bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Organizational Use of Web-Based Services
Authors: Gill Phillipa , Arlitt Martin , Carlsson Niklas , Mahanti Anirban , Williamson Carey
Published: October 2011

Today’s Web provides many different functionalities, including communication, entertainment, social networking, and information retrieval. In this article, we analyze traces of HTTP activity from a large enterprise and from a large university to identify and characterize Web-based service usage. Our work provides an initial methodology for the analysis of Web-based services. While it is nontrivial to identify the classes, instances, and providers for each transaction, our results show that most of the traffic comes from a small subset of providers, which can be classified manually. Furthermore, we assess both qualitatively and quantitatively how the Web has evolved over the past decade, and discuss the implications of these changes.
Student project aimed at helping the visually impaired take notes in class wins prize at Microsoft Imagine Cup
Authors: Astrauskas Michael J. , Hayden David , Yan Qian , Black John A.
Published: October 2011

Students with low vision typically use an assistive technology (such as a monocular) to see the front of the classroom. Switching between sitting erect to view the front of the room through the monocular, hunching down to take handwritten notes, and then sitting up again greatly slows down note-taking. In a fast paced class (with a lot of board work) this delay can cause the student to fall behind in note-taking, compared to his or her fully-sighted peers. The Note-Taker is designed to allow students with low vision to hover over a Tablet PC laptop to simultaneously view a zoomed-in video of the front of the classroom and take handwritten notes on the Tablet PC surface with a stylus.
First Report of a Case of Pneumococcal Meningitis Which Did Not Respond to the Ceftriaxone Therapy despite the Isolated Organism Being Sensitive to This Antibiotic In Vitro
Authors: Mojtabavi Maryam , Naderi Hamid Reza , Tavanaee Sani Ashraf , Bagheri Mahmood , Ghazvini Kiarash
Published: October 2011

A 60-year-old man presented with pneumococcal meningitis which did not respond to the ceftriaxone therapy, in spite of in-vitro susceptibility (minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.016 μg/dLit) of the isolated organism to this antibacterial agent, although ceftriaxone is still the drug of choice for such pneumococcal meningitis. Review of published articles revealed no report of clinical resistance in organisms which were susceptible to the same antimicrobial agent in vitro. This alarming emergence of isolates with in vivo resistance should be considered and even could lead to a shift in the empirical antibiotic therapy for pneumococcal infections.
Nonhealing Ulcer: Acroangiodermatitis of Mali
Authors: Varyani Neeraj , Thukral Anubhav , Kumar Nilesh , Gupta Kailash Kumar , Tandon Ravi , Tripathi Kamlakar
Published: October 2011

An 18-year-old male presented with a nonhealing wound on left lower limb, pain and swelling over multiple joints, weight loss, and yellowish discoloration of eyes and urine for the past 4 years. On examination, the patient had pallor, icterus, and generalized lymphadenopathy with a nonhealing unhealthy ulcer over left medial malleolus. He had deformed joints with hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. His laboratory investigations were positive for antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anticardiolipin antibody (ACLA). Synovial fluid analysis showed inflammatory findings. Biopsy of margin of the ulcer showed findings consistent withAcroangiodermatitis of Mali. The patient was treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and aspirin for juvenile idiopathic arthritis and secondary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), respectively. The ulcer was managed conservatively with systemic antibiotics and topical steroids along with limb elevation and compression elastic stockings. The patient's symptoms improved significantly, and he is in our followup.
Familial Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: McDonald Thomas J. , Driedger Albert A. , Garcia Bertha M. , Van Uum Stanislaus H. M. , Rachinsky Irina , Chevendra Vijaya , Breadner Daniel , Feinn Richard , Walsh Stephen J. , Malchoff Carl D.
Published: October 2011

Background. Whether or not the familial form of papillary thyroid carcinoma is more aggressive than the sporadic form of the disease remains controversial.Methods. To explore this question and whether or not increased aggressiveness is more apparent in families with multiple affected members, we performed a chi square by trend analysis on our patients clinical and pathologic data comparing: first degree families with three or more affected members versus first degree families with two affected members versus sporadic cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma.Results. No statistically significant trends were seen for any presenting surgical pathology parameter, age at presentation, length of follow-up or gender distribution. The familial groups exhibited significant trends for higher rates of reoperation (P=0.05) and/or requiring additional radioactive iodine therapy (P=0.03), distant metastases (P=0.003) and deaths (P=0.01). These aggressive features were most apparent in certain families with three or more affected members.Conclusions. Using the chi square by trend analysis, a significant trend was seen for the familial form of papillary thyroid cancer to possess more aggressive features than the sporadic disease. Prompt recognition of the familial nature of the disease may provide earlier diagnosis and treatment in similarly affected family members.
Anatomic Aspects of Inguinal Lymph Nodes Applied to Lymphadenectomy in Penile Cancer
Authors: de Carvalho João Paulo Martins , Patrício Bruno F. , Medeiros Jorge , Sampaio Francisco J. B. , Favorito Luciano A.
Published: October 2011

Objectives. To provide a better understanding of the distribution of inguinal nodes in order to prevent the complications of unnecessary and extended dissections in penile cancer.Methods. The bilateral inguinal regions of 19 male cadavers were dissected. Nodal distribution was noted and quantified based on anatomical location. The superficial nodes were subdivided into quarters as follows: superomedial, superolateral, inferomedial, and inferolateral. Statistical analysis was performed comparing node distribution between quarters using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the unpairedT-test was used between superficial and deep nodes.Results. Superficial nodes were found in all inguinal regions studied (mean = 13.60), and their distribution was more prominent in the superomedial quarter (mean = 3.94) and less in the inferolateral quarter (mean = 2.73). There was statistical significance between quarters when comparing the upper group with the lower one (P=0.02). Nodes were widely distributed in the superficial region compared with deep lymph nodes (mean = 13.60 versus 1.71,P<0.001).Conclusions. A great number of inguinal lymph nodes are distributed near the classical anatomical landmarks for inguinal lymphadenectomy, more prominent in upper quadrants.
Effect of Transcranial Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Alzheimer Disease: A Review
Authors: Nardone Raffaele , Bergmann Jürgen , Christova Monica , Caleri Francesca , Tezzon Frediano , Ladurner Gunther , Trinka Eugen , Golaszewski Stefan
Published: October 2011

Available pharmacological treatments for Alzheimer disease (AD) have limited effectiveness, are expensive, and sometimes induce side effects. Therefore, alternative or complementary adjuvant therapeutic strategies have gained increasing attention. The development of novel noninvasive methods of brain stimulation has increased the interest in neuromodulatory techniques as potential therapeutic tool for cognitive rehabilitation in AD. In particular, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are noninvasive approaches that induce prolonged functional changes in the cerebral cortex. Several studies have begun to therapeutically use rTMS or tDCS to improve cognitive performances in patients with AD. However, most of them induced short-duration beneficial effects and were not adequately powered to establish evidence for therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, TMS and tDCS approaches, seeking to enhance cognitive function, have to be considered still very preliminary. In future studies, multiple rTMS or tDCS sessions might also interact, and metaplasticity effects could affect the outcome.
Current Status of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors as Novel Therapeutic Agents for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Hiller David J. , Chu Quyen D.
Published: October 2011

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer that is clinically defined as lacking estrogen and progesterone receptors, as well as being ERBB2 (HER-2) negative. Without specific therapeutic targets, TNBC carries a worse prognosis than other types of breast cancer in the absence of therapy. Research has now further differentiated breast cancer into subtypes based on genetic expression patterns. One of these subtypes, basal-like, frequently overlaps with the clinical picture of TNBC. Additionally, both TNBC and basal-like breast cancer link to BRCA mutations. Recent pharmaceutical advances have created a class of drugs, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, which are showing potential to effectively treat these patients. The aim of this paper is to summarize the basis behind PARP inhibitors and update the current status of their development in clinical trials for the treatment of TNBC.
GLIPR1 Suppresses Prostate Cancer Development through Targeted Oncoprotein Destruction
Authors: Li Likun , Ren Chengzhen , Yang Guang , Fattah Elmoataz Abdel , Goltsov Alexei A. , Kim Soo Mi , Lee Ju-Seog , Park Sanghee , Demayo Francesco J. , Ittmann Michael M. , Troncoso Patricia , Thompson Timothy C.
Published: October 2011

Downregulation of the proapoptotic p53 target gene glioma pathogenesis-related protein 1 (GLIPR1) occurs frequently in prostate cancer, but the functional meaning of this event is obscure. Here, we report the discovery of functional relationship between GLIPR1 and c-Myc in prostate cancer where c-Myc is often upregulated. We found that the expression of GLIPR1 and c-Myc were inversely correlated in human prostate cancer. Restoration of GLIPR1 expression in prostate cancer cells downregulated c-myc levels, inhibiting cell-cycle progression. Downregulation was linked to a reduction in β-catenin/TCF4-mediated transcription of the c-myc gene, which was caused by GLIPR1-mediated redistribution of casein kinase 1α (CK1α) from the Golgi apparatus to the cytoplasm where CK1α could phosphorylate β-catenin and mediate its destruction. In parallel, GLIPR1 also promoted c-Myc protein ubiquitination and degradation by glycogen synthase kinase-3α- and/or CK1α-mediated c-Myc phosphorylation. Notably, genetic ablation of the mouse homolog of Glipr1 cooperated with c-myc overexpression to induce prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer. Together, our findings provide evidence for CK1α-mediated destruction of c-Myc and identify c-Myc S252 as a crucial CK1α phosphorylation site for c-Myc degradation. Furthermore, they reveal parallel mechanisms of c-myc downregulation by GLIPR1 that when ablated in the prostate are sufficient to drive c-Myc expression and malignant development. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7694–704. ©2011 AACR.
MicroRNA-30c-2* Expressed in Ovarian Cancer Cells Suppresses Growth Factor–Induced Cellular Proliferation and Downregulates the Oncogene BCL9
Authors: Jia Wei , Eneh Juliet O. , Ratnaparkhe Supriya , Altman Molly K. , Murph Mandi M.
Published: October 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that function as master regulators of posttranscriptional gene expression with each miRNA negatively regulating hundreds of genes. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a mitogenic lipid present within the ovarian tumor microenvironment and induces LPA receptor activation and intracellular signaling cascades like ERK/MAPK, leading to enhanced cellular proliferation. Here, we show that in SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells, LPA stimulation at concentrations ranging from 1 nmol/L to 20 μmol/L for 30 to 60 minutes increases miR-30c-2*, and this effect is mediated through a combination of receptors because knock down of multiple LPA receptors is required for inhibition. The epidermal growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor also increase miR-30c-2* transcript expression, suggesting a broader responsive role for miR-30c-2*. Thus, we investigated the functional role of miR-30c-2* through ectopic expression of synthetic miRNA precursors of mature miRNA or antagomir transfection and observed that microRNA-30c-2* reduces, and the antagomir enhances, cell proliferation and viability in OVCAR-3, cisplatin-insensitive SKOV-3 and chemoresistant HeyA8-MDR cells. Ectopic expression of miR-30c-2* reduces BCL9 mRNA transcript abundance and BCL9 protein. Consistent with this observation, miR-30c-2* ectopic expression also reduced BCL9 luciferase reporter gene expression. In comparison with IOSE cells, all cancer cells examined showed increased BCL9 expression, which is consistent with its role in tumor progression. Taken together, this suggest that growth factor induced proliferation mediates a neutralizing response by significantly increasing miR-30c-2* which reduces BCL9 expression and cell proliferation in SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells, likely as a mechanism to regulate signal transduction downstream. Mol Cancer Res; 9(12); 1732–45. ©2011 AACR.
Prenatal Excess Glucocorticoid Exposure and Adult Affective Disorders: A Role for Serotonergic and Catecholamine Pathways
Authors: Wyrwoll Caitlin S. , Holmes Megan C.
Published: October 2011

Fetal glucocorticoid exposure is a key mechanism proposed to underlie prenatal ‘programming’ of adult affective behaviours such as depression and anxiety. Indeed, the glucocorticoid metabolising enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which is highly expressed in the placenta and the developing fetus, acts as a protective barrier from the high maternal glucocorticoids which may alter developmental trajectories. The programmed changes resulting from maternal stress or bypass or from the inhibition of 11β-HSD2 are frequently associated with alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Hence, circulating glucocorticoid levels are increased either basally or in response to stress accompanied by CNS region-specific modulations in the expression of both corticosteroid receptors (mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors). Furthermore, early-life glucocorticoid exposure also affects serotonergic and catecholamine pathways within the brain, with changes in both associated neurotransmitters and receptors. Indeed, global removal of 11β-HSD2, an enzyme that inactivates glucocorticoids, increases anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour in mice; however, in this case the phenotype is not accompanied by overt perturbation in the HPA axis but, intriguingly, alterations in serotonergic and catecholamine pathways are maintained in this programming model. This review addresses one of the potential adverse effects of glucocorticoid overexposure in utero, i.e. increased incidence of affective behaviours, and the mechanisms underlying these behaviours including alteration of the HPA axis and serotonergic and catecholamine pathways.
Smooth Muscle and Other Cell Sources for Human Blood Vessel Engineering
Authors: Sundaram Sumati , Niklason Laura E.
Published: October 2011

Despite substantial progress in the field of vascular tissue engineering over the past decades, transition to human models has been rather challenging. The limited replicative life spans of human adult vascular cells, and their slow rate of collagenous matrix production in vitro, have posed important hurdles in the development of mechanically robust and biologically functional engineered grafts. With the more recent advances in the field of stem cells, investigators now have access to a plethora of new cell source alternatives for vascular engineering. In this paper, we review various alternative cell sources made available more recently for blood vessel engineering and also present some recent data on the derivation of smooth muscle cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells.
Impact of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference on the Long-Term Risk of Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, and Cardiac Organ Damage
Authors: Bombelli Michele , Facchetti Rita , Sega Roberto , Carugo Stefano , Fodri Danilo , Brambilla Gianmaria , Giannattasio Cristina , Grassi Guido , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: October 2011

Obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The present study assessed in the general population the impact of body weight and visceral obesity on the development of alterations in glucose metabolism and cardiac structure, as well as of elevation in blood pressure. In 1412 subjects randomly selected and representative of the general population of Monza, we assessed twice (in 1990/1991 and 2000/2001) body mass index (BMI); waist circumference; office, home, and 24-hour ambulatory (24-hour) blood pressure, fasting glycemia, and left ventricular mass (echocardiography). New-onset high-risk conditions were DM; impaired fasting glucose; office, home, and 24-hour HT; and LVH. The incidence of new-onset DM; impaired fasting glucose; office, home, and 24-hour HT; and LVH increased progressively from the quintile with the lowest to the quintile with the highest BMI values. Adjusting for confounders, the risk of developing new-onset DM; impaired fasting glucose; office, home, and 24-hour HT; and LVH increased significantly for an increase of 1 kg/m
2
of BMI and 1 cm of waist circumference (respectively, 8.4% [
P
<0.01], 9.5% [
P
<0.0001], 4.2% [
P
<0.0001], 3.9% [
P
<0.001], 2.5% [
P
<0.05], and 5.1% [
P
<0.001] for BMI and 3.2% [
P
<0.001], 3.5% [
P
<0.0001], 1.8% [
P
<0.0001], 1.5% [
P
<0.0001], 1.4% [
P
<0.001], and 2.6% [
P
<0.0001]). These data provide evidence that an increase in BMI and waist circumference is associated with a linearly increased adjusted risk of developing conditions with high cardiovascular risk, such as DM, impaired fasting glucose, in- and out-of-office HT, and LVH.
Does mathematics look certain in the front, but fallible in the back?
Authors: Greiffenhagen Christian , Sharrock Wes
Published: October 2011

In this paper we re-examine the implications of the differences between ‘doing’ and ‘writing’ science and mathematics, questioning whether the way that science and mathematics are presented in textbooks or research articles creates a misleading picture of these differences. We focus our discussion on mathematics, in particular on Reuben Hersh’s formulation of the contrast in terms of Goffman’s dramaturgical frontstage–backstage analogy and his claim that various myths about mathematics only fit with how mathematics is presented in the ‘front’, but not with how it is practised in the ‘back’. By investigating examples of both the ‘front’ (graduate lectures in mathematical logic) and the ‘back’ (meetings between supervisor and doctoral students) we examine, first, whether the ‘front’ of mathematics presents a misleading picture of mathematics, and, second, whether the ‘front’ and ‘back’ of mathematics are so discrepant that mathematics really does look certain in the ‘front’, but fallible in the ‘back’.
Hypnic headache in children
Authors: Cerminara Caterina , Compagnone Eliana , Coniglio Antonella , Margiotta Milena , Curatolo Paolo , Villa Maria Pia , Parisi Pasquale
Published: October 2011

Background: Hypnic headache (HH) is a rare, short-lasting headache occurring exclusively during sleep and usually affecting the elderly population. According to the ICHD-II diagnostic criteria, HH is characterized exclusively by sleep-related dull headache attacks, either lateralized or bilateral, a recurrence of >15 times per month and a persistence of pain >15 minutes after waking. No autonomic symptoms and no more than nausea, photophobia, or phonophobia are present.

Cases: We report three children between 7 and 11 years old with HH features. The characteristics of our patient’s headache, with particular reference to the nocturnal pattern, the short duration and the absence of autonomic symptoms, lead us to consider the diagnosis of HH.

Conclusions: Considering the very few cases of HH reported in paediatric age, our cases may expand the clinical spectrum of this disorder, suggesting a possible revision of the diagnostic criteria, with particular regard to the developmental age.
Effects of maternal clothianidin exposure on behavioral development in F1 generation mice
Authors: Tanaka Toyohito
Published: October 2011

Female mice were exposed maternally to clothianidin through diet at levels of 0% (control), 0.002%, 0.006%, and 0.018% during gestation and lactation periods. Selected reproductive and neurobehavioral parameters were measured in F1 generation. There was no adverse effect of clothianidin on litter size, litter weight, or sex ratio at birth. The average body weight of male and female offspring was increased significantly in a dose-related manner during the lactation period. With respect to behavioral developmental parameters, surface righting at postnatal day 7 of female offspring was accelerated significantly in a dose-related manner ( p < 0.05). For movement activity of exploratory behavior at 3 weeks of age, the average speed (cm/s) of male offspring increased significantly in a dose-related manner ( p < 0.05). With regard to spontaneous behavior in the F1 generation, males showed more activity in some measured variables in the middle-dose group. The dose levels of clothianidin in the present study produced several adverse effects in the neurobehavioral parameters in mice.
A joint model for the dependence between clustered times to tumour progression and deaths: A meta-analysis of chemotherapy in head and neck cancer
Authors: Rondeau Virginie , Pignon Jean-Pierre , Michiels Stefan ,   on behalf of the MACH-NC collaborative Group
Published: October 2011

The observation of time to tumour progression (TTP) or progression-free survival (PFS) may be terminated by a terminal event. In this context, deaths may be due to tumour progression, and the time to the major failure event (death) may be correlated with the TTP. The usual assumption of independence between the TTP process and death, required by many commonly used statistical methods, can be violated. Furthermore, although the relationship between TTP and time to death is most relevant to the anti-cancer drug development or to evaluation of TTP as a surrogate endpoint, statistical models that try to describe the dependence structure between these two characteristics are not frequently used. We propose a joint frailty model for the analysis of two survival endpoints, TTP and time to death, or PFS and time to death, in the context of data clustering (e.g. at the centre or trial level). This approach allows us to simultaneously evaluate the prognostic effects of covariates on the two survival endpoints, while accounting both for the relationship between the outcomes and for data clustering. We show how a maximum penalized likelihood estimation can be applied to a nonparametric estimation of the continuous hazard functions in a general joint frailty model with right censoring and delayed entry. The model was motivated by a large meta-analysis of randomized trials for head and neck cancers (Meta-Analysis of Chemotherapy in Head and Neck Cancers), in which the efficacy of chemotherapy on TTP or PFS and overall survival was investigated, as adjunct to surgery or radiotherapy or both.
Using Picture Books to Create Peer Awareness About Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Inclusive Classroom
Authors: Maich Kimberly , Belcher E. Christina
Published: October 2011

Students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may exhibit behaviors that can negatively affect peer relationships. A process for raising awareness about this exceptionality to their peers can build a foundation for authentic inclusion in the classroom environment. This article suggests that deliberately planned interventions using picture books to create peer awareness can be implemented through a step-by-step decision-making process. Criteria is provided regarding the process of book choice and related instructional considerations to assist educators in making essential decisions about the implementation of peer awareness for young students with ASD.
Severe Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricular Failure Complicate a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
Authors: Foresman Ryan N. , Connors Christopher W.
Published: October 2011

Objective: The 2007 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines report that no significant studies have been conducted assessing the perioperative risk of pulmonary hypertension in noncardiac surgery. However, the presence of right ventricular failure has been well documented to have poor prognostic implications. The presence of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure present unique perioperative challenges. These include maintenance of adequate cardiac function, acid–base management, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative pain management. Case report: The authors report the case of a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension who underwent an open total abdominal hysterectomy. The case was complicated by known right ventricular failure, severe portal hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, extensive smoking history, and systemic anticoagulation therapy. The patient was not a candidate for postoperative neuraxial analgesia because of the timing and dose of systemic anticoagulation. Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was used for real-time visualization and intraoperative cardiac monitoring. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for careful titration of opioids and slow ventilator wean to extubation. The postoperative course proceeded without significant morbidity or mortality. Clinical challenges: ( a) Preoperative assessment of pulmonary hypertension, ( b) postoperative pain control, ( c) cardiovascular stability, and ( d) intraoperative monitoring. Conclusions: This case illustrates the unique challenges associated with pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure in the setting of noncardiac surgery. This case also demonstrates that continuous, real-time data provided by transesophageal echocardiography can be used to successfully manage a complicated patient with pulmonary hypertension.
“In New Orleans, We Might Say It Like This . . .”
Authors: Fuqua Joy V.
Published: October 2011

This commentary focuses on how the HBO series Treme establishes its credibility about place through the role of the outsider. Treme, through its explicit attention to place-based detail, creates a sense of authenticity that is both maintained and challenged by exchanges between those who are from here and those who come here.
Air infiltration through building envelopes: A review
Authors: Younes Chadi , Shdid Caesar Abi , Bitsuamlak Girma
Published: October 2011

Air leakage through the building envelope into the building interiors has a considerable impact on the energy loads and consequently energy demand and energy costs of buildings. This phenomenon known as infiltration happens through various openings and venues in the building envelope varying from large openings such as doors and windows to minute cracks and crevices. In addition to impacting building energy loads, infiltration impacts indoor air quality and can result in moisture accumulation problems in the building envelope. A generalized review of infiltration that includes evaluation techniques and models, quantification, and interaction with other heat transfer phenomena is presented in this article.
Mothers' satisfaction with referral hospital delivery service in Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Tayelgn Azmeraw , Zegeye Desalegn T , Kebede Yigzaw
Published: October 2011

Background

A woman's satisfaction with the delivery service may have immediate and long-term effects on her health and subsequent utilization of the services. Providing satisfying delivery care increases service utilization. The objective of this study is to assess the satisfaction of mothers with referral hospitals' delivery service and identify some possible factors affecting satisfaction in Amhara region of Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional survey that involved an exit interview was conducted from September to November 2009 in three referral hospitals in Ethiopia. A total of 417 delivering mothers were enrolled in the study. Client satisfaction was measured using a survey instrument adopted from the Donabedian quality assessment framework. We collect data systematically from every other postnatal woman who delivered in the referral hospitals. Multivariate and binary logistic regression was applied to identify the relative effect of each explanatory variable on the outcome (satisfaction).

Results

The proportion of mothers who were satisfied with delivery care in this study was 61.9%. Women's satisfaction with delivery care was associated with wanted status of the pregnancy, immediate maternal condition after delivery, waiting time to see the health worker, availability of waiting area, care providers' measure taken to assure privacy during examinations, and amount of cost paid for service.

Conclusions

The overall satisfaction of hospital delivery services in this study is found to be suboptimal. The study strongly suggests that more could be done to assure that services provided are more patient centered.
Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis of infectious agents, T-cell subpopulations and inflammatory adhesion molecules in placentas from HIV-seropositive pregnant women
Authors: Baurakiades Emanuele , Martins Ana PC , Victor Moreschi N , Souza Camila DA , Abujamra Karla , Saito Augusto O , Mecatti Maíra C , Santos Mônica G , Pimentel Camilla R , Silva Larissa LG , Cruz Cristina R , de Noronha Lucia
Published: October 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to compare histomorphometric changes and the results of immunohistochemical tests for VCAM, ICAM-1, CD4 and CD8 in normal placentas from HIV-seropositive pregnant women.

Methods

Samples of normal placentas were divided into 2 groups: healthy HIV-seronegative pregnant women (control group = C = 60) and HIV-seropositive women (experimental group = E = 57). Conventional histological sections were submitted to morphometric analysis and evaluated in terms of the immunohistochemical expression of ICAM-1, VCAM, CD4 and CD8.

Results

The villi in group E were smaller than those in group C. The median for the CD8+ T cell count was higher in group E than in group C (p = 0.03). Immunohistochemical expression of ICAM-1 was observed in 57% of the cases in group E, compared with 21% of those in group C (p = 0.001). There was no difference in VCAM expression or CD4+ cell counts between groups and no correlation between the data for antiretroviral therapy and morphometric or immunohistochemical data.

Conclusions

The morphometric data showed that placentas of HIV-seropositive pregnant women tend to have smaller villi than those of seronegative women. In addition, immunohistochemical testing for infectious agents helped to identify cases that were positive for microorganisms (6/112) that routine pathological examination had failed to detect. The anti-p24 antibody had a limited ability to detect HIV viral protein in this study (2/57). Correlation of immunohistochemical expression of CD8+ T cells and ICAM-1 with the presence of HIV in the placenta revealed that those expressions can act as biomarkers of inflammatory changes. There was no correlation between the data for antiretroviral therapy and morphometric or immunohistochemical data.
Digital Seismic Recorder Specification Standards
Authors: Badger A. S.
Published: October 2011

To help those SEG members who use digital seismic field recorders to compare performances of various instruments, the Technical Standards Committee proposed that a set of standards be established to define critical characteristics of digital seismic recorders. Tests and analysis procedures for determining these characteristics were also recommended.
Prostate Brachytherapy and Second Primary Cancer Risk: A Competitive Risk Analysis
Authors: Hinnen Karel A. , Schaapveld Michael , van Vulpen Marco , Battermann Jan. J. , van der Poel Henk , van Oort Inge M. , van Roermund Joep G.H. , Monninkhof Evelyn M.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

To assess the risk of second primary cancer (SPC) after [125I]iodine prostate cancer brachytherapy compared with prostatectomy and the general population.

Patients and Methods

In a cohort consisting of 1,888 patients with prostate cancer who received monotherapy with brachytherapy (n = 1,187; 63%) or prostatectomy (n = 701; 37%), SPC incidences were retrieved by linkage with the Dutch Cancer Registry. Standardized incidence rates (SIRs) and absolute excess risks (AERs) were calculated for comparison.

Results

A total of 223 patients were diagnosed with SPC, 136 (11%) after brachytherapy and 87 (12%) after prostatectomy, with a median follow-up of 7.5 years. The SIR for all malignancies, bladder cancer, and rectal cancer were 0.94 (95% CI, 0.78 to 1.12), 1.69 (95% CI, 0.98 to 2.70), and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.41 to 1.72) for brachytherapy and 1.04 (95% CI, 0.83 to 2.28), 1.82 (95% CI, 0.87 to 3.35), and 1.50 (95% CI, 0.68 to 2.85) for prostatectomy, respectively. Bladder SPC risk was significantly increased after brachytherapy for patients age 60 years or younger (SIR, 5.84; 95% CI, 2.14 to 12.71; AER, 24.03) and in the first 4 years of follow-up (SIR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.03 to 3.94; AER, 12.24). Adjusted for age, the hazard ratio (brachytherapy v prostatectomy) for all SPCs combined was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.64 to 1.18).

Conclusion

Overall, we found no difference in SPC incidence between patients with prostate cancer treated with prostatectomy or brachytherapy. Furthermore, no increased tumor incidence was found compared with the general population. We observed a higher than expected incidence of bladder SPC after brachytherapy in the first 4 years of follow-up, probably resulting from lead time or screening bias. Because of power limitations, a small increased SPC risk cannot be formally excluded.
Platform Siphoning: Ad-Avoidance and Media Content
Authors: Anderson Simon P , Gans Joshua S
Published: October 2011

Content providers rely on advertisers to pay for content. TiVo, remote controls, and pop-up ad blockers are examples of ad-avoidance technologies that allow consumers to view content without ads, and thereby siphon off the content without paying the “price.” We examine the content provider's reaction to such technologies, demonstrating that their adoption increases advertising clutter (leading to a potential downward spiral), may reduce total welfare and content quality, and can lead to more mass-market content. We cast doubt on the profitability of using subscriptions to counter the impact of adavoidance.(JEL L82, L86, M37)
Capital Income Taxes with Heterogeneous Discount Rates
Authors: Diamond Peter , Spinnewijn Johannes
Published: October 2011

With heterogeneity in both skills and discount factors, the Atkinson-Stiglitz theorem that savings should not be taxed does not hold. In a model with heterogeneity of preferences at each earnings level, introducing a savings tax on high earners or a savings subsidy on low earners increases welfare, regardless of the correlation between ability and discount factor. Extending Emmanuel Saez (2002), a uniform savings tax increases welfare if that correlation is sufficiently high. Key for the results is that types who value future consumption less are more tempted by a lower paid job. Some optimal tax results and empirical evidence are presented. (JEL D14, H21, H24)
Impact of Early-Life Bisphenol A Exposure on Behavior and Executive Function in Children
Authors: Braun Joe M. , Kalkbrenner Amy E. , Calafat Antonia M. , Yolton Kimberly , Ye Xiaoyun , Dietrich Kim N. , Lanphear Bruce P.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVES:

To estimate the impact of gestational and childhood bisphenol A (BPA) exposures on behavior and executive function at 3 years of age and to determine whether child gender modified those associations.

METHODS:

We used a prospective birth cohort of 244 mothers and their 3-year-old children from the greater Cincinnati, Ohio, area. We characterized gestational and childhood BPA exposures by using the mean BPA concentrations in maternal (16 and 26 weeks of gestation and birth) and child (1, 2, and 3 years of age) urine samples, respectively. Behavior and executive function were measured by using the Behavior Assessment System for Children 2 (BASC-2) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool (BRIEF-P).

RESULTS:

BPA was detected in >97% of the gestational (median: 2.0 μg/L) and childhood (median: 4.1 μg/L) urine samples. With adjustment for confounders, each 10-fold increase in gestational BPA concentrations was associated with more anxious and depressed behavior on the BASC-2 and poorer emotional control and inhibition on the BRIEF-P. The magnitude of the gestational BPA associations differed according to child gender; BASC-2 and BRIEF-P scores increased 9 to 12 points among girls, but changes were null or negative among boys. Associations between childhood BPA exposure and neurobehavior were largely null and not modified by child gender.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study, gestational BPA exposure affected behavioral and emotional regulation domains at 3 years of age, especially among girls. Clinicians may advise concerned patients to reduce their exposure to certain consumer products, but the benefits of such reductions are unclear.
Atorvastatin for the Treatment of Plaque‐Type Psoriasis
Authors: Faghihi Toktam , Radfar Mania , Mehrabian Zohre , Ehsani Amir Hoshang , Hemami Mohsen Rezaei
Published: October 2011

Study Objective. To explore the efficacy and safety of oral atorvastatin for the treatment of plaque‐type psoriasis.

Design. Prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.

Setting. University‐affiliated psoriasis outpatient clinic in Iran.

Patients. Forty‐two patients aged 16–60 years with a diagnosis of acute or chronic plaque‐type psoriasis with body surface area (BSA) involvement of greater than 10% were enrolled; 40 completed the study.

Intervention. Oral atorvastatin 40 mg/day (20 patients) or placebo (20 patients) was administered for 12 weeks; patients' topical therapies with emollients, keratolytics, and/or class V corticosteroids were continued during the study period.

Measurements and Main Results. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and percentage BSA involvement were used to assess the efficacy of therapy. Mean ± SD baseline PASI scores were 7.42 ± 1.90 and 6.92 ± 1.76 in the atorvastatin and placebo groups, respectively. The primary outcomes were the degree of change in PASI scores and percentage BSA involvement from baseline to week 12. Significant improvement in psoriasis lesions was observed in both the atorvastatin and placebo groups (p<0.001 for both groups). A 75% improvement in PASI score (PASI 75) was achieved in 8 patients (40%) in the atorvastatin group and 7 patients (35%) in the placebo group. However, no statistically significant differences were noted between the two treatment groups in mean PASI score, percentage BSA involvement, and PASI 75. In terms of adverse effects, atorvastatin was well tolerated.

Conclusion. Oral atorvastatin 40 mg/day was not associated with therapeutic benefit when given to patients with baseline PASI scores less than 12 who were also treated with standard topical therapies. Additional trials are needed to elucidate the place of statins for the treatment of psoriasis. A larger follow‐up study, as well as testing atorvastatin in patients with more intensive disease characterized by high PASI scores, is needed. Studies using higher atorvastatin doses or dose‐ranging studies should also be performed.
Comparative analysis of overland flow models using finite volume schemes
Authors: Costabile P. , Costanzo C. , Macchione F.
Published: October 2011

In this paper attention is first focused on a comparative analysis of three hydraulic models for overland flow simulations. In particular, the overland flow was considered as a 2D unsteady flow and was mathematically described using three approaches (fully dynamic, diffusive and kinematic waves). Numerical results highlighted that the differences among the simulations were not very important when the simulations referred to commonly used ideal tests found in the literature in which the topography is reduced to plane surface. Significant differences were observed in more complicated tests for which only the fully dynamic model was able to provide a good prediction of the observed discharges and water depths. Then, attention is focused on the fully dynamic model and in particular on the analysis of two numerical schemes (TVD-MacCormack and HLL) and the influence of the grid size. Numerical tests carried out on irregular topography show that, as the grid size decreases, the performance of the HLL scheme becomes closer to that of the TVD-MacCormack scheme in shorter computational times at least for high rainfall intensity.
Applying Monte Carlo and classification tree sensitivity analysis to the Zayandehrood River
Authors: Nakhaei Nader , Etemad-Shahidi Amir
Published: October 2011

Water quality modeling is an important issue for both engineers and scientists. The QUAL2K model is a simulation tool that has been used widely for this purpose. Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis is a major step in water quality modeling. This article reports application of Monte Carlo analysis and classification tree sensitivity analysis in the modeling of the Zayandehrood River. First the model was calibrated and validated using two sets of data. Then, three input values (stream flow, roughness and decay rate) were considered for both analyses. The Monte Carlo analysis was conducted using triangular distribution of probability of occurrence for the input parameters. The classification tree analysis classifies outcome values into non-numeric categories. Considering the relationships between the input parameters in the classification tree analysis is the most important advantage of it. The analyses demonstrated the key input variables for three points of the river. The dissolved oxygen levels were mainly sensitive to the decay rate coefficient along the river.
Syntrophic acetate oxidation in two-phase (acid–methane) anaerobic digesters
Authors: Shimada T. , Morgenroth E. , Tandukar M. , Pavlostathis S. G. , Smith A. , Raskin L. , Kilian R. E.
Published: October 2011

The microbial processes involved in two-phase anaerobic digestion were investigated by operating a laboratory-scale acid-phase (AP) reactor and analyzing two full-scale, two-phase anaerobic digesters operated under mesophilic (35 °C) conditions. The digesters received a blend of primary sludge and waste activated sludge (WAS). Methane levels of 20% in the laboratory-scale reactor indicated the presence of methanogenic activity in the AP. A phylogenetic analysis of an archaeal 16S rRNA gene clone library of one of the full-scale AP digesters showed that 82% and 5% of the clones were affiliated with the orders Methanobacteriales and Methanosarcinales, respectively. These results indicate that substantial levels of aceticlastic methanogens (order Methanosarcinales) were not maintained at the low solids retention times and acidic conditions (pH 5.2–5.5) of the AP, and that methanogenesis was carried out by hydrogen-utilizing methanogens of the order Methanobacteriales. Approximately 43, 31, and 9% of the archaeal clones from the methanogenic phase (MP) digester were affiliated with the orders Methanosarcinales, Methanomicrobiales, and Methanobacteriales, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis of a bacterial 16S rRNA gene clone library suggested the presence of acetate-oxidizing bacteria (close relatives of Thermacetogenium phaeum, ‘Syntrophaceticus schinkii,’ and Clostridium ultunense). The high abundance of hydrogen consuming methanogens and the presence of known acetate-oxidizing bacteria suggest that acetate utilization by acetate oxidizing bacteria in syntrophic interaction with hydrogen-utilizing methanogens was an important pathway in the second-stage of the two-phase digestion, which was operated at high ammonium-N concentrations (1.0 and 1.4 g/L). A modified version of the IWA Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1) with extensions for syntrophic acetate oxidation and weak-acid inhibition adequately described the dynamic profiles of volatile acid production/degradation and methane generation observed in the laboratory-scale AP reactor. The model was validated with historical data from the full-scale digesters.
Increased biogas production in a wastewater treatment plant by anaerobic co-digestion of fruit and vegetable waste and sewer sludge – A full scale study
Authors: Park Nathan D. , Thring Ronald W. , Garton Randy P. , Rutherford Michael P. , Helle Steve S.
Published: October 2011

Anaerobic digestion is a well established technology for the reduction of organic matter and stabilization of wastewater. Biogas, a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, is produced as a useful by-product of the process. Current solid waste management at the city of Prince George is focused on disposal of waste and not on energy recovery. Co-digestion of fresh fruit and vegetable waste with sewer sludge can improve biogas yield by increasing the load of biodegradable material. A six week full-scale project co-digesting almost 15,000 kg of supermarket waste was completed. Average daily biogas production was found to be significantly higher than in previous years. Digester operation remained stable over the course of the study as indicated by the consistently low volatile acids-to-alkalinity ratio. Undigested organic material was visible in centrifuged sludge suggesting that the waste should have been added to the primary digester to prevent short circuiting and to increase the hydraulic retention time of the freshly added waste.
Minimally Invasive Treatment of Moderate Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with the Superion® Interspinous Spacer
Authors: Bini Walter , Miller Larry E , Block Jon E
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the minimally invasive Superion®Interspinous Spacer (VertiFlex, Inc., San Clemente, CA) in patients with moderate LSS.

Methods:

This single-arm prospective study enrolled 121 patients with moderate LSS between February 2008 and August 2009 and were followed up at 1 (n=111), 3 (n=96), 6 (n=81), and 12 (n=52) months. All patients were treated with the Superion Interspinous Spacer. Main outcomes were back function with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), extremity and axial pain severity with an 11-point scale, health-related quality of life with the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores from the SF-36, and adverse events through 12 months.

Results:

ODI improved 64% (p<0.001) through 12 months and clinical success was 92%. Extremity and axial pain improved 53% and 49% (both p<0.001), respectively, through 12 months with clinical success of 76% for axial pain and 86% for extremity pain. Health-related quality of life improved 41% for PCS and 22% for MCS (both p<0.001) through 12 months. PCS clinical success was 81% and MCS clinical success was 62% at 12 months. Four (5.9%) explants were performed although 3 were unrelated to the device. Eight procedure-related adverse events, observed in 6 (5.0%) patients, included superficial incision seroma (n=5), minor wound pain (n=2), and infection (n=1).

Conclusions:

Preliminary results with the Superion Interspinous Spacer suggest that it is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with moderate LSS who are unresponsive to conservative care.