar Houssein Y. , Bougère Jacques , Saleh Moustapha , Gidenne Stéphane , Maslin Jérôme , Anders Dietmar , Decam Christophe , Todesco Alain , Khaireh Bouh A. , Ahmed Ammar A.
Published: September 2011

Historically, native populations in the Republic of Djibouti have experienced only low and unstable malaria transmission and intermittent epidemics. In recent years, efforts at malaria control have been aggressively pursued. This study was performed to inform revised malaria prevention recommendations for military service members and international travelers to the country. Laboratory-confirmed cases of malaria documented at large medical facilities and within military and civilian health care systems in the Republic of Djibouti from 1998 to 2009 were reviewed. In recent years, fewer than 5% of febrile cases among the three largest passive surveillance systems were laboratory-confirmed as malaria, and incidence of confirmed malaria was well below 1/1,000 persons/year. As efforts in the Republic of Djibouti progress toward elimination, and in conjunction with continued efforts at surveillance, emphasizing mosquito-avoidance measures and standby emergency treatment will become reasonable recommendations for malaria prevention.
A Calcified Taenia solium Granuloma Associated with Recurrent Perilesional Edema Causing Refractory Seizures: Histopathological Features
Authors: Ooi Winnie W. , Wijemanne Subhashie , Thomas Christine B. , Quezado Martha , Brown Charles R. , Nash Theodore E.
Published: September 2011

We describe the first detailed histological description of an excised calcified Taenia solium granuloma from a patient who developed recurrent seizures associated with perilesional edema surrounding a calcified cysticercus (PEC). The capsule, around a degenerated cysticercus, contained marked mononuclear infiltrates that extended to adjacent brain, which showed marked astrocytosis, microgliosis, and inflammatory perivascular infiltrates. The presence of large numbers of mononuclear cells supports an inflammatory cause of PEC. Immunosuppression or anti-inflammatory measures may be able to treat and prevent PEC and recurrent seizures.
Serum Antibody Responses to Polymorphic Cryptosporidium Mucin Antigen in Bangladeshi Children with Cryptosporidiosis
Authors: Lai Olivia , Morris Christopher , Ahmed Sabeena , Karim Mohammed Mahbubul , Khan Wasif , Ward Honorine , O'Connor Roberta
Published: September 2011

Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of diarrheal disease in children in developing countries. The sporozoite antigen Muc4 is important for infection of host cells, and could be a candidate vaccine antigen. However, this antigen is polymorphic between Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum. We investigated antibody responses to C. hominis Muc4 and C. parvum Muc4 antigen in children in Bangladesh infected with C. hominis. Antibody responses were compared between children with cryptosporidial diarrhea (cases) and uninfected children with diarrhea (controls). There was a significant IgM response to Muc4 from both species in cases compared with controls, which increased over time, and was higher in children with persistent diarrhea. Despite sequence polymorphisms, antibody responses to C. hominis Muc4 and C. parvum Muc4 were significantly correlated. These results suggest that the human antibody response to Muc4 is cross-reactive between species, but in young children does not mature to an IgG response within the period observed in this study.
Trophic cycling and carbon export relationships in the California Current Ecosystem
Authors: Stukel Michael R. , Landry Michael R. , Benitez-Nelson Claudia R. , Goericke Ralf
Published: September 2011

We constructed a simple non–steady‐state model of trophic cycling relationships in the California Current Ecosystem and tested its predictions of mesozooplankton fecal‐pellet export against vertical carbon‐flux measurements by the 234Th method taken during Lagrangian experiments. To assess trophic relationships, we simultaneously measured 14C‐primary production and chlorophyll‐based rate estimates of phytoplankton growth, microzooplankton grazing, mesozooplankton grazing, and net phytoplankton growth. Study locations ranged from coastal upwelling to offshore oligotrophic conditions. E‐ratios (carbon export : 14C‐primary production) predicted by the model ranged from 0.08 to 0.14, in good agreement with both the magnitude and the variability found in contemporaneous measurements of 234Th export and C : 234Th‐ratios of sinking particles. E‐ratios were strongly decoupled from new production estimates. The lowest measured and predicted e‐ratios were associated with higher nutrient chlorophyll parcels with net accumulating phytoplankton in the inshore region. For our study sites, variability in export efficiency was determined by the local net balance of growth and grazing and the relative strengths of grazing pathways to microzooplankton and mesozooplankton. Despite very different plankton assemblages studied, the consistently good agreement between independently measured production‐grazing processes and biogeochemical rates suggest that zooplankton are the major drivers of vertical carbon‐flux in this system during springtime.
A behavioral mechanism for dispersal in fiddler crab larvae (genus Uca) varies with adult habitat, not phylogeny
Authors: López-Duarte Paola C. , Christy John H. , Tankersley Richard A.
Published: September 2011

The genus Uca (fiddler crabs) includes both estuarine and coastal species, the zoeae of which must travel varying distances to reach the sea. Rapid seaward transport following hatching may be facilitated by tidal currents through an ebb‐phased circatidal rhythm in vertical swimming by larvae. Assuming there is a cost to vertical swimming, we predicted that endogenous swimming rhythms would be stronger in zoeae of species that live far up estuaries (oligohaline and mesohaline areas) and weaker or absent in coastal species and that adult ecology, not phylogeny, would best explain interspecific variation in vertical swimming rhythms. Both predictions were confirmed. Ovigerous females of 15 Uca species in 4 subgenera were collected from 10 locations along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States and the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Panama. Swimming activity of zoeae‐1 larvae was recorded under constant conditions for 72 h. Regardless of subgenus, estuarine species exhibited ebb‐phased circatidal swimming rhythms that persisted for several cycles and matched the tidal patterns at the collection sites, while the swimming of coastal species was arrhythmic. Species‐specific differences in the proximity of adult habitats and hatching areas to the sea accounted for differences in larval behavior that promotes seaward transport. Vertical swimming rhythms of larvae may have evolved together with other traits that permit estuarine living.
In situ giant clam growth rate behavior in relation to temperature: A one‐year coupled study of high‐frequency noninvasive valvometry and sclerochronology
Authors: Schwartzmann Caroline , Durrieu Gilles , Sow Mohamedou , Ciret Pierre , Lazareth Claire E. , Massabuau Jean-Charles
Published: September 2011

The life history of 15 giant clams, Hippopus hippopus, was studied in situ in the southern lagoon of New Caledonia; growth rate and animal behavior were studied both by sclerochronology and high‐frequency noninvasive (HFNI) valvometry. Electrodes glued on each valve of each specimen recorded the shell‐gaping behavior at 0.6‐Hz frequency. A nonparametric regression model was used to model clam behavior. The daily increment thickness in the inner layer of five representative clams was measured. H. hippopus has its valves open during the day and partly closed during the night all year round, and shell growth is continuous. The cumulative growth using both techniques was similar, as was the mean daily thickness increment. The occurrence of one increment per day in H. hippopus shell was measured by valvometry. The five sclerochronological profiles were highly similar. Shell growth was significantly correlated to rising sea surface temperature (SST), up to 27°C. At the solar maximum, gaping behavior and increment thickness became erratic. SST‐ and solar irradiance–related stress could be related to physiological oxidative stress triggered by zooxanthellae symbionts. In the present context of globally increasing SST, our data indicate that the giant clams H. hippopus could live beyond their thermal comfort limits in summer in New Caledonia.
Labile Fe(II) concentrations in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean along a transect from the subtropical domain to the Weddell Sea Gyre
Authors: Sarthou G. , Bucciarelli E. , Chever F. , Hansard S. P. , González-Dávila M. , Santana-Casiano J. M. , Planchon F. , Speich S.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Labile Fe(II) distributions were investigated in the Sub-Tropical South Atlantic and the Southern Ocean during the BONUS-GoodHope cruise from 34 to 57° S (February–March 2008). Concentrations ranged from below the detection limit (0.009 nM) to values as high as 0.125 nM. In the surface mixed layer, labile Fe(II) concentrations were always higher than the detection limit, with values higher than 0.060 nM south of 47° S, representing between 39 % and 63 % of dissolved Fe (DFe). Apparent biological production of Fe(II) was evidenced. At intermediate depth, local maxima were observed, with the highest values in the Sub-Tropical domain at around 200 m, and represented more than 70 % of DFe. Remineralization processes were likely responsible for those sub-surface maxima. Below 1500 m, concentrations were close to or below the detection limit, except at two stations (at the vicinity of the Agulhas ridge and in the north of the Weddell Sea Gyre) where values remained as high as ~0.030–0.050 nM. Hydrothermal or sediment inputs may provide Fe(II) to these deep waters. Fe(II) half life times (t1/2) at 4°C were measured in the upper and deep waters and ranged from 2.9 to 11.3 min, and from 10.0 to 72.3 min, respectively. Measured values compared quite well in the upper waters with theoretical values from two published models, but not in the deep waters. This may be due to the lack of knowledge for some parameters in the models and/or to organic complexation of Fe(II) that impact its oxidation rates. This study helped to considerably increase the Fe(II) data set in the Ocean and to better understand the Fe redox cycle.